Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #25

I hate computer problems. Not sure what is up with my little netbook today, but it hates me.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) you folks will have to go without my commentary today.

It has taken me far too long and way too many battles with my computer to get even just this up. Hopefully you at least enjoy the music.

Today’s theme: places in Canadaaaaaa!!!

GOOSH!

1. Holly, Ontario by Said the Whale
2. Emerald Lake by Said the Whale
3. Ontario by Will Currie and the Country French
4. The Dethbridge in Lethbridge by The Rural Alberta Advantage
5. Frank, AB by The Rural Alberta Advantage
6. Edmonton by The Rural Alberta Advantage
7. Athabasca Roll by Audio/Rocketry
8. Hallelujah Halifax! by Audio/Rocketry
9. West Simcoe County by Dinner Belles
10. I Drove the Coquihalla by Chixdiggit!

 

Again, my apologies for the overall shabbiness of this edition of the playlist.

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #24

OLYMPICS 2012! THAT’S A THING! I don’t know how you could be online and missed out on the fact the games are going on.

Oh, you didn’t.

Well, I’m still excited. The games have always been a highlight for me. I know they’re over the top, corporate run politically spun hyper events now, but I still watch every year, every day, for a couple hours. Part of that fascination with the biggest sporting events in the world is national pride. I’m a proud Canadian.

So, as the games sprint to through the last few days, I’ve come up with a very Canadian playlist. All the songs contain Canada or Canadian. This was much more difficult than originally expected. THe first four I came up with right away, but the last few I struggled with. There are quite a few songs out there which fit, but not many are on CBC Music. And searching CBC for the terms Canada and Canadian? No.

Well, in the end I was able to collect 11. Yep, there’s a bonus, since it’s probably the weakest list we’ve produced. I know, I’m sorry. I went for novelty this time and it didn’t work out. On the upside, next week should be great, since I was inspired by this idea to create a list of songs where the subject matter is Canada, or Canadian places, which will contain some patriotic gems.

Ok, enough of the apologies, it’s not actually bad. It’s pretty good, just the humble Canadian spirit coming through there.

THE MUSIC IS HERE, EH!

1. Sam Roberts Band The Canadian Dream from the album We Were Born in A Flame
   A huge name in the Canadian music scene, Sam Roberts is pretty proud to be from the Great White North. While he reflects on some issues he sees with our fine nation he also points out his political preferences in this song, which are easily understood by Canadians due to a publicly funded education system. Also, it might be pertinent to point out Sam is an Anglophone from Montreal, so he can work that Canuck-ism pretty hard.
2. Andrew Vincent Canadian Dream from the album Rotten Pear
   I don’t actually know much about Vincent, he’s one of the artists I found in my song title sear. He’s a former member of a band called The Pirates, which is awesome, but I can’t find much about them. Vincent though is an up beat guy with an acoustic guitar led style though. It’s nice, and really very Canadian in a few ways. Not loud or brash, simple in some ways, positive, based in reality.
3. Jason Collett Love Song To Canada from the album To Wit To Woo
   The Broken Social Scene have a song with Canada in the title as well, but it’s not posted. BUT, we can assume that Collett is a fan of this country just from songs he’s written and their titles. Here he starts off right away with references meant for his maple leaf brethren. Four Strong Winds, for those who missed out on Canadian Music History 101 (which isn’t a course I know of but should be), is a famous Canadian song from Ian Tyson, a Victoria-born country music star from the 50’s and 60’s. Ask you’re elderly aunt. Back to Collett, he may not be a Canadian legend, yet, but, as past Threat Shark playlists can attest to, he’s got his hands all over the industry.
4. A Northern Chorus The Canadian Shield from the album The Millions Too Many
   Around for nearly 10 years, A Northern Chorus was a part of the generation of indie bands that I started getting into when my musical tastes started maturing, though they were never near the top of the list. I always found them too mellow, and now I think I would enjoy them more. But I won’t get to see them live. Ah well, the recorded some strong material, and I’d say this is part of that. They described themselves as Space-pop, which I think is a little off. Not sure of a way to genre-fy this, but it does good at creating a musical mood which implies the vastness of the Canadian Shield. Geez, that sounded pretty smart…
5. The Wheat Pool Geographic Centre of Canada from the album Township
   A little more upbeat with just a tinge of that Blue Rodeo country sound. Not really a twang-y style, it’s more of the rhythm guitar and vocals that make me say that. A descriptive song of (I’m guessing) Winnipeg (since it’s close to the East-West geographic centre of Canada) and road tripping, it’s pleasant. If you’re hoping to see these guys it’s too late, they’re website says they finished as of March.
6. Constantines Trans-Canada from the album Kensington Heights
   Another band no longer around (well, on hiatus actually) the Consantines were a fairly popular indie band for a while in the early 00’s, with an edgier sound then many of their compatriots. Nommed for a Juno, they seemed like one of those bands that were on the cusp of moving up an echelon, but they’ve paused for now, and they lead singer works at a campus radio station. Circular!
7. D.O.A. I AM Canadian from the album Are You Ready?
   One of the biggest Canadian punk acts ever. And I’m talking real punk, not bubble-gum-pop-crap. These guys have travelled the country extensively and still work together. As they started in 1978, that’s pretty damn respectable. Joey Shithead is actually a pretty important figure in the Vancouver punk scene, which seems strange with a name like that. But seriously, if you want to here some classic punk, check out some more of these guys. They’re too cool for Uncle Sam.
8. Classified Oh…Canada from the album Self-Explanatory
   Yup, this song again. I’ve played it before, but it really is a great piece of pro-Canada propaganda. Unabashedly proud of his home country, Classified has basically assured himself some business every Canada Day. Ok, it sounds like I’m giving him the screws here, but I actually wish there were a few more songs that were as balls-out Canadian as this.
9. Abstract Artform I Am Canadian from the album His Story in the Making
   Another hip hop act, this time from the prairies again, this Winnipeg based group is just getting started. While they may still be working on cultivating a unique sound they seem to have some talent, and they drop a lot of generic and decent Canadian references here. They’ve had some success on the hip hop college charts down south as well, which seems to be rare for Canadians in that sector, so they’re future might be interesting.
10. Folk Songs of Canada Now Come All Ye Bold Canadians (Song of the War of 1812) from the album Folk Songs of Canada Now
    Yep, from Winnipeg hip hop to maritime-y militaristic folk. I’m not sure what exactly this project is, but from what I can tell Henry Adam Svec is traveling across Canada and collecting folk songs as a folklorist, trying to capture a bit of our historical musical culture. Since I don’t really know much about Canada’s musical history, I’m actually kinda interested in this. While this song takes a violent turn in the end, I guess if it was written while the War of 1812 was in the mind, there might be some cultural differences due to temporal locations (it was a different time). I”m not sure where the project left off exactly, but Svec seems to have collected a few pieces.
11. The CFL Sessions Life is Like Canadian Football from the album The CFL Sessions
    And of that work Svec has been collecting, comes the bonus track. A song about the CFL. Actually…well, I’ll let someone else’s words describe this:

    The original CFL Sessions were captured in the 1970s by the late Canadian folklorist Staunton R. Livingston. The tapes (of Canadian football players performing both original and traditional works) collected dust in the National Archives of Canada until the summer of 2008, when they were discovered by resident folklorist Henry Adam Svec.

    I’m 99 per cent sure this is a recording of Svec and his partner on this track, but I think it would be cool if those originals could be released online somehow.

Well, that was a very haphazard and Canadian list. Hoping that people might go check out those folk songs a bit, there’s a heritage minute for ya. Next week I’ll aim for a less exact theme.
See ya,
Kergin

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #23

Finally a week where I’m not excited about the playlist number.

Sigh.

Sad panda is sad.

Staying with the whole numbers thing, seeing as it has sort of oddly become “my thing,” what is with the number seven and it always being lucky? I mean, today is Aug.7 following a long weekend. I don’t think it is every lucky to be the Tuesday that falls after a long weekend. Technically, you become a Monday and people hate you for it. So Tues., Aug. 7, how does it feel to be not so lucky this time around?

Yikes. Might be reaching a bit with that one. No better time than now to just move right along to titillating Tuesday tuneage! 

MEW-SACK? – no, I am not talking about the mystical testicles of some strange magical Pokemon. I am talking about sweet, savory Canadian sounds of summer.

1. I Am Me by Diamond Rings – Looking for a killer mix of pop vocals, electronic beats and edgy indie? Then look (or listen) no further. Diamond Rings, signed to Secret City Records and based out of Toronto absolutely kills it on I Am Me. This song blew me away when I first heard it and it continues to blow me away every time I crank it up. 
2. Pool Hoppin’ by Octoberman – Another Toronto-based group, Octoberman released their latest album Waiting in the Well in March 2012. Pool Hoppin’ is a great little acoustic-driven track off that record. Don’t worry, baby, I’m sure there’s another good one there…
3. Scar That Never Heals by Jeremy Fisher – Talk about a great, catchy pop-acoustic indie track to roll along to as the last remaining summer days slowly pass us by. If I had my car with me while in Toronto, I can envision myself cruising down the 401, windows down, sunroof open and this song blasting. I’m sure Jeremy Fisher, the Juno Award nominee from Ottawa, would approve.
4. What Do You Wanna Do? by Louise Burns – Making our first West Coast stop on playlist #23, we visit Vancouver singer-songwriter Louise Burns. This track has a certain 1960s rock-n-roll feel to it, due in part to the drums but more so to Burns classic vocal sound. What Do You Wanna Do? can be found on Burns’ 2011 album Mellow Drama.
5. When I Write My Master’s Thesis by John K. Samson – The man of Weakerthans fame put fforth a stellar solo album called Provincial back in January of 2012. This is one of the lead tracks from that album. I highly recommend you not only listen to this track, but take in the entire album.
6. All We Want Baby, Is Everything by Handsome Furs – With John K. Samson being from Manitoba and Handsome Furs hailing from Montreal, we have covered all of the country from east to west. The only thing missing is the illustrious north! Not sure we will find any chilly tunes on this edition of the list.
7. New York City by cub – I discovered this band for the first time last week. I desperately wanted to put this track on playlist #21 along with My Chinchilla, but I decided to save some awesomeness for this week. 
8. Treten by Teen Daze – I’ve been on a bit of an electro dance pop kick the past few weeks, especially after seeing French electro gods Justice and M83 live in Toronto this past Saturday. That lead me to discover Teen Daze. This track is a marathon relative to the rest of the playlist songs, so buckle up. Treten comes from the Vancouver groups’ May 2012 release All of Us Together.
9. Favourite Kisses by Henri Faberge and the Adorables – How can you not absolutely love the name of this Toronto-based group? First off, it makes me think of Faberge eggs. Second off, when you call your band “the Adorables,” it is likely going to inspire boatloads of “awws” from the loving and appreciative audience. C’mon! Faberge eggs and the Adorables! I mean, Henri Faberge and the Adorables… Regardless, this is a rockin’ good tune. Listen closely to the lyrics. An absolute riot! This might be my favourite track on the entire playlist for today.
10. Stompin’ & Strummin’ by audio/rocketry – I have been feeling really amped up the past few days and this song helps build on that. I guarantee you there is no way you can listen to this song and not feel absolutely pumped! HAR-MONICAAAA!!! Ja’ Rule from The Fast and the Furious…anyone?

Well, let me fill you in on a little secret.

I may have been a little…mixed up from the weekend. I was certainly in Monday mode until about one hour ago. That being said, as all professional and prepared rock DJs are, I had my playlist stored away and ready to go. 

I apologize if I cheaped you all out on the words. But you probably ignore my words on most good days anyways. 

Yay music!

Peace out rainbow trout!

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #22

Wow, we’re at 22. I think this is the longest I’ve stuck at anything for awhile. I usually get distracted by the internet, but here we are, participating in it.

If you’re wondering I’m ambling around here without getting to the point of my playlist this week, it’s because I’ven’t got a real theme this week. There is a progression I tried to work in, with the first 8 songs kind of going from a kind of cute, peppy feel and getting more mature. But that’s not really a theme, and the songs are just loosely related that way.

And then there are the last 2, which jump into funk and then apocalyptic electro-hip-hop Zombie warning. That’s desert. It’s the fun bizarre one.

So without delay, let’s leap into lyrics (and melody)!

LOOKOUT, IT’S A SHARK! NO, WAIT, IT’S JUST THE THREAT SHARK PLAYLIST! REJOICE!

1. Jenny Omnichord Kings of London from the album Cities of Gifts and Ghosts
   A cute little song with a minimalistic air to it. I think that instrument she’s using is called an omnichord, hence the name of the and, which is really just Jenny Mitchell of Guelph. It’s pretty low-fi, but that adds charm to the overall production. The song is a simple little ditty, very Canadian in some regards. Just a fun song, reminding me of Kate Micucci’s work, like THIS.
2. The Elwins On Your Doorstep from the album And I Thank You
   The Elwins are a great choice if you’re looking for some fun, kinda retro, low-fi work that’s still current. The Keswickians have been doing alright of late with some festival appearances and shows with bigger names, playing quirky, fun, danceble songs. A little short, On Your Doorstep is fun with the backing vocals and clapping making it a friendly piece.
3. Hollerado Good Day At The Races from the album Margaritaville 2: The Reckoning
   We’ve actually played this track before on Threat Shark, but I think it’s worth a revisit, especially in this medium. These are one of the big up-and-comers in Canadian indie I think, with a couple of songs making decent moves into our collective consciousness. The most well known is probably Americanarama, which has over a million hits on youtube with a fantastic viral style video that just required 24 friends and an unstable structure, or Juliet, but this is there most recent single which I think shows they weren’t just lucky.
4. Yukon Blonde Stairway from the album Tiger Talk
   Ok, you know when I said that I preferred a track off of an earlier album to the work on Yukon Blonde’s Polaris Prize long list nominated Tiger Talk, but Stairway has really grown on me. And how have I heard more of it? On the TV, of course. I forget the ad, but it’s being used with some sports add. I actually forget now if it’s the Toronto Blue Jays or Olympics, but the driving, upbeat nature of this song is perfect for a pump up song before a summer sport.
5. Wintersleep Resuscitate from the album Hello Hum
   I was worried for Wintersleep for awhile. They had a pretty big hit with Weighty Ghost, but the follow up to that was kind of bland and didn’t receive much notice. Well, five years after the Haligonians (people from Halifax) big break, they seem to have something again. While I don’t think it will quite catch the popular conscious like Weighty Ghost, Resuscitate is still a noteworthy song, with those melodies they’re great at and a starry sounding musical break at the end.
6. Broken Social Scene Meet Me In The Basement from the album Forgiveness Rock Record
   I was originally going to put a Jason Collett song in here, but I’m holding on to that. In it’s stead is the collective he’s so closely tied to. Again, I love the build up at the beginning, it really songs like it should be shown during a clips show of some great sporting achievement put into slow motion. BSS actually has a huge number of people associated with it, and some are pretty big names, notably Emily Haines of Metric. However, here I’m not sure of who’s involved, but the strings section seems prominent, and while vocalists probably take a step back during this piece, almost all the instruments are probably used.
7. New Pornographers Moves from the album Together
   More strings! But this time in a different context as we finally make it to a band from out west. The New Pornographers make it to Threat Shark again with something less than traditional as piano and strings highlight here, along with some really interesting vocals. At times it sounds like it’ falling apart, but they reduce and bring it back in.
8. Amy Millan Skinny Boy (session) from the album CBC Radio 3 Sessions: Volume 3
   A member of the aforementioned BSS, Millan also has had a pretty solid solo career and spends time with Stars, another pretty big name in Canadian music. I’m guessing, but I’d say she’s a busy lady. In fact, with Emily Haines and Leslie Feist both having spent time in BSS, it’s probably safe to say that’s a good place to find talented female musicians. While she’s contributed to a lot, She’s only got a couple solo albums out there, so if you like her voice with the more stripped down music, there isn’t a ton right now.
9. Big Sugar Little Bit A All Right from the album Revolution Per Minute
   Big Sugar guys, Big Sugar. Legends in the right crowd, this is white boy funk and working class reggae and it is so good and so smooth. The main man is Gordie Johnson, and he is amazeballs on stage. Just oozes rock and soul. While Big Sugar has come and gone from the Canadian music scene, they returned recently. I got to see them with Wide Mouth Mason last fall and really, there isn’t much that can compare to it. It’s a niche very few bands fit into, the white-boy Canadian blues, funk and reggae scene, but the vets there are doing some great work.
10. Buck 65 Zombie Delight (Buddy Peace Remix)
    “Zombie’s are on the loose, be courageous. They’re totally disgusting, they’re condition is contagious. They’ll try to bite you’re body, but don’t let ’em.”  Ok, how could I not put this up? One of my favourite artists, on one of my favourite subjects, remixed in an awesome way with screams and heavy beats. Listen to the lyrics, over and over. Do it, you deserve it.

Ok, lots of Ontario this week. I think it’s a good musical meal, starting off light, getting a little more meaty in the middle and then a desert of human flesh. You’re welcome.

Adéu,
Kergin

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #21

I love getting awesome numbers. Hey… wait a second…

If you’re thinking, “Hey! This cheap jerk started his playlist the exact same way last week!” You are correct!

And to that I respond, “too bad, good sir or madam.” Now, where was I? Oh, right.

I love getting awesome numbers. I remember wearing the #21 the year that I played baseball for the Calgary Expos. What a great memory. We were terrible. We also had these terrible maroon/purple uniforms. But we had a great name and I had a great number.

Ahh, great childhood memories of summer.

Speaking of summer, we are inching ever closer to the end of it! Can you believe that? When I looked at my calendar today, I couldn’t believe that it was the last day in July 2012! Time sure does fly.

Considering how valuable time is and the fact we just agreed that it flies, I won’t waste anymore of it for you.

ON TO THE MUSIC!

1. Florentine by Cinderpop – First, I would like to commend this indie pop group on a great name. Second, I would like to tell you that they come from the Pacific coastal city of Vancouver. Last, Florentine can be found on their June 2012 release, Manic Sparkles.
2. Edmonton by The Rural Alberta Advantage – First, I wanted to feature The RAA’s song  Tornado ’87 on today’s list because today is actually the 25th anniversary of the infamous tornado that destroyed a large part of Edmonton. Unfortunately, they don’t have that track on their CBC Music page! The song titled after that same city will have to do. Second, despite originally hailing from northern Alberta, The RAA conduct most of their business out of Toronto. Third, Edmonton can be found on The RAA’s 2009 release, Hometowns.
3. Neon Love by Secret Broadcast – First, Secret Broadcast hails from my hometown, Calgary, Alta. Like The RAA, they recently relocated to Toronto. Second, their newest album, Hungry Ghost, was produced by Jon Drew, who is known for his work with Tokyo Police Club, Arkells and other great Canadian indie acts. Third, Neon Love can be found on Hungry Ghost.
4. Letter from an Occupant by New Pornographers – First, the New Pornographers are perhaps one of Canada’s greatest rock treasures, having been on the scene since 1997. Second, Letter from an Occupant can be found on their 2000 release, Mass Romantic. Third, many people make a case for Letter from an Occupant as one of the greatest Canadian singles ever.
5. Miracle Drug by A.C. Newman – First, U2 has a song by the same name. It is also great, but much different from A.C. Newman’s Miracle Drug. Second, both Miracle Drugs were release in 2004; A.C. Newman’s The Slow Wonder and U2’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Third, Newman calls Vancouver home.
6. I Don’t Know by The Sheepdogs – First, if you’re thinking these guys remind you of Lynyrd Skynyrd, you are not mistaken. They have a very southern-soul sound. Second, they hail from a province that we rarely visit here on Threat Shark – SASKATCHEWAN! Third, I Don’t Know can be found on their 2010 release Learn & Burn.
7. Destroyer by Young Galaxy – First, this space pop groups calls Montreal home. We’ve had a number of these new electro-indie rock groups popping up from good ol’ PQ. Second, an interesting tidbit: they are a three-piece outfit, featuring two Stephens and one female bandmate by the name of Catherine. Third, Destroyer can be found on their 2009 release, Invisible Republic.
8. Spanish Fever by Chixdiggit! – First, Chixdiggit! is one of my favorite pop punk bands from the days of my youth. Second, they also happen to be from my beautiful hometown at the base of the foothills bordering the Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Alta. Third, Spanish Fever can be found on their 2000 release From Scene to Shining Scene.
9. Scar That Never Heals by Jeremy Fisher – First, this folk artist is a Juno Award nominee. Second, Canada’s capital in Ottawa also happens to be his hometown. Third, Scar That Never Heals can be found on his 2007 release, Goodbye Blue Monday.
10. My Chinchilla by cub – First, this song really makes me want to buy a chinchilla. Seriously, they make it sound as though owning a chinchilla will solve all of life’s problems. Second, only three hipsters from Vancouver could find such joy in such a small rodent. Third, My Chinchilla can be found on cub’s 1992 release, Betti-Cola.

Well, I’m back to my random ways of old. This week’s list featured some old music, some new music and some “turn of the century” music. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Tomorrow is August! Go make the most of the very final day of July 2012. Seriously, there will never be another day like today. I promise that this is the last July 2012 day that will ever appear in historical records. Enjoy it! Make it a July 31, 2012 to remember!

Catch you all next Tuesday. In the meantime, Kergburger will fire things up again, as per the usual, on Thursday.

Cheers,

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #20

Holy digital music available online Batman! We’ve hit 20! The big 2-0! Dos Equis for all! (Because XX is 20 in roman numerals, duh).

For this we’re celebrating with some of the top music to be created in Canada over the last 6 years. As has been discussed in a couple of the more recent playlists, the Polaris Prize is a big deal in Canadian indie music. While I made a list of albums from the long list, and Taylor made a shortlist list last week, we haven’t looked at the history of the prize, so I figured I’d do that today.

Our playlists are 10 songs long normally, so I’ll be pulling a track off a winning album from the prize’s inception (BWAAHHH) in 2006 to last year, and then four tracks from bands who’ve ended up on the shortlist multiple times (I think the most for anyone is twice).

For indie music or Canadian-centric audiophiles this might be a review of some well known bands. For friends reading this out of interest, hopefully something will surprise you. I think this is a list everyone can appreciate though.

THIS PLAYLIST REALLY BRINGS THE ROOM TOGETHER!

1. 2006 Winner Owen Pallett For, Many Lives for 49 MP from the album He Poos Clouds
   S’Ok, I’ve talked about Final Fantasy/Owen Pallett a couple times before. I’ll admit it, I’m a fan of strings in pop songs, and this guy does that sort of thing in spades. And to juxtapose that with the screamin is great. It’s like adding a bit of spice to a meal you wouldn’t expect it from. The piece is peaceful and raw at the same time, from an album which is around as nerdy as you can get. Oh, and just to make you feel inadequate (or just me) Pallett had just turned 27 when he received the award. So I’ve got…about 2 months to come up with a unique sound and master it? Balls.
2. 2007 Winner Patrick Watson The Storm from the album Close to Paradise
   While this isn’t a gale force wind storm, the song matches the feel of a storm fairly well in my opinion, while staying light. This isn’t metal, thunderbolts and lightening. Patrick Watson is both the front man for the band and the band itself. The album this is from also caught the attention of Juno people and the band was up for new artist. It should also be noted in this little snippet that they were up for a 2009 Polaris as well.
3. 2008 Winner Caribou Eli from the album Andorra
   Not completely different from Patrick Watson, this dreamy pop won over the 2008 jurors. This was a year T.I., Flo Rida, T Pain, Neyo, Jay-Z and Kanye dominated charts. Not to say those guys are awful corporate shills, but some of they are. Just making a point at the options available at your local reality here folks that’s all. I’ll get off the milk crate now.
4. 2009 Winner Fucked Up No Epiphany from the album The Chemistry of Common Life
   One of my favourites to come up in the Polaris noms, these guys are a great mix of that raw, screaming sound with something more polished. It’s not totally dissimilar to what Alexisonfire and the likes have had going on, but greater musical creativity and variety and lyrics you can actually understand really add. No Epiphany sounds like the song you’d have an epiphany to. Oh, and one other note to go with this one, it was great seeing all the newspapers covering the story try and reconcile the bands name with a bigger story. Most went with F***** Up or some variation. Magazines and other things often went all in though.
5. 2010 Winner Karkwa Les Chemins De Verre from the album Les Chemins De Verre
   A Francophone group took the prize in ’10, which was seen as a positive nod to a huge scene that doesn’t get much national coverage or attention. The band had paid its dues as well, forming in ’98, and they’re still together. To be honest,a s a West Coaster with no experience in the French language, I can’t tell you much about these guys.
6. 2011 Winner Arcade Fire We Used to Wait from the album The Suburbs
   Possibly one of the biggest indie bands in the world, and maybe the most important to Canadian pop culture, these guys are famous for being a talented bunch with each album given great reviews from pretty much anyone considered a critic. While Neon Bible didn’t quite hit the eights of Funerals, The Suburbs is a spectacular piece of works. Polaris might have been one of the smaller prizes it took home, as it mastered basically all the English speaking countries, debuting at #1 in Canada, the US, England and Ireland. It peaked at top 10 in at least 14 countries, hitting #1 in at least 7 countries. Other awards it got included a Grammy for Album of the Year, Juno for Album of the Year and the BRIT Best International Album. And it was in 17 top ten lists from top music magazines “Best of 2010” including five #1 spots from the likes of Exclaim! and Q. Gushing over.
7. 2006 and 2009 Runner-Up K’naan My Old Home from the album The Dusty Foot Philosopher
   I am a big K’Naan fan. I saw him years ago opening for K-os at the Victoria Folk Fest, and he had me from the first time I heard Hardcore. He’s got a great understanding of English, especially for a guy who grew up a kid in Somalia and mastered a new language throughout his teens. The reason I wen with this song is because Smile wasn’t available and this one relies so heavily on him and his voice. He’s describing a life that anyone who was born in Canada won’t be able to fully grasp. While he’s calling Canada home now, his past still heavily influences who he is and who he represents and who he’s going to talk about in his music.
8. 2008 and 2010 Runner-Up Shad Yaa I Get It from the album TSOL
   Such a talented guy, bilingual, a masters degree and a critically acclaimed MC all at the same time. It’s not like he goes TOTALLY unrewarded for the good work though, this album won the Juno for Rap Recording of the Year. High production values and a solid flow, he’s not trying to sell his sound to the states either. This is definitely a Canadian track, even referencing to Gretzky. One of the elite’s in his field, I imagine he’ll get one of these one day.
9. 2006 and 2009 Runner-Up Metric Monster Hospital from the album Live it Out!
   How have we not had Metric on this log yet? Weird. ONe of the biggest names in Canadian music right now, Emily Haines is pretty much at the top of the industry right, but they keep it indie. With songs looking at life in the digital world, especially through the lens of a young woman, Metric has been a good voice to have in the scene. With that electric-rock-pop sound perfect for live shows, they’ve earned a fan base. As I’m a fan of their upbeat stuff with the clapping and attacking guitars this nearly hits electro-punk, but keeps it together a little too well. Instead they make some  of the most accessible music to come from the CBC Radio 3 arena.
10. 2006 and 2009 Runner-Up Malajube Montreal -40°C from the album Trompe l’Oeil
    More french music! C’est bon! It sounds like a French take on Modest Mouse, and not just because of the vocals. There’s something in the tune that feels like it comes from a French culture to me. Of course, Montreal at 40 below is a very Canadian thing too. I think when I was there it was headed that direction, but I never experienced it. THis album made a few waves outside of Quebec, with notice in Canada and the US even, which is strange, though if French music got made over as Freedom Music I could see how they could sell that to a vastly greater audience…

Ok, so that’s a bit of a history lesson for you. Also, I promise this will probably be the last time I write about Polaris for a little while.

Fin
-Brendan

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #19

I love getting awesome numbers. 19 is great for a number of reasons, primarily because it was worn by both Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman.

I have hockey on the brain.

We’re almost at 20 playlists and I thought it would be good to give you a taste of my taste in music. Up to this point, my selections have been largely influenced by various resources and areas within the Canadian indie scene. As happens naturally when you immerse yourself in music the way I do, you eventually get attached to some of the new things that make their way through your airwaves. This time around, I’m going to give you a listen of some of my favorite Canadian indie acts featuring female vocals.

When I took to writing this summer blog with Kergin, I was learning (albeit just earlier than you) about a lot of the bands that I was subsequently informing you about. Now some of them have made it into a regular rotation of my own.

It’s nice when that sort of thing happens.

MUSIC IS NICE TOO!

1. The Choke by AUSTRA – this act is quickly becoming one of my favorite Canadian indie groups. Upon initially discovering them when they were scheduled to play a show in Kamloops earlier this year, I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt. I found them to be somewhat airy and a echoey; a little bit too out there for my liking. But as I listened more and more to their work, I fell more and more in love. Disappointingly, AUSTRA was stranded on their bus in the middle of the Coquihalla Highway on the night they were supposed to play Kamloops, and so I never got the privilege of seeing them. One day.
2. Change by Hey Ocean! – I would say it probably happened in the past six months or so, but I have recently discovered this inexplicable fascination with female vocalists. If I think way back, I’m pretty sure it started around the time I broke up with my girlfriend. Perhaps the lack of a consistent female presence in my life pushed me to fill the void with the sound of a beautiful female voice? Only god knows. Either way, Hey Ocean! is one of my new favorites. Like Mother Mother? Then check out Hey Ocean! Change is a recent addition to their CBC Music library, only having 33 plays as I write this.
3. Revenge by Emm Gryner – Chances are you have never heard of Emm Gryner. And that is a real shame because she has released a whopping 13 albums! Recording since the early 1990s, Gryner calls St. Mary’s, Ont., home and runs her own record label, Dead Daisy Records, which is she also signed on to.
4. Quelque Part by Caracol – I first discovered Caracol when her record arrived at my student newspaper office earlier this year. I decided to give it a listen and pen a review for the paper. Why not? I’m glad I did. Caracol is pretty fantastic. In a somewhat unrelated note, I was published for the first time in French this week. Interestingly enough, I am now published in more languages than I speak, which I think is a pretty cool accomplishment. It’s too bad I’m not much of a worldly citizen and only speak English though… Anyways, Caracol is French and I thought that fit nicely for many reason.
5. Towers by Amy Millan – Millan actually reminds me a lot of Caracol. A folky blues sound that soothes the ears and leaves the listener at peace. Totally chill.
6. Run by Kathleen Edwards – featured on my last edition of Threat Shark due to her nomination for the Polaris Music Award, I feel like nothing else needs to be said about Kathleen Edwards. She is just all-around amazing.
7. Enemies by Hannah Georgas – here is a new artist that I have yet to feature on Threat Shark. Hannah Georgas is from Toronto, but based out of Vancouver. Best of both worlds, I guess? She is a Juno Award nominee and this song, in particular, really hits home with me. Don’t worry audience, you aren’t my enemy. Someone else is. Well, even that is a stretch because I don’t like to keep “enemies” so to speak.
8. All My Friends by Lindi Ortega – a great blend of poppy alternative country, Lindsi Ortega hails from Toronto. She claims to be a cowgirl, not something typical of most Toronto girls, but being from Calgary, I guess I can give her a break. It certainly doesn’t hurt that she has a phenomenal voice.
9. Open Book by Steph Macpherson – this Victoria native found the second thing that leaves me helpless – an awesome piano track. Brendan Kergin, here is a little Victoria folk singer-songwriter for ya!
10. Life on Earth by Dala – winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Dala has also been nominated for a Juno Award. Toronto is home to the female duo that names The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan among their greatest influences.

Kergin will be back with our DOUBLE DECADE post on Thursday! I know that doesn’t make sense and is entirely inaccurate, but I like it.

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #18

Wow, we’re almost at 20 playlists. That’s actually a sizeable number of playlists. So I figured it’s time to go off the beaten track a bit.

One of my favourite niche’s of music is the eclectic area, which is really not a niche at all. It’s all the bands and musicians that create music that isn’t quite in one genre or is definitely outside of mainstream tastes. So I’m going to shine my light on those people for a bit.

A note, while I’m a fan of the strange, different, creative, outsider styles which are a-plenty, I’m a big fan of alt-folk, swing-punk and similar styles, so the majority contain notes of gypsy styles and more traditional styles modernized in some way, or at least removed from a strictly roots category.

So now that you’ve been warned, let’s get start off with not the most outrageous stuff.

Take the musical path less trod! CLICK THIS LINK (and then play)!

1. Fanny Bloom Annie from the album Apprentie guerrière
   We start off with some francophone electro-pop. So I have no idea what they’re singing about, but I have a weak spot for a soft melody and fast rhythm, which is exactly what this song places too, with male-female vocals and a minimalist musical style, except for what I assume is the chorus. I know, a drum machine isn’t exactly something to praise, but used in the correct way it can add to a song.
2. Rodney Decroo A Boy’s Prayer Of Stones from the album Allegheny
   Existential time here folks, as Decroo gets into questioning his childhood-self versus his current-self. A little bit like Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann, a spoken word style piece with a simple musical backing, but instead of advice for the young, it’s considering memories and the past of a man growing older.
3. Hank Pine and Lily Fawn We Can Take You Apart from the album North America
   Another Victoria band, these guys opened for the Red Elvises once, which is saying something since I’ve seen the Elvises open for themselves, partially due to the fact it’s hard to find a band that COULD open for them. When your talking about eclectic, Red Elvises set the bar, but as a band of Russians based in Cali, they aren’t part of our mandate here, so I’ll go with a more than adequate Canadian alternative. This is alt-folk at it’s quirky best, with militirstic beat, back and forth vocals between female and male, a big full sound, it’s all there.
4. Cuff the Duke The Ballad of Poor John Henry from the album Cuff the Duke
   The most mainstream of all the bands on my list today, they’ve still got a bit of that country flair mixed with roots style folk, and this song has some pretty strong threads pulling through. A bouncy beat with some indie melancholy in there it’s just such a nice song. Feel free to take it home to mom.
5. Bananafish Boo Radley’s Last Dance
   Ok, into some instrumental work here. I don’t actually know much about Bananafish, I found them by accident looking for the Victoria ska band Bananafish Dane Orchestra, and instead got a surprisingly similar sound from this Montreal band, but with a bit more of a jazz/blues feel. I love chaos in my music, and while this isn’t as out-of-control as I often like, there’s still an urgency with that fiddle that I’m a fan of. I’d also like to point out the variety of instruments used here. Maybe not many super eclectic, but their is a great variety which creates a complicated, well woven song.
6. The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra Otter Song
   Yet another Vic find, this group is a mainstay. I’m not sure if they tour that much, but if they do, go get your old-school on. If this is what country music was, what happened? Full of rootsy charm and a variety of folk to pull from (I hear bits of blue-grass to gypsy in there) this isn’t for the cutting edge crowd, this could feel at home in a barn, but at the same time it’s not hick-ish. It’s too…I dunno, something, to really feel connected to the country-pop scene we see today. It’s blazing a new trail in the old west. With otters.
7. Bucan Bucan 8
   Ok, so the recording quality on this isn’t great, but I had to include this marching band in my eclectic list. Yes, I said marching band, because that’s where I’ve seen them play. Another instrumental, they do have singers, but the voices don’t come through well. However, this track, which sounds like it comes from a gonzo version of the Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show, shows the talent of the players in the band. Where else is a top-notch tuba player going to play? And yes, it was the Great Canadian Beerfest I some them march at first, but they’ve taken the stage at a wide variety of events in Vic, which is always great with the costumes and energy they bring.
8. Bruce Peninsula Satisfied from the album A Mountain is A Mouth
   I’ve mentioned these guys before, so I wont go into this power-folk group’s history too deep again, but this is by far my favourite track by BP. Too bad it’s so short, I end up playing it twice when I hear it. I think it’s the pounding drums, it sounds like some ancient song, mixed into a slightly more modern mold with the lead singers great voice layered on top.
9. The Stanfields Jimmy No More from the album Vanguard of the Young & Reckless
   I’ve played these guys before as well, but not going to take any guff about playing them again. This is less punk and more celt-blues than most of their other stuff. I feel real bad for Jimmy after all this. The crows got him, they got him the best I think, but not the only. He was also got got by the crowds, the pirates, the river and a gun. If you’re gonna be dumb, then you better be tough. Also is that a Ukranian melody played in the guitar solo? Almost Rasputin-ish in someways, this.
10. THE LAUNDRONAUTS STAIN from the album “The Laundronauts Come Clean”
    Ok, so some more punk like material, but this time it’s…well, retro in someways, but with a definite modern twist. It’s unfortunate this is the only song by the Laundronauts on CBCMusic. Another opening act for the Red Elvises, that really is a badge of being something special on stage. You can’t just be a band opening up for them, you have to be a brand almost, with an image and stage presence and unique style. In this case, well, after hearing one song I think you might get it.

Ok, so that’s my list for today. If you need more eclectic stylings out there, it’s hard. The gypsy/celt-punk scenes are growing, and alt-folk as well, but the nature of these niches and other, smaller ones, is to be hard to find, see and hear, simply because your not part of a big scene or group with places to meet and exchange ideas. Which is why internet!

-Cheers
Kergin

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #17

Little known fact and totally unrelated to Threat Shark – the sweater #17 was the most frequently donned number in the NHL this past season. Don’t ask me why I know this. I chalk it up to the fact I work at a hockey magazine.

Earlier today, the 2012 Polaris Music Prize  shortlist was announced.

For those of you who don’t know, the Polaris Music Prize is meant to recognize and promote albums on the basis of artistic integrity, with no regard for genre, professional affiliation, or sales figures. A group of music journalists, broadcasters and bloggers comprise the panel of judges who vote on this list.

We here at Threat Shark wouldn’t be able to safely call ourselves Canadian indie music enthusiasts if we ignored this announcement. In honour of today’s list, this edition of Threat Shark Summer will feature all Polaris Muisc Prize nominees… except for one that I chose to leave out.

Drake.

You all already know Drake. He would probably say he knows you too. But he would be lying through his teeth.

I replaced Drake with an artist that I think should have been nominated for a Polaris.

POLARIS! -http://music.cbc.ca/#/profile/manovrboard/playlist/Threat-Shark-Summer—July-17-2012

1. Sharks by Cadence Weapon – Edmonton, Alta. (Upper Class Recordings)
2. Heavy Hands by Cold Specks – Etobicoke, Ont. (Arts & Crafts)
3. Chameleon/Comedian by Kathleen Edwards – Ottawa, Ont. (MapleMusic Recordings)
4. Cicadas and Gulls by Feist – Toronto, Ont. (Arts & Crafts)
5. Queen of Hearts by Fucked Up – Toronto, Ont. (Matador Records)
6. Vowels = Space and Time by Grimes – Montreal, Que. (Arbutus Recordings)
7. Damage by Handsome Furs – Montreal, Que. (Sub Pop Records)
8. Younger Us by Japandroids – Vancouver, B.C. (Polyvinyl)
9. Hoshi Neko by Yamantaka // Sonic Titan – Toronto, Ont./ Montreal, Que. (Yamantaka // Sonic Titan Research Laboratories)
10. A Link Between Urban Ties and Rural Relations by audio/rocketry – Edmonton, Alta. (Independent)*

* = NOT nominated for Polaris Music Prize

I apologize for the current lack of links to artist pages. Currently where I sit, I am working within limited means. I will add artist pages and full links ASAP.

Hopefully you enjoy this list comprised of fantastic Canadian musicians as much as I did.

Kergin will rock your socks on Thursday.

Peace, fleece and chicken grease.

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #16

This week is one of my favourite times of the year in Victoria. Unfortunately, I won’t be there this year. Even worse, I have a bad internet connection at home right now, so I’m rushing through this to jam some Ska down your throat.

That’s right, it’s the 13th birthday of the Victoria Skafest right now, and I’m missing it. The sun, food and, of course, music is always a blast, and is probably one of the best parties Victoria still has going on on a regular basis. While the ska community in Vic isn’t huge, it’s vibrant and a blast to be around, and the fest multiplies that, no, exponates that! I have to invent words to describe it.

While the Skafest centers on ska (duh) it also includes a variety of related genres, and I’ve seen punk acts, folk bands and DJ sets take one stage or another. So in honour of this years version, here’s some Canadian ska.

1. Rocky Mountain Rebel Music Light It Up from the album Rocky Mountain Rebel Music
   The big band from Victoria is one of the great local party bands. A huge number of people take the stage, I think the most I’ve seen is 13 when they had a couple guest MCs feature on a couple songs. So much fun, RMRM capture the sound of Skafest to me, with a laid back style that’s still upbeat. That doesn’t even make sense, it sounds like a marketing grab, but it’s true. If you ever get a chance to see them on stage, take it.
2. The Thundermonks Funky Jack
   Unfortunately for me, the young Thundermonks have not included my favourite song of their’s on CBCMusic. In fact, they barely seem to have any digital footprint at all, which is sad. I want to here more of what I’ve heard. They sound like another talented group with some great original material, and sound super young. If you can find a version of Streetlight though, check it out. While they sound like a decent live band here, Streetlight I find a great pump up song before a party or something. Going for a night out? Crank it.
3. Prince Perry & The Gladtones Love At The End of The Century from the album Whatever You Can Get Away With
   I actually discovered this band from the same album as the Thundermonks. It’s called All-Skanadian something-or-other. It’s the 6th in a series of albums, and this was one of the many highlights on that album for me. While a lot of ska lyrics can be goofy and more a laid-back fun-in-the-sun style, these guys actually went with the other thing ska is good at talking about. Reality. I know I’ll catch some flack for that, but a lot of ska takes on random issues you don’t hear about in other songs, and talks a bout a reality I can see myself living in, both the positives and negatives. Here, it’s an easy going look at prostitution and money problems. Awkward subject wrapped in upbeat middle of the road ska package.
4. The Planet Smashers Surfin’ in Tofino from the album Life of the Party
   If you hate the ska scene in Canada, these guys are just some of the people you have to blame. A central pillar of the Montreal scene (one of the major ska scenes in Canada) this is actually a song about life on my island. Yes, I just referred to Vancouver Island as my own, write a bitchy email if you have a problem with that. These guys have a great list of tracks, and really, the choice of this one simply because it mentioned Tofino. They are also huge supporters of the scene, so all around a huge piece of Skanada.
5.  The Wedgewoods Jesus Was a Pirate from the album The Wedgewoods
   Oh come on. With a title like this, how could I not choose this track? I was actually introduced to these guys years ago at one of my earliest encounters with Skafest, when they played a tribute show with a few other bands to old ska-punk bands. The Wedgewoods took on the catalogue of one of my favourite groups all-time, The Clash. The Clash, as much as they’re considered one of the early and greatest punk bands, are hugely important to the second wave ska scene in England and have a good number of songs which are either ska or easily interpreted into ska, and we saw that the night the Wedgewoods played, when only a couple dozen rude boys stuck around to the end of the show, as it was a week night. I felt bad for them and would love to see them again.
6. The Beatdown It’s Alright from the album The Beatdown
   Another Montreal band, these guys are still making a good go of it. I saw them a couple years ago at one of the free portions of Skafest, and immediately had warm feelings towards them. They were covering a Clash song. Wonderful! As they were one of the first bands to take the stage at Ships Point that night it was still a sparse crowd, but the hardcore fans were there, and they weren’t shy about expressing their enjoyment through physical motion. Thats right, they were bouncing all sorts of directions. I n Victoria, that’s really rare, usually bands suffer from a hipster/shoegaze crowd that stares back appreciatively, but doesn’t feed back that energy that can really send a show up. Skafest never has the “no energy” problem for some reason and shows often go long and hard.
7. King Muskafa I Feel Wasted from the album King Muskafa
   While I don’t really know these guys, I’ve got a good feeling about them. The reason I chose this song actually, is to highlight a female vocalist led band. A lot of ska bands have shared male/female vocals, but it’s rare to see a girl as the lead singer of a band, rarer than other genres. Perhaps it’s the goofy nature or “tradition” or something but it’s rare, so here’s on rare example.
8. The Kiltlifters I Wanna Be a Goalie (for the Vancouver Canucks) from the album Serious George
   One of the reasons I figure the Victoria Skafest came around is because there was already a scene there (the other reason is Dane, the guy behind so much of the fest from what I hear). These guys have been around since 1999. I’m not actually certain they’re still a thing (part of 7 of the first 10 festivals, but none of the last 3), but they were for a long time and produced a lot of material, including this little gem about wanting to be a goalie for the Vancouver Canucks. Really that’s the the whole thing behind the song. As I said, ska can be goofy.
9. The Valuables Feel that Rhythm from the album The Valuables
   One of the classiest looking bands on stage (though many are well coifed) this group almost reminded me of a retro version of RMRM with a big group on stage, multiple vocalists (including a woman up there just to sing). The style is definitely less of a party groove and more of a patio. And with summer days lingering over a lake and a cool pint in your hand, really, that can be ideal.
10. Everybody Left “Down to Ride” from the album Outer City SubStation Vol.1
    Another Victoria based band these guys are a newer band on the scene, but have an interesting take on how it can be done. Actually, reviewing my list I’m a little surprised by the fact most of the bands fit pretty close to the standard ska sound, with lots of horn sections, a few organs, easy going attitude and full sound. This isn’t too much differently, but spends it’s time in a hip hop state of mind at times with an acoustic twist. Still, it’s not that erratic. Again, the lyrics deviate from the fun loving message and touches on what I consider a more realistic subject matter, at least to my world. Still gotta love that musical package. More serious thoughts don’t have to be theatrical.

And there you have it. I think if nothing else this list shows that, while it didn’t start here (and second-wave was based in England and third-wave is considered a more Californian thing) Canada has a strong and skilled ska scene full jokers and some more serious artists who take the laid back style and mix it. I think ska, and music infused with ska, is a strong genre right now, with ska-punk being popular in latino countries and latino style jazz and ska coming out of Australia. It’s got a lot of haters, which I just do not understand, but the fans out there are loyal and seem to be able to support and grow the scenes across the country, despite hipsters best efforts.

Brendan