Selective Listening | Suggestions from our journalists

Posted at 11:00 a.m.

The choice of Pascal LeBlanc

Lovers Till I’m Gone, Skiifall

Montrealer Skiifall, a graduate of Studio NBS in Côte-des-Neiges, offers a microalbum of seven songs with reggae and lovers rock sounds. The artist from the island of Saint-Vincent completely abandons rap and beats drill which allowed him to gain international recognition in 2020. He sings instead with the accent of his father, with whom he reconnected two years ago. The warm Caribbean wind blows through the work composed by the American Kenny Beats, who has notably worked with Vince Staples, Denzel Curry and Dominic Fike. Note that Yama//Sato, pillar at NBS, co-produced three tracks. The only guest on the album, British singer Jorja Smith adds the female point of view to the syncopated lament Her World.

The choice of Josée Lapointe

LambAriane Roy

Three years since Ariane Roy’s first album, medium pleasurewho introduced us to a brilliant and unique singer-songwriter whose full intensity unfolds on stage. She announced this week the release of a new album coming on March 21, Mastiffby launching a first extract that can be described as a punch. Lamb is not a relaxing song, carried by a certain dark anger, biting lyrics and even a hint of aggression. But there is something hypnotic in the result, between the caressing voice and the breaks in the frenetic electro pop tone. Ariane Roy has things to say, even if it means shaking things up a bit. And that’s very good.

The choice of Dominic Tardif

Look UpRingo Starr

After Beyoncé and Post Malone, it’s now the turn of Ringo Starr, 84, to don the stetson and go country? Not exactly. Understand: The coolest Beatles’ conversion happened a long time ago, in 1970, with the Nashville recording of his second solo album, the underrated Beaucoups of Blues. His love for this Music goes back to the films of Gene Autry who, as a kid in Liverpool, nourished his dreams of America. This love does not want to die and that is good: country suits perfectly the charming voice of Mr. Starkey, highlighted on Look Up by the chic production of the master of Americana, T Bone Burnett. There is obviously no age limit for playing cowboy.

The choice of Alexandre Vigneault

I hear the millPrairie Comeau

Prairie Comeau, duo formed by Anique Granger and Benoit Archambault, is preparing to release an album on February 14. As a preamble, the tandem offers two songs, including a rereading of a piece known by The Good Song, I hear the mill. Rereading isn’t even the right term: it’s definitely a rewriting since Anique Granger rewrote the verses. The house built by the father in the song has a glass ceiling, a strong image from which the author and performer constructs a text which discusses the emancipation of women. It’s skillful, engaging, and superbly performed by her and Benoit Archambault. Nicolas Boulerice is directing.

The choice of Philippe Beauchemin

OctoberOkonski

It seems that five days in the studio were enough for the trio to concoct one of the most anticipated albums in 2025 on the ambient jazz scene. Five days during which pianist Steve Okonski improvised the quarter notes and imposed his vision on drummer Aaron Frazer and bassist Michael Isvara Montgomery. All three being members of the soul group Durand Jones & The Indications, it is rather towards the neo-classical that will tend Entrance Musicexpected on February 28. On the first excerpt, Octoberthe piano notes swirl like leaves which fall, precisely, under the calm force of the autumn breeze, here mimed by a serious bass and distant percussions. Precise, ethereal and airy, the piece demonstrates the natural complicity between the three musicians.