Week 06: Feb 12- Feb 19, 2013

+ Happenings in Jack Whiteville: Owner of Third Man Records and being a clear vinyl connoisseur JW was named Record Store Day Ambassador for 2013. The superhuman, White, has also partnered with Nashvilles Belcourt Theatre for a monthly film series called 'Light and Sound Machine'.

+Gaslight Anthems 'Every Word Handwritten'  is a 15 minute short that is ultimately based on the lifespan of a record and the effect it can have on generations. Interesting? We'll see.

+ Rilo Kiley is releasing a special album this year, 'RKives'. The album is said to feature past B-sides, demos, and other gems unheard by the public. This week RK released a somewhat sweet and dreamy "Let Me Back In"

+ Prince releases a new track 'That Girl Thang'. The track strays from the flamboyant singers usual style, being acoustic. He does however stay true to his signature high, androgynous vocals.

+ A project requiring the use of 170 musicians, Beck has completed his rendition of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The finished product is BEYOND awesome. Extremely well done. It is my current favorite thing. If I do anything for you, reader, let it be me showing you this video. Click on the link! Don't be shy.

+ Tame Impala made their TV debut back in 2011 on Fallon and return to the set this week. The Aussie outfit is so unfazed and so wonderful; Elephant.

+ So, Michael Jacksons son, Prince, becomes a celebrity journalist on Entertainment Tonight? Irony, I think so.

+ Phoenix debut 'Entertainment' which will appear on their album set to be released April 23rd titled Bankrupt. The band has also released the album art work. Think, peaches.

+ VIDEOS: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake release video for 'Suit and Tie' and the world continues to talk about and love 'Mirrors'. Suit and Tie is as classy as JT's new persona. So happy to have JT back. Passion Pit cast a crazy/beautiful Sophia Bush in their latest music video for 'Carried Away'. Lana Del Rey keeps up her diva, sultry songstress character in 'Burning Desire'. Yeah Yeah Yeahs give teaser to new track 'Always' that will appear on their album 'Mosquito'. Canada's west coast wonders, Yukon Blonde, release their video for 'Guns'.

+ Word on the street is that Black Sabbath is hanging up their regular heavy metal style for a blues album on their LP set to be released this year.

+ JUNO Awards nominees are announced!! And The Sheepdogs are up for a slew of awards. I was also happy to see that Yukon Blonde was nominated as well as Grimes and Bahamas! For the Americans reading this.. it's the Grammys in Canada for Canada and with much less sparkle.

+ The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival line-up has been announced!!! Today Weird Al helped in announcing the line-up in a Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon. Which just made the fest blow all other festivals out of the water in getting fans hyped up. **

**stay tuned for 'Road to 'Roo 2013' and 'A Peek into 'Roo '13' posts on the blog.

MY TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012

When the general manager at my work asked that all staff create a list of their ten favorite albums of 2012, I squirmed with excitement. Being an obsessive person, with obsessive person tendencies, this is the type of task that I thrive on.

It took me a long time to narrow the list down to just ten albums. Seriously, where do you start? After considering all of the variables, I think I crafted a pretty stellar list.

10. Foxy Shazam - The Church of Rock and Roll
Though hailing from college radio charts for some time Foxy Shazam had never really piqued my interest before this year. They are an indie glam band that belongs in the 70’s. Foxy Shazam released an album this year called The Church of Rock and Roll which was produced by The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins.

Hawkins influence is extremely noticeable. Not to mention the unparalleled resemblance to Freddy Mercury vocals and David Bowie stylings. The initial song that sparked my interest in the album was ‘I Like It’ with complete thanks to the thick guitar and Robert Plant-esque power vocals.

As a whole The Church of Rock and Roll is a theatrical, glam rock effort best enjoyed loud - maybe in a seedy bar. It’s jaunty, and memorable.

9. Tame Impala - Lonerism
Read this.

8. Gary Clark Jr. - Blak and Blu

Since the release of his EP almost two years ago, and after seeing Gary Clark Jr. live at Lollapalooza I was dying for more. It is a difficult time for the blues. Clark’s raw talent exceeds that of any other up and coming solo blues guitarist right now. Discovered by Eric Clapton and being compared to greats like Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, GCJ has a big role to fill.

Blak and Blu portrays his obvious knack for blues style guitar, but the album as a whole can also be described as an R&B album. B&B is full of funk, blues and buttery grit and rhythm. It is clear that Clark is best when left to rip on his guitar though. His playing is down right dirty; all encompassing. And, while tracks like ‘Ain’t Messin’ Around’ are great, his talents are really laid out in ‘Please Come Home’ where we experience Clark’s falsetto which preceeds slick passionate guitar about 1:37 mins into the song.

Gary Clark Jr. is seemingly easy to overlook because of his overall humble demeanor - also not unlike the late great Jimi Hendrix. After taking a closer look it becomes apparent that his talent is unparalleled. Blak and Blu is to be celebrated by any modern day blues worshiper.

7. Yukon Blonde - Tiger Talk
Read this.

6. Bahamas - Barchords
Read this.

5. The Sheepdogs - The Sheepdogs
Read this.

4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Though a newer band (formed in 2009) Alabama Shakes play like they have been creating together for decades. The Shakes depict a new kind of southern rock/blues/rock soul. Britany Howard, the voice fronting the blues based goodness, has a  soul infused voice that is reminiscent of another time. Her southern soul infusing into Alabama Shakes southern rock band is not unlike the great works of Janis Joplin or Tina Turner.

‘Be Mine’ is probably B&G’s stunner. Howards smoky rasp aside, the rest of the band are able to show off their bluesy guitar knack. The intensity displayed on ‘Be Mine’ is years matured, making it difficult to believe that this is only The Shakes first album.

The howls, tight guitar licks, rootsy take on the blues and soul rock music is not matched to any other group this year. I mean, no other group has Brittany Howard.

3. Jack White - Blunderbuss
In the same fashion the world spread the good word, ‘Clapton is God’, all over England in the 60’s, I wish to share the message ‘Jack White is Genius’. Spread the word. I’ve seen White three times live now - and I’m surprised not more. The first time with the White Stripes, the second with the Dead Weather and the third as a solo act (unfortunately never with the Raconteurs). This man is a genius. I don’t care who wants to dispute this, I won’t listen. It is fact in my mind. The sheer versatility, openness and musical master mind ability that Jack White possess is enough to leave you dumbfounded and hating yourself for not being a better… anything.

Blunderbuss made me nervous. I thought if this isn’t perfect, he’s screwed. Jack White has created a persona for himself, one that I have bought, and if that persona is at all altered in a negative way, he’s shot. Thankfully, Blunderbuss delivers. It is chalk full of inventive garage rock, dabbling with raw blues riffing. Being a multi-instumentalist himself, it is no wonder that the spotlight is shared with varying parts of the Blunderbuss outfit.

White’s Detroit music influence will forever be prevalent. But it is his Nashville impact that shines through on key tracks like ‘Love Interruption’. There are so many layers to Blunderbuss that well represent Jack White. In ways it can be viewed as a folk album, while parts sound country. As a whole it is perfection.

2. Mumford & Sons - Babel
Read this.

1. The Shins - Port of Morrow
Read this.

Canadian Music

I am not a patriotic person, typically. I love the country I live in. But, given that I have done little to nothing for my country, besides vote, I find it difficult to say that I am “proud to be Canadian”. However, there is but one instance where I feel no hesitance in saying that I am indeed proud to be Canadian.

Good, great Canadian made music makes me proud. I don’t know why. I had no part in creating it, so why should I be proud? Maybe it’s because I am Canadian, maybe it’s because I’ve seen my fair share of Canadian musicians live, whatever the reason. I feel there is a certain “sound” that is prevalent to most good Canadian music. No I don’t mean like Avril Lavigne, Nickelback or Justin Bieber. They are all Americanized Canadians. America, you can have ‘em. I mean there is just a certain raw quality that is associated with most Canadian music. For the most part the music isn’t hyperstylized, or artificial sounding.

This year I’ve been more than a little impressed with Canadian musicians. And yeah, proud to be Canadian. There were a couple albums that really stood out - besides The Sheepdogs, who I already reviewed: here

Yukon Blonde - Tiger Talk
Released: March 20, 2012

Expanding their horizons Yukon Blonde released an album, Tiger Talk, which differs from their previous self titled album. There is less of a folk sound. Tiger Talk is infused with megawatt energy. And, after now seeing Yukon Blonde live, I feel that their sophomore album better represents the bands live sound.

Yukon Blonde is this indie rock, 70’s radio rock/surf rock sounding band from Kelowna, B.C. Their sound exudes west coast. On Tiger Talk you can expect to dance, and swoon. The band is more generous with their guitar riffing donning the album with some dirty solos.

The key songs on Tiger Talk would have to include “Stairway”, a song about missing home. It’s full of hooks and prevalent drumming mixed in with YB’s signature “ooooooh’s”. “Radio” is the most high energy song on the album sounding more punk than folk complete with controlled beat, hand clapping, and yea, more “ooooh-ing”. My three favorite tracks are a tie between “My Girl”, a west coast sounding love song, “Iron Fist”, a smooth, funky, sombre track with a great beat and soothing vocals, and “Oregon Shores”, which might be one of the most impressive songs on the album outfitted with striking harmonies.

I predict these 70’s sounding indie rockers will be around for awhile. I hope so at least.

Bahamas - Barchords
Released: February 7,2012

It is obvious that Alfie Jurvanen or as we know him, Bahamas, latest album is on the Brushfire Records roster. And no, contrary to popular belief, this Toronto born Ontarian did not grow up on the west coast. Barchords  is Bahamas second album. He is known for his California sounding beach tunes, and Barchords  is no different.

Barchords really lays out Jurvanens soulful and folkful vocal talents more so than his 2009 album Pink Strat. It is full of airy, dreamlike, acoustic surf sounding folk songs. The feeling evoked through Barchords is not unlike the feeling you would receive from the works of artists like Jack Johnson, M.Ward, or Bon Iver.

The first single off Barchords was an obvious choice, “Caught Me Thinkin’”. It’s a jaunty pop- folk song with Californian tenderness. I think the best track would have to be “Lost in the Light”, a soulful folk song with soothing vocals and melody. But, “Your Sweet Touch” is probably my favorite. It uses careful folk melodies melded with a more garage blues sound, mixed in with sharper vocals.

Barchords is elbow deep in lovelorn lyricism, subtle electricity, and folk authenticity. A perfect album for California daydreaming.