Here’s a clip of roots music sirens, and close-harmony Canadian trio The Good Lovelies.  It’s “Lie Down”, a cut off of their self-titled Juno-winning record (for best traditional album) The Good Lovelies.  If you’re looking for roots music that has the subtle sophistication of pop music, without all of the banality that the term ‘pop’ unfortunately seems to imply these days, you may just have found your band in the Good Lovelies.

And yet, it’s important to remember that at one time, music played on acoustic instruments and sung in clear, unfiltered voices by real singers once defined what pop music was. This is what this band reminds us of.

The Good Lovelies consist of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Sue Passmore, all of whom started as solo artists, and shared a common history both musically and personally. This comes through in their performances, with good impressions made by way of folk festival appearances across the country.

The importance of personal connection between musicians is extremely important in the making of this kind of music, originally played by families in the time before radio, and even before recorded sound. What the Lovelies have done is translate that familial musical connection for the modern age, while still retaining its down-home, communal, welcoming feel.  What I get from this band, and this song in particular is sheer positivity.  And as mentioned, what I’m hearing in addition is the infusion of pop hooks, which really serve as a bridge between traditional folk playing, and modern songwriting as we know it.

Given that this style of music is also a cultural inheritance in the United States, as evidenced (among other acts) by the work of Gillian Welch, Allison Kraus, and the Dixie Chicks, The Good Lovelies have their work cut out for them in reaching new audiences there, with their debut record, and the follow-up which is currently in production.  When talking about traditions, trying to reach American audiences might be one of the most prominent traditions among exceptional Canadian musicians.

For  more information, you really should check out the Good Lovelies official site, with biographical information, news, and most importantly, more music.

Enjoy!