Rugged Bleach

I love to give, so when I've been absent from this little slice of digital heaven for a while, I feel bad... not just for you, but for me; I don't get to enjoy the bobbing heads and satisfied grins of my friends. In short... this is a very selfish act.

It's funny how long spells of absence from my Shananigans are often brought to an end by stumbling on exceptional bands that simply have to be pushed out into the world. In this case, White Denim was no exception. An Austin-based four piece, this group of wickedly talented musicians has been honing their craft since 2006. Their cohesion and practice shines through and they manage to hit a rarity in popular music; musically and technically challenging and intricate song writing that still comes across as infectiously catchy and universally accessible. Chalk it up to frontman James Patralli's soothing, baritone voice or his embracing, blue-collar lyrics, or maybe the beautiful rhythmic flow between all players - whatever it is, it works.

Having just released their sixth LP in the fall, White Denim seems to be one of those bands who has hit a certain plateau in their careers. However, given the right alignment of the moon, one song making the right rounds or the right person at one of their gigs... these guys are ready to blow over the top. They've got all the ingredients, it's just a matter of mixing in the right order, at the right time.



-When you're bottled up and ready to go, won't you light my fuse and I'll blow

Vocal Navigation

While this will publish in the morning, for now, it is evening. I am tired, I am a few whiskies in and I don't know exactly why I'm writing right now.

So, this post should be about as good as any other.

For some weird reason, I've been listening to Guided By Voices lately. I was never a fan when I was younger and even now, I probably enjoy less than 30% of their back catalogue, including pretty much everything they've put out since their 2010 reunion. Generally speaking, I think I actually hate Robert Pollard's voice and I just tried to listen to I am a Scientist without falling asleep... couldn't do it.

With that glowing review out of the way, I will say that there are still a handful of songs that have seen rotation in my playlist as of late that have been fantastic little reminders of a simpler, wonderful time. So, instead of just sitting here and being an asshole, why don't we just listen to a solid track from 2004.



-Passion for its own sake within a veil of fickle heartbreak

Worth Their Stones

Dear Windsor, thanks for one of my favourite new bands: The Blue Stones.

So granted, they're only new to me. This rock duo has been going for only around a year and a half (which in the grand scheme of things, ain't that long) and has still managed to solidify a strong, driving, melodic sound. They've got presence, their tracks are catchy and when they need to rip it open, these boys know how to rock.

I had a chance to preview their upcoming release How's That Sound? and I don't use these words lightly: this album has a chance to break into my tops for 2012. The tracks all flow wonderfully together, however, each has its own unique feel to make for an exceptionally well-rounded album. The opening track, Criminals, is a groovy, slow burn that opens right up in the chorus. This sets the tone for an album that is pleasantly all-over the rock map. However, for my money, the best tracks on the album are the Cage-the-Elephant-esque Rolling With the Punches and my personal favourite, Eats You Up - a driving number that echoes ancient memories of sitting around listening to my favourite 90's alt-rock bands. Their songs combine accessible simplicity with intelligent songwriting, melodic vocals with anthemic guitar riffs, laid back rhythms with driving beats and a two-piece sound that they self-describe almost perfectly as a strange marriage between bands like The Black Keys and Mutemath.

4 important recommendations, so listen up:

• Go here, download their free single, Criminals
• If you're in TO, head to the Bovine on Friday, Oct. 26 to catch them live
• Stop emailing me pictures of you topless; I keep opening them at work
• Patiently lick your lips in anticipation of their Nov. 3 digital release

-Everyone fears the calm, but you've never seen a storm like this

0.62 Miles

Normally, I tend to not use this blog as a soap box for friend's bands.  My criteria for who I pick is pretty standard, regardless of whether I know you or not; you gotta be able to get inside my head and stick with me for a while.  As such, it was with great glee that I saw not 1 but 2 different bands formed of good friends over the weekend.  While I will soon tell you more about Harbinger, this week's slot is going to be won out by Kilometre, since I kinda owe Matt about a lifetime supply of high fives after recording both NR albums for table scraps.

The boys took to the stage at the Hard Rock on Friday night and while I am a consumate rock enthusiast, after the week I'd had, I could do little more than sit in the middle back and nod it elation (insert lame old man jokes here). Their set wasn't without technical difficulties (read: Mark Watts flying ass over tea kettle into a stack of amps and drums in the first song... MARK! You're supposed to do that at the END of the set :-P) nor without the issue that I like to call the 'Hard Rock' factor (an incredible phenomenon whereby, even with a $100k sound system and one of the best rooms in the city, the sound guy always seems to botch some element of the mix), but the boys still brought their A game after roughly a year away from the stage.  With new bassist Andrew McCready in tow, KM tore through song after song, mixing styles between hard rock, psychadelic prog, post hardcore, and even something a little sexy.

If you're wanting to see for yourself, take a listen below.  Since the boys are so nice, you can even download their 3 track EP for free! At minimum, listen to my favourite track, This City, Red, and forward to 3:08 to have your mind blown.


-God gave you a wiggle and gave you a shake, but he don't care about the moves you make

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

April Shananigans: Pulled from the Trenches

Sometimes, when life is at it's craziest and most difficult, it's good to stop and remind yourself that life is, in fact, still pretty awesome.

-Waking up early to get there before anyone else can