Blog name change!
As anyone who actually reads my blog posts may note, I have changed the name of my blog to denote the change that is happening in its content. As I have mentioned over the past few posts I have decided that this blog is going to start covering only Canadian indie music and news that affects it. I won’t be deleting my other posts but starting tomorrow I will start to blog about just the Canadian indie music scene.
All I can say is I’m glad that I have finally found some focus in my blogging. I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to mention Twilight in another post and hopefully Twilight and the Canadian indie scene will never cross paths. That will be the day hell breaks loose.
The name “Grayowl Point” comes from an area near why I live. It’s actually a street name among other street names that have to do with nature. Streets like “Swirlingleaves” and “Stonecreek” are some other names. My friend Anser and I were discussing what we would call our first album if we ever made music and decided that “Grayowl Point” would definitely be the album’s name.
Perhaps it still will. Who knows?
Tomorrow, expect a review of The Ghost is Dancing’s latest album entitled “Battle’s On.”
Why I love the Canadian indie music scene
Seeing as how the time for this blog to transform into a Canadian indie music blog is coming close, I thought I would start out with this. What makes the Canadian independent music scene so endearing to me.
I can really define the scene in one word: love. Sure, the majority of the masses may love to listen to “Boom Boom Pow” or “LoveGame” or whatever the fuck is popular now, but the one thing that can be noticed is that most popular musicians are really not that humble. I say “most” here because it is of course not true for every musician. Chris Martin of Coldplay is an excellent example of an extremely popular musician who is actually nice.
What I absolutely love about independent musicans, especially in Canada, is that they are always the most charming people ever, and you rarely hear about feuds with one notable exception (*coughcoughflaminglipsarcadefirecough*). Of course I am getting a lot of this info from when I’m listening to CBC Radio 3.
One independent musician that is a great example of the Canadian charm is Dan Mangan, who I have already referenced in two other blog posts already. Just from viewing the one video of him performing his lovely tune entitled “Robots” you begin to see what I’m talking about.
As well, musicians are always very hilarious in interviews. A good example of this, although you can count him as a journalist as well, is Nardwuar the Human Serviette. He is the frontman of the band the Evaporators and is just so much fun to listen to.
I’m going to provide a more personal anecdote now. Even more endearing than Canadian bands from around the country are the bands that are close to home. For me, there are two bands that absolutely stand out and will never be forgotten.
One is the band called The Elwins. They are probably the sweetest guys you will probably ever meet. I recall, once when I was attending a local concert-ish monthly event in my area called the Basement, I was there alone. I was sitting down sort of staring at nothing when a guy started talking to me, introducing himself to me as well as the guy next to him. He asked me if I knew the bands that were playing, I said I knew one band and after that he looked at the other guy.
I didn’t realize the significance of this conversation until I saw the two guys performing. The Elwins had just introduced themselves to me and I didn’t even know it.
The other band I want to mention is the Passengers. They are from the same city as me (Mississauga Ontario represent!!) and I am very close to at least two of the band members. These four guys are probably the funniest and most humble band I have ever had the pleasure of knowing (although truth be told they’re probably the only band I really know that well). I remember, when they were performing at the Basement, they were celebrating the release of their EP entitled “Do you have a flag?” and being a huge fan of them already I bought it. I got all four of the band members to sign the disc and when I asked Ryan, a very close friend of mine to sign it he had no idea what he would be writing.
It is this love, for lack of a better word that draws me into the Canadian independent scene. I don’t know any other country whose scene is as close-knit as Canada’s. Despite Canada being the second largest country in the world we are surprisingly close together.
Two links you should definitely check out: http://www.myspace.com/meetthepassengers and http://www.myspace.com/theelwins
The live fan effect
I’m not sure this issue has been discussed very much, but if it hasn’t then I would like to coin the term “Live Fan Effect.”
The effect is rather simple to explain. When an excited concert-goer sees a favourite artist/band of theirs perform, then they will be obliged to sing along with them. Nothing wrong with that, it just shows they are supporting their favourite artist. Some fans may want to tape certain performances so that the world may see them on Youtube. Also not a bad idea, considering some live performances can be called legendary and fans may be disappointed if they can’t see them.
However, there is an unfortunate fusion between the two that kills live recordings; the fan singing along with the band. It doesn’t matter how good or bad the person singing is, it really does ruin the video. The view will get distracted by the person behind the camera’s voice and will not get to hear the actual artist sing in perfection. Take for example, this video:
At least the person who uploaded this video apologized for the singing. As you can see, it took away from the momentous power of Coldplay’s “Fix You” which apparently had the whole ACC singing when they performed last July.
By the way, I do not consider myself above anyone else who sings while recording. Sometimes I don’t think it can be helped. When I went to see Radiohead last year, I thought I would get a recording of when they performed Reckoner. Little did I realize that after I filmed 30 seconds of it I had begun to sing, and I refused to upload the clip to YouTube.
I suppose the only people that really can be trusted to film a good show live are TV stations or journalists. If you are a diehard fan of someone, try not to sing along with them while recording a performance.
For a change I will leave with a video of a live version of Fix You that isn’t rife with singing.
Something to not be Optimistic about
It was this article that I link to you now that started me off on this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jul/20/thom-yorke-twilight-sequel-soundtrack
Before I begin this, I will answer two questions before they are asked. Yes, this is another rant relating to Twilight. And yes, I am a huge Radiohead fan, and especially of Thom Yorke so I may be a little (okay, maybe more than a little) biased.
So to sum up the article above, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke is reportedly “interested” in contributing music to the soundtrack of the movie version of the Stephenie Meyer novel New Moon. I almost fell out of my chair when I read this.
It didn’t make sense to me; how in the world could one of my idols, Thomas Edward Yorke, want to contribute his music, of all things, to goddamn Twilight? I don’t really need to go into excruciating detail over my dislike of Twilight; that is another blog post and a few weeks old already. However, I then read that 15 Step apparently was featured in the Twilight credits.
My issue with Thom Yorke contributing music is this: if he is so anti-corporate, why in the hell does he want to be credited in one of the biggest commercial items of this year? And at that, why choose Twilight, which has huge legions of both lovers and haters?
I was almost alright with him doing this, since the only quoted word from him was “interested.” So long as he’s not gushing over how brilliant the plot is, or, god forbid, the writing of the books, then I won’t lose respect for him, an issue I never thought I would even be thinking of.
However, the above article made a point that made me even more angry than telling me Thom Yorke may actually like Twilight, and that is this:
Nevertheless, they seem to have enjoyed the experience. “I am surprised at some of the bands that have said they’re interested [in New Moon],” director Chris Weitz told Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s kind of great. The criterion will still always be what’s right for the movie at that given moment, but Thom Yorke is interested; we might, if we’re very lucky, get Kings of Leon to do something … it’s exciting to be able to have access to this kind of talent.”
This comment may seem harmless at first glance but look carefully. New Moon’s director seems to be indirectly implying that Kings of Leon are a better band than Radiohead. Don’t get me wrong or anything, I kinda like Kings of Leon. But they are nowhere close to Radiohead as far as musical talent. Where does Chris Weitz get off, not marvelling at the fact that Thom Yorke wants to contribute music? Why would he not consider himself lucky for having him? Kings of Leon are Kings of Leon, but if Thom Yorke comes up to your doorstep you better damn well let him in.
That concludes my little rant concerning Thom Yorke and Twilight, two ideas I never though would ever be contained in the same sentence until now. I leave with this video which could be representative of how Thom Yorke feels. Perhaps some large canine animal is at his door and calls him up, calls him on the phone and tells him all the ways that he’s going to mess him up.
Back and- I’ve found what I want to do?
So I haven’t totally abandoned this blog, promise. I was actually on a vacation in Cuba for a week, so I didn’t go on the internet at all. Apparently the internet there was pretty slow anyways, so I didn’t really want to take my chances. Besides, it was only a week.
I had lots of fun just generally relaxing but I didn’t start writing this blog post just to tell anyone who atually reads this what I did in Cuba.
Actually, I wrote this because I think I know what I want to start doing with this blog. Last week I was having a chat with one of my good friends and he noticed that I was blogging an awful lot of indie music, but more specifically Canadian indie music.
And so he got me thinking, and he suggested that I maybe focus on Canadian indie music for this blog. If I did decide to do this, I would do album reviews and report on any major music news. As well, I’m planning to get a voice recorder soon and start interviewing local bands and maybe even bands from other provinces if I’m able to. I may also still rant about things from time to time. For some reason my Twilight rant is what has been drawing people to my blog lately. Who knew?
For anyone who actually reads this thing, what are your opinions? I’m very open to discussion. I’ll leave with this picture. Enjoy.
Inspirational indie songs
While going through my lovely Dashboard provided to me by WordPress, I noticed that one of the top searched items that led to my blog was “inspirational indie songs.” Now, I’m not sure how much I can actually say the following reccomended songs will be inspirational, but they are all wonderful and upbeat songs that will brighten one’s day. Even songs with a title that may not sound that pleasant. You’ll see what I mean.
Gentleman Reg- “How We Exit”- This song is a wonderful song oozing with positive energy. Even if you don’t like this song, you’ll end up with its beat and lyrics stuck in your head for a long while. It happened to me, but I loved the song, so.
Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains- “I Hate My Friends”- This was the song with the unpleasant title I mentioned. Despite what it’s called, it’s a really great rock and roll song, also with a chorus that gets stuck in your head. “I hate my friends/most most most of the time/it never ends” sings Grainger as you continue to wonder how much more awesome the song can become.
Shout Out Out Out Out- “Remind Me In Dark Times”- This song, in advance warning, approaches the nine minute mark, almost. It may even seem like the length is not needed, but there’s something about the song that really dragged me into it. I especially dig the chorus which repeats “What part of this is mine?” I loved this song so much that I was driven to go and buy Shout Out Out Out Out’s latest album, Reintegration Time a few weeks ago.
Dan Mangan- “Robots”- I already explained the charm and appeal of this one in a previous post. I post this song here again because it so wonderful.
Dog Bus- “Robot”- Continuing with the robot trend for a minute, I just heard this song yesterday. It was one of the first times I really wanted to just get up and dance, even though I was sitting in front of my computer listening to CBC Radio 3. You’ll find yourself singing the hook “I wish I had a robot/That would be so hot” over and over again if you listen to this song.
The Ghost is Dancing- “Battles On”- It’s a nifty little tune. I really have nothing else to say about it.
Meatdraw- “Are We Gonna Die?”- The song is more or less about the end of the world, but you’ll never see a more upbeat tune about the subject. Who says emo kids are the only ones who can have a say about how the world will end?
All of these songs can be found by visiting www.radio3.cbc.ca and looking up the artist or band’s page.
That’s my suggestion list for the time being. I seriously need something to write about. Inspiration, where art thou?
Goodness- I’m telling you all to listen to a hip hop album?
You’ve heard me right. I, who am a huge fan of electronic and alternative music am telling you all to go and listen to some hip hop.
Rap and I used to be good friends way back in grade six. That was when I struggled to fit in with everyone and listened to 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg to seem cool. Don’t worry though, I snapped out of that phase a year later. I didn’t become the indie snob that I am now until later.
Anyways, so let me get to the point of this posting. Recently, Canadian rapper Buck 65 made a very epic contribution to the music scene of Canada. Not only did he write three epic albums, entitled Dirtbike 1-3 (individually Dirtbike 1, Dirtbike 2 and Dirtbike 3), but they are free downloads from his website! You heard me right.
And they’re not any wimpy offerings either- according to Buck 65 himself he wrote 70 songs and each album is about an hour in length.
Now the main hatred I have for rap and hip hop is the pointlessness of it nowadays. I love the good old days of rap, when “Let Your Backbone Slide” by Maestro Fresh Wes was big. I personally love listening to that kind of stuff. Rap wasn’t talking about drugs, guns and scantily clad women. They had good messages- for example “911 is a Joke” by Public Enemy kind of speaks for itself.
Buck 65 has managed to (for the most part) not touch on these subjects, and this was part of the draw for me. You have to give the man credit- being a Canadian rapper is very difficult to carry as a career. And he’s not asking anyone to pay a single cent for his music either. He is very admirable in my eyes.
Currently I am listening to Dirtbike 1 and even though I was initially taken aback by the hip hop, I’ve managed to bring myself to like it. When I do pay attention to the lyrics I notice they’re not at all repetetive like the song “A Milli” by scum-of-the-Earth (oops, did I get the name wrong?) As well, it utilizes a full range of instruments, not just a synthesizer and a bassline. I managed to hear a piano in the last song I just heard.
So anyways, head to www.buck65.com/dirtbike to get the download code. I highly reccomend that you download these albums. Help give a little life to the Canadian hip hop scene.
This sounds like the entire antithesis of my being, I know, but I’m not going slowly insane, I swear. I leave you with a song that got Buck 65 a lot of attention- Devil’s Eyes.
Review- EdgeFest 2009
Despite the insane amounts of rain, it was a wonderful spectacle. Just yesterday I had the great pleasure of attending EdgeFest 2009 in Downsview Park, Toronto. A slew of bands played on two different stages, and with the rain that kept coming the grass quickly became mud. Rather than just give a general overview, I’ll go into detail on each band I saw. I didn’t see every single one of them, so it won’t be infinitely long.
The first band I saw was The Johnstones, who could be called a ska-ish band. I had never heard their music before and it was a lot of fun to listen to. All of the band members were very energetic, but I found myself looking at the keyboard player. Imagine a kind of short guy, slightly overweight, with long hair, rosy cheeks, a tatoo on his beer belly, no shirt and pants that looked like pajamas. That was him. He was awesome to watch. Overall a good set despite the Johnstones being known for being very, very egotistical. Band’s Quote: “I think the saying goes that first is the worst but…” “Ya, first is the best!” “And I believe legend has it that third is the one with the hairy chest.”
Next up was a band called Still Life Still, a band whose music I would call alternative-rock. They were a far more modest band, and though I don’t remember many of their songs they performed very well. Band’s Quote: “Hi, we’re Still Life Still, we’re from an area of Toronto called East York which doesn’t really exist anymore but we like to think it does.”
With not much time left until the first main act, Arkells, I saw a band called Clothes Make the Man. These guys very pleasantly surprised me. They are a rare band that does not put the instruments up way over the singer. I could identify every word the singer was saying. They seemed pretty awesome. Band’s Quote: “Don’t stare at an eclipse/ or you’ll go blind” (from one of their songs)
And with that, Arkells opened up the main stage. Starting the first song with a harmonica solo, everyone was getting pumped. Admittedly I didn’t know many of their songs but I did recognize their song Oh No, The Boss Is Coming and was able to sing a little bit with their closing song, John Lennon. Band’s Quote: “I’m John Lennon, it’s ‘67″ (from John Lennon)
Next was The Stills and honestly I wasn’t all that impressed with them, especially since I was more looking forward to a band coming up on the second stage. I didn’t see why the Stills needed the main stage- some of the second stage bands were way better. Band’s Quote: “Alright, we’re going to try and conjure some shit. The next song is called Snake Charmer.”
One of the moments I had been waiting for came up next. Beast was playing on the second stage and I was going out of my fucking mind waiting for them to go on. Unfortunately, they were struck with technical difficulties and their set, which was only supposed to be twenty minutes anyways, got cut short. They got in three songs only, but from what they did play, there are no words to describe Betti Bonnifassi’s brilliance on stage. Fucking incredible, nothing else to say. Band’s Quote: “We started late so we can’t play any more songs for you. We love you all.”
Next on the main stage was the only rapper of the event, K-oS. Boy, was he something. Despite the crowd being very white, everyone really got into everything he did. The crowd got really pumped when he sang hits from his past album, songs like Electric Heat: The Seekwill and Sunday Morning. At one point in the show he threw three blow-up dolls into the audience. Don’t ask why. He also surprised everyone when, during his performance of Man I Used to Be he pulled on Dallas Green from Alexisonfire to sing with him. Dallas looked as surprised as we were. Band’s Quote: “Dallas is going to sing the song now…”
Next on the main stage, the amazing Canadian/American fusion that is Metric. They played a really, really awesome set consisting of many new songs from their album “Fantasies” such as Gold Guns Girls, Twilight Galaxy, Satellite Mind, Help I’m Alive and Gimme Sympathy. My general observation was that despite Emily Haines being very talented, she was also a little full of herself. Band’s Quote: “We’re going to need enough love to fill the entire UNIVERSE! Or at least Downsview Park. One or the other.”
Some of my friends went to go see Cancer Bats but I wasn’t all that interested since screamo really isn’ my thing. And so then Alexisonfire took the stage and everyone went fucking nuts. Even though I don’t like listening to screaming, I have to admit I really enjoyed their performances. When they did songs from their new album “Old Crows/Young Cardinals” George (the lead screamer/singer) almost sounded like he was singing. Band’s Quote: “This one’s a barn burner, folks…”
After that is was the only American headliner, AFI’s turn to take the stage. I didn’t know many of their songs and didn’t even stand up to watch them, but they were okay. Of course they got the best response from their well-known songs such as Girl’s Not Grey, Silver and Cold, Love Like Winter and of course the ever-popular Miss Murder. I was surprised that I was able to sing pretty much every word of that last song considering I hadn’t heard it in a long time. Band’s Quote: “This next song is the first song we ever wrote. So if you guys can sing along you’ll be one of the five who can.”
And finally, finally the biggest headliner of the night came on, that being Billy Talent. Admittedly I am a huge fan of the band, and I could tell when I sang along with pretty much every song from their first two albums. I was even able to sing along with their new single Rusted From the Rain despite having only heard it once. I had the most fun singing along with Devil In a Midnight Mass, This Suffering, The Navy Song and Turn Your Back. Ben Kowalewicz, the lead singer has such an amazing on stage presence that I have to have at least two quotes from him. Quote #1: “Someone threw a chicken! Whatever happened to people throwing bras and panties on the stage? I get a fucking chicken thrown at me.” Quote #2: “You know, I feel too clean. Where’s that mud? (after getting mud thrown at him) “Thank you.”
Overall a very, very, satisfying day. It’s hard to leave with just one band’s video at the end of this, but I think I’ll go with Alexisonfire’s new single, Young Cardinals. That wouldn’t be expected of me.
Musical July
I am finding it so hard to wait until July comes around. In this one awesome month I will be seeing so many bands that I have wanted to see for a while now. Not to mention, I’ll also be heading to EdgeFest in Toronto this Saturday and seeing even more stellar bands.
EdgeFest- I won’t be watching every single band as that is physically impossible, I am looking forward to some of the acts. Namely, Metric, Billy Talent, Beast and K-oS, amongst others. It’s too bad Beast isn’t on the main stage, they’re wonderful. But as far as bands go they’re still young so it makes sense that bands like Arkells, Alexisonfire and AFI are on the main stage.
July 10- Some festival I forgot the name of, happening at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. There I will be seeing the bands Winter Gloves, who I have already gushed over in a previous blog post, as well as the instrumental band Holy Fuck. Whether or not you are aware of them, their song Lovely Allen is used in a car commerical. They have a lot of great songs though, I didn’t mean to make them sound like a sellout kinda band. Oh! And the Winter Gloves do an awesome electronic cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Go to their MySpace (www.myspace.com/winter gloves) and check it out.
July 24- I will be seeing a wonderful band known as Tokyo Police Club which I hear is pretty popular nowadays. City Center Square in Mississauga.
July 30- The day before the day before my birthday I will be seeing Coldplay in concert. Can’t wait, mainly because I know I’ll be able to sing along with a lot of theur songs. The videos are a good indication of how much everyone loves them.
Now I’m kinda stuck about what to end this off with. I think I’ll end with a Coldplay song that apparently everyone sang when Coldplay was in Toronto last year.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Time zone differences just always seem to work out so well. It was only February (four months? My goodness) that I began to listen to CBC Radio 3, and it was the best decision I ever made. I was suddenly immersed into a world of Canadian indie music, and I fell in love with so many bands that I had never previously heard of. Bands, for example, like Hot Panda, the Tranzmitors and the Ghost is Dancing. Bands I would have never seen in a million years and am now experiencing.
But one aspect of Radio 3 has made listening just that much better. It can be described in two simple words: Lana Gay. She is the most charming radio host I have ever listened to. Admittedly though, I hated her at first. Well, not hated, but disliked. When I began listening to her timeslot (6 PM to 9 PM my time) she was actually sick from work and so I was listening to Tariq Hussain, also an awesome guy. When her show returned, I did not like it at all mainly because of an accident of Radio 3- they cut short my favourite song by Beast, Mr. Hurricane in order to start her program.
And so I ignored her radio show every time it came on. Why I started giving it a listen again? No idea. But I began to love every minute of her shows, whether it be the discovery of amazing new indie music or the topics of her shows.
One example is her Friday show which is always called Foodie Friday. The Friday I happened to be listening was the day before Valentine’s Day and she was testing aphrodisiac foods with the also wonderfully charming Scott Muc. She made me laugh out loud when she thought an oyster was bleeding when it was actually hot sauce.
It was that magical, magical moment when I began to become a devoted Lanarama (that’s the name of her radio show) fan. And now whenever I listen to the 6 PM timeslot I get angry when her show is not on.
This is almost beginning to sound like an open love letter. Well gosh, I don’t like her that way, but I am a huge fan of her show. To anyone who does not normally listen to Radio 3, I dare you to listen to Lana Gay’s show, she is absolutely wonderful (if you haven’t already figured out the way I feel about her already).
What’s the appropriate way to sign off? I’ll leave you with Mr. Hurricane by Beast. Fantastic song, interesting video and guaranteed not to be interrupted by Lanarama’s theme song.
VIVA LA LANA. That will be all.
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