54-40 — Northern Soul

Yep, they're still around. Northern Soul is 54-40's 12th studio album and they're not showing any interest in slowing down. The 11-track effort is the first release to emerge from the band's decision to buckle down and write 100 new songs (sixth track, "100 Songs," acts as their rallying cry). Consummate lead singer Neil Osborne is joined by his daughter on back-up vocals on the title track. This creates an interesting vibe that's reminiscent of The Decemberists' "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)." If you've only been exposed to this one song, you might be fooled into thinking these rock stalwarts have produced an anti-war disc, but there's more on Northern Soul than just protest. There's an undeniable (and welcome) stamp of Canadiana on the entire effort. It doesn't house an "Ocean Pearl," but there are really only two throwaways. Old fans who've moved on might want to think about checking back in.

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