How the Hell Did We Miss These?

I have been impressed with a lot of the "top" lists coming out for 2009 lately (like Hearya, Radiobutt, and Song, by Toad) and I was really upset about not including various albums on our list. These are a five more that somehow missed our list and definitely made an impact on our daily life in 2009.

Other Lives – Other Lives
- Saw them open for Deer Tick (if I remember correctly) and they were absolutely stunning. Instantly grabbed the album and made it part of our repertoire.

The Low Anthem – Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
- Simply "Ohio"


Elvis Perkins in Dearland – Elvis Perkins in Dearland
- He has got it all!

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns
- I have no idea how this album was missed!? This was really a staple in our house all year. I am still under the impression that it was released in 2008 and then a re-release in 2009. I don't know why I think that!? However it ended up out there, it is still a fantastic album and definitely a beacon of 2009.

Fanfarlo - Reservoir
- Simply a great album.

All I want for Christmas is...

Today, two of my favorite things in the world are coming together - the musical genius (in my humble opinion) of Bonnie Prince Billy and the twangy sounds of bluegrass - via Kentucky band, The Picket Line.

This perfect union, Funtown Comedown, is being released on vinyl through Drag City records. I haven't heard it and don't know much about it - but I want it. Scratch that. Need it.

I'd admit, I hadn't heard of The Picket Line until today, but when their influences are listed as coal miners, farmers, [...] and things with strings... how can you not love them? Oh - and their music is pretty great too.

The album is available to download on Drag City's website. Personally, I'm opting for vinyl ;)

Listed 2009: Our Top 55 Albums of the Year

I have never been one for lists at the end of each year. However, sitting here and realizing just how challenging it is, we, S and I, have decided to give it a whirl. The following are a list of our top 55 albums of the last year, in no particular order. Why 55 you may ask? Who knows!

* = Go Buy Right Now! Some are available for free so you might as well pick them up.

1. The Wooden Birds - Magnolia
2. Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears - Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!
3. Homelife - Exotic Interlude
4. *Timber Timbre - Timber Timbre
   
5. Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere
6. *The Generationals - Con Law
7. Eels - The MySpace Transmissions
8. DJ Zebra - Bootstock
9. Throw Me The Statue - Creaturesque
10. *Alec Ounsworth - Mo Beauty
11. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
12. Tap Tap - On My Way
13. *Scott H. Biram - Something's Wrong/Lost Forever
14. *Roadside Graves - My Son's Home
15. Pomegranates - Everybody, Come Outside!
16. Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy
17. Kings Of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence
18. *Eau Claire Memorial Jazz I, Featuring Justin Vernon - A Decade With Duke
19. *Joe Pug - In The Meantime EP
20. *The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right
21. *Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day
22. *The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours
23. *Dan Mangan - Nice, Nice, Very Nice
24. *Chris Smither - Time stands still
25. Chris Garneau - El Radio
26. Califone - All My Friends Are Funeral Singers
27. Brakes - Touchdown
28. Bowerbirds - Upper Air
29. Bombadil - Tarpits And Canyonlands
30. BLK JKS - After Robots
31. *Blitzen Trapper - Black River Killer EP
32. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us
33. Bill Frisell - Disfarmer
34. Bear In Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth
35. The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
36. *The American Analog Set - Hard to Find: Singles and Unreleased 2000-2005
37. A.A. Bondy - When The Devil's Loose
38. Pink Mountaintops - Outside Love
39. Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)
40. Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms
41. Chet - Chelsea Silver, Please Come Home
42. Caledonia - We Are America
43. *Ola Podrida - Belly of the Lion
44. Japandroids - Post-Nothing
45. Huck Notari - Very Long Dream
46. The Mountain Goats - The Life Of The World To Come
47. Molina & Johnson - Molina & Johnson
48. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Summer Of Fear
49. *Megafaun - Gather, Form & Fly
50. Malcolm Middleton - Waxing Gibbous
51. Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine
52. Magic Wands - Magic Love & Dreams - EP
53. Lou Barlow - Goodnight Unknown
54. Loch Lomond - Trumpets For Paper Children
55. *Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free

The Virgin of the Birds

I often make an effort to go back to great bands/songs that have popped in the last year or so have a re-listen. That said, I love the Virgin of the Birds and everything they/he produce/es. It is always inspiring to go back and listen for the numerous reasons as to why exactly the music struck as "good." With regards to T.V.o.t.B., as I have mentioned before, there is just something so subtle about the song-writing that makes this particular re-listen so good. Excellent work Jon Rooney et. al.

And thank you to the ever so friendly Abandoned Love Records for providing the free e.p.

Vampire Weekend

Great new song/video from a great band!

Is This Thing On!?

It has been a while but I do have a major computer meltdown and said computer's replacement to blame for a lack of posts here. However, that does not mean that I have not been after that ever allusive song that brings joy to the senses. Here are a couple of songs that have stood out to me lately. There will be more to come shortly but in the meantime, please enjoy these two little gems.

NO BLOOD IS NEW - RYLAND BOUCHARD

PIRATE - JACK OF THE PULPIT

Oppressed by the Line

Although I have not been writing much here I have been attempting to find some new music. Oppressed by the Line are by no means new to me, I remember just adoring the tune Even years ago. However, I some how missed the release of the latest e.p. earlier this year. I can't get enough of it!

Oh how I miss that old shoe-gaze sound! Buy the latest release here.

photo: duncan jones

Chet

What a pleasant surprise from Victoria. Chet have recently released Chelsea Silver Please Come Home and, from the songs that I am hearing on Myspace, it is going to be the release that brings the band beyond their Canadian borders.

Dealing with a small bought of insomnia, I have been listening to them during the wee hours of the morning and the music reflected the witching hour perfectly. There is a slight Fleet Foxes feel to the music but it strays quickly from any comparisons. Go check them out on their page here.
Photo via Myspace

Langhorne Slim

For those of us lucky enough to have caught last night's Langhorne Slim show at the Media Club in Vancouver, I really do think we should consider ourselves blessed. That was one of the best show's I have been to in ages and might just be the best act to come through this city in a long time. Not since Scott H. Biram's performance, at the same venue, have I been so floored by musical pressence. I have nothing but praise for Slim and his band's live performance.

Please, if you get the opportunity to see the band on the road, get out there and see them. The current line-up is amazing. They were well worth putting up with the drunken child in the front of the room that felt screaming over every lyric was for the concert goers' benefit.

Cheers to the incredible acoustic number Slim played on the front of the stage sans electricity. There is no better feeling than getting tingles from someone so amazingly talented.

(photo via Myspace)

Another Random Mix Tape

Well, this isn't really all that random as it covers a lot of the songs/bands that I have been listening to as of late.

Black Boot - Radio Moscow
- I am a sucker for the slide guitar and clapping... what can I say!?
Sync'n - White Denim
- There is something so special about this vocal track. I has always loved the sound of open-roomed vocal takes.
It´s No Over - Tutankamon
- The Shout Out Louds have always reminded me of the beginning of the best relationship of my life. Nice to hear his voice in something new, it's been a while.
Miner's Blues - Chris Smither
- Just amazing music and you should really go buy his new album Time Stands Still. He is just so current and amazing.
All I Need (Radiohead cover) - Banjo Or Freakout
- Never saw this take coming from such a beautiful song.
Gimme Shelter (alternate) - The Rolling Stones
- Go Keith, sing your heart out! Man, this is the version that should have been on Let it Bleed.
Low Life Kingdom - Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar
- Hey, Jack Kerouac (10, 000 Maniacs)
Sharp Briar (feat. Matt Pond) - The American Analog Set
- How great is this? A.A.S release Rarities and B-sides and this song takes the cake. I really wish Andrew Kenny is just so amazing. Go see The Wooden Birds!
The Ghost Of Virginia (LIVE) - Justin Townes Earle
- Can't get enough of this guy.
First-Rate Pretender - Yeti Lane
- New to me and I really like this song.
Osaka In The Rain - Matt The Electrician
- Nice little song from another "new to me" artist.
Fast Jabroni - Surfer Blood
- This song reminds me of driving long roads in the nineties. Great song.
Signs - Sam Baker
- What a voice.

GET THE MIX HERE!

Some things I'm a sucker for:

Songs with a ukulele, songs by (good) Canadian artists and songs by Bonnie Prince Billy (you can always tell I'm having a bad day if I'm listening to BPB, as he's about the only thing who can get me out of my funk)...
Enter The Mountains & The Trees, who with their twangy melodies, Canadian citizenship and simple, soothing sounds have worked their way into my music rotation - especially on those bad days.

Fight Fight Fight

Have you ever felt like you are fighting an endless battle? Well, here is a mix dedicated to those that choose to fight for the things they really love.

The Fury - Middle Distance Runner - 2:58
When They Fight They Fight - Generationals - 3:20
Vodka And A Fight - Possessed By Paul James - 4:53
We Should Fight - Ezra Furman and The Harpoons - 3:55
Worn From The Fight (With Fireworks) - Castanets - 2:35
Prizefighter - Eels - 2:53
Give Yourself A Fighting Chance - The Leisure Society - 3:32
Academy Fight Song - Mission of Burma - 3:10
Angry Young Girl - The Parlor Mob - 4:04
The Fighter - Eliot Wilder - 3:07
Starry Fighter Kite - Candy Claws - 5:48
Fist Fight - Gran Ronde - 4:22

GET YOUR AGGRESSION OUT HERE

Mangan Mania

So, I realize I post a lot about Dan Mangan. Actually I've been posting quite rarely on here lately, but when I do it's either related to Dan Mangan, or other Canadian content. (I'm sure M is rolling his eyes as he reads this.)

I noticed on my twitter feed this morning that HearYa (one of our favorite music blogs) named Mangan's Nice, Nice, Very Nice album Most Pleasant Surprise Of 2009.

Way to go Dan!

Mix Tape for Fun!

I really do miss the days of 45 min. a side mix tapes. I remember spending hours making them and handing them out to the first person that showed the slightest interest. Most of the time it was ejecting the tape out of the car cassette player and handing it over. I wonder if those people I handed the tapes to realized the hours of effort that took? I wonder if those people knew how difficult it was to find the perfect 2:37 min. song to finish the 45 min. (actually more like 46.5 min.) side?

In lieu of my nostalgia, I am going to attempt to make mix tapes that are 45 min. in length, representing a single side of a 90 min. tape, every couple of days and share it with you, the paper pistol readers. (there aren't many of you by the way) Without further ado, here is my first effort. This effort comes to you completely random and without theme; however, I may include themes in the future. In fact, I would love theme suggestions from any of you that read this.

Favorite Song - Kaiser Cartel - 2:29
Blackberry Song - Kurt Vile - 3:26
Sam - The Smiles and Frowns - 2:19
Means to an End - JoeF - 4:14
Wind Phoenix - Cymbals Eat Guitars - 5:16
Crackalacka - Left Lane Cruiser - 3:57
Walden and the Willow Tree - The Dimes - 2:55
Friends - Band Of Skulls - 3:10
Camillo (The Magician) - Said The Whale - 2:53
Wax and Wire - Loch Lomond - 4:59
What Fun. - Alec Ounsworth - 3:16
Tow Truck - Karate - 4:01
Dot - Egil Olsen - 2:10

take it for a spin!

Anvil

I finally, yes finally, got around to watching the Anvil! The Story of Anvil documentary last night and all I can say is, "WOW!" Whoever thought that such a touching film could be made about a metal band full of perseverance and charisma. I highly recommend this film for everyone, especially if you question your chosen profession. Wonderful!

Plants And Animals

Montreal trio Plants and Animals have been on my radar for quite some time. I could not get this song out of my head today. It has that incredible catch and how the hell could you not love a song that included whistling? Yay Canada for yet another great band to rise from the Great White North.

Plants And Animals - Feedback In The Field

Faded Paper Figures

I don't think I could find a better band than Faded Paper Figures to get this blog up and running again. It's time for reinvention, for reinvigoration, and even time for sticking with the task at hand for longer than a two months.

I have been listening to this album all night and I can't get enough of it. There is a touch of Lali Puna in there, I think it might just be the jostled Valerie Trebeljahr - esque vocal sample that is reminding me, but it sounds so new and reinvented. It is awesome and it is putting me in a great mood.

Faded Paper Figures – North By North
Faded Paper Figures - Logos

Missing MIssing Missing

Sorry for the lack of posts. There is no excuse other than a busy life planning a wedding, finding a place to live, and a advancing our lives with a major move to Europe in the near future. However, I would love to share some Country with y'all now.

In life, I go through phases when I just love genres of music. Although I hate giving any title/pigeonhole to any one type of music, I still think that corning country-twang-sounding music into the "alt-country" label is generally OK. I have been obsessed with Deer Tick as of late which has allowed me to delve a little deeper into the genre. Here are some gems that have caught my attention, hope you like them.

The Roadside Graves - Jesus Is A Friend Of The Family

The Devil Makes Three - For Good Again

Justin Townes Earle - The Ghost Of Virginia

Virgin of the Birds

Came across this Virgin of the Birds the other day and I can't stop listening to their myspace page. Subtle and beautiful, always a great combination. Have a listen:

Virgin of the Birds - Ilona, You Should Still Be My Vampire Attendant

However, in light of the last post, I had to include this song!

The English Beat - Save It For Later

That Sounds Familiar!

I know I have heard that before! George Varga of the The San Diego Union-Tribune has written an impressive look into the world of song theft, or assumed similarity. I am pissed! I have been planning on writing about the subject for quite some time now and he completely beat me to the punch. Therefore, in an ironic effort, I am going to completely rip him off and include few songs here that I think he missed.

The Strokes - Last Nite
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - American Girl
- Hmm, sounds a lot alike!

Green Day - When I Come Around
The Police - So Lonely
U2 - With Or Without You
- This chord progression has got to be one of the most used in modern rock. Many more examples could be provided but those are the ones that really stand out.


The Offspring - Why Don't You Get A Job?
Arthur Conley - Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
- I won't even include The Beatles original version because it has been ripped off so many times!

I would love to hear some more if you have any.

Timber Timbre

I have been listening to this album relentlessly since it came out at the beginning of the year and I just cannot get sick of it. Timbre Timber have, in my eyes, released the best record of the year so far and I highly recommend everyone checking it out.

Timber Timbre - Lay Down In The Tall Grass
Timber Timbre - Like a Mountain

Chriss Sutherland

How I have missed Chriss Sutherland in the many years he has been around is beyond me. His music instantly spoke to me and, yes, he also has a fantastic voice.

I do not know why I am so addicted to the acoustic guitar as of late, but I just love the comfort it brings especially with someone talented at the wheel. I have included a couple of songs here and I hope you enjoy.

Chriss Sutherland - Perez
Chriss Sutherland - Grumblin'
Chriss Sutherland - Deseos

s-h-u-t u-p!

Just got word that Gene Simmons was rocking out last night in Vancouver at the Media Club for the Hey Ocean show. Word has it Simmons' new CANADIAN record label, Simmons Records, is looking to sign the fabulous local talent.

Nice work Hey Ocean!!

Simmons says: “We’re going to find, develop, nurture and launch new talent emanating from — CANADA!!!. That’s right, Baby.Why here? Because you actually DO have the talent. And now, you have a WAY. ME.” [via]

Amen! Canada DOES have fabulous talent!

Get in touch, Gene, if you're looking for local suggestions...

Huck Notari

I have always been a fan of subtle, beautiful, guitar. I came across Huck Notari the other day and I have to admit that I am very impressed. What is in the water in Portland?

Huck Notari - I Want to Win

Oh, and here is a great cover of Little Lies by Anna Ternheim:

Anna Ternheim - Little Lies
Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies

Canada Day

I have never been a huge fan of national pride and/or patriotism. However, today I am feeling a little different. The following is my feeble attempt at bands, from The Great White North, that have really impressed me in my life. I really think S should be writing this one... she is a fanatic for Canadian content. These are just good songs from a cool country.

The Band - The Weight
Arcade Fire – No Cars Go
Bruce Cockburn - Call It Democracy
The D'Urbervilles - National Flowers
Wolf Parade - Shine a Light

Yay: Vancouver to Become Even More Boring

The live-music staple known as Richards on Richards will officially be closing it's doors as of July 21st, 2009. How upsetting is it that these great venues keep shutting down in this city? I am really going to miss that marvellous brick backdrop and the stage that has been home to some of the best shows I have ever seen. So long to a real gem.

Pedro The Lion - Bands with Managers (Live @ Richards on Richards)

Michael Jackson

Today, I sort of feel like writing a music round-up. I have come across quite a bit of music lately and very few have caught my interest.

That said, here are a couple of songs that did grab me with their hook and I feel like they should be shared here. There is a theme... death.

R.I.P. M.J.







Obits – Two Headed Coin
The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers - Billie Jean (Drunken Bombast One Take)
Johnny Cash - I Hung My Head
The Chatham Singers - All Who Cheated And Lied
Múm - Small Deaths are the Saddest
Windsor For The Derby - The Melody of a Fallen Tree

Joe Pug

If there is one performer that I am really looking forward to seeing at this years Vancouver Folk Festival, it is this man, Joe Pug. He has that songwriting sensibility that grabs and drags you into a hypnotic abyss. Put simply, I am a fan.

He is offering up a free e.p. on his website and I highly recommend that you go and grab it. Well worth a listen.

Joe Pug - Hymn #101

Dawes & Deer Tick

I get the pleasure of seeing Deer Tick tonight at The Media Club and I am rather excited about it. The prospect of seeing just how that boy sings is a thrill. However, I am also delighted to be seeing Dawes. I have been listening to their Myspace page for the last hour and they are extraordinary.

Here… dig this!

Dawes - When My Time Comes




---------

Review of the show:

Dawes was quite the experience as I felt like I was stuck in a school-gym locker with my underwear waistband around my head. With the amount of kids singing along to every song, one would think that Dawes had truly hit the big-time with the next summertime anthem. It was a very strange experience. Are they really famous? Are the a Christian rock band?

Deer Tick were amazing. I think more bands should take themselves less seriously and follow suit. Absolutely loved them and I have to say that their version of Dirty Dishes (a capella) floored me. I wish I had some photos to share but unfortunately, I don't.

The Wind Whistles

The Wind Whistles might just be my new favourite fun, soap drum, sounding band that has hit the scene lately. They are a local band to boot! Check out the tune

The Wind Whistles - Good Friends Won't Rip You Off

I was recently presented with a band whom go by the name Memory Tapes. I have not been able to get the song Bicycle out of my head. Have a listen and let me know if it has the same affect on you.

Two Great Loves

I have two big weaknesses - music & design. Being a designer, combining these two loves is something I've always aspired to do. I'm very jealous of folks like Jason Munn who have made this dream a reality.

I have to constantly restrain myself from buying more prints from Small Stakes & InSound - so many great bands, so many beautiful posters.

Happy Friday!

[images here & here]

Adjective

You know, this is a little overdue and it should have been posted last week. However, the old adage is always true: Better late then never! Congratulations to my friends, Adjective, for their cover story in Georgia Straight last week.

Cheers!

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
Wire - Ambitious

*Please note, the songs are completely tongue-in-cheek and are in lieu of material inside the article. You can read it here.

The Sarcastic Dharma Society

If you do not know about The Sarcastic Dharma Society (aka Mat Vuksinich) I highly recommend that you check him out. As mentioned a while back, there is nothing I appreciate more than a great voice and Vuksinich's is incredible. There is something so mature, yet unfocused, about it that just grabs my attention.

I was introduced to his voice when a friend sent me a collection of cover songs that Vuksinich had completed with some Portland based musicians. He titled the project Other Peoples Songs and I was floored as to how he managed to generate new life in the collection that he had chosen to cover.

Being quite familiar with most of the songs made me that much more aware of the talent that Vuksinich has. In fact, I think that was part of what intrigued me most about The Sarcastic Dharma Society. The songs that were chosen to cover were songs that I had grown up with; they were songs that I had purchased and had listened to countless times. They were songs that I loved and he was pulling off the seemingly impossible by making them sound original and distinctive. He wrote a great letter about the project and I have included it here:


"... from september 29th to october 7th, via the use of many unemployed hours, and the combination of an unclaimed magnus chord organ and an unclaimed bedroom, both in the house whose couch i sleep upon, i recorded a new cover song every day. they are here presented in chronological order to represent those 9 ridiculous days. the idea was to record one a day for thirty days, but on the 10th day, drained of all creativity, imagination, and interesting ideas, i drank a bottle of wine whilst stumbling through an uninspired rendition of At Night's "Catch The Moon" in the bathroom and realized the recording was a mess, and an obvious indication that i could no longer force myself into such prolific production. well, i could, but it would stop being good.

so i took a break, focused on writing, played a few shows, and a couple months later started working on "don't let me down". that one took me a lot more than a day--i couldn't figure out how the 5/4 part in the bridge came in/went out for weeks. i was making it a lot more complicated than it had to be, but it took the musical competency of my dad to help me see that. seriously, the guy's a pro.

i think it was (is) a good project, and i've learned a lot. it is beneficial to force yourself to work even when you're not feeling "inspired", but only to a point. when you pass that point, you make crap. also: i work well in one day increments.i'm going to continue to do covers, and have already started working on volume two, but i also need to record/finish writing the next record of original sarcastic dharma society stuff, and i want to do some recording/production for some other people, and i want to get a live band together, so we'll see about all that. much love, -mat"


The Sarcastic Dharma Society - First Day of My Life (Bright Eyes Cover)
Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life

Gracious Sub Pop

Ye' olde Sub Pop Records has offered up a nice summer (cybersex) mix on their website for free. You can go and download it here.

In fact, you should go look regardless at the website to see how fresh and amazing it is. Nothing flashy or bothersome at all!

Flight of the Concords - Hurt Feelings

It Might Get Loud

Now imagine, The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White jamming in a large room in London. Sounds like the opening line to a joke but, wait for it, it's true!

This looks to be what movies are all about. Who knew Jack White was a comedian? I can't wait until this comes out.

Check out the trailer here.

Oberst + James + Ward

= Monsters of Folk

The highly anticipated album by Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst & Mike Mogis, My Morning Jacket's Jim James and singer/songwriter M. Ward will be released September 22, 2009. Being a huge M. Ward & Bright Eyes fan, I can't wait to get my hands on this album....

Charles Bradley & The Bullets

Baby, I am done with all my crying!

I know this is old but it came on and I had to include it here. Charles Bradley & The Bullets, at some point last year, released a 7 inch singles collection and I somehow missed out on it. I love this song and it is great to go to bed to.

Charles Bradley & The Bullets - Now That I am Gone

Sprechen Sie Deutsch

I often find it really interesting to go into realms of music that I have never explored before. In this case, I decided to take a trip down memory Straße to the 1980's and German (Language not Country) New Wave.

Now, I have had Grauzone (awesome) in my collection for some time and it they have always intrigued me. Were there bands singing in German that were as good at the time? Well, after a little digging I came up with a couple.

I don't know if this is a "who's who" of German New Wave but, if anyone out there can put me onto some more, I would really appreciate it.

Siglo XX - Factory
Der Plan - Alle Sieben Jahre
Palais Schaumburg - Wir Bauen Eine Neue Stadt
Rheingold - Dreiklangdimensionen (Very Cool Song!)
Pyrolator - Gespraech Mit Der Erde

A. A. Bondy Releases New Track

Yes, the wait is over for one of my personal "most anticipated" next releases. A. A. Bondy has released a tune from his latest effort, When The Devil’s Loose, which is set to hit shelves at the beginning of September. This time around there is definitely the presence of a backing band as there seems they have been brought to the forefront of the song, wrapping his voice.

Check out the Title Track:

A. A. Bondy - The Devil's Loose

Pea Sized

What a perfect way to end a weekend. As most could probably attest, Sunday night can always get anyone down as that dreaded Monday Morning is looming in the distance. However, having just finished cooking a fun meal and enjoying it with the best person to ever touch my life, I really wanted some inspirational, down-tempo, music. I found the perfect ingredients in Pea Sized. I think I am addicted the the song Baby right now.

Check it out:

Pea Sized - Baby

Clock Hands Strangle

I was recently introduced to Clock Hands Strangle and I have to admit I am rather intrigued by the originality of their music. The following is the title track off their latest effort Distaccati and I highly recommend you check it out.

Clock Hands Strangle - Distaccati

Bike for Three

It's very rare that the Anticon label releases something I don't like. 13 & God and Dosh were at one point my favourite acts on the label however, the label's line-up just continues to get better and better.

For instance, the latest collaboration between Buck 65 and Belgian Producer Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê (aka Greetings from Tuskan) entitled Bike for Three is simply stellar. Although the two have never met, they certainly have created a moving and brilliant album.

Bike for Three - All There Is To Say About Love

Great Love

I just noticed that M posted about St. Thomas, so it's only fitting that i post about one of my music loves - the wonderfully talented Andrew Bird.

I don't really know where to start with Andrew Bird - all I can do is suggest you start at the beginning. Dig up some of his old tunes, and make your way through to the new ones. Every song is a musical masterpiece (in my humble opinion).

Listen here.

Saint Thomas

I know if my partner in blog-land knew I was writing yet another entry about this man, she would most definitely role her eyes. However, my obsession with Thomas Hansen’s (aka: St. Thomas) crafty song writing abilities has continued to amaze me long after his premature death over a year ago.

It comes in waves. I will listen to my music library on random and one of Thomas’ gems will wiggle its way into the mix. At this point, I find myself listening to his entire catalogue and it feels fresh and new again. I never seem to get sick of his music. To the point of including Cornerman on every driving-mix I have made for the last couple of years.

I wonder what would have become of his next album. I wish he could be here still to produce those amazing songs that seem to emulate something new with each listen. Here are a couple of my latest favourites by St. Thomas.

A Village In Tuscany - St. Thomas
I Picked Up The Phone - St. Thomas
Money Doesn't Matter - St. Thomas
Dance to Disco - St. Thomas
Medication - St. Thomas