Monday, May 28, 2012

Paging Dr. John

I let sneak a little teaser back in April when I heard that the legendary Dr. John was surfacing for yet another album. You know you've had a long career when you're losing track of the number of albums you've put out, but you know this one is up there around #30.


I'll admit, even though the good doctor is one of those N'Orleans funk/soul staples that has been doing his thing since the 50s... I didn't really know what was what until that dashingly wonderful gentleman, Dan Auerbach, shone some light my way. I took a listen to some of DrJ's discography and while all of it shows a twinkling of musical genius, the effects of Auerbach in the producer seat make Locked Down a formidable contender in the realm of today's, or any day's, music.

Long and long of it... you know the drill... why read my garbage when the goods are sitting just below?

-This is the last time I'll hold you; this is the last time I'll say goodbye.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ola? Olay!

It is some strange sense of digital duty that has me posting after a long day of staring at a computer screen. I'm to the point where even the clearest of published typeface starts to blur together into a haze that makes me question my way of life, sobriety or both. Still... you need music... I need reasons not to sleep... everyone wins. Plus, it helps that some old friends have a pretty cool week going on that would only be fair to share with you fine people.
Stella Ella Ola is a fantastic game that kids just like you and I used to play when we were little.

Wait... let me try that again.

Stella Ella Ola is a Toronto based alternative indie band formed by Nixon & Jake Boyd (of Hollerado), Anne Douris, and Vince Rice.  They play simple, stripped down, short songs invoking the spirit of  early garage, surf rock, pop, country and... dear lord,  guys... where the hell are you going with this???  


Suffice to say, they seem to draw upon some atypical inspirations...in my ears I hear bits of Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers (yup... I went there... its late... go away) and let's say... The Beach Boys?  Awww screw it... I have no idea how else to describe it.  It's catchy... it's fun... just go download it for free.
 
And, if you're up for it this weekend, catch their first ever live show in Toronto.

-Sleep

Monday, May 14, 2012

The Discovery

Rarely - in fact about once every year or two - do I find a band that completely floors me.  I'm a lover of music and a consumate scout and as such, when something comes along that catches me in both the right state of mind, with the right vibe and completely by surprise... I'm done for.  Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to proudly announce that I've just stumbled upon my new favourite band (you know... until a new one comes along).

May I introduce... Rival Sons.

There are a lot of words I could use to describe this band.  Off the top of my head:

  • Electric-boogie soul
  • R&B that'll kick your ass
  • Revival... pure, sweet revival
  • Fuzzed out, grinding funk
  • Savours of music
  • Sped up, in-your face blues thieves
  • Rock and fucking roll fuck

But most importantly, they're my kinda band. A foursome originating just outside of LA, these guys appear to have drank up from the cup and sold their souls... destined for rock and roll stardom.  In a mere four years together, they have already released 2 full lengths, an EP, a live album, and a CD/DVD combo pack, all the while touring around in the shadows of some of the biggest rock bands in the world.

It is a short time that these boys will continue to stay in the shadows:


-How do you size up the emotions of a fool?

Monday, May 7, 2012

Moo Cow

Last weekend was a nice relaxing one, filled with great people and some wandering of Toronto's finer corners.  Given that I'd just received a badass new record player and I was right in the heart of Kensington, it only made sense to swing into Sonic Boom. Naturally, I picked up the new Jack White record, however, I also went for a bit of a gamble on a band I knew a little about.

CATL had been one of those bands I'd heard buzzing about for over a year. After just missing their set at CMW this year, I was curious to see what they could do... so I went crazy.  Without even really taking a listen to their stuff online first, I just bought their new LP, Soon, this will all be gone.

I'm such a rebel.

Let's just say, my recklessness paid off. This record has more depth and substance than most bands ever even aspire to.  Bringing back an old dirty blues feel in its purest form - where beats aren't right on time, notes aren't right on pitch, but everything is still perfect - the threesome has crafted something special in their third release. Alternating between soul-gripping slow burns and foot stomping sledgehammers to the head, this album, and band, strikes a wonderful balance between a few different feels that ultimately culminates in a piece of work that is gritty sonic euphoria.



-To the victor go the spoils of regret