CMW Live: Ox THE SILVER DOLLAR - MARCH 7 - by James Sandham - If CMW had a mascot chosen by a committee of uninspired bureaucrats, it would probably look something like Mark Browning did on Friday night. Like an over the top caricature of what it means to be Canadian, and musical, the man also known as Ox took to the stage at the Silver Dollar clad in toque, black and red plaid flannel shirt, vintage Calgary Flames jersey, and acoustic guitar. Bob and Doug McKenzie would have been flattered. Browning proceeded to unleash upon the crowd Ox's unique fusion of roots rock and acoustic pop, flush with references to the recurring themes of beer, Ontario and beat-up old cars. It was pure Canadiana cliché — but I guess that's the appeal of Ox, ultimately. There's something idealized and familiar, almost nostalgic, about most of his songs. A lot of them are about simpler times, smaller towns and high school. They're worn out and worn in, like a favourite pair of jeans. Or how about this analogy: they're like Kraft Dinner, in that even though it's kind of corny and not the most interesting fare, you still eat it because who cares, it's great comfort food and has this kitschy appeal that just won't quit. Does that work? I dunno. In any case, it all made for an intimate night of acoustic musicianship as Ox's mournful vocals filled up the bar and started to draw in the crowd for (weewerk) records' Friday night showcase. The only draw-back would be that, having grown accustomed to Ox's songs as they are on his CD, with backing band and harmonies and all the effects of the studio, to hear them performed by one man alone on stage with nothing but his guitar and harmonica was a bit, I dunno, anticlimactic I guess. The depth of sound was missing. But what do you expect? It was an acoustic set. And these are trifling grievances, because altogether it was a damn good show.