The Undesirables wsg Anthony Krieger January 16, 2009

There are intimate records, and then there's Doghouse Dreams by Georgetown, Ontario, duo The Undesirables. Sean Cotton and Corin Raymond have since moved to Toronto, but this stripped-down disc sounds like it was recorded right on their rural Canadian porch. Combining blues, ragtime and country with touching lyrics about their hometown, this disc is a great summer cottage listen --- especially the boozy opener This Town. While the gritty, Kid Rock-like choruses and infectious harmonies are worth a listen alone, it's the warm production --- it sounds like they're playing right in front of you --- and simple arrangements that make this a memorable listen.

The Undesirables' show starts in the Front Room after Emm Gryner's in the Big Hall. Makes for a great double bill....