Down at the Khyber, released in 2001, finds Canadian indie-rock fixture
Joel Plaskett (formerly of
Thrush Hermit) continuing to mature as a songwriter with a knack for endearingly awkward, heartfelt lyrics and inventive compositions with a classic rock feel. At times echoing such diverse artists as
Gram Parsons,
Jeff Buckley,
Big Star and fellow Canadians
Max Webster, the
Joel Plaskett Emergency manages to mould their influences into a unique sound. Notable tracks include the trippy rocker "Maybe We Should Just Go Home," the catchy pop of "True Patriot Love," and the ballad "Clueless Wonder." All things considered,
Down at the Khyber is a solid rock record by one of Canada's finest emerging songwriters.