La Sera - Break My Heart

Sic Alps - Glyphs

This is Pop Download-o-rama

Thursday, February 25, 2010

RIDE, RISE, ROAR



I clearly remember seeing Jonathan Demme’s remarkable Talking Heads concert masterpiece Stop Making Sense on the big screen almost twenty five years ago. It remains my favourite concert film and I attribute that directly to seeing it in a theatre for the first time. The sound, the pictures and an over-the-top excited audience were the likely source for my cinematic sentimentality.  That being said, if you’ve seen it, you know just how extraordinary the document really is.

“RIDE, RISE, ROAR” is a new David Byrne concert film documenting the creation and staging of his extraordinary “The Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno” tour in 2008 and 2009. The full length film is currently set to receive screenings on March 15th, 18th and 20th (see full schedule below) during the film portion of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Watch the full trailer here.

“RIDE, RISE, ROAR” screenings at South By Southwest:

March 15: Paramount (1:30 p.m.)
March 18: Paramount (Noon)
March 20: G-Tech (5 p.m.)

Directed by David Hillman Curtis, the film both explores the enigmatic musician’s creation of his highly choreographed stage show and shows performances from the concerts. The whole thing is built around Everything That Happens Will Happen Today; Byrne’s stellar 2008 collaboration with Brian Eno, and their previous work together, including with Talking Heads.

From the film website:
Shot with multiple cameras over several concerts during the 08/09 tour, the film blends the energy and charisma of classic Talking Heads with the heartfelt pathos of David Byrne and Brian Eno’s most recent collaboration. Between the songs, the film achieves an unprecedented intimacy with David Byrne and the band, documenting behind-the-scenes auditions, rehearsals, and interviews with key players while revealing the creative process that led to the show's unique fusion of pop music and modern dance.
This one looks fascinating dear reader. David Byrne’s creativity clearly knows no bounds. Let’s hope the film shows up at a theatre near you.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

“Vote: The only commodity that is peddleable without a license”


I would be remiss if I neglected to post something about this national contest of import. No dear reader, it’s not the Tournament of Hearts but rather a competition for lovers of the best live music. This time CBC Radio 3 Searchlight is looking for the best music festival in Canada and London is again in the running. London's LOLA Fest and Home County Folk Festival have been voted into the Top 40 long list. These outstanding London music festivals have contributed greatly to the arts scene in this city so be sure to put in a ballot so these festivals can manage some acclaim they so richly deserve. Of course you may want to vote for others but I wouldn’t recommend that.

CBC Radio 3 has established a little tradition for the best that Canada has to offer in the music scene. They've searched for the Best Record Stores and last year, the best music Venue in Canada. London again featured two of the top 10 best music venues in Canada. Both Call the Office and the Aeolian Hall were rightfully nominated as the best this city has to offer.

Today is the final day to vote before it's trimmed down to the Top 20 shortlist so vote now linkage below.

Vote now and tell your friends too!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Canadian Goodness

Your Weekly Download Lowdown

The first song from Broken Social Scene’s forthcoming new album, Forgiveness Rock Record, entitled “World Sick,” is now available for free download via the band’s website brokensocialscene.ca.

Forgiveness Rock Record will be released May 4th, 2010, and was co-produced by the band and Tortoise’s John McEntire at Soma Studios in Chicago, with additional recording at Giant Studio and The Schvitz Studio in Toronto.

The band will also be making a number of concert appearances around the world. Tour dates are listed below.

March 14th, 2010 Elkton , FL Harvest Of Hope Festival
March 18th, 2010 Austin , TX Stubbs BBQ
March 19th, 2010 Austin , TX The Parish
May 1st, 2010 San Francisco , CA The Fillmore
May 3rd, 2010 Los Angeles , CA Henry Fonda Theatre
May 7th, 2010 New York , NY Webster Hall
May 13th, 2010 London , UK Brixton Academy
May 14th, 2010 Minehead @ Butlins , UK All Tomorrow's Parties
May 15th, 2010 Brighton , UK The Great Escape
May 17th, 2010 London , UK Heaven
May 18th, 2010 Amsterdam , Netherlands Melkweg
May 19th, 2010 Cologne , Germany Burgerhaus Stollwerck
May 21st, 2010 Paris , France La Maroquinerie
May 23rd, 2010 Linz , AUT LinzFest
May 24th, 2010 Berlin , Germany Kesselhaus
May 27th, 2010 Barcelona , Spain Primavera Sound Festival
May 29th, 2010 George , WA Sasquatch Festival
June 19th, 2010 Toronto , ON Olympic Island

Also, fresh from their recent performance at the Vancouver Winter Olympiad, Ontario’s own Constantines have recorded a terrific four song Daytrotter session. A mix of old and new this session is a recommended download.






Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night


Montreal rockers the Besnard Lakes have always been a little bit difficult to pigeonhole. Their pensive guitar squalls melding easily with gorgeous sun-soaked harmonies. Contextual references aside this is not a derivative band by any stretch. (Not a lot of surfing in Montreal the last time I checked either.) Make no mistake though, this is a band blazing its own trails and earning a devoted fan-base along the way.

Pretty fair to assume the band can expect plenty of new fans for 2010 as a number of band projects begin to see fruition. The band are currently gearing up to release their third full length, The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night, on March 9th via Outside Music. As well the Besnard Lakes will be heading out on the road in support of the new album, beginning in Toronto on March 11th for a date at Canadian Music Week. The band will make the trip to Austin, TX as well for a stop at SXSW, plus appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on March 23rd.

Full tour dates below:

Need any more proof you need to check this band out… The following teaser was pulled from the Band’s website.

On March 9th of 2010 (March 8th in the UK), Jagjaguwar will release The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night, a twisting chronicle of spies, double agents, novelists and aspiring rock gods turned violent. Loyalty, dishonor, love, and hatred are all seen through the eyes of two spies, communicating through short wave in code and fighting a war that may or may not be real.
Click on this link to download "Albatross," the first single from The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night.

March/April/May 2010 Tour Dates: N.America/Europe

March 11 - Toronto, CA at The Horseshoe
March 12 - Montreal, CA at Il Motore
March 17 - SXSW
March 18 - SXSW
March 19 - SXSW
March 20 - SXSW
March 23 – Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
March 25 - Liverpool, UK at Liverpool Academy 2
March 26 - Bristol, UK at Arnolfini
March 27 - Leeds, UK at Cockpit
March 28 - Glasgow, UK at Captain's Rest
March 29 - Manchester, UK at Dulcimer
March 30 - Birmingham, UK at Hare and Hounds
March 31 - London, UK at Cargo
April 1 - Groningen, Holland at Vera
April 2 - Amsterdam, Holland at Paradiso
April 3 - Antwerp, Belgium TBA
April 4 - Hamburg, Germany at Logo
April 6 - Oslo, Norway at Cafe Mono
April 7 - Stockholm, Sweden at Debaser
April 8 - Malmo, Sweden at Debaser
April 9 - Copenhagen, Denmark at Loppen
April 11 - Berlin, Germany at Magnet
April 12 - Munich, Germany at 59 to 1
April 13 - Basel, Switzerland at Sudhaus
April 14 - Neuchatel, Switzerland at Case a Chocs
April 15 - Nice, Paris at Theatre Lino Ventura
April 16 - Marseille, France at Poste a Galene
April 17 - Bordeaux, France at Saint Ex
April 19 - Paris, France at La Point Ephemere
April 28 Winnipeg, MB - The Royal Albert Arms ^
April 29 Regina, SK - The Exchange ^
April 30 Saskatoon, SK – Amigos ^
May 1 Edmonton, AB - The Pawn Shop ^
May 2 Calgary, AB - Broken City ^
May 4 Victoria, BC - The Lucky Bar ^
May 5 Vancouver, BC - The Media Club ^

^ with Hollerado

But He Returns to You at Night


A couple weeks back I blogged about the National’s upcoming run of North American concert dates this spring. As of today that concert draw got even better as Brooklyn brethren- the Antlers have announced they will open several of those June shows.

Before their dates with the National, though, the Antlers still have a whole slew of shows to play. They kicked off a tour last night in Toronto in the opening slot with Editors at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. After that, they're headed to Europe for a tour, then a headlining North American trip with Phantogram opening. Then it's back to Europe for even more dates. Such is the popular fate when I proclaim your record to be best of the year I guess…

This one is a not miss people.

Check below for all of the Antlers' concert dates.

The Antlers:

02-16 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre @
02-17 Montreal, Quebec - Il Motore
02-18 Boston, MA - House of Blues @
02-19 New York, NY - Terminal 5 @
02-20 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero @
02-21 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club @
03-02 Paris, France - Scopitone Club
03-03 London, England - Union Chapel
03-04 Oxford, England - Jericho Tavern
03-05 Brighton, England - Hanbury Ballrooms
03-06 Brussels, Belgium - AB
03-08 Berlin, Germany - Bang Bang Club
03-09 Hamburg, Germany - Prinzen Bar
03-10 Copenhagen, Denmark - Jazz House
03-12 Malmo, Sweden - Debaser
03-13 Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
03-14 Bergen, Norway - Landmark
03-15 Oslo, Norway - Bla
03-24 Dublin, Ireland - Academy
04-16 Columbus, OH - The Basement ^
04-17 Urbana, IL - Canopy Club ^
04-18 Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon ^
04-20 Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theatre ^
04-21 Iowa City, IA - The Blue Moose ^
04-22 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall ^
04-23 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig ^
04-28 San Diego, CA - Casbah ^
04-30 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour ^
05-01 San Francisco, CA - Independent ^
05-03 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge ^
05-04 Vancouver, British Columbia - The Biltmore Cabaret ^
05-05 Seattle, WA - Neumo's ^
05-19 London, England - Scala
05-20 Salford, England - St. Phillips Church
05-21 Leeds, England - Brudenell Social Club
05-22 Glasgow, Scotland - Stag and Dagger Festival
05-24 Dublin, Ireland - Academy
05-25 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
05-29 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Festival
06-02 Boston, MA - House of Blues $
06-03 Boston, MA - House of Blues $
06-04 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory $
06-05 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory $
06-06 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall $
06-08 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall $
06-09 Toronto, Ontario - Massey Hall $
06-16 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall $

@ with Editors
^ with Phantogram
$ with the National

Back on the Radar, the Best of 2009


I have to admit, I hold a particular affection for Scottish bands. Frightened Rabbit and Twilight Sad are two bands that were featured prominently on past years’ best of the year compendiums. Last year though I left one out. We Were Promised Jetpacks album These Four Walls was released in June of 2009 and somehow missed my music radar. Strangely the band is a bit of an amalgam of the aforementioned outfits but really shine in their own right. How, how, how did I miss this? For now, to make amends a special video from the Laundro-Matinee website.


We Were Promised Jetpacks - An Almighty Thud from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.

Ah BLIP.fm you’ve done it again… Another new band to love.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

"Raw Power Is Sure to Come"


Deluxe Iggy and the Stooges Raw Power Box Set on the Way

There are some records that have truly become musical touchstones in my life. Little black plastic reminders of an era long passed, commemorating a litany of broken hearts and infinite band fascinations. Merely holding them is capable of evoking emotional responses and torrents of memories for me. The Beatles and the Replacements Let it Be albums were two. The Clash’s iconic first, another. But one disc that really stood out was the Iggy and the Stooges 1973 classic Raw Power. A full six years after its release my black circle discovery that wintry afternoon was akin to reading Catcher in the Rye for the first time. Not quite kissing my first girlfriend on the lips but you get the idea. This record spoke to me with authority only a few ever have. The aptly named Raw Power would very much change the way I listen to and even appreciate music- An important one to say the very least.

Word today that the hugely influential recording will be reissued April 27th as a Deluxe Edition box set complete with three discs worth of music featuring 15 previously unreleased bonuses — never-before-heard tracks, demos and remixes. Raw Power was the first Stooges album to feature James Williamson on guitar in place of Ron Asheton, (who instead handled bass duties). The LP spawned the punk rock anthems “Search and Destroy” and “Gimme Danger.”

The first disc of the box set will contain the newly remastered Raw Power, featuring David Bowie’s original mix for the album that was previously out of print, while the second disc boasts the Georgia Peaches bootleg, comprised of an unreleased soundboard recording of a 1973 concert the Stooges performed in Atlanta, Georgia. Two more unreleased songs will grace the second disc: An Iggy Pop/James Williamson-penned outtake called “Doojiman” and a rehearsal performance of “Head On.” The third disc features four more outtakes — “I’m Hungry,” “I Got a Right,” “I’m Sick of You” and “Hey, Peter” — and alternate mixes of four tracks: “Shake Appeal,” “Death Trip” “Gimme Danger” and “Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell.”

The Raw Power: Deluxe Edition box set also includes a new hour-long making-of Raw Power documentary by Morgan Neville featuring new interviews with Iggy Pop, James Williamson, Scott Asheton, Mike Watt, Johnny Marr, and Henry Rollins. Also, a 48-page photo book and a replica of the 1973 Japanese “Raw Power” 7” single is included. Lastly, live performance footage from November 09 Festival Planeta Terra, São Paulo, Brazil will be included! The deluxe box set will only be available through the Iggy and the Stooges Website.

Busy times ahead for Michigan’s favourite sons! As previously reported, the Stooges, will at long last be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

Good to be a Stooges fan these days. Guess that explains the broad smile.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Shows to Honour Vic Chesnutt


Friends of Vic Chesnutt are planning a fitting tribute to the talented singer-songwriter on February 19-20 in his hometown of Athens, Georgia.

According to the Future of Music Coalition, the two-night live musical tribute to Chesnutt is being billed as "A Celebration of Vic Chesnutt's Life and Music" and will feature performances by Chesnutt's band-mates Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) and Silver Mt. Zion, as well as Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous, Howe Gelb, Victoria Williams, Elf Power and Lambchop, among many others.

As has been widely reported, Chesnutt died last Christmas Day in an Athens hospital after overdosing on muscle relaxants. His death came only two weeks after finishing up a celebrated Canadian tour with Picciotto and members of Silver Mt. Zion as his backing band. He was 45 years old.

Proceeds from the shows will go towards Chesnutt's health care debts. A great deal of speculation has been made that the large debt could have been the prevailing reason for his suicide.

The host of the shows, the Future of Music Coalition, is a nonprofit organization celebrating independent music and ensuring musicians get compensated fairly for their art, as well as advocating that music fans have easy access to the work of independent artists. The organization claims Dischord Records' Ian MacKaye and Kill Rock Stars' Slim Moon on their board of directors.

A Celebration of Vic Chesnutt's Life and Music @ the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA:

February 19:

Five Eight
Daniel Hutchens (of Bloodkin)
Jack Logan and Kelly Keneipp
Ham1
Dave Barbe & the Quick Hooks
Todd McBride and Rob Veal
Kelly Hogan
Amorphous Strums
Ben Mize
Curtiss Pernice and Sam Mixon
Flash to Bang Time
Todd Nance and William Tonks
Jill Carnes
John Keane


February 20:


Will Johnson (of Centro-matic)
Elf Power
Victoria Williams
Howe Gelb
Patterson Hood
Mercyland
Guy Picciotto and Mt. Zion
Lambchop
Tenement Halls
Mark Linkous
Jeffrey Richards

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Oh! You Are Too Good to Us!

Important Local Shows

A public service announcement of sorts for lovers of great local music. Some upcoming, noteworthy shows that warrant your attendance. From the fine people at the Open House Arts Collective.

Oh! + New Music Night Present: Alternative Venue Series #2: the Wooden Sky

Start Time: Friday, 05 February 2010 at 21:30
End Time: Saturday, 06 February 2010 at 01:00
Location: Fanshawe College


THIS SHOW IS FREE!

The Wooden Sky return to London to the Outback Shack at Fanshawe College for New Music Night in conjunction with the Open House Arts Collective's Alternative Venue Series.

This will be the second installment of the series, the first being at the Wave on campus at The University of Western Ontario back in September.

This show is free! The show is 19+ UNLESS you have a fanshawe student ID, in which case it is all ages.

Show starts at 9:30pm

Opening up will be the London's own Olenka and the Autumn Lovers.

Oh! Presents: A HORSE AND HIS BOY / SAY DOMINO / SINGLE MOTHERS
LIVE at Call The Office


Start Time: Saturday, 06 February 2010 at 21:00 End Time: Sunday, 07 February 2010 at 01:00
Location: 216 York St, LONDON, Ontario


this show is simple.

A very exciting night with very exciting bands:

A HORSE AND HIS BOY
http://myspace.com/ahahb

SAY DOMINO
http://www.myspace.com/saydomino

SINGLE MOTHERS
http://www.myspace.com/singlemothers


SATURDAY, FEB 6TH
CALL THE OFFICE
FIVE DOLLARS
ALL AGES!
DOORS AT 9PM


Show up early/stay late for all three bands.
All promise a very good time.

CONGRATULATIONS to A HORSE AND HIS BOY!!! 94.9 CHRW's Local Album of the Year winners for 2009


Oh! Presents: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers, Woodpigeon @ Aeolian Hall


Date: Friday, 12 February 2010
Time: 19:00 - 23:00
Location: Aeolian Hall


Olenka and the Autumn Lovers are ready to show you all the songs they've been working on for their new album. This show is a fundraiser to raise the money to record the second, full length album by this prolific, local band.

Woodpigeon and Katie Stelmanis will be the sharing the stage with our favourite locals during this grand evening.

Woodpigeon have been called the "broken social scene of the west" and they're ready to live up to that title. It helps that they've got admirers in BSS as well as Calexico who they toured with, among others. All the way from Calgary, you better be ready.

Katie Stelmanis is a power house. She's been rocking the Toronto indie scene for awhile. She was supposed to play LOLA this past September but had to cancel, unfortunately. So here is your chance!

Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door.
Get your tickets online: http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/1566
OR at Grooves Records, the Village Idiot and L'Atellier Gregorian.

Doors open at 7 O'Clock, show starts at 8pm SHARP!

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers (London!)
http://www.myspace.com/olenkalovers

Woodpigeon (Calgary)
http://www.myspace.com/woodpigeon

Katie Stelmanis (Toronto)
http://www.myspace.com/katiestelmanis

Monday, February 1, 2010

Screamin’ Jay Revisited for Haiti Relief

Nick Cave, Johnny Depp and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie are among those reportedly recording a new charity single led by Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. The bibulous singer is assembling several high profile friends to record a cover of I Put a Spell On You, to raise money for the Haiti earthquake relief.

According to sources, MacGowan flew from his home in Ireland to begin recording in London this week. Depp might seem an unlikely collaborator for Cave and Gillespie, but the actor has plenty of experience as a musician – first with his high school band Kids, the Butthole Surfers and more recently with Babybird. For I Put a Spell On You, Depp will reportedly be joined by his partner, musician and actress Vanessa Paradis.

Originally released by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956, I Put a Spell On You was one of rock n' roll's early hits. The song has a rich history and has been covered frequently by artists including The Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tim Curry, Eels, Nina Simone, Bryan Ferry and the Birthday Party (Cave’s original band).

As MacGowan and company cover Screamin' Jay Hawkins, word as well that well known music ‘critimudgeon’ Simon Cowell is hard at work on his own Haiti benefit, recording an all-star version of R.E.M.'s Everybody Hurts Susan Boyle, Take That, Robbie Williams, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Mika, Michael Buble, James Morrison, and Rod Stewart will all participate. Additional contributors are still being added. Recording has mostly taken place at Trevor Horn's Sarm Studios in London, England.

Incidentally, Hope for Haiti, a download-only album featuring songs from last month’s international telethon, is currently Number 1 in the US.