Today, on the radio, I had the best trio of songs to drive to work with. This doesn't happen very often, I flip channels a lot, but this morning I struck gold.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love soul music. Today, I got in my car and was instantly serenaded by the backup singers, and instinctively I knew I had to sing out the word REVENGE!
Ahh James Brown.....the man to make your liver quiver, your bladder splatter and your knees freeze.
Brilliant.
If that wasn't enough, next up was the honey dripping voice of Mr. Bill Withers. Had to google him when I got to my desk. Bill is still with us, bless him. I also found out there is a documentary about him, so I will have to try to find that. I wonder if he still sings? I'll have to find that out too.
Finally the last song on my drive in was Stevie Wonder. Now, I am a HUGE Stevie Wonder fan and Master Blaster, is just one of MANY of his songs I love. The sun was shining and I was belting it out like any nerdy fan would do. I found this video online, and thought I would share it with you.
Music is such a treat and I cannot imagine my life without it. It effects me tremendously, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Enjoy!
PS, next week I will return with a review of the always enjoyable Interstellar Rodeo. Until then, have a great day and weekend and enjoy jammin' until the break of dawn!
Till I reach the highest ground -Stevie Wonder is one of my favourite musicians of all time, whenever I catch one of his songs on the radio, I instantly smile, turn it up, and sing along. Play this video, and just try not to sing it out
Music has so much power and I am so pleased to be a very small part of the Edmonton scene especially when I see it rally around my friend Kirby. With the simple yet charged rally cry: Be Here Now!, Edmonton was and is there for her. I was at her benefit on Tuesday, and thoroughly enjoyed myself (even if I wasn't the highest bid on the ukulele I wanted) and was in awe of the outpouring of support and love. Plus I got to see Scotty Hills and Jr. Gone Wild, so of course it was awesome. I haven't known Kirby for a very long time, but she's one of those people who after spending a day with her, I feel I known her my whole life. She has a generous spirit and has a great "take no shit" attitude. If you know Kirby, and still want to donate. There is an IndieGoGo account for her. I am going to fore go reviews this week, but will say that the new Owen Pallett, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, First Aid Kit, Mary Gauthier, and Willie Nelson's new music is great and worth looking for and buying........in a music store of course.
I love Michael Jackson and The Jacksons. Can't help myself. I have been thinking about him recently. SIRIUS XM has a special channel for him right now, there is new material being released and it's coming up on the 5 year anniversary of his death. To honour the artist, I chose this Jacksons song, because it's fun.....and the video is ridiculous.
Now onto my new release reviews. There are only three this week, as I have been all consumed at work with the Children's Festival. It really takes over the office, and subsequently my life that I don't have time to listen to music.
The opening track is great, and it really sets the tone for the rest of the album. It's been quite a while since there's been solo work from Conor, and I will say it was worth the wait. His writing and melodies, have only gotten stronger and vocally his message is clearer (I used to find him a tad mummbly).
I was really not sure what I would be getting myself into with this. I looked at the title and thought to myself.....how do I feel about Mexican Circus music?
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this record. I take the word "surprisingly" back; great music is great music. The group is comprised of ethno-musicologists that are dedicated to the preservation of Mexican music and the various sub-genres. I highly recommend tracking the music down and checking it out.
The sound is sort of a heavy bluesy guitar with plenty of reverb and in parts it also embraced jazz and soul. It definitely forged it's own unique path. Her vocals I found to be slurred and drawn out. I won't lie, in parts her vocals annoyed the shit out of me. While I will say on certain tracks the style works, I think she needs to choose when to use it. It almost feels like she didn't flush out the idea of the song, and decided to simply interpret each song the same way. There is a spark to her, but ultimately this album is not for me.
Before I sign off I wanted to leave you with this insightful animated short of Johnny Cash talking about life:
You'll be okay follow your heart. New Radicals, You Get What you Give
I heard the New Radicals on my way into work. It instantly takes me back to summer and years ago when this album came out. I was running a music store, and a bunch of us thought this album would do well. Fast forward, and the New Radicals, are nothing more then a one hit wonder. Oh well, can't call them all.
I hate to type this out for fear I may jinx it, but I believe it is summer finally. It's still very cool in the morning, but the sun has been shining, and yesterday when I was outside, it didn't feel forced, it even felt a bit warm.
Not sure if it was the mood I was in this week, or what but I was not blown away by any of the new releases I previewed.. There are some good qualities, but for the most part I felt blah.
Someday World by Brian Eno & Karl Hyde
For sure the best of the batch this week, this album I listened to a few times, and mostly for Karl. My knowledge of Brian Eno is primarily as a collaborator more so then as a member of Roxy Music or as a solo musician with a strong definitive sound. So many people I know who are big music nerds like myself speak of Brian's genius, but I will admit, I do not know a ton about the man or his music. But because my biggest knowledge of him is when he collaborates, I was excited to see something with Karl Hyde. I am a big fan of Karl's for years beginning in 1988 with the release of Underworld's Underneath the Radar. Man I must have worn out my cassette of that one. Any ways I digress, the release in question is Someday World. It's a solid release from start to finish, but there was not a single track that stood out from the others, and therefore no real memorable moment. Still worth a listen as the whole record as one piece is decent.
I Never Learn by Lykke Li
This is one of those albums where the vocals meld into the music. I even felt in some areas that the vocals just disappeared. I am not sure if I really love this trend. I have heard it quite a bit, and sometimes it's done well, mostly I just stop caring and listening. That aside I did enjoy the album. The mood evoked is beautiful and I re-listened to a few tracks. No Rest for the Wicked is an especially great track
Changing Light by Mirah
No a fan of this one. I appreciate the vocals and the lyrics were okay, but I felt like there was too much sound....does that make sense? I felt like the artist was think more is more, and couldn't appreciate the beauty in subtly. I found myself easily distracted. There was nothing keeping my attention.
Cry for the Flies by Le Butcherettes
This album surprised me. Initially I wasn't hooked, but something told me to give it another pass and when I did I started to appreciate the music and it's quirks. It starts at a pretty frenetic pace, and I immediately made a connection to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs especially in vocals. I think I will only enjoy this release more with each listen. There is a very obvious pace change in the album, The spoken word track Moment of Guilt, by Henry Rollins. Past this piece, the shift is obvious, but still compliments everything prior to it.
This release is worth checking out.
So remember kids, it's great to hear music online, but it's even better to buy the album in a store, look though the liner notes, enjoy the original artwork, and appreciate the people who made it all possible.
Go buy a CD or Record, my indie store friends at Permanent Records, Listen Records and Blackbyrd Myoozik will appreciate the business.
It's a Beautiful Day! I am back at work after having last week off. While the weather may not have cooperated the whole time, nothing could dampen the time. So many laughs, great food and drink was consumed, and I think it's really what I needed to in such a chaotic time. Chaos is everywhere, but it's perspective that keeps you sane while moving through it. I have been buried in details since coming back to work, but kept reminding myself to take moments for myself. In fact I am doing the David Suzuki #30x30challenge. Everyday this week spend 30 minutes in nature. It's a great challenge, that I am happy to participate in. Another thing that has made me happy this week, and let's be honest every week, is music. There were some great finds this week 2 artists specifically that I was not familiar with, but am now smitten with. Starting with the familiar: Dolly Parton; she has a new CD coming out called Blue Smoke. Let me just say straight off that I love her. Her voice is still great after all of these years and while the recent material she's recorded of patriotic and cover songs has not been a path I enjoy this new release sees her coming back to familiar territory and sounds. Blue Smoke is her 42 album and is a bit of a patchwork but somehow it really works. We are taken on a bit of a journey of styles for Bluegrassy mountain, to a Dylan cover and some duets (hello Kenny), and great country music but by the end of the CD it all makes sense, and fits together very well. (PS: check out her website, man this lady knows how to market herself) Amor Planeta by Pacifica. I dig this group. They are a a World fusion trio from Vancouver that really forages a strong path for themselves. Spanish vocals and electronica subtleties combine to create a lush and expressive sound that truly is their own. I love this quote from the singer, Silvana Kane on the inspiration of this album: “It’s love in its various forms: love of nature, love of another, love that is lost, love that is eternal—basically all that makes us what we are as humans.” Do yourself a favour and go buy this album. All or Nothing by Nikki Lane. I had never heard of this girl before, but holy $#it is she great. I really dug the sound. I was instantly reminded of Neko Case in a few spots, as her great voice really has an outlaw country vibe that perfectly compliments the moody music. Heavy instrumentation, was immediately infectious that after listening to her album, I looked her up and was not surprised to find out the Dan Auerback produced the album. The opening track is a real stand out an leads into a CD that is filled with great contradictions classic/modern, country/guitar rock and polished/raw. Lighght by Kishi Bashi. Instantly smitten, is what I will say about this album. I mean, I was not prepared for it's opening track of violin morphing into a great rhythmic anthem. The whole album I found wonderfully strange. Chamber poppy dance music with vocals reminding me of The Shins at times. I really enjoyed this, it was simply fun and I think based on my chaotic week, was exactly what I needed to hear. I will definitely playing this one a few more times today while at work. Here's the opening track...enjoy:
Oh also you'll see on his website that he's having a T-shirt design contest. Spread the word. As always, if you like what you hear, go buy the record, in a store like; Permanent Records, Blackbyrd Myoozik or Listen Records. The record store is vital, we need to support them....plus they're super knowledgeable.
...this intro could be answered a million ways. I love music there is no escaping it.
I have let Audio Junkies' "Music Makes me Wanna" inspire my post today, because it is the day after National Record Store Day, and that pleases me to no end.
I worked at HMV in the 90's, back when it was like running your own store, and I even saw it through the transition into the corporate faceless entity it is now. I left as a manager almost 10 years ago to go to Megatunes when it opened here in Edmonton. I see now that it was my way of leaving the industry, and I knew I wanted to leave in a place that still was all about the music. I needed to be around other music junkies, and it was a great, short lived, period for me. I am out of music retail all together now, but there are days where I would love to be in a store, stocking shelves, and chatting music with co-workers and customers.
I really hope you made an effort to shop yesterday. We have some really great local record stores with Permanent Records, Blackbyrd Myoozik and Listen Records. All had something special going on. If you didn't shop yesterday, make a point to do so in the next week or so. Support the independent retailer, it's not easy out there.
While I have your attention I thought I would review 4 records that are coming out this week.
Kelis - Food
I did not expect to like this as much as I did. She's come a long way from just being know for the Milkshake song. This album has a great throwback R&B vibe. I hope this propels her out of the 'one hit wonder' realm and into the world of established artist bringing full album greatness to the party. While there are a few lack lustre songs, for the most part this Kelis has crafted a great new album, definitely worth checking out.
Death - Death III
This new release is a collection of material from Detroit rock trio Death. Relatively unnoticed in the 70's when this band was active, their music recently resurfaced and along with it a renewed interest in the group, culminating in a 2012 documentary "A Band Called Death" (which I am now trying to find, to watch).
Honestly before hearing this album, and doing some research, I had no idea of this group existing. In fact based on the picture I had seen on-line, I assumed they were a new trio with a retro look.
There sound doesn't sound too outdated, in fact I found some of their stuff very reminiscent of TV on the Radio. I would recommend their Death III album, i enjoyed it from start to finish.
The Space Project - The Space Project
An interesting way to celebrate the 1977 NASA Voyager 1 & 2 space programs. Task 14 modern bands to explore the concept of the "harmony of spheres" and their own interpretation of space rock. For me, it wasn't cutting it. I like Beach House and Spiritualized, and groups like that, but this compilation was perhaps too out there (haha, a space pun). If you dig really sparse electronica with minimal vocals, you'll dig this. Me, I was not a fan. I linked you above to their Pitchfork review, as it gives some information on the tracks and contributors.
Various Artists - 'Farewell Transmission' the Music of Jason Molina
This tribute to Jason Molina is very true to the style and feel of Jason's work. A musician's musician, there is much reverence in this collection and you can tell great care was taken in choosing collaborators and their choice of tribute. Sarah Jaffe, Catherine Irwin, Wooden Wand and Jason's remaining band-mates from Magnolia Electric Co (fittingly changing their name to Memorial Electric Co) came together to creating a heart-felt tribute, that is serene and subtle. A fitting tribute.
Thanks for reading, I would love to hear feedback so please feel free.
Don't forget to support the local record stores.
It's official, I have blog shame. I have not posted in over a year. There are reasons for my absence, but really, they're just excuses. Well I am done with excuses. I will resurrect said blog, and hopefully you'll be reading this and many future posts on a regular basis. ...also I know you are dying to know what I think about music, the industry, concerts and new releases.
So the big news, non festival related, is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Creation, catharsis and canonization was the name of the game. Open to the public for the first time, the ceremony celebrated a handful of artists, most of which I was so excited for and boy what a dream would that have been to be able to attend the ceremony. Maybe, someday.
In this age of instant news, social media, it was fascinating to read about the speeches, and happening almost as it was happening.
One inductee that was particularly important to me was Nirvana. It really was a band that had a huge influence on my life. I remember first hearing them, seeing their impact on myself, my friends and our musical tastes. Then later, I was working in a music store when news of Kurt Cobain's death hit the media. His legacy was and is incredible. I also appreciate seeing the surviving members Krist and Dave being interviewed and speaking about Kurt. You can really hear the reverence and see the protective behaviour they exhibit for him. Touching.
I was equally proud of almost all the act inducted. I don't know enough about all of them, and out of sheer preference, I am bound to like some more then others, but for the most part the Class of 2014 was great. I love Peter Gabriel, so was particularily excited for him. Had it been me though, I would have added a few names, maybe The Wailers, MC5, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Lou Reed or The Cure.....but I am sure their days are coming.
There really were some great moments, and you can easily get trapped in a Youtube trap of clips if you wanted too. For all the naysayers, I say....yes it's political but what awards aren't? Are you just upset this year because your favourite band wasn't inducted, or are you routinely angry about awards in general? Take it with a grain of salt, there are flaws, but at the end of the day, I like seeing people who have made a significant tribute to the world, be congratulated. It makes me smile.
Congratulations to Peter Gabriel, KISS, Nirvana, Cat Stevens, Hall & Oats, Linda Ronstadt, Andrew Loog Oldham, Brian Epstein and The E Street Band.
Here's one of my favourite musicians Questlove inducting Hall & Oats, enjoy:
