Susan Crowe

This is an exemplary modern folk album, mellow enough for all ages without ever delving into maudlin clichés. Crowe has a powerfully subtle voice and writes concise, traditional songs that sound timeless. With “The Other Side,” she has penned an uplifting death-is-not-the-end number that someone should turn into a gospel romp immediately. Producer Roy Forbes knows when less is more, and ensures that the intimacy of Crowe’s music isn’t lost with additional drums, electric guitar and percussion from Vancouver’s folk community.