Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #27

I’m doing an odd number this week! Taylor will return next week, but he’s taking this week off. I’m not sure of all the details, but I’m going to assume it’s because he’s some big shot hockey reporter now. He’s probably replacing PJ Stock on HNIC (I just don’t really like that guy).

Anywho, to keep the spirit of Rocca on Tuesday I’ve gone through the songs he’s picked through out the summer and made a mega mix. Yes, you heard right. MEGAMIX.

Ok, so that just means 15 songs, cause I couldn’t choose 10. Looking back at all the songs we’ve featured, you try to choose 10, it’s brutal.

Since we’ll be taking a larger chunk of your time this week, let’s jump to it.

1. Gabrielle Papillon No Common Ground from the album The Currency of Poetry
   This Nova Scotian caught me with that chorus and melody. Something about the way she tosses out “I heard Rome was burning, and this was all they found,” I just really like the way it sounds. Simple. Nothing cerebral or critical. It just sounds pleasing.
2. Coeur de pirate Adieu from the album Blonde
   To continue with the softer female vocalists, Montreal’s Couer de pirate. Like Taylor said, I have nothing against the French speaking part of our nation, I just don’t understand the language. It’s the reason I don’t choose more Fracophone songs for Threat Shark, I’m not sure what they’re talking about. However, that being said, there is some astounding material coming out of that cultural niche. This sounds like it fits in with other Canadian indie music, yet still retains something that sets apart because of the language. Ideal.
3. Amy Millan Towers from the album Masters of the Burial
   Amy Millan is one of the busiest musicians in Canada, you gotta figure. Stars is releasing a new album, which she is a part of, which is great, but I really enjoy her solo material as well, and kinda hope she’ll work on a new album now, though she’l probably be touring with Stars for a little to support their new piece. I’ll forgive her for the delay if they make it into the Okanagan.
4. AUSTRA Lose It from the album Feel It Break
   The only reason I didn’t put this on one of my lists is because he beat me to it. I think this is off the first  summer playlist, and it killed to see he’d snuck in with it right away. A really interesting direction of Canadian music is developing with some strong vocalists working over some more digital or synthesized sound landscapes. Here, we hear one of the more unique voices, and talented. Right around 3:10, yeah, that’s just great.
5. Grimes Vowels = space and time from the album Visions
   A bit of a buzz has come from media around this young woman. As much as Austra is recognizable, Grimes is off in her own category in a lot of ways. Here we get some of that skitchy-techno rhythm with a spacey synth and her voice just lightly over top. Again, lots of layering of vocals.
6. Diamond Rings I’m Just Me
   Something a little more aggressive now. It’s a bit of a slow burner. It seems fairly tame for the first and then really comes alive at the minute mark. The band apparently was taken too serious at first, by those in their seen, but hearing them without any foreknowledge, it sounds like this is a pretty together group, fitting nicely into that modern electro-pop sound. Lead singer John O has got a great voice for it.
7. Rah Rah Little Poems from the album Little Poems
   Switching directions a little bit here, this is totally reminding me of some of the new My Morning Jacket or others playing with that new found twang. It’s developed separately from the “New Country” garbage on the radio, and this song, and many others are reaching into the past for inspiration. I’ve never liked country, but that was because the few times I heard the current crap it was Alan Jackson or Shania. While my Dad introduced me to stuff like Gram Parsons and similar artists, my generation wasn’t producing anything worth while in that arena. Now, we seem to be seeing a rediscovery from the indie scenes and new bands influenced by the past folk, country and folk rock greats like the Band, CCR and old Dylan, which in turn is bringing us something country flavoured in it’s own way.
8. Audio/Rocketry Stompin’ & Strummin’ from the album Buskin’ Songs with Audio/Rocketry
   These guys also play a bit with that prairie country sound I’m talking about, but also use some of the acoustic punk (from bands like Against Me) to infuse a bunch more energy through the vocals. I can totally see these guys sitting on some crates playing at some small town pub playing songs like this. Just some acoustic guitars, a harmonica and a bunch of energy coming from the voice.
9. Cuff the Duke Count On Me from the album Morning Comes
   I’m a bit of a Cuff the Duke fan, and again, we’re hearing some of what I’m dubbing prairie country. It’s not that southern rock, or pop country, or traditional/blue grass. There’s definitely indie rock, it’s a border genre, with themes of the land, unity and trying hard. Anyways, Cuff the Duke haven’t quite become a big name, but they’ve been playing for a few years now and are slowly building up fans and awareness. I think they’re playing TO just as TR leaves.
10. Andrew Vincent Cover It Up from the album I Love the Modern Way
    This guy might have the most Canadian lyrics ever. He’s singing about stuff that happens to everyone. Here, it’s the season’s and how you look. The Alberta Wheat Board and Much Music make appearances. How much more Canadian can you be? He adds some humour at the end, singing about his street.
11. The Rural Alberta Advantage Frank, AB from the album Hometowns
    If you don’t know about the Frank Slide, that’s essential to the lyrical portion of this song, so we’ll just wait a second while you go wikipedia that shiznit. Go ahead. Threat Shark will wait. Fine I’ll do it for you. Ok, with you now informed, listen to the song. I always have a soft spot for songs that go back to almost forgotten historical events and pen a song on it. Often these events were incredibly important to a lot of people and may have altered societies, on a local level at least. As time marches on, the impact of the events can be forgotten, and people can lose touch with the fact people experienced something then and there. So yeah, I’ll just get down from this high horse now.
12. Said The Whale Holly, Ontario from the album Islands Disappear
    Ok, so Said the Whale has become a staple in the Threat Shark diet. It’s kinda strange, since I saw them a few years ago, just after Camilo came out, and I found them rather bland. But the studio work they’ve put out is actually pretty strong. This is off the same album as Camilo, and I really enjoy it, so there’s hope, and maybe they’re excellent live now.
13. Dan Mangan Post-War Blues from the album Oh Fortune
    I don’t know exactly what it is about this song, but I really enjoy it. The war imagery diluted by the Vampire Weekend-esque guitar. The driving beat and big sound coming from a guy I don’t really expect it from? SOmething clicks every time I hear it though.
14. John K. Samson When I Write My Master’s Thesis from the album Provincial
    One of the first songs I heard when I got back into CBC R3 (back when hat was a thing) was this song, and I had no idea it was the guy from Weakerthans. It’s a song I think a lot of university students can get behind, especially my age. While I can’t speak to the master’s part of it, there’s a lot I do get intuitively. It just seems to capture the lifestyle really well, in an honest way.
15. cub My Chinchilla from the album Betti-Cola
    These women should reunite and write lots of new songs. That is all.

C ye,
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 #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 #11

Kergin made a big deal when we hit playlist #10 last week and deservedly so. Who ever knew we would make it to 10? For those of you who don’t know, both Kergin and myself have a bad tendency to chew off more than we can handle. But this time we have broken the trend!

I am going to make a big deal about playlist #11 this week. Why? Because 11 is my most favourite number ever. I wore for a few years playing minor hockey and for whatever reason it just stuck with me.

Without any more delay, let’s roll along to the music.

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1. Tearing Me Down by Old Time Machine – For the first time in the history of the Threat Shark Summer playlist series, we travel north. And I don’t mean north, like northern Alberta north. I mean past the northern border of the provinces and into the Yukon! Old Time Machine is a two-piece bluesy folk rock act from Whitehorse. Tearing Me Down can be found on their self-titled 2012 album.
2. White Doves by Young Empires – I say it almost every week, but considering my current locale of Toronto, you can expect us to spend a lot of time listening to Toronto-based bands. It just seems appropriate. Young Empires is an electronic rock group based out of Toronto. Something about their sound really reminds me of Foster the People. White Doves was released as a single in Nov. 2011.
3. Pool Hoppin’ by Octoberman – Staying in ‘The Big Smoke,’ next up we have Octoberman, a six-pack alternative rock act. Quiet, calm and catchy, Pool Hoppin’ is a fun little song that will get your foot tappin’. It can be found on Octoberman’s 2012 album, Waiting in the Well.
4. Count On Me by Cuff the Duke – Hailing from Oshawa, Ont., Cuff the Duke have a little bit of a country twang in their music. Nothing overpowering, just enough to give them a folky sound. Morning Comes is their most recent release, hitting shelves in October 2011. It features Count On Me.
5. Two Feet Stand Up by Cookie Duster – First off, this may be the single best band name that I have ever seen. If Cookie Duster isn’t a fun band name, then I don’t know what is. The four-piece act from Toronto features the gritty female lead vocals of Jeen O’Brien. Fast paced and upbeat, Cookie Duster bears some similarities to Canada’s alt. rock heroes, Metric.
6. wOW! by Artist of the Year – Electro dance pop from Montreal sounds like a good time and Artist of the Year proves that it in fact is. Up Yours is the latest album from the Montreal group. wOW! has a very funky sound to it that at times reminds me of LCD Soundsystem and Ratatat.
7. Ropes That Way by Dirty Ghosts – Another Toronto rock group, Dirty Ghosts features more strong female lead vocals courtesy of Allyson Baker. Baker lists XTC and The Police as just a couple of the significant influences on her music and there are definitely hints of each in Ropes That Way, which can be found on Dirty Ghosts’ February 2012 release, Metal Moon.
8. Think So Now by Cedar Park ft. Esthero – I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, for whatever reason I am really digging female vocalists right now. This track is no exception to that current trend in my musical tastes with Esthero providing the vocals. Cedar Park is a one-man band, Dylan White. His latest record, Way Back Home, features guests vocalists such as Esthero and was produced by Emm Gryner, who was featured on Threat Shark recently.
9. The Villain by AUSTRA – The more I listen to AUSTRA, the more I fall in love. The ghostly and eerie lyrics of Katie Stelmanis and Maya Postepski just give me chills. The Villain comes from AUSTRA’s 2011 release Feel It Break.
10. One Shot by Bend Sinister – This Vancouver pop-rock act treats our ears and teases us with one more sneak peak from their up-and-coming album Small Fame. One Shot is another fun track with simple but catchy keys that roll along nicely with the vocals provided by Daniel Moxon. I’m loving this band right now and hope you do too!

That does it for another week of Threat Shark Summer for yours truly. Mr. Kergin will return on Thursday with *GASP* playlist #12!

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #9

I spend a lot of time riding transit. This is something new to me. While it is something I hope I never get used to doing, it is the reality of living in a city the size of Toronto.

One thing that this has allowed me to do is read books I’ve been meaning to read for far too long.

Right now I’m leafing through the pages of “Open Ice” by Jack Falla. “Open Ice” is a compilation of essays on “reflections and confessions of a hockey lifer.”

Fitting considering my current place of employment.

The other day I finished reading one of Falla’s essays that touched on hockey and mortality, all structured around the great Maurice “Rocket” Richard.

You might be wondering, “what does Maurice Richard have to do with Threat Shark?! Just gimme the damn music!”

If we were speaking face-to-face, I would simply tell you to scroll past my mutterings and get to the music. The only thing stopping you from doing that is yourself.

This is playlist #9. “Rocket” Richard wore #9 during his great days and despite the fact that he has been gone from the game and earth for quite some time, I still think about him whenever the #9 comes to mind. I think about someone else when the #9 is brought to attention as well, but that isn’t as fun of a story.

If you don’t know who “Rocket” Richard is, I seriously encourage you to go pick up “Open Ice” by Jack Falla. Read that one essay. I found myself a hardcover copy for only $6.99 at Chapters. You don’t have to be a hockey fan. Falla’s essays are about life and its many tales, simply using hockey as the lace to tie everything together.

And now, onto the music.

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1. I Got You Babe by bahamas – From right here in Toronto, Ont., bahamas is chilled out folk rock courtesy of Finnish-Canadian Afie Jurvanen. He has worked with Canadian folk pop darly, Feist and typically performs solo and acoustic. I Got You Babe can be found on bahamas’ album Barchord.
2. 300 Pages by The Balconies – Kergin did a throw back to groups with strong female vocals during the eighth edition of Threat Shark Summer and I’m going to piggy-back on that a bit. The Balconies features Jacquie Neville on lead vocals and guitar. Her voice is powerful and carries throughout 300 Pages. Another Toronto group, 300 Pages can be found on The Balconies’ July 2011 EP, Kill Count.
3. Fisticuffs & Affidavits by PARLOVR – Hailing from the city where the aforementioned Maurice Richard’s name came to fame, PARLOVR is a three-piece alt. rock group. Fisticuffs & Affidavits even has hints of early 1950-60s rock ‘n’ roll; it might not have been so out of place during the Richard’s glory years. Fisticuffs & Affidavits can be found on PARLOVR’s 2012 release, Kook Soul.
4. Walk With Me by memoryhouse – More soothing female vocals. I can’t get enough! memoryhouse defines themself as space pop. I certainly can’t argue because Walk With Me definitely gives me the feeling that I’m floating peacefully, as if gravity had nothing to do with me whatsoever. From Guelph, Ont., memoryhouse released The Slideshow Effect in February 2012.
5. Come On Out by The Elwins – Apparently I am getting very attached to Ontario bands. The Elwins call Keswick, Ont. home and their track Come On Out has received the most plays of any of their songs on CBC Music. So now you can take someone else’s word for it when I tell you that this is an awesome song.
6. Tuff Ghost by The Unicorns – Breaking away from my Ontario spell for another moment. The Unicorns hail from “no home, Q.C.” Wait, that can’t be right. Ok, so maybe they are just claiming to be from Quebec in general. Let’s go with that. Tuff Ghost is a fitting title for this track, because the organ present throughout gives a very chilling feeling, almost as if the listener is wandering the halls of a haunted house, forever lost. Tuff Ghost can be found on The Unicorns’ 2003 album, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone.
7. New Wild Everywhere by Great Lake Swimmers – Back into Toronto with the Great Lake Swimmers. This folk band has been around since 2003, with their self-titled debut release. New Wild Everywhere was released in April 2012.
8. Hallways by Islands – Back to Montreal! Islands also hails from the home of Les Habitants and Maurice Richard. The catchy piano track is what first caught my attention on this track. I couldn’t help but tap my foot along. Hallways can be found on Islands’ 2012 release, A Sleep & A Forgetting.
9. Americanarama by Hollerado – Last Ontario band of the night, I promise. Coming from Manotick, Ont., Hollerado has burst onto the Canadian rock scene in recent years, most well known for their song Good Day at the Races. Americanarama comes from their 2009 release, Record in a Bag. If you aren’t already thinking about it, I can confirm that, yes, the record does in fact, come in a bag. It’s a Ziploc too. Ok, maybe a cheap knock-off of a Ziploc.
10. She Don’t Give It Up by Bend Sinister – Finally! We’ve made it out west for the last song of the night! Bend Sinister! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of a new song since I saw these guys rock Kamloops, B.C., a few months back. Well, Bend Sinister is back and set to release a new album, Small Fame, in July. She Don’t Give It Up can be found on that record. If you’re a fan of Supertramp, you better give this song a listen RIGHT NOW! I’m not even going to say why. You just need to find out for yourself.

That’s it for me tonight, folks. Kergin will be back on Thursday with some more rockin’ tunes for ya. Enjoy your Tuesday evening.

Cheers,

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #7

It’s hot and muggy and disgustingly gross here in Toronto. In fact, it’s so gross that there is even an air quality warning in effect today.

Perfect.

Seeing as I moonlight as a meteorologist, I knew that today was going to be exceptionally hot. Therefore, I brought together this wicked set of cool tunes for you.

Apologies to anyone from anywhere that isn’t currently experiencing balmy or humid weather.

CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC!

1. In Came the Flood by Wintersleep – It’s a fantastic combination of cool! Winter, sleep and a flood! If those aren’t three things that cool you down, then I’m not sure what is! Ok, maybe ice cream could fit somewhere in there…but other than that…Hailing from Halifax, N.S., Wintersleep just released their newest album, Hello Hum in June 2012.
2. Satellites by Cygnets – Satellites are often found orbiting in space. Space is pretty cold from what I hear. Cygnets is a new wave band from my old stomping grounds, Edmonton, Alta. Satellites can be found on their newest album, Dark Days, released in March 2012.
3. Low Sail by Amy Millan – What better on a hot day than to roll out the sails and set out on the water with a cool breeze at your back? Amy Millan calls Montreal home and I found myself feeling comfortably at home listening to her peaceful voice. Low Sail can be found on Millan’s 2009 release, Masters of the Burial.
4. Bitches in Tokyo by Stars – Sharing the same hometown as Amy Millan, Stars amps things back up for us a little bit after a more low key track from Millan. What’s cool about this? How about everything about Tokyo? Fashion, food, lights, music, you name it! I’m starting to find a common theme in many of the songs that I have been picking over the past few weeks. If you can figure out just what it is…please do tell! I’m curious if anyone else is picking up on it.I think it’s subtle…at least I hope it is subtle. Bitches in Tokyo can be found on Stars’ 2007 album, In Our Bedroom After the War.
5. Bloodlines by Arkells – I absolutely love the Arkells! I’ve basically been listening to them non-stop for the past weeks. You may hear more Arkells from me in the coming weeks. Hamilton born and bred, I only wish I could see them live at an outdoor venue this summer! When I think of the song title Bloodlines, I think of veins. When I was younger, I always thought it was really cool that I could see all of my icy-looking blue veins through my skin. I used to trace them with a blue pen when I was really little. Bloodlines can be found on Arkells’ 2011 release, Michigan Left.
6. Cover It Up by Andrew Vincent – In the first line of this song, Vincent sings about his house being covered by snow in the winter. Sounds like it is cold wherever he is. This song is just plain fun. I don’t know much about Vincent and I’ve never seen him perform before, but it sounds to me like the guy knows how to have a good time. He also gets bonus brownie points from me for mentioning the Alberta Wheat Board. This track is almost 10 years old, coming from Vincent’s 2003 album, I Love the Modern Way.
7. Echoists by Young Liars – Typically I spend a lot of time bouncing back and forth from coast to coast. Not today. This is our first Vancouver-based band on the playlist. This electro-pop track makes me reminisce and think back to warm August nights spent laying on the cool grass under the stars. Don’t ask me why. It’s just what comes to mind. Echoists comes from Young Liars’ February 2012 album Homesick Future.
8. Requiem for a Scene by Brasstronaut – After avoiding VanCity, we hit it up for two straight. Brasstronaut is a progressive pop group from the rainy city on Canada’s west coast. I absolutely love the brass horns featured in their work. If having trumpets and horns as a part of your regular set isn’t cool, then I don’t know what is. Requiem for a Scene can be found on Brasstronaut’s 2008 release, Old World Lies.
9. Dick & Jane by Sidney York – When I saw that Sidney York called Calgary home, there was no way I could keep them off of my list. After all, I am from the coolest city on the planet. Once again, I am smitten after hearing another great band featuring strong female lead vocals. Dick & Jane comes from Sidney York’s 2011 album, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic. 
10. Oceans by Topanga – Finally we bring it all the way around and back to where I am currently calling home. Out of Toronto, Topanga brings us Oceans. A gigantic body of water? Perhaps this is what brought in Wintersleep’s flood from earlier. Or maybe this was where Amy Millan was with her Low Sail. Either way, I can’t think of a better way to end my edition of the playlist this week. And that is pretty cool if you ask me. Side-note: Oceans comes from the album of the same title, release in February 2012.

Come back on Thursday as Kergin smash you upside the head with his next edition of Threat Shark Summer! Keep it real home dawg slice fries…?

-T

Threat Shark Summer – Playlist #5

You thought I forgot about you, didn’t you?

I would never do that…

No…

Ok…

So, maybe I almost forgot… a little bit. BUT! That’s only because I was super prepared and already had my playlist ready to rock days ago!

Think you can forgive me? I know I forgive me.

On to the music.

CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC!

1. The Sheriff by The Strumbellas – Let’s start with something fun, shall we? When I’m feeling blue, I like to find an upbeat tune to bounce along to. That is exactly what The Sheriff is. If you can’t find a little bit of enjoyment in this track, then you’re just crazy. My apparent Toronto influence continues as the so-called “Centre of the Universe” is where The Strumbellas call home. But that’s ok, I’ll forgive them because this song makes me happy.
2. Illusions by Corey Isenor – You’ve caught me. I try my best not to double-up on an artist one week after the other. Fortunately, Corey Isenor rocked my musical world so hard last week that I simply couldn’t not include him on my playlist list week. He’s still from Halifax and he is still just as awesome.
3. Sunday Night by Teapot Hill – This song comes two nights too late, but I’ve always said, “better late than never.” Vancouver has been pumping out jammin’ indie rock bands one after the other over the past few years and Teapot Hill falls right there with the likes of Said the Whale, Hey Ocean! and others. A little more folky than the aforementioned, but still groovy, Teapot Hill is definitely a band I will be adding to my library. Sunday Night can be found on the band’s latest release, Night Night Rock.
4. Hondo by Beta Frontiers ft. Becky Ninkovic – Beta Frontiers hail from Toronto. I’ll admit that as of late I have found myself much more into the disco/electro/synth pop that this group, among others, embodies. That being said, I think it is the seductive vocals of Becky Ninkovic that really draw me in on this track. Hondo appears on the group’s most recent EP, released in April 2012.
5. Little Poems by Rah Rah – It feels as though it’s been an extremely long time since I found something out of Saskatchewan that I like… I KID! I love Saskatchewan! But it has been a long time since I found music out of Saskatchewan that really…struck a chord with me. Rah Rah can be credited with being the first band in a long time to do that. Right out of the heart of Saskabush, Rah Rah comes from beautiful Regina (I’m assuming it’s beautiful, I’ve never actually been). They’re not going to wow you with flashing lights or fancy bells and whistles. They’re just a great alt. rock band that combines soothing female vocals with a bluesy male presence and folk twang.
6. Post-War Blues by Dan Mangan – So, this might be two strikes for me. I repeated an artist TWICE within two weeks. Not good, but that just goes to show you how awesome I think these two guys are. Last week I thought that How Darwinian was awesome. Then I heard Post-War Blues and discovered that it was even more…awesomer. The moral of the story is: be awesome and listen to Dan Mangan because he awesome and if you listen to him then you can be awesome too.
7. Adieu by Coeur de pirate – I have a bad tendency of routinely butchering the French language. It isn’t because I hold anything against the French. I really have nothing against the French. If anything, I wish I could speak French. I actually think that my slaughtering of the language is more a mockery of myself and my inability to speak it, despite my (half-hearted and not great) efforts. Regardless of all that, I have a new-found love for French-Canadian indie pop. It started with Caracol and has since moved on to Coeur de pirate, a French-Canadian singer-songwriter from Montreal. Seriously though, she has a beautiful voice. When I listen to Adieu, I can picture myself in a 1930s film noir.
8. It by Rich Aucoin – Back to Halifax we go. I will forgive Rich Aucoin for being possibly the most hipster dude to ever come out of Halifax simply because this song is pretty damn awesome. I really can’t say much else because one look at this guy and one read of his biography on CBC Music resulted in me saying, “pfffttttt.” Appreciate the song for what it is. I don’t buy the guy’s image though. Thankfully my ears don’t have to see him in all his painful hipster glory.
9. Ciao Monday by Emm Gryner – No Italian jokes. Ok, glad we got that out of the way. So, I want to start by saying that I was immediately drawn to this song because the common Italian greeting “ciao” was contained within the title. Then I started listening to the actual track. It sort of reminds me of Friday, I’m in Love by The Cure in the sense that it is this really fun and upbeat track about a day of the week. The only difference is that it falls at the opposite end of the week and rather than being in love, it’s about being done with Monday! I’m in love. Did I mention that Emm Gryner also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous? Did I already say that I’m in love?
10. If I Get Old by Elliott Brood – This song is really hitting home with me right now… mostly because I just turned 24 and feel older than I ever wanted to be. In fact, I want to go back to the good ol’ days when I used to play street hockey in an old parking lot, only stopping to eat a peanut butter ‘n’ jelly sandwich on the curbside. Elliott Brood comes from the same hometown as one of my other favorite Canadian bands, the Arkells.

Woo! We made it to the end! I bet you’re glad to be done with all of my ramblings. I tried to freshen things up this week and rather than talk about the boring old usual “this band is from X city and plays Y type of music while reminding me of Z band,” I tried to give you a little insight into why I choose the music I choose.

Hope you enjoyed the music! Check us out on Thursday for Kergin’s latest!

Ciao…Tuesday!

-T