Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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

Saturday, June 27, 2009

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)



Friday, June 26, 2009

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



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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.

Monday, June 22, 2009

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.

Friday, June 19, 2009

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]

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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....

Monday, June 15, 2009

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

Sunday, June 14, 2009

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


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Saturday, June 13, 2009

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
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Fanfarlo


Fanfarlo have their debut album for sale for a measly $1.00 HERE.

The effort is amazing and, personally, I think this might be the next surprise hit in North America. The band could easily garner Arcade Fire recognition for their talent in no time.

In other intersting news about the band; the following was a excerpt from the Sigur Ros mailing list about the albums cover photography:

It's got Sigurrós and her cousin Disa on the front cover in a pic by Jónsi's other sis Lilja (true), and we urge you all to go and get it straight away.

Vieux Farka Touré

Having a famous father (and one of the finest guitar players ever to live) I am sure can lead one to feel inferior in the family trade. However, Vieux Farka Touré has seamlessly entered the family business with ease and has surpassed my expectations. Definitely go out and buy his latest effort, Fondo, as it does not disapoint.

Vieux Farka Touré - Fafa

Friday, June 12, 2009

Robots Need Love Too

Happy Friday all. Suggested tunes for the day?
The lovely, rough & soulful sounds of Dan Mangan.

It's nice to see a [nice] local boy doing so well - and he's only going to do better. His latest EP, Roboteering has granted him alocades from the most renound music critics, and his star just keeps rising. He always seems to be touring, so try to get out to see him if you can.


Listen here.

[photo credit]

One Fascinating Story

I received the following story via email this morning but I have to admit that I witness this type of ignorance every day.

--

Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time approx. two-thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.


4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. 10 minutes: A 3 year-old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes:
The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

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Danny Malone

I think the spiritual pull of Austin, Texas is getting stronger and stronger by the minute. I have to go buy a couple of plane tickets. Is there anything amazing going on in late September? The Austin City Limits Music Festival is all I can find but I would love any advice as to what would be better entertainment for the end of the month. Moreover, I would absolutely love to see Danny Malone!

Danny Malone - In The Darkness (Hearya Live Session)

Gregory Alan Isakov

It seems the deeper you dig the better the music gets. That is definitely the case with coming across the amazing musings of Gregory Alan Isakov. I was in some obscure area of the internet and found just and incredible talent.

Great Tunes!

Gregory Alan Isakov - Big Black Car
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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wheat

Although I have never heard of Wheat, they really grabbed my attention today sifting through the mass of blogs that occupies my lunch hour. Upon further investigation, their song El Sincero (available to listen to on their myspace page) might just be my new favourite of the week. Great stuff!

Check out H.O.T.T.

Wheat - H.O.T.T.

American Analogue Set fans - Rejoice!

M & I were fortunate to be among the 40-odd people who took in the Wooden Birds/Other Lives show at the Media Club last Tuesday night.

Both avid fans of American Analogue Set, M & I were excited for this intimate opportunity to see the Wooden Birds, fronted by (of course) Andrew Kenny.

Kenny has got to be one of the most humble musicians I've ever seen live. He was gracious, funny and didn't seem to notice the poor turnout thanks to the non-existent promotions by Sealed With A Kiss.

Their performance stayed true to Kenny's signature vocals, lyrics and mellow sound, satisfying the AmAnSet fans in all of us.

Opening for The Wooden Birds were Other Lives - who blew me away. Their set was haunting & powerful; woven with beautiful lyrics & stunning vocals.

Listen to Wooden Birds here.
Listen to Other Lives here & check out their [AMAZING] HearYA Live Session here.

[Photos: SR]


Great News

A. A. Bondy will be releasing a new album in September. Look forward to another 10 songs from one of the most brilliant acoustic guitar players to rise from the fluff in quite some time.

A. A. Bondy - Vice Rag (Heaya Live Session)

CANADIANA: Episode One



I used to have a wonderfully diverse music collection ranging from obscure indie bands to jazz standards. About a month ago BOTH my computers crashed and I lost the majority of my beloved music collection. During this time I went into a bit of a musical depression and found solace in streaming musical love of CBC radio 3.

Prior to “the crash” my knowledge of Canadian music was much more mainstream, with bands like Wolf Parade, Broken Social Scene & Meligrove Band filling my CanCon requirements.

In this weekly feature post, I will introduce you to some of my favourite Canadian bands. I hope you enjoy them too…

Old Man Luedecke can put a smile on my face within the first few twangy notes of his banjo. Fun fact: Luedecke bought his very first banjo here in Vancouver!
Listen here.

I can't seem to get enought of Rah Rah. Their music is powerful, compelling & from what I understand, they put on a terrific show. They're going to be at the Railway Club in Vancouver (and are currently touring around Canada). I would strongly suggest you check them out!
Listen here.

Deer Tick

If there is one thing that I require of a band, it's that the singer can hold a tune. I have always hated when bands overlook such an important instrument, such as voice. It is on that note that I highly recommend Deer Tick.

They have been making their rounds as of late and were surprisingly even interviewed by Brian Williams as proof of the news man's indie-prowess.

Check out the track Easy:

Deer Tick - Easy

Scott H. Biram


For those of you who missed the Scott H. Biram show at the Media Club 2 weeks ago, I just need to say... that is really too bad. The man is absolutely amazing and easily one of the more talented individuals I have ever seen live. If you get the chance to see him in your own home town I would highly recommend it. As for me, it might just be worth the trip to Austin for the deep down dirty sludge blues!

Scott H. Biram - No Way
Scott H. Biram - Been Down too Long
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