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Heavy Sun, Daniel Lanois' new LP, will have you proclaiming "Hallelujah!" Chalk that up, in part, to Johnny Shepherd, who not so much sings as preaches and testifies most of the album's vocals. All the while, Shepherd's shrill organ riffs could galvanize any congregation to their feet. It's certainly a different tone than the hazily haunting production Lanois famously offered U2, Bob Dylan, and fellow Canuck Neil Young.
That means casual fans familiar with the Hull, QC-born legend's work behind the boards will be surprised by "Please Don't Try." A prime example of what sets this LP apart from the mainstream Lanois oeuvre, "Please Don't Try" finds Shepherd's organ purring in contentment as he belts out one devoted-love proclamation after the other. The song climaxes with gorgeous harmonies between Shepherd, Lanois, guitarist Rocco DeLuca, and bassist Jim Wilson. "Tumbling Stone" takes those qualities even further. Lanois and his other bandmates provide a simple vocal bedrock, from which Shepherd's bellowing ad-libs lift off and soar. And on closing numbers "Mother's Eyes" and "Out of Sight," the entire band shares the vocal spotlight, harmonizing together like old friends, though occasional wails from Shepherd pepper the proceedings with aplomb.