100 Camels

"One of the joys of reviewing albums is discovering unknown singer-songwriters who may never be household names but are amazing talents. I've added David Leask to a group that includes John Prine, Joe Henry, John Hiatt and Peter Himmelman. This Scottish-born musician, who now lives in Canada, crafts an exquisitely tender and thoughtful 10-song, 34 minute package. The centrepiece, which is the unforgettable title track, sears into your mind. The song focuses on the death of Somali teenager Shidane Arone in Canadian Military hands. Rather than criticizing, it's a mournful and even angry track. Vocally, Leask can be compared to former Jam and Style Council Paul Weller. He also has the same sense of quiet and subtle but deadly hooks." Perry Bergson, BRANDON SUN ********** "The buzz about this album's good and I'm not one to argue with the bees. This is tough, straight-ahead folk music with a clear understanding of how to seduce a CD player. It's got a healthy taste of country, sprinkled like sugar throughout, and is Canadian driven lyrically (Leask uses the cold as imagery more than once). Stronger Than Friction has all the energy of the first day of spring, Cold, the frustration of opening a window in the dead of winter. " Fish Griwkowsky, EDMONTON SUN

Released

February 22, 1997

Length

33:59