The Submarines
Nothing is more beautiful than the scenery of autumn trees on the train ride back. Just miles of evergreen, pumpkin orange and burgundy leaves blowing in the wind as I sit in my comfy seat, watching miscellaneous YouTube videos and dreaming of a warm cup of hot chocolate. God, I want some hot chocolate.
But for now, I shall just enjoy all the music I stole from our Montreal correspondent, Christine Moraski, last night. Christine, I left you a message, informing you of my thievery!
I’m currently listening to The New Pornographers’ Twin Cinema. I’ve never been too into the New Pornos, but I partially blame it on the lack of effort, interest and musical sources. Twin Cinema was the only album of theirs I’ve ever listened to and I quite liked it when I first listened to it. It’s catchy, fun and I personally think that A.C. Newman is quite the indie-pop mastermind. Neko Case is also a remarkable singer and the highlight of New Pornos’ records often. My only criticism is that I feel their songs sometimes sound too similar, which indicates a lack of diversity and evolution. Then again, I haven’t listened much of their stuff. Maybe I’ll change my mind when I step off the train. To all New Pornographer fans – please don’t pelt me with rocks.
In between each track I can’t help but play The Submarines’ “Xavia”. Damn you, Nick & Norah’s soundtrack! The Submarines have always been a band to which I would occasionally listen but would not wow me. It all started with the now iTunes-friendly hit, “You, Me and Bourgeoise”. I wouldn’t stop listening to that for months… but again, no wow. Sure, their album Honeysuckle Weeks bursts with sugar, sweet pop galore and sing-along jingles, but it doesn’t offer anything original or mind-blowing. That’s not a terrible thing though, as it takes a lot to be original nowadays, does it not? As Tech Nerd described this year’s Polaris Prize winner, Caribou, “There’s nothing innovative to what he does!!” But alas, Caribou won the $20,000 prize. If you’re looking for a quick and fun listen, The Submarines are an ideal fix of pop.
Man, this blog is sounding very negative…
Speaking of the Nick and Norah’s soundtrack though, go listen to this track NOW.
On some more positive (and Torontonian) notes, if you feel like following Broken Social Scene member, Jason Collett on his tour, there is no need to physically stalk him. Instead, read his tour blog on Exclaim’s website! Collett will be making a (19+) stop at Lee’s later on this week on the 18th.
Also reported on Exclaim, k-os has apparently signed to Universal Music Canada and will be forming a sub-label called Crown Loyalist Recordings. First order of business? Finishing and releasing his follow-up to 2006′sAtlantis: Hymns for Disco, entitled “Yes! by the beginning of 2009.
Speaking of follow-ups, another home-grown hero who has secretly been working on a new record is shock-rocker, Peaches. During an interview with an Australian radio station, she revealed that she’s been working on the album with some exciting collaborators, including Simian Mobile Disco, Digitalism, and long-time friend Gonzales. Hopefully with the release of the album will be a tour? Fingers crossed!
My sister just told me that I should make a list of things that I’m grateful for and things that I’m not… and since this blog is already getting long, I won’t do that (at least not this year). I will tell you guys though that I am NOT grateful for this.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I apologize for the mid-day post today!
Musically,
Melody
