Kwaya Na Kisser

Polaris Music Prize: Where's Kevin Drew's New Record?

2008-11-08T17:31:00.004-07:00

There's no doubt that this year's Polaris shortlist had all the good Canadian records of 2007/08 (good call on the inclusion of Two Hours Traffic, Kathleen Edwards and Basia Bulat). I am even sure the right band won (Caribou). But for a music prize that purports to choose the best Canadian album solely on the basis of artistic merit, did the judges listen to that little Kevin Drew record called Spirit If...? I'll be hard pressed to find a better sounding record than that in recent times, in and outside Canada.

Listen to a stream of the entire album here. See how you feel at the end of it all.

New Centro-Matic / South San Gabriel!!!

2008-06-06T07:37:00.008-06:00

Okay, I haven't heard the whole thing yet, but the two sides of Will Johnson and the band can never be a bad thing. I still haven't stopped enjoying Fort Recovery, but here's hoping that I can finally get over that and move on. I managed to get some legal tracks off the new double split LP, so enjoy!

Centro-matic
"Quality Strange"

"I, The Kite"

South San Gabriel
"Trust To Lose"

Get from iTunes

Poll Time: The Smiths

2008-05-26T17:17:00.005-06:00

Okay, forgive me for asking again, but it is all the fault of Travis, who it turns out, thinks a certain Smiths album is the best when its not and such and such.

Vote away, and enjoy some random Smith goodies below.

more at twiigs.com...

Sweet & Tender Hooligan
London
Shoplifters of the World Unite
Wonderful Woman
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (Live)

Ad: OrtzRoka - Planets

2008-05-18T11:12:00.001-06:00

Planets -
Planets - Neon Coyote Remix

The Charlatans Have A New Record!

2008-05-15T08:27:00.004-06:00

Does it not say a lot when it takes a new Charlatans record to bring me out of my self-imposed silence? Oh Charlatans, thank you for making blogging fun again!

Better still, it's being offered as a free download on XFM. Thanks Radiohead!

Too lazy to download the full thing? Then hit up these two songs.

Oh! Vanity
Bad Days

In other news, if you like in Vancouver and love Oasis or Ryan Adams as much as I do, hit me up for two tickets to see both live in concert in August. Real good seats too.

Poll Time! Morrissey Records

2008-03-24T16:38:00.006-06:00

So this is from a debate Travis and I are having. I have my favorite picked out for sure, but I don't want to influence the vote.

more at twiigs.com...

And as a bonus for voting, ladies and gentlemen, some outtakes from Viva Hate.

Please Help The Cause Against Loneliness
Please Help The Cause Against Loneliness (Sandie Shaw on backing vocals)
Dial-a-cliche (rough cut)
Hairdresser On Fire (Vini Reilly on vocals)
I Know Very Well How I Got My Name (orchestra ending)
Dial-a-cliche (Moz speaking at end)
Dial-a-cliche (wrong key)
Moz discusses Everyday is like Sunday

Old Songs Discovered

2008-03-14T11:33:00.002-06:00

Knock That Door Enon (very Blondie, with a pleasant twist)
Sound & Vision David Bowie (always fresh)
Receptacle for the Respectable Super Furry Animals (Better than the Beatles?)

Spitzergate: And the Singer Sings Her Song...

2008-03-13T08:40:00.003-06:00

So Mr. Spitzer's "Kristen" is an aspiring singer! It's our job then as music bloggers to do the best we can to hype her to stardom, isn't it? I would have voted for her on American Idol. Isn't she lovely!?

Ashley Alexandra Dupre: What We Want

Vancouver, Venison Burgers, and Jeff Buckley Live

2008-03-08T16:14:00.009-07:00

So I am hanging out in Vancouver right now, loving the city. Lunch break escape from a meeting where there's a lot of talk going about things called "assays" and "in vivo". I took the bus down Main St. and discovered Neptoon records, where I found some cool LPs. Favorite find - Eno & Bryne: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts ($10). The guy at Neptoon made me check out, and buy the new Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings record (which for reason I had stayed away from - hmnnnn...), and then told me to grab lunch at Locus Restaurant on Main (intersection: King Edward's). Best Venison burger and hash browns combo I ever had. Best any kind of burger I ever had. Faaking A.

Anyway, here's some live Jeff Buckley. The details are in the tags.

Intro
Dream Brother
So Real
Last Goodbye
What Will You Say
Lilac Wine
Mojo Pin
Grace
Eternal Life
Lover, You Should Have Come Over
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Hallelujah
Kanga Roo

New Hot Chip

2008-02-22T14:30:00.002-07:00

Made in the Dark

Absolute 9 - The A Side

2008-02-19T16:43:00.005-07:00

Here's a treat for my friends who read this blog, and for those of you with uncool bosses. My boss, currently a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, used to sing lead in a number of bands in the New Wave/"New" Weezer era. I like the alt rock incarnation better, but the dance pop grooves of the self-titled Absolute 9 record was alright too. Just so you don't think I am sucking up, check it out for yourself.

Stop Thinking
Love and Work
The Fence

Recorded from vinyl, so there might be some pitch issues. Best enjoyed in 80s mode, with baggy pants and great hair.

Feist Live

2008-02-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Haven't listened to this, but it's Feist. Get it?

Live, SWR3 New Pop Festival, Kurhaus, Baden- Baden, September 20, 2007

When I Was A Young Girl
So Sorry
The Limit To Your Love
Mushaboom
I Feel It All
Secret Heart
Inside And Out
The Water
Sea Lion Woman
1234
Let It Die
My Moon My Man

Now I have to go watch this:

My Aunt's Playlist: CBS/Pepsi Special Offer - Simon & Garfunkel/The Tremeloes

2008-01-21T18:16:00.001-07:00

This is a special find - not sure how many of this are still in circulation. Google and Ebay searches confirm that this guy and this guy have one, so that makes me the third person who is known to possess one for now. Just in case you are a fan of The Tremeloes...

A-side: The Tremeloes Here Comes My Baby
B-side: Simon & Garfunkel The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Both from a 1967 7-inch single Pepsi-Cola Offer through CBS Records. Enjoy.

My Aunt's Playlist: Twiggy

2008-01-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

So while vacationing in Nigeria I found a bunch of precious goodies on vinyl in my aunt's "very dusty" collection. I plan to post these here over the next few weeks, not just to show how cool my aunt was and still is, but also to take a break from the usual "live music" posts. Not even sure I want to do those anymore.

My reaction when I first saw the Twiggy single? Somewhere between surprise and disgust. Kinda like how I felt about Tyra's Shake Ya Body (some things shouldn't happen). But I was being merely ignorant - apart from the fact that this was a high-charting single (#17, UK), Twiggy is actually more than a decent singer. The single, "Here I Go Again" is a cover of 60's folk rock band Country Joe and The Fish, but the real treasure here is the B-side ballad, "In Love Together". Enjoy.

Here I Go Again
In Love Together

Explaining the Hiatus

2007-12-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have wondered about the lack of new posts here, here's your reason. I am on vacation in Africa right now, and internet access where I am situated is a bitch. There you have it. A reason. However, I am collecting some really kickass exciting music on vinyl here, and will be totally prolific when I get back. I even managed to find some single released by Twiggy (sure to go on ebay when I return), a 1964 promotional single by The Beatles, the Declaration of Biafran Independence speech by President Ojukwu, some really old Fela, and some badass highlife music. It's on.

Have a happy holiday!

destroy0r

2007-10-30T12:23:00.000-06:00

destroy0r's myspace tells me that the band is from Burton, UK, and that its members are Glynndiana Jones, Glynnt Eastwood, and Arnold SchwarzGlynnegger. Whatever. I stumbled upon their music during some late night mindless web surfing, in between boring parts of my TiVo replay of The Pursuit of Happyness (stupid movie with stupid message). First it was their myspace, then some persistent googling uncovered some more, and now I can't stop playing this. Great stuff. Think Daft Punk meets Depeche Mode.

Here's two of my favorite tracks. These guys are unsigned, so good luck finding the music. If you do find somewhere to purchase, please drop me a line.

Your New Beard is Aerodynamic
Autuhm

Some more tracks on their myspace.

The Antlers: Cold War EP

2007-10-28T19:22:00.000-06:00

A while ago I informed you of the existence of the seriously talented Peter Silberman, aka The Antlers, and his seriously fantastic new EP, In the Attic of the Universe, which was a free download for some period of time. Well, Fall Records picked it up, and it's going to be released November 20th. You can pre-order it here. Highly recommended.

In the meantime, here's a 3-track EP titled Cold War that this talented busy fellow just recorded, while working on a full-length follow-up to Attic called Hospice. Haven't heard it yet, but I am looking forward to it. Grab it kids, for the commute tomorrow.

Cold War (zip file)
or
mp3s
1. East River Berlin Wall
2. Apple Orchard (Beach House Cover)
3. Cold War

Phosphorescent; A Million Hits!

2007-10-25T21:17:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am not a big fan of the Greek philosopher pose too, but Matthew Houck and his rotating band of players are the hottest thing on the web and indie music right now. Run quickly to the band myspace and check out four songs from Pride and Aw Come Aw Wry, his last two releases. Aw Come is very Bonnie Prince Billy, but Pride is the sound of a band defining its own sound. Dark, contemplative lyrics, and a brooding minimal sound that will keep you coming back to one of the best albums you'll hear this year.

Listen: Pride
Buy: Pride

On another note, 1 MILLION of you just made it to this blog, all in less than two years since I started posting my lame thoughts on music. I thank you for reading.

Radio Free Europe

2007-10-24T19:07:00.000-06:00

Streaming all night long. The best songs you never heard on radio. Clicky.

The Rad Report #1

2007-10-23T16:14:00.000-06:00

So what's rad in my playlist this week?

This Modern Love (Bloc Party cover) by Final Fantasy, Live at the Myer Horowitz Theatre, UofA, Edmonton, 17 Oct 2007. Awesome cut - this taping only approximates seeing this live. Thanks to John A. MacDonald for doing the taping honours.

Trading Twilight for Daylight by Great Northern. My fave album discovery of the week. This LA quartet with a seriously cool website should please those of you who like Stars. Melodious hush pop I'll call this one. Love it. Definitely check it out. They have some songs streaming on their website.

Not About Love: The rejected Jon Brion-produced version of the Fiona Apple song. Kicks serious ass. If you wish, you can compare with the album version.

See you soon.

Of Polls & More Polls

2007-10-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to those of you who were kind enough to take a second of your time to participate in this highly acclaimed poll, which is still ongoing. Personally, I'll pull for Josh or Sam too, and it appears most of you agree. However it did occur to me sometime yesterday (yes, that's how long it takes) that my poll question is too one-sided (typical man), so to redress my wicked ways, I have put up one for female singer-songwriters. Next poll coming up: pull both genders together and see who wears the crown. I am stoked.

more at twiigs.com...

And the musicalities, for those who need reminding:

He War Cat Power
Let it Die Feist
Dying Breed Marissa Nadler
I Wish I was the Moon Neko Case
A Love Song Nina Nastasia
When Under Ether PJ Harvey

As usual, like a song, buy a record.

Hype Against the Machine

2007-10-15T23:15:00.001-06:00

Hello online world,

The hype machine has apparently decided to manufacture some hype using it's large scale hype-production factory. This unfortunately elimantes my primary intake of new music and frees up lots of time for trivial things such as homework and work.

Final Fantasy is here in town again on Wednesday. I saw him last year with The Phonemes and Bob Wiseman, which began my love affair with The Phonemes. Anyway, he's in town at the Myer Horowitz in Edmonton. More after the concert.

While hype machine is down, I'll take this opportunity to mention my band, Scientist. We're mosty a two piece band with a few other members who drop in and out as time passes. Listen to the Orca Song, which is recorded on four track and is our best recording. The other two are under construction at the moment. Here's our purevolume page.

It's getting colder here in Edmonton. Have a great few days, everybody.

Jens Lekman: Swedish Radio P3 Live Session, October 10, 2007

2007-10-13T09:51:00.000-06:00

If you've never heard of this seriously talented Swede, do yourself a favor and grab this. And feel free to thank me later when you brag to your friends that you're hip because you just heard this Swede who sang a Paul Simon song better than Paul Simon. I own all Jens records, and you should too, so be sure to buy a record for all the goodness this will make you feel.

Intro
Into Eternity
Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo
Higher Power
The Opposite of Hallelujah
A Postcard to Nina
Sweet Summer
I Saw Her In The Anti-War Demonstration
You Can Call Me Al (Paul Simon cover)
Shirin
Lönnlöv (Swedish version of Maple Leaves)

Jens' backing band: Gothenborg Svenska GrammofonStudion.

Buy Jens' records. All recommended.

Challenge New Pornography

2007-10-12T00:04:00.000-06:00

Ninety-nine percent of the time, I'll do my research before a concert. I'll know the openers, I'll know which band members are on tour, and I'll know what to expect from the show. I just got home from the New Pornographers, one of the few shows which I hadn't researched at all. A little surprise, then, was that the whole band would be touring. Thus, Dan Bejar and Neko Case were there on stage. Neko hit a tambourine for almost the entire show, while Dan wandered around clutching beers and adding his own unique touches. Hearing him sing "Jackie, Dressed in Cobras," was an experience in itself.

While talking to Jace Lasek of The Besnard Lakes last Wednesday, he confirmed that while Bejar is an amazing artist, he hates performing and usually gets drunk before he goes on stage. Tonight was no exception. However, he adds to the Pornographers' show so much with his completely, dangerously unique voice, that it was a pleasure to see him on stage. Besides, he wasn't as drunk as when he came on his own in the summer as Destroyer. Watch for him to come back with Swan Lake later this year at the Jubilee here in Edmonton.

The Pornographers' latest CD was a little dissapointing to me. However, when performed live, songs such as "My Rights Versus Yours" (a personal favourite off Challengers), "All the Things that Go to Make Heaven and Earth" and especially "Myriad Harbour" where electrifying. Again, Bejar's presence in "Myriad Harbour" made the song. Neko Case also added depth to the show with her explosively powerful lyrics.

It was a treat to see the New Pornographers as there were supposed to be: touring all together. Too bad they didn't play "The Jessica Numbers."

Some tunes:

Myriad Harbour
The Jessica Numbers
Mutiny, I Promise You

Buy Challengers.

John A. MacDonald Was The Dark Horse

2007-10-10T20:27:00.000-06:00

Hi All,

The Besnard Lakes were in town last Wednesday at the Starlite Room here in Edmonton. They were the first of a number of shows that I'm going to this month. DJ Champion lived up to everything good I've ever said about his shows the day after the Besnard Lakes. The next of these series of October shows in Edmonton that I am attending is the New Pornographers. They're in town tomorrow, the 11th.

Here's two tracks from the Besnard Lakes. "And You Lied To Me," was the reason I missed the last train away from downtown. I wanted to stay longer to hear them play it. "You've Got To Want To Be A Star" is 9 killer minutes from the Besnard Lakes' elusive first CD "Volume 1."

And You Lied To Me
You've Got To Want To Be A Star

Follow the Radiohead

2007-10-10T14:42:00.000-06:00

This might be the best news piece I have read all day. Big bands, including Oasis, Nine Inch Nails and Jamiroquai are ditching the record company model to become free agents, a la Radiohead's lead. I knew this day was coming, and I applaud it. Read all about it here.

Sir John A MacDonald Joins KNK

2007-10-06T13:34:00.000-06:00

Dear readers,

Please join me in welcoming the esteemed Sir John A. MacDonald to this lowly blog. He will be posting stuff, and generally avoiding questions about the confederation. Blog on, Sir John.

Radiohead Announces New Album

2007-09-30T22:15:00.000-06:00

Need I say more?

Ruminations and the Art of Polling

2007-09-30T11:12:00.000-06:00

Blogging, much like everything else in life (except true love, music, and Scarlett Johansson), loses it appeal and momentum at some point. With too many music blogs out there these days, I find it somewhat easier to read rather than write, post songs etc. This I hope explains my absence from this place...

Anyways, since quite a number of folks check in here everyday, closing the blog is not a wise choice. Instead, I'll be happy to welcome any passionate music blogger willing to co-blog here into the KNK fold. Just email me...

For now, here's something mundane but fun to do. A blog poll! O la la! For the question, think ability to produce a badass body of work, à la Dylan or Waits, not genre, album sales or popular appeal.

more at twiigs.com...

Just in case you know not who these people are, here are a selection songs. Otherwise, read the wiki notes or better still, stay away from this highly acclaimed poll.

To the Dogs or Whoever Josh Ritter
The Body Breaks Devendra Barnhart
Killing for Love Jose Gonzalez
Eyes on the Prize M. Ward
Naked As We Came Iron & Wine
John Allyn Smith Sails Okkervil River

Inbox Pick: Akron/Family

2007-09-18T21:32:00.000-06:00

I very much enjoyed Meek Warrior, so I was pleased to break my posting hiatus when this came in. Apparently NY's Akron/Family have a new album titled Love is Simple coming soon, and publicists have kindly let us have two tracks. Enjoy, celebrate, and patronize.

Ed is a Portal
Phenomena

Inbox Pick: Babyshambles, "The Lost Art of Murder"

2007-09-05T14:31:00.000-06:00

Babyshambles' next record, Shotter's Nation, is due out Oct. 1, but Pete and the boys wax poetic on this track that snuck into my mailbox today. I love it.

The Lost Art of Murder

And the video shoot for the single "Delivery".

School's In, And We've Got You Covered

2007-09-04T08:41:00.000-06:00

No one is thrilled about it, but this should help make the pain a little more bearable.

We Rule the School Belle & Sebastian
Mandy Goes To Med School The Dresden Dolls
Boy from School Hot Chip
School Spirit Kanye West
Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard Paul Simon
Rock n' Roll High School The Ramones
Metal School Spoon
School of the Flower Six Organs of Admittance
Suspended from Class Camera Obscura
Don't Give Up Whitest Boy Alive
One More River The Alan Parsons Project

WILCO WAS FANTASTIC!!!

2007-08-19T10:36:00.000-06:00

I forgive myself for doubting - Wilco brought it again last night at the Jub. Majorly. Plus two encores. I am still reeling from the magic of it all.

Nels Cline is a guitar god. Confirmed.

My #1 Album of 2007

2007-08-17T05:58:00.000-06:00

While I accept it's too early to call, I have chosen my #1 album of the year. Or maybe I am just bowled over by Nina Nastasia & Jim White's super fantastique collaboration, You Follow Me. Now I have always been a big fan of Nina's, but this is some seriously focused set of songs they've put together here. Over the course of some really excellent drumming, Nina sings about all kinds of confused & confusing love scenarios. To her perfect voice, Jim provides an epileptic drum sequence that would have made a perfect album, all by its quivering, thumping self. Classic in my view, classic.

The Day I Would Bury You

And some old Nina stuff from the 4th June 2002 Peel Session.

Beautiful Day
Albert's Song
Every Time
Untitled

Buy You Follow Me. It's the album of the year.

SitToon Mix, Pt. 1

2007-08-15T08:05:00.000-06:00

You wouldn't believe how much fun I am having putting this together.

Pranksta Rap Bart Simpson
My Fat Baby Loves to Eat (Banjo Edit) Stewie & the Cowtones
Believe It or Not (Answering Machine Edit) George Costanza
Smelly Cat Phoebe Buffet feat. The Cast of Friends
Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart Apu feat. Homer, Marge, Bart & Lisa
Its Mr. Burns! Smithers feat. Mr. Burns & Lisa

Devendra Barnhart: Live at France Inter's White Session, Paris, France, September 16 2004 (Repost)

2007-08-09T15:21:00.000-06:00

Wake Up Little Sparrow
At The Hop
Little Petit Spider
We All Know
Will Is My Friend
A Ribbon
An Island
A Sight To Behold
The Body Breaks
In Empress Hands
Poughkeepsie

Parkas & Two Hours Traffic: Score Two for Canada

2007-08-07T07:49:00.000-06:00

Continuing our tradition of making music that just can't suck, here two of Canada's indie acts you should check out:

Two Hours Traffic: So Joel Plaskett has fine ears too. Plaskett produces this PEI quartet on their second full-length, the deceptively titled Little Jabs. More like joyous punches. Forget Pitchfork pop, this is the perfect soundtrack for summer canoodlers, complete with sing-along zingers and head-bopping harmonies. These guys are happy, and they think you should be too. Get it. OK. Get it.

Nighthawks
Stream everything.
Buy everything.

Parkas: I threw Parkas' Put Your Head in the Lion's Mouth after Little Jabs and got some yin to that yang. One of those records with, as they say, immediate appeal. Hear: "Forget Forgiveness and break out the belt and the buckle/'cause what we need is a few good martyrs." Finally someone understands. Alternating between spare ballads and jaunty rockers, the Parkas offer a tempered take on cynicism. Whatever that means. Just shut up and listen to that Margaret Atwood song!

Raggedy Ann
Stream.
Buy.

Gig Alert

2007-08-05T09:47:00.000-06:00

No reason to miss any of this if you are in the City of Champions.

Aug 18, Wilco, The Jub
Aug 24, Tiesto, Shaw Conference Centre (F$%&#&...I'm outta town!)
Sep 23, Matthew Good, Myer Horowitz
Sep 25, Tegan & Sara, Winspear
Sep 29, Built to Spill, Starlite (a must!)
Oct 11, New Pornographers, Starlite (must attend!)
Oct 12, Girl Talk, Starlite
Oct 17, Final Fantasy, Myer Horowitz (for sure, take your clueless friends too!)
Oct 26, Do Make Say Think, Starlite
Oct 27, Bill Cosby (finally, just shelled out $80 bucks for this. He better be funny)

Plus there's talk of Sunset Rubdown, Ted Leo, and Tokyo Police Club. Good times are here!

Concert Mix

Impossible Germany Wilco
Heroes Tiesto
The Boy Come Home Matthew Good
You Wouldn't Like Me Tegan & Sara
Randy Described Eternity Built to Spill
All The Old Showstoppers New Pornographers
Summer Smoke Girl Talk
Peach, Plum, Pear Final Fantasy
A Tender History in Rust Do Make Say Think

Velvet Underground - Live Covers

2007-07-31T08:53:00.000-06:00

Thanks to whoever put this together!

The Doug Martsch cover kills!

Stephanie Says (Instrumental) Danny Barnes, Bishop's Pub Vashon WA, 6/18/04
Candy Says Beth Gibbons (Portishead) & Rustin Man, Berlin, Germany, HDK, 3/21/03
Lisa Says Emmet Swimming Capitol Volley Club, Alexandria, Virginia, 2/2/96
Pale Blue Eyes Doug Martsch, St. John's Pub, Portland OR, 6/23/02
Here She Comes Now Galaxie 500, CBGB 10/19/90
All Tomorrow's Parties Suspects (Feat. Steve Wynn), Coffee House, University of California,Davis, 05/08/81
Satellite of Love Eurythmics, Radio Clyde FM, Glasgow, 2/25/83
Lonesome Cowboy Bill Phish, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado, 6/10/95
What Goes On The Wash, Silver Studios Lancaster, OH (Outtake), 1/29/02
Sister Ray New Order, Henry Kaiser Centre, Oakland, California, 8/20/85
I Heard Her Call My Name Yo La Tengo, Theaterfabrik Munich (Fm), 6/3/91
Rock'n Roll Ancient Harmony, Freebird Cafe, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 9/15/02

Bang Lime

2007-07-27T09:55:00.000-06:00

Metric's Joules and Joshua - who knew?

Much love guys - bring the ferociousness!

Debut album, Better Friends in Love, coming August 14.

Blood Orange

Inbox Pick: The Antlers Do My Bloody Valentine

2007-07-19T07:36:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I raved about The Antlers a.k.a. Peter Silberman and his fantastic free download full length EP/LP In the Attic of the Universe. Attic will be re-released by Fall Records this autumn in re-mastered and re-packaged form, which means its no longer free, although you can stream it all here. For now you can also get a download for really cheap - just 5 bucks. I strongly recommend this album.

Here's a new take on My Bloody Valentine's "When You Sleep" from The Antlers. Enjoy.

Common Returns

2007-07-18T07:22:00.000-06:00

Common needs no hype. Anyone who identifies with hip-hop orthodoxy knows him. And respects what he does for rap music. I just got a bust of inspiration watching two new videos off his upcoming release on Geffen, the Kanye-produced Finding Forever. Check it out here.

I have heard some of the tracks on this one around the interweb. Currently in love with the one featuring D'Angelo & J Dilla. Can't wait till July 31. I hope this comes out on vinyl too.

Summer Tenderizers

2007-07-16T09:53:00.000-06:00

With plus 32 degree Celsius temperatures in the City of Champions, the beautiful Ms. Spektor leads off our exploration for anything to cool down with.
We also hearken to her wise words:
Summer in the city, means cleavage cleavage cleavage... Regina Spektor, Begin to Hope, 2006

Summer In The City Regina Spektor
I'll Go To My Grave Loving You Kelly Hogan
The Fairest of the Seasons Nico
Brad Haunts a Party Nina Nastasia
Crazy He Calls Me Linda Ronstadt
Crowd Surf Off A Cliff Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton 
I Love You More Than Words Can Say Karen Dalton
Bury My Head Kate Walsh
Summertime Nina Simone
Where No Endings End Keren Ann
Moonshiner Cat Power
Onliest (Live) Feist
The Limit To Your Love Feist
Absinthe Beth Orton

Inbox Pick: The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack - "Trapped Like Carrots"

2007-07-12T12:58:00.000-06:00

Trapped Like Carrots

Full Tracklist:

1. The Simpsons Theme (Orchestral Version)
2. Trapped Like Carrots
3. Doomsday Is Family Time
4. Release the Hounds
5. Clap For Alaska
6. What's An Epiphany?
7. Thank You Boob Lady
8. You Doomed Us All... Again
9. .... Lead, Not To Read
10. Why Does Everything I Whip Leave Me?
11. Bart's Doodle
12. Worlds Fattest Fertilizer Salesman
13. His Big Fat Butt Could Shield Us All
14. Spider Pig
15. Recklessly Impulsive

We await.

Stereogum Curates Radiohead OK Computer Cover Comp.

2007-07-10T17:25:00.000-06:00

Head over to Stereogum for the most awesome thing on the interweb right now - their tribute compilation of covers from Radiohead's OK Computer as played by many of your favorite indie acts - all arranged by the fabulous guys at Stereogum for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of that very fantastic record. This is why music blogs rule.

Icky Thump

2007-07-06T13:44:00.000-06:00

Okay, no shit - Icky Thump is on my top 10 of 2007, and except for some magical happenings in the second half of 07, it's bound to remain there. I was out of town (seeing Fujiya & Miyagi at Lumi in London) when the Stripes played my town. But I jammed this thing throughout my European trip, while taking time to reconnect with my other WS favorites, Elephant, De Stijl and White Blood Cells. I think I might have even screamed out "The Hardest Button to Button" on the train from Venice to Padua. Luckily, nobody there speaks English.

The Hardest Button to Button
300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues

Buy Icky Thump.

Digging Picastro

2007-07-04T21:28:00.000-06:00

Those of you who give a shit about anything I say on this blog might want to check out my latest addiction, Toronto post-rockers Picastro. Someone from their label sent me their new album, Whore Luck, and I'm loving it. You would too if you are into the mid-tempo vortex of sounds accentuated by stringed instruments of the violin family. The album comes out Sept 11th and is Picastro's third album. It features contributions by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy), who used to play in the band, as well as Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu. If you need more convincing, check out the tracks below.

Ghosts
Albonis

Anyone seen Wilco Live Lately?

2007-07-02T07:27:00.000-06:00

Wilco is playing my town in August. Saw them last year, and they pretty much blew my mind. However, I didn't much like Sky Blue Sky, and can't decide if it would be worth hearing live. Has anyone seen them on the Sky tour? Worth seeing?

John Roderick on Bonnaroo

2007-06-25T09:25:00.001-06:00

If you haven't caught on to this already, the Bonnaroo diary to read is John Roderick's (consulting for MSNBC). The Long Winters frontman is equal parts hilarity and pretentious opinionating. This guy is bound to annoy you with his skewering of some band you love.

Scott Herren Does Savath & Savalas

2007-06-24T09:16:00.000-06:00

Massively talented Scott Herren (aka Prefuse 73, aka Piano Overlord) just released a flamenco-influenced album titled Golden Pollen under his Savath & Savalas moniker. I haven't heard it all but I will. There are 2 tracks and a promo poster (makes a good desktop background pix) on the record label site for download, so scurry over there and read all about SH while you're there. For the too lazy to read kind, here are direct links:

Era Tu
Ya Verdad
Planet Magazine Poster

Order Golden Pollen

Text of My Conversation with Merge Records Concerning Giving Away a Free Album Download on this Blog

2007-06-15T15:29:00.000-06:00

Background facts: I bought the new Arcade Fire LP, Neon Bible (pictured above), by mail order off Merge Records. The LP came with a code for 3 free mp3 album downloads. Since I am not 3 persons, I used the code once, gave one use to a friend, and put one up on the blog on first come first get basis.

Stacy "Spott" Philpott, I just found out, happens to be the Label Manager. Not a busy job I suppose.

5 messages

Stacy Philpott

Fri, Jun 15, 2007 at 11:53 AM

To: knkisser@gmail.com

i’m amazed that someone would take advantage of something like this but i guess i shouldn’t be.

/06/arcade-fire-neon-bible.html>

Pierre Trudeau

Fri, Jun 15, 2007 at 1:14 PM

To: Stacy Philpott

Your point?

[Quoted text hidden]

spott | merge

Fri, Jun 15, 2007 at 2:08 PM

To: Pierre Trudeau

my point is you’re in effect stealing a record (given to merge records’ vinyl customers in good faith) and then giving it to some random person.

[Quoted text hidden]

Pierre Trudeau

Fri, Jun 15, 2007 at 3:23 PM

To: spott | merge

Wtf? Let me get this straight. So I bought vinyl from you guys, you gave me the mp3 album, three downloads free. I give one to a random person if you will, and that offends you? Fuck that. I BOUGHT THE VINYL, I DID NOT STEAL IT, and I am offended you will suggest so. If you did not want me to give the download to someone, why give me 3 free downloads? Please explain because you just put me off ever buying records off your site - which I happen to do regularly. This is why folks think record companies are evil.

[Quoted text hidden]

Pierre Trudeau

Fri, Jun 15, 2007 at 3:26 PM

To: spott | merge

Oh maybe it's not your record company and you're just some overzealous internet browsing at work freak who works there. I am really offended you will suggest I stole an album that I bought. I am sending your email along with a photo of the album seating in my vinyl collection to your bosses. Just cos I run a music blog don't mean I don't buy records ok?

Speaking of Ryan Adams...

2007-06-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

Easily my most eagerly anticipated album of the year, the release of RA's fantastic new album is almost here. Fantastic because I already heard the full thing (don't ask, I won't tell) and this is easily his best since Heartbreaker. Some might even say it gives Heartbreaker a run for the money, but I won't get into that debate. As things go, I am celebrating this release in a big way by ebaying the scarce but not rare UK Cooking Vinyl pressing of Heartbreaker, and the 2000-only limited orange pressing of Easy Tiger.

To keep us all riled up for this, here's a repost of the Destroyer Sessions.

Born Yesterday
Dreaming's Free
The Poison And The Pain
No Disguise
Rainy Days
Statuettes With Wounds
String And The Wire
Hey There, Mrs. Lovely
Nighttime Gals
In My Time Of Need
Bartering Lines
Memories Of You (False Start)
Memories Of You
Revelator

Pre-order Easy Tiger.

Current Mood: Music For Working Through Lunch Without Nibblies

2007-06-04T12:38:00.000-06:00

Pig (Three Different Ones) Pink Floyd
Ibi Dreams of Pavement (A Better Day) Broken Social Scene
On the Nature of Daylight Max Richter
Lucifer's Memory Comets on Fire
A Great Day for Freedom Pink Floyd
Euphoria or Everyone on Earth Is So Beautiful, Even You Bart Davenport
Ordinary Pain Stevie Wonder

Matters Arising

2007-06-02T08:21:00.001-06:00

Been away from here for too long, pursuing the exertions of modern life. As far as music goes, I haven't done badly though. Took time out to see Feist (obviously), a show that would have achieved a certain level of greatness in a smaller venue. The acoustics at the Winspear wasn't quite right, and the sound seemed like that of a band still trying to get used to the sadjoys that fame can bring (e.g. a sit-down venue). Anyway, Calgary indie whiz kid Chad VanGaalen opened, and I very much enjoyed his set.

Saw Frog Eyes last night at the Velvet Underground. Second time for me - saw them open for Wolf Parade at the Starlite last year. I have to admit that the decision to see Carey Mercer scream himself hoarse is always a tough one, but that rhythm section is so tight, and since you don't get to hear the lyrics, it don't matter much. Besides, I couldn't resist checking out the live translation of Valedictorian. Turned out to be a very solid gig, with some new songs to boot. Highlight was "Reform the Countryside", but I still think the songs sound so much better on record, mainly because Mercer's vocals are reign in, and you can hear the intelligent metaphors. I did hear him say my favorite line: "You don't eulogize dirt plains." Of course you don't.

Edmonton synth punk upandcomers, All Purpose Voltage Heroes and Himalayan Bear opened. Second time for APVH, and the band's high energy act always impresses, especially when they manage to pull off a big sound with just keyboards and a percussion set. Let's not forget Dan's monster talent as lead vocals, and all that wriggling, dancing, banter, call and response, and general good-naturedness that should be a template for leads everywhere. At some point, he apologized to his Grandma and Mum (who came to see the show!) for saying fuck. Good stuff.

That's it for now. Till I find time to ramble here again, here some Pixies to hold the fort. This is from their first ever Australian gig on March 27, 2007- a rehearsal show in a small Melbourne pub called the Northcote Social Club.

Heaven
Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)
Bone Machine
Here Comes Your Man
Monkey Gone to Heaven
U-Mass
Head On
Caribou
Subbacultcha
No. 13 Baby
Tame
Hey
Gouge Away
Mr. Grieves
Holiday
Wave of Mutilation
Planet of Sound
Debaser
Crackity Jones
Something Against You
Isla de Encanta
Nimrod's Son
Vamos
Where is My Mind?
La La Love You
Gigantic

Jazzy Jeff Returns!

2007-05-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

Am I the only one who thinks this is GREAT?! Everyone's favorite DJ, Jazzy Jeff is back, and from what I have heard so far, he brought a whole lot of game with him! His new album, The Return of the Magnificent, is in stores now. Here's a cut from it, featuring BIG DADDY KANE! Nice to hear some good old badass scratching and a hip-hop MC who speaks English.

The Garden

Jam some more tracks here.

Feist Radio: Streaming Feist All Day

2007-05-18T08:38:00.000-06:00

Clicky.

Tonight: FEIST!!!

2007-05-18T07:43:00.000-06:00

The only reason why my Friday night is going to be better than yours. Here's hoping she plays the 3 Ls.

La Sirena (from Monarch, Lay Your Jewelled Head Down)
Let it Die (from Let it Die)
Limit of your Love (from The Reminder)

MP3 of the Day: Adam Franklin, "Seize the Day"

2007-05-15T16:43:00.000-06:00

Recall Swervedriver? Vocalist Adam Franklin, who is also the mastermind behind the Toshack Highway collective, has a new record titled Bolts of Melody due out in June, and we are very interested. The lead track from the record hit the inbox today, and it is only right that we share. Enjoy.

Seize the Day

Favourite New Music

2007-05-08T07:09:00.000-06:00

I managed to get some new music last week, while still struggling with my overwhelming iTunes library, and my growing vinyl collection. Talking about vinyl, here's a list of original pressings I found at the local flea market and a county fair last week.

The Clash London Calling
The Smiths The Queen is Dead
U2 War
David Bowie The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars

Lest I digress, some new music you should be listening to:

Sony Legacy's reissue of Leonard Cohen's 1967 debut, Songs of Leonard Cohen. Not really new is it? But, there's two previously unreleased tracks that make the ageless classic all new again. I should mention I got mine free, courtesy of the blogger status. Write a blog, get free music. It's that simple.

Blessed is the Memory (previously unreleased)
Buy the reissue

Canada's own Frog Eyes bring their shambolic grace to Tears of the Valedictorian, their latest full length. Their most accessible record to date. If you're in the City of Champions, catch that cacophony of sound at the Velvet Underground on June 1. Tickets at Blackbryd on Whyte.

...Eagle Energy
Buy Tears

Elliott Smith's posthumous rarities and unreleased music compilation, New Moon. How could so much good music manage to stay out of his two releases of that period? Smith is possibly the best musician not alive today. A must have.

Talking to Mary
Buy New Moon

And finally, Bjork's Volta. Just read a Pitchfork panning of the record. The guys at Pitchfork have lost their hearing, or perhaps they succumbed to the pressure and reviewed the useless advance bootleg floating around the www in the past weeks. Get yourselves the record, Pitchfork. Shouldn't be too hard too, you already own a blog. Bjork has organized a superlative montage of sound on this record, and each layer fascinates, astounds, and to use a well-worn word, kills.

Pneumonia
Buy Volta

That Crazy !!!

2007-05-07T08:51:00.000-06:00

If you ever sat still through a !!! (chk chk chk) gig, leave me a comment here and I'll send you a defibrillator. Or a new heart. Saw these guys last night at the Starlite, and came out drenched in a pool of my own sweat and other people's body juices. It was definitely on, from the first note of Tyler Pope's electro gadgets, to Nic Offer's animated engagement with the music. Notice I called it engagement, not dancing, because he totally nailed the audience connection thing. This is probably no news for fans of !!!, but this is the first time I am seeing these guys, and I'll see them any other time, any other venue near or far. Guaranteed.

Sample some beats.

All My Heroes Are Weirdos
Heart of Hearts

If you haven't done so, but their latest full length, Myth Takes.
I buy my music at Insound and Blackbryd Myoozik.

Bjork: Live, Radio City Music Hall, NY., May 2, 2007

2007-05-03T08:27:00.000-06:00

The closest Bjork is to me on the Volta tour is her Vancouver stop and work won't let me go there. CJ offered me a chance to ride along on a road trip to that gig, but work won't let me go. Anyone see where this is going? F@#%!*&K!

For now, all I am left with is digging for mementos of the glory, and NY is our first stop. Not the best quality recording, but this is a solid ipod listen. And remember to buy Volta when it drops May 8th - your ears deserve it.

Photos courtesy of the Pitchforkers, who also have a review of the show.
Declare Independence and Wanderlust are highly recommended, and are my fave tracks from Volta at the moment.

Earth Intruders (with Konono No. 1)
Venus as a Boy
Aurora
I See Who You Are (with Min Xiao-Fen)
Oceania
Dull Flame of Desire (with Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons)
All is Full of Love
The Pleasure is All Mine
Pagan Poetry
Joga
Where is the Line?
Army of Me
Innocence
Wanderlust
Pluto
Anchor Song
Declare Independence

Sigur Rós: Live, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 13, 2001

2007-04-30T08:41:00.000-06:00

A splendid way to start the week, with some Icelandic love from the amazing Sigur Rós. By far their best live set I have come accross, and I strongly recommend the haunting "Nyja Lagio" (a song which I believe is only part of their live repertoire and only appears as a live version on an early single release).

Intro
Nyja Lagio
Fyrsta
Samkeyti
Svefn-G-Englar
Ny Batteri
Vaka
Milano
Olsen Olsen
Dauoalagio
Hafssol
Popplagio

Give-away

2007-04-25T17:06:00.000-06:00

I have 3 download coupons to the following for giveaway.

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible, full album, 2 downloads.
Blonde Redhead - 23, full album, 1 download.

First three e-mailers get it. You can thank me anyway you want.

All My Friends: The Franz Treatment

2007-04-25T11:13:00.000-06:00

All My Friends

FBNF: Discovered Gems, Day 2 - 6

2007-04-22T10:33:00.000-06:00

Twisted Nerve Bernard Hermann (from the Kill Bill Volume 1 soundtrack; picture Elle Driver, eyepatch nurse, on her way to kill The Bride. Classic).
It Rained The Day Your Mother Gave You Away Rilo Kiley (famously rare hidden track from the first pressing of Rilo Kiley's self-titled, self-released debut EP. Song is silent for the most part, with vocals about 3/4 through).
Hello, Remember Me My Brightest Diamond (from the Cross-Pollination mixtape series, which is available for free download here).
This Charming Man Stars (from the 2001 A Lot of Little Lies for the Sake of One Big Truth EP by Canadian indie behemoths, Stars).
Mogwai Fear Satan Mogwai (My Bloody Valentine Remix) (from Kicking a Dead Pig).

Tom Waits: Live, Hotel L'American, Amsterdam, 26 May 1976.

2007-04-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Vintage Waits, Live in The Netherlands.

Fumblin' With The Blues
Drunk On The Moon
Virginia Avenue
Heart Of Saturday Night (Intro)
Heart Of Saturday Night
Spare Parts I

Forgotten But Not Forgotten, Day 1: Bright Eyes

2007-04-18T15:55:00.000-06:00

This is nothing but a ploy to get myself to listen to all the albums in my iTunes library. You see, I have collected a massive amount of music (and a massive hole in my pocket) in this library, and it just so happens I play some a lot, and some never. So I decided to listen to one artist/band a day for the next 365 days. Chosen by "Party Shuffle" ballot: Open up Party Shuffle, refresh, artist at the top gets it for that day. As fair as the lottery.

Landlocked Blues (feat. Emmylou Harris)

Introducing Ladyhawk

2007-04-17T08:42:00.000-06:00

Favorite new discovery Ladyhawk (from the Constantines show) has been rocking my iTunes hard for the past few days. Thought I should share the joy in a quick and easy post as I am too busy to post any live shows at the moment. I verily verily recommend this band - just ordered me their self-titled LP off their label JagJaguwar.
You can also get from iTunes. I eagerly await their next release, "Fight For Anarchy 12""

The Dugout
My Old Jacknife

Visit Ladyhawk myspace and website.

Andrew Bird (with Martin Dosh): Live, Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago, 24 Nov 2006.

2007-04-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

Andrew Bird (with Martin Dosh): Live, Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago, 24 Nov 2006.

Download zip of all songs.

Intro
Assez vif-Très rhythme (from Ravel's String Quartet in F Major)
Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left
Measuring Cups
Why?
Glass Figurine
Imitosis
Plasticities
Fiery Crash
Dear Dirty
Simple X
Scythian Empire
Skin Is, My
Dark Matter
Cataracts
Fake Pallindromes
Sycophantitis

Buy Andrew Bird's latest, Armchair Apocrypha.
I buy my music at Blackbryd Myoozik and Insound.

How The Constantines Rocked My Socks Off: April 6, Starlite Room, Edmonton.

2007-04-07T08:34:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I posted a Constantines song on this blog and a commenter left a comment asking what I saw in the Constantines. I did not bother to respond, for how can you come up against a challenge like that without sounding too knowledgeable? (Which I am, btw). But if it must be said, my love and admiration for the Constantines and their music is not acquired taste, it's not a reincarnation of old flames for a band long gone, it's not even because it's the Canadian thing to do; rather, it is the hardworking and bloody rocking rock n' roll aesthetic of this band that compels the adoration (after all, did they not declare on "Arizona" - "As long as we are lonely, we will dance / As long as we are dying, we want the death of rock 'n' roll!"). I have no doubt in my mind that they are arguably the most interesting Canadian indie rock band today, and yesterday night at the Starlite Room, I confirmed they were definitely the BEST FREAKING CANADIAN LIVE BAND EVER! For how else could a band whose last release was in 2005 evoke so much emotion with a back catalogue and a handful of new songs to make me sixteen again? Who has ever played so hard without sounding like an amateur jam band? (In my recent experience with live shows, only Wilco has topped this perfection). Which compels me to ask - why are these guys still playing small venues? The answer to that is too bitter to accept, but some of us who have sworn ourselves to indie elitism have nothing to apologize for - we have better ears, goddamnit.

In all, I had a wonderful night. And you could tell the audience got every bit of their nineteen dollars and more. Of course, these were no wayward sojourners; most had already seen these guys before, twice or thrice (as confirmed from the conversation around me while waiting in the bloody Edmonton Fall cold for the doors to open). It did not matter that we had to endure two opening bands: the amazing Ladyhawk, and Jon Rae & The River, which had a Nico-like lady on accompanying vocals (but did not sound anything like Nico or the VU for that matter, and some of which was really painful, really). But the Constantines made it alright. Nightime, anytime, it was alright.

Highlight: Shine a Light
Regrets: Going to the show without a camera or recorder. Hopefully, someone did.

Enjoy some Constantines tunes from their Sub Pop site.

Nightime Anytime Its Alright
On to You
Love in Fear
Soon Enough
Arizona

And some videos:
Young Offenders, Live
Working Full-time

Buy Constantines music.
I buy my music at Blackbryd Myoozik and Insound.

Who The Hell Is The Antlers?

2007-04-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

As a music blogger, you never know what to expect when you listen to all that new unknown music that comes into your inbox. Most of it leave you weary, but some knock the shit-biscuit out of you and leave you wondering about matters such "so much beauty in the world", "incredibly tapped talents", "influences worn well" and "blog, like hell, my friend, blog!" Witness my story with the relatively unknown The Antlers (no wikipedia entry, google hit #6, incredibly fantastic music). And the guy behind this music (an EP/LP titled In the Attic of the Universe) is Peter Silberman, a 21-year old hardworker, his website tells me. Same website is offering the entire EP/LP for free download. What can this mean? This is not some random charity or "reputation-building" offering - this guy is only just getting started (although this is his 5th release) and wants you to know it. So know it.

The Universe is Going to Catch You
Stairs to the Attic

Go download the rest of it free. You really should be paying for something this good.

Radiohead in Switzerland, Pt. 2.

2007-04-03T20:06:00.001-06:00

Myxomatosis
Pyramid Song
Down Is The New Up
Just
Idioteque
Paranoid Android
Like Spinning Plates
Airbag
The Bends
True Love Waits
Everything In Its Right Place

Radiohead: Live in Switzerland, 15 Aug 2006.

2007-04-03T19:45:00.000-06:00

Radiohead returns to KNK with a super fantastique set from their Pre-LP7 (when! when! when!) European tour. 12 songs now, more later.

There There
The National Anthem
Lucky
Kid A
Bangers 'N' Mash
My Iron Lung (incomplete)
My Iron Lung
Karma Police
Morning Bell
I Might Be Wrong
Street Spirit
Climbing Up The Walls

Songs That Make Me Incredibly Happy: Final Fantasy, Silversun Pickups, etc.

2007-03-27T21:46:00.000-06:00

Photo: The incredible Owen Pallett, aka Final Fantasy.

Been too busy so haven't been around here in a while. Being busy means having my iTunes on shuffle, and a chance to rediscover old loved songs and become acquainted with new gems. Here are some songs that make me incredibly happy to be a music lover.

You are a Conductor The Constantines
Boy Soprano Xiu Xiu
When Planets Collide Viva Voce
Melatonin Silversun Pickups
This is the Dream of Win & Regine Final Fantasy
Beginning to See the Light The Velvet Underground
You Can Make Him Like You The Hold Steady
Nancy Reagan's Head Mission of Burma
No Cars Go Arcade Fire

The albums from which the songs are taken are totally worth your time. Especially on vinyl.

Till later.

MP3 of the Day: Viva Voce, We Do Not Fuck Around.

2007-03-22T12:57:00.000-06:00

Viva Voce consists of husband and wife duo Kevin and Anita Robinson. Their 2006 album Get Yr Blood Sucked Out happens to be my favorite indie record at the moment. Highly recommended.

We Do Not Fuck Around

Stream full album.
Buy it.
Buy it on vinyl.

Repost: Joanna Newsom with Northern Sinfonia, Live at The Sage Gateshead, England.

2007-03-21T16:03:00.000-06:00

Clicky.

My Brightest Diamond: Live, Le Ciel, Grenoble, France, Feb. 25, 2007.

2007-03-20T20:00:00.000-06:00

Sufjan collaborator Shara Worden performs with her band, My Brightest Diamond, at Le Ciel in Grenoble, France. Here, she shows incredible range, covering songs from Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Prince, Kurt Weill, plus a stirring adaptation from Maurice Ravel's opera, L'enfant et les sortilèges.

Feeling Good (Nina Simone cover)
L'enfant et les sortilèges (Based on Ravel's opera)
Gone Away
[Title Unknown]
Dragonfly
Something of an End
We Were Sparkling
The Robin's Jar
Golden Star
Je n'en connais pas la fin/Hymne à l'amour (Edith Piaf cover)
Disappear
Magic Rabbit
Workhorse
No Quarter
Freak Out
Youkali (Kurt Weill cover)
Joy in Repetition (Prince cover)
Be My Husband (Nina Simone)

Peter Bjorn and John: Live on KEXP, Austin, TX., March 15, 2007.

2007-03-17T11:20:00.000-06:00

Yes!

Paris 2004
Amsterdam
Young Folks
Interview
Lets Call If Off
Object Of My Affection

The Shins: Live, Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA., Feb 20, 2007.

2007-03-14T17:48:00.000-06:00

Live music has to count as one of my favorite musical genres (if it is a genre at all), or why else would I write a blog about live music. Perhaps it's the scourge of living in a town where the bands I want to see live never come to that drives that yearning, but whatever the case may be, it's been a very rewarding experience getting to know these bands beyond the record format (although I doubt how much of the live experience you take away from lossy files, but it will do for now). Somehow I envy all those who live in cities like NYC and Montreal, who probably don't give a shit if The Hold Steady or Belle & Sebastian is in their town.

Well, there's no reason for this spiel - just me burning off some hand and mind calories, especially after discovering today through The God Delusion that the bible is full of accounts of God-approved murder, misogyny, and general bad behavior. Somehow, these passages never showed up in the liturgy in my church. Disappointing to say the least.

The Shins, Live.

Download as zipped file.

Sleeping Lessons
Australia
Pam Berry/Phantom Limb
Kissing the Lipless
Mine's Not a High Horse
Girl Inform Me
Girl On a Wing
New Slang
Saint Simon
Girl Sailor
Turn A Square
Gone For Good
A Comet Appears
Turn On Me
One By One All Day
Caring Is Creepy
Encore
Someone I Care About (Modern Lovers cover)
So Says I

Joanna Newsom with Northern Sinfonia: Live at The Sage Gateshead, England, Jan 16, 2007, Part 2.

2007-03-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Bridges and Balloons
Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes
Sadie
Shreddy
Clam Crab Cockle Cowrie
The Book of Right On
Peach Plum Pear

Joanna Newsom with Northern Sinfonia: Live at The Sage Gateshead, England, Jan 16, 2007, Part 1.

2007-03-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Joanna Newsom thrills the Brits at The Sage Gateshead, backed by the 32-person strong Northern Sinfonia chamber orchestra. I have since put her on my list of musicians to see before I move to Manitoba.

Read a review of the gig here.

Here's Part 1 of the gig. Part 2 later. Best listen would be with headphones. If you must download one song, let it be Sawdust and Diamonds, if only to hear a cough try to sabotage one of the best songs ever sung.

Emily
Monkey and Bear
Sawdust and Diamonds
Only Skin
Cosmia

Get everything Joanna Newsom. Totally worth it.

Inbox Pick: Max Richter - Bach Shadow

2007-03-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Bach Shadow Max Richter

From the Brilliant Noise Soundtrack.

Inbox Pick: Midlake - Roscoe Remixed

2007-03-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

A remix of a favorite from one of last year's essential releases - the fantastic homage to classic rock known as The Trials of Van Occupanther (contender for best title too).

For better appreciation, I have also posted the original song.

Roscoe (original)
Roscoe (Beyond the Wizard aka Erol Alkan & Richard Norris Remix)

Now go back to work.

Get The Trials of Van Occupanther.

News Updates

2007-03-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

The new Feist album, The Reminder, has leaked all over the internet. Same goes for a certain mix of the new Wilco. Which leads me to ask - how the hell do albums, especially unfinished mixes, leak?

In other news, the splendid Leslie Feist will be in my town May 18th, at the Winspear. Tickets went on sale Friday, and in 20 mins, all the good seats were gone. I grabbed some seats, in the event friends were interested and did not know about the event yet. I got excellent seats of course, and so far have one ticket left that no has paid me for. Seat is in Orchestra Rear, Row M (vantage view). If you leave in E-city and would like to see Feist, email me or leave a comment. I'll trade the ticket for "face value cash" or vintage vinyl records.

Sample Feist, The Water.

Buy Let it Die & Open Season.

Friday Playlist

2007-03-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know these women, but the picture will do. See if you can guess my musical mood today...right guess wins a copy of the soundtrack from Dane Cook's Tourgasm (winner pays shipping). There, now that's a contest worth engaging in at work.

Stove by a Whale Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Buzzers Scott Walker
Three Questions Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Novelty Joy Division
Gone Beyond Akron/Family
Rejazz Regina Spektor
Nobody Sees Me Like You Do Ono (with Apples In Stereo)
And If All... Guillemots
Wreckroom Loose Fur
Buried Alive Black Lips
Sunday Morning Coming Down Johnny Cash

Grizzly Bear: KEXP Session, Feb 16, 2007

2007-02-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Brooklyn-based band thrill at KEXP. If you haven't heard their debut, Yellow House, you should.

Intro
Easier
Knife
Interview
He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss) (The Crystals Cover)
On A Neck, On A Spit
Interview/Outro

Get Yellow House

Arcade Fire: Live on Saturday Night Live (Video + Audio)

2007-02-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Update: Bloody NBC complained about the videos, so YouTube axed it. What can NBC possibly lose from a 3-minute clip - DVD sales? Ridiculous.

Testimony to how the TiVo has significantly improved my life, here's the video and audio tracks of the fantastic Arcade Fire on SNL last night, complete with Win smashing his guitar to bits. Not sure if I said this before, but with the songs on the forthcoming album, Arcade Fire has moved beyond hype: they are now an essential band. Here's your proof.

Intervention
Keep the Car Running

Inbox Pick: The Morning Benders

2007-02-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last time I featured this upandcoming Bay Area band called The Morning Benders, it was for their very promising EP titled Loose Change. Since then, it appears these guys have been hard at work refining their craft, and the result is another forthcoming EP titled Boarded Doors. They've graciously offered up two tracks from the second EP for our enjoyment, and enjoy this you will. These songs have that neat classic rock undertone cast in staggering sing-along catchy refrains that beg for the right kind of appreciation - these guys are not some indie pretenders trying to impress with instrumentation skills, there is some real attention to detail here that will produce greater magic someday, soon.

Damnit Anna
Last Today

Buy Loose Change.

Jason Collett: Live, Roter Salon der Volksbuehne, Berlin, Feb 28, 2006.

2007-02-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Jason Collett is undoubtedly my favorite Canadian singer-songwriter, and it's always a pleasure to feature his rich sets on this blog. His last album, Idols of Exile, showed signs of greatness, and I know the next will be perfection. Can't wait. If you don't believe it yet, listen to this fantastic acoustic set played live in Berlin last year. This is the complete broadcast of the incomplete set, on RBB Radio1 "Sommernachtskonzerte", August 9, 2006. The sublime Feist even makes an appearance on "Hangover Days".

Bitter Beauty
Pink Night
Fire
Feral Republic
Hangover Days
Brownie Hawkeye
No Redemption Song
Pavement Puddle Stars

Josh Ritter: KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic Session, June 9, 2006.

2007-02-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter will play my town tomorrow, at the Powerplant. As luck will have it, I am away on bizness early Tuesday morning, so yours truly can't make it, regrettably. I was hoping this would be my chance to launch myself into Ritter-love, as I have criminally neglected getting into his music up till now. Well, thank God for KCRW, I can at least approximate my loss.

Note: The files that follow are tagged to the date of recording, not the date the show aired.

Download single zip of all songs.

Intro  
Idaho
In The Dark
Girl In The War  
A Good Man  
Best For The Best
Interview With Nic  
Other Side  
Wolves
Thin Blue Flame

Josh's latest is The Animal Years.

Nico: Live at Ronnie Scott's, London, April 8, 1985.

2007-02-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

If eye-witness accounts from my vinyl quest are anything to go buy, there appears to be a resurgence of interest in Nico, and rightly so. You kinda get sick of talking music with your friends and having everyone mention her in connection with those three songs on the seminal The Velvet Underground and Nico.

Nico, Live at Ronnie Scott's, London, April 8, 1985.

Save my bandwidth, Download zipped file.

Saeta
One More Chance
My Heart Is Empty
Procession
Purple Lips
All Tomorrow's Parties
Janitor of Lunacy
Valley of the Kings
60/40
Tananore
Afraid / Femme Fatale
The End
Genghis Khan

Inbox Pick: Tokyo Police Club - "Citizens of Tomorrow (Space Ballad)"

2007-02-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Busy week ahead, but will return to posting later in the week. For now, enjoy Canada's own Tokyo Police Club. This track is from the UK release of their fantastic EP, A Lesson in Crime.

Citizens of Tomorrow (Space Ballad)

If you haven't checked it out already, the EP is definitely recommended.

Inbox Pick: Explosions In The Sky - Welcome, Ghosts

2007-02-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here's the first in a new post series called the "Inbox Pick" - basically like an mp3 of the day from my email inbox, obviously. However, the pick will have to be something I fancy, not just some random jam.

Today's Pick
Welcome, Ghosts Explosions in the Sky

The track is from the forthcoming record by indie post-rockers Explosions in the Sky titled All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone due out February 20th.

Arcade Fire Repost

2007-02-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, here.

At War With The Mystics, But Instrumental-ly

2007-02-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Not sure if this is Lips approved, but a completely instrumental version of At War With the Mystics has surfaced on the www. Can't quite find a reference for it too, I only hope it's not a reissue of some kind, which will make me an evil pre-release posting jerk because I am so posting three songs off it.

The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (Instrumental)
The Wizard Turns On... (Instrumental)
Haven't Got A Clue (Instrumental)

Get At War With the Mystics.

R.E.M.: Live, Live, War Memorial, Syracuse, N.Y. April 11, 1989.

2007-02-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Download zip of all songs.

Pop Song 89
Exhuming McCarthy
Welcome to the Occupation
Pilgrimage
Turn You Inside Out
Driver 8
Orange Crush
Sitting Still
Feeling Gravity's Pull
Cuyahoga
World Leader Pretend
Pretty Persuasion
Low
Stony River
Tired of Singing Trouble
I Believe
Get Up
Auctioneer
End of the World
Stand
A Girl Like You
Dark Globe
You Are The Everything
Finest Worksong
King of Birds
See No Evil
Harpers
Summertime
Crazy
Perfect Circle
Afterhours

Yoko Ono: Exclusive Mp3

2007-02-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Say what you will about her, Yoko Ono's got groove. Shitloads of it in fact. Which is why I am definitely getting her upcoming remix album, Yes, I am a Witch. But that's not why I took some time off my Friday afternoon to write about Yoko - it is the badass remix of her orgasmic new wave song, "Kiss Kiss Kiss", that draws me nigh. Plus it's a collab with Peaches. Don't blame me, I haven't had this much excitement since Gunther touched our collective Tralala with the Ding Dong Song.

Kiss Kiss Kiss (featuring Peaches and Blow Up)

Read about and stream entire album here.

Amy Millan: KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic Session, Dec 7, 2006

2007-02-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

The vivacious Amy Millan regales KCRW listeners with her fantastic voice in a fantastic set that includes two new songs and two covers. Plus she chats about running away from home, being depressed, the connection between Tom Waits and her album title (Honey From The Tombs) and working with Stars. Best enjoyed lying in bed with the lights turned low.

Intro
Skinny Boy
Low Sail
Ruby II
Baby I
Chat
Losin' You
Bury This
Look Up (Stars cover)
I Will Follow You into the Dark (Death Cab For Cutie cover)
He Brings Out the Whiskey in Me

Buy Honey From the Tombs.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Alex Neilson & Harem Scarem: Repost

2007-01-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, I have decided to repost this, by stuffing the zipped file at sendspace. Enjoy.

Link

Buy The Letting Go.

Damien Rice: Live from the Union Chapel

2007-01-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

So I am looking around for Damien Rice stuff for my wife (who loves him) and I stumble on this supposedly rare limited edition live album on Amazon selling for $94.99 a cd. Is slowburn pop really worth this? The ebay lads seems to be kinder. Anyhow, found it in the usual places and thought I'll post two songs, for the heck of it. Enjoy.

The Blower's Daughter
Volcano