We'll Meet Again

Rest in Peace, Grandpa Red. The world is truly a lesser place without your presence.

New Music Releases for The Week of July 30, 2012

 This week is pretty quiet on the new albums front, but some highlights include:

• Blur's massive box set, 21, hit shelves today
• Rick Ross' God Forgives, I Don't
• Flaming Lips The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends

On the singles front. we've got a few standouts that are officially out:
A$AP Rocky "Goldie"

Calvin Harris featuring Example "We'll Be Coming Back"

M83 "OK Pal"

Guardian

Alanis released the video for her new single, "Guardian" yesterday. "Guardian" is the first track off Alanis' new album, Bright Lights and Havoc, due out August 28th. Here's what she had to say about the video:

“This video is a tip of the hat to Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire (it is the 25th anniversary of the film having been released). The full circle poetry of my having written ‘Uninvited’ for its remake, combined with my love of the original movie, combined with my love of Germany, having lived there for three years as a child, combined most importantly with how this video is such a visual extension of the song ‘Guardian,’ which is so close to my heart… it was so much fun to make it in Berlin!”

I personally found the song mediocre, and the video cheesy and  tiresome. You can be the judge.

Friday Five: Breakin' Up Edition

 I'm starting this Friday off extremely bummed to find that one of my favorite bands, Rilo Kiley, went and broke up. Back in the spring of 2011 (where the fuck was I?!!). With a heavy heart, here's 5 covers done by Rilo Kiley over the years.

For your ears:
Rilo Kiley "Rock N' Roll Suicide" (David Bowie cover)

Rilo Kiley "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" (Neutral Milk Hotel cover)

Rilo Kiley "Let My Love Open The Door" (Pete Townshend cover)

Rilo Kiley "Simply Irresistible" (Robert Plant cover)

Rilo Kiley "The Biggest Lie" (Elliot Smith cover)


For your eyes:
Ben Gibbard (of DCFC) covering Rilo Kiley's "Silver Lining"

Throwback: Whatever Happened to Tanya Donelly?

 Growing up in the 80s through the early 90s, I wasn't exposed to a lot of strong female rockers. In the pop spectrum most of the female performers were syrupy sweet and innocent. The heavy metal music I favored in middle school was all cock dominated, with the exception of Lita Ford, who I considered too "pop". And then in '92, I hit high school, my parents finally got cable, and Alternative music went mainstream. Between watching MTV's 120 Minutes and listening to Charleston's independent radio station 96 Wave, I was in heaven. Here was a ton of feisty, guitar shredding females whose lyrics weren't all about trying to get some dude's attention or love. They were pissed off, and being in my rebellious years, I ate it up. One of my absolute favorites at the time was Tanya Donelly, one of the front women of Throwing Muses. I followed her career throughout the entire 90s, but lost track of her, and decided to find out what she's up to.

In 1981, Donelly and her step-sister Kristin Hersh formed Throwing Muses in their teens. Both took turns writing, singing, and playing on Throwing Muses' records. They recorded a demo in 1985 called The Doghouse Cassette, and had a modest college-radio hit with "Sinkhole" that year. The demo got them signed to British label 4AD, who produced their self-titled debut album in 1986. They released House Tornado in 1988 and Hunkpapa in 1989 for Sire/Reprise Records, and the band did very well in the UK. After recording Throwing Muses 4th album, The Real Ramona, Donelly left the band. My absolute favorite Throwing Muses song is one that Donelly sang on from The Real Ramona, "Not Too Soon".

Donelly left Throwing Muses in 1990 to focus on her new band, The Breeders, with Kim Deal of Pixies.  The band released the album Pod in May 1990 on the 4AD label. The album was a minor hit in the UK, but was highly praised by critics, as well as being cited as one of Kurt Cobain's most influential records of his life. Most of the songs on Pod were written by Deal (never really being allowed to write for the Pixies), so Donelly's role was mainly guitar and vocals. Stand out tracks include "Fortunately Gone" and my favorite, "Hellbound".

In December of 1991, Donelly stepped back from The Breeders to start yet another band, Belly. Taking lead vocals and guitar, Donelly recorded and released the band's first album, Star, in 1993.  The album hit number two on the UK music charts, and my favorite single, "Feed the Tree", hit number one on the Modern Rock Tracks Survey. The album went gold in 1994, and Belly was nominated for Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Performance.

In 1995 Belly released their second album, King.  Though another critic's favorite, the album did not fare well commercially and the band broke up shortly thereafter in 1996. King had a more polished sound than any previous Donelly collaboration, which may have led to its commercial failing. "Now They'll Sleep" is a stand out track from King.

After a two year hiatus, Donelly re-appeared in 1997 with her first solo album, Lovesongs for Underdogs.  The album hit number 20 in Billboard's Heatseekers chart, and the singles "Pretty Deep" and "The Bright Light" were in heavy rotation on US radio stations. Lovesongs for Underdogs is by far my favorite in her catalog, especially the songs "Manna" and "Pretty Deep",

Donelly drops off the radar until 2002 and I had lost track of her at this point. She released 3 more solo albums between 2002 and 2006 (Beautysleep, Whiskey Tango Ghosts, This Hungry Life), which were acoustic and pared down, and none were able to reach her previous successes. She has sporadically recorded covers and some new songs with the Boston-based band Dylan at the Movies. She has plans to record a children's album, and it appears Donelly succumbed to the curse of most of my favorite female musicians - having a baby and your music begins to suck (more about that later).

Mystery solved.

too many stars and not enough sky

"But I believe in peace, bitch" - Tori Amos

Tori Amos "The Waitress"

Tori Amos "The Waitress" (Alternate Mix)

5 Remixes You Need Right Now

 Put these songs in your earholes right now. Seriously.
 Andre 3000 x The Weeknd – “The Ride” (Tyler, The Recreator Remix)

 The XX "Angels" (Mirrors Remix)

The Knife "You Make Me Like Charity" (Cry Wolf Remix)

DJ Nu-Mark and Ernie Hines "Our Generation" (Re-edit)

Gossip "Perfect World" (RAC mix)

New Music Releases for the week of 7/23/2012

 This week sees new albums from Passion Pit (Gossamer), Kimbra (Vows), and Purity Ring (Shrines).

The only single release that I am really feeling this week is this tune by Major Lazer featuring Amber Coffman, "Get Free". The track is a lot of fun. Avoid the new Linkin Park single at all costs.

Tell All Your Friends About Me

Prince : Batman OST

The New Work Out Plan

Just started a new work out regime, and I love having this song on my gym playlist. The video for this is brilliant too.

Kanye West "The New Work Out Plan"

Friday Five: 80s Covers Edition

 I'm feeling nostalgic for the days of big hair and day glo, so here's 5 covers of 80s hits to start your weekend. Enjoy!

For your ears:
Nikki Bluhm and The Gramblers "Material Girl" (Madonna cover)

Ellen and and the Escapades "Addicted to Love" (Robert Plant cover)

Anni B. Sweet "Take on Me" (a-ha cover)

Rae Spoon "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (Whitney Houston cover)

Doleful Lions "Darling Nikki" (Prince cover)


For your eyes:
Florence and The Machine covering Talking Head's "Wild Wild Life"

Throwback: Whatever Happened to Lisa Loeb?

For some reason, I woke up this morning with that question on my mind. What the heck happened to Lisa Loeb? So, since 9am this morning, I've had "Stay (I Missed You) stuck in my head. In an attempt to exorcise this song from my brain, I set out to answer the question, "What the hell is Lisa Loeb up to these days?"

Little Lisa came into our lives with her cute little cat glasses back in 1994. Her song, "Stay (I Missed You)" was featured in her friend Ethan Hawkes' movie, Reality Bites, and the video went into rapid rotation on MTV. The song hit number one on the Bilboard US charts, and Loeb earned the distinction of being the only artist to top the Hot 100 before being signed to any record label.

Geffen Records quickly signed Loeb, and in 1995 released Tails. The album did decently, going gold and grabbing a top 20 single with "Do You Sleep". The other single from the album, "Waiting for Wednesday" , had moderate radio success.

Loeb then took a 2 year break to record Firecracker in 1997 for Geffen Records. The album eventually went gold, and the single "I Do" reached #17 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. She toured that year with The Wallflowers, and also did a leg of the Lilith Fair tour.

Then, Loeb pretty much dropped off the radar. She switched over to A&M/Interscope Records and released Cake and Pie in 2002. The record tanked so she went over to Artemis Records, and re-recorded most of the album and re-released it as an EP called Hello Lisa.  The re-release flopped as well. The single "Underdog" had moderate success overseas, and Loeb directed the video for the single with Dweezil Zappa. In 2004 she switched labels again and released her fifth album, The Way It Really Is. Critics gave the album praise, but again, it commercially flopped and no singles made radio or tv airplay.

The rest of the 2000s has seen Loeb releasing children songs and books, providing songs for numerous soundtracks, and having a short-lived reality tv show. In 2010, Loeb released her own eyewear line, The Lisa Loeb Eyewear Collection. 2011 saw her release another children's album, Lisa Loeb's Silly Sing-Along.

Mystery solved.

No Doubt "Settle Down"

 After a ten year hiatus, No Doubt's new single, "Settle Down," hit radio on Monday. "Settle Down" is the first track off their new album, Push and Shove, due out September 25th.  The song is not horrible, but it's nothing special either. "Settle Down" sounds like a b-side, and I expected more after a 10 year wait.

 No Doubt: "Settle Down"

The Killers "Runaways"

 The Killers are planning to release their fourth studio album, Battle Born, in late September. This week, they released on their website a stream of the first track, "Runaways". Big synths, big guitar riffs...it's typical Killers fare, and I love it. Have a listen:

The Killers "Runaways"

New Releases for the week of July 16, 2012

Out the gate this week, we have the newest album from Nas,  Life is Good, which is the only real notable record release this week.

As far as singles go, here's the highlights of the week:
Bloc Party "Octopus"

Bat for Lashes "Laura"

Little Boots "Headphones"

Kimbra drops the video for her single, "Two Way Street", today as well.

New Dragonette: "Rocket Ship"

Toronto band Dragonette's third album, Body Parts, is set to hit stores on September 24, 2012. The band has released their first single off the album, "Rocket Ship", and it sounds pretty solid. Martina Sorbara's vocals are sultry, and the beats are right on par. I can't wait to hear what the whole album sounds like.

Dragonette "Rocket Ship"

Joe Watts

 Joe Watts is a singer-songwriter from Toronto (via Florida). Joe has toured throughout Canada and the southeastern U.S., seducing crowds with a mix of indie soul with rock heart. Joe Watt's performances have been compared to Joe Strummer, Lou Reed, Nick Drake, and Cat Power. Joe's unique voice captivates audiences and has been described as an "otherworldly experience". Joe is currently at work on the full length EP "The Sword and the Stormy Weather", due out late 2012. Joe is also involved in a slew of projects with the electronic band Ransom Bambi, and hard rock hitters Formicca. Check out Joe's page, and make sure to also follow Joe on twitter. Down by the River (Neil Young Cover) by joe watts

Friday Five: Cover Me

Happy Friday err'body! Here's five cover songs to kick off your weekend. Enjoy!

For your ears:
Lykke Li "Silver Springs" (Fleetwood Mac cover)

The Young Professionals "Video Games" (Lana del Rey cover)

Ipo Pharr "We Are Young" (FUN cover)

Bad Bad Not Good "Flashing Lights" (Kanye West cover)

LP "Halo" (Beyonce cover)

For your eyes:
Little Boot's covering Chic's "I Want UR Luv"

Rolling Stones Hit 50th Anniversary

50 years ago today, Mick Jagger jumped on stage at London's Marquee Club and gave the world its first Rolling Stones gig. The lineup for the gig was vocalist Jagger, guitarists Richards and Brian Jones, bassist Dick Taylor, pianist Ian Stewart and Mick Avory on drums. Taylor, Stewart and Avory soon left the lineup; drummer Watts joined in 1963 and guitarist Wood in 1975. The band has produced albums and toured relentlessly for most of those 50 years, and talks are on for an anniversary tour this year.

A question that floats around a lot is "Are you a Beatles or a Rolling Stones fan?", because you can't be truly both. I'm a Rolling Stones man all the way (thanks Dad!). Here's a few of my favorite tracks by the band.

Rolling Stones "Honky Tonk Women"

Rolling Stones "Beast of Burden"

Rolling Stones "Miss You"

Winter is Coming

The first trailer for the upcoming free-to-play MMORPG, Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms was released yesterday. I can't wait to play the game, it looks great!

Here's the official press release from game makers, Bigpoint:

July 2, 2012 – San Francisco – Bigpoint – a global leader in online video games – today revealed the official name of its upcoming free-to-play (F2P) fantasy massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) as Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms. Bigpoint has partnered with HBO® to develop the game inspired by the network’s critically acclaimed television show, Game of Thrones®, adapted from the bestselling fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R. Martin. Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms will be set within the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, giving players the chance to experience epic moments from the television series. At the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con, July 12-15, Bigpoint will release a new exclusive video trailer for Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms.
“Selecting a game’s title can be quite an arduous process, especially in the free-to-play space where games must be easily discoverable by players around the world,” said Max Pfaff, Producer, Bigpoint. “By selecting Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms we’re confident that we’ve chosen an identifiable name that will resonate with the global community of diehard Thrones fans.”
In context of the lore, the Seven Kingdoms were originally independent countries which rose up over thousands of years until the Targaryens ruled over them as one nation of Westeros. Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms begins after the deaths of King Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark. The Starks of the north declare war on the south and Baratheon’s two brothers both make claims to the throne. Players are challenged to form alliances through Player vs. Player (PvP), Siege combat and politics to control Westeros.
Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con (July 12-15) will also have the opportunity to get a first look at the exclusive new Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms trailer by Bigpoint which can be viewed at booth 2615 (Dark Horse). The teaser captures the essence of gameplay and visual fidelity that players will get to experience when the game is launched.
Bigpoint is collaborating with Norwegian development studio, Artplant, on the development of the forthcoming Unity-based project. Bigpoint and Artplant have previously partnered on the production of Battlestar Galactica Online, a breakthrough F2P space combat MMO that recently celebrated its first birthday and 10 million registered pilot milestone.
Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms beta testing is slated to begin later this year. Fans are encouraged to visit: http://www.GameofThronesMMO.com/ for more information and to follow the latest Twitter updates @GOTMMO.

Best Albums of 2012 (so far)

 We've passed the half-way point of the year, and everybody and their mother is writing about what the best albums of the year are, to date. Here's my take on the best, and worst, so far of 2012. If you feel that I overlooked an album, then leave me a comment.

Simply The Best
Metric Synthetica - Emily Haines and company managed to put out one of the year's most solid, sonically pleasing albums. Synthetica's hooks and lyrics are well-crafted, Haine's vocals are hauntingly good, and Lou Reed even guests on the album. Synthetica is excellent from start to finish, make sure to pick it up.
Favorite Track: "The Void"

Lana del Rey Born to Die -So much vitriol has been thrown at Lana del Rey over one bad SNL performance, and critics jumped on the band wagon panning Born To Die, her second studio album, as "dull and dreary". Is the album a bit melancholy? At times, yes, but it is also a beautifully lush musical landscape, and del Rey's voice is one of the most unique out there. This is perfectly crafted heart-break pop that also manages to make fun of pop culture itself. From "Video Games" to "Born to Die", and "Summertime Sadness" to "National Anthem", this is a solid album.
Favorite Track: "National Anthem"

Fiona Apple The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do - Not the longest album name ever (her 2nd studio album takes that award), but Fiona Apple's much anticipated 4th album proved to be worth the seven year wait. The songs are musically stripped down, and her lyrics are pure poetry. Apple shows on The Idler Wheel... that she has the power to make you feel every note, every bit of raw emotion that she pours into her extremely personal lyrics. Highlights include "Every Single Night", "Hot Knife", "Werewolf", and "Anything We Want".
Favorite Track: "Anything We Want"

Gossip A Joyful Noise -  Not to be confused with the horrible Dolly Parton movie of the same name, Gossip's 5th studio album went more in a dance-pop direction, with great results. Beth Ditto has a powerhouse of a voice, and I honestly think if the industry wasn't so hung up on looks, Gossip would have more mainstream success. A Joyful Noise is a  dance party from start to finish, and I think Ditto has never sounded better.
Favorite Track: "Move in the Right Direction"

Avoid At All Costs:
Some really horrible albums have been released the past six months, and these are especially bad:

Regina Spektor What We Saw From The Cheap Seats - I really wanted to like this album. I have her earlier recordings, I've seen her live shows, and I've really enjoyed her in the past. This album though, is just straight up boring. Spektor sounds like she was half-asleep while recording this. Nothing inspired, or even remotely entertaining to this album.

The Smashing Pumpkins Oceania - Did Billy Corgan record 60 minutes of himself throwing up in a blender and decide to release it as an album? Oceania sure makes it seem that way.

Beach House Bloom - Music bloggers everywhere have been up on this band's dick so hard, that I figured they had to be worth a listen. Now, I am wondering if  Beach House went and bribed the music critics of the world. I'll catch a lot of flack on this, but Bloom is awful. I felt like I was stuck in a very bad heroin trip. Victoria Legrand's vocals made my cat yowl in protest, and my ears bleed. Save yourself some money and run nails down a chalkboard, you'll get the same effect.

National Anthem

"Red, white, blue's in the sky
Summer's in the air and
Baby, heaven's in your eyes"

Lana del Rey "National Anthem"


As a side note, I'd like to thank everyone who visits this page. Since my re-vamp in May, this blog has received over 10,000 hits.  Cheers!

New Music Monday

 Here's some tracks fresh off the presses that you can stream and download for free this week.

Azealia Banks ft Styles P "Nathan" 

Paul Banks (of Interpol) "Summertime is Coming"

Santigold "The Keepers"

Corin Tucker Band (from Sleater-Kinney)  "Ground Hog Day"

Repulsion

My good friend Joe shares a very similar taste in horror movies as I do, and on Friday night suggested we watch a film from 1965 called Repulsion. I had never heard of it, but trusting Joe's judgement completely, we sat down to watch it over a few beers. I was pleased as hell when I saw that it was (a) a Roman Polanski film, (b) starred a very young Catherine Deneuve, and (c) was in black and white. 105 minutes later, I was pleasantly pleased and slightly squicked out. The film deals with a manicurist, Carol (played by Deneuve), who runs into some surreal experiences once her sister leaves their apartment to go on holiday. Repulsion will seem slow to most viewers, but the film's build up is beautiful and I consider it a must-see. Watch below and let me know what you think.

Running Up That Hill

 I know I am very late to the dance on this one, but we've just started watching The Voice UK at my house. I've been highly impressed with all the performers who made it past the blind auditions, and find the program, especially the judges, way more entertaining that American Idol or X-Factor ever was. We're about 3/4ths through the season right now, and one performance really gutted me tonight.

Bo Bruce doesn't have the strongest voice out of all the contestants, but it is truly unique. I wasn't blown away by her though until she covered Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill". Perhaps it struck me so deeply because I have always loved that tune. Maybe it's because someone very dear to me is currently battling cancer, and if I could, I would gladly trade my health for hers and spare her the ravages of chemotherapy and radiation. Regardless, Bo Bruce's rendition left me with a lump in my throat the size of Texas. Watch the clip below and let me know what you think.

mp3: Bo Bruce "Running Up That Hill"

Friday Five: Broken-Hearted Covers

Here's five cover songs that will put a lump in your throat and an ache in your heart.

For your ears:
Kendra Morris "Wicked Games" (Chris Isaak cover)

Mutemath "Fallin'" (Alicia Keys cover)

The Family "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Sinead O'Connor/Prince cover)

Jeff Buckley "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen cover)

Rose Cousins "If I Should Fall Behind" (Bruce Springsteen cover)

For your eyes:
Birdy covering The Postal Service's "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" live at The Tabernacle,

Upcoming Concerts Calendar

Summer is in full swing, and so is concert season in Toronto. Here is a list of some must-see shows for the upcoming months.

July 7th: !!! @ Lee's Palace
July 9th: Owl City @ Mod Club
July 13th: Tyga @ Kool Haus
July 14th: Edgefest @ Downsview Park
July 14th: Carlos Santana @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 15th: Hot Chip @ Sound Academy
July 19th: Beirut @ Sound Academy
July 19th: Andrew Bird @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 23rd: Coldplay @ ACC
July 26th: Lyle Lovett @ Roy Thomson Hall
July 27th: Salt N' Pepa @ Beer Fest at Exhibition Place
July 29th: Wiz Khalifa @ Molson Amphitheatre
July 31st: Frank Ocean @ The Gurvernment

August 1st: Sigur Ros @ Molson Amphitheatre
August 2nd: Florence + The Machine  @ Molson Amphitheatre
August 3rd: Jesus and Mary Chain @ The Phoenix
August 4th: The Black Keys @ Molson Amphitheatre
August 15th: My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses @ Molson Amphitheatre
August 18th: QueenWest Music Fest @ Trinity Bellwoods Park
August 19th: Our Lady Peace @ Molson Amphitheatre
August 24th: Bruce Springsteen @ Rogers Center

September 9th: NOFX @ Historic Fort York
September 12th & 13th: Madonna @ ACC
September 13th: KISS and Motley Crue @ Molson Amphitheatre
September 19th: Peter Gabriel @ ACC
September 22nd: kd lang @ The Phoenix
September 29th: Ben Harper @ Massey Hall

'Tis of Thee

Happy Birthday, America.

Ani Difranco "Tis of Thee"

New Music Videos To Watch This Week

Lana Del Rey ft A$AP Rocky "National Anthem"

Santigold  "The Keepers"

Florence + The Machine "Breaking Down"

Odd Future (Tyler, the Creator and Domo Genesis) "Sam Is Dead"

Shi Wisdom

 I had the great pleasure of catching Toronto native Shi Wisdom's set at Toronto Pride on Saturday.  After being blown away by her voice, which sounds like the love child of a Badu/Rihanna one night stand, I had to track down more info on her. With a ton of performances under her belt around the GTA, collaborations with JD Era and Kardinal Offishall, two singles currently on the radio, and writers’ credit  alongside Drake on artist Rita Ora’s debut single ”R.I.P", Shi Wisdom is definitely one to keep an eye on. I think she's got a huge future ahead of her. I for one will be listening closely. 

You can download her latest single "Take the L" for free below. You can also download her 8 track mix tape for free at her website, Shi Wisdom Music.

Video: Tasha The Amazon live @ Toronto Pride South Stage 6/30/12

Big thanks to my incredibly sexy girlfriend for filming these while I danced! :D

Tasha The Amazon performing "Cry of the Warrior"
Tasha the Amazon performing to a sample of Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up".  Fierce. Had the crowd going wild.