Moondoggy Recommends #1

Here is where we at Moondoggy's Pad will be recommending things to you. And by "we", I mean the pluralis majestatis, otherwise known as the "royal we". Things discussed will vary, from books, films, CDs to snacks, and stores. This feature will appear sporadically until a regular schedule is decided upon. Until then, please enjoy the first Moondoggy Recommends:

Knives Don't Have Your Back: Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton

This album is quite a departure from Emily Haines' day job as the frontwoman for indie rock band, Metric. While Metric fans may be wary of its slower pace, this delicate, haunting album showcases Haines' beautiful voice and unique musical talents. Haines has a penchant for striking lyrics dripping with social commentary and Knives Don't Have Your Back shines with lyrics like "Bros before hos is a rule read the guidelines" and "We don't know how to help. Only how to hump." She begins her North American tour at the Outremont Theatre in Montreal on January 4th, so get the album before checking out her live show.

Visit Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton.

Album Standouts: "Doctor Blind", "The Lottery", "The Maid Needs a Maid", "Mostly Waving".

Patrick Watson: Close to Paradise

I like to promote local artists as much as possible so this is a heads up on a Montreal band that I predict will make it big 2007: Patrick Watson. Their dreamy, genre-bending rock will have you floating on the clouds. Watson seems to channel Buckley (it's no surprise then that the band lists Buckley as one of their influences), Chris Martin, and others, but ultimately they have an atmospheric style that makes you feel like you've entered a surrealist painting. Trust me, watch out for them.

Visit PatrickWatson.net.

Album standouts: "Slip Into Your Skin", "The Storm", "Drifters", "The Great Escape", "Bright Shiny Lights".