‘In The Hills’ Review

Reprinted from ‘In The Hills‘, The Year in Music 2019 – Annual Review of New Recordings from Local Artists by  Scott Bruyea  

Made in Canada – David Storey and the Side Road Scholars

Telling great stories is nothing new for David Storey, who’s back with his guitar and the Side Road Scholars to perform nine new songs on Made in Canada. All the tracks were recorded live on the floor of Operation Northwoods studios near Orangeville.

In each tune Storey’s gritty characters take us for a ride, whether they’re showing a special girl around town in “My Girl’s” or just bolting from a crushing 9-to-5 lifestyle in “I’m Gone.” “Bring It” offers a unique glimpse into the life of a goalie for hire as he challenges opposing teams to take their best shots, and “Trout Lake” tells the quintessentially Canadian story of an outdoor hero stickhandling his way to local glory under snowflakes on a moonlit northern night. There’s even a murder ballad – “50 Clicks” tells the tale of a jealous loner leaving the scene of his crime while reflecting on the error of his ways.

It’s good to have David Storey back singing again. Made in Canada scores an overtime winner.