So I just wanted to write a little something as it's looking like I will be helping out with a show coming up next month at the Railway Club here in Van, a fundraiser for a pretty sweet event Media Democracy Days. I wanted to get involved a little bit with some things this school year since I've started to wrap up my degree in Communications and this opportunity popped up, and I thought "hey, I could help out with a show, I can do those things." I'm pretty excited about it too as I'm digging some of the tunes thus far. The show is Thursday Oct 11 at the Railway Club and Brice Tabish and Che Aimee are playing, but especially this gal from Victoria is playing, Ciseaux. Check her out, I'm already a fan of her vocals, cello and sweet dancey numbers. It should be a fun evening and fun to work a show again. Here's a link to her bandcamp: http://ciseaux.bandcamp.com/ and also a link to the Media Democracy Days website if you want more info on the events and workshops: http://mediademocracyday.org/ .
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Quick Pick of the Day: Adrian Underhill
I have been listening to Adrian Underhill's little EP this morning quite a bit, and have been enjoying it immensely. A relatively new face in the Canadian indie scene, this fine fellow out of Montreal has definitely got a bright future ahead of him. While there are only 3 songs up to listen to they all show a constant but varied range, with some truly delicate vocals but showing an influence from other Canadian heroes Chad VanGaalen and Neil Young in particular. I find his voice to be intriguing in the same capacity that VanGaalen's is, though Underhill's lyrics are a tad more grounded, but ones that tell the kinds of stories I like to hear in folk type songs. Another reason why I've been digging this so much is the slight world influences that comes out especially in the first track Back Asleep. He's still young but I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from this fine fellow and hopefully seeing him out West soon.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Quick Pick of the Day: Jim Guthrie's Gaming Goodness
There's quite a few videogame soundtracks that I've enjoyed over the years, but most recently there is one that sticks out far more than any others. Jim guthrie's Swords & Sworcery soundtrack is chiptune brilliance even if it's not exactly chiptune. His use of keys, synths and drumloops is phenomenal and the ambience and tone that his music sets for the game transfers to the real world. I've been listening to these songs quite a bit in the office and they continue to transport me to a land that breathes 8-bit pixels. In particular, pay close attention to the track "the maelstrom" as Guthrie's minimalistic brilliance truly shines forth and that song in particular has moved me like nothing in quite a long time. Maybe since Aeris' Theme from Final Fantasy VII.
Truly the work of a modern day genius (and Canadian to boot). Check Guthrie out today.
http://jimguthrie.bandcamp.com/album/sword-sworcery-lp-the-ballad-of-the-space-babies
Truly the work of a modern day genius (and Canadian to boot). Check Guthrie out today.
http://jimguthrie.bandcamp.com/album/sword-sworcery-lp-the-ballad-of-the-space-babies
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Music, Memories and 9/11
For me music has always played a huge role in my life. I've consumed quite a lot more music than most people I know (though there are definitely people that breathe music more than I for sure), and I have often had soundtracks to my life. There's been certain phases and parts of my life where I listened to one type of music more than others, and then things change and it's on to something else. I've had some tough times as well over the years and my favorite songs have been there for me no matter what.
I've just been thinking the last couple days leading up to today, September 11th, about what I was listening to then and why. You see, on 9/11 now 11 years ago, my grandfather had just passed away and I was taking a week or so off work to just kind of relax as it was a pretty big blow to me. I was woken up by my mom who was going crazy saying that someone had crashed a plane into the World Trade Center. I then spent a good chunk of the morning and day glued to the news watching the craziness that had been happening. Don't get me wrong, I know that there is plenty of injustice around the world and many people die due to the actions of insane people with outrageous agendas, but for that to happen here in North America, it was pretty shocking.
I spent a lot of time that day thinking about what was happening, thinking about all those people and what was going on. It was already a pretty rough time and this continued to blow my mind. Then, I did what I have done so often and wanted to retreat into a structured world, full of soundscapes and the audio escape I generally preferred to what was going on around me. I made a trip to the nearest place that sold music and just kind of headed to the new release section. My purchases for the day were P.O.D.'s Satellite and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals Life From Mars, and in general I'll probably never forget what I picked up that day.
While I definitely have moved away from the rap-metal stylings of P.O.D. (and heaven only knows why I picked up that album, though I was listening to a lot of Linkin Park still at that time so there's a clue I guess) Ben Harper has always been the kind of musician I like to grab when I'm looking for some nice chill music. That live album has been one of my favorites and I remember walking back from the store, and soaking in some new tunes and enjoying a crisp day much like today.
Music has often been a little more on the escapism side for me more so than movies or books, I love getting lost in good music. I also love good music on a day when it is needed as much as some human comfort, a hug or a "how are you doing?" For all those remembering 9/11 here's a great cover by Ben Harper for those who need something beautiful in their day, enjoy.
I've just been thinking the last couple days leading up to today, September 11th, about what I was listening to then and why. You see, on 9/11 now 11 years ago, my grandfather had just passed away and I was taking a week or so off work to just kind of relax as it was a pretty big blow to me. I was woken up by my mom who was going crazy saying that someone had crashed a plane into the World Trade Center. I then spent a good chunk of the morning and day glued to the news watching the craziness that had been happening. Don't get me wrong, I know that there is plenty of injustice around the world and many people die due to the actions of insane people with outrageous agendas, but for that to happen here in North America, it was pretty shocking.
I spent a lot of time that day thinking about what was happening, thinking about all those people and what was going on. It was already a pretty rough time and this continued to blow my mind. Then, I did what I have done so often and wanted to retreat into a structured world, full of soundscapes and the audio escape I generally preferred to what was going on around me. I made a trip to the nearest place that sold music and just kind of headed to the new release section. My purchases for the day were P.O.D.'s Satellite and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals Life From Mars, and in general I'll probably never forget what I picked up that day.
While I definitely have moved away from the rap-metal stylings of P.O.D. (and heaven only knows why I picked up that album, though I was listening to a lot of Linkin Park still at that time so there's a clue I guess) Ben Harper has always been the kind of musician I like to grab when I'm looking for some nice chill music. That live album has been one of my favorites and I remember walking back from the store, and soaking in some new tunes and enjoying a crisp day much like today.
Music has often been a little more on the escapism side for me more so than movies or books, I love getting lost in good music. I also love good music on a day when it is needed as much as some human comfort, a hug or a "how are you doing?" For all those remembering 9/11 here's a great cover by Ben Harper for those who need something beautiful in their day, enjoy.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Taylor Swift or Old Crow Medicine Show?
I grew up listening to quite a bit of folk music, and once I got a bit older I found out about country music legends like Johny Cash and Hank Williams that I instantly latched onto. I like down home kind of music, songs about people and landscapes, about the good things in life and the bad, but especially I enjoy banjos and acoustic guitars and the like. I really love old country music, but I definitely have a bad taste in my mouth that has been left by so called country music stars who are generally nothing more than generic pop singers who happen to have a slight twang or an extra acoustic guitar on an album.
I was recently reminded of Old Crow Medicine Show and I forgot how much I love them and their sound. This group from down south sounds like they just crawled out of some moonshine powered time machine from the 1930's and grew up inspired by the hillbilly legends that most people barely remember to this day. Country, folk, bluegrass and more, there's always something inspired that comes from listening to this group, case in point their version of Wagon Wheel which is one of my all time favorites.
This being said, I have already been introduced to the new Taylor Swift song and I can safely say I am not a fan of it, and wonder how Swift especially can even remotely be considered country music. First impressions of the song We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was actually that it was a new Avril Lavigne song, and then I was informed that it was in fact Swifts new song. I understand I'm not the target market, but it is hands down one of the most generic pop songs I've heard in a long time and doesn't remotely qualify in my opinion as a country song. Yet, she will still have a cross over appeal and people will love her which is fine, but what bugs me is that artists like Old Crow will still be overlooked and are making infinitely greater country music than Swift ever has.
I'll definitely continue passing on Taylor Swift, but I can't wait to track down some more reinvented country classics that is for certain.
I was recently reminded of Old Crow Medicine Show and I forgot how much I love them and their sound. This group from down south sounds like they just crawled out of some moonshine powered time machine from the 1930's and grew up inspired by the hillbilly legends that most people barely remember to this day. Country, folk, bluegrass and more, there's always something inspired that comes from listening to this group, case in point their version of Wagon Wheel which is one of my all time favorites.
This being said, I have already been introduced to the new Taylor Swift song and I can safely say I am not a fan of it, and wonder how Swift especially can even remotely be considered country music. First impressions of the song We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was actually that it was a new Avril Lavigne song, and then I was informed that it was in fact Swifts new song. I understand I'm not the target market, but it is hands down one of the most generic pop songs I've heard in a long time and doesn't remotely qualify in my opinion as a country song. Yet, she will still have a cross over appeal and people will love her which is fine, but what bugs me is that artists like Old Crow will still be overlooked and are making infinitely greater country music than Swift ever has.
I'll definitely continue passing on Taylor Swift, but I can't wait to track down some more reinvented country classics that is for certain.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
2012's Picks So Far
I definitely need to go back and actually do a final wrap up for 2011 apparently, but until then I need to keep track of what I've been digging this year so far. There's a pretty solid mix of tunes, from Canada in general and then from all over the place and there have been more than a few that are all that I have been listening to for the bulk of the year. There's some albums I need to dig into with teeth and a fierce grip but for the most part I have a good list of what I think are some standout albums this year. Here's a few of them.
Purity Ring - Shrines
I may be a bit partial to this album as it's two friends of mine from back in Edmonton, but regardless I really love this disc. A lot. It's been the perfect soundtrack to my travels around the city either on bright sunny days, or rainy days, or late at night, or pretty much whenever really. Corrin's tight and crisp beats and Megans gorgeous vocals are pretty much all you need. It's simple but layered, but becomes more dense after every listen.
John K Samson - Provincial
The weakerthans have been my most favorite Canadian band, and probably just most favorite band in general, and I had been waiting for Samson's new album for quite some time. While it doesn't stray too much from what he has done with the band, it does allow for less focus on the instrumentals and more focus on his song writing and soft vocals which are a highlight of any weakerthans album for me. Such a standout disc though and one that's constantly on repeat.
Japandroids - Celebration Rock
When I first heard the above track on the playlist at my work, I was blown away. A new Japandroids? Being played in the store? Insane. After the first time thought I was sold, and the rest of the album is just as good. A tight, concise rock album that blisters all the way through, this has been my go to when I want something super upbeat. Quality Canadian rock, the way it should be.
Torche - Harmonicraft
While I was a bit let down by the new Baroness album, I was pleasantly surprised with how tight the album is and how much it expands upon Meanderthal. I've come a long way from what I used to enjoy in regards to metal and hard rock, but this is right up my alley. Thick dense low end on the drums and bass and grinding guitars, as well as the type of rough but still coherent vocals, this is an album I can definitely get behind and have.
Of Monsters & Men - My Head Is An Animal
This band has pretty much blown up out of nowhere this year and for good reason. I had only heard a few songs from this band last year and forgot about them, but when this album came out I put it in and fell in love. From beginning to end these fine Icelandic folk have put together a magical indie smattering of some of the finest tunes I've heard in a long time. Super catchy, poppy indie rock with dual vocals and intelligent lyrics when you get past the sugary sweetness of the songs. This band deserves all the great things coming their way that's for sure.
Purity Ring - Shrines
I may be a bit partial to this album as it's two friends of mine from back in Edmonton, but regardless I really love this disc. A lot. It's been the perfect soundtrack to my travels around the city either on bright sunny days, or rainy days, or late at night, or pretty much whenever really. Corrin's tight and crisp beats and Megans gorgeous vocals are pretty much all you need. It's simple but layered, but becomes more dense after every listen.
John K Samson - Provincial
The weakerthans have been my most favorite Canadian band, and probably just most favorite band in general, and I had been waiting for Samson's new album for quite some time. While it doesn't stray too much from what he has done with the band, it does allow for less focus on the instrumentals and more focus on his song writing and soft vocals which are a highlight of any weakerthans album for me. Such a standout disc though and one that's constantly on repeat.
Japandroids - Celebration Rock
When I first heard the above track on the playlist at my work, I was blown away. A new Japandroids? Being played in the store? Insane. After the first time thought I was sold, and the rest of the album is just as good. A tight, concise rock album that blisters all the way through, this has been my go to when I want something super upbeat. Quality Canadian rock, the way it should be.
Torche - Harmonicraft
While I was a bit let down by the new Baroness album, I was pleasantly surprised with how tight the album is and how much it expands upon Meanderthal. I've come a long way from what I used to enjoy in regards to metal and hard rock, but this is right up my alley. Thick dense low end on the drums and bass and grinding guitars, as well as the type of rough but still coherent vocals, this is an album I can definitely get behind and have.
Of Monsters & Men - My Head Is An Animal
This band has pretty much blown up out of nowhere this year and for good reason. I had only heard a few songs from this band last year and forgot about them, but when this album came out I put it in and fell in love. From beginning to end these fine Icelandic folk have put together a magical indie smattering of some of the finest tunes I've heard in a long time. Super catchy, poppy indie rock with dual vocals and intelligent lyrics when you get past the sugary sweetness of the songs. This band deserves all the great things coming their way that's for sure.
Emo Like It's 1999
Lately I've been listening to a lot of Transit, and I like them. I really, really like them. They remind me of the sweet 90's emo bands like Braid and Mineral, even a bit of Texas is the Reason with their driving drums and punchy bass lines, and singer Joe Boynton sounds like he definitely has most of those bands full discographies down pat. Regardless of how much they sound like the great emo bands of old, they have great new things to offer a punk scene that is overrun in awful screamo bands and bands that just have no heart. If you like any of the above mentioned bands, or even the Early November check out this track Long Lost Friends, it's top notch.
It's Been Far, Far, Far Too Long
So I feel like I need to restart posting in this little blog of mine. It's my longest running one, it's the one that I think I should write in more as I'm still very much in love with music and it's very much a large part of my life. I also need to be exploring music a lot more than I have been, I've been pretty complacent with what I've been listening to. It's not that I listen to garbage, there's still tons of great music that I have encountered, but it's not at the same level as I used to in regards to searching out new music.
This changes now.
I will do my best to post about what I'm listening to and what I'm digging and if you have any recommendations then feel free to comment and share, as I am always up for new tunes. I'll leave you with something not too shocking, but I do in fact love the new Gaslight Anthem. These guys are still the best at what they do and they've been finely crafting their brand of Springsteen-esque soulful rock for a few albums now, and this new disc has quickly grown on me. Check out the best song in my opinion on the new album.
I'll have even more things to write soon so have no fear, and also please feel free to comment on what you've been digging lately.
This changes now.
I will do my best to post about what I'm listening to and what I'm digging and if you have any recommendations then feel free to comment and share, as I am always up for new tunes. I'll leave you with something not too shocking, but I do in fact love the new Gaslight Anthem. These guys are still the best at what they do and they've been finely crafting their brand of Springsteen-esque soulful rock for a few albums now, and this new disc has quickly grown on me. Check out the best song in my opinion on the new album.
I'll have even more things to write soon so have no fear, and also please feel free to comment on what you've been digging lately.
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