Search - Joel Emergency Plaskett :: Down at the Khyber

A fresh voice

Crystal C. Loh | London, ON Canada | 04/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Joel Plaskett's "True Patriot Love" through a CBC radio programming and immediately checked out his CD. Although Joel Plaskett is a relatively unknown band, their music is a unique, expressive mix of genres that is lyrically heartfelt. Each song is a refreshing change from current radio hits. As their music is very much not mainstream it is not suprising that they haven't gotten much recognition from the music industry, but I sincerely enjoy their music and hope to see their music become more popular in the future. Great tunes, from an all-Canadian band!"

Joel's got the goods

JJ | Vancouver, British Columbia Canada | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"for anyone who has listened to Thrush Hermit [Joel's prior incarnation] and is familiar with their fabulous farewell album, Clayton Park, Down at the Khyber just hits the spot. Even though the Khyber is the second solo endeavour for Plaskett and there is an obvious progression from his prior works, there is still a comforting familiarity of Plaskett-styled sincerity. The lyrics are kinda funny and don't really make much sense sometimes, but are sung so sincerely and with such sweetness that you can't help but understand what he's saying. Describing the sound is always nearly pointless; you must listen to it to feel the goodness. But, if you're into the catchy poppish-rockified-hint [slight bit] of countrified twang, try this out."

A gem of an album

redstonerocks | Halifax, N.S. | 04/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ex-Thrush Hermit frontman and his new trio offer an album that gushes with 70s power pop and blues, with a strong dash of country.
"This is a Message" evokes memories of Elvis Costello while "Maybe We Should Just Go Home" brings into mind Big Star, and "Waiting to be Discovered" sounds like a Neil Young b-side.. However, Plaskett weaves his influences into songs that still sound fresh and unique. Not a single weak track is to be found.
If there's anything bad about the album, it's the underproduced sound that leaves some of the songs lacking in noise and power. "True Patriot Love," especially, suffers because it's got the riffs and introspective lyrics that should have made it a radio staple. Kudos for finding something to rhyme with 'Saskatchewan.' Otherwise, this is a fantastic CD that won't leave your CD player for weeks."