And for a long time, these pull factors are what caused cities to grow. ![]() Urbanization is often linked with economics – increased job opportunities, a centralized market, better pay and higher individual wealth have all drawn people into cities. But looking ahead, 90 percent of the future urban increase is expected to take place in Asia and Africa, and it is projected that more than two-thirds of all people will be calling cities home by 2050. Looking back, the first wave of urban migration took place in what are today’s more developed countries, especially in Europe and North America. Throughout history, cities have attracted people as centers of culture, religion, learning, and economics. In fact, by 2008 over 50 percent of the global population was living in urban areas. Given the assurance and skill they demonstrate this first time out, Lucky Stars might be viewed in retrospect as a remarkably fortuitous achievement.Across the globe and in a short amount of time, we’ve given up the tractor for the city bus, the open landscape for one of brick and mortar. It was a good move to make, and it suggests that further efforts might find them diversifying their style even more. It’s an unexpected inclusion, but one that adds further to the quotient of interest and intrigue. Still, those looking for edgier intents will find it in their unlikely cover of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World”, in which Keri’s seductive stance mitigates the ominous overtones of the original. When they do pick up the pace, as with the trio of tunes “Healing Feeling”, “Welcome Stranger” and “Gravity and a Ladder of Gold”, the combination of twang and treble suggests they achieve far more than simply the sound of one tone wonders. “Virtual Machine” and “Galaxie 500” - the latter eerily, yet not so ironically, reminiscent of the sounds identified with the band of the same name - comes across with the gentility and simplicity of a lullaby. Keri Latimer’s vocals are soft, supple and seemingly childlike at times, while the harmonies from her husband Devin manage to consistently convey a gentle sheen that not only glides ever so gently over the musical ménage, but also smooths over any rough or abrasive edges in the process. ![]() Yet where that outfit (newly re-dubbed Nathan Music CO., possibly to avert confusion when it comes to Google searches) could count on the backing of a full band and an unabashed rock regimen, Leaf Rapids takes a softer, subtler approach that’s infinitely more sublime. Former members of the band Nathan, they traipsed similar terrain before, albeit in different circumstances. That said, Leaf Rapids aren’t necessary newcomers to the musical trappings that define our northern neighbors. It’s all but impossible to walk away feeling anything but enchanted. However, given the embossed steel guitar playing and the studied guidance of veteran player and producer Steve Dawson - a notable presence in Canada’s expansive roots music scene - the Latimers are able to offer up a lovely, shimmering example of seductive Americana, emphasizing a sound that soothes, seduces and shines. While some may get other impressions, the new album isn’t simply a collection of cowboy songs. As a result, there’s the possibility of finding similar inspiration in gazing up at star-crossed skies where dreams take flight and soar towards the vast expanse that cradles endless possibilities. It is indeed a long way from Manitoba to Memphis, but in truth, those windy prairies aren’t all that different from the fields and grasslands that stretch to the foothills of the American Rockies. ![]() Keri and Devin Latimer, the husband and wife duo that refer to themselves by the nom de plume Leaf Rapids, have created a most affecting debut album in Lucky Stars, a set of songs that reflects what one can only imagine must be the carefree feeling inspired by life in the vast expanse of Canada’s western provinces.
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