There’s something of a trend in recent years for young Canadian producers to reuse material previously used on the East Coast. For example, check out the recent batch of releases by Killiam, Otis, Shanti, and Xquisite. But for the most part, this country is now really on the micro level, triangulating its own soundscapes and creating their own versions of old tunes.

One such project is "Suicide Note", an album by the gorgeous and iconic Amanda Sanguinetti, two thirds of The Suicide Note Band. Written in tribute to her 70th birthday, the record nevertheless oozes a young, 1980s vibe, with wild and dervish singing and dancing. It’s a very sweet, sweet record; I can’t think of a better way to spend an hour.

"Suicide Note" is back to basics and simple, but the vocals are a different matter. The songs are more direct in their approaches, and Sanguinetti’s voice never breaks a sweat. It’s really a joy and a great sounding record. You can hear the band member taking notes in preparation for the next cut, while their studio bandmates are busy with their own ideas. It’s like two different bands in different parts of the same room playing different records, with each playing entirely different parts of the same song.

The most important element is Sanguinetti’s voice, which she never lets get into the wrong moods. She never seems bored, and never threatens to let go. There are moments where she talks for an hour straight, and entire songs where just the hint of a vocal line hangs in the air. The length of the album is about an hour, and although there are some fine guest spots, the majority of the record is spent with Sanguinetti simply talking. Her voice seldom seems the focal point, and that plays a big role in the record’s overall success.