If Looks Could Kill....

...They probably will in games without frontiers war without tears. So said Peter Gabriel.

I have long been a fan of Peter Gabriel and I am quite sad that I don't live anywhere near one of his concert stops. I also wish I was rich so that I travel to see him play. Oh well, such is life.

This week was actually last week, but things got very chaotic at work with the launching of the Arden Season with Joel Plaskett, so my time got sidetracked. So without further ado, here are my thoughts on a few CD's I listened to last week.

The Sound of the Life of the Mind by Ben Folds Five. AWESOME, but then again I am completely bias. I love this man, his writing is clever, and the music is always top notch. He's creative and wonderful. It's always nice when an artist you appreciate maintains his level of artistry, staying true to himself, yet evolving. It rare to find. Go buy this CD immediately. http://www.benfolds.com/

All the Way Home by Ocean Carolina. Solid laid back feel, reminiscent of a Josh Ritter or John Wort Hannam. While I liked this album, I found it faded to the background a little to easily for me. It's pleasant enough and it's sure to please many, it's just not one that will likely stay with me for long. http://www.oceancarolina.com/

When the Ledge is Home by Bi-Polar Bear. With a title like that and the group name I knew I was in store for a pop explosion of fun.......what? wait. Oh, right this CD was depressing. The writing and music was decent, but it didn't surprise or offer anything you would expect. There is potential for this band, as they are talented, and in spots the beats remind me of Jurassic 5, but let's just hope they continue to grow and step beyond their sad shadow or they will become the self fulfilling prophesy and end it all. http://rollwiththebear.com/ (PS: google searching bi-polar bear is super interesting)

Mirage by Band of Horses. They're happier on this record then I ever heard them before. It took me by surprise. And, I will admit it was a bit hard to hear, but I liked it. Super catchy rhythms and for the most part the lyrics were good, but not their best effort. Especially the track Dumpster World - super odd lyrics. Decent outing for a group who I suspect collective would like to be Neil Young when they grow up. http://www.bandofhorses.com/us/home

Carny Life by Pebaluna. Loved it! Great melodies and an amazing voice and instantly an atmosphere was created that drew me in. Some Jazzy guitar riffs lead into some Bossa Nova moods which drifted towards a quirk of ukulele - but it all works. Find it, Buy it. http://www.pebaluna.com/

Look into the Sky by James Iha. It's sort of reminiscent of a 60's/70's pop record. I really appreciate this record, it's cosmically breezy and easy to listen to. There is also a great list of guest artists on this record who all contribute, but don't overtake the sound James is creating. The only misstep for me was the track Appetite. It had an Iggy Passengers-esque sound that just creeped along and felt totally out of place. http://www.jamesiha.org

That's about it for last week. I plan on getting back on track with my regular Friday postings.

And as always, go buy music at your in a local record shop, they know what they're doing and will likely suggest something to you, that will blow your mind.

Video Killed the Radio Star

Did it ever, I had last week off, a stay-cation if you will, and I listened to no music. Zip, ziltch, nadda.

First off let me say that I tend to be busier when I take time off. I cram so much into my days, that I inevitably don't get done those little chores that I always promise myself that I'll give attention to it when I take time off - yeah right. It's also tough when you know you will have to include a nap into your daily routine for the week. This gal has priorities.

So you can imagine how low on the list my music blog was. I apologise to the 5 or 6 people that actually read this thing.

I have a really great excuse for not investing time into music. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries Season 2 showed up in the mail about a week prior, and well...........I needed to watch every episode. Plus there was a cavalcade of great guest stars; Linda Dano, Kasey Kasem, Kim Cattrall, Rick Springfield and Lorne Green - to name just a few.

I love late 70's and 80's detective shows. They had to rely on hunches and intuition to solve mysteries, plus can you imagine how tough it must have been to solve crime without a cell phone? I mean people can't even grocery shop now without phoning home to see it it was 2% or 1% milk they needed to pick up.

This is a slippery slope for yours truly. I think I will have to search out some more detective shows online. Maybe Barnaby Jones is online?

Anyways, I digress. I could talk about awesome TV all day.

I also saw a fantastic movie - Moonrise Kingdom. Wes Anderson is a genius. I highly recommend this movie.

Alright, enough for now - I better get back to work. Music reviews will be coming for the end of the week.

They say the world has had enough of silly love songs

..............well thank you Sir Paul McCartney, but I look around me and I see it isn't so.

So what's new in music this week. Well sadly not much good. I have been trying to listen, but when it's a new Matchbox 20 or a Smash Mouth, I just cannot do it. Sorry.

I didn't mind 3 CD's, but 1 of them is borderline.

Havoc and Bright Lights by Alanis Morissette. I really enjoyed this. It's a solid record from start to finish. Fine rock selections but mostly mellow, but happy. I think her anger is almost gone, you can truly hear the happiness in these tracks. Personally I think that happiness started to appear when she connected with Ryan Reynolds, but that's just me. He's enough to make any girl smile. http://www.alanis.com/

On a Ride by Wax Poetic. Another decent release. The tracks flowed well, and the use of guest vocalists for the most part was a good choice. Some weaknesses but for the most part the flow was there and I found myself digging the jazzy chill-out vibe. Sort of a Zero 7 feel at some points. This record definitely created an at"mood"sphere - yep, I made that word up. Norah Jones and Natalie Walker both guest on this record - nice work ladies. http://waxpoetic.net/

Highest Wish by Bill Ortiz. I am by no means a jazz purest, but I do like the genre. Now this CD is littered with guest vocalists, and I use the term littered because I don't think it works on the tracks. The best parts of this album is not the guest work but the actual playing. Bill is an amazing trumpet player, adding all these guests cloud his playing. the BEST parts of this CD is when we get to hear Bill do what he does best. http://billortiz.com/music/

             Why is it whenever I hear Jazz I think of Kids in the Hall. "With a rap tap tapping on the window, and a voice saying Hey let us in Beano's clarinet is getting wet" baaahahaha classic Kids.

On a side note, I heard the song Poison by Bel Biv Devoe yesterday on the radio. I am impressed that I remembered most of the words and that it still holds up as an amazing song. It totally made me want to dig out my cassette single and play it over and over.

Viva la New Jack Swing!

--odd combination of words, but I do feel that in my heart

Also I am helping out at the Blue Revue next week. So it's only a matter of time before I confirm who all the "naughty kids" are in Edmonton.

I am blaming Bruce Springsteen

Well last week I professed my love for Gotye, and the show was last night, but guess what............I missed it. I cannot believe it, I was so looking forward to this show.

I blame Bruce Springsteen, yes you're reading this right. I normally tune in to Sonic to listen to Garner in the morning, but yesterday when I got in my car the satellite radio was on and it was Bruce Springsteen's Cover Me. Cover Me is an excellent song. Pure 80's gold, so obviously I wasn't going to turn that off. I think though, had I switched to FM, I am sure the concert would have come up in chatter, and sparked my memory.

Oh well, it's done with and now it's just funny.

On with the reviews:

Fragrant World by Yeasayer. I never gave them a chance before, but this CD really intrigued me early on with it's dashes of R&B and mixed with a bit of synth-pop, it actually made for a decent combination that for the most part, worked. I especially liked the songs Henrietta and Longevity. If you like a mix between Daft Punk and Air, this is worth seeking out.   http://www.yeasayer.net/

Four by Bloc Party. What a great rock record. Lots of guitar and it's a "back to basics" type of release that for me, re-energised a group that I was starting to lose interest in. Tapping into a fuzzed out sound at some points in the record, they push themselves, thankfully back to their roots, with energy to spare. Buy it and play it loud. http://blocparty.com/

Cast the Same Old Shadow by Dylan LeBlanc. Oh woe is me, this album is filled with heartache. I think for the most part it's a natural sound for him but by the end I wanted a hug, I was so blue. Something about this CD stayed with me, it's simple easy lyrics combined with relaxed melodies and it was lovely in it's spareness yet as it progressed I felt like it was manufactured, like following a blueprint. I ended up becoming distracted. I am unsure of my recommendation. There is beauty here for sure, but just not a full album worth.
http://www.dylanleblanc.com/

Earning Keep by Christopher Smith. Very mellow sound but it suits his lyrics and music. I found the CD atmospheric and lovely. This Vancouver based singer-songwriter offers a simple sound that compliments his writing. On a funny/odd note, he looks like his music. It's worth a google. http://boompa.ca/bands/christopher-smith/

All I Did Was Tell Them the Truth And They Thought it was Hell by King of Spain. This duo has produced an incredibly full sound with beautiful harmonies. In parts their voices blend like The Byrds and the momentum, for the most part, moves along at a decent pace. If I had one complaint, I found their songs go a little long. It's not that noticeable at first, but each song I felt could be edited a bit on time. That aside it was a great listen, for the dreary day I was having. http://kingofspain.org/

I also wanted to mention a soundtrack that came past me this week. Lawless, Compiled by Nick Cave and drawing from Mark Lanegan, Ralph Stanley and Emmylou Harris is worth listening to.

That's all I have for reviews this week. Ask your local record shop about these artists and others, they are jewels of the music scene in any city, and it would be a shame if they disappeared. Shop local!

Puzzle with a Piece Missing

I love Gotye, and this little love affair started pre- Making Mirrors, we're approaching 10 years and I am excited that he has reached a level of fame that allows him to tour Canada and more specifically Edmonton at the end of this month. The problem now is that I might have to miss it, which breaks my heart. I am not sure what to do. I have a lot of thinking to do before the 29th.

While I contemplate, I listen

Underwater by Joshua Radin. Instantly smitten is what I would say about this record. You may not know his name, but I would be shocked if you've never heard his music before. He has his music everywhere, yet I am not saturated by it. That's always a good sign. He has had music in over 60 TV episodes/movies - impressive considering this is album number 4. Vocally bittersweet with writing that pierces the soul. This seemingly overtly private album is publicly welcomed by many. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.  http://us.joshuaradin.com/

Instinct by Niki + the Dove. Well isn't this the little gem. They remind me a great deal of Empire of the Sun (which is a guilty pleasure). This Swedish band, signed to Sub-Pop, has left an impression with me. Pop music with a dash of darkness. While it won't change the world or be a long lasting, impression leaving album, it is fun. It falls apart a bit in the end, like they ran out of ideas. Or maybe their final idea was Stevie Nicks on crack, but there are fun moments and a few tracks will show up on a future play list. http://www.nikiandthedove.com/

Between the Ditches by Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. The first time I heard them play was live at the Calgary Folk Festival, and they were dynamic. I think because of that impression I was expecting a bit more. I liked this album, but they are one of those bands where their magic isn't captured on recording. With a Delta-blues infused sound this albums shifts smoothly from track to track. My only complaint is his annunciation. I just plainly do not always understand what the hell is being said. Oh well. http://www.bigdamnband.com/

Listening by Ben Taylor. I think this can be described as silky smooth. Taking a page out of the Mraz.Meyer songbook, Ben Taylor delivers a nice album of sweet song. Nothing surprising. I don't want to be a jerk about it, but wow, it feels like little effort was put forth. Perhaps I am expecting more from Carly Simon and James Taylor's son, who in the past has impressed me, but I don't think so. Well written, nicely crafted songs that fade to the background. http://www.bentaylormusic.com/

I am listening to a whole heap more of music and will likely have another post by the end of the week. In the meantime, go listen to music and take in a fringe show while you're out and about. Support the Arts!

Four Strong Winds

There is so much I love about the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. When I describe it to people I always mention the music of course, but I know it's more than that.

One of the main reasons this festival is strong and successful is the people and the fact that they are working for a common goal rather than themselves. I volunteer for many things, and trust me when I say you can certainly tell when the philosophy is not there. I am a volunteer on a rather large crew of about 45, but there is also the staff of the festival itself (seasonal and permanent) that I get to work closely with. These are the people we work for and work hard for. For this pocket of time every year my family grows to almost 100 strong, and regardless of how time passes we are all there for each other and for the same reason. I know I am not alone in my sentiment.

Each year I look forward to seeing old friends and visiting. The festival has a strong social pull for me. It's often the only time I get to see certain people so when the gates open and patrons, guests and artists start arriving there is a certain electricity in the air that is difficult to describe.

This year was another stellar line-up of artists that dazzled the sold-out audiences. Whether you are enjoying the more intimate sessions or the party atmosphere of the main stage everyone I encountered had a story to tell or a favourite musical experience to share. I love when people get excited about music.

Each night had stand-out moments and as much as I could and would love to chat about each, I like to keep my posts short. Let me just say that EVERY mainstage performance was incredible. Sure there are peaks and valleys, and some were better than others, but it's so subjective. I was excited for the opportunity to hear Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Corb Lund, Emmylou Harris, James Vincent McMorrow, Jim Cuddy and a Guthrie Family Reunion (to name a few) was pretty damn awesome.


Lots going on



I saw many concerts on smaller stages also and was blown away. It's always nice to see an artist do well and rediscover artists that you've liked for sometime but are now seeing them in a new light. I also dig the combinations Terry Wickham dreams up for the sessions. Sometimes you look and think, "hmm what's the common thread?" then you see and and think "D'uh it's the music that's the thread", and if the performer approaches it with an open mind, magic is created.



Four Strong Winds, closes each year. Some think it's corny, but I love it. This year, Corb Lund closed the festival in song with help from the amazing Geoff Berner, T. Nile and Kim Beggs.

And of course no festival is quite complete without Don's farewell speech:

What to Keep and What to Give

Last weekend, July 27-29, was the inaugural weekend for the Interstellar Rodeo. Now normally I would be in Calgary volunteering at their festival, but there were circumstances that led me to bow out for this year (first time in 16 years). Initially I was sad, but then I caught wind of this new festival. As chance would have it a friend asked me if I wanted to help with media, and so I jumped at the chance. By the end of the weekend, Calgary was a memory. In fact, I will likely continue supporting the Interstellar Rodeo, and give up on Calgary altogether. If I am honest CFMF had been letting me down for years anyhow, so I don't really think I will miss it. Plus why drive to Calgary when this gem is in my own backyard.

Back to Interstellar, and boy what a festival. There were a few first year hiccups that I won't bother to go into, because they are a non-issue, also if they were not ironed out right away they will be fixed for next year, plus the audiences didn't see it so why shine a light on it.  What is most important is that the festival was a success. It was not a sell out, but it felt full.

Audiences and bands alike were smitten with each other, and isn't that what's important.

From the moment the gates opened until the last encore of Blue Rodeo everyone who attended had a great time. There was enough variety to keep even the fickle of audiences intrigued, and if you somehow didn't enjoy yourself - maybe you just need to stay home, because nothing will please you.

It's pretty obvious I love music and this festival had great variety and a few bands I had never seen perform and even a few I had not really even heard music for, so win, win for me. I am always dazzled by Hawksley Workman , Alejandro and Gillian. 



Hawksley & Mr. Lonely



Richard Buckner blew me away as did the Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Sojourners.

Cadence Weapon

A pleasant surprise was Cadence Weapon, who I must admit I have never seen perform more than one song. His style of rapping is intriguing and clever and I am now a fan and finally Randy Newman, every song was one we all knew. It's incredible when you take a moment and think of his career, mind boggling.

I enjoyed everything I saw and it was great to see old favourites and make new discoveries.

What sets this little festival apart from others is the intimacy. It is in an outdoor, yet covered, amphitheatre, the sound is amazing, the food vendors were all local food trucks who have amazing offerings and one final touch that initially I thought was bizarre was each artist was paired with a wine. That particular wine was only sampled/sold during the artists set. They had a house white and red available at all times but the feature was only a limited offering. Once I saw the concept and read the descriptions in the program, I thought this was a very smart idea. Below I have a picture of the program that shows the band and the wine, just so you know what I am rambling about.

  

The Blue Rodeo bio and the wine that was paried with them

Clever little details like this helped set it apart. I was very proud to be apart of this festival and want to especially thanks Six Shooter Records, their staff and their fearless leader Shauna de Cartier, Johnny Mac for having the vision and foresight for this festival, the Wine Guy, Gurvinder Bhata for pairing many delicious wines with delicious artists and Aimee Hill for stopping me at another concert, Ben Folds, to ask me to help her out with media. I am so pleased to have spent a wonderful weekend with so many like minded music enthusiasts.