REVIEW - Bob Mould - District Line

REVIEW - Bob Mould - District Line
Anti Records

The 1980’s are seldom remembered as a particularly creative musical decade. Shift the focus though, from the nouveau pop of the Thompson Twins or Phil Collins’ solo career and that assessment might just change. It was, in reality a tremendously vital era that yielded the likes of the Replacements, R.E.M. and Husker Du. College radio was king and people like me were spending more on records every week than on food. (Music was our food man!) I remember that wet, grey day I found my vinyl copy of Zen Arcade in the new release bin at Records on Wheels. It was heavy, gorgeous, heartbreaking and very loud. Its four sides drew me into a particularly dark place that was entirely new. After repeated listening I realized I could disappear in its grooves in the same way as reading a good book or seeing an amazing film.

Zen Arcade was an album that informed my musical sensibilities even to this day. It was a little bit of music magic and I loved it. Much like the Replacements Let It Be, the Huskers album engaged me and quite literally changed the way I listen to music. In the twenty plus years since then, Bob Mould, the principle creator of the former elpee has explored a myriad of musical styles and creative outlets with varying degrees of success. Along the way I have followed his lead but only occasionally did it touch consistent genius. This is not so much a case of “they don’t make music like they used to” but rather a lament to see the brilliance continue. (Affect me like you did twenty years ago and I’ll be there.)

Flash ahead to February 2008 and I am there. The songwriter is back with a brand new record called District Line. This one however, melds perfectly the punk, pop, and even techno of the past to formulate a terrifically cohesive set of songs. Right from the start this one had me in its clutches. Occasionally nostalgic, songs like “Old Highs, New Lows” and “Return to Dust” do indeed take me right back to that affecting place, it just feels like the walls are newly painted and the room not quite so dark. Its an evolution that works. Fugazi drummer, Brendan Canty is back and his distinctive drumming style provides a terrific counterpoint to Mould’s familiar “grungy” guitar. As well, Amy Domingues again adds beautifully bittersweet cello to the set to remarkable effect.

So everything old is truly new again and it’s refreshing as hell. Mould gets the creative blend just right this time and as an active listener I couldn’t be happier. I just hope I'm as vital and relevant twenty years on.

Recommended PPPP

Record Store Day, April 19th 2008

Remember the olden days when you couldn't download every song known to man via the interweb? You actually had to go to a store to purchase your music. It was a place to behold and we all had our favourite haunts. News today that celebrates that hallowed ground that was once so important in all of our lives.

From the organizer's website:

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate Record Store Day. On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.

Now if everyone had access to a store like Grooves the world would be a better place. Go today and support your favourite record store. Tell me about your favourites in the comments section.

Juno Award Nominations Announced

The Award Season continues with Canada’s answer to the Grammy Awards. The list of nominees for the 2008 Juno Awards was announced this morning and Celine Dion leads the pack wth six nominations. Not a lot of surprises this year but it is nice to see nods for Arcade Fire and Feist.

Pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne and opera star Measha Brueggergosman have been added as performers to the Juno Awards in Calgary April 6. The two artists join previously announced acts Feist, Finger Eleven and Michael Buble.

The show will be broadcast live from the Pengrowth Saddledome on CTV.

A partial list of the nominations is listed below.

Juno Fan Choice Award:

Avril Lavigne
Celine Dion
Claude Dubois
Michael Buble
Nelly Furtado

Single Of The Year:

"Girlfriend," Avril Lavigne
"1234," Feist
"Paralyzer," Finger Eleven
"Seven Day Fool," Jully Black
"Everything," Michael Buble

International Album Of The Year

"Lost Highway," Bon Jovi
"The Dutchess," Fergie
"Noel," Josh Groban
"Good Girl Gone Bad," Rihanna
"Timbaland Presents Shock Value," Timbaland

Album Of The Year (Sponsored By Cria)

"The Best Damn Thing," Avril Lavigne
"D'elles," Celine Dion
"Taking Chances," Celine Dion
"The Reminder," Feist
"Call Me Irresponsible," Michael Buble

Artist Of The Year

Avril Lavigne
Celine Dion
Feist
Michael Buble
Pascale Picard

Group Of The Year

Arcade Fire
Blue Rodeo
Finger Eleven
Hedley
Kain Disques

New Artist Of The Year (Sponsored By Factor And Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters)

Belly
Jeremy Fisher
Justin Nozuka
Serena Ryder
Suzie McNeil

New Group Of The Year (Sponsored By Factor And Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters)

Dragonette
Faber Drive
illScarlett
State of Shock
Wintersleep

Adult Alternative Album Of The Year

"Small Miracles," Blue Rodeo
"Goodbye Blue Monday," Jeremy Fisher
"Chrome Dreams II," Neil Young
"Release The Stars," Rufus Wainwright
"No Stranger," Tom Cochrane

Pop Album Of The Year

"Duets: Friends & Legends," Anne Murray
"Street Gospels," Bedouin Soundclash
"Taking Chances," Celine Dion
"The Reminder," Feist
"Call Me Irresponsible," Michael Buble

Rock Album Of The Year

"Them Vs. You Vs. Me," Finger Eleven
"Hospital Music," Matthew Good
"The Lucky Ones," Pride
"Underclass Hero," Sum 41
"The Saint Alvia Cartel," The Saint Alvia Cartel

Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten

I’ll never forget that December morning I learned that Joe Strummer had died. It seemed impossible to me that death would fell this mighty punk rock icon at such an early age. He had survived it all and his invincibility was quite secure with me; Congenital heart defects seldom emerge with warning though. To this day, I still miss this man’s huge musical and philosophical presence. Born John Graham Mellor in Ankara, Turkey in 1952 to British diplomat parents, he transformed without much forethought from a self-described "mouthy little git" into a formidable musician and activist. He profoundly influenced me in many ways and helped set the course for my future musical inclinations. Sure I’ve got my fancy pants remasters, boxed sets and dvd’s to remind me of him but the discovery of music because of him happens less and less because he is gone. I can honestly say I was breathless the first time I saw the London Calling cover in the import bin of my favourite record shop. The cover (and music therein) still gives me goosebumps. To that end I am not alone. Countless musicians, actors, politicians, bloggers, misfits and thieves count him as a personal hero. Right up there with Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

I was very pleased then to hear then that Julien Temple’s documentary Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten will make an appearance in limited release on Canadian screens. A more worthy musical subject I can not think of. Temple’s film covers the gambit of Strummer’s life with style and heartfelt repect. A host of eloquent testimonials from the likes of Bono to John Cusack explain the singer's incredible mystique. Oddly, but effectively too, David Lee Roth (at 83's US Festival) is also included. Sprinkled throughout, his own words and a host of songs that have now become his legacy are featured. Still as fiery and passionate as ever, his performances quite singular.

So if you are looking for something to do this weekend and love the only music that matters, you might want to seek out this amazing film. I’ll be doing that. Listen to the playlist composed above as well for a reminder of the greatness of Joe Strummer.

R.E.M. TO TOUR NORTH AMERICA

Some great news today that R.E.M. will tour North America this May and June in support of Accelerate , their new record, set to be released on April 1st. R.E.M. have always been exciting in concert and I have been fortunate to see the band on every major tour since 1983. This time out the band will be joined on the tour by playlist stalwarts, Modest Mouse and The National in Canada and the United States. Early reviews of the new record have been very good, check out their website for a song preview Supernatural Superserious.

++the dates++

Vancouver 5/23 - DEER LAKE PARK
Los Angeles 5/29 - HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Berkeley 5/31 - THE GREEK THEATRE
Denver 6/03 - RED ROCKS
Chicago 6/06 - UNITED CENTER
Toronto 6/08 - MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE
Raleigh 6/10 - WALNUT CREEK AMPHITHEATRE
Washington DC 6/11 - MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION
Boston 6/13 - TWEETER CENTER
Long Island 6/14 - JONES BEACH THEATER
Philadelphia 6/18 - MANN CENTER
New York City 6/19 - TBA
Atlanta 6/21 - LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE

PLAYLIST 12 - Unlike a Lot of Them Who Faked it, He Could Really Hear it in His Head

There are times when I give up a little too much with these playlists; sometimes revealing curious personality traits probably better left to my own device. Admittedly then, dear reader, this one is a tad unusual but it does have a cohesive and “floaty” nature that I love. In a bizarre twist this compilation was inspired by a particularly unusual dream.* Disparate elements included a drowning dog, a Spanish speaking Jesus, a sepia tone photograph and an urban landscape.

(Boy oh boy, when you start soundtracking your dreams the mixtapes are clearly taking over your life. )

Alternate title – Hello Dali

Of Montreal – The Past is a Grotesque Animal
Deerhoof - +81
Menomena – Evil Bee
Electrelane - The Valleys
Matthew Dear - Pom Pom
Fujiya And Miyagi - Photocopier
NEU! - Hallogallo
The Fall - New Big Prinz
Grinderman – Electric Alice
Lizzy Mercier Descloux - Torso Corso
Sonic Youth – Little Trouble Girl
Pavement - 5 - 4=Unity
Velvet Underground - Rock n’ Roll
Os Mutantes - Bat Macumba
Arto/Neto - Pini Pini


(*No more salsa and chips after 11pm now.)

Alternate Use for That Old Phil Collins Album Part 63

A friend sent me a link to this Flickr group today. Now I don't know if this will shake up the arts community but I think it is pretty creative. My favourite is the Big Black submission. (Let me know which ones you like or even submit a new one to me.)

They might have too much time on their hands but this is cool as hell.

She & Him Record Due March 18th

She & Him
Volume 1 - March 18, 2008

On this cold January day some news to warm the proverbial musical soul. Merge Records has announced the M Ward/Zooey Deschanel project dubbed She & Him - Volume 1, will be released on March 18th. You might remember Zooey from Almost Famous (the older sister with the amazing record collection) and Elf (Will Ferrell's "department store elf" love interest). The unlikely duo first met in 2006 for a movie soundtrack project in which they recorded a version of Richard and Linda Thompson’s “When I Get To The Border”. While in the studio, they were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport. The result, this gorgeous release recorded over a period of several months last year.

A stylistic match made in heaven this one holds great promise. Zooey and M. will also be playing the Merge Records showcase at SxSW in March. Let's hope a full blown tour is not far off.

Download: She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

Oscar Nomination Time!

Everything is indeed pop and I would be remiss if I did not include a post concerning the just announced Oscar nominations. A few nominations near and dear to my heart - Actress: Ellen Page, "Juno." Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There" Original Song: "Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Adapted Screenplay: Sarah Polley, "Away From Her".

The only disappointment, at least for me was Jonny Greenwood's non-nomination for Best Original Score for "There Will Be Blood". They remembered Ellen Page though, so all is forgiven!

Let's hope the Hollywood Writer's reach an agreement soon. Seeing Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova perform "Falling Slowly" before the world's stage would be a huge thrill!

Complete list of 80th annual Academy Award nominations announced Tuesday:

1. Best Picture: "Atonement," "Juno," "Michael Clayton," "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood."

2. Actor: George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"; Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"; Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"; Tommy Lee Jones, "In the Valley of Elah"; Viggo Mortensen, "Eastern Promises."

3. Actress: Cate Blanchett, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"; Julie Christie, "Away From Her"; Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"; Laura Linney, "The Savages"; Ellen Page, "Juno."

4. Supporting Actor: Casey Affleck, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"; Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"; Hal Holbrook, "Into the Wild"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Charlie Wilson's War"; Tom Wilkinson, "Michael Clayton."

5. Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"; Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"; Saoirse Ronan, "Atonement"; Amy Ryan, "Gone Baby Gone"; Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton."

6. Director: Julian Schnabel, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"; Jason Reitman, "Juno"; Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"; Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"; Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood."

7. Foreign Film: "Beaufort," Israel; "The Counterfeiters," Austria; "Katyn," Poland; "Mongol," Kazakhstan; "12," Russia.

8. Adapted Screenplay: Christopher Hampton, "Atonement"; Sarah Polley, "Away from Her"; Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"; Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"; Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood."

9. Original Screenplay: Diablo Cody, "Juno"; Nancy Oliver, "Lars and the Real Girl"; Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"; Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava and Jim Capobianco, "Ratatouille"; Tamara Jenkins, "The Savages."

10. Animated Feature Film: "Persepolis"; "Ratatouille"; "Surf's Up."

11. Art Direction: "American Gangster," "Atonement," "The Golden Compass," "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "There Will Be Blood."

12. Cinematography: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," "Atonement," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood."

13. Sound Mixing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "No Country for Old Men," "Ratatouille," "3:10 to Yuma," "Transformers."

14. Sound Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "No Country for Old Men," "Ratatouille," "There Will Be Blood," "Transformers."

15. Original Score: "Atonement," Dario Marianelli; "The Kite Runner," Alberto Iglesias; "Michael Clayton," James Newton Howard; "Ratatouille," Michael Giacchino; "3:10 to Yuma," Marco Beltrami.

16. Original Song: "Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova; "Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz; "Raise It Up" from "August Rush," Nominees to be determined; "So Close" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz; "That's How You Know" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.

17. Costume: "Across the Universe," "Atonement," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "La Vie en Rose," "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

18. Documentary Feature: "No End in Sight," "Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience," "Sicko," "Taxi to the Dark Side," "War/Dance."

19. Documentary (short subject): "Freeheld," "La Corona (The Crown)," "Salim Baba," "Sari's Mother."

20. Film Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "Into the Wild," "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood."

21. Makeup: "La Vie en Rose," "Norbit," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

22. Animated Short Film: "I Met the Walrus," "Madame Tutli-Putli," "Meme Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)," "My Love (Moya Lyubov)," "Peter & the Wolf."

23. Live Action Short Film: "At Night," "Il Supplente (The Substitute)," "Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)," "Tanghi Argentini," "The Tonto Woman."

24. Visual Effects: "The Golden Compass," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "Transformers."

PLAYLIST 11 – The Best Songs of 2007

One last look back at the Best of 2007. This time, the songs that made a difference to me. As always, a playlist to mark the occasion. Looking back, 2007 marked a year of musical brilliance highlighted by new discoveries and a host of reliable favourites.

I am looking forward to what 2008 will bring. With rumours of the demise of the cd and declining music sales it should at the very least prove interesting. In the end I am quite certain that the good music will indeed prevail and it will be heard. I’ll certainly do my best to help with that.

Battles - Tonto
Electrelane - The Lighthouse
Deerhunter - Fluorescent Grey
Boris with Michio Kurihara - My Rain
Damon and Naomi - The Turnaround
Wilco - On and On and On
Deerhoof - The Galaxist
Marnie Stern - Every Single Line Means Something
The Hylozoists - La Fin Du Monde
Kathy Diamond - Between the Lines
Matthew Dear - Fleece On the Brain
Bjork - Declare Independence
Amon Tobin - Bloodstone
M.I.A. - Paper Planes
Black Lips - Veni Vidi Vici
The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
Beirut - Nantes
St. Vincent - Now Now
Nina Nastasia and Jim White - I’ve Been Out Walking
PJ Harvey - The Piano
Grinderman - I Don’t Need You (To Set Me Free)
Dirty projectors - No More
Feist - I Feel It All
Kevin Drew - Big Love
Handsome Furs - What We Had
The Besnard Lakes - For Agent 13
The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude
Field Music - In Context
The Broken West - Baby On My Arm
Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter - LLL
Band of Horses - Window Blues
The Sadies - Anna Leigh
Basia Bulat - The Pilgriming Vine
Two-Minute Miracles - Night of Rain
Jim Bryson – Clear the Crowds
Iron and Wine – Resurrection Fern
Arcade Fire - My Body Is a Cage
Sunset Rubdown - Stallion
Julie Doiron – Swan Pond
The Acorn – Hold Your Breath
Yeasayer - 2080
Caribou - Sandy
Panda Bear - Take Pills
Modest Mouse - Parting of the Sensory
Blonde Redhead - My Impure Hair
Future of the Left - Wrigley Scott
Stars of the Lid – Humectez La Mouture
The Burial - Archangel
Radiohead - Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
Spoon – Black Like Me
Okkervil River - A Girl In Port
The National - Green Gloves
The Lightning Bug Situation - The New Dad

PLAYLIST 10 - When We Separate Music From Life We Get Art

This compilation was created after listening to Neil Young’s 1975 release, Tonight’s the Night. All of these songs are evocative of the themes of desolation and the thin slivers of hope that thread his career centerpiece.

01. The Mountain Goats - Song for Dennis Brown
02. Modest Mouse - Dramamine
03. The Shins - Sea Legs
04. Andrew Bird - Heretics
05. The Besnard Lakes - Devastation
06. Jesse Sykes and the Sweethereafter - Station Grey
07. Karen Dalton - Something On Your Mind
08. Quincy Jones - Somethins’ Cookin’
09. The Kinks - Johnny Thunder
10. Yo La Tengo - Fancy
11. David Byrne - A Million Miles Away
12. King Crimson - Book of Saturday
13. Loose Fur - Elegant Transaction
14. Sam Prekop - Density
15. Talk Talk - I Believe in You

My Favourite Movie So Far This Year

Despite my cheeky byline it is doubtful I will see another movie this year that will be as good as Juno. It is motion pictures like this that make me love the cinema and everything about it. Directed by Jason Reitman, (Thank You For Smoking), Canadian actress Ellen Page steals the show in this delightful film that I will repectfully refrain from any type of plot synopsis. The less you know the better, trust me; the ride will be worth it. One thing for certain, I'll be looking for the soundtrack to this one. The music is a character unto itself and highly effective.

I can not recommend this one enough. Watch for Ellen Page come Oscar nomination time.

Click this link to go to the film website. The Michael Cera, Jason Bateman videos are very funny.

I'm still smiling and its two days after seeing this wonderful film. Go see it!