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.