Contenders Two - Still In the Running

Put two of the more established Canadian folkies together and you should get a well-rounded, warm and soothing album. And Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard are up to the task despite being a bit long in the tooth. The duo complement each other perfectly, as on the toe-tapping and rootsy "For the Love of It" that glides along without a problem as Valdy adds some mandolin to put the sonic icing on the cake. They revisit this easygoing feeling later during "Them Old Songs." Meanwhile, the pair slow down for the jazzier "River Stay 'Way from My Door" that they both share lead vocals on. The laid-back nature of the album is what makes it work, regardless of what genre or niche they mine. Another good example of this is the gospel-leaning "You Only Live Once in a While" that also sounds like classic country from the '50s and early '60s. The first miscue might be the humorous but hokey "VLT" which revolves around video lottery terminals. However, it's quickly forgiven when the tender "The Fever" comes to life, a swaying, Celtic-tinged tune that the duo excels on. Another highlight is the John Prine tune "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" which features some fine picking from the two musicians, the picking only surpassed by the sweet harmonies. Even their rendition of "Seven Spanish Angels" is pleasing but isn't on a level with that of Willie Nelson and Ray Charles. The record closes with the sweet and slow-building "Still in the Running" that the listener will instantly cozy up to.