This Whole Damn World Could Fall Apart

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.

Don't Let it Get Away...

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.

Music Makes me Wanna...

...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.

Until next time

It's been a long time since I've rock 'n rolled

....been a long time since I did the stroll.

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:

Emotional Weather Report

things are tough all over; when the thunder storms start
Tom Waits' writing always transports me, and what I hope will never change is my absolute willingness to follow him.

My music listening has been quite sporadic the past few weeks. I went on vacation to Regina/Moose Jaw, SK and while I loved the trip, my discovery of talk radio sidelined my hopes at listening to a bunch of new music. What a first world problem, huh? I also have been under the weather for weeks, and am slowly seeing the light. Let's hope I am back to my "old self" again soon.

Some new music that I have been listening to, has really derailed me. I cannot decide if I love it or if it's completely annoying. The 2 albums I am specifically thinking of are Colin Stetson's New History Warfare Vol. 3: To See More Light and Darcy James Argue's Brooklyn Babylon.

Colin Stetson is a Canadian saxophonist, and has this terrifically unique way of playing that I find quite intriguing. Circular breathing and other techniques have given him this reputation and has made him a highly in demand collaborator. This solo effort is okay, but for me I think it's repetitive. That being said though, I would love the chance to see him live. Something tells me it would be fascinating. I may need to make a trip to Calgary to see him perform at Sled Island. I was already thinking of going because of some of the other great artists involved (hello, Jesus & Mary Chain).

Darcy James Argue is also Canadian, but his niche is Eastern European brass band carnival chaos. Now Brooklyn based Darcy James straddles the line between tradition and innovation pushing boundaries for himself and the listener. It's not often you find sheet music for sale on an artists website, but this just goes to show that his music is a passion that is sadly rather uncommon these days.

I am not officially recommending these as - "Holy Crap, wonderful", rather "Holy Crap, what the hell did I just hear"

A few other interesting projects recently would be:
Nomad by Bambino. World-rock with an excellent guitar driven sound. Sound somewhat trademarked by Dan Auerbach's production.
Walkin On a Pretty Daze by Kurt Vile. Cynical arrangements, not as experimental as I'd like, but I am certainly looking forward to seeing him this summer at the Interstellar Rodeo (amazing festival in it's 2nd year and awesome line up).
The Terror by The Flaming Lips. Completely distracting in a good way. They never disappoint me and I was intrigued by the occasional ominous sidestep.
Ghost on Ghost by Iron + Wine. Vulnerable and joyous with intricate layering. I loved it.
Grownass Man by The Shouting Matches. Lightly noted collaboration between Justin Vernon and his childhood friends easily comfortable and as comfortable as any old friend hang time should be.

Finally can I just say how much I enjoyed the Juno's this year. I made a point of driving down to Regina and took in the festivities with my sister and her family. The Juno Cup was an absolute blast:

The exhibit at the MacKenzie Art Gallery was incredible. They have Greatest Hits: The JUNO Tour of Canadian Art from April 12 - November 24, 2013. I highly recommend taking it in, if you find yourself in Regina. The exhibition features works by Canadian artists from the Permanent Collection that have been selected by past JUNO Award winner and nominees - as well as current nominees. This is the piece Sarah Slean chose.  

And finally the Juno's themselves. It was incredible to be there and an experience I won't soon forget. Partially because it celebrates great Canadian talent but mostly because I got to share the experience with my sister.

Looking For Space

and am I ever. It's been a long time friends, and slowly I am coming out of this funk I've been in.

I have happily found a new site I can stream music from - and thank god. I work in a new office space and this is day 3. It's early days, and I am sure I will get used to it, but I feel I need to be quiet, and I feel myself wanting to isolate. It's a very odd reality. So I am hunkered down with my headphones and really enjoying what I am hearing.

There are a few singles that have caught my ears recently:

Woodpile from Frightened Rabbit. Scottish rock band kept going back to this in a playlist one day recently and the more I listened the more I liked it. Take a look at the video, I think you'll like it:

The next group is Chvrches (yes the v is supposed to be there) the song is called Recover, and it's pure synth-pop goodness:

Oh and when looking for the video I found out they are from Glasgow. I swear I didn't purposely choose two Scottish tracks, but there you have it.



Now on to the full length albums I have recently listened to:

Bloodsports by Suede. This is exactly how Suede sounds. Truly it sounds like a long lost recording, and I for one am comforted by that. When I saw this selection I suspected what I would hear and that's exactly what was delivered. It transported me back to the mid 90's.

The Chronicles of Marnia by Marnie Stern. I am really not sure what to say. Some of it was good, but mostly I just wanted it to end. Quirky, is not always good. The best part of this album was the pun title.

Muchacho by Phosphorescent. This is a beautiful soaring record. Vocals and arrangements would likely appeal to Fleet Foxes or My Morning Jackets fans but this is strong enough to stand on it's own and draw in it's own fans with ease. There is beauty in simplicity. I highly recommend taking a listen.

Dormarion by Telekinesis. I was listening to this record, and was reminded of Sloan, whom I love by with a stronger edge to it and a broader perspective of sound. I really liked this album, and instantly wanted to know more about this band. Telekinesis is Michael Benjamin Lerner, an indie rocker based out of Seattle and from what I can tell has been consumed with recording and releasing music since 2009.

The Music is You: Tribute to John Denver by Various Artists. Wow, I was surprised at how much I liked this recording. I knew it would be good based on the artist line-up, but instantly I was reminded that John was an incredible song-writer. You can order the record here and all proceeds go to the Wildlife Fund.

Official Tracklist:
1. Leaving on a Jet Plane by My Morning Jacket
2. Take Me To Tomorrow by Dave Matthews
3. All Of My Memories by Kathleen Edwards
4. Prisoners by J Mascis and Sharon Van Etten
5. Sunshine on My Shoulders by Train
6. Back Home Again by Old Crow Medicine Show
7. This Old Guitar by Lucinda Williams
8. Some Days Are Diamonds by Amos Lee
9. Rocky Mountain High by Allen Stone
10. Annie’s Song by Brett Dennen and Milow
11. Looking For Space by Evan Dando
12. Take Me Home, Country Roads by Brandi Carlile and Emmylou Harris
13. The Eagle and The Hawk by Blind Pilot
14. I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado by Mary Chapin Carpenter
15. Darcy Farrow by Josh Ritter and Barnstar!
16. Wooden Indian by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Seriously I have listened to this 3 times today. It's worth seeking out.

That's all for now. Go listen to music and then go shop in a real record store. There are still some out there.

It's Not For Me...

...to say you'll always care.
Well thank you Johnny Mathis, just go ahead and break my heart.... and just in time for Valentine's Day.

I am officially annoyed. Work has blocked my streaming site, so I am forced to listen to my ipod instead of constant new releases. Damn it. I will try to find a way around this, perhaps I will have to start going through my phone.....god I just don't know.

Needless to say I haven't been listening to much new music this week or for the past few weeks for that matter. It doesn't help that work has been insanely chaotic.

I have stumbled on a few things that I adore, so I thought I would share.

First off (and rightfully so) Motorhead makes wine. i was going to try to describe it, but I'll let Lemmy take care of this.

My advise is — approach it with caution. I mean, wine is deceptive, anything can happen.

 - Lemmy

 

Looks like they have a whole line of liquor, and why shouldn't they. Plus I don't think you'll find better packaging. Click on the image to go to the website:

Good News for Juno fans, Michael Buble is hosting. Say what you will about his music, but the guy is funny. I think he'll be a great host. I am even considering going this year. Even the creepy image of him sandwiched between Chavril isn't enough to distract me.

Tickets are on sale on Feb 22, so I have to decide sooner than later. 

New Canadian "supergroup" (yeah the quote are on purpose, because I just don't know if we can legitimately call them a super group) The Mounties have appeared on the scene. Hawksley Workman, Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat) and Ryan Dahle (Limblifter/Age of Electric). I really dig the single Headphones, and can hear each of their influences, which in my opinion is the way a merging of talent should be.

Check it out:



No offence to the guy who is blogging about the new Queens of the Stone Age being star studded. Other than Sir (or Dame) Elton John, I don't see how it should be news that Dave Grohl is on the album.

Insert sarcasm) What? Dave Grohl? Seriously? Cool, I totally have to check that out. Wow, I never dreamt they'd work together. What? That's not all, seriously...Nick Oliveri? Really? He's on there two, that's just crazy. 

Piss off.

 

I cannot give my opinion on all of these but here are some CD's coming out this week. I say some because the whole list is not great, but these are a few I think you should give a try either because I know they're good (Ron Sexsmith & Coheed and Cambria) or I have read good things about them (Richard Thompson & Eels):

• Boats – Cannonballs
• The Bronx – The Bronx IV
• Coheed and Cambria – The Afterman: Descension
• Eels – Wonderful, Glorious
• Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse 
• Guards – In Guards We Trust 
• Jim James (of My Morning Jacket) – Regions of Light and Sound of God 
• Misfits – DEA.D. ALIVE! 
• Richard Thompson – Electric 
• Ron Sexsmith – Forever Endeavor 
• The Shilohs – So Wild 
• Sigur Rós – Valtari Mystery Film Project
• Thao & the Get Down Stay Down – We the Common 
• Thomas D’Arcy – What We Want

I seriously hope I can get back onto the listening wagon. Keep your fingers crossed for me. In the meantime, listen to some old music. I heard some Johnny Mathis last night, and it reminded me of the beauty in his voice.