Sia, Softly
Before “Titanium,” before all the Grammy nominations, and LONG before the two-toned hair veil, Sia was a journeyman Aussie singer who lent her golden pipes to the first three albums by British electronic duo Zero 7. While I applaud the fact that she’s now a superstar in her own right, I have to say that I much prefer the earlier, chilled-out Sia to the current dance-pop sensation. Check out this gorgeous track and tell me if I’m wrong. (Although the video is a bit aggressive!)
Zero 7 – “Distractions”
Neo-soul was a memorable musical movement in the late ‘90s and early 2000s that gave classic soul grooves a contemporary polish. It’s an imperfect umbrella term for a wide range of great artists, from Erykah Badu to Maxwell to Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill. My favourite artist associated with neo-soul is Jill Scott for her fierceness, her fine voice, and her consistency—her 2016 album, “Woman” is just as good as any of her previous releases. This irresistible, empowering tune is one of Scott’s best-known tracks.
Initially I balked at doing a 2000s list because when I think of that decade, my mind immediately goes to vapid boy bands and Auto-Tuned pop princesses and the death of the music industry. But when I did my 
When I started this ‘90s list 19 days ago—feels like a lifetime now!—little did I know then that I would be bidding farewell to my dear Canadian friends in just a few short weeks. As I prepare to make the big move overseas, I want to pause to salute them for being so lovely and good and kind and fun and friendly and…did I mention lovely? One of these days, to borrow a lyric from Mr. Young, I’m going to sit down and write them all a long letter. But for now, this song is dedicated to my Canadian pals. I’ll miss you! (Getting a little teary now.)
I had definite picks in mind for the prettiest song of the ‘60s and the ‘70s, and even for the ‘80s I narrowed it down to one band, the Cocteau Twins. (Check me out on Facebook for those picks!) But for the ‘90s I’m having trouble choosing between many and varied acts for prettiest song of the decade. Either more groups started making pretty music in the ‘90s or I started listening to prettier music or both. I give the clip I’m posting below a slight edge for the moment, but ask me tomorrow and the answer could be “Mockingbirds” by Grant Lee Buffalo. Or “Crowded in the Wings” by the Jayhawks. Or “Driving” by Everything But the Girl. Or Jeff Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah.” Or something else.
My spouse and I met 17 years ago next month (whoa!) and we dated long-distance for more than four years before I moved to Canada so we could be together permanently. This 1999 hit by Macy Gray was a favourite of ours during that long-distance time, as it kind of summed up our feelings when each of our visits came to its painful end. “I try to say goodbye and I choke/Try to walk away and I stumble/Though I try to hide it, it’s clear/My world crumbles when you are not near.” Damn you, Macy, making me all verklempt with your incisive lyrics and heartfelt emotion! Damn you to heck!
The Aluminum Group’s 1998 album “Plano” is a quiet charmer that I never tire of hearing. While other releases by this Chicago outfit, fronted by brothers John and Frank Navin, are fine, this one is near perfect. The music is feather-soft, bordering on Holiday Inn lounge fare, but the clever, substantive lyrics grab you and hold you. Favourite track: Any of them, but this one will do for today.
I considered doing an Australia/New Zealand installment last week for my immensely popular and critically acclaimed “
dugoutdiscs 