1st Music Review- Country Album "Shattered Glass"

(Mike Gouchie-Photo By: Christine McFarlane)

(Mike Gouchie's Album Shattered Glass)

Music Review/Shattered Glass:

By: Christine McFarlane

To switch things up a little here on my blog, I am trying my hand at a couple of music reviews by First Nations/Inuit/Metis artists. Recently, as part of an assignment with Anishinabek News, I had an opportunity to cover the 2011 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and heard some voices that I knew very little about. I can tell you that this admission makes me feel a bit guilty because it made me realize that I had become stuck in listening to the same old, same old, and had not let myself become open to other musicians.

I realized that by listening to other people’s music, it helps keep my mind more open to listening to the various styles of music that my people sing. While at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, I was totally captivated by one of the performers- Mike Gouchie.

Mike Gouchie, a singer/songwriter/performer who lives in the Okanagan, British Columbia  released his stellar CD “Shattered Glass” in 2010.

The title song “Shattered Glass” is a heartbreaking and achingly beautiful ballad with lyrics that speaks to anyone who has ever lost someone’s love.

“Well I held onto you

You let go

Ever since that day

I’ve been dying slow

Like a house with no

Lights on the streets

That’s where you left me

I tried my best

To get back up off my feet

Since you walked out

With everything I need

Every time I

Reach inside

My empty heart

There you are

Like shattered glass

Broken jagged pieces

Of the past”

Gouchie was nominated for Best Male Artist, Best Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Song Single and Best Songwriter at the 2011 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. He ended up taking home the award for both Best Album of the Year and Best Song Single.

Other songs on the CD include "Don't Miss Missing You," "Don't Touch the Radio," Didn't Get a Damn Thing Done," "No Amount of Rain," "Dust", "If That Don't Break Your Heart," "Heart of Gold," "I Cried," and "Storms Never Last." Each song carries its own message, makes you think, and has you singing along.

With an amazing range of songs that captivate life’s highs and lows, this CD is a great addition to any country-lovers collection.

Shattered Glass is available now in select HMV locations across Canada. Check out Mike Gouchie's website at  http://www.classista.com/mikegouchie