Gordi - Can We Work It Out

Hard to fucking believe but ... I think so.

"Can We Work It Out" by Gordi from her 2016 EP Clever Disguise

The Stargazer Lilies - Heaven and Hell

I've been pulled into a swirling maelstrom. I am barely able to keep from drowning under its dreadful violent crushing currents. Even with every ounce of strength that I can muster, I surely must barely appear as more than a limp lifeless corpse, debris. But I know I must persist, for such is the duty of the living. In the cacophonic chaos that compels me, I hear a muted muffle. A sirenic sound that reminds of the world above, piercing into this deafening void. Truly a union of Heaven and Hell.

"Heaven and Hell" by The Stargazer Lilies from their 2016 album Door To The Sun

The Tragically Hip - The Darkest One

RIP John Dunham and Gord Downie.

"The Darkest One" by The Tragically Hip from their 2002 album In Violet Light

Beck - Morning

Woke up this morning ... and that was sort of it. Didn't have to work, didn't have to ... anything. Looked out the window and saw ... nothing ... nothing of significance. Bury me back beneath the blankets.

"Morning" by Beck from their 2014 album Morning Phase

Lotte Kestner - Off White

I've been listening to Anna-Lynne Williams in her various forms over the past few years: Trespassers William, Ormonde, and her solo work under Lotte Kestner. She recently released a cover album shrewdly named Covers. She has a very distinctive voice ... it seems to naturally carry a haunting quality ... and it melds exceedingly well in the acoustic space that Covers fills. There are certainly more than a few recognizable songs on this album but immediately "Alison" (Slowdive), "Fade Into You" (Mazzy Star), and "Do You Realize?" (The Flaming Lips) stood out for me. The certainly isn't a paucity of covers for the latter two songs but these ones by Anna-Lynne certainly have left their marks.

Anyway, I actually can't find any links of the songs to embed here for whatever reason.

Oh, look, she also released a full album recently too. Great.

"Off White" by Lotte Kestner from her 2017 album Off White

Temples - Strange Or Be Forgotten

Oh, never made a Temples post before. Well, here it is. "Strange Or Be Forgotten" ... por que no los dos ... ? ... whatever.

"Strange Or Be Forgotten" by Temples from their sophomore 2017 album Volcano

Japanese Breakfast - Boyish

Finally got to see Japanese Breakfast last night. It's been a long time coming and I've been waiting for this since last April when I narrowly missed them because of work the next day -_-. Well, the show was nothing less than spectacular. They played a great energetic set balanced with a more intimate interlude featuring a mix of songs from their first and second albums. A really great treat for me as they played all the songs I were hoping they would. I really got a feeling of elation that I hadn't felt in a while. Like the Hundred Waters concert, it honestly did not matter one bit that I went alone.

Their sophomore album Soft Sounds From Another Planet features a combination of rock interspersed with electronic elements as well as acoustic pieces. It's definitely one of the albums I can listen from front to back without problem. Songs that particularly stand out for me include "Boyish", "12 Steps", "The Body Is A Blade", and "This House".

Well, I'll certainly keep an eye out for the next time they're here.

"Boyish" by Japanese Breakfast from their 2017 album Soft Sounds From Another Planet

I Have A Tribe - Casablanca

That was not the best staycation I've ever heard. After some fireworks, fire fighting, and reignition, we're now on a definite hiatus ... I guess we finally reached some point of breaking beyond the grasp of our patience. This other song by I Have A Tribe suddenly becomes relevant. I've put the lyrics below. While this is temporary, who knows what will become of us after the smoke settles. Much like in Casablanca when Rick tells Ilsa "Here's looking at you kid" ... he's glad he was able to see her (again) and then wishes her luck ... who would be able to say if they would ever be able to see each other after the departure. So ... here's looking at you kid. Full lyrics below.

"Casablanca" by I Have A Tribe from his 2016 album Beneath A Yellow Moon

i've not been so wild in years
but if you set it out for me
i'll convince you that it's fine

of all the bars in all the world
all the head and all the girls
this resides inside my mind

i know you hurt
i fell apart
they're only words
to trick your heart

here's looking at you kid
here's looking at you kid
here's to everything we did
here's looking at you kid

i hope this letter finds you well
return address is send to hell
baby i won't stay here long

'cause it's a gift of mine to choose
a route with nothing left to lose
where all the pain and shame is gone

you know i think
the next move is wrong
but i'll fix the drinks and put the right records on

here's looking at you kid
here's looking at you kid
here's to everything we did
here's looking at you kid

i think i met her on the moon

i think she came and shared my room

and left a note i later read

it made me strong then i grew weak

it made me long to be asleep

i don't remember what it said

i miss your face

i miss your heart

i miss your taste

i'm in the dark

here's looking at you kid
here's looking at you kid
here's to everything we did
here's looking at you kid

is there a place where we could meet

some place we are not let speak

we only move in the moving slope

a place we go, begin again

a place for open-wounded men

if you get here, let me know

give me your hand

pass me the stone

you understand you will never be alone

here's looking at you kid
here's looking at you kid
here's to everything we did
here's looking at you kid

i see this tide's begun to drift

i see the moon's begun to shift

and i think it's time we moved on

so tell me what it is you know

tell me, please, so i can go

i know i chose to be your pawn

so get back up

go get along

you must stay tough, punk

the road is long

here's looking at you kid
here's looking at you kid
here's to everything we did
here's looking at you kid

Hundred Waters - Wave To Anchor

Went to the Hundred Waters show last night. Went alone, thought it'd be kinda weird, it was not. It was a very good concert, I'm very glad I went ... also, glad I listened to the album beforehand, certainly added to the experience. A very earnest performance from all the members. I would say that about the opener too (next post) so ... maybe that's just a normal thing ...?

The songs I especially enjoyed from last night were songs that I liked from the album as well namely "Wave To Anchor", "Parade", "At home & in my head", and "Blanket Me". It was also nice hearing them play "Murmurs". After the set, frontwoman Nicole Miglis came back for a short but sweet acoustic performance of "Show Me Love" from their first album. After noticing that the couple in front were singing on point with her, they ended up harmonizing together to end off the night. Don't think there could've been a better way to end it.

Great concert. Probably would've been better if it weren't on a Monday but luckily I'm not working this week. Bahaha.

"Wave To Anchor" by Hundred Waters from their 2017 album Communicating

I Have A Tribe - After We Meet

Day 1 of my staycation.

Sitting at the coffee shop waiting until the concert i will be going to alone starts.

I'm going to take this opportunity to be hyperintroverted and hyperpensive.

Not really sure if that'll amount to anything.

Maybe something will inspire in the next week.

Anyway, I sit here waiting. Listening to I Have A Tribe's "After We Meet". It feels like it should mean something to me. I don't know if it does. Couldn't find the lyrics online. So I transcribed them myself.

It's the Soundcloud embed because the version on YouTube with the music video is another more upbeat version ... but that takes away from his piercing howling musical pleas. Also, that version's not actually on the album, which is what I wanted to share in the first place.

"After We Meet" by I Have A Tribe from the 2016 album Beneath The Moon

maybe tomorrow

under some cave

we'll see the future

and i'll look away

the point of beginning is

where we will hide

they give up the chase soon

they rest for the night

after we meet

after we sleep

after we howl

after we grieve

after the fire

burns out the day

we make this love

we cannot stay

maybe tomorrow

we'll plant a seed

and out of the ground grows

all we will need

now after the work's done

he burns the sage

and every thing heavy

is gone on its way

after we meet

after we sleep

after we howl

after we grieve

and after the fire

burns out the day

we make this love

we cannot stay

Roosevelt - Montreal

YouTube recommended this song to me once. Turns out I do like it ... clever algorithm. Well, it wasn't suggested because I like any of the same artists from Roosevelt's label (Greco-Roman). Nu-disco's a train I been on before ... let's go for another ride ... choo choo mf'r. Relatedly, they are considering opening a high-speed rail line between Toronto and Montreal so ... there's that.

"Montreal" by Roosevelt from their 2013 EP Elliot

Lykke Li - I Never Learn

Really like the tense atmosphere created by the unrelenting acoustic broken up by the melodic instrumental bridge. The album version isn't cut-up like in this video but the important parts are in this video.

"I Never Learn" by Lykke Li from her 2014 album I Never Learn

Lucius - Dusty Trails

Josh introduced me to this song ... he likes it a lot. Josh and Derek both seem to like country stuff. I wonder how that preference came to be. Well, I like this too. Things don't and won't always work out but we should always remember the importance of persistence. Success sometimes need to be  built upon the smoldering ruins of our past failures. That alone should never dissuade us.

"Dusty Trails" by Lucius from their 2016 album Good Grief (live version from KEXP, album version has better mixing but can't seem to find a version on YouTube)

The Jesus And Mary Chain - Just Like Honey

Speaking of movies, I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I really do have to thank Lost In Translation for wildly affecting the course of my musical preferences. It gave me my first exposure to MBV thereby sowing the seeds of my subsequent and current preoccupation with shoegaze and dream pop. "Just Like Honey" was also another song that really stood out to me in that movie.

"Just Like Honey" by The Jesus And Mary Chain from their 1985 album Psychocandy

New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle

I recently subscribed to i'm cyborg but that's ok on YouTube. The person mixes songs with movie clips. Not a particularly novel concept but, in this case, I find s/he pairs them to good effect. It helps that I dig a lot of music s/he uses, not to mention the periodic feature of HK films.

"Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order from their 1986 album Brotherhood set to Chungking Express from 1994

King Krule - Dum Surfer

New King Krule video. Haven't listened to him since "Noose In Jah City" back in 2011 (I think it was his first 2011). Really digging like lo-fi jazzy hip hop style and actual instrumental breaks, dam son.

"Dum Surfer" by King Krule from his 2017 album The OOZ

HONNE - Warm On A Cold Night

Has not been a particularly warm summer. So, I guess this song is still relevant. Interestingly, the video has been up since 2014 but the album didn't come out until 2016. I appreciate HONNE's soulful warmth and the elements, that are for me, reminiscent of Daft Punk's Discovery album. The wrastlin' was also well done.

"Warm On A Cold Night" by HONNE from their 2016 album Warm On A Cold Night

Leif Vollebekk - Elegy

Quiet weekend ... woke up early ... went to get a haircut but David's on vacation ... of course. Well, nothing to do but chill out for a bit. ...though I appreciate the video is set during dusk ...and that the lyrics are about mournful retrospection. Uh ... ... ... whatever.

"Elegy" by Leif Vollebekk from his 2017 album Twin Solitudes

Slowdive - Star Roving

Slowdive was a thing before my time but they sure were there to get me through many dark confusing moments. I got their album before summer and have been listening to it once in a while. MBV and Slowdive really eased me into the whole shoegaze dream pop thing ... and those two genres have really become core attributes of my musical preference. The beauty of their music for me has been its uncanny ability to permeate into the crevices of my head and, for a brief moment, drown out all those meddling voices yammering on and on about the day's trials and tribulations.

Of course I was hugely excited when I had first heard of the new Slowdive album earlier in the year (first album in 22 years, who wouldn't be). And, of course, I was hugely disappointed when I found out their show in Toronto had been sold out way long ago (Japanese Breakfast opening for them also a respectable combo move onto my overall hype, well played).

A part of me actually was shying away from listening to the album and watching live performances. "What if I didn't like their new stuff" "What if I got sick of it and this was the last time they'd release something as a group" ... thoughts like were probably subtly slithering in my subconscious. That wouldn't be the first time I would've reacted that way (still haven't watched Wet Hot American Summer stuff on Netflix). Well, that's neither here nor there ... I'll figure out that part of me sometime.

Back to the actual music, unfortunately, my favourite songs from the album have not been uploaded onto (or perhaps not retained on) YouTube. Don't get me wrong ... "Star Roving" is great ... I just have this very obvious weakness to female vocals so clearly a prominent Rachel Goswell song is something I could never turn away from (*ahem* ... "Everyone Knows"). Here's a link to "Star Roving". Honourable mentions from the album include "Slomo", "Don't Know Why", "Everyone Knows".

"Star Roving" by Slowdive from their eponymous 2017 album Slowdive

(Thanks, Slowdive)

Makthaverskan - In My Dreams

Well, let's continue our Petal-related post-chain. Wasn't expecting to see the name Makthaverskan under the same label as Petal (Run For Cover) but here they are, releasing their third album, III (out October 20th). I liked a few songs from their last album, II, like "Drömland" and "Asleep" ... it's looking like I'll probably like parts of III too. (2013 feels like a while ago.)

"In My Dreams" by Makthaverskan from their upcoming 2017 album III

Slingshot Dakota - Break

Was looking up what Petal had been up to, saw she went on tour in the UK with Slingshot Dakota. Hadn't heard of them before so I looked them up. It's nice, so is some of their stuff.

"You" by Slingshot Dakota from their 2016 album Break

Petal - Silver Springs

New music from Petal! This is a very pretty song. I think her voice has gotten stronger since Shame. Really looking forward to the new EP, out September 15th. I backdate some of these entries so I can put more up at once. September 15th is actually tomorrow. I'll be sure to be there to support them tomorrow (digitally).

"Silver Springs" by Petal from the upcoming 2017 EP Comfort

Showtime Goma - Secret NRG

I was super excited about Jen Goma's solo project when I first heard about it. I think I got it as soon as it came out. I don't know where the summer's gone but it was put on the backlog for a while. I still could stand to listen to it a few more times before getting a full idea of what it's about. But, anyway, here's one of the songs that has stuck with me from my cursory listens. Oh, lucky me, there's a music video.

"Secret NRG" by Showtime Goma from her debut 2017 album Smiley Face

Sarah McLachlan - Possession

Found Sarah McLachlan's Fumbling Towards Ecstacy album at Value Village the other day. I mostly bought it for "Ice Cream"; "Possession" is nice too. She was ~25 when she released that album. I've become much more obsessed with age recently. I suppose the big things in my life are starting to precipitate and I'm just starting to get a little nervous I guess. In retrospect, I suppose I was always a nervous one.

Well anyway, "Possession" is a nice song, so is the rest of the album. I'm sure I wouldn't have appreciated it when I was 5 though.

"Possession" by Sarah McLachlan from her 1993 album Fumbling Towards Ecstacy

Stumbleine - Cassette

Rainy afternoon in the busy city.

"Cassette" by Stumbleine from his 2012 album Ghosting

School of Seven Bells - Ablaze

I still listen to "Half Asleep" by School of Seven Bells pretty frequently. Their eponymous album, SVIIB, released last year will be the band's last. Namely because of the unfortunate passing of founding member Benjamin Curtis. He had passed back in 2013, a year after the previous album Ghostory was released. There's a fair amount of other history about this album. I'll just leave a link here to a Pitchfork review of this album, which gives not only a good synopsis of the group but also my general impression of this album.

"Ablaze" by School of Seven Bells from their eponymous (and final) album SVIIB released in 2016

竹内まりや (Mariya Takeuchi) - 本気でオンリーユー (Let's Get Married)

Mariya Takeuchi was 29 when this song was released back in 1984. Now she is 65. In the same span of time, I too will be nearing the fabled retirement age. I wonder if people will look back at the acts of my late-20s with as much mirth as that of mine when I listen to this song. I like the dog at 1:40.

本気でオンリーユー (Let's Get Married) by 竹内まりや (Mariya Takeuchi) from her 1984 album Variety

OOHYO - PIZZA

This song is about summer but it was posted in March. Oohyo's 2015 album is pretty cool too.

"PIZZA" by OOHYO, a single from 2017

Tyler, the Creator - (no link available)

Listened to the new Tyler album on repeat for a good chunk of time. Wasn't really expecting too much but turned out to be super impressed. Really great mix of instrumentals (the beats and jazz interludes), earnest lyrics, and various vocals by Tyler and guests. This album's really shaping up to be one of the top for me this year (even more than Frank Ocean's from last year). Songs on heavy rotation: "Where This Flower Blooms", "See You Again" (if only he had more than the single rap verse), "911/Mr. Lonely", "November".

Same issue with Frank's album last year ... can't really find a reliable YouTube link to post here ... and I really didn't like "Who Dat Boy" too much so uhh ... I'll just leave this as one of those rare text posts.

Scum Fuck Flower Boy album artwork from Tyler, the Creator

Belle Game - Spirit

"Spirit" by Belle Game is a really great song to wake up to ... well not as an alarm ringtone, that might be a bit too aggressive ... it's a good "let's get this day going" kinda thing. Instrumentally really well layered, it will be good for the imminent autumnal arrival.

"Spirit" by Belle Game from their 2017 album Fear/Nothing

The Midnight - Jason

That's one saxety sax. Contrary to the album title, summer is on its way out. Also, please bear witness to doggety sax (he's very talented).

"Jason" by The Midnight from their 2016 album Endless Summer

The Velveteins - Midnight Surf

Rock music. Guitar jamming doesn't factor enough into my current musical rotation. It's sort of coming back ... think we're into redoing 90's stuff now (not that this is that). These guys are from Edmonton.

"Midnight Surf" by The Velveteins from their 2017 album Slow Wave

Lowell - LGBT

Oh, another backlogged song. Really liked this song last summer. Came across Lowell when I was looking up Shad's Your Boy Tony Braxton stuff on Arts & Crafts. It's positive ... guess I'm a sucker for that. New EP with "High Enough" came out a while back ... I'll check out the rest of those songs later.

"LGBT" by Lowell from her 2014 album We Loved Her Dearly

Varsity - So Sad, So Sad

Well, back to the backlog. Things have calmed down a bit and I'm just in the process of resetting my motivational compass. Here's a song I heard a while back. Beachy breakup song or something like that. Cool tempo change at the bridge. Dayum, 9 million views.

"So Sad, So Sad" by Varsity, single released in 2015.

Mac DeMarco - No Other Heart

Had this window open last night but just listening to it now. Another slamming tune by Mac DeMarco. Really good timing ... still in the bothered borough. All versions are great. Thanks for the help Mac DeMarco ... (you're much better than those contractors... !!!)

"No Other Heart" by Mac DeMarco from his 2015 love-inspired "mini-album" Another One

Live version at a radio station

Live version on a rowboat (this is the most fitting setting for this song)

Blind Pilot - "Umpqua Rushing" and "Moon At Dawn"

Anxiety not been a friend to me lately (contractors, man, get a bad one and you're in for a ride). Nothing like a small dose of melancholy to dull the edge. I've had And Then Like Lions by Blind Pilot sitting around for a while. Finally took some time to listen to it today and it sure was good timing. Melancholy because of the lyrical content of the first song, though maybe not necessarily musically ... on that note I do have to give it to Blind Pilot for their instrumental progression (particularly in the second, non-melancholic, song). Oh, lucky, live performances for both these songs on their official channel too.

"Umpqua Rushing" by Blind Pilot from their 2016 album And Then Like Lions

"Moon At Dawn" by Blind Pilot from their 2016 album And Then Like Lions

Ryan Paris - Dolce Vita

Well, since we talked about Mac DeMarco, it's only fitting to put up some Ryan Paris. First heard this from an interview with Mac DeMarco (I think this one). I think he said something about liking this song because of the sad undertones of Ryan Paris's beckoning to join him in his sweet life. I can dig that. Still a really cool song. It was made 34 years ago. My goodness. All those beautiful people ... are ... now ... slightly different. Likely more than a few of those people in that music video are dead. Holy shit. Well, today is over. Tomorrow's going to come and go. And then what? ... and then ... ... fuck.

"Dolce Vita" by Ryan Paris released in 1983

Mac DeMarco - My Kind Of Woman

You know, despite the fact that 15 out of the 20 latest entries feature female vocals, I, in fact, do also like male musicians, like Mac DeMarco. He's a real cool dude (source). In another interview, I think he said something about him really appreciating how he was able to pursue his musical passions sustainably. Ok, well, there's that.

"My Kind Of Woman" by Mac DeMarco from his 2012 album 2

Fazerdaze - "Lucky Girl" and "Little Uneasy"

This Tumblr-based music video ("Lucky Girl") is sure to keep even the most attention-deficient entranced. I, for one, welcome our new clip-based MV-lords. Surfy. Very nice. I really liked the rest of the Morningside album ... there was a very definite 90's rock influence in it (more apparent on "Little Uneasy"). Well, nu-disco was cool for a little early 2010's then 80's synth for a few years more recently, maybe the 90's thing will really foment in the next few years. Wonder what comes next ... I don't think anything remarkable really happened post-2000.

"Lucky Girl" by Fazerdaze from her 2017 album Morningside

"Little Uneasy" by Fazerdaze from her 2017 album Morningside

I used to know someone who would roller blade all over the place. I'd see her and think that she had such an aura of freedom to her. A part of me was very fond of that notion. As I am now, likely close to 15 years later ... I still don't think I would be able just ride down an empty street with the breeze gently flowing past me in a completely unclouded/lucid mindset detached from all the concerns of today and tomorrow. That would be nice though.

Maybe I should take a vacation.

Isaac Delusion - Isabella

How does one cast a music video like this? Ok, clearly, the choice of makeup, clothing, and wigs were not some coincidence ... this is some sort of statement about "conventional" beauty or whatever. But ... how do you ... look for unattractive people to hire? What did the call-out look like? And how do the people in the video feel about the whole thing? Well, I guess the assumption is there is already some baseline level of comfort within their skin. Whatever.

"Isabella" by Isaac Delusion from their 2017 album Rust And Gold

Frankie Rose - Red Museum

Well this is certainly an immersive museum experience. I wish my membership to the local museum offered similar perks. It does not. That's ok, though; learning about rocks seems to keep me sufficiently occupied. Next time I go, I'll just put Frankie Rose on and lament my folly.

Based on the quotes in this article, Frankie Rose seems to have recently gone through some heavy existence-provoking shit (this vulgar plebian could not think of a fitting unpretentious noun, I'm sorry). I'm glad she was able to get through it. And, hey, now we're all the better for her triumph (not that she gives a shit, apparently). Well met.

"Red Museum" by Frankie Rose from the 2017 album Cage Tropical

Anchorsong - Oriental Suite

I have a soft spot for watching live electronic music production. So, you could imagine I really liked watching Japanese electronic artist Anchorsong do his thing here. The song is called "Oriental Suite". It's ok, he can use that word.

Ok, I looked up why I'm supposed to be outraged by the use of O-word. It's because it was most frequently used as a descriptor for Asians during a time when Asian-Americans were discriminated against. So, not really any fun etymological reasons. Just a social one. Boring.

"Oriental Suite" by Anchorsong from his 2016 album Ceremonial

Braids - Miniskirt

This recent wave of posts has really just been a flood of backlogged posts from the past 3 years. Here's another one. This song taught me how to respect other people's belongings. I thank you Canada for producing super cool bands like Braids. I know that I don't appreciate many things until they are gone. Hopefully, Braids still be around for a while.

"Miniskirt" by Braids from their 2015 album Deep In The Iris

Perfume Genius - Slip Away

For symmetry, it's only right to post Perfume Genius. In the No Shape album, Perfume Genius incorporates new elements into his sound. I was really impressed with the instrumentals found on the album's various tracks like "Slip Away". The booming drums and the sludgy bass create a very enjoyable contrast his generally smooth and somewhat soft-spoken vocals. It's mixed really well on the album, but I'm sure it's a bit harder to strike the proper balance live. The music video's fun too.

"Slip Away" by Perfume Genius from his 2017 album No Shape

Alvvays - "Dreams Tonite" and "In Undertow"

New Alvvays album coming out. I've heard two songs out so far ... one without a music video and one with. Out of the two, I like "Dreams Tonite", the one without a video, a bit more. It has a bit more of a dream pop quality to it and I'm generally a sucker for anything like that.

Update 2017/09/13: video for "Dreams Tonite", woot

"Dreams Tonite" by Alvvays from their upcoming 2017 album Antisocialites

"In Undertow" by Alvvays from their upcoming 2017 album Antisocialites

Wolf Alice - Don't Delete The Kisses

Was going to wait a bit until I posted the next installment of Wolf Alice ... you know ... to maintain the variety. But daaayuumm, just heard this song from Visions Of A Life to be released September 2017. Calm, reassurance, energy, and catharsis all in one song. Ok, now I'm really looking forward to this album.

*edit* oh cooool music video as of August 11, sweet deal, link updated

"Don't Delete The Kisses" by Wolf Alice from their upcoming 2017 album Visions Of A Life

Wolf Alice - Moaning Lisa Smile

Nope, no previous Wolf Alice entry either.

I think by now it's abundantly clear that I prefer rock-oriented bands with female vocalists. "Moaning Lisa Smile" stayed on active rotation on my iPod for quite a while. New album set for 2017, looking forward to that.

"Moaning Lisa Smile" by Wolf Alice from their 2015 album My Love Is Cool

Alvvays - "Ones Who Love You" and "Archie, Marry Me"

Oh hey, new Alvvays. I was really obsessed with Alvvays back in 2014. Listened the shit out of that album, I'll tell ya h-wut. Oh wait, what the fuck? Did I not post "Marry Me, Archie" 3 years ago?! Eh, whatever, I guess I never really prioritized this thing. Why would I? It's really just to keep a running catalogue of music that passes me by ... that's like what the singles playlist on my iPod's for, amirite?

Ok, well, this is my favourite song from Alvvays's Alvvays album: "Ones That Love You" ... laid back, surfy, dreamy indie pop ... veh nise. Haven't really found a live performance of theirs that I've really liked but ... that's ok for me ... I'm not that snobby. Also "Archie, Marry Me".

"Ones Who Love You" by Alvvays from their eponymous debut 2014 album

"Archie, Mary Me" by Alvvays from their eponymous debut 2014 album

Perfume Genius - Hood

This blog is garbage. It doesn't have any Perfume Genius posts. Shame (ding-ding-a-ling).

I liked "Hood" immediately after listening the first time. It has a very intimate quality to it, complemented immensely by the music video too. That's one thing I think Perfume Genius certainly excels: creating an atmosphere of authentic intimacy. So, I guess it makes sense that I didn't get into the Too Bright album all too much. Anyway, of note, the man opposite to Mike Hadreas is Arpad Miklos, a former gay porn actor whom ultimately had to resort to taking his own life. Depression is no joke.

"Hood" by Perfume Genius from his 2012 album Put Your Back N 2 It

Sky Ferreira - "I Blame Myself" and "Everything Is Embarassing"

Oh, what do we have here ... another bunch of songs, which I've listened the shit out of in the past few years, that was never mentioned on this wonky webpage. How embarrassing.

The first time I ever saw her (picture) was in Sonic Boom, her album Night Time, My Time was up on some display at Sonic Boom. I didn't think much of her ... the album cover gave me the impression she was just some artist that relies more on sexual intrigue. Well, I was wrong ... what's new right. She was naked, ok. Can you blame me??

The first time I ever listened to one of her songs was at some Italian restaurant in 2014 or something. Praise be to Shazam for if not for it my life would be undeniably different. I would be, for example, agonizingly and futilely drafting a post about another song. "Everything Is Embarrassing" was really great, listened to it a lot. Then I listened to the Night Time, My Time album after I had realized my devastation of my hubris, listened to a few of the songs from there, like "I Blame Myself", a lot.

Actually, in going through the various videos and comments in preparation of this post, it seems there may have been a phase around or before Night Time, My Time where she was actively trying to distance herself from this 'qt blonde' pop persona that may have been initially the aim of her label. That would explain the sudden shift to black hair and the overt sexuality in some of her music videos (and the album cover of Night Time, My Time). That would be really cool if that were true. But... I haven't seen much of her interviews so I couldn't really be certain. Let's just pretend it's true and like totally obsess over Sky Ferreira again. Ok, ... ... ... break.

"I Blame Myself" by Sky Ferreira from her 2013 album Night Time, My Time

"Everything Is Embarrassing" by Sky Ferreira from her 2012 EP Ghost

Hurray For The Riff Raff - Living In The City

Have appreciated the soulful sounds of Hurray For The Riff Raff since watching this live set a couple years ago. So, naturally, I was very excited to see them release a new album, The Navigator, earlier this year. "Living In The City" was a song I really liked on the album ... feels like it would be fitting to play during road trip through the dusty roads of a mid-sized city in the American Mid/Southwest. Well, not that I've ever had the pleasure...

"Living In The City" by Hurray For The Riff Raff from their 2017 album The Navigator

TOPS - Change Of Heart

What ... I've never made a post about "Change Of Heart" before. Blasphemer, Guilty, Shame.
The retro 80's sound really sold me on this song back in 2014. It still strikes a chord close to the place of my listening preferences to this day. In fact, it was recently bestowed the great honour of being my ringtone (succeeding "Close Chorus" by A Sunny Day In Glasgow). TOPS actually released a new album back in June but I haven't gotten around to getting/listening to yet. Soon, though, I'm sure.

This music video really made me (also presently) want to go on a road trip with friends and eat dipped cones. Well, I can't really do any of that except eat the dipped cone. WAIT, WHAT THE FUCK, IS THAT SEAN NICHOLAS SAVAGE AT 1:16. THEY WERE BOTH WITH ARBUTUS AT THE TIME. UM. OH SHIT.

ANYWAY HERE'S THE SONG THAT I REALLY LIKE.

"Change Of Heart" by TOPS from their 2014 album Picture You Staring

Radiation City - Oil Show

Radiation City released Synesthetica in 2016. I think as far as songs go, this is as upbeat as I'll get without feeling like a cheeseball. I am deeply saddened this music video has less than 10k views.

"Oil Show" by Radiation City from their 2016 album Synesthetica

Ivan & Alyosha - Tears In Your Eyes

Folk band Ivan & Alyosha (no the band does not feature a duo with those names, it's a Dostoyevsky thing, not that I would know) released an album back in 2015: It's All Just Pretend. They're one of the few bands that know how to tug at my heart strings in a totally untrite (sustainable) way. I think the key is its compelling and appropriate instrumentals. My favourite songs off this album were definitely "Tears In Your Eyes" and the titular track "It's All Just Pretend". A description of the songs that I find I like from Ivan & Alyosha would be "subtly optimistic".

A great live performance of "Tears In Your Eyes" by Ivan & Alyosha from their 2016 album It's All Just Pretend

Mint Julep - White Hot Heart

"Aviary" has been a long-time favourite of mine. I had been wondering if Mint Julep would ever release another album since Save Your Season from 2011. The band itself consists of the married duo Hollie and Keith Kenniff. Keith has released music since 2011 under the monikers Helios and Goldmund but I've not really gotten into that stuff yet.

Anyway, I was very happy to see they had released a new album back in 2016: Broken Devotion. I guess one thing I've realized when listening to new albums from bands that I've liked before is to appreciate the differences and the development of sound. It wouldn't be appropriate to approach Broken Devotion hoping to find another Aviary-esque song. That song will always be there and it's important to appreciate the evolution that artists go through over the years. 2011 was 5 years ago when this was released ... Lord knows how much I've changed in that amount of time too.

And, how fortuitous it is, the song that I ended up wanting to share from the album has an official music video. Rejoice!

"White Hot Heart" by Mint Julep from their 2016 album Broken Devotion

Memoryhouse - It Was True

Alas, I am not here to proclaim a new Memoryhouse song. But, songs from their 2016 Soft Hate still have appearances on my singles playlist. Along with "Sarah" and "Laney", "It Was True" is another one of my favourites from that album. Hope that I'll be able to see them live again one day.

"It Was True" by Memoryhouse from their 2016 album Soft Hate

Angharad Drake - "Heaven Knows" and "Carpet"

Australian folk artist Angharad Drake recently released her album Ghost. The single off of it is "Baby" and has its own music video but I found a couple more of her mellow tracks to meld more with my current mindset, specifically "Heaven Knows" and "Carpet". Maybe due in part to the relative simplicity of the instrumentals on those tracks, the clarity and earnestness of her voice really shines through. Good for a rainy/overcast day.

"Heaven Knows" by Angharad Drake from her 2017 album Ghost

"Carpet" by Angharad Drake from her 2017 album Ghost

The Japanese House - Saw You In A Dream

Been floating a lot through everything lately ... lot on my mind ... maybe ... hard to really get into the music ... but lot of things have been sticking out.

Heard "Saw You In A Dream" by The Japanese House and was, more or else, immediately taken in by it. Smooth vocals with smooth instrumentals, easy to sail through. Autotune as an effect rather than some sort of normalization is exercised well ... reminds me slightly of what Caroline Polachek does/did. Not saying one had borne another or anything like that.

Great EP, worth checking out if you want to kick back and let loose.

"Saw You In A Dream" by The Japanese House from their 2017 EP Saw You In A Dream

"I still exist" and Sean Nicholas Savage - Blow Me Away

I still listen to music. I just have no motivation to keep logs anymore. That's what last.fm is for right? Who cares. Pretty much. Apathy has seeded itself irrevocably within the depths of my soul, torpidity abounds.

I've recently been made aware of a few releases by a few familiar names (namely, School of Seven Bells, Mint Julep, and Japanese Breakfast ... also the solo album by Jen Goma has been released since my last entry).

I'll make a more in-depth post but here's a video by Sean Nicholas Savage, because he's having a show in Toronto over August long weekend ... you know ... over one of two long weekends I had to work this year. ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?

"Blow Me Away" by Sean Nicholas Savage from his 2016 album Magnificent Fist

Zwan - "Honesty" & "El Sol"

On le vacation, rummaged through the discount pile at Deja Vu Discs, to her great chagrin. It's been quite a while since I've actually done that. Zwan was just sitting there, beckoning my purchase, earnestly and honestly (I made a joke so now you must laugh).

The album itself is quite an enjoyable listen. Definitely not one of those "only the single was good" albums. Well, here's the single and another for reference.

"Honestly" by Zwan from their 2003 album Mary Star of the Sea

"El Sol" by Zwan from their 2003 album Mary Star of the Sea

Audioslave - Doesn't Remind Me

Chris Cornell passed away the other day. The official cause of death was suicide by hanging. It happened right after a concert of theirs in Detroit. There's a post on Reddit talking about how he actually kept playing after the show officially ended to the few that stayed behind. That's heavy. Staring over the proverbial ledge and contemplating all the little things that've led up to that particular moment. Depression and mental illness as a whole are serious issues that may be lurking where we least expect it (not saying that it necessarily was in Cornell's case though). We should always try our best to recognize it and support those in need whenever we can.

For me, I'm much more familiar with Chris from his work with Audioslave than Soundgarden. I've recently gone through a lot of my Audioslave stuff and I have to admit that there is a certain somberness in the lyrics of a lot of the songs (a lot of the songs I liked anyway, so maybe there's some bias there). I wonder how long the time was that he had been battling his demons. 

Anyway, here's one of my favourites (though many of their songs fit that bill).

"Doesn't Remind Me" by Audioslave from their 2005 album Out Of Exile

Showtime Goma - Big Disaster

Also, a cursory search for Jen Goma following the serendipitous welcomed discovery of "Amorous In Your Absence" (not serendipitous because I was literally searching for Ice Choir stuff) reveals that she's releasing her first solo album in June. Well this is just one great thing after another. Really hit the jackpot lately. !!!

"Big Disaster" by Showtime Goma from her upcoming 2017 release Smiley Face

Ice Choir - Amorous In Your Absence [synthpop]

Been an avid fan of Kurt Feldman since The Depreciation Guild ... and been a fan of Jen Goma since I first heard "Close Chorus" all those years ago. And what's this, they're together in the same music video?! WHAT? THAT'S NUTS!!! However, I am aware that Ice Choir and A Sunny Day In Glasgow had toured together last year. What a great surprise to see this today. Also, the video is friggin' rad as is the song. Amorous in your absence, it's late my lover, should I let it go, or wait for you to show? Lovelorn as their 20s flashes by ... yeah ... I could get a little antsy.

"Amorous In Your Absence" by Ice Choir from their 2016 album Designs In Rhythm

Middle Kids - Edge of Town

Nice ... good energy, good sound, and nice vocals ... woohoo. Less woohoo is the fact that I just f'g missed their local f'g concert by a few f'g days. WHY DOES THIS PERIODICALLY HAPPEN?

Ohh and pretty sweet live too.

"Edge of Town" by Middle Kids from their 2017 Middle Kids EP release]

Weyes Blood - Generation Why

This is an absolutely beautiful song. Round warm sounds lulling me towards a ... beautiful place. Somewhere away from the day's anxieties that pursue us so doggedly, relentlessly.

"Generation Why" by Weyes Blood from her 2016 album Front Row Seat To Earth

Future Islands - Ran

"Seasons" was a fucking right song (and that performance on Letterman totally sold me on it, as if there had been any doubt in my mind in the first place). Future Islands released this music video in the beginning of March. Can't wait for the album, to be released in April.

"Ran" by Future Islands from their upcoming 2017 album The Far Field

Japanese Breakfast - In Heaven

Been listening to Japanese Breakfast a lot lately. There are many draws for me for their song "In Heaven". The Psychopomp album comes from the time shortly after frontwoman Michelle Zauner had gone through the loss of her mother. The readily apparent earnestness in her lyrics, to me, is an invitation to connect with her. For better and worse, I've yet to be privy to the full spectrum of human experience. Not that the experiences that "In Heaven" surround are pleasant to any degree, songs like these grant me, the listener, a temporary vicarious experience ... some part of me wants to believe that it somehow helps me understand humanity and the associated experience a bit better. In a much smaller part, the slight shoegaze influence in some of the instrumentals is well received (they're opening for SLOWDIVE?!?! ... of course that local show has already been sold out ... u_u).

I've opted to link a live version because I think they're just so cool as a band live. Also, despite the name, Michelle Zauner is Korean.

"In Heaven" by Japanese Breakfast from their 2016 album Psychopomp

MUNA - I Know A Place

It was nice to see MUNA pop up again, this time at the beginning of 2017, with their first LP About U. It was also nice seeing them perform live, on Kimmel of all places. Solid energetic performance (not as energetic as Future Islands was on Letterman though lol).

And, oh man, the added message in the bridge about "him not being my leader even though he's my president" definitely took a whopping helping of courage. And frontwoman Katie Gavin just drops it so effortlessly for the entire world to see. That's conviction. The band's noted in one interview re: their music: "We try to make music that reflects both the reality of the world we live in and some sense of optimism.". That's something I can get behind. 

"I Know A Place" (performed on Jimmy Kimmel) by MUNA from their 2017 album About U

Sun Airway - FOAM

"Put The Days Away" had helped me get past a lot of stress through my latter stint of university. I think it'll always be one of those relevant songs as my life slowly unfolds, with its joys, defeats, and all those more subtle facets in between. The urge to escape not only my situational confines but also my physical human constraints (so as to become one with the expansive cosmic dust, for example) periodically rears itself and invites my waning imagination to once again engage within its dulling surroundings.

But, I guess, beyond the periodic acute relevance of that song from days past, I was excited to find out that Sun Airway, after 4 years, had released a new music. Synth pop (or whatever) goodness is all I can say. A ray of sunshine on this (finally) snowy winter's day.

"FOAM" by Sun Airway from their 2017 album Black Heraldic Cherry

MUNA - So Special

Heard MUNA first as the opener for Miike Snow. Coco thoughtfully bought a copy of the Loudspeaker EP for me (as I didn't actually go to the show). Since then I've been happily listening to "So Special" and "Loudspeaker" periodically as it pops up on the iPod. Yet another example of how I'm ever the sucker for this type of sound. Extra points for melancholic lyrical content, not that it's relevant or whatever.

"So Special" by Muna from their 2017 album About U

Tommy Tone - I Just Wanna Stop

Authenticity is one of the most important characteristics I value in music (and probably in life in general). Novelty and technical prowess, while important, don't mean as much for me if the musician lacks conviction behind the tones and beats.

I had favourited this YouTube video a while back of Chex Maniac testing out a new mic. Apparently, he makes music too. While probably not heading to the Grammys this year, his rendition of Gino Vannelli's "I Just Want To Stop" really makes my day when things start getting a bit hectic. I have a strange suspicion he may still be using the same mic from the initial video from years ago.

"I Just Wanna Stop" by Tommy Tone from his 2015 album Fax Me A Brain

Frank Ocean - Self Control

Blonde is hands-down one of my favourite albums from 2016 ... and this is one of my favourite songs from it. Oh and Yung Lean's on here as well as Austin Feinstein, the latter of which has done some guitar work with Tyler. Maybe they know each other from the Odd Future days.

As a side note, the features on this album are quite minimal. Kendrick's on another track and he just says a few words. I guess the idea is that the focus should still be on the primary artist. Similar to how Pharrell appears and raps (which, predictably, isn't as good as his singing) in a Skepta track on Konichiwa.

Anyway, fav song from fav album 2016 dawg.

"Self Control" by Frank Ocean from his 2016 album Blonde

Self Control — Frank Ocean from Joshua Tetreault on Vimeo.

The Mynabirds - Hanged Man

This is the third song in a row that I heard from the CBC. I didn't realize they had such an impact on me. I guess it's an inevitability given how much I actually listen to them. I sure hope they provide fair and balanced news coverage.

Well, I did hear stuff from The Mynabirds before the CBC but I didn't like their Generals album very much at all. This album, however, I seem to gravitate towards much more. The pace of this one is a bit slower, giving time for that nice bass thing (and the emotions) to creep through the empty wasteland that is the remnant of my consciousness.

"Hanged Man" by The Mynabirds from their 2015 album Lovers Know

Your Boy Tony Braxton - Nightmare [hip pop]

Shad: rapper, former Q-host, 90's revivalist in the form of Your Boy Tony Braxton. Heard his song from CBC Radio 1's As It Happens soon after it was released, glad they played it. While they played Kick, I feel like Nightmare ended up being my favourite song from that album. I've never actually listened to Shad's rap stuff. Maybe I'll check that out, eventually.

"Nightmare" by Shad Your Boy Tony Braxton from his 2016 album Adult Contempt

Justin Rutledge - Blue Jeans [alt-country]

Listened to this one foggy Saturday morning on my way to the vaunted weekend shift. Was a really nice start to the day. Thanks Justin.

Although, being a city slicker and all, some of the lyrics aren't particularly relatable ...

"Blue Jeans" by Justin Rutledge from his 2016 album East

DIANA - Strange Attraction

Why do I like this synth thing so much? Iunno, but I'm glad this 80's retro thing has been going on for the past bit (the music, mind you, not the leopard print). I wonder if they'll revive grunge next. I think I'd rather have more shoegaze.

"Strange Attraction" by DIANA from their 2013 album Perpetual Surrender

10cc - I'm Not In Love

No, I didn't listen to 10cc in the heyday of my youth. I listened to it because people who did listen to it in the heyday of their youths began directing movies and arranging soundtracks and decided to include them in their works (ahem Guardians of the Galaxy).

On a related note, I thought the "big boys don't cry" interlude was an insert from the movie itself. I guess I was wrong, again, as usual, I don't even know what I was expecting, tell you the truth.

"I'm Not In Love" by 10cc from their 1975 album The Original Soundtrack

Maggie Rogers - Dog Years

I'm not 100% sure but I feel like I'd give any song with a pulsing 80's-esque synth beat a chance. The muffled piano helps to add a comfortable layer too. She only has 3 singles out so far and already half a million views. Veh nise.

"Dog Years" by Maggie Rogers

Groenland - Distractions [indie pop]

Watching people have fun is quite entertaining. I think I prefer living vicariously over living actually myself. Also, cool song yo.

The root of Groenland (i.e. Greenland) is "ground", it is "ground land" because the friggin' Vikings that colonized that place found friggin' ground in the middle of nowhere. Though accounts do note there was probably vegetation there initially that later disappeared as the ice sheet moved down. Or something like that.

"Distractions" by Groenland from their 2016 album A Wider Space

Yung Lean - Hoover [rap]

I once asked someone whose two word Chinese middle name started with Yung if she had ever heard of Yung Lean. She did not. It was yet another ineffectual reference, another drop in the sea of multitudinous failed attempts.

Anyway, I'm surprised I haven't linked any Yung Lean songs on here. I think, initially anyway, I liked Yung Lean more conceptually than I did musically. I didn't follow him right from the beginning but I think his appeal was more novelty at first (awkward-looking 16 year old Swedish rapping with his friends). But he's certainly become a name with some recognition nowadays. I think appreciated the fact he would pursue something like this. I'm not too sure about what Sweden's like but I think I can reasonably say that rap does not have a long history there. Certainly took some guts to go out and pursue something like that, commendable.

I rocked out to Hoover a lot when I was in Vancouver. I even got my girlfriend into it to some degree.

"Hoover" by Yung Lean from his 2016 album Warlord