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Showing posts with label Broken Social Scene. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Broken Social Scene. Show all posts

Friday, May 19, 2017

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Beach House "Chariot" Single (Sub Pop/Bella Union)

"Chariot" the lead single from the upcoming Beach House "B-Sides and Rarities" album is a passionate number highlighted by Victoria Legrand's soothing vocals. It's got a bit of a David Lynch element going on as it's droning keyboards and lulling atmospherics sound like it could have easily been part of the "Blue Velvet" soundtrack. It's a truly delightful piece sure to impress fans both new and old. The 14 track album is due out on June 30th via Sub Pop and Bella Union.

Boss Hog "Brood X" LP (Bronze Rat Records)

Boss Hog are back with their new album "Brood X". Led by the husband-and-wife team of singer Cristina Martinez and singer/guitarist Jon Spencer, the album is packed with ten ass shaking rock n roll numbers full of swagger and sway in all the right ways. Spencer's fuzz driven guitar attack and Martinez dynamic vocal appeal shine bright alongside Hollis Queens thunderous beats and Jens Jurgensen infectious bass lines. Highlights include the anthem like spirit of "Black Eyes" the laid back groove of "Shh Shh Shh" and the dangerous delivery of "Signal". It's certainly the kind of mind blowing rock n roll you need in your life....LIKE RIGHT NOW!!! The band have lot's of upcoming shows including an appearance at the Do Division Street Festival in Chicago June 6th.

Broken Social Scene "Hug Of Thunder" Single (brokensocialscene.ca)

I've always enjoyed Broken Social Scene's music. My respect for them grew even more when I had the chance to see them in a small studio setting during a live on KEXP performance at CMJ in 2008. "Hug Of Thunder" the title track from their fifth studio album features beautiful lead vocals from Leslie Feist, which pair perfectly with the incredible musicianship and catchy hooks that flow throughout the piece. The Canadian super group was founded by Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew in 1999 and the new album (their first in seven years) also features original members Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw of Metric, Amy Millan and Evan Cranley of Stars, Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit of Do Make Say Think as well as the previously mentioned Leslie Feist. The band will also be playing dates in the U.S., U.K. and Europe throughout the next several months.

Caleido "Irregular" E.P. (caleidoband.bandcamp.com)

Shoegaze/indie pop unit Caleido are making some of the brightest and most impressive sounds you will hear anywhere. Based in Santiago, Chile the band just released this stellar four song E.P. that's full of uplifting melodies, in the pocket rhythms and radiant waves of cinematic sound. Standout number "Click?" comes off like a cross between Air, Pink Floyd and The Flaming Lips as it's wavering riffs and hypnotic presence are sure to put you in a state of musical bliss. It's also full of breathtaking dynamics that keep you guessing at what will come next. I also really enjoy the instrumental track "Médel" as it adds the presence of some incredibly gritty guitars and even more psychedelic production that reminds me of "Magical Mystery Tour" era Beatles. Overall "Irregular" is a top notch release that combines brilliant song writing with an open and inviting attitude.

Chuck Berry "Big Boys" Single (dualtonestore.com)

"Big Boys" the first Chuck Berry single in 40 years from his final album "Chuck" is everything you'd expect from the Godfather, Inventor and "TRUE KING OF ROCK N ROLL". It's trademark riff and swinging beat echos Berry classics like "Johnny B Goode" and "Maybellene" and features guest appearances from Tom Morello and Nathaniel Rateliff. The song is about "a teenager wanting to do all the things that grownups do". "Chuck" will be available June 9th courtesy of Dualtone Records. RIP Chuck Berry and HAIL HAIL ROCK N ROLL!!!

Mogwai "Coolverine" Single (mogwai.co.uk)

I'm really looking forward to the new Mogwai album "Every Country's Sun". The title alone puts a lot of things in perspective and really makes you think. "Coolverine", the albums first single is highlighted by a driving, uplifting rhythm, full of Dominic Aitchison's signature bass tone. There's a cagey, dangerous element to the track that blends well with it's subtle nuances and deep melodic hooks. Mogwai keep reinventing themselves with each and every release and continue to show why they are one of the most forward thinking bands on the planet. "Every Country's Sun" is set for release on September 1st courtesy of Temporary Residence Limited.

Friday, January 30, 2015

"Five For Friday" with Sam & Hugo of Gillbanks

Hailing from London, Gillbanks made up of Sam Gillbanks and Hugo Heaverman have just released their debut single "Anxious?" which is a brilliant combination of blistering alternative rock and melodic Brit pop. Sam & Hugo have shared a collection of their favorite songs for this weeks "Five For Friday" feature but first enjoy "Anxious?" taken from their upcoming album 'Lived-In'.

Sam: Flying Lotus - 1983

I am a strong believer that Flying Lotus is currently the don of electronic music. His use of rhythm, dynamics and instrumentation is extremely inspirational and impressive. '1983' showcases a different side to him. It's less hectic compared to recent release 'You're Dead!' but still has a similar feel to it. I love how the sounds wouldn't seem out of place in a Sci-Fi movie. This track really opened up my mind and encouraged me to experiment with different tempo's and rhythm's. I guess that's why it's special to me. It's not every ones favorite album or track of his, but I don't care, I love it.

Sam: Radiohead - 2 + 2 = 5

Radiohead are my favorite band due to how diverse they are. Each album is different but never fails to impress me. It's really hard to pick one Radiohead track that has influenced me, mainly down to the fact I could easily name at least 20. However I've decided to go with '2+2=5' because it's f***ing great! The way the track builds throughout is beautiful and the jagged riff at 2:25 just makes the song for me. The sounds and the dynamics created throughout this track have really influenced the music I create and along with many other Radiohead songs will continue to influence me for a very long time.

Sam: Broken Social Scene - 7/4 (Shoreline)

This was the first ever Broken Social Scene song that graced my ears. I remember the moment well. I was around 18, sat in my car, in a Tesco (a horrible British Supermarket) car park with one of my good friends and he said "have you heard this? You'll love it" and he was damn right. Right from the start I was in love. The production, the vocal melodies, the dynamics, the drums, the guitars, the brass creeping in towards the end; pretty much everything was ringing alarm bells in my head saying why haven't I heard this song or band before? Whenever I hear this song it makes me feel something positive and inspires me to create.

Hugo: Brian Jonestown Massacre - Anemone

Jonestown is actually a fairly recent interest of mine. I bought “Their Satanic Majesties’ Second Request” on record not long ago, and haven't been able to put it down. It’s that dreamy vibe that sets me up before I get stuff done. I get lost in like a blanket of soft touch instruments that caress my ears, and this is the kind of stuff I’m going to be feeding off when I make some stuff of my own at some point. This track in particular just has a completely care free attitude, and sometimes I need that to relieve myself from getting choked up by everything that is so “important”.

Hugo: Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - No More Shall We Part / Jeff Buckley - Grace

This final choice has to be a tie between Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds’ “No More Shall We Part” album, and Jeff Buckley’s “Grace”. The f***ing energy and extreme emotion that’s gone into these tracks can only be felt, and the lyrics make you explode. I love how the aggressive moments in both albums build, and how at most times the stories they are singing about are so sad, yet you feel amazing! The dynamics are really important to me, especially when faced with such powerful lyrics, and this is something that myself and Sam always had in mind when working on the album. In fact, I sometimes used the track “Dream Brother” off the “Grace” album as a reference when mastering the album.