Chipped Hip

Polaris picks 2014, first ballot

June 10, 2014

Here’s my first ballot for this year’s Polaris Music Prize. Normally I write a bit about each album, but I’ve already raved about all of these before, so I’ll just post the list.

1. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
2. Nicholas Krgovich – Who Cares?
3. Said the Whale – hawaiii
4. Drake – Nothing Was the Same
5. PUP – PUP

Posted in Lists Tagged Drake, Mac DeMarco, Nicholas Krgovich, PUP, Said the WhaleLeave a comment

Babe Rainbow – “Twin Peaks”

May 26, 2014

The music video for Babe Rainbow‘s song “Twin Peaks” is billed as a “life hack,” although it’s actually a hilarious instructional video about something we all already know how to do. Learn how to cut an avocado and listen to the beautiful IDM tune below.

Falling Apart is due out on July 7.

Posted in Videos Tagged Babe RainbowLeave a comment

Mounties – “Tokyo Summer”

May 1, 2014

I got a puppy three weeks ago (look how cute this fucking thing is), which is why I’ve slacked off on blogging lately. But in an effort to get back aboard the blogging train (toot toot!), here’s the excellent “Tokyo Summer” by the Canadian supergroup Mounties. Since it’s hot and sunny here in Vancouver, this is very seasonally appropriate.

I reviewed the album Thrash Rock Legacy for Exclaim! and interviewed the band. “Tokyo Summer” is my favourite song from the record.

Posted in Videos Tagged Fur Trade, Hawksley Workman, Hot Hot Heat, Limblifter, MountiesLeave a comment

Jay Arner – “T.S.A.T.S.”

April 14, 2014

Local boob Jay Arner has a flexi disc coming out for Record Store Day on April 19. It’s for the song “T.S.A.T.S.” — that’s a polite way of saying “Throwing Shit at the Sun.” It’s a psychedelic pop track that switches between woozy comedowns and cloudburst crescendos.

Posted in Tracks Tagged Jay ArnerLeave a comment

The War on Drugs – “Red Eyes”

April 9, 2014

The War on Drugs‘ new album sounds almost exactly like Kurt Vile, which isn’t a coincidence, since Vile used to be in the band. “Red Eyes” is a psychedelic, synth-draped interpretation of classic heartland rock.

It comes from the excellent new album Lost in the Dream. It’s not my favourite album from 2014 so far, but it’s close.

Posted in Videos Tagged Kurt Vile, The War on DrugsLeave a comment

Mac DeMarco – “Brother”

April 5, 2014

So far in 2014, Mac DeMarco is the leading contender for the year’s best album. Salad Days is a brilliant collection of warped jangle pop weirdness. I wrote about it for The Tyee.

Hear the excellent “Brother” below. The arpeggio riffs when the vocals enter are magic.

Now that Mac is famous-ish, will someone finally give his old band Makeout Videotape‘s album Ying Yang a proper pressing?

Posted in Tracks Tagged Mac DeMarco, Makeout VideotapeLeave a comment

Jack White – “High Ball Stepper”

April 1, 2014

I don’t get starstruck easily, but if I ever met Jack White, I’m pretty sure I’d flip my shit. Today, I wrote a news story for Exclaim! about his upcoming album Lazaretto. Not only am I excited for the music, I’m equally eager to see all the art and promotional materials that will go along with it.

A video for the instrumental cut “High Ball Stepper” is below. I’m intrigued…

Posted in Videos Tagged Jack White, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, The White StripesLeave a comment

Kings of Leon – “Supersoaker”

March 31, 2014

Back in December, I was having a conversation with a friend about how much I enjoy arena shows. I resolved to start attending more arena gigs, as last night was my fifth since then. I reviewed Kings of Leon for the Georgia Straight, but the band’s showmanship was a little lacking.

Below is “Supersoaker,” which has a pleasantly Strokes-y guitar part.

Posted in Videos Tagged Kings of LeonLeave a comment

Islands – “Wave Forms”

March 29, 2014

I interviewed Nicholas Thorburn of Islands for this week’s Georgia Straight. He’s one of my favourite singers, and his voice sounds especially great on “Wave Forms,” which is the standout cut from 2013′s Ski Mask.

Posted in Tracks Tagged Islands, The UnicornsLeave a comment

Against Me! – “Black Me Out”

March 26, 2014

I interviewed Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! for this week’s issue of the Georgia Straight.

The band is playing in Vancouver as I type this, but unfortunately I’m not able to make it to the show. As a consolation, I’m watching the video for “Black Me Out” from the recent album Transgender Dysphoria Blues.

Posted in Videos Tagged Against Me! 1 Comment