Doug Folkins

Doug creates the perfect pub music, while giving the listener a bit more to think of. Imagine Great Big Sea having a 1 night stand with Tom Petty & getting knocked up. Doug would be the product of that union. Another Last Call is one of this year's finest releases. - Artists to Watch-Mossip Music

"Another Last Call" has a folk rock sound mixed with country & Celtic. This CD is definitely a surprise to ears that are unfamiliar with this genre. Folkins sings his songs from experience & he takes great pride in his music. Folkins has a strong voice and his fans will appreciate his 5th album. - The Celebrity Cafe

Today I am reviewing Another Last Call by Doug Folkins. You can pick it up on iTunes or here.

Doug Folkins is a New Brunswicker living on North Vancouver Island. His music is clearly rooted in the aesthetics of the East Coast. In the last 9 years he has released 5 albums, and played countless shows. Although I have not been fortunate to catch him live, the 3 bonus tracks on his latest album give a taste of what must be an electric performance.

At the outset I should say that although I do enjoy the east coast/celtic musical tradition, it is not at the top of my regular music rotation. So even though I am familiar with many o the great names, I am not as well versed in that particular indie scene. I do hope that Doug is a good representation because I enjoyed this album.

Another Last Call lives up to its name by being the perfect music for an evening at the pub. His songs have enough punch and bounce to keep spirits high, while providing meaningful lyrics. A song like Streets of Rome (which appeared on an earlier episode of the podcast) belongs with some of the best Celtic music out there. I give him credit for providing an interesting vignette about a trip abroad in an unexpected package. The album contains 10 studio tracks and 3 bonus live takes.

Another stand out track is King Henry’s Good Times. It could be the subject matter, but it’s more likely the catchy beat and sing-a-long melody. I think this track is one of the best on the album and would be the one I suggest you get if none else.

I found that the songs seem to fall into two categories, those about traveling and those about adventures at bars and pubs. I think that works perfectly with the music, and as we all know, a lot of the best celtic music is about drinking. I wonder if Doug would view Another Last Call as a kind of concept album. It’s subject matter does seem to revolve around those main themes.

Doug’s back up group are all very proficient musicians, including some of Spirit of the West, and I was impressed with the rich and professional production, something that is sometimes missing on indie releases. The live tracks (recorded with The Molly Hogans) are also slick and clear.

Overall, Another Last Call is an enjoyable piece of East Coast/roots music. I can definitely hear the influence of country music in these songs. I would recommend this album if you enjoy the work of Spirit of the West, Great Big Sea, or, perhaps surprisingly, someone like Conway Twitty. Doug does a good job of telling simple, yet interesting stories set to solid music. One of the big challenges for someone playing East Coast inspired music is to escape the stereotype of being a St. Patrick’s Day and pub band. I think that Doug is well on his way to doing that. I hope he continues to explore possibilities outside of his comfort zone.

Doug has been recognized by many other podcasters and more mainstream media members. The future is bright for this songwriter. Another Last Call is worth checking out, so get on over to iTunes and preview away.

By Peter Snow


- The Alder Fork

Smooth-rolling americana with an Irish chaser. I'm not entirely sure where Folkins wants to lay his sound, but he's adept at whatever he plays. He even changes his voice to fit whatever sound he's in at the moment. Fine music for a back porch autumn afternoon.

http://www.aidabet.com/issues/311/311reviews.html
- Aiding & Abetting.com

Smooth-rolling americana with an Irish chaser. I'm not entirely sure where Folkins wants to lay his sound, but he's adept at whatever he plays. He even changes his voice to fit whatever sound he's in at the moment. Fine music for a back porch autumn afternoon.

http://www.aidabet.com/issues/311/311reviews.html
- Aiding & Abetting.com

"Another Last Call" is a CD of Doug Folkins in which various styles are nicely interwoven into a unique set of fresh Celtic-inspired songs. Fun is 100% guaranteed!
- Rootstime.be

"Another Last Call" is a CD of Doug Folkins in which various styles are nicely interwoven into a unique set of fresh Celtic-inspired songs. Fun is 100% guaranteed!
- Rootstime.be

Doug Folkins is a Canadian, with stories of travel and sailors, among patrons of a pub and the beers always resting on the counter. At first it seemed to me even a curious novelty, no doubt something that sounded very original for those used to catalog the songwriters of those latitudes with other patterns.

Doug Folkins can be defined as a celtic rock songwriter: he loves the characters and human stories that can enrich his songs. He says to take note of each adventure to draw inspiration in his words.

Davide Albini - Rootshighway.it

Doug Folkins is a Canadian, with stories of travel and sailors, among patrons of a pub and the beers always resting on the counter. At first it seemed to me even a curious novelty, no doubt something that sounded very original for those used to catalog the songwriters of those latitudes with other patterns.

Doug Folkins can be defined as a celtic rock songwriter: he loves the characters and human stories that can enrich his songs. He says to take note of each adventure to draw inspiration in his words.

Davide Albini - Rootshighway.it

There is something very Nick Lowe/Dave Edmunds about this new collection from songwriter Folkins, something very good, very pure and very in love with good Pop.

The opening track (and single) Calico Girl drifts from the speakers in a breezy Beatles like harmonica, a subtle uncomplicated tune wrapped around lyrics that penetrate deeper into the psyche than realized.

Comparisons have been made to the folkpunk ‘n’ pop of the Pogues and indeed there is that barroom swagger and glee in a lot of the tracks, which added to the vibrancy of the Levellers at their best, let the tragic edges of human behavior colour murk and heart, light and shade to the bounciest of tunes.

And just when the old time pub songs threaten to get slightly too much for modern rock ears, Folkins craftily adds dollops of blues guitar and tiny tinges of modern Americana to his solid creations making this a truly international sounding release.

Martin Smit

- The Next Big Thing

There is something very Nick Lowe/Dave Edmunds about this new collection from songwriter Folkins, something very good, very pure and very in love with good Pop.

The opening track (and single) Calico Girl drifts from the speakers in a breezy Beatles like harmonica, a subtle uncomplicated tune wrapped around lyrics that penetrate deeper into the psyche than realized.

Comparisons have been made to the folkpunk ‘n’ pop of the Pogues and indeed there is that barroom swagger and glee in a lot of the tracks, which added to the vibrancy of the Levellers at their best, let the tragic edges of human behavior colour murk and heart, light and shade to the bounciest of tunes.

And just when the old time pub songs threaten to get slightly too much for modern rock ears, Folkins craftily adds dollops of blues guitar and tiny tinges of modern Americana to his solid creations making this a truly international sounding release.

Martin Smit

- The Next Big Thing

"Doug's performance was extremely entertaining, with great energy and a positive vibe. Doug has an amazing ability to relate to his audience and engage the crowd. We really hope to have Doug perform here again."

Ian Borenheim, Entertainment Coordinator, Morfee Mountain Music Fest, Mackenzie, BC.
- Ian Borenheim, Entertaiment Coordinator

"Doug's performance was extremely entertaining, with great energy and a positive vibe. Doug has an amazing ability to relate to his audience and engage the crowd. We really hope to have Doug perform here again."

Ian Borenheim, Entertainment Coordinator, Morfee Mountain Music Fest, Mackenzie, BC.
- Ian Borenheim, Entertaiment Coordinator

British Columbia, Canada's Doug Folkins opens his fifth album, Another Last Call with Calico Girl, sounding like a cross between Blue Rodeo and early Crash Test Dummies. Folkins has a strong and clear voice that works very well with the material presented here. The arrangements are pleasant; perhaps a little loose in presentation but not uncharacteristically so. Pour Me Another is an acoustic Celtic Rock tune that features some hot fiddle playing. Promise Me sounds a bit more like commercial country music, but without the high gloss sheen that tends to rob popular country music of its flavor. The harmonies here are notable, and Folkins' band has pulled together as taut as a wire.

Streets Of Rome is a Celtic flavored song about Italy; one of the more anachronistic tunes I've heard this year, but extremely well written. The sound here actually reminds me a bit of The McKrells in their heyday. Park The Car is a humorous take on the Irish Drinking Song that might not sit well with members of MADD but fits very well into the musical tradition. One of my favorite tunes here is King Henry's Good Times. The pace here is frenetic, and Folkins' voice rises to the occasion perfectly. See You Smile is an upbeat, wistful love song that will strike home to those who have "been there", and would work just as well in a more rock-oriented arrangement as it does here. Folkins closes out with three classic Celtic tunes, two from the Maritime songbook, Paddy Murphy, Mari Mac and Black Velvet Band. If you've not heard these songs before, pay particular attention to Mari Mac, which turns into a devilish tongue twister that likely doubles as a drinking game in some places. This isn't my favorite arrangement of the song, but I've heard many people mangle this song and Folkins presents the song better than most (although he doesn't push the speedometer the way bands like Great Big Sea have). Black Velvet Band is a bit more traditional and very well presented here.

Doug Folkins reminds me more and more of Kevin McKrell as I listen to him. There is a definite tendency to mix other musical styles with Celtic sounds on Another Last Call, and for the most part the results are positive. The play, singing and writing/arrangement on Another Last Call are all very much above average. I hesitate to call it a great album, as there just wasn't a "whoa" moment here, but it's very, very, very good.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

- Wildy's World

British Columbia, Canada's Doug Folkins opens his fifth album, Another Last Call with Calico Girl, sounding like a cross between Blue Rodeo and early Crash Test Dummies. Folkins has a strong and clear voice that works very well with the material presented here. The arrangements are pleasant; perhaps a little loose in presentation but not uncharacteristically so. Pour Me Another is an acoustic Celtic Rock tune that features some hot fiddle playing. Promise Me sounds a bit more like commercial country music, but without the high gloss sheen that tends to rob popular country music of its flavor. The harmonies here are notable, and Folkins' band has pulled together as taut as a wire.

Streets Of Rome is a Celtic flavored song about Italy; one of the more anachronistic tunes I've heard this year, but extremely well written. The sound here actually reminds me a bit of The McKrells in their heyday. Park The Car is a humorous take on the Irish Drinking Song that might not sit well with members of MADD but fits very well into the musical tradition. One of my favorite tunes here is King Henry's Good Times. The pace here is frenetic, and Folkins' voice rises to the occasion perfectly. See You Smile is an upbeat, wistful love song that will strike home to those who have "been there", and would work just as well in a more rock-oriented arrangement as it does here. Folkins closes out with three classic Celtic tunes, two from the Maritime songbook, Paddy Murphy, Mari Mac and Black Velvet Band. If you've not heard these songs before, pay particular attention to Mari Mac, which turns into a devilish tongue twister that likely doubles as a drinking game in some places. This isn't my favorite arrangement of the song, but I've heard many people mangle this song and Folkins presents the song better than most (although he doesn't push the speedometer the way bands like Great Big Sea have). Black Velvet Band is a bit more traditional and very well presented here.

Doug Folkins reminds me more and more of Kevin McKrell as I listen to him. There is a definite tendency to mix other musical styles with Celtic sounds on Another Last Call, and for the most part the results are positive. The play, singing and writing/arrangement on Another Last Call are all very much above average. I hesitate to call it a great album, as there just wasn't a "whoa" moment here, but it's very, very, very good.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

- Wildy's World