Best of the Year starting to Wrap up

Sorry I haven't been writing in this thing for a little bit now, i've been a little busy with life and adventures and such. But, this hasn't meant that I haven't been listening to music that is for sure. I figured I would start to dump out all the stuff I have been digging this year and see what is going to end up on my top ten list of the year. So here we go, if you haven't listened to any of these, well you should get on it.

Jonsi- Go
Caribou- Swim
Woodhands- Remorscapade
The National- High Violet
Sleigh Bells- Treats
Surfer Blood- Astro Coast
Yeasayer- Odd Blood
Diamond Rings- Special Affections
Gaslight Anthem- American Slang
Hey Marseilles- To Travels and Trunks
Daniel Moir- Road
Provincial Archive- Maybe We Could Be Holy
Vampire Weekend- Contra
Joana Newsom- Have One on Me
Circa Survive- Blue Sky Noise
The Get Up Kids- Simple Science
The Sword- Warp Riders
Deftones- Diamond Eyes
Four Year Strong- Enemy of the World
Freelance Whales- Weathervanes
Suuns- Zero QC
Tallest Man On Earth- the Wild Hunt
Shad- TSOL
Mass Choir- Live My Life on the Backbeat
Mitchmatic- Two Weeks Off


So there's some of the things i've liked this year tho i feel like i'm forgetting some more of my friends albums. There's still the new Day To Remember and a few more things coming out that i'll take a listen to, and then post up my tops of the year sometime next month, check it out.

Lo Fi Goodness

Lately I've been listening to a charming little group from California that goes by the name of Best Coast. Maybe you've heard of them? They're definitely setting the indie world on fire with their new disc and have been continuing to build on the buzz with a tight live show, showcasing Bethany's sun drenched harmonies that are buried in the fuzz of their lo fi goodness. Definitely a band that you should keep your eyes on and listen to, as well as CROCODILES, another great band from the mighty U S and A. It definitely seems that hook laden lo-fi is the rage these days and really I can't complain. CROCODILES are another great band to add to the mix and are worth checking out, especially jangly rocker Summer of Hate.

Good jams, check it.

Best Coast- When I'm With You


CROCODILES- Summer of Hate

Warped Tour

You would think that after almost a decade of going to Warped Tour I would be getting sick of it, but as I am now on the west coast and I get to go to the Gorge for it, I'm actually pretty excited. The lineup is ok for the most part, alot of bands that I'm not super interested in seeing, but for all the ones that I'm not that into, there's definitely some that I am excited to see. Here is a quick rundown of who I can't wait to see next weekend at Warped.

Suicide Silence- every now and then I need some quality metal in my life. This band is lately who I have been going to when I need that fix. Check it.


Alkaline Trio- one of my favorite punk bands of the last decade, so very excited to get to see them as per usual. Great shows and great times to be had. This song is one of my favorites I think of there's and maybe you'll like it too.


Reel Big Fish- there will always be a home in my heart for ska, and ska core as well. My brother and myself thrived on it during the 3rd wave, and if there's a good ska band to be found at Warped, i'll probably be right there. Excited for RBF, haven't seen them in years so should be a fun time.


Every Time I Die- one of the most fun live bands in my opinion, always ridiculous, always fun times to be had whenever ETID hit the stage. One of my most anticipated sets of the day and of the year as it's been awhile since I've seen them. Should be pretty amazing, that's for sure.


Mayday Parade- probably my most favorite new pop punk bands of the last few years, very excited to see these guys set as I always seem to miss it at Warped. Not this time though, also this song is one of my favorites of the last few years as well. Enjoy.


The Rocket Summer- Bryce would definitely have to be one of the most positive, happiest people I have ever met and seen perform in my life. His music is very much so poppy, but his harmonies are killer and you can't help but smile while listening to his tunes. Excited for his set that is for sure.


Set Your Goals- if there is one set that I will probably be up close to the front, singing along, this is the one.


I'll write more after Warped and post on my thoughts, and what it's like going to the festival in a non dust bowl for once in my life. Sorry Calgary, but i'm sure the Gorge may win out as a better venue.

I Choose You Calexico

I spent all day today at the Vancouver Folk Fest, and it was definitely an enjoyable experience, and definitely a different one from the other Folk Fests that I have been to, namely in Calgary in Edmonton. I would have to say that the set up at Jericho Park was definitely better than the set ups in Edmonton and Calgary, though all in all it definitely felt alot smaller than the other Fests back east. I'm sure there's reasons for it, and even the lineup seemed a bit lighter than others, though they are pretty up front in their festival guide about funding cuts and whatnot so I can see why it may not be as stacked as other Fests. I think that there is some room for growth though and I would love to see that happen while i'm out here. Regardless, I spent the day in the sun, and enjoyed some super amazing music. Highlight of the day though was definitely seeing Calexico, Bahamas and Alex Cuba play together. While it started off awkward as Cuba ended up being a bit late, everything flowed very smoothly and it was an enjoyable workshop through and through. I would like to note as well that Calexico are probably one of the best group of musicians I have ever seen. Those guys can pick up on any song and add their own little touches, and sometimes huge touches to the songs.

The best though was that they all played He Lays in the Reigns, from the Calexico and Iron & Wine EP, which is a gorgeous song, and as they played it I got goosebumps. On my legs and arms. In the already very toasty morning sun. If that's not proof of an amazing song then I don't know what is. Hear for yourself here.



So all in all it was a great day, full of sun and hangouts with my best friend, and seeing other great musicians such as Deep Dark Woods, Timber Timbre, Playing For Change, Matt Epp, Crooked Still and closing out the evening was the delightful Sarah Harmer, who has once again stolen my heart. If you are unfamiliar with her, she is a fantastic singer songwriter and one of my favorite Canadian musicians easily. Enjoy a bit of her tunes as well, a sun burnt gift from me to you.

We need more Dance Parties

A year or so ago I got offered the chance to do a show with an individual and also his group that went by the name of The Tremulance. I sadly was swamped that month with other shows so I had to pass on it and send them to another of the venues back in Edmonton.

Man alive I am still bummed that I didn't do that show. The Tremulance (from Abbey, BC) make fantastically moveable dance music that even if you aren't where you can dance to it, you'll still be tapping your toes and bobbing your head, ever so slightly. On top of Jamison's (head dude) original tracks he makes, he also makes a healthy dose of remixes of some of your favorite indie type tracks, and some of which, like the Phoenix one for 1901 has been picked up by the creators and spread for all to enjoy. And hey, if Phoenix like this guys remixes and tunes then you probably should too.

Scope it.



And to hear more remixes and tracks go here.

JDH

A couple weeks back I was introduced to a fine young artist from out here on the west coast, Jonny Hughes, who goes by the little stage name of JDH. Saw him perform in Victoria and instantly became a fan of his tunes. With just himself a laptop and some gear he makes some sweetly sounding indie pop tunes, and with a vulnerable yet can turn fierce sounding vocal style. I really dug his vocals and they reminded me a bit of scottish group We Were Promised Jetpacks whom I love, but as well his catchy synths and beats also won me over and they were better than most Owl City tracks that's for sure. Definitely a stand out track for me is Good Morning, super dancey beats and some solid layering going on there.

If you go here you can hear his tunes on ye olde myspace.

If you go here you can go to his website itself and grab tunes off it for free, but make sure you give him some love back.

As well go here to read a stellar review of Jonny's albums and a bit more about him and his life, which is pretty miraculous and awesome by the by.

A little help from my friends

Back in Edmonton there is a fantastic group of musicians that form a familial unit of sorts and they put out some really great music. If you feel so inclined then you should check out the Old Ugly and perhaps you will find something you like. Super talented singers songwriters rappers and electronic type music makers. But at the forefront of this group is one mr. Joe Gurba, aka The Joe. An insanely talented rapper with brilliant lyrics and delivery, and if he feels so inclined, he can rap faster than your poor second cousin that's addicted to speed. Or not. Maybe that was a bad example. Regardless Joe is a phenomenal person and performer and I just finally stumbled across this video for his song "You're Cool" which is one of my favorites off his past album Ut Oh, and also features alot of my friends and sites around Edmonton. You should watch it and enjoy and perhaps go to the above link and grab some Old Ugly tunes for yourself. Do it, it's good for your soul and heart, like delicious warm tea.

the Casket Lottery

A few years back a friend of mine introduced me to a great band called Limbeck, and as well Doghouse Records. Just lots of really great bands generally from the American midwest and many had great alt country and folk influences in them as well. One band that I discovered out of this was the Casket Lottery, which was formed out of another great, albeit heavier band, Coalesce. Anyways, Casket Lottery play great indie rock music, with alot of emotion and I would place them definitely with the great emo bands also of the late 90's. Really catchy hooks, and very intelligent lyrics, Casket Lottery are a great band that most people should listen to and get to know, as there still may be some new Casket Lottery in the near future. Dig.

Shapes Stars Make

I've been listening to more and more post-rock it seems, like alot more and i'm not sure why this has transpired. I've always been a fan of bands like Tortoise and Godspeed and Mogwai, but lately more and more i've been listening to this type of music, and as well it seems there's alot of these bands that come from Texas. I wonder why that is? Explosions, This Will Destroy You, and now Shapes Stars Make all hail from the lonestar state but I wonder what it is that inspires these bands to experiment with structures and tones and make such sweeping and epic songs. Well, regardless of this I found out about Shapes Stars Make from a friend of mine and i've been enjoying them quite a bit, especially with michael goodens lush vocals giving an added punch to this trios tracks. Definitely becoming a fan of theirs, and handily enough they are coming through town very soon, so added to the list of amazing upcoming shows, you should join me perhaps if you enjoy them too (and live in Van of course).

I Find This Fitting

Today I was hit by a truck. Nothing too badly. The driver hit the brakes with enough time to slide into me, but as that truck was coming at me I just froze. It's a little terrifying actually come to think about it. In the end though I just had some bruising on my side where the truck hit me and I stumbled but was alright. Now that i'm home I started listening to some music and remembered an awesome group from texas called THIS WILL DESTROY YOU.

See, fitting.

Anyways I really do enjoy some quality post rock, Fractal Pattern still being my favorite band from my hometown of Edmonton and Explosions in the Sky being one of the best bands I have ever seen live. So if you like that kind of epic textural sound, and 8 plus minute long songs with some noisy intense build ups, then perhaps you would enjoy This Will Destroy You. Definitely one of my favorites of the last couple years now and luckily they are heading to the pacific northwest in a month. I recommend you check them out, you won't be disappointed.



This Will Destroy You if you let it.

The UK likes to boogie woogie

I was looking around for some new tunes to listen to so I started to do that thing, where you go to a band you like on myspace, and then click on one of their top friends, and then on to another band and then another, and so forth. Anyways I came across this really awesome dance trio from the UK called TEETH, who make some pretty stellar tunes that are heavy on the drums and on the synths, and as well I instantly became a fan of Veronica So's vocals. Definitely an act you should check out if you are looking for some new dance rock kind of tunes.

TEETH


As well I came across another British group of individuals who were making some also catchy indie dance rock tunes, called PENS. Watching some of their videos and listening to their tunes i really dug the washed over sounds and loved the combo of the synths and the drums driving the tunes. Sadly they apparently just broke up, like about two weeks ago. But you can still enjoy their music here.

PENS

And perhaps you'd enjoy a video to go with that. Here's a sweet PENS one also for you.

Sleepless Nights from Halifax

So last year I did a really awesome show during Sled Island, which meant the show overall didn't do so well in Edmonton, as most people were in Calgary for Sled Island. Fleetwood Mac was also the same night which also was not so good. But that is how it goes when you do shows, but for those that made it out to the show, they were in for a helluva treat from a great band from the East Coast, Sleepless Nights. This band plays some ferociously catchy indie rock, and is definitely for you if you like bands like Two Hour Traffic or Wintersleep or even Thrush Hermit or some of the other amazing bands that seem to come out of Canada's glorious Maritimes. Their songs are catchy to the nth degree, sometimes with hilariously insightful lyrics into life out east, and the guitar duo riffs like there is no to tomorrow. Not sure when they will head out west again, but if they do make sure to check them out. To see what you would be in for, watch this.



They also like to give away free tunes from time to time so if you go here you can probably snag some free tunes as well.

Hey Marseilles! Goodbye Versailles!

Continuing in my trend of either loving bands from the northeast or the northwest comes Seattle's Hey Marseilles. A fine little assembly of seven talented music makers, the singer and chief lyricist Matt Smith writes some powerful poetic pieces, while cellos and violins and keys amongst other instruments are what build this bands luscious melodies. Probably one of the best bands i've listened to in a while and looking forward to more great things. As well, they made a pretty fantastical new video for their song 'Rio' which you should watch here.



As well, you can download that song for free of their site, if you didn't catch that. So, just click here to go to the site and download it. Do it, it'll make your heart sing.

archeology

A little while ago I was discovering alot of really awesome bands in the Pacific Northwest, just randomly going through myspace pages and finding that there was some really great talent out here on the west coast. One of the groups I really dug was Archeology from Portland. Really awesome folk rock group with great lyrics and jangly guitar riffs and catchy harmonies. Have definitely been a fan and remembered they made a pretty awesome music video. You should watch it, and maybe you will enjoy them too.

Circa Survive

I honestly don't understand how this band continues to put out such fantastic albums. In my opinion they are three for three, for all their phenomenal songwriting, song structures, and also especially it's Anthony Greens voice that consistently blows me away. I've seen this band a couple of times and they have such a fierce stage presence it's terrifying how good they are. Especially though Green's voice. I have never seen a singer project his voice to the levels that Green is capable of, it's seriously staggering. Their new album is out and I am definitely digging on it, and here is one of the newer songs.




As well, here is a favorite of mine, an older one but still oh so good.

No Sleep Till Brooklyn

I should seriously just move to New York and get it over with. Well, after I live in Vancouver for a while I guess. But still, there are so many great musicians coming out of there, Brooklyn in particular, that I just can't get over it. Small Black are another band that I have fallen in love with. Kind of lo-fi washed out electro pop music, their EP is fantastic from beginning to start, and their tunes just kind of melt all over you.

Dreamy good goodness.

the saddest song ever sung

Some of you may know of Bob Wiseman. Some may not. He is a talented Canadian musician who was in Blue Rodeo back in the day, and in the early 90's when they were starting to take off, he left the band. So it goes, but he is a very talented man in his own right and has continued to make amazing music since then.

Usually pretty happy stuff, but then there is Uranium.

My friend Doug sang this song once at a gathering at one of my old places when I had some musician friends over, and we were all hanging out and passing a guitar around and singing songs. Doug sang this, and it blew my mind, it's beautiful but the saddest thing ever.

You have been warned.

freelance whaling

If there is one band i've been listening to more than any other as of late, it would be Freelance Whales from Brooklyn. I stumbled upon them rather randomly earlier this year and once they finally put out their album I was elated. Fantastic indie pop music, with harmonies that will make your ears melt from sheer joy and happiness. I definitely feel a bit of Sufjan influence in their stuff, which makes a bit of sense based on where they come from but they are a band that you should pay attention to.

Just sayin.

They are touring the states with Tokyo Police Club I believe in August, and hopefully they can make their way across the border. If not, I feel a trip to Seattle is definitely in order just to see them play.

John Boutte and Treme

So I recently become obsessed with Treme. If you haven't heard of it, it's a new HBO show set in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hits, and it's about the people there trying to get back to their lives and a fair amount of intertwining of tales takes place. Also, music plays a huge role in the show as it does I am most certain down in the Big Easy. The theme of the show is sung by John Boutte, a great and talented singer from down there, whom I got to see play at queen alex hall a bit back. Fantastic voice and definitely someone you should get to know.

Capitol Hill Block Party

So I am going to Capital Hill Block Party down in Seattle in one month, and I'm getting pretty excited for it. At first it was kind of like, ok cool I'm going to that. But as it creeps up, i'm really excited to see alot of random and hopefully awesome bands. While in general the lineup is a hipster awesomefest with bands such as

Yeasayer
Shabazz Palaces
Bear In Heaven
Holy Fuck
MGMT
Jaguar Love
Mad Rad
Champagne Champagne
Fences
Atmosphere
Blonde Redhead
Harlem
The Dutchess and the Duke
!!!
Obits
The Dead Weather
Cynic
Night Marchers
Blitzen Trapper

and you know, more. There is one band however that has definitely grabbed my attention, and that is The Drowning Men. Definitely caught my ear and am really digging this song in particular.



Stay tuned as I gear up for this first festival, it should definitely be one helluva weekend.

Music Waste

I suppose while the memories are still somewhat fresh in my mind, I should write a little bit about my Music Waste experiences. Well you see, every year here in Vancouver they have a little indie music festival called Music Waste, over a span of many days at lots of different venues, art spaces, dive bars and pubs and whatnot, and lots of people come together for this wonderful celebration. As I was just moving to Vancouver I figured maybe I could see some sweet bands and meet some amazing people if I volunteered and did doors, as I so often do.

So the first night I volunteered at Zoo Zhop, and it was super awesome. It's a little record shop, with a bit of random other cool record shop things, as well as an artists co op type deal. So to sum it all up, it is a great little hang out of really talented people. I did doors for most of the night, which consisted of me sitting on a chair with a cashbox in a hallway and making sure not too many people were drinking out front. Most of the bands were pretty solid I would definitely say. Bleating Hearts had the best use of a french horn that i've heard since Fractal Pattern, Half Chinese were noisy rock awesome, Collapsing Opposites were as pop rock as ever and sadly were playing their last show, but my personal favorite was Canaries. This tight little 3 piece played screechy dance rock, with tinges of post hardcore awesomeness. They were pretty heavy on the synths, as well the drummer liked to bust out the trumpet from time to time. Everyone was moving and while the recordings are only ok, you definitely need to see them live.



The second night I worked doors with sweet local promoter Lynzaii, and we worked it up at Pat's Pub, way down and off East Hastings. All in all it was pretty fun, and even crazier than the first night. I think all in all there was well over 200 people there that night and the local goers were none too happy, but I think most people had fun. Sweet dudes from Edmonton Brazilian Money opened up the night and were stellar as always, as well Apollo Ghosts who closed the night had everyone in the pub, and I do mean everyone dancing. But as always it was Plus Perfect that stole it for me. I did a show with them last year, and they are one of my favorite bands in Canada easily. Always a pleasure and always a great show. Here, watch this video of them playing in fort mac on a deck.



Yes it was definitely a great weekend for music and made some fantastic friends. I'm definitely looking forward to even more adventures here in Vancity so stay tuned.

Whoah 2010

Wow.

I cannot believe I haven't written anything on this blog pretty much since last year. I don't even know where to start actually, there's been so much great music and so many amazing concerts that i've been to already, and i'm gearing up for festival time in the pacific northwest, starting with Capital Hill Block Party in Seattle, Bumbershoot in Seattle, and then MusicfestNW in Portland as well.

It'll be busy for sure. I think I shall start writing again in this blog though to at least stay in touch with music friends back home and highlight maybe some sweet people I have seen here and just general music ramblings and whatever I feel like writing about.

Oh also, my favorite album of the year is Jonsi, easily, and I keep meeting people that went to his concerts at the Vogue a bit back.

I am insanely jealous and would kill to see him live. Just saying.


Click here to see why.

yeah that's why. ugh. amazing.