Have you ever been to a party and wondered what all the other insecure and troubled souls are feeling around you? Standing in a corner wishing you had stayed at home or reflecting that the big spot on your nose is pulsating like a simmering volcano? This is the theme of Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf’s third album “The Party” which seeks to articulate the perspective of different attendees to such a gathering in the form of individually dedicated songs. Shauf clearly leans to that era of seventies soft rock and is often viewed as the “Saskatchewan heir to Elliott Smith”. After listening to this fine album over the past days the nearest comparison is probably Josh Rouse. He also is a singer who can pen a fine melody that after repeated listens seem like they have always been part of your musical upbringing.
It came as no surprise when Andy Shauf’s new album The Party was released that it would be so much more than just a group of songs put out to be listened to. As the genius songwriter that he is, he created each song as a character at The Party. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; this album is a masterpiece that will ring out for years to come as we all come to realize we are dealing with one of the next true greats of song writing in Canada.
“The Magician” by Andy Shauf from the album ‘The Party,’ available now on Anti (World Excl. Canada) and Arts & Crafts (Canada)
The Fat Angel Sings 