I have tried to write about this album about ten times in the last week. I've felt a mixture of inspiration and wryness because I just know my opinions on each song are most certainly going to change with each listen.
I thought of the term onion music last night because there's just so many layers to the album. With each listen your peeling away a layer to reveal something new.
I stumbled upon a great review of the album done by Rolling Stone, track-by-track, very similar to my song-by-song series on this very blog!
I'll be sure write some more when I get closer to the core of it all. Or maybe as I just go along.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Pitchfork Preamble one: James Blake vs. Neko Case
Alright, so I've broken down day 1 of the festival and I pretty much know what I'd like to see.
My favourite discovery of the evening has been Guided By Voices. I'm a devout fan already, I can't wait to grab two of their albums tomorrow.
I'm sort of crossed between James Blake and Neko Case as they have conflicting schedule times. I'm leaning towards Neko, although James Blake has some serious hype following him.
NEKO it is.
Get ready, I'm feeling totally inspired by Pitchfork Music Festival. The line-up is very Pitchfork friendly and I don't know many of the acts. But I'm about to have a serious education and last minute cram so I make sure I miss nothing at all. Please keep posted, would ya?
My favourite discovery of the evening has been Guided By Voices. I'm a devout fan already, I can't wait to grab two of their albums tomorrow.
I'm sort of crossed between James Blake and Neko Case as they have conflicting schedule times. I'm leaning towards Neko, although James Blake has some serious hype following him.
NEKO it is.
Get ready, I'm feeling totally inspired by Pitchfork Music Festival. The line-up is very Pitchfork friendly and I don't know many of the acts. But I'm about to have a serious education and last minute cram so I make sure I miss nothing at all. Please keep posted, would ya?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Open Roof Festival featuring The Darcys and the film 'Beauty Day'; Thursday June 30, 2011
I have to give it to the last day of June, it was quite possibly the most lovely evening of my summer yet. It's just one of those evenings you can't really plan, but rather they just sort of happen on their own. This will certainly go down as one of those amazing evenings.
My best pal and I made a very last minute decision to go to the Open Roof Festival, something I put off last year because I discovered it wasn't actually held on a roof. Rather, it's in the back lot of the Amsterdam Brewery on Bathurst just south of Front. Their name isn't entirely off, there is no roof at this venue.
It was made an especially perfect evening because of the weather - a lovely 21 degrees Celsius, perfect for the summer dress. Nicole and I, dressed to the nines took on Toronto.
There was something real surreal about watching a film in the middle of the city buzz.
The Darcys went on around half past eight, the whole idea of these Open Roof sessions is to show the movie right at dusk, so bands kind of leisurely go one with enough time to churn out a few tunes without impeding on the film's spot. This audience was definitely there for the film over the band. It`s kind of not a good atmosphere for a concert as there are seats and terrible terrain to stand on. I feel like it's terrible concert etiquette to sit and watch a band, unless that`s the sort of show. People sat and spoke throughout the gig - not a gig I`d like to play myself.
The sound was mediocre to lousy, although loud enough to carry decently, but i'd credit that to the band`s crisp sound rather than the venues good speakers. The Darcys did not let me down. I was taking Nicole to see the Darcys for the first time since we had first laid ears on them at the Supermarket in 2008. We both thought they were nothing special. It's really incredible to hear what three years'll do. Times are a changing and things are looking up for this band.
Trouble is they have yet to release an album. How can a band really explode without any material to support what they`re pushing? I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Darcys absolutely need to put an album out, or at very least another EP.
I really love what Zeus has done, they've sort of lagged between releasing their legendary album Say Us and a follow-up, but they have released a couple of EPs to satisfy my needs.
I am happy to report that the fourth song in was a new tune I'd never heard before and it sounded fantastic. This band has definitely not lost steam, they're clearly just being picky with things. I just hope they don't grow bored of their songs before they actually have a chance to really do well.
Now, moving on to the incredible documentary Beauty Day.
Do you use the term "beauty"? I use it time to time when I describe something really great. After seeing this film, it'll definitely work its way more into my daily language.
Meet Ralph Zavadil - a totally off-beat, weird looking guy, the original Jackass. Of St. Catharines, ON, Zavadil probably had a tremendously hard time fitting anywhere, because he has a hell of a lot less shame than anyone else. Zavadil made absurd recordings of stunts he did involving himself. Take the most absurd thing you can possibly think of and Zavadil would probably do it. His program The Cap'n Video Show aired from 1990-1995, with what seemed to have a solid following.
I think this documentary was such a hit with the audience is because Zavadil is human. Humanity really bleeds through in the descriptions and interviews of his life. One can really relate to this man in many surprising ways.
The music throughout this film was selected and mostly made by Justin Small and Ohad Benchetrit, both of the Toronto-based band Do Make Say Think. The song "Major Lift" was used throughout the film, kind of a theme-song for Zavadil almost.
It's always really lovely to see what Do Make Say Think will stick their fingers in.
Further thought:
Do Make Say Think, auteurs?
Documentaries to consider: Jay Reatard doc Waiting For Something and Beauty Day
George Harrison (unrelated)
My best pal and I made a very last minute decision to go to the Open Roof Festival, something I put off last year because I discovered it wasn't actually held on a roof. Rather, it's in the back lot of the Amsterdam Brewery on Bathurst just south of Front. Their name isn't entirely off, there is no roof at this venue.
It was made an especially perfect evening because of the weather - a lovely 21 degrees Celsius, perfect for the summer dress. Nicole and I, dressed to the nines took on Toronto.
There was something real surreal about watching a film in the middle of the city buzz.
The Darcys went on around half past eight, the whole idea of these Open Roof sessions is to show the movie right at dusk, so bands kind of leisurely go one with enough time to churn out a few tunes without impeding on the film's spot. This audience was definitely there for the film over the band. It`s kind of not a good atmosphere for a concert as there are seats and terrible terrain to stand on. I feel like it's terrible concert etiquette to sit and watch a band, unless that`s the sort of show. People sat and spoke throughout the gig - not a gig I`d like to play myself.
The sound was mediocre to lousy, although loud enough to carry decently, but i'd credit that to the band`s crisp sound rather than the venues good speakers. The Darcys did not let me down. I was taking Nicole to see the Darcys for the first time since we had first laid ears on them at the Supermarket in 2008. We both thought they were nothing special. It's really incredible to hear what three years'll do. Times are a changing and things are looking up for this band.
Trouble is they have yet to release an album. How can a band really explode without any material to support what they`re pushing? I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Darcys absolutely need to put an album out, or at very least another EP.
I really love what Zeus has done, they've sort of lagged between releasing their legendary album Say Us and a follow-up, but they have released a couple of EPs to satisfy my needs.
I am happy to report that the fourth song in was a new tune I'd never heard before and it sounded fantastic. This band has definitely not lost steam, they're clearly just being picky with things. I just hope they don't grow bored of their songs before they actually have a chance to really do well.
Now, moving on to the incredible documentary Beauty Day.
Do you use the term "beauty"? I use it time to time when I describe something really great. After seeing this film, it'll definitely work its way more into my daily language.
Meet Ralph Zavadil - a totally off-beat, weird looking guy, the original Jackass. Of St. Catharines, ON, Zavadil probably had a tremendously hard time fitting anywhere, because he has a hell of a lot less shame than anyone else. Zavadil made absurd recordings of stunts he did involving himself. Take the most absurd thing you can possibly think of and Zavadil would probably do it. His program The Cap'n Video Show aired from 1990-1995, with what seemed to have a solid following.
I think this documentary was such a hit with the audience is because Zavadil is human. Humanity really bleeds through in the descriptions and interviews of his life. One can really relate to this man in many surprising ways.
The music throughout this film was selected and mostly made by Justin Small and Ohad Benchetrit, both of the Toronto-based band Do Make Say Think. The song "Major Lift" was used throughout the film, kind of a theme-song for Zavadil almost.
It's always really lovely to see what Do Make Say Think will stick their fingers in.
Further thought:
Do Make Say Think, auteurs?
Documentaries to consider: Jay Reatard doc Waiting For Something and Beauty Day
George Harrison (unrelated)
Bon Iver, Kathleen Edwards at the Dakota Tavern 2010
I promise to never miss a hot gig at the Dakota, who's to say what'll happen:
Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) with his lady friend, Canadian Kathleen Edwards at the Dakota Tavern, August 2010
Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) with his lady friend, Canadian Kathleen Edwards at the Dakota Tavern, August 2010
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Canada Post, Bon Iver and this month in magazines
Can I say how lucky we are to have a functioning Postal Service? (So important I felt the need to capitalise)
Hooray for Canada Post to be back in action. I was greeted on my way to work by a large package - the new Bon Iver album. I was a little late for work, so I grabbed it and opened it on the drive to work.
It has really taken all of me not to buy this album even though I had purchased it already through the Jagjaguar website. I only technically am a week behind all you Bon Iver addicts.
Yesterday, in sheer anticipation, I purchased the new Spin and Rolling Stone magazines. Fab covers with fab articles, these have to be some of the best music magazine issues that I've stumbled upon in a while. It's really odd to see Bon Iver on the cover of Spin. My friend Nicole was right in posting
Bon Iver, aka Bon Iver has become a serious household name. Absolutely ridiculous. I am so happy to say that I have seen Bon Iver twice at a tiny dive like Lee's Palace before seeing him at the Sound Academy.
My first real listen to Bon Iver is happening as I type. I love it to pieces already. It's so different from For Emma Forever Ago.
Review to follow this evening. I can't wait to give you my two cents.
Also, in talking about the Canada Post and how much I use our national mail service, please check out the following:
Send More Mail
Kid Icarus
I've felt so inspired to write letters since stumbling upon these two lovely Toronto-based outlets.
Hooray for Canada Post to be back in action. I was greeted on my way to work by a large package - the new Bon Iver album. I was a little late for work, so I grabbed it and opened it on the drive to work.
It has really taken all of me not to buy this album even though I had purchased it already through the Jagjaguar website. I only technically am a week behind all you Bon Iver addicts.
Yesterday, in sheer anticipation, I purchased the new Spin and Rolling Stone magazines. Fab covers with fab articles, these have to be some of the best music magazine issues that I've stumbled upon in a while. It's really odd to see Bon Iver on the cover of Spin. My friend Nicole was right in posting
Bon Iver, aka Bon Iver has become a serious household name. Absolutely ridiculous. I am so happy to say that I have seen Bon Iver twice at a tiny dive like Lee's Palace before seeing him at the Sound Academy.
My first real listen to Bon Iver is happening as I type. I love it to pieces already. It's so different from For Emma Forever Ago.
Review to follow this evening. I can't wait to give you my two cents.
Also, in talking about the Canada Post and how much I use our national mail service, please check out the following:
Send More Mail
Kid Icarus
I've felt so inspired to write letters since stumbling upon these two lovely Toronto-based outlets.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
"She's Not There" Nick Cave featuring Neko Case
Woah, wasn't expecting this one. A much overlooked Zombies hit.
This is a little off, definitely a different feel than the original.
This is a little off, definitely a different feel than the original.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Dear Alex: "Girl In Port" Okkervil River
Please listen to the lyrics of this song, they're just so lovely (and tragic).
Oh, I'm a weak and lonely sort
Though I'm not sailing just for sport
I've come to feel
Out on the sea
These urgent lives
Press against me
I'm just a guest
I'm not a part
With my tender head
With my easy heart
These several years out on the sea
Made me empty, cold, and clear
Pour yourself into me
Free Show: Sarah Harmer, Serena Ryder and the Skydiggers Saturday July 16 at Centre Island
Summer in Toronto is made especially lovely for the free outdoor show series. So far, they've more or less just been at Harbourfront, but I'm happy to say that they've extended it to a free show on Centre Island.
SARAH HARMER, SERENA RYDER and the SKYDIGGERS
Alas, I'll be in Chicago at this time, but I'd really love to see Sarah Harmer live. Can you believe I haven't seen her yet?
I sure can't.
SARAH HARMER, SERENA RYDER and the SKYDIGGERS
Alas, I'll be in Chicago at this time, but I'd really love to see Sarah Harmer live. Can you believe I haven't seen her yet?
I sure can't.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Aretha Franklin vs. The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Better planning may have cut my Friday June 24 evening a little differently. Tomorrow, I'm taking my Grandpa to go see the Glenn Miller Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall.
Sadly, Aretha Franklin, at the very same time, is playing a free Toronto gig as a part of TD Jazz Festival!!!!!
You can really feel Franklin's youth in this video, she just sounds young:
Sadly, Aretha Franklin, at the very same time, is playing a free Toronto gig as a part of TD Jazz Festival!!!!!
You can really feel Franklin's youth in this video, she just sounds young:
Thursday, June 23, 2011
On Bon Iver
So folks, I'm getting around to listening to the big heavy hitter album of the year. Bon Iver's self-titled beauty, released on Tuesday.
I'm a little behind due to the Canada Post strike, which still has yet to be resolved. I purchased the album online, so I figure it's stuck at some transfer node somewhere in the province. Shucks.
I will probably wrap my ears around it before the week ends though. The people in my life are loving it, but I can't help being blown back to 2008's For Emma, Forever Ago. The real fact of this album was that it really was Forever Ago. I first got wind of it in December of 2007, when a boyfriend at the time told me about a show he was debating on going to at the Horseshoe. About two months later I fell hard for not my boyfriend at the time, but Bon Iver. The boy and I broke up shortly afterwards, no correlation.
NPR is hot. Tons of great old Bon Iver videos and shows if you`re feeling slightly nostalgic like myself.
I'm a little behind due to the Canada Post strike, which still has yet to be resolved. I purchased the album online, so I figure it's stuck at some transfer node somewhere in the province. Shucks.
I will probably wrap my ears around it before the week ends though. The people in my life are loving it, but I can't help being blown back to 2008's For Emma, Forever Ago. The real fact of this album was that it really was Forever Ago. I first got wind of it in December of 2007, when a boyfriend at the time told me about a show he was debating on going to at the Horseshoe. About two months later I fell hard for not my boyfriend at the time, but Bon Iver. The boy and I broke up shortly afterwards, no correlation.
NPR is hot. Tons of great old Bon Iver videos and shows if you`re feeling slightly nostalgic like myself.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Jenny Lewis in 'The Hangover Part II'
There's nothing like starting a movie with a good song. Few people probably noticed but the intro song to The Hangover Part II was Jenny Lewis' very laid back tune "Bad Man's World."
Instantly making me a fan of the film. It's one of those disposable films, one time use only.
Instantly making me a fan of the film. It's one of those disposable films, one time use only.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mike Mills 'Beginners'
So I finally got around to rewatching Beginners in theatres.
I found myself absolutely charmed, yet again, by the film and its music.
The soundtrack has proved very difficult to find in-store and with the Canada Post strike and all. Thankfully, I found a free, live stream online.
Make your day a little better with the lovely music from the film, or just go out and see the film.
Music big-wig Brian Reitzell collaborates for a few tunes on the soundtrack.
Beginners Soundtrack by Beginners Soundtrack
I found myself absolutely charmed, yet again, by the film and its music.
The soundtrack has proved very difficult to find in-store and with the Canada Post strike and all. Thankfully, I found a free, live stream online.
Make your day a little better with the lovely music from the film, or just go out and see the film.
Music big-wig Brian Reitzell collaborates for a few tunes on the soundtrack.
Beginners Soundtrack by Beginners Soundtrack
Monday, June 20, 2011
Dear Photograph
Dear Photograph is a website designed around the simple idea of nostalgia for the past. I have to say, it's an idea i'm surprised I didn't of doing myself!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
'The Sixites' by Jenny Diski
I'm reading a book called The Sixties by Jenny Diski. The book is one of many from the series "BIG IDEAS//small books." I read this paragraph from the book and completely fell in love with Diski's immense detail and appreciation for film.
I really fell for this in part because I felt something like that after seeing Pierrot le fou at the cinema all alone, just sheer excitement. Beyond that, to love a film enough to see it time afterwards in theatres is an absolutely dynamite feeling.
"Now I filled the gaps of the past at the National Film Theatre, goign to classic silents and Hollywood marvels of the Thirties and Forties. In addition, there was an entirely new cinema to me, from Europe and beyond, to discover. Godard, Fellini, Antonioni, Bergman, Kurosawa, Ozu, Ray, Truffaut, Malle, Pasolini, Polanski, Jiri Menzel. They mattered enough for me to take illicit afternoons off school in order to get to the first matinee showing of 8 1/2 or The Silence at the crucial Academy Cinema in Oxford Street, where I'd sit in the smoky auditorium with fifteen or so other film fanatics, and one or two flashers, overwhelmed by the potent sexual narratives and social critiques, Marxist, psychoanalytic, libertarian or simply different and, to me, astonishing. I absorbed the complexities of relationship, and spiritual or cultural emptiness, played out in tones of grey, with echoes of poets, writers and philosophers. Godard's intensely charming, hopeless and crazy about love film, Pierrot le fou, had me returning eight times during its run. I couldn't take my eyes off a single frame, or miss one step of Monica Vitti's slow, despairing walks through the blighted urban wasteland in Antonioni's Red Desert. I wept sometimes with exaltation, sometimes rage, at the visions coming at me form the Academy screen. And, let me say, all this lived quite easily with my despair at my unsatisfactory hair and concern for the precise shortness of my skirt."
I really fell for this in part because I felt something like that after seeing Pierrot le fou at the cinema all alone, just sheer excitement. Beyond that, to love a film enough to see it time afterwards in theatres is an absolutely dynamite feeling.
"Now I filled the gaps of the past at the National Film Theatre, goign to classic silents and Hollywood marvels of the Thirties and Forties. In addition, there was an entirely new cinema to me, from Europe and beyond, to discover. Godard, Fellini, Antonioni, Bergman, Kurosawa, Ozu, Ray, Truffaut, Malle, Pasolini, Polanski, Jiri Menzel. They mattered enough for me to take illicit afternoons off school in order to get to the first matinee showing of 8 1/2 or The Silence at the crucial Academy Cinema in Oxford Street, where I'd sit in the smoky auditorium with fifteen or so other film fanatics, and one or two flashers, overwhelmed by the potent sexual narratives and social critiques, Marxist, psychoanalytic, libertarian or simply different and, to me, astonishing. I absorbed the complexities of relationship, and spiritual or cultural emptiness, played out in tones of grey, with echoes of poets, writers and philosophers. Godard's intensely charming, hopeless and crazy about love film, Pierrot le fou, had me returning eight times during its run. I couldn't take my eyes off a single frame, or miss one step of Monica Vitti's slow, despairing walks through the blighted urban wasteland in Antonioni's Red Desert. I wept sometimes with exaltation, sometimes rage, at the visions coming at me form the Academy screen. And, let me say, all this lived quite easily with my despair at my unsatisfactory hair and concern for the precise shortness of my skirt."
Friday, June 17, 2011
"Girl in Port" Okkervil River
Let fall your soft and swaying skirt
Let fall your shoes
Let fall your shirt
I'm not the lady-killing sort
Enough to hurt
A girl in port
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
North By North East Preamble
The past four years prior to 2011, I volunteered at Toronto's North by North East music festival. I took tickets and checked wristbands, a short lasting fun position of ultimate music cool. It was a great opportunity to hear bands and get close to the festival, but on the downside I never really got to see bands. The gig did get me a upper crust Priority Pass (retail value $100).
This is the first year that I will get to go to the festival complete unhinged and only limited by my work and sleep schedule.
Here are my top picks for bands that will rock this festival:
The Lower Dens
Meet the Lower Dens who hail from Baltimore, Maryland. Led by a woman by the name of Jana Hunter, they pack more husk and grit than you'd expect with a female singer. Their music fits the mold of every offbeat independent act going right now (so maybe not so offbeat). Their popular tune "Tea Lights" plays light a Yo La Tengo tune or an easy Deerhunter song. But with Hunter's drone vocals in combination with their intricate guitar noodles, their music somehow comes to life. I'm not going to lie, I bought this album a good six or seven months ago after the combination of hearing them in a Leslieville coffee shop and by a solid recommendation by a friend.
This has to be the first listen where I really feel something.
I think Jana Hunter could give Beach House's Victoria LeGrand a run for her money as far as husky female vocals go.
GO SEE THEM: Wednesday June 15 at 10:00pm at the Garrison or Thursday June 16 at 1:00am at Lee's Palace
Jennifer Castle (Castle Music)
I had the real pleasure of seeing Jennifer Castle play a few tunes at the Dakota last December. Her voice is very distinct, in a pool of female singer-songwriters that all have something to boast. She has a really neat vibrato that comes out real easy, without sounding forced.
She's definitely one of the city's hidden gems.
I, like most first laid ears on Brian Borcherdt as a member of Holy Fuck. I think years ago I saw him open up for a Canadian act at the Phoenix. His sound is a little slow for my likings, but I'm certain he'll put on a show to dazzle.
Get those heart strings ready to be pulled.
I first came across Snowblink on a complete limb. I had nothing to do one evening and stumbled alone into the Tranzac for a surprisingly lovely front-room performance by Snowblink. Having no expectations at all, I was pleasantly surprised by what I came across - a very stripped down quirky girl-guy duo.
As it turns out front woman Daniela Gesundheit moved from California to Toronto in 2008. She however has well-nested in Toronto making music with Alex Lukachevsky and Bruce Peninsula.
Their album Long Live received little attention and a limited release a couple of years ago. It however was re-released and better publicised this go around in 2011. It's kind of nice to have a set of songs that I'm already familiar with.
Snowblink will surround you with lovely.
Do you remember high school choir? The Cowgirl Choir all of the beautiful girls you'd find in the soprano section but could never sit next to. To accompany, they have an acoustic guitar, but let's face it, these ladies definitely don't need the help.
I saw them last December and they played a string of covers that everyone in the crowd was more or less already familiar with. My personal favourite was a bold cover of "Jolene," that they surprisingly were able to pull of pretty well.
Forest City Lovers
Four years ago I walked into the old Rotate This location with my Mother and checked out their listening post. A featured selection was a very young Kat Burns' project Forest City Lovers, I bought the album. I kept up with them for the next few years watching her band grow big.
Burns undoubtedly is an artist at heart. She started an art project called An Hour of My Time where she makes a piece of art in no more than an hour and sells it for the national average minimum wage of $24.75. I'm not sure how well she did, but you can read about it here.
But on Forest City Lovers - a real dynamite, minimal sound. Along the same lines as Snowblink, Burns has extremely soft vocals, with very little edge.
Mika Posen of Timber Timbre also use to and may still play with Kat Burns as Forest City Lovers.
For years I have passed Peter Elkas' album in my store, I even think I took in a copy after a pal's garage sale. But it wasn't until last December that I saw Elkas in action. He is quite possibly the most attractive thirtysomething man I've stumbled upon. He has a lovely energetic rock sound that sounds like it could have been plucked off the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack.
The Darcys
The Darcys are a real tight outfit. Last year, they were my pick for the festival - they put on the sweatiest gig I have been to a while at Rancho Relaxo. It was a swift reminder of why I love music so much.
These guys are nursing songs they're well-acquinted with so without a doubt their show will be very smooth sounding. These guys absolutely know what they are doing.
Cash in on this gem before anyone else.
James Clark has been around forever, but he's no less cool than any twentysomething hipster. Clark draws from a whole whack of inspirations from sixties rock to current indie, it's pretty obvious who is influences are when you listen to his music.
His fantastic humour really oozes out in his shows, definitely worth a peek.
I was really surprised by this band. On a mediocre label UR Artist, this band has really diverged further than the other bands on the label. Last fall, they toured with Arts and Crafts sweethearts Zeus, able to hold their own against such a terrific band.
This band really harps on the good girl guy contrasts that Stars did so well around Set Yourself On Fire. The key difference between the two acts is Amos isn't as fluffy as stars, they've got a bit more complexity and grit.
All girl band play covers of Weezer circa Pinkerton and Blue Album. Need I say more?
A free DEVO show? For all the flack I have given this band in the past, I can't wait for this gig on Saturday. Don't tell anyone, but I kind of like this band. Another gem to come out of Akron, Ohio.
Hopefully, it won't be as packed as the Iggy Pop show this time last year.
SEE THEM FOR FREE: Saturday June 18 at 9:30pm-11:00pm at Yonge and Dundas Square
No questions, this is where I'll be Saturday at midnight. The Great Hall is quite possibly one of the most versatile venues I've been to.
This may be the show of the festival. I'm pretty excited.
This is the first year that I will get to go to the festival complete unhinged and only limited by my work and sleep schedule.
Here are my top picks for bands that will rock this festival:
The Lower Dens
Meet the Lower Dens who hail from Baltimore, Maryland. Led by a woman by the name of Jana Hunter, they pack more husk and grit than you'd expect with a female singer. Their music fits the mold of every offbeat independent act going right now (so maybe not so offbeat). Their popular tune "Tea Lights" plays light a Yo La Tengo tune or an easy Deerhunter song. But with Hunter's drone vocals in combination with their intricate guitar noodles, their music somehow comes to life. I'm not going to lie, I bought this album a good six or seven months ago after the combination of hearing them in a Leslieville coffee shop and by a solid recommendation by a friend.
This has to be the first listen where I really feel something.
I think Jana Hunter could give Beach House's Victoria LeGrand a run for her money as far as husky female vocals go.
GO SEE THEM: Wednesday June 15 at 10:00pm at the Garrison or Thursday June 16 at 1:00am at Lee's Palace
Jennifer Castle (Castle Music)
I had the real pleasure of seeing Jennifer Castle play a few tunes at the Dakota last December. Her voice is very distinct, in a pool of female singer-songwriters that all have something to boast. She has a really neat vibrato that comes out real easy, without sounding forced.
She's definitely one of the city's hidden gems.
GO SEE HER: Thursday June 16 at 9:00pm at the Wrongbar; Saturday June 18 at 10:00pm at the Great Hall
Brian Borcherdt
I, like most first laid ears on Brian Borcherdt as a member of Holy Fuck. I think years ago I saw him open up for a Canadian act at the Phoenix. His sound is a little slow for my likings, but I'm certain he'll put on a show to dazzle.
Get those heart strings ready to be pulled.
SEE HIM: 918 Bathurst on Thursday June 16 at 9:00pm
Snowblink
I first came across Snowblink on a complete limb. I had nothing to do one evening and stumbled alone into the Tranzac for a surprisingly lovely front-room performance by Snowblink. Having no expectations at all, I was pleasantly surprised by what I came across - a very stripped down quirky girl-guy duo.
As it turns out front woman Daniela Gesundheit moved from California to Toronto in 2008. She however has well-nested in Toronto making music with Alex Lukachevsky and Bruce Peninsula.
Their album Long Live received little attention and a limited release a couple of years ago. It however was re-released and better publicised this go around in 2011. It's kind of nice to have a set of songs that I'm already familiar with.
Snowblink will surround you with lovely.
SEE THEM: Thursday June 16 at 7:00pm at the Music Gallery
The Cowgirl Choir
Do you remember high school choir? The Cowgirl Choir all of the beautiful girls you'd find in the soprano section but could never sit next to. To accompany, they have an acoustic guitar, but let's face it, these ladies definitely don't need the help.
I saw them last December and they played a string of covers that everyone in the crowd was more or less already familiar with. My personal favourite was a bold cover of "Jolene," that they surprisingly were able to pull of pretty well.
GO SEE THEM: Thursday June 16 at 9:00pm at the Comfort Zone
Forest City Lovers
Four years ago I walked into the old Rotate This location with my Mother and checked out their listening post. A featured selection was a very young Kat Burns' project Forest City Lovers, I bought the album. I kept up with them for the next few years watching her band grow big.
Burns undoubtedly is an artist at heart. She started an art project called An Hour of My Time where she makes a piece of art in no more than an hour and sells it for the national average minimum wage of $24.75. I'm not sure how well she did, but you can read about it here.
But on Forest City Lovers - a real dynamite, minimal sound. Along the same lines as Snowblink, Burns has extremely soft vocals, with very little edge.
Mika Posen of Timber Timbre also use to and may still play with Kat Burns as Forest City Lovers.
GO SEE 'EM: Thursday June 16 at 9:00pm at the Music Gallery
Peter Elkas
For years I have passed Peter Elkas' album in my store, I even think I took in a copy after a pal's garage sale. But it wasn't until last December that I saw Elkas in action. He is quite possibly the most attractive thirtysomething man I've stumbled upon. He has a lovely energetic rock sound that sounds like it could have been plucked off the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack.
GO SEE HIM: Thursday June 16 at 9:00pm at the Rivoli
The Darcys
The Darcys are a real tight outfit. Last year, they were my pick for the festival - they put on the sweatiest gig I have been to a while at Rancho Relaxo. It was a swift reminder of why I love music so much.
These guys are nursing songs they're well-acquinted with so without a doubt their show will be very smooth sounding. These guys absolutely know what they are doing.
Cash in on this gem before anyone else.
SEE THEM: Friday June 17 at 9:00pm at the Horseshoe Tavern
The James Clark Institute
James Clark has been around forever, but he's no less cool than any twentysomething hipster. Clark draws from a whole whack of inspirations from sixties rock to current indie, it's pretty obvious who is influences are when you listen to his music.
His fantastic humour really oozes out in his shows, definitely worth a peek.
CATCH HIM AT: Friday June 17 at 10:00pm at Mitzi's Sister
Amos the Transparent
I was really surprised by this band. On a mediocre label UR Artist, this band has really diverged further than the other bands on the label. Last fall, they toured with Arts and Crafts sweethearts Zeus, able to hold their own against such a terrific band.
This band really harps on the good girl guy contrasts that Stars did so well around Set Yourself On Fire. The key difference between the two acts is Amos isn't as fluffy as stars, they've got a bit more complexity and grit.
SEE THEM: Friday June 17 at 11:00pm at the El Mocambo (Upstairs)
Sheezer
All girl band play covers of Weezer circa Pinkerton and Blue Album. Need I say more?
SEE THEM: Friday June 17 at 2:00am at Sneaky Dee's
DEVO
A free DEVO show? For all the flack I have given this band in the past, I can't wait for this gig on Saturday. Don't tell anyone, but I kind of like this band. Another gem to come out of Akron, Ohio.
Hopefully, it won't be as packed as the Iggy Pop show this time last year.
SEE THEM FOR FREE: Saturday June 18 at 9:30pm-11:00pm at Yonge and Dundas Square
Chad Vangaalen
No questions, this is where I'll be Saturday at midnight. The Great Hall is quite possibly one of the most versatile venues I've been to.
This may be the show of the festival. I'm pretty excited.
MARK THE DATE: Saturday June 18 at 12:00am at the Great Hall
NXNE Recommendations?
Hello to all you devoted readers,
I made a really big knob mistake the other day and changed the url from www.knitpen.blogspot.com to www.forthethrees.blogspot.com. My viewership has gone down about 100X, so apparently people don't use www.forthetrees.ca as I hoped!
I think I should take this as a big sign to stop blogging and start a real website.
But for those of you who've stuck on. I would really like to hear your recommendations for NXNE 2011. There's so many bands playing, I couldn't possibly wrap my peanut brain around em'.
Read my two cents in a post to come.
Have a sticky day, it's hooot!
I made a really big knob mistake the other day and changed the url from www.knitpen.blogspot.com to www.forthethrees.blogspot.com. My viewership has gone down about 100X, so apparently people don't use www.forthetrees.ca as I hoped!
I think I should take this as a big sign to stop blogging and start a real website.
But for those of you who've stuck on. I would really like to hear your recommendations for NXNE 2011. There's so many bands playing, I couldn't possibly wrap my peanut brain around em'.
Read my two cents in a post to come.
Have a sticky day, it's hooot!
Monday, June 13, 2011
"Prologue" and "Kettering" by The Antlers
This band's the newest to hit my mental library of music. I'm having the pleasure of seeing them tomorrow night, I hope to be blown away. Get through the three minute intro, it's totally worth it. Here's a tune and a half that I really felt upon first listen:
Do you dig it? lemme know.
Also, still on a complete Okkervil River high, "Song For Our So-Called Friend" has such a beautiful slight of word and the muted trumpet....
Do you dig it? lemme know.
Also, still on a complete Okkervil River high, "Song For Our So-Called Friend" has such a beautiful slight of word and the muted trumpet....
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Okkervil River with Titus Andronicus at the Phoenix; Friday June 10, 2011
Titus Andronicus lived up to their last terrific performance I saw of theirs in California. This band has a gritty rock sound that I'm amazed can do so well in the independent scene. It's probably just because their tunes are fun and upbeat, allowing anyone to enjoy.
They make fun with their repetitive, catchy lines:
After seeing them the first time, I ran out and grabbed their album. In truth, in the two months of owning it, I haven't gotten around to actually listen to it. I'm not sure if I'd listen to Titus outside of the live concert setting. Their music is fun and careless, but I just don't think I could connect with it outside of a live gig.
Okkervil River are a self-assured band with all the poise and confidence in the world. I was absolutely floored by the bands warmth this tour, seeing them is a must. If you ever get the opportunity, please don't pass it up.
They fused together a good mix of old and new, a surprise that made the show exciting and invigorating. The only album they really neglected (beyond the older couple) was The Stand-Ins and I'm perfectly fine with that. The only tune I'd have liked to have heard was "All The Latest Toughs," as they played it before.
I think the main reason I really like Okkervil River is for their sophistication and smooth quality, in terms of sound and lyrics. Will Scheff is an absolutely dapper guy, while his supporting band is comprised of a really talented female guitarist that has a remarkable resemblance to Miranda July. Furthermore, he's got an eclectic support behind him of men around his age of all sorts of looks. So suffice to say, Okkervil is most certainly not a band you go out to gawk at, but rather bask in their musical brilliance.
This band has definitely earned the title of literary rockers which I accredited to Scheff's articulate lyrics.
Half way through the show the band walked off the stage leaving Scheff on his lonesome. He played a very stripped version of "A Stone," as he did the last show. I can't say I wasn't expecting it, but with every performance, I find myself surprised that this song would be played. Don't get me wrong, it is a household favourite, but it's slow and intimate. I guess that's maybe Will Scheff's aim when playing it. At the Toronto show, I felt he shied away from the microphone for the first verse and then really attacked it come the next verse, really working the dynamics. The beauty of "A Stone" is in the eloquent and smooth transition between words that commit to the memory almost effortlessly.
You can actually hear people having musical orgasms in this video taken a month or so prior to the show I just saw. This performance easily leaves people weak in the knees:
And I think that I know the bitter dismay of a lover who brought
fresh bouquets every day
when she turned him away
to remember some knave
who once gave
just one rose, one day, years ago.
This show also had a fabulous momentum to it, they sewed together the old with the new so seamlessly. The last bit of the set you could tell was a giver for the crowd, they played a string of songs that immediately pleased everyone:
"For Real"
"Our Life Is Not A Movie, Or is It?"
"Lost Coastlines"
"Westfall"
"Unless It Kicks"
For the last week or so I have tried very hard to encourage people to make it to this show. For every mix of songs I would write, the closing bit of their set made it. I couldn't think of a better booming ending.
There's really nothing like hearing "Westfall" live with the mesmerising chant of "Evil Don't Look Like Anything." It's pretty outstanding to think that such a stage closer like "Westfall" was off of Okkervil's first full-length.
They make fun with their repetitive, catchy lines:
After seeing them the first time, I ran out and grabbed their album. In truth, in the two months of owning it, I haven't gotten around to actually listen to it. I'm not sure if I'd listen to Titus outside of the live concert setting. Their music is fun and careless, but I just don't think I could connect with it outside of a live gig.
Okkervil River are a self-assured band with all the poise and confidence in the world. I was absolutely floored by the bands warmth this tour, seeing them is a must. If you ever get the opportunity, please don't pass it up.
They fused together a good mix of old and new, a surprise that made the show exciting and invigorating. The only album they really neglected (beyond the older couple) was The Stand-Ins and I'm perfectly fine with that. The only tune I'd have liked to have heard was "All The Latest Toughs," as they played it before.
I think the main reason I really like Okkervil River is for their sophistication and smooth quality, in terms of sound and lyrics. Will Scheff is an absolutely dapper guy, while his supporting band is comprised of a really talented female guitarist that has a remarkable resemblance to Miranda July. Furthermore, he's got an eclectic support behind him of men around his age of all sorts of looks. So suffice to say, Okkervil is most certainly not a band you go out to gawk at, but rather bask in their musical brilliance.
This band has definitely earned the title of literary rockers which I accredited to Scheff's articulate lyrics.
Half way through the show the band walked off the stage leaving Scheff on his lonesome. He played a very stripped version of "A Stone," as he did the last show. I can't say I wasn't expecting it, but with every performance, I find myself surprised that this song would be played. Don't get me wrong, it is a household favourite, but it's slow and intimate. I guess that's maybe Will Scheff's aim when playing it. At the Toronto show, I felt he shied away from the microphone for the first verse and then really attacked it come the next verse, really working the dynamics. The beauty of "A Stone" is in the eloquent and smooth transition between words that commit to the memory almost effortlessly.
You can actually hear people having musical orgasms in this video taken a month or so prior to the show I just saw. This performance easily leaves people weak in the knees:
And I think that I know the bitter dismay of a lover who brought
fresh bouquets every day
when she turned him away
to remember some knave
who once gave
just one rose, one day, years ago.
This show also had a fabulous momentum to it, they sewed together the old with the new so seamlessly. The last bit of the set you could tell was a giver for the crowd, they played a string of songs that immediately pleased everyone:
"For Real"
"Our Life Is Not A Movie, Or is It?"
"Lost Coastlines"
"Westfall"
"Unless It Kicks"
For the last week or so I have tried very hard to encourage people to make it to this show. For every mix of songs I would write, the closing bit of their set made it. I couldn't think of a better booming ending.
There's really nothing like hearing "Westfall" live with the mesmerising chant of "Evil Don't Look Like Anything." It's pretty outstanding to think that such a stage closer like "Westfall" was off of Okkervil's first full-length.
Evil don't look like anything
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Mike Mills 'Beginners' out June 17
I can't shake how lovely the film 'Beginners' is. I mailed my friend today saying this is the summer of Lovely. All things lovely.
So, I've gone on about the lovely film 'Beginners' Directed by Mike Mills (husband of Miranda July). The film stars the incredible Canadian Chirstopher Plummer, Ewan MacGregor and the very beautiful Mélanie Laurent. The film is about the revelries of life, some joyous some overbearing.
I fortuantely have the pleasure of watching this film at TIFF '10. I was surprised and warmed inside.
I'm most excited by the booming soundtrack that makes me feel equal parts classy and in love.
Soak it in -
"Stardust" – Hoagy Camichael
"Everything's Made For Love" – Gene Austin
"Bach Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"1955" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Sweet Jazz Music" – Jelly Roll Morton
"That Da Da Strain" – Mamie Smith
Note: not the version on the soundtrack, but still lovely.
"Mamanita" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: couldn't find the original on YouTube, but this is pretty faithful.
"Moon Waltz" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Veronica’s Blues" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Breezin’ Along with the Breeze" – Josephine Baker
"Beginners Theme Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Buddy Bertrand’s Blues" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: I think this is the same song...
So, I've gone on about the lovely film 'Beginners' Directed by Mike Mills (husband of Miranda July). The film stars the incredible Canadian Chirstopher Plummer, Ewan MacGregor and the very beautiful Mélanie Laurent. The film is about the revelries of life, some joyous some overbearing.
I fortuantely have the pleasure of watching this film at TIFF '10. I was surprised and warmed inside.
I'm most excited by the booming soundtrack that makes me feel equal parts classy and in love.
Soak it in -
"Stardust" – Hoagy Camichael
"Everything's Made For Love" – Gene Austin
"Bach Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"1955" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Sweet Jazz Music" – Jelly Roll Morton
"That Da Da Strain" – Mamie Smith
Note: not the version on the soundtrack, but still lovely.
"Mamanita" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: couldn't find the original on YouTube, but this is pretty faithful.
"Moon Waltz" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Veronica’s Blues" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Breezin’ Along with the Breeze" – Josephine Baker
"Beginners Theme Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell
"Buddy Bertrand’s Blues" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: I think this is the same song...
plus ones, December 8, 2010 'Where's the Band?' concert in Cambridge, MA
I didn't attend this show, but I sure wish I did. A number of really stunning artists covering many Saves the Day tunes and a great set by Conley himself.
This girl however did go and wrote about it.
This girl however did go and wrote about it.
Saves the Day with the Get Up Kids at Headliners, Toledo, Ohio; Saturday June 4, 2011
It's been about four years since I last saw my favourite band Saves the Day play and add a couple of years onto that for the Get Up Kids. I have to say, it was pretty lovely being reunited with some cherished old friends.
Even better, I got to enjoy old company with new company too. I went to this show with my very lovely Michigan native pal. The trip to Toledo from Ann Arbor, MI was only about an hour, completely worth the trek. My new friend actually knew two of the members of Saves the Day scoring us some backstage wristbands. So beyond just seeing one of my favourite bands, I could see them way close, closer than I ever did lining up hours before the show in the rain.
Headliners is an extremely small venue. Packed to the brim, it is somewhere between the Kool Haus and the Sound Academy. However because of the way it is set up, the actual concert viewing area is about half the size of the Kool Haus. I couldn't imagine it ever reaching full-capacity.
The two bands played pretty early sets with no openers. Saves the Day hopped on stage at nine, stumbling in just past the hour, I knew we were missing something. The punk bass drum sounds, I knew we were missing Saves the Day. Apparently, we only missed "Shoulder to the Wheel" of the classic tunes I'd have like to have heard. Pity.
Look how young they are here!!!!
I was very blown away by the group, song selection and sound, for the first time in a while, Saves the Day really looked as if they were really, truly having fun on stage. Lead singer Chris Conley, sounded better than ever - his vocals were top shelf. I was really surprised by the band - a total off-beat group of guys that look like they'd do more harm to the band than good. I'm basing this impression mostly on the fact that they resemble nothing of their old set up. I was really fortunate to have seen Dave Soloway and Eben D'Aimco play the first go around in Toronto back in 2003 (first go around for me). I don't think any band arrangement will live up to that, but this one really nears close. They're just a really tight band and although Saves has become the Chris Conley show, I think these boys stand a chance in hell.
Members
Chris Conley
Arun Bali
Rodrigo Palma
Claudio Rivera
Past members
Spencer Peterson
Chris Zampella
Eben D'Amico
Ted Alexander
Dave Soloway
Manuel Carrero
Durijah Lang
Bryan Newman
Reed Black[3]
Anthony Anastasio
Sean McGrath
Justin Gaylord
Pete Parada
Their song choices were spread beautifully across the seven albums the band has released in the last twelve years. Conley even made a comment about how people should approach him if a song was missed, he'd make a note to play it again the next time they rolled through. He went on to say it gets hard when you have over one hundred songs to chose from. When he said that, I started to think about how new band members would go about learning old tunes, new to them.
I was most happy to hear "Nightingale" off of their heavy hitter Stay What You Are. It's sort of an odd choice selection because it's slow and a bit romantic, people nonetheless still seemed to dig it. It always baffles me to look around at an audience and see people cling on to the words of a tune that are so close to you. Some lazy guy in flop-flops standing next to me at the show shocked me the most. He closed his eyes real tight when he sung the chorus of "Nightingale," it's not my song after all.
Didn't want to spoil it with a poorly recorded live version. Claudio, the drummer played the beginning bit with the hi-hat and I knew it would be "Nightingale":
They also slapped together "This is Not an Exit," "Freakish," "Cars and Calories," "See You," "Certain Tragedy," and closed with "At Your Funeral." I have never let myself go at a show as much as I did for "At Your Funeral," it was so easy and careless, a beautifully mashed together sing-along. The first bit of the tune is just Chris and his guitar, it was absolutely lovely to just allow the wreckless, maccabre lyrics explode out of me. A brilliant release for everyone in the crowd.
I remember this video came out around the same time as the Weezer video for "Island in the Sun," consequently, getting a ton of flack for the use of puppets.
(On the song "At Your Funeral"): "We loved writing and directing this one. We had to bleep the word "high" for the broadcast version, and this is the original without the audio edit. We were obsessed with "Requiem for a Dream," which is where we (the directors) got the idea to use motion control. Plus, my mom Patricia is in it at the end...and she rules."
He also touched a great deal of In Reverie, an album that I personally adore. This album did poorly in sales, but I really feel as though it was heartfelt and a good change for a little punk rock band from New Jersey. A very mature shift in their sound. They played "Anywhere With You," "What Went Wrong" and "Monkey." I was very shocked to hear the last two in their live repetoire. "What Went Wrong" reads like a children's poem, completely off the wall.
I'm so sorry for the advertisment, you can actually skip it in just three pointless seconds. This video is fantastic, it just look so organic:
I really loved hearing "Third Engine," a tune I never really gave the time of day when I was getting into Through Being Cool. There's something so ridiculous about the lyrics and that's something that really hasn't changed throughout the history of the band. Conley's words have sort of just maintained a weird feel to them, never ordinary, always off-beat.
Did you know, my sweet
Yeah, that I once took the liberty of watching you in your sleep?
I rolled over and over
Trying to touch your knees, yeah, underneath the sheets
Trying to touch your knees
It was really lovely to hear one of my favourite bands play live. I really took comfort in being able to completely shut my wandering mind off and set my brain on auto-pilot, being over taken by the familiar.
Also, I should note that I have had the urge I need to get into their new trilogy, starting with Sound the Alarm. I have to admit, I really didn't give it the chance. As always, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the song "Eulogy."
Moving onto the Get Up Kids. Have you hear this band? Where were you in 2003 with the release of Guilt Show? I will forever and always remember the 2003 Guilt Show tour as my introduction to Leslieville, back when it was iffy. Leslieville has now become brunch capitol of Toronto and a lovely place for Toronto Life readers to raise their children. I remember being so wry about seeing the Get Up Kids at the Opera House that I got my friends father to drive us right to the door.
It was also the show that I was introduced to Rocky Votolato and Recover, two bands that I still kind of like (the former more than the latter).
I was a little heartbroken to only hear two tunes off of Guilt Show - "Never Be Alone" and "Holy Roman." They made a really beautiful instrumental transition into "Holy Roman" that copied the albums form to a tee.
Feast your ears on the sweet intro:
Pryor confirmed the song "Never Be Alone" was written by Rob Pope about his 2003 divorce from The Anniversary keyboardist Adrianne Verhoeven.
They really hashed through their lovely album Something to Write Home About, album that sold 140,000 copies after its release, single handedly saving the struggling label Vagrant. With "I'll Catch You" as one of the closers, very surprisingly. Apparently, Mark Hoppus proposed to his wife to this song in 2000, imagine that.
In their closing bit they did a cover of Blur's "Girls & Boys"
I love the energy this band puts into their songs. Lead singer Matt Pryor has an incredible live voice, everything he is recorded.
I learned that their bassist Rob Pope is also the bassist of Spoon as well.
Side bar:
Even better, I got to enjoy old company with new company too. I went to this show with my very lovely Michigan native pal. The trip to Toledo from Ann Arbor, MI was only about an hour, completely worth the trek. My new friend actually knew two of the members of Saves the Day scoring us some backstage wristbands. So beyond just seeing one of my favourite bands, I could see them way close, closer than I ever did lining up hours before the show in the rain.
Headliners is an extremely small venue. Packed to the brim, it is somewhere between the Kool Haus and the Sound Academy. However because of the way it is set up, the actual concert viewing area is about half the size of the Kool Haus. I couldn't imagine it ever reaching full-capacity.
The two bands played pretty early sets with no openers. Saves the Day hopped on stage at nine, stumbling in just past the hour, I knew we were missing something. The punk bass drum sounds, I knew we were missing Saves the Day. Apparently, we only missed "Shoulder to the Wheel" of the classic tunes I'd have like to have heard. Pity.
Look how young they are here!!!!
I was very blown away by the group, song selection and sound, for the first time in a while, Saves the Day really looked as if they were really, truly having fun on stage. Lead singer Chris Conley, sounded better than ever - his vocals were top shelf. I was really surprised by the band - a total off-beat group of guys that look like they'd do more harm to the band than good. I'm basing this impression mostly on the fact that they resemble nothing of their old set up. I was really fortunate to have seen Dave Soloway and Eben D'Aimco play the first go around in Toronto back in 2003 (first go around for me). I don't think any band arrangement will live up to that, but this one really nears close. They're just a really tight band and although Saves has become the Chris Conley show, I think these boys stand a chance in hell.
Members
Chris Conley
Arun Bali
Rodrigo Palma
Claudio Rivera
Past members
Spencer Peterson
Chris Zampella
Eben D'Amico
Ted Alexander
Dave Soloway
Manuel Carrero
Durijah Lang
Bryan Newman
Reed Black[3]
Anthony Anastasio
Sean McGrath
Justin Gaylord
Pete Parada
Their song choices were spread beautifully across the seven albums the band has released in the last twelve years. Conley even made a comment about how people should approach him if a song was missed, he'd make a note to play it again the next time they rolled through. He went on to say it gets hard when you have over one hundred songs to chose from. When he said that, I started to think about how new band members would go about learning old tunes, new to them.
I was most happy to hear "Nightingale" off of their heavy hitter Stay What You Are. It's sort of an odd choice selection because it's slow and a bit romantic, people nonetheless still seemed to dig it. It always baffles me to look around at an audience and see people cling on to the words of a tune that are so close to you. Some lazy guy in flop-flops standing next to me at the show shocked me the most. He closed his eyes real tight when he sung the chorus of "Nightingale," it's not my song after all.
Didn't want to spoil it with a poorly recorded live version. Claudio, the drummer played the beginning bit with the hi-hat and I knew it would be "Nightingale":
They also slapped together "This is Not an Exit," "Freakish," "Cars and Calories," "See You," "Certain Tragedy," and closed with "At Your Funeral." I have never let myself go at a show as much as I did for "At Your Funeral," it was so easy and careless, a beautifully mashed together sing-along. The first bit of the tune is just Chris and his guitar, it was absolutely lovely to just allow the wreckless, maccabre lyrics explode out of me. A brilliant release for everyone in the crowd.
I remember this video came out around the same time as the Weezer video for "Island in the Sun," consequently, getting a ton of flack for the use of puppets.
(On the song "At Your Funeral"): "We loved writing and directing this one. We had to bleep the word "high" for the broadcast version, and this is the original without the audio edit. We were obsessed with "Requiem for a Dream," which is where we (the directors) got the idea to use motion control. Plus, my mom Patricia is in it at the end...and she rules."
He also touched a great deal of In Reverie, an album that I personally adore. This album did poorly in sales, but I really feel as though it was heartfelt and a good change for a little punk rock band from New Jersey. A very mature shift in their sound. They played "Anywhere With You," "What Went Wrong" and "Monkey." I was very shocked to hear the last two in their live repetoire. "What Went Wrong" reads like a children's poem, completely off the wall.
I'm so sorry for the advertisment, you can actually skip it in just three pointless seconds. This video is fantastic, it just look so organic:
I really loved hearing "Third Engine," a tune I never really gave the time of day when I was getting into Through Being Cool. There's something so ridiculous about the lyrics and that's something that really hasn't changed throughout the history of the band. Conley's words have sort of just maintained a weird feel to them, never ordinary, always off-beat.
Did you know, my sweet
Yeah, that I once took the liberty of watching you in your sleep?
I rolled over and over
Trying to touch your knees, yeah, underneath the sheets
Trying to touch your knees
It was really lovely to hear one of my favourite bands play live. I really took comfort in being able to completely shut my wandering mind off and set my brain on auto-pilot, being over taken by the familiar.
Also, I should note that I have had the urge I need to get into their new trilogy, starting with Sound the Alarm. I have to admit, I really didn't give it the chance. As always, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the song "Eulogy."
Moving onto the Get Up Kids. Have you hear this band? Where were you in 2003 with the release of Guilt Show? I will forever and always remember the 2003 Guilt Show tour as my introduction to Leslieville, back when it was iffy. Leslieville has now become brunch capitol of Toronto and a lovely place for Toronto Life readers to raise their children. I remember being so wry about seeing the Get Up Kids at the Opera House that I got my friends father to drive us right to the door.
It was also the show that I was introduced to Rocky Votolato and Recover, two bands that I still kind of like (the former more than the latter).
I was a little heartbroken to only hear two tunes off of Guilt Show - "Never Be Alone" and "Holy Roman." They made a really beautiful instrumental transition into "Holy Roman" that copied the albums form to a tee.
Feast your ears on the sweet intro:
Pryor confirmed the song "Never Be Alone" was written by Rob Pope about his 2003 divorce from The Anniversary keyboardist Adrianne Verhoeven.
They really hashed through their lovely album Something to Write Home About, album that sold 140,000 copies after its release, single handedly saving the struggling label Vagrant. With "I'll Catch You" as one of the closers, very surprisingly. Apparently, Mark Hoppus proposed to his wife to this song in 2000, imagine that.
In their closing bit they did a cover of Blur's "Girls & Boys"
I love the energy this band puts into their songs. Lead singer Matt Pryor has an incredible live voice, everything he is recorded.
I learned that their bassist Rob Pope is also the bassist of Spoon as well.
Side bar:
"Roll On" Dntel featuring Jenny Lewis
The album Dumb Luck was released many years ago. My friend Taj recommended it to me way back when.
This song has stuck real hard throughout the years. Just lovely lyrics, Jenny!
This song has stuck real hard throughout the years. Just lovely lyrics, Jenny!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
TV on the Radio, Tunde Adebimpe touches Neil Young
Tunde Adebimpe did a really lovely cover of Neil Young's hit off of Harvest Moon called "Unknown Legend." It's just really lovely.
I've been all about the lovely lately.
I've been all about the lovely lately.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Happiness in film
I know I railed American cinema, but I think my faith has been restored in two films I have seen in the last year. Tonight, I saw the film Midnight in Paris Directed by Woody Allen.
The other film is the very lovely Beginners.
Get your heart all warm and fuzzy with these trailers:
The other film is the very lovely Beginners.
Get your heart all warm and fuzzy with these trailers:
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Trip to Ohio/Michigan for the Get Up Kids and Saves The Day
I'm making the big trek out to Ohio to see some of my favourite high school bands - the Get Up Kids and Saves the Day. I have to say, I'm pretty excited, these were bands that formed me musically. I'm currently stuck on the Get Up Kids' 2004 release Guilt Show, because it just is that good!
This song is so spotless:
Sondre Lerche at the Mod Club; Tuesday May 31, 2011
This is my fourth time seeing Norwegian Sondre Lerche. With each show he has a new album to promote, it's very tiring for me to be on top of all these albums, I can't even imagine what it's like for him. Lerche has been in this industry for ten years and he's only twenty eight! It's pretty remarkable to see what this guy has done.
His new self-titled album is dreamy and love-filled as most of his albums are. This album especially hints on anticipation, excitement through the sweet sounds of slower tunes. It's also his first release on his very own record label, Mona Records, after his actor/model wife Mona Fastvold.
I'm very excited to report that last night's show was a full-band set up. I got to the show missing the two opening acts who I later learned are also his back up band. I used to get to shows so early to catch every live minute, now I've just sort of flopped of the radar when it comes to live gigs, skipping any opening acts i'm not familiar with. I sometimes do my homework, I somtimes don't. These guys seemed to pack mega talent, so during the show I felt a little sad I didn't work a little harder to catch the acts before Lerche.
His band was a little different than past bands, they were definitely set up to play the slower tunes off of his new album. Furthermore, they were all American, also kind of interesting. Seems as though Sondre relocated to Brooklyn, New York... Who wouldn't?
He played a ton of new songs but a good balance between the two. This guy probably has such a hard time picking out sets because he has a slew of albums to choose from. He played "Two Way Monologue" in the first bit of his set with a very lazy introduction of "I'm gonna get this one out of the way." I suspect he's grown a little tired of playing this number. It sounded fantastic though, it wasn't lazy, but full of energy. It was also the first of the old songs he dipped into.
I was happy to hear a little off of each one of his albums...
His shows have grown a little predictable but no less exciting. I find myself completely lost in his presence and pretty looks.
As always there was that first funny turned annoying dip that talks far too loud at Sondre's Toronto gigs...
His new self-titled album is dreamy and love-filled as most of his albums are. This album especially hints on anticipation, excitement through the sweet sounds of slower tunes. It's also his first release on his very own record label, Mona Records, after his actor/model wife Mona Fastvold.
I'm very excited to report that last night's show was a full-band set up. I got to the show missing the two opening acts who I later learned are also his back up band. I used to get to shows so early to catch every live minute, now I've just sort of flopped of the radar when it comes to live gigs, skipping any opening acts i'm not familiar with. I sometimes do my homework, I somtimes don't. These guys seemed to pack mega talent, so during the show I felt a little sad I didn't work a little harder to catch the acts before Lerche.
His band was a little different than past bands, they were definitely set up to play the slower tunes off of his new album. Furthermore, they were all American, also kind of interesting. Seems as though Sondre relocated to Brooklyn, New York... Who wouldn't?
He played a ton of new songs but a good balance between the two. This guy probably has such a hard time picking out sets because he has a slew of albums to choose from. He played "Two Way Monologue" in the first bit of his set with a very lazy introduction of "I'm gonna get this one out of the way." I suspect he's grown a little tired of playing this number. It sounded fantastic though, it wasn't lazy, but full of energy. It was also the first of the old songs he dipped into.
I was happy to hear a little off of each one of his albums...
His shows have grown a little predictable but no less exciting. I find myself completely lost in his presence and pretty looks.
As always there was that first funny turned annoying dip that talks far too loud at Sondre's Toronto gigs...
Little Joy DUMBO session
No Joy, Joy Orbison, Joy Divison and LITTLE JOY. So much joy.
Little Joy'll always be my number one. Isn't Binki Sharpiro just darling?
and one more:
they all seem like they need a good shower and hair brush.
ohmankelso 5 months ago
Little Joy'll always be my number one. Isn't Binki Sharpiro just darling?
and one more:
they all seem like they need a good shower and hair brush.
ohmankelso 5 months ago
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Beirut, Zach Condon
Have we all forgotten about Beirut? It's been a while since Zach Condon has released anything, but I still have high faith in him. He's a musical prodigy and I'm looking forward to seeing him again August 2 at the Phoenix. They've very wonderfully made a second show at the same venue rather than upgrading to a larger one.
I have these moments when I listen to Beirut where I have to remind myself how young Condon is. When he released Gulag Orkester he was only twenty!!
And twenty one with the release of the very gorgeous The Flying Cup Club:
I have these moments when I listen to Beirut where I have to remind myself how young Condon is. When he released Gulag Orkester he was only twenty!!
And twenty one with the release of the very gorgeous The Flying Cup Club:
Sondre Lerche
I first dipped into Sondre Lerche about seven years ago when I was leaving through the clearance stock at the old record store I used to work at. The Don`t Be Shallow EP was only five dollars, a total steal!
I picked it up initially because I thought he was a total babe!
Well, nearly seven years later, I have had each and every one of his releases and have had the pleasure of seeing him three times. He`s playing a gig in Toronto on Tuesday and I can`t seem to shake the excitement. It`s going to be an awesome show, his first full-band performance in Toronto since 2007. He`s great on his own, but the full-band sound is absolutely untouchable.
Lerche keeps releasing albums and I can`t keep up. It`s technically only his sixth full-length release, but if you consider all of the other albums he`s dropped with EPs, he`s probably closer to something like ten.
I am absolutely in love with his new album`s front. My normal instinct with a new album is to hate it, especially if i`m going to have to see them in two days (and they`ll play new stuff galore). But I`m totally feeling this new album, I think this show is going to be pretty spectacular.
He`s also started his own record label called Mona Records, after his wife model, Mona Fastvold.
... I just stumbled upon a new Air Canada commerical on YouTube, ads galore now and Sondre Lerche was used. They pulled a song off of his much underrated album Duper Sessions.
I picked it up initially because I thought he was a total babe!
Well, nearly seven years later, I have had each and every one of his releases and have had the pleasure of seeing him three times. He`s playing a gig in Toronto on Tuesday and I can`t seem to shake the excitement. It`s going to be an awesome show, his first full-band performance in Toronto since 2007. He`s great on his own, but the full-band sound is absolutely untouchable.
Lerche keeps releasing albums and I can`t keep up. It`s technically only his sixth full-length release, but if you consider all of the other albums he`s dropped with EPs, he`s probably closer to something like ten.
I am absolutely in love with his new album`s front. My normal instinct with a new album is to hate it, especially if i`m going to have to see them in two days (and they`ll play new stuff galore). But I`m totally feeling this new album, I think this show is going to be pretty spectacular.
He`s also started his own record label called Mona Records, after his wife model, Mona Fastvold.
... I just stumbled upon a new Air Canada commerical on YouTube, ads galore now and Sondre Lerche was used. They pulled a song off of his much underrated album Duper Sessions.
Coachella 2011: aftermath twenty, Ratatat
Ratatat is an electronic duo from Brooklyn. Comprised by a guitar player Mark Stroud and bassist and keyboardist Evan Mast.
I only had a few moments to see these guys between acts, but I was totally blown away. I heard them a bunch when I worked at the record store, a co-worker really liked them, so consequently, I was subject to the album Classics.
Real fun to watch this video, because when I watched this gig from the back of the tent, I couldn`t really see what was going on. This was my first time seeing these guys live, and I had no idea that that`s all there was going on. It`s sort of hard for me to appreciate a couple of guys noodling to a recording, but it looks like a lot of fun.
Coachella 2011 performance:
Professionally shot:
Studio:
I only had a few moments to see these guys between acts, but I was totally blown away. I heard them a bunch when I worked at the record store, a co-worker really liked them, so consequently, I was subject to the album Classics.
Real fun to watch this video, because when I watched this gig from the back of the tent, I couldn`t really see what was going on. This was my first time seeing these guys live, and I had no idea that that`s all there was going on. It`s sort of hard for me to appreciate a couple of guys noodling to a recording, but it looks like a lot of fun.
Coachella 2011 performance:
Professionally shot:
Studio:
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Woody Allen `Midnight In Paris`
I`m pretty thrilled to see Woody Allen`s new film Midnight In Paris. Beyond the fact that it takes place in Paris, France, I`d just like to point out how creative Woody Allen really is. He has an almost French imaginitive feel when it comes to his writing and direction.
In the last few years, I`ve really taken to French New Wave cinema, real-life films with big imagination and happy excitement. There`s something really lovely about all the old Truffaut and Godard films that have no colour, but are so full of life. Which makes Pierrot le fou all the more exciting, because it had colour.
I just watched the François Ozon film Potiche, or The Trophy Wife. A relatively light film that stars French classic vedettes - Catherine Denueve and Gerard Despardieu. By it`s finish, I couldn`t help but think about how different French cinema is from North American. North American film is so predictable and simple minded. The French have fun, they accentuate the oddities and complexities of life in a way that North American film could never do.
My word on Woody was that he, a New York native, does push the envelope significantly. His films often harp on people`s flaws, he essentially magnifies human flaws. For that, I really love all that Allen does - people are imperfect and make poor choices. I may be so bold to argue that North American film portrays a false ``perfect`` image of people. Don`t get me wrong, Allen casts the prettiest of pretty people in his films, but they all have their flaws.
I`m really looking forward to seeing his new film `Midnight In Paris.` Beyond the all-star cast, I look forward to seeing a non-New York Woody Allen film. I swear, I can`t keep up with this man, he`s on a one a year cycle. Film factory.
Also, a cute thing to point out is that on the Woody Allen filmography page, there are three boxes that serve to filter out what his role in the films listed have been. Writer, Director and Actor, the majority he has done all three, Allen truly is an auteur.
It`s also sort of interesting to note, his most recent films he hasn`t acted in. I guess being in your seventies has it`s downfalls...
In the last few years, I`ve really taken to French New Wave cinema, real-life films with big imagination and happy excitement. There`s something really lovely about all the old Truffaut and Godard films that have no colour, but are so full of life. Which makes Pierrot le fou all the more exciting, because it had colour.
I just watched the François Ozon film Potiche, or The Trophy Wife. A relatively light film that stars French classic vedettes - Catherine Denueve and Gerard Despardieu. By it`s finish, I couldn`t help but think about how different French cinema is from North American. North American film is so predictable and simple minded. The French have fun, they accentuate the oddities and complexities of life in a way that North American film could never do.
My word on Woody was that he, a New York native, does push the envelope significantly. His films often harp on people`s flaws, he essentially magnifies human flaws. For that, I really love all that Allen does - people are imperfect and make poor choices. I may be so bold to argue that North American film portrays a false ``perfect`` image of people. Don`t get me wrong, Allen casts the prettiest of pretty people in his films, but they all have their flaws.
I`m really looking forward to seeing his new film `Midnight In Paris.` Beyond the all-star cast, I look forward to seeing a non-New York Woody Allen film. I swear, I can`t keep up with this man, he`s on a one a year cycle. Film factory.
Also, a cute thing to point out is that on the Woody Allen filmography page, there are three boxes that serve to filter out what his role in the films listed have been. Writer, Director and Actor, the majority he has done all three, Allen truly is an auteur.
It`s also sort of interesting to note, his most recent films he hasn`t acted in. I guess being in your seventies has it`s downfalls...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monthly Mix, May 2011
Dear dedicated readers (all five of you),
This marks my first official month making mix CDs for those who want to hear something lovely. I will make them as the month ends, as it will reflect what I've got my hands and ears on in the last month or so.
It's been raining a ton here in Toronto, my best friend in the whole wide world pointed out that out of twenty six days, it had rained something like eighteen days. For all this glum, weather I'm feeling pretty good. Spirits are high, as are the song selections of the album.
I'm feeling pretty sixties. My go to music has been all things from the past. This mix is just that sprinkled with a bit of here and now. The most significant, influential purchase of the last month or so has to be the Numero Uno released compilation Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label. Released three or four years ago, this album has got some serious life to it with the release of the Derek Cinefrance film Blue Valentine. Ryan Gosling handpicked the Penny and the Quarters song "You and Me" as he and Michelle Williams' character's song in the film. A song that Numero Uno is quite actively trying to find the original artists of to present them with the newly earned royalties. Very unfortunately, Penny and the Quarters have not been found!
If you'd like to receive a copy of the May mix, please email me your mailing address (how ironic!) and I will be sure to send you a lil something in the mail. I can be reached at kimberley.stemshorn@gmail.com
Get excited, this one's gonna be good.
This marks my first official month making mix CDs for those who want to hear something lovely. I will make them as the month ends, as it will reflect what I've got my hands and ears on in the last month or so.
It's been raining a ton here in Toronto, my best friend in the whole wide world pointed out that out of twenty six days, it had rained something like eighteen days. For all this glum, weather I'm feeling pretty good. Spirits are high, as are the song selections of the album.
I'm feeling pretty sixties. My go to music has been all things from the past. This mix is just that sprinkled with a bit of here and now. The most significant, influential purchase of the last month or so has to be the Numero Uno released compilation Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label. Released three or four years ago, this album has got some serious life to it with the release of the Derek Cinefrance film Blue Valentine. Ryan Gosling handpicked the Penny and the Quarters song "You and Me" as he and Michelle Williams' character's song in the film. A song that Numero Uno is quite actively trying to find the original artists of to present them with the newly earned royalties. Very unfortunately, Penny and the Quarters have not been found!
If you'd like to receive a copy of the May mix, please email me your mailing address (how ironic!) and I will be sure to send you a lil something in the mail. I can be reached at kimberley.stemshorn@gmail.com
Get excited, this one's gonna be good.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fiona Apple 'Extraordinary Machine'
Time travel back five years to 2005, Fiona Apple's beautiful, offbeat masterpiece Extraordinary Machine was released. This was another record store record, I only knew it because it was played over and over to the point where I just bought the damn thing.
Goes to show you can force yourself to like things.
But really, in all honesty, you probably like or at very least remember Fiona Apple's seductive song "Criminal" which sort of served as her one break the seal hit. I was around eight years old when it was released, Fiona was only nineteen years old! It's pretty remarkable that a young thing could produce such a sophisticated, mature album.
It's really funny how you remember these old music videos from a child's perspective and them come to revisit them years later. Although the music video is near obsolete, I still love it, it serves as a complete companion for the song itself. I need that extended listen.
Nostalgia aside, listen to Extraordinary Machine. It's totally wacky, in true Fiona Apple style.
Goes to show you can force yourself to like things.
But really, in all honesty, you probably like or at very least remember Fiona Apple's seductive song "Criminal" which sort of served as her one break the seal hit. I was around eight years old when it was released, Fiona was only nineteen years old! It's pretty remarkable that a young thing could produce such a sophisticated, mature album.
It's really funny how you remember these old music videos from a child's perspective and them come to revisit them years later. Although the music video is near obsolete, I still love it, it serves as a complete companion for the song itself. I need that extended listen.
Nostalgia aside, listen to Extraordinary Machine. It's totally wacky, in true Fiona Apple style.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
"America" Simon and Garfunkel
Does it get any better than the song "America"? The intro is absolutely stunning, it bleeds real well from the tune before on the album. Can't really replicate that on here, but you should go out and buy a copy of Bookends because it's just that good. It's a cheap find too!
Monday, May 23, 2011
"Ballad of Sir Frank Crisp" George Harrison, How I Met Your Mother
I haven't fully emerged myself into Harrison's All Things Must Pass. I'd say I've put a fabulous effort into the first disc, but it's the second one I've really overlooked (along with Disc Two of The Beatles).
But it was in watching How I Met Your Mother's most recent episode "Challenge Accepted" that got me really onto the song "Ballad of Sir Frank Crisp" that boasts the lyrics "Let it roll" prominently throughout the song.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
"Daydreaming" Dark Dark Dark on Bandstand Busking, Le cargo
Not sure if this spoils the song or not. On the upside, two new guerrilla-style video making groups.
On Bandstand Busking (They really need the piano!):
Le cargo (ah, piano. A little better):
Original:
On Bandstand Busking (They really need the piano!):
Le cargo (ah, piano. A little better):
Original:
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Fine Canadian Forces 'Hebrew Lessons'
I always feel behind the pack when it comes to local Toronto music. What really kept me going before was attending concerts early for the openers and checking out the listening stations at record shops.
Marking a change in time (and location,) I've grown accustom to finding new gems on blogs. In this case, it was finding something I probably should've know about sooner. An acquaintance of mine, a music student from school, is in a band called Fine Canadian Forces.
They just printed a pile of records and I stumbled upon their music on the artist's blog that designed and printed them - Deadweight. It was sort of an a-ha moment when I was checking out the members of the band expecting to find someone relatively famous, instead I found a lost acquaintance.
How Fun,
Check out and purchase their music here.
Marking a change in time (and location,) I've grown accustom to finding new gems on blogs. In this case, it was finding something I probably should've know about sooner. An acquaintance of mine, a music student from school, is in a band called Fine Canadian Forces.
They just printed a pile of records and I stumbled upon their music on the artist's blog that designed and printed them - Deadweight. It was sort of an a-ha moment when I was checking out the members of the band expecting to find someone relatively famous, instead I found a lost acquaintance.
How Fun,
Check out and purchase their music here.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Jamie Hince, The Kills
I have yet to hear anything of The Kills, but I'm really loving Kate Moss' boyfriend Jamie Hince. Beautiful late thirty-something man. Fabulous style.
Now, to get to the Kills.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Rekindling love with Camera Obscura's 'My Maudlin Career'
Two years ago, my love affair with Camera Obscura began, just dynamite.
I had the pleasure of seeing them two times, once at the tiny, intimate Lee's Palace - both gigs after the release of their masterpiece My Maudlin Career. I had the urge to listen to a tune off of the album and I think I inadvertently triggered a rekindled love affair.
So, maybe I can big time share this love with you.
As requested, I've started to post actual playlists for easy listening.
"If the blood pumping through my veins would freeze, like a river in Toronto then I'd be pleased. You said it made you feel warm inside"
I had the pleasure of seeing them two times, once at the tiny, intimate Lee's Palace - both gigs after the release of their masterpiece My Maudlin Career. I had the urge to listen to a tune off of the album and I think I inadvertently triggered a rekindled love affair.
So, maybe I can big time share this love with you.
As requested, I've started to post actual playlists for easy listening.
"If the blood pumping through my veins would freeze, like a river in Toronto then I'd be pleased. You said it made you feel warm inside"
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Death Cab For Cutie 'A Movie Script Ending' EP
The Photo Album is tied for my favourite Death Cab For Cutie album. Perhaps because it's just under the radar, it just may be my favourite.
I just stumbled upon this on the www. I've never seen it physically, it just may be my new Interstate 8. I have a serious case of the wants.
For Alex: An Okkervil River Education
"Westfall" was their set closer. I remember googling the lyrics "Evil Don't Look Like Anything" after hearing that song for the first time live. I was so excited and sad that I didn't know it.
En Espanol:
"For Real" has to be one of my favourite songs of this band. Will Scheff apparently wrote the lyrics of this song playing around to see how many times he could say the word "real." Success!
"Song For Our So-Called Friends" is a gorgeous song. This was the only song I really wanted to hear at the last gig that wasn't played. This is also from Black Sheep Boy.
"All The Latest Toughs" was the first Okkervil River song I fell in love with. I use to borrow CDs from the record store and browse at them during breaks without actually buying them. I remember listening to this in the food court on an MP3 player while browsing the lyric book that came with the CD.
THE BRIDGE:
"And I don' tknow what else you want here played, cant think what lines you'd like me to sing or say. Not sure waht subjects you want mentioned, just pause and add your own intentions, just pause and your own, let's pause and add our own intentions right here ______."
AND THAT'S HOW IT'S WRITTEN IN THE LINERS. AMAZING. It's the part I just wanna dance in, no lyrics. Unfortunately, when they play it live he sort of talks that bit rather than singing it.
If you buy this CD make sure you get the Appendix, or bonus CD with it. Artwork is painfully unattractive, but so amazing. Done by artist, Will Schaff (not to be confused with Scheff). Schaff also did their art work for I Am Very Far.
A live video of it:
"Unless It Kicks" has an incredible amount of edge to it. I love the punch this song packs.
En Espanol:
"For Real" has to be one of my favourite songs of this band. Will Scheff apparently wrote the lyrics of this song playing around to see how many times he could say the word "real." Success!
"Song For Our So-Called Friends" is a gorgeous song. This was the only song I really wanted to hear at the last gig that wasn't played. This is also from Black Sheep Boy.
"All The Latest Toughs" was the first Okkervil River song I fell in love with. I use to borrow CDs from the record store and browse at them during breaks without actually buying them. I remember listening to this in the food court on an MP3 player while browsing the lyric book that came with the CD.
THE BRIDGE:
"And I don' tknow what else you want here played, cant think what lines you'd like me to sing or say. Not sure waht subjects you want mentioned, just pause and add your own intentions, just pause and your own, let's pause and add our own intentions right here ______."
AND THAT'S HOW IT'S WRITTEN IN THE LINERS. AMAZING. It's the part I just wanna dance in, no lyrics. Unfortunately, when they play it live he sort of talks that bit rather than singing it.
If you buy this CD make sure you get the Appendix, or bonus CD with it. Artwork is painfully unattractive, but so amazing. Done by artist, Will Schaff (not to be confused with Scheff). Schaff also did their art work for I Am Very Far.
A live video of it:
"Unless It Kicks" has an incredible amount of edge to it. I love the punch this song packs.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE AT THE PHOENIX
... and I'm missing it.
So in honour of the show I wish I was at tonight, I just did a little feature of one song of each of their seven albums released (and unreleased). Death Cab are an amazing consistent band that I am perpetually amazed by.
Something About Airplanes
We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes
The Photo Album
Transatlanticism
Plans
Narrow Stairs
Keys and Codes
So in honour of the show I wish I was at tonight, I just did a little feature of one song of each of their seven albums released (and unreleased). Death Cab are an amazing consistent band that I am perpetually amazed by.
Something About Airplanes
We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes
The Photo Album
Transatlanticism
Plans
Narrow Stairs
Keys and Codes
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Okkervil River 'I Am Very Far'
I pre-ordered the new Okkervil album about a month ago after reading about all the nifty add-ons that one could buy. I only got conned into buying the lyric book, which looks nice, but is kind of redundant as the lyrics are beautifully printed within the album sleeve. Furthermore, the book is all out of order making it hard to navigate along with the tunes.
I was hesitant to agree with the text included on the plastic wrap of the album. It read:
I Am Very Far is a startling break form anything Okkervil River has done before: an album that plays not only as a lush, seamless epic, but also as the most deeply personal effort of their career.
Okkervil River have been a band near and dear for the last three years. It started with a light prod from an ex, but it grew to a full on love affair with the gorgeous roller coaster album Black Sheep Boy. Three albums later we stand in front of their first album in two years titled I Am Very Far. This album is absolutely flawless, it doesn't have tracks that stand out as the previous albums so subtly push through, it has tunes that flourish and dazzle. The adjectives "lush" and "seamless" are terrific ways of describing this album as the songs are very intricate and they intertwine pretty effortlessly. This is probably what happens when you've been around as long as Okkervil River have.
I think this album does a far better job of blending together tunes than their previous release The Stand-Ins. Really in listening to The Stand-Ins, I felt like I was getting ripped off because there were three instrumental tracks that left the album with six or seven songs only. I Am Very Far has a long stretch of tunes, closing in at thirteen marathon tunes. Definitely not too much of a good thing, just enough.
I would add that this album is absolutely sophisticated, they've definitely matured a great deal as a band without losing their poppy sound. Lively acoustic guitars aren't far - the tune "Rider" will be a live show crowd pleaser, but beyond just a guitar it has a great host of lush build-ups that make it significantly more fresh, more musically respectable.
This band'll never let me down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)