Harp Magazine
"A blue-collar roadhouse sound that borrows as much from Farrar-Tweedy as Springsteen. Stagger's grit and gloom are on par with the influences."
Blog Critics
"Hailed as a rising voice on the alt-country scene ... Stagger displays a wisdom well beyond his years."
All Music Guide
"Uncompromisingly honest ... evocative, haunting, and eclectic ... Depression River is as mighty as the Mississippi. 4.5 out of 5 stars."
Caught In the Carousel
"Leeroy Stagger is the new poet laureate of the North American heartland ... Filled with dead rock stars, dead brothers, dead wives and drunks getting drunker the singer/songwriter's fourth album is an unyielding look at how things between people fall so apart ... Stagger's strength may be his blunt poeticism, but his secret weapon is his tremendous sensitivity."
Calgary Sun
"In this world of pop, where a hook and some nice legs can make you a millionaire, seeing a true artist emerge is a rare, but welcome treat. Leeroy Stagger is such an artist."
Lethbridge Herald
"Stagger's voice and music ranges from sweet to menacing and everything in between. He's got a knack for hooks and melodies that instantly catch the listener's ear. Leeroy Stagger is destined to become one of Canada's most respected singer/songwriters."
Harp
"Rootsy pop smarts, incessant rockers, punkish swagger and even moments of alluring and folksy quiet. Stagger's voice (is) an incredibly supple instrument as he slides into notes, holds them behind beats for tension and does all of this without a hint of affectation, remaining believable at every turn."
CNet Music
"Stagger joined rural spirit with urban ennui as deftly as Pete Yorn."
Amplifier
"An Americana troubadour ... hitting on just the right formula of Replacements-esque stutter and classic rock polish."
I Heart Music
"Stagger doesn't try and mask his country leanings with any claims of "indie rock". There may be moments ... he specializes in the kind of thing you'd find on albums like No Depression or Furnace Room Lullaby."
Eye Weekly
"It's not hard to imagine Leeroy Stagger's raspy voice fronting punk-rock outfits in his native Victoria, but Beautiful House proves that his heart belongs to the melody. Opener "Just in Case" sets a breezy pace to this gloomy, country-tinged effort that evokes humid summer nights and creaking porches."
Subba-cultcha.com
"Leeroy Stagger's acoustic soul and grit belies his meager 21 years ... a double portion of feeling, his gritty, forceful voice combining well with heart-rending and emotion-grabbing lyrics."
Uncut
"He mixes pop sweetness with punk brashness ... further emphasises his promise. 3 out of 5 stars"
Maverick
"Songs to die for and a voice to savour. 4 out of 5 stars."
Americana-uk
"Whether handling straight ahead rock of "In the Night" or on the superb ballad "House of Sin" Stagger handles the main theme of the record of lost love with aplomb. A real talent."
Vue Weekly
"Stagger doesn't sound like every other singer-songwriter who tries his fancy at too many styles without ever finding his own; Stagger's songs are his own, and Beautiful House has the distinct sound of a powerful, unified work. 4/5"
Splendid
"Opener "Just In Case" reveals Stagger's knack for penning catchy pop-rock tunes; its muti-layered arrangement is reminiscent of Wilco at their most streamlined and melodic ... Beautiful House is a good start. (Stagger) could blow people away."
Georgia Straight
"(Beautiful House) is an 11-track album that charmingly blends Stagger's country roots with (Danny) Michel's melodic-pop convictions ... Judging by the winning sound of the new disc the future looks promising for the youthful tunesmith."
Peter Grainger, CTV
"It's got that slurry, Ryan Adams countrifried Stones thing down beautifully ... (and the) lead guitar on the opening track - it's just a searing, Richard Thompson/Clarence White styled lead. Stunning."
Popingays
"Cris, Leeroy, vous ￪tes un sacr￩ment bon musicien."
Off-Center
"Nominally a member of the alt-country rock movement that includes Joel Plaskett and Peter Elkas, he brings the sensibility of a young Elliot Smith to the game and ignores the temptation to descend into Hayden-esque soliloquys, or preen like Hawksley Workman. Okay, now that I've referred to every young male singer-songwriter alive (or dead, rest in peace Elliott), let me say what sets him apart. There is a degree to which Leeroy is further ahead of his curve than he should be at this point in his career ... The songs show a better understanding of where to be crafty and where to be simple (and) are infinitely believable, which is important when he's trying to paint the picture he does of growing up without a lot of beauty around you but feeling what little is there in a very profound way. Listening to the album is tantalizing."
FFWD Magazine
"Stagger picks away at the surface with a voice that sounds like it has smoked one too many cigarettes, and pumps some fresh blood into songs about heartfelt angst."
Monday Magazine
"His life is best spent on the road, playing to steadily growing crowds and wowing the masses with his wise-beyond-his-years songwriting skill ... A perfect blend of road-weary wisdom and youthful energy."
San Diego City Beat
"Stagger gets it right with solid instrumentation, a passionate voice and stellar lyrics."
Chart
"Two parts Wilco, one part Ryan Adams and six parts Wild Turkey bourbon equals Vancouver's own Leeroy Stagger... following in the footsteps of West Coast punkers before him who have picked up their acoustic guitars and explored the gentler side of hurtin', 21-year-old Stagger's second solo effort is an engaging mix of acoustic, introspective numbers jumbled with some solid indie rockers like "In The Night"."
Vue Weekly
"Leeroy Stagger's goal is to be recognized for his ability to write great, gritty country music - but he won't be offended if you happen to notice his knack for great pop melodies and rock-out guitar riffs instead... from the Replacements-esque rock of "Sweet Amphetamine" to the down-home country twangs of the album's title track."
Discorder
"Victoria's principle exports, formerly limited to marijuana, squeegee kids, and Hot Hot Heat, are now expanding to include another musical breakthrough�namely, Mr. Leeroy Stagger. Leeroy has endeared himself to damn near everyone in the local music community. The kids support his journey towards rock stardom, while the old guard collectively treats him like the cool younger brother they never had. The result is a live show that unites audiences rather than splinters, includes rather than compartmentalizes ... the follow-up to Dear Love is a wonderful showcase of his songwriting ability."
Pop Matters
"We're so inundated by so many sensitive guys with acoustic guitars, that it's easy to miss the odd artist who's actually worth listening to, which leads me to young Mr. Stagger, someone who doesn't deserve to be ignored... there's a sincerity and warmth to Stagger's music ... serving up an interesting contrast of gutter poetry and pop sense, proving further that Leeroy Stagger is one of Canada's emerging talents."
Catbirdseat
"A young singer songwriter from Victoria BC, whose new record seems to balance a perfect mix of power pop and alt-country."
YouthInk
"Hailing from rural Vancouver Island, punk-rocker Leeroy Stagger rears his rustic head with this gem of a second album."
Times Colonist
"The shaggy-haired musician is blessed with a tremendous amount of talent ... Stagger is expected to crack the national radar with his sophomore album, Beautiful House ... a textured, fully realized record."
Uptown Magazine
"Beautiful House is the sort of disc that meanders out of your speakers, mixes with candlelight and smoke and makes the room seem warmer and fuller. Stagger's songwriting talents are very much in evidence throughout and ensure that each song is a deep and beautiful effort. Get this for those lonely nights - Leeroy's good company."
Chart
"The finest alt-country, rock and roll record to come out of Canada in years ... An instant classic."
Vancouver Courier
"Leeroy Stagger's second album Beautiful House is a winner. Combining the tasteful arrangements of Josh Rouse with the raspy-voiced yearnings of Ryan Adams, the record establishes the former Victoria resident as one of the province's most promising singer/songwriters."
"A blue-collar roadhouse sound that borrows as much from Farrar-Tweedy as Springsteen. Stagger's grit and gloom are on par with the influences."
Blog Critics
"Hailed as a rising voice on the alt-country scene ... Stagger displays a wisdom well beyond his years."
All Music Guide
"Uncompromisingly honest ... evocative, haunting, and eclectic ... Depression River is as mighty as the Mississippi. 4.5 out of 5 stars."
Caught In the Carousel
"Leeroy Stagger is the new poet laureate of the North American heartland ... Filled with dead rock stars, dead brothers, dead wives and drunks getting drunker the singer/songwriter's fourth album is an unyielding look at how things between people fall so apart ... Stagger's strength may be his blunt poeticism, but his secret weapon is his tremendous sensitivity."
Calgary Sun
"In this world of pop, where a hook and some nice legs can make you a millionaire, seeing a true artist emerge is a rare, but welcome treat. Leeroy Stagger is such an artist."
Lethbridge Herald
"Stagger's voice and music ranges from sweet to menacing and everything in between. He's got a knack for hooks and melodies that instantly catch the listener's ear. Leeroy Stagger is destined to become one of Canada's most respected singer/songwriters."
Harp
"Rootsy pop smarts, incessant rockers, punkish swagger and even moments of alluring and folksy quiet. Stagger's voice (is) an incredibly supple instrument as he slides into notes, holds them behind beats for tension and does all of this without a hint of affectation, remaining believable at every turn."
CNet Music
"Stagger joined rural spirit with urban ennui as deftly as Pete Yorn."
Amplifier
"An Americana troubadour ... hitting on just the right formula of Replacements-esque stutter and classic rock polish."
I Heart Music
"Stagger doesn't try and mask his country leanings with any claims of "indie rock". There may be moments ... he specializes in the kind of thing you'd find on albums like No Depression or Furnace Room Lullaby."
Eye Weekly
"It's not hard to imagine Leeroy Stagger's raspy voice fronting punk-rock outfits in his native Victoria, but Beautiful House proves that his heart belongs to the melody. Opener "Just in Case" sets a breezy pace to this gloomy, country-tinged effort that evokes humid summer nights and creaking porches."
Subba-cultcha.com
"Leeroy Stagger's acoustic soul and grit belies his meager 21 years ... a double portion of feeling, his gritty, forceful voice combining well with heart-rending and emotion-grabbing lyrics."
Uncut
"He mixes pop sweetness with punk brashness ... further emphasises his promise. 3 out of 5 stars"
Maverick
"Songs to die for and a voice to savour. 4 out of 5 stars."
Americana-uk
"Whether handling straight ahead rock of "In the Night" or on the superb ballad "House of Sin" Stagger handles the main theme of the record of lost love with aplomb. A real talent."
Vue Weekly
"Stagger doesn't sound like every other singer-songwriter who tries his fancy at too many styles without ever finding his own; Stagger's songs are his own, and Beautiful House has the distinct sound of a powerful, unified work. 4/5"
Splendid
"Opener "Just In Case" reveals Stagger's knack for penning catchy pop-rock tunes; its muti-layered arrangement is reminiscent of Wilco at their most streamlined and melodic ... Beautiful House is a good start. (Stagger) could blow people away."
Georgia Straight
"(Beautiful House) is an 11-track album that charmingly blends Stagger's country roots with (Danny) Michel's melodic-pop convictions ... Judging by the winning sound of the new disc the future looks promising for the youthful tunesmith."
Peter Grainger, CTV
"It's got that slurry, Ryan Adams countrifried Stones thing down beautifully ... (and the) lead guitar on the opening track - it's just a searing, Richard Thompson/Clarence White styled lead. Stunning."
Popingays
"Cris, Leeroy, vous ￪tes un sacr￩ment bon musicien."
Off-Center
"Nominally a member of the alt-country rock movement that includes Joel Plaskett and Peter Elkas, he brings the sensibility of a young Elliot Smith to the game and ignores the temptation to descend into Hayden-esque soliloquys, or preen like Hawksley Workman. Okay, now that I've referred to every young male singer-songwriter alive (or dead, rest in peace Elliott), let me say what sets him apart. There is a degree to which Leeroy is further ahead of his curve than he should be at this point in his career ... The songs show a better understanding of where to be crafty and where to be simple (and) are infinitely believable, which is important when he's trying to paint the picture he does of growing up without a lot of beauty around you but feeling what little is there in a very profound way. Listening to the album is tantalizing."
FFWD Magazine
"Stagger picks away at the surface with a voice that sounds like it has smoked one too many cigarettes, and pumps some fresh blood into songs about heartfelt angst."
Monday Magazine
"His life is best spent on the road, playing to steadily growing crowds and wowing the masses with his wise-beyond-his-years songwriting skill ... A perfect blend of road-weary wisdom and youthful energy."
San Diego City Beat
"Stagger gets it right with solid instrumentation, a passionate voice and stellar lyrics."
Chart
"Two parts Wilco, one part Ryan Adams and six parts Wild Turkey bourbon equals Vancouver's own Leeroy Stagger... following in the footsteps of West Coast punkers before him who have picked up their acoustic guitars and explored the gentler side of hurtin', 21-year-old Stagger's second solo effort is an engaging mix of acoustic, introspective numbers jumbled with some solid indie rockers like "In The Night"."
Vue Weekly
"Leeroy Stagger's goal is to be recognized for his ability to write great, gritty country music - but he won't be offended if you happen to notice his knack for great pop melodies and rock-out guitar riffs instead... from the Replacements-esque rock of "Sweet Amphetamine" to the down-home country twangs of the album's title track."
Discorder
"Victoria's principle exports, formerly limited to marijuana, squeegee kids, and Hot Hot Heat, are now expanding to include another musical breakthrough�namely, Mr. Leeroy Stagger. Leeroy has endeared himself to damn near everyone in the local music community. The kids support his journey towards rock stardom, while the old guard collectively treats him like the cool younger brother they never had. The result is a live show that unites audiences rather than splinters, includes rather than compartmentalizes ... the follow-up to Dear Love is a wonderful showcase of his songwriting ability."
Pop Matters
"We're so inundated by so many sensitive guys with acoustic guitars, that it's easy to miss the odd artist who's actually worth listening to, which leads me to young Mr. Stagger, someone who doesn't deserve to be ignored... there's a sincerity and warmth to Stagger's music ... serving up an interesting contrast of gutter poetry and pop sense, proving further that Leeroy Stagger is one of Canada's emerging talents."
Catbirdseat
"A young singer songwriter from Victoria BC, whose new record seems to balance a perfect mix of power pop and alt-country."
YouthInk
"Hailing from rural Vancouver Island, punk-rocker Leeroy Stagger rears his rustic head with this gem of a second album."
Times Colonist
"The shaggy-haired musician is blessed with a tremendous amount of talent ... Stagger is expected to crack the national radar with his sophomore album, Beautiful House ... a textured, fully realized record."
Uptown Magazine
"Beautiful House is the sort of disc that meanders out of your speakers, mixes with candlelight and smoke and makes the room seem warmer and fuller. Stagger's songwriting talents are very much in evidence throughout and ensure that each song is a deep and beautiful effort. Get this for those lonely nights - Leeroy's good company."
Chart
"The finest alt-country, rock and roll record to come out of Canada in years ... An instant classic."
Vancouver Courier
"Leeroy Stagger's second album Beautiful House is a winner. Combining the tasteful arrangements of Josh Rouse with the raspy-voiced yearnings of Ryan Adams, the record establishes the former Victoria resident as one of the province's most promising singer/songwriters."
