Straightforward playing and honest gritty vocal delivery with a real sense of urgency are the hallmarks of this record. This is a CD that deserves to be heard and begs to be listened to. - Tim Readman, Penguin Eggs No Mean City reflects on a bittersweet homage to life in the urban world....the real power of Brooks’ offering lies in its altruistic, good-natured poetry in the face of a place that, more often than not, couldn’t care less. **** (out of five) - Brian Towie, Metro This is certainly no typical singer-songwriter release. Some tracks are totally solo — with Brooks supplying guitar, harmonica and harmonium — while others have subtle contributions from the likes of James Gray (Blue Rodeo), Dan MacDonald, and multi instrumentalist/producer Pat Simmonds. - Kerry Doole, Exclaim! Jon Brooks has crafted a sparse, thoughtful and eloquent collection of stories. Political without being preachy, Brooks' roughened vocal delivery invokes shades of Tom Waits. The understated acoustic instrumentation aids