Sean Price - Planet Apes

I feel yesterday's offering wasn't angry enough. I offer this beast to atone.

WARNING: Graphic video ahead. Hide yo kids. Also: earmuffs.

Coheed & Cambria - Wake Up

I was going to post something loud. It is Metal Monday after all. In lieu of monster riffs I've opted for some acoustic Claudio Sanchez and Travis Stever. I trust you'll forgive me.

Pool Cosby - Little Do They Know

Some downtempo chillin' music for a lazy Sunday.

Ibibio Sound Machine - Give Me A Reason

Saturday is dancing day. Here's some wacky beats to get down to.

Angles 9 - Pacemaker

Funky Fresh Friday. This is some serious downtown my zoot suit is better than yours get outta the damn way comin' through to get you funktacular jazz.

Fatboy Slim - Weapon Of Choice

Throwdown Thursday? Can't go wrong with Norman Cook and a little dance number from Christopher Walken. How does this not have 100 bazillion views?

Guerilla Toss - Betty Dreams Of Green Men

Your guess is as good as mine.

Jonwayne - These Words Are Everything

I can dig it. Especially the production. Walk with a swagger.

Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill

Here's one I'm surprised I haven't already posted. He's 61 in this performance. Pretty funny at the end when he almost takes out the conductor with a giant hanging camera.

Ria Mae - Ooh Love

Heard her on the CBC the other day. Kind of embarrassed to say I didn't recognize her stuff. Color me impressed. This acoustic performance might be even better.

(one extra chilly bonus beet please)

Broken
(feat. Tegan Quin)

#1 Dads - Two Weeks

This is a shockingly good cover that blistering FKA Twigs track. One of my favorite covers over the past couple years.

There's so much to be interested in here... it's ambitious. This is not an easy song to perform and the original is untouchable, but I really like the approach - they've captured the feel of the song while still keeping it fresh. Great job.

Gigamesh - History

French disco house funk supreme. Big fan of Matthew Masurka's stuff. Can't believe I haven't posted more. First got into him when I heard his remix of Mike Posner's "Cooler Than Me". That gives me an idea...

Bonus beats?

Radiohead - Man Of War

So apparently this was recorded during the OK Computer setups and just didn't make the album. Which would make it about 20 years ago. It's a bit crazy to think how well an unreleased b-side has held up over time. Heads of the radio indeed.

Furtunato - I Am

Phat beat Wednesday.

Nick Hakim - The Light

I need a couple minutes of downtime.

Uko - Please Come To Me

Super Mario Monday. This is great.

Björk - Blissing Me

She's now 52 years old. Still making fresh and relevant music.

All Them Witches - The Death Of Coyote Woman

These guys are real good. Hint of The Doors about them. Everything is on point here, love the depth from the Rhodes. Think this would be killer live.

Beck - Colors

New album. Early opinion: decent. This track is funky enough.

R.E.M. - Strange Currencies

These guys just released a new re-mastered version of 'Automatic From The People', a classic album that's a must for any half-serious vinyl collection. This song, of course, is not from that album. It's still great though so I picked it instead.

Toto - Africa

I've posted this one before (like 7 years ago) but never this version so we're making an exception. This is a soundboard recording of the performance at Budokan on May 19, 1982. Nice job adding a touch of reverb to make it sound like a stage recording. This is definitely the best live cut of this song out there, no lip syncing here folks.

Chris Rodrigues & The Spoon Lady - Angels In Heaven

Just came across this one, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.

Jesse Stewart - Marauder

This is one of the greatest solo performances of all time. Fact.

Jarv - Slack-Jaw

Some goofy cat from Vermont. Not bad, not bad at all.

Armand van Helden - The Funk Phenomena

This is actually some dope mashup of a boss tune. Nice work on the video too. It's Saturday. Put on your skates and let's have a dance party.

The Cranberries - Zombie

I haven't had much sleep this week, and the weekend isn't looking promising either.

Timecop 1983 - Moving On

You don't get much variation from this dude, but he's damn good as what he does.

The Day - Grow

Don't know anything about this artist, but this tune is pretty smooth.

Marker Starling - Hue And Cry

aka Mantler. I like that name better. Still makes cool music.

Clutch - Electric Worry

It's Monday. Let's get loud. Southern metal rock supreme loud.

Dion DiMucci & Paul Simon - New York Is My Home

I first heard this as a 'bonus track' on the 'deluxe' version of the Stranger To Stranger album. Apparently it was actually released as a single previously. It's a good tune that would have been served better without the drum track in the background.

As an aside, the concept of 'bonus' tracks and 'deluxe' versions of albums grinds my gears. Either it's part of the album or it's not. If it's not, release it separately and leave it that way. 'Deluxe' implies you've left something out of the original release, like it's the 'cheapskate' version.

Marketers, you suck.

The Roots - It Ain't Fair

I've got it. We need this. This right here.

Soul Asylum - Black Gold

I could swear I've seen that drummer somewhere before...

Vulfpeck - Hero Town

Them drums.

(Michael Bland)

Chromeo - Juice

Big fan of the early stuff from these guys. I feel like they've drifted away from prime groovy in the last couple years, but this first single from the upcoming album is promising. Keep them juices flowin'.

Goodbye Tomorrow - Back It Down

Trippy electro chill funk step.

Hackney Colliery Band - Heart-Shaped Box

This is so metal. The brass on these chaps.

Jinx The Cat - Season Of Change

Great psychedelic jam band out of New Brunswick. If you get a chance, check 'em out live. This video is from almost five years ago, so they've evolved a bit since then.

Knower - Overtime

These guys are relatively new to me. I like them. A lot.

Erlend Øye - Rainman

Light, frilly, and a neat little video. That'll do it.

Pond - Zond

Wait wait! Don't put your costumes away just yet! Check out the new Star Wars trailer and then dance around like a weirdo in space.

Annie Lennox - Love Song For A Vampire

I made it. One month of posting every day. It's been a long, long time since I managed that. Onwards and upwards. Let's close out the Halloween festivities with this gem from dear Annie. Think this could be pretty epic with a live orchestra.

Flamingosis - A Groovy Thing

Don't forget to get your groove on, Hallowieners.

Cleft - Live at ArcTanGent

Metal Monday? Of sorts. These guys are blisteringly awesome. They who are no more. Must have been a thrill to see them in person. I think this is sort of what is being called prog math rock or whatever. Down with labels. Up with noise.

1 - Frankenstein

2 - Bees, Beads, Beas

3 - Trapdoor

4 - Me, Sugar

5 - Chin

6 - Drop A Bastard

7 - Flail

8 - Tight As A Witch's

9 - Hostage

10 - Onan's Boulder

11 - Alec Baldwin's Hair

12 - Gulch

13 - Elephant

14 - Surprise Time!

Jellyfish - Ignorance Is Bliss

I mean, I'm not really sure what you're supposed to think either.

Thiwe - I Am Woman

Not feeling the video but I'm digging the production on this track.

Primus - The Seven

New Primus! That is all.

ps primus sucks

Rush - Xanadu

When you absolutely must have epic and Canadian, look no further.

Clipping - Summertime

This dude's videos are mad.

Møme - Jetpack

Need an electronic smoothie for this Tuesday afternoon.

Toadies - Possum Kingdom

These guys have a new album. I haven't listened to it yet, but will get around to it. This song was the shizzle back in the day. Thems were the days.

Stevie Wonder - Living For The City

Awwww yisssss.

Mutha funkin' Stevie.

SonReal - Can I Get A Witness

This song is just ridiculously catchy. I like this cat's production.

Tacocat - I Hate The Weekend

Remember kids, it's only cheating if you get caught.

Jarius Mozee & Mike Edwards - Old School Funkin'

Just some boss jammin' by a couple dudes you've never heard of at NAMM 2017.

The Tragically Hip - 38 Years Old

To my great shame this is the first Hip song I've ever posted. I don't even know how that's possible. On another note I've now posted more days consecutively than I did in the entirety of January to September, and in another week I'll have blown past 2016's record as well. That may just have something to do with it. It's been a helluva week in a brutal year. Rest easy Gord.

A Perfect Circle - The Doomed

Been a while since we had a new track from these guys.

Could we get a double dose of Maynard in 2018?

Hanging Out with John Dunsworth

No music today. Just some memories of a beauty no longer with us.

Cheers to you John.

Scary Pockets - I Feel It Coming

Tread carefully when going the cover route. It's been done ad nauseam but I dig these guys, just a bunch of random musicians jazzing it up. Think I might actually like this one better than the original, which is really only saved by Daft Punk's production.

Jimmy Swift Band - 80s Runway Model

I'm in Fredericton right now and posting this with telekinesis. These guys aren't playing here tonight but it would be better if they were.

Hey Rosetta! - The Simplest Thing

I remember seeing Tim Baker play for the first time at the Wilser's Room many moons ago, a quiet little songwriter session right around the time when the first EP came out. It was a game-changer. The whole room was mesmerised with what we were hearing.

Now after more than a decade of traveling the world the band is taking a well-deserved break. It's not really a surprise, they've been planning their escape since the beginning. Maybe a couple years down the road we'll catch them at a reunion show or on a random corner in St. John's would seem fitting.

This song stuck with me then and still done many years later. No video for this one. Hit play, close your eyes, and go wherever it takes you.

Joyful Noise - Escalator To Sussex

I'm heading to Freddy Beach tomorrow. It's been a while. Sadly these cats aren't playing this weekend. Maybe I'll run into them out and about and demand an impromptu jam session. I just want to hear some groovy chunes!

Creature And The Woods - Holy Hell

I haven't listened to a lot of these guys but this song is great.

Mastodon - Steambreather

The new album seems to have attracted divided opinions. It certainly has a progressive sound to it, and if that it more accessible to some I'm not sure why that has to be a bad thing. Personally I think it's awesome, easily one of my favorite discs of the year.

David Hasselhoff - True Survivor

Remember that ridiculous short film Kung Fury? Ya, it was pretty great.

Khruangbin - Dern Kala

Yesterday was mathysomethingerother. Today is chilly hipster funk step.

Three Trapped Tigers - Engrams

Is this 'math rock'? Mathcore? Electrofuzzrock? I'm not good at genres.

Childish Gambino - Redbone

Mr. Glover's tunes are a bit hit-and-miss for me, but this one is undeniably swish. Here's how him and producer Ludwig Göransson put 'er together.

Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined

Words? Who needs words?

Been getting into the NIN again lately. Dunno why. Still dope.

Mike Garson is the cat killin' it on the piano. He's 63 at the time of this performance.

Richard Dawson - Ogre

This song is... an experience. I have no idea.

The Bronx - Two Birds

The Bronx is back.

Tom Petty - Mary Jane's Last Dance

Goddamnit.

Charles Bradley - Live at Ancienne Belgique

Good grief it's October. Our first month without Charles.
Thanks for the memories.

01. Funky Mule
02. Summer In The City
03. Love Bug Blues
04. Crying In The Chapel
05. The World
06. How Long?
07. You Put The Flame On It
08. Where Do We Go From Here?
09. Hurricane
10. Lovin' You, Baby
11. Strictly Reserved For You
12. Confusion
13. All I'm Asking
14. Victim Of Love
15. Why Is It So Hard?

Lorde - Green Light

Not sure why I'm posting this one. This is by far my least favorite work that she's done. Hope the album has more to offer. Video isn't up to much either.

Sébastien Léger - Tears

Blip. Bloop. Bing!

Run The Jewels - Tiny Desk Concert

Booya! RTJ for the win!

1. Talk To Me
2. Legend Has It
3. A Report To The Shareholders

The Smiths - How Soon Is Now?

Can't believe I've never posted any of these cats. Madness.

Nirvana - Breed

Let's just rock out for a couple minutes shall we?

Bad Lip Reading - Seagulls!

Yes, I know there's a new one, but I like this one better.

Missy Elliott - I'm Better

Crazy. Was just thinking the other day, what's up with Missy these days?

The verdict: I'm diggin' the beat. Phat bass. Subtle and not too obnoxious. Thumbs up.

Thundercat - Show You The Way

No video yet for this one... but it's worth a post anyway. Featuring Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and Kenny Loggins of Kenny Loggins fame.

Jamiroquai - Automaton

Brand spankin' new...

Last Week Tonight Season 4 Promo

Yes.

Sampha - (No One Know Me) Like The Piano

New solo album from this serial collaborator out February 3.

David Bowie - No Plan

Pretty much.

Bonobo - Break Apart

New album out today! Get in on Ninja Tune! Much dope.

Alive 2017

Is it true? Are they back? Am I back?

EDIT: Mirrored. p.s. fake.

Radiohead - The Numbers

Dang, it's been a while. Again. I've got an excuse this time. Computer went kaput. Good news is I've got a new one. And it's way faster. That means greater productivity, right?

Here's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood in live action.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Keith Hallett - Nappadogginn

Going to see this gent tonight. Gotta love Harvest Jazz time.

DJ Shadow & Run The Jewels - Nobody Speak

Dope track, great video.

Caravan

Dick Morrissey - Saxophone
Brian Dee - Piano
Len Skeat - Bass
Charly Antolini - Drums

Bern Jazz Festival 1993

Red Fang - Shadows

If you're going to creep out of the shadows, do it with a bang.

Soundgarden - Been Away Too Long

Sometimes you just need an extended break. A hiatus? This is my longest yet! Must mean I'm making a comeback. I still need go to back in time for a bit. Time travel is dangerous. Wish me luck? Oh, and what's up with this crowd? Wall Street-only admission?

Not Dead Yet

Think I'll go for a walk!

David Bowie - Bring Me The Disco King

I got insanely busy and didn't finish my list. I'm going to go back in time and fix that pronto. In the meantime we've lost Lemmy and Bowie in a matter of days. Both were musical titans, but the latter had the greater influence on me. He was brilliant, and managed to reinvent himself in so many ways that were genuine, not merely doing it to be different. I'm just gonna post some of his videos this week, and then probably never post one again. 

Best of 2015 Part 3

On to day 3 and so far I'm only regretting one selection, but it's a minor issue of ordering so that's pretty good. I'm sure I'll find some albums early in 2016 that I complete missed from this year that will scream "I should have been there!" but them's the breaks. Times are busy so let's get back to what we're here for.

#15

Jamie xx

In Colour

I really just want to call this guy Jamie Smith, because that's what his name is and the 'xx' part is stupid. Anyway I was surprised by this album. I didn't think I would be into it at all, but after a couple listens I was pretty impressed. Not really sure what I expected.

Like his old music with 'The xx', this album has a layered, ethereal sound that's progressive, but in a measured way. He uses space well, with minimal foreground dripped on top of sweeping atmosphere. Only a couple tracks feature any meaningful lyrics, which isn't bad by any means. My least favorite track is the most mainstream one featuring Young Thug. I don't really hear any classic singles, but it works as a collection from front to back.

Gosh

Sleep Sound

Loud Places

#14

Uffe

Radio Days

Uffe Christensen is a Danish electronic producer who has only done singles up until now. In his first full-length album he's done a commendable job of putting together catchy beats and blending them into a cohesive construct. Nothing feels out of place.

His sound is glitchy, minimalist, and eclectic. There are moments of late night deep tech house, bouncy UK garage grooves, downtempo trip-hop, and just a whole whack of varied sounds mashed together. It reminds me of slightly more subdued Siriusmo, another spastic producer who has featured on these charts before. Do yourself a favour and check this one out.

I Can Show You High

Lemon Nights

Die For You

#13

John Tejada

Signs Under Test

Another ethereal album, awash in reverb but more pulsing than Jamie xx. This one is purely instrumental. I think the best description is late night trance tech. This latest album from the Austrian producer isn't overly emotive, it just kind of expands through stillness.

Some really interesting synth choices really help accentuate the melodic lines in between frazzled fringe percussion. There's a lot of care taken to use air to give a delicate sense of changing pressure, as if the music were going for a deep sea dive down a tunnel. Probably not for those who aren't intently into electronic music, but I found it captivating.

Two 0 One

Beacht

Meadow

EP #5

Møme

Cosmopolitan

This is Jérémy Souillart. He's French, but he lives in Australia. Interesting decision. He makes what I guess you'd call chillwave, or maybe chillstep? I dunno. Genres are so often lost on me now, not that they're important. Gender, genre, seems to be a theme there. Anyway I digress. This is great collection of five tracks, including a booming psychedelic house track at the end. Two thumbs way up.

Cyclope

Hangover

Cosmopolitan

Tomorrow we tickle the toes of the top 10.

Best of 2015 Part 2

These last days of the year always seem to fly by, even more so than the rest. Could be the constant eating, drinking, and all the writing... or maybe my internal clock is just scrambled beyond repair, Whatever it is, we've got three more album to look at, so let's hop to it.

#18

Iris

Liquid Sunshine

There aren't too many prominent female hip-hop producers on the scene these days. That fact doesn't actually earn her any bonus points, just throwing it out there. I have no idea what her real name is (maybe it's Iris), and again, it doesn't matter. Her beats are dope.

In the past I've championed the likes of Brock Berrigan, Apollo Brown, and Wax Tailor, This is something similar, sample based with elements of the funk soul brother tied together with crispy drum tracks. There are some great sounds on this one, I highly recommend it if you're into instrumental hip-hop. Pick it up online here!

Seoul Soul

Azoto Rain

Bustability

#17

Laszlo

Cartoon Hero

Another 80's inspired album, this time from Aaron Wheeler, a disco producer often found on the Monstercat label. The majority of his work seems to be electro-dance stuff that doesn't really appeal to me, but he clearly has some talent and versatility as he shows here. That might sound strange considering this isn't far off electro, but there is actually quite a range of interesting sounds jammed together on this album.

It's a proper concept album, an audio tribute to the great cartoon heroes we used to watch as kids. It's definitely not for dancing, with eclectic grooves and quick transitions, Elements of dubstep, electro, synth pop are all there. It's a great listen, lots of fun for the kids, and at 38 minutes not too taxing on the brain.

What Did We Learn Today Kids?

Cartoon Hero

Supermassive

#16

Owiny Sigoma Band

Nyanza

It's been a while since these crazies have graced the blog, four years since they checked in around the same spot on my 'Best of 2011' chart. This album isn't quite as good as their self-titled debut, it's a bit faster and heavier rhythmically, but it's still very injoyable.

There are times when this album feels very techy. Thumping tribal Kenyan house music of sorts. Most of the vocals are heavily processed to give it a dub feel. Reverb and delay are applied liberally. If I have a complaint it's that the pacing of the song order is a little off. Some re-organization might have gone a ways to fixing that, but that doesn't take away from the quality of some serious jams.

I Made You, You Made Me

Changaa

Luo Land

EP #6

Foreign Fields

What I Kept In Hiding

These guys are really good, but they're also really boring. Kind of like the Mumford & Sons of indie folk but half the speed. It's like they only have one tempo, and one way to write songs. What they do, though, they do very well. Their sound is great, they're polished live, but man.. branch out a little gentlemen. Don't get me wrong. This EP is excellent, and the format suits them perfectly. I'd just like to see something different from some obviously talented individuals. 

I Have Your Weapons

In Hiding

Subtle Weight

Part 3 ahead, with some experimental sounds.

Best of 2015 Part 1

Holy it's Christmas Day. That means it's time to start my 6th annual 'Best of" list, 21 albums that grabbed my attention this year. I have to say it hasn't been the greatest year music-wise, for me anyway. I've heard varied opinions, as one does in the subjective arts business, but I felt that while there were a lot of 'interesting' albums, not many really grabbed hold of me like in years gone by. Just one of those years? Could be.

Only two repeat 'champions' find their way into the reckoning this year, and many of these artists were entirely new to me. That's a good thing, I suppose. In case you're wondering who made it in the past five years, you can check them out here:

Best of 2010

                                   Best of 2011

Best of 2012

                                                                                                                   Best of 2013

Best of 2014

Actually I should add that this year could be described as 'year of the EP'. I had serious trouble trying to narrow it down to only seven, there are plenty of contenders that have missed out that on another day could easily have sneaked in. On the LP side, not so much. The top half of the table is pretty solid, the bottom a bit here and there.

Let's get stuck in, shall we?

#21

Sufjan Stevens

Carrie & Lowell

Let me preface this by saying that I'm not really a Sufjan Stevens fan. Not a great way to start an appraisal is it? He's flighty, often limited in scope, and just doesn't really grip me all the time. I really enjoyed his Illinois album, but otherwise found him very hit and miss.

This offering isn't a masterpiece. It's still whispy yet it has a certain weight to it, both lyrically and harmonically, that makes it stick out from other indie folk albums this year. It's sparse and droning, with just enough instrumentation in the background to keep its momentum creeping forward. For what it is, it's a solid effort from an unusual fellow.

Death With Dignity

Should Have Known Better

Carrie & Lowell

#20

Timecop 1983

Reflections

This one is unapologetically one dimensional 80's synth wave, and it's juicy. I guess the name might have given that away. Jordy Leenaerts is the man behind the brand, and he's created some serious throwback tunes. Nearly every track on this album sounds like it could have been a one hit wonder about 30 years ago. 

If you're not into epic cheesy synth ballads, don't even bother with this one. If you're like me and enjoy some dreamy synthesizer accompanied by a drum machine, dive right in. This won't make any best-of-the-decade lists, not even close. It's still a fun album, which just so happens to be good enough in a bit of an off year.

New Horizons

Lost Without You

My First Crush

#19

Humans

Noontide

This is a new band for me, who I actually discovered from a shirt that Shamos was wearing. He said I might like them, and hey, I do. Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq are from Vancouver, and they play with lots of buttons and dials and vocoders and such, it's pretty cool. Reminds me of a heavier Caribou, or a more conventional take on The Knife.

Like the others, this album isn't a grand slam for me, but it's getting better with each listen and there are some undeniably catchy beats that reach out amidst the sludgier sounds. 'Ennio' has a relatively mainstream sound, while 'Cold Soba' is glitchy and washed out. It makes for an intense hour of listening. I haven't delved too deeply into their older stuff, but based on this I've got some catching up to do.

Follow

All My

Tell Me

EP #7

Zero 7

EP3

My first EP selection has a terrible name. In case you haven't noticed it's a pet peeve of mine. Anyway we won't let that get in the way of the great tunes on it, four originals and one remix. Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker have put together a terrific little release with some great vocalists like José González and newcomer Danny Pratt, whose style is very similar to Sampha of SBTRKT fame. The opening track, '400 Blows', is one of my favorites of the year. I can't for the life of me understand how it doesn't have a video! 

Last Light

The Colour Of Spring

400 Blows

Tomorrow, part 2!

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Speaking of epic. The best live version out there.

Gowan - Moonlight Desires

More '80s epicness. This version is from '94.