Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion

Shouldn't there be a "the" before their name? I think there used to be. Either way, I find Yeah Yeah Yeahs are beginning to move in the same direction as Gossip, who also coincidentally took the "the" out of their name. They used to have a somewhat grungier alternative indie sound, but I find they're moving to a slightly more commercial electro punk sound lately. They're still good, but now I seem to be enjoying their remixes than the originals, which isn't necessarily a good thing. The bonus selection today is an example, it's a sweet remix from A-Trak, that legendary bloke from Montreal. If you're around the Phoenix this weekend with me, you'll probably hear it.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion



BONUS BEATS!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll [A-Trak Remix]



Killer mix.

Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight

Phil Collins has a new album coming out. For those who don't know, I'm a big fan. His album "...But Seriously" was the first compact disc I ever had, and it remains one of my all time favourite albums. That said, he's certainly put out some dross in his time. This new album, I fear, will end up largely in recycling bins from the initial sounds of it. Apparently old Phil has decided to "go back to motown". While I applaud the notion that we need more motown, and it's awesome that he got the Funk Brothers to be his band, you really have to wonder what the hell he was thinking covering a bunch of motown classics. I guess we all need to get paid some time. Here's a reminder of the awesome stuff he used to do.

Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight



BONUS BEATS!

Phil Collins - I'm Not Moving [Idjut Boys Edit]



It's ok Phil, you can retire now and we'll just forget about this album.

Oh No, Theodore! - Bloody Hands

Well I have no recovered sufficiently from the craaaazy weekend here in Freddy Beach. The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival came and went, and I think everyone involved would agree that it was a smashing success. One of the performers was our very own Jeremy McLaughlin and his band Oh No, Theodore!. I'm happy to find that he's finally got some video up on the ol' YouTube so here's one just for you. He's come some way from his early solo acoustic beginnings, and the addition of the strings have given his songs a really nice depth of sound. Onwards and upwards, check out these rising talents.

Oh No, Theodore! - Bloody Hands [Live On The Lighthouse]



Nice beard Jeremy.

Dibiase - Skullcrack

I forgot yesterday. I have no idea how. Now I gotta run again. Here's some new Mr. Dibiase.

Mr. Dibiase - Skullcrack



See ya tomorrow.

Xavier Rudd - Fortune Teller

Xavier Rudd is an Australian bluesy folk performer who has thrilled audiences the world over, and he's going to be playing here in sunny Freddy Beach in about half an hour downtown. If I didn't have prior commitments (damnit) I would be there, but sadly I will instead post this to remind myself (and you) what I will be missing. If you are reading this now, run downtown and check this show out. It's only $15!

Xavier Rudd - Fortune Teller [Live @ The Melkweg]



Run, I say, run!

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Paris (Ooh La La)

Man I'm getting bad at this. Note to self: blog immediately after getting up.

I just saw Grace Potter and her drummer downtown, which isn't particularly unusual given that she's playing at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival tonight. I may go check that out, or maybe Garrett Mason down at the Capital, or I may just chill out. Decisions, decisions. Whatever way, she's got a great sound and if you've got nothing to do in Freddy Beach go check out one of the above. You won't be disappointed.

Check out some Garrett Mason here.

The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener

Every now and then I wonder if there is really any good new music out there that I've never heard of before. Thankfully the answer is always yes. I then wonder why in the world I ever even considered that there might not be.

Last night the one and only Downtown Peter Brown posted this, and I thought it was pretty cool so I figured I'd post it here today. This is The Tallest Man On Earth, or so he claims. Looks kinda short to me. No idea who he is really but he's from Sweden and here he is playing on a really old guitar at the Music Inn in New York.

Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener [Live At The Music Inn]



Why do Swedish people all seem to speak better English than Americans?

Boom Bip - Last Walk Around Mirror Lake

Bryan Hollon is a strange fellow who makes interesting ambient and experimental music under the moniker Boom Bip. He's been all over the world and collaborates with all kinds of cool people to make cool music. Kind of sounds like something I'd like to try. Check out this track, accompanied by a sweet video made from the movie Adrenaline Rush.

Boom Bip - Last Walk Around Mirror Lake [Boards Of Canada Remix]



That's Eikesdalen, Norway, that's you're looking at.

Consolidated - Butyric Acid

Nine years ago today I was staring at the television with my mouth wide open as I watched the second plane slam into the south tower. Little did I know that this would become my generation's JFK assassination. Both incidents were unfathomable, like something out of a comic book, and executed in plain daylight with a clear disdain for the "casual" observer. Yet somehow, despite all the evidence, the American populace has each time let it pass by with barely a whimper. If you don't know what really happened on "9/11", listen to this and educate yourself. Here's a hint: it's not what the government or mass media or even Wikipedia says happened.

Anyway this song was a regular on Martin Streek's live to air evening's on the Edge back in the day, and it's politically charged so I thought it might be appropriate today. I'm not really familiar with any of Consolidated's other songs, but I have a feeling they probably sound pretty similar.

Consolidated - Butyric Acid



What's butyric acid? Read about it here.

The Zolas - The Great Collapse

Who are these guys? Beats me, but they're coming to the Capital tonight. Travioli gave me the heads up on them a while back, and Fergus posted this one today to let us know that they'll be in town. They're from Vancouver and they sound like a pretty cool folky indie rock kinda dealio. This one is from the really cool website Southern Souls.

The Zolas - The Great Collapse [Live]



And oh ya I'm on at the Phoenix tonight.

Soundgarden - Beyond The Wheel / Black Rain

In 1997 the world gasped as Seattle grunge rockers Soundgarden announced that they were to be no more. As their 1994 album "Superunknown" was one of the rock albums that I listened to constantly as a teenager, this was quite a blow. Thankfully, after a 12 year hiatus, they are back. While this doesn't necessarily mean new material just yet, they are at least planning on touring. They headlined Lollapalooza this year, and are releasing a compilation album that will include a previously unreleased track that I've included as a bonus. My pick for the day is a classic track from their first album "Ultramega OK", performed live at their secret show in April.

BONUS BEATS! (sort of)

Soundgarden - Black Rain

Nice to have you guys back.

Reel 2 Real - I Like To Move It

If you listened to music at all in the '90s, you've heard this one before. Probably hundreds of times. Reel 2 Real is basically just another pseudonym of legendary New York DJ and producer Erick Morillo, with various others tossed in there when required. The lyrics are thrown down by The Mad Stuntman, who really didn't do much else after this. Doesn't matter though, this track is killer and will be played by DJs all over the world for years to come.

Reel 2 Real - I Like To Move It



Electric Circus anyone?

Electric Light Orchestra - Showdown

If you've read any kind of news today, you've probably heard that Mike Edwards died on Friday. Not that you'd recognize the name, but he died in a freak accident when a giant bale of hay rolled down a hill and hit his van. What a way to go. Mike was one of the initial cello players in the Electric Light Orchestra, a British rock group that rocked the '70s with their unique style and stage performances. ELO, as they are often referred to, had lots of great songs, but I'm picking this one firstly because Mike is playing the cello in this performance (in the black tuxedo), but also because it's probably my favourite song of theirs.

Electric Light Orchestra - Showdown [Live]



Great tune.

Slowcoaster - Patio

Slowcoaster are rocking out tonight at the Aitken Centre on campus. I saw them at Evolve in 2008 in the rain and they were arguably the best show of the festival. These guys are from Cape Breton and have a kind of funky ska-reggae vibe mixed with their jam band roots. I definitely recommend checking them out, particularly since Scientists Of Sound are also in the house kicking ass and taking names! Aw hell, let's make this a double post.

Slowcoaster - Patio

BONUS BEATERRIFIC VIDEO ACTION!

Scientists Of Sound - Indo Silver Club [Live]



Get on it!

36 Crazyfists - Bloodwork

Wow it's been a hectic couple of days. Wednesday evening with The Franchise (and sis) and The Shawn Taylor Hype Machine was about as off the wall as it gets. We attacked the Dome in Halifax like hounds after a criminal. Cheers to the bartender who served us some kind of evil demon drink that made us wish that Thursday never happened. Yesterday was spent setting up the new room, still not finished but getting there.

The good news is regular blog service should resume starting now. For starters here's a little 36 Crazyfists with some hardcore awesomeness. This is the song that got me into them. If you're into loud angry stuff, I recommend checking them out.

36 Crazyfists - Bloodwork



Also! Cee-Lo has a legit video for that song I posted. Check it out!

Grum - Through The Night

Holy cheese and rice it's hot out. You probably know this already. Still in Halifax, so I'm going to make the most of it by heading out on the town with The Franchise and The Shawn Taylor Hype Machine. Should be epic by anyone's standards. That's how we roll. Tomorrow it's back to Freddy Beach to start my new Thursday night residency at the Phoenix for Feels Good Thursdays. That's right, every Thursday you can rock out with me and whatever wicked bands are playing, and even watch some sweet artists make crazy paintings, all for $5. What a deal.

This is a pretty funny new video from Grum. These guys make crazy retro sounding disco house beats, not unlike Chromeo. The video was directed by The General Assembly, who always like to do some really wacky stuff.

Here's another great tune.

Björk - Hyperballad

Do you ever see things that people are getting paid to do and think "I could do better than that useless piece of gum wrapper in my sleep"? Lately I've heard a whole bunch of really crappy music and I'm pretty sure I could do a whole lot better, so I'm gonna give 'er a shot. I'm in Halifax right now after my UFC weekend in Boston and when I get back to Fred-town on Thursday I'm thinking of locking myself in my new studio (i.e. bedroom) and making music that's better than the stuff I just heard. It's so bad I won't even post it.

This, however, has nothing to do with that rant. Björk is really hit and miss for most people. Some are really into her, some can't stand her. I'm somewhere in the middle. For me she's had some great songs, and some really weird stuff. This is one of the ones I like, and it's actually a really great live performance. I also think she looks pretty healthy here, as opposed to looking really old and drawn out these days.

Björk - Hyperballad [Live On Jools Holland]



This is probably my favourite of hers.

Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You

I know I'm about a week or so late with this one, but I've been busy. Better late than never. Cee-Lo Green is the genius vocalist half of Gnarls Barkley, and he's been rocking soul-tastic gems for about a decade now after a stint with the Goodie Mob. This is his latest single ripping up the interweb, I heard it on the Joe Rogan podcast and instantly loved it. New album doesn't come out until December, but if it's anything like this, it's gonna be killer. Apologies for the "harsh" language, but censorship died about fifteen years ago, so deal with it.

What a song.

Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston

I'm in Boston right now, went to the UFC fan expo yesterday and it was mayhem. For any fan of MMA, I highly recommend going and checking one out, there's just a ridiculous amount of stuff to do and see. Much respect to all the UFC fighters too, who stand around and take pictures with literally thousands of fans during the weekend and have a smile on their face for each and every one.

Jon "Bones" Jones, Wanderlei Silva, and Clay Guida were particularly impressive in their commitment to the fans, but mad respect has to go to Bas Rutten for signing autographs from 11am until 7pm with only a 40 minute break in between. What a legend. Tonight I go to the big show at the TD Gardens, and I expect it will be even better than the expo. The UFC definitely has the athletic world at their feet.

I also saw Joe Rogan live last night at the Wilbur Theatre, and he was hilarious. Props also to him for doing his set, and then standing on stage for almost an extra hour talking about anything the audience wanted. Great time, highly recommended.

Anyway back to music, I suppose I should have posted this yesterday, but I was busy. The Dropkick Murphys are as Boston as it gets and this song is pretty much a Boston anthem, so here ya go.

Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston



For the record, I'm picking Penn, Couture, Florian, Miranda, and Diaz.

Lou Reed - Perfect Day

Today I go to Boston. Beans! Great stuff. It's a little damp outside but I'm packed and ready to go, on time, which is a bit of a minor miracle. With a little luck I'll even get to keep the ol' blog updated while I'm away. This calls for some Lou Reed.

Lou Reed - Perfect Day



Perfect.

MGMT - Electric Feel

Last night in the old place. Tomorrow on to Boston, followed by Halifax. The air feels... electric. Not really an MGMT fan but I dig this track, it's got a cool beat.

MGMT - Electric Feel



Good packing music.

MSTRKRFT - Heartbreaker

I missed yesterday. There was a decent enough reason, I was pretty much a write off after another epic evening at the Needham Stronghold. The last one there, I might add. Good times were had by all.

MSTRKRFT are a sweet electronic group from the T-Dot who are ripping it up these days. They absolutely killed it in this collaboration with John Legend. And since I missed a day I figure I should tag on another vid, so I'm putting their first big hit on here too.

MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend - Heartbreaker



MSTRKRFT - Work On You



Now to start packing.

Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper

I tried hard to find another song by these guys that was worth posting, and I just couldn't do it. Some bands, it seems, are destined to have just one moment in time where it all clicks. I did manage to find a live version that's actually not bad. I could just imagine going to a Blue Oyster Cult show, hearing this played first, and then immediately heading out and getting some chicken wings and beer. Mmm. Chicken wings.

Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper [Live]



I don't know about you, but I think this song needs more cowbell...

James Brown - The Payback

The Godfather of Soul needs no introduction, but if he wanted one, this would be it. His 1963 album "Live At The Apollo" is required listening for any music aficionado. This is the opening song from his 1974 performance in Zaire during the lead up to the Rumble In The Jungle.

James Brown - The Payback [Live In Zaire]



Now that, ladies and gentleman, is called stage presence.

Burning Spear - Spear Burning

If you're into reggae, you're into Burning Spear. His "Live In Paris" recording of his 1988 performance is arguably the greatest live reggae album ever, and generally regarded as one of the better live albums of any genre ever released. This is the opening track from that album. Enjoy.

Burning Spear - Spear Burning [Live In Paris]



If you like reggae, come to my place on Sunday. You won't be sorry.

Noisia & Mayhem - Exodus

I was going to post some other stuff but then I found this today. Two of the biggest names in the drum & bass genre, Noisia and Mayhem, team up with the legendary KRS-One to lay down this sick track. This awesome video is by Alexander Lehmann, and it was a three year project. I have to say, the wait was worth it.

Noisia & Mayhem feat. KRS-One - Exodus



BONUS BEATS!

Bryan Raydio - Pleiades [Version 2]



New tracks aren't quite ready, but here's a new version of an old one.

Whale - Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe

Didn't quite get what I wanted to get done today, so the original will have to wait until later. In a bit of a rush off to work, so here's Swedish one-hit wonder group Whale with this 1993 classic.

Whale - Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe



This was posted on Matt Blair's blog a while back, check it out too if you've got a minute.

Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity Of Huge

Simian Mobile Disco are a DJ duo who started as members of the band Simian, but wisely chose to pursue their electronic inspiration and released a startling debut album in 2007 called "Attack Decay Sustain Release". I didn't think their follow up was up to scratch, call it sophomore jinx, though it did feature a great track with Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto on vocals called "Cruel Intentions". They certainly have loads of potential. Who knows what we might hear in the future.

Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity Of Huge



BONUS BEATS!

Simian Mobile Disco - Sleep Deprivation [Simon Baker Remix]



Tomorrow... an original. Maybe even two.

Jamie Lidell - Enough's Enough

Jebus I'm getting inconsistent at this. I've been working hard on some new productions and hoping to have them done by mid-week or earlier. Also been jamming with Richard Gloade, Esq. and doing some funky recordings, so the blog's kind of been put on the backburner. I'll just have to remember to get it done first thing while I'm drinking the morning java. Anyway thankfully The Franchise sent me this guy so I have something newish to post. Jamie Lidell is a groovy soul type singer who does crazy stuff like walk around and play in the street. Seriously, check it out.

Jamie Lidell - Enough's Enough



Here is the original version.

Radiohead - The National Anthem

When I said that Alice In Chains were arguably my favourite band, I of course meant after Radiohead, and probably Tool, and maybe Pearl Jam... it's really damn hard to pick. Really though, Radiohead is probably number one for me.

The combination of lead singer Thom Yorke and ridiculous guitar-slash-keyboard-slash-computer-slash-freakin'-everything performer Jonny Greenwood is something no other band in the world can boast. To think that these guys were all in the same place at the same time and got along well enough to do what they do is really something of a miracle in itself. When "Creep" came along way back in 1993 it had one hit wonder written all over it. Could it have been more wrong?

I don't think the new albums get better, because since "The Bends" they've all been spectacular, but each one seems to break through new musical boundaries that no one else has been able to do with such panache. I saw them live in Montreal at Parc Des Iles in 2001 and they opened with this song. You can imagine my excitement.

This is where I end, and you begin... until tomorrow.

U.N.K.L.E. - Eye For An Eye

U.N.K.L.E. is essentially British DJ and producer James Lavelle with assorted collaborators. They use a very ethereal, orchestral sound combined with breakbeats, hip-hip grooves, and sometimes transient, trippy lyrics. I would consider their 2003 album "Never, Never, Land" a masterpiece in electronic production. This is the second track of that album, and I'm including a remix of another track from it that features Ian Brown of The Stone Roses on vocals.

U.N.K.L.E. - Eye For An Eye



BONUS BEATS!

U.N.K.L.E. feat. Ian Brown - Reign [Evil Nine Remix]



Just got an Akai APC40 Ableton controller. Very exciting.

Booka Shade - Teenage Spaceman

It actually surprises me that I haven't posted anything by German duo Booka Shade yet, because they are definitely among my list of highly unique and influential artists that are a must-hear in the electronic genre. Their combination of technical excellence and use of harmony with alternative rhythmic patterns is really something special. This latest track is no exception. Simple but catchy, driven, and articulate, it embodies the "Booka Shade sound". This video is actually the winning entry in a contest they did, which had many many excellent submissions. I'm not sure I liked this one the best, but it's the one they picked, so here ya go.

BONUS BEATS!

Booka Shade - In White Rooms [Neo Mix]

Awesome.

Caribou - Odessa / Sun

Good grief, I missed two days. Things have been pretty hectic around here but I'll try to get back to business as usual tomorrow. This is Daniel Snaith, aka Caribou, from Ontario who makes crazy electronic tunes. I couldn't decide which video to post so I decided to post both since I missed a couple days.

Odessa

Sun

Back with more tomorrow!

Mad Season - Long Gone Day

Arguably my all time favourite band is Alice In Chains who featured the stunning talent of the late Layne Staley on lead vocals. In 1994 Staley became part of a supergroup of sorts called Mad Season. This side project gave us only one album, "Above", but what an album. This is a live cut of one of the songs on it, and it also features Queens of the Stone Age vocalist Mark Lanegan.

Mad Season - Long Gone Day



Check out an awesome full length 45 minute performance here.

Red Umbrella - Storm Warning

Ashley was in Ontario this past week and her friend gave her the heads up on this band from Parry Sound. Located about two hours north of Toronto, there's really nothing there except some cottages and the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Sure, it's not as bad as Sudbury, or even worse Timmins, but it's pretty dull. Somehow a band called Red Umbrella emerged from the nothingness and for that we can be thankful. I wouldn't describe them as groundbreaking, but they have a nice sound to them, kind of a cross between Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand. And they like to do cool covers, too.

Red Umbrella - Storm Warning



You can see a cool acoustic rendition of Beyoncé's "Halo" here.

The Ooks Of Hazzard - Kids

This, of course, is a cover of the hugely popular MGMT single. I'm not really a big fan of that track, but I dig this version by the Ooks of Hazzard. Now I know what you're thinking... what's an ook? I can't tell you for sure, but I'd like to shake its hand, or paw, or tenticular appendage, whatever it's got. As for the band, I'm not sure they actually play anything else, because I can't find anything else anywhere. Maybe they just show up and play this song continuously for an hour or so. Would you sit through it?

The Ooks Of Hazzard - Kids [Live]



Kinda ooky.

Willie Bobo - Rise

Still pretty busy right now, so here's some Willie Bobo to keep you busy. Some sweet soulful jazzy funk right here. That's ol' Willie front and center on the percussion.

Willie Bobo - Rise [Live]



He sure was great, that Willie Bobo.

Holy Ghost! - I Know, I Hear

This is kinda cool. Don't really know anything about Holy Ghost! except that they're touring around with Chromeo this summer and they sound like Chk Chk Chk. What a sweet show that would be. Still busy recording new mixes so here's some bonus beats I've got on the go.

Holy Ghost! - I Know, I Hear



BONUS BEATS!

Pleasurekraft - Tarantula



Some sweet minimal tech goodness right there.

Olive - You're Not Alone

I'm "in the studio" doing some new mixes for the next couple days, so I'll be brief. This is one of the songs that really hooked me into the electronic genre so many years ago. It first appeared back in 1996 and it was one of my first exposures to the breakbeat - garage house scene.

Olive - You're Not Alone



Classic.

Funeral For A Friend - History

Funeral For A Friend are a kind of punk-hardcore group from Wales who have gone through a few different incarnations in the past few years. I'm not really a big fan of a lot of their stuff, but I do enjoy this track. I always find it interesting when a heavy metal or hardcore band slows things down and does a sort of modern emo power-ballad. This one turned out well I think.

Funeral For A Friend - History



The video is a reference to riots by miners in Britain in the early 1980s.

The Roots & Monsters Of Folk - Dear God

The Roots are awesome. They're a sort of hip hop supergroup. Their 1999 live album "The Roots Come Alive" is one of my favourite live albums of any genre. The new album is great. Go get it. Today is New Brunswick day so I think I'm going to do a double post. The first is by Monsters Of Folk, a folk supergroup. The second is the Roots version.

Monsters Of Folk - Dear God

The Roots - Dear God 2.0

I like the second one more than the first.

Blackalicious - Alphabet Aerobics

So actually this is my 200th post because unbeknownst to me I had a draft of another post saved in there that was being counted. Here's to 200 not out.

Never heard of Blackalicious? Here's a good place to start... the A to Z of shibbidy bee bop the one drop and holdin' down the pop top with the skills to pay the bills. I highly recommend you go and get the A2G EP pronto. Like yesterday.

Blackalicious - Alphabet Aerobics



Respect.

Our Lady Peace - In Repair

It's my 200th post today. Woot. It seems like eons ago that I was watching Raine Maida climb up a lighting pole whilst singing on the Molson Park leg of the Summersault '98 tour. I guess it was quite a while ago. I'd seen Our Lady Peace live before that and had been less than impressed with Raine's singing in person, but on this occasion he stepped it up considerably and put on a great performance. Fast forward to 2010 and Raine will be headlining the FredRock fest that's going on as I type just across the river. I probably won't be able to check it out as I'm prepping for a wedding tomorrow and working tonight, but I hope they do well, and treat everyone to a rocking set that includes my favourite tune of theirs, posted below.

Our Lady Peace - In Repair



That's an Oli Goldsmith video, based on the Ray Kurzweil book.

Treble Charger - Morale

You might remember Treble Charger as the mediocre pop-punk group that put out cookie cutter hits like "American Psycho" and "Brand New Low" (oh, the irony...), but I will instead choose to remember them as an indie rock group with great song writing talent and loads of potential that was never quite reached. "Red" was the first song that got my attention, and then this one that you might not recall. A real shame that the corporate make-a-band disease infected them just when it seemed they would do something really memorable.

Treble Charger - Morale



Advice to upcoming bands: don't sell out.

The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice

Gee golly look at that sun. Wouldn't it be nice if I posted some Beach Boys. Ok sure, why not.

The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice



Phew, thanks to Dailymotion for not having their embedding feature disabled.

Pixeltan - Yamerarena-i

Who is Pixeltan? Beats me. This was a completely random find that I thought was pretty cool. Their stuff sounds kinda like Chk Chk Chk or Battles. I like the video, looks like an idea I had for an upcoming track.

Pixeltan - Yamerarena-i



Fun fact: yamerarenai is Japanese for unstoppable.

Fred Penner - The Cat Came Back

It's not often that a Member of the Order of Canada plays at a crazy hippie music festival like Evolve, but that's exactly what Fred Penner did this past weekend. That would have been the highlight of the weekend for me, no doubt. Thankfully, Martin Cathrae was good enough to give us this little video snippet of this classic. Mad props to Fred for keepin' it fresh. So epic.

Fred Penner - The Cat Came Back [Live At Evolve]



Remember this?

Kim Mitchell - All We Are

We'll just pretend that I actually posted this on Monday. I was at the Capital last night for the B.A. Johnston show, and it was complete madness. Definitely make it out to catch him in September, because he's absolutely hysterical. Afterwards Gemma had on some classic Kim Mitchell, and it reminded me that I haven't posted any of him yet on the blog, so here ya go.

Kim Mitchell - All We Are



Patio Lanterns!

Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It

One of my favourite retro songs is "It's My Life", done originally by Talk Talk, and later covered by No Doubt. Something about the synths and the great voice of lead singer Mark Hollis, just a great feel good song. This one is almost as good.

Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It



Simple but brilliant.

Florence & The Machine - Drumming Song

I have to admit I'd only been vaguely acquainted with Florence & The Machine until a couple days ago when Tonella posted this. Pretty cool stuff I have to say. I'm not sure I really get what's going on in the video, but it's quite stylish. See what you think.

Kinda catchy, isn't it.

Primus - Lacquer Head

Hey Rosetta! was awesome last night. So were FM Hi Low and Weak Size Fish.

Primus bears no resemblance to any of them, except that they are also awesome. Les Claypool is the bass player and he's utterly ridiculous in every sense of the word. These guys are definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but if you dig auditory insanity via world class talent, then you just might enjoy this. I was going to post a sick live performance of Southbound Pachyderm (click on that link!) but it's ten minutes long and I feel the one I picked better displays Claypool's manic on-stage persona.

Les plays on Carl Thompson custom basses, in case you were wondering.

Hey Rosetta! - A Thousand Suns

Tonight I will go to the Market and watch Hey Rosetta!! I'm not sure if that second exclamation mark was required or not, because technically there is one at the end of the band's name, but I feel that it's appropriate given that it's very exciting so either way it's staying. In case you've been living under a rock, these guys are one of the very best bands in the world right now. And they're from St. John's, Newfoundland. If you ever get a chance to see them, you should cancel whatever other plans you have, sell your shirt and shoes, and get on down to the show. They're that good.

Can't wait.

Moxy Früvous - Stuck In The 90s

I was told I needed to be more accommodating to people who don't use blogger or blogspot or whatever, so I've tricked out the blog a bit. I've added some "share" media thingies at the bottom of posts, and also an RSS subscription link. I have no idea how to use either, so don't ask. If you do know, have at 'er. I have some more tricks up my sleeve coming up in the relatively nearish future, but first I need to finish a couple new tracks.

Once upon a time it was the early '90s and while a bunch of bands were grunging it up around Seattle, back in Toronto there was a couple goofy folky rock groups just finding their feet. One would go on to become Canada's most successful pop ensemble, the other faded into relative obscurity. Moxy Früvous was the latter (can you guess the other?), and if you weren't there at the time to see them, you might not have ever heard of them, but you've probably heard of founding member Jian Ghomeshi before. This is an ironic smallish hit from '93, and followed by some bonus beats, with no beats.

Moxy Früvous - Stuck In The 90s [Live On Canada AM]



BONUS BEATS! (minus the beats)

Moxy Früvous - The Drinking Song



Oh the memories...

Shocking Blue - Venus

How about a little classic rock. Dutch band Shocking Blue took this single to to #1 on the Billboard charts in 1970. It's still pretty rockin' today. I feel a remix of some sorts coming on...

Shocking Blue - Venus



The fem-bot singing is the late Mariska Veres.

Arkells - John Lennon

These guys have come a long way in a couple years. The Arkells have won a CASBY, a Juno, and headlined the Burlington Sound of Music festival this year. Bigger things are surely in store. Here's probably their best-known song, live on Q.

Oh look it's Monday.

K-Os - Sunday Morning

Did I mention how I prefer contemporary Canadian hip-hop to American rap? This is a generalisation, and there exceptions of course, but for the most part I find that, for whatever reason, Canadian hip-hip is superior to them guys from below the 49th. Kevin Brereton, aka K-Os, has been leading the charge for a few years now, and despite K'naan not being a fan, I am one. I saw him live here in NB a couple years back, and it was a great performance. I wanted to post a live version of "Emcee Murdah", but there aren't any good videos out there, so this will have to do.

K-Os - Sunday Morning [Live On Q101]



BONUS BEATS!

K-Os - The Aviator



Love that one.

Batida - Alegria

I saw this one on Discobelle and thought it deserved a re-post. Some nice summer jam house from Batida, with a cool little video too. Goodness gracious it's hot out. The bonus track today is a song I just got that I absolutely love right now, yet another perfect summer groove from Gregor Salto.

Batida - Alegria



BONUS BEATS!

Gregor Salto & Florian T. - Mundocaso



I'm dancing, are you?

The Chap - Even Your Friend

I haven't done any research on The Chap yet, but I'll get to it sooner or later. In the words of Paul, this is "just wacky". Found this just surfing around on Vimeo. Some really awesome stuff on there.

The Chap - Even Your Friend



I don't even know what to think.

Miike Snow - Black & Blue

I first heard about these guys a while back from Megan in Germany, and while I enjoyed the first single "Animal", I kind of ignored the rest of the album. Natalie and Jess requested them the other night at the Phoenix and I have to say I am developing a new appreciation for the group. Spend a little time with these ones, they'll grow on you.

Miike Snow - Black & Blue



BONUS BEATS!

Miike Snow - In Search Of



Love that second one.

DJ Shadow - This Time

DJ Shadow is a legend, full stop. Jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, whatever. The man is king. Enjoy.

DJ Shadow - This Time



Oh yes.

Martin Solveig - Hello

I'm not really sure why I picked this one today. I'm not a fan of big mega-production videos with more than a couple seconds of extra nonsense in them, nor is this my favourite Martin Solveig tune, but I thought this one was actually sort of amusing. It features Martin playing tennis against fellow French superstar DJ Bob Sinclar, and Martin Sorbara from Dragonette doing vocals on the track. The song itself is catchy, but in more of a mainstream radio way, I'm not sure I would ever actually use it in a DJ set. Give it a listen and see what you think.

Martin Solveig feat. Martin Sorbara - Hello

BONUS BEATS!

Martin Solveig - I'm A Good Man [Mousse T. Breakbeat Mix]



That's more like it.

Battles - Tonto

I saw Battles at Evolve a couple years back, and they pretty much blew my mind. They're a bit wild and weird and while I'd heard a couple tracks beforehand, I didn't really know what to expect. I gotta say, they are a phenomenal live act. Drummer John Stanier, formerly of Helmet, was front and center and I have never seen such a ridiculous performance by a percussionist. The guy must have lost 10 pounds just sweating up on stage. Check them out if you get a chance. I'm linking the Four Tet remix as bonus beats which is just a little more DJ friendly, with a slightly more driving beat.

BONUS BEATS!

Battles - Tonto [Four Tet Remix]

Rock on.

Al Jarreau - Take Five

This came from a Cosmo Baker blog post. If you're into funk/soul/hip-hip grooves, I highly recommend checking him out. Al Jarreau is a prodigiously talented vocalist who known for soul and R&B, but whose scat talents are virtually unmatched. This is a Paul Desmond song made famous by Dave Brubeck in the early 60's, and in fact Jarreau and Brubeck performed the song together live in 1997, which you can watch here. This performance is from Germany in 1976, and it's pretty sensational.

Awesome.

Sevendust - Broken Down

Phew, almost missed a day there. Long, busy day, played a little rugby and got the crap kicked out of me. Good times. This is Sevendust, an awesome progressive metal band from Atlanta known for soaring harmonic vocals and the amazing lead singer Lajon Witherspoon. They have a new album out that I just got but haven't listened to, but the first single "Unraveling" is pretty sweet. This is an older one from the stunning album "Seasons", easily one of my favourite metal albums. There's an acoustic version that's awesome too, but this is the original for your viewing pleasure.

Sevendust - Broken Down



Here's another one from that album.

Avi Buffalo - What's In It For

Avi Buffalo. Nice name. Beach rock from California. Who knew? Cool video.

Avi Buffalo - What's In It For?



I wonder what these guys like to do for fun.

Jamiroquai - Canned Heat

Jay Kay knows how to party. As the lead singer from the baddest funk band on the planet, Jamiroquai, he is by default a bona fide 11th degree grand master in the fine art of gettin' on down. That's almost as cool as Shaft. This deserves some airtime at the Phoenix tonight. The other track too.

BONUS BEATS!

A Flock Of Seagulls - I Ran [Remix]

See ya there.

Constantines - Young Lions

Constantines rock and Jarrett keeps playing them in the Wilser's Room, which is awesome. Yesterday he said they were no longer touring because they were all growed up now and real contributing members of society and such. I didn't much like the sound of that and I went and found a pretty recent performance by them on Q. They aren't touring but they're at least playing at the Dawson City Music Festival this summer, which I guess is cool if you're in the Yukon. Oh well. Their song "Shine A Light" is one of my all-time favourite rock songs. This is another one off that brilliant album.

All a man can build is his vision.

Kings Go Forth - One Day

Woooo! A new funk-soul group? So awesome. Kings Go Forth are from Milwaukee, and I'm definitely jumping on their bandwagon. Pure '70s groove, not much more to say about it except get the dang record already.

Toronto! Go to the Horseshoe Tavern on Friday night!

Ghettosocks - Don't Turn Around

I'm in Halifax right now and I'm off to the Tattoo tonight and in a bit of a rush, so here's some Ghettosocks.

So ghetto.

Flora & Low County - Have Faith In The Lord

Well I'm not really a country fan, nor am I a man of "the faith", but I ran into this completely by accident the other day, and it struck me as being kind of neat. This is from the Carter Ranch Music Festival in Bootjack, California, wherever that is. I just love the deadpan demeanor of the group, and the fact that it looks like they just randomly walked up to the stage after a few drinks at the local saloon.

Oddly catchy little ditty.

Caravan Palace - Suzy

French electro-swing? Awesome! Pete saw Caravan Palace at the Montreal Jazz Festival and said they were awesome, so I checked them out, and they are! Crazy that I've never heard of them before.

Awesome video too.

Iron Maiden - The Trooper

Today is Pete's birthday. To celebrate, I am posting my favourite song by his favourite band. This is from the "Flight 666" DVD. You should probably know who Iron Maiden is.

Skull Fist!

Shinichi Osawa - Love Will Guide You

This is a sweet fresh track from Shinichi Osawa, from his new album "SO2". I would describe his style as MSTRKRFT vs Röyksopp meets the Chemical Brothers after a nice cup of Fake Blood. Complete and utter madness. Seriously, click that link. Apparently Tommie Sunshine contributed somehow to this one. That calls for some bonus beats.

BONUS BEATS!

Fake Blood - I Think I Like It [Tommie Sunshine & Figure's Ec$tacy Edit]

I'm on at the Phoenix again tonight. I think I'll play that one.