Frightened Rabbit: The Winter of Mixed Drinks

I love Frightened Rabbit. This love started early and has remained with me with every new article I read, session I hear, and cheeky tweet I am alerted of from the band. Therefore, it is with no surprise at all that I would write a review of praise for the latest effort from the Scottish outfit: The Winter of Mixed Drinks.

You see, Frightened Rabbit are one of those bands that release instant anthems on their albums. They are one of those bands that just understand songwriting and when to push and pull tones based on the melody. Every album has at least one track that ensures one gets shivers smoothly attacking their spine. What's with Scotland and the country's ability to spit out talent.

There are some outstanding tunes on this album. Foot Shooter, Nothing Like You (I like the band's video better!), Not Miserable, and Living in Colour are, with first listen, my favourites. However, I know I will soon love every song as they all seem to have that untouchable Frightened Rabbit quality that is, well, untouchable.

Frightened Rabbit - Not Miserable

photo by Gordon Burniston

Lali Puna: Our Inventions

To tell you the honest truth, there are some bands/musicians (Markus Acher = Genius) that don't need introduction, review, and/or praise. With every release, Our Inventions included, Lali Puna prove just how important they are and how amazing German music can be. Simply, buy the album and enjoy.

Lali Puna – Everything is Always

Yoyoyo Acapulco: The Pleumeleuc Experience

I have been listening to Yoyoyo Acapulco's album The Pleumeleuc Experience for the last couple of days and I can't decide; is it a comical attempt at music or are all the songs sincere. The music is impressive from a performance standpoint, but the lyrics seem so silly and playful. However, with that noted, I have to say: I love this album!

It's quite strange, normally this type of music would drive me nuts but I think the instrumental experimentation is excellent. Imagine Pavement with an accordion, melodica, and penny-purchased xylophone. The music is great and, well obviously, a lot of fun to listen to. I am really glad that I gave it a couple of days "chance" to understand the subtlety that is Yoyoyo Acapulco because I am sure I will be listening a lot more from now on.

Yoyoyo Acapulco - The Patterns of the Swallows

Have Gun, Will Travel: Postcards From The Friendly City

Amazing songwriters give me a sense of familiarity. Not in an "I've heard this before" kind of way, but in a "this feels right" kind of way. Have Gun, Will Travel is definitely one of those bands - the're innovative, talented and just "feel right".

I really hope they escape the "alt-country" label that dogs most bands as talented as these guys and Postcards from the Friendly City reaches a broader audience than it seems to be reaching now. Have Gun, Will Travel's music is fresh, enthusiastic, and fun. However, they also have a sophistication to them that most bands could barely scratch if their careers lasted centuries.

Postcards from the Friendly City is a masterpiece and I am really upset that I did not include it on my top list last year. Great album and definitely worth your purchase.

Old Man Luedecke: My Hands are on Fire and other Love Songs

It's been a couple of years since my wife introduced me the glory that is Old Man Luedecke. Just as I had greatly anticipated Joe Pug's latest effort, I have to say that I am just as excited about this release. Luedecke's latest My Hands are on Fire and other Love Songs will be available March 30th on Black Hen and I can't wait!

Old Man Luedecke - The Rear Guard

The Kissaway Trail - Sleep Mountain

Although I would love to be in a smoky-bar somewhere watching the The Kissaway Trail perform, I can't help but think how amazing the songs from Sleep Mountain would sound driving a quiet stretch of highway in the middle of the night… alone. With every track on the album, one of the best produced I have heard in ages, the band tackles something different and, with that, they float between genres. I love their boldness in ignoring musical rules, which I am sure was pushed by producer Peter Katis, in adding new and interesting elements to each song.

In an album chalked-full of great things, the stand-outs on Sleep Mountain are "New Lipstick" and "Three Million Hours." These songs just capture the essence of the album and the talent The Kissaway Trail have as songwriters.

As I am sure The Kissaway Trail have heard, there are comparables out there. I want to call a great hybrid mix between Arcade Fire and The Shout Out Louds, but the sound is definitely new and original. Way up on my radar right now and a great joy to listen to. Now, I just need some alone time and a stretch of road.

The Kissaway Trail - SDP

Photo Credit: Jacob Keinicke

Vicodin Love Confession

Though there are some slight production/recording flaws, I have always thought that this song had huge potential. There was an earlier version released that was much more raw and less polished that suited the writing better, but who am I to judge.

However, as I mentioned earlier, I have had a lot of time to listen to a lot of old music in my library and Vicodin Love Confession was one of those bands that I thought had, and has, potential. I wonder what they are up to?

Check out this song:

Vicodin Love Confession - Autumn Anthem

John Parrish: She, A Chinese

I am sure everyone who travels experiences the same monotony. How is one supposed to consume all those hours of waiting when reading becomes boring, music becomes mundane, and people-watching just becomes repetitive? My remedy, explore things you often would not.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of John Parish's She, A Chinese Soundtrack and I am so very thankful for it. It strays ever-so slightly from my regular listening and it has been a surprising little voyage. Soundtracks have always been a mystery to me and I feel one can only really grasp them when they are heard in context; not so with Parish's work here. I have found myself listening to this frequently and it comes in very handy during those "waiting" times.

I hate words like "crescendos" and "ambiance" in musical reviews but, unfortunately, they cannot be ignored in this case. Parish pushes boundaries with regards to sound and tonal exploration. He has just the right mix of Eastern and Western influences, which includes Chinese punk bands bumping up against Feist, and it works perfectly. My favourite track is Li Mei & Rachid which has a thrilling quality to it which almost sounds like audible redemption.

Check out She, A Chinese Soundtrack by John Parish

John Parish - Li Mei & Rachid

Padraic Finbar Hagerty-Hammond

As some of you may know, we have spent our entire 2010 travelling through Europe. I bring this up because lengthy train rides, bus rides, and plane rides has lent itself to a certain re-discovery of bands in a vast itunes library. I was reminded of Padraic Finbar Hagerty-Hammond/Sarcastic Dharma Society/Meyercord today and just how incredible some of those songs are. There is a great link HERE where you can get several songs from the genius that is Mat Vuksinich. Have a listen!

Padraic Finbar Hagerty-Hammond - Dog Song
The Sarcastic Dharma Society - Moving On
Meyercord - Canada

Ghostkeeper

I don't know whom it was but someone suggested I check out a track by Ghostkeeper called By Morning recently. Once I got around to doing so, I was floored by how simple, yet amazing, it was. I love this song from it's simplified recording to it's wonderful walking guitar-line. I am so excited to hear the rest of this album, available March 9th on Flemish Eye.

Ghostkeeper - By Morning

Joe Pug: Expectations

Every once and a while there comes a musician/songwriter that just blows me away. Joe Pug is one of those artists. He blows me away with every recorded release, some of which are free (hint hint diggers), that he puts out. He is truly an incredible songwriter and lyricist.

I remember hearing him at the Vancouver Folk Festival last year. We were riding our bikes along Jericho Beach aiming to catch the end of his early set along the fences that surrounded the stage. It felt a bit like cheating not paying the price of admission but it was so worth it hearing those songs live. That voice just seems to grab you and he has an incredible knack to reflect his talent onto an audience.

I thought he could not surpass Hymn #101 but listening to Messenger I think there are definitely contenders that challenge the best tunes from his repertoire. Here are couple of tracks off the recently released Messenger and I highly recommend it's purchase, it is just good... again!

Joe Pug - Not So Sure (live on MOKB radio) - Go get the recorded version... buy the album.
Joe Pug – The Door Is Always Open (from Messenger)



Photo by Todd Roeth

The Black Box Revelation

Ever since hearing, and seeing, Scott H. Biram for the first time I have been in constant pursuit of a band that might possibly meet his energy level. Not by the music played but how it's played live. I say "band" here because I honestly think that not many single performers could surpass Biram's performance and charisma on stage.

Enter two young guys from Belgium who could possibly threaten to measure up. I am currently listening to Silver Threats by The Black Box Revelation for the third time in a row and I can only think of one thing.

I have to see these guys live!

The recorded music I am hearing right now is full of energy and these guys are rapidly climbing my "must see in 2010" list. These two definitely have figured out what Rock and Roll is and let's hope that they can pull this fantastic, energy-filled, album off live. Hoping to see you somewhere in Europe!

Yukon Blonde

It does feel rather strange posting a band from my hometown when I am seated at a kitchen table in Vodnjan, Croatia. However, I have been listening to Yukon Blonde's new self-titled album and I am very impressed. The musicianship is second-to-none, especially the vocal harmonies, and songs are very well crafted and sincere. The release is out now on Bumstead Records and is sure to enter some heavy rotation in this rented apartment. Excellent album from some local Vancouver/Kelowna talent.

Yukon Blonde - Wind Blows
Yukon Blonde - Blood Cops

Photo by Alex Cairncross

Radio Play

There are a billion reasons I tend to stay away from radio airplay. However, driving across France, in a very tiny rental car, I had the privilege to listen to an incredible array of random stations. I mention the vast number of stations here because I was absolutely astounded at the amount of times I heard a given song on each and every station. I have never understood as to why radio remains a stage for mediocracy and dead music. Do you think this will ever change?

The following is a playlist of every song, not used loosely, you will need to know French airplay at the moment. I am sure these will change very soon due to the flash-in-the-pan success that is most often attributed to this mindless crap but I thought it would be a fun post. I have included anecdotes for each song for my own pleasure.

Owl City - Fireflies
- Right down to the vocal intonations, this is such a blatant rip-off of Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello's Postal Service. I was very intrigued by the song and wondered if this Owl City fellow was ashamed of his blunder but, with a little research, he claims he rarely heard the P.S. masterpiece through his high school years. If that is the case, he just attempted to release the never-coming Postal Service second album and failed oh-so miserably. For the best tweet ever on the issue, check out Chris Walla's here.

Kesha - Tik Tok
- Quite simply, I do not understand how anyone could like this. Sure, it is a little fun jingle but only if I was being coerced into buying the toothpaste to hide that "Jack" taste. This really reminds me of a Colgate commercial with a bunch of teenagers running on a beach. What a joke! Her parents should be embarrassed as well!

David Guetta ft Akon - Sexy Bitch
- One of the most shameful things to hit music lately is the vocal track auto-tune fiasco and how it continues to pass without embarrassment in our society. It just sounds so ugly. Here it sounds as if David Guetta wanted to add a little less talent to his stupid mixed song.