Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars

Well the blog is still in transition, but I'm getting there. I've changed the justification a bit, and the colours a little more. The appearance will probably change dramatically in the next month or so, particularly with all the additions that are on the way. There's a new website on the way, tentatively scheduled for January 1st launch, which will also incorporate a new weekly podcast format that will include the best tunes of the week along with some other cool stuff. I'm also working on making it all a little more mobile-friendly, so everyone on the go can check it out on their cellular device of choice. Dang. This is gonna be a lot of work. This is, of course, also on top of all the music I want to have done by then. Yeesh.

Anyway Bag Raiders are from Australia and they're super cool with a disco-house style that just screams party all over it. You'll probably recognize this track from some McDonald's commercial. Sad, but hey, musicians need a paycheck too.

Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars

BONUS BEATS!

Bag Raiders - Fun Punch



Let the hard work begin.

Pretty Lights - Let 'Em Know It's Time To Go

The blog was getting a little stale so as you can see I've given it a bit of a face-lift. I'm not sure if I'll keep it like this, and I'm still tweaking the color scheme a bit, but it'll do for now.

This is Pretty Lights. I'd never heard of the guy until Paul was playing some his stuff before work the other night. What a great find! This guy mixes all kinds of different genres and plays some really phat mixes of old funk tunes, like this track that uses a sample from Stretch's classic "Why Did You Do It". Inspiring stuff, and I also like the live performance with the live drum set. I've been considering a framework for my own live work and something like this is definitely in the mix. Donso is another group experimenting in awesomeness, and I've included them as some bonus goodness.

BONUS BEATS!

Donso - Mogoya

Exciting times.

A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation

I've gone off the boil a bit in the past few days. Things happen quickly and in bunches sometimes, and the master plan kind of got lost in the shuffle. I've been hard on the production side of things for a couple days and I'm starting to get my groove back. I'm hoping to have enough done by Thursday-ish to at least post some samples of the newer stuff I've been working on. I've been inspired a lot recently by some downtempo stuff, kind of hip-hop grooves that I've been interested in experimenting with for a while now. A Tribe Called Quest has always had some really sweet production and here's an example of some of their sweetness that Amin reminded me of the other day.

A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation

BONUS BEATS!

Devin The Dude - Jus' Coolin



Really diggin' that groove lately.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Over The Rainbow

The weather has been particularly dreary for the past few days, and today is no exception. I'm also feeling slightly off so I thought I'd just picture somewhere warm and sunny and wonderful. Somewhere I've never been. Hawaii sounds perfect. Carrie posted this one the other day and I thought today was perfect for it.

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is a legend in Hawaii for his wonderful singing voice and traditional values. Sadly he passed away at the very young age of 38 due to complications from his weight, but he will be remembered forever because of his talent and energy. On a crappy day like today I can just play some IZ and dream that I'm on a mountain somewhere near Hilo. Hopefully some day I really will be.

Israel Kamakawaiwo'ole - Over The Rainbow



Thanks Izzy, I feel better already.

Longpigs - On And On

Here's another blast from past. This song was big in '96, and then the Longpigs just kind of faded away. I suppose they weren't exactly one hit wonders, but at least in North America this was it for them. They opened for Radiohead at one point, but where Thom Yorke's troupe evolved into one of the world's great musical performers, the Longpigs couldn't quite find their niche, couldn't quite take their sound further than they already had. It's an all too familiar story, and sometimes that's just the way it goes.

Longpigs - On And On



See ya tomorrow.

Catherine Wheel - Eat My Dust You Insensitive Fuck

I first heard about Catherine Wheel when their screaming, angry chart hit "Waydown" came out in 1995. Being quite interested in the heavy rock / metal / industrial movement at the time, it fitted nicely into my old loud lists. I remember going out and buying the brilliant "Happy Days" album and putting it on and being surprised that these guys weren't just a screamo hardcore act. Lead singer Rob Dickinson, a cousin of Iron Maiden headman Bruce Dickinson, displayed some impressive vocal talent with an array of different styles which all seemed to fit.

Their 1997 album "Adam And Eve" was even better for me. It featured long, epic progressive rock ballads and incorporated more varied instrumentation than their previous work. Unfortunately after that they switched labels, put a "The" in front of their name, released a mediocre album in 2000 and subsequently disbanded.

Rob Dickinson is still around doing some solo work, but it's just not the same. It never is. This is the slow, pulsating masterpiece from that '95 album that made such an impression on me. It would have been stellar live.

Catherine Wheel - Eat My Dust You Insensitive Fuck



Genius.

Lyrics Born - I Like It, I Love It

Inspiration comes in many different forms. Fresh tunes is my particular favourite. Every day people give me the heads up on cool new tunes and it's especially satisfying when you get a bomb track like this one. I really don't know much of anything about Lyrics Born, but I'm definitely gonna scope them out some more. I've rocked this one the past couple weeks courtesy of a tip from Darcy and it's definitely on the regular rotation now. A wicked funk bass rip with some tight lyrics and it's time to get on down.

Lyrics Born - I Like It, I Love It



Like it? I love it!

Chromeo - Hot Mess

...and now on a lighter note... I was intending to go through the entire year without featuring artists more than once (bonus beats excepted), but the video for this just came out, and it just had to be posted. This is my favourite track off the new Chromeo album, and I've been rocking it for a couple weeks at the Phoenix now. The video is awesome too. Say no more.

Chromeo - Hot Mess



Brilliant.

Joe MacKenzie - Sgt. MacKenzie

Today is Remembrance Day. Unfortunately in recent times this has become somewhat of a contentious event. Why should we pay tribute to war? I am in no way a supporter of war, nor do I say any cause for most of our troops overseas. That said, the circumstances we live in are not the same as they were 70 years ago. The many thousands of people on each side who died in the two World Wars did not have the understanding of the world in the way we do. Most importantly, were I in the same position as those men, I would have done the same thing. We should remember not because they fought bravely, but because they were willing to give their own lives for the idea that we might one day all live free and in peace.

Joe MacKenzie - Sgt. MacKenzie



Close your eyes when listening, and remember.

Tenacious D - Dude, I Totally Miss You

All Hail The D. In case you're boring, Tenacious D rock out like nobody's business, all the time. Since you may not be aware of this, I suggest you watch the history of Tenacious D. Seriously. This one goes out to (in no particular order): The Franchise, The Count of Blackiestan, Evil C, BSD, BMD, Marcus Aurelius, DJ JHatt, The Fonz, Fats, Teabag, Dr. V, RG Esq., Mister Sheik, all my Ironmen bretheren, everyone I haven't forgotten, and of course The Shawn Taylor Hype Machine. Rock on bros.

Tenacious D - Dude, I Totally Miss You [Live]



DJ B-Ray World Tour? Needs to be done.

Thunderheist - Jerk It

More Canadian badness for ya, this time from Thunderheist. This recent stream of musical awesome from the land of beavers and maple syrup has not been planned, it's just been coincidental that lots of great music is coming from this fine country right now. Certainly more so than the stuff coming from the States right now. There probably isn't any particular reason for this, but them's the facts.

I heard this song a while back and really liked it, but kind of put it on the shelf until Julie recommended I give it some time on the ol' Phoenix playlist. Good call, I'd say. This video is actually an entry in the make-a-video contest, the official winner is here. I liked this one better.

Electro-rap? Ya, I can dig it.

OK Go - End Love

OK Go were originally introduced to me by Natalie as a result of their ingenious viral music video for their single "Here It Goes Again". They have since become more of a fad band given that almost all their videos are similarly elaborate one-take choreographed madness that you just can't help but watch to appreciate the madness. They do occasionally make some decent music though, and I kinda like this track. Oh, and they're playing at the Aitken Centre tonight with Metric. You should go if you feel like it.

OK Go - End Love



Ok.... go! I mean it.

Joel Plaskett - Work Out Fine

Joel Plaskett started rocking out as a lanky lead singer in Thrush Hermit, then left and continued as a lanky lead singer in the Joel Plaskett Emergency, and has finally transitioned into simply the lanky lead singer of... Joel Plaskett? He could probably afford to eat a few more double downs but he does make cool music. I've seen him live a couple times and both were great shows. Do try and catch one of his solo acoustic sets, well worth it. This is a track from his great 2003 release "Truthfully, Truthfully".

Joel Plaskett - Work Out Fine



Cause everything will work out just fine.

Art Of Fresh - Out This World

Hidden talent unearthed everywhere. Creds to Lee for this find. More quality Canadian hip-hop, this time from Art Of Fresh out of the T-dizzle. Lately the fresh new tracks seem to be falling from the sky. This one is a bit older, but these cats are new to me so it feels now. For a bonus I'm poppin' in the new single from their upcoming album. Check it.

Art Of Fresh - Out This World

BONUS BEATS!

Art Of Fresh - Alive



Bet you'll hear some of that tonight at the Phoenix.

Hawksley Workman - We Will Still Need A Song

Ryan Corrigan, or Hawksley Workman to you, was born to perform. At least that's the impression you get when you hear his music, or see his videos, or better yet see his live performances. I haven't seen him live yet, but I've seen video and it's on my list of things to do. Mr. Workman likes to do things on a grand, epic scale. He likes hyperbole. He likes grandeur. He probably loves gunpowder. He's a passionate fellow.

I admit that when I was first introduced to him via his first single "Striptease", I wasn't a fan. This song, however, reverberated ever so effortlessly, and I must have played it a hundred times when I found it. Despite the absence of the more epic introduction from the album version of this track, the PG version of this song that's in the video is still a great song. I like artists that play with emotion and have some guts. Mr. Workman has plenty of that.

Hawksley Workman - We Will Still Need A Song

BONUS BEATS!

Hawskley Workman - Not Your Parents' Music



As the late, great Bill Hicks said, play from your f'in heart!

Beast - Mr. Hurricane

Here's another example of a group that I hadn't really heard much about until they were supposed to come play at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival. Thankfully I now know that Beast are from Montreal, a trip-hop group of sorts with an edge. Unfortunately they didn't quite make it out here to Fredericton, for whatever reason, but at least I now know who they are and can happily throw some of their tunes in my regular playlist. Check this out.

Beast - Mr. Hurricane



Bees-tacular.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up

Any time there is a dinosaur singing the lead vocals to a song, I sit down and listen. The Black Keys are not dinosaurs, but somehow through the miracle of modern science, or technology, or some strange hand puppet thing, they have managed to figure out how to get this dinosaur to sing their entire song, on camera! If this doesn't deserve some kind of recognition, at least in the form of a meager blog post, I don't know what does. I mean... jebus... I just saw a new video from two horrifically useless media-driven stereotype top 40 craptacular rubbish catch-phrase "artists" that was a week old and had over 2 million views already. That's more than two times as many as this one. Sometimes I think I get it, and then there are days like today.

Dinosaur.

Just Jack - Writer's Block

Sometimes things just come randomly. Today I found Just Jack. How come nobody told me about him before? Maybe some more people need to take up blogging. Or just posting stuff to their friendly neighborhood social networking site. Passenger pigeon anyone? Check this guy out, he's surprisingly subtle and catchy.

Just Jack - Writer's Block

BONUS BEATS!

Just Jack - Starz In Their Eyes [Trophy Twins Aftershow Remix]



Now back to the production front...

Sloan - Money City Maniacs

Mat Trevors has a blog up and going now. It's a good read, particularly if you're into fishing, or geology, or music, or politics, or minimalism, or drinking, or... well anything really. It's worth a visit. This post is a good read, about how Mat would fix New Brunswick. Next election, I'm voting Mat, whether he's running or not.

Anyway a few days ago Mat posted this lovely song by Halifax rockers Sloan, who were at one time the premier act in the east coat. They've slowed down a bit in recent years, but I guess that happens after nearly 20 years on the road. Their 10th studio album is due out in 2011, and with a little luck they'll be back in the limelight again. Here's their party anthem to help ring in November.

What an intro. The siren gets 'em every time.

Sheb Wooley - The Purple People Eater

Chances are you know the words to it. Well, maybe not. It's a little old. 1958 old. My mom wondered if I was going to play this on Halloween night. I'd like to think we've evolved somewhat, musically anyway, since the cereal jingle days. Either way, it's a funny little song and worth revisiting for a giggle.

Sheb Wooley - The Purple People Eater



I've changed my mind. I'll take a Sheb Wooley over Justin Bieber any day of the week.

Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me

Matt Blair posted this one a while back, and seeing as it's Halloween party night, I thought it would be appropriate. Kenny Gordy came up with the name Rockwell so that his father, Motown Records supremo Berry Gordy, wouldn't recognize him on his label release, and because he thought he "rocked well". Sadly he didn't have a whole lot of talent. He was, however, friends with a certain Michael Jackson, and convinced him to sing the hook in this one and only real hit. Sometimes it's all about who you know.

Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me



See ya tonight at the Phoenix!

N.A.S.A. - Strange Enough

N.A.S.A. stands for North America / South America, or in the space world, Never A Straight Answer... but I digress. This is a musical collaboration of producers Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, who have put together an impressive list of talent to provide vocals for their tracks. This is a super cool video that reminds me of "Throw Me To The Rats" by the Tom Fun Orchestra. Check this out, and pick up a copy of their album "The Spirit Of Apollo".

Yup, that's the late ODB bringin' the heat from the other side...

Hot City - Another Girl

This is the first video from Hot City, a London-based DJ and producer. His tracks and sets are laden with really heavy bass, as you can tell from this track. You're probably not going to see this video on the television any time soon, but it's still fun to look at.

Hot City - Another Girl



Yup, that's hot.

The Ventures - Wipe Out

The Ventures were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2008, and for a very good reason. They have sold more albums than any other instrumental ensemble in history, more than 100 million of them! Among their many songs they also performed several covers, including this one, originally made famous by the Surfaris in 1963. This performance is just so good that I thought it could use a little more "airtime". I hope you agree.

The Ventures - Wipe Out [Live]



That's some serious skills right there.

Ben Westbeech - So Good Today

I'll admit it. I'd never actually listened to the original Ben Westbeech track before DJ Scout posted it yesterday. I'm a huge fan of the remix, which is an absolutely killer deep house hit, but I'm happy to report that the original is also very good, though there is a significantly different vibe to it. This has only furthered my appreciation of Osunlade's masterful reworking under the moniker Yoruba. Enjoy these two gems.

Ben Westbeech - So Good Today



BONUS BEATS!

Ben Westbeech - So Good Today [Osunlade's Yoruba Suite Remix]



Time to get back to the production desk I think.

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.