Big Wreck - The Oaf

Wong bong mofos.

Big Wreck - Blown Wide Open

One of the greatest performers I have ever had the pleasure of seeing live. It doesn't even make sense that these guys weren't massive stars south of the border. This song is one of my favorites from an absolutely legendary album.

Ian Thornley - Secrets

Aw, heck. This is a music blog. Here's some great music.

Best of 2014 Part 5

Movin' right along...

#9

Big Wreck

Ghosts

I was super excited when I heard a new album from these guys was on the way, and it delivered in spades. For me this is their best work, in either incarnation (i.e. Thornley), since their first album way back in '97. The crunchy guitars, soaring choruses, and epic harmonies are all over this release. Ian's singing sounds great, the song writing is there, and don't forget his signature guitar solos. 

Thankfully they've eschewed radio hits for longer, more meaty songs, with only one clocking in under four minutes, and only two others under five. There are some truly memorable moments on this record, not least in the terrific album closer, "War Baby". It's crazy that these guys still aren't bigger than they are. In a world full of indie alternative experimental glitch step, decent rock bands are fewer and farther between. Here's to one of the very best.

Hey Mama

Come What May

Ghosts

#8

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Give The People What They Want

So what do you do when you get bile duct cancer, have half your digestive system removed, and lose all your hair from god-awful chemo treatments? Well, you kick cancer's ass and get back on the damn road pronto, of course. At least that's what Sharon Jones did. She delayed the release of this album until she got better so she could tour properly, and man did she do it right.

This is a super album, comparable to her excellent 2010 release "I Learned The Hard Way", absolutely stuffed with modern Motown masterpieces. Of course it helps that she has the best backing band in the business, but why not? The music suits them to a tee. Check out these clips, and this video, and tell me you wouldn't love to see their live show. Two thumbs way up.

Stranger To My Happiness

Now I See

Get Up And Get Out

#7

Todd Terje

It's Album Time

It's been a long time coming, and well worth the wait. Terje Olsen has been around the disco house scene for the best part of a decade, and this is his first full length release. It's hardly a surprise that he knocked it out of the park. Every note in every song seems charted to perfection, and his crazy keyboard licks keep it just that little bit unpredictable.

Upbeat, fresh, funky, bouncy, mesmerising. It makes you want to get up and go for a jog in the middle of the night. Or dance down the cheese aisle at the supermarket. Vocal samples are used fleetingly, mostly indiscernible from the other blips and bloops, and only one song features actual singing of any kind. Amazingly Terje has found a way to take his act to the live stage, and the performance of "Inspector Norse" seen below is just awesome. 

Delorean Dynamite

Inspector Norse

Leisure Suit Preben

EP #3

Vulfpeck

Fugue State

What a refreshingly bright sound these cats have. It's just so much funk, so much jazz. I'm sure you're familiar with their big hit by now. If not, you should be. I mean it's physically impossible to listen to this stuff without a smile on your face and your head nod on. Got a classy house gathering coming up? Here's yer guys. FollyFest? Hey... you know what... now we're on to something!

First Place

Sky Mall

Fugue State

Hot diggity, just two days to go in 2014!

Big Wreck - Shout

Modern day grunge. Thank goodness somebody's doin' it right.

Big Wreck - Ghosts

...and the official saviors of rock & roll, one of the best bands in the world led by one of the most awesome guitarists, the one and only Ian Thornley. New track, new album coming in June, it's all very exciting.

Thornley - Provide

Another of my all-time favorites.

Big Wreck - Glass Room

Fixed my twitter feed.

Rejoice! 

Now enjoy one of my favorite live acts.

Big Wreck - Wolves

Latest video from one of my favorite rock ensembles.

Big Wreck - Control

Good day for some music videos, here's the second single from the new album "Albatross", released today! Can't wait to get it!

Big Wreck - Albatross

I can't believe this video has been out a week and I hadn't seen it before now. My friends have failed me. Hahaha. FINALLY! The video for the new single is out. Check it. I can barely contain my excitement for this new album.

DECEMBER MEGA POST

I took a week off to recharge the batteries, so I figure I owe the universe a week's worth of music. Also, aside from manning my usual Thurs-Fri-Sat night post at the new look Phoenix, I'll be opening up Sunday's Feels Good Christmas party, on from 7-9, spinning some sweet jazz/funk/soul that you should probably check out. Last year's party was easily the party of the year, so I can't stress enough how you shouldn't miss out on this one. Art, music, crazy people, and delicious delicious beer all in one place. Forget your boring work party, or even better move it to the Capital this Sunday. Trust me. Without further adieu, buckle up and enjoy these mad chunes.

We'll start off with a little blast from the past. Shout outs to Mad Mike who played a little bass this past weekend for KO at the Sound Academy in Toronto, opening up for Thornley and Big Wreck. Yes, that's right. Big Wreck. These guys rock like few others. Ian Thornley is a ridiculous guitar player and really if you haven't seen him live you are missing out. The Franchise was in attendance this past weekend, and this video brings back memories of the most epic weekend of partying I've ever been a part of, Molson Snowjam 2005. Thornley played at Marble Mountain in Newfoundland and blew the roof off. I'd tell you the story, but it requires both of us to be present along with at least an hour of your time and a whole lot of delicious delicious beer. I can't think of another band I'd rather see play at the Capital. Well, The Bronx would be pretty sweet too. Zach, make it happen.

Big Wreck - Blown Wide Open [Live @ SnowJam '98]

Way back when at least a decade ago this tune from Shakedown absolutely exploded on the house scene with Kid Creme's monster remix. Classic funky house par excellence, this is the lesser known original beat with accompanying video I didn't even know existed. The beat is still as fresh as I remember it, proving once again that class is permanent. Expect to hear this at least once this weekend if you're at the Phoenix, cause we're bringing back the funk.

Shakedown - At Night

Grooving right along... Kraak & Smaak represent the funk nicely with this new beat. I got the Boogie Funk Version of this and loved it, I think I might like the original even better. These guys are actually a trio from the Netherlands. I'd like to think that musical awesomeness is spread fairly even across the globe, and in large part it is, but there's just something about the funky greatness that comes out of Europe that makes me think that these guys really know how to party. DJ B-Ray World Tour? Hells yes please. Someone tell that Bill Gates guy to send a few Grovers to help a brother out.

Kraak & Smaak - Dynamite

Fin Greenall, aka Fink, is a really cool guy I'd like to meet. I don't necessarily like all his music, but the guy has mad talent and spreads it around. He's been a DJ, promoter, singer, songwriter, and producer and is part of the bad-ass Ninja Tune label. This is my favourite track of his, a live cut done a little different from the studio version. His 2006 album "Biscuits For Breakfast" is definitely worth checking out. Dig it.

Fink - Pretty Little Thing [Live @ One Shot Not]

"Noesis" is the title of the new album from Jay Denes, aka Blue Six, that features this groovy goodness that I just heard tonight. I first heard his awesome track "Music And Wine" years ago and immediately got my hands on his 2002 disc "Beautiful Tomorrow" which was a soulful house masterpiece. Apparently there's another one out there called "Aquarian Angel" that came out a couple years ago, but I haven't heard any of it yet. It's on my list of things to do. Like soon. You will definitely hear one of his tracks coming out of the speakers on Sunday evening.

Blue Six - You Play Too Rough

You've probably heard of similarish artist M.I.A., but maybe not Santigold. Especially since she was originally Santogold, but changed her stage name to avoid a douchey lawsuit. Santi is awesome not just because her music is dope, but because she writes and produces her own stuff, and it's all different. Some sounds punkish kinda like No Doubt, and some sounds just plain whack, like "Starstruck". I like variety, so I give her two thumbs up. Give her a shot.

Santigold - Creator

...and finally we have Barrington Levy. One of the legends of the Jamaican reggae scene, Mr. Levy is known for his unique voice and singing style. Sounds kind of like he's using autotune, but he ain't. His most famous tracks are probably "Too Experienced" and "Murderer", but this is the one I like best. It's got kind of air of '80's rock ballad to it and it's just one of those songs that sticks in your mind and makes you think. Kinda makes you want to raise your lighter up and light that dang flame too. Not lip syncing here either. Spread the love.

Barrington Levy - Vice Versa Love [Live]

BONUS BEATS!

Alexkid - Nightshade

Bobby Hughes Combination - Theme From Skidoo

Dublex Inc. - Nifty Nights [Monophonic Remix]

Llorca - The Novel Sound

Sandboy - Viver [Butti 49 Re-Fusion]

Phew. I hope that makes up for my little vacation. See ya tomorrow.