Articles posted in February 2011

Didn’t we have a good time?

February 12, 2011

If, at the end of 2009, I had made a list of my favourite albums of the past decade, Panda Bear’s 2007 masterpiece Person Pitch would have been right near the top. So I’m pretty excited to post the first official cut from his new album, “Last Night at the Jetty.”

I already wrote about this track for Exclaim!, so you can go there if you want to read a description. But really, do you need any colourful descriptions or flowery adjectives to convince you to listen to this?

Let’s just say I’m not disappointed.

MP3: “Last Night at the Jetty”

Posted in Tracks Tagged Animal Collective, Panda BearLeave a comment

And I scare you

February 10, 2011

Shit, I just did so much writing. A few seconds ago I finished a 1,000-word article. Naturally, the first thing I’m doing is writing a blog post. Bathroom and food later.

Last week, when I wrote an Exclaim! article about Raven in the Grave, the new album by the Raveonettes, the band promised that it would be “one of those albums that makes you wanna blow your brains out.” Well, there’s nothing too dark and depressing about the lead single, “Forget That You’re Young,” which pairs slow-burning beats with chiming guitar leads and daydream vocal melodies.

Originality has never been the Raveonettes’ strong suit, as they’ve spent pretty much their whole career aping the distorted pop sounds of the Jesus & Mary Chain. Still, at least they do it well, and this track is no exception.

MP3: “Forget That You’re Young”

Posted in Tracks Tagged The RaveonettesLeave a comment

Laughing like a fool

February 9, 2011

It’s been around eight years since ’80s revivalism became cool, but the trend is still going strong. But hey, I’m not complaining—at least not so long I keep hearing songs as good as Austra’s “Beat and the Pulse.” It’s a catchy goth pop tune that envelops you for six glorious minutes of dancefloor-ready beats, ominous synths and ghostly, Knife-esque vocals.

Of course, there are other times I wish the ’80s would just go away.

Austra will release Feel It Break on April 17 via Paper Bag/Domino. Go to Exclaim! to read my album announcement story.

MP3: “Beat and the Pulse”

Posted in Tracks Tagged AustraLeave a comment

All I want is to throw frisbees and bake cookies

February 7, 2011

Shera Kelly likes bikes. At least that seems to be the implication of her new EP, A Bicycle Commuters Anthem.

Here’s the bubbly acoustic tune “Seafoam Green,” which contains hand claps, finger snaps, a background shout of “babies!” and lots of other sunny pop touches. The song is about an unfulfilling relationship, but it still sounds practically giddy.

Shera’s got a EP release show coming up on February 24 at the Media Club in Vancouver. Her email to me promised that it will be a “very bicycle-oriented” performance.

MP3: “Seafoam Green”

Posted in Tracks Tagged Shera KellyLeave a comment

If I had an orchard

February 6, 2011

The room was so expensive that they couldn't afford enough chairs

At first, I couldn’t quite make up my mind about this one. The new single by Fleet Foxes, sounds similar to their self-titled debut (and the Sun Giant EP), with a lush acoustic sound that combines baroque Brit-folk with the rich harmonies of Laurel Canyon rock. But while the lyrics usually took a back seat on the band’s previous material, this time they’re prominent, even intrusive.

Most songwriters write lyrics after the melody is already finished. But here, singer Robin Pecknold sounds a bit like he’s trying to stuff his already-written words into the cadence. He occasionally hangs on the same note for several words at a time, as if he doesn’t quite know what do with each syllable. On first listen, you might be turned off by the awkward first lyric: “I was raised up believing I was somehow unique / Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes / Unique in each way you can see.”

Things get better as they keep going, however. The lyrics that follow aren’t as clichéd as this opening simile, and by the time the backing vocals join in, you’ll realize that this actually sounds a bit like “White Winter Hymnal.”

Hot damn, I think they’ve done it again.

MP3: “Helplessness Blues”

Posted in Tracks Tagged Fleet FoxesLeave a comment

I definitely didn’t get what I wanted

February 4, 2011

Last year, I wrote about a band called High School, that dropped a few awesome home recorded tracks. Well, it turns out that High School isn’t a real band, but the dudes from We Are the City in disguise. Now, the guys have revealed their true identities and released an EP, fittingly titled High School.

When I first posted the track “Happy New Year,” I said that “the band would benefit greatly from some time in the studio.” Well, here it is. I previously said that it “begins with sunny, vaguely tropical riffs before morphing into a sparse, lo-fi rocker.” All of that still holds true except for the “lo-fi” part. Consider this potential fulfilled.

MP3: “Happy New Year”

Posted in Tracks Tagged High School, We Are the CityLeave a comment

Words don’t fail me now

February 3, 2011

Dum Dum Girls have a new EP coming out. The first single is the title track, “He Gets Me High.” You know the drill: fuzz, reverb, retro pop melodies, blah blah blah. The only difference is that this one was recorded in a real studio, rather than at home. Still, despite the more full-bodied production, this one sounds more or less the same as Dee Dee’s previous work (although is that a hint of psych I detect?).

It’s a great song, but when is this tune going to get a studio version?

MP3: “He Gets Me High”

Posted in Tracks Tagged Dum Dum Girls Comments closed

Every time I close my eyes

February 2, 2011

Seattle’s Seapony was meant to play in Vancouver last week, but the band cancelled last minute after singer Jennifer Weidl fell ill. It’s a shame, since I’d be looking forward to hearing the trio’s catchy guitar pop tunes in person.

Here’s ultra-fun, kinda-twee rocker “Dreaming.” It bristles with crackling guitar chords, piercing guitar leads and reverb-steeped vocals. This gritty production is the perfect counterpoint to the sunny melody and cute lyrics, with their saucer-eyed declarations of love.

This beautiful tune is helping to take my mind off my fucking knee, which I’m currently icing after cracking it against the edge of the shower.

MP3: “Dreaming”

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It’s only natural to feel this way

February 1, 2011

Late last year, I interviewed Vancouver music industry veteran Jonathan Simkin for Exclaim!, and we spoke about his new label, Light Organ. One of the signings he was most excited about was Sun Wizard. Now, the band is getting set to unveil its debut LP, Positively 4th Avenue, on March 29. It’s a bit of a strange title, since 4th Avenue in Vancouver isn’t exactly the most rock ‘n’ roll place.

Here’s the first single, “World’s Got a Handle.” It’s a little grittier than what I’ve heard from the band before, although it has a similar heartland rock vibe. Fans of Tom Petty will love this drawling rocker, with its nimble guitar licks and rich vocal harmonies.

MP3: “World’s Got a Handle”

Posted in Tracks Tagged Sun WizardLeave a comment