Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#30-26)

For ramblings on how I came to compile this list go here. And for commentary on previous selections: [#50-46] [#45-41] [#40-36] [#35-31]

30. Heartbreaker - Ryan Adams (2000)

The argument that most of the world's greatest art is derived from sadness is one that I've always worked hard to refute, but a guy like Ryan Adams doesn't make it easy for me to do so. It doesn't get much sadder than his solo debut, which apparently was inspired by the ending of a romantic relationship. Obviously this is not exactly uncharted territory in the world of (real) country music, but Adams leaves no misplaced notions that the feelings portrayed here are anything but genuine. I love the album's deceiving opening, where it begins with a hilarious interchange between him and David Rawlings about whether or not Morrissey's Suedehead is on the album Viva Hate (it is), before lunging into an upbeat rockabilly number called To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High). From that point on though, Adams plays some of the most melancholy music I've ever heard. Oh My Sweet Carolina is a homesick ballad featuring the always beautiful vocals of Emmylou Harris. You may be able to remain composed during Bartering Lines or Damn Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains) but by the time Come Pick Me Up comes along on the playlist, you might as well just set aside the foolish machismo for awhile and let the waterworks flow, because this is an artist that was not put in the recording studio for our foolish amusement. [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

29. Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - TV On The Radio (2004)

TVOTR is a band that has been very consistent throughout this decade as all three of their studio albums were considered quite seriously for inclusion on this list. When I listened to them all through more recently though, it was this 2004 (studio) debut that had to be the winner since it's the original in terms of them solidifying an avant garde sound that is currently beyond comparison. For me, TVOTR is basically a genre unto themselves. When I want to listen to psych rock for example, there are many artists, old and new, that I could go to. The same goes for folk music, and pop music. But when I'm in the mood for TVOTR music, only TVOTR will do. The harmonies and swirling vocalizations of Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone take bizarre doo-wop sonics to another level, while the music itself takes the standard bass, guitars and drum approach and layers it to a point where it becomes a grand looping orchestra. And the acapella groove of Ambulance hits me in a clouds parting, heavens opening sort of way. There's no doubt that they'll continue to be one of my 'purchase without needing to hear first' bands, since their consistency is now an established fact, as far as I'm concerned. [Myspace: TV On The Radio]

28. Cryptograms - Deerhunter (2007)

While last year's Microcastle and subsequent tour established to us all that Bradford Cox has gotten most of the weird out of his system, I'm eternally grateful that he managed to get this psych rock experience out to the masses beforehand. His more streamlined sound of today is still amazing as he continues to break down boundaries with his unique and original vision, but in terms of artistry and special experiences, nothing can compare with the sonic achievement of Cryptograms. I love the album's schizophrenic approach with the songs alternating between heady rockier, almost straightforward numbers and disjointed soundscapes that make the spaces inbetween the songs crucial to the album's overall tone. The fact that the album was recorded at two different sessions actually works in its favor as this enables it to serve as a document of growth from a confused disheveled beginning to a more focused yet eclectic conclusion. [Myspace: Deerhunter]

27. Fox Confessor Brings The Flood - Neko Case (2006)

There are many reasons why Neko's Fox Confessor... album is one the best of the decade. For one, there is the unique structuring of the songs as they deliberately steer clear from anything overly conventional while still borrowing heavily from the pioneers of the past. There is also the strength that is to be found in the lyrical aspect of the album. Lines such as "The night I fell into the lion’s jaws /To my regret /And your delight /Those teeth themselves could not divine /Nor their pressure estimate /The haze I wish to never break /And to never contemplate" are stacked with unusually stark imagery. But let's be honest, the main reason she's here is that voice! That unparalleled, powerfully sultry voice is such that one can't help but be a slave to its charms. Nowhere is this more obvious than when she belts out the title to That Teenage Feeling, where that intoxicating vocal presence of hers takes me back, not to my own teens, but to the pre-adult years of generations past with a classic feel that epitomizes a time that is often categorized as innocent, even though Case's homage makes it clear that such was not always the case. [Myspace: Neko Case]

26. Let It Die - Feist (2004)

And while we're on the topic of unparalleled vocalists, is it any surprise that Leslie Feist has gone on to become the household name that we all knew she should be? Well, I guess the true answer to that question is actually 'yes' since although she's discovered the pot of gold, so to speak, there are many other equally deserving artists who have not. And it's true that her current popularity has spawned a crapload of imitators but even more tragic is the fact that artists who have been doing this longer than she has are now in danger of being accused of imitating her as well, since she has opened a path that many are now free to follow. Wow, what was supposed to be praise for her album is now sounding like a rant, but let me apologize by saying that Let It Die deserves it all. What's interesting is the fact that, although I like the popular Mushaboom song, as well as the popular Bee Gees cover (Inside and Out), one of my favorite songs is actually the cover of Françoise Hardy's L'Amour ne dure pas toujours simply because, for me, that song encapsulates all that I find endearing about Feist's whole persona. She's certainly got an air of mystery about her, that certain twinkle in her eye if you will, but she also seems completely down to Earth and approachable as well, and both of those sides shine throughout the course of this album. [Myspace: Feist]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#25-21)

My Top 10 Hottest Canadian Bands 2008

As I mentioned in my last post, last Friday I (Heart) Music had posted the annual Hottest Bands In Canada list. I gave a few comments about my choices and omissions, etc. but after noticing that Mike at For The Records put up his personal choices, well, copycat that I am, I figured that I'd do the same.

Each of us who contributed to the list were basically given only two rules: the bands had to be Canadian, and they had to have a particularly "hot" year. We were aloud to define both of those terms anyway that we liked. The first one was pretty self explanatory, but determining what would be considered hot, well, that's another story. I basically decided that it meant that my personal views should be set aside (for the most part), and the bands in question had to have received quite a bit of recognition from the public, other artists and the critics and fans. I mostly stuck to that criteria, except now that I think about it, maybe my number one choice was based on more personal opinion that I consciously intended:

1. Cuff The Duke – Cuff the Duke was everywhere in 2008. They’ve opened for Feist and Calexico as well as playing backup for Hayden and holding their own with Blue Rodeo and Basia Bulat. Their live show is amongst the best that I’ve seen all year. They have the youthful vigor of a new band, but the musical abilities and tightness of a band that’s been doing this for decades. (And on a personal note, any band that can make me nostaligic for Oshawa is worthy of some form of recognition.) Myspace

2. Feist – Although last year was a particularly hot year for Feist, she managed to keep that momentum going in 2008. She appeared on SNL at the tail end of ’07, was on Stephen Colbert in April, will be headlining the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Diana Ross and won 5 Juno awards. However, what really makes 2008 an especially hot year for her is the fact that she got to sing with the monsters of Sesame Street. It took R.E.M. 16 years and 11 albums to get there. Feist did it in 9 years and 4 albums. Myspace

3. Shad - I know a lot of people that felt that Shad should have won the Polaris prize that he was nominated for this year. The fact that it wasn’t necessarily hip hop fans that felt this way really says a lot about how all encompassing his appeal really is. Like Cadence and K-OS before him, Shad has introduced impressive rhymes and beats to those who wouldn’t usually spend a lot of time with hip hop. Myspace

4. The Dears – What makes these guys so hot is the fact that they’ve struggled through a year of difficulty and adversity which included severing ties with both their label and most of their band, yet they still came out on top by releasing an album as inventive and brilliant as Missiles.
Myspace

5. Neil Young – It’s never easy for an artist to remain relevant throughout a career spanning 40+ years, but in many ways Neil is now more relevant than ever. He has the ability to play a large stadium and still make you feel as if his show was prepared just for you. Myspace

6. Caribou – Although I’ve got my personal views on all things Polaris, there is no denying the fact that winning this prize is a sure fire way to get your name on the map. Although Dan Snaith was already there in many ways, being included in every Polaris related conversation certainly adds to your hotness factor, and to do so with a style of music that many people find indefinable is twice as impressive. Myspace

7. Amos The Transparent – There are two kinds of hot: the kind that you notice immediately and the kind that sort of sneaks up on you. I’ve been following these guys closely and I’ve noticed that people will literally stop what they’re doing and become instantly awestruck when they hit the stage. They’re still a relatively small name right now, but they undoubtedly gain new fans with every show that they play. Myspace

8. Ruby Coast - For a bunch of kids fresh out of high school to put out music that is miles ahead of some of their (more popular) contemporaries, one has to wonder if this is just the tip of the iceberg. There may be no limit to what they can accomplish. Myspace

9. Broken Social Scene – Technically they didn’t even release an album this year, but when slapping the tagline “Broken Social Scene Presents…” to the front of your name guarantees that you’ll receive double the exposure, that’s pretty impressive. Myspace

10. Crystal Castles – Unfortunately my personal opinion doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on a band’s overall hotness factor so my list begins with a band that I don’t get, but for some reason a lot of people do. Although I’ve never been one to listen to video game music for enjoyment, a Crystal Castles show seems to have become synonymous with crazy antics and controlled chaos. They’ve successfully used negative publicity to their advantage, and you’ve got to respect that (to a certain extent anyway.) Myspace

TV On The Radio - Dear Science,

I've been spending a lot of time lately talking about, and listening to, bands that are more significantly under the radar. This reality had caused me to be completely unaware of the fact that the now major labellers TV On The Radio were releasing a new CD entitled Dear Science,. Of course, as soon as the news hit my ears, I rushed out to pick it up.

The reason for my enthusiasm is the fact that TV On The Radio still remain as one of the most consistent bands in the world of indie rock or mainstream rock or whatever category the kids are putting TVOTR in these days. A new TVOTR album is just about always a shoe-in for my personal year end top 10, and what can I say, Dear Science, will likely be there as well in December.

Many comments have been made that this is their attempt at becoming mainstream. I would have to disagree. Sort of. First of all, I never thought that their sound was not mainstream. I realize that the radio never played them, but as far as melody, catchiness and appealing vocals go, they've always had that. Secondly, indicating that they're now having an attempt at the mainstream would indicate that this album is significantly different than their other work. I'm not hearing it. They've always tried to incorporate several different styles and genres in their work, and they're still doing so here. You've got a touch of their trademark new wave doo wop in Halfway Home, gorgeous balladry in Love Dog and Family Tree, some Prince-like funkiness in Crying and Red Dress as well as a horn section that falls somewhere between Fishbone and Sly and the Family Stone. Tunde Adebimpe's vocals have never been better. Whether he's delivering a bassy croon, a funky falsetto or a tongue-in-cheek (yet still socially conscious) rap, Tunde displays some superb vocal control and variety. The highlight for me is Golden Age, which reminds me of Bowie at his most epic, and sounds quite euphoric over all. Clearly, TV On The Radio have still got it, and it appears that, although they're slightly cleaning it up and reigning it in, they won't be losing it anytime soon.

Photo by Ludis Mergins
Myspace: TV On The Radio
Video: Golden Age (live) on youtube

Other stuff: I (Heart) Music has just compiled its annual list of The Hottest Bands In Canada and this year I got the privilege of contributing to this list. Upon reading the final results, I've learned a few things. First of all, I talk too much. My comments are several words more than everyone else's. That's a bit embarrassing. Gonna have to tone that down a bit next time. Also, Chad Vangaalen's place at number one was a bit of a brain fart for me, in the sense that I forgot all about him. He wouldn't have been my number one but still. Sheesh. Finally, I think next year I'm going to put a little bit more personal opinion into my list, because I totally would have included Entire Cities and Golden Hands Before God... since they are definitely hot in my mind. I just didn't realize that there was enough other people out there who felt the same way. Really glad to see them both on the final list. On Monday, Matthew will be posting all of the other bands that received votes but didn't make the final cut. Should be interesting.

Jon Doe and Kathleen Edwards are about to embark on their co-headlining Hurtin' and Flirtin' tour that takes them all over the USA in November, but as a warm up, their doing a little intimate show at the teeny tiny Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Ave) on Monday November 3rd. I believe the tickets are $20, and they're only available at the door, which opens at 8. Should probably get there early. I'm still undecided myself, although it would be an outstanding show.
Myspace: John Doe
Myspace: Kathleen Edwards

This just in! Toronto's Cancel Winter are going to be interviewed TODAY at 3:30pm on a UK Radio station. Go to www.playradiouk.com and click Listen Now. They're playing at the El Mocambo on December 19th.
Myspace: Cancel Winter

Tracy Shedd has a new video for the song Whatever It Takes from the CD Cigarettes and Smoke Machines.
Myspace: Tracy Shedd

Hello Operator has a new video for the song 55 Regrets from the CD The Breaks.
Myspace: Hello Operator

The Bicycles are doing a free instore performance at Soundscapes on Tuesday November 4th at 7pm.
Myspace: The Bicycles

Finally, did you know that Feist played a surprise show at The Rivoli last Tueday night? Yah, me neither. Apparently it was a songwriter's circle type thing with Wayne Petti, Hayden and others contributing. Woulda been cool to be there, had I have known!?!?! Will she be doing that again? Rumours, rumours....
Myspace: Feist
Myspace: Wayne Petti
Myspace: Hayden

'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.

Feist - The Reminder

Once again, it seems that I’ve been a little bit blog-lazy lately, but I assure you that one of the reasons for this is the fact that this blog is the only area of my life that has been lazy as of late. However, another reason for my lack of blogation (sweet made up word!) is the fact that some of my favourite artists have been releasing new albums that, for me, have been less than blog-worthy. Bright Eyes, for example, has given me a couple of my all-time favourite albums in the past, but the new one has Conor sounding way too polished and over-produced for my liking and I’ve tried giving it the time of day but it just simply refuses to grow on me. Not to mention the fact that the subject matter really makes me a bit uncomfortable. And from the prolific to the fun, Fountains of Wayne, have always been the masters of crafting the ridiculously catchy pop song, but I have to admit, “Traffic and Weather” just gets a bit too silly. I enjoy a well-placed pop culture reference as much as the next guy, but lyricist Adam Schlesinger simply went a bit overboard on this one, (name-dropping ‘King of Queens,’ ‘Guns N Roses,’ and ‘Carl Reiner,’ just to name a few.)

Thank goodness for Leslie Feist. She also released a new one this past week, and thankfully it is up to her usual standards as far as I’m concerned. It’s funny, because I was actually starting to get a little bit sick of Feist. Everytime we went to anybody’s house for a shindig, “Let It Die” was playing over the speakers. “Mushaboom” was getting killed on mainstream radio, and her music just seemed to follow me around everywhere I went. However, listening to “The Reminder” has made me fall in love all over again. First of all, it almost goes without saying, that she may just have the most unique female voice in indie-rock at the moment (OK, OK, at least until Neko Case releases another one.) The album opens with the breathtaking “I’m Sorry”, which basically takes off from where “Let It Die” ended. It has an acoustic French-pop style to it, designed to immediately calm the savage beast that the work week may have turned us into. The second cut has Feist rocking out ever-so-slightly with “I Feel It All,” a jumpy little number, complete with chimes and harmonies. “The Park” is especially for those who still are not sold on her amazing voice. If the vocals towards the end of this song doesn’t induce chills, than, in the words of Harrison Ford, you may just be the world’s only living heart donor. “Intuition” is another very moving number that has surfaced on a bootleg or two in the past already, but is finally here in its completed version. And “1,2,3,4” just proves again that Feist’s remarkable abilities as a singer, songwriter, tunesmith, etc obviously comes naturally to her. Everything she does seems effortless, and if that’s the case, in the next few years she will no doubt be considered a Canadian music legend.

Feist is playing two sold-out nights at Massey Hall in Toronto on May 25^th and 26^th.

Download:
The Park mp3

Watch the outstanding video for “1,2,3,4” here.
Feist on myspace.
Purchase “The Reminder” on Insound.com.