Neil Young - Le Noise

Neil Young and Daniel Lanois! Honestly, if you do not know those two names I don't think you can tie your own shoes. There is absolutely no introduction needed and for the first time in a while, I have found something amazing to write about. This album is genius, exciting and oh-so relevant. Easily both artists' best work in years.

I am sure we all expected it. You put these two men in a room together and there is bound to be an album with one or two great tracks. However, listening today, I can tell you every track on the album is amazing and it is definitely in my top ten albums released this year. And yes, I have only heard a handfull of times. It is just that good. 

Ol' Neil and Lanois must have been listening to a lot of newcomers to the crunchy folk scene. It sounds as though they have skimmed elements of every "folk" (used very lightly) album released in the last several years, swirled it around their genius minds and spat it out as the ultimate "how to" guide for writing in this genre. With melody comes atmosphere. With vocals comes echo. With lyrics comes incredible imagery. I love what these two have created because it feels so fresh and it is sure to be another exclamation point to a couple of already illustrious careers. 

Lyrically, it is a glimpse into the soul of the oft shy Mr. Young. Historical memoirs that create bleak scenes of a poverty stricken Canadian folkster, a man that loves his family and North America, and, of course, the brutal theft of that same territory so many years ago from it's original inhabitants. I think the lyrics are the thing that makes Le Noise so wonderful for me, I love hearing the man tell me stories. 

Go buy this album because it is the best thing to come out, in my mind, in the last several months. 

FUBAR II

I never get too excited about sequels. There are very few sequels worth standing up and shouting about. However, I cannot tell you how excited I am for Fubar II. The first one made me laugh and I know the second is going to make me laugh harder. Seriously, watch the trailer. How could it not?

JBM // AA Bondy

With M so focused on his hunt for the perfect job, I see he's neglected to rave about the JBM/AA Bondy show we attended last week at the Media Club in Vancouver. So I will.

It's a rare occurrence when the opening act has you wondering how the headliner could ever possibly compete. On September 11th, opening act Jesse Merchant (JBM) played to a truly awestruck crowd. I won’t try to regale you with the hauntingly beautiful details of each song, or the fervor that engulfed the room. I will simply tell you, that if you have a chance to see JBM, I you will not be disappointed.

I will also tell you, that not surprisingly, AA Bondy failed to disappoint as well. Capitalizing on an already engaged crowd, he continued to dazzle us with his captivating presence, incredible talent and foot-stompin’, harmonica-blowin' songs.

Fun fact: JBM’s ex-girlfriend, Hollywood starlet Amanda Seyfried, was at the show selling swag. Bizarro.

[photo credit]

All Those Ships - Perils

I must say, I have gained an appreciation for All Those Ships (a.k.a. Brandon MacNeil). The self-professed "alt-folk singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist," Brandon is a talented songwriter that boasts a very impressive knack for instrumentation. His latest album Perils has been in constant rotation for the last couple of days and it is very impressive. Moving from Irish jigs to sentimental love songs, the album covers a lot of ground and does it well.

As always with home recordings, there are some areas that could use a little production help but those are easily ignored by the quality of songwriting and the vast array of instruments Brandon chooses to include in his recordings. I have to highly recommend you check out the album Perils and you can do so here.

Grinderman - Grinderman 2

You know what, I really don't need to write just how amazing this album is going to be. I really shouldn't stress here how everyone has to attend their Vancouver show at the Commodore on November 26th.

I don't have to say these things because my hope is that most of the people that read this blog would already know that Grinderman is a force.

*The album Grinderman 2 is amazing by the way!












Grinderman - Super Heathen Child (with Robert Fripp) by MuteRecords

The Dears - Residency Posters Competition

My loving wife recently sent in some posters for the upcoming Residency Concert Series that The Dears are putting on in the coming months. Now, I would be so thankful if you could kindly go HERE to vote for Sarah Reid's posters as they are clearly the best of the bunch. Also, the great thing about these posters is that they will be sold at the shows with proceeds going directly to Montreal City Mission and War Child.

Thank you so much and I will have a reward for you if she wins. (Still trying to figure out what the award will be!)

Drunken Barn Dance - Grey Buried

As I have mentioned before, I absolutely hate comparing bands but I just can't help myself in this case. The Weakerthans, Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Mountain Goats are a few of my favourite bands and I am absolutely convinced if you could amalgamate them all, you would end up with Drunken Barn Dance.

I have been listening to the band's latest release Grey Buried for the last couple of days and, I have to admit, I am very impressed. The songs express anthem-like charm and the songwriting flows impeccably. Full of uplifting rock-n-roll and defined melodies, I have put this up as one of the better releases to come out lately. Have a listen on their myspace page, I am sure you will like it.