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