Django Django - Default

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDjpOrlfh0Y&feature=share&list=SP4F0EAE7942092AA8&index=5

Just saw these lads rock the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party.  They released an excellent debut album in 2012 which contains a number of highly listenable tracks.  I am looking forward to seeing what they do next.

And to all: Happy New Year!

Closing Time (R.I.P. 008)

The Rock Steady Crew - Hey You - The Rock Steady Crew (New/Old 010)

Breakdancing funky pop brilliance. Huge single in the UK in 1983 but really didn't get any airplay in Canada. Catchy funky breaks. 30 years old. Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4J-EVxMcd0

Ten Walls - Requiem (Original Mix) (Hype 0377)

Catchy deep house instrumental on Life and Death records. Taken from the Requiem EP. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhTJHCpRmek

Lou Reed (R.I.P 007)

I will also say good bye to Mr. Reed. #velvet #wildside

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dMkmamQs4c

Sune Rose Wagner - Sunday Morning

Link: http://soundcloud.com/sunerosewagner/sunday-morning

Sune Rose Wagner from the Raveonettes unearthed this cover of the Velvet Underground's Sunday Morning that he recorded in Seattle back in 1999. Perfect way to say to Lou: so long and thanks for all the songs.  RIP.

Tears For Fears - The Hurting (Reissue 006)

 

30 years later reissue of The Hurting by Tears For Fears in box set form. Nice!!! Comes with 3 CDs, 1 DVD, and a 7 Inch.

 

 

 

 

 



Here is a classic video of Mad World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFsHSHE-iJQ

Veronica Falls - Broken Toy (Hype 0376)

Nice buzzy twee track from Veronica Falls off their recent release Waiting For Something To Happen. Just released on 7 Inch vinyl through Slumberland Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnbPsIFgT8Y

Jay Lumen Nobody (Hype 0375)

Alittle bit of nice bass heavy house music for this rainy Fall Sunday in October. Jay Lumen with Nobody off the Off Recordings label. Taken from the So Long Sunshine EP. This is release number 73 for the label. Nice! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRTfAaypfOo

Heavenly Beat - Complete (Hype 0374)

Nice airy pop song from Heavenly Beats with some great steel drum action going on. Taken from the second album Prominence out on Captured Tracks. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riaj0dewWTk

Veerus & Maxie Devine - Cars (Original Mix) (Hype 0373)

Awesome deep new waveish funk instrumental club track. Is that enough of a descriptor? Turn it up!!!

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsFpPsKgFRU

Icona Pop - All Night (Hype 0372)

Another catchy bubblegum pop track from Icona Pop's album This Is Icona Pop. Nice!!! And it feels like we can do this all night

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNuNJLlq8eQ

Marnie - Hunter (Hype 0371)

Great atmospheric song from Marnie. Marnie is the solo project of Ladytron's Helen Marnie. Nice chilling Ladytronesque track.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqJQEf9q6go

Manic Street Preachers - Show Me the Wonder (Hype 0370)

Brand new single from the Manic Street Preachers new album Rewind The Film. Ahhhh...the good old days of Britpop.....

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9L-jyFEsK4

Sharam Jey & Sirus Hood - Picture Picture (Hype 0369)

Do you have the funk? Sharam Jey And Sirus Hood. Bouncy Club track on Bunny Tiger....

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaSGqakbngA

Blouse No Shelter (Hype 0368)

Brand new single from Captured Tracks outfit Blouse off their latest album Imperium. Dark gloomy uptempo Broadcasty like track. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlxjGFaQKu4

Eelke Kleijn - Ein Tag Am Strand (Instrumental Mix) (Hype 0367)

Awesome summer club track. Yes Summer is not over. Out on Spinnin Records. Opening beat sounds like it was ripped from a BKS record. Floats into this tropical spaghetti western oasis type of theme. Nice! Nice! Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmlxwYqFzQo

Stars - Counting Stars on the Ceiling (Retro 041)

Nice opportunity to catch Stars for free last night at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Thought I'd bring back a track from their elusive first album Nightsongs.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXEFA2z5hpk

Vampire Weekend - Blurred Lines (cover)

Video: http://youtu.be/P5TAoW3u6oY

This summer, it has been nearly impossible to turn on the radio and not hear Blurred Lines on one station or another.  Here is a cover of the song by Vampire Weekend.  Unlike Robin Thicke, Ezra Koenig can actually sing in tune.

Stripes - Ecstasy (New/Old 009)

Was looking up Nena of 99 Red Balloons fame and came across the fact that she was in a band called Stripes before forming Nena. This was the catchy single they had back in 1980. It's really good. There was even a video for it on Youtube.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJooNoN54K0

Acti - Zathan (Original Mix) (Hype 0366)

Epic beats, rolling pianos, dynamic chants, this club track has it all. Released by Big and Dirty records. And it is.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmClRL-hXzs

Pet Shop Boys - Inside A Dream (Hype 0365)

Infectious beat on this Pet Shop Boy track. Taken from their latest album Electric released this year. PSB are in Toronto on September 25th at Sony Centre.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz1KSxk35cU

Prefab Sprout - Mysterious (Hype 0364)

Great new track from Eighties outfit Prefab Sprout taken from their new album Crimson/Red. At least that's what I think it will be called. The album title has changed a couple of time. Out on Icebreaker Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9usNVXfpPyI

DVBBS & Borgeous - Tsunami (Hype 0363)

Toronto born, LA based outfit just released this dangerous sounding club track on Doorn Records. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EWbonj7f18

Washed Out - It All Feels Right (Hype 0362)

Nice watery cut and paste track from Washed Out. Taken from the new album Paracosm out on Subpop Records. Washed Out are in Toronto at the Opera House (East End) on September 15th.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJILRWBKnQ4

Medicine Long as the Sun (Hype 0361)

Medicine are back after ten years of silence This swirling buzzy track is taken from their new album To The Happy Few. This brings back memories of their 1992 album Shot Forth Self Living which got a lot of play on the stereo back in the day. The album is out on Captured Tracks, the same label who just reissued Shot Forth Self Life and The Buried Life as deluxe editions.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbvFSzdBra8

Comet Gain – Avenue Girls (Hype 0360)

Alittle bit of twee from Comet Gain. Out on Wiaiwya records. Its actually a singles club. You get 7 seven inch singles in the set and there is only 77 available of each single. Neat!!! Early Nineties all over again

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVNp0f-4gj4

Kenneth G Stay Wierd (Hype 0359)

Wow. Club track off the Hysteria Records label by Kenneth G. Taking alittle 808 State sensibility and mixing it up with some quirky frequency sounds. Reminds me of Warp Records of old. LFO, Testone, Tricky Disco.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRO8PxkAhSQ

Minks - Margot (Hype 0358)

Breezy bubbly pop. Nice!! Minks new album is out tomorrow on Captured Tracks and its called Tides End.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg90PScRviw

Angel Haze - No Bueno (Hype 357)

Video: http://youtu.be/leM5gEV0tOM

For those of you who happen to be in Chicago for this year's Lollapalooza, here is one pick for Sunday afternoon: Angel Haze, a 22-year-old female MC out of Detroit, Michigan.  This talented young lady certainly does not hold back in her hard-hitting lyrics.

Incidentally, highlights from the first two days at Lollapalooza have included an upbeat Atlas Genius, a very much on-form New Order (who played songs including Blue Monday--of course--as well as Joy Division classics like Transmission and Love Will Tear Us Apart), and a really solid, lively, satisfyingly-enthusiastic performance to end the evening in style by Mumford and Sons.

Tomorrow (Sunday) we shall discover whether The Cure still have it, after Angel Haze hits everyone with some raw words.  Also look out for Alt-J, Vampire Weekend, and Grizzly Bear, although you will struggle to see both of the last two given the logistics.

Fire Tiger - Energy (Hype 356)

Video: http://youtu.be/W4A--GBLkzk

 Bringing you a slice of the Eighties... to be clear, this band is modern, but as they state on their website: "Los Angeles’s Fire Tiger strives through new, original songs to bring classic musicality back to the mainstream, combining the rock and pop of past and future…"  Enjoy.

 

Indian Summer - No Use (Hype 0355)

Lush bumping indie downtempo cut and paste track from Indian Summer. Nice! Presented by Sweat It Out Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9icvrRCUco

Elliphant - Music Is Life (Hype 354)

Music definitely is life. Catchy summer club track from Swedish outfit Elliphant. Dance!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3nPJSrVeLE

Josh Butler - Got A Feeling (Bontan Remix, Pleasurekraft Edit) (Hype 0353)

Deep House by a guy named Josh Butler out of the UK.....A Bontan Remix and a Pleasurekraft Edit. Deep bassline and deep vocals.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mt5lrti7w8

No Middle Name - Another Season (Hype 0352)

Nice buzzy indie cut from No Middle Name. This is the first single from a forthcoming record on Mollusc Records. Featuring vocals by Lindsay West. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L83-0Q3bcZE

The Love Language - Calm Down (Hype 0351)

Nice jangly indiepop track called Calm Down from The Love Language taken from the Album Ruby Red out on Merge Records this month.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7gYTWao2jM

Sharam Jey Kolombo - Nonstop (Original Mix) (Hype 0350)

Slammin funky breaks/electro house cut from Sharam Jey. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgkdP69qGJU

Holograms - Meditations (Hype 0349)

Happy Canada Day!!! Woke up to the punk rock of Captured Tracks guys Holograms. Nice!! This is the second single from their new album Forever out in September.

Part Time - I Won't Be Your Little Secret (Hype 0348)

Nice low indie-fi pop track from Part Time. By internet standards this is abit of an older track but just got some push from the Mexican Summer record label in the past month.

Pixies - Bagboy

Video: http://youtu.be/lGdSYPh5_BI

First original track from the Pixies in about nine years.  I remember, years ago, Josh and I agreeing that the Pixies were a great band -- I believe this was the first time we reached such an agreement, even though I'm confident that we have reached the same agreement many times since.  You might ask: "Deal or No Deal?"  Good question!  Answer: no Deal; the Pixies announced on June 20 that Kim Deal had left the band.  On this track, she is replaced by Jeremy Dubs.  Although "Bagboy" does not feature the Pixies at their ear-wrenching, smile-inducing best, this is still a very enjoyable track. 

Download it for yourself from the Pixies website: http://pixiesmusic.com/new/?awesm=newpixi.es_bagboy

Icona Pop - Girlfriend (Hype 0347)

Okay..I'm definately a sucker for a pop hook and Icona Pop provided that with their first single I love It which has become the anthem of the summer. Here they are back with another breezy catchy single called Girlfriend. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHhyuSnTlk

Atlas Genius at the Opera House Sunday June 23, 2013 Haerts Pacific Air

Thanks to a friend with an extra ticket, I was out at the Opera House last night to catch double hyped alt rock Australian funk outfit Atlas Genius' sold out show. The band was welcomed to Toronto with the hottest day of the year so far.

How big is this band? Well, Toronto pop radio station Edge 102 was promoting the show (From a quick scan of their top thirty chart the band has 2 songs in the chart at this moment) and the band will be back in October to play a much larger Danforth Music Hall.

There were actually three bands on the line-up tonight. New York based outfit Haerts opened up the show. This was the second time seeing the band in the last month. They also opened up for the Shout Out Louds at the Opera House in May. Great indiepop band with a number of nice tunes. Their playlist didn't seem to sway from what it was in May. Their first album is due out sometime in 2013.

My enjoyment of their big single Wings was unfortunately interupted mid-song by a drunken woman who decided that I was the local drug dealer and asked me if I was selling any weed. "She really wanted some weed". I responded No, I had no weed for sale let alone have any weed. "You know, really like the weed". At this point I wished her best of luck finding the weed and sent her on her way.

 

Up next was Pacific Air, a californian outfit with some sweet indie-rock. Definately with alittle bit more energy than Haerts, the outfit played for about 40 minutes cruising through tracks from their first album Stop Talking. The band hit the scene in 2012 with their first whistle friendly single Float.
Their live show and enthusiam sold me. Definately a band worth checking out when they start to headline.

 

Finally, Atlas Genius hit the stage at 10 PM for a quick jaunt through their first album When It Was Now. Energy level tripled for the crowd as the band launched into their first track. From my friends account they played the whole album. Mid-set they broke rotation for a cover of the Strokes Last Night. The band is composed of two brothers. It now makes sense of why lead singer Keith only introduced two of the four members of the band on stage, the session players. Biggest crowd response was for the final song of the night Trojans (pre-encore). The promoter did a good job of putting these three bands together. Entertaining.

Here is the video for Trojans




Here is the video for Pacific Air's Float




Here is the video for Haerts Wings

Kate Nash - OMYGOD (IMOL Remix) (Hype 0346R)

The IMOL remix of Kate's great track OMYGOD from her album Girl Talk. Nice downtempo touch.

Pete and the Pirates - Half Moon Street (Hype 0345)

Dunstan who is currently on a lion safari out in Africa tweeted in that we needed to post this cut for him in the absence of his computer. And he's right, what a catchy cut.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhjaeeUpPAE

Cedric Gervais & Howard Jones - Things Can Only Get Better (Hype 0344)

Its shaping up to be the summer of getting lucky but Cedric Gervais is definately brightening things up with his reworking of Howard Jones classic cut Things Can Only Get Better. Bring on the Summer.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLcsjXFv2jk

Nightlife - Days In Other Days (Hype 343)

Nightlife back with a full length album Days In Other Days and this cut with the same name. Bouncy laidback indiepop. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLGWeYCXKbM

Stranglers Danforth Music Hall Toronto May 31, 2013

First time at the Danforth Music Hall in about 20 years to see the Stranglers for the first time. Supposedly the Stranglers don't tour much and this was their first time over to North America in a long time. Visa problems led to them having to cancel their first show on the tour in Detroit. Toronto ended up being the first show. They are touring to promote their new album Giants.

Danforth Music Hall is a great venue. It reminded me of the cavernous Concert Hall of old. Great venue which pits the East End versus the West End as the best area to see concerts in the city. Only unfortunate thing about the hall is their exit plan which pits a mass exodus of people versus the merchandise stand in a very small entry way.

Two opening bands opened up the show who were surprisingly welcomed by the audience. I felt they didn't fit the bill at all and my attention easily drifted to people watching. The crowd was definately a mix of everyone given the Stranglers have been going since around 1977.

The Stranglers hit the stage around 10 and played a nice two hour set of 22 songs spanning across their whole career. Here was the setlist:

1) Toiler on the Sea (Black And White-1978)
2) Goodbye Toulouse (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
3) (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
4) Norfolk Coast (Norfolk Coast-2004)
5) Nuclear Device (The Raven-1979)
6) Freedom Is Insane (Giants-2012)
7) Mercury Rising (Giants-2012)
8) Peaches (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
9) Relentless (Suite XVI-2006)
10) Golden Brown (La Folie-1981)
11) Skin Deep (Aural Sculpture-1984)
12) Always The Sun (Dreamtime-1986)
13) Walk On By (Black And White-1978)
14) Burning Up Time (No More Heroes-1977)
15) Nice And Sleazy (Black And White-1978)
16) Bring On The Nubiles (No More Heroes-1977)
17) Who Wants The World (IV-1980)
18) Time Was Once On My Side (Giants-2012)
19) Duchess (The Raven-1979)
20) No More Heroes (No More Heroes-1977)
Encore
21) Hanging Around (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
22) Tank (Black And White-1978)

Unfortunately they didn't play my favourite song No Mercy so I will leave you with the Video

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ZyaESTxpw

Secret Chiefs 3 at The Drake Underground, May 24th

Secret Chiefs 3 were in Toronto recently to disseminate their brand of auditory mayhem and uncategorizable malarkey. This was the first show of a two show tour and Tuco hustled down to the Drake Underground to soak in the vibe.

This is one of a number of side projects of Trey Spruance which he uses to channel his musical interests. Spruance and SC3 have also been associated with 90s bands Faith No More and Mr. Bungle - for any Mike Patton fans out there.

The Drake Underground is a smallish venue infested with hipsters and serving Creemore on tap. Tuco got there with time to spare and found a spot next to the soundboard.

The show started promptly with five hooded figures taking the stage and the hum of the amps permeating the space. The stage had enough room for the band but no more. The venue was close to capacity with about a 3:1 male/female split.

First song got some love from the crowd, and the advantages of this smallish space become apparent; Great Clear Sound. It took a few tracks from my ears to get used to the clarity. By the third song, the drummer had inadvertently "broke character" by shedding his hood but got it back on for the next song.

The SC3 sound is difficult to describe - sometimes, there is a bit of a surf-rock feel at times, sometimes it sounds like a soundtrack for some epic film. Amongst the five guys, about eight or nine instruments were used. Oh yeah - and no vocals. That's key.

The guy that stood out in this first 45 minute set was the drummer. Great hits, timing, etc...

I asked the guy behind the sound table if he had a setlist and he responded in the negative. It was also a good indicator of how involved the "engineer" was in the process. Any switches, etc. were being flipped either just off stage or by the musicians on-stage themselves.

After a 45 minutes, there was 20 minute intermission. The Drake has two neon signs on opposite ends of the floor: "Bang Bang" and "Kiss Kiss". It took me a while to figure out the James Bond connection. Under the "Kiss Kiss" sign was some SC3 merch: T-shirts, CDs and vinyl. The hipsters went straight for the vinyl. I picked up a T-shirt.

Second set, SC3 came out with a change of hoodie and a different theme emerged to the evening. The second set was dominated by more melodic tracks - handled ably by the addition of a violin - compared to the rather percussive first set.

Three women got their "dance on" near the centre of the hipster crowd; a mild fail. There were at least three tracks during the evening based on classical songs (e.g. Dance Macabre) which were well-received. The audience knowledge of the SC3 material seemed pretty high (Tuco bringing down the average :( ). This second act ended after about 45 minutes with no encore and Spruance signing a "Thank You" to the assembled patrons.

In short, great choice of venue suiting the musicianship of SC3. Surprisingly interesting song-writing with a nice sense of melody and great balance within the group. For $20 easily the best value possibly ever. Seriously, there's something about instrumental music in general, and the SC3 treatment in particular, that is unique, different, reinvigorating and fun.

Twitterer @doppelmock pointed out that SC3 may soon be releasing a long-awaited studio album (possibly) titled "Book of Souls". Although I didn't see any promotional materials (i.e. screaming posters or artwork), it would justify the touring. There's no such thing as free shrimp. High recommend from Tuco if this happens.

The Naked and Famous - The Sun (Hype 342)

Video: http://youtu.be/TjpKGcnEa80

I saw this video described as "boobies and amazing music."  Fairly accurate description, I suppose.  The track comes from New Zealand's The Naked and the Famous's debut studio album "Passive Me, Aggressive You."  Enjoy.

Small Black - Free At Dawn (Hype 0341)

Been awhile since we did a cut and paste type of track. Perfect timing as Small Black drop their new album Limits Of Desire. The track is called Free At Dawn. Nice!!

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx0M9dBeRhg

Drop Out Venus - Death Is Screaming (Hype 0340)

 

Worth taking this walk/jog down the street with this crew of unlikely heroes. Catchy track with obtuse video by Drop Out Venus. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW8dRMAt77E

Kings Of Tomorrow - Fall For You (Sandy Rivera's Classic Mix) (Hype 0339)

Nice silky house cut from Kings Of Tomorrow off the Defected Record Label featuring April and with a Sandy Rivera remix. Taken from the Fall For You EP. Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p--K7KQ2U08

Shout Out Louds and Haerts Toronto Opera House May 14, 2013

Tuesday night in the East End for Swedish band Shout Out Louds. Head down Queen East and fill up on an Ossington Burger from BBQ. Quickly head over to the Opera House to catch the band.

Mid set, girls at front of the stage are shouting for the Shout Out Louds to play a track from around 2005. The lead singer identifies that she doesn't know the track they are asking for. Unfortunately the band performing is the opening band. The crowd breaks into laughter when it comes to light that the women think the band is the Shout Out Louds.

The openers are Haerts, a band from New York hailing from Germany, England, and the United States. Fantastic set from this new band. Their first single Wings is floating around on seven inch and the first album is due out soon. The band definately held their own with some great indie keyboardish cuts for their short set. A band worth seeing as a headliner in the future.



















Shout Out Louds were promptly on at 9:00 PM. The band is touring on the strength of their fantastic fourth album Optica. Again, the girls in the front row start to call for songs. The response is priceless...."we aren't a jukebox". The band go through a set that is heavy on Optica but balances it out with 3 tracks from each of the first three albums. Here is the setlist:

1. Sugar (Optica)
2. Walking In Your Footsteps (Optica)
3. The Comeback (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
4. Impossible (Our Ill Wills)
5. The Candle Burned Out (Work)
6. Chasing The Sinking Sun (Optica)
7. Fall Hard (Work)
8. Illusions (Optica)
9. Blue Ice (Optica)
10. Hard Rain (Our Ill Wills)
11. Please Please Please (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
12. 14th of July (Optica)
13. Very Loud (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
Encore
14. Destroy (Optica)
15. Walls (Work)
16. Tonight I Have To Leave It (Our Ill Wills)

The band then packs it in to head off to Detroit.

Haerts

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk52XHSpmF4




Shout Out Louds

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9vBovJVPQg

CHK CHK CHK - Slyd (Hype 0338)

Funky discogroove cut from Chk Chk Chk taken from the album Thr!!!er. Nice track that goes in about 10 different directions and never really ends. Nice!!! The band are in Toronto on June 10th for a show at the Horseshoe.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1GnHqNaoRM

Future Bible Heroes - Living, Loving, Partygoing (Hype 0337)

Future age pop from the Future Bible Heroes. From the album Partygoing released this year on Merge Records. Side dancey project of Stephin Merritt (Magnetic Fields) and Christopher Ewen (Figures On A Beach)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcL1e2JkRgE

Shout Out Louds - Illusions (Hype 0334R)

Shout Out Louds are in Toronto on Tuesday at the Opera House. Nice deep clanging remix of the Shout Out Louds track Illusions by Prins Thomas (Diskomiks).

Camera Obscura - Do It Again (Hype 0336)

Its a Camera Obscura type of day off. New single from the band on 4AD. Taken from the new album Desire Lines. Sounds Lushy to me.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHryk07Rs_k

Chad Valley - Up and Down (Vince Clarke Remix) Hype (0335R)

Erasure/Depeche Mode guy Vince Clarke provides the eighties synth remix for indie guru Chad Valley. Nice! Original version taken from the album Young Hunger.

Shout Out Louds - Illusions (Hype 0334)

Brand new single/video from swedish outfit Shout Out Louds called Illusions taken from their brilliant new album Optica out on Merge Records. Nice! The Shout Out Louds are in Toronto at the Opera House May 14th. East End people!!! West Enders get use to crossing over the bridge.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baZeSE_XJ_A

Mark Morrison - Return of the Mack (Touch Tone Remix) (Hype 0333R)

In honour of 33.3 RPM Mark Morrison takes hype track 333 with a remix of his classic track from the nineties Return Of The Mack. Touch Tone are the remixers. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuVvZJtNOrA

SALLY SHAPIRO What Can I Do (Hype 0332)

Nice indiepop tune from Sally taken from her new album on Paper Bag Records called Somewhere Else. Nice dreamy track just in time for spring.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoGxKhvKl8g

Palma Violets - Last of the Summer Wine (Hype 0331)

Nice buzzy indie track from Palma Violets out of England and taken from their first album 180. Their album is out on Rough Trade.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGSUl0RbK5Q

Upcoming: Savoir Adore The Drake Hotel Toronto Apr 12, 2013

IKDK hyped band Savoir Adore stop by Toronto for a show at the Drake Hotel on April 12, 2013. They are opening for On and On. Watch them steal the show.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGDY5QbyM7U

The Ocean Blue - Blow My Mind (Hype 0330)

Brand new track from The Ocean Blue's first album in 12 years called Ultramarine. Technically continues from where they left off. Nice!! On Korda Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh7Gx4HJbuM

Heart w/ Simon Townsend at Massey Hall, March 21, 2013

It was the first day of spring and what's not to like about a show at Massey Hall for what will hopefully be the start of an eventful 2013 summer concert season. Rock legends Heard were in town on their Frantic tour and Tuco was on hand to narrate.

The Wilson sisters have been writing tracks since the 70s and are to be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this month for their contributions. Their longevity and womanly awesomeness were readily apparent in the audience which consisted mostly of older couples interspersed with small gangs of younger women.

Instead of staring at his phone - the trademark of this generation - Tuco struck up a conversation with the person next to him. He had been to a number of Heart concerts and had started his concert-going experiences in St. Louis in 1973 where he saw Led Zeppelin. Tuco was amazed and peppered him with more questions. This ended awkwardly as Tuco ran out of common ground and could not avoid throwing in something his parents had told him, highlighting a significant age gap and ending the conversation.

Fortunately, everything was running on time and the opener, Simon Townsend (brother of Pete Townsend who had played the ACC with The Who late last year) ran out and worked some guitar magic. Massey is a pretty good venue for an acoustic or moderately electric set and this is exactly what Townsend delivered. I'm curious which kind of set each musician prefers; Townsend seemed comfortable with either format. Quite a few guitars were used during the performance and a mandolin was brought out for the set closer. Best track was the one about World War II.

Brief break. Guy comes around charging $9 for a $2 beer. I still tip him for some reason.

Heart takes the stage and kick it off with that great riff from Barracuda. Besides Ann and Nancy, Heart feature a lead guitarist, drummer, bassist and a keyboardist. Everyone gives the band a warm reception. The band takes its time with the first few tracks. What About Love has the young ladies standing up and yelling about their need for Love (capital L). Pretty good performance so far and the lead guitarist works a few licks to Tuco's applause.

Ann pauses to address the crowd to rapturous applause. Tuco notes the appearance of Canadian and American flags in the backdrop. The next few songs spill out with a pretty cool version of Magic Man. Nancy Wilson still looks like a dream playing her guitar. I think she was the first woman I remember playing rock guitar - for that I am truly grateful.

The next few sounds fly by and then out come the acoustic guitars for the second half of the set. Dreamboat Annie and Dog and Butterfly are introduced with Ann giving a little background on each song and their impact on their early lives.

Next up are two 80s ballads played acoustically: These Dreams and Alone. To be honest, I was hoping for a return to the electric guitar, but it didn't happen.

Rounding out the set was Dear Old America which got some claps despite a somewhat anti-war machine vibe from those in attendance. Following this was brief bit of Nancy's magic as my ears seemed to pick out first Stairway To Heaven and Somewhere Over the Rainbow in her interlude into Crazy on You. Coolest moment in the concert for me. Crazy on You was one of the best performances of the night with a return to the rawer electrified sound.

Another brief pause and Heart came back on stage for the encore. Simon Townsend also returned to join the band onstage for the encore as they launched into Black Dog and then Love, Reign O'er Me. Ended strong!


Setlist:

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/heart/2013/massey-hall-toronto-on-canada-6bd8b29a.html

Barracuda
Fanatic
Heartless
What About Love

59 Crunch
Magic Man
Kick It Out
Even It Up
Dreamboat Annie
Dog and Butterfly
These Dreams
Alone
Dear Old America
Interlude (Guitar interpolating Stairway to Heaven and Somewhere Over the Rainbow?)
Crazy On You

Encore:
Black Dog

Love, Reign O'er Me

Best moments:

Crazy On You

Magic Man

What About Love

Alone

Love, Reign O'er Me

Girls Names - Hypnotic Regression (Hype 0329)

Hypnotic apocalyptic punk from Girls Names taken from their new album The New Life. Slumberland Records!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKD2vBLdm7Y

Alan Braxe - Time Machine (Hype 0328R)

Nice laid back funky remix by Le Crayon of Alan Braxe's track Time Machine. Decided to get alittle clubby on Tuesday night

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNUm5BDd2BM

TheSkints - Rubadub (Done Know) (Hype 0327)

Nice Easter Monday Rubadub for ya. TheSkints taken from the album Part & Parcel on Bomber Music Limited. Nice! #ska #timeshift

Club 8 - Stop taking my time (Hype 0322)

Labrador records give us a longer clip of the first track taken from Club 8's latest record Above the City out in May.





The tracklisting for the album is as follows:

1. Kill Kill Kill
2. Stop Taking My Time
3. You Could Be Anybody
4. Run
5. Interlude
6. Hot Sun
7. A Small Piece Of Heaven
8. I'm Not Gonna Grow Old
9. Interlude #2
10. Into Air
11. Instrumental
12. Travel
13. Less Than Love
14. Straight As An Arrow

Wonder Villains - Blonde (Hype 0326)

Reminds me of the nineties single Steal My Sunshine by Len. Nice catchy pop track from the Wonder Villains. Nice

DrDr - Addicted (Polkadot Remix) (Hype 0325R)

Champion Records drop a nice dubby speed garage type track from DrDr. The Polkadot remix strips down Addicted into a bouncy affair.

Beliefs - Lilly (Hype 0324)

Fantastic low-fi buzz drone track from the Beliefs off the Hand Drawn Dracula label. Lilly. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehnNigKdAeA

Stranglers - Mercury Rising (Hype 0323)

Single taken from the Stranglers latest album Giants to be released in North America in May. The Stranglers stop by Danforth Music Hall on May 31, 2013 in support of the new album. The band is for much the same band that was chugging it out back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Only member who is missing is Hugh Cornwall who left in the early nineties to do solo stuff and never returned. Nice track!!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bATNGBKTsvY

Club 8 - Stop Taking My Time (Hype 0322)

Interesting marketing ploy by Labrador Records by only releasing a snippet of Club 8's new single. 30 seconds is all that is needed to confirm another fantastic pop track from the band.

OMD Metroland (Hype 0321)

Happy St Patricks Day. Brand new track from Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark taken from their forthcoming album English Electric. Nice!!!! The band will embark on a tour which will bring them over to North America. So far 2 dates in Toronto both at the Danforth Music Hall (July 11 and July 19).

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CidCX2gyJ9E

Nightlife - Over You (Hype 0320)

Huge fan of the synthpop duo from the USA. Out soon will be their first full length album. This is a new track. Nice!!!!

Laura Mvula - Green Garden (Hype 319)

Video: http://youtu.be/5akYnlwubDo

This track comes from Laura Mvula's debut album, Sing to the Moon, which was released on March 4 of this year.  She is currently touring the U.K.  Enjoy.

The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (Retro 040)

Video: http://youtu.be/INgXzChwipY

Take me out tonight . . .

Sweet Baboo - If I Died... (Hype 0318)

Jangily pop with horns from Sweet Baboo. Taken from the album Ships out soon on Moshi Moshi Records. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIdc7nUa-CM

Wire - Love Bends (Hype 0317)

Brand new single from Wire. The English outfit released their first album in 1977 and this cut is taken from their 13th album Change Becomes Us. Great track revisiting 80s alternative music.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUNHQflecpU

Northern Portrait - Happy Nice Day (Hype 0316)

Nice buzzy indie cut from Northern Portrait. Happy Nice Day is taken from their Matinee Records EP Pretty Decent Swimmers.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNO5g5nidgM

Theme Park - Jamaica (Hype 0315)

Funky indie cut from London outfit Theme Park. Second single from their debut album out now. Nice!!!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjoCAu8HPMw

Solange - Losing You (Hype 0314)

Not that the sister of Beyonce needs any hype. Great track!! Taken from the Ep True

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy9W_mrY_Vk

Jessie Ware - If You're Never Gonna Move (Hype 0313)

Bumping rnb/pop track from Jessie Ware. Taken from her album Devotion. Jessie is at the Opera House in Toronto on April 6, 2013

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-nsrUoShQQ

Gojira w/ Devin Townsend Project and The Atlas Moth at The Phoenix, Feb 13, 2013

It's Valentine's Eve and Tuco took to the mean streets of Hogtown to hunt down the monstrous Gojira at The Phoenix. It was a sold out show with a salty crowd enduring the slow-moving lineup to get in; fairly typical for all ages events.

Aside: Something I learned only recently was that Gojira is Japanese for Godzilla. According to the Godzilla wiki, the legendary radioactive beast has never made it to France. Lucky.

Got into The Phoenix and made my way to the furthest and least crowded bar from the door which turned out to be on the balcony. The opening act The Atlas Moth were already into their set. First impressions were pretty good - I enjoyed the droning bass and spacy guitar licks. The singing was "effortless" in the sense that there was a lack of urgency or possibly interest - which was alright for this crowd and the situation. Everything kind of worked.

The frontman was engaging and had some good one-liners. He gave a shout-out to their label Profound Lore headed up by a Canadian which may be why they were in Toronto in the first place. The sound was good enough that I forked over $10 (or 1.5 beers) for their latest album. They are classified in the "post-metal" genre which may lack precision but is on the "good" end of my own personal 2-state "good or garbage" classification system.

Intermission music was Black Sabbath and I ventured down from the balcony to scope the scene on the main floor. Pretty full venue and a surprising number of ladies. A screen was up on-stage and soon a video montage featuring commercials and something like youtube videos (e.g. Chocolate Rain) beamed down on the captive audience. I instinctively started reading (TV-phobia) and a few minutes later the Devin Townsend Project had taken the stage.

Not sure what to make of Devin Townsend. He's got a "wacky" sense of humour which made it feel like he was trying alot harder than the opening act. This seemed to drive people away. Townsend is not shy and the show seemed to refocuss on him rather than the music.

Townsend tried to get the crowd to do "jazz hands" during a song and the effect was that any seriousness in the venue evaporated. It didn't work. A few more tracks and the DTP had completed its mission of lowering expectations. (Bravo).

Second intermission. I started scoping the crowd again and noticed a woman with a tattoo across her back which read: "Music is the brandy of the damned". The internet tells me this is attributed to George Bernard Shaw. Not sure what it means and if it deserved a tattoo but there you have it.

A very thorough sound check had commenced on stage. I went to check out the merch and watched as the security team hustled by. A shouty woman was being ejected from the premises. I resisted the urge to clap. Hustled back, grabbed my last (and worst) brew and settled in.

Gojira take the stage and the rather static crowd finally showed some life. There was a lot of movement on the stage as the guitarists and singer rotated expertly over and across the risers. Some crowd surfing at the front and a decent audience reaction as singer Joe Duplantier worked the crowd.

Joe spoke some words in French and unfortunately got more applause than comprehension from this Toronto audience. Désolé mon ami!

Gojira has a pretty good feel for the natural tempo of a song. Each track had the "right" pace and credit Joe's brother Mario on the kit for holding it together with some nice flourishes.

Joe and Mario did a brief switcharoo to let Mario try out some death growls which felt light-hearted. Overall, a moderately enthusiastic crowd and a solid performance from the band.

Here's the setlist.

The encore came after a minute or two of crowd chants and the show closed up around 11:30 which was just enough time to get a Smoke's poutine and chill out to some Twisted Sister (I want to rock).

Indra -Let's Go Crazy (New/Old 008)

A track I had never heard before and which must have alluded the north american markets. Let's Go Crazy was Indra's first single released in 1990. Born in Sweden she moved to France with her then model boyfriend. She was discovered dancing in a Parisian night club, and was soon offered a recording contracy. Let's Go Crazy was a Hip House/Euro Dance type of track that hit number 11 in France. Her first album followed in 1991 called Temptation and spawned three more singles. Where is she now? Well she is still putting out music and released her sixth album in 2009. Check out the very cheezy nineties video below:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6shQzs2yBQ

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away (Album 001)

Nick Cave is back with the Bad Seeds for a new album called Push The Sky Away. Hmmm. Nick and the band are on tour now to support the album and will be at Massey Hall Toronto on March 23, 2013. Second single  from the album is Jubilee Street and video is below.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxHvNl9MmQ

City Reign - Making Plans (Hype 0312)

Manchester outfit City Reign out with a new single taken from their debut album Another Step coming out on Car Boot Records in February.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLO23ARGmtc

Dot Dash - Shouting In The Rain (Hype 0311)

Another great track from Dot Dash off their 2012 Winter Garden Light album. Nice old skool alternative sounding track.

OMD English Electric 2013

OMD have announced a new album called English Electric due out this year. This track Decimal is taken from the forthcoming album.

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZBNx6e3D_Q

The Man Who Sold The World - Nirvana / David Bowie

Video (Nirvana): http://youtu.be/fregObNcHC8
Video (David Bowie): http://youtu.be/6x5OubSeb-U

Inspired by recent posts by Tuco and Josh on a Radiohead cover of Nobody Does It Better and the new David Bowie song, respectively, I felt compelled to post a cover song that I love. Unless I'm mistaken, it's been a long time since I posted a cover track. Enjoy!

Deux - Golden Dreams (Hype 0310)

Some indie synth house from french outfit Deux. Nice!! Taken from their Golden Dreams EP. Maybe three years old but gets a release now.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVnZ8KNUmKA

Midge Ure Hugh's Room Toronto January 14, 2012 Setlist

I got to catch the first of two shows at Hugh's Room out in Roncesvalles. This was my first time at the venue which is a dinner/show type of place. Quite the different experience for a concert.

Opening band was an american outfit called Right The Stars, who ended up being Midge's backing band. Weird. Not sure how that came together. Here was Midge's setlist. He definately jumped all around his career.

1) I See Hope In The Morning Light (1991; Pure)
2) Love's Great Adventure (1984; The Collection; Ultravox)
3) Call Of The Wild (1986; Call of The Wild single)
4) Breathe (1996; Breathe)
5) Fade To Grey (1980; Visage; Visage)
6) Cold Cold Heart(1991; Pure)
7) Answers To Nothing (1988; Answers To Nothing)
8) Just For You (1988; Answers To Nothing)
9) No Regrets (1982; No Regrets single; Tom Rush Cover)
10) Vienna (1980; Vienna; Ultravox)
11) Dear God (1988; Answers To Nothing)
12) One Small Day (1984; Lament; Ultravox)
13) Hymn (1982; Hymn; Ultravox)
14) If I Was (1985; The Gift)
15) Dancing With Tears In My Eyes (1984; Lament; Ultravox)
Encore
16) Do They Know Its Christmas (1984; Band Aid)

Thanks to Andrew P for the picture.

Nobody Does It Better

Thought I would post this in honour of the recently deceased Marvin Hamlisch, brilliant legendary songsmith. They simply don't write songs like they used to and certainly not like he could.

For all you Bond/Skyfall fans - this one's my favourite Bond theme song ever (suck it Adele):

And here is a decent cover of the track by Radiohead - Thom Yorke calls this the "sexiest song ever". Who's going to argue with that?

David Bowie - Where Are We Now (Hype 0309)

David Bowie releases his first single in 10 years on his 66th Birthday. An epic glorious chill out piece. A prelude to a full album due out in March. Great video directed by Tony Oursler.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOyDTy9DtHQ

Prince - 1999 (Retro 038)

Because you wanted Prince. Classic track from 1982 by the Purple one off the album of the same title.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jONoomlYJsc

Sexual Harassment - We Want Prince (New/Old 007)

12 Inch funk track from 1984 put out on the Heat record label out of Ohio, USA. Yes, we want Prince.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QxXsxnS0jc

Veronica Falls - Teenage (Hype 0308)

New twangy single from Veronica Falls off their new album Waiting For Something To Happen. The band will be in Toronto at the Garrison on March 12, 2013. Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95CSaTrO2Fs

Courteeners - Lose Control (Hype 0307)

Well its a new year. I unfortunately slowed down in December on the posts. Life got chaotic and went up and down like a rollercoaster. But back with the Courteeners new single Lose Control. Happy New Year from the IKDK crew: Tuco, Dunstan and, myself

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPCUUfZSO9A