Sunday, January 13, 2008

You Should Be Listening To: JENS LEKMAN - THE OPPOSITE OF HALLELUJAH

Night Falls Over Kortedala, the second release from Sweden's Jens Lekman, was released this past fall on October 9th, 2007. It's described as a collection of songs/recordings from 2004-2007. I'm guessing that means the album contains some old and new tunes written within that span of time but it doesn't really matter. The album has gotten all around great reviews and for good reason, the music is fantastic.


'The Opposite of Hallelujah' is one of the singles off of the release. It's a great song. You can never go wrong with a little bit of Swedish indie pop. Simply catchy. If you head over to his label site Simply Canadian, you can also download the first single 'Friday Night At The Drive-In Bingo.'

Jens Lekman: Official Website
Simply Canadian: Jens Lekman

Posted by Name: Melissa at 10:13 AM 2 comments

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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

CD Releases: Week of 08/01/08

No big releases this week. Actually scratch that, Sia's pretty good. Buy that album this week


Bangles - "All Over the Place"
Bangles - "Different Light"
Bangles - "Everything"
Glen Campbell - "Classic Campbell"
Johnny Cash - "The Best of the Johnny Cash Show"
Bobby Darin - "Swing N Slow"
Andrew Heller - "Broadway Love"
Elvis Presley - "Viva Las Vegas Soundtrack"
Sia - "Some People Have Real Problems"


Posted by Name: Melissa at 8:44 PM 0 comments

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

New Song From City and Colour

City and Colour aka Dallas Green from Alexisonfire has posted a new song for previewing on his MySpace page. It can also be purchased on iTunes Canada. The song is called 'Waiting...' and it's the first single off City and Colour's upcoming album entitled Bring Me Your Love. It is set to be released on February 12, 2008 on Vagrant and Dine Alone Records.


City and Colour is the acoustic side project of Green. It is very different than Alexisonfire, a wonderful Canadian band but there are some similarities. While the music is a lot more mellow and subdued, Green's melodies and vocals are still strong, if not better. He has one of the strongest voices in music and seems to be one of Canada's best kept secrets. His first release, Sometimes, was one of the best albums of 2005. 'Casey's Song,' 'Comin' Home' and 'Sam Malone' are fantastic tracks. If you haven't purchased this album yet, the time is now. It's simply beautiful and I expect the same will be said of Bring Me Your Love.
City and Colour: Official Website

Posted by Name: Melissa at 7:06 PM 0 comments

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Best of 2007: Top Albums - 20 to 11

So here it is, my top albums of 2007. I know you've all been waiting on the edge of your seat for this (<--please read with sarcasm). In all seriousness, 2007 has been a pretty great year in music, at least it was for me. Several of my favourite bands put out albums and I discovered a lot of great new music.


FYI; the reasons why some albums appear ahead of others are unclear. The differentiation between say, #15 and #14, are non-existent but hey, everyone enjoys a list. The only album I do not doubt it's placement is my #1 choice. But I am sure of what should be in my top 10. So without further delay.....20 to 11

20. Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight
After embarking on a solo effort, Jenny Lewis and Co. got together and put out a bold and risky album in the form of Under The Blacklight. Why do I consider it to be a little more adventurous for Rilo Kiley? Mainly because of the range in diversity of the songs. There's the Latin infused 'Dejalo,' the dreamy pop sounding 'Dreamworld,' the alt-country track 'Silver Lining,' and the list goes on. However, it's the variety of songs that makes this album so good. Sure the narrative storytelling that Rilo Kiley became known for is pretty much non-existent on this album but the edgy lyrics are no less interesting. The songs are upbeat and addictive. And let's face it, Jenny Lewis is quite the frontwoman.


19. The Cinematics - A Strange Education
It seems as if The Cinematics tend to be forgotten in the midst of the success of other Scottish bands such as Snow Patrol, Travis and Franz Ferdinand. This is unfortunate because the band put out a stellar release of neo-new wave tracks in the form of their debut release A Strange Education. The music is spine tingling. It just has a feeling to it that says it must be played very loudly. The album is fast paced and consistently good throughout its duration. I dare anyone to not tap their feet or sing along to songs like 'Chase,' 'Keep Forgetting' or 'Break' This is not an album that you should let pass you by. It's worth a look or two.


18. Wintersleep - Welcome to the Night Sky
Canadian music was in top form again this year. For me, Halifax, Nova Scotia's Wintersleep embodies the best new Canadian group of 2007. I know, they're not exactly a new act and Welcome To The Night Sky is their third album but I only discovered them this year, so they're new to me.

What can I tell you about this album? It's just CanCon at it's finest(that's Canadian content for those who don't know). The songs build on Welcome To The Night Sky and vocally lead-singer Paul Murphy is melodic and expressive, all while singing about astronauts and whales. And really, is there any more pleasing sing-along lyrics than those of 'Weighty Ghost,' a song complete with handclaps, organs and some sort of gang of back-up singers. Next year should be a big one for Wintersleep. Expect more touring, some Juno nominations and a lot more radio airplay.


17. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Besides the new Britney Spears album (have you picked up your copy yet?), was there any album release that grabbed the headlines more than Radiohead's In Rainbows? The band was both lauded and criticized for offering their latest release this fall for practically nothing. What remained to be seen was whether the album delivered. Was it any good?

Well it was and in my opinion, it is Radiohead's best and most accessible album since OK Computer. From the opener '15 Step' to the closing track 'Videotape,' the songs just speak for themselves. They are simple, straightforward and very stripped down in comparison to Radiohead's recent releases. Sure the odd electronic keyboard sounds and layering are still there but while in the past these elements have taken away from the prominence of the guitars and piano, it actually enhances it and contributes to the enjoyment of the listening experience. Now that the dust has settled surrounding the release of this album, what lingers is the music, and it's good.

16. Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
I was excited with anticipation for the release of Band of Horses' second studio album, Cease To Begin. I mean who wouldn't be after Everything All the Time. Like everything else, when you set your sights high you tend to be let down. This was not the case with Band of Horses' new release. It is indie gold! The guitars are agile, the lyrics are genuine and the music is beautiful. There is nothing more to say.


15. Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
Love 'em or hate 'em, no one can accuse Klaxons of being generic and Myths of the Near Future is one of those albums that should appeal to the masses. There seems to be a bit of everything here, a little something for everyone if you will. Thrashy guitars, danceable beats, heavy baselines and some great harmonizing pretty much sums up this release. Not precisely what you would expect from a self-proclaimed 'new rave' band. It's just an album that is full of high energy, one that refuses to let you down until the last note is played.



14. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Short but sweet is the best way to summarize the second helping from Arctic Monkeys. Let's face it, Favourite Worst Nightmare isn't exactly a giant leap for Alex Turner and the boys but everything they did flawlessly on their debut album they did exceptionally well here. Considering the fact that Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was the fastest selling debut album in the UK, had two #1 singles, won the band the coveted Mercury Prize, garnered critical acclaim and made the lads from Sheffield a household name, why would they change a thing? Let's leave that for the third release because the tunes are still fast and catchy, the words are still tongue-in-cheek and the guitars/bass/drums have never been louder. Favourite Worst Nightmare did not disappoint.

Download: Arctic Monkeys - Old Yellow Bricks [mp3]

13. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
No album has taken it's time to grow on me and find it's place on this list more than Beirut's The Flying Club Cup. Now when I look back, I can't imagine why I didn't instantly fall in love with it. The Flying Club Cup is as romantic and endearing as indie folk pop can ever be. It is stunning. The instrumentation, complete and utter perfection. Zach Condon, a genius.



12. Idlewild - Make Another World
For anyone who has written Idlewild off, think again. The Scottish band put out an amazing collection of songs earlier this year, one worthy of praise. Tracks like 'No Emotion,' 'In Competition For The Worst Time' and ''A Ghost In The Arcade' are great rock songs, while 'Once In Your Life' is a track that will surely warm your heart. Make Another World is an album that should be listened to from beginning to end. There are no fillers here, which the band have often been accused of. Idlewild are truly in their element with this album. It is quality songwriting with every note being heard and having it's rightful place in each song. If you've lost interest in Idlewild over the years now is the time to get reacquainted with them. They will not disappoint.


11. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
The Shins' Wincing The Night Away came out way back at the beginning of the year. It seems so long ago, so much so that I nearly forgot to put it on this list and that would have been a tragedy. The album integrates everything that is good and holy in indie pop; great melodies, jangly guitars and stick-in-your-head lyrics. Rick Mercer has certified himself as a quality songwriter with this release because anyone who can incorporate the lyrics "...Faced with a dodo's conundrum" into a pop song is brilliant in my books. Sure it's a little experimental at times but The Shins pull it off well. It is a lovely collection of music.

Posted by Name: Melissa at 7:03 PM 0 comments

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You Should Be Listening To: BEACH HOUSE - GILA

Baltimore's Beach House are releasing the follow-up to their debut album, entitled Devotion, early next year. The band's sound seems to be unanimously described as 'dream pop' and the first single seems to fall nicely into this category. It's called 'Gila' and it features the haunting organ and vocals of band member Victoria Legrand and the smooth entrancing guitars of Alex Scally. If this song is any indication, Devotion will definitely be worth checking out in the new year. The album is out on February 26, 2008.


MySpace: Beach House
Beach House: Official Website

Posted by Name: Melissa at 2:20 PM 0 comments

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

CD Releases: Week Of 18/12/07

This Week's Notable Music Releases
James Brown - "Volume Four: The Singles - 1967-68"
Rivers Cuomo - "Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo"
Lupe Fiasco - "Cool"
John Lennon - Limited Edition Collection
Van Morrison - "The Early Years"
Willie Nelson - "14 No. 1 Hits"
Luciano Pavarotti - "In Memoriam"
Sevendust - "Retrospective"
U2 - "The Joshua Tree" (Deluxe Edition)

Posted by Name: Melissa at 5:35 PM 0 comments

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Monday, December 17, 2007

The (Mandatory) Christmas Post

With Christmas comes the usual hustle and bustle to finish your holiday shopping, visit the relatives, sing some carols and I dunno, bake some cookies. But for me Christmas also means that whatever I consider to be my musical 'tastes' are tossed out the window in favour for complete and utter fromage (that's cheese for those who don't speak French). Don't get me wrong, there are some great renditions of every one's holiday favourites. We have Death Cab For Cutie with 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)', Coldplay with 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', Sufjan Stevens with 'What Child Is This Anyway?' and the list goes on and on and on. Plus, you can't go wrong with The Pipettes' 'White Christmas' or Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith's 'Maybe This Christmas,' one of the best in my opinion.


However, things get a bit shady from here because for me there is no better Christmas album than Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's Once Upon A Christmas. It's a crowning achievement in my opinion. Songs like 'A Christmas To Remember,' or 'Christmas Without You' or 'I Believe In Santa Clause' are just too good to be true. I am in no way a country music fan but this shit is great! In all honesty though, the last track 'Once Upon A Christmas,' is pretty great and one of my all time faves.

But it doesn't end there because Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas is another one of my guilty pleasures. Look, I can admit without a second thought when someone has talent. Mariah Carey is one of them, I mean girl is rumored to have a seven to eight octave vocal range. That's insane but I'm just not a fan. I just can't bring myself to listen to 'Heartbreaker' or 'Dreamlover.' However, none of that matters at this time of the year because her Christmas album is classic and probably makes her a shitload of money every year during the holidays. Just go to iTunes under the holiday section and you'll know what I mean. It's all good though and up until December 26th I will not be ashamed to admit that 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' will be blaring from my stereo and that I will be singing along to every word, note and gospel interlude.

Of course we can't forget Wham's 'Last Christmas.' This song is so bad, it's good. Wait, I'm listening to it again.......no I was wrong, it's just bad!

So here it is, my Christmas playlist...in all it's shining glory....complete with the hits and guilty pleasures of the season.

Download: The Pipettes - White Christmas [mp3]

Posted by Name: Melissa at 10:02 AM 23 comments

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Enemy - We'll Live and Die In These Towns

It's been quite the year for The Enemy. They played several summer festivals including T In The Park and two shows at Glastonbury, their debut album, We'll Live and Die In These Towns debuted at #1 in the UK and they played shows alongside such bands as The Fratellis, Kasabian and Manic Street Preachers. To round everything out, the band opened for The Rolling Stones at the O2 Arena in London. Not bad.


The Enemy play a brand of indie punk rock that is hardly innovative. But they do it well and the songs are quite good. Well that sounds like an understatement because tracks like 'Had Enough' and 'You're Not Alone' will get your energy flowing and have you singing the choruses on the top of you lungs, if you so please. The current single, 'We'll Live and Die In These Towns' was released on December 3rd and it is one of the best songs on the album. If anything, you should sample the band just for this song.

The Enemy are beginning 2008 right, playing a string of European dates before heading back to the UK for some more shows. Expect them at the Isle of Wright festival in June 2008 as well.

MySpace: The Enemy
The Enemy: Official Website

Posted by Name: Melissa at 11:52 AM 0 comments

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

CD Releases: Week of 11/12/07

This Weeks Notable CD Releases
Nicole Atkins - "Neptune City"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "American X: Baby 81 Sessions"
Deep Purple - "Made in Europe"
Grand National - "A Drink and a Quick Decision"
Linkin Park - "Minutes to Midnight" (Tour Edition)
Dave Matthews Band - "Live at Piedmont Park"
Octopus Project - "Hello Avalanche"
Original Movie Soundtrack - "The Golden Compass"
Luciano Pavarotti - "The Pavarotti Story"
Pink Floyd - "Oh By the Way" (Studio Box Set)
Radiohead - Deluxe Box Set

Posted by Name: Melissa at 12:33 PM 0 comments

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Monday, December 10, 2007

New Track From Adele

New track from Adele to share today. It's called 'Chasing Pavements' and it's the follow-up single to 'Hometown Glory' which was released this past October. The new single is quite different than 'Hometown Glory.' It is a lot more upbeat but still an excellent display of songwriting from the very talented Adele.


There is also new information about Adele's debut album. It has been titled 19 and is scheduled to be released on January 28, 2008 on XL Recordings. The tracklisting will run as such:

1. Daydreamer
2. Best For Last
3. Chasing Pavements
4. Cold Shoulder
5. Crazy For You
6. Melt My Heart To Stone
7. First Love
8. Right As Rain
9. Make You Feel My Love
10. My Same
11. Tired
12. Hometown Glory
(Tracks 1, 2, 6, 12 can be sampled on Adele's MySpace page)

This should be followed by some tour dates. The year 2008 is looking to be a bright one for Adele.

MySpace: Adele
Adele: Official Website (XL Recording)

Posted by Name: Melissa at 1:01 PM

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