Green Go - Borders

Like I’ve mentioned before, music in 2009 kind of kicked 2008’s ass. Personally, it was really difficult to narrow lists down, so much so that I’ve created separate categories at the bottom, just because I didn’t find it fair to categorize some with the other. For example, putting the Dark Was the Night or Friends In Bellwoods compilations in my list just wouldn’t be fair because it’ll kick everyone else’s ass. But regardless, what I’m trying to get at was 2009 was a good year and kind of shines a light of optimism as we head into 2010. Good job, everyone! Here’s my best of 2009 (in no particular order or rank):

The Balconies – The Balconies

If you didn’t guess this one by now, you clearly don’t read this blog enough. I don’t think I’ve shut up about The Balconies’ debut album since August, when I picked it up at one of their shows. This Ottawa trio’s self-titled debut album is packed with pop-rock punch from beginning to end, arguably one of the catchiest records of the year. Definitely the most exciting new band of 2009; I can only imagine the good things that are ahead for the Balconies in 2010.

May I Suggest: “300 Pages”, “Battle Royale”, “Ghost Fever”

Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice

Dan Mangan, I find, has been a hit or miss this year – either you love him or you find him utterly boring. But what some has perceived as dull and unexciting, I see as simplistic and quite amazing. Sure, Mangan isn’t breaking ground on anything new; his acoustic singer-songwriter card is quite common among the sea of music we drown in today but there’s a reason this particular album has risen above the rest, even winning him Artist of the Year at this year’s XM Verge Music Awards. The combination of that distinctive voice (seriously, how do you not love that voice) and phenomenal songwriting is really a combo to be reckoned with; Mangan produces some of the most heart-warming, cheerful and comforting tunes of the year. If this album was a person, it would be like an old friend that you’d want to cuddle up on a couch with a cup of cocoa with and just talk for hours with.

May I Suggest: “Robots”, “Sold”, “Tina’s Glorious Comeback”

The Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

Like I mentioned on my “Best Shows of ‘09” list, I wasn’t able to fully appreciate Bitte Orca on record till I saw them live in July, and again in November. But man, when I finally got into this album, I really got into it. The meticulous instrumentation, including the use of female vocalists Angel Deradoorian, Amber Coffman and Haley Dekle as the band’s secret weapon instruments, creates musical masterpieces within every song. There is something innately original about the Dirty Projectors and that’s why I love them; only this band can pull off what they pull off – a unique brand of Mariah Carey-esque vocals backed by rhythmic perfection, sharp riffs and exceptional song structures.

May I Suggest: “Remade Horizon”, “Stillness In The Move”, “Two Doves”

Green Go – Borders

Out of all the albums on this list, this was the one I probably listened to the most throughout the whole year. Ever since January, I developed a school-girl crush on Green Go and their music. Refreshingly energetic, Green Go’s music was definitely some of the most fun times I’ve had this year. Borders is chock-full of synths, beats, hooks and some of the best lyrics to scream along to, whether you’re in a car, a bar, or just your own bedroom (there are others out there who do this, right?). As I already mentioned, Green Go, hands-down, hottest band of the year and there will always be a place in my heart for these guys; words can’t even explain how happy they make me. If this album was a perfect ice-cream sundae, it would be topped with a disco ball instead of a cherry.

May I Suggest: “Put On Your Specs Boy”, “You Know You Want It”, “Ghosts Of The Future”

Jenn Grant – Echoes

Am I the only one who feels that this album is completely underrated? Jenn Grant’s second album Echoes is a beautiful collection of songs of heartbreak, captured in the moment. Not only are these songs relatable, but they literally reach over the headphones and Grant’s voice weaves a thread between herself and the listener, making it an intimate affair when you hear a song like opener “Heartbreaker”. Musically, Grant’s instrumental arrangements are impeccable, offering many layers that need multiple listens to truly appreciate and understand. Honestly, Echoes is an album that I’m shocked didn’t more lists this year. You guys are missing out.

May I Suggest: “Sailing By Silverships”, “Blue Mountains”, “Heartbreaker”

Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

This is the album that mainstream media and I agree on. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is just pop at its best and you can’t deny it. Regardless of your knowledge or opinion of the band prior to this album, once you’ve listen to this album, you’re immediately a converted-fan, and if not, you’d at least leave humming a melody or two. I mean, how do you not fall in love with hit singles like “Lisztomania” and “1901”? If “1901” is car commercial-worthy, its catchy shit. But don’t get me wrong, the rest of this album is just as addictive. Bon travail, Phoenix.

May I Suggest: “Lisztomania”, “1901″, “Lasso”

St. Vincent – Actor

Imagine smashing a guitar over a fairytale-esque Disney movie – the result you’d get is St. Vincent’s second album Actor. A brilliant collection of part whimsical, part intensely dark songs that only Annie Clark can master, Actor’s aesthetic reflects Clark’s signature style of heavy guitars paired with an angelic voice. Taking off from where her last album Marry Me left off, Actor is the perfect soundtrack to a twisted Disney classic of some sort and each song is hypnotic, compelling and as addictive as a poisonous apple that Snow White can’t put down.

May I Suggest: “Actor Out Of Work”, “Marrow”, “The Strangers”

Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre

Hauntingly captivating and the record of the year that got me through those dark, rainy days, Timber Timbre’s self-titled album is seriously an exquisite piece of work. Fantastically sombre, every track on this record is chillingly personal and intimate. As our guest contributor Lauren Schreiber put it, “Taylor’s talent is otherwordly…”

May I Suggest: “Demon Host”, “Magic Arrow”, “Lay Down In The Tall Grass”

Think About Life – Family

Albeit, Think About Life will always be a live-over-record band for me, Family was still a phenomenal album and definitely worthy of being one of the best albums of 2009. Bursting with oomph and energy, Think About Life’s second album is made for dancing, singing along to and yes, is occasionally mosh-pit-inducing. The main point of Think About Life’s music is to just enjoy life, live in the moment and party like a rock star and that is all you can do when you listen to Family. Combining clever samples and original melodies and instrumentation, this band pulls off some of the most entertaining tracks of the year that I never thought could be pulled off.

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Honourable Mentions:

The Wooden Sky – If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone
The Wilderness of Manitoba – Hymns of Love and Spirits
Evening Hymns – Spirit Guides
Bruce Peninsula – A Mountain Is A Mouth
Great Bloomers – Speak of Trouble
Tegan and Sara – Sainthood
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Young Galaxy – Invisible Republic
Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees – Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees
Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms

* Note: I didn’t include The Rural Alberta Advantage’s Hometowns and TuneYards’ BirdBrains because I consider them 2008 releases. Also, The RAA was on my “Best of ‘08” list.

Best EP of the Year: (tie) Sports The Band and Everything All The Time
Best Soundtrack of the Year: Where the Wild Things Are (by Karen O & the Kids)
Best Compilation of the Year: (tie) Dark Was the Night and Friends In Bellwoods II
Best Video of the Year: “All Yr Songs” – Diamond Rings
Best Triple Album of the Year: Joel Plaskett – Three
Best Instrumental Album of the Year: Bell Orchestre – As Seen Through Windows

(Diamond Rings – “All Yr Songs”)

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Till next year! Happy holidays, everyone!
xoxo

Lioness

Hectic doesn’t even begin to describe this week, especially this Thursday. April 30th is shaping up to be one of the most heart-wrenching nights of the month, due to the multitude of great shows in town. The following is a list of the shows going down that night:

John Doe & The Sadies @ Sonic Boom (FREE, 7:00 pm)
Green Go (CD release), The Magic, Everything All The Time, OPOPO DJs @ Wrongbar ($5.00, 9:00 pm)
The Dears, Lioness @ Mod Club ($20.00, 7:00 pm)
Immaculate Machine, Will Currie & The Country French, The Elwins, DJ Shit La Merde @ The Drake ($10.00, 8:00 pm)
The Weather Station (CD release), Isla Craig & Muskox, Snowblink, Weird Weather, Lisa Bozikovic @ Tranzac – Main Hall ($8.00, 8:00 pm)
Megan Hamilton, Eric Welton @ Tranzac – Southern Cross Lounge (PWYC, 10:00 pm)
Flowers of Hell, Beta Cloud, General Chaos Visuals @ The Renaissance Cafe ($6.00, 8:00 pm)
B’MO Crazy, The Lovely Killbots, and La Casa Muerte @ The Boat ($5.00, 9:00 pm)

See? We’re screwed. Personally, I’m going for three shows – John Doe & The Sadies, The Dears and Green Go. This is going to take some intense commuting skills/luck and impeccable timing. I’ll report back on Friday with the results. All of these shows are incredible and if given the chance, I say you definitely go and check out whoever you missed when they return to town.

Flowers of Hell, for example, will be back at the Horseshoe on May 19th. Green Go will also return shortly, as part of the Over the Top Fest, taking place from May 21-24. We’ll keep you updated on a date/location.

Other Show Announcements:
VNV Nation, War Tapes, Sam @ The Phoenix (July 14th, $29.50, 19+)
Francis and the Lights @ The Drake (May 13th – 15th, $10.00, 19+, please note: the May 13th show is free)
Lightning Dust (opening for Bonnie Prince Billy) @ The Queen Elizabeth Theatre (May 14th, $25.00, ALL AGES)
Isis, Tombs @ The Phoenix (June 7th, $17.50, ALL AGES)
Passion Pit, Harlem Shakes @ Lee’s (June 16th, $12.00, 19+)
Obits @ Lee’s (July 23rd, $12.00, 19+)
Mt St Helens Vietnam Band @ The Horseshoe (June 2nd, FREE, 19+ – as part of Free Tuesday New Music Night)
Telekenesis, An Horse @ Horseshoe (June 10th, $10.50, 19+)
Alejandro Escovedo, Joseph Arthur @ Trinity St. Pauls (June 16th, $27.00, ALL AGES)
Dog Day @ Lee’s (May 28th, 19+)
Malajube @ Lee’s (June 12th, 19+)
Eagles of Death Metal @ Kool Haus (August 2nd, $27.50)

In festival update news, it is confirmed that The Rural Alberta Advantage and The So So Glos will also be part of this year’s NXNE festivities; not on the same bill necessarily though.

Arts & Crafts have officially announced their NXNE Showcases at Courthouse. Here is their schedule:

Wednesday, June 17th
(Broken Social Scene Book Launch)
Apostle of Hustle
Jason Collett
The Happiness Project
Years

Thursday, June 18th
The Most Serene Republic
Still Life Still
Timbre Timbre
Zeus

In addition to the book launch at Courthouse, it is said that there is a “special in-store performance at the Fred Perry retail location at 964 Queen St. W.” Fred Perry will be sponsoring the NXNE showcases.

French band, Radio Radio will be playing a free show at Harbourfront this summer as part of the Franco-Fete 2009 Fest (June 19-21).

Similarly, Jenn Grant will be playing a free show at Habourfront as well, as part of the Canadian Voices Fest (July 17-26).

Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody