Articles posted in March 2012

Japandroids – “The House That Heaven Built”

March 29, 2012

First, Apollo Ghosts, now Japandroids? This spring is going to be a hell of a time for Vancouver indie rock. Japandroids’ Celebration Rock is out on June 5 through Polyvinyl Records (learn more over at Exclaim!).

“The House That Heaven Built” is the first single and it’s a pummelling, euphoric anthem that’s laden with wordless vocal hooks, scorching guitars, hard-hitting drums and cathartic “fuck the world” lyrics.

Apollo Ghosts – “American Joint”

March 27, 2012

Here’s another glorious dose of energetic, punkish, artfully damaged, life-affirming indie rock from Vancouver-based trio-turned-quartet Apollo Ghosts. “American Joint” is below.

Go to Exclaim! to read more about Landmark, which arrives on May 15 through You’ve Changed Records.

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Best Coast – “The Only Place”

March 26, 2012

Here’s the title track from Best Coast’s sophomore album, The Only Place. It’s not exactly a big departure in terms of its style (sunny indie pop) or lyrical content (California, the beach), but it sure sounds lovely. Producer Jon Brion’s input is felt here.

The album is out May 15 through Mexican Summer.

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Bahamas – “Caught Me Thinkin”

March 23, 2012

My girlfriend and I are farm sitting this week, so today I walked the dogs down to Ye Olde Country General Store (real name) and bought a Coke and a Mr. Big. When in the country, do as the country folk do. Then one of the dogs managed to fall in a lake somehow. Still not quite sure how she managed that. Anyhow, what I’m trying to say is that I wore a sweater with no jacket, and that’s the first time in 2012 that I’ve been comfortable without my winter coat on. Spring!

I interviewed Bahamas for this week’s Georgia Straight. Chill music, chill dude. Below, watch the video for “Caught Me Thinkin” from the recently released Barchords, which kind of took me by surprise with how good it is. It exudes the same sort of laid back, soft rocking (and impeccably produced) atmosphere of Feist’s best work.

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Weed – “Ben’s Tour”

March 21, 2012

Wonderfully fuzzy Vancouver act Weed is back with another EP. It’s called Gun Control and it’s out on May 19. Below, listen to the satisfyingly sludgy single “Ben’s Tour.” Don’t be fooled by the long intro and low-mixed vocals, this isn’t an instrumental.

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PREMIERE: Said the Whale – “Seasons”

March 20, 2012

Said the Whale has been rolling out videos for every song from the excellent Little Mountain, and I’m very happy to be able to offer the world premiere of the clip for the closing number, “Seasons.”

The track is a delicate and romantic piano ballad sung by drummer Spencer Schoening. While the lyrics describe the changing of the seasons, this frosty video is pure winter.

I first heard this song when Spencer played it during a solo set at a coffee shop a couple of years ago. I thought it was beautiful, so I was very happy to hear it the first time I listened to Little Mountain (which you should get, if you haven’t already).

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Korean Gut – “Hard to Say”

March 19, 2012

In addition to manning the bass in Apollo Ghosts, Jarrett Samson fronts the shit-kicking Vancouver outfit Korean Gut. Here’s the band’s scuzzy surf stomper “Hard to Say,” which is coming out through Student Loan Records on a split 7″ with Babysitter. This band is quickly becoming one of my new local favourites.

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The Magnetic Fields – “Andrew in Drag”

March 18, 2012

Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields has written some of my favourite songs ever, so I was happy to interview him recently for the Georgia Straight.

Below is the video for the hooky electro number “Andrew in Drag,” which is the most pop-friendly song on the recent Love at the Bottom of the Sea. Be forewarned that the clip has a small amount of nudity.

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Jack White – “Sixteen Salteens”

March 16, 2012

Here’s an honest question: what do musicians really have to gain from SXSW? I imagine it’s heaven for music fans (at least it might be were it not for the crazy lines and overcrowded hotels), but what’s the point in driving across the country to play for five people at a PM barbecue at 2 PM in the back yard of some bar?

But hey, maybe I’m just bitter that I’m not in Texas watching Jack White. His new solo jam, “Sixteen Salteens,” is below. The White Stripes live on through this tune, which sounds a bit like “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine” after a major dose of weird. Who has two thumbs and is excited for Blunderbuss? It comes out on April 23.

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PS I Love You – “Sentimental Dishes”

March 13, 2012

PS I Love You’s upcoming sophomore LP, Death Dreams, is a total banger, and that also goes for the single “Sentimental Dishes.” This song is every bit as noisy and fuzzy as 2010’s Meet Me at the Muster Station, but the pop hooks are perhaps a little more front-and-centre. That is, until it ends with some face-melting guitar shredding.

You’re going to want to get ready for this album. Go to Exclaim! to read my story about it.

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