Weekend Whatevers (Dec 6th, 2009)

Ok, I'll be the first to admit that most of my "weekly" features never make it past the first or second week, but I'm gonna try and start up a new one and see how it flies. I get literally tons of mp3's and videos sent to my inbox daily, and more often than not, these end up staying there, locked away in solitary confinement. So, I figure that what I'll start to do is set aside a day a week to limit my usual bla bla, keeping the commentary brief as I share some of these findings with you on a weekly basis. Normally I'll try to post them at the start of the weekend, but since I just thought of doing this now, Sunday night it is. Welcome to the first edition of the Weekend Whatevers.

1. Elvyn (alt-country, power-pop)
(These are two unmastered versions of songs that are slated to appear on their upcoming album The Decline, to be released sometime in the new year)

[Download: I'll Come Back mp3]
[Download: Those Were The Days mp3]
[Myspace: Elvyn]

2. Diemonds (classic rock, glam punk, hair metal)
(Here's a link to the video of a song from their debut EP In The Rough)

[Video: Highway on youtube]
[Myspace: Diemonds]

3. Patrick & Eugene (whimsical, exotic ragtime music)
(These songs are from their debut U.S. release Altogether Now)

[Download: Can't Get You Out Of My Head (Kylie Minogue cover) mp3]
[Video: Don't Stop on youtube]
[Myspace: Patrick & Eugene]

4. Dodos (bluegrassy freak folk)
(Here is their latest video from the album Time To Die)

[Video: Longform on Pitchfork]
[Myspace: The Dodos]

5. Morakestra (alternative melodic rock)
(A song from their sophomore release entitled Witness To Connection)

[Download: Tell You Something mp3]
[Myspace: Morakestra]

6. The Weekend (mid 90's new wave power pop)
(This is a recently unearthed unreleased cut circa 1995 that keyboardist Link C. recently sent me to share with y'all.)

[Download: Fit To Survive mp3]
[Myspace: The Weekend]

7. Thee American Revolution (lo-fi psych pop acid rock)
(Robert Schneider from Apples in Stereo's brave new side project has just released this amazing new single.)

[Download: Power House mp3]
[Myspace: Thee American Revolution]

Enjoy and have a great week!

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

2008: The Albums

For several personal reasons, 2008 is not a year that I will be looking back on with a great deal of fondness. There's been high points for sure, but the low points are ones that I hope I'll never need to experience again. On a much more superficial level however, there was a lot of good accomplished in double-oh-eight, and the world of interesting music cranked out a lot of good, while the world of popular music, once again, cranked out a lot of bad.

As per usual in the world of bloggers, snobs and elitists, a few bands were raved about ad nauseum. Some I agree with (Fleet Foxes), while others I simply do not (Vampire Weekend, Crystal Castles.) Overall though, I've really enjoyed this year of toonage and I've decided that I will try to control myself and keep my list to a top 10 (followed by a few honorable mentions.) So here goes, the Quadb Top 10 CD's of 2008. Enjoy.

1. Portishead - Third (Review)

Upon perusing through other best of lists, the comment has been made on more than one occasion that there was no real standout for 2008. I beg to differ. Although I'll admit that there are a lot of popular choices that I still have never gotten around to listening to, this third one by Portishead is the undisputable champion of the ones that I have heard. Surreal, original and passionately weird, there is no other album that has rotated upon my virtual turn table as often as this one has. (Myspace)

Video: Machine Gun on youtube

2. TV On The Radio - Dear Science (Review)

For a band to incorporate such a diverse amalgamation of styles, yet still remain hooky, said band would have to be very talented and focused. TV On The Radio are just that, and the fact that they do so with such consistency is what places them at my number two postition this year. (Myspace)

Video: Golden Age (live) on youtube

3. This Is Ivy League - This Is Ivy League (Review)

My vote for the "most hard to understand why this is so criminally underrated" pick of the year, goes to Brooklyn's This Is Ivy League's self titled full length debut. What can I say, I love catchy sugar coated pop music, and this album presents such in a very accomplished way. I honestly expected this one to be 2008's Peter Bjorn and John but I still haven't heard a heckuva lot of buzz on it. Curious... Highly recommended to people who like Belle and Sebastian or Kings of Convenience. (Myspace)

Download: London Bridges (EP Version) mp3

4. Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off The Lavender Bridge

Dev Hynes wears a big furry hat in the summertime and he likes to put comic book superheroes on his t-shirts. Never before has blatant dorkdom been so melodic and beautiful, and Falling Off.. is superbly so. I particularly appreciate the way certain songs scale epic heights while still managing to stay firmly rooted in accessibility. (Myspace)

Download: Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk mp3

5. Quest For Fire - Quest For Fire (Review)

It has been an especially good year for local releases and my favourite local one of the year goes to Quest For Fire's self titled release. They prove wholeheartedly that one does not need to be a stoner to appreciate stoner rock, and their progressive take on psychedelia was simply too enthralling for me to ignore. Their live show is a sight to behold as well. (Myspace)

Video: I've Been Trying To Leave on youtube

6. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

Following up one local band with another, Rural Alberta Advantage are one of those bands that I am positive are destined for greatness. Never before has a three piece sounded so full and complete that I think it would be near impossible not to succumb to their engaging folk rock ways. I was quite happy to see this one pop up on a few other best of lists as well. (Myspace)

Download: Don't Haunt This Place mp3

7. Deerhunter - Microcastle

While it's true that Bradford Cox has certainly cleaned up and streamlined his sound a little bit, I find it very hard to agree with those who feel that he has sacrificed any of his integrity on Microcastle. The man is simply doing what he wants to do, and this album is by no means a mediocre snag at commerciality. Rather, album number three is a perfect sonic melding of the worlds of ambience and punk rock, creating a soundscape that is wholly original and a blissful addition to the ever expanding Bradford Cox catalogue. (Myspace)

Download: Nothing Ever Happened mp3

8. Dodos - Vister

Despite my contrary nature, The Dodos are one of those mega hyped bands that I can totally get behind. Visiter is a rare and perfect blend of organic minimalism and high powered freneticism that can lead you to believe that the worlds of folk and bluegrass were always meant to lead into spastic psychedelic breakdown. (Myspace)

Video: Fools on youtube

9. The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band And The Spirits - Here

At this point I would like to state for the record, that I do not deliberately try to include local artists on my year end lists. While it's true that heavier exposure to these bands is going to be inevitable, I always try to keep the list nationally unbiased. That having been said, I am fully convinced that regardless of where you're from, if you like rock 'n roll, you will be impressed with the debut release from the band with the ridiculously long name. (Myspace)

Download: One Fine Morning mp3

UPDATE: Originally I had Dog Day's Night Group in the number 10 position but then I was quickly informed that the album was released way early in 2007. Fine. So this means my new number 10 is...

10. Born Ruffians: Red Yellow and Blue

It actually took me a little while for the brilliance of this album to eventually peek through, but once it did, I was addicted. It is catchy and fun, that's for sure, but there's also just enough weirdness taking place just below the surface that, if you listen carefully, you can catch something new with every listen. (Myspace)

Video: I Need A Life on youtube

And because I actually have no self control, here are 10 more honorable mentions:

Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Entire Cities - Deep River
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Leerone - Imaginary Biographies
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
M83 - Saturdays = Youth
High Dials - Moon Country
Hey Rosetta - Into Your Lungs
The Disraelis - Demonstration

Other lists have already begun to surface, and there will undoubtedly be many more, but for starters:

Kirstiecat
Chromewaves
Butchslap
Cause = Time
Indie Music Filter
Herohill
Muruch
I Am Fuel, You Are Friends

The Dodos w/Au @ The Horseshoe

I am honestly in awe of the amount of truly inspirational shows I've been to this year. Thankfully, I can now add The Dodos to this list. In preparation for the show, I've been listening to Visiter and Beware Of The Maniacs quite extensively over the past week. I've been enjoying those releases so immensely that even though my friend had to back out on attending, and I was still sporting a bit of a Nuit Blanche non-alcoholic hangover of sorts, I still had to make room in my schedule to attend. The show was nothing short of fantastic.

The Dodos are that perfect blend of organic minimalism and high powered freneticism that makes the band very difficult to pigeonhole. The comparisons to Animal Collective are inevitable and not entirely unfounded, but whereas the Collective are a bit like a travelling circus, The Dodos are much more like you and I. Vocalist Meric Long has a bit of that boy next door charm, which would seem to stand in contrast with his slightly off kilter lyricism, but actually the two fit together in a very 'opposites attract' sort of way. The idea that a solid drummer can essentially make or break a band is proven in leaps and bounds by the magician-like percussion skills of Logan Kroeber, who acts as that essential ingredient that elevates the band out of a Nick Drake territory (which would be fine) and into a territory all its own. Their semi-popular song Fools was showcased right near the beginning of the set and it worked well as a vehicle for getting the crowd enthused nice and early. My favourite song is Jodi, which is an adventurous piece that seamlessly wanders from folk and bluegrass to psychedelic breakdown as if the genres were always meant to be together. The fact that it shares its name with my wife is just a cool aside for me. (Incidentally, they also have a song called Bob. Coincidence? I think not!) By the end of the show, Meric had his head buried in a trash can in order to create a hollow vocal echo effect, and the spasmodic percussion heavy encore was exactly what was needed to ensure that the show ended on a triumphant head shaking high.

Photos: The Dodos @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: The Dodos
Video: Fools on youtube (Possibly my favourite video of the year)

Opening for The Dodos was Portland's Au (pronounced ay-you.) I knew virtually nothing about this band going in, and when the keyboards and high pitched vocals started up, my 'pretension' alerts started going off. However, the band put all of those worries to rest quite quickly, as the duo continued to progressively shock my system, one lengthy song at a time. Before preparing this review I did some research and found out that this duo can boast as many as 25 members at any given time. From the sounds that I heard on Monday night however, that must mean that they evoke the sounds of a symphony orchestra when the full band is in attendance. That was what I found most impressive; the fact that two people can provide such a full and lush sound. Much like The Dodos that followed, the drummer was the star of this show, performing some of the most amazing rolls and licks that I've seen since I was a teenager at a Rush concert in the 80's. It was almost as if the drummer was pulling out percussive tricks that even his bandmate was unprepared for. That element of spontanaity coupled with the extensive and calculated arrangements make Au a band that surely warrants further investigation on my part. Once a prog lover, always a prog lover I guess.

Photos: Au @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: Au

'Sup In October

Since this monthly post tends to turn into a run on sentence of sorts, I'll try not to be too overtly blabby but get right to the point as much as I can. No promises (a leopard can't change his spots after all) but my concert going activities can be lumped into two categories: the shows that I probably will see and the shows that I probably won't see. Nothing is ever definite either way, but here goes:

I've decided that I'm going to be making The Sadies my one regular yearly go-to. The reasons for this are simple: they are are one of the best live bands that the city has to offer, and they play several times every year. This weekend they have a show on Friday October 3rd, as well as Saturday October 4th. Both shows are at their favourite venue, The Horseshoe. I'll be there on the Friday. $15.

Myspace: The Sadies

Besides The Sadies, there are a number of great shows on Saturday October 4th, none of which I will be at. The reason for this is that the 3rd annual Nuit Blanche all night downtown art festival is taking place. It's not specifically music related so I've never really talked about it on this blog before, but it's a time of the year that I eagerly anticipate and this year is no exception. For a sampling of the fun that I enjoyed last year, feel free to peruse my flickr photos. Free.

Photos: Nuit Blanche 2007 on flickr

Also on Saturday October 4th, we've got Chad VanGaalen performing with Women at The Mod Club ($13.50) and Johnny Flynn performing with Laura Marling at The Rivoli ($10.50) Johnny Flynn will also be performing an instore at Criminal Records earlier in the day at 5pm, while Women will be doing the same at Soundscapes on Sunday October 5th at 1pm. Both shows are obviously free.

Myspace: Chad VanGaalen
Myspace: Women
Myspace: Johnny Flynn
Myspace: Laura Marling

Hot on the heels of their outstanding release Visiter, is California's The Dodos, who are playing at The Horseshoe on Monday October 6th. I don't have my tickets for this one yet, but I anticipate that I will be there. $12.50

Myspace: The Dodos

I already mentioned in a couple of earlier posts that Vesta Varro are going to be all over the Toronto area from Tuesday October 7th to Saturday October 11th. My as-of-yet-not-solidified plan is to attend the Indie Music Week Lunch Party on Wednesday October 8th at the Tattoo Rock Parlour. Also on the bill is Fred and The Dunes. $10.

Myspace: Vesta Varro
Myspace: Fred
Myspace: The Dunes

The Dears are playing two nights at The Music Gallery on Thursday October 9th and Friday October 10th. I will be attending the Friday show and I'm looking forward ot checking out the new lineup as well as hearing some of the new songs. From what I've already sampled, it sounds like the band is progging it up once again, just like the old days. Nice. $20.

Myspace: The Dears

An excellent alternative choice on Friday October 10th would be to attend the Oh No Forest Fires CD release party at The Supermarket. I miss those guys. Although I can't make it too that show, I'm hoping that I'll get to see them again soon becasue it's been far too long. Their playing with Dinosaur Bones and Black Hat Brigade. $5.

Myspace: Oh No Forest Fires
Myspace: Dinosaur Bones
Myspace: Black Hat Brigade

I actually already had my ticket for Okkervil River at The Phoenix on Sunday October 12th but I actually had to pass it on to someone else since some friends of mine were all getting together for a little shindig that same night. Yes, I actually chose friends over music! I feel like I've grown. (BTW, although I haven't really talked about it, Okkervil's latest CD, The Stand In's is another brilliant slice of vinyl. Yep, yep.) $15.50

Myspace: Okkervil River

Sunset Rubdown are playing Lee's Palace on Monday October 13th. $12.

Myspace: Sunset Rubdown

This next one is very interesting. I'm thinking that a large majority of my readers are not familiar with the works of Peter Hammill. He was the lead singer of one of my favourite prog bands of the 70's called Van Der Graaf Generator. He's gone on to release over 40 bizarre albums, and his maniacal Shakepearean cackle has garnered praise by everyone from David Bowie to Johnny Rotten to Nick Cave. He is nowhere near being a household name, yet he's playing The Phoenix on Tuesday October 14th. As of right now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend, but there's a part of me that would consider it to be a privilege. Oh, and all of my friends whom I've played his music for, um, hate him. Definitely an acquired taste although I think he's awesome. He's playing with Priya Thomas. $25.

Myspace: Peter Hammill
Myspace: Priya Thomas

Jason Collett is at Lee's Palace on Saturday October 18th. $16.50

Myspace: Jason Collett

Spiral Beach is at Lee's Palace opening for Spinto Band on Tuesday October 21st. $12.50.

Myspace: Spinto Band
Myspace: Spiral Beach

And finally, although Lykke Li is an artist that falls into the category of "someone who I really could do without hearing about for awhile", it doesn't change the fact that Youth Novels is a dang good album. It's just that it's not the only good album out there right now. However, the way all of my friends are talking, you'd think that maybe it is. I like her, I'm just saying. Anyways, she's playing The Mod Club on Friday October 24th for $15.

Myspace: Lykke Li

Photo of The Dears by Liam Maloney.