Having listened to some of his previous music on YouTube, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be a mild understatement. If you’re a fan of David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, this will be right up your alley. Things kick off with the excellent “Chains.” A driving drum beat, then electric guitar, and then the horns, and then Derek’s Lou Reed-like vocals, accompanied by fine soulful backing vocals. It’s an amazing tune. “The Messenger Is Dead” comes next, a real driving rocker with great lyrics. “Wherever It Takes You” features a horn section and a reggae beat, and those backing vocals! This one swings! “The Stars” heads off in a more jazzy direction, and again Derek’s lyrics are outstanding. “This Is Your Time” brings back the sound of David Bowie’s “Young Americans” and “Let’s Dance” era. Another fantastic song. “These Are Your Best Years” is very Lou Reed and Bowie-like, heavy with horns and backing vocals and attitude, and even an organ. That flows seamlessly into the next track, “Evangeline,” a genuinely soulful song with a rock edge. “Long Way To Go” is a tribute to the well-known Toronto musician John Bottomley, who wrote the song, and passed away in 2011. The album finishes with “Going Home,” an almost Dire Straits sort of song.
To my ears this is easily one of the best records I’ve heard this year, with not a single bad track on it, terrific songwriting and lyrics, and inspired playing. It also sounds very good, produced by the multi-talented brilliantfish. Do yourself a favour, and check out Derek Christie on Bandcamp, and maybe pick up this album for yourself. – Martin Murray, The Diamond Mine
