Facing the Sun - Fritz Kalkbrenner

And the faces get void,
And the lights get too thin,
And the roads become uneven,
So we don't know where we've been
And those who doubt us will soon believe,
We are never supposed to win - or even to achieve.

Having just come home from Europe, I have been looking into things people passed along or told me to check out. Which has also lead me to all sorts of crazy and cool things. Today I came across Fritz Kalkbrenner. He's one of the many artists that are part of Berlin's awesome music scene.

This killer track comes off Fritz Kalkbrenner’s new Here Today Gone Tomorrow LP. The video is pretty cool too. Check it out below.

Wasted Hours - Arcade Fire

Wishing you were anywhere but here
You watched the life you're living disappear,
and now I see, we're still kids in the buses longing to be free.

I realize this album came out a little while ago, so many of you have probably listened to it already. However, if you haven't, I encourage you to give a spin. It's definitely my favourite Arcade Fire album yet, and so I had to share it with you.

I prefer the album as a whole, with its "letter from the suburbs" theme and all, so it was hard to pick out one track. 'Wasted Hours' has just kind of grown on me over the past few months. So give this track a listen and then go type your address in at The Wilderness Downtown and watch some guy run around your neighbourhood to 'We Used to Wait'. It's cool, I promise.

mp3: Wasted Hours - Arcade Fire

Green Eyes - Wavves

Green eyes, I'd run away with you
Green eyes, 'cause I'm a fool,
I try staying away.

Back in August Wavves released an infectious, energetic album that brings me back to summer. Unfortunately there's snow on the ground now, but King of the Beach is still a fun listen. Expect to see this album on many of the year-end lists.

Listen and download the album's single, Post Acid, here: Wavves - Post Acid

mp3: Green Eyes - Wavves

Decidedly - Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans

All the coniferous trees, they bend in the wind,
If I could I’d run around and put it all together again.

All the deciduous trees, they’re blowing in the wind,
Why would you ever grow leaves, just to watch them fall off again?

This track comes of a lovely album, The Falcon Lake Incident, put together by Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans. I've been away travelling the past two months and what better way to start things off than with two Canadian indie music icons. This album was released at the end of October and I was excited to hear about the collaboration between these artists. They recorded the album in two cabins during January 2010. The result is a unique collection of songs inspired by the crisp Canadian winter.

Read more about the album here: The National Post

mp3: Decidedly - Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans

Candy Candy - Guilty About Girls

Follow me, I know where I'm going,
Not messed up like all those hoes,
Stay with me and all will be golden,
Walk away and be broken-hearted.

With a love for rock and electronica, Jordy Birch and Mark Henning have mixed these two genres nicely in their latest single, Candy Candy. This track comes of their new album The Very Best Of...

Jordy Birch and Mark Henning are from Vancouver and were originally part of the 90's rock band 'Pure'. Ten years later they are having fun experimenting with a new sound. This infectious 7 track album is a great mix and you can go listen to it yourself at http://guiltyaboutgirls.bandcamp.com/.

Guilty About Girls - Candy Candy from Boutique Empire on Vimeo.

Everybody's Dancing - Sleepless Nights

We were the weird kids,
We got the job done,
Did everything the wrong way.

Summer has been great and I've been outside much more than I've been inside updating this blog. However I would like to take some time to leave you with a summer tune. (And a free download!)

Sleepless Nights are a great band from Halifax. Check them out if you like what you hear.

Not Your Parents Music - Hawksley Workman

And now you're finding that you can't stop singing all my lyrics,
And you're feeling sick cause all you want to do is hear it,
You try to sleep at night but can't because you can't get near it,
I make you crazy and you want to but you just can't fear it.

This, this ain't your parents music.

Hawksley Workman is a Canadian electro-rock singer-songwriter from Toronto and has been releasing albums since 1998. This year Workman has been working to release two albums, Milk and Meat. Having produced debut albums for many people like Tegan and Sara, Hey Rosetta, Serena Ryder and Great Big Sea, Workman says that only now is he beginning to feel comfortable producing music of his own using all that he's learned throughout the years.

After listening to Meat, I have to say I've become a fan. It's something a little different that you can either rock out to or play on a hazy Saturday afternoon.

Check out his website and get a free download: http://www.hawksleyworkman.com/
I'm also a fan of this track: We'll Make Time

Hawksley Workman "Not Your Parents' Music" by Frontside

Les Chemins De Verre - Karkwa

Dans un camion de glaise la braise sur le moteur
mutants couverts de terre à l'intérieur

Nos dents fines et longues déchirent le décor
Nos yeux vides et froids escortent la mort

Released in March 2010, Les Chemins De Verre is an excellent album from the francophone band Karkwa. Also a Polaris Prize shortlister, Karkwa's latest effort is a lovely blend of intricate mellow folk, atmospherics and energy contributed by tracks such as "Les Chemins De Verre". On my first few listens, the beautiful sounding French lyrics are what really drew me in.

Listen to tracks from the album: http://www.karkwa.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/karkwa

mp3: Les Chemins De Verre - Karkwa

Drinking Games - Library Voices

She's not one for love,
But she sure loves the chase,
Don't act so amazed when she drifts,
And she sways.

And she sails away,
And she wanders off,
Ohh some wonderlust.

With the Love, Saskatchewan festival coming to Harbourfront this week in Toronto, I though I would give you a sample of one of the great bands coming to perform.

Library Voices is an indie pop group from Regina, Saskatchewan. On April 13, 2010 they released their first full length album Denim on Denim. With down to earth lyrics and an anything goes style, Library Voices is starting to get some well deserved attention.

Stream the album: http://libraryvoices.ca/
Festival Information: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes2010/saskatchewan

mp3: Drinking Games - Library Voices

Here's To Now - Ugly Casanova

Sitting on your doorstep,
Waiting for you to come home or come out,
Well apple seeds have cyanide,
That we don't care about.

So here's to now,
Here's to now.

Ugly Casanova is the side project of Issac Black, the lead singer of Modest Mouse. The last thing we heard from Ugly Casanova was an LP, Sharpen Your Teeth, released in 2002. However, recently Issac Brock was back in the studio recording some new songs for the documentary 180 South: Conquerers of the Useless. The soundtrack is simple and perfectly captures the empty landscapes of Patagonia featured in the movie. Complementing the sounds of Ugly Casanova are tracks from James Mercer and Jack Johnson. The album was certainly a refreshing addition to my music collection.

Ugly Casanova: http://www.subpop.com/artists/ugly_casanova
Stream the album: http://www.last.fm/music/Various+Artists/180+South+Soundtrack
Watch the Trailer for 180 South: http://www.180south.com/trailer.html

mp3: Here's To Now - Ugly Casanova

Restoration - The Acorn

Concentric circles signal dinner time,
The tidal waves skim the surface.

I have always enjoyed the joyful, folk melodies of the The Acorn. Hence my excitment over the release of their new album, No Ghost. With the familiarity of Glory Hope Mountain, it's a great album with eleven beautiful songs. I was happy to see The Acorn featured on Southern Souls last week. Here's one of the three videos that were posted.



Video courtesy of Mitch Fillion at http://www.southernsouls.ca/

mp3: Restoration - The Acorn

Arrows - Rah Rah

I feel just like an arrow,
Shooting high,
Shooting high away.

Rah Rah is a group from Regina, Saskatchewan that have just released a new album titled Breaking Hearts. Breaking Hearts is the follow up to their debut album, Going Steady, released in 2008.
Their energy is what caught me a first, but I have come to enjoy the male/female vocals and diverse instrumentation. Definitely a band worth checking out.

Check out their site here: http://rahrahband.blogspot.com
Listen to more at MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/rahrahband

mp3: Arrows - Rah Rah

Juliette - Hollerado

She's got houseplants,
To keep her company.
I bought her a goldfish,
She named it after me.
We look at old photographs,
Of lovers come and gone.
Ask her if it makes her sad,
She says "Son you've got so much to learn."

I don't think I've mentioned this before but I really like Hollerado. Hollerado is this awesome band from a small town just outside of Ottawa that have a great energetic sound. Their album, Record In a Bag, is actually a record in a bag. (see more here) How cool is that? This one belongs on the summer playlist.

I've also heard their shows are a lot fun, so check them out if they're in town. (Shows)



Learn more and listen to their full album: http://www.hollerado.com/

mp3: Juliette - Hollerado

Road Regrets - Dan Mangan

We drive until the gas is gone,
And then walk until our feet are torn,
Crawl until we feed the soil,
Film the whole thing.

Now, I've heard of Dan Mangan before but it wasn't until his recent Polaris Music Prize nomination that I decided to download his new album Nice, Nice, Very Nice. A classic indie-folk singer-songwriter from Vancouver, Dan Mangan has given us a refreshing, enjoyable album that I hope to see on the short list.

Learn more: http://www.danmanganmusic.com/site/

mp3: Road Regrets - Dan Mangan

More & More & More - The Mountains and The Trees

Sold my only guitar,
Put all my money into a broken car,
And I drove halfway across the country to get away,
From the very thing that follows me to this day.

Newfoundland folk singer Jon Janes, who goes by the name The Mountains & The Trees, gives us a beautiful tune from his upcoming album I Made This for You, due out on August 10, 2010.

Listen to more at MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themountainsandthetrees

mp3: More & More & More - The Mountains and The Trees

Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Moats & boats & waterfalls,
Alleyways and pay phone calls,
I’ve been everywhere with you.

We laugh until we think we’ll die,
barefoot on a summer night,
Nothin’ new is sweeter than with you.

Stop staring out the window at the wind and rain and turn on some music and remember that it's summer. Or at least it's supposed to be. Maybe Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros can help with that.

This cheery summertime track is off Up From Below, the band's first full length album released last summer. Below is their new video for Home.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Home" from Edward Sharpe on Vimeo.

Home - LCD Soundsystem

If you're afraid of what you need
Look around you,
You're surrounded,
It won't get any better.

This Is Happening picks up right where Sound of Silver left off in 2007. James Murphy has given us nine new fresh tracks that blend fuzzy synths, drum rolls and his reflective lyrics all into one fantastic album. This Is Happening is set for release next week.

This particular track is eight minutes of happiness that remind me of one of my LCD favourites, All My Friends.

Listen to the new album here:http://www.lcdsoundsystem.com/thisishappening

The National - Hannah Georgas

What about love,
What about you,
What about me,
Say hello,
Say good-bye,
To what we used to be.

Newmarket-raised, Vancouver-based Hannah Georgas released her debut album, This Is Good, last week. As winner of the 2009 CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award for "Best New Artist", everyone seems to agree Georgas has talent. With confident, quirky pop her songs have been heard on everything from a Wal-Mart commercial to shows like Heroes, Degrassi–The Next Generation, Flashpoint and Peak Season. Her album has something for everyone and this fearless artist is worth checking out before everyone knows her name.

Listen to more at her MySpace page:http://www.myspace.com/hannahgeorgas

Much music also seems to like her and is currently streaming her album:
http://watch.muchmusic.com/first-spins/first-spin-hanna-georgas---this-is-good/

Afraid of Everyone - The National

With my kid on my shoulders I try,
Not to hurt anybody I like,
But I don't have the drugs to sort,
I don't have the drugs to sort it out.

Your voice has stolen my soul...

After writing and rewriting, recording and rerecording, The National have their newest album, High Violet, ready for release on May 11th. High Violet encompasses everything we've heard from The National plus more. This time around there has been a few changes, with slightly less intense vocals and an overall lighter tone to the album. Despite these adjustments, there's still a emotional momentum throughout the record and Matt Berninger's odd fragmented lyrical phrases that help us develop a personal connection with every song.

The National is composed of the identical-twin guitar-playing brothers Bryce and Aaron Dessner; a second pair of brothers, Bryan Devendorf, the drummer, and Scott Devendorf, who usually plays bass; and Matt Berninger, the band’s vocalist.

The band has a unique layered rock sound, paired with emotional intensity and distinguished by Matt’s voice. His classic baritone lacks range and variation which causes him to often half-talk his vocals. Textured instrumental sound beneath the vocals makes up for this limitation and gives The National a sound of their own. The National are also a band worth seeing live. If you've ever been to one of their concerts you would understand when Dawidoff writes in the NY Times article, "They are a riveting live act, both because their pent-up songs explode, and because Matt drinks a bottle of wine onstage and then starts climbing things."

The National shine on this particular track with a build up to a powerful finale of repeated cries, "Your voice has stolen my soul". It also features Sufjan Stevens on background vocals. Download the track for yourself here: http://stereogum.com/339721/the-national-afraid-of-everyone/mp3s/

High Violet is now streaming now through April 27th on the New York Times website: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/magazine/25national-t.htm

mp3: Afraid of Everyone - The National

Down In Your Valley - Dead Letter Chorus

You fold in the edges of projects unfinished,
That once were a source of your egos replenishment.
Down in your valley,
Flowers are blooming,
It's clear that in their millions,
Your heart's deluding them.

Australia’s Dead Letter Chorus is touring Canada in support of their debut album The August Magnificent which was released in Canada March 16, 2010. I saw them open for Two Hours Traffic in Kingston a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed their set. Cameron Potts and Gabrielle Huber share lead vocals for the group, creating a wonderful dynamic and making them unique addition to the indie alt-folk scene.

On stage, DLC held smiles through most of the set, a sign of an easy going group that likes to have fun with their performances. A combination of excellent stage presence and amazing harmonies made for a great show. So good that I went home and listened to their debut album, which I highly recommend.

More info and a free download can be found here.

mp3: Down In Your Valley - Dead Letter Chorus

This Thing About You - Miracle Fortress

Everyone we pass by
is stealing looks at you and I.
We're not dressed right for the season,
and we are smiling for no reason.

Five Roses is the debut album from Miracle Fortress, a Montreal based project from Graham Van Pelt, co-founder of Think About Life.

Through dreamy textured pop, Miracle Fortress gives us an album infused with euphoria and romance perfect for a beautiful spring day.

Check out MySpace for more.

Sure Can Start - Two Hours Traffic

Can't keep your head on straight,
the way the other's do.
You spend your nights in the city,
sleep away the afternoons.
And I'm alright when you need it,
take your time till you're ready for something new.

Two Hours Traffic played at Clark Hall Pub last week in Kingston. The bar was full and the crowd enthusiastic. They have played in Kingston before and many were looking forward to seeing the band perform again. They delivered an energetic, fun show covering all the favorites including an encore with Stuck For the Summer.

Two Hours Traffic is an indie pop band from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and have toured with East Coast artists such as Joel Plaskett, In-Flight Safety, and Wintersleep.

This particular track comes off their second full-length album, Little Jabs, produced by Joel Plaskett and released in July 2007. This album has been their most successful to date with nominations for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize and various East Coast Music Awards. The album consists of catchy crystal-clear melodies written into basic three minute pop songs.

You can also check out their most recent album Territory and there's a free download of the new single on their website.

You can also check out MySpace for more.

Santa Monica Dream - Angus and Julia Stone

Rob's in the kitchen making pizza,
Somewhere down in Battery Park,
I'm singing songs about the future,
Wondering where you are.
I could call you on the telephone,
But do I really want to know?

The second full-length album by Australian brother and sister duo Angus and Julia Stone is set for release tomorrow across North America. Down the Way features delicate acoustic melodies and vocals by both Angus and Julia. This particular track showcases their combined voices against a background of faraway guitar and strings.

Stream the new album here: http://www.watch.muchmusic/first-spins

You can also check out MySpace for more.

Willow Tree - Chad VanGaalen

Take my body,
Put it in a boat,
Light it on fire,
Send it out to sea.

Chad VanGaalen is a Canadian musician and artist from Calgary, Alberta. His beautifully written album Soft Airplane gives us tales of death, murder and rage. After listening to this album a few times I came to appreciate Chad's blend of intimate folky ballads and drum machine electro driven beats.

When Soft Airplane was released in 2008, it received great reviews and was nominated for a Canadian Juno Award, as well as shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize.

You can download the Soft Airplane B-Sides for free here: http://www.softairplane.com/

Down By the River - Giant Hand

Oh I swam too far,
I can't turn back,
If I stop I'll drown
And I'll never get to go back.

In 2008, Kirk Ramsay decided he wanted to pick up a guitar and write folk music. Today he has a full length album titled Coming Home and has opened for acts such as Handsome Furs, Ohbijou, Human Highway, Bruce Peninsula, Timber Timbre and Azeda Booth.

I saw Giant Hand last week when he opened for The Acorn at the Grad Club in Kingston. On stage he is enjoyable to watch and his songs show vulnerability and honesty. His unique voice shines on the new album, making it a great choice for mellowing down to.

Listen to more at his MySpace.

When People Go - Craig Cardiff

Please find a friend,
Have a drink and go home.
Take them into your heart,
Tell them how much you need them.
Go to bed and goodnight, go home.

Craig Cardiff is a Canadian folk musician from Waterloo, Ontario. Last week I saw him perform in Kingston and was presently surprised by how wonderful he was.

Everyone at the show crowded around the stage with pints of beer in hand, and some people chose to sit on the floor creating the cozy atmosphere encouraged by Craig. Craig prefers an intimate show and asked everyone to be silent and turn off their cell phones. When he started to play, his beautifully melodic sound had the crowd's unwavering attention. Craig's music is simple, honest and genuine. His performances are full of emotion and he holds nothing back as he sings about love, loss, the questions around religion and its impact on the day-to-day. His songs will break your heart and then pull it back together.

Craig's mature, polished performances are a clear result of ten years of touring and producing his own music which includes 12 albums. With only an acoustic guitar and loop peddles, I was surprised by how captivating Craig was on stage. I was also overjoyed about his invitation to sit on stage when we discovered there wasn't much room left on the floor. If Craig comes back for another show I will definitely be in the crowd and I think you should be too.

Find out more about Craig's albums by visiting his website: http://www.craigcardiff.com

Fighting Against Your Lungs - Aidan Knight

I met you at the border cross and,
Gave up kisses like a winter's frost,
Long shoulder in your overcoat,
I seen your eyes through a mouth of smoke.

I saw Aidan Knight last week when he performed at one of our student pubs. He was wonderful live and I loved his entire set. Check out his new album, Versicolour.

You can stream and download his whole album here: http://aidanknight.bandcamp.com/

Already Yours - Bahamas

Well I always said don't mind me,
But your love always seems to find me,
It's always creeping up behind me,
I was never yours.

Bahamas is a Torontonian named Afie Jurvanen, who has put together an album with a wonderful soft sound. Jurvanen and his roommate at the time, Robbie Lackritz, recorded Pink Strat in a cabin in rural Ontario. Many of the songs were saved up over a period of 5 years of touring as part of Jason Collett's band, and then Feist's band.

However Jurvanen is now writing for himself and giving us the dreamy folk tunes found on Pink Strat.

You can listen to more on MySpace.

I'll Never Leave You - Rogue Wave

These bottles and stones,
We collected from our shows,
We could line them one by one.

This album is Rogue Waves's follow up to 2007's Asleep At Heaven's Gate. Their new release, Permalight, came out this week and is an album full of indie pop wonder. Take a listen for yourself, it's worth it.

You can stream I'll Never Leave You and the rest of the album below:

The Loneliness and The Scream - Frightened Rabbit

Am I here?
Of course I am, yes,
All I need is your hand,
To drag me out again.

Today Frightened Rabbit released their third studio album entitled The Winter of Mixed Drinks. The new album is powerful, dramatic and full of emotional vocals. I really believe this album outshines their previous work. They sound as if they have found themselves as a group and discovered where they fit into the music scene.

The new album is certainly different from past releases, but it's a positive move forward where their sound will appeal to more people. After the release of this album it will be hard to keep Frightened Rabbit as one of indie music's best kept secrets.

You can listen to more from thier album on MySpace.

Heavens to Purgatory - The Most Serene Republic

We're such plants - oxygen, xylem, phloem - in the wrists,
pumps to the greed of your delusion
to a blind knowledge of sight from fall chosen from spring.

This song comes off The Most Serene Republic's third album ...And the Ever Expanding Universe. I love the classic catchy pop sound of this particular track. The album has a sound that's open and free, proving the group isn't afraid to have fun with their words, vocals and performances.

This song also has a cool music video you can watch here.

World Sick - Broken Social Scene

We got a minefield of crippled affection,
All for the borrowed mirror connection,
That's why I'm leaving this spoken protection,
I'm a romance addict so that I can confess that.

Last week, Broken Social Scene released the first song, World Sick, off their forthcoming album. Forgiveness Rock Record is due out May 4th and will be the first album we've seen from BSS in five years. No wonder everyone is so excited. I personally can't wait either.

You can download the new song here: http://www.brokensocialscene.ca/

The High Road - Broken Bells

Cause they know, so do I,
The high road is hard to find,
A detour in your new life,
Tell all of your friends goodbye.

Broken Bells consists of Danger Mouse and James Mercer, a pair many were not expecting to see collaborating. James Mercer is well known as front man of The Shins while Danger Mouse, or Brian Burton, is one half of Gnarls Barkley. They came together in 2008 and almost two years later a self-titled album is set for release March 9th, 2010. The contrast in past musical styles of both artists has created a rich multilayered sound that is hard to categorize.

When Burton was asked to describe the kind of music he produced, he responded with, "Is this rock? Is it soul? Is it something else? I don't know, but I do know we did something great." This perfectly describes my feelings for this album. Look for its much anticipated release next week.

Listen to more at their website: http://www.brokenbells.com

Growing Younger - Michou

We were drunk, and yes those words were said,
I took them too close to heart,
But we've been working backwards,
From the end back to the start.

I hope that we don't grow apart.

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to catch a live performance by Michou, an indie pop/rock band from Windsor, Ontario. They performed in Kingston at our student pub to a laid-back crowd that was mostly unfamiliar with their music. Before their set, Michael Hargreaves went around and passed out samples of their new album, Cardona, which is currently available on iTunes and set for release later this month. I was excited to see these guys live and I thought they put on a fun, energetic show. They also looked and sounded great on stage, as if they have been doing this for years.

The band has come a long way since their debut EP in 2007, and recently have been receiving more of the attention they deserve. Their music video for Growing Younger is currently at number three on the Much More Music countdown and they were asked to open for Dashboard Confessional at the Kool Haus on March 18th. Hopefully we’ll continue to hear good things from these guys in the years to come.

Watch and vote for their video here: Much More Music Countdown

Tightrope - The Coast

Hey, Hey, you,
What are you waiting for?
Hey, hey, you,
What are you waiting for?

The Coast, named after the Paul Simon song, is a Toronto based group looking to release a new album in 2010. In the mean time, their current release, Expatriate, is worth a listen. The album is described perfectly by Soundcheck magazine as "dramatic interlacing of densely composed rock and charmingly earnest pop music."

Leather Jacket - Attack In Black

I heard that you began to grow flowers,
I want to know their names and not their colours,
And for you to tell me how they feel,
There beside each other,
If you kept them warm,
With dirty water.

Every time Attack in Black plays a show in Kingston, I always know people who insist on going to see them regardless if they've seen them live before. Yesterday I downloaded their most recent album, Years (by One Thousand Fingertips), and now I understand why. Sixteen tracks later, I was impressed by their passive-aggressive mix of alt-rock. It's an enjoyable album that can be played all the way through.

Next time I hear Attack In Black is playing down the street I'm going to their show.

Serious Bedtime - The Balconies

If you do it in the dark,
In the dark,
No one sees it,
If you do it in the dark,
In the dark,
It comes easy.

The Balconies' self-titled album has created quite the buzz, and after listening to it I can see why. Originally from Ottawa, this trio has been playing together since 2007 and have recently relocated to Toronto. If you get a chance to see them live, I've heard they put on a great show. Jacquie Neville's beautiful vocals give the band a polished sound and makes their talent apparent on their new album. Known for their good-natured stage energy and catchy pop-rock tunes, The Balconies are a band worth checking out.

More tracks can be heard on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies