Threat Shark Summer – Playlist PAYDAY

Technically this is playlist #29, but considering the circumstance, I had to amp things up a bit. Hence we have Playlist PAYDAY. Boom.

First off, huge thanks to Mr. Kergs for covering for me last week. I was wrapping up my last week in Toronto and between packing things up and tying up loose ends, I was doing my best to see a few sites last minute. This marks the third new location that I have published a Threat Shark Summer playlist from. Previously, I had fired things up from New College on the U of T campus. A quick move down the street brought me to Whitney Hall on U of T campus. Right now, I’m pitstopping in Calgary at my parents’ place before heading on to Castlegar for a wedding and finally Kamloops for the start of (what will hopefully be) my last year of school.

For this week, Brendan and I decided we wanted to wrap things up with a recap of our favourite tunes of the summer.

For you, I have 48 tracks compiled from my previous playlists as well as two brand-spanking new tunes that have yet to appear this summer. Hope you enjoy!

Musicschmuzick

1. Make A New Dance Up by Hey Ocean! – May 22
2. Lose It by Austra – May 22
3. My 5 by Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party – May 22
4. Out on the Shield by Said the Whale – May 22
5. Darling, Darling, Darling by Corey Isenor – May 29
6. Grab Me By the Lapel by The North Lakes – May 29
7. How Darwinian by Dan Mangan – May 29
8. No Common Ground by Gabrielle Papillon – May 29
9. The Sheriff by The Strumbellas – June 5
10. Hondo by Beta Frontiers ft. Becky Ninkovic – June 5
11. Ciao Monday by Emm Gryner – June 5
12. If I Get Old by Elliott Brood – June 5
13. In Came the Flood by Wintersleep – June 12
14. Bloodlines by Arkells – June 12
15. Echoists by Young Liars – June 12
16. Oceans by Topanga – June 12
17. Fisticuffs & Affidavits by Parlovr – June 19
18. Come On Out by The Elwins – June 19
19. Hallways by Islands – June 19
20. Americanarama by Hollerado – June 19
21. Pool Hoppin’ by Octoberman – June 26
22. Two Feet Stand Up by Cookie Duster – June 26
23. Ropes That Way by Dirty Ghosts – June 26
24. One Shot by Bend Sinister – June 26
25. Last Parade by Matthew Good – July 10
26. Who Do We Care For? by Sebastien Granger and the Mountains – July 10
27. What Are You Waiting For? by Hexes and Ohs – July 10
28. Arms Tonight by Mother Mother – July 10
29. Chameleon/Comedian by Kathleen Edwards – July 17
30. Queen of Hearts by F*cked Up – July 17
31. Vowels = Space and Time by Grimes – July 17
32. Hoshi Neko by Yamantaka // Sonic Titan – July 17
33. Chit Chat by Hannah Georgas – July 24
34. All My Friends by Lindi Ortega – July 24
35. Life on Earth by Dala – July 24
36. Quelque Part by Caracol – July 24
37. Florentine by Cinderpop – July 31
38. Edmonton By The Rural Alberta Advantage – July 31
39. I Don’t Know by The Sheepdogs – July 31
40. Scar That Never Heals by Jeremy Fisher – July 31
41. I’m Just Me by Diamond Rings – August 7
42. What Do You Wanna Do? by Louise Burns – August 7
43. When I Write My Master’s Thesis by John K. Samson – August 7
44. Favourite Kisses by Henri Faberge and the Adorables – August 7
45. Ontario by Will Currie and the Country French – August 14
46. Hallelujah Halifax! by Audio/Rocketry – August 14
47. West Simcoe County by Dinner Belles – August 14
48. I Drove the Coquihalla by Chixdiggit! – August 14
49. Waikiki by Belle Plaine – August 28
50. The Discocalypse by Tupper Ware Remix Party – August 28

Kergin will hit you with another phatty playlist on Thursday. After that, we hope to be hearing you listening to us on the airwaves back in Kamloops on X 92.5FM!

Cheers to the few remaining days of summer! Make the most of ’em!

-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

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #15

Take me out, lay me down. Let the dirt fall all around me, baby. Ain’t it good to be back home?

I might be singing something like that if I were back at home in Calgary or Kamloops. But I’m still in Toronto.

Actually, I’m singing it anyways because it comes from our first track of the night! On to the music!

MUSACK!

1. Last Parade by Matthew Good – I fell in love with Matthew Good’s music when I heard Strange Days for the first time. Something about that song just hit me right in my emo button and I have had a dying allegiance to Matt Good ever since. Last Parade comes from Good’s 2009 album entitled Vancouver. Oddly enough, Last Parade was featured in a game-opening video by the Calgary Flames in 2010.
2. Amazing Backgrounds by Eric Chenaux – Chenaux is a folk artist hailing from none other than Toronto, Ont. In March 2012, he released Guitar & Voice. Amazing Backgrounds is featured on that album and Chenaux’s vocals will leave the listener feeling an eerie chill down their spine.
3. Who Do We Care For? by Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains – Grainger is more commonly known for his popular Canadian alt. rock act, Death From Above 1979. Clearly in a more lighthearted mood when working on this project, Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains is a pop rock outfit from Toronto. While there are certainly elements of DFAB1979 present, Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains have a significantly less industrial sound in comparison. Who Do We Care For? comes from the group’s 2008 self-titled release.
4. Something of Love by Ivy Mairi – While not quite Toronto, Ivy Mairi calls Toronto Island home. Silky female vocals accompany an acoustic guitar and send the listener into summertime dreamland. Mairi lists Neil Young, Van Morrison, Lauryn Hill and Paul Simon as influences and it is certainly easy to pick up on those influences in this track.
5. Agent Zero by Arkells – From just down the road in Hamilton, Ont., I am bringing you more Arkells. There was a time when I could only impress you. That’s what I’m thinking right now as I fail miserably at impressing you. My jokes are no longer funny or are completely non-existent and I’m starting to feature the same bands on a regular basis! That’s ok, I like to think I get a free pass here because of how awesome Arkells are. Turn all the lights down low…
6. Wild Shores by Cory Isenor – Nova Scotia is the home of Cory Isenor and his acoustic folk tunes grab me every time. He has also been previously featured on Threat Shark, but like I said, I have no shame in continually promoting artists that I think deserve the attention. Wild Shores comes from Isenor’s 2011 release, The Hunting Party.
7. Hate Crime by AUSTRA – This Toronto electro/ space pop group is touring Canada this summer and fall, including an Aug. 4 date at home in TO. If they happen to make a stop in your town, make sure you get out to the show. Tour dates include: Montreal (Aug. 5), Regina (Aug. 10), Vancouver (Sept. 12), Victoria (Sept. 13), Quebec City (Sept. 22), Kingston (Sept. 23), Hamilton (Sept. 25), London (Sept. 26) and Waterloo (Sept. 27). For some reason, Alberta gets no love.
8. What Are You Waiting For? by Hexes and Ohs – It isn’t very often that you get a song title with a question mark in it. On this edition of Threat Shark, we have TWO songs with a question mark in their respective titles. I love it. Oddities are fantastic. Hexes and Ohs hails from Montreal and have released four full-length albums, including 2012’s Thank You.
9. On Nights Like Tonight by Matthew Good – Well, I brought us in with some Matthew Good and I am going to start the send-off with some more Matthew Good. On a night like tonight, why not?
10. Arms Tonight by Mother Mother – Simply because it has been far too long since I have heard from Mother Mother. On a night like tonight, if given the chance, I might just fall in your arms tonight. I might fall hard and it might be nice for all we know. Too bad we won’t ever know. At least not tonight. Maybe in the future?

Random and all over the map, I hope you enjoyed Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #15. It certainly is my least-focused effort yet. But what’s wrong with a little A.D.D. every once and a while?

Kergin is up next on Thursday.

Ciao bellas.

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #14

So, the first couple of days in Fort McMurray have gone by and I’m all set up, kinda. But enough of my personal life blathering, this ain’t that kind of blog today.

I’m sorry I used ain’t, that’s not normally my style.

This week I have a theme again, of a sort. The Polaris Prize is widely considered one of the top music awards in Canada, especially for the independent and critically acclaimed artists across the country. The prize is similar to the Mercury out of Britain, with a huge hipster caché, but ismore based on Ireland’s Choice Music Prize.

The prize started in 2006 and annually awarded $20,000 (Canadian dollars, folks) until it bounced up to $30,000 last year. The money comes from a variety of industry organizations and companies and corporations.

I’ve discussed it in the past, and featured winners on the radio show or blog before, mostly Final Fantasy/Owen Pallett. Other past winners were:

2007 – Patrick Watson for Close to Paradise
2008 – Caribou for Andorra
2009 – Fucked Up for The Chemistry for Common People
2010 – Kwarka for Le Chemins de verre
2011 – Arcade Fire for The Suburbs

The prize works through three stages with jurors whittling down the competition. Recently (June 14th) the long list was announced. From that a short list is announced later this summer. The final announcement comes on a gala night with performances from those on the short list.

So from that long list I decided to highlight a few artists who I’ve enjoyed or found interesting. A quick note, not all the songs on this list are from albums nominated for the Polaris. Sometimes I just preffered their earlier work, so that’s what you get.

FOLLOW THIS NORTH STAR TO THE MUSIC!

1. Yukon Blonde  – Choices from the album Fire//Water EP
   Ok, so this is one of those songs not from the Polaris nominated album, but rather from the also recent ep they released, and we played some of it on Threat Shark. I just like it better, the mellow, Bon Iver-esque sound mixed with some great lyrics. Really, the vocals are the perfect finishing touch for me. Most of there other stuff is much like their fellow Kellownians, Bend Sinister, but the mellow works for this guy.
2. Joel Plaskett – Lightning Bolt from the album Scrappy Happiness
   This is on the Polaris nominated album, which came together in a really interesting way. While I wont go into all the details, the band recorded (Joel Plaskett Emergency) a song each week for 10 weeks and released that song later that week or day to the CBC and on iTunes. Lightening Bolt was the last track released but is the opening track on Scrappy Happiness (which is a lyric in Lightening Bolt, meta!). I’m a big fan of the indie/bluesy sound to this one, and as always I’m a fan of a song with a slow burn in it, starting sparsely and building to something more in the end. Joel Plaskett has been around for awhile and a bit, hailing from Nova Scotia’s scene.
3. Kathleen Edwards – Chameleon/Comedian from the album Voyageur
   A woman who’s been around the biz a bit as well, she’s bound to get some awards soon. I’m not sure what it is about this song, though, again, I’m citing vocals as something I’m a fan of, and the jangly guitar. Ottawa should be proud of this singer/songwriter.
4. The Barr Brothers – Old Mythologies from the album The Barr Brothers
   I wasn’t sure who all I was going to put on this list, so I was going through the long list, listening to the tracks and bands. Many I hadn’t heard before, and these guys are probably my favourite find of all. Just great for a rainy day, droplets splashing against a window. It reminds me slightly of Great Big Sea’s lighter work, but with better harmonies (and two of the guys are actually brothers). While these Montrealers are relatively new, they’ve already attracted a lot of attention.
5. Great Lake Swimmers – Easy Come Easy Go from the album New Wild Everywhere
   An indie outfit I’ve been hearing about for a few years now, I’ve never really gotten into them. It’s pretty easy listening stuff, but nothing that has really stood out to me. They were even nommed for the 2009 Polaris and have received recognition from the Junos as well. The folksy, upbeat material is solid though, so if that’s what you’re into, go for it guys. I do have to say, I do appreciate a band with a piano and violin in there, especially in the rootsy way they got goin’ on.
6. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built from the album Celebration Rock
   Possibly the biggest buzz band recently, it’s no great surprise this Vancouver duo is on the long list. The punky up beat rock they got goin on has got a great gritty edge to it and seems really positive. It’s the music I’d suggest to any small town kid arriving in a big city, getting off the bus at night. You can take on the city kid, just jam this track on, look up at those glass, steel and concrete behemoths and put some rubber on those sidewalks.
7. Handsome Furs – What About Us from the album Sound Kapital
   Another duo, this time from Montreal. However, after releasing this album they’ve decided to break up. Boo. The electro-pop just couldn’t sustain them I guess. Definitely the urban-artsy music you’d expect from pretentious big city hipsters, it’s here for a reason folks.
8. Fucked Up – The Other Shoe from the album David Comes to Life
   Past winners often make strong competitors. While this Toronto based band is often classified as hardcore punk, there is a lot more going on here. The screaming of Damian Abraham is visceral and violent, but the band provides a different style then most other hardcore acts. The combination has created one of the most critically acclaimed groups in Canada. They’re also a super interesting group, so if you enjoy this music at all, go read more about them. Even if you don’t like the music at first, learn a bot about them before making a final judgement.
9. YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN – Hoshi Neko from the album YT//ST
   Another interesting band, these guys are relatively new, but I think they’ve found an interesting direction with metal, Japanese culture and big epic songs. Moving from Montreal to Toronto, they’re still maybe finding their niche, and for this unique band I hope they find it. There is definitely room for new sounds in Canada.
10. A Tribe Called Red – Electric Pow Wow Drum
    And for the final track, I’m calling on perhaps the most unique band I’ve heard lately. Mixing the old and the new, these guys are trying to take their traditional first nation songs and create a music integrating that into an urban, 21st century sound. A trio of DJs, the music is a great combination of the two genres which can be considered ground-breaking in some ways. Personally, I haven’t heard much traditional North American First Nations music entering pop culture, so this may be the first step of a new trend.

Ok folks, thats it for me for now. Hopefully next week I’ll be better set up and have this ready for you a little earlier in the day. Also, if your looking for other new music, definitely check out the full list of Polaris nominated bands and past work that was noticed by the award.

 Ta,

Kergin