Scott Cook "Moonlit Rambles"

Independent, 2011

Wit and warmth from Canadian troubadour

• So often (step forward Jack Johnson) a delicious voice can be an excuse for mangy songwriting, but not so Canadian Scott Cook, who matches his very listenable tones with sharp and well-crafted lines. Cook has a creamy and beguiling voice but luckily he backs it up with the musical goods.

• Cook’s lyrics are sparky and reminiscent of his fellow countrymen Barenaked Ladies (“People just don't see the way you see, boy, Maybe you could change your name to Leeroy, Give 'em something recognizable, In a newsbite-sizeable way.” for example). Just a fraction to one side and they’d be terrible, but Edmonton-born Scott Cook has the charm and wit to pull it off.

  'Goin Up To The Country', a time-honoured song subject has the lines, “We're gonna leave behind our phones and watches, Slip into our beards and moustaches, Swim in our birthday suits, Dance and get a little loose,”.  Plus there’s the excellent pun, “the Lord giveth and the landlord taketh away.”

  It couldn’t be more Canadian if it tried. Wry, sweet and witty, it’s heavily Loudon Wainright-inspired, with jaunty tunes and some Cajun musical embellishments for good measure.  Love it.