Dawes

Dawes

[top left-right: Taylor Goldsmith (Vocals/ Guitar) & Alex Castnoff/bottom left-right: Wyllie Gelber (Bass) & Griffon Goldsmith (Drums) ]

Twitter/Myspace/Website

-North Hills area of Los Angeles

-Toured with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, & Delta Spirit

- Played Bonnaroo, & Lollapalooza (Click Names for Footage)

-Album North Hills Released August 18, 2009 (A+album, I swear)

Free Downloadable MP3 of Love is all I am & When my time comes, Click Song title to Download.

Songs to listen to: When my time comes (Official Vid Below), Love is all I am (Also below) , Western Skyline

Conclusion: I am so sad that I never got into them before they played a show in Toronto. Who knows how long it'll be till i get the chance now. Well anyways, better late than never! Alright so this band is beautiful. Vocals/Instrumentals are definitely something to fall in love with. Absolutely amazing. If you like Mumford & Sons, or Deer Tick, this band is up your ally! Please check them out. North Hills is an album worth buying, which means a lot in today's time. Enjoy!

PS. Torontonians, check out this Vid of Dawes w/ Deer Tick at The Horseshoe Tavern Performing When my time comes.

At least there was no way I would have been there seeing as how i wouldn't have been of age... Still, FML. Until next time Dawes!

Wolf Parade @ T he Sound Academy

Wolf Parade @ The Sound Academy

November 26th, 2010

I wasn't a huge fan before the show but this was definitely the case of loving a band only after seeing them live. Know what I mean!? They were amazing! Totally with the crowd and just alive. Great feel for an ending show of a tour. Spencer and Dan's Vocals were flawless and I had a great time. Lots of crowd surfers but as Wolf Parade said, Don't Get Caught! Definitely reviewing past albums much more attentively. Great show!

Download Cloud Shadow on a Mountain for Free, CLICK HERE!

This is a Video of them live at another show! :) Sound Academy Vids are not yet available.

Conclusion: If it weren't their last show, I would highly recommend you go see them asap.

The XX Lollapalooza 2010

Oh my God, I'm at 8 seconds, far right. This is so jokes. :) Oh Lolla, how I miss you!

Oh Land

Oh Land

Twitter/Myspace/Website

-Singer/Song Writer Nanna Fabricius

-From Denmark

-Opera singer mother, organist father

-Works with composer Davide Rossi (who also did Coldplay, The Verve, & Goldfrapp)

-She started as a ballerina and began her music career after an injury in 2005.

“My goal is to sound like I’m from 2050, but still feel really classic, like the music is an old friend,”

-Oh Land

Free Downloadable MP3 of Sun of a Gun, CLICK HERE!

Songs to listen to: Sun of a Gun, Wolf & I (Below), Audition Day

Conclusion: Her song wolf and I really got me hooked on this chick, forget this video i posted. Check this live version that I was unable to post (CLICK HERE), it's great stuff! She sorta reminds me of Duffy with electro back droppings. Ps. Bjork fans, this vid just might be something for you!

Autoerotique @ The Mod Club / Kate Nash @ The Phoenix

Autoerotique @ The Mod Club

November 12, 2010

It wasn't anything too special. I definitely enjoyed their set in Guelph a lot more! I think it was because there were a lot more annoying people there this time. Aka these people you see dancing on the stage... Nobody is here to see you weirdos!! Also I don't think they brought anything to the table I haven't heard before. It felt like a very typical night at the Mod Club, which isn't bad, but it is $10 dollars cheaper. Check out this recording of them to see what i'm talking about.

Kate Nash @ The Phoenix

November 13, 2010.

She was great! Full of energy and her regulary cute self! The last time I saw her was earlier this year and she didn't play much of her old stuff but this time around she made room for all of my favourite Made of Bricks songs! Her set was prettier and she was far more outgoing! Also the turnout was a lot greater than her last show. She also made sure to meet the fans waiting outside afterwards. Good job Kate, I enjoyed myself! :)

Kate & I afterwards. :)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

[Guy in the front is Alex Ebert (vocals/percussion /piano /guitar), Girl in green on the right is Jade Castrinos (vocals /guitar), The other girl is Nora Kirkpatrick (accordion /vocals), Black hat is Josh Collazo (drums /percussion /vocals), Red plaid is Stewart Cole (trumpet /tenor ukulele/ keys/ percussion), Guy holding the guitar on the left is Christian Letts (guitar /vocals), Tay Straithern (piano), and the others are impossible to figure out using the internet! They include: Nico Agliettie (guitar /synthesizers /vocals /keys), Aaron Older (bass/vocals/keys ), Orpheo McCord (percussion /vocals), Nathanial Markman (fiddle) :)]

Twitter/Myspace/Website

-From Los Angeles

-Band ranges from having 10-12 "No more, no less" -ES&MZ

-Alex Ebert has another band called Ima Robot (Click to hear something)

-Played Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Coachella

-Was on Jimmy Kimmel, and David Letterman. (CLICK GIGS/SHOWS to watch performances!)

-There isn't anybody in the band named Edward. Edward Sharpe was a character developed by Alex in a book he worked on. "According to Ebert, Sharpe "was sent down to Earth to kinda heal and save mankind...but he kept getting distracted by girls and falling in love." (allmusic)

-Toured with the Dawes, and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

Songs to listen to: Home (below), 40 Day Dream, Jangling

Free Downloadable MP3 of Home, CLICK HERE!

Conclusion: They're definitely one of the best bands I've heard this year. I saw them at Lolla and it was absolutely amazing! One of the best shows I saw there. Their album Up From Below is amazing, the best thing that could come from a 10 piece set. One of my favourite things about them is their energy and how much fun they have on stage. Being at their show you just get high on life. I'm checkin them out again this coming December at The Mod Club (Sold out) and I already ordered a shirt. AHHH, can't wait. CHECK THEM OUT!

Autoerotique

Autoerotique

Keith Robertson & Dave Henderson

-Toronto Duo

-Formally known as VND/LSM, bust an australian group forced them to change it due to similarities

-Signed to DIMMAK (Steve Aoki's Label)

-Does work with Mstrkft, Laidback Luck and Diplo

"Autoerotique stores electro, techno, house, Dutch house, Dutch-colonial house, rave, rock, rave-rock, indie-rock and even ska on speed dial and calls them up frequently."

-Their Myspace

Songs to Listen to: Droplet, A Little Bit, Hey Diplo (All Below!)

I'm going to get ready and shortly pre-drink for the show tonight at The Mod Club. I saw them last at Tabu in Guelph, and I already know it's going to be a good set. Show review coming soon!! :D

Conclusion: Music best enjoyed very very loud! If these two have a set near you, check it out! It won't leave you hanging. :)

Florence & the Machine - Last Christmas (BBC Radio)

Florence & the Machine - Last Christmas

I know christmas is not for another while, but it's Florence! So, enjoy!

Also, PLEASE WATCH THIS! So funny!

Lissie

Lissie

Lissie's Twitter /Lissie's Myspace / www.Lissie.com

-Also known as Elisabeth Maurace

-From Rock Islands, Illinois

-Recorded her EP Why You Runnin with Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses)

-Toured with Ray Lomontagne and City & Colour!

-Recorded with Jaquire King after he recorded with Kings Of Leon, which resulted with her 12 Song Album Catching a Tiger.

- Katy Perry & Mumford & Sons are fans of Lissie.

-Does a cover of Bad Romance by Lady GAGA. Check it out, CLICK HERE!

Songs to Listen to: When I'm Alone (Below), Everywhere you Go, Wedding Bells.

Free Downloadable MP3 of Everywhere I go, CLICK HERE!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TORRENT FOR HER ALBUM CATCHING A TIGER(2010)!

Conclusion: She has such a refreshing sound that I think completely reflects her appearance. She's the kinda girl who doesn't wear makeup and doesn't spend her time trying to be something she isn't, and with that in mind... Lissie doesn't need to spend time producing her music because when it comes down to it, it's beautiful just the way it is! If you like singing and feeling good about your music, you have to listen to this one! :)

PS. Torontonians, She has an upcoming concert at the Opera House in January, I'll be there! :D

Matt & Kim: Sidewalks

Matt & Kim, Sidewalks. Following the release of Grand (January, 20th,2009), this Brooklyn duo released their third album Sidewalks on November 2nd, 2010. What I personally really like about this band is just what each of them has to offer. We have Matt's corky happy go lucky voice and Kim's talented drumming skills. Although an OK sounding album, I just don't think it properly showcases their charm as artists. There are a lot more synthesizers and mellow electronic indie songs and It's just not the Matt & Kim I fell in love with. Although there is still the possibility that I could learn to love the album, my first impression of it was mediocre. I don't want to sound like I'm totally hating on the album, I just had expected more from this release. I still love them, and will continue to listen to them. If you're not a fan already then I recommend you check out my early post on the band's profile. (Click here to see it!)

Free Downloadable MP3 of Cameras, CLICK HERE!

Songs to listen to: Where you're coming from(no where on youtube, strange!), Block after block, Cameras.

DOWNLOAD ALBUM TORRENT, CLICK HERE!

Little Dragon

Litte Dragon

[Left - Right: Hakan Wirenstrand(vocals/ keyboard), Yukimi Nagano (vocals /percussion), Fedrick Kallgren (vocals/bass), Erik Bodin (vocals/ drums)]

http://www.little-dragon.se/

Little Dragon's Twitter

Little Dragon Myspace

-Gothenburg, Sweden

-High school Friends and started playing together under the name Ava when they were 14-16.

-The band is named after Yukimi because of her nickname as the Little Dragon. She would get super flustered in the studio and that's how she got the nickname.

-Toured with Gorillaz

-Played with Chester French and works with the Producer of TV on the Radio.

-Really puts emphasis on art aspects associated with them, ie; album art, music videos. This band is great for showcasing talented artwork.

"An enticing blend of twee indie pop hooks and crisp electronic beats"

-allmusic.com

Free Downloadable MP3 of Twice, CLICK HERE!

Songs to listen to: Twice, Recommendation, After the Rain

Conclusion: After a month of listening to them, I get it. They're amazing. Start with their self titled album and get into their latest. You will not regret it. My friend Alex was the one who first mentioned them to me, and I definitely owe him one! If you're a Massive Attack, or Portishead fan, you will definitely like these guys! Check them out at Wrong Bar this coming January! I'll be there! :)

I just thought this was funny.

We're practically friends now! hahaha, or not. :)

Who wants to teach me how to make a gif, shit. Haha.

Fanfarlo

Fanfarlo

Justin Finch (bass/ vocals), Cathy Lucas (vocals/ keys/ mandolin/ glock/ vocals/ musical saw), Leon Beckerman (I think), Simon Bolthazer (vocals/ keys/ mandolin/ clarinet), Amos Memom (drums)

www.Fanfarlo.com

Fanfarlo's Twitter

Fanfarlo's Myspace

-London based/ Simon is from Sweden

-Their song Reservoir appeared in Greys Anatomy Season 6.

-Their song Atlas appears on the Twilight Soundtrack.

-Their album Reservoir (2008) was produced by Peter Katis, who is also responsible for albums by Interpol, Frightened Rabbit, The National, and Swell Season.

-Toured with Snow Patrol and now are touring with Freelance Whales.

Songs to listen to: Atlas, Ghosts, Outsider, Drowning Men

Conclusion: They're cool. If you're a Swell Season fan, this is totally well suited for you! They're opening for Freelance Whales in December at the El Mocambo, should be good! Definitely something to check out!

Florence & the Machine @ The Sound Academy

Florence & the Machine @ The Sound Academy November 3, 2010

It was amazzinnnggg! I wasn't in my regular spot up by the barricade, but only because I had the honour of getting to meet her(refer to the pictures on the right). This was all thanks to my amazing friend Jordan. She was unbelievable in person, such a great sweet energy. I had major butterflies just being in front of her. She signed all our tickets with our names and went off to put on another amazing set. If you ever have a chance to see her, her vocals are mind shattering. Amazing.

Check out this Cover of Mario's I Don't Want to Know if you haven't already! :D CLICK HERE!

Also here's an interesting Cover done by The XX of Florence & the Machine's You've got the Love. CLICK HERE!

Here's footage from her show the other night. Enjoy!

Smith Westerns

Smith Western

[Left to right : Collin Omori (front man), Colby, Max Kakacek(guitarist), Cameron Omori]

-Chicago, Illinois

-Toured with Big Pink, Girls, and are currently with Florence and the Machine

-Playing November 3, 2010 @ Sound Academy, Toronto

-"Chicago's Smith Westerns are yet another band singing urgent,

ramshackle garage songs about teenage frustrations and longings"

-Pitchfork

-Their Album Cover for their 2009 EP is Nirvana's Nevermind Album flipped upside down chopped up with a picture of a painting of the Virgin mary holding a baby. Once they do press their Vinyl they are probably going to change the cover to avoid legal trouble.

Click here to Download this Album!

Free Downloadable MP3 of Girl in Love, CLICK HERE!

Songs to listen to: Girl in Love, Tonight, & Be My Girl.

Conclusion: They seem like such a great synthetic grunge sound that will be good for looking out the window on the bus music. Currently downloading their album and am super excited to see them live tomorrow with Florence. I can definitely hear the Nirvana influence and if your a fan of new music with hints of typical garage band sound then check this out. They're awesome!

Matt & Kim @ The Phoenix

Matt & Kim @ The Phoenix

October 29, 2010

They were LIVE. I definitely don't think I prepared for the rowdy-ness of the night. Jordan and I were front row and by the end of the show the people around us were all different. We pretty much held on to the bars with our lives! It was so much fun! :D The fans were a little annoying at the beginning, but it's the type of thing you expect from all ages shows, heh heh heh. Anyhow, they played an amazing set and Kim was absolutely amazing! She got past the baracades and trusted the fans to carry both her feet in the air... Like Jesus effin Christ YOU CRAZY WOMAN! It was amazing.

Arcade Fire: The Suburbs

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs.

The Montreal's groups' third album release since Neon Bible in 2007. Released August 2, the Album is con-prised of 16 songs which are relative to the Album title. I love it! What I really love about it is how nicely the album flows together. Song Sequels that take you from the beginning to the end with the great excitement similar to the Neighbourhood songs, to the mellowness that was Crown of Love, Arcade Fire did it again! :D

Quick Facts:

-Markus Dravs helped produce a lot of the album. He also did Coldplay's Viva la Vida and Mumford & Son's Sigh No More.

-Lyrical content inspired by Win and William Butler's Suburban Upbringing.

-Album described by the Band as a Letter from The Suburbs.

-Album was recorded in both Quebec and New York.

Check out this Interactive Video. Click here!

Two of my Favourite Songs from the Album right now:

Download The Sprawl II, Click Here.

Download The Suburbs Continued, Click Here.