Since its release in 2007, The Hold Up has received critical and public attention within Canada and the United States, resulting in praise from respected indie music blogs and national press. Word of mouth coupled with this internet buzz led to airtime on the CBC, where his songs were included in regular rotation. Having a song with such atmospheric national pride as “My Cousin has a Grey Cup Ring” in his repertoire hasn’t hurt him, either. For two years (and counting) the song has been broadcast in its entirety during CBC’s televised coverage of the Grey Cup. Woods has successfully started a career as an artist who sings for and about life in Canada. The driving rhythms from his guitar are evenly matched by his vocal testimony in songs like ‘Once a Week’. In ‘Car Won’t Start’, we find a gentle piano chord in perfect symbiosis with a soft and almost lullaby-like acceptance of misfortune. At once endearing and inspiring, these songs move. Donovan is a lyricist with wit like Ryan Adams, the movement and attitude of Elliot Brood and the good sense of Ron Sexsmith.