Norm de Plume

Bruce Cockburn, Canada's inimitable folkie/singer-songwriter, is releasing his 24th album on March 8, 2011, and will be touring extensively in support of it. His previous album, "Life Short Call Now", was released in 2006.





I'm awaiting this with some anticipation, as I do all of his efforts.

astrochimp

Bruuuuuuuuce!

I will be checking that out. Thanks for the heads up

Norm de Plume

Yep, he's pushing 66 but still going strong. What's interesting to note is the evolution of his music, from the strictly folk of the early and mid-'70s, to the cynical, hard-edged political rock of the '80s, to the even-more-cynical but less accessible sound his last few albums have showcased. Can't wait to see what he has in store this time.

kd5

I have his Stealing Fire and World Of Wonders albums (both excellent) but will be the first to admit that I haven't kept up with his newer stuff. It will be interesting to see how this new one sounds. -kd5-

Norm de Plume

World of Wonders is one of my faves of his, containing two of his masterpieces, the harsh-toned yet catchy polemic "Call it Democracy" and the Caribbean-flavoured "Down Here Tonight".

Since 2002's You've Never Seen Everything, the sound of his music has taken a markedly different direction. I don't know how to describe it, because it doesn't really resemble anyone else's music that I'm aware of. He does a lot of long story songs now, and sometimes an album will have a main story song whose verses are spoken rather than sung, and which suddenly bursts out into incredibly beautiful choruses. For instance, here's the central story song from the abovementioned album (it's a "difficult" song, but I like it, and it's worth waiting for the chorus):
<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UvQHgs21Llk" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Another of the best songs from the same album, "Tried and Tested" is more traditional, but bearing his "new sound":
<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A4-N1ftnnHs" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

And this, "Mystery", is my favourite song from his last album, Life Short Call Now, featuring Ron Sexsmith and Hawksley Workman on background vocals:
<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4zlZLo3jWZg" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

cdollaz

Hey, ain't that the guy that plays bass for U2?

Norm de Plume

No, it ain't.

cdollaz

You sure, cuz it sure looks like him.

Norm de Plume

This man had 10 albums under his belt before U2 even got started, so let's cut the disrespect please.

cdollaz

Chill out, I know who he is. I was noting their similar appearance.

Norm de Plume

All right, man, it's cool.