Northern Exposure: Colleen Brown, 'Boyfriend' -- Free MP3

In the constant jumble of new music battling to be heard, it's easy for emerging artists to get lost in the shuffle. Edmonton singer-songwriter Colleen Brown's 2008 sophomore release, 'Foot in Heart,' almost fell victim to to that pitfall despite strong reviews and good word of mouth. Luckily, fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner heard something in Brown's tunes that made her sit up and take notice -- and also compelled her to re-release 'Foot In Heart' on her own Dead Daisy Records imprint last month, with Canadian distribution via Outside Music.

Brown's winsome sound, which incorporates elements of folk, country, pop and even a smidgen of soul, certainly deserves to find a wider audience. It seems like many are starting to catch on to the multi-instrumentalist's charm. In the past year, she was shortlisted as a finalist on CBC's Canada-wide Song Quest challenge and has won new listeners thanks to regular radio airplay across the country.

It's no wonder Brown is being hailed as a promising new discovery, judging by tracks like the cheeky 'Boyfriend,' which wastes no time establishing itself as a real showstopper, marrying a rollicking country-blues stomper of a rhythm to Brown's dreamy, retro-sounding vocals.

Brown avoids the role of eyelash-batting coquette, however, unleashing some saucy wit atop a wall-of-harmonies backdrop, warning the lad in her sights: "I don't want to be wrong again."

The tune boasts a burnished old-timey vibe similar to that of fellow Canadian songstresses like Jill Barber and Jenn Grant. Like both those artists, Brown's sound certainly borrows from the classics of the past -- but instead of getting too retro, songs like 'Boyfriend' harken back to a more recent vintage, evoking the effortless melodies and strong song structure of the Brill Building era. Carole King would be proud.