Magic Man: Real Life Color (Fantastic!)

There are people that just get it. As I have mentioned before, I am a huge fan of fan appreciation. I love bands that embrace the ever-changing musical environment when it comes to getting your music heard. With this in mind, I have to highly recommend Magic Man's debut album Real Life Color. Why would you not risk it, it is free?

You know those albums that every song suits the next. Real Life Color (Colour for us Canadians) is one of those albums. I honestly love every song on the album and I can't pick a stand out. I feel as if it would be great to listen to whether you were cleaning a house or putting out a fire.

It is so great to hear electronic music without the constant fear that the "pitch shift voice" is going to hit at any minute. It's so great to hear this genre of music done with an awareness of professionalism and musical ability. Magic Man's debut is, plain and simple, excellent songwriting that is great to listen to.

Now, without pumping these guys up too much, I think this is in the realm of The Postal Service for it's crafted songs and astonishing melody. It's up there with my favourite albums of 2010 (so far) and I say that without the slightest of hesitation. I really think Magic Man will be grateful for their little "free" experiment because they will be a force to reckon with for a long time to come. Great work guys, great work!

Here is my choice for best single from the album:

Magic Man - Like Sailors

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

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