Hey Rosetta! - Canadian, indie, alternative

I should have post this sooner.

Hey Rosetta! - Bandages from Sonic Entertainment Group on Vimeo.

Seeds (2011)
download:mediafire

Mother Falcon - Baroque pop, indie, folk

Another strings focused group.



Still Life (2010)
Download:mediafire

Braids - electronic, indie pop, alternative, Canadian

Another Canadian group for ya. This time coming from Calgary. Like it mostly for the instrumentation.





Native Speaker (2011)
download:mediafire

Karkwa - indie rock, Canadian

Here is a french Canadian indie rock group that won the 2010 polaris prize.

(couldn't find a video with better audio quality)


Les Chemins De Verre (2010)
download:mediafire

Heather Woods Broderick - folk, singer-songwriter

Here is the side project of Heather Broderick, sister of peter broderick. She also plays in efterklang, horse feathers and some other stuff.



From the Ground (2009)
download:mediafire

Team Me - indie, pop, alternative

Here's a norwegian indie pop band. The poppy vocals can be a little too much for me but there are still some quality moments here.



Team Me (2011)
download:mediafire

Born Gold - indie, electronic, glitch, experimental, Canadian

Really strange glitchy type rock stuff. I just wish that the album lived up to the song but who knows you might like the rest.



Bodysongs (2011)
download:mediafire

Miracles of Modern Science - baroque pop, indie, folk

Very interesting use of strings as the center piece of this indie group somewhat like ra ra riot but definitely a thing of its own.



Also this is sort of amusing...



Dog Year (2011)
album download:mediafire

The Bulletproof Tiger - You Wanna Kiss About it

New album out



You Wanna Kiss About it (2011)
download:mediafire

Typhoon - indie, folk

An interesting big band group. horn and string section and 2 drummers.



A New Kind of House (2011)
download:mediafire

Back - Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation - indie, chillwave, dream pop

Hey back again. Here something I've been liking a lot these days.



download:mediafire

Beat! Beat! Beat! - indie, rock

Here is a fun band from Germany. Very catchy stuff



couldn't find a mediafire. click the orange "download" thing not the green one
download: zippyshare

And So I Watch You From Afar - post-rock

These guys kinda sound like what the new maybeshewill sounds like. some hints of math rock as well. they can get pretty heavy.



download: mediafire

Art Tatum & Ben Webster - Jazz

Again its been awhile. I'm not very good at keeping up haha.

Anyways here is some jazz. Just nice chill jazz, good for late night listening after a busy day.



download: mediafire

They Mean Us - instrumental, post-rock, indie

Hey been a while since last post but here is something pretty sick. These guys kind of remind me of Balmorhea. just regular band with some cello. They can have some progressive and math rock like moments but mostly just chill.



For more They Mean Us
myspace
last.fm

Friendship Lottery (2007)
download:mediafire

For the Stereo Impaired (2010)

download:mediafire

Noah and the Whale - indie, folk

I love this album here and I want to make it clear that it is this album in particular for I am not a huge fan of their first and most recent albums. I just feel that The First Days of Spring is a much more genuine piece and has more markings of artist behind the music but don't let that keep this note from keeping you from checking out the other stuff.

For me it was important to know that this is a concept album based on the end of the relationship between lead singer, Charlie Fink and Laura Marling, who went off to do a solo project. It was this painful experience for Fink that inspired this album. Fink also wrote and directed a short film for the entire album which is the video posted (and I must say that its a sweet idea and wish more artists would take time to do something similar). I don't expect you to watch whole but just hold in there for the first 7 minutes for the title track "The First Days of Spring".

The First Days of Spring - A Film By Noah And The Whale from charlie fink on Vimeo.

For more Noah and the Whale
myspace
last.fm
website

sounds like: fanfarlo, bon iver

The First Days of Spring (2009)

download:mediafire

favourite tracks:"the first days of spring","instrumental II", "Stranger"

also fun fact the band name came from the combination of the director Noah Baumbach and his film "The Squid and the Whale" which is a solid film and I recommend it as well.

Radical Face - indie, folk

this is from Ben Cooper one of the guys from electric president you can tell right away just from the vocals. This is a side project that gets away from electronics and keep it all most acoustical instruments(which I've always preferred).

one notedable things about this album for me are it can be atmospheric at times("welcome home" begins with the sounds of wind blowing around wind chimes, "along the road" begins with the the sounds of old creaking wooden structure) definitely music that helps puts a picture in your mind. I also really appreciate the drumming.

sounds like: electric president, seabear, freelance whales


For more Radical Face
myspace
last.fm

For more from ben cooper
Electric President myspace

Ghost (2007)

download:mediafire

Touch the Sky EP (2010)

download:mediafire

also looking forward to the family tree trilogy

Rooftops - math rock, progressive, instrumental

Another math rock band that I really like. I'd would say that Rooftops is alittle more easy listening compared to Bulletproof Tiger but nonetheless as good. I just get that the sense that everyone in this band is just really skilled. The upbeat music from the basic guitar/drum/bass with irregular and dynamic rhythms is how i would define this band. but be sure to note some of the variation such as gang vocals and the horn section which helps keep things anew.

similar artists: This Town Needs Guns, El Ten Eleven, Piglet, Bulletproof Tiger.

This video includes two tracks from the band. Be sure to check out both for a full idea of what this band is. Second song "Raft Easily" starts at the 1:00 mark.


For more Rooftops
myspace
website

A Forest of Polarity (2009)
(album art is in the video)
Download:mediafire

One negative thing about the band is it seems like they are no longing going. I'm not certain on that but they have seemed to be fairly inactive since April 2010 when they released "A forest of polarity" on vinyl. So yeah that sucks I was hoping to see more from these guys.

The Dodos - indie, folk, acoustic

The most distinctive feature of this band is the percussion style where the drummer plays on a drum kit without a bass drum, playing often on the rims of the drums, and also uses a tambourine taped to his shoe. This definitely gives them a unique sound.



For more The Dodos
myspace
last.fm
wedsite

sounds like: Born Ruffians, Department of Eagles, the Antlers, Bowerbirds

I've been meaning to get to other albums but Visiter (2008) has given me more then enough enjoyment be sure to check out "Ashley"

Visiter (2008)

download:mediafire

Sunfold - indie, rock, folk, alternative, progressive

I love this band. I wish it wasn't just a little side project by the guys from the Annuals (which is still a solid band) but what can you do. I guess the only you can do is to just enjoy what you got. I loved to listen to some of these songs while driving through the forest in Rondeau with the windows down. Just serene.

What I love about sunfold is it seems to have this kitchen sink thing going on but yet all the songs can be laballed under the same name. I also love the guitar work ("oregon", on this album just very melodic with a nice jazzy touch ("gnosis", "holding the charm") but they still find time to throw in other instrumentation which keeps things fresh.



For move Sunfold
myspace
last.fm

Toy Tugboats (2008)

download:mediafire

S. Carey - indie, folk, alternative

Here is S. Carey or "scary" which the project of Sean Carey. Found this because one of his songs was in an episode of House. Carey is actually actually part of Bon Iver and it would be safe to say there is some similarities in the music.



for more S. Carey
myspace
last.fm
website

All We Grow (2010)

download:mediafire

Sheep, Dog and Wolf - indie, folk, alternative

This here is Daniel McBride. Only 17 years old, took him 9 months of on and off work, learning new instruments on the way to complete this 5 track ep.

sounds like:some bon iver, beirut, owen pallet, sufjan stevens (I'm never very good at the "sounds like" section haha).

Anyway no download link. if you would like to download hit up his bandcamp page here. he's got a "name your price" thing going on there.

but first a taste...


I'm interested to see whats to come later from this guy.

The Bulletproof Tiger - math rock, instrumental, Canadian, progressive

Here is something a little different. These guys come from Windsor but play out of Toronto I believe. lots of finger tapping, irregular time signatures and rhythms but still catchy makes this stuff really interesting to listen to. Also i ways enjoy layered music where each time listening you can focus on a different player to see what individual parts make up the unique melodic and rhythmic clashing of the whole group.


For more The Bulletproof Tiger
myspace
last.fm

Stab the New Cherry (2009)
-couldn't find the album art

download:mediafire
sounds like: Piglet, This Town Needs Guns, Tera Melos

Big Scary - indie, folk, post-rock, alternative, rock

Just recently came across this duo from Australia. Kind of reminds me of another Australian group, The Middle East.



For more Big Scary
myspace
last.fm
website

-made an EP for each season for one year, each with 3 or 4 songs with style varied between each (Ex. Summer is much more indie rock while Autumn mellows out with a softer and slower style). All the songs were accumulated together for the LP
The Big Scary Four Seasons (2010)

Download:mediafire
Last.fm similar artists:
-Ball Park Music, Hungry kids of Hungary, Jonathan Boulet
For me they sound like:
-Some Patrick Watson, little of Bon Iver, a lot of The Middle East but style is varied which makes it difficult to pin it down
Favourite Tracks:
-Season titled tracks, "Thinking about you", "Hamilton"

If you like, there is a new album to look forward to.

Aidan Knight - Indie/Canadian/Singer-Songwriter/Folk

To kick off the return I'll start with an artist that I've enjoyed for a bit now but recently had a spark of interest after seeing this video done in the similar style as the influential Take-Away Shows.

AIDAN KNIGHT - Knitting Something NIce For You from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

For more Aidan Knight
myspace
last.fm
bandcamp

Versicolour (2010)




















Download:mediafire
Last.fm similar artists: We are the City, Said the Whale, Hannah Gerogas, Dan Mangan
Favourite tracks:"The Sun", "Knitting Something Nice"

Back with a change in mind

I going to start focusing on mostly music now and hopefully have a post a day.
For the most part I plan to share new music i find and like including download links. Links will not be mine.

An Island - Efterklang plus some

Efterklang,

-They have recently made a music documentary to the likes of Sigur Ros' Heima (which I must say with its great music and stunning icelandic landscape as a backdrop is one of the most beautiful films I've have seen. I must also say it is #4 of the top 100 documentaries on imdb. Link Here. So if you appreciate a wide variety of music then chances are you will like this film. So basically just check it out There will be a trailer below)

-Now back to Efterklang
They made the film with Vincent Moon who I'm not too familar with.
-I have not seen the film yet but I recently got a hold of a copy and really looking forward watching.

Anyways here are some videos to give you an idea of what I am talking here. Enjoy!

-First video is the trailer An Island.

AN ISLAND - 3rd TEASER - Vincent Moon & Efterklang from Rumraket on Vimeo.

-Next video is from 4AD sessions (A really well done recording of a live performance by the band.)


This video is a trailer for Sigur Ros' Heima (Again, check out this film)
-the trailer doesn't do it justice


Finally this one is just because I really like it.
-It is one of the full performances by Sigur Ros that you only a simppit of in the film.
-Bascially just four of the band members playing on one stone marimba.

Some movies I'm looking forward to in 2011

Cedar Rapids



Release: (limited) February 11th
Director: Miguel Arteta (Youth in Revolt, The Good Girl)
Starring: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly
Plot: Naïve small-town guy Tim Lippe (Helms) has no idea what he's in for when he's sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the "guidance" of three convention veterans.


Why? a Fox Searchlight film with John C. Reilly and I wouldn't mind seeing what Andy from the office can do with a leading role. Plus the trailer is pretty convincing.

Next...

Hall Pass



Release: February 25th
Director: Bobby and Peter Farrelly
Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Owen Wilson
Plot: Two married guys are given the freedom to engage in a week's worth of extra-marital affairs, though they get a little bent out of shape when their respective wives start having fun on their own, too.


Why?: This is a hit or miss. Most likely a miss but that doesn't keep me from wanting to see what the Farrelly Brothers have been up to.

Next...

Rango



Release: March 4th
Director: Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean movies, The Weather Man)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant
Plot: The story of a chameleon with an identity crisis.


Why?: Needed at least one animated movie on here and to me this one looks the most promising based on what I see in the trailer.

Next...

The Adjustment Bureau



Release: March 4th
Director: George Nolfi (debut)
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt
Plot: A rising politician (Damon) falls for a ballerina (Blunt), only to be stymied by mysterious forces keeping the would-be lovers apart.


Why?:Seems like it could be a clever thought provoking story about love and fate. Who knows? But I must admit that I am a sucker for any trailer that uses John Murphy's The Surface of the Sun.

Next...

Paul



Release: March 18th
Director: Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen
Plot: Two British comic-book geeks (Pegg and Frost) traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51, and with their unexpected new companion aboard their RV, they find themselves chased by federal agents -- as well as the father of the young woman the trio accidentally kidnaps.


Why?: Pegg/Frost duo + Seth Rogen + a decent director = what should be a good solid comedy but I'm not sure how well it will do.

More to this list is to come.

Bohemian Rhapsody on the uku

This is also from ted.com. Its not just long boring lectures that make up of the site. so check it out: www.ted.com

Song of the Week: Lost - Pogo

The song for this week is mainly just unqiue. Also found this one on 61.
-this guy takes bits and pieces of dialogue from movies and mixes them together to create melodies. It kind of reminds me of Nomak.
-This song is the best Ive heard from him. Unfortunately not much else has stuck out.

Hannibal Buress - Pickle Juice!

-Pretty funny comedian I saw on Letterman a few weeks
-Favourite bits include the mobile phone technique(only in the video), Pickle juice, and the creation of the flaming dr. pepper(only on the cd).



Here is his album. Some of his other stuff is not as funny but still a solid
cd.

Hannibal Buress - My name is Hannibal



Download:http://uploading.com/files/614463da/Hannibal%20Buress%20-%20My%20Name%20is%20Hannibal.zip.html

Will Ferrell to Appear on The Office as Branch Manager

This almost makes up for the Rhys Darby tease

Link to worstpreviews.com for more info

Will Ferrell to Appear on The Office as Branch Manager

Soundtrack: It's Kind of a Funny Story

Just watch Its Kind of a Funny Story the other day with Zach Galifanakis (He's pretty funny in it. It worth seeing it for him alone but the rest of the film isn't bad either). One thing I noticed of the movie was the soundtrack which I think included some good songs including a bunch of Broken Social Scene songs.



-It had an piano instrumental of the Pixies - where is my mind which I really liked


-The Middle East have been on thesixtyone.com a bit ago but it was cool to see their song Blood in the film.


-The song for the blackberry commerical was in the film, the one with the guy who sell shoes which i thought was pretty interesting.


To Be honest this would be probably one of my favourite jobs, picking music for movies and tv.

Another good TED.com video

The answer to where do good ideas come from

Christopher Hitchens on Q - "Antitheism"

Christopher Hitchens
-Author who writes about his atheist beliefs or as he calls it "antitheist" beliefs

Not saying I particularly agree or disagree with the guy. I just think he has some interesting ideas.

Song of the Week: When I Grow Up - First Aid Kit

Found this one on thesixtyone.com
currently #1 on there.

Ideas Worth Spreading: ted.com

Check out www.ted.com
-a site made up of a collection of really fascinating, informative, sometimes humorous, etc.. lectures
- I highly recommend browsing this site your brain will thank you.

Here are some videos from the site that I liked...

Bobby McFerrin
Found on youtube
-just cool


James H Kunstler dissects suburbia
-funny


This is all I have right now but there will be definitely be more of these video posted.

Dubstep

Been recently getting into some dubstep due to recent exposure from the help of some friends. Here is what my limited insight into this new genre has found interesting.

Skrillex
-fairly well known
-the workings of the From First to Last front-man Sonny (last name escapes me.
which I must say this is a much more pleasing endeavor of his.
myspace: www.myspace.com/skrillex

download Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?4xdbjojykl95bqy
-check out the scary monsters and nice sprites

Next...

Feed Me
-I know pretty much nothing about Feed Me
-All i know was it was hard to find this guy's album
Myspace:(couldn't find one)
Youtube: "Blood red"
-probably the best song on the album
Download Link: http://hotfile.com/dl/97937920/6e8d974/Feed_Me_-_Feed_Me_039_s_Big_Adventure_(mau5trap_MAU5CD006)_(2010)_MP3_HF_3372526.rar.html

I may or may not maintain continued interest in dubstep so the future is uncertain for following dubstep-related posts.

Back at it

Okay its been decided that this blog that I started a year ago will be revived. So now there is a purpose for its existence.