Alexandra Slate - Edge of the Girl

At 21, Toronto’s Slate comes across like a wannabe Chrissie Hynde, or at least a tougher Sarah McLachlan. Her bio says she began musical life as a punk-rock chick with green, spiky hair before discovering Joni Mitchell and heading into coffeehouses. Slate’s big-time first album, recorded in part with producer Colin Cripps (Kathleen Edwards) and members of the Tragically Hip, ranges from peppy rockers like “Can’t Hold the World” to such dreamy ballads as “Blinding the Universe.” A brave and promising debut.