Just arrived home from a camping trip, and the only music I have in my head is Polywog in a Bog, and 78(ate)9, the latest kids songs from Barenaked Ladies…I guess that’s what happens when you travel with your nephews who are two and five years old.

03-pollywog-in-a-bog

Luckily Xavier Rudd just released a new album, Darker Shades of Blue, which Caryn and I quickly downloaded from iTunes upon our arrival home. We were a little concerned that Xavier’s wholesome, organic sound would be contaminated because of the influence of the albums mixer, Joe Barresi, who has worked closely with the band Tool, and other heavy metal style artists. They were venturing to capture the vibe of his live show, so I’m not sure why many of the songs synthesize his voice, much like in Tool’s music. Whether this new style will grow on us is yet to be determined, I usually have to hear a song a few times before I either fall in love with it and play it over and over, or put it aside for good.

Fortunately, he has a few songs on Darker Shade of Blue that sooth the soul, such as Home.

Home

And personally, I have to say, it’s good to be home. I’m only here for a few days though, I’ll be off to the EuroBike trade show in Germany on Monday.