Julie Doiron - Woke Myself Up (2007)

The latest from Julie Doiron offers a mix of songs that celebrate the family life now central to this thirtysomething songwriter. Also, as if in testament to time passing and the ties that ultimately bind us to one another, Woke Myself Up finds her reunited with former bandmate Rick White. The two led the pivotal Canadian band Eric's Trip in the early '90s, and he not only signs on here as producer, but also plays bass and a few other instruments throughout. As always, the directness of Doiron's writing and performing is subtly compelling. There's a tidy brevity to the songs and the set (the 11 numbers clock in at under 30 minutes, but it's just right), with arrangement flourishes all the more powerful when they step to the fore. There are surprises, but they're always organically tied to the life of the song. When "Yer Kids" breaks open into an edgy rocker at its midpoint, it positively dazzles. --David Greenberger