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Adam Davis

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Elvis Costello Live At The El Mocambo

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Recorded in 1978 at Toronto's El Mocambo, this live album was originally a radio promotional album that was heavily bootlegged.

The recording was officially released in 1993 and is now being reissued as part of the Elvis Costello live series.

At the time, Costello was touring in support of his first album 'My Aim Is True' and just before the release of 'This Year's Model.'

Featuring classic songs from each album, there's a lot to like about this show.

Capturing one of the greatest musicians at the start of his career, this high energy live recording sounds great and the intimate setting of the club it's recorded in adds to the experience.

You can hear the crowd screaming their approval during and after each song and Costello thanks the crowd for their energy on a couple of occasions.

If you're an Elvis Costello fan, this album is a must have.

Highlights include The Beat, Watching The Detectives and Pump It Up.

Hockey Mind Chaos

I wasn't sure what to expect from a band called Hockey but seconds after putting in its debut CD Mind Chaos, I was hooked.

Part indie pop album, part dance floor groove and all fun, Hockey is a band that mashes up a few genres to make great music.

Apparently, singer songwriter Ben Grubin and bassist Jeremy Reynolds sparked their friendship over a mutual appreciation of Bob Dylan, Talking Heads, C C Music Factory and the Wu Tang Clan; and the sound of the album reflects that eclectic mix of influences.

While the album is mainly guitar rock, there is also disco, funk, '80s pop and even gospel elements on the album.

From the opening track, the energy of Mind Chaos grabs you and just doesn't let up. This is a really great album from a very entertaining new band.

Ignore the silly band name and pick up Mind Chaos.

Highlights include Too Fake, Song Away and Preacher.

Said The Whale Islands Disappear

Vancouver's Said the Whale's new album Island Disappear is another great indie pop release. The band has released a few EPs but this is its second full-length album.

Consisting mainly of really catchy upbeat pop songs, with acoustic folk interspersed throughout the album, it's hard to put the band in one category.

At times Said The Whale reminded me of such Canadian indie favourites as Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers and Arcade Fire.

That's not to say they're ripping off these bands because they do blend these influences into their own unique sound.

There's a stripped-down sound to the album and, as one of the band members explains in the liner notes, some technical glitchs during the recording process were turned into cool moments.

With a great mix of songs and stellar vocal harmonies, this is a great album.

It may take a couple of listens to grow on you but, when it does, you'll appreciate the effort.

Highlights include Camilo (The Magician), Black Day in December and Goodnight Moon.

* Adam Davis is an avid music fan. His column appears weekly in Life & Times.