So this is the first post of my blog. I won’t lie, the word “blog” isn’t exactly my favourite. It brings to mind too many hipsters with Nikons for my liking, but alas, a blog is what this is.
As a first post I thought I’d introduce myself via the music I like, or at least some of it, and most importantly what you’ll likely be seeing in this space. For the most part, these songs have found their way onto many-a-playlist in the last little while, and for good reasons.
Scouting For Girls – She’s So Lovely
I haven’t heard enough about Scouting for Girls, which is a total shame. This song is fun, flirty, and … friendly? Alliterations stop here! It’s a great track, and a nice prelude for what you can expect on their self-titled debut. If you like The Feeling you’re likely to find these guys, just as charming.
Jesse McCartney – Leavin’ (MSTRKRFT remix)
Okay, judge me if you will, but this track is this side of awesome. I seriously had no idea it was Jesse McCartney, and if you’ve heard the actual track off his latest, ‘Departure’, you wouldn’t either. MSTRKRFT… you know how I like it.
M83 – We Own the Sky (Maps Remix)
I don’t think I know enough about M83 or Maps to be judgmental of their work, but if this song is anything to go by they deserve all the praise that they’ve gotten over the last few months. As for this particular mix, M83 really owned this song, as they so audaciously suggest by the title, but I won’t complain if you don’t. Check out the original ‘Own the Sky’‘ by Maps available on their(?) website.
Dragonette – Take It Like a Man (Felix Cartal Remix)
Dragonette… Music like this just makes me proud to be Canadian. We really know how to make ‘em up here, eh? Not only is the band itself from Canada, but Mr. Cartal is from my fair city of Vancouver. He’s might be the only mention of the name “Felix” I can think of that doesn’t scare the shit out of me (re: “I’m looking for FELIX! I’m a bit-shit crazy crackhead!!!!1111!”), in fact it gets my jones going! AIR-PUMP!
Lights Out Love – Belong to You
A change of style, but this track is a great little ballad. The band is currently searching for a new singer, according to their myspace, but the vocals provided for this track are from non-other than the little keyboardist for his family band, and Canadian-Idol contestant Dave Moffatt. The Moffatts had moderate success here in their home country, but nothing like what they had in Germany, from what I hear on the streets. I remember a duet with German pop-singer, and girl-swooner Gil Ofarim. Must’ve been the long-hair. Anyway, this track was co-written to my understanding by the band and Dave Moffatt, so I don’t know if they’ll rerecord it (if they can) with their new singer, but it’s a great track to listen to. This mp3 is directly from their myspace where you can find a couple other tracks available.
The Ting Tings – Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix)
The Ting Tings? You might have heard of them. EVERYWHERE! But it’s okay, because they are a little bit of amazing imported from music utopia. I think they’re originally from the UK, though. I saw them at the Plaza Club here in Van-City earlier this month, and loved them off completely. Great show. Katie was sweating over me… I nearly died… The drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums…
James Sadoway – Wednesday Morning
My friend James makes music. He’s somewhat of a big deal. We met in High School back in E-Town Alberta, and now we both live in Vancouver, and he makes awesome tracks like this one. His music changes genre from one song to the next, which is awesome, and “versatile”. That’s what a real journalist would say… He’s got a myspace, and a facebook group, and exceptional amounts of talent.
Jully Black – Until I Stay (Let’s Go To War Remix)
Jully Black has been around for ages, and despite being incredibly talented hasn’t received the attention she deserves. This remix has made it’s way to a number of radio stations (and hopefully to a number of hearts), although iTunes has the best version for only $0.99, so if you want the BESTPOSSIBLEVERSIONKNOWNTOMANKIND get it at iTunes. Otherwise enjoy this one for free, you cheap bastards.
LCD Soundsystem – Tribulations (Tiga’s Out of the Trance Closet Mix)
LCD Soundsystem is made up of a couple of guys who also own a little record company called Death From Above (DFA) Records. NOT to be confused with Death From Above 1979. Which is why there is the ‘1979′ there. Long story. This track is off their original self-titled album, and is a total gem, as was the whole CD. Tiga is also a gem, and as a fan of both I can safely say this song rocks my core. In every possible way.
A Day Away – Touch Me, Tease Me
I wish I knew more about these guys, aside from what their purevolume site says. Their last album, “Here We Go Again” was pretty tight, as far as expectations were concerned. Which weren’t much other than to be good, and they proved a sure thing. Other songs to consider: Anthem of My Heart, off “Touch Me, Tease Me”.
illScarlett are from Mississauga, Ontario, and got their name from a street sign. Apparently, so the story goes, the street sign actually says “Will Scarlett” but a tree branch forever covers the “W” and so… illScarlett it is. I don’t know much about Ska beyond 311, Sublime, and No Doubt but I like it. What can I say? When it’s good, it’s good. This version is from their earliest stuff off “iLLP“, but a newer, less satisfying version is on the latest “All Day With It“. You might find the other one better, but I prefer this one for one reason or another.
Metro Station – Now That We’re Done
You know how Billy Ray Cyrus used to be famous? You know how his daughter Miley Cyrus is famous? You know how her brother Trace Cyrus will be famous, if he’s not already on his way? Well, you see, he’s in a band called Metro Station and aside from the usual comparisons to danceable-pop-punk of this generation, they are ACTUALLY good. I rarely give credence unless deserved, and even then… but they actually deserve it, even begrudgingly. At any rate, their self-titled debut has impossible to forget hooks, some good use of synth, and decent lead and backing vocals. They’re good. I wish it wasn’t true, but it is.
Kate Nash is cute, and girly. But shit-son! Does she have a mouth on her! Like, fuck! In all seriousness though, she swears a lot. But so do I. So there’s that. This is one of my favourite tracks from Made of Bricks and it seriously makes me want to name my kid Mariella so that I can tell her about her namesake and put her to shame for the rest of her life, because no kid can be as cool as this kid.
So there you have it. Me — summed up in a few choice songs. I was going to post more, but why blow my load in one post?! I guess you’ll just have to come back.
Peace it.
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