Shaved Orange.

Not New to the World, New to Me

2009-06-04T08:54:00.005-07:00

At times, Department of Eagles' 2008 LP, In Ear Park, sounds like Willy Wonka’s side project; at others, the album feels like Animal Collective, if their parents would just stay on top of their Riddlin. (Which, upon reflection, appear to be analogous comparisons.) I wont bother to describe resemblances between Department of Eagles to Grizzly Bear, since that would simply be boring, but indeed, DoE is Grizzly Bear's songwriter/guitar/vocals/keyboard frontman Daniel Rossman and his old NYU roommate Fred Nicolaus. There’s no doubt that the essence of Grizzly Bear, from Rossman’s contributions, is palatable with In Ear Park. I guess that comparison was inescapable. Pick up In Ear Park from 4AD

Department of Eagles – Classical Records (mp3)

Ideological Evolution

2009-04-16T10:57:00.007-07:00

[photo credit]

{{{SUNSET}}} - Zombies (mp3)

Fred's eyelids flutter just before noon, greeted by sunshine tickling his face. A grin spontaneously grows under his nose and he rolls out of bed. Fred puts the coffee on and starts running the shower. A trembling groan of release thunders from his mouth as the warm water washes the stale sleep away. Eventually, he perches next to the window, sipping his coffee while meditatively losing himself in the city’s skyline. Looking forward to approaching the day ahead, he surrenders to this self-indulgent moment. The peculiar thing about Fred is that he has an insatiable appetite for brains. Open your mind; don’t be a component of the structural violence assailing these lovable creatures, the result of a socially-constructed stigma. {{{SUNSET}}} start their North American tour this May. (myspace)

Grain Can Have its Charm

2009-03-13T16:35:00.010-07:00

[photo credit]

Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision (mp3)

Regardless of weak reviews from the omnipotent pitchfork, Tunnelvision flings me into paralysis. In a lazy sunny day afternoon nap kinda way. In a nostalgic bicycling down a narrow autumn leaved residential road on 16mm film kinda way. Announced yesterday, their tour with Grizzly Bear in June deserves a look-out for. These guys will be a great backdrop to cool and refreshing patio beverages in the sunshine.

Land of Talk + Now Now Every Children

2009-01-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

I missed out on one of the best albums of 2008-Some are Lakes by land of Talk. It definitely would have made my top 5 had I known. Liz Powell's voice is so seductive. It's not too different from Applause Cheer Boo Hiss EP (2006). And I like that! In fact, I love it! I would honestly recommend every track. This is proof that girls can rock. Also, she just officially joined the ranks of Broken Social Scene.

Land of Talk-Young Bridge

Also, Now Now Every Children released a full album, Cars somewhat recently. It's kind of a hybrid of two of their EPs which were also released in 2008, with some omitted/added. More proof girls can rock!

Now Now Every Children-Headlights

Photo taken by Kyle Bee.

Sweet Dreams

2009-01-18T20:24:00.017-08:00

[Photo: January 15 emergency landing in the Hudson River. Everyone survived. No fatalities? What a waste of air-time.]

To whisk you away from deep-winter blues and the woes of a dark economic outlook, our beloved Animal Collective have released Merriweather Post Pavillion this month on Domino. This album delivers (as some may argue) Animal Collective's first holistically palatable LP. With consistently enchanting and uplifting (in a Slumdog Millionaire kinda way) pieces, MPP is familiar without redundancy, to a devout Animal Collective listener. That being said, although 100% of the album ranks above average, it lacks the conspicuous charms of songs like Grass from Feels, Peacebone from Strawberry Jam, or Water Curses' self-titled track.

Animal Collective - In the Flowers

You know what, In the Flowers comes damn close. This love-induced hallucination, indeed, almost causes you to "leave [your] body for the night", swirling mid-air while watching her smile as she mouth the words "I like this song." A sonically captivating reverie.

Susumu Yokota-Mother

2009-01-12T16:35:00.010-08:00

Favourite album of 2009! (So far..)

Preview

Donwload/stream "A Flower White.mp3"

Trust me?

Calgary and Portland

2008-12-23T10:26:00.012-08:00

I think this year was a year of quality rather than quantity. Last year, I found it hard to compile a list of 10 favourite albums because I kept thinking of more possible contenders. However, this one was pretty simple. Perhaps it's because I've been listening to less music in general (thanks Tumblr). Or perhaps this is a reflection of my constant need for hearing something "new" slowing down a tad, and my need for lasting, solid albums is increasing. So, the albums I liked this year, I really really liked and still have them on repeat.

Here y'are:
1. Grouper-Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill
The cover art for this album is perfect. The album creates this dark, obscure atmosphere and story which I've never heard or seen or read, but desperately want to know more about. I have a feeling this will be one of my most favourite albums for years to come. I want to say that Heavy Water/I'd Rather Be Sleeping was my favourite track, but I really don't know anymore. They all kind of slowly unfolded on to me as a whole story.

2. Azeda Booth-In Flesh Tones
I don't even know how to describe this one really. I want to say this album was unique, but that word always sound contrived and to mean the opposite of what it actually means when put in to context. However, I truly believe this band has completely got their own thing going especially considering they are from Calgary. It makes me wonder if there are other Pop/Ambient treasures in the area, but I sort of doubt it. I realize this makes me sound like I'm dissing Calgary, and I'm sorry. Your airport is fabulous.
Anyways, the album itself.. You know that feeling when a song kind of stops you from breathing because you have to fully experience the tension? This album is full of those. The androgynous vocals really do it for me also.
Favourite Tracks: John Cleese, First Little Britches, Big Fists

3. Benoit Pioulard-Temper

It's no Précis, but there were a number of tracks which still left me in awe of how much I love Benoit (more specifically Ahn and Idyll). I think the reason I wasn't completely blown away is partly because I'm so attached to the previous album, and also because there were a lot of short instrumental tracks which could have been omitted in my opinion.
I was talking to someone about how there are certain singer/songwriters who are complete in and of themselves. I find often there's something 'missing' with a number of these type of musicians, but others create these full, whole albums which don't need anyone else, and Benoit is one of them.

4.Now Now Every Children-Cars

So fucking catchy and cute and not that sickly bandwithananimalinthename cute that I can't stand anymore. If I was ever to be an indie pop band, this would be it.

5. Festival-Come Arrow, Come

pretty+girls+harmonized vocals=win

6. The Dodos-Visiter

Instructions: Go see live.

7. Bon Iver-For Emma & Forever Ago/Fleet Foxes-s/t

They tied. I know, what a predictable choice. Whatever.

8.Chad VanGaalen-Soft Airplane

This totally surprised me. I always kind of thought of Chad VanG as this folky boring dude that Canadians mostly promoted because he was Canadian. I am so so sorry. I realized he's actually quite arty and dark. Molten Light kept playing and playing and playing on my itunes a few months ago and I'm afraid I've worn it out. I am now rediscovering his old albums, because I am quite positive I didn't give him enough chance.

9. Lykke Li-Youth Novels

I don't listen to this album anymore. It's good though. I figure it needed to be in this list just based on how stoked I was at first.

10. Ratatat-LP3

Didn't like Ratatat until this album. It is perfect.

Honourable mentions:
Helios-Caesura
I find the drums too shrill on this, but this album slowly grew on me. Perhaps I need even more time with it.
Mount Eerie with Julie Doiron and Fred Squire
I love these artists to death and in tandem it is overwhelming. However, I find the songs a little too melancholy at times. I've still listened to it quite a few times (namely flaming home).
The Tallest Man On Earth-Shallow Graves
So this was released in 2007, but it was in mid-November. Some raw twang which deserves a shout-out.

Without 'Hip', It'd Just Be 'Hop'

2008-12-15T18:08:00.003-08:00

[photo credit]

In yet another attempt to postpone my resented final exam, and in the likes of many radio shows and blogs airing around this time of year, I too, will post my favourite 10 tracks of the year.

Man Man – Easy Eats or Dirty Doctor Galapagos (mp3)

It was hard to pick a favourite from Six Demon Bag as it's an album easy to just throw on and even get the furniture in your room bouncing. The decorative atmosphere, created by songs like "Easy Eats or Dirty Doctor Galapagos", perfectly supplements the chaotic theatrics of these men dressed all in white and face paint leaping around stage at their performances.

Fleet Foxes - Mykonos (mp3)

Mentioned by myself and Camilla, the Sun Giant EP, from Fleet Foxes, is a new beacon shooting from Seattle. With a lot of love and lust to be had a lost this year, "Mykonos" marks another nostalgic moment trapped in time.

Beach House – Gila (mp3)
Also used as a procrastination tool last spring, the vibrations of "Gila"’s eerie swaying beat paints a slow-motion blur of an intoxicated final fuck between two ex-lovers.

The Lord Dog Bird – The Gift of Song in the Lion’s Den (mp3)

Another artist from Baltimore, his sound has been likened to other Jagjaguwar sign-ees, such as Bon Iver and Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug. Colin McCann’s solo project, The Lord Dog Bird organically emotes throughout the self-titled album. The lo-fi production of this track automatically sets of a tone of backwards glancing memories.

Lil Wayne – A Millie (mp3)

Loved by all, this crowd pleaser deserves a spot on my list. Crank your bass and pop puns like Orville Redenbacher.

Animal Collective - Water Curses (mp3)

From their EP, Water Curses, Animal Collective deliver us into another psychedelic dreammare.

Vampire Weekend – Mansard Roof (mp3)

I’m happy for bands that gain success and acclaim for producing palatable and uplifting music. Their debut album undeniably backdrops a portrait of the clouds parting focusing on a cartoon bluebird chirping as the sun cuts through a rainbow to illuminate the bouncing curls of a young girl adorned with yellow rubber boots, splashing a puddle. Check out Vincent Moon's video of these guys on la blogotheque.

Born Ruffians - I Need a Life (mp3)

And if you see a full grown girl with curly hair and yellow rubber boots, stifling dance moves at a bus stop, that's likely me listening to "I Need a Life"

Cold War Kids – Saint John (mp3)

The faltering beat of this song drags a crippled ex-convict limping into the sunset.

Kanye West (ft. Chris Martin) – Homecoming (mp3)

As a throw-back to my love for Coldplay, I must send recognition to Chris Martin’s collaboration with Kanye West. I was introduced to this track when flipping through channels and stopped at the familiar sight of the profile of a buzzed head rhythmically slouching over a piano. But, the awkward silhouette of Martin’s dance moves attempting to be g’d up from the feet up seriously caught my attention. I hope you enter into the new year with the same sense of emancipation and celebration that this song evokes.

Blog Entries look weird without a title

2008-12-10T11:22:00.005-08:00

Is Shaved Orange a new music blog?
Is Shaved Orange just a blog of "good songs"?
Is Shaved Orange just complicated and/or "consistently inconsistent"?
If a song was posted on Shaved Orange and noone actually listened to it, would it still be an mp3?
Is Shaved Orange that blog your friend has and rarely updates because they're not actually qualified to write a decent music blog?
Is Shaved Orange just lazy/good for nothing?
Is Shaved Orange getting self-reflective because Camilla has been reading hipster runoff again?

Current faves:

Bon Iver-Woods

This is from the new Blood Bank EP. I figured I'd talk about it before it gets overrated. I don't know if I'm as stoked on this as his LP but it's definitely worth listening to. I dig how he digitizes his vocals like a shitty R&B singer would (or Imogen Heap). However, I think if he does it any more it will be gimmicky. I feel like nothing will beat his first release though and it fills me with despair.

Wixel-Outside Your Locked Heart

More pretty instrumental stuff. Wixel sounds a lot like Helios actually. Or maybe Helios sounds a lot like Wixel. I don't know. This will not disappoint when you need it for that certain mood... you know the one I'm talking about. Shut brain off, no voices, just something to provide a nice atmosphere for your overstimulated self.

Builds Character

2008-11-28T18:09:00.007-08:00

Tim Fite - Big Mistake (mp3) (myspace)

flying a kite in a storm; lending-out your favourite sweater; glueing the vase back together; placing all bets on that little quiver in your heart; ignoring the expiration date; assassinating Franz Ferdinand; snacking on a pomegranate right before the job interview; forgetting your camera on the bus; letting her walk away; Wings; using the beehive as target practice; that last shot of Jameson

and when you're feelin' blue...

2008-11-06T13:51:00.003-08:00

Woolworm.
What do you think when you hear this? Myself I think of Indian Summer (name of a song) which gets me excited for hearing to see if they are similar.
Recently this vancouver band finally put up a song / myspace. This incarnation of it sounds like Dog Day to myself and friends. But also intrigues me as 3/4 members are in hardcore bands i have booked in Victoria.
Giles d.f Roy of Set Foot
W. Alexander Pomeroy of Bodyguard
Naoyuki Harada (aka Noogz) of Set Foot, Needles
All also friends of mine, i had heard of this project before, originally it was a Indian Summer style band when Giles and Alex started it with others, now the line up is just indie pop goodness.

Check out them out! I am working on getting them out here for Jan 9th.
Which i will make a post about that show on here and get you all excited for Railcars.

Sorry I don't have an image to attach!!

Blooooooog

2008-10-30T18:50:00.003-07:00

Haunted Bela (mp3)

Time for a spooky post. Northhampton's Bauhaus have their 1979 premier single "Bela Lugosi's Dead" 'mashup-ed' with the narration from Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Ride.

Turn out the lights, fire up those candles. It's Ouiga time.

many things or something or one thing

2008-10-24T11:07:00.009-07:00

So, I found the best blog ever. I mean, I know I should be promoting my own blog. But this is just too good. Bolachas Gratis posts brand new albums everyday with a complete review, and a zip/rar file to download the entire album. I mean, Whoa! These people really care. I found new Helios there and some of the other Type Records latest releases as well. (Speaking of, new Goldmund, Koen Holtkamp, Xela and Peter Broderick) Holy namedrop, but seriously. Check them out if you need pretty stuff to sleep to.

Also, new Glass Candy is awesome.. reminds me that there's some blog house I still enjoy.
Glass Candy-Animal Imagination.mp3
(Thanks GvB)

Rise and Shine

2008-10-17T21:30:00.003-07:00

El Guincho - Palmitos Park

A good way to start a morning. Along with a jog, yoga and/or cereal.

There's something you should all know

2008-10-01T02:10:00.002-07:00

Chad VanGaalen is amazing.

From the album Soft Planes out now on Sub Pop.

Must Be the Moonlight

2008-09-09T17:45:00.016-07:00

!!!- Myth Takes

nas: "THAT'S what indie rock is desperately lacking!"
d.gilbar: "what, a sassy black woman?"
nas: "YES!"

Rocking Richard's on August 31st, !!! deliver just that (and more, of course). Pushed up against the stage, we partied with the abrasive rhythms of, essentially, this dance team. It felt like a night out at The Odyssey, with Nic Offer rousing the room, dancing like a 'Shower Power Night' Go-Go dancer (but instead, in a sexy button up and hip skinny jeans).

Dan Boekner (Wolf Parade) and Alexei Perry-- Handsome Furs (who I've crooned about before)-- started the night off with a performance impossible NOT to bounce with. Alexei springing up and down with Dan rocking power melodies as the couple's eyes twinkled each moment they met augmented their musical stirrings.

And, at the expense of looking like a stalker, I finally got a chance to gab with Alexei about her wedding photos that I used here.

Handsome Furs - Dumb Animals (mp3)

[photo: Nic Offer. note mic in pocket]

Festival made a video for "Valentine"

2008-09-08T23:07:00.004-07:00

FESTIVAL - Valentine from Language of Stone on Vimeo.

And it's pretty good quality. It includes a pool boy, several costume changes, and a storyline I don't quite get. There's even decent acting and some dialogue in the beginning.

Temper releases October 14

2008-09-03T16:45:00.004-07:00

Best track on the album (right now) is Ahn.

I also discovered this site while searching for Tom Meluch interivews: toneshared.com

Free benoit pioulard ring tones! no joke! and a bunch of other electronic artists such as Alva Noto, Nadja, Califone, Triosk, Caribou, etc.

In Flesh Tones

2008-09-03T16:37:00.004-07:00

Long time since I graced SO with a post. Yet here I am again wishing everyone to check out Azeda Booth's new album In Flesh Tones out on Absolutely Kosher Records (home of Frog Eyes a personal favourite of mine). Could go on with comparisons from what I have heard everyone else say it reminds them of what the new Deerhoof album should have been or the new Sigur Ros album that should have been. I am really enjoying the atmosphere’s that Azeda Booth have put together (have only heard 2 tracks thus far! Ran and another that I forget the name of! oh the woes of playing many tracks on the radio...)
Also featuring members of Women... and those members have toured as the back up band for Chad Van Gaalen. oh Calgary...
Anyways this will be a short post in which I will say listen to it yourself and see what you think

[MP3] - Azeda Booth – Ran

Or download an older album for free here
http://www.azedabooth.com/supersecret/

Almost Nostalgic

2008-08-31T19:15:00.007-07:00

These guys are kinda old news, but they aren't tired in my ears. I didn't know I had a thing for Scottish anthems that all seem to be about boom boom (until now, of course). I only just figured out the meaning of their album title, The Midnight Organ Fight (perhaps a double entendre). Still, pretty/clever lyrics fill these tunes (i.e. "Jesus is just a Spanish boy's name. How come one man got so much fame?)

Listen to the whole album. Several times. I think it's taken me a few months to realize just how good it is. This is that stick in your head/throat/heart music both you and I needed.

Frightened Rabbit-The Modern Leper
Frightened Rabbit-Keep Yourself Warm
Frightened Rabbit-Fast Blood

They play in Vancouver October 29th at the Media Club.

Myspace

I've Heard it All Before

2008-08-19T14:22:00.004-07:00

Man Man - Poor Jackie (mp3)

When the city sleeps, I am entertained by a light-show on the walls of my apartment. I first notice the rhythmic blinking of a green column, then the intermittent appearance of a jumbo green arrow pointing towards it; which switches to amber only to disappear. White beams cascade across my ceiling and melodiously transform into red glows at their tail-end.

I need to stop drinking coffee past noon.

On August 28th, Man Man will be playing with The Walkmen at Richard's on Richards. Purchase your ticket here.

Grouper live at Hoko's August 2nd

2008-08-14T23:56:00.002-07:00

The sushi/karaoke bar's multi-coloured disco ball was one of the few things lighting the small room. Liz Harris sat on a green carpet on Hoko's stage. She used her hands to push pedals while playing her electric guitar. Her vocals were a little drowned by the pre-recorded ones she sang along with. Though, I was still impressed how close to the actual recordings her performance was. She seemed modest and shy, perhaps unaware what kind of ethereal atmosphere her music creates. She didn't speak much except to say "thank you" near the end.

I'll have more videos of this show uploaded soon.. excuse my shaky arms/hands.

Gold Lamé Leggings? Yes, please!

2008-07-30T23:19:00.009-07:00

Yelle - A Cause De Garcons

2 drum sets + 2 turn tables + 1 french trashy electro-pop star = ce soir

Yelle: essentially, "she's Emily Haines' sex appeal meets Feist's looks meets Kylie Minogue's dance moves" (Tory Nash--sorry I copped your steez, by the way).

I have never before been so excited to repeatedly yell "I want to see you in a pornographic film".

There's a reason why the French call it "un spectacle" -- an accurate label for this free FrancoFolies Festival show in Montreal. Preparing for this event for weeks, us french-learning-lushes, prepping vivid face paint and neon spandex, partied hard with this babe. The woman had a fierce control of the stage. Her quirky jigs and effectuating interaction with the audience enticed the crowd to go nuts. Girl jumps on the drums during bridges. The experience was choreographed like a flawless theatre production set to electrifying dance music. All I can say is check her out if she comes by your parts [myspace].

PS: Coming soon to a scenester party near you: Nas bringing back the air guitar

Escaliers

2008-07-15T14:52:00.031-07:00

First show in Montreal: Shapes and Sizes (myspace). At La Salla Rosa, you're greeted by the quaintly charming (and delicious) Spanish Tapas restaurant on the bottom floor before you ascend to the cabaret-esque venue upstairs. The room dangles antique chandeliers and is backdropped by a red velvet curtain.

Shapes and Sizes played a very intimate show...maybe a little too intimate?

Okay. I'll let your imagination wander through the possibilities...

What I meant was: with extensive sound checks between songs and once a sudden halting and restarting in the middle of a song due to reverb, that at times I felt I was watching them jam in a mom's basement. Nonetheless, when things got rolling, I was impressed by Caila's professionally trained voice, their well-executed harmonies (see my "Likes" on facebook) and was engaged by the colourful cascade of sound in a track. I regretfully will never know the track's name, especially considering I didn't realize they were Shapes and Sizes, but thought they were their opening act, Brave Radar (myspace), during their set. This misunderstanding lead to an imaginably extremely awkward conversation when meeting Shapes and Sizes' bassist, Nathan. By the way Montrealers, he owns Phonopolis: 5403 Rue de Parc. Check it out for a solid collection of vinyl, CD's etc.

================================================================

Speaking of well executed harmonies: Fleet Foxes (Hey Milla, thanks for introducing me to them here)

Alright, as a warning, my attempts at objective reviews with a hint of pretention will, for the next few moments, be thrown out the window. I am now a wide-eyed-love-sick-scenester-puppy.

Right after class, on Tuesday, I scooted to Phonopolis to get tickets for this show, but at transaction time, I realized I left my wallet at home. Despite my disappointment, Nathan assured me that tickets would be available that night at the door.

However, not so lucky. Upon arriving at Le Divan Orange, we begged and pleaded leading the staff to eventually put up a sign qui a dit "Ce Soir Certan. Absolument. Vraiment. SOLD OUT". So with moist eyes, we proceeded to soak up every moment of their soundcheck, hoping they'd find unexpected feedback or problems with mike levels, just to revel a little longer in their cooings.

But, I have to thank Mr Vincent Hopkins, who, as we begrudgingly strolled towards the most brancher (hip) cafe I've ever laid eyes on (so hip, it doesn't even have a name!), he chased down Fleet Foxes' guitarist Sky (watch out Krug, I may now want to have babies with a different indie mini star) and convinced Sky to put the four of us on the guest list.

Their tight harmonies (not like 'sick' tight, more like 'held together' tight) propelled by Josh's commanding percussion, delivered us into a world difficult to describe. Robin Pecknold (photo above) tranfixed the room delivering solo performances of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (mp3) and Oliver James (mp3). By our proceeding uproar, he was, himself, taken aback by the effect that his acoustic dreamings had on the audience.

Like Milla conveyed in her preceding post, I'm finding it difficult to use words to describe the essence of that show, so here's another Nas blog challenge. I challenge you to imagine gazing through your window as dusk transforms the sky's palette, as your head rests on your lover's chest, as this song plays--without a small amount of salty fluid secreting from one of your tear glands.

Mykonos - Fleet Foxes (mp3)

But as if this post could get any dorkier, I gotta admit that the best part of the night was eating Tim Horton's with Fleet Foxes after the show. The guys hadn't heard of Tim Horton's so we had to demonstrate, to these Seattle guys, Canada's success in maximizing profits through compartmentalized chains, too!

Rock Camp

2008-07-05T15:28:00.009-07:00

Lately, I don't see the point in words when describing music. It just causes frustration when I accurately try to define the genre. I like the way gramophone does things, but then I'd be totally unoriginal. Just click, or right click & open in new tab, or right-click save-as, whatever your preference. It's all I ask.

A small amount of people know about Lost on Purpose. Not that it matters, I just don't understand why.

Lost on Purpose-London.mp3 (Bitchin' lyrics)
Lost on Purpose-Ohio 2.mp3
Lost on Purpose-1234.mp3 (created before Feist's)

Find more mp3's here.

P.S. He posts new demos to download quite frequently on his website. Just go through the blog and find 'em. They're all good. Seriously. I don't know how someone can be so consistent.

Just listen, ok?

2008-06-26T15:43:00.004-07:00

Some Songs by Festival

Music, right?

2008-06-20T14:57:00.001-07:00

Whateva, he's cleva:

Rehab Center for Fictional Characters - Watch more free videos
MoRe:
Perfect Woman-Helen Keller
Bo Yo
Bo Fo Sho

RE: Feed the Animals

2008-06-20T14:23:00.010-07:00

Do I feel guilty for not paying for it? I mean, it's technically not illegal downloading since they give you the option of paying nothing. I do feel a little guilty though, except I probably would have downloaded it anyway. I kind of want to see a pie chart of why people didn't pay. I chose the option "I am part of the press, radio, or music industry". I feel even more guilty now, whatever. I probably would have donated if it actually went to feeding the animals. That would have been a better marketing trick. Also, I thought Girl Talk was "original", why did Gillis copy that other band?

The album itself: It is a continuation of the last album with little to no surprises. The only things that made me realize he didn't just make it right after the first one was a clip of Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend", Lil Mama's "lipgloss" and of course, Soulja Boy. I think you have to genuinely like pop music and mainstream rap to enjoy it (not ironically). Personally, I do which is why I love(d) Night Ripper. Feed the Animals just seems tired before it's even been broadcasted in local scenester bars. That being said, if there was anyone who could mix top 40 and make it cool for hipsters, it would be Girl Talk, which definitely stems from his musical juxtaposition of choice (See:Paula Cole-Dawson's Creek Theme + Wu Tang Clan-C.R.E.A.M.). I guess I was just hoping with all the personal branding and hype that's been going on, it would be a little more innovative.
My favourite part is when he mixes mainstream rock with mainstream rap.

P.S. I'll see you at the show.

Best Songs.

2008-06-19T23:43:00.026-07:00

repeat, repeat repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat:

1.The Tallest Man on Earth-I won't be Found.mp3 (soulful, Dylan-esque, previously blogged about)
2.Grouper-Heavy Water/I'd Rather be Sleeping.mp3 (Type Records latest, eerie, full, pulsating, awesome)
3.Now, Now Every Children-everyone you know.mp3 (kute)

What Seas, What Shores

2008-06-16T11:43:00.002-07:00

Recently got back from Windsor, Ontario where I was the CFUV delegate for the National Campus and Community Radio Conference. Well anyways at this Conference they had Showcase shows every night and the first night a local band from Windsor Ontario played, by the name of What Seas, What Shores.

I wasn't BLOWN away by their set but it still was REALLY SWEET and i am excited to see what they do in the future, Post-rocky slow progression into something loud... everyone loves this right? haha

They recently finished recording an album that should be out this summer according to their myspace, and are planning a westward tour. Hopefully they can make it here to Victoria.

Check them out here at their myspace. The tracks on myspace don't really catch the live vibe from the show or their intensity.

Will do a much another post sometime in the weeks that follow that has more to say on an artist.

I mean I'm sure you already know but

2008-06-12T09:00:00.004-07:00

(August 29-31) Some confirmed artists so far:

Black Mountain
DJ Z Trip
Man Man
The Walkmen
Final Fantasy
Blitzen Trapper
Guns N Bombs
Brother Ali
Tim Finn
Johnny & The Moon
You Say Party! We Say Die!
Pride Tiger
Sweatshop Union
Just B
Paper Cranes
Jon & Roy
Dreamboat
Away Rio
Growler
Bloody Wilma
Guy Woods
DJ Longshanks

Buy Tickets

A Toronto-themed morning

2008-06-06T10:15:00.008-07:00

Hayden - In Field & Town (mp3)

I keep this song on repeat for a few simple reasons (but then again, when are my reasons ever complex?). "In Field & Town" makes my head bob back and forth and causes a little smirk to grow on my face. It also forces involuntary dance moves as I walk around my apartment. Sometimes I close my eyes and this track's kinetic sound conjures images of trotting through the warm sun while it glistens off my face (says the sun-deprived girl stuck in a very wet, cold, and grey Vancouver). I blame the accordion for the sunshine reminiscence.

Popping out albums (like UVic rabbits pop out bunnies) since 1994, Hayden released In Field & Town this year. I encourage a listen.

===================================================================

Crystal Castles - Untrust us (mp3)
Crystal Castles - Alice Practice (mp3)

Sharing their name with a 1983 Atari game, the band Crystal Castles (myspace) possesses a similar genre of sound. In fact, they use a modified keyboard fixed with an Atari sound chip to inundate their songs with samples from this classic video-gaming unit. From Toronto, Crystal Castles have, in particular, grabbed a fair amount of attention in the UK. They started their tour in Victoria last night and will be stopping in many various locations throughout the UK near the end of their tour.

STOKED FOR THE SHOW TONIGHT. Prepping for bikini season, I'm glad Thrash Thrash Thrash is on my iPod every time I work out. I regret to announce that there is absolutely no chance I'll be able to recollect enough from the show to report back. But, I can ensure you it will be extremely fun and dancey.

More Tet

2008-06-05T11:07:00.007-07:00

Four Tet's new EP is called Ringer. This track is probably my favourite.

Four Tet-Ringer (mp3)

return.

2008-05-27T18:51:00.009-07:00

We are changing stuff around so this page may look a little funny for a while.

Here's some web-designing music:

Released today on their website, this is the single from Sigur Ros's upcoming album entitled "Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust" (With a buzz in our ears we play endlessly). I would be hardpressed to find a Sigur Ros song I don't like, and this is no exception.
It's almost Animal Collective-esque in it's pounding drums and looped background vocals, and keeps up a constant rhythm thats almost hypnotic. Sunny day picnic music.
Take off your clothes and watch the new video here.

[MP3] Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook
from "Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust", EMI 2008

PS - R.I.P. CURSED, YOU WILL BE MISSED.

Wayward Wind

2008-05-27T10:59:00.004-07:00

I am back from a weekend of hardcore in Tacoma, Washington. 3 days of hardcore is way too much! The ride back the van had a ban on hardcore. So I return with a brand new recording from The One AM Radio, who is in the process of writing a new album.

The One AM Radio is an anomaly on hardcore punk labels. A musical project of Hrishikesh Hirway, based out of LA, it is his soothing vocals over instrumental arrangements bordering on ambient electronica, post-rock and chamber music. He does most of his own recording, playing several instruments and producing all the beats.

He is an anomaly to me due to the fact that most of his earlier releases are released on D.I.Y. punk labels, doing even splits with hardcore bands I enjoy, which by the way is how I discovered him (split with Jerome’s Dream). With full lengths released on Level Plane (Greg of Hot Cross / Saetia fame’s label) and the vinyl version of one done by Electric Human Project I can only guess that this man is involved or friends with the diy hardcore scene. Fear not however his music is not hardcore punk!

Last year he released his first record, and third full length, on Dangerbird records entitled This Too Will Pass. I was blown away by this record; it was after I finally decided to look more into him, the song Cast Away also appeared on the split with Jerome’s Dream 6 years previous which was my introduction to Hrishikesh’s music. This record made my top 15 indie/electronic albums of the year list.

Here are is a new song from the One AM Radio!

I hope you enjoy, it is a version of the old song “The Wayward Wind” which has also seen covers done by Patsy Cline and Neil Young. I will also include the older version of Cast Away that I was introduced to his music with.

[MP3] The One Am Radio - The Wayward Wind

[MP3] The One Am Radio - Cast/Away (from split with Jerome's Dream)

You can visit his website here

ALSO Here is a nice little video he made for the instrumental track Brittle Filament off of This Too Will Pass.

Digging new Ratatat

2008-05-27T08:51:00.007-07:00

Never used to be a fan, but this is totally good. You can hear traces of Wildcat et al. and it's very Ratatat but the bollywood jangles in there make a good combo. I hear some circuit-bent nintendo jamz too. I never grew up with video games in the house and I totally have the geeky tech-nerd personality to be in to them, so now I feel like part of my childhood is missing. Now that it's showing up in music everywhere I feel like everyone's in on this inside joke that I'm not. Megaman who?

Ratatat's new album is out July 8th. It is called LP3 (get it? like mp3?).

Ratatat-Mirando

I got a new laptop. We got broken into again except this time I was in the house cradling my laptop underneath the covers while talking to 911.

Dear Macbook,

You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...

No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)

When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)

The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times

'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today

Love,

Camilla

Farmcore

2008-05-22T20:37:00.013-07:00

Beautifully situated between Vancouver Island and the Mainland lies Salt Spring Island. I recently took a trip there with a friend working at the organic Duck Creek Farm on Salt Spring. Silly things happen when we get messy at a farm, one of them being a remix of T.Pain's Low. Here's an excerpt of the lyrics from one of our farm flows:

Dirty green jeans
Crocs with the fur
All potato eyes were looking at herrrr
She ploughed a trench!
She ploughed a trench!
She hilled them all!
She hilled them all!
And the roots grew low low low low low

-An Emma and Nas RE-cyclable

Check out the music video for the original masterpiece here.

================================================================

Now please enjoy some non-bullshit music.

I present to you, umo (mp3) as originally released in the album Taiga (2006). (Also, view the video for umo here.) The all female Japanese rockband OOIOO (a side project of the band Boredoms) have been off the radar since releasing their Eye Remix album in 2007. The EP consists of Yamantaka Eye from Boredoms, remixing the tracks umo and uma . Worth a spin, but more albums and/or tours, please!

We All Inherit the Moon

2008-05-22T13:15:00.003-07:00

My first post for shaved orange! Watch out it will be a long one! You may have read comments of mine or some of the little posts I made on my own blog which is lined on the left here, The Action Index, there I post radio playlists and some little posts about bands I am generally stoked about. So anyways my first post is going to be about the band We All Inherit the Moon.
If you like post-rock bands like Mono, This Will Destroy You, etc then you should take a listen!!

We All Inherit the Moon, briefly called Fuck, I’m a Ghost, is the current band of ex Indian Summer member Adam. Now I can’t begin to say how much I love Indian Summer. I think everyone should listen to this band; they were really only around for 1993-1994 but what an impact. They did a tour with CaP’n Jazz during that year too!

So before I talk more about We All Inherit the Moon, I am going to start off with a little section devoted to all that is Indian Summer. An emo band from Oakland they really made great use of the loud-soft dynamics with build ups to some pretty chaotic climaxes. They released one self titled 7”, 3 split 7”s with Curent, Embasy and Ordination of Aaron, while also contributing tracks to 3 compilations during their lifespan. In total their recorded discography totals only 9 tracks. While they also have 2 recordings of live performances at Pitzer College in 93 and KZSU (the Blue Universe) which included different takes on the 9 songs as well as 2 more untitled tracks. Well I take part of that statement back as all of their songs are untitled by the band, all the names that exist anywhere are given by the fans. This band near their end was playing or trying to play with complete improvisation, the song Orchard was improvised when it was recorded. I can’t not begin to fathom the influence this band, which is still largely popular in various circles, has had on so many bands. Their discography cd Science 1994 that was released in 2002 by Adam on his futurerecordings label sold out and was going for upwards of $100 on ebay this past year, before he reissued it with a lovely new screenprinted box +cd (which I own now!). Check them out at their myspace HERE

Now to lead up to We All Inherit the Moon where some of the members are currently. Marc plays in Her Space Holiday, Seth plays in a free jazz trio called the eASTERN sEABOARD where as Adam moved onto a few bands with his brother before now forming We All Inherit the Moon.

Now We All Inherit the Moon, as I stated before very slow progressing beautiful pieces. The album is being pressed on vinyl for a 5 song mini-EP with laser etching and hand sewn covers! The album is for download for free off their myspace HERE. You can also view their blog and some interesting recording tips HERE

They should be getting their vinyl in the next 2 weeks or so.

[MP3] Part III by We All Inherit the Moon

2008-05-12T15:06:00.005-07:00

Reasons for Hiatus:

1. I got my laptop stolen therefore uploading music is quite difficult (will hopefully be buying a new one this week-a Mac?)
2. Someone bought Miles' laptop
3. Swaption/Spencer- ?rMX?!?!!!!
4. Nas loves comments.

Two Epic Lyricists

2008-05-04T09:58:00.011-07:00

Back in March, Domino's press release re Water Curses described Animal Collective's upcoming EP as the "sound of a beaming smile". And I definitely agree-- if this smile was racing through hallucination induced refracted sunlight on speed. Yah.

Listen for yourself:
Animal Collective - Water Curses (mp3)

Purchase the 12" or CD here. These alleged 'leftovers from Strawberry Jam' have been on repeat all morning and I'm still hearing something fresh on every spin.

=================================================================

Now, to cement my credibility in commenting on matters of obscure well-produced music, I present to you my resuscitated fascination: Mariah Carey.

Watching a re-run of SNL last night, I was expecting to flip the channel or wash the dishes while this unfortunate (so I thought at the time) musical guest did her little thang. I don't know if it was the catchy rhythm, her brilliant lyrics, or if I was just hypnotised by those 4 feet bronze stems, but I couldn't break my focus.

Mariah Carey - Touch My Body (mp3)

Temperature up the roof; all up on you; legs wrapped around the body tight like my jeans; YES Mariah, "I want to make him feel like [he] never did" too! YES Mariah, you tell him, don't be taping this shit and putting it on youtube!

I made a muxtape.

2008-04-29T14:42:00.015-07:00

I really really really love all of these songs. Let's say the theme is heartbreak, okay?

MUXTAPE #1

P.S. The Macadamia Brothers is Scott Milligan who lists Grizzly Bear as a major influence. He says he likes their muddy layers and emulates this in his songs. He will be performing with Laura Barrett and No Gold on May 18th at Camas Bookstore. Cissura EP is now available to buy here. You can download Tomatoey Plates EP here.

George Pocock (mp3)

HARMONIC TREMORS #5

2008-04-28T23:16:00.003-07:00

AMERICAN HERITAGE

4 full-length albums... splits with Mastodon/Foe/Art of Burning Water... why isn't this band enormous? "Too mathy" is a common sentiment regarding American Heritage, but if you appreciate the more technical aspects of Mastodon or Keelhaul, you will love this band.
Sean from Scenepointblank puts it simply,

"...And, to me, that's what it boils down to. This is fucking metal. Forget Lamb of God or Trivium, which I'm sure most people will in three or four years. American metal is a band like American Heritage, Mouth of the Architect, or Cable..."

Well said.
My favourite tracks are posted on their myspace page,
straight rock, all the time.

-------------------------------

Enough has been written about Pantera, so I'm going to keep it short. I'm lucky, as I can view Pantera with an outsider's perspective. I completely missed the boat on this when I was younger, and only now am fully appreciating their talent. This song just came on randomly on iTunes (made more crushing by directly following "Parasol" by the Sea and Cake), and it just made me realize how incredibly groundbreaking they were. Remember that this song was released on Far Beyond Driven in 1994.
In 1994, I was watching Fresh Prince and thinking about candy bars.
In 1994, Pantera was one of the heaviest bands in existence.

Think about all the breakdown "hardcore" bands that are watering down the heavy music scene right now,
they owe everything to this.

1994.
Totally insane.

[MP3] Pantera - Slaughtered
from "Far Beyond Driven", 1994 Atlantic

Sun Giant

2008-04-25T15:29:00.002-07:00

The self-titled debut LP (previously known as Ragged Wood) from Seattle's Fleet Foxes hasn't even been released yet, but it's one of my favourite albums of this year. It reminds me of a book of Uncle Remus stories I had when I was a kid... ochre-coloured hills, shade underneath willow trees, dark thickets along slow, lazy rivers...

Out June 3rd, on Sub Pop.

Backstage Sessions : Fleet Foxes - Innocent Son from Hard to Find a Friend on Vimeo.

Backstage Sessions : Fleet Foxes - Oliver James from Hard to Find a Friend on Vimeo.

Ready for the Floor

2008-04-23T08:52:00.012-07:00

Staring at a 20 foot colour-changing moon propped against the stage at the Commodore Ballroom on Monday April 21st, I rolled my eyes at the distorted buzz incrementally increasing in pitch, introducing Hot Chip's set. BUT when they tossed on a throw-back to the 50's, they redeemed themselves and I got pumped for the upcoming hour of getting my boogey on.

And I did.

With Alexis Taylor hopping onto drums between vocal sets and Al Doyle bobbing about, it was impossible not to. Well, maybe not for the myriad of hip kids adhering to Principle 6 (see table below). In fact, I observed every one of the listed tenets at this show.

Hot Chip started the night off with Shake a Fist (mp3) from their newest album Made in the Dark. As everyone knows, you can never have too much cow-bell, so I particularly appreciated the extra cowbell they peppered into this performance of the song. Also, I was stoked they weren't solely catering to a dance crowd, but played lighters-in-the-air/swaying-back-and-forth songs like Crap Kraft Dinner (mp3) or their unexpected twist on Sinead O'Connor's legendary Nothing Compares to You (mp3).

As Made in the Dark isn't my favourite album, at times, the night seemed to drone on. Also I'll admit, I kind of snorted at the sporatic 'trippy' lighting effects, beating with the music, instigating a cheering crowd. But, pretentious criticism aside, many a fist were thrown and pointy finger pointed on that bouncy dance floor.

A special thank you to new Vancouver smoking by-laws: barred from going out for smoke breaks, I will happily smoke on the dance floor instead.

HARMONIC TREMORS #4

2008-04-21T21:34:00.005-07:00

CENTURY | BLACK OCEAN
When I hear of a new release from Prosthetic Records, my palms start to sweat. Not much information on new signing Century, but what does it matter when their record destroys this hard. Originally an audio engineering/graphic design project for frontman Carson Slovak (something I can very much identify with), Century have since matured into a full-time band... and a punishing one at that. With elements of Cave-In/Converge/The Minor Times/Envy/"Satellite Years"-era Hopesfall, Century churns out the bangers with virtually no fat or excess usually associated with a concept album. Just what the concept is however, is known only to the band. Their website/myspace page talks about a cipher being included somewhere on the album that can be used to unlock more information, but until I figure it out, I'll have to settle for the unrelenting energy of this album's 10 tracks. It's refreshing to hear a band not relying on tuning to ridiculously low B's and A's to compete for heaviness. Century's Black Ocean rarely slips into metal cliche, and is a great example of the new progressive wave of American metal finally managing to creep it's way into the mainstream. A must-buy.

Available April 29th on Prosthetic Records.

Ridiculous album trailer HERE
* Zshare isn't doing me any favours, so download the single "Black Ocean" here

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HEATSEEKER

Caleb Scofield (Zozobra, ex-Cave-In) - Vocals, Bass
Aaron Harris (Isis) - Drums
Miles Chic (bands that rip off above artists) - Excited fan-boy

Caleb's got the best scream in the biz in my humble opinion, read about/hear it here.
Not even a MySpace page, I love it.

Graveyard Love

2008-04-20T09:18:00.003-07:00

I know it's old hat to many, but I've been really excited about the new M83 album "Saturdays=Youth", which Anthony Gonzalez describes as an open love-letter to "all the friends, music, movies, joints, and crazy teachers that made my teenage years so great!". The video for "Graveyard Girl" was just so damn cute I had to post it.

Bet this kills it at Lucky Bar.

Snow Day

2008-04-19T10:01:00.004-07:00

TAPE - LUMINARIUM
I wake up today to find the branches of the tree in front of my window covered in snow, and to a new album (the gestation of which was completely unknown to me) by the feather in Hapna's cap, Tape. Each new Tape album has always blown me away in terms of the dynamic instrumentation and overall consistency, and Luminarium is no different.

Boomkat has this to say:

"Their last full-length outing 'Rideau' found the band taking a different slant on their sound, shifting away from the fanciful field recordings and harmonium tones of first two albums Opera and Milieu and instead embracing a more robust, more composed sound. 'Luminarum' is a further step forward in the band's evolution, bringing together a collection of mostly brief instrumental songs loaded with atmosphere, electronic nuance, and above all timeless melodies.

...it would be doing Tape a great disservice to consider them as some sort of post-rock band, or for that matter to categorize them in any way. The only really useful comparisons to make would be to other Tape albums, and Luminarum finds this unique Swedish troupe at least equalling, if not bettering the genre-defying work they've made their name with."

Tracklist
1. Beams
2. Moth Wings
3. Fingers
4. Reperto
5. Mystery Mutiny
6. Dripstone
7. Altamira
8. Parade
9. Illuminations
10. Beams Out

There you go.
Luminarium is out May 7th, on Hapna.

-----------------------------------
[MP3] Tape - Bell Mountain
from "Opera", 2002 Hapna
-----------------------------------
[MP3] Tape - Sponge Chorus
from "Milleu", 2003 Hapna
-----------------------------------
[MP3] Tape - Aspire (excerpt)
from "Rideau", 2005 Hapna
-----------------------------------

Life-affirming.

2008-04-17T21:55:00.010-07:00

Joan Of Arc

I'm not one for overly-dramatic language, or heaping ridiculous and excessive praise on an artist, BUT,

on June 2nd at the Media Club in Vancouver, I will be born anew in the genius of my favourite collective of musicians. No other group has influenced me musically as much as these people.

Joan of Arc are a band comprised of members of:

Cap'n Jazz
Owls
American Football
The Promise Ring
Maritime
Friend/Enemy
Love Of Everything
The One Up Downstairs
Aloha
Noyes
Ghosts & Vodka
Make Believe
Sharks and Seals
Sam Zurick, People Dick
Owen
The Sky Corvair *see footnote
others which only existed for one-off shows

* 6 out of the 16 bands listed are, even when considered separately from the scene and one another, in my top 25 favourite bands of all time *

Their new album "Boo, Human!" is out May 20th, and is available for pre-order on the Polyvinyl website. The first single, of course called "A Tell-Tale Penis" (in true Kinsella fashion).

[MP3] Joan Of Arc - A Tell-Tale Penis

from "Boo, Human!", 2008 Polyvinyl/Jade Tree

----------------------

Track Listing

1. Shown and Told
2. Laughter Reflected Back
3. Just Pack or Unpack
4. 9/11 2
5. A Tell-Tale Penis
6. Everywhere I Go
7. Vine on a Wire
8. Insects Don't Eat Bananas
9. Lying and Cheating Mind
10. If There Was a Time #1
11. The Surrender #1
12. If There Was a Time #2
13. The Surrender #2
14. So-And-So

----------------------

As well as some old favourites...

[MP3] Joan Of Arc - Post-Coitus Rock
from "A Portable Model Of Joan Of Arc", 1997 Jade Tree

[MP3] Joan Of Arc - White-Out
from "How Memory Works", 1998 Jade Tree

*footnote

Now, I know you're thinking "but wait, how could Miles possibly tie this to Braid? Well, I can. Tim Kinsella and Bob Nanna (Gauge, later Braid, Hey Mercedes, City On Film) both played guitar and sang in the Sky Corvair, before moving onto their main bands. The circle is complete.

*POST footnote
I originally wrote "This concert will potentially rival my marriage AND the birth of my first-born in terms of personal importance", but eventually deemed that just totally ridiculous.

Huh?

2008-04-15T22:30:00.004-07:00

AMERICAN ANALOG SET

Punk As Fuck

TRAP THEM
Fucked As Punk

"now that you've gone dark".

2008-04-15T16:45:00.004-07:00

15/04/08

Chris Walla - Our Plans Collapsing [from "Field Manual" LP]
Bon Iver - Team [from "For Emma, Forever Ago" LP]
Bibio - Tribio (Side B) [from "Sheila Sets Sail" 7"]
American Analog Set - The Hatist [from "Promise of Love" LP]
Clark - Ted (Bibio Remix) [from "Ted" 12"]
The Dirty Three - Sea Above, Sky Below [from "Ocean Songs" LP]
Keegan DeWitt - Leaving The Party [from "Quiet City" OST]
Mice Parade - And Still It Sits In Front Of [from "Obrigado Saudade" LP]
Field Music - Feeding The Birds [from "Write Your Own History" LP]
Fridge - EH4-800 Phase Shifter [from "Sevens & Twelves: Disc 1" 2xLP]
Joni Mitchell - Amelia [from "Hejira" LP]
Part Timer - Hide All You Like [from "Blue" LP]
Paul Duncan - The Fire [from "Above The Trees" LP]

fin.

HARMONIC TREMORS #3

2008-04-14T15:00:00.003-07:00

In an attempt to balance out my sporadic posting, I bring you this edition of Harmonic Tremors a whole day early. Believe it.

LORDS
I shouldn't have to say anything about my obsession with/undying respect for the Louisville, KY hardcore scene. It's undeniably one of the few consistently-progressive heavy-music scenes in North America, and alumni Lords are a shining example of the region's talent. 2005 saw the release of "Swords", a juggernaut of throwback punk/metal riffing, which easily was one of the most punishing (and shortest) releases of that year. New tracks on their myspace page (Blasphemy Act, Man Everything Sucks) hopefully means a new EP/LP in the works, so open a Pabst and get into it. They're currently on tour in Eastern Canada right now, so if you live in the GTA, go thrash your brains out.
Buy me a t-shirt and I'll paypal you the money. For real.

*Lords (Myspace)
*Lords - Stigmata Rites (from "Swords", Jade Tree 2005)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTRO QUARTERSTAFF
Some friends of mine recently had a full-length produced by a member of this Winnipeg instrumental-grind band, and hearing their name reminded me how stoked I was on their LP "Gretzky". Released in '06 on Willowtip Records, Gretzky is 52 minutes of power. Front to back. Any band who quotes Metallica specifically
between '83 and '88 as an influence is alright in my books. Astoundingly technical, yet still completely enjoyable (The Right to Bare Arms). Three guitars, three times more harmonies (Eyepatch Romance). One of the few reasons not to hate Winnipeg.

*Electro Quarterstaff (Myspace)
*Electro Quarterstaff - Eyepatch Romance (from "Gretzky", Willowtip 2006)
*Electro Quarterstaff - The Right to Bare Arms (from "Gretzky", Willowtip 2006)
-10 points to anyone who guess the origin of the quote in the beginning, it's easy-

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How am I going to make it until Sunday?

Stop-Motion Will Never Fail to Amuse

2008-04-12T01:18:00.008-07:00

Cornelius - Mic Check
Cornelius - The Micro Disneycal World Tour

Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada), from Japan, has been conceiving these collages of sound for over a decade, compelling films and video games to feature many of his tracks. Mic Check and Micro Disneycal World Tour start off the album Fantasma (1997), his first US-released LP.

Oyamada organically creates most samples and fits the pieces together. From his 2006 album, Sensous, the music video for Fit Song is included with the CD. I strongly suggest watching it. In fact, I demand it of you.

Cornelius - Fit Song

rambunctious looks like it's not spelled right

2008-04-08T21:33:00.006-07:00

I think there should be a term for electronic artists who kind of make fun of themselves, like the anti-folk of the electronic world (correct me if there is already a term). Stephane Laporte is a lovely artist from Paris, France who incorporates this and that (analog and digital) into his songs creating stellar experimental pop hooks. We're not talking about dance music this time either. I'm quite sure this album is a story and I intend on figuring it out, even if it's just a story about Stephane in his bedroom with his instruments and his software. And who knew chipmunk vocals could sound good in a context other than Theodore wanting a hula hoop for Christmas?

domotic-i hate you forever (mp3) from the album Ask for Tiger
domotic-captain forests world of advice (mp3) from the album Ask for Tiger

Note: So now that I've finally discovered Z share, we can actually upload whatever f'ing mp3s we want for you to stream and download as opposed to praying to blog (heh) the song I want is on the artist's and/or record label's web page. This is the best.
Also, it seems our authors are coming and going like this is some sort of chandelier-encrusted brothel. We just want cool people posting cool stuff in a larger variety of genres.

Ode to All Things Krug

2008-04-07T22:13:00.038-07:00

(le sigh)

Where do I even begin.........

Fifths of Seven - Rosa Centifolia (mp3)

Fifths of Seven are Spencer Krug, Beckie Foon (A Silver Mt. Zion), and Rachel Levine (Cakelk). The magically meandering Rosa Centifolia is from their album Spry from Bitter Anise Folds released 2005.

Sunset Rubdown - The Mending of the Gown (mp3)
Sunset Rubdown - The Courtesan has Sung (mp3)
Sunset Rubdown - Winged/Wicked Things (mp3)

Alright, so Random Spirit Lover has been moving my heart since last October. Here's a selection of my favourites from the album. Mending of the Gown jump-starts the album in a frenzy of sound. The Courtesan has Sung slowly creeps, with a marching beat and pulsing yodelling, towards an explosion of angelic chanting... sounds like wind blowing through your hair. I am similarly moved by Winged/Wicked Things' unexpected epic fanfare juxtaposed by a comparatively timid introduction.

Swan Lake - All Fires (mp3)
So here is a lovely song by Swan Lake: Spencer Krug, Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes) and Dan Bejar (Destroyer) . Dan Bejar starts touring April 16th, for his recent release, Trouble in Dreams, with Merge Records.

But I digress; back to the object of my affection. Here is my favourite Spencer Krug related song:

Sunset Rubdown - Ill Believe in Anything and You'll Believe in Anything (mp3)
This track is a little older, from Snake's Got a Leg (2005). Wolf Parade also has a version of this song. Without exaggeration, it's one of my favourite songs in history and I'm posting the Sunset version because I prefer the raw distorted quality of this take on the song. Looking forward to Kissing the Beehive, Wolf Parade's next album out on Sub Pop June 17!

Speaking of Wolf Parade, my initial intent in writing this was, in fact, to post THIS song
Handsome Furs - What We Had (mp3)
(which Krug actually has nothing to do with). But, since Boekner and Krug are buddies in Wolf Parade, I flew off on a tangent, and Ode to All Things Krug was born.

Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade) and wife Alexei Perry are the Handsome Furs. Here are some of their wedding photos.

I like the party favours.

Krug was at the wedding, too!

I hope this helps my acid reflux

2008-04-06T21:45:00.025-07:00

These are the greatest things right now, no joke* (in the blog hype world anyway):

1.Fleet Foxes-White Winter Hymnal (mp3) from the album Ragged Wood on Sub Pop Records
2.The Dodos-Walking (mp3) from the album Visiter on French Kiss Records
3.Phosphorescent -torn up praise (mp3) from the album Pride on Dead Oceans
4.White Hinterland -Dreaming of the Plum Trees (mp3) from the album Phylactery Factory on Dead Oceans

I think this is what Pitchfork calls "on repeat".

Period. Exclamation. Toooooootally. Surf's up.

*If you don't like any of these mp3s, you'll get your money back.

I never thought I'd get to tag Andy Samberg twice

2008-04-06T17:26:00.009-07:00

Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg are dating! I'm probably totally behind on this, but I don't care. This is the best gossip ever. Read here. Also, if you like penis jokes Joanna tells a good (mean) one. She is on the cover of Papermag's recent issue about Beautiful People (aren't they all though?)

Joanna Newsom-Sawdust & Diamonds (mp3 )

Baltimore you say?

2008-04-05T13:56:00.027-07:00

That Nevin fellow is right, whoever he is. A lot of good comes out of Baltimore. Metal Hearts are one of those bands that sound like generic indie rock at first, but after a few listens you notice those few slight things that make them unique. Socialize is an album that unfolds ever so slowly and the emotion it initially gave changes over and over again.
Metal Hearts-foothills (mp3 )
Metal Hearts-socialize (mp3 )

This one is from B for Brooklyn. Spider is so delicate and pretty. I would compare her to crepe paper. However, apparently she was a Zeppelin and Grateful Dead lover at 15 and learned to play a lot of their songs on guitar. Atta girl.

Spider-The Ballad of Clementine Jones (mp3 )
Spider-Midnight on the Nile (mp3 clip)

P.S. I now own glass slippers. You can call me Cinderelli.

Essays Shmessays. Blogging, Ya!

2008-04-03T16:38:00.016-07:00

Sorry for my enthusiasm, I just get really excited when I find new ways to put off the papers that are piling up. Like Legrand over there, in the sand. I bet she's thinking " I'm so stoked I'm not writing a paper right now!"

Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, not dating, not related, from Baltimore, are Beach House.

Beach House - Gila (mp3)

Gila is from their second LP, Devotion, released Feb 26th by Carpark Records.

I'd say this song is the soundtrack to my life at this moment. Can't say why, but I really enjoy the eerie tone set by the chiming organs, Victoria's seemingly distant voice, and her muted staccato ah's and oh's. I find the urge to sing along to them irresistable.

HARMONIC TREMORS #2

2008-04-03T11:19:00.005-07:00

I'm days late, but tour knows no time schedule.
INTRONAUT:
California's INTRONAUT are a progressive sludge/doom/metal band with extremely melodic sections and incredible timing, so naturally their recent singing to Century Media comes as no surprise. Check out these slammin' live videos.
* Intronaut - Nostalgic Echoes (Live)
* Intronaut - Untitled (Live)

- Review of "Void" on Blabbermouth.net
- Intronaut Myspace

The road awaits.

Introducing....

2008-04-02T10:53:00.011-07:00

Trends of Culture-Mad Flavor Mad Style (stream) (download)

Lest we forget some of the greatest mediocre 90's hip hop ensembles.

Plus, me and MC Nastee share a few commonalities.

I'll admit, posting this makes me blush a little.

-nas.
(Photo is of me at the Vancouver Pillow fight)

Totally better than Thriller (Full Bjork music vid)

2008-03-31T10:00:00.019-07:00

So very wonderfully bizarre. This should be a video game. I'd buy it. Heck, I'd buy a system too. They have made a 3D version however. I'm not sure when it will be ready for viewing.

Stereogum did a tribute to her album Post. It includes covers (to download and stream) by Dirty Projectors, High Places, No Age, Final Fantasy, Xiu Xiu, Atlas Sound, etc. To be honest, I don't think any of them are as good as Death Cab for Cutie's covers of "All is Full of Love" and "Joga" they did years ago.

I was going to write about Bell (who does a cover of 'it's oh so quiet') a long time ago and never did. I don't know why. I would say look out for her and listen to "Echinacea" on her myspace. She's pretty creative, not just another artsy girl who grew up in the 90's loving Bjork and Radiohead. Or perhaps she is, and that's why I like her.

(Buy Bell's ep)

I'm actually more of a puppy person.

2008-03-25T22:57:00.001-07:00

(listen to lullatone plz)

HARMONIC TREMORS #1

2008-03-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

My name is Miles.

Upon me, has been bestowed the honour of my own weekly post, in the form of this, Harmonic Tremors.

While Matthew regales you with the latest indie-rock buzz, and while Camilla does the same except with more pictures of cats sleeping, I intend to devote my post solely to the promotion of all things Metal/Hardcore/Punk/Drone/Noise.

So, let's get to it.

***

FIGHT AMP - HUNGRY FOR NOTHING

Solid effort from this New Jersey powerhouse. They've gleaned much from their Louisville brethren, safe to say Charmer sits proudly among the scratched cd's underneath the seats in their tour van. But they are more than a Breather clone, they steal equally from the classic-rock play book. Not afraid to just sit down on something and riff for the sake of riffing. Positive pitchfork review, that goes much more in-depth than I. Imagine a Sabbath-obsessed Knut, or Young Widows drunk at a Hope Conspiracy show.

No doubt more touring and more exposure for this band, hopefully they make it up to our frozen tundra. Easily one of the best of this still young 2008.

Fight Amp - Dumb Luck

This title has nothing to do with the following post

2008-03-25T18:11:00.002-07:00

You know when you're in the mood for hearing a really good female singer? Okay, maybe not. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of music-loving citizens who specifically "don't like female singers" (minus one or two.. probably Joni Mitchell, but definitely no Joanna Newsoms or Sarah McLachlans). Perhaps because I am a female, I can connect more with the emotion the singer emits. I don't know. I'm also mystified by the amount of people who think lyrics bastardize music. Umm, what! But that is a story for another day.

Kaki King-Yellowcake (Video)

FACT: In February 2006, King was named as a “Guitar God” by Rolling Stone Magazine, becoming the first ever female to make this list in the history of the publication.
FACT: Latest album was out two weeks ago, Dreaming of Revenge.
FACT: Kaki King was the 'stunt woman' for August in the movie August Rush. She did all those cool things with the guitar. It wasn't an 8 year-old boy after all.
FACT: The little gospel girl in the movie? That was her real voice.

Johanna Kunin - Blueberry (mp3)

Karl BLAU!

2008-03-24T20:33:00.001-07:00

Every time I see this guy's name I want to emphasize or exclaim his surname.
like that Lonely Island song, "KA-BLAMO!"

Photo credit: Calli BLAU!

He's going to be at What the Heck Fest which I just read about in Andrea's blog along with Mount Eerie, Mirah, and more! Anacortes anyone?

I think I would describe Karl Blau as perfect.

Ode to Demons (mp3 )

From now on, this is it.

2008-03-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

"My Precious"

2008-03-19T20:12:00.002-07:00

Does anyone think it's weird that Matthew personifies this blog? I mean, blogging is kind of a strange concept in general, but he just had to add that extra degree of the uncanny. Also, perhaps he'd be a better weather man than music journalist, he seems to always know what season it is, but doesn't seem to understand that Lykke Li> Coconut Records.
Sorry, I'll stop picking on complete losers.

Anyways, my pals Andrea and Ryan once hosted a show that included The Desks. I recently heard the guy, and he's kinda brilliant. Jeff Edwards comes from the land down under, but lived in Vancouver for the last year-ish. Though his songs are partially improvised, they come off as reallly sincere. Apparently he is still learning guitar and yet manages to make really cute simple pop songs (not too generic).

The Desks-Stop! (mp3)
The Desks-Other Scientists (mp3)

The Desks-Calendars (whole album)

I'll tell you my password if you tell me yours

2008-03-16T18:51:00.002-07:00

What did I eat today? I'll tell you what I ate today.

I ate:
-some raspberries
-two bananas
-a vanilla bean scone
-nachos with melted cheese and other stuff

What does this have to do with the following mp3s? Nothing and everything all at the same time.
He Can Jog-acorn spectrum/chunky squirrel (mp3 )
Daedelus-Something Bells (mp3)
Benoit Pioulard- Triggering Back (mp3 )

2008-03-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Declaration of Indiependence

2008-03-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

I don' t know where Matthew has gone. I'm assuming jail.

I declare Lykke Li's album Youth Novels the best pop album out right now. I know I posted about her before, but the more I listen the more I love. The production is flawless. Each song seems to be so carefully thought out in order to allow the album to have both variety and heart. 21 years old! I suppose it's something to do with Sweden. Everything good comes from Scandinavia.

some sort of "take-away show":

Speaking of Sweden, I present The Tallest Man on Earth.

(I kind of hope he's super short). What I've heard of his album is just beautiful, I think I'll order it. And by the way, I'm sick of singer/songwriters having a negative stigma. I've been loving so many lately (Bon Iver mainly) and I can't even contain it. Also, I decided I could see Almonds, Cohen pulling off a similar hibernation stunt one day and getting quasi-famous for it.

Let's play.

2008-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Old Life Records is asking for submissions for their compilation #2. If you're from Victoria, a band and "perhaps a little weird", go 'head. You can download their 1st compilation from the website for free!

Hey, have you watched the Said the Gramophone Wonderful Music Video Contest winners yet? They make me want to create films. The Joanna Newsom one is most definitely my favourite, though it hurts my eyes a little. The Animal Collective (winner) video is fun... that's all I can think of to describe it. It's really really fun. I guess the red stuff is supposed to be blood.. but it reminds of "Strawberry Jam"... Intentional? There's 13 winners in total, so watch all of them. I dare you. (Turns out the fans of StG are as brilliant as the writers).

#2

Joanna Newsom - The Book of Right-on from benjamin ramirez on Vimeo.
#1

Peacebone - Animal Collective - Fan Video for StG from Luke Wilhelmi on Vimeo.

If this is an annual thing, does someone want to make a movie with me? We'll need a dance crew in my movie. I mean, our movie. And water guns. You'll supply the equipment. And telephone cords. Lots of telephone Cords.

putting true love in to a post

2008-03-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

I think all this new music is hurting my head. I hate when I listen to so much of it that albums, artists and songs become commodities and I can't even decipher whether I like it or not. I'm going to listen to some older favourites for a while to have my heart gush again and remember where I came from.

I watched this video about Owen Ashworth of Casotone for the Painfully Alone and felt like sharing it. He explains his writing process with clips of live shows in between.This take-away concert is great also. He sings in a phone booth! Can you even imagine? (I'm sure you've heard of Blogotheque and the wonderful things they're doing, figuratively kicking little blogs like us in the face).

#8.2 - CFTPA - Seattle, Washington
by lablogotheque

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone-New Year's Kiss (mp3)
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone-Graceland (mp3)
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone-Young Shields (mp3)
The Baptist Generals-Going Back Song (mp3)
Elephant Micah-Cloverleaf Wars (mp3)
Elephant Micah-Ways (mp3)

Buy CFTPA
Buy The Baptist Generals
Buy Elephant Micah

SALEM & ambiguous claims

2008-02-18T19:29:00.002-08:00

I guess there's some marketing appeal to making your band very elusive. This band has two myspace pages for whatever reason and neither seems to want to give any information about themselves at all really, just some nondescript symbols all under the black and white theme they have going. From what I can tell, the first address are their initials (JJHHMM) rearranged. And their album will be called FuCKT and released on Disaro Records (I could be wrong however). Picture The Knife and Burial having a listening party together and then playing with their vocoders to create something new. Perhaps Sonic Hauntology will be the Electro-pop of 2008.

Sweat (mp3)
Brustreet (mp3)

This is good news.

2008-02-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Benoit Pioulard - Sweep Generator (Dusk Version)

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Album out 2nd half of 2008.

Soooo good.

2008-02-15T13:26:00.002-08:00

I usually don't recommend remixes, but I adore this one.
Amplive+Radiohead.

Videotapez (mp3)

You can get whole album here

merry velantimes dei/2 Super Fun Bands!

2008-02-13T22:09:00.001-08:00

It's not just a Hallmark holiday folks..

#1.

So here is my latest obsession... Spreepark. They're from Edmonton slash Calgary and they're actually damn great. I don't mind saying it either. I don't even feel like explaining why. Just know it yourself. On top of that, they offer two of their albums for FREE DOWNLOAD!! Who does that? Honestly?!! More punctuation^*&!

Spreepark Jetz! (mp3) from We're Reinventing Music

We're reinventing music (zip)
The Gaysian Invasion (zip)

Buy%$#!

#2.

Somehow associated with this band is Woodpigeon which is my other latest obsession (perhaps it's cos' both bands share my love of glockenspiels).

Super Fun Facts:

They're like... the best
They were named one of the top 10 hot new bands on CBC.ca (among Land of Talk, Thunderheist, Crystal Castles, Paper Cranes, etc).
They have 7 members (or more)!!
Download/listen to "Death by Ninja" on their myspace.

ladybug ladybird (mp3) from Houndstooth EP (which can be downloaded off their myspace)
This is the sound of us playing music (Download mp3)

Buy@)(?!

Dear Kickball: Tour Canada

2008-02-10T14:33:00.001-08:00

So, I was thinking, what are my old friends Kickball doing these days.. and what to my wondering eyes did appear- a wonderful release from just last year. The drummer also released a DIY guide to .. drum roll please.. drumming! It looks pretty sweet and comes with a CD of beats and exercises (check their myspace page). I was super obsessed with these guys (esp. the album 'Huckleberry Eater') so I bought all of their discography in one swift Paypal action a while back. It's obvious now their sound is always evolving, changing, deranging. Most evidence of this however is in 'Everything is a Miracle Nothing is a Miracle Everything Is'. It contains a lot less cutesy indie pop with some added screeches and yelps in there (rather than grunts and moans I suppose). They have the kind of songs where there's at least one lyric in each that sticks in your head forever and ever and ever. Words that might otherwise seem meaningless and confucius are made in to mini-anthems. That and the catchy unmistakeablyKickballguitarriffs that complement are just a couple of things that make this band so so so endearing. Sing it with me "If you fight, it's automatically a fight!... I live in my arms!... If you build a house at the beach, it's automatically a beach house!".

Kickball - Fight (mp3)
Kickball - Pocketknife (mp3)
Kickball - Bird (mp3) - from 'Huckleberry Eater'
Kickball - Party (mp3) - from 'Abcdefghijkickball'

Buy Kickball merch here.

A-E-I-O-U

2008-02-06T09:46:00.001-08:00

School of Language

You guys remember Field Music? Well, Dave Brewis of the band decided to do something more academic, create a project called "School of Language" (perhaps to appear as good role models to the younger fans). Before you become a rockstar, go to school! Yeah, that was it. School of Language released his debut album Sea from Shore on Thrill Jockey (US) and Memphis Industries (UK) a couple of days ago. It is impressive i-m-p-r-e-s-i-e-v-e.

Sounds out your vowels children.

School of Language - Rockist Part 1 (mp3)

Buy School of Language merch here.

I like

2008-02-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Lykke Li.

I think I have a soft spot for all female vocalists that sound in and around this. But don't get me wrong, she's not unbearably typical of this genre. Whatever the combination of the elements of music used in her songs gave me the sense of something new- cleaner, freer, better.
Debut album Youth Novels out right now.

Lykke Li - Tonight (zip)

Buy Lykke Li merch here.

Black Mountain

2008-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

Blackmountainarmy.com

Someone go see these guys in Toronto with me. They're on some mad four-month tour right now and I have a feeling they'd be superb live, epic even. Oh, I hope 'guys' is non-gender specific cause there's a female in it too. I wasn't sure about them at first cos' they sounded like some serious heavy alt. rock, but then they go all bipolar on you and coo soft melodies in your ear. I think you have to listen to a few of their songs to really 'get it'. And I guess being on Jagjaguwar means you must have that somethin'. Yay vague music reviews! Their album In the Future is out right now on said label. So, give it a good listen and maybe you'll get 'it', whatever the hell I am referring to.

Stream 14 tracks here!!!: Black Mountain on CBC3
Buy In the Future here

camilla pizzabaseball out.

Crystal Castles

2008-01-29T09:25:00.001-08:00

(Video for Airwar featuring 1939 8mm footage. It is less than 2 minutes so it won't take forever to load. WATCH!)

Crystal Castles vs. The Little Ones-Lovers who Uncover (mp3)

Here's the facts:

Debut album out March 18
On tour right now (See schedule here)
Buy stuff here: Trouble Records
Electro-Alliteration

Wye Oak?

2008-01-17T08:43:00.001-08:00

I'll tell you Wye! Baltimore duo Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack have somehow managed to make the two of them sound like four. They have also managed to be signed to Merge Records though having not released an album yet (to be released on Merge Records in April). This is quite the feat for a band who has not been under their current name for that long (previously under the name Monarch). And their songs are just mean. Jenn's soothing vocals and the intelligent mastermind of the two merge (ha) to create something that fills my senses. This is no nerdy indie pop. Every track I've heard off of If Children is entirely shoegaze-solid and worthy of many plays (check it: Wye Oak).

In more shoegaze news, I entirely overlooked the M83 album that was released in September of 2007.. what a mistake. As soon as I heard one track, I had to hear the whole thing. Digital Shades Vol 1 is pretty great for something I hadn't heard a lot of though I'm a sucker for (almost) all things ambient. They are said to release another album in April entitled Youth.

Wye Oak - Warning (mp3 )
M83 - Waves, Waves, Waves (mp3 )

P.S. In my absence to the west coast, I changed my last name to Pizzabaseball.. so you may now call me Camilla Pizzabaseball.

M83 mp3 c/o quarterlifeparty.blogspot.com

2007 pt. 2

2008-01-07T09:54:00.002-08:00

I love year end lists.. even though I swear I'm not incredibly late on this.. Sorry folks, I was on vay-kay. I always find this process kind of confusing cause there are albums I didn't fully listen to but I fully enjoyed the parts that I did and I find myself relistening to things that I didn't give a good enough chance to.. is that cheating? I dunno. Also, there are albums that have been released in the past month or so and haven't fully grown on me, but they could fully well have been in my top albums of 2007 otherwise. I think my choices end up (simply) being something that I found unique and interesting or something that I overplayed, often ending up in both of those categories.

LPs
(dd/mm Record Label)

10. The Go! Team-proof of youth
(11/9 Sub Pop(US)/Secret City(CAN))

9. Eluvium-Copia
(2/20 Temporary Residence)

8. Swod-Sekunden
(??/11 City Centre Offices)

7. The Dirty Projectors-Rise Above
(11/9 Dead Oceans)

6. Goldmund-Two Point Discrimination
(20/11 Type Records)

5. Wintersleep - Welcome to the Night Sky
(rlsd 08/10 through Labwork/EMI)

4. Battles-Mirrored
( 14/5 Warp Records)

3. The National-Boxer
(rlsd 22/5 through Beggars Banquet Records)

2. St. Vincent-Marry Me
(rlsd 10/07 Beggars Banquet Records)

1. Paul Duncan-Above the Trees
( 1/05 Home tapes)

Honourable Mentions:

Colourbook CD
Holy Fuck LP
Dreamboat CD
Jimmy Eat World - Chase the Light
Julianna Barwick - Sanguine
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers
Miracle Fortress - Five Roses
Old life Compilation!
Yelle -Pop Up
Digitalism - Idealism
Dan Deacon - Spiderman of the Rings

Songs

St. Vincent - Marry Me (mp3 )
Battles - Atlas (mp3 )
Rhianna - Umbrella
Dreamboat - Rice Dream
LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
Laura Veirs - Pink Light
Animal Collective - Fireworks
Animal Collective - Peacebone
Muscles - Ice Cream
The National - Green Gloves
The National - Fake Empire
St. Vincent - Now, Now
Paul Duncan - The Lake Pt. 2
Colourbook - Krakatoa
Colourbook - Wimbledon Riot
Tegan and Sara - Nineteen
Windmill - Tokyo Moon
Yacht. - See a Penny (Pick it Up)
Panda Bear - Comfy in Nautica
J Dilla - Wild (RIP)
Ghosthustler - Parking Lot Nights
Gameboy/Gamegirl - Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp
Dan Deacon - the Crystal Cat
Busdriver - the Troglodyte Wins
Little Dragon - Twice

Calm Eddie

2007-12-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

For Marcus.

I try to keep up with the boys of Stella (i.e. the best TV show ever created) as much as possible. They're all bloggers too which makes them extra special. If you didn't already know, Stella is a show that ran one season on the Comedy Network but got cancelled due to poor ratings (this says nothing about its worth!) They have the perfect combination of inappropriate, oddball, slapstick and pop culture reference humour. I think I've watched the season at least 7 times now. They also did a show called The State which was more sketch-comedy oriented. Word on the street is, they're making a reunion movie.

Michael Showalter is probably my most favourite comedian in the world. I saw him live with Eugene Mirman at the Horseshoe Tavern a couple of years ago and I've never laughed so hard in my life. And he's come out with a CD! Sandwiches & Cats has somewhat recently been released on JDub Records. It includes a couple of comedic songs and appearances by Eugene Mirman and Janeane Garoffalo. He also has a web series called the Michael Showalter Showalter which is put on by CollegeHumor.com. It's a bit of a mock talk-show interviewing such comedians as Paul Rudd, Zach Galifanakis, and Andy Samberg.

some stand-up: Seroquil
Akeelah
Michael Showalter Showalter: the one with Andy Samberg

Michael Ian Black has a CD out entitled I am a Wonderful Man.

This is all I have to say:

If I have a slave

The third of the trio David Wain directed The Ten this year which is a film starring Jessica Alba, Adam Brody, and Paul Rudd. I need to rent it soon along with The Baxter and some hot chocolate. He happens to have a web series out too on Mydamnchannel.com:

Episode 1: Shelly
The Ten Trailer

Merry crystalmethmas everyone
-c.

Good credit

2007-12-18T19:40:00.002-08:00

I love friend recommendations. It is like a pre-approved credit card or something. And to think I almost cast her as just another average solo female singer. Saltbreakers is Laura's most recent album. She lists her influences as 'the sky' and 'the sea'. This is evident in her poetic lyrics full of nature-type imagery. With the catchy melodies and drum beats, this album has become one of my favourites of 2007. Top 10 material? You'll have to wait and see..

Laura Veirs has also been involved with The Decemberists and Your Heart Breaks.

Pink Light stream

Rigur Sos

2007-12-17T13:49:00.002-08:00

Hauf-Heim.

Why have I neglected to listen to Hauf/Heim? (rhetorical) A lot of the songs are recycled from previous albums (Ágætis byrjun, (), Von). I mean recycled in the nicest way, in the be kind to your planet kind of way.

If you're a Sigur Ros fan, the unplugged and acoustic versions are enchanting and this track I'm making you listen to I've put on repeat for days (makes me want to start speaking in hopelandic).

Their movie Heima is (currently playing in theatres in the UK and the States). I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait. I'm sure you've all seen the trailer. If not, here: Heima trailer

Hjomalind - Sigur Ros (mp3) / Buy here.

Miracle Moretress.

2007-12-09T15:10:00.001-08:00

Miracle Fortress.

I love Miracle Fortress. I want to eat Miracle Fortress for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I want to sit on Santi's lap and ask for Miracle Fortress for Christmas. I want Miracle Fortress to soothe me with their sweet sweet lullabies every night until light glows from my every pore. Okay... *wipes forehead*, I would ask that you please get your hands on Five Roses because you won't regret it. More importantly, see them/him live. It's a show you might want to bring your significant other to... that or a large group of friends so you can all hold hands. It is the solo project of Graham Van Pelt who is also a member of Think About Life. He has that kind of weird look/twitch Thom Yorke has when he sings and his voice is so lovely ovely vely ely ly y. In parts, he has that Pet Sounds vibe that seems to be popping up lately in the indie rock world, but it's fresh and pretty.

Miracle Fortress - Hold Your Secrets To Your Heart (mp3 )
Miracle Fortress - This Thing About You (mp3 ) / Buy Here

- c.

www.oldliferecords.com

2007-12-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

Old Life Records.

Old Life Records is a sweet little label from a sweet little place called Victoria BC (some say it's the best kept secret in Canada). They have compiled a group of unique local talents and even made a compilation! It includes a gulp of bedroom music* peppered with a nibble of tracks from a few indie pop bands. Also, all artists on this label are forced to have a BMI of 25. I don't know why.

Download their compilation for FREE here.

So remember that thing I was saying about sexually overt dance pop? Dreamboat is indubitably a gem from good ol' Victoria. "Young, dumb, full of cum, the bass has kicked in and he's lookin' for fun" is a sample of some of his catchy lyrics that tend to run through my head quite often. Dreamboat is something you play at a party and get asked by all your friends who it is and where you can buy a copy. It will also get you laid.** Anywhore, the dude is dope*** live. Perhaps one day he will show up in Toronto clad in his white pant suit and matching tie.

Dreamboat - Rice Dream (mp3) / Buy Here

I also recommend checking out Colourbook - a band that is catchy in all the right places (Dreamboat/Aaron Bergunder happens to be a member). In the words of Said the Gramophone, "If you were to invite Colourbook over for dinner, after they'd built your door and knocked it down they'd be installing a glitterball on the ceiling, planting new plants on your mantel, spreading ivy all over the walls. They'd be getting your girlfriend drunk, and your boyfriend too, and playing the first Arcade Fire EP at enough of a volume for you to remember the spiced, white nights of 2003".

Colourbook - Krakatoa (m4a ) / Buy Here

Also, check these guys:
Almonds, Cohen (accordion included!)
Cobras Cobras Cobras
Young Lions
Balacade

- milla

*music made in your bedroom
**not 100% guaranteed
***dope is BC slang for 'wicked' or 'awesome'

Yell for Yelle

2007-12-06T16:01:00.001-08:00

Yelle. Love.

One way to get warm during the winter months is to go dancing. Yelle comes from France and has that obnoxious dance pop thing going which seems to be on the rise as of late (often also including sexually overt lyrics). She just recently released her debut album Pop-up (Buy here) and already has a few impressive music vids' out. I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce her name. Yell-eh? Yell-luh? Yell-ee?

Yelle - Mal Poli (mp3) / Buy Here

-c. / milla.

w. comittee

2007-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Shaved Orange- a music blog created by two astronauts named Camilla and Matthew. Yes, they do have the internet in space. We'll bring you our favourite new music and a little review on why we think it rulz. We might add some 'other' media if we feel like it. Oh and by astronauts, I mean university students. And by space, I mean Toronto.