patrick watson

patrick watson

Patrick Watson
There once was a boy named Patrick Watson
who named his band after himself.

Though pitchfork gave him hell, he has somehow survived (which isn't easy without the big P4k behind you) and has lived to record another record entitled Wooden Arms.
Pitchfork may have been a minority in their dislike for P.W. however. In 2007, his debut album "Close to Paradise" won the Polaris prize (the big Canadian music award), beating out some heavy hitters like Arcade Fire and Feist. I will withhold judgment on whether this was a good choice (I haven't actually listened to his debut shhh), but I know after listening to his new album, there is a lot to love here.

Patrick Watson's sound isn't exactly unique. On first listen one could harvest a handful of obvious influences: Bill Callahan, Antony, Sufjan, DM Stith, Joanna Newsom, (Nat King Cole?), etc. But wearing influences on one's sleeve is not bad (in fact its downright unavoidable), and Watson's songwriting, for the most part, stands above any accusations of plagarism.

I recommend this album, especially through headphones (which we all know can make a huge difference). Here are some trax, yo.

Patrick Watson :: Wooden Arms (from Wooden Arms [2009])
Patrick Watson :: Big Bird in a Small Cage (from Wooden Arms [2009])