Jay Sparrow – In Our Time

Artist: Jay Sparrow
Album: In Our Time

Edmonton-based Jay Sparrow previously fronted a rock/punk band called Murder City Sparrows, but has changed his direction in the past couple years, beginning with his roots/alt country debut in 2008 with The Running. Notably, Sparrow has had three releases this year, with each being released within a few months of each other. His second full-length,In Our Time is his most recent installment, but The Tempest Line was released in August and Good Days Gone By was released in September. Considering how quickly he’s been hammering out and delivering new music, it shouldn’t be surprising that Sparrow was the 2009 CBC Great Canadian Song Quest winner.

There is a rawness in Sparrow’s sound, emphasized by the darker themes, particularly and not surprisingly found in “The Dark.” Likely my favourite tune, “Leonard Cohen” begins entirely stripped down and builds up just enough to subtly take complete hold of your attention. “Take Me Over” and “Run” are surely more classic rock influenced, while “Don’t Let The Flag Hit the Floor” and “Mad & Dirty” have some gritty bluesy influences. Sparrow’s versatility is evident, but always at the forefront are his lyrics that reel you in. Quite simply, it is an honest recording full of twangy vocals and lyrics that exemplify Sparrow’s strength in songwriting. It’s a great album, one that has encouraged me to dig into Jay Sparrow‘s other work. I encourage you all to do the same.