one in ten words

March 2, 2016

New video/music from Augustines: Are We Alive

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a new Augustines tune called "Are We Alive". Well this energetic and anthemic tune now has a video. It's special in that it features a guy who goes to way, way, way more gigs than I do. It shows just how much magic music, such as the music produced by Augustines, can bring to a person's life. Check out the quote at the end of the clip. Truth.

New music from Tacocat: I Hate The Weekend from Lost Time

Palindrome and band Tacocat have a new album called Lost Time that they're releasing on April 1. Check out the upbeat "I Hate The Weekend" from it.

Pic from Facebook.

New music from Frightened Rabbit: Get Out from Painting of a Panic Attack

As I posted a little bit ago, personal favourites and all around amazing artists Frightened Rabbit have a new album called Painting of a Panic Attack coming out April 8. We got to hear "Death Dream" and now we get to hear "Get Out".

The song starts off building emotion with the melody and instrumentation, then the chorus hits so hard and propels the song forward. I don't usually comment on videos but the way the choreography and the song and the actors work together is marvellous.

So far, their only Canadian tour date is Osheaga. I just might have to go...

New music from The Kills: Doing It To Death from Ash & Ice

The Kills, who I love and got to see live at Field Trip 2014, have just announced a new album and a slate of tour dates. The album is called Ash & Ice and it comes out June 3. The tune "Doing It To Death" is available for listening and video viewing now. It's a cool tune with a deep groove, Alison Mosshart's fantastic vocals and Jamie Hince's solid riffing.

The band will be in Toronto for a show at The Danforth Music Hall on May 21. I'm hoping to be there to capture the event.

March 1, 2016

Thirty years ago: Hüsker Dü Candy Apple Grey

88.1 on the Toronto FM radio dial wasn't always Indie 88. It used to be the radio station of Ryerson Univeristy before they lost their broadcast licence. Back in high school, I used to listen to this hardcore show on the Ryerson station that frankly introduced me to a whole new world of music, including a great many amazing hardcore, punk and metal bands. If I recall correctly, that's where I first heard music from Hüsker Dü, from their major label début and the album whose 30th birthday is this month, Candy Apple Grey.

I mentioned this album pretty recently when Century Palm covered "Don't Want To Know If You Are Lonely" from this great album.

It's full of lyrics, chords, melodies and energy that were eye-opening and super-influential on me as a person, a songwriter and a guitarist. Hüsker Dü, and specifically Bob Mould, has been such a huge inspiration in my life and in music that I'll take any opportunity to share the band and their music. Here I raise a virtual glass to the anniversary of the release of this spectacular album.

Here's the full album: