April Shananigans: Speaking in Tones

I shamelessly listened to this song at least 15-20 times this weekend... entirely because I felt like shit and this fuelled my ego and soul to push on through. Dear music... keep doing what you do.



-Run wires from the corners of your mind back for real this time

April Shananigans: Accomplishments

What have you done with your life lately?


-All I need is a new damnation

April Shananigans: Satisfied yet?

Today was trying... days like this I find I just grin and bear it and look back with a glare that asks, "do you have any more? Because I can take it."


-Been getting tired of living under this ol' bus

Electric Confusion

If I were to sum up my listening tastes as of late into one word, that word would be 'weird.' Ever since QOTSA released the brilliantly uncanny Like Clockwork, I've been on a listening tirade to continually befuddle and defy my brain.

As such, when I found out that an old favourite, Rose Hill Drive, had released a new record over a year ago that I was completely absent for, I was excitedly confused. There's still a healthy dose of southern, riff-heavy insanity on the album, but it gets blended with a healthy amount of spastic, cross-dressing, in-your-face, jolty, unpredictable noise. The album took a couple of listens to grow on me, but now I find myself twitching along to every screech and blurp. It has become a glorious, psychedelic trip down an auditory glory-hole.

The song below, Psychoanalyst, is one of the more tame tracks on the album, perhaps representing a moment to step-back and become soberly introspective...that or I'm overanalyzing things. That said, if you're willing to dig further down the rabbit hole, check out the full release; it's worth every penny.

-And this phantom twitch keeps on beating in my vestigial heart

Hot Rock

Preface: it's going to be hot as balls today and I'm listening to a lot of rock n roll. I went on a bit of a tirade over the weekend and have tons of new riff-happy tunes to share.

The first is from a Brooklyn band called Earl Greyhound. EG is one of those bands that has been around now for a decade, and yet, while generating a strong indie following, has always seemed to sit just outside of the mainstream. Through 3 LPs and another 3 EPs, they've managed to establish themselves as a strong but weirdly unique blues-infused hard rock band. The dueling male-female vocals of guitarist Matt Whyte and bassist Kamara Thomas set a unique and somewhat uneasy stage for a chaotic force of rock, held down by drummer Ricc Sheridan.

Their songs range from anthemic, power-chord sing alongs to slow burn, awkward and eerie grunge-revival ballads to, my personal favourite, riff-heavy head boppers, such as the tasty little jam below.



-Giving up the saved face to smile through the day

Backward Sound Forward

I've been tripping on a lot of old tunes these days - stuff that sounds really grimey but lets the absolute soul shine through. Been listening to a lot of old blues recordings, gritty acoustic stuff and early rock and roll.

Today was a day of obsessively listening to The Sonics. One of the original 60s garage rock bands, they blew up out of Washington and arguably laid the groundwork for future generations of grunge rockers. They played a lot of covers and blues/rock standards, however, they played them with such fury and intensity that I don't think anyone would have really called them on it.

As an aside, some of you may recognize the song below from another one of my obsessions, The Black Keys. While the keys did a monster cover of this song in 2003, I prefer the Sonic's version. However, the original song was actually an old R&B number by Richard Berry.

And now you know...


-Go right ahead, deliver me in chains

Shanies: EP of the Year

A new award this year, I wanted to create the EP nod so that newer, indie bands who were still in their infancy but already doing incredible things could get a bit of acknowledgement. That, and there were a ridiculous number of EPs that I fell in love with this year, and I simply couldn’t let them go unrecognized.  Sharing is caring, afterall.

A rare thing happened this year – I actually started getting solicitations from labels and artists requesting reviews. Some of the reviews may have been a bit unappreciated, however, when a band like The Blue Stones fell in my inbox, I considered myself lucky. Somewhat skeptical of being pushed an album, I listened to the opening track from their 2012 EP, How's That Sound?, with a lot of reluctance. However, my walls were broken down within 30 seconds of the opening track and I was sold. This Windsor two-piece hits a great balance between writing songs that are graspable and comfortable, while still pushing the envelope just enough to make for interesting, dynamic and original tracks.

 I can’t wait to see this band live, however, in the meantime, I’m happy to keep listening to the recording of my EP of the year. Granted, at 7 tracks, I may be stretching the definition of EP, but blow it out your ass... this is my blog.

Honourable mention must go to sludge masters, The Great Sabatini, for their epic (and free!) release The Royal We.



-Keep my head above the water, but never let me climb too high

Austin's Son

While I'm always amazed by musicians that achieve success at a young age, I'm often quickly reminded by the fact that it wasn't any easier for them to get there - they just started earlier and worked harder. This mantra, I would call core to the career of Gary Clark Jr.

An Austin native, Clark wasn't born with a guitar in his hand, however, once he picked it up at the age of 12, I don't think he was ever willing to let go. Heralded by some as the future of the blues, his style combines elements of blues, jazz, country, R&B and hip hop. He's performed alongside some of the Gods of rock n roll and finally, after years of hard work, 3 LPs and 2 EPs, it is starting to feel like he may have made his break. He just released his latest full-length, Blak and Blu, on Warner Bros. and is starting to make splashes that I hope, and predict, will ripple out into tidal waves. He's smooth, he's stylish, his voice is like velvet and his fingers run like claws up and down a guitar neck.

He's the real deal. See for yourself:



-Deliver me in chains; stitch my heart to my sleeve but it just won't stay

Harpoon Murder

A quickie from the road today.  I'm in Chicago and listening to a lot of blues, so it's only fitting that I share. Interestingly, my share has nothing to do with Chicago though.

All the way from the mean streets of Vancouver, may I introduce The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. This duo's head-bobbing bluesy tone and interesting instrumentation (a harmonica and a guitar... hence the punny name) gives a cool combination of old-school blues feel with new school style. Minimalist and gritty, these talented gentlemen rock a wide range of the blues, throwing homage to the old crown and pushing the envelope on the new.

So, you know... check it out and stuff.


-Poetry written in words that don't rhyme was how you told me no

Dirty Rascal

I felt like writing early this morning, however, I could also tell that it was going to be poorly-written, illogical, dirty, mashes of aimless words. As such, I couldn't think of a better outlet than my trusty blog; no one expects quality here!

Much in-line with my mood, today I wanted to talk about sloppy, dirty, sneering, grind-you-up-the-side music. As such, it fit perfectly that I had just stumbled across Hanni El Khatib, a Palestinian/Filipino skateboarder/dirty blues musician. He describes his music as being for "being for anyone who has ever been shot or hit by a train."  Can't say I've done either, but right now, that about encapsulates my mood.

He was picked up by Stones Throw records and his first album, Will the Guns Come Out, was released last fall. He's now working towards his second full length that I just learned will be produced by Dan Auerbach - suddenly makes a lot of sense why I like this guy so much.

That's all I want to say... check out this awesome, grimy, dirty blues rock.
-I need a martyr to kill

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

Digital Oldschool

Kid Koala reinvented the turntable with his spun classic rock project, The Slew and now, the funky marsupial has done it again with one of my personal favourite genres, the blues.

I've been anticipating his latest release 12 bit Blues for some time now, and finally, this mind-expanding piece of work has been made available to stream and is out to buy.  While I still need to give it a few more listens, I'll take a premature gamble and call it the Kid's best work to date and something that will likely wear out more than a couple of needles with the play its going to get.

Canada should be proud, and everyone in Toronto should get their asses to the Hoxton on Nov. 30th.


-Take or leave the things we already took and left behind

Happy Friday

'Lil something to help you smooth it out until the end of the day.


-You forgot to say hello and I'd already said goodbye

Pop Quiz

How do you destroy a guitar without actually breaking it?

Jordan... take it away.

-I loved you more than I ever refused to

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?

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

April Shananigans: Hey buddy!

Fuck yes Friday, fuck yes. See you at the Massey tonight, Buddy.

-Before you walk on up outta here, think about what you're leaving

The Pot That Blends Us All

Few things make me happier than good friends and good music.  As such, by logical extension, one would assume that when good friends make good music... it's a pretty damned awesome thing.

And one would assume correctly.  Old comrades of the Rogues and general all-around-awesome dudes, the boys in Melting Pot have been creating a perfect blend of rock, blues and soul that strikes a chord with my musical core on the best and worst of days.  Some of their songs are uplifting, others can knock you on your ass.

And what's better than great music?  Free great music.  For the month of March (hurry, only 2 days left), Melting Pot is graciously GIVING AWAY their latest EP, Somewhere in this Debris, over at New Music 10.  You'd be a fool not to pick this album up, even if only to listen to my two favourite tracks, "What You Need" and, featured below, "It'll Be Alright."


-Little man you're a boy, little boy you're nothin at all

Crossover the Keys

Nothing is better on a Friday than finding out that one of your favorite artists (that would be Mr. Dan Auerbach of Black Keys fame) has done a crossover projects with one of your favorite new artists (of course, Mr. Michael Kiwanuka).

The takeaway: this song is freaking beautiful and you need to go listen to it now.

Seriously... right now.  Drop everything.  This is far more important.


http://www.abeano.com/michael-kiwanuka-lasan/10937

Murphy's Law

Friday night was one of those nights that I had high hopes for.  I was going to see an act live which I hadn't seen in roughly 8 years.  I had seen this act perform cover gigs in tiny little bars around Montreal and was glad to see that things had upgraded a bit since.  As the lights went up on the Dakota stage... I was quickly pleased to see that I would not be disappointed.

Shane Murphy and his band play a mix of blues infused soul/R&B that we spent the remainder of the weekend describing as "good sex music."  Picking up his CD from the Dakota show, I was massively impressed with how well his live tunes translated to disc and have been listening on repeat since Friday night.  However, the most impressive part of the act was his live show on Friday evening.  Murphy, hailing from Montreal, played alongside 3 friends from Ontario who seemingly had not played together much before.  However, as a testament to their incredible musicianship and Murphy's confident, inspired leadership, the quartet blew my mind with Murphy quarterbacking one of the most unique, unpredictable and enjoyable sets I've seen in a while.  With a few words, a simple nod of his head or a look over his shoulder, the band changed seamlessly between different songs and sections, all the while maintaining a groove that turned the Dakota into a dancing, sweaty mess (and one fool in a red hoodie who made Charlie Sheen look clean).

Long of it: if you get to see the Shane Murphy Band live in their hometown Montreal... great.  However, if the big man himself is wandering away from home and playing with a session band... you still could be in for one hell of a treat.


-She thinks she's cool but she don't know...everyone knows it's all a show