LEEROY STAGGER
''RADIANT LAND''
MAY 15 2012
38:32
1/Dirty Windshields/3:38
2/Enough Love to Go Around/2:32
3/Maria/2:55
4/Radiant Land/3:04
5/For The Love OF You/3:33
6/Message Of Love/4:07
7/Light That Guides You Home/4:19
8/Nightime Talks To Me/3:26
9/Capitalism (Must Die!)/4:02
10/Travelling Over Water/3:38
11/Summer Storm/3:18
All Tracks By Stagger
REVIEW
Love doesn’t just leave scars, it takes hostages. The demons, heartache and pain don’t simply become a part of us we eventually forget about until asked, they make demands. If we could grow fibrous tissue to protect the wounds, we’d all be better off, but each sudden move leaves us exposed again and make us question every decision.
Leeroy Stagger is better known for the rock half of the roots/rock equation, and Radiant Land certainly plays to his strengths as Stagger and his band open the throttle with road trip ready rockers, gritty odes to the Prairies and scathing political statements, but it’s the softer, personal reflections that hit with the most impact this time around.
When Stagger sings over the plucky stand up bass and banjo on “Travelling Over Water”, acoustic and humming organ on “For The Love Of You” or opens up on the touching “Maria”, you feel a connection bigger than open roads and back porch singalongs. Stagger gives the listener an honest look inside, a glimpses of the darkest moments and stormiest seas.
Sonically, Radiant Land feels more spontaneous than previous Stagger releases. Backing vocals and textures are added, but never sound overproduced or over thought. Radiant Land sounds beautiful but still sounds remarkably minimal at times. Stagger, a surprisingly unheralded songwriter in his own country (he’s tapped to play an opening set at The Carleton here!), continues to expand on his sound and without sacrificing his impressive consistency. For a man so prolific, there are precious few swings and misses in his catalog.
Radiant Land is heartfelt collection of songs, and all things being equal, it should lead to bigger things for the Alberta resident. I’ve said that for years, to little or no avail, but here’s hoping.
ABOUT
Born in Victoria, British Columbia and raised on a little island on the very west coast of Canada, Stagger spent most of his youth with his grandparents who exposed him to the world of country music. Developing his musical drive early on, Stagger formed his first punk rock band at age 18. Songwriting came shortly after with themes revolving around his childhood, traveling, relationships, substance abuse and the tribulations of life. Having collaborated with one of his icons, Danny Michel, Stagger found commercial success in the song, “Just in Case”, which was featured twice on the television hit, Grey’s Anatomy.
The life of being on the road and touring at a fast pace did not wear easily on Stagger, who at age 26, realized he had an alcohol problem that was affecting his ability to perform with the commitment and heart his songs demanded. Clean and sober since, Stagger has a strong desire to inspire young musicians that they do not have to succumb to the pitfalls of substance abuse, which can be prevalent in a musician’s touring lifestyle.
DoWnLoAd
''RADIANT LAND''
MAY 15 2012
38:32
1/Dirty Windshields/3:38
2/Enough Love to Go Around/2:32
3/Maria/2:55
4/Radiant Land/3:04
5/For The Love OF You/3:33
6/Message Of Love/4:07
7/Light That Guides You Home/4:19
8/Nightime Talks To Me/3:26
9/Capitalism (Must Die!)/4:02
10/Travelling Over Water/3:38
11/Summer Storm/3:18
All Tracks By Stagger
REVIEW
Love doesn’t just leave scars, it takes hostages. The demons, heartache and pain don’t simply become a part of us we eventually forget about until asked, they make demands. If we could grow fibrous tissue to protect the wounds, we’d all be better off, but each sudden move leaves us exposed again and make us question every decision.
Leeroy Stagger is better known for the rock half of the roots/rock equation, and Radiant Land certainly plays to his strengths as Stagger and his band open the throttle with road trip ready rockers, gritty odes to the Prairies and scathing political statements, but it’s the softer, personal reflections that hit with the most impact this time around.
When Stagger sings over the plucky stand up bass and banjo on “Travelling Over Water”, acoustic and humming organ on “For The Love Of You” or opens up on the touching “Maria”, you feel a connection bigger than open roads and back porch singalongs. Stagger gives the listener an honest look inside, a glimpses of the darkest moments and stormiest seas.
Sonically, Radiant Land feels more spontaneous than previous Stagger releases. Backing vocals and textures are added, but never sound overproduced or over thought. Radiant Land sounds beautiful but still sounds remarkably minimal at times. Stagger, a surprisingly unheralded songwriter in his own country (he’s tapped to play an opening set at The Carleton here!), continues to expand on his sound and without sacrificing his impressive consistency. For a man so prolific, there are precious few swings and misses in his catalog.
Radiant Land is heartfelt collection of songs, and all things being equal, it should lead to bigger things for the Alberta resident. I’ve said that for years, to little or no avail, but here’s hoping.
ABOUT
Born in Victoria, British Columbia and raised on a little island on the very west coast of Canada, Stagger spent most of his youth with his grandparents who exposed him to the world of country music. Developing his musical drive early on, Stagger formed his first punk rock band at age 18. Songwriting came shortly after with themes revolving around his childhood, traveling, relationships, substance abuse and the tribulations of life. Having collaborated with one of his icons, Danny Michel, Stagger found commercial success in the song, “Just in Case”, which was featured twice on the television hit, Grey’s Anatomy.
The life of being on the road and touring at a fast pace did not wear easily on Stagger, who at age 26, realized he had an alcohol problem that was affecting his ability to perform with the commitment and heart his songs demanded. Clean and sober since, Stagger has a strong desire to inspire young musicians that they do not have to succumb to the pitfalls of substance abuse, which can be prevalent in a musician’s touring lifestyle.
DoWnLoAd
