Deer Tick on Letterman

Deer Tick's fourth coming album 'Divine Providence' is set to be released October 25th! Anyone else really excited?

Deer Tick on Letterman Last Night

Birdy

Birdy
Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud
-AKA Jasmine Van den Bogaerde
-Born May 15, 1996 in Lymington, England
-"in 2008, at the age of 12, Birdy won the UK talent contest Open Mic UK, a spinoff of the Live and Unsigned competition. She won both the under 18s category and the Grand Prize, against 10,000 other competitors." - Wikipedia
-Recorded a SWEET cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love"... Definitely a must hear!
-Performed in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge 2011 The XX's "Shelter" and Ed Sheeran's "The A Team" . Both wish have "Official Videos" out.
-Her first album comes out November 7, 2011. Keep an eye out for this one!

Songs to listen to: Skinny Love, The A Team, Without a Word




Latest tracks by OfficialBirdy

Conclusion: She has the sweetest voice that could pretty much make any song a lullaby. As soon as her album drops I'm pretty sure she will take the scene by storm... she's just just that good. Anyone that likes Adele will definitely jump this band wagon... I know I have! Although, I have noticed that everything I like from her seem to be covers... so we'll see how her writing will hit me. Fingers crossed!

The Weeknd

Abel Preforms at OVO fest.

The Weeknd
Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud | Website
-AKA Abel Tesfaye
-Born February 16, 1990 in Toronto
-Described accurately by Pitchfork as "weird, morning-after tales of lust, hurt, and over-indulgence... embodies such a specific nocturnal quality"
-Drake mentioned The Weeknd's song, "Wicked Games" on Twitter and linked to the singer's music on his website, which brought him a lot of attention.
-House of Balloons, on 21 March 2011.
-Thursday, released on 18 August 2011
-The Weeknd live at The University of Toronto, click here!


Songs to listen to: Birds - Part 1 (below), & Coming Down

Latest tracks by The_Weeknd




Conclusion: It took me a while to get into this guy's music, but here I am finally posting to Louder Than That to share with you his stuff. It's probably the best chill out music I've stumbled upon all year. Makes staying up late lustfully haunting and relaxing. If you aren't familiar with The Weeknd, you can download both his mix tapes for FREE on his website. Click here for his site. Enjoy. 

Grouplove

Grouplove
Twitter / Myspace / Facebook / Website

[Left to right: Sean Gadd (Bass), Andrew Wessen (Guitar), Hannah Hooper (Vocals / Keyboards), Christian Zucconi (Vocals/ Guitar), and Ryan Rabin (Drums)]

-Formed in Los Angeles, California.

-Toured with Florence & The Machine, and Foster the People.

-Played SXSW and are scheduled to play Lollapalooza.
-Played Bands in Transit session, KEXP (SXSW performance), and Rooftop Session.
-Ryan Rabin is the son of former Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin. The group recorded their first EP in Ryan's home studio.
-Hannah met Christian after getting dragged to his show by a friend. They began hanging out shortly after and sporadically decided to venture Greece together. There they met Ryan, Shawn and Andrew and just like that Grouplove was born! (Crazy, huh?)

Songs to listen to: Ichin on a Photograph (below) , Colours, & Don't say Oh Well




Conclusion: I saw them play at Lee's Palace not too long ago with Foster the People and I left incredibly impressed. They were a lot of fun, great to listen to, and amusing to look at. Christians vocals were amazing and left me speechless, especially after they played "Ichin on a Photograph." Their music is the perfect playlist of summer picnics and ice-cream. If you're ever looking for something fun to listen to, Grouplove should be your go to band this summer. Won't regret it, enjoy!

Top 5 Albums of 2011 so far!

___Here are some of the albums that have been on heavy rotation for me this year. You will notice that the greater majority of these are folk related, that's because I've been addicted to nothing else. However, since my recent Pains of Being Pure at Heart addiction, I have good reason to believe my horizons will expands. Hurray for good music!

The Middle Brother - The Middle Brother
Released: March 1, 2011

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Released: May 3, 2011

Cults - Cults
Released: June 7, 2011

The Head & The Heart - The Head & The Heart
Released: April 19, 2011

Dawes - Nothing is Wrong

Released: June 7, 2011

I wasn't able to include my fave Dawes tracks due to the fact they got wiped off Groove Shark, but click here for a Dawes Youtube playlist that showcases some of the new tracks.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Twitter / Myspace / Facebook / Website
[Kip Berman (vocals/ guitar), Alex Naidus (bass), Peggy Wang (keyboard/ vocals), Kurt Feldman (drums)]
-Formed in New York
-The band name comes from an unpublished children's story of the same title that a friend of singer Kip Berman wrote.
-Their CD "Belong" was produced by Flood. In case you didn't know, he is also recognized for working with U2, New Order, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Killers.
-Performed their first show ever with Titus Andronicus.
-Toured with Suferblood, Twin Shadow & Weekend.
-This year they've played Coachella and SXSW. They are also schedule to play Lollapalooza!
-Appeared on the David Letterman show, click here.

Songs to listen to: Heart in your Heartbreak, Even in Dreams, Teenager in Love.



Conclusion: Half way through the year, I can honestly say that the Pains are the first non folk band I’ve fallen in love with all year! After watching and reading numerous interviews, it’s refreshing to see how much this quartet loves music within and outside their own. They’re just so corky and down to earth it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. In terms of their music, it's obvious to me why they’re the first band outside of folk to catch my attention… it’s their familiar sound! They kind of sound like The Smashing Pumpkins with hints of Cut Copy’s “In Ghost Colours” layered with the fuzziness of Grizzly Bear (see what I did there? Haha). There’s just something about them that really gets to me. This band is definitely worth checking out. For those who live in Toronto, hear them play at the Opera House August 2! Buy your tickets here. Enjoy.

The Head and The Heart on Daytrotter

____After waiting a good 3 months or so for Daytrotter to post The Head and The Heart's Daytrotter session, the day has finally come! Oh, and what's this? A new song?! Yes, you read right... there's a new song! :D It's called "Seat Beside me" and it's beautiful. Go listen to it right now, click here!

Things to check out!
1. Artist Review on The Head and The Heart
2. Concert Experience and interview w/ The Head and The Heart

Leann Grimes

Attention The Head and The Heart fans! My mind exploded today. Why? Well, I was checking my gmail today and came across an email from a gentleman by the name of Shane Concerty AKA LEANN GRIMES. If you aren't familiar with Leann Grimes, today is your lucky day.

http://leanngrimes.bandcamp.com/

Leann Grimes
AKA Shane Conerty
-Age: 23
-Location: Asheville, NC
-Also in a band called "Now you see them"
(Also worth checkin out!)

Track Listing:

1. "Cats & Dogs"
and "Coeur D'alene", by The Head and the Heart
2. "Egyptain Robe", by Miniature Tigers
3. "Memory Boy", by Deerhunter
4. "Got To Move", by CAKE
5. "Under Cover Of Darkness", by The Strokes
6. "Shadow People", by Dr. Dog
7. "Mrs. Cold", by Kings Of Convenience
8. "Excuses", by The Morning Benders
9. "One Last", by Avi Buffalo
10. "Mary", by Yellow Ostrich
11. "World News", by Local Natives
12. "Keep Me In Mind", by Little Joy
13. "Summersong", by The Decemberists

My Thoughts:
If you're a TH&TH nub like me, then you can surely appreciate the first track of Leann Grimes... it's just what I needed, and I didn't even know it. Take all you know to be indie blog worthy and remix that with how you feel about hype machine's remixes (minus the dubstep) and this is what you get. It's a breath of fresh air without stepping to close to dubstep... which is over by the way... I am over dubstep. So enjoy this gem, and pass it on!

Oh, and PS. you can download this album for free!

Panda Bear - Tomboy

Panda Bear - Tomboy
Released: Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What an impressive album. Panda Bear, otherwise known as Noah Benjamin Lennox of Animal Collective, released this album to the public April 19, 2011, after pushing it back time and time after time! At first I had the impression that this was going to be another overly hyped letdown that somebody paid Pitchfork too much to endorse, but it turns out I was totally wrong. When I was listening to the record, there were times I felt like my iTunes was skipping... I went from thinking it was really annoying to wow, I think I'm being brainwashed and I kinda like it. I mean it is really late (in the morning) and I may be losing consciousness, but this album is really making me feel like I'm legitimately turning inside out. Not sure if somebody told me this... but it totally has the Fleet Foxes harmony appeal with the equal computerized electro that I can't pinpoint towards another band. It's fricken good. My advice is to listen to this when you're stuck awake at ridiculous hours of the morning, it just makes a lot more sense in those hours. The beginning of "Surfer's Hymn" made me feel like a kid entering a candy shop for the first time... and "Last Night at the Jetty" had me feeling like an ant in a factory line that casually ditched to lay in a puddle... and trust me, I'm perfectly sober. Without going crazy with these thoughts, listen to the record and judge for yourself. It makes being awake at the hours worth while... I'm serious!

Songs to listen to: Tomboy, Last Night at the Jetty, Surfer's Hymn

Born Ruffians @ The Opera House

Born Ruffians @ The Opera House
Saturday, April 16, 2o11|
Opening band: Rich Aucoin
Photo taken by: Sarah V. Elston

First things first! Opening act Rich Aucoin was ridiculous. The line between the crowd and the performer was crossed so many times it was crazy. It was both hilarious and awkward at the same time. He had lights, confetti, viral youtube videos, and even a parachute for the crowd. Before performing songs, he would set up a slide show to teach everybody the hook and then awkwardly point microphones at people... I was glad I wasn't up front for the first time. I mean I can accept this sort of thing at camps and what not, but at the Opera House? Too much. It was more funny than fun in my opinion. The music was bad, but the experience was definitely rememberable.

Now it was time for the Canadian band the Born Ruffians to rock the stage to the successfully sold out Opera House. Opening with "Foxes Mate for Life", I was instantly mesmerized with the sweet sounds of the Born Ruffians. Front man Luke Lalonde's voice was pretty amazing. The combination of the vocals, keyboards and the catchy bass lines were pretty much the recipe to smiles and comfortable head bobbin back by the bar. I don't know what it was about their music, but it really made you want to belt out their lyrics... for example "What to Say" was probably my favourite song to sing along to that night. Although "Sole Brother" and "Balled of Moose Bruce" did have me attractively fist pumping... It was a bomb show. Needless to say, their album "Say It" is currently on repeat. Also, they're back in the studios recording their next album! So stay tuned for release date info. Otherwise, Great show guys!

Video footage of Born Ruffians at the Opera House taken from maca3050

Conclusion: One of the best times I've had in a while. If you are in full support of their last album, then hells yes you should go! Their music is bomb, whether it's the first time you hear it, or the millionth!

Phosphorescent @ Lee's Palace

Phosphorescent @ Lee's Palace
Sunday, April 10, 2011 Opening Groups: Evening Hymns
Photo taken by Amanda Soriano (me!)

___Evening Hymns - What an appropriate name. No word of a lie, their whole set was full of slow songs and tired expressions. My eyes felt like cinder blocks by the end of it. The disappointing part was that their stuff online seemed pretty cool and up beat... but what it translated to Sunday night was a pre-show nap.

___Luckily Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent killed the sandman and brought us back to life. Performing both new and old tracks, the sounds of Alabama "raised the roof". The music literally squeezing your heart to feel the emotions of the songs, as if he wrote them days before. Not only was Matthew great, his whole band was outstanding. The pianist was psycho good, and the guitarist and drummer were totally on the same page... it was perfect. Clearly displaying years of experience, Toronto was treated to some good old fashioned talent. I loved "Wolves" (although some D.B. in the crowd was echoing the words in the background), and "The Mermaid Parade". By the end of the show, there was no doubt in my mind that I was leaving with a t-shirt. So, if you're making a stop at Bonnarro, don't leave without indulging in the sweet sounds of Phosphorescent!

Phosphorescent in London performing Wolves.

5 0 50 with Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent

Who's the first artist that comes to mind when you're looking for something to bring your hopes up?
Matthew: uhhm, He's a poet from Persia... Hafiz. A happy poet!

If you had the opportunity to play in another band for a day, which band would you choose?
Matthew: The Bee Gees!

If you could sing karaoke with any artist, who would it be?
Matthew: Dolly Parton

What song is on repeat on your iPod?
Matthew: A song by my friend's bands, which is called Little Wings. A song called "How Come"

What's your favourite thing that doesn't exist anymore?
Matthew: Childhood innocence.

Last words to the fans: Hope to see you at the show!

Toro Y Moi @ The Wrongbar

Toro Y Moi @ The Wrongbar
Thursday, April 7, 2011 Opening groups: Adventure and Braids
Photo taken by Amanda Soriano (me!)

___First up was Adventure and with a name like that you better believe I had some high expectations. Someone in line before the show described their music as video game music, but I'm pretty sure I like video game music a whole lot more. This is another band I don't think I'll remember in two weeks. At most I may remember their funky hipster shirts, but again I don't think they're worth checking out. Sorry.

___Braids. This Montreal group has literally been the talk of the blogosphere for having an album with potential to be in the running for top ten at the end of the year ...and do I agree? Not really. Their set at Wrongbar took forever to start, and once it did I wasn't blown away or anything. The lead female vocalist had a very beautiful voice... but I mean that can only go so far with me. I see the hype, I just can't jump on that band wagon... it makes no sense to me. It's tired electro in my opinion. Oh wait, they're Canadian? I love them! ( :S ) haha.

___Now it was Sir Chazwick Bundick's (otherwise known as Toro Y Moi) turn to hit the stage! Arriving with complete charisma and his adorable smile, for some reason I was put into a better mood right at that second. The music was cool and his voice was soothing and all... but for some reason I didn't leave half as impressed as I thought I would. With all this hype surrounding his music, I thought I'd leave with more of a dropped jaw... and it just didn't happen. I had a good time, but it just wasn't amazing. It happened and that was that. The stage was cool! They had streams of Christmas lights and tropical fruits all over... but aside from the decorations, it was kind of a typical night listening to ambient electronic music. I think there was somethings missing, but I still can't put my finger on it. It was an alright show.

Toro Y Moi performing Low Shoulder @ Wrongbar. Footage taken from dibbitso

5 of 50 with Toro Y Moi

What was your favourite record of 2010?
Chazwick: Probably the Kanye West album.

Where's your dream location to perform?
Chazwick: San Francisco, The Great American Music Hall!

If you had to choose your wedding song right now, what would you choose?
Chazwick: Pretty Young Thing by Michael Jackson

If you could sing karaoke with any artist, who would it be?
Chazwick: Kanye West!

Who do you own the most band merch from?
Chazwick: Probably Caribou.

Last words from Toro Y Moi: Enjoy the show Canada!

Cults @ The Horseshoe Tavern

Cults @ The Horseshoe Tavern
Monday, April 4, 2011 Opening groups: Superhumanoids & The Magic Kids
Photos taken my Amanda Soriano (me!)

___Superhumanoids. Hate to say it, but I can't even remember what they sounded like. I admit I had a few drinks at this particular show, but honestly the music just didn't sink in. They were kinda boring. The girl had a nice voice, but I can't remember if she even moved the whole set. So yah... on to the next one.

___The Magic Kids - They were a lot of fun! They're a group of six from Memphis and they were the perfect example of happy go lucky music! According to other reviews I've read of this particular show, the band showcased too much ego... I personally don't think so. I think they were just trying to be cool for the crowd... their egos were just fine! The music was fun and I wasn't resenting the wait for Cults... I don't have any particular favourite songs, but I still suggest checking them out if you like happy music! I think it might be too happy for me... just saying. Click here for the Myspace.

___Now on to the main event! If you aren't familiar with this Californian duo, I'm telling you right now it's worth your time. It's not simply a boy girl combination, but rather a daydream about candy shops and gel pens that smell like flowers. It's very cloudy "ring around the rosie" kind of music... if that even makes sense. Madeline's voice on top of guitar riffs, xylophones and keyboards just makes sense. It especially translated well in the atmosphere of The Horseshoe Tavern. "Go Outside", "Most Wanted", and "Curse" were my favourites, but the other songs are on their way to making it to the top of my leisurely bicycling play list. They put on a spectacular show full of charm and music to smile to. Although they didn't have an encore, they made sure to say it wasn't gonna happen. Not like some other bands... *cough* SMITH WESTERNS *cough*... excuse me as I skip away to my Cults play list!

Footage of Cults performing "Go Outside" at the Horseshoe Tavern taken from j2daroc8

5 of 50 with Madeline & Brian

If you could share a stage for a performance with any other band or artist, who would it be?
Brian: Dead or alive?
LTT: Lets keep it alive.
Brian: Ok... Umm I don't know, I think the Shangri-Las if they could get back together that would be pretty cool.. I know that some of those guys are making music on their own... but if they did a reunion tour that would be pretty awesome!
Madeline: I choose Sonic Youth

What's a song that reminds you of your first girlfriend or boyfriend?
Brian: Maybe Fade to Black by Metallica

Madeline: I don't have one.

Which band do you own the most band merch from?
Brian: I don't know... We've moved a lot, so we don't own very many records or t-shirts...I have a lot of releases from this label company called Meryl Group that are cool...
Madeline: I'm gonna say Sonic Youth again. [laughter]
Brian: It's true
LTT: Well then Brian, what's your favourite band?
Brian: How about "The Band"

What's the best way to spend $10?
Brian: On cigarettes!
Madeline: Discount shoes!

What's one thing you forgot to bring on tour?
Brian: I didn't bring a toothbrush.
Madeline: A razor. [laughter]
Brian: Yah and guitar cables
Madeline: My bed!

Last words from Cults: We love Canada!

Foster The People @ Lee's Palace

Foster the People @ Lee's Palace
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Opening groups: We Barbarians, Grouplove
Photo taken by Amanda Soriano (me!)

___Coming in from Long Beach California, We Barbarians began the night around 9PM. They had good energy, they moved around a lot, and they sorta sounded like Kings of Leon! They're not as catchy as KOL, but there was definitely some familiarity there. They seemed cool enough but truth be told, their music will probably not make my iTunes. It's just not for me.

___Now on to Grouplove - They were so much fun! They're from Los Angeles and have previously toured with Florence & The Machine. What I thought was cool about this band was the fact that each member looked like they belonged to another kind of group. We had the country guy, the punk guy, that preppy girl... and you get the point! The lead singer's voice kinda reminded me of a less punk Bert McCracken from The Used, and the music itself was just so summery and fun... but enough of that, go listen to them right now! Click here for their Myspace.



___Now it was time to see why Foster The People is slowly becoming one of the most talked about bands of 2011. First things first, lead vocalist Mark Foster is amazing! Within the first few songs, he got the crowd movin and cheerin! Not bad for a band playing their first show in Canada, huh? My favourite songs were "Helena Beat" and "Pumped up Kicks", which are both posted in this entry. If FTP passed through your city, I highly recommend you check them out! It will definitely be where all the other kids with the "Pumped up Kicks" will be.




Check out this video of them at Lee's taken from Molinski89



One last thing... If you are new to FTP, check out their track "Helena Beat"!



Great music guys!

Gold Panda @ The Drake Hotel

Gold Panda @
The Drake Hotel
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Opening Group: Dam Mantle

Photos taken from Kaela Greenstein

___Opening for Gold Panda was this unknown DJ who filled-in for Dam Mantle. His music was similar in the sense that it was rather mystical, but it lacked the creativity I think Gold Panda has secured under his belt. During his set, people began filling the underground (space within the Drake Hotel) with drinks in hand and excited but cool and laid back expressions. The crowd was rather dynamic with the expected hipsters and odd shadow puppeteers (yes, I just said that). Good energy was definitely in the air, and everybody was looking for a good time.

___Before taking the stage, Derwin (Gold Panda) casually had his beer by the merch table. It was pretty cool watching him from afar amongst his unknowing fans. After losing sight of him, I realized he was already on stage. Jammin out with a hoodie and no panda hat, our ears begun swimming to the exotic beats of Gold Panda. His music is so dam cool... it's like a video game proclaiming last words of life... Super crazy and totally mind blowing. The only negative thing I can remark on was the pause between songs... I think there should have been more of a flow to the set... but seriously, it sounded good! The crowd especially enjoyed my favourites "You" and "Quitters Raga". It was a great show and I can see why there is so much hype surrounding Gold Panda's music. Check out my entry on Gold Panda for more info, click here.

Footage from the show.

5 of 50 with Gold Panda

What's your favourite record?
Derwin: Oh my god...Well it always changes because it depends on your mood...
LTT: OK, well then lets say within the first couple of months of 2011. What has been your go to album this year?
Derwin: I haven't really been listening to anything that's been released this year but the new Mogwai album is pretty good!
LTT: Favourite songs off that album?
Derwin: Rano Pano, it's the third track I believe... It's a great record but it's not my favourite... Best album would probably be "Bad" by Michael Jackson because the timing was right when I got into it.

What would be your dream 5 line up at a music festival?
Derwin: umm, Aphex Twin... umm do they all have to be alive?
LTT: You can have one dead.
Derwin: [laughter] Ok, The Beatles... because I don't see what all the fuss is about... um, there's this group called SND, who I can probably see very easily but yeah... I'd see myself because I don't know what that looks like [laughter]... OK and one more... David Bowie...

In the future, who's an artist you'd love to collaborate with?
Derwin: When I listen to music I never think I want to collaborate with somebody because it's always been something quite personal for me... and if I get someone to join, I would feel like I don't have complete control over everything, which is something I'm really particular about... so probably just friends...I have a friend who is making me do something for Charlie Alex March and this Japanese hip hip crew called Origami, I just did a remix for them.

What movie can you watch repeatedly?
Derwin: Akira the Japanese animated film... Robocop... Under Seige with Steven Seagal...Labyrinth


What do you like that you are most embarrassed of? Or at least should be embarrassed of?
Derwin: Wearing a panda hat...I really regret that... I don't know... Gold Panda is just a name and I wore that hat because I didn't know anybody was going to take it seriously... I didn't realize I would be doing these sold out shows...
LTT: Still bring the hat out?
Derwin: Oh no no, I'm 30 now. [laughter]

Last words to your fans:
Derwin: If you do music, don't name yourself with a colour and an animal... But do music!

Thanks Derwin for your time! :D LTT LOVES YOU!

Ellie Goulding @ The Phoenix

Ellie Goulding @ The Phoenix

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Opening group: The Knocks

___Beginning the night's festivities were The Knocks. According to NME Magazine, this New York duo is one of the "20 hottest producers in music right now". After hearing their set, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. It's been done before... I'm over it. They were like a reincarnated Chromeo without the guitar (huge element) and 10 years of knowing how to rock. Without completely trampling their set, they did get the crowd moving... Which as a headliner is all you could ask for, right? Well they did their job, I just think their music is best enjoyed via mp3.

___Now because this was an all ages event, it didn't take long for Ms. Ellie Goulding to appear on stage. Beginning her set with "Under The Sheets", fans who waited outside for more than 8 hours finally had nothing more to count down to. Her voice was stupendous, so delicate yet incredibly powerful. She also had a very sexy way of moving around, girl can really move her hips! Her cover of Elton John's "Your Song" was special, but my favourites included "The Writer" and "Lights" and "Starry Eyed". Oh, and did I mention her band was really good looking It was a fun show to watch, and I expect big things from this Brit's Critic Choice winner! I mean following acts like Florence Welch and Adele... you have to be some kind of talented, yes?

Footage of Ellie Goulding at the Phoenix taken from Madchesterstonerose.

Louder Than That asked Ellie, what is your all time favourite Record?

Ellie Goudling: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Thanks Ellie for your time and a great show! :D

Basia Bulat @ The Great Hall

Basia Bulat @ The Great Hall

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Opening groups: Kat Burns & New Country Rehab

___Arriving on stage wearing a cute red dress, Ms. Kat Burns began the night jammin with her acoustic guitar. Playing to a silent hall of Basia fans, her sweet voice took our ears on a relaxing journey. Although after the first few slow songs, I did find myself kind of yawning. The talent was there, but you can't play a full set list of slow songs to fans looking for a good time... there's no logic there. By the end of it, I was happy to cheer her off stage.

___Next up was New Country Rehab. I liked them because of the amount of energy they brought to the stage... but after falling asleep to Kat Burns, I don't think I responded well to this new found energy. I liked John's (lead singer's) work with the fiddle, but as for their music, I don't think it was really my cup of tea. I felt like it was country music for old people, no offense. Also, I thought it was kinda funny how the double bass didn't seem to be plugged in at first, especially because of how serious Ben was playing the thing... Definitely an entertaining set to say the least.

___Now it was finally time for Basia to hit the stage for the first time in Toronto since her nomination for Juno's New Artist of the Year. I was personally super excited for this because I've been in love with her music for the past 3 years. I'm that girl in front who knows all the songs and leaves with a t-shirt that she will probably wear for the next few days... Hay Hay! Well needless to say, it was just as fabulous as I thought it would be! She played her cover of Sam Cooke's "Hem of his Garment" which was incredibly charming. My favourites were "Snakes & Ladders", "I was a Daughter", and "Gold Rush". She is so talented and her music will forever mark my teenage years. This is somebody I will for sure see every single time she plays a show in Toronto. If you aren't familiar with her music, GET ON IT! :D Check out her Myspace, click here!

Check this video out of Basia Bulat singing "If only you".

Noah & The Whale @ The Mod Club

Noah & The Whale @ The Mod Club

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Opening group: The Bahamas

Photos taken from Stephen McGil & Nina Adler

After seeing The Bahamas play the Lissie show the first time, I was happy to hear they were scheduled to support Noah & The Whale. As mentioned in the previous concert review post, I was thoroughly impressed with their set the first time around... and things haven't changed since then! They were just as entertaining and charming as they were the first time. Except this time around I fellin love with Afie Jurvanen (lead vocals and guitar). Cool fact: Afie used to play with acts like Fiest, The Stills, Great Lake Swimmers, Amy Millan (of Stars) and Jason Collett. Now he seems to be on tour with his band The Bahamas in various parts of the States... Very cool! Excited for the day this band headlines. Check out their Myspace, click here!

After successfully putting everyone in a good mood, The Bahamas finished their set. Super girl fans began lining up the front of the stage with shiny eyes and done up hair... it was evident to me that it was going to be one of those shows... Either way, the band showed up and the venue filled with shrills... some of my own were of course in attendance! Beginning their set with "Blue Skies", the combination of the everything, especially the fiddle, was nothing less of dreamy. Lead vocalist Charlie is such a cutie pie with his blue eyes and curly hair, I had a hard time not jumping the stage to hug him! Although for the record, he isn't my type. My favourite song was definitely the performance of "The First day of Spring", it was just incredibly epic. Definitely making the list of best songs to hear live at the end of the year. All and all, Tom and his fiddle took the show home for me... it was just so pretty to hear him play amongst all the layers of music. I liked it, good show. Not to sure if I'd see them again, but I'm glad I made it out that night.

Video Footage of Noah & The Whale at The Mod Club performing First Day of Spring taken from Misserina72

Cold War Kids @ The Phoenix

Cold War Kids @ The Phoenix
Friday, March 18, 2011
Opening group: The Balconies
Picture taken from Amanda Fotes

Ottawa's act The Balconies opened the show with infectious energy which had the crowd moving from the very beginning. Vocalist Jacquie's name echoed amongst the crowd as she stole the hearts of a great majority of Torontonian Cold War Kids fans. I didn't have much of a chance to hear their entire set, but from the crowd's feedback, it was a good show. Definitely a need to look out for this year in Canadian music! Check out The Balconies on their Myspace, click here!

Showing up around 11PM, Cold War Kids started their set with "Royal Blue". Fans crowded the stage with gleaming faces and cheers. It was such a great song to start off with, so lively and dance worthy. Nathan was absolutely brilliant. His voice is just so god damn sexy. I also really enjoyed his hand gestures (see photo). Best songs were definitely "Cold Toes on Cold Floors", "Hospital Beds", "Mexican Dogs", and "Hang me up to Dry". Truthfully, the set list was pretty solid and I enjoyed every song! The best part of the night was the atmosphere. It almost didn't matter what they decided to play, the crowd was digging everything! They were amazing, and I would 100% see them again!

Video Footage taken from TheTheFisherKing



5 of 50 with Nathan of Cold War Kids
#19- Name a song that reminds you of your teenage years.
Nathan: We just went to go get Sushi down the street and they were playing the craziest mix of just Guns and Roses... Sweet child of mine was playing and I think that reminds me of being 13 and like riding bikes

#33- What has been your greatest musical find on tour?
Nathan: We've toured a bunch with umm... lets see there are so many... Elvis Perkins in Deer Land and they have a couple albums out and we've toured with them a bunch and they're fabulous I really like them . (Check out their Myspace, click here)

#37- What would you consider the best album of 2010?
Nathan: It's always so hard when you don't have the iPod handy... i love the Kanye West album... I like the Arcade fire album a lot... The National album... I don't know those are very typical one but I love all those a lot

#45- What's the one song that if it were to go on you would go crazy and dance around?
Nathan: You know the Jay Z album that was like his black album but it was remastered into the Grey album ... He mixed the Jay Z album with the Beatles White album and it was the Grey album? It always makes me go crazy.

#39- What's the most played song on your iPod?
Nathan: I'd have to guess... let me think about it... What is a song I listen to a lot... It always changes... Um this is so hard... lets say Tom Waits - Innocent when you dream

Last words to your fans: I don't know that much about Toronto, I wish we could go around and see more...and explore music.

Thank you Nathan for your time, and keep up the good work! :D

Polock talks to LTT VIA SKYPE!

Polock
[Twitter /Facebook /Myspace /Website]
[Sebas (bass), Papu (Vocals/Guitar), Pablo (Guitar), Alberto (Keyboards), Marc (Drums)]

-An Indie band from Valencia, Spain
-Signed to Mushroom Pillow
-Played SXSW
-Have a feature in Nylon Magazine. (Read more about it, click here.)
-Describes their band as being The Strokes had they written under the Spanish sun and a giant disco ball.

Songs to listen to: Fireworks (posted below), High on Life

Conclusion: If you're a Phoenix fan, then you will definitely like these Spanish hipsters. It's the perfect summer play list for morning bike rides and sundaes. I like it, it's fun. Their debut album "Getting Down from the Trees" hits the market March 28, 2011! So check it out! They're currently touring the states, so look out for these Latinos because they're living the dream.

5 of 50 With Alberto of Polock

#7- If you could take credit for writing any song, which would it be?
Alberto: God only knows, by Brian Wilson. Ive heard this song about one million times but there is always something else to discover in it.

#23- If you only had one more song to perform live, which would it be?
Alberto: I suppose Fireworks would be the choice if we hadn't played it before in the show. It really gets people moving.

#24- What would be the most recommended place to visit from your home town?
Alberto: It's a real privilege to see the sunset from La Albufera very near my town. It's some kind of sweet sea, where they planted rice in the old times. It's really beautiful.

#27- What would have to happen to your band to say they have made it big time?
Alberto: Knowing we are going to tour the US! This was incredible news for us, and a sign that things are working.

#49- What's your favourite publication/magazine?
Alberto: I'd say NME

Thank you Alberto and Rocio of Digital Girl for making this happen!