My Head Hurts

I'm Back, No Really I Am!

2007-11-21T07:59:00.000-06:00

Now that son#2 has finally arrived and is safe and sound with his mother at home, I am eager to resume this blog's work.

As a little token of "thanks" to the blog's visitors (after all, tomorrow is the US Thanksgiving), I thought I would share the URL for another terrific Canadian music artist blog that kindly provides free live recording MP3s: Canaddiction

Lots of new material to discuss and I am looking forward to the challenge of sharing with everyone what I have been listening to during the autumn. In particular, I am most looking forward to posting a review on Mark Henning's (keyboardist for Pure) new band, Combine the Victorious. Mark is on the verge of something huge with his new band and I am thankful for the opportunity to receive an early listen on his new work.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara

2007-08-16T17:28:00.000-05:00

Think My Morning Jacket's Jim James soothing vocals over a terrific acoustic sounding band.

Great Lake Swimmers is simply a riveting listening experience.

Check out the reviews:

"A wonderful atmosphere - minimalist well done" - New York Times

"Ambient Zen Americana" - Mojo Magazine

"Spiritual folk of the most affecting variety" - Stylus

"Tony Dekker takes acoustics very seriously. His haunting, somber ballads emit an otherworldly quality, due in no small part to the natural environment in which they're captured … Natural reverb and folkie arrangements complement Dekker's soft voice perfectly" - Rob Bolton, Exclaim!

"Just when it seems like it can't possible get more beautiful, the next song sets the bar even higher and it becomes an overload of pure awesome. Ongiara is slow and spare, yet amazingly rich and varied... Decidedly country in flavour but not in overall tone... Dekker weaves lyrical tales that are as ethereal as his shimmering songs, open to interpretation while bearing a straightforward foundation." - Chart, March 2007

Download and listen from the new album Ongiara:
Your Rocky Spine MP3
I Am Part Of A Large Family MP3

Buy Ongiara at Emusic.

Great Lake Swimmers Homepage

We Will Build - This Is Necessary

2006-12-22T11:52:00.000-06:00

I posted about these guys earlier this year and they continue to improve and master their craft.

Believe it or not but the band has graciously allowed their new EP This Is Necessary to be downloaded in its entirety at no charge (zip file).

Click here for This Is Necessary

Thanks for the early Christmas present!

We Will Build Homepage

Back in the Saddle

2006-12-18T12:43:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the patience guys.

No, this project has not been abandoned and it will resume ASAP.

Plenty of new bands to talk about along with re-visiting a few that have made leaps and bounds with new sounds.

Have a great holiday season!

We Are Wolves - Non-Stop Je Te Plie en Deux

2006-09-26T13:41:00.000-05:00

I have no clue how to classify these Montreal guys. Perhaps think Beck from the Mellow Gold days crossed with Nine Inch Nails. I'm late in the game blogging about these guys but if you've been in the dark like myself, download and enjoy:
Little Birds MP3
La Nature MP3
Vamos a la playa MP3

Buy We Are Wolves at Emusic.

We Are Wolves Homepage

Boo Hoo - Very Wrong

2006-09-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

This guys from Montreal are great. I've already posted reviews about Boo Hoo here and here.

The band released more MP3s presumably from their 2006 release Very Wrong for our downloading pleasure:
America MP3
Pants on Fire MP3
Til You're Run Out MP3

Memo to Boo Hoo. Hey guys, please let us know the details of the US release. Are there any plans to have the album available on Emusic? Just pop a message in the comments section.

Thanks.

Boo Hoo Homepage

From Fiction - Bloodwork

2006-09-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

“Most people at Kytes expected the Rapture to be great, and they were. However, no one had any idea that the slouchy locals calling themselves From Fiction would actually blow the well-hyped headliners back to New York with their ferocious instro-punk attack” – Now Magazine

Nice credentials from a seemingly on the rise band from Toronto.

Too bad the guys have already packed it in shortly after releasing their debut album Bloodwork, just released earlier this spring.

Kind of sad. Actually. Download and listen for yourself. What could have been....
Tumult MP3
Car Thief MP3

What I don't understand is why bands sometimes do not bother letting their fan base know they've quit. In this case, a poster on their MySpace site revealed the news which was finally confirmed in a round about way on their message board.

Your fans deserved better guys.

From Fiction Homepage

The Mark Inside - Static/Crash

2006-09-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

These guys from Toronto flat out rock. My apologies for a severe shortage of information on this band, but there is nothing really more to provide other than the band's website and Myspace webpage.

Download and listen:
Carousel MP3 (2005 - Static/Crash)
Everybody Talks About Everybody Else MP3 (2005 - Static/Crash, highly recommended)

Click here to stream:
Sweet Little Sister
Combing Back Under Attack

Great early 90s sounding guitars. Loud aggressive riffs similar to Death From Above 1979. Hope to see this band listed on Emusic soon.

Buy Static/Crash at Maple Music.

The Mark Inside Homepage

Bedouin Soundclash - Sounding a Mosaic

2006-09-11T19:45:00.000-05:00

When the Night Feels My Song Video

This is not particularly cool to post about the same album from a band already previously mentioned on a blog, but what the hell - these guys are great and deserve the extra attention.

From their MySpace site, download and enjoy:
Rude Boys Don't Cry MP3 (2004 - Sounding a Mosaic)
Gyasi Went Home MP3 (2004 - Sounding a Mosaic)

For more MP3s from Bedouin Soundclash, click here.

Buy their 2004 effort - Sounding A Mosaic at Emusic.

Bedouin SoundClash Homepage

The Tragically Hip - World Container

2006-09-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Canada's answer to the REM, The Tragically Hip, will be releasing their new album World Container on October 17, 2006.

Stream In View from World Container on the band's MySpace site.

This is a great live act. The Hip have made a few live concerts available to purchase for download available here.

Enjoy the Thugs video. Believe or not the friggin' censors at Much Music (Canada's "answer" to MTV when music channels actually played music videos...) banned the vid back in 1994. This is pretty tame stuff compared to the hip/hop crap shown in today's videos.

The Tragically Hip Homepage

The Mission District - New Album in 2007

2006-09-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

There is very little information on this upcoming Montreal act that call themselves The Mission District. However, after listening to the provided MP3s from their self-titled EP, I sense that these guys are going to become much more familar and recognized in the very near future.

Check out their EP review:
Montreal Mirror EP Review (January 29th 2006) The Mission District self-titled (independent) With plenty of modern vigour up their suit sleeves, this local quintet packs the romance and melancholy of 80's Britpop into every picked riff and woozy lyric on this three-song single, giving the Organ a run for their rep. Dont expect a battle of the sexes between those Vancouver ladies and these Montreal lads (they shared the stage at last summers Divers/Cit Sex Garage event), but David Rancourts vocals would win a butter-melting contest any day. 8/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)

Not a bad start at all guys.

Download and listen:
All I Ever Wanted MP3
Hyper Modem MP3
Answer To Me MP3
Don't Write Me Off MP3
Winter Light MP3

Watch:

Good luck guys. Keep us posted on that upcoming debut LP.

The Mission District Homepage

The Dears - Gang of Losers

2006-08-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

I don't know much about this Montreal band but so far so good for my ears. Kind of sounds like a cross between Wolf Parade and Interpol. Their new album Gang of Losers will be released this Tuesday, August 29, 2006.

You can preorder here.

Download and listen (from the upcoming album):
There Goes My Outfit MP3

Cokemachineglow and Pitchfork have both reviewed their 2003 album No Cities Left with marginal impressions.

Emusic has their EP debut Protest available.

Its my day off, so please excuse the lazy post. I have company visiting.

The Dears Homepage

Sloan - Never Hear The End Of It

2006-08-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Not sure what the hell is going on with the photo uploading program for Blogger, but anyways here is a downloadable MP3 from the best of the Halifax bands of the 90s - Sloan.

Fading into Obscurity MP3

You can also stream:
Who Taught You To Live Like That

The band will be releasing a 30 track double LP sometime in September. The track listings are:

SIDE 1

Flying High Again
Who Taught You To Live Like That?
I've Gotta Try
Everybody Wants You
Listen To The Radio
Fading Into Obscurity
I Can't Sleep

SIDE 2

Someone That I Can Be True With
Right Or Wrong
Something's Wrong
Ana Lucia
Before The End Of The Race
Blackout
I Understand
You Know What It's About

SIDE 3

Golden Eyes
Can't You Figure It Out?
Set In Motion
Love Is All Around
Will I Belong?
Ill Placed Trust
Live The Life You're Dreaming Of

SIDE 4

Living With The Masses
HFXNSHC
People Think They Know Me
I Know You
Last Time In Love
It's Not The End Of The World
Light Years
Another Way I Could Do It

Watch a live performance of Underwhelmed.

These guys are legends up in Canada. The band more recent LPs can be downloaded from Emusic.

Sloan Homepage

Thrush Hermit on MySpace

2006-08-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

Defunct since 1999, Thrush Hermit was part of the great Halifax Explosion that so heavily influenced today's top indie acts such as Meligrove Band and The New Pornographers.

Interestingly enough, a MySpace page popped up recently for the band. Is the band reforming? Two MP3 tracks are available for download:

Giddy With The Drugs MP3
Hung Up On Me MP3

Watch the video French Inhale (great college tune from the group).

Buy Clayton Park from Emusic.

Thrush Hermit Homepage

Meligrove Band - Planets Conspire

2006-08-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

Anyone recall the Halifax Pop Explosion of the 1990s? East coast bands such as Sloan, Thrush Hermit, Eric's Trip and Super Friendz all greatly contributed to indie guitar pop friendly music that later became popularized by current acts such as The New Pornographers and Death Cab by Cutie.

For true indie music lovers, the east coast sound was pure heaven. And sadly, most of those bands are now defunct with the exception of the ever popular (at least in Canada) and ferociously independent Sloan.

Toronto's Meligrove Band are somewhat revivalists of the 90s east coast sound coupled with today's current popular brit-pop alt. And the results are pure gold.

The band's bio can be read here. Another interesting article detailing the influences of the band can be read here as well.

Download and listen:
Monkey Mask MP3 (2002 Let It Grow)
The Victory MP3 (2000 Stars & Guitars)

Watch Everyone's A Winner:

Read Cokemachineglow's review of Planets Conspire here. Pitchfork reviewed their sophomoric effort Let It Grow.

Buy Planets Conspire at Emusic.

The Meligrove Band Homepage

The Weakerthans - Reconstruction Site

2006-08-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

Its been awhile since these guys from Winnipeg, Manitoba have produced an album, but their 2003 effort Reconstruction Site contains brilliant song writing. The album has an 80s REMish feel to it, somewhat crossing over into the domain of The Tragically Hip.

Pitchfork gave a rather brutal review of the album which can be read here. However, more accurate reviews from listeners can be obtained from Emusic.

These are some terrific downloadable MP3s:
Last Last One MP3
Aside MP3
Plea From A Cat Named Virtute MP3

CBC also provided an acoustic session with frontman John K. Samson which is available to be streamed.

Buy Reconstruction Site from Emusic.

Hopefully, a new effort from the band will be forthcoming in the near future.

The Weakerthans Homepage

Conjure One - Free Jeff Martin MP3

2006-07-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

God, I love the Internet.

Up until today, I had never heard of Conjure One. I was simply checking out Jeff Martin's website for any new developments. Low and behold, the site mentioned that there was a free Conjure One MP3 with Jeff doing the lead vocals.

So, I say to myself, okay what the hell and check it out.

The track reinvents Jeff as an artist in an electronica, ambient sort of way. Its outstanding. Download and check it out for yourself:

Premonition MP3 (Jeff Martin Lead Vocals)

But that is just half the story. Unlike most electronica groups that sound like generic crap, there seemed to be some real talent and originality. I gave the other tracks from their myspace website a chance.

The master mind behind Conjure One is Rhys Fulber of British Columbia. The guy is damn talented. Poe does a great job with the lyrics as well.

Download and listen:
Center Of The Sun MP3

More music samples and remixes can be found here.

Fulber is a genius at this type of genre. Perhaps lesser known (but seemingly very well respected and sought after) than Moby nevertheless extremely talented. Here's hoping that he sticks to continuing to demonstrate his musical creativeness towards more future LP efforts and not car commercials like others in his industry.

Emusic does have the Conjure One catalog available.
Conjure One (2002)
Extraordinary Ways (2005)

Conjure One Homepage

Tokyo Police Club - Available on Emusic

2006-07-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

This is a great download available from Emusic.

It's a really nice Sunday here in Chicago, so my apologies for the extremely lazy post.

Emusic is still offering their 50 free download sign-up program. Take advantage of it and pick this album up:
Tokyo Police Club

Tokyo Police Club - A Lesson In Crime

2006-07-02T13:11:00.000-05:00

It is next to damn near impossible to find any relevant information on this upcoming Toronto based band. Surprising in the Age of the Internet...

No official band website (doesn't every band have one these days?), no informative bio from the record label (Paperbag Records) and rather limited intel provided on their myspace site. What gives? Oh well, some information on the group can be found here and here.

Sorry, there's simply too much talent here for this lack of marketing exposure. Memo to management - Canadian indie groups are hot right now! Better get that PR machine cranking guys...

Tokyo Police Club's self-description as follows:
If you were to throw Bowie, Joy Division, The Arcade Fire, and two llamas into a blender, you would have one hell of a mess. TOKYO POLICE CLUB is here to help you clean up.

Not sure about the llama reference, but the rest seems apt.

Download and listen (2006 - A Lesson in Crime):
Cheer It On MP3
Nature of the Experiment MP3
Shoulders & Arms MP3
La Ferrassie MP3

Cokemachineglow's review is available here.

Buy the EP from MapleMusic. Hopefully, Paperbag Records will get the band listed (along with other label mates) on Emusic.

Looking forward to future efforts from Tokyo Police Club, hopefully in the form of a full length LP soon.

Tokyo Police Squad Homepage

2006-07-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

Sianspheric - Space Rock/Shoe Gaze Brilliance

2006-06-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

These guys from Toronto, Ontario deliver a terrific Space Rock (Pink Floyd) - Shoe Gaze (My Bloody Valentine) cross-over sound that is pure brilliance.

Check the accolades:

"Recalling both the mind-bending guitar work of Spacemen 3 and the more cohesive concoctions of Swervedriver, SIANspheric make a fine new shaman in the discipline of Space Rock. The trick is coagulating these elusive, quicksilver-like riffs into something solid, and this band has the technique mastered. Sure, the random anticipatory bleeps and oscillations soar through a netherworld of NASA-sponsored feedback experiments as you'd expect, but holding it together are thick, detuned chord progressions and warped, looping drum beats. In other words, SIANspheric have songs. That they've escaped huge recognition is not only peculiar, but downright tragic." – ROLLINGSTONE.COM

“a true testimony to the colourfully experimental mood music they’ve made in the last ten years" – EXCLAIM!

"the country's premiere shoegazers" – Ryan Watson, WESTENDER, Vancouver BC

"huge echoey hazes that recall early Verve, songs recalling the liquid beauty of Slowdive, drones worthy of Spacemen 3 and massive piledriving walls of distortion that could be Loveless run through four or five more Big Muffs" – CHROMEWAVES.NET

"If you find yourself missing those classic sounds of Spaceman 3, My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, you must check out this album. Not only do they build upon these bands, they take the sound to places never thought or dreamed of before." – MYSTERYANDMISERY.COM

Pitchfork review (a little harsh perhaps) can be read here.

Download:
The Stars Above MP3 (2005 - Somnium)

Bonus!
Sonic Unyon Sampler Available Here (Contains Watch Me Fall - Sianspheric)

Stream here to listen:
All On Standby (1998 - There's Always Someplace You'd Rather Be)
10 3 79 (1999 - Else)
Heroes (David Bowie Cover) (1998 - Demo)

Purchase Sianspheric's albums on Emusic.

Sianspheric Homepage

2006 Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler

2006-06-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

Just another great reason to join Emusic.

Check out this free (for Emusic subscribers I'm assuming) terrific music sampler:
2006 Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler

Pitchfork Media Homepage
Emusic Homepage

Raising the Fawn - The Maginot Line

2006-06-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

The critics are raving:

“(Raising The Fawn) is diffcult to categorize, alternately bouncy and falsetto-filled or trippy, instrumental drone-rock, often dark and always intriguing” – Popmatters.com

“Think Godspeed You Black Emperor crossed with a more folk-oriented songwriting style and more guitar-oriented instrumentation, and you have a hint of Raising the Fawn’s brilliance.” – Delusions Of Adequacy

"The Maginot Line is a suitably precarious, frequently thrilling high-wire act." – Pitchforkmedia.com

“Raising the Fawn is a perfect sonic example of what we like to call “atmospherock”. Their music is simultaneously calm and chaotic. Ebbing and flowing, if you will, with the natural rhythm of the universe.” – Gothamist, New York NY

"A truly stunning live musical experience. Raising The Fawn are a treasure." – Chart (on their NXNE showcase)

"Glacial beauty meets rock-dwelling beast" – Montreal Mirror

Read more reviews from Stylus, Cokemachineglow and Pitchfork.

Think Broken Social Scene sharing the stage with Radiohead. The cross-over sound is terrific.

Download and listen:
Carbon Paper MP3 (2006 - The Maginot Line)
The North Sea MP3 (2004 - The North Sea)
Gwendolyn MP3 (2004 - The North Sea)

Buy The Maginot Line and The North Sea from Emusic.

Raising the Fawn Homepage

Lustra - Scotty Doesn't Know

2006-06-15T16:46:00.000-05:00

Great movie.

A lot of people complaining that this track was not included on Lustra's album available on Itunes.

Scotty Doesn't Know MP3

Cool video.

Something different today. Enjoy.

EuroTrip Homepage

The Lovely Feathers - Hind Hind Legs

2006-06-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

Where to begin?

Picture Stephen Malkmus meets Jarvis Cocker vocals backed by experimental Maximo Park-esque brit-pop.

Hind Hind Legs is a terrific sophmore effort (it is not a debut album as frequently misreported) from Montreal-based The Lovely Feathers. Read Pitchfork's review and Cokemachineglow's assessment. Critics generally agree that these guys are definitely on the rise.

Download and listen:
Rome is in the Valley MP3 (2006 - Hind Hind Legs)
Fudgicle MP3 (2004 - My Best Friend Daniel)

Buy Hind Hind Legs on Emusic. The album is nearly impossible to describe but equally impossible to ignore. Just listen and enjoy!

The Lovely Feathers' Homepage

The Acorn - Live At Royal Albert Hall

2006-06-04T11:50:00.001-05:00

Quick post today - the weather is too nice to be indoors.

The Acorn are from Ottawa, Ontario. This is an exceptionally talented acoustic group that represents everything that is right with indie music.

On December 28, 2005, the band played the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The performance was recorded (exceptional quality) and is generously made available to their fans from their website.

Download the entire live performance (zip) and enjoy:
Live At Royal Albert Hall (highly recommended)

Also have a listen to:
Blankets MP3
Plates & Saucers MP3
Blue Light MP3
Evidence MP3
Darcy MP3
When the morning comes, and the day is quiet, and you are in bed with a naked person MP3
Sent Awake the K... MP3
Guilt Trip Fashion MP3

Buy their albums here.

The Acorn Homepage

As The Poets Affirm - Instrumental Perfection

2006-05-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

Don't let this lazy post in anyway reflect the brilliance of this 7-piece ensemble from Ottawa, Ontario.

Normally, I don't really get into instrumental music sans the vocals, but I'm making an exception with As The Poets Affirm.

This would have been perfect for those late med school cram study sessions a few years back. Also a great listen when chilling out.

You can read the multiple local reviews about the group here.

The group is pretty generous with the complimentary MP3s off their website. These are all great tracks. Dig the Sufjan Stevens-esque titles.

From 'The Jaws that Bite, The Claws that Catch' (2004)
Snow-White Wings in the Bottomless Blue MP3
A Lie Told Before Breakfast MP3
A Voice Recited the News on the Radio MP3

From 'i want to tell my heart to you.but i cannot say English' (2004)
Polyhymnia MP3
Thalia MP3
Help! Help! MP3

Want more? Stream here.

This is indie instrumental at its best. I think these guys would be perfect for a collaboration with talents like Thom Yorke or Cat Power.

Buy i want to tell my heart to you.but i cannot say English and The Jaws that Bite, The Claws that Catch from Emusic.

As The Poets Affirm Homepage

The Most Serene Republic - Underwater Cinematographer

2006-05-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

Think Canadian indie supertalent Stars mixed with Weezer.

These guys from Milton, Ontario never seem to have a bad day and project that sense of positivity in their debut LP Underwater Cinematographer.

This is a great debut effort from such a young musicial act.

Cokemachineglow and Pitchfork both reviewed the album positively.

Download and listen:
Content Was Always My Favorite Colour MP3 (2004 - Underwater Cinematographer)

Stream and listen to more tracks on MySpace.

Thought this was available on Emusic but at last check, it was not showing up. Instead go to Insound.

The Most Serene Republic Homepage

Boo Hoo - It's Just a Bearcub

2006-05-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

This is a great track just released from Montreal's Boo Hoo.

Look for these guys to be the "break out" Canadian indie act for 2006.

Check out:
It's Just a Bearcub MP3

Read my earlier post on Boo Hoo here.

Boo Hoo Homepage

The Heartfelt Apologies - Gotta Hold On You

2006-05-15T13:23:00.000-05:00

Melissa Barton is the best female indie folk vocalist you have never heard of before.

New MP3 available from the Heartfelt Apologies:
Gotta Hold On You MP3

Also, check out their new video (WMV):
The Viewing Chamber

Read my previous post on the band here.

The Heartfelt Apologies Homepage

Knock Knock Ginger - Hurry!

2006-05-14T08:53:00.000-05:00

Think Belle & Sebastian meets The Decemberists.

That description should motivate some label out there to give these guys a call.

Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Knock Knock Ginger play infectious melodic indie music with a slant towards Britrock.

Although they have yet put together a full length LP, their inaugural Hurry! EP demonstrates all systems are go for indie commercial success that should rival the above mentioned major acts.

Considering this group has only worked together since 2004, their sound is extremely impressive in its mature delivery.

Download and listen:
You Could've Been My Johnny Marr MP3 (2005 - Hurry! EP)
Virginia Black MP3 (2005 - Hurry! EP)
El Scorcho (Live) MP3 (2005 - Weezer Cover)
Love Renee (Live) MP3

More live tracks also available for download here.

No download to buy availability yet (are you listening Emusic or Itunes?), but purchase information can be found here.

Knock Knock Ginger Homepage

Femme Generation - Brothers And Sisters, Alone We Explode

2006-05-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

Yet, another great indie band from Toronto, Ontario that nobody south of the border (US) may have picked up on yet.

Hopefully a post from this modest little blog can help make a difference.

If Arcade Fire or Hot Hot Heat are favs on the recent playlist, you're gonna love Femme Generation.

Listen to four great MP3 tracks from their latest effort - Brothers and Sisters, Alone We Explode:

Semper Fi Little Guy MP3
Hearts In Stitches MP3
The Good Life '77 MP3
Don't Dream George MP3

You can check out more tracks here.

An interesting interview on the band can be read in NOW Magazine.

Memo to Emusic - please get these guys listed soon!

Snail mail purchase orders can be made here.

Femme Generation Homepage

Neil Young - Living With War

2006-05-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Just a reminder to some folks who may have forgotten.

Neil's latest can be streamed in its entirety here. Neil has also made the lyrics available to be read.

Read the opposing view points here.

Nice touch concluding the album with a wonderful rendition of America The Beautiful. A gentle reminder that people can differ politically yet remain equally patriotic.

In Neil's own words, "...this is about exchanging ideas... it's about getting a message out. It's about empowering people by giving them a voice. I know not everyone believes what I say is what they think. But like I said before.. ya know.. red and blue is not black and white. We're all together. It's a record about unification."

Neil Young's Homepage

Plajia - Gifted Suns

2006-05-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

I know its not particularly cool for some in the blogger community to post about a band more than once (let alone two posts so close together), but Plajia is a great band worth follow-up recognition.

The following brand new MP3 was made available by the band that I received today from the band's e-mail newsletter:

Gifted Suns MP3

These guys are going to be huge. Enjoy.

Plajia Homepage

Amy Arsenault - A Star Is Born

2006-05-03T21:11:00.000-05:00

Move over Gwen.

Made By One MP3 (2006 Pre Album Studio Mix)

Read my earlier post here.

Autoviolet Homepage

Johnny Hollow - Mission Accomplished

2006-05-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

Goth is back and never been better.

Johnny Hollow is an exceptional up and coming musical act from Guelph, Ontario. This trio does it all (fiercely and fearlessly independent) with tremendous style.

A fairly accurate review was written on their debut album which can be read here.

Other accolades:
Johnny Hollow – the hauntingly beautiful trio of Kitty Thompson, Vincent Marcone, and Janine White, may be one of Indie music’s best kept secrets - stashed away in their own little Pandora’s box, where they like it nice and cozy and full of creative freedom and unbridled expressionism. (B&E Productions, 03/04)

It’s dark, it’s heavy (not in a Metal way, but heavy nonetheless) it’s sometimes uplifting, and at other times, deeply oppressive. The main vocals come from Janine, who has one of the most angelic ghostly voices I’ve ever heard (Urptsukidoji’s Pad webzine, Ontario, Feb 2004 Jeff Richardson)

This woman [Kitty] shows no respect whatsoever for what’s supposed to be done with the cello and it’s just lovely! (Andreas Nilsson, Moving Hands Music Magazine, Stockholm, Sweden May 2004)

Johnny Hollow isn’t only about music. The visual side is equally important. With sounds and images they paint their tales about madness and passion. Their website is pure visual extravaganza. (Funprox Webzine, Netherlands 02/04, Hans D).

Johnny Hollow. An artistic treasure trove, the music and artwork perfectly entwined, a group of people focused on atmosphere above all else. (Obskure webzine, Paris, France)

About the live show: “intensely beautiful and uniquely macabre” (Anna Fleet, audience member).

“ A wonderful head-f*k. Listen in Safety.” (Posted by Nash the Slash in the JH Guestbook, Jan 2005)

The band's award winning website is nothing short of spectacular. No less than 11 MP3 tracks are made available on their website but there is a catch. You have to correctly answer riddles in order to access the download links. The riddles, not unlike the music, require your focus and concentration.

Don't miss the band's cover version of People Are Stranger (The Doors) and the single Mary.

Love and Rockets/Bauhaus should be damn impressed. Proud also.

Hope to see the self-titled debut album more accessible on the Internet for us folks in the USA. How about getting the album on the US Itunes Store or Emusic?

Need a helpful hint regarding the riddles? Check out the comments.

Johnny Hollow has set out to change what is so wrong in today's commericalized industry that is killing originality in music. You can read more about that on their website.

So far, mission accomplished.

Johnny Hollow Homepage

Plajia

2006-05-01T18:34:00.000-05:00

These guys should seriously contact Quentin Tarantino. They've got a sound that would be perfect for one of those unforgettable movie moments perfectly complemented by the soundtrack. Think of Urge Overkill/Pulp Fiction or Stealers Wheel/Resevoir Dogs and you'll know what I mean.

Hailing from the ridiculously (or so it seems) musical rich environment of Montreal, Quebec, Plajia offers a unique mixture of Radiohead (instruments and some of the vocals and Pink Floyd (guitar riffs) with a slight touch of John Lennon nostalgia.

You can check out the band's bio here.

The production and effort on the available tracks are spectacular. Check out:
Cecilia's Children MP3
The Party MP3
Sleeping MP3
Am I A Magician? MP3
Singer's Being All Alone MP3
What Is Your Sign? MP3
I Seek You MP3
Dummy MP3
Should I MP3

Buy Plajia's catalog here.

Plajia Homepage

Blacktop Manhattan - New Heirs to Punk Throne?

2006-04-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Before their breakout album Smash, the Offspring released its self titled album that barely caused a ripple in the mainstream music industry. Ditto with Green Day's inauspicious debut albums 1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours and Kerplunk before going massive and internationally famous with Dookie.

Over the years, the torch seems to be passed from Green Day to Blink 182 to Sum 41. Could Blacktop Manhattan be the new heirs to the punk throne?

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, these guys obviously have fun and tons of time to craft their trade to perfection.

Download and listen:
Superhero MP3
Hollywise MP3
Jackie Boy MP3
Clockwork Kid MP3

It takes a bit of time before an emerging punk band finds its trademark sound. The ultimate breakout sign for an upcoming punk band seems to be part of a teenage movie soundtrack such as American Pie (the first one was great, the others well....) It will be a lot of fun to see how this band's sound matures in the near future.

Guys, just a suggestion here but send a demo to Jason Biggs and Eugene Levy. Maybe another sequel (American Divorce?) is in the works...

Blacktop Manhattan Homepage

The Pink Mountaintops - Axis of Evol

2006-04-23T14:13:00.000-05:00

Stephen McBean really loves being in music bands.

With music like this played live, he must also love concert smoke. A lot of it.

As the frontman for Black Mountain, Jerk with a Bomb and The Pink Mountaintops, McBean's popularity is quickly growing beyond his native Canadian west coast roots.

The Canadian release for Axis of Evol was 2005, however it took a little longer for the US release (Spring 2006).

This Vancouver-based group's latest effort has become a regular favorite listen of mine. The lead vocals for Cold Criminals sound like a very stoned Eddie Vedder. Kind of cool and it works.

The band's sound seems to accumulate the best of what I like from other groups such as The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age, The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Butthole Surfers.

Yeah, I know that seems to be a pretty far reaching conclusion but have a listen for yourself and you might just agree.

The early reports on Axis of Evol are all good. You can read CokeMachineGlow's review here.

Download and listen:
New Drug Queens MP3 (Axis of Evol - 2006)
Rock n' Roll Fantasy MP3 (Pink Moutaintops - 2004)
Can You Do That Dance? MP3 (Pink Mountaintops - 2004)

Kind of strange that all the MP3 and video links appear not to work on the band's website (might be my browser) but special thanks to the band's label - Jagjaguwar - for making a few MP3s available for fans.

For more, you can stream here.

Buy Axis of Evol at Emusic.

The Pink Mountaintops Homepage

A Northern Chorus - Bitter Hands Resign

2006-04-18T22:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this post is admittedly miles behind any other blog that has covered A Northern Chorus but who cares?

I just got home - it's late, I'm tired but I really want to help these guys get some well deserved attention, especially down here in the US. Sorry for being a year behind on the release of the "new" album, but better late than never I guess.

You can read the band's bio here. (pdf)

These guys are just freakin' talented. Take the best of Sigur Ros, Radiohead and Elliott Smith with a touch of Pink Floyd and you pretty much end up with A Northern Chorus. The tunes are hypnotic and mesmerizing and I mean that with absolute sincerity.

Do not operate heavy machinery while you download and listen (available at the band's label - Sonic Unyon):
The Shepherd & The Chauffeur (Edit) MP3 (Bitter Hands Resign - 2005)
Fragile Day MP3 (Spirit Flags - 2003)

Watch (Quicktime)
Winterize

For more track sampling, stream here.

Bitter Hands Resign is an amazing and highly recommended album. Hit play, relax, chill and enjoy. You can purchase and download the album at Emusic.

A Northern Chorus Homepage

Mecca Normal - The Observer

2006-04-16T14:48:00.000-05:00

I have absolutely no idea how I came upon this group but shame on me for not even being aware of Mecca Normal.

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Jean Smith and David Lester have performed under the name Mecca Normal for over 20 years.

Simply put, they were indie before there was indie as we know it today.

Unlike a lot of poseurs in the musical industry, when it comes to social commentary and activism, Mecca Normal actually walk the talk. Not being content as musicians only, Jean and David have a long and distinguished history as writers, photographers and artists.

Check out the critical acclaim:

"Arguably the greatest rock band without a rhythm section ever, the duo of acid-voiced singer Jean Smith and guitar hero David Lester must be seen to be believed." - Douglas Wolk

"Jean Smith is a major writer of our generation." - Ronnie Pontiac, senior editor at Newtopia Magazine

"An unbending advocate of thoughtful indie culture for two decades now, the Vancouver guitar-and-voice twosome doesn't just make demanding music, they also make books, paintings, photos, cartoons, among other things." - San Francisco Chronicle

The band lists a multitude of influences for their sound: Au Pairs, Stiff Little Fingers, Phil Ochs, Poison Girls, Gang of Four, X-Ray Spex, The Clash, The Jam, PiL, UT, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, Scrawl, beat happening, Chris Knox, Can, The Slits, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, Sun Ra, Pere Ubu, Young Marble Giants, feedtime, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Tall Dwarfs, The Velvet Underground, The Clean, Raincoats, The Stooges, Shoplifting, Wax Mannequin, Swearing at Motorists, Al Green, Rolling Stones, Lester Young, Meredith Monk, Jimmy Cliff, Ry Cooder, Pretenders, Neil Young, CCR, Yo La Tengo, Xiu Xiu, Robert Johnson, Van Morrison, Eno, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Joni Mitchell, Nina Hagen, friends and colleagues.

That just about covers it all, eh?

Download and listen. Your ears will be challenged by Jean's lyrics but the experience will ennrich and enlighten you for the better.

I'll Call You MP3 (The Observer - 2006)

You can stream more songs from the new album here.

You buy The Observer at Emusic.

Enough is enough already. These two deserve their due and respect!

Mecca Normal Homepage

Amy Millan - Honey From The Tombs

2006-04-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

Short post today due to unseasonably perfect weather in Chicago!

Amy Millan has her solo album, Honey From The Tombs, scheduled to be released (in Canada) on May 30, 2006.

Better known for her vocal work with Broken Social Scene and Stars, Amy has now ventured forward as a solo recording artist.

Terrific track you can download and listen:
Skinny Boy MP3 (Honey From The Tombs - 2006)

Looking forward to the debut release.

Amy Millan Homepage

We Will Build - Great Talent

2006-04-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

Flat out brilliant.

Thanks so much to I Guess I'm Floating for posting these guys. You can check out their comments and bio of the group along with available MP3s here.

The buzz regarding the work of Toronto based David Govier and Zach Johnston is just starting to grow and believe me - will become a major name in the indie musical community.

I've listened to the tracks several times and for me, I hear a somewhat electronica version of Broken Social Scene. However, after reading the comments posted on I Guess I'm Floating, We Will Build evokes different comparisons and descriptions from just about everybody. To me, that solidly represents orignality and creativity.

Looking forward to more future work from Dave and Zach. Will someone just sign them already?

We Will Build Homepage

Jeff Martin - New Album Out Tuesday, April 11

2006-04-09T12:24:00.000-05:00

The new album will be released this Tuesday (4/20/06).

It can pre-ordered here.

Back in February, I featured Jeff Martin. You can read my post here. Do not miss out on this incredibly talented musical (now solo) artist.

Album Description (from Amazon.ca)
As songwriter, singer, producer, and guitarist with the Tea Party, Jeff Martin brought grandeur, majesty and mystique back to rock music at a time when his peers and contemporaries were either reveling in all things punk rock, dumbing down the music for quick commercial gratification, or generally showing a lack of concern for melody, dynamics, musicianship and the manipulation of light and shade. The Tea Party endeared itself to a rabid fan base on the strength of its manic, marathon live shows, the smoky sensuality of Martin’s voice, the musical expeditionary nature of the group’s evolving palette of musical colors, the sheer ambitious scope of its studio recordings. What we're witnessing is the full flourishing of Martin’s talents as both writer and storyteller, as a messenger of the muse. The fact is, the demise of The Tea Party has only whetted the appetite for Jeff Martin's next move. "Exile And The Kingdom" will surpass any expectations.

Jeff Martin's New Homepage

Bedouin SoundClash

2006-04-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

I always loved Big Sugar so its great to hear a new Canadian band picking up on that Bob Marley musical feel that has always been popular on the Canadian university/college campuses.

The band is currently set to tour with the likes of State Radio (April 2006) and Ben Harper (May 2006). Check out the tour dates here.

These guys are great and immensely talented. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the band's lineup consists of Eon Sinclair (bass), Pat Pengelly (drums) and Jay Malinowski (vocals, guitar).

Download and listen to the following available tracks:

Jeb Band MP3 (Sounding A Mosaic - 2004)
New Years Day MP3 (BBC Special)
Shadow MP3 (Sounding A Mosaic - 2004)

You can stream their JustConcerts Live Session found here.

Buy their 2004 effort - Sounding A Mosaic at Emusic.

Bedouin SoundClash Homepage

Boo Hoo - Montreal's Latest Great Talent

2006-04-02T19:08:00.000-05:00

Sounding somewhat like a combination of east coast rockers Sloan with the Tragically Hip, Boo Hoo is the latest next big thing to emerge from the currently rich and diverse Montreal music scene.

Following songs available:
Oh No MP3
LA Stride MP3
German MP3
Laces MP3
Disappear MP3
Took MP3
Eff the Ineffable MP3

Check the band out as these guys will definitely be heard from in a big way for the eyars to come.

Boo Hoo Homepage

Biffy Perdu - 2006 Limited EP Coming Soon

2006-03-19T19:16:00.000-06:00

Tax season is brutal. Sorry for the lack of recent posts but I'm getting back on track.

Anyways, not sure how I came across these guys but I really hope they get back in gear with an EP release sometime this year.

Biffy Perdu sounds like a wicked conglomerate of Rob Zombie, Butt Hole Surfers and Ministry.

The band currently resides in Montreal, Quebec. It doesn't appear that they have been up too much as of late, but give these MP3 tracks a listen:

The Untold Power of the Cosmos MP3 (The Stapled-Down Lust E.P. - 2003)
The Town of Fear MP3 (The Stapled-Down Lust E.P. - 2003)
Bush Pilot MP3 (The Stapled-Down Lust E.P. - 2003) (Highly Recommended)

More information available from their press kit here.

Biffy Perdu Homepage

Anti-Hero: US Tour

2006-03-19T19:11:00.000-06:00

Anti-Hero - Anything But Unpretty

2006-03-04T10:56:00.000-06:00

Imagine Black Sabbath-esqe guitar riffs complimenting Joan Jett vocals stylized by a late '80s - early '90s Breeders-Hole sound and you have found Anti-Hero.

Hailing from London, Ontario, this rising band has already won several local music awards and is currently touring Ontario and Quebec.

The group consists of Rose Perry (vocals), Jesse Tones (guitars), Matty Cole (drums) and Nic Vanhaverbeke (bass).

With so much emo stylized music out there, its great to hear upcoming bands with some snarl and bite (see Death From Above 1979).

Have a listen to Anti-Hero's great blend of early grunge-punk. A lot of energy went into these tracks particularly Rose Perry's vocals - she rocks!

Unpretty MP3 (Unpretty 2005)
More Or Less MP3 (Unpretty 2005)
Two Worlds MP3 (Unpretty 2005)
Better Than U MP3 (Live)

Buy Unpretty from Emusic.

Anti-Hero Homepage

Jordon Zadorozny Moves On

2006-03-01T08:09:00.000-06:00

Former frontman for Blinker the Star is very active these days with two brand new side projects.

Teaming up with Sofia Silva (of the now defunct Hotel band), Jordon formed his new band Abbey.

Download and listen from the yet to be released Abbey album:
Subtle Daze MP3
Is This The Hour MP3

It is ironical that both hail from Pembroke, Ontario (even attended the same elementary school) but did not meet until 2004.

Abbey seems to have a sound similar to Blinker the Star although a little less rock and more pop.

Jordon is also active in music producing and built French Kiss Recording Studios in 2001. He has worked with Courtney Love (Hole) and helped launch the career of Canadian rocker Sam Roberts.

His second project is the group - Los Angeles Digital Noise Academy (LADNA). Founded by former Failure band member Ken Andrews, LADNA is envisioned to be a collaboration of musical talent to be developed over the Internet. More details here. No word yet on MP3 availability or album development. Stay tuned.

Blinker the Star was a great Canadian guitar band of the 1990s. Have a listen to these available tracks from their website:

Persia MP3 (unreleased)
You MP3 (George Harrison cover)
Until the Same MP3 (Out-take - Still in Rome 2003)
Girl in America MP3 (Out-take - Still in Rome 2003)
Flex Your Little Claws MP3 (Out-take - Still in Rome 2003)
Deaf Angel Ears MP3 (Out-take - August Everywhere 1999)
Transona 5 MP3 (Out-take - A Bourgeois Kitten 1996)

Stream and Listen:
Amigo
Don't Believe the Hype

Video:
Below the Sliding Doors (Quick Time) (Real Player)

Buy Still in Rome at Emusic.

Blinker the Star Homepage
Abbey Homepage

The Heartfelt Apologies - Bandroom Debris

2006-02-28T08:27:00.000-06:00

"No pretense - just good music" aptly self-describes the brother-sister duo Andrew and Melissa Barton from Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

After years of training as a classical vocalist, Melissa teamed up with her brother to form The Heartfelt Apologies.

If you enjoy Fiona Apple or Cat Power, then you need to check out this band. Sit back, listen and enjoy. Great talent here.

Be sure to listen to Long Road. This is a beautiful haunting track that kind makes me reminisce Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album.

Download and listen:
The Ballad of John Brown MP3 (Legend Be Told - 2005)
On My Way MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Follow MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Mr. Indifferent MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
The Little Things MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Your Personal Stalker MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Cracked Wheat MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Long Road MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006) (Highly Recommended)
Yellow Girls MP3 (Bandroom Debris - 2006)
Standin' In Line MP3 (Unreleased)

Check out their sense of humor with these tracks.

Stream all 3 EP/LP releases here.

The new album: Bandroom Debris can be purchased here.

The Heartfelt Apologies Homepage

The Russian Futurists -17 Tracks

2006-02-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

Drawing praise from Pitchfork and Coke Machine Glow, immensely talented musician Matthew Adam Hart continues his pursuit of reconstructing the pop/rock genre.

Under the moniker of The Russian Futurists, Toronto, Ontario native Hart composes, writes and performs the recorded material. The results are staggering as he has an undeniable ability of producing infectious and endearing replayable tunes.

To get a picture of Hart's work, combine Matthew Sweet's song writing with the instrumental arrangement of Sufjan Stevens and Beck's originality mixed by Fat Boy Slim. All this talent by one individual is simply outstanding!

Upper Class Recordings and Coke Machine Glow have made the following tracks available from the Russian Futurists last 2 albums. Download and enjoy but keep reading this blog because you're in for a huge treat.

Download and listen:
Paul Simon MP3 (Our Thickness - 2005)
Our Pen's Out Of Ink MP3 (Our Thickness - 2005)
Still Life MP3 (Our Thickness - 2005)
2 Dots On A Map MP3 (Our Thickness - 2005)
A Telegram From The Future MP3 (Let's Get Ready to Crumble - 2003)
It's Actually Going to Happen MP3 (Let's Get Ready to Crumble - 2003)
Let's Get Ready to Crumble MP3 (Let's Get Ready to Crumble - 2003)
New England Warriors MP3 (Ecole De Neige - 1998)
Troy Weight MP3 (Ecole De Neige - 1998)
Goodbye Razor, Hello Lazer MP3 (Ecole De Neige - 1998)

Watch Hart's wicked video:
Paul Simon

And now for the really cool news...

Apparently the radio station CHRW 94.9 FM from my alma mater the University of Western Ontario has archived The Russian Futurists' debut LP (2001) - The Method of Modern Love. The entire album is made available for free MP3 download here. The individual tracks are:

Your Big Brown Eyes and My Big Broke Heart MP3
The Science Of Seasons MP3
Red Red Wine MP3
Pine Prison Yard MP3
C'Mon
A Mind's Dying Verse 1 MP3
Karkarodon Karkarius MP3
The Hall Of Fame Of Things I Despise MP3
A Song For Sports MP3
A Mind's Dying Verse 2 MP3

And if that is not enough, check out the Russian Futurists' gig on CBC radio here.

Buy Our Thickness (2005) and Let's Get Ready to Crumble (2003) from Emusic.

Appreciate and enjoy!

The Russian Futurists Homepage

Air Traffic Control

2006-02-26T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hailing from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Air Traffic Control is a family affair consisting of brothers Kirk (lead vocals/guitar) and Jordi (drums/vocals) Comstock and their cousin Luke (bass) Comstock.

Kirk and Jordi began their musical careers at an early age with their first group - Madhat and achieved great success and national attention.

Now forming Air Traffic Control, the Comstocks continue their brand of hard edged rock somewhat of a hybrid between popular musical acts such as Sloan and Treble Charger.

In 2005, the group released its self-titled LP that was well received. They were contacted by EA Sports and agreed to license the track "Feel Proud" on the 2005 Rugby video game. As well, their singles are utilized for an upstart Canadian television program. Details are available here.

Download and listen:
Feel Proud MP3
At Any Cost MP3
I've Been Down MP3
Enemies MP3
Me And You MP3
Burn MP3

MP3 clips of Air Traffic Control and Madhat can be found here.

Purchase Air Traffic Control LP here.

Air Traffic Control Homepage

Autoviolet With Amy Arsenault Has Arrived

2006-02-25T08:19:00.000-06:00

While surfing the web a few days ago, I happened upon this Vancouver, B.C. based independent pop/rock/electronica band's website.

Picture Garbage containing traces of Filter electronica accompanied by better than Gwen Stefani style vocals and you have Autoviolet.

After listening to their well produced MP3 demos, Autoviolet should have everything in place to launch a massive career in the music industry, especially down here in the US.

Autoviolet originated in 2003 and released a self-titled EP the following year. After their original vocalist departed, the band struck gold by bringing Amy Arsenault into the fold.

The early results are very impressive and it is obvious that this group is clicking together.

Amy has a strong R&B training background and brings incredible presence in her vocals for Autoviolet's 3 new demo tracks which are now available:

Fade Away MP3
Die For A Day MP3
Double Life MP3

Video:
Fade Away (WMV)
Coming Down (WMV)
#1 Crush (Garbage cover)(WMV)
Die For A Day (WMV)

For earlier work performed by Amy (she was around 18), you can check out here earlier pre-Autoviolet days here (pretty tame stuff here but the talent is obvious). Her first group was called The Midnights.

Listen:
Signed, Sealed, Delivered MP3
Nowhere to Run MP3
Bye Bye Baby MP3

Video:
Bye Bye Baby (WMV)
Superstar (WMV)

Download these tracks and save them for future reference. Years down the road, the MP3s will be regarded as the "early recordings" for these upcomers.

Autoviolet Homepage

Magneta Lane - New Album Released

2006-02-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

It must be "Toronto" week for this new blog of mine, yet it would be a disservice not to mention Magneta Lane as emerging stars in the punk/pop/garage musical genre.

Formed in 2003, the band's talent comprises of Lexi Valentine (Vocals, Guitars), Nadia King (Drums) and French (Bass, Guitars).

The group lists The Kinks, Sonic Velvet Underground and Nancy Sinatra as musical influences. Upon listening to their work, my untrained ears hear a composite of Hole and Veruca Salt blended with the attitude and energy of The Strokes.

In 2004, The Constant Lover EP was released with critical acclaim. Read reviews from I94 Bar and Pitchfork.

Their new LP Dancing with Daggers was released in October 2005 in Japan followed by the Canadian release on Valentine's Day 2006 (very nice marketing...)

They have progressed very far in a very, very short time. Enormous potential with high expectations for future releases down the road for Magneta Lane.

Download and listen:
Constant Lover MP3

Stream and listen:
CBC Radio 3 Session (Approximately 20 minutes)
Ugly Socialite (Constant Lover EP)
Broken Plates (Dancing with Daggers LP)
22 (Dancing with Daggers LP)

Video:
Constant Lover
Ugly Socialite

Special Bonus:
Visit CBGB Lounge's website. Free registration to watch a clip of Magneta Lane's live performance (approx. 10 minutes).

Buy the Constant Lover EP from Emusic.

Magneta Lane Homepage

Controller.Controller - US Release Soon

2006-02-23T18:27:00.000-06:00

Intelligently articulating the sound and feel of a new band has never been my strong point.

But I suppose if you threw Patti Smith, Garbage, Sonic Youth and Bloc Party all into the proverbial musical blender, then your drink of choice would be Controller.Controller. Cheers and enjoy because the formulation works!

Yet again, another Toronto-based group is revitalizing music's landscape with their crisp guitar sound and vocals belted out by soon-to-be famous Nirmala Basnayake.

Receiving praise from Pitchfork is never an easy accomplisment but its worthy to read their review of the band's History EP.

Check out these downloadable tracks:
PF MP3
Poison/Safe MP3
The Raw No MP3
Silent Seven MP3
Watch MP3

Stream and listen:
Disco Black Out
History

Watch:
History (Quick Time) (Windows Media)

Buy the History EP from Emusic.

Their highly anticipated X-Amounts LP was released October 2005 in Canada. The US release is scheduled for March 7, 2006.

Controller.Controller Homepage

Death From Above 1979

2006-02-22T09:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know I'm a bit behind the times regarding new music talent, but I have just listened to You're A Woman, I'm A Machine from Toronto's Death From Above 1979 and have to give these guys there due credit.

I love the loud guitars and monster noise produced on this very raw albeit exceptional record.

The two piece band consists of Sebastien Grainger and Jesse Keller.

It immediately reminded me of the early 1990s when Kirk et al. broke out in a big way and helped change (for the better) the musical landscape forever.

Death From Above 1979 have that same type of opportunity to be just as groundbreaking as well.

To read the Pitchfork review on their album, click here.

Download and listen to:
Dead Womb MP3
Romantic Rights MP3

For videos, watch:
Sexy Results
Blood On Our Hands
Black History Month
Romantic Rights

You're A Woman, I'm A Machine can be purchased on Emusic.

Enjoy!

Death From Above 1979 Homepage

Jeff Martin - Exile & The Kingdom

2006-02-20T01:28:00.000-06:00

After serving 15 wonderful years as the frontman for the Tea Party, Jeff Martin has relocated to Ireland to begin a solo career.

Utilizing a diverse range of middle eastern instruments, great guitars and a leading vocalist (Martin) sharing traits of Ian Astbury (The Cult) and Jim Morrison, The Tea Party quickly became Canadian college campus favorites.

About a year after the release of Seven Circles, Jeff Martin announced his desire to leave band. You can read about his departure here.

Now on his own, Jeff is in the studio working on his first solo effort - Exile and the Kingdom. The album is scheduled for a Canadian release later this year on April 11th. More details can be read here.

Be sure to check out Jeff's first single - The World is Calling already playing on Canadian radio. Butterfly (Live) is also available to stream here.

Also, the Capital Demo Tape for Tea Party has been remastered and is available for free download:
The River MP3
Timing Song MP3
In This Time MP3
Pie Dog On The Prowl MP3
On My Knees MP3
Solomons Blues MP3
Dancing in the Moonlit Night MP3
Haze On The Hills MP3
The Majestic Song MP3

Videos from the last Tea Party CD - Seven Circles are available here.
Writings on the Wall
Stargazer

Jeff Martin Homepage
The Tea Party Homepage

The Uncut - New Violence Rocks

2006-02-19T11:56:00.000-06:00

Almost hard to believe that these guys hail from Toronto, Ontario rather than the current New York scene, but the The Uncut have definitely arrived and deserve a listen from those of us below the northern border.

Simply put, if you like Interpol and The Killers (both equally deserving of their current status as 'IT' bands), then you are going to love The Uncut. For those of us who are not teenagers and twenty-somethings, comparisons to Joy Division and Bauhaus with traces of the Velvet Underground might be more relevant (but still check out Interpol and The Killers).

The band generously provides 6 tracks that can be downloaded off their 2004 debut effort - Those That Were Hung Hang Here.

Understanding the New Violence MP3 (Awesome Tune)
Intentions Change MP3
Taken In Sleep MP3
Copilot MP3
Buried With Friends MP3
Day Breaks Red Light MP3

Also check out a live video (a bit dark perhaps but you get the picture):
Understanding the New Violence

Read some of the press received from these guys so far - its pretty impressive:
"the best album to come out of Toronto this year"
- Exclaim
"one of the best guitar-rock records in recent memory"
- Toronto Star
"perfect glistening melancholy, post-wave fuzz-pop"
- Now
"Jagged riffs and hypnotic beats yield the album Interpol should have made."
- Billboard
"crosses the stripped-down power of the Strokes with the noise of Sonic Youth and a dash of Bauhaus gloom.”
- New York Post

Check out Pitchfork's Review.

Looking forward to their next effort. Keep working hard guys as a bright future lies ahead!

Support the band. Those That Were Hung Hang Here available at Emusic.

The Uncut Homepage

The Sam Roberts Band - New Album in 2006

2006-02-18T19:28:00.000-06:00

For the holidays, my brother and his wife gave me a copy of Sam Roberts' last CD, We Were Born In A Flame.

With so much garbage polluting the corporate driven radio air waves, its refreshing to hear straight forward albeit well harmonized rock. After a couple of listens, I was hooked.

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Sam Roberts has put together a great sounding rock band. The lyrics are well written and I've haven't gotten tired of listening to the album since I got it for Christmas.

The band has been receiving its props since winning a few Juno Awards (Canadian version of the Grammy Awards). I haven't seen them play live but looking at the videos, it looks like they put on a crowd pleasing performance.

So far, they have appeared (videos available) on The Tonight Show and The Late Late Show with Adam Carolla.

I'm looking forward to the new album Chemical City apparently scheduled for release on April 11, 2006.

The following songs are available for download:
Brother Down
Rarefied
When Everything Was...
On The Run

Reward yourself and give these tunes a listen.

The Sam Roberts Band Homepage

Grady - Y.U. So Shady?

2006-02-17T13:29:00.000-06:00

During the 1990s, Big Sugar was a great Canadian blues-rock ensemble from Toronto, Ontario. They were huge favorites on the college campuses and I still listen to their CDs all the time. Their catalog makes a great playlist for the clinic.

Check out these two tunes from their Hit and Run - Greatest Hits album (Real Time Player required).
I Want You Now
Three Minute Song

After Big Sugar called it a career (last show was December 23, 2003), founding member Gordie "Grady" Johnson relocated to Austin, Texas. Gordie formed a new band - cleverly called Grady and released a terrific new album in 2004.

The band has won a bunch of local awards since the release and apparently are in the process of shooting a video.

Many in the U.S. still have not heard of Big Sugar or Grady. I haven't seen them mentioned on the blogs I visit now and then, but the time has arrived to give these bands (R.I.P. Big Sugar) their due!

Have a listen to Grady's tunes from the Y.U. So Shady? LP.
Hammer in My Hand
Woman Got My Devil

Y.U. So Shady? is available on Emusic.

Can't wait for the next album!

Big Sugar Homepage
Grady Homepage

UK's Arctic Monkeys

2006-02-16T08:21:00.000-06:00

Apparently the next big thing in the UK, the Arctic Monkeys are breaking all sorts of LP sales records across the pond. Many on the web have compared the craze over this group to back in the early 90s when Oasis came upon the music scene.

From what I've listened to so far, the band has definitely earned the praise!

Anyways, the following URL has some downloadable MP3s that are apparently still available to check out the band:

Arctic Monkeys' MP3 Demos

Does anyone know when their LP will be available in the US?

Arctic Monkeys Homepage