I posted these last year, but I've got a special someone with me I've had no time for the old blog..
Murder City Devils - 364 Days
Rocket From The Crypt - Cancel Christmas
Supersuckers - Christmastime
Junkyard Dogs - Brand New Bike
Bruce Cockburn - Joy To The World
Also, here's the last Fireman album, I like it better than the new one...
The Fireman - Rushes
Dulli on Doug Sahm tribute
(from Tripwire.com)
On March 24 of 2009, Vanguard Records will release Keep Your Soul: A Tribute To Doug Sahm to celebrate the Texas Tornado's unique career and influential legacy. This collection will include new renditions of Doug's most indelible songs from his days as "Little Doug" through his time with the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados, performed by artists such as Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Dave Alvin, Augie Meyers, Jimmie Vaughan, Alejandro Escovedo and Doug's son, Shawn Sahm. As a first look of what we can expect from Keep Your Soul, here is Greg Dulli's (Afghan Whigs, Gutter Twins) take on "You Was For Real"
MP3 Stream - "You Was For Real"
On March 24 of 2009, Vanguard Records will release Keep Your Soul: A Tribute To Doug Sahm to celebrate the Texas Tornado's unique career and influential legacy. This collection will include new renditions of Doug's most indelible songs from his days as "Little Doug" through his time with the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados, performed by artists such as Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Dave Alvin, Augie Meyers, Jimmie Vaughan, Alejandro Escovedo and Doug's son, Shawn Sahm. As a first look of what we can expect from Keep Your Soul, here is Greg Dulli's (Afghan Whigs, Gutter Twins) take on "You Was For Real"
MP3 Stream - "You Was For Real"
thirty
I turned 30 yesterday. Not a big deal really, but boy do people like to make you feel like it is.
Heartless Bastards - Done Got Old
It's a good time to remember to age gracefully and don't try and cling to your youth... and don't show up to Twilight screenings alone.
Heartless Bastards - Done Got Old
It's a good time to remember to age gracefully and don't try and cling to your youth... and don't show up to Twilight screenings alone.
the end is near...
For the sake of not putting things off any longer... and to get one under the gun before I sneak into a new decade...
Woven Hand - Not One Stone
Land Of Talk - It's Okay
Kyle Fischer - Hey, Sweetheart
The Whispertown 2000 - Mountain
And a little something I came across today...
Woven Hand - Not One Stone
Land Of Talk - It's Okay
Kyle Fischer - Hey, Sweetheart
The Whispertown 2000 - Mountain
And a little something I came across today...
novembre
That's how the French say November...
So, Obama won to my surprise... I guess I expected a stronger showing for the ignorant portion of the US population, though it was McCain & Palin all the way in the south. Looks like the US made up for that huge mistake 4 years ago and picked the right Mr. November
Anyway, that's the whole of my political commentary cause there's a couple new releases that I've been waiting for. They both aren't going to win too many new fans but will play well for those who've already bought in...
Greg Dulli - Tonight
From the first official live release he's ever put out Live At Triple Door. At times his vocal limitations are put in the spotlight but it's still a pretty great collection with Petra Haden and Shawn Smith showing up....
Matthew Sweet - Feel Fear
I loved Living Things and Kimi Ga Suki Raifu a few years back, I think they were showing him at his best in terms of songwriting. There's some songs up to that par here but there's a few very weak links and the production sounds pretty amateur at times.
So, Obama won to my surprise... I guess I expected a stronger showing for the ignorant portion of the US population, though it was McCain & Palin all the way in the south. Looks like the US made up for that huge mistake 4 years ago and picked the right Mr. November
Anyway, that's the whole of my political commentary cause there's a couple new releases that I've been waiting for. They both aren't going to win too many new fans but will play well for those who've already bought in...
Greg Dulli - Tonight
From the first official live release he's ever put out Live At Triple Door. At times his vocal limitations are put in the spotlight but it's still a pretty great collection with Petra Haden and Shawn Smith showing up....
Matthew Sweet - Feel Fear
I loved Living Things and Kimi Ga Suki Raifu a few years back, I think they were showing him at his best in terms of songwriting. There's some songs up to that par here but there's a few very weak links and the production sounds pretty amateur at times.
all hallow's eve
since I've slacked off I figured I'd do a big dump of Halloween themed tunes to try and make up for it... there are some gems here for sure.
American Music Club - I Know That's Not Really You
Wax Fang - Halloween (Misfits cover)
Afghan Whigs - Big Top Halloween
Primal_Scream - Zombie_Man
margot & the nuclear so and so's - vampires in blue dresses
Dog Day - Zombie
Grandpaboy_- Vampires And Failures
Ponty's Camper - Astro Zombies (Misfits cover)
Holly Golightly - Devil Do
Turbonegro - I Walked With A Zombie
Supersuckers_- Sleepy Vampire
Low Pop Suicide - Zombie
Venom - Live Like an Angel (Die Like a Devil)
American Music Club - I Know That's Not Really You
Wax Fang - Halloween (Misfits cover)
Afghan Whigs - Big Top Halloween
Primal_Scream - Zombie_Man
margot & the nuclear so and so's - vampires in blue dresses
Dog Day - Zombie
Grandpaboy_- Vampires And Failures
Ponty's Camper - Astro Zombies (Misfits cover)
Holly Golightly - Devil Do
Turbonegro - I Walked With A Zombie
Supersuckers_- Sleepy Vampire
Low Pop Suicide - Zombie
Venom - Live Like an Angel (Die Like a Devil)
a special mix
In the days of manning the counter at a used CD store a guy who was a bit slow once tried to sell me a mix CD he made. I told him I couldn't buy it but he left it anyway... and I now present it to you. Enjoy.
Melvin's Music - Rock Line
1 Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell
2 Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me
3 Heart - Barracuda
4 Santana - Black Magic Woman
5 Kansas - Carry On My Wayward Son
6 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
7 Ram Jam - Black Betty
8 Stevie Ray Vaughan - Love Struck Baby
9 Boston - More Than A Feeling
10 Guess Who - American Woman
11 Trooper - Raise A Little Hell
12 The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go
13 April Wine - I Like To Rock
14 Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
15 Doucette - Mama Let Him Play
16 Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever
17 Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild
Also, Here's some RFTC from All Systems Go 3 that later showed up on the Free The West Memphis 3 cd with some different lyrics
Rocket From The Crypt - Total Bummer
and to answer a question: The Four Tops - What Is A Man
Melvin's Music - Rock Line
1 Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell
2 Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me
3 Heart - Barracuda
4 Santana - Black Magic Woman
5 Kansas - Carry On My Wayward Son
6 Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
7 Ram Jam - Black Betty
8 Stevie Ray Vaughan - Love Struck Baby
9 Boston - More Than A Feeling
10 Guess Who - American Woman
11 Trooper - Raise A Little Hell
12 The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go
13 April Wine - I Like To Rock
14 Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
15 Doucette - Mama Let Him Play
16 Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever
17 Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild
Also, Here's some RFTC from All Systems Go 3 that later showed up on the Free The West Memphis 3 cd with some different lyrics
Rocket From The Crypt - Total Bummer
and to answer a question: The Four Tops - What Is A Man
a mix for the fall
October's looking like it's gonna be a good month... I kick it off with Nick Cave, Dr. Dog a couple days later, then I've got a trip, some company and a bunch more shows (Asobi Seksu & Birdmonster included). Figured I'd bid adieu to September with a mix since it's been a little while.
You can get it HERE
01. Birdmonster - Iditarod
02. Pela -Tenement Teeth
03. Centro-Matic - Strychnine, Breathless Ways
04. Land Of Talk - Some Are Lakes
05. Maritime - For Science Fiction
06. The Night Marchers - Closed For Inventory
07. dEUS - Oh Your God
08. School Of Language - Poor Boy
09. The Weakerthans - Civil Twilight
10. Ida Maria - Drive Away My Heart
11. The Dirtbombs - Sherlock Holmes
You can get it HERE
01. Birdmonster - Iditarod
02. Pela -Tenement Teeth
03. Centro-Matic - Strychnine, Breathless Ways
04. Land Of Talk - Some Are Lakes
05. Maritime - For Science Fiction
06. The Night Marchers - Closed For Inventory
07. dEUS - Oh Your God
08. School Of Language - Poor Boy
09. The Weakerthans - Civil Twilight
10. Ida Maria - Drive Away My Heart
11. The Dirtbombs - Sherlock Holmes
Sigur Ros
There's something great about seeing a funny group of men in funny outfits playing huge sweeping melodies in a historic concert hall. Throw in the best confetti canons I've seen since the Van Halen show last year and it's a pretty memorable experience. They definitely put on a hell of a show and unlike when I saw the Supersuckers on Saturday, it never felt like they were just coasting and going through the motions to get paid... also, their new songs don't suck.
Enjoy:
Enjoy:
Sir Ben Kingsley... punk icon.
I have no idea how something like this comes about but it's pretty fucking cool.
Sir Ben Kingsley STOMPS into the shoes of Minor Threat's Ian MacKaye from Mean Magazine on Vimeo.
Sir Ben Kingsley STOMPS into the shoes of Minor Threat's Ian MacKaye from Mean Magazine on Vimeo.
TIFF rundown
Last week was the Toronto International Film Festival and I ended up catching 20 movies. It was a fun 10 days, now I have to get caught up on laundry, The Shield and ANTM but here’s a wrap-up of some of the movies I saw. (I had to do some quickie reviews for work anyway so here's some highlights to fill up some space and a song to start things off: Brightblack Morning Light - Oppressions Each)
Tears For Sale (aka Charleston & Vendetta) - I already posted the trailer for this movie because I absolutely love it. It's a vivid fairytale similar to what we see from people like Gilliam, Jeunet and Del Toro. A world grounded in real life but with fantasy all around including curses, ghosts of lovers from the past and dancing in a vineyard full of exploding mines. Breathtaking scenery is abound in this one, using the same palate as A Very Long Engagement and Perfume. I hope this gets out so more people can see it.
Detroit Metal City – A trendy Japanese pop singer ends up fronting a pre-fab death metal band; he wanted to sing about making cake with his sweet heart but ended up singing about raping his mother today and raping his father tomorrow. It's completely absurb and possibly the funniest thing I saw all year.
Jean Claude Van Damme is Jean Claude Van Damme in JCVD; a not too far from the truth story about his life and career mixed in with a Dog Day Afternoon style robbery that he a part of. Jean Claude carries some emotional depth in his native tongue, it’s an unexpected turn and a highlight of the fest.
The Good, The Bad & The Weird is an Oriental western... The story is weak but it really doesn’t matter here with great action and superb cinematography. A gunfight in the town involving a bounty hunter swinging over the rooftops rifle in hand and the large scale chase at the climax with multiple groups of bandits and the Japanese army facing off are sure to satisfy.
Acolytes is a twisted and tense little thriller from Australia that follows three teens as they cross aths with a serial killer and try to blackmail him into taking care of one of their problems. It really has the same tone as a movie like frailty with a slow steady build up and a big pay off in the end.
Pontypool - The new flick from Bruce MacDonald (Hard Core Logo, Highway 61) is sort of a zombie/virus movie but presented in a novel way sort of like [REC]. We learn about a strange hysteria that's sweeping a small town in Ontario through reports that come into the local radio station and the three people inside the station are left to decipher what the hell is going on as the reports get stranger and more horrific. Horror hasn't felt this fresh (or Canadian) in a long time.
Sexykiller - It's American Psycho mashed together with Clueless in the form of a sexy little Spanish girl who loves clothes almost as much as killing. It's fun but could have been so much better. I mean how can you have zombies crash a Halloween party, introduce a chainsaw into the mix and not have it turn into a bloodbath?
I mostly shied away from Hollywood movies, but I did catch Danny Boyle's new one Slumdog Millionaire and Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. They're both great movies that don't feel entirely fresh or original but are great pieces of storytelling. They'll be hitting the theatres this fall, well worth checking out.
Tears For Sale (aka Charleston & Vendetta) - I already posted the trailer for this movie because I absolutely love it. It's a vivid fairytale similar to what we see from people like Gilliam, Jeunet and Del Toro. A world grounded in real life but with fantasy all around including curses, ghosts of lovers from the past and dancing in a vineyard full of exploding mines. Breathtaking scenery is abound in this one, using the same palate as A Very Long Engagement and Perfume. I hope this gets out so more people can see it.
Detroit Metal City – A trendy Japanese pop singer ends up fronting a pre-fab death metal band; he wanted to sing about making cake with his sweet heart but ended up singing about raping his mother today and raping his father tomorrow. It's completely absurb and possibly the funniest thing I saw all year.
Jean Claude Van Damme is Jean Claude Van Damme in JCVD; a not too far from the truth story about his life and career mixed in with a Dog Day Afternoon style robbery that he a part of. Jean Claude carries some emotional depth in his native tongue, it’s an unexpected turn and a highlight of the fest.
The Good, The Bad & The Weird is an Oriental western... The story is weak but it really doesn’t matter here with great action and superb cinematography. A gunfight in the town involving a bounty hunter swinging over the rooftops rifle in hand and the large scale chase at the climax with multiple groups of bandits and the Japanese army facing off are sure to satisfy.
Acolytes is a twisted and tense little thriller from Australia that follows three teens as they cross aths with a serial killer and try to blackmail him into taking care of one of their problems. It really has the same tone as a movie like frailty with a slow steady build up and a big pay off in the end.
Pontypool - The new flick from Bruce MacDonald (Hard Core Logo, Highway 61) is sort of a zombie/virus movie but presented in a novel way sort of like [REC]. We learn about a strange hysteria that's sweeping a small town in Ontario through reports that come into the local radio station and the three people inside the station are left to decipher what the hell is going on as the reports get stranger and more horrific. Horror hasn't felt this fresh (or Canadian) in a long time.
Sexykiller - It's American Psycho mashed together with Clueless in the form of a sexy little Spanish girl who loves clothes almost as much as killing. It's fun but could have been so much better. I mean how can you have zombies crash a Halloween party, introduce a chainsaw into the mix and not have it turn into a bloodbath?
I mostly shied away from Hollywood movies, but I did catch Danny Boyle's new one Slumdog Millionaire and Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. They're both great movies that don't feel entirely fresh or original but are great pieces of storytelling. They'll be hitting the theatres this fall, well worth checking out.
resting up
After a week of seeing over 20 movies (including several at midnight) and still working I'm kind of tired. Throw in a Goldfrapp show last night for the hell of it and I'm badly in need of sleep.
Heres a few newbies to the world that are worthy of a listen.
The Gutter Twins - Duchess (Scott Walker Cover)
from the Adorata ep which is only available from iTunes shows a bit more of a solid sound from the group... whever album number 2 comes out it should be a heavy.
Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines
the Stand Ins is out now... the follow up to Stage Names is really more of the same but there's nothing wrong with that in the least.
TV On The Radio - Halfway Home
coming soon...
Heres a few newbies to the world that are worthy of a listen.
The Gutter Twins - Duchess (Scott Walker Cover)
from the Adorata ep which is only available from iTunes shows a bit more of a solid sound from the group... whever album number 2 comes out it should be a heavy.
Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines
the Stand Ins is out now... the follow up to Stage Names is really more of the same but there's nothing wrong with that in the least.
TV On The Radio - Halfway Home
coming soon...
Toronto International Film Festival
I've already seen 5 movies and have at least 10 more to go this week, very fun times.
Here's two of the great ones I saw:
JCVD, Van Damme in his best movie ever, I know that's not saying much but it is awesome.
Detroit Metal City, more crazy Japanese goodness and absurdity.
Here's two of the great ones I saw:
JCVD, Van Damme in his best movie ever, I know that's not saying much but it is awesome.
Detroit Metal City, more crazy Japanese goodness and absurdity.
2 days in a row
Been a while since I've done this, but it means I'm making amends as I go back into my burrowing lifestyle.
Mogwai's Batcat is coming out in 2 weeks and here's a track:
Devil Rides (featuring Roky Erickson)
Mogwai's Batcat is coming out in 2 weeks and here's a track:
Devil Rides (featuring Roky Erickson)
Geekfest
I went to Fan Expo on the weekend, a place for fans of sci-fi, comics, anime and horror to leave their basements and congregate in one place. It was horribly overwhelming and full of people like in these pictures but I did get an autograph from Tura Satana so it was certainly worth while (even though she's 73 and not looking up for a faster Pussycat sequel).
Someone who was famous a long time ago has an opinion we all need to hear....
I just love uninformed judgements passed on things, especially by people no one really cares about*. Maureen McCormick has spoken out against Tropic Thunder. She says "I haven't seen the movie and I won't go see the movie because of what I've heard" but still knows enough to tell the world about it. I saw it, it's funny and ridiculous. I'm still not a huge fan of Stiller these days but Downey Jr. is amazing in it, worth the price of the show. The people who come out and dismiss something before they see or hear it are the true retards, not the mentally challenged.
People need to lighten up or there will be nothing funny left in the world.
Oh well, here's a song. The Heelwalkers - Open Season
* I realize I'm very much a person no one really cares about as well and I'm voicing my opinion, but it's not going to be carried by
People need to lighten up or there will be nothing funny left in the world.
Oh well, here's a song. The Heelwalkers - Open Season
Brady Bunch Star Boycotts Stiller's Thunder
21 August 2008 6:28 PM, PDT
Former Brady Bunch pin-up Maureen McCormick has pledged to boycott Ben Stiller's war comedy Tropic Thunder as part of a protest about the film's use of the word retard.
In a blog post, McCormick writes, "I haven't seen the movie and I won't go see the movie because of what I've heard, but I want to add my two cents to the opinions on whether it's offensive to the mentally challenged.
"I know Ben Stiller has said that he's making fun of actors, not people with disabilities. Still, the movie is geared toward a younger crowd and I fear a lot of those teenagers and college students will leave the theater thinking 'r**ard' is (an) okay word to use. It's not. It's taken years to get people to stop using that word."
* I realize I'm very much a person no one really cares about as well and I'm voicing my opinion, but it's not going to be carried by
I'm still here... are you?
Not going to bother with a catch up, just throw a few crumbs out there for now... I'll get in the swing of this more in the fall when I'll be flying solo when my lady hits the books again.
I'm going to see Dog Day tonight, always good time.
Been listening to this: Dr. Dog - From it is as good as the reviews say.
And Rob Dickinson re-released his last album with a bonus disc of acoustic stuff featuring a couple of my favorite Catherine Wheel songs like Black Metallic
There's lots of other stuff around I'll get to at some point... new Calexico, new Westerberg, Gutter Twins b-sides & covers coming soon. I'll start my digging to see what I can find.
I notice that the files are still being downloaded, but I do wonder just how many people pass through these doors...
I'm going to see Dog Day tonight, always good time.
Been listening to this: Dr. Dog - From it is as good as the reviews say.
And Rob Dickinson re-released his last album with a bonus disc of acoustic stuff featuring a couple of my favorite Catherine Wheel songs like Black Metallic
There's lots of other stuff around I'll get to at some point... new Calexico, new Westerberg, Gutter Twins b-sides & covers coming soon. I'll start my digging to see what I can find.
I notice that the files are still being downloaded, but I do wonder just how many people pass through these doors...
highlights
So since the last post I went to the air guitar finals, saw Hellboy 2, said goodbye to commuting to Brampton and started working downtown, had my folks in for a visit, went to the botanical gardens, celebrated my lady's birthday, saw The Dark Knight in IMAX at 8:30 in the morning since every other showing was sold out, been using my Zune (which is working well for me though I have yet to use the "social" aspects), ate lots of good food and drank on occasion.
No real reason there as to why I couldn't muster a post or two but it just didn't work out somehow.
I'll dig up some treasures to post soon but to tide you over take this:
Calexico - Two Silver Trees
No real reason there as to why I couldn't muster a post or two but it just didn't work out somehow.
I'll dig up some treasures to post soon but to tide you over take this:
Calexico - Two Silver Trees
a midsummer's night mix
Time for another mix.
There's another Adem track from Takes; covering The Breeders with his voice reminding me a lot of Glen Hansard on this one. "Quality Strange" sounds a bit like Suzanne Vega's "Luka" but still works just the same. Pela, Gang & Fantasy Bar are new ones in my library that are getting a fair bit of play. Kyle Fischer from Rainer Maria has his solo disc out online, I recommend it highly. The new Mogwai doesn't grab you by the balls the way some of Mr. Beast did but they're still far from making a miss. Really I think it's all good and you should go buy it from emusic, iTunes, Amazon or your local record shop today.
Get it HERE
01 Adem - Invisible Man
02 The Diableros - Left from the Movies
03 Centro-Matic - Quality Strange
04 Pela - Rooftops
05 Gang - Fits & Shadow Fights
06 Frank Black - Garbage Heap
07 Afterhours - E' solo febbre
08 Dog Day - Zombie
09 The Black Keys - Strange Times
10 Thalia Zedek Band - We Don't Go
11 Kyle Fischer - Fallen Chandelier
12 Fantasy Bar - Interstellar
13 Intramural - Needle Point (feat. Teresa Eggers Of The Evening Episode)
12 Mogwai - The Sun Smells Too Loud
There's another Adem track from Takes; covering The Breeders with his voice reminding me a lot of Glen Hansard on this one. "Quality Strange" sounds a bit like Suzanne Vega's "Luka" but still works just the same. Pela, Gang & Fantasy Bar are new ones in my library that are getting a fair bit of play. Kyle Fischer from Rainer Maria has his solo disc out online, I recommend it highly. The new Mogwai doesn't grab you by the balls the way some of Mr. Beast did but they're still far from making a miss. Really I think it's all good and you should go buy it from emusic, iTunes, Amazon or your local record shop today.
Get it HERE
01 Adem - Invisible Man
02 The Diableros - Left from the Movies
03 Centro-Matic - Quality Strange
04 Pela - Rooftops
05 Gang - Fits & Shadow Fights
06 Frank Black - Garbage Heap
07 Afterhours - E' solo febbre
08 Dog Day - Zombie
09 The Black Keys - Strange Times
10 Thalia Zedek Band - We Don't Go
11 Kyle Fischer - Fallen Chandelier
12 Fantasy Bar - Interstellar
13 Intramural - Needle Point (feat. Teresa Eggers Of The Evening Episode)
12 Mogwai - The Sun Smells Too Loud
prep time
I've been back from BC for over a week now. Had a great trip filled with family, sunshine & whiskey and I got to see lots of junkies and The Incredible Hulk. Now I'm getting everything straightened away for a change in jobs that will have me working within the city limits... very nice. My last day of heavy commuting is Friday, which will be capped off with afternoon drinks and the Canadian Air Guitar Finals
Now as promised here's a huge sounding cover of PJ Harvey alongside a much quieter one...
Redd Kross - Oh My Lover.mp3
Adem - Oh My Lover
And since I'm talking about covers and lovers...
Blue Mountain - Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair
This Friday is not only my last day at work but it's also when Hellboy opens.
Now as promised here's a huge sounding cover of PJ Harvey alongside a much quieter one...
Redd Kross - Oh My Lover.mp3
Adem - Oh My Lover
And since I'm talking about covers and lovers...
Blue Mountain - Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair
This Friday is not only my last day at work but it's also when Hellboy opens.
On The Road
I'm on vacation in BC but I still felt bad about neglecting my blog... figured I'd send it a little love and a promise to spend more time with it soon.
The Ms - Big Sound
They opened for Centro-Matic a couple weeks ago, mostly the set was pretty flat and a bit of a yawn but I do love this track. It was a peak in their live show, too bad it was the second last song.
Adem - Oh My Lover
A prettied up cover from Adem's new album "Takes". It's quite nice but when I get back home I'll post a much beefier cover of the same song that makes it an arena rock classic.
The Ms - Big Sound
They opened for Centro-Matic a couple weeks ago, mostly the set was pretty flat and a bit of a yawn but I do love this track. It was a peak in their live show, too bad it was the second last song.
Adem - Oh My Lover
A prettied up cover from Adem's new album "Takes". It's quite nice but when I get back home I'll post a much beefier cover of the same song that makes it an arena rock classic.
wiped
The combination of four nights out for NXNE, a company picnic and heat stroke left me tired. I took a day to recoup and went to see Emmylou Harris last night. I need a big post to catch up on things but for now here's a couple of highlights from shows I saw.
Centro-Matic - Love Has Found Me Somehow
Afterhours - Tarantella All Inazione
Centro-Matic - Love Has Found Me Somehow
Afterhours - Tarantella All Inazione
I don't know what they're saying...
but I like the way it sounds.
I usually find it harder to listen to pop & rock music in other languages because that connection with the lyrics is lost. This doesn't really matter in the case of Sigur Ros since the voices are used more as an instrument anyway but it's nice to know what the hell people are saying. I mean, just think of all the people who sing along to English pop music and think that the lyrics mean something when it really could just be "my hands are small I know..." or "I like your pants around your feet..."
I'm fairly certain neither of these tracks are in that category.
Afterhours - Tutti Gli Uomini Del Presidente
Became a big fan of these guys for their last album got to see them live a couple times and looking forward to seeing them next week as part of NXNE
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook
Surpisingly poppy, catchy and short for these guys but I like it just the same.
I usually find it harder to listen to pop & rock music in other languages because that connection with the lyrics is lost. This doesn't really matter in the case of Sigur Ros since the voices are used more as an instrument anyway but it's nice to know what the hell people are saying. I mean, just think of all the people who sing along to English pop music and think that the lyrics mean something when it really could just be "my hands are small I know..." or "I like your pants around your feet..."
I'm fairly certain neither of these tracks are in that category.
Afterhours - Tutti Gli Uomini Del Presidente
Became a big fan of these guys for their last album got to see them live a couple times and looking forward to seeing them next week as part of NXNE
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook
Surpisingly poppy, catchy and short for these guys but I like it just the same.
mix time
Yes, the blog does not get too much attention but my lady is home, patios are suitable for beer drinking and the computer doesn't hold the same allure as when it's cold out and I had a shitty roommate.
I watched Rambo again, it's great. Watched the old Indiana Jones flicks, they're fun except Temple Of Doom just doesn't cut it for me anymore. I'll still be seeing the new one.
Anyway, HERE's a new mix.
01 Clinic - Corpus Christi
02 Autolux - Audience No. 2
03 The Notwist - Gravity
04 Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Jesus Of The Moon
05 Devastations - As Sparks Fly Upward
06 My Brightest Diamond - Inside a Boy (Son Lux Remix)
07 dEUS - The Vanishing of Maria Schneider
08 Tindersticks - I Want You
09 Emak Bakia - Forever (How Much Time Means)
10 Playing Dead - Breathe Owl Breathe
I watched Rambo again, it's great. Watched the old Indiana Jones flicks, they're fun except Temple Of Doom just doesn't cut it for me anymore. I'll still be seeing the new one.
Anyway, HERE's a new mix.
01 Clinic - Corpus Christi
02 Autolux - Audience No. 2
03 The Notwist - Gravity
04 Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Jesus Of The Moon
05 Devastations - As Sparks Fly Upward
06 My Brightest Diamond - Inside a Boy (Son Lux Remix)
07 dEUS - The Vanishing of Maria Schneider
08 Tindersticks - I Want You
09 Emak Bakia - Forever (How Much Time Means)
10 Playing Dead - Breathe Owl Breathe
neglekted
So the blog and my online life have beenon hold since my lady has come waltzing back in town. I'll try and get some decent posts together but here's a taste of some good things
Kyle Fischer (ex-Rainer Maria) - Sweet Suspense (feat. The Blow) (you can get the whole album HERE)
Fantasy Bar (ex Migala) - Up & Running
my lady has returned
So, I'm a bit preoccupied since she just got in yesterday and is back for the summer so here's some songs I posted earlier. And I'll dig up some new treasures for here soon.
Nancy Sinatra - Baby's Coming Back To Me
Jellyfish - Baby's Coming Back
Lee Hazlewood - Your Sweet Love
And the new Tindersticks album is on Emusic right now, go get it.
Nancy Sinatra - Baby's Coming Back To Me
Jellyfish - Baby's Coming Back
Lee Hazlewood - Your Sweet Love
And the new Tindersticks album is on Emusic right now, go get it.
a bit overdue
I'm overdue for a post but it was a busy week again.
The Dirtbombs on Wednesday. Fucking great show. The stuff from the new album sounds great live. Kelly Stoltz was some easy rock with some lovely theramin. And local openers and Old Soul members Steamboat were really good. I love the 70s AM radio feel of the band but I feel like the singing is a bit forced, not the smooth gold of say Local Rabbits' This Is It, Here We Go.
American Music Club was on Thursday, Mark Eitzel happens to write amazing songs that he almost manages to spoil by giving away what they're about. Unexpected stories of Celine Dion taking it from behind with a ball gag in her mouth are a nice touch to any show as well.
Saturday took me outside inthe sun for most of the day and to the Destroyer show that night. I'm not a huge fan of Destroyer at all, Dan Bejar's voice just doesn't do it for me but I went because Anemones were opening up and it was good to see a friend of mine who's in the band. Good stuff, check them out.
I saw a few other bands and a few movies mixed in there too including Harold and Kumar 2, which is on par with the first one. Take that as you will. I enjoyed it though.
Now by going to American Music Club, I did miss the famed Jay Reatard show that night. I don't regret the decision at all. From what I saw on you tube I think he was being a baby. The crowd was a bit rowdy but they were into it... all he had to do was get through a decent set and they would have spread the word about it being a crazy show and word would have spread. Instead by refusing to deal with such conditions (which most rock bands have to do) he comes off as a primadonna who thinks way too much of himself an little of his fans. I've been to many shows that were crazier that this and even played a few. I remember a packed to the brim Halloween show at Cafe Mokka in Halifax where some of the guys from Proskates were wearing devil horns and smashing beer bottles on them, the shards of which ended up in (bass player) Dave's legs. The stage, the gear and all of us were soaked through with beer, blood and sweat but we didn't think of stopping at any point. I think if he hadn't of been so macho agro he could've handled shit way better. Whatever. I don't think he's anything special anyway.
Anyway here's some great new music.
Thalia Zedek - Lower AllstonTindersticks - The Turns We Took
My Brightest Diamond - Inside A Boy
The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
Do you have to Pii?
What the hell can I say about this?
I haven't played Wii yet but Super Pii Pii Brothers sounds like the game to make me break down and buy a system. Amazing!
Original article HERE
(I was trying to think of a good song to accompany this but nothing quite does it jsutice.)
I haven't played Wii yet but Super Pii Pii Brothers sounds like the game to make me break down and buy a system. Amazing!
Original article HERE
(I was trying to think of a good song to accompany this but nothing quite does it jsutice.)
multiple identities
Will Johnson writes some great songs... He's going to release a double album of Centro-matic and South San Gabriel songs called Dual Hawks. Here's I, The Kite from the Centro-matic side of it.
Read an interesting Pitchfork article about Norah Jones and how she has a crazy new band called El Madmo. Reading the article and seeing the suprehero personalities they've created for themselves I expected to band to be fun, artsy cock rock type stuff... not so much though. It's not going to hit the AC charts but it's still sweet and poppy. It sounds good but as far as departures are concerned it certainly doesn't measure up to this: Peeping Tom feat Norak Jones - Sucker
Read an interesting Pitchfork article about Norah Jones and how she has a crazy new band called El Madmo. Reading the article and seeing the suprehero personalities they've created for themselves I expected to band to be fun, artsy cock rock type stuff... not so much though. It's not going to hit the AC charts but it's still sweet and poppy. It sounds good but as far as departures are concerned it certainly doesn't measure up to this: Peeping Tom feat Norak Jones - Sucker
a conversation starter...
This came up in conversation so figured I'd let it fill in a little history to the origins of Desmond Troyer. Enjoy.
Hell City Love - Forced Entry (buy some!)
Hell City Love - Forced Entry (buy some!)
Swell things in the mail...
Swell (myspace page) are one of my favorite bands... and they're horribly underappreciated. I think I like having bands like this who never really bubbled up to the masses, that way I can feel like it's something special to me... but whatever the reason, I think they're amazing. Ever since I saw the video for "Forget About Jesus" on Citylimits I liked them and 41 (as I've said before) is among my top albums of all time.
A while ago Pitchfork they mentioned a new album and "lost" collection but I sort of forgot about it until a friend reminded me. I ordered them and they arrived today in the mail putting me in a good mood despite also finding my roommate home. The Lost Album is made up of tracks that were recorded in the Too Many Days Without Thinking period, I have most of them as b-sides but they're all great. While I've only had a quick listen to the new album; South Of The Rain And Snow, it still has all the elements I love from classic Swell. It's made up of more raw recordings that remind me of the early days, I can't wait to get more acquainted. Go Buy Them NOW!
Easy from The Lost Album
Saved By Summer from South Of The Rain And Snow
Here's the video that got my attention.
A while ago Pitchfork they mentioned a new album and "lost" collection but I sort of forgot about it until a friend reminded me. I ordered them and they arrived today in the mail putting me in a good mood despite also finding my roommate home. The Lost Album is made up of tracks that were recorded in the Too Many Days Without Thinking period, I have most of them as b-sides but they're all great. While I've only had a quick listen to the new album; South Of The Rain And Snow, it still has all the elements I love from classic Swell. It's made up of more raw recordings that remind me of the early days, I can't wait to get more acquainted. Go Buy Them NOW!
Easy from The Lost Album
Saved By Summer from South Of The Rain And Snow
Here's the video that got my attention.
just a little longer
I'm waiting until my dumb roommate moves out on Saturday...
Genesis - Counting Out Time
...then wait a bit longer and my lady gets back in town.
Ron Hawkins - Waitin' On My New Heart
In the meantime, I'm keeping busy with various pursuits.
Reid Paley - Never Drink Alone
Genesis - Counting Out Time
...then wait a bit longer and my lady gets back in town.
Ron Hawkins - Waitin' On My New Heart
In the meantime, I'm keeping busy with various pursuits.
Reid Paley - Never Drink Alone
been a while for a mix....
Okay, figured I'd do a new mix.
Features the new Portishead single (quite exciting), new Tindersticks and bunch of other goodies. Love the School of Language (Field Music guy), Martina is great, Breeders shows promise for the new album, a Malcolm Middleton b-side, PJ Harvey live... etc.
Enjoy it HERE
1) Tindersticks - Intro
2) Sea Wolf - The Cold, the Dark & the Silence
3) The Breeders - It's The Love
4) The Gutter Twins - Bete Noire
5) Ken Reaume - In The Day
6) Martina Topley-Bird - Valentine
7) Malcolm Middleton - Pick Me Up
8) Portishead - Machine Gun
9) The Big Sleep - Bad Blood
10) School Of Language - Disappointment '99
11) American Music Club - I Know That's Not Really You
12) DeVotchKa - Along the Way
13) Tom Waits - Little Drop Of Poison
14) The Weakerthans - Sun In An Empty Room
15) PJ Harvey - You Come Through
16) Great Northern - Low Is A Height
Also, reposted a couple of old ones:
Total Lee: The Songs of Lee Hazlewood (original post)
Ex-Drummer soundtrack (original post)
I seen a bunch of punx
First off, The Gutter Twins show was great (as I expected), I won't give a full review since there are already some that get the point across. However there were some surprises at this show.
I had expected much like with The Twilight Singers that the setlist wouldn't deviate much between towns, especially since there's just one album's worth of material to play. It kind of works for Dulli as he almost aims for that soul revue kind of format going from town to town; some bit sof the show may be rehearsed, but it's only to make it more entertaining. Since I've been listening to the show from Paris I expected pretty much the same thing. It was true for the proper set but when the encore started with I'm Ready it was a welcome surprise. And in lieu of No Easy Action they pulled Hit The City from the Lanegan catalog with Dulli hitting the PJ Harvey parts. Great stuff.
Saturday was when the punks came into the picture. First off with Doomsday, which is a perfect big screen b-movie. Don't expect anything too new (unless you've never seen Road Warrior, Escape From New York and the likes) but it's good for a fun night out.
Sunday was when it was time to be among the punks and see The Vandals. Never been a huge follower but the show was a really fun time. A tight, melodic and very funny band having a good time with a very enthusiastic crowd. I know, that review is generic as shit but it's all I feel like writing. let the music do the talking I guess.
The Vandals - Girls Turn 18 Every Day
And I was there with a good friend of mine who used to be in a great Vandals-influenced band...
The Dean Malenkos - I Just Wanna Make A Fuss
I had expected much like with The Twilight Singers that the setlist wouldn't deviate much between towns, especially since there's just one album's worth of material to play. It kind of works for Dulli as he almost aims for that soul revue kind of format going from town to town; some bit sof the show may be rehearsed, but it's only to make it more entertaining. Since I've been listening to the show from Paris I expected pretty much the same thing. It was true for the proper set but when the encore started with I'm Ready it was a welcome surprise. And in lieu of No Easy Action they pulled Hit The City from the Lanegan catalog with Dulli hitting the PJ Harvey parts. Great stuff.
Saturday was when the punks came into the picture. First off with Doomsday, which is a perfect big screen b-movie. Don't expect anything too new (unless you've never seen Road Warrior, Escape From New York and the likes) but it's good for a fun night out.
Sunday was when it was time to be among the punks and see The Vandals. Never been a huge follower but the show was a really fun time. A tight, melodic and very funny band having a good time with a very enthusiastic crowd. I know, that review is generic as shit but it's all I feel like writing. let the music do the talking I guess.
The Vandals - Girls Turn 18 Every Day
And I was there with a good friend of mine who used to be in a great Vandals-influenced band...
The Dean Malenkos - I Just Wanna Make A Fuss
Gutter Twins tomorrow night
I've been waiting for the The Gutter Twins album for quite some time. I'm very happy with it and I'm very happy that the tour has also come this way. Tomorrow night is the big night. I was thinking about making the trip to Montreal to see them the next day but it looks like that isn't going to work into the plans this time. When the Twilight Singers came through here last I followed along to Montreal and had an amazing time at the show and out drinking with the Afterhours boys after the show.
There's a very succinct and kind of funny interview with Mark Lanegan HERE.
And a slightly longer interview with Greg Dulli HERE.
So, here's that live show from Paris in one convenient file:
The Gutter Twins - Live In Paris
Also, the album The Screaming Trees were working on before they called it quits...
Screaming Trees - Unreleased Album
Unrelated, but I've just re-uploaded this one from a much earlier post. It's an amazing album, my favorite by him by far.
Tim Buckley - Blue Afternoon
The Wire
So the final episode of The Wire is airing tonight.
There's really no other show quite like as far as the quality and the scope of the storylines. The characters all have their own importance and there is no clear "hero" or lead in the show. It's a far cry from crap like 24 and even a step up from shows like the Sopranos.
I've seen the hour and half finale and it's certainly a fitting and worthy and to the show. There are only a few storylines that seem a little contrived in how they tie them up and what they do with them, but it's still a wholly satisfying end. Ok, more satisfying would be for it to keep going, because of course the stories won't actually stop here.
Here's a few versions of the theme song and the opening credits from Season 2 (feat Tom's original recording from Frank's Wild Years).
Tom Waits & Kronos Quartet - Way Down In The Hole
Blind Boys Of Alabama -Way Down In The Hole
Steve Earle - Way Down in the Hole
There's really no other show quite like as far as the quality and the scope of the storylines. The characters all have their own importance and there is no clear "hero" or lead in the show. It's a far cry from crap like 24 and even a step up from shows like the Sopranos.
I've seen the hour and half finale and it's certainly a fitting and worthy and to the show. There are only a few storylines that seem a little contrived in how they tie them up and what they do with them, but it's still a wholly satisfying end. Ok, more satisfying would be for it to keep going, because of course the stories won't actually stop here.
Here's a few versions of the theme song and the opening credits from Season 2 (feat Tom's original recording from Frank's Wild Years).
Tom Waits & Kronos Quartet - Way Down In The Hole
Blind Boys Of Alabama -Way Down In The Hole
Steve Earle - Way Down in the Hole
CMW
CMW or Canadian Music Week is a happening this week in Toronto. Sadly this year it's a bit less impressive to me than in the past as most of the bands playing ome through town regularly or are from here. The only thing that really caught my eye is The Breeders but it's already starting and I'm just not into trucking across town and paying $30 for a show that I'm only half into. So tonight I will venture out into the blizzard that's hitting and go see Dog Day and few other folks from my old stomping ground.
Here's a couple of new tunes that excite me.
The Notwist - Good Lies I loved Neon Golden, been waiting patiently for a proper release to come along. Not much longer now.
dEUS (feat Karin Drejer) - Slow They've always been floating under the radar, were kind of hit and miss for me at first, then I sort of ignored them for a while until I heard Pocket Revolution. The first track from that, Bad Timing, was this epic song that just builds and knocks you on your ass. Slow is really great too, very promising for the new album. I love the contrast of Karin's (from The Knife) voice. Good shit.
And in my early prep for next Friday's Gutter Twins show, here's The Twilight Singers live with Mark Lanegan.
Live With Me
Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Here's a couple of new tunes that excite me.
The Notwist - Good Lies I loved Neon Golden, been waiting patiently for a proper release to come along. Not much longer now.
dEUS (feat Karin Drejer) - Slow They've always been floating under the radar, were kind of hit and miss for me at first, then I sort of ignored them for a while until I heard Pocket Revolution. The first track from that, Bad Timing, was this epic song that just builds and knocks you on your ass. Slow is really great too, very promising for the new album. I love the contrast of Karin's (from The Knife) voice. Good shit.
And in my early prep for next Friday's Gutter Twins show, here's The Twilight Singers live with Mark Lanegan.
Live With Me
Where Did You Sleep Last Night
the past two weeks.
It's been a while again, this time due to being away and spending time with a special lady. Here's a recap of the past little while.
I saw Be Kind Rewind, which was good, but not the home run I was expecting. The "Sweded" bits were lots of fun, and there were some great moments but the story lacked anything resembling heart or an emotional draw. I may have laughed my ass off from time to time but when it was over I really didn't take anything away from it.
I managed to check out some good rock n roll (Cuban Assassins, The Hot Springs) and some cute indie pop (The Superfantastics); they were good but I didn't stay for the whole set, I guess a guitar being in tune is just a big thing for me.
Cuban Assassins - Baby C'mon
The Oscars happened, the people I really wanted to win did (Marion Cotillard for La Vie En Rose/La Môme, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová for best song) but I would have liked to have seen Lars and the Real Girl win best screenplay.
I ate some delicious beef and pork.
I watched episode 9 of The Wire's 5th and final season. Pretty great stuff, have to say possibly the best show on TV and sad to see it ending, but better than having the quality dive like in Rescue Me or Saved By The Bell. It's great to see stories span beyond seasons and things roll out in realistic timelines (fuck you 24). It's an investment to get into but completely worth it. This is the perfect show for DVD. Now if only The Shield season 7 would hit the air.
I found out what Sarah Silverman was doing with Matt Damon a little while ago... but what Jimmy Kimmel was doing with Ben Affleck really caught me by suprise (details here)
The Big Sleep's new album is out now.
So is R.I.P.; Rocket From The Crypt's last show ever in recorded bliss. Of course, you're better off going HERE or to your local indie record shop and buying the actual disc as it comes with a DVD too. There's a couple songs and some info at The Choir Croaks
Lastly The Gutter Twins is coming tomorrow. It'll be in stores and on iTunes.
I've got mine already and it's all I could want from the parties involved. Something familiar but yet still very much new. You can download a full live show over at Captain's Dead. And be sure to check them out on the road if you can.
The Gutter Twins - I Was In Love With You
Figured I'd mention the new Goldfrapp ... I really liked Felt Mountain, then they went all shiny disco... the new album is good but reminds me too much of other things. At times Janis Ian or Phoebe Snow, sometimes Martina Topley-Bird, and at its worst Lisa Stansfield. Also, synths are never going to the job strings do with the same effect.
Goldfrapp - Little Bird
Black Mountain are playing in a couple days... I may go, the new album is good and I love this song.
I saw Be Kind Rewind, which was good, but not the home run I was expecting. The "Sweded" bits were lots of fun, and there were some great moments but the story lacked anything resembling heart or an emotional draw. I may have laughed my ass off from time to time but when it was over I really didn't take anything away from it.
I managed to check out some good rock n roll (Cuban Assassins, The Hot Springs) and some cute indie pop (The Superfantastics); they were good but I didn't stay for the whole set, I guess a guitar being in tune is just a big thing for me.
Cuban Assassins - Baby C'mon
The Oscars happened, the people I really wanted to win did (Marion Cotillard for La Vie En Rose/La Môme, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová for best song) but I would have liked to have seen Lars and the Real Girl win best screenplay.
I ate some delicious beef and pork.
I watched episode 9 of The Wire's 5th and final season. Pretty great stuff, have to say possibly the best show on TV and sad to see it ending, but better than having the quality dive like in Rescue Me or Saved By The Bell. It's great to see stories span beyond seasons and things roll out in realistic timelines (fuck you 24). It's an investment to get into but completely worth it. This is the perfect show for DVD. Now if only The Shield season 7 would hit the air.
I found out what Sarah Silverman was doing with Matt Damon a little while ago... but what Jimmy Kimmel was doing with Ben Affleck really caught me by suprise (details here)
The Big Sleep's new album is out now.
So is R.I.P.; Rocket From The Crypt's last show ever in recorded bliss. Of course, you're better off going HERE or to your local indie record shop and buying the actual disc as it comes with a DVD too. There's a couple songs and some info at The Choir Croaks
Lastly The Gutter Twins is coming tomorrow. It'll be in stores and on iTunes.
I've got mine already and it's all I could want from the parties involved. Something familiar but yet still very much new. You can download a full live show over at Captain's Dead. And be sure to check them out on the road if you can.
The Gutter Twins - I Was In Love With You
Figured I'd mention the new Goldfrapp ... I really liked Felt Mountain, then they went all shiny disco... the new album is good but reminds me too much of other things. At times Janis Ian or Phoebe Snow, sometimes Martina Topley-Bird, and at its worst Lisa Stansfield. Also, synths are never going to the job strings do with the same effect.
Goldfrapp - Little Bird
Black Mountain are playing in a couple days... I may go, the new album is good and I love this song.
remember me?
I have been piss poor at posting lately.
It's not because I've been incredibly busy or anything, just pretty lazy. I've been seeing some fun shows, listening to some good stuff and getting ready for a great week.
It's not because I've been incredibly busy or anything, just pretty lazy. I've been seeing some fun shows, listening to some good stuff and getting ready for a great week.
A bit of catching up...
Started the month helping a friend move in the midst of a blizzard. Next day I went hardcore with Sick Of It All and Madball in a sweaty little mess of a show on a snowy night. I'll freely admit I'm not a huge hardcore guy or anything but it's always good to see impecably tight musicians playing to a full house of fans who know all the words and go nuts for every song on the set list, showing off all the ways they know to dance. There are so many shows these days with lifeless crowds who just sit and stare, which works for some music, but really sucks the life out of something as visceral as a good rock show.
I ended up sick in bed after that which led me to watch the first season of Damages. It's a great show, there's plenty of twists and plot devices but they're far more credible than anything you'll see in the movies these days (Fracture, I'm looking at you). It's not going to replace The Shield in my must watch list, or contend with The Wire as far as being completely mindblowing but with those series ending I have to keep my eyes open for new things.
I know I did some other stuff, likely drank a bit much sometimes and eventually had Valentine's sneak up on me. I spent it with a lovely lady... while she is not my lady it was a nice evening to see a long awaited Nina Nastasia show. Local boy Ken Reaume opened the night in a very nice way, reminds me subtley of Elliot Smith, but with nylon string guitar as the weapon of choice. His style and approach really manage to make him really stand out from the usual guy with a guitar singer/songwriter, highly recommended by me (for whatever that's worth). The main problem with Ken and Nina's sets were outside of their control, they were playing the El Mocambo which had another band playing upstairs and when you have so solo singers with acoustic guitars you can't drown out the bleed through of crappy music. In spite of that, Nina's set was still a very beautiful thing, there's just something in her voice that makes you feel like she means every line she sings and never considers going through the motions. It sort of feels intrusive to be watching her as it appears she is simply playing, and not for the sake of those who came to see her but more in service of the songs. Definitely a different crowd from the Sick Of It All show but the performances were equally intense.
I'll be heading East to see my lovely lady very soon, so I may or may not be around here. Either way, here's some tunes.
Nina Nastasia - Why Don't You Stay Home? (Daytrotter Session)
and in honour of Valentine's past The Rentals - The Last Romantic Day
Tindersticks return
The Tindersticks slowly became one of my favorite bands... and it really snuck up on me when it happened. I guess mostly because I was introduced to them quite slowly, a few tracks on compilations here and there and the second album (which was the first thing I really listened to) didn't grab me right away. I eventually realized it's a masterpiece from start to finish and pretty much everything that came after it grew onto me just as much.
They're also one of those bands I have dreamed of seeing live but living in Halifax really meant that wasn't going to happen. But now they're getting a new album together, so there is hope of a tour and I will do what I can to see one of the shows. I got to see Stuart Staples about a year ago and he was great, but it lacked the intesity the a Tindersticks album usually carries for me. The new album, The Hungry Saw, is coming out April 28 (likely the 29th in North America), The Flicker Of A Little Girl has been posted on their Myspace page and through Pitchfork.
Also here's a live show from Amsterdam, 1994
They're also one of those bands I have dreamed of seeing live but living in Halifax really meant that wasn't going to happen. But now they're getting a new album together, so there is hope of a tour and I will do what I can to see one of the shows. I got to see Stuart Staples about a year ago and he was great, but it lacked the intesity the a Tindersticks album usually carries for me. The new album, The Hungry Saw, is coming out April 28 (likely the 29th in North America), The Flicker Of A Little Girl has been posted on their Myspace page and through Pitchfork.
Also here's a live show from Amsterdam, 1994
The Gutter Twins
I've been waiting for this for a while now... the song sounds good, I'm giving it time to grow. The verses don't kill me, but the chorus has it's charm.
The Gutter Twins - Idle Hands
And the tour is coming around. I'll be hitting one, maybe two of these.
The Gutter Twins - Idle Hands
And the tour is coming around. I'll be hitting one, maybe two of these.
March:
01 San Francisco CA/Bimbo's 365
03 Portland OR/Wonder Ballroom
04 Seattle WA/Showbox
07 Chicago IL/Metro (Late Show)
08 Minneapolis MN/First Avenue
09 Madison WI/High Noon Saloon
11 Newport KY/Southgate House
12 Cleveland OH/Beachland Ballroom
14 Toronto ON/Mod Club
15 Montreal QC/Cabaret du Musee
18 Boston MA/Paradise
19 New York NY/Webster Hall
20 Washington DC/9:30 Club
21 Atlanta GA/Roxy Theater
22 New Orleans LA/One Eyed Jacks
26 Austin TX/Antone's
27 Dallas TX/Cambridge Room @ HOB
29 Boulder CO/Fox Theater
One of these days this blog and myself will be in the swing of things... one of these days I tell you.
Looking back on 2007
Okay, been a bit out of the picture with shit going on over the holidays...
Here's a quick round up for the year:
TV - I've given up on pretty much everything except America's Next Top Model, The Shield and The Wire. I still enjoy The Office, Extras, Heroes (though not as much as S1) and there's lots out there that sounds good but I have no cable so it'll just have to wait until DVD.
Movies - There's the ones I completely enjoyed: Lars & The Real Girl, Once, No Country For Old Men, La Vie En Rose, Sunshine, Superbad, Hot Fuzz, Eastern Promises... Also, the three movies I saw at the film fest; Dai-Nipponjin, Ex-Drummer & A L'interieur, all blew me away.
The ones that I feel are everything a blockbuster should be, entertainment that takes your mind off things for 2 hours and that you don't feel guilty about: 300, Transformers, Bourne Ultimatum, Hot Rod & Shoot Em Up (okay the last two bombed, but they served the purpose)
As for music...
I saw some great live shows.... highlights were My Brightest Diamond, Ween, Van Halen, Swell Season, Blonde Redhead, Walter Schreiffels, Urge Overkill, Watson Twins, Fucking Champs
And here's some of the stuff that was in high rotation or at least made an impression on me:
Dog Day - Great Pains
I dare say this was my favorite album of the year. I threw it on because they're from my hometown but I didn't expect to fall in love with it right away. It hit me the same way the first Voxtrot EPs did, just pure great pop. The difference being that this is a solid album start to finish, Voxtrot didn't seem to pull that off for me.
Malcolm Middleton - Stay Close Sit Tight
I saw Arab Strap on their last tour and was disappointed to hear of their break up, but when this album came out it helped me move on. It's up there with the Dog Day for the year, another album that's great from start to finish and chock full of singles.
Ween - Your Party
I've been a fan of the last few Ween albums, even more so then the early stuff. La Cucaracha picks up smoothly after Quebec, sounding again like a great mix tape. I can't think of many bands who could pull off adult contemporary and make it sound as good as this song.
PJ Harvey - The Devil
She's always had so much power in her voice and performance, it's stil there even with all the distortion and percussion stripped away. Too bad she only played like 3 shows on the entire tour for this one.
The Afghan Whigs - I'm A Soldier
8 years after calling it quits The Whigs get a well deserved best of. Missing some of my faves but a good intro overall and with a couple new tracks including this one. It's no Going To Town but it stands on its own for me.
A couple of great bands from the same time as the Whigs stepped back up to release new material, in both cases they put out material as strong as in their heyday without sounding like a throwback or a cashgrab.
Buffalo Tom - Bad Phone Call
Dinosaur Jr. - Back To Your Heart
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - How Will You Love Me
If I could marry her voice I would. I'll have to settle on spending Valentine's Day with her at the El Mocambo.
Wintersleep - Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks
When East Coast boys get the magic touch from Mogwai's producer things end up sounding quite good.
Bionic - Q: Is There A TV In Heaven? A: Yes, Yes There Is
Bionic are one of the best rock bands in the world, but very few people outside of Canada (and not enough inside) really know that yet.
Turbonegro - Back In Denim
They were one of the best rock bands in the world but the last two albums have left something to be desired. Still, this is a great song and it was a great show.
Hot Springs - Fog And The Horn
Yet another band from Montreal and yet another "Hot" band.
Son Volt - Methamphetamine
Since Wilco spent the year trying to write the best 70s AM Rock album since the 70s (they failed, it was already done by the Local Rabbits with This Is It Here We Go) Son Volt had a chance to shine... The Search wasn't the best thing they've done but the songs that worked were as good as anyhting they've done.
Bat For Lashes - Horse And I
You know, it's nothing new and it sounds so much like Bjork at times, but at least it sounds like really great Bjork.
Blonde Redhead - 23
Picks up where Misery Is A Butterfly left off, sucked me right in.
Candie Payne - One More Chance
If you want a 60's girl revival I'd say forget The Pipettes and get Candie Payne.
Here's a quick round up for the year:
TV - I've given up on pretty much everything except America's Next Top Model, The Shield and The Wire. I still enjoy The Office, Extras, Heroes (though not as much as S1) and there's lots out there that sounds good but I have no cable so it'll just have to wait until DVD.
Movies - There's the ones I completely enjoyed: Lars & The Real Girl, Once, No Country For Old Men, La Vie En Rose, Sunshine, Superbad, Hot Fuzz, Eastern Promises... Also, the three movies I saw at the film fest; Dai-Nipponjin, Ex-Drummer & A L'interieur, all blew me away.
The ones that I feel are everything a blockbuster should be, entertainment that takes your mind off things for 2 hours and that you don't feel guilty about: 300, Transformers, Bourne Ultimatum, Hot Rod & Shoot Em Up (okay the last two bombed, but they served the purpose)
As for music...
I saw some great live shows.... highlights were My Brightest Diamond, Ween, Van Halen, Swell Season, Blonde Redhead, Walter Schreiffels, Urge Overkill, Watson Twins, Fucking Champs
And here's some of the stuff that was in high rotation or at least made an impression on me:
Dog Day - Great Pains
I dare say this was my favorite album of the year. I threw it on because they're from my hometown but I didn't expect to fall in love with it right away. It hit me the same way the first Voxtrot EPs did, just pure great pop. The difference being that this is a solid album start to finish, Voxtrot didn't seem to pull that off for me.
Malcolm Middleton - Stay Close Sit Tight
I saw Arab Strap on their last tour and was disappointed to hear of their break up, but when this album came out it helped me move on. It's up there with the Dog Day for the year, another album that's great from start to finish and chock full of singles.
Ween - Your Party
I've been a fan of the last few Ween albums, even more so then the early stuff. La Cucaracha picks up smoothly after Quebec, sounding again like a great mix tape. I can't think of many bands who could pull off adult contemporary and make it sound as good as this song.
PJ Harvey - The Devil
She's always had so much power in her voice and performance, it's stil there even with all the distortion and percussion stripped away. Too bad she only played like 3 shows on the entire tour for this one.
The Afghan Whigs - I'm A Soldier
8 years after calling it quits The Whigs get a well deserved best of. Missing some of my faves but a good intro overall and with a couple new tracks including this one. It's no Going To Town but it stands on its own for me.
A couple of great bands from the same time as the Whigs stepped back up to release new material, in both cases they put out material as strong as in their heyday without sounding like a throwback or a cashgrab.
Buffalo Tom - Bad Phone Call
Dinosaur Jr. - Back To Your Heart
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - How Will You Love Me
If I could marry her voice I would. I'll have to settle on spending Valentine's Day with her at the El Mocambo.
Wintersleep - Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks
When East Coast boys get the magic touch from Mogwai's producer things end up sounding quite good.
Bionic - Q: Is There A TV In Heaven? A: Yes, Yes There Is
Bionic are one of the best rock bands in the world, but very few people outside of Canada (and not enough inside) really know that yet.
Turbonegro - Back In Denim
They were one of the best rock bands in the world but the last two albums have left something to be desired. Still, this is a great song and it was a great show.
Hot Springs - Fog And The Horn
Yet another band from Montreal and yet another "Hot" band.
Son Volt - Methamphetamine
Since Wilco spent the year trying to write the best 70s AM Rock album since the 70s (they failed, it was already done by the Local Rabbits with This Is It Here We Go) Son Volt had a chance to shine... The Search wasn't the best thing they've done but the songs that worked were as good as anyhting they've done.
Bat For Lashes - Horse And I
You know, it's nothing new and it sounds so much like Bjork at times, but at least it sounds like really great Bjork.
Blonde Redhead - 23
Picks up where Misery Is A Butterfly left off, sucked me right in.
Candie Payne - One More Chance
If you want a 60's girl revival I'd say forget The Pipettes and get Candie Payne.
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