March 31, 2015

New Taylor Knox EP Lines

I caught Taylor Knox at Lee's Palace with Zeus and The Golden Dogs last fall. I came away impressed with his brand of power pop, especially the tune "My Backyard", and I vowed to be on the lookout for more of his music.

Well the wait for a new release has ended. Taylor has just released a new EP called Lines. It includes some familiar favourites like "My Backyard" and "Fire" along with some new tunes. He and his rhythm section have put some live clips up. Give them a gander below.

He's playing The Horseshoe on April 23 and many more dates, so get out and see him live.

"My Backyard"

"Fire"

"I See Line"

"Family Colours"

March 30, 2015

New Passion Pit - video for Lifted Up (1985)

Passion Pit have a new album Kindred coming out April 21. We've been able to hear two tunes from the album, the fun, upbeat "Lifted Up (1985)", which now has an official video and the flowing, melodic"Where the Sky Hangs".


"Where the Sky Hangs"

Pic from Facebook.

March 29, 2015

The Bravery The Bravery is 10

The Bravery put out their self-titled début album 10 years ago today. It served to be a great melting pot of 80s influence and 90s hangover with nods to the 70s art-punk era. Check out some of the great tunes from this album:

"An Honest Mistake"

"Fearless"

"Swollen Summer"

"Public Service Announcement"

"Unconditional"

Their site has an update from last year on the band member's current musical pursuits.

Pic from Facebook.

March 28, 2015

Juliana Hatfield - Only Everything is 20

Juliana Hatfield's Only Everything came out 20 years ago today. It's a fantastically solid album of Juliana's unique brand of alternative power pop. I love so many tunes from this album. Check out a few below:

"What a Life"

"Universal Heartbeat"

"Fleur De Lys"

"Dumb Fun"

"Live On Tomorrow"

"Hang Down From Heaven"

Pic from Facebook by Jasper Coolidge.

March 27, 2015

New Yukon Blonde tune Saturday Night

Saturday night has always been a popular subject for pop tunes. It's all about freedom from the work week, cutting loose and having fun. It's the subject of Yukon Blonde's latest tune "Saturday Night" and you can listen to the glistening, synth-laden, polished pop below. We can expect the new album this summer.



Pic from Facebook.

March 26, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Killjoys

The Killjoys are from Hamilton and got started making their unique brand of alternative power pop in 1992. They put on an energetic show and were always fun to see live. Check out some of their tunes from their first two albums:

"Rave & Drool" from 1996's Gimme Five


"Soaked" from Gimme Five


"Exit Wound" from Gimme Five


"Ungowa, Baby!" from 1994's Starry


"Headlong" from Starry


"Any Day Now" from Starry


"Sally Won't" from Starry


"Dana" from Starry


Pic from last.fm.

March 25, 2015

Boogie down! New tune from Chic called I'll Be There

While his disco band Chic hasn't had a new album out in 23 years, guitarist Nile Rodgers has been active in the biz, producing and playing with acts like Daft Punk. Now Chic has released a new tune. It's from their forthcoming album It's About Time and it's a classic, up-tempo disco number called "I'll Be There". Check it out


Pic from Pitchfork.

March 24, 2015

The Cribs album For All My Sisters out today

The Cribs have been putting out solid indie-alternative guitar rock since 2004. Along the way they've had Johnny Marr in the band. They've just released a new album called For All My Sisters. Ric Ocasek produced the album that they've proclaimed as their "poppiest record since Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever". This post should catch us up on the tunes they've released so far.

"Burning for No One"

"Different Angle"

"An Ivory Hand"

You can stream the whole album at Exclaim.

Pic from Facebook.

March 23, 2015

New Frank Turner tune Get Better

We know that Frank Turner has finished work on his new album and that it'll be released in 2015. We know that Frank's been teasing new tunes on his current tour. We don't know what the new album's going to be called. We do know that it's going to include this tune, "Get Better".

It's a hard rocking tune with classically uplifting Frank Turner lyrics and powerful energy.

March 22, 2015

Bloc Party Silent Alarm is 10

Ten years ago today, Bloc Party released their début full-length album Silent Alarm. I can't remember exactly when I discovered it, but it blew me away. The songs, the energy, the sound was, and still is, a musical revelation to me. I would say that it's a début album that no one could live up to.

If you just want to relive it, or if you're just discovering it, you can listen to the whole album or spend a moment with my personal favourites of my favourites. I've tried to concentrate on great live versions just to capture the energy in a more visceral way and to provide variety.


"Like Eating Glass" on Jools Holland. That frenetic delivery is incredible.

"Helicopter" live at Glastonbury

"Positive Tension" live at Glastonbury

"Banquet" live at Glastonbury

"She's Hearing Voices" live at Bristol Academy

"This Modern Love" live in Sydney

"Little Thoughts"

"So Here We Are" live at Glastonbury

"Luno"

They also released Silent Alarm Remixed, which is almost as amazing as the original. And this is coming from a guy who generally couldn't care less about remixes. Check out Death From Above 1979's remix (cover) of "Luno"


Pic from Facebook.

March 21, 2015

The Stringers

The Stringers are an alternative rock band from Ottawa. Take a listen to the tune "Apology". It's got some great hooks, cool energy and vibe.


Pic from Facebook.

March 20, 2015

New music catch-up with Speedy Ortiz

Speedy Ortiz have a new album Foil Deer arriving April 21. Of course, they're heading out on tour and they return to Toronto for an appearance at The Horseshoe Tavern on June 5.

I like their guitar heavy, off-kilter riff driven, 90s influenced music. Check out two tunes from their latest:

"Raising the Skate"


"The Graduates"


Pic from Facebook.

March 19, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Rusty

Rusty is one of the great Canadian alternative bands. Solid songs, great gritty vocals, crunchy guitars and solid rhythm section. Awesome. I remember seeing these guys live in some parking lot downtown many, many moons ago. The guitar player had exactly the same guitar as I my main axe.

The band celebrated the 20th anniversary of their début album Fluke earlier this month. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there. Hopefully, they'll play more shows and I'll be there.

"Groovy Dead" from 1995's Fluke

"Wake Me" from Fluke

"kd lang" from Fluke

"California" from Fluke


"Misogyny" from Fluke

"Doin' Fine" from 1997's Sophomoric

"Empty Cell" from Sophomoric

"Star" from Sophomoric

"Friends" from Sophomoric

"Oh No Joe" from Sophomoric

"DS-27" from Sophomoric

"Descending" from Sophomoric

"Sun" from Sophomoric

"Failed" from Sophomoric


Pic from last.fm.

March 18, 2015

New music from Tanlines

Tanlines released a piece of perfect pop with their 2012 tune "All of Me". They've got a new album called Highlights that hits the shelves on May 19.

Check out a tune from the new album in the form of the bouncy "Slipping Away".


Pic from Facebook.

March 17, 2015

New music from Crow Town

Crow Town, a heavy hitting duo from Toronto, have released a new tune called "I'm So Cool". Check out this 3 minutes of heavy riffs and attitude.



Pic from Facebook.

March 16, 2015

New music from My Morning Jacket's new album The Waterfall

My Morning Jacket have a new album called The Waterfall coming out May 4. They've let us hear a new tune called "Big Decisions". It's a cool-sounding rock tune with agonized slide, big chords and an arena-sized chorus.

They're embarking on a tour and they dip into Canada briefly for their June 7 headlining appearance at Field Trip.


Pic from the band's site.

March 15, 2015

Kaiser Chiefs - Employment is 10

For me, 2005 was an awesome year for music. A year that helped get me back in to music and appreciate how much great stuff was coming out. One of the very cool albums that came out that year is Kaiser Chiefs' début album Employment. I was blown away by the high-energy, tightly crafted alternative pop from the first moment I heard "I Predict A Riot" and it just went from there.

Here are my favourite tunes from Employment, which came out 10 years ago today.

"I Predict A Riot"

"Oh My God"

Album opener "Everyday I Love You Less and Less"

"Modern Way"

"Na Na Na Na Naa"

Mark Ronson and Lily Allen's version of "Oh My God" from Ronson's 2007 album Version.

Pic from Facebook.

March 14, 2015

Elastica - Elastica is 20

Elastica put out their eponymous début on this day in 1995. That makes this glorious, hit-filled, gritty alternative pop album 20 years old. What a young'n. Not even old enough to drink in parts of the US of A. If you're interested in more info on the band and the album, head over to the fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia.

Although the whole album is strong, here are my favourite tunes:

"Line Up"

"Annie"

"Connection"; the song most people would be familiar with if they're not very familiar with Elastica. The big hit.

"Car Song"

"Waking Up"

"Stutter"

"Vaseline"

Pic from Facebook.

March 13, 2015

New tune from Muse

After the not-so-well-received 2012 release of The 2nd Law, Muse is back with a more straight-up rock-riff sound and some profanity as their return-to-form. Check out the tune "Psycho" from their forthcoming June 9th release Drones.

See what you think of the new tune by taking a listen below. And you can always join in the online bashing of the rather obvious messaging of the album cover.


Pic from Facebook.

March 12, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Sandbox

Sandbox formed in 1993 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Their 1995 album Bionic had a couple of cool singles on it. The band is most famous for having Mike Smith, now famous for the character Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys, as one of their guitarists.

"Curious"

"Collide"

Pic from last.fm.

March 11, 2015

Drowning my sorrows in Frank Turner

Frank Turner at TURF 2013 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Unfortunately for me, concerts, or indeed leaving the house, are off the table for me for the next while. I was able to see, hear and photograph Wolf Alice last week (editing is going slow, too) but I couldn't make it to Rusty's 20th anniversary of Fluke show at the Horseshoe or Frank Turner's March 9th show at The Horseshoe.

This killed me a little inside since Frank Turner's music is incredible, he's an amazing live performer, and the chance to see and photograph him in a small venue like The Horseshoe may never happen again, especially since I believe the last two times he headlined Toronto he played at The Sound Academy and The Phoenix Concert Theatre.

To get over the disappointment at missing what, by all accounts, was a fantastic live show, I've put this post together that highlights some of my favourite Frank Turner tunes, all from his Horseshoe setlist.

Frank's just released the third of his b-sides and rarities in the form of the aptly titled The Third Three Years and should have a new album out later this year. You lucky bastards who were in attendance got to hear some of the new tunes.

"Four Simple Words"

"The Road"

"Glory Hallelujah" an all time favourite that I hope everyone sang along to.

"Reasons Not To Be An Idiot"

"Try This At Home"

"The Way I Tend to Be"

"Wessex Boy"

"Photosynthesis" with "Plain Sailing Weather"

"Peggy Sang The Blues"

"Recovery"

"Long Live The Queen"

"The Ballad Of Me & My Friends"

"I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous"

"I Still Believe"

The pic above is one I took on a point-and-shoot at TURF 2013.

March 10, 2015

Whitney Rose announces new album and release party; lets us listen to two new tunes

Whitney Rose at The Danforth Music Hall Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I caught Whitney Rose opening for Lake Street Dive at The Danforth Music Hall. I was impressed with her music, her presence and her voice. I even took pics.

She's just announced a new album Heartbreaker of the Year coming out April 21 on Cameron House Records. Coincidentally, that very night, she's playing The Horseshoe Tavern to celebrate. Tickets available now from Ticketfly.

Check out a couple of tunes below. Both "Little Piece of You" and "Lasso" deliver a modern and unique take on country music that respects all of the traditional elements. More videos will follow...

Take a listen and get your tickets:



"Lasso"

Whitney Rose at The Danforth Music Hall Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

March 9, 2015

Alexisonfire once more, at 7 festivals this summer, including Riot Fest Toronto!

Alexisonfire is reuniting for seven festival shows this summer, including Reading, Leeds and Riot Fest Toronto on September 19-20. These dates mark the first time the band has performed together since briefly reuniting in 2012 for a worldwide 10th anniversary tour.

To celebrate their appearance at Toronto Riot Fest, a limited number of specially priced general admission weekend passes will be released on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10 AM for only $69.50 (plus applicable service charges) via RiotFest.org and Ticketfly.com.

The rest of the Riot Fest line-up will be announced later in the spring. Complaints to their Twitter.

Listen to some tunes to remind yourself of the awesome power of Alexisonfire.

"This Could Be Anywhere In The World"

"The Northern"

"Waterwings"

"Pulmonary Archery"

"Young Cardinals"

"Rough Hands"

Photo by Vanessa Heins

March 8, 2015

New music from Torres

Torres at The Horseshoe Tavern Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I caught Torres opening for Strand of Oaks at The Horseshoe Tavern here in Toronto. I even took some pics. I was impressed with her solo performance and described her music as, "...raw emotion; songs and stories that are stripped bare and told in the first person."

She recently shared a new track called "Strange Hellos" that features a full band and with it, a heavy take on that personal, emotive music. In short, it sounds great and I'd love to catch the full-band version of Torres on stage. Her new album Sprinter comes out in May.

March 7, 2015

Suns of Stone at The Phoenix

The Suns of Stone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
On a cold and snowy night in Toronto, February 7 to be exact, I ventured out to The Phoenix Concert Theatre to see a great band that I loved back in the 80s - Saga. I came in during first opener Suns of Stone's set. The delivered a set of straight-up hard rock riffs in the classic rock tradition. Good stuff and they did a nice job of getting us warmed up, both literally and figuratively, for the music to come.
The Suns of Stone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Suns of Stone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
The Suns of Stone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesThe Suns of Stone at The Phoenix Concert Theatre February 7, 2015 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Take a listen to some Suns of Stone:

"Talking to Me"

"Rise Up"

"Don't Want My Love"

"Stormbringer"

March 6, 2015

New Stars video for Trap Door

Stars have been on the road promoting their latest release No One Is Lost and they've just released a video for the upbeat tune "Trap Door" which they've been featuring on their setlists.

Check out the video and in case you missed them, check out my pics of Stars and Hey Rosetta! from their recent show in Toronto.

March 5, 2015

Classic Canadian Alternative: Rhymes with Orange

Rhymes with Orange were a pop-tinged alternative band from Vancouver. I actually met the band in a Golden Griddle restaurant back in the day. Such memories. Check out some tunes:

"Toy Train"

"She Forgot to Laugh"

Pic from Facebook.

March 4, 2015

New July Talk video for Someone

July Talk at Lee's Palace Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
July Talk at Lee's Palace Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
I'm a huge, huge July Talk fan. I'm certainly not alone in wanting new music from the band to be released. In the meantime, we can enjoy more and more brilliance from their eponymous début.

Here's the latest July Talk video. It features the band having fun in a motel room. The tune is "Someone" and it's awesome.

As always, the band is touring. If you're local, I hope you were lucky enough to get tickets for their now sold out St. Patrick's Day show at The Hoxton. After that, they're off to Europe before coming back for WayHome Festival in July.

July Talk at Toronto Urban Roots Festival 2014 TURF Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
July Talk at Lee's Palace Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures

March 3, 2015

New Metz

Metz rocked us all with their first album. They've got a new one on the way for a May 5 release and we get to hear the new tune "Acetate". The new album is simply called II and if this tune is any indication, it's going to be another super-intense bludgeoning cacophony of barely-restrained power. I've got to see these guys live.

They're on tour and playing Toronto's Lee's Palace May 1-2 and somewhat locally at Ontario's WayHome Festival in July.


Pic from Facebook.

March 2, 2015

Whitehorse Leave No Bridge Unburned with new album

Whitehorse just released a new album called Leave No Bridge Unburned. The duo of Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland produce tunes that are rootsy and groovy with cool harmonies and southern-fried guitar riffs. I managed to miss their live set at TURF in 2013, but they claim to, "...present a full band sound using live loops, bits and pieces percussion, and swapping guitars left right and centre on stage."

Soak up some tunes and grab your tickets to their tour. They're on stage at Toronto's Massey Hall on May 8.

"Downtown"

"Sweet Disaster"

"Baby What's Wrong?"

"Tame as the Wild Ones"

"The One I Hurt"

Pic from Facebook.

March 1, 2015

Royal Blood. What else do you need to know?

Royal Blood at Lee's Palace in Toronto October 14, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography picturesRoyal Blood at Lee's Palace in Toronto October 14, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures
Royal Blood became one of my favourite discoveries of 2014 with their uber-powerful self-titled début album. The album featured prominently on my favourite albums of 2014 list, several songs appeared on my favourite songs of 2014 list and their powerhouse show at Toronto's Lee's Palace was significant because I knew even then that I would never get to see them play a venue that intimate again.

Last week they impressed us all with a win of Best British Group at the Brit awards and they put on a massive performance of "Figure It Out". Congrats to this great band and I look forward to the amazing things they'll do as their career progresses. This post will catch us up on the recent happenings in the Royal Blood camp.

Here's that Brit Awards performance:

Hurray Hurray for the first of March, Royal Blood is covering the Police's "Roxanne".

They also released a new video for "Out of the Black"

They've put out some b-side tracks: 'Hole', 'You Want Me', 'Love And Leave It Alone' and 'One Trick Pony'.

Here they are covering T. Rex's "20th Century Boy". Great tune!

And finally, a video for "Ten Tonne Skeleton"

Royal Blood at Lee's Palace in Toronto October 14, 2014 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative music blog concert photography pictures