Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Caution: Minds Being Blown (Straight Ahead)

Grizzly Bear is one of those bands....

Well, let me just say that "Two Weeks" is a song that..

Ok, I could say a lot about this band/song.......but I won't.

Today's Assignment:
1) Watch the video below.
2) Pick up the pieces of your blown mind.
3) Go get the album Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear.

That is all. And that's plenty.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Propagandhi -- Because I mentioned it before

Yep, I mentioned the band in my previous post about former Propagandhi bass player John K. Samson.

Just for fun -- Up The Punks!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Review: John K. Samson

John K. Samson is from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

You may recall him from acts such as Propagandhi and The Weakerthans.

I was unaware that Samson recently had relaunched a solo career with an album this year, until yesterday.

I picked up "Provincial" immediately to find out what the former Propagandhi bassist was up to.
Turns out, it's nothing like Propagandhi.

Among the tracks is one song dedicated to a local minor league hockey player. Typical Canadian songwriting, right?

Well, it's an interesting mix of tunes throughout the "CD" -- remember CDs?

Check it out -- this may be my favorite track so far:

Album review: Dinosaur Jr. 'Beyond'

It's well-known around these parts that I have a special affection for J Mascis and his defining gig, Dinosaur Jr.

This is definitely a bias review, but none of it's truth is lost to that disclaimer.

"Beyond" was released in 2007, 10 years since its predecessor -- "Hand It Over" -- in the band's discography.

What changed in those 10 years? Well, it's pretty well spelled-out in "Beyond": A whole lotta nothing -- just what we wanted.

The band was not about to fade into the indie rock HOF without blowing everyone's ears to pieces at least one or two more times.

No, you don't need to listen to the albums leading up to "Beyond." In fact, the reason I like it so much is because it represents a solid introduction to the band. The album captures the loud guitar riffs and catchy melodies that Dinosaur Jr. is. It also showcases the power of Mascis's song writing ability and unique geek voice.

It deserves a listen.

All bias aside.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Amaaaaazing video.....for an amazing song.

Heard this song on the local college radio station and haven't been able to get it out of my head since.

On a sidebar - this is why I love non-profit radio - you can discover a much greater scope of music than makes it to the corporate showcase. [Shameless plug = www.impact89fm.org]

But back on topic...

Three reasons why you should fall in love...with this "lost love" video:
1) This one offers up a fairly fresh take on the post-breakup song. 
2) In addition, the production is exquisite.
3) The video is visually enthralling AND it matches up perfectly with the lyrical & emotional content of the song.
4) Breakup song sung from male and female voices.
5) I guess I can't count.


The whole album is pretty great (Gotye - Making Mirrors Making Mirrors - Gotye)
     but this song alone is worth it.

Still not convinced? 

Here's my closing argument: