Album Review: Quebec by Mathers Mills – A Timeless Folk Journey
Man, oh man, if you haven’t spun Quebec by Mathers Mills yet, you’re missing out on a slice of Canadian folk gold. Released way back in 1980 on One Shot Records, this album feels like a warm hug from the past. It’s got that earthy, rootsy vibe that only Folk, World, & Country music can pull off without sounding cheesy. And let me tell ya, it’s one of those records where even the title track makes you wanna grab a flannel shirt and sit by a campfire.
Let’s talk about “Quebec,” the opening track. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience. The melody rolls in like mist over a mountain lake, with acoustic guitar picking that’s so crisp it could cut glass (but in a good way). There’s something hypnotic about how simple it is; no flashy solos or overdubs, just raw emotion dripping from every note. You feel like Mathers is whispering secrets straight into your ear, sharing stories of love, loss, and resilience tied to the land. Honestly, I couldn’t stop humming it for days after hearing it. Like… ever had a tune stick in your head so hard you start dreaming about it? Yeah, that happened.
Then there’s “Quebec 2,” which totally flips the script. If the first track is all introspective vibes, this one kicks things up a notch with its upbeat tempo and toe-tapping rhythm. It’s almost playful, as if Mathers decided, “Hey, let’s throw a barn dance in here!” The fiddle work? Unreal. It dances around the melody like it’s daring you not to smile. This track reminds me why folk music rocks—no need for fancy production tricks when you’ve got soul like this.
What really sticks with me about Quebec is how authentic it feels. These aren’t songs made to climb charts or win awards—they’re snapshots of life, frozen in time but still breathing somehow. Listening to this record feels like flipping through an old photo album full of faded Polaroids. Sure, some corners are bent, and the colors have shifted, but damn if it doesn’t make you nostalgic for moments you didn’t even live through.
And here’s the kicker: In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and algorithm-friendly playlists, Quebec feels refreshingly out of place—and that’s exactly why it works. Give it a spin, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a train ticket to Quebec City just to see what all the fuss is about. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, hats off to Mathers Mills for creating something that still resonates four decades later. Crazy, right?
