Still trying to cope with the bright, beaming rays of that ball of fire called the sun? Yes, we’ve officially reached the prime of summer and with the picnics, bikes and rollerblades coming out in full force, here’s a little playlist to accompany everything you do in the next couple of months.
A day spent lying down and relaxing by the water must be marked by the simmering ease of Best Coast’s effortless melodies washed over with layers of fuzzed-out guitar charm, all narrated by the romantic coos of lead singer Bethany Cosentino’s voice. With a highly-anticipated debut record entitled Crazy For You due out July 27, expect to hear the sunny hits of this California duo in more places than just the sandy beach. (Must play: “When I’m With You”, “Boyfriend”)
A lazy afternoon at home: Wilderness of Manitoba
Too humid to get out of bed? Then spend the day at home, grab a pair of headphones and lie back and relax to the breezy warm tones of the Wilderness of Manitoba. More suited for a calm autumn night, the band’s new record When You Left the Fire also works really well as a summer cool-down with a calming cup of tea. (Must play: “Orono Park”, “Summer Fires”)
Coffee date in Kensington: Jason Collett
Kesington Market and Jason Collett almost go hand in hand (“Charlyn, Angel of Kensington”, anyone?) and for good reason. There’s no better pairing than a sip of comforting, warm coffee with the smooth, whisky voice of Collett and his sunny folk charm. (Must play: “Love is a Chain”, “High Summer”)
Those crazy parties that you will have no recollection of in the morning: Wavves
We all attend at least one of these each summer. And this year, there’s no better soundtrack to your wreckless incoherent nights than the wreckless incoherence of California stoner rockers Wavves. Their new record King of the Beach (out via iTunes this Thursday, physically August 3) isn’t as soaked in droning layers of noisy fuzzed-out reverb but it allows for main man Nathan Williams’ adolescent voice and fun lyrics to truly shine through. So grab a beer, smoke a joint and let the Wavves wash you away. (Must play: “Post Acid”, “So Bored”)
Getting pumped for a day at a festival: Sleigh Bells
Some people drink coffee, some drink beer but either way, one needs some good energetic jams to pump through your veins before attending those overwhelming music festivals. Wake up, brush your teeth and blast a healthy dose of Sleigh Bells’ debut record Treats as you’re preparing breakfast. It’s a surefire way to get pumped for a day full of overpriced water bottles, long waits and ultimately, hours of mindblowing music. (Must play: “Tell ‘Em”, “Infinity Guitars”)
Picnic in the park: Maylee Todd
Make some sandwiches and salads, pack a few refreshments, head to the park and enjoy a lovely picnic with friends while listening to the quirky pop gems of Maylee Todd. There’s a little something for everyone on Todd’s debut record Choose Your Own Adventure, from loungy jazz tunes to spacey, funkadelic workouts. (Must play: “Summer Sounds”, “Aerobics in Space”)
Hanging out with friends: The Drums
A great conversation piece (or am I the only one who can go on for hours about the Brooklyn music scene, preppy indie boys and this surf-rock trend?) and a universally accessible band to bond over cups of lemonade would definitely be New Yorker quartet The Drums. I dare you to prove to me that “Let’s Go Surfing” is not a perfect pop song. (Must play: “Let’s Go Surfing”, “I Felt Stupid”)
Let’s go to the mall: Two Door Cinema Club
In need of some retail therapy? Then to keep the spirits high, bring your iPod along and enjoy the Phoenix of this summer, Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club. Their vibrant, super-catchy hits are sure to make you smile and somewhat help you cope with your hatred of crowded malls. (Must Play: “Something Good Can Work”, “Cigarettes in the Theatre”)
A backyard BBQ under the stars: Forest City Lovers
Just as the day cools down and you’re relaxing on a friend’s patio, awaiting the sizzling burgers on the grill for dinner, the saccharine melodies of Forest City Lovers will surely suffice as the starry soundtrack to your evening as well as the cherry on top of your sundae that will undoubtedly follow the delectable main course. The band’s first release in two years, since 2008′s gorgeous and dazzling Haunting Moon Sinking, Carriage is out today so pick up a record and give it a spin tonight! (Must play: “Tell Me, Cancer”, “If I Were A Tree”)
A lonely night at home: The National
We can’t always have exciting evenings out, sometimes we just need a night in. And what better company to have than the melancholic crooning of The National and their latest record High Violet. Just make sure you don’t get too depressed. (Must Play: “Afraid of Everyone”, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”)
For those of you who aren’t familiar, the Evolve Music and Awareness Festival is a three day outdoors festival that happens every summer in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This year Evolve will take place from July 23rd to the 25th, and is set to be even bigger and better than previous years. Here are five reasons why you should attend the festival, which was voted “Best Music Festival In Canada”, by listeners of CBC Radio 3 Spotlight from across the country. For more information, you can head over to the festival’s website, or check out Evolve on Facebook or Twitter.
1. A lineup you won’t see anywhere else
Evolve has always boasted a diverse list of acts, from up-and-coming East Coast bands, to established Canadian musicians, to international DJs, and this year’s edition is no different. Just some of those performing at this year’s Evolve: New York’s Easy Star All-Stars performing Dub Side of the Moon (which, in case you were wondering, is exactly what you think it is), Toronto’s Woodhands (and occasional co-conspirator, Maylee Todd), VICE Records-signed punk duo Lullabye Arkestra, Newfoundland’s folk-rock six-piece Hey Rosetta!, Montreal’s Champion & His G-Strings, Edmonton freak-pop outfit GOBBLE GOBBLE, famed Canadian children’s performer Fred Penner, and plenty of homegrown talent including the likes of Rich Aucoin, Jenn Grant, Skratch Bastid, and Old Man Luedecke. Halifax Rocks, a two-day outdoor concert that takes place the same weekend (headlining this year are Kid Rock and the Black Eyed Peas – ugghh), should be taking notes.
2. Location, location, LOCATION
With all due respect to Antigonish (some of my good friends go to university there), the place ain’t exactly the Nightlife or Music Capital of the World. So, why then, is it the perfect place to host an outdoors music festival? Because the actual venue is located on a grassy, 225-acre field, lined with trees and only a ten minute walk away from the Atlantic Ocean, therefore serving as the perfect weekend gateway from crowds, traffic, and work responsibilities. With paid festival admission, wristband holders are allowed to camp for free, and did I mention there are waterfalls nearby? So be sure to pack your swimsuit – that farmer’s tan won’t go away on its own.
3. Tickets to Evolve are (relatively) affordable
If you act now, a three day festival pass will set you back approximately $125. Now granted, that may sound like a pretty hefty fee, but keep in mind it includes access to all the performances (there’s no such thing as overpriced “V.I.P. passes” at Evolve), plus camping and parking for the weekend.
4. More than just music
Here are just some of the other activities and workshops that Evolve-goers will be able to participate in during the weekend: introduction to massage therapy, yoga and meditation classes, cargo net and hammock construction, hoola hoop dance instruction, yurt construction, drum circles, and an art show (whew!).
5. What other summer music festival can say they’ve been endorsed by Elizabeth May?
Actual quote on Evolve’s (incredibly well-designed) website from none other than the leader of the Green Party of Canada/every Canadian comedian’s favourite political punching bag, Elizabeth May: “Evolve is a great event and rapidly recognized as THE alternative and green music event of the summer. Hats off to the Evolve Team!” In its eleven years of existence, Evolve has strived to be eco-friendly not only in the way the festival is run, but by promoting environmental awareness during the weekend through workshops, booths by local grassroots organizations and vendors, etc. And that’s an accomplishment worth tipping a hat to.
Here’s something that’s probably equally as shocking (and upsetting?) to you as it is to me: I haven’t been to a show in over a week. Well, with the exception of the fantastic Weakerthans in-store at Sonic Boom yesterday, but I mean an actual show. Something about Canadian Music Week must’ve wiped me out; I’ve spent the past ten or so days sitting in bed, sleeping, eating, sleeping some more… it’s about time I get out again. And what better a show to break my lazy streak than with a lovely night with No Shame.
Tonight, No Shame will be presenting an exciting lineup of bands from near and far at the Drake Hotel. Headlining the event will be UK’s The Wave Pictures. The Wave Pictures is a fun, charming indie-rock act that grabs inklings of Johnathan Richman dashed with cute handclaps and sing-along melodies (check out “Bye Bye Bubble Belly”). Definitely a band worth checking out while they’re in town – regret will ensue if you skip out, folks.
And backing up The Wave Pictures will be Toronto’s very own Maylee Todd and Pegwee Power and White Suede!
As much as I make a big fuss about writing year-end lists and the joys of compiling your favourites of the year, I actually find it to be a very difficult thing to do. Part of the reason why I found it hard this year was the vast amount of good music I’ve listened to; narrowing down my very favourites became more difficult than choosing which chef to root for on Top Chef (admit it, you kind of liked everyone in the final four). And once that’s decided, the writing process just gets trickier because now that you’ve chosen the best you really want to make sure you can get it across to the readers just how much you loved these albums, shows, bands, etc.
The following 9 shows (yes, I’m going with the oh-so-witty approach of doing ‘Top 9’ lists this year) were the ones that truly blew me away, gave me the chills, and left me wanting more.
1. The Dirty Projectors, TuneYards @ Opera House – November 14
The Dirty Projectors on record hadn’t impressed me much before and it wasn’t till I saw them at Lee’s back in July that I was officially converted into intense Dirty Projectors fandom. Following said show, I had their latest album Bitte Orca on heavy rotation and it seemed like every other word that came out of my mouth was “I love the Dirty Projectors!” So not only was this show at the Opera House one of my most anticipated shows of the year but also the one that delivered the most. Opening for the Brooklyn art-rockers was Montreal’s TuneYards, an act of whom I had been beating myself up for missing since May of this year. Not only did TuneYards front woman Merrill Garbus steal the show but she left me speechless, literally with my jaw down and staring at the stage in complete awe. Garbus’ use of looping vocals and instruments built an incredible room of sound that just blew everyone away, sending the crowd into a paralyzed state of disbelief or in a crazed state of dancing. The Dirty Projectors were equally as mind-blowing, giving yet another amazing performance of unbelievably flawless vocals (delivered by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle and Amber Coffman – hailed as the Mariah Careys of indie-rock) and some of the tightest, most astonishing musicianship today. Can’t appreciate a band like the Dirty Projectors? See them live; almost guaranteed to convert even the coldest of indie hearts. Hands-down, the best show of 2009 from the best pairing of artists.
2. Broken Social Scene @ Harbourfront – July 11
I think it’s apparent from my list last year of best shows that I’m a fan of Broken Social Scene. Always was, always will be. So it really shouldn’t be shocking that my favourite Toronto collective is back on this list this year. Unfortunately I had missed BSS at Harbourfront back in 2004 but thanks to the cancelation of this year’s Olympic Island festival (regularly held by the folks of BSS), the band returned to the Sirius Satellite Radio Stage for a free show…yes, free. Needless to say, the place was packed, all the way to the edge of the water; I’m sure if people were desperate enough, they’d be watching the show on a boat. But it wasn’t because this was a packed show or because it was free that won me over; the spectacle of a Broken Social Scene show that wins me over every time is the band itself. And in this instance, we were all treated to a reunion of the lead female vocalists (Amy Millan, Emily Haines and Leslie Feist) and what ensued was clearly the best performance the band has given in a very long time. Hearing from several members days, weeks, even months after the show, they knew it was a magical moment that night and the most important thing is that everyone had fun. And what’s a show without an equal amount of great musicianship and fun. (video by staff photographer, Stephanie Luong)
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Kool Haus – August 5
Okay I’ll admit, Karen O is my idol and I kind of worship the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So yes, I’ve been waiting for this show for many, many years. But don’t get me wrong, if this show sucked, it wouldn’t have made this list. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are known for their highly energetic performances and that is exactly what I got. Lead singer Karen O is one of the most entertaining musicians I’ve ever seen onstage, running frantically around (in her signature Christian Joy costume), even lending the mic to the audience during “Cheated Hearts”. One thing I remembered thinking throughout the night was “Man, she just doesn’t stop smiling. I love it!” Underneath the wild leather jackets, capes and makeup, regardless of where you are in the venue, you can see the sincerity in Karen O’s face. Guitarist Nick Zinner still remains to be one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen and even though Karen O takes centre stage, Zinner and drummer Brian Chase were the musical gems of the night. Albeit it was at a venue I’m not crazy about but for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I’d even trek to the Sound Academy. On a sidenote, I went to this show injured; that’s how much of a fan I am of this band. I went with a busted ankle and left limping (for several weeks, actually).
4. Everything All The Time, The Magic, The Balconies @ Horseshoe – August 26
Could that line-up be any more awesome? Three of my favourite local acts under one roof, I’d kill to see this line-up again and again. As much as big extravaganzas at the Kool Haus or Harbourfront were amazing, a show like this one, celebrating the release of Everything All The Time’s EP, was just equally as incredible. It almost goes without saying anymore that I love the Balconies and both live and on record, they consistently blow me away. This show marked the first time I finally got to see them live and they didn’t disappoint. Strong dynamics and vocals between brother-sister duo Steve and Jacquie Neville, backed by the drumming talents of Liam Jaeger, it is almost alarming how talented these guys are for such a young band. I think Bob Battams of It’s Not the Band I Hate Its Their Fans says it best: “Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever.” The Magic, another band I’ve consistently watched throughout the year, is just packed with a ridiculous roster of talent and onstage, they’re a band that I want to see more of every time. Everything All The Time has seriously become on of my favourite bands of the year. Their unique brand of electro-pop meets Diana Ross is infectious and nothing makes me happier than listening to the band’s EP. From playing a headlining show at the Horseshoe to opening for Thunderheist at the Mod Club, EATT never disappoints.
5. Think About Life @ everywhere – throughout the year.
I’m breaking the rules for this one. Think About Life is quite possibly one of the most exciting, most exhilarating and most fun bands I’ve seen in years. These guys are just so phenomenal live that I couldn’t pick out one specific show of theirs I fell in love with because to be honest, I fall in love with them every time I see them. From confetti to balloons, these guys pull out all the tricks live but it doesn’t come off as cliché, in fact it heightens every performance to a new level and you really just feel like you’re part of the party. If you go to a Think About Life show and you don’t dance, you have no soul. Okay, that’s a little harsh – you have a soul; there’s definitely something wrong with you though. How does one not dance to Think About Life? I need some serious answers.
6. No Shame 100 feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick A Piper, The Skeletons Four @ Horseshoe – September 18
This show was literally one of the best parties of the year. Great music, great people, an amazing and lovely promoter – what more can you ask for? Green Go was, without a doubt, the band of the year for me. I had voted Green Go number one for my list of ‘Hottest Bands in Canada ’09’ for i(heart)music but seeing as how they somehow didn’t make it on the list, here’s my little blurb about them:
“Rarely do I discover a band that I can watch and listen to over and over again without getting sick of but Green Go definitely has a spot on that list. Having seen them seven times in 2009, I’m still left wanting more as the band just gets better with each performance. With the release of their debut album, Borders and a slew of tour dates everywhere across the country, this was clearly the year of Green Go. Simply put, the hottest Canadian band of ’09 – and deservingly so.”
7. Timber Timbre, Emma McKenna @ Church of Redeemer – July 17
I’m a big fan of church shows and you couldn’t get more perfect than having Timber Timbre play at the Church of Redeemer this year. The entire evening was a subdued, relaxed affair and even though energetic shows can be fun and exciting, I find shows like this one equally as exciting and enjoyable. Taylor Kirk’s hauntingly beautiful voice, backed up by a band which included Forest City Lovers violinist Mika Posen filled the room remarkably well. Every song crept around the church in a slow, almost mesmerizing manner. It’s almost impossible for me to Timber Timbre in any other type of atmosphere anymore.
8. Beirut, The Dodos @ Phoenix – July 9
This was my first time seeing Beirut and The Dodos and since this was a last minute opportunity to see both bands, I almost died of excitement. I almost prefer the Dodos live as opposed to on record because seeing the dynamics and musicianship of lead singer Meric Long is great. As for Beirut, I’m still pretty speechless from their live performance. Just watch the video below and tell me you’re not in love with Zac Condon. (You can’t do it!)
9. The Singing Lamb Launch Party feat. Hexes & Ohs, The Winter Gloves, Green Go, Sports The Band, Maylee Todd @ Tranzac – January 10
You didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you?
***
Honourable mentions to: Parlovr, Diamond Rings, Bruce Peninsula, The Happiness Project, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Thunderheist, Jenn Grant, Katie Stelmanis, The Ruby Suns, Julie Doiron, Ume, Woodhands, and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers.
