Details of a John Prine tribute album, Joy Division’s Peter Hook taking Unknown Pleasures on tour, the full Lollapalooza lineup and Crystal Castles’ upcoming shows with LA’s HARD Festival. Hear the second half of a space out playlist with songs by Mazzy Star, Boards of Canada, Beach House and Zero 7. Also hear tracks by the Sex Pistols, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Metric, Girls and The Spinto Band.
Listen to the episode here.
Updates on forthcoming albums by The Strokes, Black Lips, Stars, Foo Fighters as well as the first half of a chill out playlist with songs by The xx, Midnight Juggernauts and M83. Also hear tracks by Air, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Green Day and MGMT.
Listen to the episode by clicking here.
*Written and published for AUX.
From the mountains of Sicily to Gotham City, Jedi Knight to The Man with No Name, Italian stallion to the son of Satan, Samwise Gamgee to “The Cooler King,” these places and characters simply wouldn’t be the same without the music surrounding them. Whether they’re with or without vocals, a film’s score is crucial as it sets the tone of the characters and setting. The score of the films listed are so great that even without the visual images to accompany them, the stand on their own as masterful pieces of art.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ennio Morricone (1966)
– No doubt considered one of the best scores in film history, Ennio Morricone’s distinct compositions contain gunfire, yodeling and whistling. The main theme is perfect for any momentous introduction and was used by the Ramones when they took the stage in their latter years. The film’s climax, a three-way Mexican standoff is accompanied by “The Ecstasy of Gold,” enhancing the scene many movie critics believe to be one of the most electrifying climaxes ever filmed.
Batman – Danny Elfman (1989)
– Danny Elfman composed the first and best Batman film score. One of the first films to release two soundtracks, Elfman had help from Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek and Shirley Walker when arranging the compositions for the orchestra. From the cathartic “Descent into Mystery” to the heartfelt “Flowers,” this score truly captures the film’s protagonist seeking justice in the face of a laughing maniac and helps distinguishes it from the other Batman movies.
The Empire Strikes Back – John Williams (1980)
– Hard to draw up a list of memorable scores and not include Star Wars, even if John Williams copied Gustav Holst and Antonin Dvorak. For this episode, which is by far the best, the score contains several works that have an almost despairing sound, such as when Han Solo is encased in carbonite or during the lightsaber battle between Luke and Darth.
Braveheart – James Horner (1995)
– For a film about Scottish Rebels, one of them being William Wallace, rising up against Longshanks and the crown, an epic score was needed and James Horner delivered. Despite the film’s historical inaccuracies, the music is breathtaking and is appealing to anyone in a struggle for freedom.
The Fellowship of the Ring – Howard Shore (2001)
– In the first Lord of the Rings film we are introduced to Hobbits, Ringwraiths, Wizards, Elves, Orcs, Dwarves and Men, all of whom are captured beautifully through Howard Shore’s score. Irish vocalist Enya appears twice and her voice advances the dramatic twists the score contains, especially on “The Council of Elrond.”
Rocky – Bill Conti (1976)
– Before heading out for a run every morning, crack a few eggs into a glass, drink it and throw on Bill Conti’s score for Rocky. Having both jock jam esque and tearjerk compositions, the score fits with one of the most notorious underdog films ever. You can’t help but think of Balboa chasing a chicken or hammering iron at the dump when listening to “Going the Distance” or the main title “Gonna Fly Now.”
The Great Escape – Elmer Berstein (1963)
– Elmer Berstein truly captures the essence of the prisoners in the camp and the trials they face once they are on the road. The main title is easily the most recognizable marching composition and reminds us of Steve McQueen toying with Hitler’s Nazi thugs.
The Omen – Lionel Newman, Jerry Goldsmith (1976)
– Chilling to the bone might be an understatement. Rather if you really want to scare the crap out of yourself, or someone else, throw this on and turn out the lights. Even without looking at little Damien this score is both powerful and disturbing and was awarded an Oscar.
Goldfinger – John Barry (1964)
– With the exception of Shirley Bassey putting vocals on the main theme, John Barry’s compositions intensify Sean Connory’s quest to blow Oddjob’s fuse, foil Goldfinger and win over Pussy Galore. The stripped down main theme entitled “Goldfinger” is especially nice.
The Godfather – Nino Rota (1972)
– Despite being scratched off the list of 1973 Academy Award nominees at the last second, Nino Rota’s score for the Godfather compliments one of the greatest films ever made. Watching Michael roam the mountains of Sicily whilst hearing the love theme makes anyone wish they were Italian…albeit only for a minute or two.
News of forthcoming albums from Carl Barat, Green Day and The Pipettes. Details of Kings of Leon’s upcoming North American tour, a collaboration between Jack White and Jay-Z, a Zeppelin gem found at a car boot sale and a South by Southwest playlist including Metric, You Say Party! We Say Die! and Stone Temple Pilots. Also hear tracks from Alice in Chains, The Pogues, Gorillaz, Muse and The White Stripes.
*Due to mypodcast having technical difficulties I’ve had to post this episode and possibly the remaining episodes on Podbean. You can listen to it here.
To upload the files I had to reduce their size and the sound quality has suffered. My apologies.
Details of forthcoming albums from the Beastie Boys, Japandroids and Stars. News about Charlotte Gainsbourg’s upcoming North American trek, The Strokes playing this year’s Lollapalooza festival and a live album playlist featuring Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Nirvana. Also hear tracks by La Roux, Smashing Pumpkins, Handsome Furs, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Best Coast.
Listen to the episode by clicking here or on the Quarter Music tab under ‘Radio.’
*Please note: During the first few moments of the show the sound skips. It clears up once the first song is played.
*Written and produced for AUX
Those that were there remember, but for everyone else, the albums that followed are all we have to soak up what actually happened that night. From an all out riot atmosphere to a funeral, to a band in its prime playing in their hometown to one of the most notorious biblical references in music history, concerts make time seem to stand still. In that moment it’s just you, the band playing in front of you or through your headphones and the crowd you so desperately wish you were apart of. Here is a list of gigs we laud and are thankful took place.
The Ramones – Palladium, New York City, 1978
This gig happened only seven days after the concert in London that was captured for the It’s Alive album. Although the set list is exactly the same as the show in England, this performance is a little more edgy and raw. After all, the band was playing in their hometown.
Bob Dylan – Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 1966
Labeled incorrectly and released as being at the Royal Albert Hall in London, this performance took place in Manchester, however everything else that happened is true. Dylan played alone to a dead silent audience and was jeered, booed and called “Judas” when playing with his backing group for the second half of the show. He replied with, “play it fucking loud.”
Nirvana – Sony Music Studios, New York City, 1993
Surrounded by Lilies, candles and an overall funeral atmosphere, the band, accompanied by guitarist Pat Smear and cellist Lori Goldston, played a set of lesser known songs and covers. Guests the Meat Puppets also joined the band on stage for covers of their own songs. Other artists covered included The Vaselines and David Bowie. An emotional performance capped off with Kurt howling on the traditional American folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”
Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison, Folsom, 1968
Cash played two shows at Folsom and the album that came out of it contained 15 songs from the first set and two from the second. Cash opened both shows with “Folsom Prison Blues” to thunderous applause and shouts from the chain gang.
The Band – Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, 1976
Joined by more than a dozens guests including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters, the performance was filmed by Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary. Since it was thanksgiving, the audience of approximately 5000 was served turkey dinners and treated to ballroom dancing before The Band even came onstage.
MC5 – Grande Ballroom, Detroit, 1968
A performance that shook things up with their record company Elektra and led to the album being pulled from department stores, the MC5 performed on Devil’s Night and Halloween in 1968. Gripping, energetic and in your face, ‘kick out the jams motherfucker’ says it all.
*Written and published for AUX
As the new decade starts, a lot of focus has been put on the 2000s. Towards the end of last year, everyone seemed to be scrambling together their top 10 or 100 lists of best artists/songs of the decade. Works by Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Kanye West, Radiohead and Amy Winehouse were included in most and for the folks in the UK, anything that Pete Doherty played on…or used as a coaster.
But what about the decade that seems so long ago, at least for those who grew up during it. There are several forms of music that exploded during the 90s and many have influenced the music we hear today. From hip hop to a more experimental version of rock we now called alternative, this list will show how relevant music from the 90s still is and why it’s important to every now and then slip into those torn up jeans, not the store bought ones and pop a CD in to the old ghetto blaster.
In 1987 Alice in Chains did two things. They changed their name from Sleeze and started playing metal influenced alternative rock music. Last year Alice in Chains, minus former singer Layne Staley and including new singer William Duvall, released an album of metal influenced alternative rock songs. Why do they matter today? Despite losing one of their singers and prominent songwriter, the band has taken its time finding a new lead singer and have still delivered loud hard rocking tunes they were known for. It was relieving to thrown on an Alice record when you got fed up with some other alternative acts taking the pop sound route. It sill is today.
A sold out show a few weeks ago at The Phoenix and a room full of sweaty bodies at an in-store performance earlier in the evening is a testament to how much this band still matters. Despite having inner band turmoil, where at one point only singer/guitarist J Mascis remained, the band has re-united and put out records that have lost none of their early 90s guitar biting potency.
It’s pretty cool to play in bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures. But then again, Dave Grohl is a pretty cool guy. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Grohl has been rocking since the 80s, but became known in the 90s with the success of Nirvana and Foo Fighters. Now linked up with Homme and Jonesy, Grohl still matters today because whether he is singing, playing the guitar or beating the crap out of the drum set, he is one of the most exciting musicians to see.
In the mid-80s, fronted by a poetic madman named Gord Downie, Kingston, Ontario band The Tragically Hip caught a break after a show at the Horseshoe. From there they went on to release two albums later in the decade and six in the next. Their third album, 1993’s Fully Completely, was a huge success on both sides of the boarder. But up here is where the band’s roots are firmly planted, where they even named an album that was slang for frozen horse droppings, something folks in the Great White North may only get. The Hip still matter because they still make good music, We Are The Same came out last year, and like hockey or any other Canadian past time, they are something that was made in and for our country.
Trent Reznor’s introduction of great songwriting into the mix of synths, distorted guitars and various urban street sounds made sure industrial music was back on the map. The second full length NIN album, 1994’s The Downward Spiral, spawned the memorable chorus “I wanna fuck you like an animal,” and an epic song that years later the man in black would cover. The band has released eight albums and although Reznor has said they will not be touring anytime soon, we are expected to hear new material from the band or a solo project soon.
After the release of their first album Pablo Honey in 1993, people showed up at Radiohead gigs anxiously awaiting the band to play “Creep.” Besides the track with the bombastic chorus, it didn’t seem like Radiohead had it in them to release six more records, one of which being the best alternative album to come out of the last two decades. Radiohead matter today because they are still the five piece band who know no musical limits, care deeply about the place we call Earth and have a knack for putting out genre defining albums.
Pearl Jam are one of those bands to emerge from the alternative rock/grunge/whatever you want to call it era, but don’t always seem to be linked to it directly. Whatever type of music tickles your ears, Pearl Jam are simply a great band to listen to. Eddie Vedder is a great singer and Scott Stap is not. Since 1991’s Ten, the band have released eight albums including last years Backspacer and worldwide have sold an estimated sixty million records. With the exception of former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, all other members of the band since its inception are still present.
The members of Canadian punk band Propagandhi formed in the late 80s and decided to create DIY pro-gay, pro-feminist, pro-civil liberties, pro-vegan, anti-fascist music. Releasing two albums in the 90s, five overall, the band is still doing it today, albeit taking a heavier approach to the sound. Chris Hannah, vocals/guitar has said the band is hoping to get back into the studio and start recording again this year.
One of the pioneers of the genre the English press called trip-hop, Massive Attack have, including the upcoming, released five albums since 1991 and have created a fusion of hip-hop, soul, orchestral arrangements and sampling. Most notable is their influence on future bands to emerge throughout the decade such as Portishead and the Sneaker Pimps. Heligoland is set to come out next month and features vocal contributions by Damon Albarn from Gorillaz and Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star.
Polly Jean Harvey is one of the most influential songwriters of 90s alternative rock. Her first three albums, Dry, Rid of Me and To Bring My Love, helped establish this fact as they explored themes of religion, sex and love. The two other members of the band she played with split after her second record and she was left to go at it alone. Harvey has released six albums since including her latest piano based album, White Chalk, in 2007.
*Written and published for AUX
Lost in Translation – Watching Bill Murray walk away from Scarlett Johansson in the final scene of the movie whilst hearing “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain might garner a second listen to the music from this movie. What you’ll find is a soothing mix of music to accompany your travels or simply get lost to. “Girls” by Death in Vegas is a good starting point.
The Virgin Suicides – Both the songs from the movie and the original score have been released and are equally brilliant. The former contains several tunes that go well when you are a grinning space case such as “Run to Me” by the Bee Gees and “So Far Away” by Carole King. The score was performed by Air and at times sounds both light and dark in typical Air fashion. The striped down version of “Playground Love” called “Highschool Lover” is especially nice.
Almost Famous – Director Cameron Crowe is known for music in his movies a la Singles/Jerry Maguire. For this one, which is about music, the question wasn’t what songs to put in rather which songs to leave out as over 50 songs were included in the movie. The soundtrack boasts 17 songs that act as a sample of some of the best music to emerge from the 1970s.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – In some ways like the movie, this soundtrack is all over the map. A collection of instrumentals by producer and multi-instrumentalist John Brion and several tracks by Beck and the Polyphonic Spree make this an ‘anytime of day’ listen. Beck’s “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” is something you need to hear before taking your last breath.
Garden State – Call it wanna be hipster or fake indie songs or whatever you like, but Zach Braff’s Garden State is a good playlist with good songs. The music compliments the movie, but something with this quality doesn’t necessarily need scenes or images to accompany it. Sure everyone is tired of hearing Portman say “this song will change your life I swear,” but in the end good tunes is good tunes and this soundtrack has a lot of them. It’s too easy to fall asleep to Iron & Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights.”
Motorcycle Diaries – From Gustavo Santaolalla’s opening track “Apertura” the listener is transported to the back of Che and Alberto’s motorcycle and whisked away across the western part of South America eventually ending up on foot and witnessing poverty and oppression. Even for someone who doesn’t dig Latin influenced music, the soundtrack is deeply moving and an experience in itself whether you have read the book or seen the movie.
(500) Days of Summer – Regina Spektor, Black Lips, Simon & Garfunkel, Feist and Wolfmother are all featured on this disc. Not sure if there is much else anyone can say but listen to it and enjoy.
Juno – In the opening credits of the movie we hear Belle and Sebastian’s “Piazza, New York Catcher” and it immediately lets us know that this film’s music will definitely have a sort of indie-ness to it. And it does. It also carries some other great tunes by The Kinks, Buddy Holly, The Moldy Peaches and Cat Power, especially Cat Power.
The Assassination of Jesse James – This is the second collaboration between Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, the first being for the film The Proposition, and we can only wonder why hasn’t there been more? The score is haunting, atmospheric and beautiful all at once. If you haven’t listened, try sampling “Song for Bob” and see where that leads.
Into The Wild – This was Eddie Vedder’s first solo studio album and what a way to start. Each track puts you right next to Alexander Supertramp and all the other leather tramps or just acts as a toast to new beginnings. Closing track “Guaranteed” is a dark folk song that shows some light at the end in any pinch.
*Written and published for AUX
*Written and published for AUX
With each album Coldplay seem to draw a fresh batch of new lovers and haters. People love their soft and at times romantic version of alternative rock while others cringe at simply hearing the opening strings on “Viva la Vida.” Great and terrible at the same time, there seems to be a fine line with supporters on both sides giving their own take on Chris Martin and co. Inspired by some inner office Coldplay related verbal skirmishes, we have outlined a few pros and cons, attempting to prove the other wrong that eventually proves nothing, but is still fun to write.
Pro:
Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay’s first two albums, are excellent representations of four talented musicians making the hairs on people’s neck rise. Whether through their lyrics or instruments, both of these records can trigger emotion and perhaps show someone how you feel, in a good way. “Sparks,” “Don’t Panic,” “Green Eyes” “Warning Sign” and all other songs off these albums are wonderful, but those are especially nice.
Con:
Running into an abundance of Coldplay fans or hearing them 20 times a day on the radio is annoying and a fair reason for not digging the band. Listening to them on the radio in the car alone, especially through one of those hit music stations, is a little dry and sure enough the band is featured constantly on them.
Pro:
It’s always a little more enjoyable to see a band live that loves playing their music and Coldplay are a perfect example of this. They play their asses off and are humble to their audiences, especially in Canada.
Con:
In direct retaliation to the last pro argument and perhaps furthering the first con argument, everyone liking Coldplay is an easy way to dismiss them. In no way are they that band you and a select few other circles covet and marvel at. They get tons of press and play huge stadium tours with hefty production that seems to be a tad phony and not what’s really, dare I say, ‘hip’ these days.
Pro:
“The Scientist” – definitely one of the best songs to emerge from the last decade.
Con:
….OK, “The Scientist” is a decent song.
Con:
Despite making two great albums at the beginning, the albums following did one of two things: the music didn’t change much or just wasn’t as good. Truly great bands find ways to make their music work, no matter how long they’ve been around. Running out of ideas is no excuse and it seems Coldplay have not delivered on the latter releases and from here they will begin to recede even more. In short, liking a band that stinks is not cool.
The Verdict…somewhat:
All opinions aside, we are happy Coldplay are around so we may enjoy their music or snicker at them in used record shops. Undeniably the band has made some great music and for that they should be credited. Has the quality of their work stumbled in comparison to their earlier works, maybe, but there is always a chance they might turn things around. In the end nobody is cool or uncool for listening to Coldplay, rather everyone who is proud and passionate about what they like and not afraid of showing or speaking about it is cool.
*Written and published for AUX
Push a button and your ears can be filled with joy.
That button can be on a mouse, an iPod, a Discman, a CD player, a remote or even on the dashboard of a car.
The seconds go by slow and the anticipation grows as you wait for the new sound you are about to hear for the first time. You aren’t quite sure what to expect. Perhaps someone has told you about this new band/artist or maybe you like the look of the band name or of the musicians themselves.
The reason for listening to new music is different for everyone. But the thrill of hearing something you like for the first time is always memorable. It is this moment that you can recount to others about your first listen to something you love and how you reacted.
Retelling anecdotes of listening to favourite music is enjoyable, but nothing quite relives that moment like listening to the music itself. It has awoken something inside your soul and chosen you to be its fan. The music makes you move, sing, think, dream and wonder what else the artist has created.
Looking for music, both new and old has become a hobby I cherish. I procrastinate by surfing websites or amazon.com or even the iTunes store for new songs by unfamiliar musicians. Most artists have MySpace websites that offer samples of songs. Better yet, in their friends list there are links to other artists’ pages. Other websites like Pitchfork, The Hype Machine and the aptly named a new band a day all have news and song samples of new music. Computers have made it particularly easy to listen to as much as you want in a small space of time.
However computers aren’t the only means of getting new music. There is also, for you die hard music fans, the old fashioned way of going to entertainment stores or used record shops and exploring. One method my friends and I have tried is sporadically picking up an album by an artist we’ve never heard before. Sometimes it works, other times not. It is the excitement that comes with this that makes the experience worthwhile. There is always a music store to visit when you want to make new friends, but don’t feel like talking to anyone.
In an economic time like this, it is understandable that some people have to keep a close eye on their finances. A way to avoid spending a fortune and still have the aforementioned experience/enjoyment is to always keep your eyes wide and your ears wider. Look at similar artists on allmusic.com when viewing the profile of a band you like. Listen to what people you know are saying about a new band/artist. Pick up music related newspapers or magazines that feature new acts from around the world like Exclaim or Eye Weekly. There is more music than ever that is waiting out there for you.
But back to my ears being thirsty. Or was that my soul? To be honest it’s everything. The music can pick me up during a rough time and can sooth me during frantic moments. And can even tell somebody how I feel about them. Hearing new music that does one of those things is like taking a breath after swimming from deep water. Sometimes I can’t quite express the pleasure I get from hearing music that has this amount of impact. It can make me tear up just hearing a song that I know I will listen to a dozen times over and will find solace in. That’s the power music has. In some ways it provides a salvation and lets one know that as long as there is new music, there is hope.
Keep your eyes wide 