Sunday, December 30, 2007

Great Lake Swimmers (Ontario band)

John gave me The Great Lake Swimmers, - their Ongiara CD.  It's simply easy to listen to - Sunday morning music that reminds me of Neil Young.  I'd classify it as folk and my favorite song on the album would have to be this one: 

Friday, December 28, 2007

Out of Tune and Off Key-Who Cares?

Flickr Credit



In the history of music, why are there still people who complain about “bad singers”? Bob Dylan doesn’t sound like Andrea Bocelli, but who cares? Bad singers are among my most loved and adored. I’ve had this conversation with a few people in “the know”; people who know music – who wouldn’t be caught dead with Bryan Adams or Beyonce in their iTunes library.

My first example would be Bob Dylan. I don't think I need to type anything more on that. Second, Mick Jagger isn't exactly singing like an angel either. Doesn't stop us from playing Rolling Stones' classics does it?

Feature example: The Arcade Fire’s lead singer, Win Butler, has the vocal timbre that leaves you scrumaging through your purse for Ricola cough drops – at least DB thinks he “needs a cough drop”. Hey dude, that’s the lovable characteristic of the Arcade Fire sound – so what - it’s indulgent and it’s different.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips sings off key in most of his songs. Take that “A Change At Christmas” song for starters. Who cares – again I underline this is delectable on their part. Playful and yet very cool at the same time.

just because

Find out for yourself

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Remembering Dan Fogelberg...




Well there's too many windows
in this old hotel
And rooms filled with reckless pride
And the walls have grown sturdy
And the halls have worn well
But there is nobody living inside
Nobody living inside...

Gonna pull in the shutters
On this heart of mine
Roll up the carpets and pull
in the blinds
And retreat to the chambers that
I left behind
In hopes there still may be
Love left to find
Still may be love left to find.

Seek inspiration in daily affairs
Now your soul is improper
and requires repairs
And the voices you hear at the
top of the stairs
Are only echoes of unanswered prayers
Echoes of unanswered prayers.

Well there's too many windows
in this old hotel
And rooms filled with reckless pride
And the walls have grown sturdy
And the halls have worn well
But there is nobody living inside
Nobody living inside... 

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Got Morrissey?

They say there's too much caffeine in your blood stream And a lack of real spice in your life



Last night I had John, the construction handy man in to fix one of my dimmer lights (yes I really do have a strong conviction for dimmer switches) and he noticed my Morrissey albums on the hallway table. "Oh who's M-o-r-r-ees-y?" Oh God I thought. This guys got to be at least 50 and he doesn't know who Morrissey is? And even worse, he didn't know who The Smiths were, adding further frustration in my attempt to explain who Morrissey was. I know. There's so much ignorance in the world it's shocking. I pointed to my refrigerator door where my beloved is stuck and then I took him over to the iMac and pulled up some classic Smiths for him to hear - you know, in hopes that something might jog loose in his brain. But nothing did. Poor old soul. This got me thinking this morning about a list of favorite Smiths' songs. A list of must haves and "must get" - as in "do you get it?".

So here goes in no particular order (other than scrolling through my iTunes and the fact that I placed "There Is A Light" last because it really is my absolute favorite Smiths' single), song titles and album:


Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now (Louder Than Bombs)
The Headmaster Ritual (Meat Is Murder)
Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours (Strangeways, Here We Come)
Well I Wonder (Meat Is Murder)
Bigmouth Strikes Again (The Queen Is Dead)
I Know It’s Over (The Queen Is Dead)
This Charming Man (The Smiths)
Hand In Glove (The Smiths)
Still Ill (The Smiths)
Half A Person (Louder Than Bombs)
What Difference Does It Make? (The Smiths)
Ask (Louder Than Bombs)
Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others (The Queen Is Dead)
Shoplifters Of The World Unite (Louder Than Bombs)
That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore (Meat Is Murder)
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (The Queen Is Dead)

Saturday, December 01, 2007

The Best Of 2007

Friday afternoon Mr. Goodman at the NSN emailed me to let me in on his annual list of Top Ten Albums. The lists will be published in the December 14th issue.

These are NOT in order - it's hard enough to narrow things down to ten selections you'd recommend as "must-haves", never mind giving them priority or preference. But I will clarify that the reason LCD Soundsystem makes my list is that James Murphy is a brilliant musician and songwriter whom deserves recognition for this 2007 critically acclaimed recording. It's certainly not for everyone.

If you must surrender to the loathsome consumerism of the season, then I recommend straightening out someone's horrendous music collection with anyone of these gems.

1. "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank", from Modest Mouse - released March 07


2. "Cease To Begin" from Band of Horses - released October 07


3. "In Rainbows" from Radiohead - released October 07


4. "Hospital Music" from Matthew Good -July 07


5. "Shine" from Joni Mitchell - released September 07


6. "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" from Spoon - July 07


7. "The World Is Yours" from Ian Brown -September 07


8. "Neon Bible" from Arcade Fire - March 07


9. "The Reminder" from Feistk - March 07


10. "Sounds Of Silver" from LCD Soundsystem - March 07

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Songs from Cat Power's Jukebox Revealed



The amended title of Chan Marshall's eighth (!) album has been revealed. No longer entitled "Covers Record 2", she discloses the tracklisting and artwork for "Jukebox", and a release date of January 22, 2008. Though the Cat Power album is almost all but cover tunes, she's included two original recordings, "Metal Heart" and track four "Song To Bobby", for her adoration of Bob Dylan.

Cat Power – Jukebox Tracklist:

1. Theme From 'New York, New York' - (Written by Fred Ebb/John Kander)
2. Metal Heart - (Written by Chan Marshall)
3. Ramblin' (Wo)man - (Written by Hank Williams)
4. Song To Bobby - (Written by Chan Marshall)
5. Aretha, Sing One For Me - (Written by J Harris/Eugene William)
6. Lost Someone - (Written by James Brown/Bobby Byrd/Lloyd Stallworth)
7. I Believe In You - (Written by Bob Dylan)
8. Fortunate Son - (Written by John Fogerty)
9. Silver Stallion - (Written by Lee Clayton)
10. Dark End of the Street - (Written by Chips Moman/Dan Penn)
11. Don't Explain - (Written by Arthur Herzog, Jr./Billie Holiday)
12. Woman Left Lonely - (Written by Spooner Oldham/Dan Penn)

So what is CAT POWER? Cat Power is the stage name of Chan (pronounced Shawn) Marshall, a talented and shy singer-songwriter from the Southern United States. She's been recording her music since 1995. Some critics have cited her as the reluctant musician because of her severe stage-fright and live performance abrupt 'slip aways'. Her early live performances had been muted and tainted by influence of alcohol, making concerts messy and unprofessional. As of late, sober and fully committed to her craft, she's brought new life to a polished delivery. Perhaps the success of 2006's "The Greatest" allowed this to happen.

Her music is all encompassing - Folk, Soul, Blues, Funk, Indie-Rock. Her influences are far and wide - as reflected in her upcoming album. I for one, will be making this a must CD purchase and I'd even take a chance to attend one of her shows - slip away or not.

DISCOGRAPHY:
Dear Sir CD/LP(10") (reissued CD/LP(12") 2001, Plain recordings)
Myra Lee (1996, Smells Like Records)
What Would the Community Think (1996, Matador Records)
Moon Pix (1998, Matador Records)
The Covers Record (2000, Matador Records)
You Are Free (2003, Matador Records) US #105, UK #157
The Greatest (2006, Matador Records) US #34, UK #45, CAN #63, AUS #26
Jukebox (2008, Matador Records)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Morrissey picked for his lyrical humour



Jim Rome piped in to Morrissey-Solo.com to make notice of MSN's music editor's favorite examples for best humour in lyrics.
Wittiest Lyrics was the headline and according the music editor, James Hurley, "People who dismiss Morrissey as miserable miss the point spectacularly. Quite simply, he's responsible for some of the wittiest lyrics ever committed to tape. While it would be foolish to try to identify a single example as his best, the wonderfully knowing self-deprecation of "I used to dream and I used to vow / I wouldn't dream of it now" captures his essence perfectly."

So, there you have it.

"Sweetness I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head"







Monday, October 22, 2007

Monday Music Advice

Listening to CBC 690 on the way home this afternoon, I caught Jon Siddal's "Chartsurfer". Today he reminded me to play an oldie from my iTunes, "Wichita Lineman" sung by Glen Campbell.

The song was written by legendary composer, Jimmy Webb - an absolute genius and a keystone in the music world. Wichita Lineman was first recorded by Glen Campbell in 1968 - as was a ton of other great Jimmy Webb music, including Richard Harris' breakthrough album, "A Tramp Shining".

Webb also wrote "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" - another huge hit for Campbell. Glen's voice back in the day was quite different than what he sounds like in recent decades. I don't know what it is back then - his voice was higher and sweeter, more precise in its sound.

So do yourself a favor and play "Wichita Lineman" and see what we're missing in music today...

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Flash back Thursdays



I almost forgot about Flashback Thursday until I was watching Much More Music tonight. There he was. Classic, hot, great lid, suit, English, Robert Palmer (January 19, 1949 - September 26, 2003) doing his platform performance, "Addicted To Love."

There are a few YouTube video links that can't be embedded but are worth clicking on to (in private - you don't want people to think you actually listen to this stuff).

Addicted To Love is a great music video - pure in form actually. There are other YouTube video versions of this song but with crap audio so you really have to cut and paste this link into your web browser. Sorry - hate to make ya all work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0U5JfGYx4c

Also if you can get it to play on Radio Blog, then turn it up. I don't care - it's does have something doesn't it? Or maybe it's just those wry lyrics.

Fire It Up!

Loving this new album from MODEST MOUSE more and more.



Is there enough? Is there enough? Is there enough?
Is there enough?
Fire it up, fire it up
When we finally turn it over
Make a B-line towards the border
Have a drink, you've had enough

Fire it up, fire it up
If you need some conversation
Bring a magazine to read around
Our broke down transportation

Fire it up
Is there enough?
Fire it up, fire it up
When we find the perfect water
We'll hang out on the shore
Just long enough to leave our clothes there

Find enough, find enough
Oh we ate all of the oranges
Off the navels of our lovers
Grabbed a book and read the cover

It honestly was beautifully done
Like trying to hide the daylight from the sun
But even if we had been sure enough it's true we really didn't know
Even if we knew which way to head but still we probably wouldn't go

Fire it up, fire it up
We pushed off we're rolling boulders
Crashing down the mirrored stairways
Two of lifes best mind canaries

Fire it up, fire it up
When we fix the carburetor
Then we'll push off once again
In an hour or so later

It honestly was beautifully bold
Like trying to save an ice cube from the cold
But even if we had been sure enough it's true we really didn't know
Even if we knew which way to head but still we probably wouldn't go

Well we always had it all

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

A fav

Back in 2003 I caught this song on a Victoria radio station. I called in to find out what it was and that night raced to two different A & B Sound locations to purchase The Roots. I don't know anyone who can resist it.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Monday Music Advice




The Jayhawks are one of my favorites. I got introduced to them by my friend Steve Jones. I'm super rushed at the moment - should have done this last night. From 1986 until their final recording "Rainy Day Music" ino 2003, the dynamic blend of roots rock and folk melody and harmony has entranced. Personally, the Rainy Day Music recording is one of my favorite CDs.

Jayhawks might not be together but you can catch some of former drummer, Tim O'Reagan's solo stuff with the link below.



The Jayhawks - Wiki Link
Lost Highway Records - The Jayhawks
Lost Highway Records Tim O'Reagan

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Flash Back Thursday...Episode 1


The Cars - need I say more?
The photo above is your Queue get that album off iTunes. The music video below is of "Since You're Gone" -- not on the album above.


The Cars Official Site
The Cars MySpace Site

Monday, September 17, 2007

New Modest Mouse - Top Notch...



I'm finally getting around to listening to this entire album and I have to say, it's fantastic. Love these chumps. I drove from Kelowna to Vernon to Kelowna to Vancouver and I'll never hear this song without thinking of that sunny drive.

To answer a question
It'll probably take more
If you're already there
Well then you probably don't know
Well we were the people
That we wanted to know
And we're the places that we wanted to go
It's hard to get hold of
And hard to let go
Always something we look for
From the day we were born
Instead we're the people that we wanted to know
And we're the places that we wanted to go
Yeah we're the places that we wanted to go
We're the places that we wanted to go

Always asking a question
And I don't want to know
Like the wind across strings
That had finally let go
And the people you love
But you didn't quite know
They're the places that you wanted to go
Bark at the neighbors
And then bark at the dog
Sniffing the wind
Whimpering for someone to know
But we were the people that we wanted to know
And we're the places that we wanted go
Yeah we're the places that we wanted to go
Yeah we're the places that we wanted to go

It was not the intention
But we let it all go
Well it messed up the function
And sure fucked up the flow
I hardly have people that I needed to know
'Cause you're the people that I wanted to know
All this scrambling around
Hunting high and then low
Looking for the face love
Or somewhere to go
I hardly have places that I need to go
'Cause you're the places that I wanted to go
Yeah you're the places that we wanted to go
Yeah you're the places that we wanted to go

You're the people that we wanted to know
Shouldn't have to ask
You shouldn't have to ask
'Cause we are your real place

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Pavarotti, Opera Icon



Tenor Great, opera icon, Luciano Pavarotti, has passed away this day at his home in Modena, Italy. An amazing talent and a larger than life personality, he made opera accessible, consumable and "au courant". He revitalized an art form for modern culture. And nobody - nobody, sings the aria, Nessun Dorma, better. He made Puccini's Turandot in my opinion. While others might argue that Giuseppe DeStefano had performed it best, to me, it is the definitive Pavarotti performance. Nessun Dorma, "None shall sleep".



Ave Maria....simply amazing

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Matthew Good on Current TV

I came across this from Miss 604 this morning. It's a feature on Current TV, the fast growing network founded by Al Gore, for Vancouver's Matthew Good and his new release called "Hospital Music". This was filmed back in June on Matt's birthday at a friend's place in Las Vegas. Matt was hosting a private acoustic show for a small group of friends and fans.



I don't care what anyone says, this guy has a great voice and his talent for songwriting is immense. I hope that his new American audience will catch on. "Hospital Music" hit number 1 on iTunes in the first week of its release.

HEY Jared: If Matt Good has any shows in Sacramento - you have to go!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

The Flaming Lips, W.A.N.D. gone to the Dells

The Flaming Lips' song WAND has been put to a Dell Computers commercial. How disappointing is that? This is the perfect song for an iTunes ad. Whadda shame.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

And after all this, won't you give me a smile?


I was thinking that with all the new music available to consume us, you sometimes have to go back to the classics. The Clash is in my opinion, one of the best. I know it's cliche to say that and it's even more cliche to say that their single "London Calling" is one of the best songs you'll hear, but...it's true. London Calling, their third studio release, is the album you want to have. (I mean, can you think of an original album cover that's been immitated so many times? Or was it Elvis Presley who did it first?) The title track is an anthem, fitful militant beat and all. The album and it's single was released at the very edge of the 1970's - December, 1979. What The Clash invented was a genre of music that was the hub of British punk rock and teetering on rockabillly. They tightened Punk Rock and made it sophisticated. Joe Strummer and Mick Jones are two very different artistic characters. They way in which the two of envisaged their music, the pull and push of creative processes, reflecting the rebellious times they were embroiled in. As a band, The Clash is about musical dichotomy and what is unpretictable in music.



London calling to the faraway towns
Now war is declared - and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard,you boys and girls
London calling, now don't look to us
Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
'Cept for the reign of that truncheon thing

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin
Engines stop running, but I have no fear
Cause London is drowning and I, live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it, brother, you can go at it alone
London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding out - and draw another breath
London calling - and I don't wanna shout
But while we were talking I saw you nodding out
London calling, see we ain't got no high
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes

The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in
Engines stop running, the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear era, but I have no fear
Cause London is drowning and I, I live by the river

Now get this
London calling, yes, I was there, too
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
And after all this, won't you give me a smile?
London Calling

I never felt so much alike, like-a, like-a...

Monday, August 06, 2007

Arcade Fire (good Canadian kids)



As Matt Good said about this song, No Cars Go, "it's symphonic". My new favorite song. Go iTune it.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Modest Mouse, "Missed The Boat"

For my current favorite song, I've found two different videos for it. The first sounds better, but the second one is a better video. Fantastic lyrics - little band, getting bigger with big talent. Isaac Brock is not to be underestimated.





  • Modest Mouse Wiki


  • MISSED THE BOAT
    While we're on the subject
    Could we change the subject now?
    I was knocking on your ears
    Don't worry, you were always out
    Looking towards the future
    We were begging for the past
    Well we knew we had the good things
    But those never seemed to last
    Oh please just last

    Everyone's unhappy
    Everyone's ashamed
    Well we all just got caught looking
    At somebody else's page
    Well nothing ever went
    Quite exactly as we planned
    Our ideas held no water
    But we used them like a damn

    Oh, and we carried it all so well
    As if we got a new position
    Oh, and I laugh all the way to hell
    Saying yes, this is a fine promotion
    Oh, and I laugh all the way to hell

    Of course everyone goes crazy
    Over such and such and such
    We made ourselves a ??
    We just used it as a crutch
    We were suddenly uncertain
    At least I'm pretty sure I am
    Well we didn't need the water
    But we just built that go god damn

    Oh, and I know this all myself
    I stood in front for all the people
    Oh, and I know this all myself
    We listen while life hangs on
    And the sound of life's sweet bliss

    Was it ever worth it?
    Was there all that much to gain?
    Well we knew we missed the boat
    And we'd already missed the plane
    We didn't read the invite
    We just dance at our wake
    All our favorites were playing
    So we could shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

    Tiny curtains open and we heard the tiny clap of little hands
    A tiny man would tell a little joke and get a tiny laugh from all the folks
    Sitting drifting around in bubbles and thinking it was us that carried them
    When we finally got it figured out that we had truly missed the boat

    Oh, and we carried it all so well
    As if we got a new position
    Oh, and we owned all the tools ourselves
    But not the skills to make a shelf with
    Oh, what useless tools ourselves

    The Magic Numbers "Hymn For Her"



    The Magic Numbers, Hymn For Her

    As I wandered past through the old grey house
    And the children laughed for they'd found me out
    And the silly things I do when I'm around you
    Make for wanting to believe that I had found you
    And if Sunday rain
    And if Sunday rain
    I don't wanna know
    Just like I won't forget your face
    When I awake to find you here

    Oh my lover won't you get away?
    Love or loathe, I need to feel again
    It won't hurt to find love in the wrong place
    I've been hurt before, but all the scars have rearranged
    It won't hurt to choose the path that we all walk along

    Oh my lord I pray for just one day
    Love or loathe, I need to feel again

    It won't hurt to find love in the wrong place

    I've been hurt before, but all the scars have rearranged

    It won't hurt to choose the path that we all walk alone

    When you love, and your love, it could never lie
    Oh, when you love, and your love it could never die
    Oh, when you love, and your love it could never lie
    Oh, when you love, and your love it could never die

    Oh, hymn for her

    It won't hurt to find love in the wrong place
    I've been hurt before, but all the scars have rearranged
    It won't hurt to find love in the wrong place
    I've been hurt before, but all the scars have rearranged
    It won't hurt to choose the path that we all walk along

    Oh my lord I pray for just one day
    Love or loathe, I need to feel again

    Tuesday, June 19, 2007

    Closer to Paradise, Patrick Watson



    Train Song Link Here

    Right away one can't help but notice the steady piano chord emulating resonance of a moving train on "Closer to Paradise" - with some other instrument echoing a train's whistle drifting off down some country railway track. What imagery has been created in this piece of music. Brilliant.

    Sunday, June 17, 2007

    Sorry, can't embed the song, but the lyrics are just amazing




    TOOK IT ALL - Sarah Harmer

    You said I could have it all
    You said it to me
    With your eyes so wide, excited
    I stop to see what you mean

    In the drone of afternoon traffic
    On a slope that's slippery
    In the relative fear, invited
    That keeps us company

    We took it all
    Without taking it away
    We shook it
    It didn't blow up in our face
    This life's abundancy came clear to me

    These hands are holding a kite of worry
    That floats high and circles a pivot of fear
    In the wind are the words that say "There's no time! Hurry!"
    So we grab what we can
    We think The End is near

    We took it all
    Without taking it away

    We shook it
    It didn't blow up in our face
    This life's abundancy came clear

    We can get back up
    We can move from this ground
    To where there is enough of everything
    What has opened up this crevice at our feet
    Has created a new sense of urgency

    Without taking it away
    We shook it
    It didn't blow up in our face
    This life's abundancy came clear

    Wednesday, June 13, 2007

    PS June 13



    It's hard to listen to a hard, hard heart
    Beating close to mine
    Pounding up against the stone and steel
    Walls that I won't climb
    Sometimes a hurt is so deep deep deep
    You think that you're gonna drown
    Sometimes all I can do is weep weep weep
    With all this rain falling down

    Strange how hard it rains now
    Rows and rows of big dark clouds
    When I'm holding on underneath this shroud
    Rain

    It's hard to know when to give up the fight
    Two things you want will just never be right
    It's never rained like it has to night before
    Now I don't wanna beg you baby
    For something maybe you could never give
    I'm not looking for the rest of your life
    I just want another chance to live

    Strange how hard it rains now
    Rows and rows of big dark clouds
    When I'm holding on underneath this shroud
    Rain

    Strange how hard it rains now
    Rows and rows of big dark clouds
    When I'm holding on underneath this shroud
    Rain

    Strange how hard it rains now
    Rows and rows of big dark clouds
    When I'm still alive underneath this shroud
    Rain Rain Rain

    Music in the Workplace






    Lip Dub - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger from amandalynferri on Vimeo

    Tuesday, June 12, 2007

    my foolish boat is leaning, broken lovelorn on your rocks



    On the floating, shipless oceans
    I did all my best to smile
    til your singing eyes and fingers
    drew me loving into your eyes.
    And you sang “Sail to me, sail to me;
    Let me enfold you.”
    Here I am, here I am waiting to hold you.

    Did I dream you dreamed about me?
    Were you here when I was full sail?
    Now my foolish boat is leaning, broken lovelorn on your rocks.
    For you sang, “Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow.”
    Oh my heart, oh my heart shies from the sorrow.
    I’m as puzzled as a newborn child.
    I’m as riddled as the tide.
    Should I stand amid the breakers?
    Or shall I lie with death my bride?
    Hear me sing: “Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you.”
    “Here I am. Here I am, waiting to hold you.”

    Thursday, June 07, 2007

    Playlist


    Wednesday, May 16, 2007

    1234 Feist is what you're looking for




    1234 by Feist is what I'm currently playing (over and over and over). I'm trying my darnedest to get people of that crap "top 40" radio crap.

    Leslie Feist, born in Nova Scotia in 1976 - yes, you are getting old - another super talented Canadian, Female, Songwriter-Singer. Something tells me I should have taken guitar and singing lessons. There might be something in the water here. And what's with everyone looking like Patti Smith? I heard that Feist's first performance was opening for The Ramones at a music festival. That may need some looking into.

    FIEST Official Site

    FIEST MySpace

    Sunday, May 13, 2007

    Heartless Bastards



    No I'm not speaking of the Bush Administration here. I'm talking about the recording artists "Heartless Bastards". According to their website, the name comes from an incorrect answer to a question on a Mega Touch Trivia Game they were playing at a bar, "What is the name of Tom Petty's backing band?".

    I just have to say she looks like she could be the daughter of Patti Smith. Check out "Into the Open" on their My Space Site It also plays when you open up their main site Frontwoman, Erika Wennerstrom, plays piano and I'm a sucker for piano driven music. That's the key. Oh, did I just write that?

    Oh well, here are few other songs.



    Friday, May 04, 2007

    Ghosts of the Great Highway...Sun Kil Moon



    Sun Kil Moon is the project of Mark Kozelek and the album Ghosts of the Great Highway was originally released in 2003. Apparently the record label let it go out of print but Mark Kozelek's own record label re-issued it in February this year. The recording is really different and features a bonus disc of acoustic alternate versions of songs. "Carry Me Ohio" in its orignal form is simply and amazingly beautiful. His style of layered, slowed down music perfectly delivers these lyrics. Kozelek's voice will remind you of Sparklehorse or perhaps Magnolia Electric Company.

    Play Carry My Ohio here: My Space Site

    CARRY ME OHIO

    Sorry that
    i could never love you back
    i could never care enough
    in these last days

    her tears fell on her pages
    found me out
    on her words
    i don't know what to do or say

    wading through
    warm canals and pools clear blue
    Tuscarawas flow into
    the great lake

    riding back
    where the highway met dead end tracks
    the ground is now cement and glass
    so far away

    heal her soul
    and carry her my angel
    ohio

    green green youth
    what about the sweetness we knew
    what about what's good what's true
    from those days

    can't count to
    all the lovers i've burned through
    so why do i still burn for you
    i can't say

    sorry that
    i could never love you back
    i could never care enough
    in these last days

    heal her soul
    carry her my angel
    ohio

    children blessed
    gather round the home she will rest
    so poor and cold in their midwest
    moon and sun

    flashes bringing on
    my open eyes to lightning storms
    the touch of mist
    felt soft felt warm on my face

    graving dreams
    a million miles ago you seem
    the star that i just don't see
    anymore

    words long gone
    lost on journeys we walked on
    lost her voice is heard along the way

    sorry for
    never going by your door
    never feeling love like that anymore

    heal her soul
    carry her my angel
    ohio

    Monday, April 30, 2007

    Patrick Watson...The Great Escape



  • Patrick Watson - Official Site

  • Patrick Watson MySpace Site


  • Bad Day
    Lookin for a way, home
    Lookin for the great escape
    Gets in his car and drives away
    Far from all the things that we are

    Puts on a smile and breathes it in and breathes it out
    He says
    Bye Bye, Bye to all the noise
    Oh he says, Bye bye, bye to all the noise

    Hey Child things are lookin down
    That’s Ok you don’t need to win anyways
    Don’t be afraid
    Just eat up all the grey and it will fade all away
    Don’t let yourself fall down

    Bad day lookin for the great escape
    He says bad day, lookin for the great escape

    Friday, April 27, 2007

    Thursday, April 26, 2007

    Marjorie Fair


    I'm going to post a few on my new discovery of an American band called Marjorie Fair. The first song I really like, it's called Empty Room. They have a attractive and full website that I'm going to add to my favorites. Like any good band, you won't be hearing them on dread-z95.



    Wednesday, April 04, 2007

    Stepping out of the darkroom...


    Well, I'm a little slow on the uptake that's for sure... JAMES has reunited and have a tour in the UK with this month's shows being sold out. The new website isn't fully operational but John sent me a link to Wiki on Tim Booth, which says they are indeed back.

    So let's hope they'll make it to Vancouver. What a great show that would be to go to. If you're unfamiliar with JAMES, then please play this.

    New Modest Mouse Video

    The NEW Modest Mouse album is out and they're performing in Vancouver April 16th.

    Personally I really enjoy Modest Mouse and don't even want to know people who don't get it. Yeah, his voice is horrible. That's the charm mate. Well, the legendary Johnny Marr is now an official member of the band and from what I hear, the sound of the new album is still just as distinctively MM, but with some sort of amazing twist-- a sound that can be acredited to Marr.


    James..one of the greatest bands

    On Sunday, JG and I watched his James DVD, from their last concert - at MEN Arena - I think in 2003... Anyways this is the first performance on the DVD, and Tim Booth couldn't weigh more than 110 pounds soaking wet. Amazing voice despite the fact he needs to go eat a pizza I think.

    Tuesday, March 20, 2007

    Thursday, March 15, 2007

    Dropkick Queen of the Weekend...

    Heard this song this morning - these guys are called "The Dudes" from Calgary. It's pretty darn catchy and the lyrics are funny. I mean, the name of this song "Dropkick Queen of the Weekend"?!? That's funny.

    Sunday, March 11, 2007

    Flaming Lips .... Mmmmkay.

    Enjoying my Silence ....

    So today, like little Canadian slaves, we've changed our clocks - losing an hour because the States says so. Who's on our currency anyways? Whatever, I gotta get up earlier and have puffy eyes tomorrow. But nothing a little Depeche Mode couldn't cure.

    Late Night on Maudlin Street - beloved Morrissey

    Sunday, March 04, 2007

    Unsuffer Me....Lucinda Williams



    Her new album, West, is simply amazing. It's pure Lucinda Williams - exploding emotion and rugged pain swarms each and every phrase.


    Unlock my love
    and set me free
    come fill me up
    with ecstasy

    surround my heartbeat
    with your fingertips
    unbound my feet
    untie my wrists

    come in to my world
    of loneliness
    and wickedness
    and bitterness
    Unlock my love

    Unsuffer me
    Take away the pain
    Unbruise unbloddy
    Wash away the stain
    Anoint my head
    With your sweet kiss
    My joy is dead
    I long for bliss

    I long for knowledge
    Whisper in my ear
    Undo my logic, undo my fear
    Unsuffer me

    Unlock my love
    And set me free
    come fill me up
    with ecstasy
    unsuffer me
    Take away the pain
    Unbruise unbloddy
    Wash away the stain

    surround my heartbeat
    with your fingertips
    unbound my feet
    untie my wrists

    come in to my world
    of loneliness
    and wickedness
    and bitterness
    Anoint my head
    With your sweet kiss
    My joy is dead
    I long for bliss

    I long for knowledge
    Whisper in my ear
    Undo my logic, undo my fear
    Unsuffer me

    Thursday, February 22, 2007

    Neko Case



    The most tender place in my heart is for strangers
    I know it's unkind but my own blood is much too dangerous
    Hangin' round the ceiling half the time
    Hangin' round the ceiling half the time

    Compared to some I've been around
    But I really tried so hard
    That echo chorus lied to me with its
    "Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on"

    In the end I was the mean girl
    Or somebody's in-between girl
    Now it's the devil I love
    And that's as funny as real love

    I leave the party at three a.m.
    Alone, thank God
    With a valium from the bride
    It's the devil I love
    And that's as funny as real love
    And that's as real as true love

    That echo chorus lied to me with its
    "Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on"

    That echo chorus lied to me with its
    "Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on"

    Sunday, February 11, 2007

    Dave Policy of Truth

    Ride


    As I said back on Mememois, Rossi made me a mixed cd. She says it's a lot of pressure in making a cd for me. Anyways, she's put some gems on it and didn't give me her playlist. So I've been typing lyrics into Google and finding my recording artists so I can get their cds (or at least get the News to get them so I can write an new article). Well, here we go with this track called "Ride", by Nashville native, Cary Brothers - first name Cary, last name Brothers. Right away I thought I was searching a band called The Cary Brothers.

    Well, the song embedded below I love. His two EPs are Waiting For Your Letter, and All The Rage. He looks too young to have any rage don't you think?



    PS I get these songs for the blog from
  • RADIO BLOG CLUB
  • you can find pretty much anything there and if you're having trouble playing the player I've placed, just go to Radio Blog and find another one to listen to.

  • Cary Brothers Official Site

  • Cary Brothers Wiki


  • The last song on Rossi's compliation was Pain Killer by Turin Brakes, a UK band. This song sounding to Steve and I like late 70's (Steve's favourite music genre whether he'll admit it or not). Their MYSPACE site label them as folk acoustic.

    The song plays at this address (sorry, you'll have to do some work here - my link below doesn't seem to be working) :
    http://www.turinbrakes.com/painkiller_ecard/flash.htm

    Saturday, February 10, 2007

    The Beautiful South's Superbi Recording



    As published in The North Shore News, Friday, February 2, 2006

    Album: Superbi
    Artist: The Beautiful South
    Rating: 6 out of 10
    Reviewer: Stephanie Kiernan

    The Bitter and the Sweet

    Whatever bitterness Paul Heaton can amass with his lyrical tales, The Beautiful South have managed to maintain their sweet temperament within their melodies. This paradoxical mix is the deliberate bill of fare with the band’s eleventh album, “Superbi”.

    Paul Heaton and David Hemingway cast themselves as The Beautiful South after their initial partnership as The Housemartins dissolved in the late 1980’s.
    Hailed as one of the most British of songwriters, Heaton, and his distinctive voice, makes The Beautiful South easy to digest. Nevertheless, the harmonic template has been a blend of Heaton, Hemingway and a female vocal component – recently with third time’s a charm, Alison Wheeler filling that role. She throws herself into the established mix right from the album’s opening track, The Rose Of My Cologne; as does a peculiar Country clang.

    Superbi narrates classic elements of English sentiment and cynicism, never mincing rhyme, as “you know when romance is dead, that deathly cold blast from his side of the bed” shakes When Romance Is Dead. But it’s the invasion of steel guitar and banjo that steer us far from British bleakness. Though I find a mental image of the very British Paul Heaton sporting cowboy boots, a straw hat and line-dancing more than amusing, it isn’t the clever timbre I expect from The Beautiful South. Nevertheless, hardnosed TBS fans are likely to allow such novelty. This markedly buoyant country recording may only remain a semi-sweet keepsake in my own CD collection.

    Friday, January 12, 2007

    Cat Power with George Stroumboulopoulos



    Last night on, The Hour, Cat Power; aka Chan Marshall was interviewed. And as George said, "you should be listening to this stuff." And so says I.

    So check out what you missed on last night's show.




    I also love her cover of Wonderwall - hey, everyone's doing this song so why not?

    Thursday, January 11, 2007

    Haines Her Way



    Emily Haines is most notably, the lead singer of the Canadian band Metric. But her story is a layered one, being one of the contributors of multi-member band, Broken Social Scene, as well as lending vocals to a host of indie solo artists and projects.

    As a follow up to her first solo album, Cut in Half and Also Double, the album Knives Don't Have Your Back is a must purchase. I've inserted what I call The Zellers video, "Doctor Blind", is currently getting air play on Much - a video that I couldn't take my eyes off in a weird way.

    Her talent is weighty enough to warrant putting together the "Soft Skeleton", as Scott Minor from Sparklehorse, Justin Peroff of Broken Social Scene, Evan Cranley from Stars, Haines' Metric bandmate Jimmy Shaw and Todor Kobakov contributed to the album

    Thursday, January 04, 2007

    Post Edit Sparklehorse

    Just as I surmised through my review, Sparklehorse reminds me of Grandaddy - I find this collaboration on Radio Blog - Weird :p

    Sparklehorse: Strains of the beautiful and the sad...





    I've just sent off the following to The News. Sparklehorse plays Vancouver at Richards On Richards February 15th so Mr. Goodman will leave publishing of this until closer to that time -Friday, February 9th paper I would guess. (All music reviews and editorial is in the Friday editions)



  • SPARKLEHORSE

  • ‘Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain’
    7 out of 10

    Like a rusty tension rod, strains of the beautiful and the sad carefully bolster Mark Linkous and Sparklehorse’s release “Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain”.

    The album with the exasperatingly lengthy title pulls material from previously released B-sides, compilations and soundtracks. In fact, you will have already heard the work of Sparklehorse’s creator, Mark Linkous, if you’ve seen the 2002 film Laurel Canyon, in which some of his songs were used.

    Mark Linkous is Sparklehorse and Sparklehorse is Mark Linkous – a project rather than a band per say. Known for its mellow and woozy alternative sound, reminding me of Grandaddy, Built To Spill and perhaps even The Pernice Brothers.

    Mark Linkous’ character has been described as “hermit like”. And despite tucking himself away in his homemade studio in the hills of North Carolina, his latest work summons collaboration from heavies such as Tom Waits, Flaming Lips’ Steve Drozd, and Sol Seppy (Sophie Michalitsianos), with finishing touches by genious producer Danger Mouse.

    Linkous’ less than perfect voice echoes The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne; particularly picked up with tracks “Mountains” and “Shade and Honey”.
    It’s this incongruous nature that also upholds tracks “Morning Hollow” and “Return to Me”, perfectly revealing Linkous’ character – being at ease with gloom having fought severe depression, disability, substance abuse and addiction.

    Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain is not completely despondent as it chokes up two rock tracks, “It’s Not So Hard” and “Ghosts In The Sky” and one of my favorites, the upbeat “Some Sweet Day”. But that’s not what illuminates this album. It’s in songs “See The Light”, Knives Of Summertime” and “Getting It Wrong”, where shards of stoicism and engraving grief carry through.

    One can appreciate this Sparklehorse release simply because its style is so far off the beaten path of the mainstream. It can be incredibly mellow and lamenting, but can’t be altogether criticized. I loved it.


    A DFLYITBOAM Review link at Playlouder.com
    (Yes, just when I think I can write about music, I come across some smart ass - just kidding. Ted Grant has fantastic perspective and writing)
  • Playlouder Review