Daniel Lanois – Acadie (1989)

Already famous as a top-knotch record producer for U2, Peter Gabriel and Dylan, among others Daniel was also an accomplished musician and songwriter.  He was famous for creating a wash of atmospheric sound that made the records he produced so successful.  This is a fantastic and accomplished debut album,  I had known him a producer and was curious as to what he would do in his own.  But again, just as he has done with other artists such as EmmyLou Harris, he seems to get to the heart of the song and draws you in to this slightly claustrophobic world where you are spellbound by the voice and almost unobtrusive instruments.   Another great Canadian, he only spoke French until he was 11 and has spent time in Lousiana which also has a great French heritage – hence the album’s title  and a couple of songs in French here. He is a great songwriter too – best on this are ‘The Maker’, ‘Fisherman’s Daughter’ and the lovely sing-along ‘Jolie Louise’.