I have been literally foaming at the mouth in anticipation of Death Cab's newest album, Narrow Stairs, due out May 13th. As has become par for the course, the album began leaking online this week, and I grabbed it up. Upon two full listenings of Narrow Stairs, I can say I am so glad I did not plunk down $13 for the album. Death Cab's latest endeavor is shite, from start to finish. In an album review MTV writer James Montgomery said that although "Death Cab for Cutie had gone insane." he also believes that Narrow Stairs could make "an early contender for the best album of 2008." He also said that "Narrow Stairs is a great album, one that could make them very famous, but could very well also kill their careers." I am going to cast my vote for the latter. This album makes me almost regret buying tickets for DCFC`s upcoming show in Toronto. Let`s hope they stick to older material for their set, and that the next Death Cab album won`t be so horrendous.
For your ears -
I am being a jerk on this one and not releasing any tracks. Seriously, I hate the album that much.
For your eyes -
DCFC video for Ì Will Possess Your Heart
Dragonette wrapped up their tour last night in Toronto at The Phoenix Concert Theatre with openers Sweet Thing and Fritz Helder and the Phantoms. Dragonette's set was short (45 minutes including the encore), but well polished and a lot of fun. Not too much more to say about it, as I am entirely too hungover.
Dragonette performing "True Believer" at The Phoenix
Dragonette performing "Take It Like A Man" at The Phoenix
Dragonette performing "Stupid Grin" at The Phoenix
Last song of the night - Dragonette and Sweet Thing performing "Get Lucky"
For your eyes -
Kids Inc. covering Madonna's "Into The Groove" (yes, I went there...her people got my damn fileden account suspended). Also, look for Little Fergie in the background as well.
Madonna's 11th studio album, Hard Candy, will be released on April 29th to fufill her contract obligations to Warner Brothers Records. Songs have been slowly leaking from the new album, and Madonna's age (she'll be fifty in August) is starting to show. The material girl is sounding worn out, and not even an infusion of Timbaland's beats and Justin Timberlake vocals are doing much to pep her up. Take a listen for yourself and let me know what you think.
For your ears -
Madonna: Four Minutes(featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland)
Madonna: Candy Store
from the upcoming album Hard Candy (pre-order it)
For your eyes -
The video for the last good song Madonna put out, "Jump"
Parisian Yael Naim caught the ears of everyone when Apple used her quirky song "New Soul" in a Macbook Air commercial. Naim ended up garnering a spot on The Billboard Singles chart, and her sophomore album, Yael Naim, was finally released in North America on March 18th. The album is sung in English, French, and Hebrew and is a beautiful little record. Pick it up for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
I won't lie, I was a huge fan of Panic! at the Disco's debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. The album was a good time from start to finish, with great hooks and clever lyrics all along the way. I was looking forward to their sophomore release, Pretty Odd, on March 25th, hoping honestly for more of the same. Unfortunately, it seems like the boys of Panic were listening to The Beatles way too much, and Pretty Odd comes across as a horrible knock off of McCartney/Lennon without the great lyrics and arrangements. Save yourself the time and energy and let this one sink into the abyss.
It's Friday, and Spring is on its way. Here's five cover songs to start the weekend off with. Enjoy!
For your ears -
Kate Nash: Seven Nation Army (White Stripes cover) Sia: Gimme More (Britney Spears cover)
Klaxons: My Love (Justin Timberlake cover)
The Pipettes: I Think We're Alone Now (Tommy James and The Shondells cover)
KT Tunstall: Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead cover) support these artist by buying their music
For your eyes -
Ben Folds' covering The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights"
My girlfriend and I decided to attend the Sons and Daughters' show at Lee's Palace almost on a whim. We both love the venue, but knew very little of the band musically. I was addicted to their song "Dance Me In" back in 2005, but never dove any further into their discography. We arrived just in time to catch opening act Bodies of Water. Bodies of Water's set made me anxious about the rest of the evening because it was a massive pile of crap. Seriously, it was all I could do not to laugh out loud at the horribleness of this band. Luckily for us, Sons and Daughters came onstage about forty minutes later and rocked our faces off. Lead singer Adele's stage presence, energy level, and vocals were amazing. The energy put off was somewhat rock-a-billy and frantic, and quite damn enjoyable (the bass player was fighting the flu and still managed to kick ass). I am picking up the entire Sons and Daughters' discography today, and I highly recommend seeing this Glasgow-based group if they come your way.
For your eyes -
Sons and Daughters performing "House in My Head" at Lee's Palace (last song of the show)
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Toronto's Katey Morley is going to be the "next big thing" out of Canada. Winner of the Rock/Alt category of the 8th Annual Great American Song Contest for her song "Noah", Morley will be releasing her cd Heart Full of Thumbs later this year. Backed by the jazz trio The Deborahs, Katey's set at Slacks was solid from start to finish. Morley's voice is strong and piercing, and her lyrics are heart-felt and heart-wrenching. There was not one song that wasn't superb, and exceptional stand-outs included "Noah" and "Never Fall". I highly recommend checking out Katey's music at her MySpace, and if she is performing near you, GO!
After a change in venue and date, I was really excited to see Sia perform live. I've been a fan of hers since catching "Breathe Me" on the Six Feet Under series finale. Sia's opening act was Har Mar Superstar, a sweaty mess of a man who was completely narcissistic and looked like Ron Jeremy's twin brother. His music seemed alright, though I was so distracted/nauseated by him running around in his underwear that I couldn't enjoy it.
Har Mar Superstar's video for "Body Request"
After 45 minutes of that nonsense, Sia and her backing band came out. The entire ensemble were wearing glow in the dark, black light responsive costumes that made them look like stick figures. The entire stage was set up like a child's playroom, with toys and giant LED flowers strewn around. Sia has a lovely voice, and this came across nicely at the show. Sia began performing tunes from her latest album, Some People Have Real Problems, and interspersed the songs with light banter. Sia came across much like Charlize Theron's character in Arrested Development (MR F - and if you catch that reference you get 20 bonus points). The main problem of the show was the LED flowers that decorated the set were so bright that it left my girlfriend and myself with pounding headaches. We left about six songs into her set. If Sia can manage to leave the seizure-inducing lighting behind, I would definitely love to see her in action again.
Sia performing "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine" at the Opera House
Sia performing "Breathe Me" at the Opera House
Sia performing "Death by Chocolate" at the Opera House
Now here is an example of neo-soul done right. Released today, Erykah Badu's album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), is a chill, melodic stroll through the state of the world and Badu's life. Badu's voice is on point as always, and her lyrics and musical arrangements compliment it perfectly. Part Two of New Amerykah will be released in June, and I for one can't wait.
For your ears -
Erykah Badu: Master Teacher
Erykah Badu: That Hump
from the album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (Buy It)
Janet Jackson's 10th studio album, Discipline, hits store shelves today, and long-time fans of the pop singer are going to find themselves pretty disappointed. Jackson sounds strained on most of the tracks, with lackluster beats accompanying her tired vocals. Out of 23 tracks, only 2 are barely listenable. Save yourself the trouble (and money) and listen to Jackson's earlier records.
For your ears -
Janet Jackson: Feedback
Janet Jackson: The 1 ft Missy Elliot
from the album Discipline (Buy It)
For your eyes -
Janet Jackson's video for "Feedback"
Here's five covers to start off your weekend with. Enjoy!
For your ears -
Yael Naim: Toxic (Britney Spears cover)
Thea Gilmore: You Spin Me Round (Dead or Alive cover)
Hot Chip: Graceland (Paul Simon cover)
Cat Power: Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover)
Valdez: Purple Rain (Prince cover)
Support these artists by buying their music
For your eyes -
Paulina Lenda performing Madonna's "Frozen"
Since moving to Toronto and ditching my car, I haven't really kept up with what is playing on the radio these days. I was scanning the Billboard singles chart and decided to do some investigating. Here's two songs that I think are absolutely brilliant and perfect pop. Take 'em for a spin, eh!
Cat Power is back with a collection of cover songs called Jukebox, which was released on January 22nd. One new song is included on the CD ("Song To Bobby", which is gorgeous) and she also reworked her song "Metal Heart". The album is musically sound, and Cat's voice sounds remarkable from start to finish. I highly recommend picking up Jukebox.
I am a huge fan of covers, and was delighted to come across Cassettes Won't Listen's free EP One Alternative (a playoff on the No Alternative album from the 90s). Released on December 7th, Jason Drake (the one-man show behind Cassettes) remade five songs from that era. The EP is available at his website at no cost.
For your ears -
Cassettes Won't Listen: Fuck and Run (Liz Phair cover)
Cassettes Won't Listen: Change (Blind Melon cover) highly recommended
download the One Alternative EP here
British girl group The Pipettes takes the 60s pop sounds of bands like The Shangri Las, and puts a somewhat nasty twist to it. The group was formed in 2003 by producer Monster Bobby and released their first full length album, We Are The Pipettes, in 2006. The Pipettes have released a new EP stateside called Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me. If tight harmonies, sugary beats, and clever lyrics are your bag, be sure to check them out.
The Eames Era is a Louisiana based band who have been performing together since 2003. My good friend QE turned me onto them, and they remind me a bit of early Rilo Kiley (especially lead singer Ashlin Phillips` vocals). The Eames Era put out their second full-length album, Heroes and Sheroes, in April of 2007 and I highly suggest checking them out.
I've been half asleep this past month when it has come to new music, and totally missed that Mary J. Blige released a new album, Growing Pains, on December 18th. I would have had no clue if "Just Fine" had not been the last song spun by the DJ at work Saturday night. Mary seems to be having a easier time in life, and it reflects in these songs. Take a listen.
For your ears -
Mary J. Blige: Just Fine
Mary J. Blige: Work That (Feat. Busta Rhymes)
from the album Growing Pains (Buy It)
For your eyes -
Mary J. Blige's video for "Just Fine"
I decided to dust off my little bit of the web here with an update. I would love to pan most of my absence off on laptop problems and the hell that is Windows Vista, but a good deal of it was also just sheer laziness after coming back from vacation in the states. I'll try to be a good boy in the future (maybe). My schedule has gotten a bit hectic, which decreases time I can spend here.
So, we are well into 2008 and as everyone and their mother has done a "Top (insert number here) Albums of 2007", I thought I'd do one too as I've disagreed with a lot of the lists I've seen.
10. Is Is - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Now, I know technically this was was not a full-length album, but the Is IsEP was absolutely powerful and the YYY's at their best. Standout Tracks: "Down Boy", "Kiss Kiss"
9. Made of Bricks - Kate Nash
While most of the world raved about fellow Brits Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, the real shining star from England was Kate Nash. While not technically out in the states until January 8th, Made of Bricks has been out for 6 months in the UK and Canada and is a stunning gem of a debut album. Standout Tracks: "Foundations", "Mouthwash" "Pumpkin Soup"
8. Humanimals - Grand Ole Party
Grand Ole Party busted out of the San Diego scene this year to open for Rilo Kiley and promote their debut album Humanimals (produced by Rilo Kiley's Blake Sennett). The 3 piece band is reminiscent of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and is a rocking, polished good time. Standout Tracks: "Bad, Bad Man", "Nasty Habits"
7. Shock Value - Timbaland
There is no denying that Timbaland is one of the best producers and career revitalize-rs out there. Shock Value is chock full of unexpected guest appearances (Elton John, anyone?) and original beats. Guaranteed to make you shake your ass from start to finish. Standout Tracks: "Give It To Me", "Way I Are", "Throw It On Me"
6. Kala - M.I.A.
Speaking of Timbaland, he was slated to work on M.I.A.'s sophomore album Kala, but due to visa problems, the SriLankin rapper was left to work on the album on her own. What could have been a disaster turned into a godsend. Kala is innovative and throbbing with electricity on every beat that only frustration could have pumped out. Standout Tracks: "Paper Planes", "$20", "XR2" 5. The Reminder - Feist
You would be hard pressed to find anyone here in Toronto that doesn't think that Leslie Feist can do no wrong. With The Reminder, I've joined that camp. Solid songwriting and Feist's throaty vocals make this a gorgeous album. I will also give this album my MVP award for having the most songs on it that will make me smile regardless of what kind of mood I am in. Standout Tracks: "1234", "I Feel It All", "Limit to Your Love" 4. American Doll Posse - Tori Amos
The best Tori album to come out in many, many years. On American Doll Posse, Tori's regained the fire that dominated her classic early albums. A great listen from the first note to the last. Standout Tracks: "Teenage Hustling", "Roosterspur Bridge", "Digital Ghost" 3. In Rainbows - Radiohead
In Rainbows is the album I've been waiting for since OK Computer was released. I listened to this album for almost 8 hours straight the night I received it. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Thom. Standout Tracks: "Jigsaw Falling Into Place", "Reckoner", "15 Step" I2. The Con - Tegan & Sara
I think this album got slept on pretty hard, which is a shame. The Con is the most solid indie rock album I've heard in years. Lyrically brilliant and musically superb, this is by far their best album to date. There is not one song I would skip over on this album Standout Tracks: "The Con", "Dark Come Soon", "Back In Your Head", "Like O, Like H" 1. Graduation - Kanye West
He's got an ego the size of his hometown Chicago, but it is okay because he's earned the right. Graduation is a non-stop party, and Kanye's clever lyrics and unique beats should send every one in the rap game packing for home (yes, even you Jay-Z). Kanye's hip hop's undisputed champion. Standout Tracks: "Stronger", "Can't Tell Me Nothing", "Homecoming"
So, what does your list look like?
Also, probably my favorite video for the entire year, Feist's "1234"
I have been literally foaming at the mouth in anticipation of Death Cab's newest album, Narrow Stairs, due out May 13th. As has become par for the course, the album began leaking online this week, and I grabbed it up. Upon two full listenings of Narrow Stairs, I can say I am so glad I did not plunk down $13 for the album. Death Cab's latest endeavor is shite, from start to finish. In an album review MTV writer James Montgomery said that although "Death Cab for Cutie had gone insane." he also believes that Narrow Stairs could make "an early contender for the best album of 2008." He also said that "Narrow Stairs is a great album, one that could make them very famous, but could very well also kill their careers." I am going to cast my vote for the latter. This album makes me almost regret buying tickets for DCFC`s upcoming show in Toronto. Let`s hope they stick to older material for their set, and that the next Death Cab album won`t be so horrendous.
