Jul 31, 2012

V/A - Boobytrap! Vol. One [1996]


I was dazzled by the Starbean track "No Earthly Means of Transportation," that commences this double 45 compilation.  Aficionados of twee, Moog-driven "space pop" are likely to do well by this song.  The flip of the Starbean side features Saturnine, a far greater known commodity who issued a healthy slew of albums that didn't abate until the 2001's fine Pleasure of Ruins.  They play quintessentially indie pop with some hard-strummed jangly bits and a good dynamics.

TrackList:
Starbean - No Earthly Means of Transportation
Saturnine - Compromised
The Ladybug Transistor - Your Walling Tail
Blaise Pascal - Shielded

Esther - To Let Go [2012]





Esther is an indie rock/pop disco band from Sverige, Sweden who we think are a band more people in the U.S. need to hear. Markus Magnusson, the band’s front man, told IRC that his band’s newest album is in the works and being produced by Ronald Bood (Mando Diao, Dntel). The yet-to-be-titled album will contain 10 or 12 songs, and is set to be released in the fall of 2012. The first single, “To Let Go,” released on May 17th, is a good way to kick off this playlist because it has an uptempo summer pop feel that is likely to connect with indie pop fans . indierockcafe

Jul 29, 2012

Uncut - For the Turnstiles [2012]



1. Hot Chip – Flutes (7:06)
2. Donavan Woods – No Time Has Passed (2:41)
3. Delicate Cutters – You Want Her (2:01)
4. The Dreaming Spires – Strength of Strings (6:05)
5. Ty Segll Band – I Bought My Eyes (3:48)
6. Sun Kil Moon – Sunshine in Chicago (2:35)
7. The Barr Brothers – Deacon’s Son (5:49)
8. The Welcome Wagon – I Know That My Redeemer
9. Eamon McGrath – Instrument of My Release
10. Lee Bains III – Choctaw Summer (3:01)
11. Go-Kart Mozart – Retro-Glancing (4:06)
12. Rich Hopkins and Luminarios – Friend of the…
13. Admiral Fallow – Beatle in the Box (3:35)
14. Mission of Burma – Semi-Pseudo-Sort-Of-Plan
15. Six Organs of Admittance – A Thousand Birds
16. Neneh Cherry & the Thing – Dream Baby Dream

Mojo Presents - The Roots of The Rolling Stones [2012]



MOJO presents 15 Stones-approved classics with Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters and more!

Jul 26, 2012

Perfume Genius - "Oh Father"




You might not immediately think of  as an inspiration for  mastermind Mike Hadreas or even an artist he’d think to cover – but lo and behold, here’s his version of her Like a Prayerballad “Oh Father.” It’s a live cover, recorded at this year’s Latitute festival on a vintage keyboard, and less than ninety seconds long, but that doesn’t mean you won’t keep pressing play – Hadreas has a knack for tearjerkers that weasel their way to your heart, and this one, with its profound lyrics an emotional piano chords, is no exception. pma

Jul 25, 2012

Bonnie Prince Billy - After I Made Love to You [Live-2011]


Very romantic song...
eloquent, i soon retire
to nothing else i may aspire
after ive made love to you
in the dark i see you glisten
to your breath i lay and listen
after ive made love to you
in your arms im softly resting
memories of you undressing
and your lips my final blessing
i never knew the embrace that id been lacking
has been found with kisses smacking
and two bodies there attacking
i and you baby why dont we feel guilty?
whys it seem were doing right?
when were doing something filthy
in a rented room tonight
i think its cause we love the now
we love forever love and how
and my lifes your love anyway
and your lifes my love everyday
you are mine o now forever
think of you always wherever
after ive made love to you
after ive made love to you

Cheers Elephant - Like Wind Blows Fire [2012]



"The whole record is packed with memorable, and most importantly, unique songs. They form a great whole and a fantastic experience." - Race Car Space Car

"A sublime slice of upbeat sunshine pop that morphs into a brief kaleidoscopic freakout before settling back down again."- Mad Mackerel



Eidolons - China [2012]


Eidolons’ 10-song China is a guitar-fueled journey from math rock to alt-folk. The album, which at times channels OK Computer-era Radiohead and more modern Real Estate-esque garage rock, spans genres with ease.

Will Drive West - Castles [2012]



“The unexpectedly large crowd swayed as Montreal trio Will Driving West’s debonair acoustic tunes filled the venue with an unparalleled grace” - The Concordian
“David Ratté is a gifted composer and an amazing multi-instrumentist who makes his music... in English, but especially in beauty.” - La Presse

Jul 24, 2012

Atwater Market



The bounty has begun... 
The market is exploding with colors and flavours; it can surely inspire anyone to create something exciting and new. Sunday's diner was a summer calzone, filled with fresh corn, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, onions, garlic, three different cheeses and summer sausage, followed by a savoury raspberry tart.

summer water

The Sorry Shop - Bloody, Fuzzy, Cozy [2012]



The Sorry Shop balance the pop-smarts of Pavement with the all out rock sound of Guided By Voices. There’s even a bit of britpop that I can hear within such songs as “Go On”, but sounding more like The Stones Roses over Oasis. On some songs they even sound like Explosions In The Sky with nice dreamy guitar work with plenty of space (“Cinderblocks” is a great example). A very likable young band that’s well on its way. headphone

Jul 23, 2012

Food trucks hit the streets of Montreal...


I spent a few days working on my sister's food truck at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.


Great food, here's what they are saying... MidNight Poutine


If you get lucky enough to see it in the streets of Montreal, run, don't walk and get whatever is on the menu, you'll thank the food gods.

Jul 22, 2012

Stop Motion Magic!



“Proteigon” is an entertaining film directed by Steven Briand and starring Luca Fiore. The music is well synchronized; it was composed by Nodey and Omar and sound design by Moritz Reich.

Factories - "Canada" video [2012]



Together, the debut full-length album from Phoenix-based three piece Factories, brings a new take on electronic pop music. Many of the endearing qualities one would come to expect from the genre - catchy hooks, danceable beats, sweet harmonies - are there, but Together also brings decid- edly more hypnotic, visceral, and deeply affecting elements into play. Esoteric electronic beats provide the backbone for soaring guitars, crashing keyboards, and intense lyrical con- tent; all perfectly formed into beautifully organic and tightly knit soundscapes that exist somewhere between Phil Spector and Shoegaze. Ear candy abounds, as do comparisons to the Handsome Furs, Phantogram, Postal Service, the Raveonettes, and Mates of State.


HOME

Jul 20, 2012

CRACKER - Happy Birthday To Me [2010]


I was having a good sleep
In my car
In the, parking lot of the
Showboat Casino hotel

I say, "I remember you
You drive like a PTA mother"
You brought me draft beer
In a plastic cup

I'm feeling thankful
For the small things, today
I'm feeling thankful
For the small things, today

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
And to you

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
And to you-ah
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/cracker/happy_birthday_to_me.html ]
I'm feeling thankful
For the small things, today
I'm feeling thankful
For the small things, today

I remember you
I crashed your wedding
With some, orange crepe paper
And some Halloween candy

I sometimes
I wish I were Catholic
I don't know why
I guess I'm happy to see your face
At a time like this

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
And to you-ah

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
And to you-ah

Happy Birthday baby, to me
Happy Birthday, to me
Happy Birthday, to me
Happy Birthday, to me

Whatever Gets You Through The Night [2012]




Whatever Gets You Through The Night is a compilation of stories happening across Scotland between the hours of midnight and 4am. From a heartfelt goodbye on the shore of Loch Lomond to an encounter in a late night Aberdeen taxi queue, we meet lost souls, party animals and dreamers, in a snapshot of an entire nation at its most vulnerable and revealing.

Jul 13, 2012

Onion in my Pocket by Thee AHs [2012]




Great Canadian indiepop band that plays catchy songs which reminds me bands like Heavenly and Go Sailor. Check out their first EP ‘Thee AHs AHttack’ released on 7iete Pulgadas Records.

Jul 11, 2012



Sebastian Turns 11... and has the appetite to prove it!

Neutral Milk Hotel - Two Headed Boy [1998, Live]



Daddy please hear this song that I sing
In your heart there's a spark that just screams
For a lover to bring a child to your chest that could lay as you sleep
And love all you have left like your boy used to be
Long ago wrapped in sheets warm and wet

Blister please with those wings in your spine
Love to be with a brother of mine
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep wrapped in boxes so tight
Sounding only at night as you sleep

And in my dreams you're alive and you're crying,
As your mouth moves in mine, soft and sweet,
Rings of flowers 'round your eyes
And Ill love you for the rest of your life when you're ready

Brother see we are one in the same
And you left with your head filled with flames
And you watched as your brains fell out through your teeth
Push the pieces in place
Make your smile sweet to see
Don't you take this away
I'm still wanting my face on your cheek

And when we break we'll wait for our miracle
God is a place where some holy spectacle lies
When we break we'll wait for our miracle
God is a place you will wait for the rest of your life

Two headed boy she is all you could need
She will feed you tomatoes and radio wires
And retire to sheets safe and clean
But don't hate her when she gets up to leave

Live in San Francisco 4/12/98

Foggy Notion - S/T [1991]


This is a great album IMO for any summer day that has you sipping, talking, watching, laughing the day away... Enjoy!

Jul 9, 2012

Whistling is Music [2012]

  1. Wooden Chair  Angus Stone
  2. Home Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
  3. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding
  4. Patience Guns N' Roses
  5. Pumped Up Kicks Foster The People
  6. Step On Happy Mondays
  7. Everyone Thinks He Looks Daft The Wedding Present
  8. Good Life OneRepublic
  9. Don't Worry Be Happy Bobby McFerrin
  10. Jimmy Jazz The Clash
  11. Tighten Up Black Keys
  12. Sissyneck  Beck
  13. Let's Go Surfing The Drums
  14. Two Of Us The Beatles
  15. Young Folks Peter Bjorn & John
  16. Whatever You Want Club 8
  17. Roman Candles Suckers
  18. Blood The Middle East
  19. 5 Years Time Noah & The Whale
  20. The Enemy Guns DeVotchKa
  21. La La Love You Pixies
  22. Jealous Guy John Lennon
I assembled this compilation on the heels of hearing a few songs from 2012, that had great whistling lines; I couldn't help myself, I just had to! There is something about a whistle that makes the lamest song sparkle with humanity, and genuine feeling. I could have put a dozen more, but came to my senses and limited it to what I liked the most. Hope you enjoy my amusement.

Auguries of Innocence [1803]

William Blake

‘To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour’...
It is right it should be so;
Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
Joy and woe are woven fine,
A clothing for the soul divine.
Under every grief and pine
Runs a joy with silken twine...

Auguries of Innocence

The Langley Music Project [1976]


"The backing arrangement is astounding. Coupled with the earnest if lugubrious vocal performance you have a piece of art that I couldn't have conceived of, even with half of Colombia's finest export products in.me." --David.Bowie (on the Langley students' rendition of "Space.Oddity")

"The effect of all those young voices singing 'Calling Occupants' is charming." --Richard Carpenter, The.Carpenters

"When I heard about the Langley Project, it seemed very interesting, but I did have the thought that it might sound like children singing off-key in a gym. The reality blew me away -- a haunting, evocative wall-of-sound experience that is affecting in an incredibly visceral way. What an amazing CD!" --Fred Schneider, The.B-52s

"This is beauty. This is truth. This is music that touches the heart in a way no other music ever has, or ever could." --John.Zorn

"Outside-music archivist [and Langley chronicler] Irwin Chusid [insists] that these strange and charming renditions of songs like 'Space Oddity,' 'I'm Into Something Good,' and 'Desperado' have artistic merit. Surprisingly, he's right. In its own surreally amateurish way, this stuff is both accomplished and addictive." (Rating: B+) --Rob Brunner, Entertainment.Weekly

"Once you recover from the kitsch of their schoolyard rendition of the Carpenters' ode to extraterrestrial life, 'Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft,' you may well regard this CD as a testament to the value of creative teaching, and of music education in schools." --Sue Cummings, RollingStone.com

"It is very evident that the [Orff] instruments were not used as they would be used in the Orff-Schulwerk approach. AOSA has no desire to be connected with this recording ... Thank you for your interest in the American Orff-Schulwerk Association." --Executive.Director, American Orff-Schulwerk Association


The Langley Schools Music Project is a 60-voice chorus of rural school children from western Canada, untrained but captivated by melodic magic, singing tunes by the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, The Bay City Rollers, and others. The students accompany themselves with the shimmering gamelan chimes of Orff percussion, and elemental rock trimmings arranged by their itinerant music teacher, Hans.Fenger.

Indie Covers 17 [2012]


Oo-De-Lally (Robin Hood)
You and I Are a Gang of Losers (The Dears cover) - Admiral Fallow
Helicopter (Deerhunter cover) - My Great Ghost
Roxanne (The Police cover) - Strange Talk
You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis cover) - Elizabeth Mitchell
When You Were Young (The Killers cover) - Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Eli, the Barrow Boy (Decemberists cover) - Jubal's Kin Jubal's Kin
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper cover) - Pesky J. Nixon
Just Like Christmas (Low) - David Bazan
Manic Monday (The Bangles cover) - Ephemera
Reel Around The Fountain (The Smiths Cover) - Overlord
Alison [Slowdive cover] - Beach Fossils
I'll Follow You Into The Dark (Death Cab For Cutie cover) - Mark Erelli
Losing My Religion (R.E.M. Cover) - Joshua James
Friday I'm In Love (The Cure cover) - Fiction Family
So Long Marianne (Cohen Cover) - Bill Callahan
True Love Will Find You In The End (Daniel Johnston cover) - Hey Marseilles
In God's Country (U2 cover) - The Infamous Stringdusters
In the Pines - Della Mae
Heatwave - Girl In A Coma

Enjoy the summertime air; which you can now fill with sweet notes of an airy goodness.  Many lovely covers done in a "sensitive" way, which can often help a sleep boy at the end of a long day...

Jul 8, 2012

Silver Jews - Early Times Promo [2012]



Silver Jews, the once-mysterious, now-defunct band led by David Berman, just released a collection of out-of-print tracks called Early Times, presumably in a nod to delicious liquor. The earliest incarnation of the band notably included Pavement's Steve Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, and that group is responsible for the indispensable Starlite Walker album. That group is also the star of this VHS-era homage, which features the trio jamming in somebody's living room intercut with a bunch of weird shit. Look how young they are! But beware, Early Times is awfully rough--start with Starlite orThe Natural Bridge instead. cv club


Hardcore Silver Jews fans will be pleased to see this new release from Drag City. Although none of the tracks featured in this new “collection” are all that new, they are all hard to find–these songs appeared on 2 now out-of-print 7″s.  For the first time, “Dime Map of the Reef,” and “The Arizona Record” are here in their entirety together on one LP/CD.  The sound quality on these recordings is questionable, as the songs were more than likely recorded on an answering machine or boombox, but that’s not the point.  This record isn’t about the sound quality.  It’s about the content.  This is more of an artifact in the making of a great band.  This release will please Pavement fans as well to hear a young Steve Malkmus screaming and whaling on his guitar.  Not to mention the packaging, which is great–full of Silver Jews ephemera featuring David Berman’s quirky drawings and hand-written one liners. thendofallmusic

Low - "Africa" [2012]


Everyone's favourite hungover-need-something-soothing band Low take on everyone's favourite 2am-house-party-need-a-cheese-anthem band Toto. Of course it's 'Africa'. A.V. club

Jul 7, 2012

Está Vivo - Smile Back [2012]



Sharing these creations with everyone and everything from here to there. Going only where the sun and the road leads us. Love is in the air and we're all taking deep breaths, letting it in and spreading it around. With unstoppable smiles and filled gaps of dancing and clapping. Ours is yours.


We thought we'd find you 
the way that trouble found us. 
We tried to guide you 
by the weight of our luck. 
The act of tricking 
you into our lives, 
might of been selfish 
but it was worth a try. 

And when I smile, smile back 

Feels like a crime 
trying to speak with you. 
Rather bite my tongue 
than act a fool. 
Inevitable weakness 
quickly shines through. 
I gently hold back 
still my eyes on you. 

And when I smile, smile back 

Let me see you walk 
one last time. 
All the steps you strut 
create the perfect rhymes. 
And all your movements 
in the summer light. 
It's the perfect tune 
to get me by. 

And when I smile, smile back

Jul 5, 2012

July Walk-About [2012]








Everything is in full bloom... The colours are wonderful, the smells are delicious - 
Summer is finally here.

The Skydiggers - Northern Shore [2012]



Home


Northern Shore is the title of Skydiggers’ new album, and represents the bold new musical territory the group explores on their eighth studio release. The 15 song collection stands as the most adventurous and varied of the group’s 20 year plus career, and captures and reinvigorates the essence of the group’s sound. Northern Shore sees the group mapping new musical territory, but it feels like home.

Jul 4, 2012

Ian McCulloch - "Lift me up" [2012]



I’m in the studio and I feel it’s the same magic in the air as I felt when recording “The Killing Moon” and “Nothing Lasts Forever”, amongst others. Suffice to say, I’m thrilled about it all again. I just want to say that I can’t wait for the people – you people – to hear these songs and share your feelings about (or Heavens to Murgatroyed, your lack of), and thoughts on them. Because you already know what I think…. “Different Trees”, “Pro Patria Mori” and “Raindrops On The Sun” are the equi-greatest Holy Trinity of songs ever written.

Jul 3, 2012

Cat Power - Ruin [Single, 2012]




This is a super sonic taste of whats to come...  Home


I’ve seen gypsies who made it all the way
And kept going, kept rolling with nowhere to go
Nowhere to go.

As far as I’ve seen from the bush
In the wilderness, to every known city
I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, Dhaka, Calcutta
Soweto, Mozambique, Istanbul, Rio, Rome
Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, Great Britain
Belfast, to the desert, Spain, Tokio
Some little bitty island in the middle of the Pacific
All the way back home, to my town
To my town
Bitching, complaining when some ṗeople who ain’t got shit to eat
Bitching, moaning, so many people you know they got

What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin
What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin

As far as I’ve seen, from the bush
The wilderness, to every known city
I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, dug up Calcutta
Soweto, Mozambique, Istanbul, Rio, Rome
Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, Great Britain
Belfast, to the desert, Spain, Tokyo
Some little bitty island in the middle of the Ṗacific
All the way back home, to my town
To my town
Bitching, complaining when some people who ain’t got shit to eat
Bitching, moaning, so many people you know that they got

What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin
What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin

What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin
What are we doing?
We’re sitting on a ruin

I Hope It Shines On Me - a Tribute to Codeine [2012]




Purple Emperors - Purple Emperors [2012]





We are 5 guys. We play music. We love donuts. FB

Jul 2, 2012

Jazz and Fireworks [2012]


The Unsettlers


The Record Company


Moriarty



Happy Canada Day