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Hidden gems: Must-have CDs!
We search out some of the best indy CDs this month.
By Larissa Primeau
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Zaki Ibrahim
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Shadrach Kabango (SHAD)
Ian Stanger
Blackbox Recordings
Shadrach Kabango, or more commonly Shad, is a force on the Canadian hip-hop scene. Hailing from London, ON this hip-hop chanteur has been all over CBC radio 3, had stints on Much Music's New Music, toured the world and was just nominated for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize for his album, The Old Prince. Ok, so maybe he's not so hidden but he is definitely a gem. This is a big one, but I'm going to give him a Kanye comparison. Shad is poetic, smart and overflowing with talent. Here's something you don't hear about hip hop everyday, Shad doesn't curse. Well, maybe he does in his personal life but you'll find nary a cuss in any Shad tracks. Intertwining rock, funk, strings, rhymes and interesting sampling (check out 'Compromise' and 'Brother'), Shad has cracked the code in making quality hip hop. He's simply not afraid to try anything. Check out his MySpace page at and let me know what you think.
The Broken West
Merge Records
This Los Angeles based 4-man collective make the kind of infectious pop rock that radio should really be eating alive. For the sake of comparisons, we'll throw out a Matthew Sweet reference with a dash of The Ghandarvas (remember them?) for good measure.
With one critically acclaimed EP under their belt (The Dutchman's Gold) and a full length released last year (I Can't Go On, I'll Go On) The Broken West have dived head first into the indie rock pool. Ross Flournoy (guitar, vocals) has a dreamy, unassuming voice supported by a band both energetic and heterogeneous. This is simply good music. Go to their myspace page and be sure to listen to 'On the Bubble' and 'Down in the Valley' and 'Brass Ring'. They're currently in the process of mastering their second album, Now Or Heaven and is set to be released by independent label Merge Records this September.
Thanks for participating in the maiden voyage of Ellecanada.com Hidden Gem's month of music. Think you know something we don't? Let me know at larissa@ellecanada.com. Until next time, go forth and make sweet melodies.
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