The Paint Movement - Our Eurythmy

It's becoming more and more obvious that Nevado Records and I are entirely on the same wavelength when it comes to music. Besides being headed by former members of my crush of 2007, the now defunct Reily, their label now boasts an impressive roster that includes Bass Lions, Elephant, Yukon Blonde and Fox Jaws. These are all bands that I feel quite strongly about. In fact, they are some of the best bands I know. So when they contacted me about their latest signing, a band from Mississauga called The Paint Movement, I really had no reason to doubt their judgment. Upon hearing the advance release of their upcoming full length entitled Our Eurythmy, all I could think was 'wow!'

On the first few songs, they wear their influences pretty heartily on their sleeves. When those influences are Broken Social Scene and the like, this is a good thing. The songs plow ahead with the same sense of triumph, displaying a full sound that is completely intoxicating. It's on track three however, when things start getting really interesting. Right from the get-go, the horns are featured quite prominently on this release, but it's on this song called Knock Knock where you start to recognize that their influences come from another very unique territory. The amalgamation of jazz and rock music was very common in the late 60's and early to mid 70's, as showcased by bands like Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears and, most notably, Steely Dan. However, by the time the new wave 80's came around, jazz must have been considered to be too pretentious and scattered to mix with the country, rockabilly and punk influences of the college rock scene at the time. But as we all know, what comes around, goes around, and it looks like The Paint Movement are working hard to make their brand of lush sounding jazz-tinged indie rock a viable force on the music scene. Some of the highlights are the aforementioned Knock Knock, whose infectious saxophone sneaks up on you so as not to be too much of a shock to the system for those who are not used to hearing it in a modern rock song. The bongos also add to the full sound, as the song continues to build to lilting heights. Eternity Seems To Live Here is a masterful post-rock instrumental piece, that strikes a unique balance between grungy feedback and orchestral swirls. Howl At The Moon allows Kevin Kralick's voice to take center stage, which displays a subtlety that allows the song's lyrical intensity to shine through, while benefiting from the female vocal accompaniment. If Kevin Drew singing lead for the early stages of the Chicago Transit Authority is an idea that you've never contemplated before, then I've Got The Ghost is sure to be an interesting musical journey for you as it starts out sounding like your basic indie pop song before it goes off on an ethereal progressive tangent. And Groovy Bones is the penultimate brass rock comeback that we've all unknowingly been waiting for. This song is huge, with its big band horn section duking it out with a hyperactive percussive assault before exploding into a fusion of jazz, funk and progressive rock.

The Paint Movement contains elements of several bands from the past and present, but from what I've heard, there is not a current band, indie or otherwise, that has a sound like theirs. To say that they're presenting us with something new may be a bit unrealistic, but it's admirable to encounter a band that is exposing a long forgotten sound that was motivational in the past, and can continue to be so today.

The Paint Movement are playing The Silver Dollar on Feb 27th, and The Boat on March 15th.

Myspace: The Paint Movement
Download: Knock Knock mp3


Other stuff:
I recently contributed some of my photos to a very comprehensive article about Brooklyn's Chairlift up on hubpages.com. They're opening for Peter Bjorn and John at The Phoenix on April 25th. [Myspace: Chairlift]

Ingrid Michaelson has a new video for her song Breakable up on vimeo. [Myspace: Ingrid Michaelson]

I may have missed my chance to see Blitzen Trapper's sold out show at The Horseshoe on Saturday night (Feb 21st) but buzz girl Alela Diane, who will be opening the show for them, will be playing a free in-store at Soundscapes at 6:30pm. [Myspaces: Alela Diane, Blitzen Trapper]

Also doing the in-store thing is Ben Kweller, who will be playing Sonic Boom at 3pm on Sunday, February 22nd before hitting The Mod Club later that evening. [Myspace: Ben Kweller]

Brendan Canning is celebrating the release of his new video for Love Is New at Lounge 88 (12 Clinton St) on February 19th. Apparently the video is inspired by John Travolta's opening credit sequence from Saturday Night Fever, which sounds hilarious. The video is not yet online, but here's a link to the Travolta original. [Myspace: Brendan Canning]

2008: The Songs

Coming up with a list of ten great songs is significantly more difficult than coming up with a list of ten great albums for the simple reason that a study of the most basic mathematics suggests that songs usually outnumber albums by about 50 to 1. (OK, I randomly pulled that number out of a hat but I think that I've made my point...) Unlike last year's list however, there was no one song that really stood out above the rest for me. Therefore all eleven songs this year are basically tied for first place and the basic thing that they all have in common is the fact that they consistently forced me to use the repeat button on my mp3 player of choice.

Accountant's Dream by Entire Cities (from Deep River)

There is no other song this year that so perfectly captures the essence of a band's live show than this one. It makes good use of the never ineffective build up process; beginning with a subtle and unassuming acoustic guitar before exploding with screams of joy and celebration. And what's most amazing is that I'm pretty sure that the song is simply about getting money wired, no?

Download: Accountant's Dream mp3

Care For Some Whiskey? by Leerone (from Imaginary Biographies)

This year saw more of the rise of the prolific female singer/ songwriter, some very good, and others very run of the mill. Leerone stood on her own in the sense that she chooses to lace her poetic personal whimsy with experimentation and fantasy. This song emanates a ray of light that leaves me feeling celebratory.

Download: Care For Some Whiskey? mp3
Photo by Alisha Blanchard

Kim And Jessie by M83 (from Saturdays = Youth)

Originally Graveyard Girl was my M83 pick for this list, but upon repeat listens I find it increasingly more difficult not to cringe at the lyrical references to Molly Ringwald in that song, as great a song as it is. K&J does just as good a job at evoking the feeling of a John Hughes movie, without sounding as forced. A lot of bands emulate the 80's, but the beauty of this song is that it sounds like, totally authentic, y'know?

Video: Kim and Jessie on youtube

The Old Prince Still Lives At Home by Shad (from The Old Prince)

For the first time in history, hip hop makes an appearance on one of my year end lists. (The lists themselves predate the blog by several years.) I'll admit that I don't really know what differentiates the good hip hop from the bad hip hop but I do know a good pop song when I hear it, and this is one of the good ones. Besides the fact that the song rings eerily true for many, Shad's rhymes are dope, particularly when he 'spits the verse' accompanied by only hand claps at the end of the song (due to not being able to afford the rest of the beat.) Funny song, and even funnier video.

Video: The Old Prince Still Lives At Home on youtube

Jodi by The Dodos (from Visiter)

I'll admit that having my wife's unique name in the title likely caused me to pay more than the usual attention to this song, but ultimately it was the fact that it was such a sonically pleasing bluegrassy freakfest that I knew I had to add this one to the list. The song's intricate guitar work forcefully attacks you and the build up crescendos in a way that literally leaves you feeling exhausted once the song is over.

Download: Jodi mp3


Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? by She and Him (from Volume One)

There are way more actress-turned-singer failures than successes out there but whoever decided that Zooey Deschanel should team up with M. Ward should be awarded a medal. This song shuffled its way into my saccharine filled sixties lovin' heart, and Zooey's voice is a breath of fresh air.

Download: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? mp3

Don't Haunt This Place by Rural Alberta Advantage (from Hometowns)

This is one of the more subdued songs of the album, but it maintains a steady pace that is accompanied by a cool stuttered drum sound, cello, organ and male / female vocals that keep the song moving along with an affection that is impossible to ignore.

Download: Don't Haunt This Place mp3

Nothing Ever Happened by Deerhunter (from Microcastle)

A unique amalgamation of Velvet Underground haziness coupled with the pop sensibilities of Echo and the Bunnymen, this song is more infectious than the musical tag 'ambient punk' would lead you to believe. A solid jam.

Download: Nothing Ever Happened mp3

Vagabonds by Gary Louris (from Vagabonds)

There are several alt-country releases this year to have garnered more praise then this one by the former Jayhawks frontman, but as far as I'm concerned, this Dylan pastiche has 'instant classic' written all over it. Epic.

Video: Vagabonds (live at Southern Theater) on youtube

Furr by Blitzen Trapper (from Furr)

The trap boys can get pretty intense at times, but the title track from their excellent September release showcases a softer side of their sound. This song is folk music at its finest, with its sublime and intelligent lyrics proving to be a welcome companion to the song's simple, yet beautiful structure.

Download: Furr mp3
Neighbourhood by Ruby Coast (from Projectible Collections)

And this song features my favourite shout along moment of the year. I don't care where I am, if this song is playing on my Zune, I'm shouting "Take it all back! We don't want that!" at the top of my lungs. Seriously.

Download: Neighbourhood mp3
Photo by Kid With Camera

Other honoroable mentions:

123 My Friends by Jon McKiel (from The Nature Of Things)
I've Been Asleep For A Long Long Time by Hey Rosetta! (from Into Your Lungs)
White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes (from Fleet Foxes)
Small by Portishead (from Third)
Stardust by Clouds That Look Like Things (from Hat Factory EP)
Golden Age by TV On The Radio (from Dear Science)
Lights Off by The Dears (from Missiles)
Love Is Impossible by This Is Ivy League (from This Is Ivy League)
Down In The Basement by Sloan (from Parallel Play)
The Most Beautiful Girl In The Room by Flight Of The Conchords (from Flight Of The Conchords)

and Dark Regrets by Schuman The Human (from Showtime For Schuman)
[this one actually came out in 2007 but I didn't hear it until this year and I really wanted to mention it because it's an amazing song that I think most people haven't heard.]
Download: Dark Regrets mp3

'Sup In November

Well, although I've been listening to current releases by everyone from Deerhoof (very good) to Of Montreal (not so good) as well as several local acts (mostly good), I'm afraid I just haven't had it in me to whip up any new reviews right now. No particular reason other than a mild lack of inspiration I guess. So I figured in the meantime, I'd do my monthly "Sup In..." post a few days earlier because these are generally informative enough without requiring a great deal of creative writing. I've got a few cool shows that I'll be attending in November, as well as a few others that I probably won't but I still think are pretty cool for other people to attend.

I've always looked at The Skydiggers as Canada's answer to The Jayhawks, since both bands have released several albums of high quality alt-country; doing so at a time when people weren't really calling it alt-country yet. They're currently promoting their latest release called City Of Sirens, and this promotion brings them to The Mod Club on Saturday November 1st. $25.00.

Myspace: The Skydiggers

Born Ruffians are also playing The Opera House on that same day. Saturday November 1st. $12.00.

Myspace: Born Ruffians

There's all kinds of exciting stuff going on with my current favourite new discovery Olenka and the Autumn Lovers. They've got both a new full length album AND a new EP being released very very shortly and their playing a show in Toronto at The Press Club (850 Dundas) on Sunday November 2nd. It's an early show, the doors are at 6:30pm. Cost: TBA.

Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers

I've been looking forward to seeing local Hi Hat Recording artists Clouds (That Look Like Things) again since the last time that I saw them, and what better way to do so than for free at The Horseshoe as part of Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite on Tuesday November 4th. This is their EP release party, but they are on first at 9:10pm. Free.

Myspace: Clouds (That Look Like Things)

Speaking of bands that I can't wait to see again, two of such bands are playing exactly one week later at the same venue for exactly the same price (I think) with two other awesome bands. To celebrate the kick off of registration for NXNE 2009, two of my local favourites Spiral Beach and The Golden Hands Before God are playing The Horseshoe on Tuesday November 11th. Joining them will be The High Dials and The Evelyn Room. You are a fool if you don't attend this one. Free (I think)

Myspace: Spiral Beach
Myspace: The Golden Hands Before God
Myspace: The High Dials
Myspace: The Evelyn Room

Also on Tuesday November 11th is Drive By Truckers with The Hold Steady at The Phoenix. But it's sold out. $27.50.

Myspace: Drive By Truckers
Myspace: The Hold Steady

On Wednesday November 12th, Atlanta's Deerhunter (pictured above) are going to be playing Lee's Palace. I picked up my tickets right away since I am such a big fan of both Cryptograms and Microcastle. However, I've been reading up on Bradford Cox's, erm, concert etiquette, and I'm realizing that this show has the potential to be either amazing or a train wreck. Thankfully, all the reports I've heard of this current tour have been very positive so I'm looking forward to this being a great show. I really hope so, because the new album is just too good. He is playing with Times New Viking and Neighborhood Council. $12.00.

Myspace: Deerhunter
Myspace: Times New Viking
Myspace: Neighborhood Council

On Thursday November 13th, the bizarre double bill of Iron and Wine with Blitzen Trapper are going to be playing The Phoenix. As far as I know, the show is sold out which means that I guess that I won't be going. I've got mixed feelings about this since Blitzen Trapper has released one of the best albums of the year. Iron and Wine, on the other hand, I'm just not feeling these days. At all. So I guess I'm not all that bummed about not going. For the most part. $25.00.

Myspace: Iron and Wine
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper

The Sea and Cake are at Lee's Palace on Friday November 14th. $15.00

Myspace: The Sea And Cake

A friend of mine saw Calexico just a few months ago and said that it was unbelievable. I saw Cuff The Duke a few months ago and said that it was also unbelievable. Well, they're playing together on Tuesday November 15th at The Phoenix. My prediction: UNBELIEVABLE! $18.50.

Myspace: Calexico
Myspace: Cuff The Duke

The Lovely Killbots are having their CD release party on Saturday November 22nd at Rancho Relaxo. Clouds (That Look Like Things) are opening for them along with Montreal's After The Weather. $6.

Myspace: The Lovely Killbots
Myspace: After The Weather

For someone who was incredibly impressed with Ohbijou's live show last year, I've certainly been missing seeing them a lot lately. Well, I'm going to get another chance when they play Lee's Palace on Thursday November 27th with The Acorn. Except I don't think that I can make it. $10.00.

Myspace: The Acorn
Myspace: Ohbijou

And finally, Broken Social Scene are playing two shows at the Sound Academy on Thursday November 27th and Friday November 28th. As I've mentioned before, I've already got my ticket for the second show. I'm anxious to know which incarnation of the band I'll be seeing that night. It's been a couple of years since I saw them last, and Feist has been there every time. Now I know that she doesn't perform with them all that much these days, but her current tour schedule says that she's in Toronto at Massey Hall on the 1st, and the ACC on the 3rd. From there she goes to Montreal, and then does a few dates on the east coast. But after the 10th, I really don't know what she's doing. I know she's in Norway for the Nobel Peace Prize concert on December 11th. Hmmm. Just thinking out loud, that's all. $26.50 for BSS tix. Feist tix are $39.50-49.50 for Massey Hall & $29.20-49.50 for ACC.

Myspace: Broken Social Scene
Myspace: Feist

OK, good night; brain hurts; going to bed now.

Blitzen Trapper - Furr

There are some bands that I love for no other reason than the simple fact that they make me happy. Blitzen Trapper is one of those bands. Last years' Wild Mountain Nation was a spastic mix of good old fashioned Southern rock and good old fashioned Southern raunch, and their show earlier this year was likewise, a hyperactive display of controlled chaos that ranks amongst the best shows I've seen. Furr is their fourth release, but their first on the highly influential Sub Pop label, and it once again brings a smile to my face and puts me in a positive state of mind.

Their unashamed love for 70's arena rock is showcased in full force on Gold For Bread, which contains some solid Stones riffage and a hooky chorus that forces you to sing along and play air guitar, as the song suggests. It even ends with a bit of the slightest flute playing to put you in the mood. Fire and Fast Bullets is equally infectious, a full out rocker that makes good use of keyboard verses fuzz guitar interplay. Saturday Nite owes its existence to Ray Davies as it definitely delivers a playfully jumpy beat that would fit right in with any outdated 70's flick. Finally, just as you think that the band has decided to set aside the raunch this time around, Love U is a bluesy number that is presented with a heavy metal rasp that would've made Nazareth's Dan McCafferty proud. The album's highlights however are the folksier ones, namely the title track Furr, Stolen Shoes and a Rifle and the album closer Lady On The Water, which are all beautifully laid back numbers, suitable for any summertime campfire.

Overall I feel that the album may not quite reach the heights of their last one, but if you can set the comparisons aside, it's still a release of the highest quality that stands on its own.

On what is probably one of the most bizarre bills of the year, the truly hyperactive Blitzen Trapper will be opening for the truly not hyperactive at all Iron And Wine at The Phoenix on Thursday November 13th. I won't be there but it should be interesting. Tix are $25.

Photo by Jade Harris
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
Download: Furr mp3


Download: Gold For Bread mp3


More news:
After a brief absence, Fox Jaws are playing their last show in Toronto before the new year at the El Mocambo this Saturday October 18th. Wish I could be there but sadly, I cannot. They're playing with The Hots and Brett Caswell.

Myspace: Fox Jaws
Myspace: The Hots
Myspace: Brett Caswell

It seems that instore performances are becoming more and more frequent these days, and a cool one that is coming up involves Jay Reatard at Sonic Boom. This is at 7pm on Thursday October 16th.

Myspace: Jay Reatard

As you probably already know, Broken Social Scene has clearly heard my pleas and booked a second show at The Sound Academy for Friday November 28th. It's been two years since I've seen them last and I am sooo there!

Myspace: Broken Social Scene

The Cure is in the process of releasing their 13th studio album entitled 4:13 Dream, and they apparently played the whole thing live in Rome at Piazza San Giovanni on the weekend. Stereogum gives us their (mainly underwhelming) thoughts on what they heard, as well as providing 13 videos for all 13 new songs.

Myspace: The Cure

And finally, have you ever heard of a Kazookeylele? Go here to see this bizarre instrument in action, resulting in the greatest cover in the history of the world ever!

Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes w/Fox Jaws @ El Mocambo

I think the expression 'controlled chaos' was especially created to describe bands like Portland, Oregon's Blitzen Trapper. As I had mentioned earlier, before this week, I had not fully taken the time to digest last year's "Wild Mountain Nation," so I made a point of doing so prior to the show. It really is one heckuva CD. What strikes me as odd, is the way that every song sounds like it had been recorded by a different band, making them impossible to pigeonhole. They sound a bit like Wilco one moment, before morphing into The Dandy Warhols, and then liquefying into T-Rex. It's a delightfully tumultuous sound that I personally find immensely gratifying. The concert left me feeling the same way. Often times they'll hop genres right in the middle of a song, keeping the audience in rapt attention of their every move. The band was also very funny. I particularly enjoyed watching the drummer beat the snot out of his already damaged and badly bent cymbal. Guitarist Marty Marquis' Alpha Flight t-shirt also elicited quite a response. I nearly spit my beer all over the stage when an audience member yelled out "Captain Canuck!!" Ahh, Captain Canuck. That crappy comic book really takes me back I tell ya. The highlight was watching the band call up all of the other bands of the evening together to join in a rambunctious
version of their own 'Woof & Warp of the Quiet Giant's Hem.' (What a terrific song title 'eh?) You've never seen a tiny stage filled with more tambourine pounding and maraca shaking individuals in your life. Awesome!

Photos: My pics of Blitzen Trapper @ El Mocambo on flickr
Download: Wild Mountain Nation mp3
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
Video: Woof and Warp of the Quiet Giant's Hem on youtube

Interestingly, the largest attendance of the night seemed to be for Seattle's Fleet Foxes, who are the one band that I hadn't heard of. They were the most subdued act of the night, but they blew my mind just the same. I had indicated earlier that, from what I had sampled, they reminded me a bit of My Morning Jacket. I still hold to that comparison (sorta) but it's the vocals that really make them unique. The show started with them singing unaccompanied; their five part harmonies keeping everyone spellbound. Or is it four part harmonies? (I don't know harmony) Still, those angelic vocals are showcased throughout their set, giving their music a solemnity that helps them rise above your typical folk rock sound. The fact that many were obviously there to see them, seemed to sincerely shock the band. They mention that they'll be back again sometime this summer, and I'm sure that their fan base will have increased exponentially by then.

Photos: My pics of Fleet Foxes @ El Mocambo on flickr
Download: White Winter Hymnal mp3
Myspace: Fleet Foxes
Video: Dreams (Fleetwood Mac Cover) youtube

Opening the evening was Fox Jaws. What can I say about Fox Jaws that I haven't already said before? The show was killer, as per usual, but I can't wait until I actually get to see them at a venue with good lighting. Technically there wasn't one salvageable picture in the lot. You see, crappy camera plus bad lighting minus distracting flash equals worst concert pictures ever! Either I've got to get a better camera or they have got to play at better lit venues. Personally I think the onus should be on them because I'm just a struggling journalist, whereas they are clearly the big shot rock stars. Jokes. (BTW, the video link below shows that they have played The Mod Club which is easily the coolest lit venue in the city)

What I always love about seeing Fox Jaws is the good time enthusiasm that they display on stage. Carleigh Aikins' soulful voice sounded as smoky delicious as ever, and I don't believe they have ever sounded tighter. I can't wait until they release another CD. "Goodbye Doris" is still on regular rotation for me, and with the amount of stuff I listen to these days, that's saying a lot.

Photos: My lousy shots of Fox Jaws @ El Mocambo are on flickr
Download: Karmonica mp3 / Quarantine Girl mp3
Myspace: Fox Jaws
Video: Warm Winter Coats @ Mod Club on youtube