Customer Reviews

Ongiara

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For one reason or another, I've made a habit of only writing reviews for albums which I absolutely love from the first listen. And so here I am again, completely and utterly in love with another masterpiece.

"Ongiara" is the third release from Great Lake Swimmers, probably the most underrated band from this beautiful country of mine. And this album, in my opinion, is their best work to date. Now in order to be fair, I feel obliged to make a comment about the beauty of the other two albums as well (especially "Bodies And Minds") since many others, including some of my own friends, consider "Bodies And Minds" to be GLS' pinnacle work to date.

First thing, do not be mistaken, this is pure folk music, in its most vulnerable form, and that's what makes it so tantalizing. The music is serene, very simple, but masterfully written, and extremely catchy. Tony Decker's voice is very pleasantly unique, and the vocals laid down on this album are flawless. All 10 tracks are strong, with my personal favourites:

Backstage With Modern Dancers

Your rocky spine (an ode to Canada)

There is a light

Passenger song

I became awake

Oh, and by the way, do yourself a favour and attend one of GLS' live shows and listen to this band perform live! Trust me on this one! I was lucky enough to be one of a couple of hundred people at Church of The Redeemer in Toronto on April 14th to watch this band perform the entire "Ongiara" album live on stage. And, a big thanks to my buddy Pete for introducing me to GLS!

I don't remember how I discovered Great Lake Swimmers, but more importantly, I can't remember life before them. As an Ontarian born and raised, I can tell you Ongiara (original name for Niagara Falls) is the epitome of what this province sounds like. From Muskoka, to Mississauga, from North Bay to Ottawa. The lyrics reach your very core, and the melodies reinforce that. By far one of the greatest purchases I've ever made. Great Lake Swimmers isn't just good folk music, its the voice of this land.

Excellent roots music in the tradition of The Band, etc. This disc is one of the rare recordings that transcends musical boundaries; excellent music and artistry - period!

I first heard GLS on a CBC Radio One program in August 2007 and immediately ordered a copy of Ongiara. I love listening to these folky, mellow tunes and have since purchased the band's previous albums - Great Lake Swimmers and Bodies and Minds - both of which are of similar style and talent to Ongiara. So if you like this album, I certainly recommend the others, and if you have yet to experience the GLS, I hope you give them a listen!