Sigur Ros Tribute

Ok, so to me or anyone that knows me musically well, this post was inevitable. It would be utterly impossible for me to run a blog a bout music I like to share with people and not highlight my rabid affection and appreciation for all that is Sigur Ros. I have been singing their praises (in English, as I have yet to graduate from Hopelandic 101) since I first heard of them 6 or 7 years ago. Their album "( )" was there for me to carry me through some really trying emotional times. There is hope and beauty underneath the sadness and melancholy and vice versa as both moods struggle for dominance throughout the album. I love that when I listen to the songs on this particular album, maybe because I don't understand the language of the lyrics, I bring whatever I want to the music and find whatever I am looking for whether it be hopeful, bitter, or comforting.

The band's interpretation of their music in the art form of music videos offers a lot to many of their songs as well (which is a rarity in the biz, fer sure). I will include 3 links to what are in my opinion some of their more intriguing work. i think a good intro to Sigur Ros is to catch a glimpse of some of their videos and feel the multimedia effects that the band is so gifted and consistent in providing to fans. Then I would suggest listening to just the audio of "( )" and so how it feels to you and what it offers to you for return to what you bring to it. Lastly if I might suggest screening their DVD "Heima" for an even more thorough appreciation of the band by glimpsing some of their interviews, live performance footage and snapshots of their Icelandic roots.

Sigur Ros is not consistently number 1 in my playlist form week to week, but their endurance on top of my music mountain and the way their songs can transport me to where I was then and how they fit me now is magical in mind. If you look them up online you will find lots of interesting info on their dialect, theory artistic integrity and values as well as their unique history. Let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by.

1) Sigur Ros - "Untitled #1 (Vaka)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcq-kDhLG50&feature=related

2) Sigur Ros - "Hoppipola"
http://vimeo.com/3986821

3) Sigur Ros - "Svefn-G-Englar"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWiJWLiSKro&feature=related

Heavier Sound but not too much of a leap from what's already posted (I think)

So... for this post I was inspired to share 3 bands who some might classify as heavy but who have songs that appeal to a broader audience than just the metal crowd. (note I wrote this post before the last post with the National, but didn't post it yet, so this isn't the six degrees of separation idea, nevertheless worth checking out)

First off, Chevelle has a big sound for a trio and where I am from at least they do not get a lot of coverage. I might say underrated or appreciated in my opinion.

Next, Killswitch Engage has been hammering out tunes and has a very impressive volume of work. Their song "the End of Heartache" inspired this post. I can't help but listen to it loud and play the air guitar while banging my invisible dreads.

Lastly (for now at least), is In Flames. Again, another band with a vast catalogue of songs to choose from. These European imports always seem to make it to my ear at least a few times a week. The song I would like to share of theirs is slower paced but has the heavy sound and always makes me feel jolted, inspired and thoughtful. Enjoy.

1) Chevelle - "Panic Prone"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Volcg40g_Q0

2) Killswitch Engage - "the End of Heartache"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zb1Wghne1w

3) In Flames - "Evil in a Closet"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvzWmPRhhig

The Shape of Things to Come (stream of consciousness connections)

Initially my thought was that every post would have a theme and that the music I was going to share would be based on that theme. However, I like the idea of letting the songs suggest a theme and making it a true synthetic project. So this post begins with music I like to share with people by the National. I would definately consider this band to be amongst my favourites (at least at the moment anyway). I think to appreciate their sound, approach and to get the most authentic experiecnce of their music as possible through the web I suggest you check out a video of them performing live on CBC radio's Q program. Below is a link to the National performing "Runaway" on Q back in May 2009.

The National inspired fan Hannah Georgas to compose a song all about going to see the band in concert to take in the inspired, and genuine music that rings clear when they perform. Hannah Georgas is up and coming I think would be fair to say at least in Canada. one of her better songs is the tribute to the National included in the link below. Hannah Georgas recent popularity in Canada will be bolstered by her being chosen to write a song for the 2010 Great Canadian Song Quest. My appreciation for Georgas was ignited by her recording for the Song Quest.

Similarly last year around this time I found myself captivated by Hey Rosetta's winning contribution to the 2009 Great Canadian Sing Quest. This was my first exposure to Hey Rosetta and I quickly looked them up online and liked a good quantity of their music. Below is a link to their song for the Song Quest which led me to liking them. Enjoy the tunes and thanks for stopping in. Remember to feel free to share your opinion or own music interests with me if you have time. I love finding new to me music and am constantly in awe of the talent that lies in all corners of our world on stage and in garages or bedrooms with the door just ajar enough for the sounds to sneak out and try to tug on an open ear.

1) the National - "Runaway" (live on CBC's Q)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjskJAKeJdM

2) Hannah Georgas - "the National"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fDnx7sBeZg

3) Hey Rosetta - "Old Crow Black Night Stand Still"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQZaNfzw9CM

Snowed In...

       

In anticipation of a snow day tomorrow with the hyped up snow storm that's bringing impending doom to our local roads, I've decided to burn the midnight oil and jump on the opportunity to post some snow themed music. Let's start things off with some pep. Joel Plaskett has a tune that is aptly named "Snowed In." I think you should check it out (regardless of what's going on outside the windows, it's worth a listen). And bringing the snow our way is Gord Downie's "East Wind." It's definitely not the Hip, nevertheless, Gordie's familiar voice and lighter listening style of his solo project is comfortable and enjoyable. (I do miss Paul Langlois stellar harmonies though.) And to just to depart form the Great White North for a moment (albeit not from Pearson Airport anytime soon apparently), in case the power fails and we are reduced to candlepower, let's I suggest listening to an old Southern favourite "Long as I Can See the Light" from CCR. It should be a nice accompaniment to that last gulp of warm java before layering up to go dig out. Enjoy, and stay safe and warm!

1) Joel Plaskett - "Snowed In"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCOsFBYQ2Nw

2) Gord Downie - "The East Wind"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETUZ9Dhe_UI&playnext=1&list=PL02C0C3D17917B703

3) CCR - "Long as I Can See the Light"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFqddXbhTZQ

The one song I can honestly not remember wanting to skip on my ipod

 

For some reason, the one song I've never had the urge to skip over on my ipod is "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots. I wouldn't even say it is my favourite song, probably not even top 10, but for some reason I never don't want to hear it. (Does that make sense?) Anyways this tune makes want to hop in the car and go somewhere. Great inspiration for an impromptu road trip, if only to grab a Tim's coffee. What song are you always in the mood for (even if you didn't realize it before)?

Stone Temple Pilots - "Interstate Love Song"

Group of Seven

My friend Adam is a really talented musician. Like Lauren O' Connell mentioned in the last post, Adam plays a variety of instruments himself and does all of his own writing, and recording independently. Adam is way smart because while some of us were out drinking and trying to do whatever it is we thought everyone was supposed to be doing, he was hunkering down and working on his music, and even today he continues to grow as a musician. I will include a link to one of his videos, but to get a true sense of where he is at now, you should check out his CBC Radio3 page where you can listen to his latest tunes: http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/group-of-seven 

Group of Seven - Tahiti Treat

Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by.

Lauren O'Connell and Friends

So right now I am hooked on music by Lauren O'Connell. She has an awesome sound and I like the honest, indie approach to her craft. She experiments with a variety of different musical instruments and sounds. She has a great voice, interesting lyrics and solid sound. My favourite at the moment is "From Chambers, Slow." But all of the songs she has posted on YouTube touch my ear in a way I like. Other notables off the top of my head are a cover of "O' Death," "White Noise," and "the Daylight Here." Check out her tunes and her duets with her friends:

1) Lauren O'Connell - From Chambers, Slow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFDNrImpLcg

2) My Terrible Friend - When I Decide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4QE-KvuNU

3) Lauren O'Connell with Benjamin Jameson Morey - I was Very Small in Her Stomach
(Benjamin's solo songs are great as well! My favourite song of his is "I Don't Want to Die in a Hospital")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P55cRHhmmMs

The Purpose

The Purpose of this blog is to share music that I like to share with other people that may not have heard of it before, or that I think will make people smile, or feel some sort of emotional response to. Hope you enjoy what I share with you. If you want to share something with me, I always love to hear new music as well. I like to write music but it is strictly recreational. I find coming up with words and ideas easy and enjoyable. But finding the time to come up with all the instrumental stuff and arrangements is a struggle. But who knows, maybe by the time I expire I will have put some thoughts to paper and turned that paper into something that resembles music I would like to share with people. It must be something remarkable to watch people listen to you and relate to what you're saying in song or be touched by the sounds you make. Anyways, enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!