My brother and I are totally different kinds of people. Similar in a lot of ways, but we have the same parents, and we have completely different demons.
It was a strange movie to make. At first when we went on tour, we decided we were making a mockumentary. We did a lot of that stuff for a while, then eventually there was a lot of tension between Tom and Brandon [Reid, tour manager], and Tom had wanted to put himself a little bit into the picture.
The band is two sets of brothers, I’m the guy without a brother in the band, and my mom would always be sending him links to articles about us, where it would say that all the time. We joked about it a little bit, but I think he had a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. He wanted the world to find out that there is another brother. Eventually, things kind of went south as far as his role as assistant tour manager. We crafted some of it to tell that story, and we’re not calling it a pure documentary, but it’s a very honest, personal narrative that we started chasing.
My wife, who’s really good at that, she was like, that’s a better movie than any kind of goofball mockumentary thing that you guys started out trying to do. She’s like, you guys are plenty funny, and Tom’s plenty funny, but the truthful awkward things were much more moving. His awkward questions [for the band]– he’s not faking those! That was the stuff that was the most interesting part of the movie.
He moved in with us, which was a whole toxic situation– he’s making a movie about himself and me, living with my wife and I and our daughter, and he was kind of acting as our nanny at the same time – and he still does, he lives with us still!
Irish anthemic emotive rockers Bell X1 will be coming at us with their 6th studio record Chop Chop on June 28th.
Frontman Paul Noonan talks about the album title saying, “We returned to simpler times (…) when all around here (Connecticut) was fields. Shrink the palette, you know? Chop chop!”
The record was recorded at Peter Katis’ studio in Connecticut. You know Peter Katis because he recorded and mixed Interpol’s classic Turn on The Bright Lights. He has also produced every National record since 2002. The album cover of their breakout album Boxer is a photograph of The National playing Peter’s wedding.
I first heard Bell X1 on Tea Time with Jon back in maybe 2011? Of all the Tea Time songs I’ve heard from Jon… “Velcro” is probably the only one I still listen to, almost weekly and lives as a depth cut on my Veneto playlist.
Here is a live take of that song recorded in Dublin as part of their Field Recordings.
In Ireland, Bell X1 are a big deal. Headlining festivals and topping the charts with their blend of electronic and popular rock. But for their new record Chop Chop, Peter Katis says the band dialed it back and simplified the process.
“I can’t remember the last time I was part of a record that was recorded, mixed and mastered in only two weeks (…) The guys came in really prepared song-wise and performance-wise. We had a ‘live’ setup of drums, bass and upright piano all in the same room—tracking to tape, going for full takes. It was a slightly old-fashioned approach, without the usual digital safety net, and I think that energy comes across in the music.”
Here is the single “Starlings Over Brighton Pier.”
Blogging at night is probably bad for my SEO or hits or whatever, but here I am. At the computer. Jamming the new The National song “Demons.”
Like pretty much every National song I’ve ever been into save for “All The Wine,” this song requires patience and repeat listens… Their music is soothing and healing.
The new record is called Trouble Will Find Me, and like a kid from the olden days, I’ll be lining up to buy it on May 21st.
One of my heroes in rock & roll is The National‘s Matt Berninger. He was talking to the AV Club about the measured rise of the band. “We slowly crack; it’s never been a big explosion.”
I love the imagery of that little quote, like how I love almost all the pictures painted in their songs.
The National are great because they write smart sexy music that requires a little investment in time from the fan to appreciate. The band stays pretty consistent and on point with creating new work and has very methodically grown. Really earning the success they have. Its inspiring.
The first single from 2010’s High Violet was a song called “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” (download an MP3 here)
The song is interesting for a lot of reasons to me.
It begins with a sensual scene. The intimate and gritty real sort of life that you get up to when you’re married or in a relationship or basically not a porn star having sex. Getting ready for bed with someone you get ready for bed with everyday. Its mundane, but its also pretty.
The song then delves into the trials and stresses that we all… ok, well I do, you’re probably more financially astute than me.
“I still owe money, to the money, I owe.”
Then he escapes or has a dream where he travels back to the place where he grew up, Ohio. Neat.
On the weekend, a cover version of “Bloodbuzz” bounced around my twitter feed from Brooklyn-by-way-of-Denmark singer Oh Land. (what is it with cover songs lately? I’m really on a kick)
Oh Land’s version keeps true to the prodding pace of the original. But Oh Land has a sugar sweet voice and adds some echoey crashes and electronic bee-boops. When she sings, “Stand up straight at the foot of your love/I lift my shirt up,” its positively adorable… or it might be more so if the picture I found wasn’t some sort of fembot with feathers. Before I saw a picture of her however, I imagined some lithe hipster lovely nerd getting naked and it was a good thought.
Her version soars and is definitely lighter by the simple fact, she has a light female voice singing the words and not Berninger’s baritone saddening it up.
It was a slow day at the radio factory today so I took a long lunch to head downtown and get p to one of my favourite pastimes, record shopping.
Victoria has a few great record stores and my faves are Talk’s Cheap (556 Pandora) and Ditch Records (635 Johnson… but moving to Fort).
Today I was on a quest to continue my 45s collection and bought a combination of both classic and contemporary singles. A great reflection of how i listen to music at home, new and old.
The first song is a cover from the Gaslight Anthem. In November they released this limited edition rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “Tumbling Dice” from Exile on Main Street. Great package and the vinyl is a brown marble-y look. Comes with a download card for the MP3 and the b-side, “She loves You,” is also not from the album American Slang, unless you downloaded it from iTunes… then it was one of the bonus cuts.
The National‘s second single is track one, side one from High Violet. A song called “Terrible Love.” Great song, but not the one I played for you, instead I went with the b-side, “She Was a Kindness.” “She Was a Kindness” was later included on the November re-issue of the album. Being a fan and buying the record when it came out means I get punished so I need to acquire it later. The cover continues the Mark Fox art theme… this single has a picture of Untitled (The Ark). The internet says my National single should be violet vinyl which would be so bad ass, but sadly, it is just plain jane black. Sad face.
Next we travel back to 1964. UK band The Shadows are known for popularizing the four piece rock band. Lead and rhythm guitar with bass and drums. This song is an instrumental.
Also in 1964 (I think), The Blues Magoos recorded their first single for Verve Records, “So I’m Wrong and You’re Right.” I first heard about the Blues Magoos on a 60s on 6 XM show. The DJ Cousin Brucie talked about how they were a favourite of his during the 60s. I thought, “alright, if this old DJ was from the 60s and this is what he listened to, they must be good!”
Moving forward almost 10 years and I found Al Green’s “Let’s Get Married.” I thought this jam from 1973 might be a good wedding type song and Al Green is always popular during my sets at the Veneto Lounge.
The final song is from late 70s Canadian punkers Teenage Head. Formed in Hamilton, Ontario… Teenage Head had a minor hit with 1980 single “Let’s Shake.” Sounds a whole heck of a lot like The Ramones. Its a fun catchy one for sure.
The third studio record from Band of Horses didn’t get the mad crush of love that their previous two records received but I ended up playing at home and during my lounge sets. I will always love the song “Laredo” and so much of what I perceive to be a Old Western?Mexico/Desert vibe.
Band of Horses – “Laredo”
09) Vampire Weekend – Contra
We’ll need to stretch our memory back to one of the first big hyped releases of the year for this LP. Vampire Weekend’s anticipated follow-up Contra is number nine on my list.
VW never had huge traction on the radio with their quirky blend of world beats filtered through privileged Brooklyn/Hipster/Ivy Leaguers. I loved Vampire Weekends first album but I enjoyed this one so much more.
A monster number 1 record and grammy nominated album from the Arcade Fire. When this disc came out, we had it on pretty steady at the Veneto and the single “Ready to Start” enjoyed a residency at number one on The Zone’s Modern Rock Countdown. There was a lot I loved about this record. Mostly the nostalgic story lines of growing up in the suburbs, because hey, I grew up in the suburbs. For a feature song, I will chose one of Simon’s faves off the record.
Arcade Fire – “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”
06) Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Another record that didn’t receive wide-spread praise or seem to do a whole lot onto further push FR onto the mainstream conciseness.
Being a heavy user of their previous music, I was hungry for a new disc. I was downloading anything that leaked or squeeked out leading up to this record so maybe I was little too primed, but they are one of my fave bands period, this disc got jammed out. It might not have changed my world like the first time I heard Frightened Rabbit, but it is still a great record of melodramatic rock and roll.
My favourite cut was the first single and it remains so today.
Frightened Rabbit – “Swim Until You Can’t See Land”
06) Broken Bells – Broken Bells
The dude from the Shins, that dude named Danger Mouse… joined forces like the Dinobots to create one sexy masterpiece. I don’t even want to speculate how many babies were conceived this because of this record.
Lots doesn’t seem like an adequate word.
Listening to a randomized playlist on my iTunes one time, this song came up and it has become on my favourites off the record. maybe sounds a little more Shins and little less Danger Mouse, but that’s cool. I believe this song made it on Coral and my one year anniversary mixtape.
Broken Bells – “October”
05) Jimmy Eat World – Invented
Another band that does no wrong by me. Since I’ve been with Coral, JEW has held a special place in my heart and they earn that chance to make a record and I immediately go out and buy it.
I like their 7th studio record because I found it enjoyable outta the box much sooner than it too me to get into their previous Chase This Light.
Chase would grow on me but I liked how there were more than a couple song son this disc that I liked right away one listen in. And others that I would grow to love with repeated listens.
My feature cut is a romantic song (but hey, aren’t all JEW songs sappy?) that I believe also made it on the 1 Year Anniversary mixtape.
Jimmy Eat World – “Littlething”
04) Four Tet – There is Love In You
No record had a bigger influence on me from outside my normal perspective than this electronic disc from the UK’s Kieran Hebden… aka Four Tet.
Around this time last year I bought my DJ rig and by January I was experimenting with DJing simple beats. Right around the time this record came out.
A very modern, simple, and relaxing record to put on to soundtrack my days events. Coral bought this record on vinyl and when I do fire up the record player, The is Love In You is a go to.
Its four sides so I almost go right to side D track one so I can hear the most wonderful song on the record.
Four Tet – “She Just Likes to Fight”
I could listen to that song forever on repeat and never go fully insane. Shit, I might get smarter.
03) The Black Keys – Brothers
I was late to The Black Keys party, but when I finally got the invite, I dived in hard.
The whole swampy bluesy core styled rock music happening right now seems to originating from Akron, Ohio.
To pick a single feature is impossible. Pol likes “Howling For You” and Allie likes “Everlasting Light”
I’m gunna go with the more blue-collar dirge.
The Black Keys – “Too Afraid to Love You”
02) Middle Class Rut – No Name No Color
Rock and Roll has returned. For me, the Renaissance was felt with Japandroids. But there are only so many fuzzy retro rocker songs to hear. The Black Keys kept me marching to the beat locked in. Then Dave Sawchuk lighted up Sacramento’s Middle Class Rut during our weekly music meeting… and became evangelical.
Rarely do I hear a song that captures my imagination so completely and immediately. I felt like a little kid with excitement to hear “New Low.” Downloaded it and then the record. And since then, it has become such a huge record in my life.
It is a bit of a grinder and lyrically it can be depressing. but I do find something uplifting to their tales of the working man’s lows. My ultimate fave is the lead off cut from their record. Sometimes I go for drives in the Cruze just so I can play this song at maximum volume.
Middle Class Rut – “Busy Being Born”
01) The National – High Violet
We all have favourite bands and The National is my favourite.
The day this record came out and they had a vinyl copy down at Ditch I went to get it. I remember that day. I rode my bike and it was really nice out. Then I went to Canoe Club to meet with Don about some music stuff. While waiting for him I was chatting with the waitress… she had never heard of The National. WTF?
So I cracked open the record and gave her the free download MP3 card so she could check it out. I hope she did.
The first single “Bloodbuzz Ohio” to me is masterpiece song. But after repeated plays of this album I do have a few key cuts. A song that always stuck out for me has a weird military theme.
The National – “Lemonworld”
Thank you for reading my Top 10 and checking out some new music.
Memphis leads off the mixtape with a most fitting Ghost song… Torquil Campbell, the male vocal ying to Stars‘ Amy Milan’s female yang… put out a great little side project album many moons ago. I saw him perform at Logan’s back in like 2006, and it was mighty. I always remembered this cut because its so darn spooky.
The next song features a white Motown artist. SWA? I know right, a white guy that made MoTown magic back in the 60s and 70s. Only in Canada. R. Dean Taylor was born in Toronto, Ontario back when the Leafs lost the Stanley Cup to the Bruins (1939).
He recorded a song called “At The High School Dance” in 1961 which garnered some local success and his next song “I’ll Remember” charted on legendary Canadian rock radio station CHUM. The success promoted our Maple Leaf Rocker to move to Detroit…this historic occasion also marked the last time a Canadian would ever willingly move to that city yeesh. R. Dean taylor would get hired on by Motown as a performer and writer and would have a moderately successful career. Go Canada and obscure white Motown artists!
I make a mean game of dumping on Matthew Good, but the fact of the matter is, I like a lot of his songs. Apparitions are ghosts and “Apparitions” is on the list of favourite Matt Good songs.
Did I ever tell you the story of running into Matt Good at a gas station convenience store on Burrard street and I ran around the store heckling him till he left? Yeah, I’m an asshole and wouldn’t do that again if I had the day back. But it made sense at the time.
Hey Matt Good, if you google yourself and my blog comes up and you remember that time some skinny douche bag gave you a hard time in a gas station convenience store…. Sorry.
The only time we ever really dabbled with Band of Horses on the Zone… the song was about ghosts!
You should be familiar with Wintersleep’s “Weighy Ghost.” A more mainstream cut that got ample play on the radio.
Mother Mother is hard at it right now, working on a new record (due January). Currently “Hayloft” is the most requested song on the Zone Afternoon Show, but believe this hype! Its not even the most quirky song on the album O My Heart. Put this “Ghosting” song in your ear-hole and ruminate.
The National are my favourite band, so when I had a song on my iTunes with the word “Ghost” in it… well it had to make the list.
Riot Act, Pearl Jam’s seventh studio record and first post-9/11 and post Roskilde Festival Accident record has a song called “Ghosts.” Rad. I do like me some Pearl Jam… and going back to read about Riot Act after jamming out “Ghosts” and now I want to hear the whole record.
yee-yah… Riot Act is a great record.
The mixtape ends with a haunting cut from Spoon’sGa Ga Ga Ga Ga… “The Ghost of You Lingers.” Shit’s going on in my right ear… whoa, then my left. Stereo sound.
I grew up n Mundy Street in Coquitlam. If I were 27% cooler than I was (does that sentence make sense?) I would have vandalized every street sign to be “Mundi” Street. Much more glorious in Latin. I think ‘mundi’ translates to “of the world.” Kinda sexual.
I went through a Latin phase as a young buck. That is Latin for, “I never put my hand on a boobie.”
I used to take books out of the library that tried to explain all the ‘um’ in stadium and jive talk like that. Like I said, my life path at the time pointed straight to virginitytown.
I was standing in line Fairways on Tuesday. Buying the parts of a lunch as I have done hundreds of times before. Standing in front of me was a beautiful woman and in front of her was a Dad and his daughter about the age Madelyn. She wanted to help Dad… just like Mads. Super adorable. “I can do it.”
The woman in front of me was fawning over the little girl. She was gorgeous. Kind of an alt rocker Suicide Girl type meets nerd. Normally the tattoo’d look is not my style…and I never really saw the front of her… but I could just tell she was an attractive person by looking at her vegetarian food on the conveyor belt and the way she played with the stranger’s kid in front of her. Now that I am an old pervy Dad… women that are cool with kids are cool with me.
I spotted on her arm one of the tattoos, it said ‘Mundi.” “Hey, I lived on Mundi Street,” I thought to myself. I tried to glance the rest… ‘sic’ ‘transit’ ‘gloria’ ‘mundi.’
A Brand New fan? huh. I like that band too… but tattooed on her arm? and ‘mundi’ isn’t part of the title.
What I mighty fine tattoo… but it turns out “something in Latin” is a popular style of tattoo. Not saying I ever want to get one… but sometimes I do.
Coral was thinking I should get a Pisces fish on my arm… to represent Madelyn. She is a Pisces, neat.
I like the idea of lyrics or words, more my style… but that is less bad-ass than some sleeve tattoo. Maybe I should work on doing those 100 push-ups then I’ll have some arms worth tattooing.
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In other news…
Your favourite Victoria Wedding DJ (I hope) is in action with a pub gig tonight.
Coral and I will be doing our husband/wife all vinyl DJ set at Smiths Pub starting at 9PM. Smiths $12 Burger and Beer special pairs exceptionally with quality music selected with care. I hope you can come.
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Lastly…
Pinkerton from Weezer might not be the greatest record ever made… but it has to be one of Weezer’s best.
The record didn’t see much love when it was released back in 1996. But because it is weird and different… it lives on as a bit of a cult favourite.
Seeing as I personally can’t handle Weezer’s “good” music…. their weirder, older stuff is my fave.
Weezer is going to re-issue the record in October. If there is a vinyl run with this re-issue, I’d consider adding a Weezer record to my collection. Maybe.
Today is Father’s Day… and when I woke up this morning; I was alone. Maddy had spent the night at Nana’s and Coral was in Coquitlam. So I got the greatest Father’s Day gift of all, peace in the morning. With no one snoring or kicking me or poking me to “wake up Daddy!” I was able to sleep till 11AM! That hasn’t happened since the winter of ’08.
After a morning that involved working the email for wedding leads and washing my Jeep… it was off to Nana’s cottage house to hang out and watch my sick baby play (she has a cold). I’ve been feeling sick the past week too… so it was a sick Father’s Day for us. We didn’t get up to much, but what we did do, will live on forever as a streaming piece of internet audio. Have a listen.
Its Father’s Day 2010 and I thought it would be as good a time as any to catch up with my favourite interview subject, Miss Madelyn Oh Yeah! She wishes me a “Happy Father’s Day” (with my prompting) then we talk about being sick, going to Nana’s, our failed trip to Tim Horton’s and ordering pizza.
My first paid wedding gig was last night and it was really fun. I think I’ll enjoy this line of work. Its great being my own boss (and super stressful) and I like the performance aspect. I have some grand ideas for my stage set-up after last nights party. I had a good light set up for the wedding last night, but I want a great one! (and I want to find an alternative to the traditional fog machine. Haze is awesome, but the fog machine ‘smoke’ sucks hard)
I also learned a few things, chiefly I need more 90s pop songs. Real terrible stuff that I never listened to but today’s brides all lapped up; N*Sync, Backstreet Boys, Aqua… yeesh. I should have anticipated that… but flaked. I still delivered a good set, but I did have to dodge a couple requests because I had zero Aqua songs on the hard drive. That said, we did jam out some jems and ended the night with a cut from Lamb of God!
Th first wedding worked out great and I learned a ton. Can’t wait to apply the knowledge and make the next one even better!
01) The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
02) The National – “Sin-Eaters”
03) The Dead Weather – “Die by the Drop”
04 The Dead Weather – “Old Mary”
05) Japandroids – “Art Czars”
06) Japandroids – “Racer-X”
Almost can’t wait till my next payday to buy some more. I talked to Fatso at Smiths Pub and he said he’ll have me on June 14th to play some music from Coral and my vinyl record collection. Maybe I’ll see if Nana will watch Mads and drag Coral out too (a bunch of the records are hers after all) for some beers and olden tyme music.
The Morning After 
