What To Listen For in 2010

2010 will be full of great new concerts and shows. I'll be catching a few of them in the New Year!

Tegan and Sara w/ An Horse & Astronautilis - January 5th & 6th
@ The Orpheum Theatre






Phoenix w/ YSP!WSD! - January 22nd
@ The Orpheum Theatre





City and Colour w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage - February 15th
@ The Orpheum Theatre





And since February will be full of free outdoor shows for the 2010 Winter Olympics, I'm sure I'll catch a few shows:
Excited to see:

Coeur de Pirate - February 20th & 21st
@ Livecity Yaletown Stage
@ Maison Du Quebec

Malajube - February 12th
@ Performance Works: Granville Island

Wintersleep - February 27th
@ The Surrey Celebration Stage - Holland Park, Surrey

Alexisonfire - Sometime in February

Check Here for shows in Surrey
Check Here for shows in Vancouver & Also Here
------------------------------------------------------------

Also all of these bands have new albums coming out in 2010, so keep your ears out for them!

Arcade Fire
Spoon
MGMT
Vampire Weekend
Sufjan Stevens
Kaki King
Fences
Yeasayer
The National
Mgmt
Arcade Fire
Broken Social Scene
Cat power
Stars
The New Pornographers
Against Me!
Los Campesinos!
Uh Huh Her

Rifflandia

Tegan and Sara – Rifflandia Music Festival September 25th, 2009

September 25th, 2009
12:00pm I was listening to CBC Radio 3 and brewing with upsetness because tickets to Rifflandia were sold out and I would not be able to attend. This is a good thing I suppose, saving me 80 dollars worth of a ticket.
12:15pm Grant Lawrence (host of CBC Radio 3) announced that he would be giving away a pair of tickets to see Tegan and Sara at Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria.
- I was beyond excited even though my hopes of actually winning anything is always slim. I contained my over induced excitement
12:35pm Grant Lawrence announces that he would be taking calls for the tickets.
- I called in, he picked up and after answering a question that involved a writing session in New Orleans. I was the holder of a pair of tickets and my name would appear on the VIP list +1 guest.
12:37pm I called my friend, and he met me with skepticism. Would we be turned away at the doors? Is this all a scam? We’ll never make it in time for the show! Doors at 7pm
- We planned our meeting times, and off we were to Victoria with very little planned.
- I packed my clothed, contemplated utter failure, looked up ferry times.
2:45pm 2 hours later, a backpack full of cloths and necessities, 1 bus, a Canada Line ride, and a 5 minute walk later I was in a car on the way to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
3:22pm Arriving at the terminal, a ferry ticket costing $13.50 and a 40 minute wait for the ferry.
- We had 3 and a half hours to get to Victoria, find the venue, and not get lost. This was exciting.
4:00pm We boarded the ferry full of skepticism and doubt, but a little excited.
- On the ferry Char2d2 was also on board. She plays Saturday night at Rifflandia. Fun.
- We were whale watching. Feeling very tourist-like
5:30pm We Arrive at Swartz Bay, 1 hour and a half to go. We were really cutting it tight on time.
- We then haul ass and bus to Downtown Victoria. We are currently lost. The last time I was here. I stayed within 4 blocks of nothing. We befriended some UVic students and asked for directions. They weren’t much help.
6:35pm We finally figure out the bus routes and which street to get off at
- We had to walk a few blocks to reach the venue.
- We were calm and unhurried
- We ran all the way with our awkward backpacks and short breaths
- I need to work out more, I was breathless
6:50pmWe see the venue! It’s in sight! The church arches and cement walls were comforting. A line had formed around the venue. The entire block was pact.
- We walked right to the front doors marked VIP.
- Reluctantly we tried to look cool, and obviously untourist-like.
- I think our backpacks gave it away
- The Tegan and Sara fans appeared to have daggers coming out of their eyes, aimed at us. I’m sure they had waited for hours.
7:00pm Doors opened, we got our passes and our seats… so this is actually real. CBC Radio had become my favourite local station.
- The show started at 8pm opening with Aiden Knight a BC native, he was cute, awkward and really tall. I could tell he was nervous. I liked his music. His lyrics remind me of camping and the outdoors. He sang of heartbreak and mending. He sang of funny anecdotal situations. He was cute. Refreshing and he handled the Tegan and Sara audience well.
8:30pm After this, An Horse took the stage. I have been waiting to see this band live for quite some time now. I love their simple music and Australian accents. And I enjoyed their set.
9:30pm Tegan and Sara took the stage to an eruption of applause. They were adorable with their matching striped shirts. I’m sure this was to correlate their Sainthood cover artwork. They were enthusiastic and professional. Highlights of their set included the 6 new songs they played off of Sainthood.
- At this point, no one had heard of any of the songs. This was exciting.
- The sound in the Church was perfect, no feedback, no bad audience etiquette.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The night ended and as we left the venue we were lost to finding our way back to our temporary Victoria home.
I was exhausted and lost.
An overpriced dinner at Moxies topped off the night. A walk around all 4 blocks of Downtown Victoria and a few bags of Mr. Noodles, chips and a $50 taxi ride afterwards we were in a place some people call home. There were couches, beds, and cable TV.
Perfect.
<-- Tegan and Sara

DId I Mention These Yet?

These are honorable mentions. These artists all produced great music that was dynamic, daring and interesting. I also obsessed over their music to great lengths.
-> envision me singing at the top of my lungs... before I had learned lyrics.
Nonsensical.

Coeur de Pirate - Coeur de Pirate
My current favourite at the moment, Coeur de Pirate is so different her flowing melodies fit perfectly with her emotionally driven lyrics. Her songs make me smile, and I don’t need to understand what she’s singing about. I think I can guess.
Simply Amazing.
I can’t elaborate too much as I’ve just begun listening to her. I’m sure stories of song associations will form, I’m sure.

Peaches - I Feel Cream
I’ve been called a prude, and I remember the conversation I was having. This person was describing me based on his first impressions of me. The word ‘prude’ came up. I don’t remember the other adjectives. I only remember this one.
This is why Peaches has a special place on my iTunes, my iPod, and my heart. Obviously her songs deal with sentiments of the physical heart and everything to do with propriety and traditions.
I feel brave when I listen to her music. I feel very ‘un-prude-like’ and I love the idea of improper actions when listening to Peaches.
I take public transit and often listen to Peaches. While sitting next someone who seems very proper I wonder if they are aware that I’m listening to lyrics about masturbation and sex. I turn the volume up, in hopes that they might hear. Eager to see their reaction.

Matt & Kim - Grand
They seem to exude SO much happiness in their songs, on stage, in interviews. They seem to be people who live in the moment. They live in the now and seize every moment that they have, and are ecstatically happy about it. I’m hoping that the more I obsessively listen to them, that some of that happiness would rub off on me.
I find myself humming their songs when walking to my classes. So I suppose its working. They have a fun sound and I love listening to them at an earsplitting volume while running up steps of the Transit stations two and three at a time.

Lightning Dust - Infinite Light
This band are on my list of do not ever, EVER listen in public. And if I do, it can only be in small increments. I find that they’re songs usually leave me feeling a surge of sadness I didn’t even know I had in me. They sing of loss love and this in itself as a theme is heartbreaking. I think they make sweet and flowing melodies that remind of last autumn. Envision leaves of bold reds, brown and gold falling to the ground. It’s a scene of perfect harmony.
I feel old, I just tried to describe leaves falling and how extraordinary it was to me. I’m old.

Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
I don’t know anything about this band, other than that they look like hippies who remind me of Woodstock… I obviously was not around that time but I would think everyone to look like Band Of Horses. Their guitars focused on toe-tapping melodies always surprised me. I love their build up in each song. These guys have a huge sound and they make me want to become a groupie and follow them around.
Like the film Almost Famous with Kate Hudson. I want to be her.

Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
Her breathy vocals and eerie sounding synths created a unique sound that I quickly recognized as great. Daniel was a song I had learned my heart. I didn’t even know who Daniel was, but I loved him. Not literally, the song made me want to know THAT Daniel. She really is unique and so different I loved this record.

Music to Remember

With 2009 coming to an end I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to talk about the memorable records released this year that I listened to almost obsessively and learned all the lyrics to. This year marked the birth of new records, discovery of new bands and the continuation of great interesting music. This year for me personally has been quite interesting. I graduated from High School and began the terrifying journey into College.
So far the experience hasn't been all that painful. With the help of these records the transitions haven’t left any scars. Or not any that I can see.

Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light
Metric - Fantasies
Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It’s Blitz!
You Say Party! We Say Die! - XXXX
The Xx - Xx
Fucked Up - The Chemistry of the Common Life
Gentleman Reg - Jet Black
Gossip - Music For Men
Regina Spektor - Far

These 10 albums really marked the year for me. I can go back and listen to any one of these artists and remember a significant time this year. All of these albums of 2009 at different times of the year were on full rotation on my iTunes and my iPod.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also the Concerts I’ve been to this year

Broken Social Scene/Tegan and Sara – February 6th at the Orpheum Theatre
Favourite moments include:
Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl
The Happiness Project: Genius


Warped Tour – August 14th at UBC Thunderbird Stadium
I'll always remember the Alexisonfire fans leaving the pit covered in blood.
Gross

Death cab For Cutie w/ The New Pornographers & Ra Ra Riot – July 17th at the Pacific Coliseum
Transatlanticism gave me goosebumps.

Tegan and Sara w/ An Horse & Aiden Knight – September 25th in Victoria at Alix Goolden Hall
It was an adventure ->
In a nutshell we had 6 hours to plan: in that 6 hours we accomplished this:
- Packed the necessities for a night in Victoria
- Travel to the ferry terminal -> 1.5 hour wait
- Arrive in Victoria -> haul ass and bus to Downtown
- Find the venue -> we arrive 15 minutes before doors at 7
- Get into venue, RELAX
Post concert:
- Lost
- Over-priced dinner at Moxie
- Midnight snacks and unhealthy breakfast choices at 7/11
- $50 taxi ride to find our secluded house
Next morning:
- Lost -> bus to ferry terminal -> 12
- Arrive in Vancouver at 2:45 -> Work @ Saveon at 4. Fail
You can watch the ENTIRE concert HERE

Regina Sepktor w/ Jupiter One – November 2nd at the Orpheum Theatre
A hectic dinner sprinkled with nerves and late arrivals with tickets.
From Russia with Love. Most definately.
Breathtaking. I had chills during Samson and Infidelity.

Metric w/ Zeus – November 3rd at the Orpheum Theatre
Energy driven, musically sounding and body moving.

I don’t think this counts, but...
The Xx – November 26th at Zulu Records
I wanted to see them at the Commodore, but this intimate acoustic performance will have to do.
They sounded even better live than on record.

If I were 19 I’m sure this list would be longer.
But alas, being 18 has it’s qualms!


Tomorrow will be a continuation of this post with more music that I learned to love almost immediately.

Béatrice Martin - Pirate Heart

I already posted a video of this musician from Montreal, Quebec.
But I couldn't help but want to tell you a little bit about her.

Performing under the stage name of Coeur de Pirate (Pirate Heart) this 20 year old classically trained pianist began writing her own music only a few years ago.
She left her other band Bonjour Brumaire to pursue her own musical career.
I haven't been able to stop listening to her music for the past weeks.
The one thing about Coeur de Pirate that I found to be so intriguing is that her songs not only are in french, but that they have the ability to mark whatever emotion the songs may evoke.
My french is not the best and I catch myself hearing key words I recognize from my grade 12 vocabulary.

Her decision to sing in french can be compared to fellow Quebec band Malajube. It does not keep her from success whatsoever.
Her songs have reached enough recognition that even Perez took notice and mentioned her in his blog.

She has reached acclaimed recognition in Quebec and France with her self titled debut record. With her Regina Spektor/Cyndi Lauper like voice and piano melodies she has created a unique sound not many can replicate.
The Francophone Music Charts have her on constant rotation. Us, Westcoasters have been completely oblivious the the Francophone Music Charts, I make it my New Years Resolution to pay attention to East Coast music and pop culture.
First on the list:
- Learn French (or attempt to, just enough so I can sing along to Coeur de Pirate and Malajube)
- Become an Eastcoaster at heart (This just means listening to their radio stations and reading their newspapers... online)

I find myself wanting to see her live. I went on her MYSPACE PAGE to see if she is touring the West Coast or not.
To my surprise and upmost delight. SHE'LL BE HERE ON FEBRUARY 20TH! She will be playing at the Yaletown Stage for Livecity Vancouver. This is an Olympic Event, and although I told myself it would be hell traveling downtown during those two weeks of February. This is an exception I'll make.


Beatrice Martin -> Coeur de Pirate
Check out her TUMBLR
Watch her 'clip official' for Comme Des Enfants

Peaches and Cream

Sometimes when I am posed the the question of what the music I listen to consists and sounds like.
I think of Peaches.
The daring, brave, exhibitionist, feminist, Canadian electronic musician.
I wonder if the person I am speaking to would look at me in complete confusion at Peaches, confusing her with the fruit.
"So what does her music sound like?"
... sex

Peaches whose real name Merrill Beth Nisker used to be an Elementary School Teacher and drama teacher. I can only wonder what she taught her students. Possibly the different and beautiful human body in forms and states of undress. I don't know.
All I know is that her musical career beginning in 1995 with the release of Fancypants Hoodlum, marked her territory in music.
She is daring, provocative and artistic. She has a sense of humour which I like. Somwhere mixed in with her not-so-subtle lyrics is an artist who is not holding back anything.
She is brave enough to bring up hooks, melodies and lyrics discussing sex and everything we would only whisper to each other when the lights are off. Under our covers.

In 2000 Peaches claimed her stage name and released The Teaches of Peaches. There were many valuable lessons in the 11 track album, opening with Fuck the Pain Away.

Following this was the 2003 release of Fatherfucker and Impeach My Bush in 2006.
These four albums paved the way for Peaches.
Everyone was anticipating her 2009 release of I Feel Cream.
She took a different approach with her single Talk to Me. This was more subtle and the song really surprised me. I never knew she had the ability to belt our her lyrics like how she does on Talk to Me.
Peaches - Talk To Me


The hair theme in the video, somehow would have been a little disturbing and uncomfortable. But because this is Peaches anything is expected.

Where The Wild Things Are

Karen O and The Kids - Worried Shoes


This cover of Daniel Johnstons' Worried Shoes is breathtaking.
Simple yet containing so much emotion and power.
Karen O = Mandatory for your well-being

Eno & Byrne In A Green World

Brian Eno and David Bryne

This is a group of musicians consisting of legends and artists.
I found their album Another Green World (1975) was particularly special to me.
Their songs reveal a sentiment that made me feel something that I never knew was there.
In songs that had no lyrics and no vocals or presence of a persons voice.
I found an incredible emotional attachment in songs with sounds.
These sounds related to me to be universal.
Lyrics didn't need to be present to be determinant of a particular emotion or situation.
Our emotional values held within these songs don't need validity with evidence and proof.
The moment where I felt an incredible rush of sadness when listening to The Big Ship made me realize the ability of song and sounds to be placed in a place where we need it most.
In th case of when I was listening to The Big Ship, I suppose my mind and my body was telling me I needed the song to be my hearts sentiments.

Brian Eno & David Byrne - The Big Ship

Listen To This Storyteller

Listen to him speak below.
Michael Chabon

Listen to this when you want to be read to. The story that unfolds consists of the struggle between understanding and interpretation.

Michael Chabon the American author of The Yiddish Policemen's Union and Gentlemen of The Road and others.

I think if I wanted to feel inspired or a little optimistic and human. I would read his novels. Back to back with a box of tissues beside me. To either dab away at the tears of happiness, joy or sadness.

Chan Marshall

Cat Power - Maybe Not (Live)

Cancerous Bats

I have a 1GB iPod Shuffle, 2nd Generation.
This allows me to hold just under 200 songs. I lied, at the moment I currently have 168 songs on rotation on my years old shuffle. This upsets me because I can't have all the music I'd like on it at once.
So I pick and choose songs and artists.
I update it daily and make sure the songs of the moment are there and available.
I had taken the Cancer Bats off my iPod to have space for Be Your Own Pet.
But I found that I missed Liam Cormier's vox and music anecdotes.

The Cancer Bats - Pneumonia Hawk


CANCER BATS.
Amazing, loud, and fresh. It's perfect on a long bus ride home. It keeps you awake and alive.
Cancer Bats are also great for long walks to a destined place.
I had an extra jump in my steps when climbing stairs; I take it two or three at a time.
I find this band gives me energy... a lot more than I should have.
Given my strenuous daily intake of climbing a flight of stairs in my house.

They are curently recording their 3rd album.
Expect a new record in the New Year. 2010 will be an exciting one.

Website here

Quebec Acts

Coeur De Pirate

From Quebec.

Have a listen!

Coeur De Pirate - Place De La Republique (On QTV!)

Horses Band Together

Band of Horses

Listen to these guys. GREAT MUSIC.
They sing their hearts out it seems to me.

Their Website Here.

Band Of Horses - Funeral

Swedish Accents

Jens Lekman

Go Here for everything Jens Lekman.

Listen to Pocketful of Money it will leave your "heart on fire."

The '59 Sound

The Gaslight Anthem

They remind of Against Me! with influences from Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.
Great Musicians.
I just love their music. Soulful blues rhythm guitars and belting vocals.
Their album The 59 Sound is addicting and a great record.
I suggest you give them a listen.

Go Here to watch their video for Great Expectations.

The Gaslight Anthem - Even Cowgirls Get The Blues
(One of my favourite songs off of The '59 Sound. I had this song on repeat for months.)

From Russia With Love

Regina Spektor.

The first song I heard from this musical genius was Infidelity. It quickly became a song I had to learn by heart. One of those songs that make everything inside of you tingle. Like the type of sensation I imagine you would feel if you were pressed closely to someone that you loved.
Like a warm comfortable jacket that is worn tight, snug and relaxed.

Regina's voice is a mix of Russian annunciations and a peaking New York twist. Her uncanny talent for quirky lyrics and piano pieces is obvious in her songs.
They range from such topics as lovelorn lust, unfaithful tendencies and losing wallets.
She is a musical prodigy. I think her music revolve around themes everyone can relate to. No matter the situations.

She is quirky and eclectic. Definitely different and all the more captivating. Both in appearance and song.
She played in Vancouver November 2nd at the Orpheum Theatre. Jupiter One opened for them.
I attended with friends and was pleasantly surprised with EVERYTHING that she did. Be it little gestures of appreciation, gracious "thank you's" between songs, or playing the piano/singing/drumming on a chair/stamping her foot ALL IN TIME and together.

A word to describe her. Modest.
She was surprisingly coy. Her songs were beautifully played. In the encore, she opened with a silencing rendition of Samsom.
This was a moment where chills were sure to peak up your spine, arms and body.
I was shaken to my core. Her voice is fragile, yet strong.

Click this button -- REGINA SPEKTOR for everything Regina Spektor.


Beautiful.

Saturday Well Spent

If only they were still together, on indefinite hiatus.

Listen to the EXPERIENCE.

Electrelane - Saturday


Electrelane are one of my favourite bands. I first came across their myspace and immediately was stunned to silence. Their voices together with clashing instrumentals create a sort of epiphanic sound.
This British band makes the type of music that can be compared to that if "epiphany's" had a soundtrack.
Saturday by Electrelane would be on that soundtrack, followed by their entire tracklist.
To be honest, I don't know much about this band, other than that they are from Brighton, UK and they are now on an indefinite hiatus.

I feel lucky to have found them. Musically they fill the hole that I had developed from listening to songs revolving around the same issues of love, loss and lust.

In Electrelane's 2007 release, No Shouts, No Calls there are songs that deal with loss of a loved one. Death.
In a way, I never expected to find such beauty in a song dealing with a loss of a grandparent. I have never experienced this loss. So I thought that my emotions I felt during this song were somewhat odd.
I found though, quickly that songs whose nature discusses a loss I have not experienced doesn't mean I am immune to the types of emotions the lyrics may spark.

These lyrics from Saturday tear my heart open.

I've got a photo from a long time ago
Hold it in your pocket
I've got a ring that my grandmother gave to me
Wear it on your finger
I've got a letter that's full of our secrets
The last one you sent to me
What shall I do with a life turned to memory ?
I tried to forget you
Where shall I go when I wake from a dream of you ?
I tried to forget you
I still see you
I turn in my sleep and I see you beside me
It's your imagination
I go to the places we went to together
Find another countries
I turn in my sleep and I see you beside me
It's your imagination

I want to go on but it's another day without you
I tried to forget you
I still see you...


I tried to pick and choose my favourite lyrics. The ones that hit me, in the gut. The one's that leave me thinking about my own humanity. The ones that make me realize, that sometimes I miss people. That in fact I miss People all time.

This song for me visits on the lingering feeling of a sudden loss. Of anything really. You reminisce, you treasure, you collect things that remind you of a person, an object, or a time in your life.

This resonates with me because I am a hoarder.
I am a hoarder of memories years past.
This song makes me realize my faults, my qualms, and my humanity of wanting to remember.
Remember something greater than myself.

Electrelane

These women here Verity Susman, Emma Gaze, Mia Clarke and Ros Murray make up the genius minds of Electrelane.

They seem somewhat angelic, don't you think?

Regular Gentlemen

Gentleman Reg










This song below will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
This is what Gentleman Reg are great at. Catchy hooks and melodies for you to hum along to

Gentleman Reg - The Boyfriend Song

Music From Beirut?

Beirut a band from America started out as a solo project of Zachary Francis Condon. From Santa Fe, New Mexico, this music project developed into Beirut.
A musical ensemble combining various elements of Easter European folk and Western Alternative music

Have a listen to this blend of musical genres here.

I love their unique sounds and their album The Flying Club Cup (2007) quickly became one of my favourite albums.

I sometimes have a hard time understanding their lyrics. This may be because of the clash of musical instruments in the foreground and background that seem to overwhelm the song. Or it may be due to my inability to focus on the lyrics, I tend to lean towards the accordion/melodica sounds. I listen for this instead.
Zachary's voice is soothing, gentle, strong and fragile. I find this interesting and never boring. I find it almost unexplainable the types of emotions I feel when I listen to Beirut. It, in itself is an experiment. I remember the first time I heard this band. The song was called Nantes.
His voice seems to sing along with the accordion. It, in itself is another musical instrument.
Beautiful.
I feel melancholic yet subtle charmed emotions when I listen to Zachary's voice. The instrumentals are a clash of energy and sounds, and somewhere in this beautiful chaos of sound is Zachary's somewhat angelic voice.
His lyrics are few, and simple. This makes for a perfect blend of vocals and instruments.

If I were to describe this music in a few words. Romantic. Charming. Enlightening.

The songs have such a rich sound of new European folk. I love this.
I imagine grand polka dances in the middle of an open French cafe on cobblestone streets in 1920. This is what I think of when I listen to Beirut. Perfect.
It's refreshing and eclectic. Definitely different that other music acts out there now. Some bands compensate overly worded lyrics with complicated melodies. Beirut shows that the lyric content does not matter in quantity, but quality.

The sounds of trumpet, organ, accordion, piano, ukelele, mandolin, glockenspiel, violin, cello, tambourine, and Congo drums and Zachary's vocals all played together in perfect rhythm and unison to make the great sounds of Beirut.

Have I persuaded you to become a devoted listener yet? Have a listen and maybe you'll thank me for having insisted that you listen to Beirut.

Have a listen here

The BYOP Affair

Be Your Own Pet
Visit their Myspace Here

(also known as BYOP) - a four piece punk-rock group from Nashville, Tennessee. They take inspiration from Iggy Pop and the like.
With Jemina Pearl on vocals and 3 young guys on drums, guitars, and bass, the sound they produce is that reminiscent of the punk-rock sounds of the 90’s.
They sing about parties, teenage impulses and nonsensical things.
I love their music and the sounds they choose to produce.

Their record Get Awkward sounds under produced, but because of this sort of demo sound I found a liking to this band.I’ve been a casual listener for a few years, and thought that they deserved a mention.

Unfortunately they are no longer together but Jemina Pearl does have a side project.
Her solo project is similar to that of Be Your Own PET, featuring her signature raw vocal. I love this.
Listen






Be Your Own PET - The Kelly Affair

True Affections on Paper Television

The Blow, are a band from Portland Oregon consisting of Mikhaela Yvonne Maricich, former member of Yacht.

The Blow remind me of a combination of electronic dance beats and sparse vocals singing about torn love infidelity and fighting back (with words) that is.
I discovered their MYSPACE about a year ago.

I found the simple beats and vocals really disconcerting compared to the complex music I was listening to at the time. It grew on me, and I'm glad it did.
Sometimes I feel particularly melancholy when I put this music on
It's not complicated; they don't sing around metaphors.
Mikhaela is blunt and truthful in her lyrics. and because of this, I lean towards her music when I feel complicated and undecided.
The Blow decides for you.
Her album Paper Television came out in 2006 on K records.
My favourite tracks are "Fists Up" and "True Affections"
In "True Affections" she sings

I was out of your league
And you were 20,000 underneath the sea
Waving affections
You were out of my league
At a distance that I didn't wanna see
Wanted you nearer

Heartbreaking. I love this.
The Blow: True Affections

Australian Accents

An Horse

They are cute and awkward.
Who doesn't like modesty?

Photo Credit to Rob Campbell

From Brisbane Australia, the band consists of Kate Cooper (vocals and guitar) and Damon Cox (Drums and Melodica). Interestingly enough, both musicians worked at a record store together. In their spare time, amongst their dusty stacks of overplayed records, they made use of a spare backroom in their Skinneys' Record store. Turning it into a space where they could play music between and after their shifts. They created music that sounds repetitive, sincere and very Australian.

I've been a casual fan of them for about a year now. They've toured with Death Cab for Cutie, Silversun Pickups, Telekenisis, and Tegan and Sara.

The band name An Horse came from a grammar conversation Kate had with a friend... A An Horse sweater and a decided band name after. An horse was created.

Fun fact, Kate Cooper was a University law student. And now she's making pop-rock music for those in love and lust with themselves and a significant other.

Check out their site. Their blogs are quite articulate and funny. here

Kate and Damon seem so humble and on stage they do give off a very authentic energy.
Anxiety.
I try constantly to put together words to describe my found interest in An Horse. And I seem to have trouble doing so. Maybe it's because they seem so friendly and I just want to stand unawkwardly close to them and talk about the weather and snow shoes.
Maybe it's because they seem so average that it makes me think I could have possibly run into them multiple times while running for the bus.
Maybe it's because they speak with an Australian accent and I can't quite differentiate between that and English.
Because, technically it is English... just with an accent.

My point I am trying to give is that An Horse is a band with two talented musicians. Their songs deal with rearranging beds, breathing with your lungs and sending postcards. ALL of these are metaphors for the search for love, surviving the marathon of relationships and reconciling with a significant other.

Genius.

An Horse - Camp Out


This video was shot in Vancouver: Directed by Angela Kendall

Magnetically Sharpe

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I saw them perform on David Letterman and thought. Wow.
This doesn't usually happen.
They exuded a sense of happiness and ease.
They looked so happy to be making music and singing.
There are 10 people in this collective.
They sing together in perfect harmony.
Like a group of hippies they celebrate through music.
And I celebrate with them

If you subscribe to NPR: Live Concerts From All Songs Considered Podcast. They perform 4 songs. They are so happy, its hard not to smile when you watch them sing their heart out.

Alex Ebert leads the musical ensemble. He developed Edward Sharpe: a messianic figure, according to Ebert, Sharpe "was sent down to Earth to kinda heal and save mankind...but he kept getting distracted by girls and falling in love." Keeping with this obviously complex love/moral storyline Alex Ebert along with Jade Castrinos lead the music ensemble vocally with songs about everything to do with saving the world, in love that is.

"Home is wherever there is you"

Watch this:

Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

Amanda Palmer

Read her BLOG here

I discovered her through the Dresden Dolls, her other musical project. She is so quirky and strange and proud. i just love her energy and raw sense of stage presence. I would love to see her live. Her shows seem energetic and interactive. Her first solo project is entitled Who Kill Amanda Palmer? It's clever and witty. Her lyrics are brave and unabashed. She sings about abortion, one night stands, sex and unrequited love. There are interesting dynamics on her record.

Favourites include:
Runs In The Family
Austronaut

I remember when I bought her record and the excitement I felt before hearing her music.
I was curious. I needed to know who she was.
Her first song Astronaut, literally and figuratively blew me away.
I sat there in my room in awe, with utter interest and fascination.
Who was this woman with the strong, imperfect, loud yet grand and beautiful voice?
She was brave, In her music I could hear her take chances. She sang about things I would blush at the mention of.
She was brave and I loved this.
I sat there with my jaw somewhat unhinged while her record played through.
It was an experience. Her novel like songs were uninhibited and I found a liking to her unabashed way of expression. I've read that she shows her enthusiasm and energy in her performance. This, is true.

If you are interested in seeing a live broadcast of her show you can watch her entire concert here.

Enjoy

Long Overdue

Los Campesinos!

Hailing from Cardiff, Wales.
This band reminds me of a group of really close friends with a passion for music
I was a casual listener of this band for a long time.
Their casual incorporation of rap and indie vocals are worth the listen
Their music is refreshing and lets face it.
They make a very cute band.
Check This

Do They Know It's Christmas?

Fucked Up - Do They Know It's Christmas?


I don't really celebrate Christmas. But coming across this version of the legendary song made me appreciate the significance of it.
This song features voices of Andrew W.K., Bob Mould, David Cross, Ezra Koenig, GZA, Kevin Drew, Kyp Malone, Tegan and Sara, Yo La Tengo along with Fucked Up.
Whoever said a chorus of voices from such different music genres couldn't come together in celebration of something great?

The amazing thing about this song, which you can purchase on iTunes is that ALL profits of this song will go directly towards 3 charities in Canada.
Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (in Montreal), DTES Power of Women Group (in Vancouver), and Sisters in Spirit (in Ottawa).

If you feel the need to help our cities in some way, but you're lacking the financial donations. Buying this song would greatly help these amazing charities/organizations, you also have a really amazing Christmas tune to add to your Christmas mixtape. Play it while you bake gingerbread cookies or decorate your tree with ornaments.

Listen to the song here.

Humour Me When Engulfed In Flames

David Sedaris.
His writing is funny, honest, and most times surprising.
His humour is sarcastic, auto-biographical, and self-deprecating. It is a perfect mix of sad and happy stories.

I came across David Sedaris reading a passage on David Letterman. The video below was my first exposure to his hunour, his honesty, his unashamed stories. I immediately bought all his books and began reading into his life, his stories and somehow, unbeknownst to me I found myself relating to a 52 year old writer from New York with a lisp and odd habits.

My favourite of his books would have to be Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
Although all of his books bring a different perspective of himself. And they together as a collective reveal something hidden about the human condition. Perhaps the fact that we are all flawed perfectly.

David Sedaris reading from his latest book, When You Are Engulfed In Flames.
Try to hold back your laughter... I couldn't.
(He has this adorable lisp when he talks, this is besides the point.)


I found out soon after that he is a regular contributor of NPR - National Public Radio and This American Life. Two of my favourite listens.

Controller. Controller Override

Canadian band from Toronto, Controller, Controller are no longer together. But in the time that they were I was an admirer of their music. They remind me of Be Your Own Pet. And I loved this sound.

Vocalist Nirmala Basnayake left the band in 2006,
and soon the members formed another group called Lioness.
I happen to think fondly of this band as well.

Fucked Up?

I LOVE this band.
This band is gold. Their music is loud, melodic and sweet.
It's perfect for a walk in -0 degrees. It makes you walk a little faster.
You walk with a little hop in your step, or maybe two.

They won this years' Polaris Music Prize of $20, 000. This goes to the Canadian band with the highest artistic merit. Fucked Up deserved this and I couldn't be happier.
I was so excited for them. I rememeber listenng to the live broadcast on CBC Radio 3.
They were up against Metric, Great Lake Swimmers and Malajube.

Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life

Band Members are:
10,000 Marbles (Mike Haliechuk) - Lead Guitar
Father Damian aka Pink Eyes (Damian Abraham) - Vocals
Slumpy aka Laundry aka Mustard Gas (Sandy Miranda) - Bass Guitar
Concentration Camp aka Gulag (Josh Zucker) - Rhythm Guitar
Guinea Beat aka Mr. Jo (Jonah Falco) - Drums
Young Governor Aka Bad Kid Aka Lil' Bitey (Ben Cook) – Third Guitar

Check this link

Bone Chaos in the Castle

Kaki King

Think of a pretty girl, with an intimidating guitar. Add about 7 different pedals and a microphone.
Kaki King (Katherine Elizabeth King) a guitar player and singer-songwriter from Atlanta Georgia. She has an uncanny ability to make music in the subtle slaps and bars of the guitar. Her music is contrary to her small 5,2' stature, her music is grand, melodic and a mesh of sounds. Her instrumentals include lap steel, acoustic and electric guitars, drums, ad melodica.

Kaki King - Pull Me Out Alive
This video was shot from thousands of pictures taken mere milliseconds from another. I love the concept and think it is especially entertaining to watch and dissect.
Watch for guest appearances from Sara Quin and Hesta Prynn


Kaki King - They Loved It In Italy (LIVE)
If you wanted proof that she plays live just as well as she does on record, this live version is impressive

Music For Men (And Women)

GOSSIP

Who doesn't love someone who exudes a confidence that could almost make you envy?
Beth Ditto.

Ditto's voice is soulful, with a hint of rebellion. That woman can sing! As a frontwoman she demands attention and for us to listen. She does this with Brace Paine the guitarist, and Hannah Billie, the drummer. Together they form a band that has drawn in audiences who all share one thing in common. A desire to rebel with melodic, androgynous, meaningful music.
Website Here

The Gossip - Heavy Cross
First single off of Music For Men. Great song. Great performance.


The Gossip - Listen Up!
I love this video... I'm not sure why, maybe it's because it looks like something that could be replicated in our own home. It's simple, meaningless and entirely nonsensical. Love it.

Lessons Learned

I love this.

Matt and Kim - Lessons Learned


I want to be there.
Imagine the type of freedom you'd feel.
If I was brave enough, I would reveal a little of my shoulder.
Instead I watch this on repeat and pretend that I am.
I can be brave on days where there is no one around.
.... The end terrifies me though. I don't want to be hit by a bus.

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

It wouldn't matter to anyone, but me.

Go here

They are too cute

Fenced in with Horses

Fences - My Girl the Horse


Fences, from Seattle Washington remind me of hardcore/punkcore.
Just replace the heavy guitar riffs, double drum kicks, vocals, and bass with an acoustic guitar.

You'll be left with Fences, simple guitars with emotionally tormented but lovely lyrics, that taste like sugar

CBC Radio 3 - Achieving Great Heights

They've done it again!

#226 - Sleeper Hits – The Sleepy Time Podcast

One of my new favourites. Funny, mellow and completely Canadian.
Lulls me to sleep on a perfectly spent Friday.
My feet hurt and thighs ache. The soles of my feet arched and flexed.
This podcast is perfect for when after you've spent the majority of your day on your feet.

Sleep Tight. Dream Love. Think Nothing.

It's A Heart Attack That You Feel.

Listen

Remove us from the scene of the crime
I can't help myself, details fill my mind
They roll their eyes, pull our elbows
I forget our love was so hopeful

I promise I won't linger long
I promise I won't push my face
Up against your clothes
Or your stupid sheets

It's a heart attack that you feel

Maybe I Have Sinned

Love this.

The Xx - Shelter


The Xx - Crystalised

Art in Photographs

I've always wanted to be a photographer.... but lacking a camera and all the necessary skills, I just admired from a distance.

Pamela Littky

Her photographs are shot in a way that makes the artist, musician, sell-out pop idols, mega rappers. All of them in a way are seen to be more human.
I love her use of lighting, backdrops, props and settings.

Her catalog of Photos include:
Karen O - YYY's, Tegan and Sara, MGMT
M.I.A., Green Day, Lil Wayne, Cystal Castles
Snoop Dog, Brody Dalle, Common, Sigur Ros
Tom Petty

Cherry Tree in Straps

I recently discovered The National's 2004 EP entitled "Cherry Tree". It immediately became an honourable favourite. In the post before I mentioned how Matt Berninger's voice is like a bass line foundation. Did I mention that when I listen to him, I have to withdraw my breath, in case I miss the wonderful depth and soothing sounds of his voice? I do.
I sometimes make an effort to walk a little lighter, breathe a little less. Move more subtly, even speak more softly. His voice can do that.

When I feel particularly melancholy, but want to exude a light-hearted and somewhat mellow calm, I listen to:
Cherry Trees' "loose lips, sink ships..." on repeat.
Or
All Dolled-up In Straps' "Now, love, where have you been?Where have you been?".
This on repeat and suddenly things are a little brighter.

Listen Here or Here

YSP!WSD!

You Say Party! We Say Die!
are playing a free benefit fundraiser show at CBC in downtown Vancouver on Friday December 4th @ 5pm.

I'm excited for this.
They are not vocally perfect. But they make up for that with quirks and instrumentals.

To learn more about them, Click Here!

Lightning Meets Dust

When I want to be reminded of walks at night Downtown, Vancouver Lightning Dust aspire to bring quirky pop ballads to bask in the Vancouverness of us all. I discovered this band through various Myspace accounts. Former members of Black Mountain, I found a liking to this new sound. Mellow and light, like a freshly squeezed lemon. Zestful.

Amber's voice reminds me of Neko Cases' Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. Imagine "Hold On, Hold On's" power vocals, with a gentler guitar melody and overlapped vocals. Lightning Dust.



In "Antonia Jane" Amber Webber sings:

"Did you ever come close to home
Riding the tide of the super one
Did you just want the ribbon and goals
Never fall back to the one you love"

"But I declare a war on you
Someday soon"

Romantic. Isn't it?