Did Paul Simon and Barbra Streisand have a child? That's the question to answer as you listen to Ann Vriend's When We Were Spies (Killbeat, March 11).  Being a Canadian is the only reason possible for explaining why Vriend is not sweeping our xenophobic nation with her wit and charm. Spies doubles as a dossier on the human condition, replete with subversive love stories and clandestine sensuality. Department of Homeland Security be damned, Vriend is a whistleblower behind eighty-eight keys with a voice that would do the Iron Butterfly herself, one Dolly Parton, proud.

Boldly going behind the lines to reinterpret a Neil Young standard, "Keep On' Rockin' In The Free World", Ann Vriend blends string arrangements with a light-as-air chorus pounded flat by a scorching Tele solo. Vriend's press photos may peg her for a love child of actor/songstress Barbra Streisand, but her singing and songwriting stand on their own without comparison. "Start Over" demonstrates a very unique vocal style that ranges from sultry to rock-and-roll howl, and lead single "(If We Are Not) Spies" is a radio-friendly, tony jewel of a tale about estranging oneself from something, be it a career as a spy or a disloyal flag, lover, etc.

Ann Vriend has maintained a low profile up to this point, her third release. As "St. Paul" parlays, "risk it all" and listen to this manifesto without hesitation ... click the album art to purchase When We Were Spies before Big Brother destroys the evidence.

Tags: Alberta, Album Reviews, Ann Vriend, Canada, New Releases