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.