Graham Brown And The Prairie Dogs: Do What You Should (2008)-Melissa Smith
Graham Brown and The Prairie Dogs: Do What You Should (2008)
By Melissa Smith
The first time I ever saw Graham Brown, I was at The Railway Club and did a double take due to his resemblance to Ron Hawkins, formerly of The Lowest of the Low. So it is only fitting that I should hear his new alt country offering at the Do What You Should CD release party at Vancouver’s infamous Railway. Difference in vocal stylings and genre aside, this CD reminds me of The Lowest of The Low, which is no small compliment considering the band is about to be inducted into the IMA Indies Hall of Fame.
With twenty-three years in the business and three previous bands on his resume, it would not be an exaggeration to refer to Graham Brown as a Canadian music veteran. Do What You Should, released on Stomp Records (the Vancouver based label which he co-founded in 1992, not be confused with the Ska label from Montreal with the same name) is Brown’s eleventh full length CD. Although both Dave Bridges (bass) and Mark Gruft (drums) have recorded with Brown previously, this is the first instance in which The Prairie Dogs are referred to in the band title.
With a straightforward sound that highlights the sincerity of the songwriting, Do What You Should is a soundtrack for what might have been, and a testament to what still could be. This is honest music for honest people, as the band are as gratifying live as they are recorded, making both their CD and their live show well worth a listen.
Brown ended the first set of the night with an appeal for the audience to buy a CD and help feed his kids. I would urge you to heed his plea, if not for altruistic reasons than simply because, like a favourite shirt, this CD becomes more comfortable with each use. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Copyright C. 2008 Melissa Smith