So if you like Nick Drake . . .

I'm sure Alexander Gallant has heard that a thousand times, and there are a thousand reasons why that's far too simplistic and doesn't really hit the target, but Gallant's brand of stripped-down folk and plain-spoken songs that evoke ideas far bigger and louder than they're expressed is in a similar vein. And there's his soft Canadian accent, which is just not-American enough to trick the ear that way as well.

Alexander Gallant The Prince of Birchy Head (self-released)

Like a certain Peter Case, Gallant started his career with more raucous bands and then wandered into this walking, talking folk style. But he sounds nothing like Case. His sensibilities and imagery have that fuzzy technicolor late 60s feel. The production is full and yet restrained, reminding me a lot of Paul Simon's first solo record. Again, that's not a comparison of styles. Gallant's lyrics are far less self-conscious and incisive. He's just singing about what he's feeling.

His deep, resonating guitar sound is glorious. It can fill a room even when played softly. It's not every year I hear an acoustic guitar recorded so wonderfully. I apologize if this takes away from my appreciation of Gallant's lyrics, which are deft even as they ramble. But I do love the sound of this album so, so much.

Which, again, brings us to Drake. His quiet songs managed to sound as if they could fill Wembley. Gallant has that talent, as well. Otherwise, he's his own cat, a folk singer who has the confidence to turn just about any idea into a song. Quite the wander.

Jon Worley