Album of the Year? Mayhaps.

I often gush about songs. Often I gush about bands. Not nearly as often do I gush about entire albums. There are 3 reasons for this:

1. As a full-time student, I don’t have the sufficient funds to purchase a lot of albums
2. I don’t “illegally” download albums and, therefore, must take full advantage of free or inexpensive offerings by bands when available (which isn’t as often as I’d like)
3. There tends to only be a handful of albums per year that really, truly, inexplicably stand out to me

Due to all 3 of these reasons, I’m going to tell you briefly how and why I am writing today with special regard to Little Green Cars‘ album, Absolute Zero.

I came across this little band out of Ireland—who sound anything but Irish—by happenstance as their song Big Red Dragon was a free iTunes download a few months back. I enjoyed the tune and considered it to be one of the better songs I had heard so far in 2013; however, I didn’t give them much more attention for whatever reason. Then I saw a few weeks later that their entire album was only $6.99 on iTunes, so I scraped up some loose change, stuck it into the iTunes coin slot, Bob’s yer uncle – I had the album on my computer.

This is where the magic begins. Track one, Harper Lee, had me at hello: it begins with lead singer Stevie Appleby’s boyish vocals calmly accompanying a pulsating acoustic guitar strum, but the serenity only lasts some 35 seconds before the band kicks in with climactic harmonies through the chorus. The rest of the tune—as well as the album—swells with call-and-answer vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of The Mamas and The Papas’ California Dreamin’. It may sound obscure, but it works like you wouldn’t believe.

Sure, they are fantastic tunes, but Harper Lee and Big Red Dragon are not just accidents. The rest of Absolute Zero is a feast for the ears. Angel Owl and the aptly named My Love Took Me Down To the River To Silence Me continue the trend of vocal and tempo dynamics that were present in the previous tracks. The latter, lyrically, is musical melodrama with a vocal playfulness in the bridge that juxtaposes the despair of the lyrical content. Sung by co-lead singer Faye O’Rourke, who has a tremendously unique voice, My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me is chill-inducing.

Things slow down with The Consequence of Not Sleeping which features some lovely finger picking and even more terrific harmonies. Red and Blue is far and away the most obscure song on Absolute Zero as it features nothing more than arpeggiated synth and auto-tuned vocals. But don’t get me wrong, these auto-tuned vocals are absolutely fitting to the tune.

Both The Kitchen Floor and Please again feature O’Rourke’s magnificent voice. I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite song from O’Rourke’s contribution to the album. Each of her solo offerings are unique, and yet very similar. Please best showcases her vocal ability while The Kitchen Floor exemplifies her keen sense for intense melody. 

Perhaps Absolute Zero‘s best showcase, however, is its first single The John Wayne. Beginning slow and steady with 1/4 note bumps and strums—and more fantastic harmonies, obviously—The John Wayne teases until about 1:48 in when the tempo picks right up, mildly distorted guitars feverishly chug, and cymbals crash on the 8s. Lyrically, The John Wayne is the peak of what is a very well written album. The whole of the LP is musically devastating and lyrically sound, but this tune—to me—is the climax.

Due to its numerous styles and offerings, Absolute Zero is currently a front-runner for MoreThanAFeeling’s 2013 Album of the Year, without question. I’m a little perplexed as to why local commercial radio hasn’t picked up any of this talent’s music as their sound is commercially viable, but after what’s happened to other imports like Mumford & Sons, alt-J and Coldplay, perhaps I should keep my mouth shut?

I’ll leave you with an exerpt from the fantastic The John Wayne lyrics (which pair perfectly accompanied by the tune):

You know it’s your neglect is the reason that I’m so obsessed with you
And when I asked you your name you said John Wayne
And I guess it’s true
Coz then you shot me down
Doubled over and I hit the ground right in front of you
I guess in the Wild West it’s ok to shoot the pest that’s annoying you

It’s easy to fall in love
It’s easy to be alone
It’s easy to hate yourself when all your love is inside someone else
It’s easy to take it all
It’s easy to give it to when there’s more people out there to love than people who love you

-DYLAN

(photo via thebellegame.com)

This is a quick post highlighting a band you should know about, if you don’t already. (Please note that the band has not asked me to do any promotional work for them, this is simply a fan-boy post!)

Fact of the matter is, Vancouver plays house with some of Canada’s most talented musicians. I know I don’t need to mention Mother Mother, Japandroids, Dan Mangan, Yukon Blonde, Hannah Georgas, Said The Whale, or (most of) The New Pornographers as proof, but I just did. Surely, there are many more that need not be named, as I’ve made my point.

Another perfect example of the impressive potpourri of musicianship found in the raincity is The Belle Game. I was introduced to this good-looking group of musicians through the 2011 PEAK Performance Project as they were selected with 19 others to round out the Top 20. I’ve been following the band since and feel it my duty as a local music blogger to advise anyone who will listen/read/care that The Belle Game have a new album being released on Boompa Records on April 16th, 2013 (that’s like 2 days from now!!).

This post was inspired by their most recent single I just heard and fell in love with. It’s the best* tune I’ve heard from the band, it’s called River, and I’ve listened to it about 4 or 5 times while writing this post. This band is on their way to big things, folks. If you dig the tune, check out their new album Ritual Tradition Habit, to be released in like, 2 days!

Have a listen below, and if you like it, click the ‘download’ button for your own, free copy courtesy of the band’s official Soundcloud page.

*best: music taste is subjective, obviously, as I dub River as The Belle Game’s best. Agree or agree to disagree.

-Dylan

I don’t really get it.

I realize the choice radio stations I listen to have overlapping formats so many of the artists played on one station are played on others, but seriously—let’s get a little more creative. These radio stations seem to pride themselves on playing new music with particular programs on their respective stations showcasing brand new artists and songs almost daily. So why are dinosaur tunes like Smells Like Teen Spirit still being played so often? I know the song note for note, word for word. I never need to hear the damn tune again.

Blasphemous? No. In my biased and completely unprofessional opinion, the FM radio—with exception to the particularly perplexing “classic rock” FM formats—is a place for showcasing newer music. At least it is for the 4 or 5 local radio stations in my regular rotation. Yes, I realize I could just listen to my iPod, a CD, or nothing instead of bitching about this unimportant issue, but I’m caught in the crossfire of also finding new and interesting music on these stations.

Plus, I haven’t ranted on this blog for a little while, so…

I really could go on for a while here, but I’ll just get to the list. So here are 10 great songs that I never ever need to ever hear ever again. Ever. (If you feel particularly offended that one or more of your favourite songs are on this list, consider that I, at one point, really enjoyed these tunes, but thanks in part to the radio sucking every ounce of soul out of them, I just cannot take them anymore. Not another note.)

1. Coldplay – Viva La Vida // I blame my previous workplace’s radio station for playing this song twice a day, every day for 2 years straight; still, I never want to hear the Joe Satriani rip-off of a song ever again.
2. Nirvana - Lake of Fire/Smells Like Teen Spirit // Neither of these tunes ever need to be played anywhere ever again. Both great songs that have had their day—er, decade(s)—in the sun and have been fried beyond a crisp.
3. Tragically Hip – Courage // This one kind of hurts because I still really enjoy the Hip. But no. Courage has made its way into my ears about six hundred times too many. Play just about any Hip tune but this one, pleeeeeaaase.
4. Sublime – Santeria // The band that has benefited from the untimely death of its singer more than any other band in the history of ever? I’m gonna go ahead and say yes. Perhaps if Brad Nowell did in fact practice Santeria, we wouldn’t have to be subjected to this song anymore… Pardon my bitterness.
5. Beck – Loser // I LOVE THIS SONG—I said, about 20 years ago. I’M SO SICK OF THIS SONG—I said, about 19 years ago. And yet it persists. And persists. And persists.
6. Dave Matthews Band – Crash // NO.
7. The Killers – Somebody Told Me // I could’ve almost put Mr. Brightside here, but somehow it has maintained the smallest hint of shimmer after almost 10 years. The former, not so much. Its shimmer has long faded. Enough.
8. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks // Unfortunately, this song got absolutely slaughtered by just about every radio format around in 2011. It’s the newest tune on this list to sour for me; I liked it a lot, for a brief period. 
9. U2 – (insert ANY radio single here) // Sorry, not sorry.
10. Jimmy Eat World – The Middle // This song was über-succesful in catapulting J.E.W. into rock stardom—12 long years ago! Hey guys, THEY HAVE OTHER GREAT SONGS.

I’d love to hear your feedback and find out what songs you may have once enjoyed but NEVER need to hear again. Hope this list was kind of fun for you. It was actually quite cathartic to write. Sorry again to any I’ve offended, but I’m even more sorry you still enjoy these songs

-Dylan

Everyone likes lists, right?

The fun thing with music lists is that they’re completely subjective and rank is strictly based on the list-maker’s personal tastes. Unless it’s a list based on reader voting, and with my readership, a list based on voting could be a problem… That being said, I want to do introduce to you the 3rd annual MTAF’s Top 25 Tunes of 2013 – Thus Far. Good times, right? I’m excited. Let’s do this—but first—I must note a few points:

1. The list may contain one or two LATE 2012 tunes unaccounted for on any of my Best Of 2012 lists.. (I simply missed these tunes and they were released late in the year, and I feel they definitely deserve the recognition)
2. The “ranking” of these tunes is rather interchangeable, with exception to perhaps the top 10 tunes.
3. It’s my list and I can cry if I want to.

Without further adieu, I present to you MTAF’s Top 25 Tunes of 2013 – Thus far:

1. Tough Lovers – Kids Go Out – This song’s absence on rock radio is an absolute crime. It’s never absent from my ears.
2. Biffy Clyro – Black Chandelier – Yep. Can’t help but taste the ’90s with these Scottish rockers. Drip. Drip. Drip.
3. Wildlife – Born To Ruin – A neat surprise for me: Wildlife’s latest album. Listen to it.
4. Born Ruffians – Needle – No accompanying words necessary.
5. Local Natives – Breakers – I used to have to try to dig Local Natives. I don’t have to try anymore.
6. Vampire Weekend – Diane Young – Don’t think I need to justify this in any way, at all, ever.
7. Tom Odell – Can’t Pretend – This guy is something else. Do this now.
8. Phoenix – Entertainment – Synth glory, that’s the story.
9. The Strokes – One Way Trigger – Haters gonna hate?
10. Rykka – Blackie – Thanks for this swanky, sweaty tune, Rykka.
11. Fake Shark Real Zombie – Paint It Gold – Weird ass band name fronted by a bit of an egomaniac. Cool tune, bro.
12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Sacrilege – Aside from the album art, nothing about this song is sacrilegious.
13. We Are The City – Baptism – Just. Uh huh. Moar pleeze.
14. Foals – Inhaler – This video creeps the shit out of me. The songs does too, but still smokes.
15. Tegan and Sara – How Come You Don’t Want Me – Oh, I want you Sara—I should be singing this to you.
16. Wake Owl – Grow – EP released in 2013 but this tune’s been out for some time. Sue me. But listen to the song first.
17. Acres of Lions – Bright Lights – Toss Gaslight Anthem and Japandroids in a blender and throw in Vancouver Island for seasoning. Tasty!
18. Dinosaur Jr. – Entertainment (Phoenix Cover) – Keep turning tricks, J Mascis. If tricks were songs, and turning them meant more beautiful, sanctimonious covers.
19. Little Green Cars – Big Red Dragon – “I’m not gonna wait for an ‘Oh My God’” –You won’t have to wait, folks.
20. The Veils – Through the Deep Dark Wood – Yeah, please keep doing this, Veils.
21. Thao and the Get Down Stay Down – We the Common – Banjo fun in a refreshing, non-Mumford way.
22. City and Colour – Of Space and Time – Hate him or not, Dallas Green can sing.
23. Waxahatchee – Peace and Quiet – Fun voice, crisp tune.
24. Brave Baby – Forty Bells – Released on my b-day and has a silky, sexy outro guitar solo. So yes.
25. Grounders – Grand Prize Drawl – On tour with Yukon Blonde right now. Bam!

There you have it. Happy Friday, friends.

-DYLAN

I’ll give it my best.

Matt Mays is sort of a hero of mine. I’ve been a little obsessed with this man for some time, since about 2008 when he released Terminal Romance with his then backing band, El Torpedo. Something about Mays’ straight-ahead, no bullshit rock ‘n’ roll turned me on, and I have yet to be turned off. He has an enviable knack for songwriting that on the surface, appears more complex than it really is, as he manipulates three simple chords to create a rock symphony (see Cocaine Cowgirl or Terminal Romance). His songs are anything but pretentious, and carry an honest, tradesman style of grit and integrity.

I consider these traits as significant qualifiers when choosing a band or artist to dig into. Last night, at the Commodore Ballroom, Mays proved to myself and the several hundred other people in attendance that he’s worth digging into.

Before Mays hit the stage, hard-rockin’ hairy openers We Hunt Buffalo out of the Fraser Valley (whaddup!) hit the stage and blasted the audience’s eardrums with Sabbath-esque riffs and pounding rhythms. The trio blew through their impressive set with some pretty solid tunes, including a cover of King Crimson‘s 21st Century Schizoid Man. The small part of me that still enjoys “heavy metal” was quite taken, actually. Their set was blazing.

Once We Hunt Buffalo had successfully made the crowd deaf, Toronto’s July Talk followed them up with a raunchy, fun set of their own brand of male-female flirtatious rock. Almost perplexing, though is the fact that singer Peter Dreimanis has the face of an 18-year with the voice of a 50-year old chain smoker. It’s almost hard to overcome. Dreimanis possesses the rock charisma of a 20-year vet and for whatever reason reminded me of George Thorogood. And I mean that in the best of ways. I’m thinking I haven’t heard the last from this talented bunch. Big things.

With an extended break between sets, 11:30 rolls around and I begin to wonder if Mays will ever hit the stage. Not that a single person in the venue would blame him if he didn’t. But, almost as simultaneously as that thought ran through my mind, Mays and his troop hit the stage to a very excited crowd. They open with a stellar, up-beat and pounding version of Indio—their latest single off Coyote. As just about everyone in attendance was aware that guitarist and close friend of Mays, Jay Smith, had tragically passed away only a day prior, one couldn’t help but feel for the band and wonder how much their loss would impact/inspire their performance. As soon as Indio ended, chants of “Jay Smith! Jay Smith” rang out in the audience with many surely wondering when and how Mays would acknowledge the painful loss of their brother in the set. You know it was going to happen, you just didn’t know how. Or when. Or if you were going to wind up a mess or not.

The evening progressed with a few more new cuts from the band’s most recent release as Stoned, Take It On Faith, and Loveless each sounded fantastic and better than I could have imagined. The album versions really don’t do the songs justice, in my opinion. Mays then played a cover of JJ Cale‘s 13 Days, and then slid right into Tall Trees before going into an extended version of Dull Knife, which was one of the many highlights of the show. Still to this point, however, I hadn’t caught any acknowledgment of Smith’s absence, but you knew it was weighing on the band. How could it not be?

Sure enough, after Dull Knife finally ended, the rest of the band headed side stage while Mays stood alone in front of a transfixed crowd with his Gretsch White Falcon in hand. He spoke a few words, explaining he was going to do the next tune alone. He said the past few days had been rough. I can’t even. Chase The Light was the song he played. As he finished, the crowd cheered their loudest and longest while Mays appeared overcome with emotion. This was the moment that many had waited for, and it was truly special. I’ll never listen to that song the same again.

After the somewhat unofficial ode to Smith, the rest of the band came back and belted out Travellin’ and Move Your Mind—a few terrific tracks from their 2005 self-titled LP. Shortly thereafter, my cell phone died and wound up on the floor of the Commodore Ballroom, so my track-listing order may be a little hazy, but I do know this: the band played epic versions of City Of Lakes, Terminal Romance, and finished the night off with yet another unforgettable version of On The Hood.  

On a night where the headliners had just lost a member of their band some 48 hours prior to going onstage, one would likely have expected a much more sombre affair than what was presented at the Commodore. But an energetic, inspired performance is what they got, and were grateful for every ounce of it. I know I won’t ever forget this special show.

My deepest sympathies go out to Jay Smith’s family, friends, and bandmates. Smith is survived by his wife and children and a trust fund has been set up in memory to support his family in this difficult time. Follow this link to donate, if you wish.

Rock In Peace.

-Dylan

PS – Apologies for the total lack of photos. I was unable to take my DSLR into the Commodore, unfortunately.

One of my all-time favourite Canadian east-coast rockers—nay—one of my favourite rockers PERIOD is coming to play Vancouver’s famous Commodore Ballroom this Thursday, March 28th, and I couldn’t be more stoked. His name is Matt Mays, and if you enjoy some good ol’ fashioned rock’n'roll and haven’t heard Mr. Mays’ music, you need to open your ears and bask in the musical glory. He now has compiled 5 studio albums worth of awesomeness for you to consume.

Matt released Coyote in 2012 via Sonic Records—his first album since 2008—and the album failed to disappoint. Coyote has garnered accolades such as a Sirius/XM Indie award as well as an ECMA music award. Mays is currently touring in support of Coyote all over North America. If you want tickets for the Vancouver show, you can get them here via Ticketmaster.

Matt also recently released the video for Indio, his second single off of Coyote. Check it out here: Matt Mays – Indio (Official Video)

I’m super pumped for this show, mostly because I’ve never seen Matt Mays live (with a 2-song exception during the Vancouver Olympics where I missed 90% of his rainy, outdoor set) and I’ve been a huge fan of his for almost 5 years. If all I’ve heard is true with regards to Matt’s shows, you REALLY don’t want to miss this one. Especially considering it’s at the exceptional Commodore Ballroom AND the tickets are only $25 + taxes. And to make things a little sweeter, the terrific July Talk are opening. Oh, and I’LL be there. It’s a win-win-win!

See you there!?

-Dylan

If you hadn’t noticed, I have not written a post since Valentine’s Day, which makes this the first post in over a month, and the first post in March. Also,

Hooray?

Yes, hooray indeed. But not BECAUSE I’m posting something, but the REASON I’m posting: the fabulously eccentric afro-punk rock outfit, Vampire Weekend have released two singles from their highly anticipated, third full-length album, Modern Vampiers of the City.

I think I prefer Diane Young (Dying Young?) but both tunes are pretty swell in their own ways. All I know is this is a fantastic beginning to what has the makings of a great album.

Dance party out,

Dylan.

Dallas Green used to write sad songs…

So it’s Valentine’s Day.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a special someone to spend the day or evening with, don’t take it for granted as many people would be thrilled to be in your shoes. Make sure you treat them right so they stick around for the next one! I know I’m super fortunate to be blessed with an amazing wife who I love and cherish and would do anything for. Er, almost anything. I love you, my darling.

However, for those of you who are all “poo-poo to Valentine’s“, how about some tunes that contrast the “most romantic day of the year”? A little angst? Some broken hearts, some middle fingers? The following tunes kind of have a bit of all that shizz.

Cool? Cool. Cool, cool, cool.

(Yes – some of these tunes may seem a little out of place on my blog when compared to usual content; this is one of those shameless posts)

5 (or more) Tunes You Just Might Like – Valentines’ Lonely Hearts Club

Save Your Scissors – City & Colour

I Don’t Want Love – The Antlers

Whispered Words – Dan Auerbach

The Con – Tegan and Sara

Motorcycle Drive By – Third Eye Blind

Fast As You – Dwight Yoakam

Everlong – Foo Fighters

Re-arranged – Limp Bizkit

It’s been, oh, at least a month since I’ve done a 5 Songs You Just Might Like post, and I have a minute this morning to finally do another one. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your playlist and haven’t heard these tunes, give them a spin.

A dance-y number from Blondfire; brand-spankin-new tune from Ontario’s hidden gem, Born Ruffians; Father John Misty‘s best work; a slow burn from Dr. Dog, and blues rock jam from Gary Clark Jr. that features a tasteful guitar solo (what!?)

Enjoy!

5 Tunes You Just Might Like:

Blondfire – Where the Kids Are

Born Ruffians – With Her Shadow

Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetary Sings

Dr. Dog – What A Fool

Gary Clark Jr. – Ain’t Messin’ Around

TTYL

-Dylan

This new year brings—as previously mentioned—a new digit to my age that’s going to stick around for about 10 years. I’m okay with it. I had all of 29 to wallow in the fact that I only had one year left in my 20s, and I did a fair share of wallowing so now that my 20s have come and gone, I’m basically over it.

My personal theme for 2013 is “heavier things”. No, not after that John Mayer album, and not because I plan on gaining a bunch of weight, but for other reasons.

• I want life to get a little heavier. I’m 30 now, so it’s time to stop goofing around. Not that I have been goofing around a lot, but I need to focus on the things in life that should matter to a person of my age. I’d like to start a family with my beautiful wife perhaps this year (or shortly into the next). I’d like to begin a career, even though I have another year of schooling. I want things to get a little heavy. I’m ready to grow up a little.
• I want to listen to heavier music. Not necessarily just in the “heavy metal” sense of the connotation, but there seems to be so much fluff out there one must sift through to get to the good stuff. The heavy stuff.  The sifting can be interesting, but also painstaking. I want to listen to music that makes me feel the feels, man. Also, it should be noted that I wish to listen to actual heavier music. I want to listen to music that makes me move and groove.  It might get loud. I hope it gets loud.
• I want to write heavier things. This is so much easier said than done, as “heavy” writings can come off as pretentious, cheesy, lame, insincere, the list goes on. I’m also fully aware that these types of writings cannot be forced, as that’s when they slide from insightful and meaningful into the realm of awful. I don’t want that.
• I want this year to be heavy with purpose. I want to do things with meaning. I don’t want to do anything half-assed. I want to experience nature more, soak in life, truly enjoy every single day with no regrets.
• I want to watch heavy movies. I want to watch heavier television. I don’t want to watch as much reality TV as I do. I know some people need it in a therapeutic way, but my life doesn’t beckon its senselessness. So no more Bachelor, X Factor, Big Brother, etc, etc. I will not stop watching The Soup, however, as Joel McHale wins at making fun of people who deserve it. And that’s heavy stuff, right there.

Is 30 too young to go through a mid-life crisis?

-DYLAN