11.30.2010

Terrible Love - The National and Sufjan Stevens

Last Night at the famous Brixton Academy in London, The National teamed up with Sufjan Steven's to play "Terrible Love", the show stopping track from High Violet. Check out the fan shot Youtube video of the performance below. The quality is choppy but it's worth seeing these ingenious artists together, both of which will have tracks and albums contending for album and track of the year. That's right you read correctly, we current working of the best albums of 2010 and best tracks of 2010 so stayed tuned in December for that.

Also you can listen to the alternate version of Terrible Love from the recent release of High Violet: Extended Edition below.



The National - Terrible Love (Alternate Version)

- Spence

11.28.2010

Iron and Wine - Walking Far From Home

"Walking Far From Home", the first single from Iron and Wine's Kiss Yourself Clean was released last Friday and the track is already climbing up my top 25 most played. Have listen below.

Walking1

Iron & Wine - Walking Far From Home

- Spence

11.27.2010

TOR and Sufjan Stevens

A project featuring Vancouver based Producer/MC TOR with one of our favorite artists Sufjan Stevens was recently brought to my attention by our good friend Seggy. The 7 track album Illinoize is avaialbe now and check out "That Dress Looks Nice On You/Make You Feel That Way" below.

TOR

TOR/Sufjan Stevens - The Dress Looks Nice on You - Make You Feel That Way (feat. Gift of Gab)

If you like what you here you can download Illinozie via TOR's website, HERE.

- Spence

11.26.2010

Chief on La Blogotheque

Although the newest Chief album Modern Rituals which was released in mid-august did not stay at the top of my play list for long they have found their way back in there.
How is this possible you may ask???
Well the recent take away show from La Blogotheque which features Chief provides listeners with broken down and intimate versions of the songs that have made me really give their last album another shot. If anything check out the stripped down version of Night & Day which cues in about 1:50 into the video.


Also if you want some more of these take away shows head over to La Blogotheque and check it out. You can access that HERE..
Have a good weekend everyone!!

-Bryce

11.24.2010

S. Carey Daytrotter Session and Justin Vernon on working with Kanye West

sean-carey

S. Carey is the moniker of musician Sean Carey of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Carey is best known as the drummer and supporting vocalist of indie folk band Bon Iver. In August 2010, Carey released his first solo album, All We Grow, which he began working on in 2008 during hiatuses from performing with the band.
The music blog Daytrotter recorded a live session with S. Carey yesterday and it's definitely worth the listen. One of my favorite tracks from the session is In the Dirt.
Check that out HERE.

up-21kanye


Also, there is an interesting blog post on the music label Jagjaguwar's website that talks about Justin Vernon's involvement in the making of a couple new Kanye West songs. An article in Complex Magazine talks about the creative process throughout the making of the new album and Justin Vernon left this amusing quote,
“I’m just a fuckin’ lumberjack dude from Wisconsin. I’m not going to go out there and try to be this awesome rap guy.”
There's also a couple videos on the Jagjaguwar site that are worth watching. Check all this out at the Jagjaguwar site HERE.. Anyways, that's all from me.

-Bryce

Amos Lee - Mission Bell

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Amos Lee is one of my favorite songwriters, releasing two great albums, collaborations with Norah Jones and being feature in The Last Kiss soundtrack composed by Zach Braff, who won a Grammy for his soundtrack to Garden State.

Amos Lee has recorded a new album called Mission Bell that will be released on January 25th, the first single was just released titled "Windows Are Rolled Down". You can listen to it below as well as "Arms of A Women" from The Last Kiss OST.

Amos Lee - Windows Are Rolled Down

Amos Lee - Arms Of A Woman

- Spence

Look At What The Light Did Now : Calgary Premiere Tonight

If anyone out there has no plans this evening a Feist documentary is showing down at the Cantos Music Foundation in Calgary, Alberta. For more information take a look HERE.

However, if you can't make it the DVD will be available for purchase in early December.

Here's a couple peeks at what the documentary is all about:






-Bryce

What's rocking my jukebox

Check out some of the stuff that keeps my day rolling.

Gorillaz - Crystalised The XX Cover

A peek at some more music that will be coming up off Lupe Fiasco's new album Lasers.

Lupe Fiasco - Never Forget You feat John Legend

The new Kanye of course.

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

And some new British Sea Power

British Sea Power - 'Living Is So Easy'

-Bryce

Anticipated albums

Personally, I think 2007 and 2008 were big years for indie music. There were releases from artists such as Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Santigold, Iron and Wine, Lykke Li, and Lupe Fiasco just to name a few. As the next year rolls around it is expected that many of these artists will be releasing their sophomore albums or for indie veteran Iron and Wine his 4th studio album (never mind all the EPs and compilations). This makes 2011 a scary year considering how many great artists have had huge sophomore flops over the years. This being said, any new music is good music in my ears and I am sure many of these artists will not fail to impress. Music is alive and well my friends.

If any of you want to dig deeper into some of the anticipated new releases coming out in 2011 I suggest you head over to Stereogum and check out their list of the 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2011 right HERE.

Also speaking of Bon Iver, I welcome you to check out this catchy remix of his song Skinny Love by Das Kapital.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Das Kapital Rerub)

-Bryce

11.23.2010

All Things Aidan

We first discovered Aidan Knight about a year ago when he opened for Dan Mangan, ever since I have been hooked. He is an amazing song writer and down to earth person from BC's coast. After he managed to survive a collapsed lung he released his first album, Versicolour. Check out the video blow of him talking a little about giving back to his local community and his love for cooking.

Aidan Knight - Local Food from Amazing Factory Productions Inc. on Vimeo.


As well give a listen to "Jasper", "Fighting Against Your Lungs" (which happens to be about surviving his collapsed lung) and "The Sun" from Versicolour, you won't be disappointed.

Versicolour

Lastly his new 7" EP, Friendly Fires was just released, listen to it in it's entirety on his band camp site HERE.
His band camp site has his entire discography ready for streaming and download. If you want to see a full list of tour dates that includes upcoming shows in Calgary on December 1st at The Marquee Room and December 3 in Lethbridge at The Slice, where I will be in attendance click HERE.

- Spence

Reading Rainbow - Wasting Time

Based out of Philly, Reading Rainbow is a band that creates a dreamy and fuzzy brand of garage-pop. This band has been getting lots of love off of several blogs and I figured it was time to get them on here. The Mp3 featured below is called Wasting Time and the harmonies throughout can snap anyone's winter blues.

Check check check, check it out,

Reading Rainbow - Wasting Time

-Bryce

11.22.2010

Check out Gorilla vs Bear's favorite video's of 2010

I love this time of year... Christmas, the new year, the holidays and all the good stuff that comes with it, especially all the year end music lists. The music blog Gorilla vs Bear has made a list of their favorite music videos of the year and I suggest you head over there and check em' out. You can access the list HERE.

-Bryce

Family of the Year - Stupidland

This song had me hooked within the first 10 seconds. I hope the nice fluffy, jangle pop music starts your week off right. Also I really like the stop-motion technique Family of the Year used in their video for Stupidland.

Also, for anyone who wants to get their hands on some more Family of the Year their first EP and full length are available on their website for whatever you want to pay. Their newest EP is $4 I believe. Just click HERE to grab the goods.



-Bryce

11.21.2010

The National - Wake Up Your Saints

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The National's most recent album High Violet is being released again in an expanded version that will feature several new tracks. Wake Up Your Saints is one of those and it will probably be one of the happiest instrumentals you will hear The National ever play. However, Berninger’s lyrics and voice and lyrics keeps the song in line with the sound that we are all used too from this group. You can check out the new track right here:

The National - Wake Up Your Saints

-Bryce

Sufjan Stevens Performs "Too Much" on Fallon

Check out this interesting performance from Sufjan Stevens promoting his newest album Age of Adz.



-Bryce

11.19.2010

The White Buffalo - Prepare for Black & Blue EP

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I caught on to The White Buffalo about three years ago. His talent in writing songs is amazing and I am confused everyday to why he has not become much more popular. His last EP was released back in 2005 and a re-issued album was put back on iTunes last year. If you start listening to The White Buffalo you will not regret it. His new album Prepare for Black & Blue is another release that is good from front to back. Here is a bio from his website:

The White Buffalo is quite possibly a legend in the making. A throwback to the time of hard touring, hard drinking artists who really lived what they sang about. Everything about him is big, from his imposing physical size to his amazing vocal range. He’s as comfortable playing in a dive bar as he is in front of thousands in a European arena. With only an EP out, but literally hundreds of songs written and more coming all the time, the future is exciting for a guy who has that much raw talent.

Here is a youtube video from his EP back in 2005:



And here's the title track from the new EP

The White Buffalo - Black & Blue

-Bryce

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

adele-500x365

It's been a long while since Adele has been stirring the airwaves, but now she's back sounding as good as ever with the release of her new album 21 coming up in early 2011. Her powerful voice still comes through, but this new record is said to have influences from other genres and artists like Wanda Jackson and Alison Krauss. Rolling in the Deep is the single that has been released and you can check it out on the youtube video below or the soundcloud file. Enjoy.




Adele - Rolling In The Deep

-Bryce

11.17.2010

Matthew Good: Next Album Set To Record

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For all you you Matthew Good fans out there his new untitled album is set to be recorded. The album is going to be produced by Warne Livesey who Matt has worked with on several previous albums and is going to feature 8 tracks. Livesey said, "Matt already has an incredible collection of songs demoed and the project will be quite a new departure for us both." Recording is set to start this October and Matt has expressed interest in recording the album at home or a lesser known studio.

Matthew Good went on to say that, This will probably be the last full album I ever make. After it’s done I think I'm going to move into the realm of releasing 3 or 4 song EP's with greater frequency so that I can delve into different genres without having to produce entire records. Post rock to acoustic to free form jazz all in 12 months - who knows. Should make live shows more interesting though, and should allow me to tour more frequently as well.

Sounds like good news to me.

-Bryce

The Decemberists Return

Indie veterans The Decemberists are back with a new album The King Is Dead, that is set to release in the early new year, January 18th to be exact. The First single off the album is "Down By The Water" which features The Decemberists right in their wheel house with strong vocals and harmonica and accordion instrumentals. Also posted is "Sons and Daughters", an epic from The Crane Wife. Enjoy and check in for more updates on the new album as I'm sure it will be a good one!

decemberists_wideweb__430x336

The Decemberists - Down By The Water

The Decemberists - Sons And Daughters

- Spence

Girl Talk... Broken Down

Warning... Highly addictive.

GirlTalk

If you ever wondered what part of a Girl Talk track came from which song you need not wonder any longer. There is a website where ever single track of All Day is broken down to the exact second. Once you're on the site your can stream All Day (no pun intended) and see the all the samples used(based on data from wikipedia). I recommend that you check it out and witness the complexity of every single Girl Talk song. You can access the site right HERE.

-Bryce

Feist Documentary: Look At What The Light Did Now

Feist Screening (CGY) WEB

After the release of her last critically acclaimed album The Reminder, Feist has been raised to worldwide stardom. Her name and works are known by many and she is a source of Canadian pride. Now over 3 years have passed since the release of that album and Feist has been touring non-stop promoting her image as an artist. Just recently a documentary has been produced on Feist and The Reminder and it is being shown at the Cantos Music Foundation here in Calgary this month. Here is some information from the Cantos website:

Cantos Music Foundation is proud to present this documentary film about Feist and her collaborators in conjunction with Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) and Tooth Blackner Presents.


The film is a backstage pass into Feist's creative process, LAWTLDN is the story of how "The Reminder" got made, of the oceans that were crossed, the places that were seen, and the people whose talents made it resonate. Shot in Super 8 and HDSR, and featuring loads of performances and candid interviews, LAWTLDN is a kaleidoscopic look at the intersection of art and music.

Screening at Cantos Music Foundation 134 - 11 Ave SE, Calgary.

Wednesday, November 24, 7:30 pm

Tickets $8 General Public or $6 for students and CUFF Members.


You can purchase tickets off the Cantos Music Foundation website.

-Bryce

Dan Mangan at the Knox United tonight

dan_mangan_hr

For any of you out there who want to brave the snow, Dan Mangan will be performing at the Knox United Church in Calgary today. Heralded as a favorite among Canada’s new breed of independent musicians, Dan Mangan’s travels initially took him everywhere but home. Spending most of the last six years toting guitar and merch-sack, Dan experienced Vancouver as more of a resting place than roost. He toured nearly non-stop in support of his debut album Postcards And Daydreaming, testing his words, honing his craft, and building a dedicated following. Graciously, if un-strategically, Mangan pretty much accepted every gig that came his way. He train’d and plane’d on his own throughout North America, Europe and Australia because he couldn’t afford to bring a band along. When he cobbled together funds to get a second album made, he enlisted Toronto based producer John Critchley and spent weeks at Green Door Studios, bringing in musical collaborators from around the country. By the time that sophomore album, Nice, Nice, Very Nice (named in reference to a Kurt Vonnegut calypso) hit the airwaves across his homeland, Dan had already cut his teeth on the road.

He is not one to disappoint during a live performance so go check him out tonight at The Knox United Church at 7:30 tonight.





-Bryce

11.16.2010

Kanye West and Bon Iver

Back again with a new song from Kanye West featuring Justin Vernon's Bon Iver. For anyone who is a fan of Bon Iver might recognize their contribution to this track as Woods from Blood Bank, Bon Iver's follow up EP to their incredible album For Emma, Forever Ago. It is definitely a new direction for Bon Iver and a cool new track. Check out "Lost In The World" below and Kanye's new ablum My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, coming out next Tuesday November 22nd.

kanye-west-and-bon-iver-006-thumb-580x348-232726

Lost In The World - Kanye West

- Spence

Say Hi Release New Singles!

Say Hi, A electro/blues band based out of Seattle are back with new two singles, "Devils" and "Kiss Off", from their fourth coming ablum Um, Uh Oh. Check out the MP3's below.

Say+Hi

Say Hi - Devils

Say Hi - Kiss Off

And in light of the first signs of winter coming today, also check out "November Was White, December Was Grey" , from there last album Ooh's and Aah's

Say Hi - November Was White, December Was Grey

- Spence

It's Coming!! New Iron and Wine Album

Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean

iw

One of my personal favorites, the ingenious folk group Iron and Wine are getting set to drop their new album, Kiss Each Other Clean. This is their first studio album in almost three years! Check out the art work above, and the trailer below for Kiss Each Other Clean, which drops January 25. Also the first single, "Walking Far From Home" will be release November 26th, on mini-record store day, so go buy it or check in on November 30th for the digital version.



- Spence

Band of Horses Cover Cee-Lo Green

band of horses group

A couple months ago Cee-Lo Green covered BoH's No One's Gonna Love You. Now to return the favour, BoH has covered Cee-Lo Green's song Georgia with the assistance of the University of Georgia's Redcoat Marching Band." Ben Bridwell explained how this all came about:

This began as a very random idea I had on my dad’s patio after we watched our beloved Georgia Bulldog football team get robbed of a win at the hands of the referees and LSU last year. I knew I wanted to pay homage to my favorite team in song but didn’t have any idea how to begin. Once I heard Cee Lo’s “Georgia,” I was immediately smitten and figured that’s as good as any tribute to any state I’ve ever heard. It wasn’t until I heard his cover of our song though that it occurred to me: Duh, we should return the favor. Incorporating the Redcoat marching band was just the icing on the cake! This song is so nostalgic to me as my parents grew up in Atlanta and have so many family members in the great state of Georgia. It’s always been a second home of sorts. We’ve played some great shows there as well, including our run of annual New Year’s Eve shows in Atlanta from 2007-2009.


Band Of Horses w/ The University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band - "Georgia" (Cee-Lo Cover)

You can purchase Georgia at bandofhorses.com or of course in iTunes (who finally was able to start selling The Beatles music today in digital format)


Also Band of Horses have released a music video for their new song Dilly. You can check out the video over at IMDb.

-Bryce

11.15.2010

New Lykke Li Music Video

After creating some big waves from her last album Youth Novel, Lykke Li is back with a whirlwind of a music video. The track's tribal beat accompanied by her long stares and psychedelic effects creates an eery atmosphere.
Keep it locked here for more news on the release of her sophomore album. For now, check out the new video for Get Some on Pitchfork TV.



“Like a shotgun needs an outcome, I’m your prostitute, you gon’ get some!”

Also Lykke Li has released a second track called Paris Blue. It'd definitely a more emotional and honest song from Lykke Li.

Lykke Li - Paris Blue

-Bryce

New Girl Talk Album

tumblr_lbg9loOf3Y1qblkni

This should cheer up your Monday morning blues.

The follow up to Girl Talks 2008 album Feed the Animals is here. The best part is... ITS FREE FOR DOWNLOAD OFF OF HIS WEBSITE either as one seamless file or seperated tracks. The Illegal Art website states that:

All Day is intended to be listened to as a whole.
It is broken up into individual tracks only for easier navigation.



So head over HERE and grab yourself a copy. The new album is entitled All Day. Happy listening friends.

-Bryce

11.14.2010

LCD Sounsystem - London Sessions + Live Album

londonsessions

For all you LCD Soundsystem lovers out there you can check out their new London Sessions album. DJ/Producer/DFA label head honcho James Murphy and his band recorded this album in a U.K. radio station. Great party music for anyone interested. I know the entire album is available for a limited time exclusively on iTunes from November 9th through December 6th and LCD as always, never fails to disappoint... and that's a fact.

You know what to do with these...

All My Friends (London Sessions) by LCD Soundsystem

Some good cowbell in this one.

Us vs Them (London Sessions) by LCD Soundsystem

Also there is more LCD Soundsystem goodness for you to fill your ears with. LCD and Hot Chip recently played a show together and made a live recording at Alexandra Palace in London. The live album for both bands is available for purchase HERE.

-Bryce

11.12.2010

Mp3s Mp3s Mp3s

Here's some stuff that i have come across today. enjoy.

Here's a nice little cover of Sufjan Stevens, For The Fatherless in Ypsilanti by The Good Natured.

The Good Natured -For The Widows In Paradise For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti (Sufjan Stevens Cover)

Different take on Jay-Z's New York, Empire State of Mind.

Joy - New York (Empire state of mind Remix)

Tennis has been appearing on pretty much every blog I have seen lately. It will be interesting to see what comes of the cool sound this album has.

Tennis - Take Me Somewhere

And always gotta show Miike Snow some love. If you haven't already, check out their self titled album.

Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Miike Snow Remix)

-Bryce

Sweet Sweet Music

Looking at the end of 2010 and Early 2011 there are some largely anticipated albums coming out.

Firstly there is Fleet Foxes, with their last release dating back to 2008. Their last album floored me so I am excited to see what they come up with this time around. Robin Pecknold (front man for Fleet Foxes) told Pitchfork there will “definitely” be an album in 2010. He also mentioned the new songs are “less poppy” and “a little less upbeat” than on the last collection. Considering how the album still is not out it looks like it will be a stocking stuffer if anything.

Here's some videos of what's coming:





Secondly

It has been over four and a half years now since The Strokes put out an album. Thankfully, Julian Casablancas broke that silence this year with the release of his solo album and talks of the Strokes going into the studio. In a recent interview it sounds like the album release date will probably land on March 11, 2011. I am still very excited to see what the group that was met with so much critical acclaim upon their first release, being hailed by some as the “saviors of rock and roll” has to offer.


The+Strokes

-Bryce

11.10.2010

Basia Bulat - It Can't Be You (Live)

Bryce and I recently attended an amazing concert of Josh Ritter at Knox United Church in Calgary. The show had many highlights, including the venue, Josh's incredible song writing talents, however, I was blown away by Basia Bulat's opening performance. Which featured a new song, which I assume will be on her untitled next album, called It Can't Be You. Check out the youtube video below of a live performance of It Can't Be You. Enjoy!



- Spence

Peter Wolf Crier - Daytrotter Session

As much I love the artists that the label Jagjaguwar signs there are few I like better than Peter Wolf Crier. The single Crutch & Cane off their debut album Inter-Be had me sold right away.
Peter Wolf Crier has been gaining momentum and was just recently featured on the Daytrotter website on November 9th. I strongly suggest that you head over there and check it out, especially for the great Nick Drake cover of Place To Be. Its all available for download as well.
Click HERE for the session.

And for your listening pleasure here is Crutch and Cane.

Crutch & Cane by Peter Wolf Crier

peter-wolf-crier-by-stacy-schwartz

-Bryce

Liam Gallagher Releases First Post Oasis Track

Here's something to kick off your day. After leaving Oasis last summer, Liam Gallagher's new band Beady Eye has released their first single for download today entitled Bring The Light. The full album is set to be released in the new year.

Beady Eye - Bring The Light


Shot02_0017

-Bryce

Kid Cudi - All Along

Recently signed to Kanye's new record label G.O.O.D Music, Kid Cudi drops his second album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. He's at his finest with this personal new track, All Along.

Here's the MP3.

Kid Cudi - All Along

kid-cudi-o2

- Spence

Matt and Kim - Wires

Matt and Kim, the Indie-Rock duo from Brooklyn are back with a new album called Sidewalks that dropped November 2, 2010. I have been giving Sidewalks a pretty solid listen this last week and the album has some highlights, including this track called Wires.

Here's the MP3, check it out.

Matt and Kim - Wires by blue.sloth

large-MattAndKim

- Spence

Volcano Choir - Islands, IS

Here is one of Volcano Choir's first performances as a band in Japan. Justin Vernon's musical onslaught continues...



-Bryce

11.09.2010

Baths - Animals

Back again, Just stumbled on this little dandy here by Baths. Hope y'all enjoy as much as I did.


Animals by Baths

-Bryce

The Knocks - Dancing With The DJ

One of the slickest tracks in November. Check it out kids.

wwwweeeeeeeeeee

The Knocks - Dancing With The Dj

l_9eb149b7cf614a87814f93b5dad0de0f

-Bryce

Laura Marling Covers

Fresh off the heels of her 2010 release "I Speak Because I Can" Laura Marling has released two wonderful covers by Jackson C. Frank, and Neil Young. Word has it Jack White was the one producing these tracks. Being only 20 years old it sure is amazing the talent this folk darling harnesses.

Enjoy the tracks below.

Laura Marling, 'Blues Run The Game' Jackson C. Frank

Laura Marling, 'The Needle And The Damage Done' Neil Young Cover

marlingblue452

-Bryce

New Lupe Fiasco Single

Welcome to the Blue Sloth music blog. Here's the first post.

Lupe Fiasco's new album "Lasers" is due out March 8th 2011 and there was just a single released a couple days ago. The new track is called "The Show Goes On." Looks like it's a bit of a spin off of Modest Mouse's "Float On."
Check out the mp3 here!

Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On

lupefiasco

-Bryce