HAYDEN: Elk-Lake Serenade

Hayden

Elk-Lake Serenade

© 2004 Hardwood Records (709363695624)

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Canadian folk rock ala Neil Young, Cat Stevens and Mark Kozelek. Rugged but inviting.

tracks

1 Wide Eyes
2 Home By Saturday
3 Woody
4 This Summer
5 Hollywood Ending
6 Robbed Blind
7 Killbear
8 Through the Rads
9 Starting Over
10 Don't Get Down
11 Roll Down That Wave
12 My Wife
13 1939
14 Elk-lake Serenade
15 Looking Back At Me

notes

Hayden is a Toronto musician who's been releasing records for ten years. His international debut "Everything I Long For" (Geffen) was released in 1996 after initial attention in Canada following two cassettes and several 7-inch singles. The album's home recorded songs appealed to critics and fans alike, making many year- end top ten lists. Following tours of the U.S, Europe and Japan, Hayden released "The Closer I Get" (Geffen) in 1998... a more band oriented affair and a sonic and lyrical progression. Following over a year of touring and promotion, Hayden closed the book on chapter one of his music career. It wasn't until 2001 that he returned with the wonderful "Skyscraper National Park" (Badman). Recorded at his home studio, it is filled with a warmth and beauty that was felt by music lovers everywhere. Here's a sample of some of the international praise the album received:

THE ONION/NEW YORK
"Hayden draws from the traditions of eccentric folk-rock, but his ragged, harrowing concoction of acoustic gentility and electric anarchy stands as a genre all its own."

MOJO - GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL ("a release of exceptional quality")
"The album's unequivocal genius slaps you upside the head. Everything about this record - musicianship, songcraft, lyrics - is superior."

During the final stages of touring "Skyscraper...", Hayden recorded an intimate hometown performance, which was released as a double record in 2002. "Live at Convocation Hall" (Badman) reveals Hayden at his purest, with just a voice, guitar and harmonica:

ALTERNATIVE PRESS
"A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, Hayden crafts each song like a musical photograph---scenic, colourful and keenly observant".

Hayden has just put the finishing touches on his latest recordings. He will introduce the self-produced "Elk Lake Serenade" via a two-month tour of the U.S. with the incredible Sarah Harmer (Rounder), starting in Detroit April 13th.

"Elk - Lake Serenade" continues where "Skyscraper National Park" left off. Sparse fingerpicked ballads (Killbear, 1939) mix with full band rock songs (Hollywood Ending -the album's initial video and My Wife) to create a very full and rewarding listening experience. Pianos, pedal steel, and strings accent Hayden's guitar and piano playing, while his stories of life and loss shine through.

reviews

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  • Good Job
    author: john hardley

    Great CD !!

  • Perfection
    author: Paul

    Elk-Lake Serenade is the finest work to come from the most underated singer-songwriter in North America.

  • Take me to another world...
    author: R. White (KY)

    I just happened into another universe or maybe just another dimension of this universe. Hayden's voice seems almost otherworldy or maybe it's just the way he makes a mundane pleasure seems so beautiful, as if experiencing it for the first time. Most of his songs are short and simple. Simple is good. I love it!

  • Great
    author: Daniel Tijerina

    the perfect cd to spend a lazy day with. mellow and entertaining. persistant and soothing.

  • author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby

    Whether it's sleepy, rain-drenched, pleading folk ballads, buzzy guitar pop or proud and questioning folk rock, Hayden's writing contains a kernel of brilliance, a nugget of pure inspiration, giving his songs the unusual draw that is missing from so much radio play today. With influences from Chris Martin to Cat Stevens, Neil Young to Wilco, the intimate, exposed, raw quality of his voice merges with just a touch of elegance and a abundant richness for an all-hit album.

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