I've been in Toronto this week, seeking out great Canadian artists both old and new. Here's a selection for you...
Dancehall Domine - The New Pornographers
Trainwreck 1979 - Death From Above 1979
Nomads - Highs
Waves - Bahamas
Blue Flares - In-Flight Safety
Viet Cong - Silhouettes
Shine A Light - Constantines
Knock You From Yr Mountain - Elephant Stone
The Wooden Sky - The Wooden Sky
You're Out Wasting - Andy Shauf
A Mirror - Aidan Knight
20's - Rah Rah
Sweetest Kill - Broken Social Scene
Dead Hearts - Stars
Help I'm Alive - Metric
You Know Me - Air Traffic Controller
An Angel in White - We Are The City
Sometimes We All Fall Apart - Slow Down, Molasses
Full Circle - Half Moon Run
Grand Optimist - City and Colour
Home As A Romanticized Concept - Woodpigeon
Weighty Ghost - Wintersleep
Penpals - Sloan
Brother - The Organ
The House That Heaven Built - Japandroids
I Was Born (A Unicorn) - The Unicorns
My Girl - Yukon Blonde
Fancy Footwork - Chromeo
Closer - Tegan and Sara
Rebels Of Love - Adaline
Kaputt - Destroyer
4am in Parkdale - Grand Analog
Friends Hurt - We Are The City
Sister Sin - Meanwood
Big City Lights - Amos The Transparent
Thursday, 22 January 2015
Friday, 16 January 2015
Discoggs 11 - The one where I look a bit forwards and a bit backwards
There are a million 'Ones to watch' features out there this month so I won't add to them, but there are some new names here. And some bloody ancient ones too:
Buddy - Fault Lines (Spotify) Anchor (YouTube)
Taken from the album Last Call for the Quiet Life. https://www.facebook.com/iamyourbuddy
Sundara Karma - Indigo Puff
Young enough to be my kids by the looks of them
In Flight Safety - Animals
This song keeps following me! In the pub, in shops, I keep hearing it and I LOVE it!
Banbarra - Shack Up
I came to this via A Certain Ratio's (awesome) cover version, but the original is awesome too...
A Certain Ratio - Knife Slits Water (7inch)
Well, I had to really, didn't I?
The Decemberists - Make You Better
I usually find them a bit 'meh' to be honest, but this gives a little something.
John Joseph Brill - Muscle and Bone
Love love love this. What a voice.
Whitehorse - Sweet Disaster
Yes, it does sound like 'The Zombies initially, but keep listening. It's beautiful.
The Fall - Theme from Sparta FC
I told you some were ancient.
Panda Bear - Mr Noah
One of the finest records ever made by a Panda, I would say.
Buddy - Fault Lines (Spotify) Anchor (YouTube)
Taken from the album Last Call for the Quiet Life. https://www.facebook.com/iamyourbuddy
Sundara Karma - Indigo Puff
Young enough to be my kids by the looks of them
In Flight Safety - Animals
This song keeps following me! In the pub, in shops, I keep hearing it and I LOVE it!
Banbarra - Shack Up
I came to this via A Certain Ratio's (awesome) cover version, but the original is awesome too...
A Certain Ratio - Knife Slits Water (7inch)
Well, I had to really, didn't I?
The Decemberists - Make You Better
I usually find them a bit 'meh' to be honest, but this gives a little something.
John Joseph Brill - Muscle and Bone
Love love love this. What a voice.
Whitehorse - Sweet Disaster
Yes, it does sound like 'The Zombies initially, but keep listening. It's beautiful.
The Fall - Theme from Sparta FC
I told you some were ancient.
Panda Bear - Mr Noah
One of the finest records ever made by a Panda, I would say.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Discoggs 10 - The one where I geek out on my gigs of 2014
The year in numbers...
Let me properly geek out. Just this once.
In 2014 I saw 197 sets by 150 bands. I saw 16 bands twice, three bands three times each.I obviously enjoyed East India Youth, Future Islands and Ages and Ages A LOT because I saw them each five times. I saw The National play seven times in six cities across three countries. (They were all incredible, obviously). I've been privileged to see Dry the River play eight times in support of their fantastic second album.
I can't put my top ten in order of preference. Every experience is more than a sum of its parts, but here are ten of the best, in chronological order:
Ages and Ages - Cheer Up Charlies, Austin.
The room was so packed I had to seek refuge on a table by the door. I'm pretty sure the band could've led a pied-piper style parade through the city and we'd all have followed, such was the love for their incredible harmonies.
Future Islands - Stubbs Backyard, Austin.
I'd seen them at Hoxton in February and fallen in love, so the chance to see them several times in a week at SXSW was fantastic. They clearly enjoyed the attention (people were clamouring to get into every show that week) but they did it in such a humble, giving way.
Sharon Van Etten - Koko, Camden.
Are We There is my record of the year, no doubt. On stage Sharon is charming and funny and vulnerable and strong all at the same time. This piece from Pitchfork will make you fall in love with her. http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/9402-here-together-are-our-hearts-the-love-songs-of-sharon-van-etten/
Fat White Family - Dalston Victoria.
I'm still trying to wash the sweat off. Gloriously unhinged.
Jungle - Oval Space, Hackney.
I still didn't know what they looked like when I first went to see them. Then they appeared out of a fog of dry ice and the glow of three foot tall neon letters. As amazing as I'd hoped.
The National - Lucca, Italy.
We'd seen them the night before, in a tiny nook in the town of Vasto. Then we'd taken a series of trains for 8 hours to catch them again on the other side of the country. A downpour started as they hit the stage but it only heightened the mood. Bryce played like it was the last time he'd ever pick up a guitar and Matt laughed as we had a sing-off during Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks. We went home and didn't sleep for hours.
Beck - Camden Roundhouse.
I've never seen so many people grinning in one place. Beck Hansen is a true performer; A sexx-god of petite proportions and an Oscar-worthy actor.
Jenny Lewis - Islington Assembly Hall.
The poster girl for us indie-types of a certain age perhaps. Dressed in a painted pastel suit and singing breezy guitar pop from on top of a speaker – but with lyrics that divulge the grittier bits that lie beneath.
Hives – Reading Festival.
Swoon, giggle, repeat. Consummate showmen.
Bahamas – Borderline, Charing Cross.
Afie Jurvanen has stolen my heart. ‘Bahamas is Afie’ hasn’t been off my stereo since October so I stood absolutely transfixed as he played the Borderline last month. He makes me want to run away and live in a cabin somewhere in Ontario.
Mclusky – Buffalo Bar, Islington.
It was a charged atmosphere from the off. I knew it would be my last visit to the Buffalo Bar before it shuts its doors for the last time so I was ready to soak up those final memories of nights on the stage, behind the decks, in the crowd watching more bands than I could ever remember. It was one of my homes from home when I first moved to London and this was my last hurrah. The fact it was (pretty much) Mclusky playing, who I’d seen here and across the road at the Garage during a period of artrocker excess in 2002-ish just added to the feeling that I should throw myself into it. So I did. We all did. I owe a thank you to both the venue and the band.
N.B - You might have spotted that there are in fact 11. But c'mon. From 197 shows, that's not bad, right?!?
Let me properly geek out. Just this once.
In 2014 I saw 197 sets by 150 bands. I saw 16 bands twice, three bands three times each.I obviously enjoyed East India Youth, Future Islands and Ages and Ages A LOT because I saw them each five times. I saw The National play seven times in six cities across three countries. (They were all incredible, obviously). I've been privileged to see Dry the River play eight times in support of their fantastic second album.
I can't put my top ten in order of preference. Every experience is more than a sum of its parts, but here are ten of the best, in chronological order:
Ages and Ages - Cheer Up Charlies, Austin.
The room was so packed I had to seek refuge on a table by the door. I'm pretty sure the band could've led a pied-piper style parade through the city and we'd all have followed, such was the love for their incredible harmonies.
Future Islands - Stubbs Backyard, Austin.
I'd seen them at Hoxton in February and fallen in love, so the chance to see them several times in a week at SXSW was fantastic. They clearly enjoyed the attention (people were clamouring to get into every show that week) but they did it in such a humble, giving way.
Sharon Van Etten - Koko, Camden.
Are We There is my record of the year, no doubt. On stage Sharon is charming and funny and vulnerable and strong all at the same time. This piece from Pitchfork will make you fall in love with her. http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/9402-here-together-are-our-hearts-the-love-songs-of-sharon-van-etten/
Fat White Family - Dalston Victoria.
I'm still trying to wash the sweat off. Gloriously unhinged.
Jungle - Oval Space, Hackney.
I still didn't know what they looked like when I first went to see them. Then they appeared out of a fog of dry ice and the glow of three foot tall neon letters. As amazing as I'd hoped.
The National - Lucca, Italy.
We'd seen them the night before, in a tiny nook in the town of Vasto. Then we'd taken a series of trains for 8 hours to catch them again on the other side of the country. A downpour started as they hit the stage but it only heightened the mood. Bryce played like it was the last time he'd ever pick up a guitar and Matt laughed as we had a sing-off during Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks. We went home and didn't sleep for hours.
Beck - Camden Roundhouse.
I've never seen so many people grinning in one place. Beck Hansen is a true performer; A sexx-god of petite proportions and an Oscar-worthy actor.
Jenny Lewis - Islington Assembly Hall.
The poster girl for us indie-types of a certain age perhaps. Dressed in a painted pastel suit and singing breezy guitar pop from on top of a speaker – but with lyrics that divulge the grittier bits that lie beneath.
Hives – Reading Festival.
Swoon, giggle, repeat. Consummate showmen.
Bahamas – Borderline, Charing Cross.
Afie Jurvanen has stolen my heart. ‘Bahamas is Afie’ hasn’t been off my stereo since October so I stood absolutely transfixed as he played the Borderline last month. He makes me want to run away and live in a cabin somewhere in Ontario.
Mclusky – Buffalo Bar, Islington.
It was a charged atmosphere from the off. I knew it would be my last visit to the Buffalo Bar before it shuts its doors for the last time so I was ready to soak up those final memories of nights on the stage, behind the decks, in the crowd watching more bands than I could ever remember. It was one of my homes from home when I first moved to London and this was my last hurrah. The fact it was (pretty much) Mclusky playing, who I’d seen here and across the road at the Garage during a period of artrocker excess in 2002-ish just added to the feeling that I should throw myself into it. So I did. We all did. I owe a thank you to both the venue and the band.
N.B - You might have spotted that there are in fact 11. But c'mon. From 197 shows, that's not bad, right?!?
Monday, 22 December 2014
Discoggs 9 - The Alternative Christmas Mixtape
Well, here it is, Merry Christmas. Without a slice of Slade, morsel of Mud or whisper of Wizzard. It's a truly alternative Christmas playlist for you.
Or sit back and watch it unfold here
Or sit back and watch it unfold here
Monday, 15 December 2014
Discoggs 8 - The one where I escaped the Christmas chaos
No tinsel, baubles or Mariah here.
And for the non-Spotify users...
This is The Day - The The
In Conflict - Owen Pallett
On the regular - Shamir
Physiques - People Get Ready
Leaving No Trace - Highasakite
To Hell With Good Intentions - Mclusky
Houdini Crush - Buke and Gase
Angeles - Elliott Smith
Eyes to the Wind - The War on Drugs
Like You - Cariad Harmon
All The Rays - Grumbling Fur
Her Ghost - Woman's Hour
And for the non-Spotify users...
This is The Day - The The
In Conflict - Owen Pallett
On the regular - Shamir
Physiques - People Get Ready
Leaving No Trace - Highasakite
To Hell With Good Intentions - Mclusky
Houdini Crush - Buke and Gase
Angeles - Elliott Smith
Eyes to the Wind - The War on Drugs
Like You - Cariad Harmon
All The Rays - Grumbling Fur
Her Ghost - Woman's Hour
Friday, 28 November 2014
Discoggs 7 - The one where I got ready for Winter
Brrrrr. The weather's closing in. And it's nearly December. Let's shut the doors and draw the curtains. Here's a Winter mixtape for you.
Angel in the Snow - Elliott Smith
Howling Light - J. Tillman (you'll have heard him on my previous mixtapes as Father John Misty)
Snowy Atlas Mountains - Fionn Regan
Snow Plow - Bahamas (as seen at the Borderline earlier this month. Just wonderful)
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Winter is Blue - Vashti Bunyan
A Hazy Shade of Winter - Simon & Garfunkle
Doughnut for a Snowman - Guided by Voices
Fox in the Snow - Belle & Sebastian
Valley Winter Song - Fountains of Wayne
Snow Days - Real Estate
Winter Birds - Ray LaMontagne
Winter Song - The Head and the Heart
Winter Prayers - Iron & Wine
Sleet and Snow - My First Tooth
Lazy Snow - Down Like Silver
Gospel - The National (as seen on Wednesday, for the final time on this tour. It would need a separate post to deal with that one, but I'll restrain myself).
Angel in the Snow - Elliott Smith
Howling Light - J. Tillman (you'll have heard him on my previous mixtapes as Father John Misty)
Snowy Atlas Mountains - Fionn Regan
Snow Plow - Bahamas (as seen at the Borderline earlier this month. Just wonderful)
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Winter is Blue - Vashti Bunyan
A Hazy Shade of Winter - Simon & Garfunkle
Doughnut for a Snowman - Guided by Voices
Fox in the Snow - Belle & Sebastian
Valley Winter Song - Fountains of Wayne
Snow Days - Real Estate
Winter Birds - Ray LaMontagne
Winter Song - The Head and the Heart
Winter Prayers - Iron & Wine
Sleet and Snow - My First Tooth
Lazy Snow - Down Like Silver
Gospel - The National (as seen on Wednesday, for the final time on this tour. It would need a separate post to deal with that one, but I'll restrain myself).
Saturday, 15 November 2014
Discoggs 6 - The one where I watched loads of music documentaries
Mixtape number 6 for your enjoyment:
For those with eyes as well as ears:
Groove It Out - Lonelady
Minimalist and synthy with a funk edge that reminds me of Voodoo Ray? Yes please. NB - there is no video on YouTube yet, so there's an older track, Marble, on the YouTube playlist. It's equally great (but do seek out Groove It Out)
Tongues - Joywave ft KOPPS
The first band I saw at SXSW 2014. 12noon on a Tuesday, margarita in hand. Life doesn't get better, right? It took them until this week to hit London but they were worth the wait.
Borderline - Tove Stryke
I'll make a lazy comparison to Robyn and Annie, simply because she's Swedish. And I think she's similarly brilliant.
Somebody - Salt Ashes
Dark disco, as seen at Notting Hill Arts Club last week.
Mixtape - Tift Merrit
As gifted to me by the lovely Amy to mark my adventures in mixtape making.
Waiting Room - Fugazi
If you haven't seen the Sonic Highways documentaries that Foo Fighters have been releasing, you're missing a treat. I watched the first 4 back to back, reminiscing on times spent in each of the featured cities. Ian MacKaye from Fugazi/Minor Threat features heavily in episode 2 (Washington DC) and it reminded me to listen to this, which I did, 9 times in a row.
I Want You to Want Me (live) - Cheap Trick
As featured in Sonic Highways episode 1 (Chicago). Rick Nielsen is a guitar God, no doubt.
Pancho and Lefty - Townes Van Zandt
There's a bit of my heart that belongs to Townes. See the Austin episode (4) of Sonic Highways for more on him.
Polk Salad Annie - Tony Joe White
A Muscle Shoals classic. See the Nashville episode (3) for more.
Pepper - Butthole Surfers
Buttthole Surfers have been doing a fine job of keeping Austin (and anywhere else they happen to be) weird since 1981. See how Gibby is fairing now (actually pretty well) in episode 4.
Race For The Prize - Flaming Lips
Needs no introduction. Possibly in my top 10 songs of all time.
This One's For You - Ed Harcourt
Ed's in the news following his soundtracking of the Burberry Christmas ad, but I think this is him at his finest.
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
A slice of season-appropriate loveliness.
Until next time...
For those with eyes as well as ears:
Groove It Out - Lonelady
Minimalist and synthy with a funk edge that reminds me of Voodoo Ray? Yes please. NB - there is no video on YouTube yet, so there's an older track, Marble, on the YouTube playlist. It's equally great (but do seek out Groove It Out)
Tongues - Joywave ft KOPPS
The first band I saw at SXSW 2014. 12noon on a Tuesday, margarita in hand. Life doesn't get better, right? It took them until this week to hit London but they were worth the wait.
Borderline - Tove Stryke
I'll make a lazy comparison to Robyn and Annie, simply because she's Swedish. And I think she's similarly brilliant.
Somebody - Salt Ashes
Dark disco, as seen at Notting Hill Arts Club last week.
Mixtape - Tift Merrit
As gifted to me by the lovely Amy to mark my adventures in mixtape making.
Waiting Room - Fugazi
If you haven't seen the Sonic Highways documentaries that Foo Fighters have been releasing, you're missing a treat. I watched the first 4 back to back, reminiscing on times spent in each of the featured cities. Ian MacKaye from Fugazi/Minor Threat features heavily in episode 2 (Washington DC) and it reminded me to listen to this, which I did, 9 times in a row.
I Want You to Want Me (live) - Cheap Trick
As featured in Sonic Highways episode 1 (Chicago). Rick Nielsen is a guitar God, no doubt.
Pancho and Lefty - Townes Van Zandt
There's a bit of my heart that belongs to Townes. See the Austin episode (4) of Sonic Highways for more on him.
Polk Salad Annie - Tony Joe White
A Muscle Shoals classic. See the Nashville episode (3) for more.
Pepper - Butthole Surfers
Buttthole Surfers have been doing a fine job of keeping Austin (and anywhere else they happen to be) weird since 1981. See how Gibby is fairing now (actually pretty well) in episode 4.
Race For The Prize - Flaming Lips
Needs no introduction. Possibly in my top 10 songs of all time.
This One's For You - Ed Harcourt
Ed's in the news following his soundtracking of the Burberry Christmas ad, but I think this is him at his finest.
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
A slice of season-appropriate loveliness.
Until next time...
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