Information/Write-up
Winnipeg singer-songwriter Del Barber has always been inspired by his home and native land (as demonstrated on his last effort Prairieography), and he's ready to wind up and shoot out a brand new record exploring one of Canadians' favourite pastimes: hockey.
The Puck Drops Here hears Barber and his backing band the No Regretzkys tackling ice-friendly tunes both new and old. Throughout the album, they deliver covers of familiar fare like Stompin' Tom Connors' "The Hockey Song," the Coach's Corner theme "Flame of Victory" and Tom Cochrane's "Big League," though more lesser-known, punk-tinged anthems like the Pursuit of Happiness's "Gretzky Rocks" and the Hanson Brothers' "Hockey Night Tonight" also made the cut.
Additionally, Barber and his band fire off a hat trick of originals, including "Lights Go Out" and "Hudson Bay Rules."
The new collection was co-produced with Corb Lund guitarist Grant Siemens, and presents tracks that truly are truly passionate about the sport — "not just great songs that talk about hockey for a verse."
"Sadly, hockey has become too serious," Barber said in a statement. "Parents are moving their kids to be on teams. It's not just about the love of being on the ice anymore. This record was like a scrimmage; we didn't want it to be too formal. We wanted it to be entertaining. As kids we dream about making the NHL, but really, it's more about doing what we love with our friends."
Those childhood dreams shine through on the brand new single "Lights Go Out," and Exclaim! has got the exclusive premiere. Proving that they know their way around both the ice rink and the studio, the song is an Americana-tinged rock'n'roll homage to Canada's game.
-Sarah Murphy, Feb 29, 2016
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