Skydiggers — The Truth About Us

The Skydiggers have been a treasured part of the Toronto music scene and a national favourite for more than 20 years. This 22-track compilation gives a good overview of the band's career and the timeless songs they've created.

"I Will Give You Everything" is the song that put the Skydiggers on the map, so it's obviously included. But there are so many other quietly beautiful songs here as well, perhaps best exemplified by "A Penny More," "Feel You Closer" and "Hello Beautiful Life," with its exquisite, harmony-laden chorus. The band show more of an edge on "What Do You See?" and a live version of "Just Over This Mountain." "Anything For You" is an exemplary pop song and "Good King Wenceslas," a staple of the group's annual Christmas shows at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern, will always be a classic. And it's good to hear Lewis Melville's pedal steel on "80 Odd Hours" since it got left off the Skydiggers' self-titled debut.

Jim Cuddy and Sarah Harmer contributed to "Dear Henry" and they pay their respects in the liner notes along with Gord Downie. Skydiggers singer Andy Maize, guitarist Josh Finlayson and bassist Ron Macey also give their insights to each song. The other bonus is the six-song DVD featuring performances recorded at Toronto's Dakota Tavern.

Downie sums up my feelings well with this statement: "Congratulations boys. Don't stop shovelling. It's a big sky."

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