It's been a strange week, every day of this week has felt like the wrong day. Does that make sense? So it's Thursday night but promise me, it feels like Tuesday. I think I also felt off because normally I would be in Calgary at this moment pouring beers at the Folk Festival, but I'm not, I'm home. Very odd, since it's been part of my summer for 16 years.
So rather than focus on that, I tried to immerse myself in music. And pleasantly, there were a few that really impressed me. So without further a do.....
Milo Greene by Milo Greene. Wonderful, soaring harmonies and beautiful music are in abundance. In a word their music is transportive. Really I don't feel like I need to say more, It's great. http://www.milogreene.com/
Gossamer by Passion Pit. On first pass I sort of just dismissed this release. But then I found myself needing some distraction so decided to give it another play. I'm torn because it has some great sing-a-long moments but then there is a terrible piece that sounds like it was torn right from an eighties movie montage. So if you are a bit sad because it's been a month since MGMT rocked the airwaves or your favourite movie moment is when the nerds fix up their frat house in Revenge of the Nerds, well look no further because Passion Pit saves the day. http://gossamer.passionpitmusic.com/
Songs of Patience by Alberta Cross. I really dig the opening track. It reminded me a bit of Gomez with a dash of gospel mixed in. But after that, it really wasn't impressing me. However if you like 90's alt-rock you'll like this. Read into that what you will. http://www.albertacross.net/
American Music by The Illegitimate Sons. If you can get past the oddly creepy cover, and you should, you'll find a gem. American Music perfectly sums it up. I don't like to make such lofty comparisons in vain, but if you like Ryan Adams, The Band or alt-country murder ballads, then you'll like this. I seriously dig this, check them out please. Excellent song-writing, great melody and solid production might just land this one in my top 10 for the year. http://theillegitimatesons.com/
The Brian Holland Sessions by MoZella. Sort of a bridge between Adele and Amy, this Detroit songstress delivers a great retro soul album. If you appreciate the retro Motown sound you will naturally gravitate towards this release. Brian Holland, of Holland, Dozier & Holland (yes the masterminds behind much of the Motown heyday hits), has taken MoZella under his wing and crafts an amazing and fun album. I have really nothing else to say other than go listen and you'll see what I mean. http://mozellamusic.com.s123765.gridserver.com/
So truly some great music was discovered this week. I hope that you take time to seek some of these out online, and then promptly visit your favourite record store and go buy some music.
Thursday 26 July 2012
Friday 20 July 2012
I sing this songe because I love the man
Well damn, it feels like months since I last posted about music but really it's only been weeks.
And what an odd few weeks it's been. You know the feeling you have when things aren't exactly how you want them to be.... nothing is bad, but it's just not quite right? Well I have been in that holding pattern for about a month now, waiting for the haze to lift. Any day now, I hope.
So my musical adventure begins:
Fight! Fight! Fight! by The History of Panic. Super catchy debut release from Gerald Roesser, better know as The History of Panic. It's pretty easy to hear the influence, I picture this guy growing up pretending to be a DJ in his bedroom and immersing himself in the eletcro/techno revolution of the 90's. This release blurs the edges of genre and after listening and reading up on him, I am impressed with the time and dedication put into this release; truly a labour of love. It's worth listening to he has taken the mellow approach of embarrassing his influence and has produced a record that is subtle and evokes a mood that is comforting and sublime. http://thehistoryofpanic.com/
Baby to Beast by The Appleseed Collective. This group is a string band with a strong swing Dixie influence, they actually remind me of the Squirrel Nut Zippers at times. I usually find pleasure in tradition, yet listening to this release left me wanting more. I felt like there wasn't enough here to keep my attention. They have a plaintive sound that can border on the depressing at times and they get dangerously close to over using it. This is a solid first effort by this group, but I can tell you, that I didn't have to research them to know it was their first release it was evident. There certainly is talent in this group I just hope it's nurtured and that they evolve beyond the "hey how quaint". http://www.theappleseedcollective.com/fr_home.cfm
One Lovely Day by Citizen Cope. I claim ignorance on this group (actually just one dude). I always saw these releases and thought it would be a terrible rap/rock hybrid that would make my tummy ache so clearly I stayed away. Well I gave it a try and was surprised. It's sort of an urban/folk sound. The music is light and breezy and I can picture myself sitting in a field watching him at a festival and dazzle the masses. There is a chill to this album. The groove is maintained throughout and I found myself relaxing as it progressed. Plus, and this should be the clincher, he does a mellow cover of Glen Campbell's Southern Nights. Well played sir. http://citizencope.com/
Broken Brights by Angus Stone. So I am still a bit undecided on this album. It has the sun-soaked sound of California 60's and for the most part it's quite good, but the flow is odd, and I still am not over the track Blue Door. I mean seriously pan pipes???? After those hiccups the rest sounds fine, I did enjoy the music and I especially liked the track It Was Blue. I could listen to that one over and over no problem. So I guess I am saying, if you dig the retro sound, I am sure you'll enjoy this CD. http://angusstone.com/
Shout out out to three local bands:
1. Murdoch & Sparrow's Dominion Day. Well of course I dig it, it was recorded in the Arden Theatre (where I work) plus they have to be two of the nicest fellows. Tracks stand out on their own, but as a whole unveil a story that draws in the listener. Please check them out, you won't be disappointed. Seriously, would I lie to you? http://www.murdochandsparrow.com/about/
2. Shout Out Out Out's Spanish Moss and Total Loss. I don't really know these guys personally, but have helped sell their merch from time to time and obviously seen them perform. This new CD is a departure from the high tempo party sound, but honestly I am okay with that. I have total faith in the creativity of this band. I think it's awesome that they are ever evolving. I always like what I hear and the fact that critics have said this is their least "fun" album, well screw that. Sure the tempo is different, but they would have been equally criticised for staying the same. I would love more of a party sound too, because they do it well, but what they have released sounds great. Go buy it. http://shoutoutoutoutout.com/
3. Hot Panda's Go Outside. I used to work with Chris at Megatunes, and while we only crossed paths for a few months, I did like him and was impressed when he formed this group with his girlfriend. Their sound is not my favourite go to, when I am picking music, but I can see the merit. Quite honestly, I am thrilled for their success, and this album is solid from start to finish. Check them out. http://www.hotpanda.ca/
On a local note, go buy your music in a real record store. There are great local stores in Edmonton that we should all support. Permanent Records, Blackbyrd Records and Listen Records come to mind instantly.
And what an odd few weeks it's been. You know the feeling you have when things aren't exactly how you want them to be.... nothing is bad, but it's just not quite right? Well I have been in that holding pattern for about a month now, waiting for the haze to lift. Any day now, I hope.
So my musical adventure begins:
Fight! Fight! Fight! by The History of Panic. Super catchy debut release from Gerald Roesser, better know as The History of Panic. It's pretty easy to hear the influence, I picture this guy growing up pretending to be a DJ in his bedroom and immersing himself in the eletcro/techno revolution of the 90's. This release blurs the edges of genre and after listening and reading up on him, I am impressed with the time and dedication put into this release; truly a labour of love. It's worth listening to he has taken the mellow approach of embarrassing his influence and has produced a record that is subtle and evokes a mood that is comforting and sublime. http://thehistoryofpanic.com/
Baby to Beast by The Appleseed Collective. This group is a string band with a strong swing Dixie influence, they actually remind me of the Squirrel Nut Zippers at times. I usually find pleasure in tradition, yet listening to this release left me wanting more. I felt like there wasn't enough here to keep my attention. They have a plaintive sound that can border on the depressing at times and they get dangerously close to over using it. This is a solid first effort by this group, but I can tell you, that I didn't have to research them to know it was their first release it was evident. There certainly is talent in this group I just hope it's nurtured and that they evolve beyond the "hey how quaint". http://www.theappleseedcollective.com/fr_home.cfm
One Lovely Day by Citizen Cope. I claim ignorance on this group (actually just one dude). I always saw these releases and thought it would be a terrible rap/rock hybrid that would make my tummy ache so clearly I stayed away. Well I gave it a try and was surprised. It's sort of an urban/folk sound. The music is light and breezy and I can picture myself sitting in a field watching him at a festival and dazzle the masses. There is a chill to this album. The groove is maintained throughout and I found myself relaxing as it progressed. Plus, and this should be the clincher, he does a mellow cover of Glen Campbell's Southern Nights. Well played sir. http://citizencope.com/
Broken Brights by Angus Stone. So I am still a bit undecided on this album. It has the sun-soaked sound of California 60's and for the most part it's quite good, but the flow is odd, and I still am not over the track Blue Door. I mean seriously pan pipes???? After those hiccups the rest sounds fine, I did enjoy the music and I especially liked the track It Was Blue. I could listen to that one over and over no problem. So I guess I am saying, if you dig the retro sound, I am sure you'll enjoy this CD. http://angusstone.com/
Shout out out to three local bands:
1. Murdoch & Sparrow's Dominion Day. Well of course I dig it, it was recorded in the Arden Theatre (where I work) plus they have to be two of the nicest fellows. Tracks stand out on their own, but as a whole unveil a story that draws in the listener. Please check them out, you won't be disappointed. Seriously, would I lie to you? http://www.murdochandsparrow.com/about/
2. Shout Out Out Out's Spanish Moss and Total Loss. I don't really know these guys personally, but have helped sell their merch from time to time and obviously seen them perform. This new CD is a departure from the high tempo party sound, but honestly I am okay with that. I have total faith in the creativity of this band. I think it's awesome that they are ever evolving. I always like what I hear and the fact that critics have said this is their least "fun" album, well screw that. Sure the tempo is different, but they would have been equally criticised for staying the same. I would love more of a party sound too, because they do it well, but what they have released sounds great. Go buy it. http://shoutoutoutoutout.com/
3. Hot Panda's Go Outside. I used to work with Chris at Megatunes, and while we only crossed paths for a few months, I did like him and was impressed when he formed this group with his girlfriend. Their sound is not my favourite go to, when I am picking music, but I can see the merit. Quite honestly, I am thrilled for their success, and this album is solid from start to finish. Check them out. http://www.hotpanda.ca/
On a local note, go buy your music in a real record store. There are great local stores in Edmonton that we should all support. Permanent Records, Blackbyrd Records and Listen Records come to mind instantly.
Monday 16 July 2012
Another one bites the dust
My life is not so tragic, that I need to title this blog Another One Bites the Dust by Queen but it was one hell of a week and never have I ever thought I would say "I am so glad to be back at work".
I was really looking forward to my week off, and even decided to volunteer for a few days at the Street Performers Festival, to help a friend out. But Sunday came, and so did a flood in my bathroom. With record setting heat, no air conditioning in my home, flooding and relentless issues trying to fix my bathroom it was only Saturday when I finally started to feel like my time was indeed my time. It's actually a good thing I had the week off, because these issues were all consuming.
But time flies and it's Monday, I am back to work and I have realised that the one thing I missed out on the most last week is that I didn't listen to any new music. (picture me hanging my head in shame).
Okay enough of the sad sack story, and on to what matters.....MUSIC!
Stay tuned for a music post coming soon.
I was really looking forward to my week off, and even decided to volunteer for a few days at the Street Performers Festival, to help a friend out. But Sunday came, and so did a flood in my bathroom. With record setting heat, no air conditioning in my home, flooding and relentless issues trying to fix my bathroom it was only Saturday when I finally started to feel like my time was indeed my time. It's actually a good thing I had the week off, because these issues were all consuming.
But time flies and it's Monday, I am back to work and I have realised that the one thing I missed out on the most last week is that I didn't listen to any new music. (picture me hanging my head in shame).
Okay enough of the sad sack story, and on to what matters.....MUSIC!
Stay tuned for a music post coming soon.
Friday 6 July 2012
Show a little faith there's magic in the night
This title was provided by a talented young man named Bruce Springsteen.
Well this week was odd, I either liked or dislike the selections. Normally I try to find some redeeming quality in an album, after all this is someones masterpiece, but this week it was difficult. I have also been having an annoying week at work, so that may have influenced some of initial thoughts.
Ownerless by Everest. Consisting of members of Folk Implossion and Sebadoh, I figured there was no way I wouldn't enjoy this release. Now, that's a bit of pressure. I really dug this album. I would love to see them at one of our outdoor music festivals someday. Anyone who has a soft spot for Alt-Country/Folk/Stoner Rock will like this release. I am actually quite surprised they aren't more well known. They get consistently better with each release. Do yourself a favour - go buy this disc. http://everestband.com/
Still Wanna Fight by Mic Harrison + the High Score. The description said they sounded like a cross between Tom Petty and Wilco, interesting. But after listening to the CD I don't think that was too accurate especially lyrically. I was not blown away by any means. I think the next time someone says they sound like Tom Petty or Wilco it should be Tom Petty or Wilco. http://www.micharrison.com/MicHarrison/Home.html
(I can't get no) Stevie Jackson by Stevie Jackson. I don't like no Stevie Jackson, is more to the point.I was actually relieved when some songs ended. It was stylistically all over the map and it was distracting, but not in a good way. http://www.steviejackson.net/
National Health by Maximo Park. Start to finish I really liked this album, I really dug the simple intro track of just voice and piano it was a great way to start an album from there that would be all tempo and fun. They are not a group that surprise me from release to release, they are quite consistent and I like that about them. I do sometimes think "Oh, cheer up" with some of the heavier subject matter, but regardless it's the guitar driven hooks that always keep me coming back. http://maximopark.com/
Freak Out! by Teenage Bottlerocket. Great punk record from Wyoming based band. They have been around a while, but this is the first I am hearing of theirs. Great catchy hooks but lyrically a bit odd. Mosh pit etiquette addressed in a song and then another one about a Sensei. Seriously? http://teenagebottlerocket.com/
Where the Mountain Meets the Valley by Joshua Hyslop. Wow what a gem, I really like this new Canadian artist out of Abbotsford. I especially like the duet What Have I Done with Anna Scouten. His vocals are quiet but there are glimpses of a full sing out in the odd song, so he clearly has the chops and can rise to the challenge and sing beyond the key of mellow. I think he's an artist to watch, and hopefully we'll see him in these parts soon. http://www.joshuahyslop.com/
Gold Motel by Gold Motel. Sometimes a record sounds like a season, and this one to me sounds like summer. Maybe it's the breezy tempo, maybe it's the boy/girl harmonies, or perhaps the vintage reverb pop whatever the the case it's summer. Well paced record from start to finish. Check them out. http://goldmotel.com/
Space Between the Words by Dan le Sac. The opening track Long Night of Life immediately grabbed my attention. The album shifts from influence to influence, I was not surprised to hear that his main gig is as a producer. At first listen it seems to be a rather erratic flow, but I came to appreciate it. I would suggest anyone who digs UNKLE, Portishead, Arab Strap or Trip Hop in general should check this out. http://www.danlesac.co.uk/
That's all/enough for this week.
PS: Go buy music in a store.
Well this week was odd, I either liked or dislike the selections. Normally I try to find some redeeming quality in an album, after all this is someones masterpiece, but this week it was difficult. I have also been having an annoying week at work, so that may have influenced some of initial thoughts.
Ownerless by Everest. Consisting of members of Folk Implossion and Sebadoh, I figured there was no way I wouldn't enjoy this release. Now, that's a bit of pressure. I really dug this album. I would love to see them at one of our outdoor music festivals someday. Anyone who has a soft spot for Alt-Country/Folk/Stoner Rock will like this release. I am actually quite surprised they aren't more well known. They get consistently better with each release. Do yourself a favour - go buy this disc. http://everestband.com/
Still Wanna Fight by Mic Harrison + the High Score. The description said they sounded like a cross between Tom Petty and Wilco, interesting. But after listening to the CD I don't think that was too accurate especially lyrically. I was not blown away by any means. I think the next time someone says they sound like Tom Petty or Wilco it should be Tom Petty or Wilco. http://www.micharrison.com/MicHarrison/Home.html
(I can't get no) Stevie Jackson by Stevie Jackson. I don't like no Stevie Jackson, is more to the point.I was actually relieved when some songs ended. It was stylistically all over the map and it was distracting, but not in a good way. http://www.steviejackson.net/
National Health by Maximo Park. Start to finish I really liked this album, I really dug the simple intro track of just voice and piano it was a great way to start an album from there that would be all tempo and fun. They are not a group that surprise me from release to release, they are quite consistent and I like that about them. I do sometimes think "Oh, cheer up" with some of the heavier subject matter, but regardless it's the guitar driven hooks that always keep me coming back. http://maximopark.com/
Freak Out! by Teenage Bottlerocket. Great punk record from Wyoming based band. They have been around a while, but this is the first I am hearing of theirs. Great catchy hooks but lyrically a bit odd. Mosh pit etiquette addressed in a song and then another one about a Sensei. Seriously? http://teenagebottlerocket.com/
Where the Mountain Meets the Valley by Joshua Hyslop. Wow what a gem, I really like this new Canadian artist out of Abbotsford. I especially like the duet What Have I Done with Anna Scouten. His vocals are quiet but there are glimpses of a full sing out in the odd song, so he clearly has the chops and can rise to the challenge and sing beyond the key of mellow. I think he's an artist to watch, and hopefully we'll see him in these parts soon. http://www.joshuahyslop.com/
Gold Motel by Gold Motel. Sometimes a record sounds like a season, and this one to me sounds like summer. Maybe it's the breezy tempo, maybe it's the boy/girl harmonies, or perhaps the vintage reverb pop whatever the the case it's summer. Well paced record from start to finish. Check them out. http://goldmotel.com/
Space Between the Words by Dan le Sac. The opening track Long Night of Life immediately grabbed my attention. The album shifts from influence to influence, I was not surprised to hear that his main gig is as a producer. At first listen it seems to be a rather erratic flow, but I came to appreciate it. I would suggest anyone who digs UNKLE, Portishead, Arab Strap or Trip Hop in general should check this out. http://www.danlesac.co.uk/
That's all/enough for this week.
PS: Go buy music in a store.
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