Album Reviews: Sharon Van Etten, Kero Kero Bonito, Julien Baker

 Kero Kero Bonito — Civilization II (London, U.K.) There's always an undeniable charm to Kero Kero Bonito's uniquely layered yet chipper approach to pop, that gives them a versatility some bands can't afford. While this leaves a more conceptual EP more fun than that type of record would usually be,

I taught myself to play so I could be where people danced — Jim Cuddy’s Countrywide Soul

 My favourite line from all the songs I know is, ‘I taught myself to play so I could be where people danced’. It’s from the song Rena, dedicated to Jim Cuddy’s wife, the actress Rena Polley, and is from Blue Rodeo’s 2005 album Are You Ready. ‘I look in through

The Secret Side of Ian Fletcher Thornley

 Ian Fletcher Thornley is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for multi-platinum selling hard rock band Big Wreck. On December 11, he will be stepping on stage as a solo act for what is sure to be a captivating performance at Mavericks. Thornley’s first independent album Secrets was released on