Arguably the first CD I ever owned was a compilation disc released by Sonic Unyon, an independent record label that operates out of Hamilton, Ontario. It was a Christmas gift from my older brother, Brendan, an attempt to introduce me to independent and local music. Needless to say, it worked. I was automatically intrigued by several of the artists on the CD, some of which in fact went on to gain notoriety in Canada, like Smoother and Treble Charger.

One of the most captivating songs on the disc, though, was entitled “Bad As They Seem,” written by singer-songwriter Hayden.

Hayden, or Paul Hayden Desser, as he is formally known, has been compared to many of the great folk/alt-country artists in popular music: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, the list goes on. And despite the fact that he has never reached the level of success of his contemporaries, Hayden has developed quite a cult-like following of his own, especially in Canada.

Apparently, in my young age, I wasn't the only one who felt so strongly for his music, and soon after Hayden's first professional album, Everything I Long For, was re-released on Sonic Unyon, major record labels were scrambling to win his affection. He was expected to be the next big figure of alternative music — some went so far as to call him ‘the next Beck'. Ultimately, from over 20 record labels, Universal won the bidding war and proceeded to release his next album, The Closer I Get.

The album received critical praise upon its release in 1998, but for reasons unknown, Hayden was never able to break through as a recording artist in the United States. The lack of sales disheartened Universal, and eventually Hayden bought himself out of their contract a few years later. Ever since, his music has been released on his self-owned imprint, Hardwood Records.

Several tours and a few records later, we arrive to the present day. Just this month, Hayden released In Field & Town, his newest album in four years. Critics have been quick to praise it as some of his most poignant work to date, and I tend to agree.

I know that I say this with clear bias, but the album has nearly anything one could ask for. It seamlessly alternates between full band arrangements and solo compositions featuring him on piano or guitar. From ballads to three-minute pop songs, a constant flow is created, and never once does it stagnate.

Thematically, the album is as varied as the musical composition. Some present a more care-free, even hopeful attitude (a rarity, as Hayden was born out of the grunge era); others delve into personal relationships and examine the favourite topic of so many artists — love.

Sadly, I was to interview Hayden about In Field and Town prior to this article, but due to a series of unfortunate events (sound-check troubles at MTV, power outages) nothing could be rescheduled quick enough.

Nevertheless, I urge readers to not only listen to some of Hayden's music, but to see him perform live at Aeolian Hall in London January 26 or 27. Rarely does he tour nowadays, and such an opportunity should not be passed up.