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.

The Woody Pines

OK, this guy is just fantastic! If you every want to get down and dirty and do that ol' rag town butt kick, these are your boys. I have been listening to them since around Christmas time and they are simply amazing. I believe the singer/songwriter's name is Woody Pine but the band goes by the moniker, The Woody Pines... incredible!

What A Long Strange Trip it's Been, Here is Some Surfer Blood

Well, as some of you may or may not know, my wife and I are on an extended honeymoon in Europe and it has definitely cut into our available Wi-Fi time and, hence, contributed to a lack of posts here. I can't express to everyone enough how much I miss finding, and receiving, new music and we feel we have let what little readership we have down by not providing new material here. However, we have a hotel with free Wi-Fi for a couple of days, a luxury in these parts, and I will be writing to you from the most wonderful city of Saumur, France.

I have actually got to check out some various bands here and Surfer Blood is really standing out to me. I have spoken of these chaps before but there album is definitely worth mentioning twice. I also can't help to think how amazing the live show would be. The music is just full of energy and life and, quite simply, complete joy.

... I also hate how old I feel looking at that photo!

Surfer Blood - Take it Easy

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