Little Dragon - Twice

...and now off to Sweden we go, where we find Little Dragon, who I didn't know about until just recently. Some very cool experimental stuff going on here.

Kimbra - Settle Down

This is Kimbra Johnson from Hamilton, New Zealand. I haven't heard a lot of her stuff but so far so good.

Death Grips - Takyon (Death Yon)

Now for something really angry. This is Death Grips from Sacramento. Kinda reminds me of Odd Future, but definitely different. Another group I'm not too sure about, but I'm definitely curious. There's a crazy interview with them here.

DELS - GOB

Now for something a little angrier. This is DELS from England, a real up-and-comer who has been signed by one of Ninja Tune's labels. Not sure what I feel about him yet, but he's different and he's got my attention.

Woodpigeon - Oberkampf

Here's another good folk band out of Calgary, not even sure if they're still together. Their stuff is a little hard to find, but well worth the effort.

Dorli Rainey, 84 year old pepper-sprayed occupier

The important message here? There isn't a problem with young people, there isn't a problem with old people. There's a problem, period, and something needs to change.

Dark Dark Dark - In Your Dreams

This group is from Minnesota. They're a little awkward, but they have an accordion and that makes them pretty cool. One question though, what's with buddy's bright pink hat?

Keith Olbermann blasts NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg

This is quite possibly my favorite Olbermann rant, and he is absolutely correct.

Goddamn Batman.

Ron Paul scolds rude CBS reporter

There's so much to post today, I don't know where to begin... meh, we'll start with this. Here's Ron Paul, after being once again intentionally shafted by CBS at their recent debate, scolding a rather pushy reporter.

Thrive

This is worth watching. Yes, there are some dubious individuals in it. I'm not a fan of Steven Greer, Nassim Haramein, or Clifford Stone, and David Icke has said some pretty bizarre stuff in the past, but their contributions are minimal. Keep an open mind, and watch the whole movie before passing judgement. Some of it will seem strange but the overall message is credible in my opinion.

NOTE: I've edited this post as the original link was taken down.

Motopony - King Of Diamonds

Cool tune, cool video, but was anyone else just waiting for Chuck Testa to pop up out of somewhere?

John Carpenter's The Thing - The Musical

I had to laugh at this one. Warning - somewhat gory video.

John Stamos' guide to snuggling

Just in case you missed it.

William Shatner on the dangers of turkey frying

Brilliant. Now that's how you promote safety!

Nope, it's just Chuck Testa!

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe a little of both.

Mad moves from Arthur Cadre

I can't imagine what that would do to my shoulder if I tried it...

There's 7 billion of us

That's a lot of you and me's!

Common - Blue Sky

New Common! Sweet track, looking forward to the new album, out December 20!

Björk - Crystalline

Björk is back with her latest video. It's pretty wacky, as you can imagine, and I'm not entirely sure what I think of it yet, but it's worth a look-see and a listen for curiosity's sake if nothing else.

Rendering synthetic objects into photographs

The next step in Photoshop evolution. This isn't perfect yet, but it's pretty amazing. The lines between what is real and what isn't are very, very blurry now.

Quantum levitation - must see

Just in case you missed this one a month back. Yup, there's no way any of those so-called unidentified flying discs are real. No way at all...

William Shatner - Rocket Man

Circa 1978, complete with on-stage cigarette. Can you imagine this airing on the tube today? Unreal.

1968 BBC interview with Rupert Murdoch

Know your enemy.

The eagle owl in full HD

Whoa... what a sight. Watch it in full HD mode.

Cliff jumping in Bermuda

Sign me up!

NATO now pointing their fingers at Iran

Very disconcerting. Will it ever end?

Gary Numan - M.E.

...and my final offering of the day is Gary Numan's post-apocalyptic robot serenade from his 1979 album "The Pleasure Principle". You may recognize the opening theme that was later sampled by Basement Jaxx in their huge hit "Where's Your Head At?". Creds to Chef BP for posting this recently.

Mary Claire Orenic is the happiest woman in America

A while back I posted a link about Alvin Wong, the happiest man in America, well here's Mary Claire Orenic, supposedly the happiest woman. She looks a little robotic to me, and sounds like they crammed some nonsense statistics in there, but I guess to each their own. Personally I'd rather hang with Alvin.

Alex Hutchings & Jess Lewis - Little Jazzy Jam

For guitar aficionados - the amazing Alex Hutchings and his protege Jess Lewis are here doing a nice little jam, it's just a shame we can't see more! Check out the rest of their stuff, they're both unbelievable players.

Garrett McNamara surfs the biggest wave ever

Here's Garrett McNamara in Portugal surfing what is claimed to be the largest wave ever successfully negotiated - about 90 feet in height. Whether it is or it isn't, it's still a ridiculous feat.

Liam Neeson comedic cameo

Well this might not be for everyone, but for those who like Ricky Gervais and his uniquely awkward, cringe-worthy style, this is worth a few laughs. This is from the new series "Life's Too Short". Liam Neeson doing comedy - brilliant.

Starlings create amazing patterns

Here's some pretty amazing sights of what I assume are starling birds flying en masse. There's a few more on the interweb like this but this one is new and nice and short.

I'm the Batman!

No! I'm the Batman!

Brandt Brauer Frick - Bop

Whoa. I've never heard of these guys from Germany before, but this was super cool minimalism. Apparently they're really something live too. Definitely one to check out in the future.

It's a good day to remember

Good as any I'd say.

Heavy D's last interview

Much respect. Thanks for the memories.

Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up

Thanks to Graham Crackers for this one.

Police officers beating protesters at UCal Berkeley

Even more senseless violence from police officers at UCal Berkeley. To all the GOOD cops out there: please tell the rest to stop being such assholes.

John Lennon understands life

Nice little quote here from Mr. Lennon. I wish I'd been as quick-witted when I'd been asked this question oh... a thousand times...

USDA raids local chef in Nevada

Yet another despicable act from the USDA aka Monsanto via the Nevada Health District. These guys are as evil as it gets.

Tonella - The Station

New song from Tonella! A kind of acoustic ballad this time, sounds pretty great.

Moai from Easter Island fully exposed

Ever seen pictures of the Moai from Easter Island and thought "wow those things are huge"? Me too, but who would have guessed they would be THIS huge? Here's a crazy picture of a fully excavated one. Unbelievable.

The Hobbit production video 1

For Middle Earth fans - Peter Jackson has posted four video blogs of the ongoing production for The Hobbit, which is due in theaters next December. Well, part one anyway, since it's been split into two movies. This is particularly exciting for me as that was probably my favourite J.R.R. Tolkien book and I loved the Lord of the Rings movies. Let's just hope the world doesn't end before it comes out.

Looks like Mr. Jackson has gotten a bit slack on his yogurt diet...

Will Farrell meets Justin Bieber

Brilliant.

American Juggalo

This is a short 23 minute documentary about the annual gathering of Insane Clown Posse fans, i.e. the Juggalos. It's... um... interesting? Warning: extreme profanity and insanity contained inside.

PC vs Mac vs Leonardo DiCaprio

Had to post this one.

Guy On A Buffalo - Episode 1

This is hilarious. The footage is taken from the 1978 movie "Buffalo Rider". I haven't seen it yet, but I can only assume that it is a masterpiece of American film. There are four episodes of Guy On A Buffalo, this is the first.

Sportscaster wins lottery live on television

Barry Deley can't believe his luck.

Conan O'Brien is pushing the envelope

Ah, the mainstream media... pure comedy.

Occupy Wall St is not a joke

This just about says it all.

Science vs Religion - a debate

Here's an interesting debate on whether science is compatible with religion by two of the preeminent orators in their respective fields, John Haught and Jerry Coyne.

"On October 12, 2011 Theologian John Haught publicly debated prominent evolutionary scientist and atheist Jerry Coyne at the University of Kentucky. Although both agreed to a videotaping of the event, Haught later prohibited it's release because he felt he had been treated unfairly. Coyne released blog posts addressing the matter as an offense to free speech. Reviewing their new status in the blogosphere, Haught and his associates at the University of Kentucky have decided to release the video."

The banks who are taking over America

Something to think about...

Bryan Raydio - Brittle / Palindrone

I'm back! Mooooahahahahaha! What's a couple months between blogs? Anyway things have been busy and I really wanted to focus on getting some tunes done, but now the blog will return, and it will be crazier than ever. I've decided to expand my posting repertoire and add all the nutty videos I usually reserve for Facebook or Twitter posts, as well as any cool images I come accross. There will be a bit of revision to the page over the next few days, but for now, here's a couple of original tracks that are fully complete, pending two more sound checks on big systems.

The first track is called "Brittle", and it's one that actually started in May of 2009. This was originally a remix offshoot of it, but eventually it became the central track and more than two years and 115 edits later, I've had enough and I'm calling it done. It has a bit of a middle eastern feel to it which you'll hear in the percussion and sitar, and it will be the title track off an upcoming 3-track EP that I should have finished some time this month. You can't download it yet, but here's a full-length preview.

This second track is called "Palindrone". It started in August of 2009 and it is a conceptual re-interpretation of the main theme of Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place", but no samples were taken from that track. The name is a result of it's palindromic construction and it's somewhat droning nature. Any similarities to Sarah Palin are purely coincidental and unintentional, though she does tend to drone on... and on... and on... Anyway this won't ever be on an official release so it's a free download for friends and followers. Have at 'er.

Back tomorrow with stuff stuff stuff.

Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive

I'm still alive! Just taking an extended hiatus! I've moved, and now have an in-house studio that I'm sequestering myself in for the next 3 weeks... so stay tuned, because when I return I'll have all kinds of crazy new original tunes for ya. I'll try to fit in some blog posts in the meantime, but they'll be sporadic at best. In the meantime I'll try and keep some Twitter updates rolling... but don't lose faith, September 1st brings new beats! This one goes out to Big Trev.

Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive [Live & MGM Las Vegas]



Feels Good House Boat Tuesday anyone?

Wednesday Wipeout

Well of course by regularly scheduled programming I meant random when available posting... it's going to be a super busy couple of weeks so posts might be a bit intermittent. Here's a few more bumpin' songs to keep you occupied. Enjoy.

Cubic Zirconia - Black & Blue



Destineak - Calling Your Name



Noisia - Machine Gun



Jon Giovanni - Take Off



Tim Deluxe - It Just Won't Do



Reset! - Sabrage

BONUS BEATS!

Feed Me - Cloudburn



Come visit me in the Phoenix on Thursday!

Monday Megapost

Wow, what a weekend. Lots of running and sunning and not much sleep, so today I'm maxin' an' relaxin' and I hope you are too. Here's a few groovy chunes to help you out.

Aloe Blacc - Billie Jean

Interpol - Lights

Kinnie Starr - Another's Gone

Peter Katz - Posters

Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off

Back tomorrow with our regularly scheduled programming.

Thursday Throwdown

The weekend is going to be long and arduous for me as it looks like I'll have time for about 6 hours of sleep between tomorrow morning and Sunday evening, but them's the breaks. In lieu of this I'm posting a few tunes to keep you occupied until then. Kicking it off will be FM Hi Low, who are at the Capital tonight with Weak Size Fish which will be an awesome show. If you're not into that, it's Major Rager with Tyler Aikens in the Phoenix. If you're not into that either, I can't help you. Next post will be another Monday Megapost. Until then, enjoy.

FM Hi Low - Riches [Live @ Mount Tremblant]



Weak Size Fish - Smoke Stax [Live @ The Capital]



Wretch 32 - Traktor



Sophie Rimheden & Eboi - Whiz Kid



Stinj - Bang Bros

BONUS FUNKY JAM!

United Future Organization - Somewhere



Get 'er done.

The Tea Party - The River

After beating my poor legs up running far too many kilometers yesterday, today I am going to float down a river in a tube. Glorious. Almost as glorious as this awesome live performance by the Tea Party of their awesome song from their awesome album "Splendor Solis". Get it? Got it? Good.

The Tea Party - The River [Live @ Q107 Rock Awards 1993]



Rock over London, rock on Chicago.

Bon Iver - Calgary

It's funny how our perceptions of time and space change as technology advances our ability to travel and communicate with each other. In the ever-evolving world of the internet, for example, and the recent proliferation of so-called "viral" videos, once something has been around for more than a couple weeks, it's old news. This is the "new" Bon Iver video, but it's been out for almost three weeks now, so maybe it's old too. I don't know. Anyway these guys have been around for a couple years now and have garnered quite a bit of critical acclaim, though admittedly not from me. I've largely ignored them but recently got my hands on this track and thought "hmmm... that's actually pretty good." I've listened to it many times since then, and just found the "new" video for it. If you're already into these guys, you're welcome. If not, you're welcome.

Tonight, the Phoenix. Tomorrow, the river.

Shotgun Jimmie - Used Parts

No crazy rants today, just some crazy music. This is Shotgun Jimmie, a bit of a looney who stops in at the Capital when he's in town. I'm not sure I would describe him as a virtuoso, but he's entertaining, and he thinks he's a cat. Take that for however you like.

Shotgun Jimmie - Used Parts



Next time, I eat a television.

Soul II Soul - Back To Life

I've been perusing some of the forums in the vastness of the interweb today, and one of the once-again popular topics, thanks to yesterday being July 4th, is President Obama's birth certificate. For what it's worth, here's my two cents. I wish this topic would go away, but probably not for the same reasons as many of you. I happen to be proficient enough with Photoshop and other editing programs to know that the birth certificate is fake. No really, it is. A complete forgery. Don't believe me? Here is a document from a more "reputable" source showing clearly that it is.

So if it's a fake, why don't I care? It's simple really. What do people hope to achieve through pursuing this? An impeachment? Then what? Joe Biden takes over. Are we to assume that anything changes at this point, given the fact that Mr. Biden is already vice-president and part of the very same government that is in place right now? That's just silly.

The only good I can see coming from this type of campaign is to inform American people that their government is full of cheats and liars and they should start to focus more on local government than their obviously failed national one. I think a good deal of people are already on that page anyway, and if they're not they are in denial and this issue won't sway them any more than the other far more pertinent issues, like American foreign policy. Political reform has to come from the bottom when it's clear that none will ever come from the top.

Soul II Soul - Back To Life



Back to reality...

Monday Mega Post

I took a week's vacation for no good reason other than it seemed like the thing to do. Had a busy weekend, and I've been considering how best to integrate the blog into my new website which began construction today. I think I can figure out how to embed it into the website, so that may be the best route. Anyway it'll be a few weeks yet I think before I get it all sorted, so in the meantime here's a week's worth of tunes to make up for the past week. Oh and by the way I watched Transformers 3 yesterday at the theater, and it sucked. Don't waste your time watching it. You can thank me for the 2.5 hours of your life I've just saved you later.

Ambition - A.M.B.I.T.I.O.N.

Dillon Francis & Diplo - Que Que

Hey Rosetta! - Young Glass [Live @ The Edge]

Ladi6 - Walk Right Up

Oh Land - White Nights [Live @ Big Ugly Yellow Couch]

Retro/Grade - Reset

Thursday - Magnets Caught In A Metal Heart

Walker Barnard - Follow The Smoke

BONUS BEATS!

NAPT - Emotion [Reset! Remix]

Woooo... see ya tomorrow.

Siriusmo - Idiologie

Phew, what a weekend, capped off last night by the crazy crowd at the Phoenix. Ridiculous, and another job well done. Great to have everyone out enjoying themselves for far too long once again. I'm too tired to come up with anything more inspired right now but here's a couple sweet electronic chunes to keep those feet tappin' for the rest of the evening. Heck, there's even a guest appearance from Spongebob. Enjoy.

Siriusmo - Idiologie

BONUS BEATS!

Solomun - Love Recycled 1



What a sweet groove.

Spookey Ruben - These Days Are Old

The sun is out, so it's time to go outside. Not until I post some really goofy music though. This one is interesting to me because I remember seeing it on MuchMusic when it first came out and thinking "what the hell is this?", and more because it was really weird than really good. Yet still I remember the song in all its weirdness, and for whatever reason think that it's cool. I never really followed that wacky Spookey Ruben guy much after this, but maybe I'll look him up again now. Enjoy the sunshine.

Spookey Ruben - These Days Are Old



Feels Good Folly Fest schedule announced today!

Radiohead - Staircase

Hot off the press! This is new Radiohead from their upcoming "From The Basement" session. The last one was awesome, so I expect this new effort to be just as good. The song is a bit trippy, subtle rather than epic, but a really cool chill out tune. They've even brought in another drummer on the pads to give them a little extra depth. Good stuff, I'll take more please.

This is worth a look too for Radiohead fans.

Luke Abbott - Whitebox Stereo

Thom Yorke and co. of Radiohead fame have been posting little charts of random songs that they've been listening to, which usually yields at least one that's not completely wacky. This latest "office chart" had a couple crazy ones I thought I'd pass on to you. Definitely not for everybody, but hey, neither am I.

Luke Abbott - Whitebox Stereo

BONUS BEATS!

Deadboy - Ain't Gonna Lie



That video is just nuts.

Karaocake - Medication

It's a Monday, which for "normal" people means back to work. Suckers. Maybe one day I'll regard this as "normal" for me, but until then I'm going to enjoy my Mondays. In fact, I usually enjoy all my days since work is fun for me and even on my pretty limited income I can still do most of the modestly enjoyable things that I want to. I think Karaocake has it about right, whoever they are. So here's your Monday musical medication to get you through the week.

Karaocake - Medication



Here's to Mondays.

Porno For Pyros - Pets

I'm at the Phoenix right now and realised I've been lazy and haven't updated today. No time to write anything so here's one of my favorite alternative rock songs from back in the day.

Come visit me at the bar!

Chris Garneau - Dirty Night Clowns

Ashley posted this one yesterday, and though I've never heard of Chris Garneau before, I thought this track and the video was super cool. It reminds me quite a bit of Sufjan Stevens. In fact, I should just post one of his tracks too. Yes, let's do that.

Chris Garneau - Dirty Night Clowns

BONUS HORN SECTION!

Sufjan Stevens - Come On! Feel The Illinoise!



Great track from the brilliant 2005 album "Illinois".

DJ B-Ray - Indie Start With A

I took a few days off, wasn't feeling very inspired and needed to recharge the batteries. Here's a live mix I recorded last night at the Capital, comprised of some indie/nu-disco/house tracks that I thought worked together. Free download! Enjoy.

DJ B-Ray - Indie Starts With A

Snailhouse - Apple

...and now for something completely different... Snailhouse is at the Capital tonight for an early evening soiree, which is always a great time. Mike Feuerstack is the main man and he usually has a Cobham or a Cunjak with him when he's in town to help with the soothing vibes. Definitely not high-tempo but if you're into something slow and fulfilling, I suggest you head down and check it out.

Snailhouse - Apple [Live]



Starts at eight, don't be late!

Foo Fighters - Walk

I was gonna post some other stuff here but I just watched this new Foo Fighters video and felt compelled to post it because it's awesome. It's an homage to the classic Michael Douglas film "Falling Down", which is one of my favourites.

Foo Fighters - Walk



Time to go for a walk.

Computers Want Me Dead - We Walk In Circles

Computers Want Me Dead. No really. They probably do. Creepy buggers. All jokes aside, these guys with the crazy name are from New Zealand, kind of an electro-pop crew that reminds me of Bag Raiders but with more of a rock influence. I dig the heavy analog synth sounds they're using, sounds like something you might like too. Enjoy.

Computers Want Me Dead - We Walk In Circles



New mobile design for the site, lemme know if it's working.

Killswitch Engage - Rose Of Sharyn

So apparently The Daisy Anthesis is playing at the Capital tonight, and it's not even a Monday. Those guys are intense and hopefully I'll get a chance to pop down and check them out, we'll see. Since they don't have any cool music videos... yet... I thought I'd post another wicked metal song by a wicked metal band. I'm not really into the whole screaming thing too much, but I find Killswitch Engage does a nice job of balancing it with some great melodic singing from frontman Howard Jones. If you want a good example of his "softer" stuff check out this one, also a great tune. So if you're into metal, head down to the Capital tonight. If you're not, head down anyway and hang with Rich Gloade at Open Mic. Either way, it's cheap drinks and a good time.

Killswitch Engage - Rose Of Sharyn

BONUS DEATH METAL!

The Daisy Anthesis - The Profound



Woooooooo! That's heavy!

Oka - Island Time

This is Oka from Australia. They got big raps after killin' it at Evolve last year, and they're back again this year. These guys are really interesting because they have no music videos, no Wikipedia page, and you've basically never heard of them yet they've been around for over a decade. Their style ranges from downtempo trippy dub to upbeat funky organic trance and it's pretty much all great. I wish I'd seen them last year, and will maybe get to check them out this time, we'll see. Here's the best live track I could find for you to enjoy.

Oka - Island Time [Live @ Just For Laughs Festival]

BONUS BEATS!

Quest - Smooth Skin



Who says Mondays have to be crappy?

Alexander Ebert - A Million Years

Natalie posted this last night so I checked it out today, and actually it's not bad. Alexander Ebert is the lead singer from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (and before that Ima Robot) and this is his from his solo album, simply titled "Alexander". Unsurprisingly, it sounds and looks as though it is an extension of the band's work. While I find much of their work a little too "hippie" for my liking, this one has a certain folky calmness to it that make it a smooth, relaxing listen. Pretty wacky video too. See for yourself...

There's an interesting article about him here.

Ewan Dobson - Time 2

Camilo posted this a while back and I thought it was awesome so here's some amazing guitar action for you. I recommend checking out all his stuff if you like this one. Ewan Dobson is pretty much a guitar ninja, kicking yo ass one string at a time. He's from Richmond Hill, Ontario, and has mild Tourette's too, which makes him extra dangerous. Dangeresque!

Ewan Dobson - Time 2



See ya at the Phoenix tonight.

New Order - Regret

Is anyone else really tired of those stupid 15 second commercials on YouTube videos yet? Weren't those side panel advertisements enough? Is it weird that one of the most common advertisers are the Mormons, a religious group? I mean really, do you want to join a supposed house of worship that wastes thousands of dollars on really annoying online commercials? I just don't get it.

I haven't posted any New Order yet, so today seems a good day to do that, for no good reason other than I haven't yet. This is the remainder of the old Joy Division, a band destined for greatness that lost its lead singer Ian Curtis to suicide before they had even released their second album. Not to say that the new band didn't succeed, just the opposite really. Most music aficionados will point to them, both in original and later form, as being one of, if no the, most influential post-punk new wave rock bands of the past 30-odd years. This was the first song that hooked me in, a catchy yet thoughtful single that reached the top of the charts in 1993. See what you think.

New Order - Regret



I also really hate when people disable embedding...

Tim Deluxe - Let The Beats Roll

I'm still in a house mood. I recorded a tech-house mix last night and should have it up by tomorrow some time. Turned out ok I think, though I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. I'm at the iRock tonight, playing all the usual stuff, then back to business on Saturday at the Phoenix. Check these beats to get you warmed up for the weekend.

Tim Deluxe - Let The Beats Roll

BONUS BEATS!

NiCe7 - Point



Yes sir.

Who Da Funk - Shiny Disco Balls

Remember this one? Way back in 2002 this was the freshest beat on the block, you would hear it in every club and from every car stereo. It's still a pretty sweet track, but I haven't heard a thing from these guys since. One hit wonder I suppose, but what a hit!

Who Da Funk - Shiny Disco Balls

BONUS BEATS!

Dave Kurtis - Big Bottom



Awesome tech-house banger.

Lee Perry - Roast Fish And Cornbread

Today is the birthday of the Fitz. At least we're celebrating it, whether it really is or isn't. The Fitz likes reggae, particularly dub, so we're gonna rock some serious dub today. Lee "Scratch" Perry is a legend not only in his native Jamaica but all over the world for helping to popularize his genre. If you know dub, you know Lee Perry, simple as that. If you don't, here's your first serving of roast fish and cornbread.

Lee Perry - Roast Fish And Cornbread



Mmmm... dub-licious.

Modest Mouse - Float On

It looks like summer outside and I'm not hanging about in here for much longer. It's been almost a year since I posted some Modest Mouse so here's one of my all-time favourite summer jams. Now get outside already.

Modest Mouse - Float On



Good times in the Maritimes.

Jungle Brothers - Brain

Good night at the Phoenix last night, thanks for everyone who came out and partied with me. Just need to find a way to get all you suckers in an hour earlier so you don't stick around so late! Tonight I'm at the iRock, new gig for me so I'm pretty much wingin' it and we'll see how she goes. Actually I better start moving now so I'm not late. Enjoy the evening, and here's some groovy beats from the Jungle Brothers to chill with.

Jungle Brothers - Brain



Tomorrow, something different.

Portishead - Glory Box

I've checked out a bunch of new music over the past couple days and haven't been very impressed, so here's an old one that I'd kind-of half-forgotten about. See ya at the Phoenix tonight!

Portishead - Glory Box [Live @ Nulle Part Ailleurs]



Sounds pretty Tarantino worthy.

Calvin Harris - Colours

I've got a bone to pick with the music industry. They've ruined Calvin Harris. Seriously. What the hell happened? This guy has talent and has put out some great tracks in recent years with kind of a funky nu-disco feel to them, and now all of a sudden he's putting out complete five-minute-dollar-star-dutch-wannabe crap. Pure rubbish. Forgive me for being negative, but "Awooga" and "Bounce" are simply awful. Is he selling out? Has he lost the plot? Have I no taste in music? You decide. I prefer his older stuff. Much, much, much better. More of that, please.

Calvin Harris - Colours

BONUS BEATS!

Ellie Goulding - The Lights [dBerrie Remix]



Great remix from David Berrie.

Phantogram - When I'm Small

I've only heard of Phantogram in passing until today, when Ashley posted a link to this great tune and I decided to check it out. I'm happy to say that it was pretty sweet, so then I found a neat little acoustic version of it to share with you as well. Since I know nothing about them, I'm gonna go find out more right now. Happy listening.

Phantogram - When I'm Small [Live @ Big Ugly Yellow Couch]



Check out Big Ugly Yellow Couch, it's a cool site.

Morcheeba - Even Though

It's been a busy weekend, and now I'm back in Halifax for a couple days. I've gotten a lot done on my own stuff over the past couple weeks, but right now I'm just updating my ever-growing database of tunage. For those of you who come out to the Phoenix early in the evening, particularly on Saturdays, you'll know that I like to play a lot of jazzy downtempo beats, lots of trip-hop and lo-fi goodies, so I've been getting more of that lately.

One of the groups that I've had a bit of, but now have much more of, is Morcheeba. Comprised of the Godfrey brothers, Paul and Ross, and singer Skye Edwards, they make great chillout tunes, and they've been doing it for years. You might have heard their track "Trigger Hippie" years back, it got fairly popular, but there's so much more in their catalog worth checking out. Here's a great rare live acoustic performance for your enjoyment.

Morcheeba - Even Though [Live @ Musiques Du Monde]



The original version is here, pretty sweet.

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime

I've been listening to some satellite radio for the past couple days, and this Adrian Lux track has been all over it. It's really simple and catchy, and I really dig it. It's more subtle than in-your-face like so much stuff out there today is. Nice little remix from Axwell and Henrik B too. Check it out.

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime

BONUS BEATS!

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime [Axwell & Henrik B Remix]



See ya at the Capital tonight.

Kaskade - Fire In Your New Shoes

This one has been around for a few months now but I didn't really get hold of it until Julie sent it to me a short time ago. Nice catchy track by Kaskade featuring Martina Sorbara from Dragonette on vocals. You might also recognize her voice from that goofy track "Hello" that's been making the rounds lately, even though they came out around the same time. Maybe this one will catch on too?

I'm heading back to Freddy Beach in less than an hour. See you all at the Phoenix tonight. I'll even play this track.

Kaskade feat. Martina Sorbara - Fire In Your New Shoes



New JSB album up too! Gotta go, see ya soon!

The Stranglers - Always The Sun

The sun is out. Finally. I'm going outside. Here are The Stranglers.

The Stranglers - Always The Sun



Back to Freddy Beach tomorrow evening. See ya at the Phoenix!

Sam Roberts - Brother Down

Sam Roberts is headlining FredRock this year. To be honest I'm not his biggest fan, but he's had some cool tracks come out over the years. This remains my favourite, I remember like yesterday hearing it on the Edge in Toronto. Less than 48 hours until I return to Freddy Beach for the weekend, so I'd better get back to work.

Sam Roberts - Brother Down



One more JSB show added, more tomorrow.

Scientists Of Sound - Rollin' & Scratchin'

It's still raining in Halifax. Still. That is one solid week of straight cloud and rain. Yuck. Well at least I have some sweet tunes to keep me company. Today we look to the future and bring you more Scientists Of Sound, covering one of my favourite Daft Punk tracks. So sick. Back to work, enjoy.

Added a new live JSB show, see the post below this one.

Jimmy Swift Band Live Shows

My 400th blog post fittingly contains gifts to you. Since JSB changed their status to "inactive", I'm going to post several live shows over the next couple days for you to download. All links will go on this page so you can just bookmark it or follow the tags on the side panel. Enjoy.

[1998] Halloween At Blues Corner
MP3 format, 160kbps VBR, 44kHz
14 songs, 2:15:27 total
recording information here
download here (155mb ZIP file): zippyshare
*oldest live recording of bad as PF Station that I know of
*includes cover tracks Pigs (Pink Floyd), Miss You (Rolling Stones) & more

[2000] Live @ Evolve
MP3 format, 192kbps VBR, 44kHz
6 songs, 1:12:11
recording information here
download here (99mb ZIP file): zippyshare
*legendary performance at first Evolve Festival
*only recording with Bob Deveaux on drums and Rob McGuire on keys

[2000] Ahh Yeah
MP3 format, 192kbps CBR, 44kHz
10 songs, 47:29 total
tracklist here
download here (65mb ZIP file): zippyshare
*first studio album of the band, released on Drop Records label
*labelled as Jimmy Swift Band but originally released as PF Station

[2002] Live @ The Come Together Festival
MP3 format, 256kbps VBR, 44kHz
15 songs, 2:35:25 total
recording information here
download here (260mb ZIP file): megaupload
*includes 41 minute version of Now They Will Know We Were Here
*includes 25 minute version of Creepin'
*includes cover songs Pigs & Ghost Riders In The Sky

[2003] Seamless @ The Trasheteria w/ Grand Theft Bus
MP3 format, 192kbps CBR, 44kHz
27 songs, 3:45:43 total
recording information here
download here (308mb ZIP file): megaupload
*includes 27 minute "Now They Will Know We Were Here"
*includes 28 minute seamless megajam with Grand Theft Bus

Still more on the way...

Jimmy Swift Band - Astronauts

It's not my fault! Blogger has been down for a while so I couldn't post anything, but we're back in business and I've been on the Twitter thingy in the meantime anyway so check out the side panel for some crazy links.

Today is a bittersweet day. The Jimmy Swift Band, after 10 years of kicking ass all over Canada, have decided to call it a day. This sucks because they are without doubt one of my all-time favourite live acts, and some of my greatest partying memories come from evenings that I attended their legendary shows. That said, Aaron and Craig will still be rocking it with their new(ish) collaboration group, the Scientists Of Sound, so for that we can be thankful. The rain has also stopped in Halifax, finally, at least for now. There's a hint of some sun coming through the clouds, and it's the first weekend I've spent in Hali in some time, so it's time to get my groove on.

This is probably my favourite JSB song, one that has been around since the Fly Jimmy Swift days. Of course the full title of the song is "Astronauts Attempting To Take Off Their Space Suits So That They May Copulate", which is highly appropriate. I've had some mind-blowing experiences during live renditions of this song.

For those interested, I'll be posting some links to old JSB shows tomorrow, pending permission from the band. Now onwards through the fog...

Jimmy Swift Band - Astronauts [Live @ The Marquee]

BONUS JSB MINI-DOCUMENTARY!

Ten minutes of nostalgia from "Live At The Marquee".

BONUS JSB AWESOMENESS!

Jimmy Swift Band - The 80's Runway Model [Live]



From "The Rebirth Of Hooch", a must-have live album.

Check out older JSB posts here and here for more greatness.

David Myles - Out Of Love

At last! Freddy Beach's own David Myles has finally made himself a little music video, and it's suitably minimal and smooth, just like his tunes. If you don't know about Mr. Myles, I recommend that you check him out. Better yet, see him live, he's pretty awesome.

I made it safely to Halifax, and I'm just getting settled in for the week ahead. I'll hopefully get lots of work done, starting as soon as I finish this post. It's been raining constantly since I got here Sunday night and hasn't stopped even for a quick breath so far, but that's ok since I'm locking myself in the house until I get something done. Some twitter updates for later, and maybe I'll put some of this new stuff on the ol' Soundcloud over the next couple days.

David Myles - Out Of Love



Lovely.

Fatlip & Yeti Beats - LA Girl

I've been busy getting ready for my Halifax sojourn, so here's some groovy beats to get you movin'. Come say hello at the Phoenix tonight, if you're nice I might play your song.

BONUS CRAZY BREAK DUB BEATS!

Canblaster - Clockworks [Teki Latex & Para One Remix]

Crazy beats that I can't really define, but I like 'em!

BONUS SWEET MAD HOUSE BEATS!

Soundz Fresh - Straight Up! [Olav Basoski Remix]

The original is sweet too, but Basoski always kicks ass!

BONUS FUNKY LATIN TECH HOUSE BEATS!

Guille Placencia - La Jungla [JuanmyR Remix]

A little repetitive, but it's tech house. Really dig the main beat.

BONUS DRIVING GROOVY SOULFUL HOUSE BEATS!

Oliver $ - Doin' Ya Thang

Great vocal cut in this one, Oliver $ puts his money where his mouth is once again.

Duran Duran - Girls On Film

It's raining again, probably due to the election result. Bad choice Canada. I am feeling similarly dull and uninspired today, so I won't burden you with my blandness. I've been meaning to finish up a couple new songs but I had some technical difficulties (now resolved) so they were somewhat delayed. I'll be dedicating the majority of the next two weeks, however, to finishing up songs and plan to, at worst, have a 3-track EP completely finished by then.

Go check out Tyler's retro rewind tonight at the Phoenix, or The Burning Hell and Baby Eagle in the Capital. I doubt I'll be making an appearance, but you never know. Here's a track you just might hear tonight if you do venture over.

Duran Duran - Girls On Film

BONUS BEATS!

Duran Duran - (Reach Up For The) Sunrise [Eric Prydz Remix]



Sweet remix, mediocre audio quality.

Classified - That Ain't Classy

Looks like it's time to evolve the blog once again. As you can see from the panel on the right I've added my Twitter feed. This seems to be the best way to post my links and reach a potentially bigger audience, so I'm going to try it out for a while. The daily music and commentary will remain the same. Another advantage is that I can update links as I find them, so there will be a more consistent stream of updates as opposed to staggered ones. We'll see how it goes, but in the meantime here's some Classified with the first single off his new album. It's pretty good, definitely a step up in production and I recommend picking it up. Stay classy people.

BONUS BEATS!

Brother Ali - Forest Whitaker

Great rapper, great actor, great track sent to me by The Fonz.

Zoot Woman - Grey Day

Well it's been an appropriately grey day here after the game-changing results of last night's election. Unsurprisingly, the Conservatives won. Surprisingly, they now have a majority. What does this say of our country, to re-elect a man found in contempt of parliament? Given that only 61% of eligible Canadians bothered to vote, it smacks of the same apathy that has plagued our political landscape for years.

People simply are not educated enough, or don't feel that their vote matters. Without knowing the demographics of those that voted, I can hypothesize that once again it was the youth of Canada that did not stand up to be counted, and now we have a thoroughly repugnant man as majority Prime Minister for the next four years because some 24% of Canadians thought he should be. The system is a shambles to be sure, but one cannot blame the system with such low voter turnout. It is a bitter blow, and one that will surely be looked upon in a very poor light by outsiders. That such a so-called free democratic society should so frivolously spurn its civil right, and duty, to decide its leader is contemptible in and of itself.

If there are positives to be taken from the result, it is to be found firstly in Quebec, who have overwhelmingly voted to oust the Bloc from official party status in a clear demonstration that sovereignty is no longer a strongly held desire of its people. The NDP's now commanding foothold on the province thrust it into pole position as head of the opposition, which could have been significant if Ontario had not completely dumped the Liberals and gone Conservative, which is particularly confounding.

Indeed the fall of the Liberals must be seen as the largest story of the election, and who it must be said have capitulated in embarrassing fashion. Thankfully Michael Ignatieff has resigned his position, and one feels that there must be a complete overhaul of the party that appears totally rudderless and bereft of any significant political strategy beyond disparaging its competitors. A leader with character and integrity, and a legitimate platform that addresses appropriate issues with coherent and reasonable solutions that are more congruent with its perceived representation of the Canadian left are desperately needed if there is any hope of a return to prominence.

While I am not in favor of party politics, nor do I subscribe to the left/right argument on my own behalf, it seemed clear to me that the failure of Ignatieff's Liberals to distance themselves from the eminently polarizing right of Harper's Conservatives was key to their downfall. Layton's NDP, on the other hand, recognized an opportunity to seize the left, and did so in remarkable fashion given their relatively inauspicious outlook only a few weeks ago.

As the dust settles it is difficult to imagine Canada strengthening its international reputation under the banal leadership of Mr. Harper, and it is a similar outcome that should be expected domestically. We must now instead look to strengthen our communities internally, supporting local businesses and talent, improving our relationships individually and educating those around us to the importance, however dull it may seem, of understanding democracy. Without the support and participation of all Canadians it will continue to invoke abject derision from our friends and critics alike, and we have only ourselves to blame.

See ya tomorrow.

Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come

Hooray! The boogeyman is dead! Every solder, civilian, and civil right that we have sacrificed in the meantime has all been worth it! It's ok! USA! USA! USA!

Where, oh where, is Bill Hicks when you need him most?

Today is election day here in Canada and regardless of the outcome I do believe there will be as many Canadians at the pub as there will be at the polls. I will probably be amongst you, enjoying a solitary pint of something local, and despite my innermost feelings of contempt for the whole episode I will don my brave face, smile and nod, and whisper whimsically to the night: a change is gonna come.

Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come

POLITICS SUCKS

Obama's Bin Laden Speech

In case you missed it.

A Real Speech

In case you missed it.