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Lawr has played drums in such revered bands as King Cobb Steelie, Fembots and Royal City. Along the way, he’s clearly picked up some singing and songwriting skills. His latest album is rich in laid-back, Neil Young-style vocals and tall, sometimes surprisingly sinister tales like “Righteous Heart” and “Footsteps,” which tell of fresh-water sharks and freakishly tortured prisoners. Guests include Royal City’s Jim Guthrie, Hylozoists’ vibraphonist Paul Aucoin and Lawr’s girlfriend, talented Sudbury singer Kate Maki.

After his (some would say ill-advised) folk departure, which reached its nadir with his cover of the kiddie tune “Froggie Went a-Courtin,” the Boss is back with the E Street Band, rocking out as they do best. Although Springsteen himself is in fine form, supplying such anthemic numbers as “Radio Nowhere,” “Livin’ in the Future” and the Born to Run-style “Last to Die,” it’s The Big Man, a.k.a. Clarence Clemons who almost steals the show, growling, honking and wailing away on his sax like there’s no tomorrow.

Like Finger Eleven and Three Days Grace, Rides Again is the latest Canadian band to forge a tough, melodic sound that, in the tradition of hoser-rock heroes Rush, appeals primarily to teenage boys. “It’s Too Late,” “Infected” and “Wonder Why” are the pile-driving heavyweight tracks. But the Toronto trio may attract some female attention with the ballad “Apology,” in which Nathan Peyton begs forgiveness for “everything I put you through,” before promising “I’m going to make it up to you.” Dude’s got a sensitive side.