The Rundown: Nanaimo, British Columbia, has produced one of the most soulful, inspirational, talented, and down-to-Earth people the world has ever known. Allison Crowe has all the tools needed to put on a performance you will never forget. She is a mega-star in the making. On her self-made record label, Allison Crowe has composed eight EPs and albums:

• Lisa’s Song + 6 Songs (2003) (EP; earlier versions were 6 Songs and 6 Songs +)
• Tidings: 6 Songs for the Season (2003) (EP)
• Secrets (2004) singer-songwriter solo debut
• Tidings (2004) (a greatly expanded version of Tidings: 6 Songs for the Season)
• Allison Crowe:Live at Wood Hall (2005) (double concert album)
• This Little Bird (2006) full-length album with band
• Little Light (2008) solo, acoustic, album
• Spiral (2010) full-band album, with orchestration

In addition to her extensive collection of original works, Allison has also created a vast list of songs which she has covered from artists such as The Beatles, Tori Amos, Counting Crows, John Lennon, Ani DiFranco, Pearl Jam and many more. This woman’s voice apparently has no bounds, as she can hit the high notes, the low notes, and everything in-between. Her voice can send shivers down your spine, make tears fall from your eyes, and collect a roaring applause from your hands.

The first song I had ever heard from Allison Crowe was Happy People. I came upon the song happenstance, while searching for something not even related to music. Someone had embedded her song onto their site, and when I clicked play, I was not prepared for what I heard. I was astounded - in a state of disbelief. My first reaction was that her voice reminded me of Christina Aguilera. Not in the sound, but in the absolute raw power.

*sidenote - while I do not endorse Christina Aguilera, there is no denying that she has an incredibly powerful voice

I would later come to realize that Christina’s voice, while quite impressive, pales in comparison to Allison Crowe’s voice. Allison’s voice (and yes, by the way, me and Allison are on a first name basis. We are total BFF’s.) is quintessential - unequivocal, raw power that demands your attention.

As I comepletely forgot what I was searching for, I began to find more and more songs by Allison that made my cheeks tingle. (In case you haven’t already read it, for me, tingling cheeks is a sign of a good song. Tingling cheeks is the best way I can describe it, although that description isn’t totally accurate.) It didn’t take me long to find a song I liked more than Happy People. In fact, it seemed that each song I listened to became my favorite from her. Now that the dust has settled and I have composed myself, mostly, I can say without hesitation that Happy People is only my second favorite song by Allison Crowe.

Needless to say, if I ever find myself within proximity of an Allison Crowe performance, I will be there. You will know it’s me because I’ll be the seemingly insane man, screaming at the top of his lungs for her to play Disease. As is MarsBands’ code of honor, we won’t recommend a band or artist if they suck live. Allison Crowe is very near perfection live. And her live version of Disease is an entire performance all of its own. It wouldn’t surprise me if she has broken many a piano playing that song.

All of Allison’s songs emit oodles (technical term) of emotion, but Disease emits so much more. And the piano takes the brunt of it. She slams the piano like she is super-pissed at it, while at the same time lightly tickling the keys, which only adds to the allure of the song. Her voice is, as always, magnificent throughout, with amazing vibratos. This song is as much about Allison’s amazing voice as it is about her fantastic piano playing. If you don’t feel something awesome bubbling up inside you after listening to this song, you’d better check to see if you have a pulse.

MarsBands.com gives Allison Crowe our highest honors, as she is the best thing to come out of Canada since hockey. Check out her small sample of songs below. Be amazed, tell your friends, then go find more of her songs that you will like.

Allison Crowe Interview

View Allison Crowe tour dates from Eventful