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!