The Walkmen at Lee's Palace; Friday July 25, 2009
I don't understand why the Walkmen aren't bigger than they are. They should be up there with Kings of Leon, or bands that have independent potential but burst through the seams of popular music. They tried to with their guest gig on the OC four years back, maybe more. They did really well, they even made a soundtrack.
The lead singer has a distinct voice. He has a controllable scream over a sing, but it definitely works. It jives nicely with the dynamic guitar work. The guitarist really blew me away - crisp guitar lines, fooling to the point where one would think that it was a piano or synthesizer (see "Canadian Girl).
I went alone to this gig, and I sort of figured I would leave a little early to get a bit more sleep. They went on super late, probably close to 11:30pm! But by the second song they really pulled me in... The chiming guitar strums in their biggest tune off the album 'You & Me' called "The New Year". It really got me going, I was completely into it. I was listening to Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe and he mentioned that feeling at shows when you lose all your inhibitions. Not to the point where you are disrespecting everyone around you, but to the point where you can really feel something. The point where you don't care about how you look or sound. I sort of felt like that. McLean described it as the "Music taking over".
I really couldn't believe how much energy the lead singer put into the second song. This band works hard and they are great at what they do. Pitchfork's all over them, and so am I.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Jenn Grant at Harbourfront; Friday July 24, 2009
Jenn Grant at Harbourfront; Friday July 24, 2009.
Jenn Grant is sweet. She oozes it in her live shows. I really love the way she carries herself. It's like she welcomed everyone in the audience into her living room and was playing a few tunes for them. She has warmth and sincerity that few people have in their live gigs.
As usual she played most of her material from her latest record 'Echoes'. She has two records out and I've only really dipped into 'Echoes'. But it's almost certian she'll play "Dreamer" from her first album 'Orchestra for the Moon'. I remember the second time I saw her play was at the Reverb and she said she keeps trying to retire "Dreamer". I have never seen her and have her not play it.
This particular time was not outstanding, as with each time I see her I feel as though it's becoming more of a part of me - I know what's going to happen. I really enjoyed the full band set up. It really sounds lovely when she has a couple of string players and a band set up. It's the oomph she needs to spice up her act. I remember the first time i saw her was probably two years ago at the El Mocambo opening for the Veils. My biggest thought on her was that she'd never do well playing with just a violinist and a drummer - and here we are full band in tow.
I also realised that I have never paid to see Jenn Grant, I've always managed to get in for free!! How about that.
Jenn Grant is sweet. She oozes it in her live shows. I really love the way she carries herself. It's like she welcomed everyone in the audience into her living room and was playing a few tunes for them. She has warmth and sincerity that few people have in their live gigs.
As usual she played most of her material from her latest record 'Echoes'. She has two records out and I've only really dipped into 'Echoes'. But it's almost certian she'll play "Dreamer" from her first album 'Orchestra for the Moon'. I remember the second time I saw her play was at the Reverb and she said she keeps trying to retire "Dreamer". I have never seen her and have her not play it.
This particular time was not outstanding, as with each time I see her I feel as though it's becoming more of a part of me - I know what's going to happen. I really enjoyed the full band set up. It really sounds lovely when she has a couple of string players and a band set up. It's the oomph she needs to spice up her act. I remember the first time i saw her was probably two years ago at the El Mocambo opening for the Veils. My biggest thought on her was that she'd never do well playing with just a violinist and a drummer - and here we are full band in tow.
I also realised that I have never paid to see Jenn Grant, I've always managed to get in for free!! How about that.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Zombies at the Mod Club; Wednesday July 15, 2009
The Zombies at the Mod Club; Wednesday July 15, 2009
So when I tell people who the Zombies are I tell them that they did that song that goes "It's the time of the season..." in my lousy voice stretched far to high then it was ever intended to reach. People normally respond with a big "oooh right".
Well, tonight I felt like I was in a crowd of a really packed Mod Club that really appreciated this band. The first time I saw the Zombies it was at the Molson Ampetheatre. Seeing them at that gig meant two things for certain - short set and lousy seats.
They played everything I could want to hear with the exception of "The Way I Feel Inside". Which I didn't expect. Maybe if I walked into the bathroom Colin Blunstone might have been humming or singing that while he was taking a number one. I was shocked that they played the minimal "Rose for Emily".
This show revealed one thing, that they are very proud of how far they've come and are not ashamed to articulate just how far that is. Keyboardist Rod Argent introduced their 1967 album 'The Odessey and the Oracle' as the "slowest burning album ever". He dropped big names like Dave Grohl and Fleet Foxes who claimed that that album really made a difference in their music careers.
Before Argent played my favourite tune "Care of Cell 44" he said Dave Grohl said it was his favourite song ever.
I was very floored by Blunstone's soft, sweet vocals. He has a bit more edge than he did before but he still has a fantastic voice, together and well. I really enjoyed his stage presence. I thought it must be so hard to look busy while only keeping together vocals. But not a chance. He had a silly amount of energy and really great dance moves.
They played two or three Argent songs, of Rod Argent's solo stint. They also played a couple of new Zombies tunes, being ever so cautious not to play to much to lose the crowd.
I was amazed that they played "Time of the Season" in the middle of the set.
Wonderful band, the bassist of the Kinks played in their band as well as a really fantastic guitarist and drummer. I kept forgetting that this was a very, very high profile band because they were older and playing the Mod Club.
I was shocked by the age of the crowd. I mean given, there were a whole slew of older folk but there were also a great deal of twenty-somethings. I had my bets on the forty five plus club tonight.
So when I tell people who the Zombies are I tell them that they did that song that goes "It's the time of the season..." in my lousy voice stretched far to high then it was ever intended to reach. People normally respond with a big "oooh right".
Well, tonight I felt like I was in a crowd of a really packed Mod Club that really appreciated this band. The first time I saw the Zombies it was at the Molson Ampetheatre. Seeing them at that gig meant two things for certain - short set and lousy seats.
They played everything I could want to hear with the exception of "The Way I Feel Inside". Which I didn't expect. Maybe if I walked into the bathroom Colin Blunstone might have been humming or singing that while he was taking a number one. I was shocked that they played the minimal "Rose for Emily".
This show revealed one thing, that they are very proud of how far they've come and are not ashamed to articulate just how far that is. Keyboardist Rod Argent introduced their 1967 album 'The Odessey and the Oracle' as the "slowest burning album ever". He dropped big names like Dave Grohl and Fleet Foxes who claimed that that album really made a difference in their music careers.
Before Argent played my favourite tune "Care of Cell 44" he said Dave Grohl said it was his favourite song ever.
I was very floored by Blunstone's soft, sweet vocals. He has a bit more edge than he did before but he still has a fantastic voice, together and well. I really enjoyed his stage presence. I thought it must be so hard to look busy while only keeping together vocals. But not a chance. He had a silly amount of energy and really great dance moves.
They played two or three Argent songs, of Rod Argent's solo stint. They also played a couple of new Zombies tunes, being ever so cautious not to play to much to lose the crowd.
I was amazed that they played "Time of the Season" in the middle of the set.
Wonderful band, the bassist of the Kinks played in their band as well as a really fantastic guitarist and drummer. I kept forgetting that this was a very, very high profile band because they were older and playing the Mod Club.
I was shocked by the age of the crowd. I mean given, there were a whole slew of older folk but there were also a great deal of twenty-somethings. I had my bets on the forty five plus club tonight.
Beirut at the Phoenix; Thursday July 9, 2009
Beirut at the Phoenix; Thursday July 9, 2009
I suppose going into this show I did have some expectations. I was expecting to have my heart broken by Zack Condon, the crooner superb.
Indeed I had.
He sounds flawless live. I sometimes feel like he pushes his voice to sound a certain way. Kind of like the girl from $100. I sort of wonder what he'd sound like if he wasn't trying to sound three times his age. Zack Condon is only twenty three! Incredible!
He played everything my ears longed to hear. He stumbled on stage to play "Scenic World" first. I was amazed that he played hte songs off his EPs and smaller things. Beirut's sort of a tricky one because he doesn't have any hit, hits so nothing is really radio friendly. He also has a whole slew of tunes that didn't even make his full-lengths. He played a lot of tiny gems that I wasn't expecting.
His band instrumentally consisted of a couple of trumpets, a trombone, guitar, bass (upright and electric), drums, accordion, tuba, a ukelele and a keyboard among other things. There were probably only eight people in his band.
He brought out his ukelele on a couple of occasions. I was dying to hear "The Penalty" which he played later in the set. The first time round he teased me with the equally beautiful "Elephant Gun". That song really blossoms with the "Let the Seasons Begin.." bit. He has a real knack for writing epic, smoozy sounding songs with booming brass bits.
The song I was least impressed with was "Nantes"... This is probably because I watched this video so many times I could predict each second. It seemed pretty rushed and less impressive then the La Blogotheque version.
He even played a Serge Gainsbourg cover. True crooner at this point.
Sudbury Folk Festival- Northern Lights Festival Boreal
I had a lovely weekend in Sudbury. That was quite the most northern reach of Ontario i've touched yet. I sure felt it, with the mosquitoes.
I saw a small handful of brilliant artists. Joel Plaskett played the first night, Hawksley Workman the second, Jenn Grant the third and Bob Wiseman sprinkled in between all of that.
I love Jenn Grant. It was her live gig that pushed me to like her as much as I do. She played with just her violinist Kinley Dowling. I was amazed they were able to play practically every song off of her latest album 'Echoes'. I loved the light summer tone of her set, between the weather and the crowd it was perfect.
I saw a small handful of brilliant artists. Joel Plaskett played the first night, Hawksley Workman the second, Jenn Grant the third and Bob Wiseman sprinkled in between all of that.
I love Jenn Grant. It was her live gig that pushed me to like her as much as I do. She played with just her violinist Kinley Dowling. I was amazed they were able to play practically every song off of her latest album 'Echoes'. I loved the light summer tone of her set, between the weather and the crowd it was perfect.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Toronto Jazz Festival; Wednesday July 1, 2009
The Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Toronto Jazz Festival; Wednesday July 1, 2009
Every Canada Day I see some kind of show. This year was sort of a special occasion because I dropped fifty bones on my ticket, regardless, it was a lovely time! The stage as I suspected was outside, but well tented in with carpets and chairs, an elegant summer party. There was however space at the back that people could mooch and watch in for free. However if it rained they woudl simply just close the curtains and the moochers would be in trouble. The weather held out, mooching proceeded. I probably would have saved the money if I had known that that was a viable option.
I told myself last year around this time that I would see Dave Brubeck before he died. He's eighty-eight years old which is absolutely remarkable that he can even continue with his daily lifestyle. On top of that this man globetrots, he's still touring quite a bit and always manages to come into Toronto at least once a year.
His fingers are still nimble and they move with ease, unlike his abilities to walk and speak. He managed to get up a few times throughout the set to talk to the crowd. Each time the crowd rose up and cheered. He opened up the show by saying... "When I was younger my favourite composer was Duke Ellington, so lets play some of his stuff..." He played a song at the beginning and then they played "Take the A-Train" at the end.
He got up again to introduce his son, Matthew Brubeck, a York/U of T instructor of jazz improvisation, specialising in stringed instruments. He played the cello... I think that was my favourite part. While introducing him Brubeck described his son's brief story: "I asked him why he didn't tour any more and he said being 6'8 makes travelling difficult, so i've decided to settle down in Toronto as a York instructor". Matthew then entered the stage. Brubeck said every once in a while a moment inspires him to write a song, he read a memorised note from his wife (which i'm sure was an old jazz song). The note read things about distance and honesty... He said his son Matthew was going to play the melody and then on his cue he would improv over the tune. Brubeck described it as "Matthew was going to play the song and then he would let himself fly". I thought that was very nicely put.
Brubeck held out playing anything from 'Take Five' until the end, which earned another talk from Mr. Brubeck. He said that they recorded a little album called 'Take Five' fifty years ago, and they've been playing a lot of songs out of it recently. He described the tune "Three to Get Ready" as a tune that decieved the listener, the first two bars are in 3/4 time (fooling the listener into thinking it was a dance) and the second two are in 4/4... Then they improvise on top of that. He went on to say that and even sometimes it sounds good. Modest.
They ended on "Take Five". Except what threw me off was that Brubeck barely played. He simply stood up and leaned against the piano with his stomach over the keys with a smile on his face the entire time. He let his band and son play... Brubeck would only splash in for the recap of the beginning.
Every Canada Day I see some kind of show. This year was sort of a special occasion because I dropped fifty bones on my ticket, regardless, it was a lovely time! The stage as I suspected was outside, but well tented in with carpets and chairs, an elegant summer party. There was however space at the back that people could mooch and watch in for free. However if it rained they woudl simply just close the curtains and the moochers would be in trouble. The weather held out, mooching proceeded. I probably would have saved the money if I had known that that was a viable option.
I told myself last year around this time that I would see Dave Brubeck before he died. He's eighty-eight years old which is absolutely remarkable that he can even continue with his daily lifestyle. On top of that this man globetrots, he's still touring quite a bit and always manages to come into Toronto at least once a year.
His fingers are still nimble and they move with ease, unlike his abilities to walk and speak. He managed to get up a few times throughout the set to talk to the crowd. Each time the crowd rose up and cheered. He opened up the show by saying... "When I was younger my favourite composer was Duke Ellington, so lets play some of his stuff..." He played a song at the beginning and then they played "Take the A-Train" at the end.
He got up again to introduce his son, Matthew Brubeck, a York/U of T instructor of jazz improvisation, specialising in stringed instruments. He played the cello... I think that was my favourite part. While introducing him Brubeck described his son's brief story: "I asked him why he didn't tour any more and he said being 6'8 makes travelling difficult, so i've decided to settle down in Toronto as a York instructor". Matthew then entered the stage. Brubeck said every once in a while a moment inspires him to write a song, he read a memorised note from his wife (which i'm sure was an old jazz song). The note read things about distance and honesty... He said his son Matthew was going to play the melody and then on his cue he would improv over the tune. Brubeck described it as "Matthew was going to play the song and then he would let himself fly". I thought that was very nicely put.
Brubeck held out playing anything from 'Take Five' until the end, which earned another talk from Mr. Brubeck. He said that they recorded a little album called 'Take Five' fifty years ago, and they've been playing a lot of songs out of it recently. He described the tune "Three to Get Ready" as a tune that decieved the listener, the first two bars are in 3/4 time (fooling the listener into thinking it was a dance) and the second two are in 4/4... Then they improvise on top of that. He went on to say that and even sometimes it sounds good. Modest.
They ended on "Take Five". Except what threw me off was that Brubeck barely played. He simply stood up and leaned against the piano with his stomach over the keys with a smile on his face the entire time. He let his band and son play... Brubeck would only splash in for the recap of the beginning.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Velvet Underground
In high school I use to wear a Velvet Underground t-shirt that I scored from Hot Topic. I felt so cool wearing it, and the extent of their catalogue was found on their greatest hits album.
My perceptions of the Velvet Underground are not that different from five years ago. I still feel stupid cool when I'm listening to them. It's some kind of off-beat charm that Lou Reed has. I however am super glad that I know a touch more than I did back then.
"Oh Sweet Nuthin'" is hitting the spot right now.
My perceptions of the Velvet Underground are not that different from five years ago. I still feel stupid cool when I'm listening to them. It's some kind of off-beat charm that Lou Reed has. I however am super glad that I know a touch more than I did back then.
"Oh Sweet Nuthin'" is hitting the spot right now.
Camera Obscura at Lee's; Saturday June 27, 2009
Camera Obscura at Lee's; Saturday June 27, 2009
I was going to write a bit about them and I had absolutely nothing to say. I think it was because I didn't really enjoy their set.
I liked their songs, actually love their songs. They're cute, watching them is like stepping back to a high school dance in the fifties. But you're spot on in that they were a little flat. I was surprised that the most upbeat songs that make me want to dance (and I'm no dancer) didn't even provoke a smile out of the lead singer.
I thought they sounded great live, but there was nothing to their live show. So why don't I just listen to the CD... On an up note, their conversion from string arrangements to live show really translated well... The trumpet worked really nicely. I also really loved their end to their set. I thought they'd just end on "Hey Lloyd" but they launched into another ditty... The ending completely blew me away with the messy guitars and the trumpet.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Reverie Sound Revue
I have only heard two tracks but I can confidently say that Reverie Sound Revue's new album is a wonderful compliment to the summer weather. It's light and airy, not anything you'd really love for the lyrical content. But it's smart and flirty, the lyrics and music sway back and forth quickly and effortlessly.
Lisa Lobsinger is of the Broken Social Scene alumni. She toured with them for a couple of years in 2006 or 2007. She was the 'other' girl with the big hair. I really like her music and I look foward to seeing this band live.
Listen to "An Anniversary Away" and "Arrows" here: http://hypem.com/#/search/reverie%20sound%20revue/1/
The original version of "An Anniversary Away" was so much better than this one!
Lisa Lobsinger is of the Broken Social Scene alumni. She toured with them for a couple of years in 2006 or 2007. She was the 'other' girl with the big hair. I really like her music and I look foward to seeing this band live.
Listen to "An Anniversary Away" and "Arrows" here: http://hypem.com/#/search/reverie%20sound%20revue/1/
The original version of "An Anniversary Away" was so much better than this one!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Zee Avi
Zee Avi is pretty lovely.
She has a sweet sound, she's from Malaysia!! In her song "Bitter Heart" I feel a little bit of a Billie Holiday tendency.
Learn some more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zee_Avi
She has a sweet sound, she's from Malaysia!! In her song "Bitter Heart" I feel a little bit of a Billie Holiday tendency.
Learn some more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zee_Avi
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Away We Go
I'm seeing this film very soon.
The soundtrack is lovely, because it's done by the British-born, Scottish-raised Alexi Murdoch. Who writes songs that are perfect for films like this and TV shows like the OC. You probably already know Alexi Murdoch's "All of My Days" and "Orange Sky". A little over done but I still love them. He's a little off-beat as far as singer/song-writers go. Hold on to your hat.
"Away We Go" soundtrack tracklist
1. All My Days - Alexi Murdoch
2. Blue Mind - Alexi Murdoch
3. What Is Life - George Harrison
4. Song For You - Alexi Murdoch
5. Golden Brown - The Stranglers
6. Towards The Sun - Alexi Murdoch
7. Meet Me In The Morning - Bob Dylan
8. Breathe - Alexi Murdoch9. Wait - Alexi Murdoch
10. The Ragged Sea - Alexi Murdoch
11. Oh! Sweet Nuthin' - The Velvet Underground
12. Orange Sky- Alexi Murdoch
13. Crinan Wood - Alexi Murdoch
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEp3NKG2U5U
The soundtrack is lovely, because it's done by the British-born, Scottish-raised Alexi Murdoch. Who writes songs that are perfect for films like this and TV shows like the OC. You probably already know Alexi Murdoch's "All of My Days" and "Orange Sky". A little over done but I still love them. He's a little off-beat as far as singer/song-writers go. Hold on to your hat.
"Away We Go" soundtrack tracklist
1. All My Days - Alexi Murdoch
2. Blue Mind - Alexi Murdoch
3. What Is Life - George Harrison
4. Song For You - Alexi Murdoch
5. Golden Brown - The Stranglers
6. Towards The Sun - Alexi Murdoch
7. Meet Me In The Morning - Bob Dylan
8. Breathe - Alexi Murdoch9. Wait - Alexi Murdoch
10. The Ragged Sea - Alexi Murdoch
11. Oh! Sweet Nuthin' - The Velvet Underground
12. Orange Sky- Alexi Murdoch
13. Crinan Wood - Alexi Murdoch
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEp3NKG2U5U
Califone
I just found these guys. They're from Chicago and make really nice music.
I love that I can find a song and realize that I have it already... That's what happened with the song "Bottles and Bones", which appears on the 'Stranger Than Fiction Soundtrack'. Brilliant.
http://hypem.com/#/search/bottles%20and%20bones/1/
I love that I can find a song and realize that I have it already... That's what happened with the song "Bottles and Bones", which appears on the 'Stranger Than Fiction Soundtrack'. Brilliant.
http://hypem.com/#/search/bottles%20and%20bones/1/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Grizzly Bear Gig at the Phoenix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk5cB69SvAY
Grizzly Bear and Leslie Feist do "Service Bell" and "Two Weeks". I really loved her bit in "Two Weeks" it made me remember why I love her so much!
Grizzly Bear and Leslie Feist do "Service Bell" and "Two Weeks". I really loved her bit in "Two Weeks" it made me remember why I love her so much!
"We Own the Sky" Video Contest Winner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzge5vY72hE&feature=related
M83 had a contest, for the best music video for "We Own the Sky", which is my favourite song off of the album.
I like this video, complete sap... I know.
M83 had a contest, for the best music video for "We Own the Sky", which is my favourite song off of the album.
I like this video, complete sap... I know.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
bk at sonic boom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daiuAHVB7gg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe84By2hHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe84By2hHc&feature=related
Ben Kweller, troubadour extrodinaire, is lovely company.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe84By2hHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oe84By2hHc&feature=related
Ben Kweller, troubadour extrodinaire, is lovely company.
Delta Blues
I'm in love with this type of music. Skip James is the light music I need to get me through this exam period. I especially like his rendition of "Careless Love".
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Grizzly Bear at the Phoenix; Friday June 5, 2009
Grizzly Bear at the Phoenix; Friday June 5, 2009
'Vekatimest' is an album that stands out to me as far as releases go this year. It shows just how much a band has really grown without changing their style too drastically. "All We Ask" is a slow song that builds up to an incredibly catchy climax that repeats... "I Can't Get Out What Need To With You". I'm not really sure what it means but it's absolutely incredible. They however did not play this song, although I was so sure that they wood. However, there is a spectacular live bit of them performing it on the Black Cab Sessions, 3:39 is pretty life altering (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY4186cW10o).
Live, Grizzly Bear were pretty spotless. Their voices were as pretty as they were recorded and together, which is weird because one would think if you microphoned a band that they would sound like rubbish. I wished that they would step away from their mics and play something unplugged, because to me that's how this band sounds naturally. Bassist Chris Taylor's vocals were often synthed, which sounded ridiculously cheesy. These guys can sing, i'm not sure why they'd lather in it lousy sounding effects. This was especially noticable when they played "Knife" his bit is the "waa-ahh-owwe-owwe" laced thorughout the song, not so nice with a distortion pedal slapped on. "Knife" is one of my favourite Grizzly Bear songs, but I really didn't enjoy the live version of it. It felt slow and lingering, I think it was because I was so use to this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjy2P0MSVlo. Fast paced and dynamic.
Off of their 2006 album 'Yellow House' they also played "On A Neck, On A Spit" but oddly only the second half, which really threw me off. They played the "Each Day is Better With You" Part, only. The song really loses it's pizazz, because there's no build up. This wasn't to say that they didn't want to play slow songs, they played the slowest of the slow at this show thrown in the middle of their set, "Colorado" and "Little Brother" are prime examples off of 'Yellow House'.
The slowest song they played was absolutely lovely, which was "Service Bell". This song was intitally released on their first album 'Horn of Plenty' but they rereleased it with Leslie Feist singing on it for the 'Dark Was the Night' benefit compilation. Go figure, Feist came out and sang a bit. I never liked this song, but it's slow and short and the images are pretty, naturally she won me over. Feist also stayed out to sing the "waa-ohh-waa-waa-ooh" bit on their single "Two Weeks" which was absolutely pretty, although her vocals were understandably weaker than theirs. I'm assuming she didn't want to overpower the band in any way.
They closed with their cover of the Carole King written The Crystals recorded "He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)" http://hypem.com/#/search/grizzly%20bear%20he%20hit%20me/1/.
'Vekatimest' is an album that stands out to me as far as releases go this year. It shows just how much a band has really grown without changing their style too drastically. "All We Ask" is a slow song that builds up to an incredibly catchy climax that repeats... "I Can't Get Out What Need To With You". I'm not really sure what it means but it's absolutely incredible. They however did not play this song, although I was so sure that they wood. However, there is a spectacular live bit of them performing it on the Black Cab Sessions, 3:39 is pretty life altering (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY4186cW10o).
Live, Grizzly Bear were pretty spotless. Their voices were as pretty as they were recorded and together, which is weird because one would think if you microphoned a band that they would sound like rubbish. I wished that they would step away from their mics and play something unplugged, because to me that's how this band sounds naturally. Bassist Chris Taylor's vocals were often synthed, which sounded ridiculously cheesy. These guys can sing, i'm not sure why they'd lather in it lousy sounding effects. This was especially noticable when they played "Knife" his bit is the "waa-ahh-owwe-owwe" laced thorughout the song, not so nice with a distortion pedal slapped on. "Knife" is one of my favourite Grizzly Bear songs, but I really didn't enjoy the live version of it. It felt slow and lingering, I think it was because I was so use to this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjy2P0MSVlo. Fast paced and dynamic.
Off of their 2006 album 'Yellow House' they also played "On A Neck, On A Spit" but oddly only the second half, which really threw me off. They played the "Each Day is Better With You" Part, only. The song really loses it's pizazz, because there's no build up. This wasn't to say that they didn't want to play slow songs, they played the slowest of the slow at this show thrown in the middle of their set, "Colorado" and "Little Brother" are prime examples off of 'Yellow House'.
The slowest song they played was absolutely lovely, which was "Service Bell". This song was intitally released on their first album 'Horn of Plenty' but they rereleased it with Leslie Feist singing on it for the 'Dark Was the Night' benefit compilation. Go figure, Feist came out and sang a bit. I never liked this song, but it's slow and short and the images are pretty, naturally she won me over. Feist also stayed out to sing the "waa-ohh-waa-waa-ooh" bit on their single "Two Weeks" which was absolutely pretty, although her vocals were understandably weaker than theirs. I'm assuming she didn't want to overpower the band in any way.
They closed with their cover of the Carole King written The Crystals recorded "He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)" http://hypem.com/#/search/grizzly%20bear%20he%20hit%20me/1/.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Brokedown Melody
The perfect soundtrack to the beginning of a beautiful summer.
A Brokedown Melody
http://www.myspace.com/abrokedownmelodysoundtrack
A Brokedown Melody
http://www.myspace.com/abrokedownmelodysoundtrack
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
(500) Days of Summer
(500) Days of Summer wants to be Garden State. I wonder whether if it will live up, it doesn't capture the existential tone that Garden State did so well in the trailer, but this film has something that Garden State doesn't have--Zooey Deschanel. I will however be the first to say, I really want to see this film, whether or not it lives up the hype.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM
The soundtrack is absolutely flawless:
http://pitchfork.com/news/35504-she-him-cover-the-smiths-for-i500-days-of-summeri-soundtrack/
So please explain to me why I wasn't paid to score this film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM
The soundtrack is absolutely flawless:
http://pitchfork.com/news/35504-she-him-cover-the-smiths-for-i500-days-of-summeri-soundtrack/
So please explain to me why I wasn't paid to score this film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Meaghan Smith
Meaghan Smith (Pronounced Meegan) is lovely and from Canada.
Hold on tight.
http://www.meaghansmith.com/content/bio
Hold on tight.
http://www.meaghansmith.com/content/bio
Camera Obscura
Rich Terfry played Camera Obscura's "French Navy" on his program Drive, which airs on weekday afternoons on CBC Radio 94.1 between three and six. This isn't a push but Camera Obscura are getting there! Hot Potato.
Melissa McClelland
Melissa McClelland is a gem. Her tunes are not ground breaking but I really love her album 'Victoria Day' for the reasons I love Sarah Harmer or Kathleen Edwards.
This album makes me want to dance, think and kick back all at the same time. Plus her hubby Luke Doucet is on a handful of songs. Talk about power couple.
This album makes me want to dance, think and kick back all at the same time. Plus her hubby Luke Doucet is on a handful of songs. Talk about power couple.
Monday, June 1, 2009
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