Dog Is Blue is the stage name of Toronto musician Paul Watson. His latest release is the ghost-folk album ...Makes Ghost Noises.
Nowadays when an artist makes sparsely arranged acoustic music with a subtle synth embellishments they almost inevitably get compared to acts like Bon Iver. That holds true for Dog Is Blue.
Unlike Bon Iver however, Dog Is Blue's songs, like "Seacaptain", are warm and engaging. Well placed percussion, backing vocal harmonies, and the odd whistle lend these tracks greater texture and warmth than we hear from the cold and stark Justin Vernon.
Thematically the songs tend to stick close to the traditions of folk music. The tracks are the typical tales of regret, longing, and loneliness. Where Dog Is Blue differs from the most of the indie folkies is in his lyrics. Lyrics like comparing wrestling an alligator to winning over a woman ("Alligator Song") makes his songs clever and at times humorous rather than being morose, monotone downers.
If you want songs that are inviting, well-crafted, and smart then you definitely need to check out Dog Is Blue.
Dog Is Blue have two Toronto shows coming up: June 27th at Tranzac and July 15th at Rancho Relaxo.
Best tracks: "Alligator Song", "Grandma"
Track listing for ...Makes Ghost Noises:
- Borrowing Days
- Alligator Song- MP3
- Happy Hallowe`en
- Seacaptain
- Grandma
- Raise Your Dead
- Wish
- Young Enough
- Raise Your Dead (Reprise)
8.5/10
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