Review: Julie Doiron - I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day (* * * 1/2)

I was introduced to Julie Doiron just recently when I had the pleasure of hearing her upcoming album, I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day, due out next week on Jagjaguwar. As I read up a little on Doiron, it seems as if she's been involved in a bit of everything since beginning her musical career in the early nineties as a member of indie rock band Eric's Trip. She has been recording solo for quite some time now and has released a slew of acclaimed singer/songwriter records as well as some interesting collaborations. 'Wonder,' her followup to 2007's Woke Myself Up, blends quaint folk numbers with a rough, distorted edge for a unique and fun pop record.

When asked about her songwriting, Doiron admits "I Just sing about what's happening." Seems a little mundane, perhaps, but her brief, descriptive narratives are just as she describes, slices of life put to song that are often quite excellent. Some of her tunes are told over simple acoustic guitar, with Doiron's pleasant voice front-and-center, like the delicate opener "Life of Dreams" and the lovely "Nice To Come Home." Others are presented with a much more rock 'n' roll edge, like the album's first single, "Consolation Prize," the mid-tempo rocker "Spill Yer Lungs," and the bass-heavy "Lovers Of The World." My favorite tune, "Tailor," finds a balance between the two, with rolling percussion and electric guitar offsetting the sweet lyrics.

Some of Doiron's songs breeze by without much of an impact, but the better material is strong enough to make the album worth a listen or two. Her songwriting prowess and love of the unusual keep Doiron's music intriguing, and her ability to pull off a variety of styles so well makes for an eclectic and surprising half hour on 'Wonder.'