Artist: Chris Staig, Album: Deeper We'll Dream, Song: Frankie And Rita

"Heaven help the ones who can't find love."  Chris Staig is a singer songwriter from Toronto, Ontario.  He started his career with the band Taxi Chain (see blog 12/25/10) in the nineties, before releasing his solo debut entitled, Deeper We'll Dream, in 2000.  It included this edgy pop tune called, Frankie And Rita.  The song caught the attention of regional radio in the province and received some airplay.  He has since released 3 more albums, his most recent in 2008.  His more recent material exposes a sound that is equal parts roots rock and power pop.  He, at times, can be reminiscent of the Jayhawks, Josh Rouse and then elicit comparisons to someone like Matthew Sweet.  However you want to describe his music though.  The one thing that is certain, is that he is a wonderful songwriter and pop craftsman.  He is also criminally overlooked.  He's played gigs on the festival circuit here in Ontario, as a soloist but as well, he has collaborated with everyone from Jason Collett to Greg Hobbs.  He is currently playing guitar with Jimmy Byron, a very cool artist from Toronto.  I will eventually cover Jimmy in a blog as well, but man, if you want to hear some dirty rock and roll, you need check out Chris' work with him.  Chris seems to release albums every 2-3 years so we may be close to hearing some new material!  You can follow him at http://www.chrisstaig.com/.  All of his albums with the exception of this debut, are available on Itunes.  At the time of this blog, there were copies of Deeper We'll Dream being sold on Amazon and Ebay between $10 and $15.  You can hear the song, Frankie And Rita, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp3UX_sgPnc).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!