Patrick Watson

Once in a while something just happens to fall into your lap(top) that makes you think "why didn't I know about this?". Something that encompasses all the reasons why you've fallen in love with music in the first place, and at the same time brings you something new and marvelous. That's pretty much how I felt when a friend turned me on to Patrick Watson's new record Close to paradise, which in my honest opinion deserves a top placing on many a blog's 'best albums of '07' list. Apparently critics and music journalists in Canada agree, and awarded it the Polaris Prize for best album, ahead of an impressive field of contenders such as Feist, Junior Boys, Miracle Fortress and last but not least Arcade Fire...Close to paradise is a complex and layered album combining classic singer-songwriting with a wide variety of other influences. Just listen to this track and tell me that his voice doesn't remind you of the late Jeff Buckley - in a good way, mind you.

Patrick Watson - Luscious Life