Gregory Isaacs - Tune In

One of Jamaica's great reggae exports has passed away. Gregory Isaacs had a classic dub vocal style that was among the finest in the genre. He was also amazingly prolific, releasing more than 50 albums of original material from 1975 until 2008. No doubt his many years of heavy drug use took a toll on his body, and he eventually succumbed to lung cancer at the young age of 59.

Gregory Isaacs - Tune In



Maximum respect, Mr. Isaacs.

José González - Killing For Love

This is an older track from José González that I've wanted to post for a while, and kind of just forgot about it. I found this remix of it that was pretty cool and decided now would be a good time. Jose is from Chile, but grew up in Sweden, so he has a really interesting style and sound. I dig it, and I think you will too.



BONUS BEATS!

José González - Killing For Love [Todd Terje Brokeback Mix]



Had some technical difficulties the past couple days, back in order now.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

I've had a few requests for Passion Pit recently, and have to admit that I didn't really know anything about them, except that I'd heard a few of the remixes that they've done. I spent some time checking them out in the past couple days, and they're not bad at all. Kind of a cross between MGMT and Miike Snow. A real digital ensemble sound. Anyway this is a cool track, kinda grows on you, and I'll throw in a nice little remix just for you. The sound quality is a little dodgy, but you get the idea.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets



BONUS BEATS!

Passion Pit - The Reeling [Groove Police Remix]



You can expect to hear that one in my sets real soon...

Gucci Vump - Shastilism

I first saw this from our friends at Discobelle, and wanted to post it a while ago, but those greedy buggers wouldn't open it for public viewing until now. The question is, who is Gucci Vump? It's a bit of a mystery, and even the record label won't release who it is. Apparently it's a pseudonym of a fairly well known producer who just wants to make some crazy music under a different moniker. Whoever it is, this track is awesome and you'll like it more each time you listen.

Gucci Vump - Shastilism



Mysterious and catchy, I like it.

Junip - Always

I just found Junip, from Sweden, today. They're new. I think. I'm at the Phoenix right now so I don't have time to write anything else except these guys are cool and I'm gonna play the remix to this song right about... now.

Junip - Always



BONUS BEATS!

Junip - Always [Run Roc Remix]



Cool video.

Alice In Chains - No Excuses

Shamos posted this sweet interview with Ad-Rock on his blog today so I was gonna post some Beasties, but alas, I already have. I don't really want any repeat headliners until the new year, so I'll just link to one of their badass songs here.

I missed yesterday because I was in hardcore recovery mode from Monday night, so today I thought I would post my favourite rock band. Well, depends on the day. Today they are. Layne Staley was THE man before he sadly overjuiced himself and called it a day. Alice In Chains have since been re-birthed with a new lead singer, and to be fair he's not too bad, but it's not quite the same. This is the song that first got me into them, taken from the best EP in hard rock history. Maybe music history. Maybe.

Alice In Chains - No Excuses



BONUS BEATS!

Alice In Chains - Again [Tattoo Of Pain Remix]



Back in business.

Roger Alan Wade - If You're Gonna Be Dumb

Apologies for missing yesterday. Fortunately I was abducted from my room by some random hooligans who wanted to celebrate my birthday. Strange. In any event, since today is the real anniversary of my first appearance (I think) on this oddball planet, I decided to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the more memorable moments of this meager lifetime. I shall neither recount nor boast freely of these, except to say that I have had the privilege of being either involved in, or witness too, some utterly stupendous and ridiculous moments thus far. Here's to having a few more yet. After all, you're only as old as you feel.

Roger Alan Wade - If You're Gonna Be Dumb



Here's to you, and here's to me...

Digitalism - Zdarlight

Today is Ashley's birthday and she's in Germany, so this is a sweet track from Digitalism. A little on the old side, but still really cool. I'll probably have to put some kind of bonus track in here somewhere too.

Digitalism - Zdarlight

BONUS BEATS!

Dave Gahan - Kingdom [Booka Shade Remix]

Almost forgot... new DIE ANTWOORD! {warning: reasonably graphic}

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na

They're back. After four years, My Chemical Romance has finally offered up a new full length original LP. "Danger Days: The True Lies Of The Fabulous Killjoys" will be released on November 22nd, and will likely draw as much fanfare as their previous album, "The Black Parade". I've often harshly critical of the pop-punk genre, but this band, for me, has something different. Their music has an edge, and they have versatility. They seem to have a real grasp on not only their strengths, but also their limitations, and somehow find a way to keep most of their music within the confines of those restraints, nudging the barriers outwards only just. I'm excited about the new album, I like the new single. It sounds kind of like the Smashing Pumpkins mixed with the Offspring. Not a bad thing at all, it seems.

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na



BONUS BEATS!

My Chemical Romance - The Only Hope For Me Is You



Props to the band for not being lame and disabling the embed option.

Sonique - It Feels So Good

There was an awesome track released by Sonique, the DJ slash vocalist, back in 2000 that really captivated both the electronic and mainstream music scenes at the same time. I'd almost forgotten about it when I went through some old singles I had and ran across it. I wanted to find some kind of a jazzy mix that I could use in a groovy house set, and found this one. I think it's a great remix, all sizzle no fizzle. Check it.

Sonique - It Feels So Good [Can 7 Soulfood Club Mix]



Come early and listen to 'er at the Phoenix tonight.

Pilotpriest - Zipper

If you haven't heard, Daft Punk are doing the soundtrack to the new Tron movie coming out soon. This has stirred up such fervor that someone took it upon themselves to release a fake pre-release version of some of the tracks on it, and most everyone took the bait. It's not hard to see why because the songs all sounded like they could have been Daft Punk, but it was still kinda funny. One of the songs featured on the fake release was Toronto producer Pilotpriest's "Body Double". Anthony Burns is the real man behind the name, and he's got some real cool stuff you should check out. This is his boss video for Zipper, a sweet track with a sweet video.

Pilotpriest - Zipper



Hilarious. Reminds me of this video.

Garbage - Queer

Happy Thanksgiving. I think I got the day right. This is a live performance from 2005 by Garbage, an underrated band who got a little too overproduced before their hiatus. Apparently they are back in the studio writing new material, which sounds good considering the rather gaping dearth of good new truly alternative rock. Here's hoping Shirley comes back with something fresh.

Garbage - Queer [Live At Rockpalast]



Good song that I nearly forgot about.

Toto - Africa

Here's some classic 80's goodness. Aeron posted this and I have to admit I don't think I'd ever actually seen this video. I'm not sure if the utterly ridiculous video that looks like a high school homework project adds to the grandeur of the song or not, but I'm gonna suggest that yes, it does indeed.

Toto - Africa



Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore...

La Roux - Bulletproof

I missed yesterday so here's a triple post. La Roux has been a popular choice again for the past couple weeks, even though the song is at least a year and a half old. Not that I'm complaining, it's a great track that should have been popular here ages ago. Guess they should have jumped on the Billboard payment plan a little earlier. I'm also posting a cool mashup by Robin Skouteris, a nice mix of this track and Gossip's "Heavy Cross". Not a big mashup fan, but this one works nicely, and has a sweet video to go with it.

La Roux - Bulletproof [Live @ BBC]



BONUS BEATS!

La Roux vs Gossip - Bulletproof Heavy Cross [Robin Skouteris Mix]



BONUS BEATS! X 2

La Roux - Bulletproof [Dave Audé Cherry Remix]



Phew, now back to the Phoenix!

Kings Of Leon - Radioactive

Kings Of Leon need no introduction. If they do, I suggest you refrain from living under boulders and other large obstructive objects. This is their new single.

Kings Of Leon - Radioactive



Come hang out in the Phoenix with me tonight. I'll play your favourite song.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden

I feel the name Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs is somewhat of a misnomer, considering that there is only one member of said "group". It's certainly a wonderful name, but perhaps the word "Dinosaur" should have been used instead of its plural. In any event, Mr. Dinosaur has been making some very cool music as of late, and Mizz Maxine reminded me of this today. This lad is quite young and has a very bright future ahead of him. If this is any indication, the dinosaurs may not be extinct much longer...

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden



BONUS BEATS!

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden [Jesse Rose Remix]



...what does that even mean?

The Barra MacNeils - Coal Town Road

Today is Alexander Keith's birthday. Strangely, I've heard some reports that people are celebrating his 200th birthday. While I applaud any excuse required to party, it should be pointed out that Mr. Keith was born in 1795, making him 215 today, and his brewery was founded in 1820, so we've a good decade to go before we can celebrate that one. In any event, we have the good sir to thank for many, many wonderful and decidedly awkward moments here in the east.

To celebrate this occasion I feel some east coast music would be most appropriate, and probably something that Mr. Keith might enjoy, so today I've chosen the Barra MacNeils from Cape Breton to sing about some folk who might know a thing or two about drinking Mr. Keith's tasty beverages. As a young lad in Toronto my parents drove us east every summer to visit relatives, and this track was the first song on volume 1 of The Sounds Of Nova Scotia, a tape that found itself played many, many times on said trips. As such, I hope you enjoy this little snippet of my childhood, and raise a frosty glass to Mr. Keith.

Cheers!

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive

This is a really cool video from Monarchy. They're new, and from the UK. They've also done a nice remix of Jamiroquai's sweet new track, which is the bonus selection for today.

BONUS BEATS!

Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride [Monarchy Remix]

See ya tomorrow.

Thomas Osaze & Jaidene Veda - Sunday

Today is Sunday. Good day for some Thomas Osaze. Thomas is from Vancouver. Maybe add a dash of Jaidene Veda. Jaidene is from Vancouver, or possibly Calgary. Then maybe we should listen to that British guy Jimpster's version. Ya, that would probably make a nice little Sunday evening.

Thomas Osaze feat. Jaidene Veda - Sunday



BONUS BEATS!

Thomas Osaze feat. Jaiedene Veda - Sunday [Jimpster Remix]



Tight.

Biz Markie - Just A Friend

Everybody remembers Biz Markie. He's the one who came out with this ridiculous and awesome song way back in 1989. The number. Another summer. Sound of the funky drummer. Music in your heart because I know you got soul. Nobody beats the Biz.

Biz Markie - Just A Friend



BONUS BEATS!

Barenaked Ladies - Fight The Power



Come hang out at the Phoenix tonight.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - If You Call

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. New to me too. I found this three minutes ago, and thought "yup, that's good". So here ya go. Enjoy.

Now to find more.

Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors are weird. Really weird. I find their stuff quite abstract and for the most part I'm not sure what to make of it, or where exactly it fits in the music spectrum. That's not to say they're not talented, just the opposite, they're just very unique. This particular track is one of the more conventional ones I've heard put out by them. See if you can decipher their groove.

Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move



Craaaazy.

Luke Roberts - Unspotted Clothes

I just happened to come accross this on Vimeo today. Luke Roberts sounds like some guy you'd meet down at the local diner, and he kinda looks like that too. I have absolutely no idea who he is or where he's from, but this video is awesome and the song is cool. Somebody find this guy and bring him to the Wilser's Room.

Luke Roberts - Unspotted Clothes



Best video I've seen in a while. Great job.

Jacques Greene - (Baby I Don't Know) What You Want

Some cool stuff today from Jacques Greene, an up-and-comer from Montreal. His sounds incorporate a few different styles, but revolve heavily around synths. Reminds me a lot of Booka Shade, which is definitely not a bad thing. I dig the video too, a little Space Odyssey action going on.

Jacques Greene - (Baby I Don't Know) What You Want



BONUS BEATS!

Steve Bug - All I Need



Some classic deep house right there.

Die & Interface - Bright Lights

Steve-o says I need to play more drum & bass. I agree, in principal. Not sure the world is quite ready to embrace the sound yet, but if this song is any indication, we're getting there. I'm honestly not very familiar with either Die & Interface or William Cartwright before, but they mesh together very nicely in this track, a sweet combination of r&b with some grimy d&b. I absolutely love the Netsky remix, so it's our bonus selection for the day.

BONUS BEATS!

Die & Interface feat. William Cartwright - Bright Lights [Netsky Remix]

What a smashing track.

Dominique Young Unique - Show My Ass

Who is Dominique Young Unique? Beats me, but DJ Noematus gave me the heads up (again) on this fresh track. The crazy thing is this was released in March. This should have been all over the airwaves by now. The second half gets a bit crazy and there's no "hook" but I still think this is a sweet track. Judge for yourself.

Dominique Young Unique - Show My Ass



Yup, that's fresh.

Burning The Day - Left For Wolves

Today is Mike's birthday. Mike plays the bass in the Burning The Day, a sweet metal band out of the T-Dot. Not this namby pamby pop metal rubbish like Three Days Grace, some real teeth-gnashing, gut-busting, kick-your-ass metal. So in honour of Mike, I'm going to wear my Burning The Day t-shirt tonight, and let you hear this.

Burning The Day - Left For Wolves



Come hang out with me at the Phoenix tonight.

The Bloody Beetroots & Steve Aoki - Warp

I forgot to blog today so I'm doing this from work. Come to the Phoenix right now and hang out. I just played this song so I'm gonna blog it. The Bloody Beetroots, Steve Aoki, oh yes.

Bloody Beetroots & Steve Aoki - Warp



Thanks to Lisa for the heads up on this track.

Giorgio Moroder - Chase

I was listening to some new wave synth house the other day and and wondered, who really came up with this kind of stuff in the beginning? I can't say I know for certain who the first was, but certainly one of the more influential synth artists is Giorgio Moroder. He won an Academy Award in 1978 for his brilliant soundtrack from the movie "Midnight Express". He later won two more, but I think this track in particular is a good place to start from. My bonus selection today is an sweet release from Laurent Heinrich, aka Lifelike, that was released a full twenty years later in 2008. It's kind of a throwback track that shows us the connection of then and now.

BONUS BEATS!

Lifelike - Discomachine

For more Lifelike, check out this older post.

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.