The Great Canadian Mixtape:: NL Preview - The Once

photo by Adam Penney

I know it has been forever - the Canadian Mixtape project has been on the shelf longer than Gran's favorite preserves - but we getting the band(s) back together and compiling the Newfoundland edish of the Great Canadian Mixtape project. Obviously, if any fans of rock from the rock have any suggestions, feel free to send them our way, but without question, one band that will make the final cut is The Once.

The trio may only have one record under their belts, but the way the polish and tradition of their folk arrangements instantly surround you is pretty astounding. Elegant melodies built on picked banjos, guitars, mandolins all float along and allow the purity of Geraldine's voice to set the tone of your listen. Each word she delivers shines and thanks to the understated, but perfectly placed support Andrew and Phil offer, you feel like you've unearthed some old collection of folk gems from decades ago - the one giveaway is a Tom Waits cover - not just a year ago.

So to get you excited about The Once and this upcoming mixtape, here's a nice little medley that shows the talent this folk troop has to offer.

MP3:: The Once - Is The Big Man Within/Hound's/Gerald Thomas' Burnt Potato
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/nowtheonce
BUY:: http://www.theonce.ca/

Labels: Canadian Mixtape, Newfoundland, Quick Hitters, The Once