DECEMBER MEGA POST

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

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

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

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

Shakedown - At Night

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

Kraak & Smaak - Dynamite

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

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

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

Blue Six - You Play Too Rough

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

Santigold - Creator

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

Barrington Levy - Vice Versa Love [Live]

BONUS BEATS!

Alexkid - Nightshade

Bobby Hughes Combination - Theme From Skidoo

Dublex Inc. - Nifty Nights [Monophonic Remix]

Llorca - The Novel Sound

Sandboy - Viver [Butti 49 Re-Fusion]

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

John Lennon - Instant Karma

Today is the 30th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. You probably already know this but I think it's probably important that we keep him in mind. It's not the man himself that was important per se, but the message in his music. While "Imagine" is his best known work, I like this one too, and maybe you haven't heard it enough.

John Lennon - Instant Karma



Take that pop stars.

Groove Armada - Paper Romance

Groove Armada is the project of producers Andy Cato and Tom Findlay. I first found them via Evil C, who introduced me to Fatboy Slim's remix of their track "I See You Baby", which achieved international recognition for being a big beat block of awesome. They came back a couple years later with the gigantic blockbusting sensation that was "Superstylin'". I absolutely loved that one. Since then they haven't quite reached those heights, but they're still rocking out and the newest album "Black Light" is well worth checking out. It's quite a bit different, but give it a try and you'll probably find at least a couple tracks that you'll really dig. This is a crazy video to go with their first single off of it.

Groove Armada - Paper Romance

BONUS BEATS!

Groove Armada - Look Me In The Eye Sister [Audiojack Remix]



And here's something I kind of whipped up yesterday, work in progress.

Cosmosis



Basic song structure is done, lots more fills and variations to be put in, but it's getting there.

Bucket Truck - You Walk Behind

Bucket Truck are serious metal rockers from St. John's, Newfoundland. Don't hear that much do ya? Apparently not everyone from The Rock wants to hear bagpipes and traditional celtic music. I heard this track years ago and thought it was sweet, then just kinda forgot about it.

Sadly it seems as if the band has broken up. It would have been awesome to see them at a Metal Monday at the Capital. This is part two of a couple videos they made to go along with each other. The audio quality isn't great, but if anything it just adds to the grittiness.

Watch part one here: "If It's All The Same".

Tupac Shakur - Changes

I'm still mulling over the various changes I want to make to the blog. The format, the content, the appearance, the focus, the application within the new website that I'm starting to conjure up. Whichever direction I take, one thing is clear, it's going to be a lot of work, and the social life is probably going to have to suffer a little because of it.

Tupac Shakur was as colorful a character as you're ever likely to see again in the music scene. While his behaviour was at times verging on the deplorable, you have to respect his talent and endeavour to succeed after growing up in a somewhat less than ideal environment. Was he a victim of circumstance, or did he bring it upon himself? We may never know, but in a world of corporate fabrications littered with wannabes his electrically charged lyrics still seem fresh more than a decade after his departure.

Tupac Shakur - Changes



What a song.

Hot Chip - I Feel Better

I first heard about Hot Chip from the UK charts a couple years ago, when they had achieved moderate success with a couple mixed albums and sporadic singles. Even then you could hear that they had a pretty bright future. Here they are with their big song of the moment, and a pretty snazzy video to boot.

Hot Chip - I Feel Better



Is usual, you can find me at the Phoenix ce soir.

Goldfish - This Is How It Goes

Goldfish are from South Africa and bring the grooves with a jazzy feel. They've been around for a little while but are only now beginning to find their feet in the international scene. I'm playing them right now at the Phoenix and you're missing it. These things happen. Check them out, and come hang out with me here tonight.

Goldfish - This Is How It Goes



I mean it. Come to the Capital.

Jimmy Swift Band - Turnaround

Well tonight at the Capital is, at long last, the CD release party for the new album from the Jimmy Swift Band. It's a double album, so that kind of makes up for the wait. Gonna be a long day for me first setting up for the Team Canada DJ's show up at the SUB, then down to the Cap to play some JSB, and heck, watch a little JSB. You should really check it out. I have a feeling it's going to be something in the area of awesome. Here's a video from their last album. Oh and some new Daft Punk from the Tron Legacy soundtrack that comes out in 5 days.

Jimmy Swift Band - Turnaround

BONUS BEATS!

Daft Punk - Derezzed



And... it's go time.

Michael Cassette - Ghost In The Machine

Joel posted this one a few days ago and I thought it was pretty cool. Michael Cassette is actually a couple of Finnish guys who make awesome music and pretend that they're just some recluse hanging out in a magical hidden basement studio somewhere. Pretty cool idea, and pretty cool music. They have a a highly anticipated new album out called "Temporarity" that I can't wait to get my hands on. In the meantime, I'll let you check this stuff out.

BONUS BEATS!

Michael Cassette - Moonlight Runner

Busy days ahead... gonna need some good tunes to get through.

Hugo - Bread & Butter

Have you heard of Hugo? You should have. I had no idea who he was until about 20 minutes ago or so. The Good Sir George alerted me to his cover of Jay-Z's "99 Problems", and it was pretty good. I wondered what his original stuff was like. I joyfully discovered that it was better. I suggest that you should hear this and probably search out more. Unless you already knew about him, in which case you should give your head a shake and silently apologize for not telling me sooner. Jerk.

Hugo - Bread & Butter [Live & The Collect]



Oh and also check out The Collect.

Egyptrixx - Start From The Beginning

Well some things in life are just strange. Today in one of my daily music feeds I got a track from Egyptrixx... which happens to be the stage name of David Psutka, who I used to play rugby with back in the T-Dizzle with the Balmy Beach. I'd recently wondered what ever happened to him, as he was a very good athlete and thought he might play some higher rep rugby at some point, but here I find himself reincarnated as a producer-performer travelling around using an Akai APC-40, a Kaos Pad, and a keyboard. Wait a second... I've got one of those... and that's what I want to do! Dave is also, apparently, a classically trained pianist. Coincidentally, so am I. Is that weird... or what? Granted it sounds like our musical productions are very different, but it's nice to find one of my peers succeeding at something I always thought could work. Inspiring. This track is more ambient and the music almost secondary, but I have to give props where props are due.

Egyptrixx - Start From The Beginning



Blaze on Mr. Psutka!

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope

This is my 300th blog post today which means nothing except that I've spent at least 300 minutes on this thing, maybe a little more. I wanted to find something fresh for this one, and thankfully here we have the lovely miss Janelle Monáe bringing elements of Cee-Lo Green, Outkast, James Brown, and dare I say a little Etta James into something new. I'm loving this new soul revival movement, and it's pretty funny that one of the leading exponents of it right now is on Sean Combs' label. Go figure. So enjoy this fantastic performance by someone with real talent, and go get her album. Happy Sunday.

Get up, get on up.

Run-D.M.C. vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That

This is a bit of an oldie but definitely a goodie. This was one of the first songs to start the remix craze, which when you think about it is kind of like all these movie remakes that keep coming out. Anyway unlike Run-D.M.C. who are obviously on top of the hip-hop world, Jason Nevins was a house producer who happened to come up with something really awesome. He hasn't done much of note since, but at least this one was sweet. Creds to The Franchise for the reminder of it's coolness.

Run-D.M.C. vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That



Think I'll throw that one on tonight at the Phoenix.

Dobie Gray - Drift Away

We had a bit of a soul revival at the Phoenix last night and played some pretty slammin' jams. Good times had by all. This is a classic track originally written by Mentor Williams but popularized by Dobie Gray in 1973. It's really more of a country track but it's got a lot of soul influence and Dobie's voice is as soulful as it gets. This particular version is slightly cut off at the end but we get the picture.

Dobie Gray - Drift Away [Live @ The BBC]



That's a pretty sweet fro Dobie's got there.

Some Previews

I've been working on a lot of projects and now have about 40 that I need to finish before I let myself move on to other stuff. I revisited "Red Shoes" tonight and I'm posting the nearly finished version below. I changed the guitar and opening bass parts, cleaned up everything a little more, and remixed the levels a little.

I'm also posting a couple of the samples that can be found on my Soundcloud page, which you can see here. The next project will be to clean up my Myspace page, where I'll be posting the songs as they get mostly finished. The previews will all go into the Soundcloud page.

Red Shoes



Eighties Preview



Tension Preview



Take Us Away Preview



Slide Preview



Stay tuned for more.

J.J. Grey & Mofro - On Fire

J.J. Grey & Mofro are a funk-soul group from Florida who have some serious groove. That's about all I know about them right now and frankly that's all I need to know, because you can hear what they're all about right here in this phat-ass song. Props to Hillz Billz for the heads up on this one. WARNING: This video may contain Barbie dolls.

Stay tuned for some preview tracks in a couple hours.

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.