Cruising around in my car this week, the only CD that has made me crank the volume and bob my head through and through is The Sheepdogs. Their album Learn & Burn recently garnered some serious attention at the Junos, tying Feist with three awards. After bringing home New Group of the Year, top single award and Rock Album of the year, The Sheepdogs are no longer a Canadian secret. These shaggy haired rockers are resuscitating Canada’s imprint on Rock’n'Roll and they are making airwaves nationally and internationally.

So I’m obviously not shedding light on a new band, these guys have been splitting Rock ‘n’ Roll chords for a while now. Nor am I in a nutshell‘s music maven ( I would usually leave this sort of thing up to Jess). But because these fellas and, more importantly, their resonating rock rhythms from Learn & Burn have made me feel like following the ‘dogs around on their latest tour, I thought it was imperative to share with our readers.

For those of you who may like to bob your head to a tune now and again, or for those of you who tune into melodies wherever you go, this album speaks loudly to anyone who will listen.

Aside from their hit, I Don’t Know, which initially caused me to purchase their record, I have discovered upon multiple listenings that the true gems to this collection are scattered around the big hitter. From the first twangs of the guitar, you can get into that old time rock’n'roll vibe and quickly you’re rolling as Ewan Currie’s vocals blow through you. The opening track, The One You Belong To, is dedicated to the land they love, which one can only presume is directed to our own Canadian soil. Melodious, and even a tad hippy dippy, this tune is catchy and begs to be carried on longer than it’s meager 2 and half minute run. Without a hitch, Please Don’t Lead Me On, croons over the last few notes of the aforementioned, pleasantly similar to mid 70′s Beatles and we are reminded of a lighter side of rock’n'roll, welcoming it with open arms and open ears.

Aside from singing for their home and native land, the tracks spill out effortlessly and the album is harmonious from beginning to end. Not a note out of place, not a strum out of sync.Not only are these rock’n'roll ‘dogs representing their Canuck roots, they still manage to share with us those darker moments of a rocker lifestyle, giving this otherwise lighthearted album a gripping edge.

Unlike other southern rockers (KOL) who have turned their sweaty, southern drawls to gold, you can tell that The Sheepdogs have the itch and they are so lovable for it. Their song Southern Dreaming brings a smile to my face and almost makes me forget that they are bound up North ( but not for long, really).

With a dash of Canadiana, rock’n'roll and some sweet southern sounds, I just can’t get enough of this album and definitely think these boys are worth a listen, in a nutshell, from beginning to end.