Buddy MacDonald
myself…my shadow…and me
Independent (2010)
myself…my shadow…and me is the fifth album by Cape Breton singer-songwriter Buddy MacDonald. Released back in September, this latest collection of eleven songs will have you singing along with every one of them. One of Canada’s best songwriters in our time, MacDonald has a way of capturing life’s true sentiments and turning them into a great sing-a-longs.
“Nobody Home” is already on its way to being MacDonald’s next big song (following in the footsteps of kitchen party anthem “Getting Dark Again”). The song sings about leaving for the west in order to find better things, or what we perceive to be better. “There’s nobody home no more, there’s nobody home. There’ll be no rest till they hit the west. There’s nobody home no more.” This song definitely struck a chord with many during this years Celtic Colours International Festival when MacDonald sang it during the last night of the Festival in St. Ann’s. Tears were shed by those knowing that in the next few days they to would be on their way off island again for work.
myself…my shadow…and me is kept simple, which makes it a pleasure to listen to. The majority of the tracks are just MacDonald and his guitar. He is joined on a few selections by Dave Gunning on background vocals and his partner in crime Rachel Davis on fiddle and along with backing vocals on “Bright Star Shining”.
“Slow down, look around and grow. There’ll be lots more dreaming at the end of the day down where the river flows.” A great quote by MacDonald’s father and one we can all strive to live by. “Down Where the River Flows” is one of those songs that you cannot help but sing along to.
MacDonald has also included some old favourites “Atlantic Seabreeze”, “Six Strings and Me” and “We Remember You Well”. Whether you are a lifetime fan of MacDonald’s or a newcomer to his music, this album is a must for all who enjoy listening to a singer-songwriter sing about the truths in life. And with the holiday season upon us, keep in mind family members living “away”. You can never go wrong by filling their stocking up with a cd from home. myself…my shadow…and me is a nice, easy-listening cd that, if you close your eyes and sit back, you will find yourself singing the choruses for all the neighbours to hear.
