Customer Reviews

Stew

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not going to lie to you, folks. When I gave Wide Mouth Mason's "Stew" a spin, I was more than a little surprised. Gone was the raw blues of the band's self-titled debut, gone was the over-production of the follow-up "Where I Started." In it's place was a tight little groove record laced with a groove so well-entrenched, the listener's toe taps out the rhythm well after the CD has stopped. "Stew" is produced by Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson; it's lead single was the hopeful "Smile." To paraphrase Johnson, "The first two albums were full of music that made the listener shake his head; this album is full of music that makes the listener shake his booty." Wide Mouth Mason draws its influences from an array of artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Stevie Ray Vaughan, but the band never strays far from its Saskatoon roots. In fact, the album was nearly named "Prairie Funk" with a tip o' the cap to The Guess Who's "Wheatfield Soul." One of Canada's best kept musical secrets has taken its world-class talent and wrapped it into a tight ball, which visually might resemble the image displayed on the disc itself. A taste of "Stew" will have you hooked.

After the success of their first two albums, WMM continues to (experiment?) with new sound. 'Stew' still sounds like the band, with Shaun Verrault's distinctive vocals floating over Earl Periera's thumping bass and Safwan Javed's tight drums. However, perhaps due to producer Gordie Johnson's influence, the band has adopted a more hip-hop feel for their third release. The leadoff single 'Smile', although not the best track, is a catchy tune that sticks with you long after you've finished listening. 'Sleepwalker' pairs slower-paced vocals with skittering drums and a rap bridge, while 'Breathe Out' sounds the most like something from the previous efforts. While I enjoy all the tracks here, my personal favourite is the closer 'Fa Na Na'. All in all, a solid effort from one of Canada's best groups. It's really too bad they don't have more exposure south of the border.

3.5, but i gave it 2 because the other guy gave it 5, so its to balance out.
too much big sugar influence
too funky
but stil good