New music preview, Metric – Synthetica

Well, I was originally was going to reblog the blog post I first saw about the new Metric (not quite as easy as retweeting!), but his post is fairly personal, so I will just ‘borrow’ from it! Original post can be found here: New Music 2012 – Part 14 – Metric ‘Synthetica’

So the new Metric, Synthetica, is due for release June 12, and the first single, “Youth Without Youth”, will be released on May 1, 2012.

According to Emily Haines, Synthetica “is about forcing yourself to confront what you see in the mirror when you finally stand still long enough to catch a reflection. Synthetica is about being able to identify the original in a long line of reproductions. It’s about what is real vs what is artificial.”

Perhaps it is just me, but I find the cover art would feel at home on a Rush album, and Emily’s comments could easily have come from Geddy Lee referring to a Rush album!

Click the above image for a massive JPEG of the album cover. And below, the album cover upside down to save you the trouble of standing on your head, or turning your monitor upside down…

Full tracklisting:

1. “Artificial Nocturne”
2. “Youth Without Youth”
3. “Speed the Collapse”
4. “Breathing Underwater”
5. “Dreams So Real”
6. “Lost Kitten”
7. “The Void”
8. “Synthetica”
9. “Clone”
10. “The Wanderlust”
11. “Nothing But Time”

Head on over to the official Metric website, ilovemetric.com for plenty of tidits on the new album, and “when the lyrics are where they belong, a secret little prize will be unlocked. And so it begins…”

More Metric: Facebook, Twitter, and Soundcloud.

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Alien Ant Farm – truANT (LP of the Week)

They are most known for their cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. Which is a great cover from their commercial breakthrough album ANThology. Also the first single from that album, “Movies”.

Only two years and a few months later, in August 2003, TruANT was released, however it definitely did not get the attention it deserved. Similar to ANThology, it is entertaining, catchy rock. However it is smart too, in that is very well crafted. The hooks are catchy, yet the choruses are just as entertaining. From the very first acoustic guitar riffs of “Glow”, all the way to the end it is a toe tapper. And it has an especially special chorus, including hand claps!

Although the entire album is not ‘fun’ per say (lyrically or musically), it still feels that way as a whole. “Never Meant” is slightly more serious with reggae guitar riffs. The next track, “Goodbye”, also keeps a serious feel. “Tia Lupé” brings it back up somewhat with a latin tinged number. By the end of “Tia Lupé”, the album is already winding down with only three songs left, making it an album that despite lasting just over 40 minutes, it goes by quickly.

All in all a solid rock album that stands up just fine today despite being released almost 8 years ago. A great record for summer listening, or anytime for that matter!

Tales from a music fan

I thought about Tweeting, which I did somewhat already, but I realised this could be an entire blog post, no question, much different from my usual blog posts!

Today at work I listened to The Clash’s third album, London Calling, followed by Buck 65′s 1957 themed album, Situation. I watched the DVD that came with Situation last night, and it had some good short films. I did not realise Situation was about 1957 until I saw the DVD. Not musically, but lyrically of course, although I am sure Buck 65 could pull off an album based on 1957 music! Some of the 1957 events included are the fact that the Situationist International formed that year (I am guessing that is where the album title came from), of which, according to Mr. Terfry (Buck 65), Malcolm McLaren was immersed in, and lyrically found its way to the Sex Pistols music. Sid Vicious was also born that year. Also, to quote Wikipedia, “the apprehension of serial killer Ed Gein, the obscenity trial surrounding the Allen Ginsberg poem “Howl”". On the DVD he also did a show and tell, which further showed his love of baseball (lyrically he references baseball at least twice on Situation! The Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants both had their final season in New York before moving to California in 1957). He showed off a home run ball from the 2000 Subway Series, which saw the New York Yankees face off against the New York Mets for the World Series. I think he said it was a David Justice home run ball, but perhaps it was Robin Ventura, as it appears Justic did not homer in the Subway Series. There was also Buck 65 talking with Skratch Bastid about making the album, and how it was Buck 65′s longest album to make (2 years), as one sample was going to cost way more than they could afford, so they assembled musicians to make up for it. Pretty good record by the way.

A few days ago when I was listening to London Calling I realised the theme for Jian Ghomeshi’s CBC radio show, Q, is essentially stealing borrowing The Clash’s “Spanish Bombs”, well the first few bars. I then found this blog post: Ryerson Speech — The Story of Q. Okay, I will admit it, I need to catch up on listening more to The Clash!

The above two CD’s were borrowed from my library, if I purchased all the CD’s I wanted, I would be in the red.

The latest Foo Fighters record, Wasting light, along with my piece of the analog tape it was recorded on!

On my final break at work (in between listening to The Clash and Buck 65), I headed over to the closest record store, realising I have yet to pick up the June issue of Exclaim!. While there, I looked for the new Foo Fighters record, Wasting Light. I found it, for $9.99! (I went back to pick it up after work) This was a copy with the piece of master tape the Foo Fighters recorded on (entirely analog! And in Dave’s garage!). Not like I can do anything with it, but kind of cool nonetheless! It looks like it was cut perfectly, so I wonder if Dave et. al. cut it up themselves, or had people, or a machine do it, and whether or not they were inserted into the disc manually.

I also finally picked up a physical copy of Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid. I was holding out, as I like to purchase CD’s at the concert in question, as I understand it, more money goes to the artist that way. I also purchased the new Lykke Li, Wounded Rhymes. She will be playing out local music festival, Osheaga, this summer. I plan on seeing her then, but who knows what the merchandise situation will be like (I was hoping she would do a free show at the Jazz fest, where she may have done two sets, but I guess this will be a better crowd for her).

Part of what inspired this post was that I decided to get the new Lykke Li when I happened to see it, I definitely like her, but it was not on the top of my list. So, later, when returning The Clash and Buck 65, I had a disc waiting for me that I had reserved, and it was the new Lykke Li! I knew I reserved it, but at the time of purchasing it, did not think of it! Looks like I’ll loan the library copy to my friend Clint, a fellow Lykke Li fan!

At the library, along with Lykke, I picked up Pet Sounds, to many, the greatest album of all time. Up there for sure. It is a 2006 edition with the original mono recordings and a bonus DVD!

As a music geek, I also borrowed this (Beyoncé – I Am … Sasha Fierce songbook). Not like I am ever going to sing like her (that is impossible), however as I Tweeted:

Nice, my kind of video (especially as I want to work on singing, better…!) — Hayley Williams Vocal Range E3-A6 http://t.co/W8gXqUf—
Andrew Davidson (@tmmblog) June 17, 2011

I am also learning guitar, and would like to purchase a bass guitar. Future multi-instrumentalist? That would be nice.

So I forgot to pick up the new Exclaim!, so I went to a local independent music store to get it. While there, I picked up three used discs, Kinnie Starr’s latest, A Different Day, Bif Naked’s awesome I Bificus, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The former two being Canadian content!

That about sums it up really. I am listening to Pet Sounds now as I type this.

(Some of) The Best of 2010 (Yet another best of list!)

As I have mentioned before, I am not too good at compiling lists, well, that and I am not a big fan of it (at least not creating them). Perhaps if I could be a music critic or someone who is able to listen to music as part of their job on a regular basis, I would have the time to listen to all the notable albums of 2010, both major releases, and those that are much less known. I have not heard the new Gaslight Anthem, I believe I heard the new Of Montreal once, as with the new Goldfrapp. I also have not heard the new Sheryl Crow, and many more. However I do try to listen to what I know I will like, and also what I am looking forward to.

So I’ll list a few highlights of 2010 for me. In no specific order, and all would fit in a top 10 list, be it an overall one, or genre specific.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid

Janelle’s debut definitely lived up to all the anticipation leading up to its release. It is quite the release, with influences ranging from indie to R&B, soul and funk. Add in the orchestral elements, and it is quite a release, clocking in just shy of 70 minutes.

Robyn – Body Talk

This applies to Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk Pt. 2, as it includes both, with a modified tracklisting, and the five new songs for what is Body Talk Pt. 3.

With the success of Robyn, and “Konichiwa Bitches”, she continues where she left off, that being releasing some excellent electropop/synthpop/dance. And it is some excellent synth/electropop at that!

Nellie McKay – Home Sweet Mobile Home

Nellie McKay rules! No doubt about it. And she does it again on Home Sweet Mobile Home. Her first album of original material since 2007s Obligatory Villagers. “Caribbean Time” sees her foraying into ska/reggae (as with “Unknown Reggae”), Caribbean and Latin on “¡Bodega!”, and “Beneath the Underdog” is a poppy jazz number, however not nearly like her jazz LP, Obligatory Villagers. The album was recorded in New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, the Poconos and Jamaica. That alone gives an idea on the varied inspiration that can be found on the LP!

Tracy Bonham – Masts of Mahatta

Tracy Bonham who released the song “Mother Mother” all of 14 years ago, is continuing strong, albeit not with the commercial backing. This is her first album since 2005s terrific Blink the Brightest. Similar to Blink the Brightest, Masts of Mahatta has been released via an independent record label, this time Engine Room Recordings. I find this release has a slight folk influence. And of course Tracy’s violin playing can be found, playing a nice role. Leadoff track, “Devil’s got Your Boyfriend”, even has a slight hip hop influence! I plan on elaborating further in a proper review in the new year!

Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me

Clocking in at a few minutes over 2 hours, on three discs, Joanna Newsom’s third album is a mammoth one! The album art (literally) itself is something to check out (click the cover to see a larger version). I have yet to fully digest this one. Her release deserves The Beatles treatment, listening over and over, and hearing every aspect, including her unique songwriting. Highly recommended.

Sarah Harmer – Oh Little Fire

I have heard people say they do not care for artists or bands that make the same album twice. I can see where they are coming from, even though there are a lot of artists that stick with their genre and style, and continue to release great albums. Anyway, making the same album twice cannot be said about Sarah Harmer. Her 2005 album I’m a Mountain took her style to folk and bluegrass, and did an excellent job. On Oh Little Fire, she returns more to where she has been in the past, pop/rock of sorts from a singer-songwriter perspective. However influence from I’m a Mountain can still be felt, especially in the country tinged “Silverado”. Another solid effort from Sarah. Do not be surprised if at the very least this is longlisted for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize (Canada’s Mercury Prize).

Fefe Dobson – Joy

What was going to be Fefe Dobson second album at the time (2005/6), Sunday Love, never ended up actually being released. While it was being delayed it had its cover art changed, as Fefe felt the new album art more reflected her at the time. Recently at some point I have read that she was happy in the end, as everything happens for a reason, so we finally get a second album in Joy.

Sleigh Bells – Treats

I cannot say I know enough about noise pop to comment fully, however Sleigh Bells are innovating similar to M.I.A. (easy comparison since they are on her label, N.E.E.T. Recordings). And M.I.A. sampled “Treats” on her track “Meds and Feds” from /\/\/\Y/\.

M.I.A. – /\/\/\Y/\

M.I.A.’s latest had mixed reviews, generally either positive or negative. I was on the positive side. Although it is not as upbeat and positive as Arular, or even Kala, it is probably a logical step for her. Knowing M.I.A. she is not going to make the same album, she will continue to experiment.

No doubt similar to Kanye West this year, life events helped shape the album. It definitely has its angrier moments. “Born Free” is an epic track! “It Takes a Muscle” is another great song, a cover of the song originally done by Spectral Display.

Jazmine Sullivan – Love Me Back

Although I have not listened to all the new R&B released this year, I would probably put this on top for 2010. Solid sophomore effort from Jazmine. And although it is probably a cliché, it sounds like it left off where Fearless left off, although with a bit more maturity and confidence in her voice. Missy Elliot returns with production as does Salaam Remi. He produces the second single, “10 Seconds” and “Love You Long Time”. Choice cut that likely will not be a single, “Redemption”.

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Like him, loathe him, or feel indifferent, Kanye, with the help of numerous guests (especially on “All of the Lights”) has released quite a big album. It pretty much feels big in every way, from the aforementioned guests, to the beats, rapping, and delivery. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivers. Perhaps this album being a result of all of what was going on in his life after releasing 808s & Heartbreak. I would like to see him release an album that is similar to Rah Digga’s new effort, where he would be the only performer on the album, and producing it all on his own as well. Rah Digga’s Classic featured only her, however was produced entirely by Nottz.

Rag Digga – Classic

Speaking of Rah Digga, her first new album in 10 years was worth the wait. Her second album (Everything Is A Story) was scheduled for 2004, but in the end was shelved. It ended up working out though, as she rapped like there was no tomorrow, as if she had not aged a day, throwing back to her hip hop of earlier years, while keeping it relevant for today.

Lissie – Catching a Tiger

A solid debut from Rock Island, Illinois’ own Lissie (real name Elisabeth Maurus). It is a fairly mellow album, ranging from rock and pop, and country elements. Americana is often used in the same sentence as Lissie, and I would not disagree. My favourite track from her to date, “Little Lovin’”, definitely feels like a piece of Americana, lyrically and musically. Similarly “Stranger” feels Americana to me. And with “Oh Mississippi”, there is no question! Oddly enough she received the most attention in the United Kingdom! Hopefully her home land has come around!

Charlotte Church – Back to Scratch

Five years after her excellent pop debut album, Tissues and Issues, Charlotte returns with Back to Scratch. In those five years her life undoubtedly changed considerably, including becoming a mother. Back to Scratch sees a more mature Charlotte on the pop side of things. Less leanings toward girl pop (Britney Spears, Sugababes, Girls Aloud, etc.), and more adult pop. Of course her pop material from 2005 was excellent, as it combined great pop with her excellent voice, as is evident from her previous classical crossover material. I had been eagerly anticipating a new album from her for a while, and I am happy it has finally arrived. Maybe not quite what I was expecting (I think I wanted a Tissues and Issues duplicate), but that is more than okay. Although it has yet to fully grow on me, I can tell it is a solid effort.

Kelis – Flesh Tone

Definitely did not expect an electro record, but it sure delivers! Read my full review.

Nina Sky – Starting Today EP

Only an EP, as their full length is currently delayed due to a record label fiasco. Luckily this was released, even it was self released. I am hoping the long-delayed The Other Side sees a release at some point, including the excellent “On Some Bullshit”.

I know I am missing some, if not many that I have heard, and many that I have not heard. Any glaring omissions? Drop a comment below.

Maybe in 2011, I’ll try to keep track of all the new music better!

Happy end of December and 2K11! Stay tuned for my 2011 preview post!

KT Tunstall Montreal show review November 25, 2010

This was my first time seeing KT Tunstall live, and beforehand, I knew it was going to be a good show. I have seen her do television performances, and am familiar with her and her music. To steal from a Veruca Salt song of the same name, KT’s a born entertainer!

KT’s set started right on time. And it started with Glamour Puss from her new LP Tiger Suit. She did no less than 8 songs from Tiger Suit. Including the terrific “Madame Trudeaux”, for which she was very excited to perform here! Of course, also tracks from her first two albums, Eye to the Telescope and Drastic Fantastic.

She and her band also performed “Uummannaq Song”, which was inspired by her trip to Greenland, and the town of Uummannaq, as a part of the Disko Bay Cape Farewell Project in order to witness the impact of global warming on the Arctic. Visit the Disko Bay section of the Cape Farewell website to see her and all the other artists that were involved (Feist, Vanessa Carlton, Martha Wainwright and more), and read her diary of the trip. Plenty of interesting reading, as global warming affects us all. I’d love to visit the glaciers while they still exist!

She interacted well with the crowd, and introduced numerous songs, and of course introduced her band members. “The Entertainer” being about musicians that are dicks (not the word she used) in real life despite making great music. She also told the story of doing some bookstore shows, and having people dressed like Olivia Newton-John in her workout video at her set, they ended up being jazzercisers, as they like “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” for jazzercising!

Doing “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, it started with just her and her guitarist, and then ended with the entire band. During the show she of course went through many guitar changes from electric to acoustic of course, as she is a very good guitarist, and incorporates it well into her music. She also used a loop pedal on a couple of songs.

I cannot say there was any single highlight, as I like all of her songs, and they were all performed very well, and true to the album versions. She did a three song encore for the very enthusiastic crowd (myself included!) including an Erasure cover of “A Little Respect”, and ending with “Suddenly I See”. The whole show, encore included was just over an hour and a half! Oh, and KT is even better looking in person than pictures and the like!

She definitely does not need the extra promotion, however I am adding the remaining tour dates, and future ones, to do you the reader a favour, so you know when to catch a great show! As KT said (about her Toronto gig on Twitter), ace gig!

Get the most up to date concert listings at her official website, kttunstall.com.

26 Nov Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
27 Nov Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
29 Nov Boston, MA @ House of Blues
1 Dec New York, NY @ Terminal 5
19 Feb Galway, Ireland @ Radisson Hotel Galway
20 Feb Cork, Ireland Cork @ Opera House
21 Feb Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia Theatre
23 Feb Dunfermline, United Kingdom @ Alhambra
24 Feb Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom @ O2 Academy
25 Feb Manchester, United Kingdom @ Academy
27 Feb Leeds, United Kingdom O2 Academy
28 Feb Leamington Spa, United Kingdom @ The Assembly Rooms
1 Mar Bristol, United Kingdom @ Colston Hall
3 Mar Birmingham, United Kingdom @ O2 Academy
4 Mar Bournemouth, United Kingdom @ O2 Academy

KT Tunstall – Tiger Suit review

With Tiger Suit, KT Tunstall’s third album, a better picture is painted of her overall style. Early on, with “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, I would have thought of her as more alternative rock/pop, now I’d lean towards the adult alternative rock/pop genre. This being a good thing, as she is showing off her maturity as an artist, all the while still producing songs that are catchy and fun (“Push That Knot Away”, “Fade Like a Shadow”, and “Come On, Get In”, the latter kazoo and all!) and ones that fit both descriptions (“Difficult”).

“(Still a) Weirdo” is an excellent song, definitely worthy as a single, as it is the lead single in the United Kingdom. With the overall quality of KT’s work, it was hard to imagine not being impressed once again. The album shines once again in having its own distinct feel. “Madame Trudeaux” fits this description perfectly, as does the first track, “Uummannaq Song”.

I could go on, going track by track, but I feel that would be futile, as it is an album that has to be heard. Less time reading the review, more time listening to the music!

KT Tunstall Tiger Suit cover, homage to Katharine McPhee?

Upon writing my post for the double LP of the week featuring KT Tunstall’s first two albums, I saw the new album cover for Tiger Suit for the first time. It took a moment, and then I realised, the sweater KT is wearing reminded me of Katharine McPhee’s debut album cover.

Of course as I mentioned in that post briefly, a fair amount of KT Tunstall’s American success is due in part to Katharine McPhee. Katharine McPhee being a contestant on season five of American Idol chose to sing KT’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” on American Idol’s Billboard week. At the time it was #79 on the Billboard charts, the following week it was #23.

KT Tunstall herself is not a fan of American Idol type shows because they are “completely controlled”. Despite this, KT allowed her song to be used, she initially thought, “‘Oh, no. I don’t need this but I do need this,’ because I really–my dream is to be able to tour America in a bus with a band and play shows. That’s what I want to do with my life, and not just America but the rest of the world as well.” She concluded no one would have told Katharine McPhee to sing her song, “because no one fucking knew it.” So in the end KT was “grateful to her [Katharine] that she picked me out.”

Therefore it would not be a surprise to me if indeed wearing the same, or very similar sweater as Katharine did on her debut is a nod of thanks to her in helping her gain her commercial success.

Katharine McPhee was the runner-up in that season of American Idol, losing to Taylor Hicks. Her self titled debut was released January 30, 2007. And more recently, she released her second album, Unbroken, this past January 5. Perhaps KT is returning the favour as well.

Both album overs:

KT Tunstall Eye to the Telescope and Drastic Fantastic (double LP of the week)

As we count down to Tiger Suit, KT Tunstall’s new third album, this week is a double LP of the week, featuring KT’s first two albums, Eye to the Telescope and Drastic Fantastic.

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall was brought up from fairly humble beginnings. She was adopted early on, and her adopted family had no interest in music. Eventually she found herself in New England, and busking on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont. I was surprised to learn that, as I am very familiar with Burlington, and Church Street, as it is a few short hours from here!

She spent time in her twenties playing in bands, and honing her craft. She eventually signed with Relentless Records (owned by EMI/Virgin), and 2004 saw the release of her debut, Eye to the Telescope. Much of her North American success is actually thanks to Katharine McPhee who chose to sing “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” on American Idol.

For the most part, Eye to the Telescope, is a very mellow, mature release. The mellow, slower tracks, have a considerable folk feel to them. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, along with “Suddenly I See” are up-tempo alt/indie rock tracks, that are as catchy as well written. Both penned entirely by KT. In fact the entire album was written by here, along with a single co-writer on seven tracks.

Production duties were handed over to Steve Osborne, Andy Green, and Martin Terefe. Steve Osborne would be the sole producer on her follow up Drastic Fantastic. His production credits go back to the end of the 1980′s/90′s, working with the likes of Happy Mondays, Lush, and Suede. And the past decade with Elbow, Doves, Lamb, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

“Under the Weather” is a nice example of a well written track, as it actually refers to the weather (“Under this national rain cloud”), as opposed to being sick, and has the grey weather stay indoors feel to it.

Drastic Fantastic continues where Eye to the Telescope left off, if at the very least as being the follow up album. It is more up-tempo as a whole. However it does feel like a natural evolution, as it does contain the mid/up-tempo tracks, yet still has the tracks reminiscent of the slower ones from Eye to the Telescope. Also, as with Eye to the Telescope, Drastic Fantastic was written entirely by KT with a few select co-writers.

The album starts with a couple all around very well done alt-rock tracks, and track three, “White Bird”, move back to the folky feel of Eye to the Telescope. From there, “Funnyman”, track four, a catchy mid-tempo track apparently about Gordon Anderson of The Beta Band and The Aliens who she lived with for a while. It continues with the first excellent single, “Hold On”.

All in all, Drastic Fantastic carries over well from Eye to the Telescope. It being perhaps a little more stripped, and leaning again, to the more mid to up-tempo tracks. Of course along with being singer-songwriter, she plays guitar and other insyruments as well. Also, a pretty sweet album cover!

Tiger Suit will be released in the UK on the 27 of this month, and October 5 in North America.

Song Name’s the Same for $200 Alex

So, for the second Song Name’s the Same post, the track is “Girl”, a version done by Destiny’s Child, and a version done by Beck.

Starting with the Destiny’s Child version.

I like the intro, it sounds like it is going to be a promising track. For the most part it is. I kind of feel the weak aspect is Michelle Williams singing the bridge. Not that she doesn’t have a good voice, but as her solo material would suggest, it is more suited towards gospel material.

I’d have to say I prefer the Beck song with the same title. The Beck track was written and produced by The Dust Brothers, while the Destiny’s Child song was written by a slew of people, including the group itself, Rodney Jerkins, Patrick Douthit, etc. The latter producing alongside Beyoncé.

Both tracks were singles, and released in 2005. March 16 for the Destiny’s Child one, and July 4 for Beck. The album “Girl” appears on for Destiny’s Child, Destiny Fulfilled, aptly titled for their last, was released November 15, 2004. While Guero, where Beck’s appears, was released March 29, 2005.

Beck, the multi-instrumentalist he is, shows off his guitar playing in the track (I am assuming it is him), with some slide elements in there.