Author Archive
Top 10 Driving Songs
Engine, the soothing sound of it. Gentle hum of tires licking the asphalt. The sight of headlights stealing glimpses of scenery. The road… stretching out into the distance, as far as eyes can see. The mesmerizing beauty of it…
Music…
Ladies and gentlemen, I present you Top 10 Driving Songs.
Rhythm. Movement. Rebellion. This one just begs you to bury your foot into the floor and drive like a fucking maniac. While Defy You may be the perfect soundtrack to riot planning/executing – it is still one hell of a song to be listening to while flying towards your point of destination… or a lamppost.
Tension. Sadness. Defiance. If you haven’t crashed while listening to Defy You, this one will slow things down a bit (strong emphasis on “a bit”). To be completely honest – I’d be able to compile a list with Offspring songs only. Pretty much any song by them works as a soundtrack for our drive. And it’s a good thing. Trust me, I know. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is a frequent in my car’s sound system.
Awe. Realization. Regret. As long as you’re not driving your car backwards, with no way to control it – the way the poor bastard in the music video did – I’m confident you’ll enjoy this one. Damn that video is disturbing (in the most magnificent way).
Speed. Progression. Flight. Oh, it’ll lift you up alright. This is, again, one of those that make you want to drive just a little faster. Intro – release the brakes. First verse – steady acceleration. Chorus – jumping up and down on your seat while pushing the throttle through the fucking floor. Oh, it’ll lift you up alright…
6. Nichole Alden – Baby Now
Beauty. Pace. Melody. Picture this – you’re driving through Texas. It’s getting darker and there’s not a living soul for miles in every direction. It’s just the desert, the road, and the car. You’re cutting air at 160 km/h in slow motion, listening to the song, not caring about a damn thing. (Then you may realize that you watch too many movies and feel embarrassed about the whole “slow motion” thing… only to continue looking at yourself from another perspective… car moving in slow motion.)
5. Rise Against -The Approaching Curve
Argument. Confusion. Drive. “A seductive soundtrack to our midnight drive” (lyrics). ‘Nuff said. Listen to it, you’ll see what I mean.
4. John Murphy – In The House – In A Heartbeat
Pulse. Motion. Whisper. Yeah, yeah, it’s a soundtrack from 28 Days Later, which was an awesome movie by the way. But goddamn I can’t help by love this song with all my (still)-human heart. It sounds as if it’s out to get you… as if it was following you… OHMIGOD WHOTHEFUCK’S HERE!!!??11!?
3. Nine Inch Nails – The Four Of Us Are Dying
For a slow drive through the night.
2. Nine Inch Nails – The Great Destroyer (Modwheelmood Mix)
Ridiculously awesome remix. You don’t even have to be driving.. actually, wait, that’ll kind of defeat the purpose of this list won’t it?
1. Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata
Probably one of the most amazing, beautiful, awe-inspiring pieces of music ever written. A perfect soundtrack for… well for anything really. I have a profound feeling of beauty…
P.S. Author is not responsible for any car crashes, speeding tickets, sudden tears and paranoia.
Depeche Mode – Sounds Of The Universe
Meditation.
It’s all about meditation.
The trick is to get into that perfect state of mind and consciousness that allows you to perceive yourself, the world internal, and the world external in the most natural, supernatural and true way possible. The big part of getting into that state of mind is creating the right atmosphere. Peaceful silence of the lake, mesmerizing beauty of the rain, enchanting sounds of the whispering forest… music.
It’s all about…
We’re in trance. There’s a loud beep. The clock starts at 30 seconds, counting backwards. 25 seconds – all systems are go. 10 seconds – the shuttle’s engines come to life. 5 seconds – release the hands. 4 – engines on full. 3 – the roar increases. 2 – harder to breathe. 1 – the takeoff.
In chains, we’re pressed into our seats. The roar of the engines is deafening. We’re exiting Earth’s atmosphere. One minute stretches out into infinity and you loose yourself. Inhale. Exhale. Silence. We’re in space.
It’s all about meditation.
We’re listening to Sounds Of The Universe and the opening track “In Chains”. It’s been a while since I listened to Depeche Mode, and when I say a while I mean almost never… About three months ago I was burning gas, driving around the city, listening to radio. My mind was on “D” (as in “Drive”), so I wasn’t really paying attention to what was on air. Then “Wrong” came on.
Have you ever experienced love at the first sight? Well I have. Love at the first listen. “Wrong” was perfect. It was magical, mesmerizing, moving, sincere and incredibly beautiful. I’ve been infected. I couldn’t stop playing that song over and over again in my head. I wanted more. I was obsessed.
Sounds Of The Universe came out on 21st of April and received generally positive reviews. As it usually happens – some people liked it, some didn’t. I was never a big fan of Depeche Mode, but I really do love some of their songs (“Personal Jesus” being my personal favourite) so in my personal opinion – this album really is a great one. There’re some songs that I like more than others and the first half of the record (all the way up to “In Sympathy”) is fucking amazing, while the rest is just good. You can’t help but feel that that’s what Universe must sound like…
This album feels… just… right. It’s whole, thought through. This album is a metaphor to something bigger than what it displays at the first glance. Songs like “Jezabel”, “In Chains”, “Hole To Feed”, “Wrong”, “Little Soul”, “Corrupt” move your mind, soul and world.
It’s all about meditation…
Those of us who do meditate have their own techniques. Some go into altered states of mind by altering them with various substances. Some need complete silence. Some listen to music.
Our last minute in space is filled with sounds of the universe. Our shuttle will never go back. There’s not a single thing that we miss. It was all wrong. We just keep spinning around our axis, moving through space towards our uncertain future. We’re not alone…
Top 10 Songs To Have Sex To
So it all happened one Friday…
My mood – altered by alcohol of choice (Rum, boys & girls). My senses – stimulated by semi-legal substance (let’s skip this one). My company – kept by somebody I will not talk to you about…
Ryan Adams’ “Desire” erupts from the speakers and I, while doing my… thinking… (about what would be the best way to bring the economy back up… ehm…) think that “Damn…This song is perfect…”
So ladies and gentlemen… I give you… Top Ten Songs To Have Sex To:
10. Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Fast. Very fast. Think you can keep up? Have no choice BUT to keep up? Have a little speed problem? “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet is the way to go then. The beauty of this track is that it sets the mood from “hot” to “playful”, which can be fun if you’re trying something new. *wink*
Intense. Rhythmic. Beautiful. “Celice” combines passion and sadness, desire and remorse, rhythm and flux. Let me draw you a picture: dimly lit room, bottle of fine cabernet sauvignon (preferably young… firm… gripping), three or four scented candles (try to not knock them down, we both will be in trouble). Your better half is talking about something (rather obnoxiously) and you turn to them and put your index finger on their lips to hush them. You turn your sound system on and press play. First notes of Celice ooze into the room and you pick up your glass of wine, inviting your partner to do the same. You look them in the eyes, take a sip (and they do the same) and then…. I’m so wet down there are you?
Fun. Fun. Fun. It’s… just… fun… No really, I have nothing more to say. (Have you ever tried having sex to this song? No? Well then, shut up and sit down!)
7. Justin Timberlake feat Timbaland – Sexyback
Hot. Thrusting. Dynamic. Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back, which, according to Prince – never left. Now let me tell you something, I don’t care who’s bringing sexy back and whether sexy ever left or not – but this track IS definitely sexy… yep, I said it – I think “Sexyback” is a decent song. Kill me now?
6. John Powell – Assassin’s Tango
Erotic. Dangerous. Tango. Okay… it’s a tango. What can be sexier than the sexiest dance in the world? If you can dance – great, dance your way into the bed (or a kitchen table… or your living room floor… or whatever it is you fancy). If you can’t dance – improvise. If you can’t improvise – …well shit, if you went through all this trouble of picking THIS song as a soundtrack to your evening than LEARN how to fucking dance! Watch some YouTube videos or something… It’s a fucking tango man! So tango on!
5. Ryan Adams – Desire
Quite. Sensual. Absolutely fucking gorgeous. The title kind of speaks for itself doesn’t it? While this is a very slow and mellow track – it’d be perfect for some quality time with your one and only. Desire is just one of those songs that you can’t help but think “Damn, this could a perfect soundtrack for [insert scene of choice here]!” Why not make it a sex scene between you and your significant other? (or your random other… whichever one you managed to get drunk tonight… perv… oh come on, don’t get all sensitive, I’m only joking!)
Fast. Sticky. Moving. Fluent motion of Fluke’s “Atom Bomb” resonates in your mind and as a result – body. Hint: your state of mind should be altered in order to appreciate the full potential of this beautiful electronic track, but don’t tell anyone I told you that. Baby’s got an atom bomb! (Need I say more?)
3. The Kills – Cheap and Cheerful (SebastiAn Remix)
The Kills – Cheap and Cheerful (Original)
Cheap. Cheerful. Pumping. If you’re bored of cheap and cheerful, The Kill’s masterpiece is the way to go. Pumping bass, sweet vocals, awesome lyrics. While the original is incredible as it is you may want to check out the remixed version of the song because it’s longer… [pause here, wait for you to get the hint, continue] “Cheap and Cheerful” has everything you may need in a sex soundtrack: steady tempo that you CAN’T help but follow, the melody that wakes your inner crazy, lyrics that help you realize that yes, it is okay to be mean… sometimes… if both parties are cool with that…
2. Jon Cleary – Go To Be More Careful
Sexy. Sexier. Very sexy. “Got To Be More Careful” is one of the sexiest tracks I’ve ever heard. It probably has something to do with a funky guitar, jazzy piano and Jon’s vocal. Even though the song itself has nothing to do with sex it still has this feel that just makes you wanna… well, have sex to it.
Provocative. Tempting. On the edge. Now there, I know that many will argue with me on this one, but here’s something you should keep in mind – we all sometimes desire to be a little more freaky, aggressive, dirty than we actually are (and most of us are in fact a little more freaky, aggressive and dirty than we appear to be). “Closer” is the track to go with if you just want to have fun and explore your other side. This one isn’t so much about sex as it is about f*cking like an animal… Just don’t go overboard…
These ten songs shouldn’t really be in any particular order because it all depends on the situation and your mood, but hey… just for the hell of it – these were Top Ten Songs To Have Sex To.
Bonus tracks for the lovers of electronic music:
Ali Payami – Pictures
The New Regime – Coup Review
The room is drenched in gloom and cigarette smoke. It’s raining outside. It’s days like this that make you wish for the world to stop spinning, for cars to stop revving, for noise to stop polluting your reality, for rain to fall harder… for music to never stop.
The laptop’s hooked up to the sound system. The candle’s burnt out. Black zippo lights up yet another cigarette. Inhale. Exhale. Press play… and turn the bloody volume up.
Ilan Rubin’s debut album Coup with his solo project The New Regime starts out with “The Collapse” and huge, almost overly-dramatic piano chords. Even though the first track doesn’t impress the hell out of me… I bloody like it for it’s gentle, not-over-the-top approach to distortion and pendulum-like rhythm. The vocal on this and all following tracks deserves some mentioning and appraisal.
The second track “Order Restored” starts off with a dark sounding synth (or maybe bass?) riff that is later backed up by a very sweet sounding guitar and energetic drums. The album in it’s entirety has this dark feel that’s very appealing and haunting at the same time. Kind of like staring into abyss and not being able nor wanting to look away.
Just listen to “Time Erase” and “Haunt My Mind” (my personal favourites), you’ll know what I mean. The first one makes your imagination run wild, picturing whatever it is you picture when you hear a piano like this.
“Haunt My Mind” quite literally haunts your mind in the most delicious way possible. First verse, crawling around your room ever so gently, fools you into thinking that the song will be somewhat mellow only to discharge a bullet of a chorus in your face which will definitely get stuck in your head, haunting your thoughts and screaming from the inside of your mind. Closer to the end there’s a metal-inspired bridge that will knock you into energy-induced coma (yeah, energy-induced coma, google it) and make you want to hit the re-play button as soon as the song ends.
Another song with a scarily appropriate title “Tap Dancing In The Minefield” makes you wonder how much thought was put into naming songs… No, seriously – track names really do mirror the melody/lyrical content/pace of songs on Coup. I personally find it fascinating because it shows that there was a lot of thought put into making this record. I mean, look at the artwork for fuck’s sake! How sweet is that?
All in all, The New Regime’s Coup is a beautifully produced record that has a lot of variety to satisfy the needs of pretty much every listener. And it does just that without forcing anything unto you. It can be a musical wallpaper but it can also be the cornerstone of your day’s foundation (emotional and otherwise).
Ilan Rubin, being a multi-instrumentalist, wrote and recorded every single note, chord change and vocal pattern himself and let me tell you something – that’s pretty impressive!
I’d give this record a solid 9 (with some songs getting 13), and now that Trent Reznor announced Ilan as Nine Inch Nails’ new drummer – I really hope that we’ll see another record from The New Regime some time in the future. And I’m talking near future…
BIGIDEAS live at The Horseshoe & Album Review
So Friday was fun…
About a month ago I’ve been invited by somebody to BIGIDEAS debut album launch gig at The Horseshoe and it was one of those dates in my calendar that I was really looking forward to (much like my bi-weekly pay-cheque and monthly “screw all, I’m getting obliterated” day). The reason being that I heard a couple of their songs (and really liked the sound) but never seen them play live. So there I was – standing in a dimly lit room of the renowned Horseshoe with a bottle of chilled (yeah, that’s right “chilled” not “ice cold”) Steam Whistle (yeah, that’s right, Steam Whistle, not Heineken), waiting for BIGIDEAS to take the stage while watching moderately tipsy people going ape-shit on each other’s ears (what? it’s loud, you have to yell!).
But enough about me, what’s new with you? Wait… never mind, I always forget that I’m not that interested.
It’s 11 30 (or something like that… and yes, I know – smooth transition) and BIGIDEAS play their first song, which I think they could’ve done so much better, but then… they play a second one and I think that I shouldn’t be thinking anymore because boy, do they exceed my expectations?! There are a lot of bands out there that sound good on the record but can’t quite pull it off live, there are some bands that excite your feelings both on stage and through your speakers, and there are few that fcuking rock live and make you want to hit re-play every time the album ends. Enter BIGIDEAS…
So I’ve got only two words to summarize their live performance AWE-SOME. The bass is tight, the guitar is sexy, the drums are freaking nuts and the vocals make you wish you knew the lyrics to be able to sing along. That’s all I have to say about them. And yet… I’ll talk some more (because we all know how much you enjoy reading my stuff).
So, if you by any chance went to the Horseshoe this Friday – you got your copy of their debut full-length Steady State. If not – you can check it out as soon as it becomes available… and you really really should. According to their MySpace it’s March 24th.
BIGIDEAS began working on this album in March 2007 with their friend and audio engineer Andrew Noakowski who’d done one hell of a good job making this record. It took them two years to shape this thing into what it is now – a great sounding album that will set the mood for your day, I promise.
This is where I disagree with people from Herohill – while I couldn’t really find any songs that I would consider being huge radio hits (and for all I care – thank whatever deity you pray to for that) – the album in it’s entirety feels VERY thought-through and whole. The drums deserve some special mentioning because man, they rock! Every instrument is in it’s rightful place and even though an occasional guitar jumps out at you, completely grabbing your attention with it’s tonality and musicality (see what I did there?) – everything sounds just as it should… and is very very good.
Here’s an interesting observation that I made while listening to this album for the third time today (on my way to work, back from work, and right now) – it made me loose any perception of time. I don’t know why or how but Steady State managed to wrap me up inside of it’s melodic fabric and didn’t let me go until the very last song. And yes, melodic fabric. You’ll see what I mean if and when you get yourself a copy.
I can’t really put my finger on WHAT exactly do I like so much about this album but I really do like it. Check it out for yourself and then if you are kind enough – leave me a comment saying what you think about it and what are your thoughts on songs not being radio hits.
All in all – Steady State is a beautifully produced and great sounding album… and that is all that matters, right?
Upcoming shows:
Apr 6, 2009 20:30
The Hideout “UNPLUGGED FOR MS”, Toronto – no excuse for not attending
May 8, 2009 21:00
The Red Rooster w/ VOLCANOS IN CANADA, THE SPEAKEASIES, & JETS TO GROUND, Burlington
Jun 12, 2009 20:00
Forest Hill Memorial Park/ Cancer Relay for the Cure, Toronto
U2 – No Line On The Horizon
Then she put her tongue in my ear. – wait… what?
For quite some time I’ve been looking for an album that I will be able to deep into shit without feeling like a total asshole and pissing off too many people. Mainly because my reviews are generally positive and I really wanted to talk some negative stuff.
Come in No Line On The Horizon.
Now, here’s the problem that I have with this record: lyrics. I’m not a huge fan of U2 (I’ve never been and I never will be), but I do recognize the fact that they’re great musicians and incredible performers. I like Bono’s charismatic persona and I like his glasses. I do think that The Edge is a very talented guitar player and anyone who disagrees with me when I say that “these guys really know how to put on a great show” – can suck their own feet. (Okay, that was a little harsh, I accept.)
No Line On The Horizon. A four minute song that feels like a two minute song (go figure, I’ve no idea why).
Time is irrelevant, it’s not linear – okay, I’m loving it. Meaning is uncertain, but I feel that.
Then she put her tongue in my ear – wait… what? Feels kinda good, but how do these two lines co-exist and co-relate?
Instrumentation isn’t something I’d be humming along to and definitely isn’t something I’d even remember. Still good though, but not great. Just a matter of preference, don’t throw rocks at me.
Magnificent. Starts out with some pretty cool chords that I found to be rather delicious. But then… a pop-synth comes in (don’t tell me it’s a guitar or I’ll smack myself… because I can’t smack you… because it’s internet… I’m not crazy) and THEN… Bono starts singing “Magnificent“.
Am I the only one who thought “Shit, he’s singing about himself isn’t he?” Let me get this straight – when it comes to musicians I’m the first one to advocate ego’s and arrogance (ask me why) but boy… a little too much? But who am I to say, I’m an arrogant fcuk myself.
I was born to sing for you – okay, I feel that, you’ve been doing pretty well.
I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up – the big J.C.? Thanks, I’ll pass. Next!
Moment of Surrender. Is it again just me and my weird imagination, or does this song sound like a perfect soundtrack for a very high quality erotic film? Don’t tell me you haven’t seen any, I don’ t believe you.
To the rhythm of my consciousness – right on, rock on.
To the rhythm of yes – unless it’s a metaphor for sex – I really don’t get it…
I was punching in the numbers at the ATM machine – dude… seriously, come on, really!?
I could see in the reflection – okay… I do it too.
A face staring back at me – big deal, let me know when you see an ass staring back at you, that’ll be worthy of a discussion.
Unknown Caller.
Force quit and move to trash – well somebody’s using a MAC! Sweet little thing, ain’t it?
Restart and reboot yourself – now that must be a reference to a PC…. the only way I’d hate the lyrics more if he sang “Blue screen of death. Re-install the system.”
This is actually getting funny… move on to the next track.
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight. – I’m not even gonna point out the irony here (yes, I totally stole that phrase from somewhere)
Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit – yeah, and there’re a lot of other bodily functions that need to be satisfied. Scratch your left ear with your right hand anyone?
Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot – that’s actually quite an interesting thought…
I’m just being picky on this one… care to help?
Get On Your Boots. I think I actually hate this song… I really don’t want to be listening to Bono sing about sexy boots… Please…
Here’s where you gotta be
Love and community
Laughter is eternity if joy is real – it may be a great message but coming from Bono… I’m just getting a little tired of it all.
I’ve got a submarine you’ve got gasoline – I need a phone number of your drug-dealer. I think the guy’s amazing.
I don’t wanna talk about war between nations – I don’t want to hear you talk about it either. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement.
I can’t go on like that anymore. Stand Up Comedy wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t listen to it on a daily basis. I wouldn’t even listen to it at all actually… Fez – Being Born – interesting. White As Snow – liked the music. Breathe is probably one of the most tolerable songs on this record. Cedars of Lebanon – I’m just so tired that I don’t even want to listen to it anymore…
This is by far the first record I couldn’t listen to from the very first second till the very last. Like I said – I have a big problem with lyrics. I get metaphors and all that (in fact I love them and I know how to use them), but seriously… I’m just not feeling it.
If you’re not too busy – please do leave a comment with your opinion and whether you agree with me or not. If you are, in fact, too busy – oh well… I’m gonna go and cry into my pillow now.
Have a nice day and may the force be with you.
God, I hate this record…
Provincial Parks – Interview
“Can I get you something? Tea, water?”
“Water would be nice”
Delaware House welcomes me with a warmly lit living room and a glass of water that I, being a humble pilgrim in search of great music, requested. I land myself in a chair, opposite Provincial Parks, that make themselves comfortable on a couch. We sit down for a chat that you, beloved reader, are about to be a part of… given that you’ll actually read and not just scroll through.
The answers are much more brilliant than the questions. See for yourself.
Photo by Ainsley Wing
How long have you been playing together for?
Will: Pretty much the duration of two years and a series of months.
How long have you guys been musicians?
Will: I started piano at 7, and I’m 27 now, so I guess I could say 20 years.
Scott: Yeah, I’m about the same. Well… yeah. I started playing trumpet in grade six.
Pete: I started playing drums when I was 11 so… I’m not very good at math but I think it’s about 15 years.
When was the first time you realized that you wanted to play music and what were your other options?
Pete: Ahm… I know it sounds corny but I kind of always wanted to do it. Since I was a kid really. So as long as I remember having any career aspirations it’s always been music. So I always played a lot… I come from a small town so I had a lot of free time, ’cause there’s nothing going on, so I just played a lot of drums and played some shows in high school. I was always looking for a band.
Scott: Because I was a trumpet player… and… pretty good trumpet player, I found myself in concert bands, playing in orchestras and wind ensembles. Honestly, in high school I realized that girls like guitar players way better than they like trumpet players.
Will: After piano I think the next thing I did was french horn, in grade seven, and then I played drums in grade eight and then in grade nine – a band. And I already started guitar in grade seven. I think listening to Hendrix and then later on – The Grateful Dead, and a lot of jam rock bands, and after that I started pursuing music in that jam-rock-fashion way and then, you know, I was also raised on folk music. I guess I always knew I wanted to do music, but I didn’t know in what capacity.
(more…)
Franz Ferdinand – Tonight Review
I don’t bloody know where to start…
When I first sat down with this album, cherishing the thought of getting to know it a little better (with an option of getting a little intimate) – I didn’t know what to expect. I knew that the album will be good, and good it is, but I also knew that there is a possibility of Franz Ferdinand getting carried away with their experimenting and shit… The good news is – they’re still good old Franz Ferdinand cooked by the same old recipe, but the dressing and the spices are a little different this time around. The bad news is that a lot of people dislike it…
Fuck it all I say. You aren’t a “lot of people” (I’d like to believe), you’re a beautiful and unique snowflake. Keeping this thought in mind go here. No, seriously, click away. Watch the video, then come back.
So, now that you’ve watched that really cool documentary lets get to the point. The album is great. No, seriously it is. I’d buy it just because of the fact that it was recorded in a town hall that hasn’t been used for twenty goddamn years, but that’s just me.
All the way from The Fallen to Ulysses… they’ve come to entertain and make us dance to rock songs. And they’ve been doing a bloody good job.
Ulysses is catchy as hell and pops into your head (seemly at random) throughout the day, making you want to put your headphones on and listen to the track yet again… which you end up doing. Seriously, it’s like a plague. There’s no avoiding it.
Turn It On (which is the second track) has a tendency of… well turning you on. Sweet, sweet, sweet guitars.
After that goes my personal favourite No You Girls acoustic version of which radiates simplicity and charm that you’ll instantly fall in love with. I’m really not sure where to get that acoustic version, I stumbled upon it accidentally, while doing my research, but I’m not gonna tell you where I found it because I’m a mean bastard.
Let me stop right here and tell you something that you, being a beautiful and unique snowflake, may already be thinking.
I can break the album down for you. I can tell you why you should like every single song. I can tell you how guitars sound on every song. I can tell you that this record is beautifully but not overly produced. I can tell you a lot of things about this record. I can even link you to two more reviews that do precisely that (hint: they break it down for you). But what I CANT do is tell you whether you’ll like this record or not…
So how about you just go and pick it up from the store (and yes, I know that you have $20 to buy the CD so stop being a cheap fcuk), go back home, pop it into your sound system and see for yourself?
And that is why this review is so incredibly useless and ridiculously short…
Now if you will excuse me, I have No You Girls to listen to… for an *nth time….
Franz Ferdinand
MySpace
Franz Ferdinand
Kool Haus
Toronto, ON
Mon, May 4, 2009 08:00 PM
Eleanor Put Your Boots Back On by Franz Ferdinand (ed. note (Allan):we want to friendly with the Web Sheriff so here’s an old track)
Provincial Parks – Iron Poines EP
“Can you write a negative review?”
“I can write whatever the hell I want. The problem is that these f*cking musicians are too f*cking good”
This was a conversation that I had earlier this morning with one of my friends. One thing I’m definitely good at is negating everything. The funny thing is that as of late I couldn’t find even one album that I would dislike enough to write a negative review, dipping the whole thing into shit.
With that thought in my mind I sat down with my laptop, put my headphones on and pressed play in iTunes. The sun was setting and “Open Grave” hit my eardrums with a pleasant guitar that I instantly put into my mental list of “sounds I bloody like” (along with Taylor Hawkins’ drums and Kurt Cobain’s fancy 5-string). The song left me wondering what exactly did I mean when I left a note to myself that said that the “first track is confusing”, so I crossed that out and wrote “I feel that” instead. Once equilibrium was regained – the second track began with a seamless transition that left me sitting dumbfounded, going “holy shit!!!”.
While “Open Grave”, being a perfect opening track for this album, didn’t impress me that much, it’s “Love/Confidence” that I immediately fell in love with… That track, for whatever reason, made me think of California. California at it’s best. Setting sun, sandy beach, beautiful women and nothing but the sound of the ocean to be heard in the evening.
I don’t know why. Don’t ask me. So all in all, I was tapping along with the song and wishing for summer…
With the third track I was once again impressed with the way the songs end and begin, but then realized that I’m trying to make out what’s being sang. And even though that didn’t bother me one bit because I was enjoying the overall flow of this record, it does get a little tricky on some songs. Vocals are a little low in the mix, but hey, I’m not complaining.
The A Side of this double-sided EP ended with an instrumental track which gave the name to the whole album. “Iron Ponies” must’ve been controlled-substance-inspired because… well I’m not gonna tell you why. What I am gonna tell you is that the whole album feels very thought-through, very chill, very laid-back and very, VERY good.
There is no way for me to describe what I actually think about this release because right now I’m playing “The Wasp and the Dragonfly”, which I know will be stuck in my head and will keep playing over and over again, making it impossible to think or write.
On that happy note…. well no, screw this. I have absolutely no idea how to segue into this, so I’ll just put it on the table.
If every record will be just as mood-setting, as melodic, as good as “Iron Ponies” than there’s definitely something to look forward to this year.
And goddamn I can’t help but think of California and everything incredible that life can offer… I wish the sun was setting. I wish there was nothing but the sound of the ocean….
Provincial Parks – listen to them.
iTunes: Iron Ponies – EP – buy them.
Facebook – add them.
January 31st 20:00
Whippersnapper Gallery with Boys Who Say No (EP release), Woolly leaves, People Of Canada – go see them live.
Colors In The Air – On The Inside
Think of the morning after…
When I decided to write a review about Colors In The Air I had absolutely no idea as to how am I gonna bloody do it. I first thought that their music is way too poppy and… it scared the hell outta me.
They use a lot of effects, their singer is able to hit high notes, their name suggests that they may be happy. What does the last one have to do with anything? It’s simple – how many happy musicians do you know that are actually good? Bob Marley is out of the picture… he had his own thing going on, if you know what I mean. Musician, in order to be any good, should be miserable… to a certain extent of course. And still, despite all those supposedly bad things that I just said about CITA… I think that these guys are bloody awesome…
Having said that, however, they aren’t something I’d listen to on a daily basis, but again it’s a matter of taste. You know how sometimes you listen to an EP or just some random song that was recorded with three mics and two acoustic guitars and it just gets under your skin? You know how you then go and BUY their album because you were so deeply in love with that one song and you’re hoping against hope that the rest will be just as good. And then it leaves you heart-broken and somewhat disappointed because that one song that you’ve listened was stripped of all it’s clothing and the glitter was washed off… And you loved that song for what it was…Think of the morning after a great sex with a person you met twelve hours ago and madly fell in love with. You look at them lying there in all their simple, naked glory… and you still feel the same way as you did yesterday.
This was the case with Colors In The Air. I’m not implying that I fell deeply in love with their music, no I’m sorry but I didn’t, but the morning after looked just as good as the evening before. I first heard them on their Toronto EP and despite all those little imperfections and flaws in production – I thought they were really really good. I also had a chance to listen to their tracks umixed and let me tell you something… they do use a lot of effects and their singer can, in fact, hit high notes, but fcuk me, they sound awesome even unmixed.
When I talk about On The Inside it all comes down to a few simple things. The instrumentation is a fluid motion and once you let the current carry you away – you don’t want to get out. The vocals keep echoing inside of your head for quite some time after you turned your stereo off and you keep humming the melody for the entirety of your day. Well, I know I did.
CITA are on the right track to the top. They’ll get there. They deserve it.
Don’t you think that they won’t do it… yes they’ll do it, yes they’ll do it.
On The Inside 9.0/10
