Bat For Lashes

I've had the album Two Suns by Bat For Lashes for some time now, but it is only recently (and partly due to a Pitchfork review) that I have started to explore and like the whole thing. The single, "Daniel" I had listened to and loved earlier, but had kind of forgot about the rest of it. It is only now that I have listened to more that I realize how good of an album it is. This is mostly due to the opener, "Glass" a swirling, atmospheric song that tells a story of being in a fantastical place and a search for love. Other standout songs include "Moon and Moon" as well as "Pearl's Dream". My discovery of this album comes just in time for my end of the year list of my favourite albums of the year. Stay tuned in the next few days for that!

-&Him

Liz Trinnear: MuchMusic VJ!!!

There were over 4000. Now there is only one. Liz Trinnear, our very own "She" has won the MuchMusic VJ Search 2.0. Of anyone I know, I can't think of anyone that deserves this more. Liz is a kind, funny, intelligent person who has a great taste in music and great personal skills. I know MuchMusic made the right choice and Liz will be a great VJ and fan favourite for many years to come. Congrats Liz, I hope this is everything you dreamed of and more.

-&Him

New Final Fantasy!

I have been eagerly awaiting new material from Owen Pallett aka Final Fantasy for a long time now, ever since his last album He Poos Clouds, one of my all time favourite albums. It was announced awhile back that his next album, called Heartland, would be released January 12 of next year. The first single, "Lewis Takes Action" was released this week, and I can't stop listening to it. If you don't have it yet, and are a fan of Final Fantasy, you must get it, I can promise you will love it. It is available for free here http://www.dominorecordco.com/freelewis/. Now I just have a painful wait of a month (maybe less if it leaks) to hear the rest of what I'm sure will be a fantastic album. I will let you know more when I have the whole thing, but for now, enjoy this song by one of my favourite artists.

-&Him

P.S. Be sure to watch MOD this Friday and cheer on Liz!!!

Au Revoir Simone

I discovered this group after seeing their music video for the song "Another Likely Story", which I love, and have listened to many times since downloading it. The group consists of three women who all play keyboards and sing, which is definitely a unique setup, but it works. As you can guess, the sound is therefore based on electronic and synth sounds. The whole album, called Still Night, Still Light is alright, there are a few standout songs, but I find most of the songs blend into each other. This is fine if you just want to chill out (which this band is perfect to do to), but not too many songs are going to stick in your head or garner multiple plays. The songs worth checking out are the afore mentioned "Another Likely Story" as well as "All Or Nothing" and "Only You Can Make You Happy"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q5V4OKEgx4

-&Him

Final 4!

And then there were four. Liz Trinnear has done it again, moving one step closer to winning MuchMusic VJ Search 2.0! If anyone can do it, she can. She joins Alli Walker, Marlon Palmer and Laith Hakeem as the last standing of thousands of applicants. Up next is a MuchNews Assignment, in which Liz will partner up with Laith to produce a pop culture story - which will air on Friday's MOD. Be sure to tune in, and to vote for Liz in every way possible! Keep up the support everyone, every little bit counts. Lets bring She&Him music to Much!

-&Him

The xx

Wow. That is all I can say after finally listening to this band. I had heard alot of good things about them, including a 8.7 rating by the usually stingy Pitchfork review staff. Now that I have listened to their debut album xx I can see what all the hype is about. A four piece British band of 20-year-olds (yes, they have accomplished much more than me who is older than that), The xx is successful at having songs that draw you in melodically and lyrically. With songs about love, sex and emotion, they really make you think and more importantly, feel something, which is something that I have found is rare with most music. Because of this, and how much I just intuitively like this album, It is definitely a candidate for my pick of top album of 2009. I think it goes without saying that you should check them out. Favourite tracks are "VCR", "Islands" and "Heart Skipped A Beat" but almost every song is awesome.

-&Him

New Twilight Soundtrack...OWNS

This is a movie I have not taken an interest in. I won't lie, I gave it a chance but you can't call me a "twi-hard" that's for sure.

That being said, the second film New Moon has by far one of my favourite soundtracks of 2009. Check out the line up:

1. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX
2. BAND OF SKULLS – FRIENDS
3. THOM YORKE – HEARING DAMAGE
4. LYKKE LI – POSSIBILITY
5. THE KILLERS – A WHITE DEMON LOVE SONG
6. ANYA MARINA – SATELLITE HEART
7. MUSE – I BELONG TO YOU (NEW MOON REMIX)
8. BON IVER & ST. VINCENT – ROSYLN
9. BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB – DONE ALL WRONG
10. HURRICANE BELLS – MONSTERS
11. SEA WOLF – THE VIOLET HOUR
12. OK GO – SHOOTING THE MOON
13. GRIZZLY BEAR WITH VICTORIA LEGRAND – SLOW LIFE
14. EDITORS – NO SOUND BUT THE WIND
15. ALEXANDRE DESPLAT – NEW MOON (THE MEADOW)

Did I forget to mention the fact that they pushed the release date of the soundtrack up because of the popular demand? Crazy I know.

Personal Favourites: Thom Yorke, Sea Wolf, Lykke Li, Grizzly Bear, Muse, Bon Iver, Killers, Band of Skulls and here is Anya Marina's music video for the track on the album:

Great Tune. Solid Album. Must Buy.

Website http://www.newmoonthesoundtrack.com/

Enjoy
-She

Timber Timbre

I am proud to say that this artist is a Canadian. Recently signed to the glorious Arts&Crafts record label, there is no doubt that he blends in with the family well. If you are a fan of artists like: Bon Iver, Patrick Watson, Blind Pilot, Wintersleep, Sufjan Stevens check this track out...

Demon Host-Timber Timbre


Oh Messiah


I need to see this fella live.

-She

Deadmau5

I am hooked. I have known of this DJ for a while but never paid much attention to him until I was laughing that Walmart had an advertisement for his album on their commercial. Thank you to the wonderful Luisa for introducing me to this talented little lad. It will be a must see DJ set next time he's around.
If you listen to the track Strobe all the way through (10 mins long) and don't like it, well then that sucks. This is one of those songs that you can imagine yourself at a bar on a beach, late at night on an island somewhere or driving, or pretty much just a motivating tune. Okay this is just rambling: Listen and enjoy.

-She

Metric Concert

This is a little bit late, but last Friday, I attended the Metric concert at Centennial Hall, here in London. I probably wouldn't have gone to the show on my own, but a friend was going and asked, so I went along. I have always liked Metric in the past, even though their songs have been kind of hit or miss for me. The last album, Fantasies (which they were on tour promoting) was disappointing in my opinion, with only a couple songs I really liked.
I'm not sure If it was the fact that Metric was touring that album, the fact that I was on the balcony, the performance itself, or some combination of the three, but I just wasn't too impressed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, and they did play some favourites like Poster of a Girl and Dead Disco, which was nice to see, but I really wasn't feeling it overall. I just wasn't drawn in, and there was nothing particularly special about the performance.
One positive was the performance of The Stills, who I love (probably more than Metric themselves) and have seen before when they came to Call the Office, also in London. While their albums have also been disappointing since their killer debut, Logic Will Break Your Heart, I think I just like their music better, and thought their performance was solid.
Additionally, I do like Emily Haines' solo work more than Metric, and was hoping she would maybe perform one of those songs, but no such luck. Haines actually also is featured in a Stills song, but that was not performed either.
Again, I'm not saying there was much BAD about it, but it certainly wasn't the best concert I have ever been to.
Note to self: If I see Metric again, get floor tickets.

-&Him

Wooo!

She just keeps on rolling! About an hour ago, Liz was announced to be one of the top 8 in the MuchMusic VJ Search 2.0! This is huge, and she definitely deserves to be there, beating out other talented hopefuls to make the jump from 16 to 8. This is a great step for Liz, but she still needs your support so keep on voting, as well as become her fan on facebook and follow her on twitter if you haven't already done so. Let's get her on the air on a regular basis, and get some recognition to our favourite indie bands. Liz will do nothing but help MuchMusic!

http://vj.muchmusic.com/liz/

-&Him

Zero 7

I have finally gotten around to listening to the new Zero 7 album, Yeah Ghost, And I must say, it is pretty good. For their 4th album, they opted to go with some new vocalists (previous albums featured the likes of Sia Furler and Jose Gonzalez), which is a good move, but I really don`t like the new folks as much as the old ones. There was something about Sia`s voice that just fit with Zero 7`s music, and I think that some of the songs on Yeah Ghost would be better with Sia and maybe some different choices than were made. Not to say the songs are bad, I just would have chosen some different vocalists. As for the sound, It is very in line with their previous work, incorporating many different styles with a focus on electronic beats and a low-key, relaxing tone. Highlights for me include Everything Up (Zisou), Medicine Man, and Ghost Symbol. Definitely worth checking out.

-&Him

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

This has been a long overdue post but by far one of my favourite current groups. Here is Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros appearance on Letterman.


I highly recommend looking into some of their other work. The recorded versions are all equally as wonderful.

-She

Matt & Kim

A while ago, Liz recommended a bunch of bands, and I was unable to check all of them out. One of these bands was Matt & Kim, a duet from New York. Their second album, Grand, was released early this year, and I have just recently started listening to them, after I heard one of their songs in a TV show. I really like their sound, upbeat, catchy tunes that remind me a bit of another duo and personal favourite, Mates Of State. The album is pretty good, can get a little sick of them after multiple listens, but definitely worth checking out. The most popular song would have to be "Daylight" which is one of my favourites, as is "Cutdown" and "Lessons Learned."

-&Him

Congratulations Liz!

Congrats to Liz (She) for making the top 16 in the MuchMusic VJ Search 2.0! The contest is just beginning, but after seeing some of the other finalists, I am confident that Liz can go far into the competition, and just might win the whole thing. And if that happens, maybe she can get some of our wonderful bands we discuss on here, the exposure they deserve! Make sure you follow the show and vote for her when possible! Show the love!
Click HERE to vote 5 hot/ 5 cool stars.

- &Him

She= Your Next MuchMusic VJ!

Hello my darlings.

I hope you have been enjoying the glorious updates this month- plenty more where that comes from! I just want to give you all a brief update/ help me out, post. I actually am running for a position with a channel that helped build my obsession with music- MuchMusic. Yes I am going for the the MuchMusic VJ 2009 search.
I hope you can all give me some stars when you get the chance. Polls close on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2009, so not much time. Send me some love and this music forum can be extended onto the wonderful world of television.

One Love,
-She

CLICK HERE to vote & see my audition tape

The Raveonettes

One of the biggest surprises of 2007 was The Raveonettes' album Lust Lust Lust. Before that, I hadn't really been into the band, but now I am a huge fan of all the duo's work.
I have been eagerly awaiting a new album, and I found out last week that they will release a new album titled In And Out Of Control.
The album comes out on October 6, and the first single is called "Suicide" - an awesome track that I would definitely recommend.
I can't wait to hear the whole thing!

-&Him

LOLA 2009 - Final Fantasy

I had the pleasure last evening to attend a free concert at Victoria Park as a part of LOLA (London Ontario Live Arts) fest. The headlining act was Owen Pallett aka Final Fantasy, one of my absolute favourite artists.
Unlike last time I saw him, Pallett had someone accompanying him, a new member in his first show who played percussion and guitar. Pallett still performed using his loop pedal which is always fun to see/hear. Surprisingly, he played very few old favourites, opting for mostly new material which I hadn't heard yet. The songs were, of course, amazing, making me even more excited for the next album.
As an extra special treat, I got a chance to meet and talk with Pallett after the show. I told him what a fan of his music I was, along with other similar cliches. He also told me that the new album, Heartland would probably be out on January 12, 2010. He even apologized to me that it's taken so long. I suppose I can forgive him.

-&Him

Whoa

Wow. I guess we are really are back. It looks like Liz has been busy sharing some great music with the blogosphere, many thanks to her for that.
I too, am stoked for the new Vampire Weekend album, It should be great. I know that some don't like them that much, but Liz and I definitely loved their self-titled debut, and will be impatiently waiting for Contra.
Speaking of artists that have mixed opinions, I too enjoyed some songs from Scarlett Johansson's first album, especially Falling down. The only thing I have to dislike Scarlett for is her cover of Jeff Buckley's Last Goodbye, which would have made the late genious roll over in his grave. (yes, it was THAT bad - sorry Scarlett. And yes, I am one of those die-hard Buckley fans)
Finally, I am going to agree again and say that Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear is awesome, especially the song Two weeks (even with the super creepy video haha). One song that I didn't like at first, but now love is "Fine For Now" which I would definitely reccomend. Enjoy!

-&Him

Mayer Hawthorne

MAYER HAWTHORNE

The face may not match the sound but sound is timeless and that's all that really matters here. Reigning from the grounds of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mayer Hawthorne (born Andrew Mayer Cohen), grew up with a strong passion for rich soul and jazz. The singer, DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist acknowledges an array of R&B, soul and jazz artists such as Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, Mike Terry, Barry White, Smokey Robinson, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, as major influences and inspirations. One may ask how he is slotted in the "retro" genre tag, especially factoring that he is just entering his 30s but it is the timeless sound that his voice brings through your stereo that takes you back to the late 60s, early 70s.
After being introduced to Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf by mutual friend Noelle Scaggs of the Rebirth, even his current boss was skeptical. "He showed me two songs and I didn't understand what I was listening to," Wolf recalls. "I asked him if they were old songs that he did re-edits of - I couldn't believe they were new songs and that he played all the instruments." (http://www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne)

After meeting in person, it was even harder for Wolf to believe that Hawthorne was also the lead vocalist. Few expect such heartfelt sentiment to come from a 29-year-old white kid from Ann Arbor, but he has caught the ear of his family at Stones Throw, as well as BBC Radio 1 host Gilles Peterson and producer/DJ Mark Ronson. Expectations are high for the admitted vinyl junkie who never planned on taking his crooning public. Hawthorne's hanging-by-a-string falsetto and breakbeat production on his first recorded effort, the tender "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out," are simultaneously Smokey and J Dilla - equal parts "The Tracks of My Tears" and "Fall in Love." "It's soul," he explains, "But it's new." (http://www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne) Note: he was the only artist to ever be signed by Peanut Butter Wolf after only hearing 2 songs. Not to mention he has never been vocally trained and the songs were recorded more as a joke. Now look where he is, it's brilliant and we think its worth more then a few listens!

Links:
Official Website
Myspace
Just Ain't Gonna Work Out (Official Video)

Mayer Hawthorne & Barbershop Quartet

Hip Hop Official Interview-


-She

Sam Cooke

In recent weeks I have rediscovered my love for the late and great Sam Cooke. Collecting his entire Discography, it is without a doubt that Cooke made one of the biggest impacts on the R&B and soul music community. Dying at age 33, Cooke was able to successfully create twenty-nine Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1964- remarkable. Some of the songs are, in my opinion, among the greatest songs of all time. If you have not yet experienced Sam Cooke, I highly suggest you invest in an album or two and if you are feeling ultra eager, check out the entire discography because it is a must have in ones music library.

(also covered by artists such as: Seal, Lauryn Hill, Bob Dylan and Gavin Degraw and many more)

Enjoy
-She

Vampire Weekend-2nd Album

The wait is over. Two full years (minus a few songs here and there) and Vampire Weekend have finally confirmed the release date for their second album. If you weren't satisfied by Discovery (which was the side project/ collab between members of Vampire Weekend & Ra Ra Riot) you're in luck. January 12th 2010 is the official date, so brace yourself, this should be great. Stay tuned to their website for previews.

Contra Track Listing:

01 Horchata
02 White Sky
03 Holiday
04 California English
05 Taxi Cab
06 Run
07 Cousins
08 Giving Up the Gun
09 Diplomat's Son
10 I Think Ur a Contra

Vampire Weekend Canadian Dates:

10-06 Montreal, Quebec - Le National
10-08 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern (good luck getting hold of these ones and if you do, you are one lucky fello)

-She

Julian Casablancas is back

How I do still wish for a new Strokes album, I am openly thrilled to hear frontman Julian Casablancas new solo project. Julian dropped the official release date today for his new solo project's debut album "Phrazes for the Young". Oh how I cannot wait for October 20th, 2009 to come.

Check out his website for some sweet preview videos and updates: Official Website

-She

The Return of Scarlett Johansson

She's back! Despite all the hate about her "simple" vocal style and lack of true talent on her last debut album (produced by Dave Setik of TV on the Radio), I will openly admit to enjoying it. I still catch myself every now and then hitting play on the track Falling Down amongst others.

She's giving it another go and this time its a collaboration with Pete Yorn entitled "Break-Up" which was based off Serge Gainsbourg's duets with Brigitte Bardot. Here's the first single, its a catchy little number...



Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson Myspace

Grizzly Bear

Thanks to a former co-worker, I was reintroduced to the glorious sounds of Grizzly Bear, this summer. The numerous Saturday morning open shifts spent listening to the bands latest album Veckatimest, made the process quite pleasurable. This album is a front to back listen. You press play on track one and it quite honestly all fits and sounds wonderful, track after track. I was fully convinced that this band was a british indie rock group however it appears they reign from the heart of Brooklyn, New York.

Here is the official video for the single "Two Weeks" followed by a video featuring footage from Albert Lamorisse's "La Ballon Rouge" (The Red Balloon) accompanied by the same track by Grizzly Bear.







and thanks to my friend scott for showing me this goody. A fan did this video for Two Weeks and I just so happen to think it's gnarly...

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

-She

Bon Iver Raw Goods

This guy never fails to make my little heart melt. Geez Louise

Black Cab Session with Bon Iver

Black Cab Sessions - Bon Iver from Aaron Landry on Vimeo.

For Emma A'capella


Flume Acoustic


-She

Current Fav Jam: Miike Snow- Animal

I think I have a new love affair with Miike Snow. My friend Mitch told me about them months ago but I somehow overlooked their solid sound until another friend introduced the Fred Falke mix of Animal. The original video is definitely a must see:

Miike Snow- Animal



Miike Snow- Animal (Fred Falke Remix)



-She

Something new for Bon Iver

As we all know and love Justin Vernon as the soothing folk mastermind behind Bon Iver, I am excited to say he has finally released some new stuff. Different, but new. On a pre warning note, this album is a bit more experimental for his usual sound. The first single "Island, IS" is solid and definitely reflects some of his early work and sound but the rest of the album (which has leaked) is a bit different. I haven't listened to it enough to give a solid review on it however I think you should check it out for yourself. He's a phenomenal musician and one of my favourite of the past year.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/volcanochoir

-She

We're Back!

Thank god for new computers. The world of music is so much easier with a fully functioning laptop. It has inspired me to continue and fully indulge in my music addiction. This summer I got the opportunity to work for a WONDERFUL music licensing, production and design company. Not only was I given the role to search and find new artists, I got the chance to give opinions on up and comers and then send out email blasts on the teams artist of the week, choice to all of our cliental. On a daily basis I was thrown artist after artists and needless to say... fell in love with many newbies in which I will soon be blogging about and catching up on.

Get ready, let the blogging begin....

-She

La Roux

I have fallen in love with this band. Not sure if it is a happily ever after kind of love, or a one-night stand kind of love, but it's pretty good at the moment. A two-person group from England, La Roux have extremely catchy electronic songs, the best of which is "Bulletproof" which I have loved since I heard/saw it on "The Wedge" Check them out!

-&Him

Best of 2009 mid-year

So, its a little late for mid-year, but i've been busy. I'm sure the order will change, but here is a rough idea of stuff I have liked so far this year.

1. Handsome Furs – Face Control
2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
3. Patrick Wolf – The Bachelor
4. Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care
5. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
6. Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms
7. Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels
8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
9. A.C. Newman – Get Guilty
10. Fever Ray – Fever Ray
11. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
12. Silversun Pickups – Swoon
13. Peter Bjorn And John – Living Thing
14. Metric – Fantasies
15. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
16. Sunset Rubdown – Dragonslayer
17. Gliss – Devotion Implosion
18. The Boxer Rebellion – Union

So yeah, Handsome Furs, can't seem to get enough of 'em, or find anything I like better. Liked Animal Collective, didn't see it as the masterpiece alot of people did though. Junior Boys and Phoenix did not disappoint at all. A.C. Newman surprised me by how much I liked it. I was a little disappointed by Fever Ray and Patrick Watson, but they were still better than most.

Anyways, I seem have a problem of liking a few songs and never getting around to listen to the rest. So some of these rankings are low because i only know a few songs. For example, I haven't really explored Swoon or Fantasies fully, so they could rise up potentially. Also, on first listen, I didn't like Living Thing by PB&J at first, but i've found it to be quite enjoyable. Not as good as Writer's Block however. Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers is a very pretty folk record and good for just relaxing and drifting off. Well, that's it for now, Until my final list of 2009 is done, which I'm sure will barely resemble this one. And I'm sure people who read this will completely disagree with me. But that's okay.

-&Him

Royksopp's New Video

Ohh baby,
A personal favourite off Royksopp's recent album Junior featuring Swedish babe Robyn. Seriously this girl gets her way into some pretty amazing projects. Teach me Robyn... TEACH ME!


Check it
-she

Lykke Li

Until We Bleed- Lykke Li & Kleerup


N.A.S.A. - "Gifted (feat. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li)" video


Tonight Acoustic video


Live videos from the Lykke Li show in Toronto at the Phoenix: To be loaded and added to this post eventually. My apologies, they are extremely overdue.

-she

The Giant of Illinois

He's done it again. Filming isn't great but the sound overall is pretty decent. Enjoy:)

Musical Week for She

Ola Ameegos!

So the following week/weekend was full of live music (including tonight) and excellent live music at that.

For starters on Tuesday I was able to catch a friends new bands first ever live performance and things are sounding pretty solid, check them out soon if you can: The Bad Ideas. Along with that performance I got to check out the opening act The Love Machine from Ottawa. Definitely a checkable act as well so you should... check it?

Wednesday: I missed the concert due to a movie night with the maja but I wish I went to Lady Hawk at CTO, they also are pretty rad

Friday: Starters I went to Martini Bar to check out a new friends DJ/Hip Hop/ Electro group called The Girls Can Hear Us ... I definitely am a girl and I heard them. Super stellar and you should invest some of your time into them if you like the new wave electro/hip-hop genre

Saturday: ohhh Saturday! Excellent night for some tunes in the indie folk canadian lovin' way. Opening act Brent Randall and all his Pinecones from Halifax owned a game of musical chairs as the bassist, guitarist and keyboardist all switched positions and instruments every song, switching up lead vocals and mastering some sweet 3 part harmonies.

Followed up by the headlining act Hey Rosetta! who pretty much wrapped up a solid weekend of music with a 2 hour set of complete greatness. Encoring with the song Black Heart, a personal favourite, basically put the cherry on top of the cake for me. Cheers boys (& girl) for a great set

Tonight (Monday): I will continue the love with a warm up dance party by Big Mitch @ Martini Bar and then followed by a more extensive dance party @ CTO for Shout Out Out Out Out. Stoked.

I am sure there will be a sweet follow up blog on this weeks musical experiences seeing that a week today I see a major personal favourite MOGWAI! ahhhh cannot wait.

I leave you today with a mixtape from my friend Andrew (Big Mitch)... enjoy.

-She

Toronto Centre Island: Olympic Island Festival 09

Ohhh Shit! Look at this line up!

• Broken Social Scene
• Explosions in the Sky
• Thunderheist
• Beach House
• Apostle of Hustle
• Rattlesnake Choir

Tickets go on sale on friday... Saweeet!

Dark Was the Night

The compilation album Dark Was The Night, a Red Hot charity compilation curated by The National's Dessner brothers, has been released (february). This is one compilation album(s) you should definitely purchase. Every musician whom takes part in this compilation I highly respect for many different reasons. For further information go to the website or myspace

Track Listings:

Disc One

1. "Knotty Pine" - Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
2. "Cello Song" - The Books featuring Joses Gonzalez
3. "Train Song" - Feist and Ben Gibbard
4. "Brackett, WI" - Bon Iver
5. "Deep Blue Sea" - Grizzly Bear
6. "So Far Around The Bend" - The National
7. "Tightrope" - Yeasayer
8. "Feeling Good" - My Brightest Diamond
9. "Dark Was The Night" - Kronos Quartet
10. "I Was Young When I Left Home" - Antony with Bryce Dessner
11. "Big Red Machine" - Justin Vernon + Aaron Dessner
12. "Sleepless" - The Decemberists
13. "Die" - Iron & Wine
14. "Service Bell" - Grizzly Bear + Feist
15. "You Are The Blood" - Sufjan Stevens

Disc Two:

1. "Well-Alright" - Spoon
2. "Lenin" - Arcade Fire
3. "Mimizan" - Beirut
4. "El Caporal" - My Morning Jacket
5. "Inspiration Information" - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
6. "With A Girl Like You" - Dave Sitek
7. "Blood Pt. 2" - Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
8. "Hey, Snow White" - The New Pornographers
9. "Gentle Hour" - Yo La Tengo
10. "Amazing Grace" - Cat Power
11. "Happiness" - Riceboy Sleeps
12. "Another Saturday" - Stuart Murdoch
13. "The Giant Of Illinois" - Andrew Bird
14. "Lua" - Conor Oberst with Gillian Welch
15. "When The Road Runs Out" - Blonde Redhead & Devastations
16. "Love Vs. Porn" - Kevin Drew

March and April Downloads

So apparently school swallowed my body this semester and I have left this blog a little on the M.I.A. list. My sincere apologies and now that it is summer, expect a lot more where this is coming from.

Some good downloads & buys I have come across in the past couple months have been:

• Metric-Fantasies
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!
• Silversun Pickups- Swoon
• Beach House- Devotion (Late find, but great find)
• The National- entire discography... finally gave them a listen and slightly in love.
• Matt & Kim- Grand (saw them play w/ cut copy in Toronto at Circa, bad venue for that particular band however, great sound. I will be looking to see them in a smaller venue soon)
• Lily Allen- It's Not Me, It's You
• Wavves- Wavvves
• Royksopp- Junior
• Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest
• Patrick Watson- Wooden Arms

and many more anticipated albums to come in summer 09'.

Cheers!

-She

Ra Ra Riot

...are definitely on my "to see" list for summer 09'.

Here are some goodies via youtube:

You Can Tell

Ghost Under Rocks

Run My Mouth Off (LIVE)

Download the album The Rhumb Line

enjoy;

She

New Patrick Watson!

I got quite a surprise the other day when I went to check the list of albums that had recently leaked. Patrick Watson, one of my favourite artists since hearing 2006's Close To Paradise had an album, listed as leaked. This was a surprise because I didn't even know that he was planning on releasing or had even recorded a new album. I usually check frequently on my favourite artists to see if they are releasing anything new, but this one eluded me completely. But it was nice to have a surprise for once. Well, Wooden Arms by Patrick Watson is due out April 28 and is currently on Liz's and my computers. I will definitely be picking up a copy regardless. While not as immediately accessible as Close To Paradise, Wooden Arms is another mind-bending, beautiful, dreamy adventure into the musical world of the talented Patrick Watson. An immediate favourite that has been repeatedly played and hummed by myself is "Big Bird In a Small Cage" a guitar, banjo and piano driven song with clever, quirky lyrics that Watson performs and harmonizes beautifully with a woman that sounds a lot like Jenny Lewis. Other good ones include Beijing and Man Like You. While I still need to absorb the rest of the songs, It seems like another good outing by Watson, even if it may not be quite as close to paradise as well, Close To Paradise.

-&Him

Phoenix

If you haven't heard of Phoenix, then it's understandable, but you really are missing out. The "Strokes"-esque indie-rock band debuted in 2006 with It's Never Been Like That, which has possibly one of the most catchy (and definitely one of my favourite) songs, "Consolation Prizes." I had kinda forgotten about that album and neglected the rest of it (other than that one song), until it was announced that their follow-up Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was going to be released later this year. With the announcement, the single "1901" was released, and I must say, It's quite awesome. The dominant jangly guitar sound from the first album is replaced by a more synth/electronic-focused sound, but it really works and makes for a great song. With this song, it also made me go back and listen to more of Its Never Been Like That, which I had previously ignored. I'm glad I did, becuase it really is a great album, and makes me look forward to Wolfgang even more.

-&Him

New Junior Boys

The newest Junior Boys album, Begone Dull Care will be released on March 24, but it leaked a couple weeks ago, and I couldn't help but download it. I only recently discovered their last album, So This Is Goodbye and i instantly became a fan once I did. Begone seems to pick up seamlessly from Goodbye and continues with great electronic songs that are instantly catchy and awesome. usually when I listen to an album for the first time, I have to get used to it before I can like it. This was not the case here, as it seemed as though i was listening to old favourites. I am definitely going to purchase this album when it comes out, and I would recommend you do the same.


-&Him

Hey Rosetta! / Two Hours Traffic

I think these boats have been sailing for a while but I have been missing the voyage so here I am delivering some more goods incase you were like me and have yet to check em.

Hey Rosetta! - great sound, newfoundland group, 6 piece indie folk band (including lots of violin- gotta love the violin) and overall have a unique sound that fits nicely into other canadian indie rock categories.

Album: Into Your Lungs
Songs to Note: Red Heart, New Goodbye, Tired Eyes, We Made a Pact and pretty much the entire album is solid
Myspace: www.myspace.com/heyrosetta

Two Hours Traffic - again great sound, four piece grounded in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Definitely have that outdoor festival sound that bands like Wintersleep, Band of Horses, Vampire Weekend, Born Ruffians etc bring. Those are not a "sounds like" but give the same vibe for me. The 2nd full length was produced by the very talented Joel Plaskett so its garunteed to have a good sound. Check it out;

Album: Little Jabs
Songs to Note: Heatseeker, Nighthawks, Stuck for the SummerMyspace: www.myspace.com/twohourstraffic

-she

Sigur Ros Feat Bjork

Wonderful, watch and enjoy

-She

Feist vs. Bon Iver

Came across this bad boy a month ago (thanks to a friend for pointing it out) but forgot I had it


Enjoy!

The Park (Feist Cover) by Bon Iver

-she

Overlooked

I have recently discovered/re-discovered some great albums that somehow escaped my attention or I didn't feel like checking out that I should have.

The first is 2007's Person Pitch by Panda Bear, of Animal Collective. I first thought it was just boring/weird, and I couldn't get into the 12 minutes songs. Now that I have, I am in love. The style is expectedly strange and not very accessible, but if you give it a chance, you won't be disappointed. The long songs, "Bros" and 'Good Girl/Carrots" are fantastic songs and you don't even notice how long they are once you are wrapped up in them. The first two tracks, Comfy In Nautica and Take Pills are also great. This album is definitely worth looking into if you haven't already or passed it over at first, as I did.

Next, is one from last year that made many tops-of-2008 lists, but was ignored by myself. This album is Saturdays=Youth by M83. I love the electronic sound and synth use in these songs. Considering M83 is basically one guy makes it even more impressive. Digital Shades, Vol I. is the predecesing album and is also great, even if it is almost all instrumental.

Finally, Is the 2006 album, So This Is Goodbye by Junior Boys. I had the title track forever, but never really gave it a chance. It can on shuffle one day, and I loved it. I got the whole album, and the rest, as they say, is history. The sparse minimal electronic sound really drew me in and made me like the songs, especially "Caught In a Wave" and "Double Shadow" in addition to the title track. I couldn't have discovered the album at a better time, either, since Junior Boys have a new album Begone, Dull Care that is due out March 24, but has recently leaked. I will likely have something to say about that one soon.

Well that's it for now, be sure to check out this music if you haven't already!

-&Him

Bon Iver- Blood Bank EP

Seriously, who created this man and when can the cloning begin? Actually, I lied. I don't think anyone can be thee Bon Iver. That being said, a talented musician, gifted vocalist, excellent lyricist- what more could one ask for? I must see this man perform live before the end of 2009.

His most recent release, the Blood Bank EP:

Track Listings:
1. Blood Bank*** I couldn't get passed this track for about 5 listens - the rest... im not sure on yet
2. Beach Baby
3. Babys
4. Woods
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4635791/Bon_Iver_-_Blood_Bank_[2009]

Happy Birthday Liz!!!

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish a very Happy Birthday to my friend and fellow blogger, Liz. Hope you have a great day/night/weekend of being 21!!!

-&Him

Fever Ray

When I first heard that Karin Dreijer Andersson of The Knife was releasing a solo album, I was very excited, since I love The Knife, and was desperate for more music from them since I heard they were on a long hiatus. The excitment grew when I heard the first single, "If I Had A Heart." In retrospect I should have seen that my excitment would make for unrealistic expectations, but I didn't see it at the time. After all, by the time the album came out, on March 24, the excitment would have subsided. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by what I heard when the album was realeased early on iTunes Tuesday. While The Knife's trademark dark, sinister sound is still present in Fever Ray's album, I still feel like its lacking something I can't put my finger on. Most of the songs just don't jump out at me, and I found most of the album forgettable. I'm not saying that it is a bad album, and maybe it will grow on me, but for now, it will remain a disappointment. Again, it's not terrible, and if you like The Knife, it's worth a listen. In addtion to the single, tracks that did stand out and I did enjoy were "Dry and Dusty" and "Now's The Only Time I Know"

-&Him

White Lies

Bam!
Got another one. This was a quick love for me, literally after a first listen. It's quite wonderful. Go Listen to these cool cats:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DLF-yypNH4

White Lies
www.myspace.com/whitelies

Album comes out in stores January 19th... thanks to the internet, it leaked.
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4634079/White_Lies_-_To_Lose_My_Life_[mp3-224-2009]

enjoy
-She

NEW HANDSOME FURS!!!

Well, it's here, the album I was most looking forward to of 2009. Because I love this band so much, I sorta felt bad having a leaked copy of Face Control, the new album from Dan Boeckner/Alexei Perry duo Handsome Furs almost two months before it officially comes out, on March 10. That guilt was quickly forgotten when I started listening and realized how kick-ass the music is. While I'm not sure they can ever do better than Plague Park, one of, if not, my favourite all-time album, Face Control is pretty damn good. I was afraid that it would be more upbeat than Plague Park, and it is. But it doesnt really bother me that much. While Plague was so dark and gave a kind of helpless feeling of longing, Face Control is a little more upbeat, rocky, and has a faster tempo, but it still has great hooks to make you love the songs. Plus, I basically love anything that Dan Boeckner sings (his songs were by far the ones that saved Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer for me), since his voice has such a raw, unique sound that I can't get enough of. All of this is a recipe for a great album. Handsome Furs are definitely going to be a contender for my album of the year again. Maybe I'm biased, but I just love this album, and you should definitely check it out. So far (I haven't listened to the last bit of the album much yet), my favourite songs are definitely the first 3 - Legal Tender, Evangeline, and Talking Hotel Arbat Blues.

ENJOY!

-&Him

Some More Goodies

Friendly Fires are yet another reason why the UK is home to great talent. They do an interesting version of Lykke Li's- I'm Good, I'm Gone (who I just got tickets to see, very excited to see that one live) but song to check out--> Paris.
www.myspace.com/friendlyfires

Passion Pit
I will be seeing these boys in 2 weeks (toronto at the horseshoe tavern) and to be honest I am really curious how they will transfer their sound from the album to the stage. We will see and I will report back. Though they do not have many songs released, I still dig what I hear
www.myspace.com/passionpitjams
ps. yes, I realize the new psp commercial used their goods for the video sound. Isn't the corporate world so hip?
Kings of Leon- B-sides and Rares
Yes, we all know that KOL have hit it big in the mainstream this year but I refuse to hate their talent because they are now "hip" to listen to, I truly 

have followed them since Youth & Young Manhood. As much as they adore their sex, drugs and rock n roll, these boys make good tunes (and perform well on stage re: November 08- detroit @ the fillmore)Mixes, covers, rares... pretty good find in this bad bo

y. Personal faves/ Ones for immediate digs?
Lykke Li feat KOL- Knocked up,
California Waiting (alternative version),
Milk (stretch & vern mix),
The Bucket (Wellington Internation).

Choose your own fav's but I think this was a nice little post christmas present, so here I am, sharing:
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4582897/Kings_of_Leon_-_B-Sides_and_Rarities_Vol._1-4

Plushgun
Check them out. They have that whole Electric President vibe (give them a listen if you have yet to) and maybe a little Postal Service in there too. Currently they have only released 5 songs but apparently (thank you to my partner in crime, Matt, for informing me) they will be releasing a full LP on March 17th, 2009 entitled Pins and Panzers . Look forward to that one.

http://www.myspace.com/plushgun

-She

Jupiter One

Jupiter One... Check em' out.

Listen:
www.myspace.com/jupiterone

Download:
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4386451/Jupiter_One_-_Jupiter_One[2008][MP3_320kbps]-antecho

-She

Architecture In Helsinki

I would like to take this opportunity to discuss one of my favourite bands, the unique group from Australia, Architecture in Helsinki. I first heard them in highschool when i got what I consider their masterpiece, 2005's In Case We Die . While I didn't immediately take to their very strange style, - in fact, I hated it at first - I quickly warmed up to the album and it is now one of my favourites. Solid, catchy, quirky, fun, poppy, songs from beginning to end, In Case We Die is a great listen, and if you havent heard it already, do it now. Like right now. They are about the only band I know of that uses power and hand tools as instruments. Initially consisting of 8 members, Architecture now has 5 people making their music, and these 5 are set to release a new album this year. The song from the album out now is called That Beep and has renewed my love for the band, even making me re-listen to their third album, 2007's Places Like This, which I initially passed off as dissapointing, but have newfound respect and liking for. I eagerly await the release of the new album tentatively titled Vision Revision and will speak more about it when i have heard the whole album. If you already love Architecture, definitely check out That Beep, and if you haven't heard them, check out songs like Wishbone, Maybe You Can Owe Me, or Heart It Races. 'Till next time,

-&Him