The phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't apply to Matthew Good. A defining characteristic of this Canadian rock icon is exactly the opposite of that popular axiom. Over his almost two-decade career, Good has taken us on a journey. From The Matthew Good Band to Hospital Music, to his 2011 JUNO winning release, Vancouver, Good continually pushes forward into uncharted territory; mapping new musical landscapes most recently showcased on his latest release, Lights Of Endangered Species (May 31, 2011).Lights Of Endangered Species takes Good in an unfamiliar direction, displaying arrangements that are a distinct departure from the likes of "Born Losers" and "Last Parade." Stark and passionate best describe Good's latest effort and despite its differences from the Matthew Good we are familiar with, the record still sits comfortably with his fans.Purposefully taking the album to a new place was a conscious decision that Good and producer, Warne Livesey, made when creating Lights Of Endangered Species. Recorded near his home in Port Coquitlam, B.C., the record's nine tracks are an exhilarating example of Good's growth as an artist, focusing less on "radio friendly" material and showcasing unique phrasing and instrumentation that is perhaps new to his fans. This is best displayed on tracks like the piano driven "Non Populus," running over eight minutes long, anchored by the phrase "done something different."It's clear on Good's most recent effort that he has, in fact, done something different; and that something reaffirms Good's place as one of Canada's most relevant artists. Clearly inspired by new influences artistically, yet remaining inherently recognizable, Lights Of Endangered Species is easily Good's most exciting and meaningful record to date.And how does Good feel about his most recent work? "I'd just gotten off stage," recalls Good. "I was sitting in the dressing room with Shawn, my record company A&R rep, and the subject of the new record came up. I lit a cigarette, looked at him, and said 'Well, it's the best record I've ever made...' then I paused, exhaled, looked at him out of the corner of my eye and said '...but I don't know what the fuck you're going to do with it.'"