We're Not Dead

Just busy.

But oh, we'll be back. We'll be back.

Daft Punk - "Alive" (Download)

Show Stopper: Timber Timbre with Snowblink

Last night I headed over to The Grad Club at Queen's University to check Arts & Crafts signee and critical darling Timber Timbre. Opening was local act Snowblink, a reverb-heavy guitar duo. The act worked without percussion because they were able to create really nice texture using only looped guitars and the lead singer's delicate, Feist-like voice.

Timber Timbre's atmospheric blues was missing some of the instrumental flourishes that grace his album, but the accompaniment of a violinist and slide guitarist led to a bigger, broader sound than what is found on the CD, and the crowd was rewarded with an engaging, tight set. What made this show a special pleasure to behold was the extraordinary way in which the opening and main acts complemented one another with repeating one another. Check out the single from Timber Timbre's self-titled effort, "Trouble Comes Knocking," in streaming audio or download below. Happy Listening!



Timber Timbre – “Trouble Comes Knocking” (download)

Billboard Thursday: Anya Marina - "Whatever You Like (T.I. Cover)"

In what is easily one of the sexiest scenes in the history of the show, Gossip Girl had a threesome a couple episodes a go. This is the song that soundtracks it.

Here, Anya Marina does a T.I. cover that works on so many different levels. It's not kitschy like so many indie covers of rap songs are; it's subtle, sexy, and takes on a whole new meaning in her breathy voice. And really, that's what the best covers do: provide a whole new perspective on a song that had previously been considered in only one context. It got her noticed, too, as this popped up on the tail end of the charts this week.

In short, this is pretty spectacular.

Track Review: Yeasayer - "Ambling Alp"

This is the new single from Yeasayer’s new full length due out sometime next February, and keeping in tradition with All Hour Cymbals, “Ambling Alp” is very ,very good. I really like Yeasayer and have always considered them to be in a league of their own for being able to apply keen pop sensibilities to their ear for experimentation, treating listeners to interesting sounds and textures imposed on effective melodies. Do yourself a favour and check out the download and streaming audio below. Happy listening!

Yeasayer – “Ambling Alps” (Download)

Black Moth!!! Super Rainbow!!!

I've been in such a brilliant and cheerful mood these past couple of days. Just turning 20, redefining my relationships with family and close friends in a positive way, playing gigs, jamming harder and better than I ever have, and feeling great about myself. Thus, this post is really just an excuse to post a track that, isn't altogether that recent but, has been feeding that wonderful feeling. Black Moth Super Rainbow's "Smile the Day After Today" from their 2009 LP Eating Us. The simplicity in the note-flow of the synth, the hoppy bass line holding the track together like glue, and the subtle use of tambourine and other percussive instruments draped over the drum pattern all get at me, and well. The song seems to brighten an incredible amount, without overwhelming the listener and with perfect balance. Now that is good feeling & production, if I do say so myself.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - "Smile the Day After Today" (download)

Billboard Thursday: Iyaz - "Replay"

This entry is going to be short because when it comes to "Replay", there just isn't a whole lot to say.

It's some inoffensive, catchy, Sean Kingston-esque pop that will be stuck in your head for a couple weeks but afterwards be rather unmemorable. Which isn't to say catchiness in and of itself is an inherently bad sole quality to have, but there just isn't anything terribly original about "Replay" that's going to keep it playing on your iPod a few months from now.

Still, enjoy it for a little while, as it is summery and fun, and winter's coming quickly on its way.

Video Of The Week: Grizzly Bear - "Ready, Able"

Oh Veckatimest, you bring my heart to tears.
Oh Veckatimest, you will surely move me, for years.
Oh Veckatimest, you truly made my eyes leak,
Oh Veckatimest, you bring us another Vid of the Week.

A lame attempt at poetry, for a not-so-lame music video. "Ready, Able" from Veckatimest finally has an official music video and lord is it tasty. Mmmm.. it gives me wiiiillldd feelings! Check it out to the right or by clicking here.