Dean Gordon-Smith

Street Sounds: There’s still some Cat Stevens in Yusuf

Former ‘60s/’70s folk-pop star Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, returns closer to form on his 14th album, Tell ‘Em I’m Gone.

Street Sounds: AC/DC are still thunderstruck

Review of AC/DC's 15th album, Rock or Bust, which was recorded in Vancouver.

Street Sounds: Spreading the gospel with Talkin’ Christmas

Vocal gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama and folk-blues veteran Taj Mahal bring a needed shot of uplift and pathos in a hectic time.

She & Him, M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel, release fifth album, Classics.

She & Him release not your average Classics

M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel cover Johnny Mathis, Dusty Springfield, Dame Vera Lynn and Charles Aznavour among others on fifth album.

She & Him, M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel, release fifth album, Classics.
Amistad's Aidan Andrews, Eli Garlick, Craig Matterson,  Nolan Bassett and Carson Bassett are hosting a CD release party for their new album, Lee, Dec. 19 at Powerhouse Theatre.

Street Sounds: Vernon band’s new album is a spellbinding listen

Vernon alternative rock band, Amistad, heads out for the territories on their second album, Lee.

Amistad's Aidan Andrews, Eli Garlick, Craig Matterson,  Nolan Bassett and Carson Bassett are hosting a CD release party for their new album, Lee, Dec. 19 at Powerhouse Theatre.

Street Sounds: Vernon guitarist’s hooks are impressive

Jazz-rock guitarist Chris Harwood-Jones updates the classic fusion-era sound on Unhooked with his first solo album.

Montreal-Winnipeg Juno award winning group Chic Gamine have a new Christmas album out and perform live at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Show tour.

Street Sounds: Christmas comes early with new album by Chic Gamine

The five-piece vocal powerhouse group hailing from Winnipeg and Montreal make their intent clear on their fourth release, Christmas Vol. 1.

Montreal-Winnipeg Juno award winning group Chic Gamine have a new Christmas album out and perform live at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Show tour.

Street Sounds: Pink Floyd flows back to the past

English classic rock band Pink Floyd’s 15th album The Endless River is a tribute to late founding member/keyboardist Richard Wright.

Street Sounds: This diva should stick to soul

Soul legend has a few challenges on Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics.

Street Sounds: Idol curbs his rebellious side

On his first album in nearly a decade, rock singer/songwriter Billy Idol is back with a strong collection of autobiographical melodic songs.

Street Sounds: Vernon trio evokes the west

Steel Wound adds an unmistakable western atmosphere to their acoustic-based songs on Last Dance at the Starlight Lounge.

Street Sounds: Macy Gray takes her time

The husky voiced soul singer/songwriter stakes a claim as the undisputed queen of the blissed-out soul slacker diva on new album, The Way.

Street Sounds: Skip to the groove on Kravitz’ Strut

A rocker who turns his gaze ever backward, Lenny Kravitz tarries awhile in the mid ‘80s on Strut, his 10th album.

Leonard Cohen has released his 13th studio album, Popular Problems, at the age of 80.

Street Sounds: Leonard Cohen wears his octogenarian years well

Leonard Cohen decries old age on Slow, the bluesy lead-off track on his 13th album, Popular Problems.

Leonard Cohen has released his 13th studio album, Popular Problems, at the age of 80.

Street Sounds: U2 deserves some praise

U2 references William Blake to reflect on their own past as they point a way to their future on Songs of Innocence.

Street Sounds: Big Wreck should stick to Ghosts that haunt

Big Wreck’s fourth album, Ghosts, is an ambitious recording with some subtle excursions from the group’s usual instrumental fireworks.

Medicine Hat’s own Terri Clark keeps it real on her 10th studio album, Some Songs.

Street Sounds: Terri Clark, straight from The Hat

Medicine Hat-raised singer Terri Clark doesn’t get carried away with Nashville gadgetry on her 10th album, Some Songs.

Medicine Hat’s own Terri Clark keeps it real on her 10th studio album, Some Songs.

Street Sounds: Canada’s ace of bass Chin Injeti releases The Reverb

Canadian musician/producer Chin Injeti’s new solo album, recorded in Vancouver, is dense with groovy beats and light, airy vocals.

Street Sounds: Om gets it right

Vernon's trip hop duo Om is Orion and Marina Miller — Dean Gordon-Smith reviews their second album, The Tipping Point

Street Sounds: Hinting at inspiration

The Gaslight Anthem's latest album covers a wide range of styles