what i really am

Record Of The Week: Mon 25 February

How You Remind Me: Nickelback

All out, ballsy, sensitive, rocky, melodic, complex, hook-laden. Go buy.

What? You want some actual description of what this record does? Blimey, some people demand the earth. Well, start by dispelling some misconceptions...

One Nickelback is not an United Station band. They're from Vancouver. Canada. You know, that place north of the US.

Two You don't have to be Canadian to make Record Of The Week. Though as this is the third RoW to come from the land of the moose, the mountie, and Mary-Ellen Foster, it helps.

Three The all rock music is unlistenable rubbish argument went out with the ark. Fer cryin' out loud, just remember the success of Train, Lifehouse and Limp Bizkit last year.

Four EMO, the creation of the music press, is not just Jimmy Eat World. It's not just kids in rucksacks. It's appreciating the beauty in every note. Making every sound mean something.

Such is the case here, where a near-solo vocal builds over just eight bars to a classic metal anthem. And drops back for another quiet verse.

This time I'm mistaken
For handing you a heart worth breaking

This isn't your standard tragic love song, lamenting a relationship that wasn't quite right. It's self pity and blame and - ultimately - a sign of growth.

This is how you remind me of how I really am.
This is how you remind me of how I really am.

The singer is a survivor. He's come through the experience, and is a better man for it.

Canadians took to this like ducks to water. The United Stations were a little slower on the uptake, but made it their #1 for four weeks over new year. And word of mouth meant that the record made the top 75 sales chart on import alone - a first for a foreign rock act that isn't U2, never mind one that is on its debut hit.

The album, Silver Side Up is in all good record stores now.