Bought the Farm, released after a two-year absence, finds everything clicking into place: great playing, great songs, great production. It's still mining the same folky Celtic vein that won the band a number of fans the first two times out, but better focus this time makes the album more enjoyable through repeated listens. "1000 Goodbyes" explores touring's effect on relationships. "Gotohell" is a lovely little kiss-off for that jerk everyone knows. And with mentions of Saskatoon,
Rita MacNeil, hockey, and a frozen car engine, I challenge anyone to find a more Canadian song than "Frozen Puck to the Head," which is easily the funniest and best song on the album. ~ Sean Carruthers