This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
In a way, I’m glad I didn’t hear this album from Ottawa singer-guitarist Danny Michel when it came out last summer. If I had, I would have had to bump something off my year-end list to make room for it. Without a doubt, In the Belly Of A Whale — the fifth album from the former Starling member — is one of the most alluring and wonderful indie-pop albums to come down the pike in ages. Michel has a whimsical, bouncy roots-pop songwriting style, a sweetly rough sandpaper voice, a smooth way with a melody and a snappy way with a lyric. All of which he magically blends into 14 jangly, laid-back musical gems that drift, swing, bounce and zip merrily by, combining the finest qualities of The Kinks, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Rheostatics. If you want to hear one of Canada’s finest pop songwriters, buy this CD today. And see Michel next time he comes to town.
