Broken Social Scene One Night Reunion
Although it’s rare that the members of Broken Social Scene can all get together to perform, the band recently announced that they will be co-headlining the new Field Trip Music & Arts Festival. Taking place in Toronto on June 8th other acts include, Feist (no surprise here), Bloc Party, Cold Specks, Timber Timbre, Hayden, Ra Ra Riot, Zeus and Trust. SInce the festival celebrates the 10th anniversary of BSS’s label Arts & Crafts, it seems fitting that the band come out for the occasion. Early bird tickets are priced at $55 and available here (http://fieldtriplife.com).
Watch: Our Favorite Feist Metals Live Performances
Last weekend Feist won the rather coveted Polaris Award for excellence in Canadian recorded music so we figured we would post a little something in her honor. It seems as though Leslie Feist has come along way since her iPod commercial days and Metals is one original, dark and melodic album. The album is great and Feist really shines in her live performances, so enjoy a couple of our favorites below.
MOR New Tunes Playlist: Volume Four
We’re back with another version of your favorite Merchants of Rock New Tunes Playlist series. We even have a fresh red graphic this go round, so how can you go wrong?
This go round, the “once prolific” Ryan Adams becomes the first artist to appear on two of our esteemed playlists, old favorites Wilco, Centro-matic, and Feist make an appearance, newcomers Phantogram, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., and Cults keep things fresh while Bon Iver, Artic Monkeys, Black Lips, Dawes, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Blitzen Trapper, and Noel Gallagher round out the latest playlist.
We think it is some of our best yet, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Enjoy!
Don’t have Spotify? Do yourself a favor and download it, it’s free and quite wonderful. Why don’t you follow us while you’re at it?
Watch New Black Cab Session ft. Feist
Out of all of the viral video series out there, the Black Cab Sessions have to be on the short list for the coolest. Nevermind the challenges that arise from trying to record high quality A/V in a moving vehicle, these guys always seem to pull together a killer take.
As for the subject, Leslie Feist turns in a spot on “Undiscovered First” from her latest album Metals. Check out the video below for a unique video of a killer song.
Feist from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.
Listen To New Feist Track
The internet has been abuzz the last few weeks with details, teasers, and fill in the blank cover art games for Feist’s new album Metals, due October 4th. Well, now we have a proper single from the new album in the streaming player below. The song is a bit of a teaser in and of itself as it kind of winds you up without a proper release, but I have to say it is nice to hear some new original material from Leslie. Check out the new tune “How Come You Never Go There” in the Soundcloud player below:
Introducing…..Bahamas
Who is Bahamas?
Bahamas is a one man band created by Afie Jurvanen. Afie grew up about 2 hours outside of Toronto, and up until now has been hanging in the shadows – playing and touring with such artists as Jason Collett and Feist. In 2009 Jurvanen stepped into the spotlight with his debut album Pink Strat, which was only released in Canada. The album received plenty of praise from the music scene in his home country – but for one reason or another just now saw it’s U.S. release.
What’s It Sound Like?
Bahamas is sure to please fans of M Ward, Damien Jurado and Josh Rouse or anyone who likes super chill and melodic indie tunes. Jurvanen’s debut album Pink Strat focuses on his soft vocals and fine tuned guitar skills to tell somber and eccentric stories of love and loss.
Why Should You Listen.
Well for one, it is really good stuff. Jurvanen has created a stripped down intimate sound that has a fresh sound that’s soft and breezy like a warm summer day. Pink Strat is the kind of album that you pop on and have everyone asking “Who’s This?”. Afie is well on his way, so you might as well hop on the bandwagon now before he blows up.
What’s Next?
Jurvanen’s new album is due out early next year, and if Pink Strat was the result of an artist breaking out on his own and testing the songwriting waters then we can’t wait to hear what’s next.
If We Could only Suggest One Song.
Check out “Already Yours” in the player below. It’s a full blown winner.
Want More?
Check out this free download of the really killer Daytrotter session from earlier this year. Also, Pink Strat is avaliable on Itunes – get it, it’s a winner. We’ve also included a video of Afie playing the same tune complete with a nice little fireplace for ambiance.
BAHAMAS – Already Yours from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record Review
Fans have been waiting for 5 years for BSS’s fourth studio album and Forgiveness Rock Record is here to satisfy those cravings. In an early interview the band said that with so many years off and members they had a ridiculous amount of material to choose from and the final product plays like a greatest hits album. With upbeat pop songs like “Texico Bitches,” slow female leads like “Sentimental X’s” and epic rock songs like “World Sick” this album covers all bases. Yes there are several familiar voices making guest appearances here, look out for Emily Haines, Leslie Feist, and all together 31 different voices and collaborators. Some might argue that with so many contributors the sound is all over the place but to those people I say loosen up, I personally don’t want to listen to an album that has 14 tracks of the same song. One of the strengths of this album is that there are so many genres of music to chose from and as a whole feels like a fun journey through peaks “Art House Director” valleys “Sweetest Kill” and the in between “Romance to the Grave.” The low point of the album does come dead center with an ill placed “Highway Slippery Jam” but you instantly forgive them (no pun intended) when you hear the rest of the album. Well worth the wait this newest album is an instant classic filled with everything fans have come to expect from BSS and more. Now excuse me while I go find out where I can see this band live.
Highlights:
Texico Bitches
Forced to Love
Art House Director
Sentimental X’s
Water in Hell
Broken Social Scene First Listen
Last month we posted a free download of “World Sick“, the really good first track from Broken Social Scene’s latest album Forgiveness Rock Record. Now, the entire album is available on a free stream courtesy of NPR. The band’s first album since 2005, and while it features a much leaner line up then we have come to expect from the band, it does feature several guest spots including former BSSers Feist, Emily Haines (of Metric Fame), and Amy Milan. Other guest spots on the album include members of Tortoise, The Sea, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, and Cake.
The album will be properly released on May 4th, but you can stream the album in it’s entirety until then by clicking here.
Chicks Rock! A Playlist
Chicks Rock! Wait, chicks rock? I have to admit at the beginning of this assignment I was a little skeptical, but after spending several days digging into the archives of lead female vocals, I’m an almost believer. Meaning, there is still plenty of room for more chicks that rock, but for now we are making tremendous progress. So put down that cosmo, cap the cookie dough and forget about the latest Sandra Bullock flick because these ladies aren’t interested in girl talk – not when there’s rocking to be done. |
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1. The Anniversary – All Things Ordinary – Designing a Nervous Breakdown
Adrianne Verhoeven, who not only lent her angelic vocals but keyboard skills to this little Mid western based indie band, really makes this song stand out as not another “run of the mill” punk song. Unfortunately, The Anniversary broke up in 2004, which is too bad because with two solid albums that showed serious potential, they could have been contenders.
2. Metric – Gimme Sympathy – Fanatasies
The lead singer, Emily Haines, started her career in the band Broken Social Scene and really hits the mark with this upbeat song that not only rocks but shouts out one of my all time favorite songs, The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun.”
3. Neko Case – I’m an Animal – Middle Cyclone
This is one of the best female voices out right now and her newest album is receiving plenty of critical acclaim. This song was instantly my favorite on the album; maybe it’s the catchy guitar riff, the strong back beat, or the subtle choir voices, or maybe it’s just a great way to spend 2 minutes and 21 seconds.
4. The Go! Team – Huddle Formation – Thunder Lightning Strike
I kept wanting to leave this song off the playlist, (maybe it’s my general aversion to cheerleaders? why can’t people cheer on their own, why do they need someone to lead them?) but something about this tune is infectious so here it is at number 4.
5. Regina Spektor – Us – Soviet Kitsch
I have to admit I’m not a huge Regina Spektor fan but this song caught my attention and let’s face it this girl can sing. Plus she rocks out the piano AND writes all her own music, so way to represent for the ladies Regina.
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero – It’s Blitz!
The opening track from the YYY’s newest album has some serious “rockability.” Karen O’s sweet and innocent voice, mixed with the strong beat and synthesizers makes for a fun toe tapper.
7. Broken Social Scene – 7/4 (Shoreline) – Broken Social Scene
With this song’s super catchy intro and Feist’s ethereal voice it was a shoe in for the Chicks Rock! Playlist. Feist joined Broken Social Scene in the fall of 2002 but split from the group shortly there after when she released “Let It Die.” This song proves Feist could rock if she really wanted to.
8. Rachael Yamagata – Sidedish Friend – Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart
I first heard of this artist several years ago, but forgot about her until recently when I stumbled upon her newest effort released in 2008. I’m glad to see that she has remained true to her earlier melodic tunes but also grown into a confident (let’s just say it) badass, who can get down and dirty.
9. Rilo Kiley – Portions of Foxes – More Adventurous
This band, led by the vocals of Jenny Lewis, has some seriously solid music. They seem to reject being labeled by churning out every genre of music under the sun including country, teen pop, synthesized disco, folk and rock. Hey, whatever it is I like it.
10. Tegan and Sara – The Ocean – Sainthood
These twin sisters have been making music for awhile now, but with this recently released album they seem to be hitting a stride. I love how their voices sound like the same voice harmonizing with itself. I guess besides doubling your wardrobe and always having someone to hang out with, having a twin can provide other useful advantages.
Broken Social Scene Album Details & Free Single Download
It’s been five years since the last Broken Social Scene, album, but the wait is almost over. The Canadian ensemble has finally announced the follow-up to 2005′s self-titled LP and they are calling it “Forgiveness Rock Record”, and it will be released on 5/4.
The band has trimmed the lineup down to just six members for this album, but the latest will be full of guest appearances from ex-band members and friends including Feist and members from Metric, Tortoise and Metric.
The band has released the first single to this album, and made it available for a free download on their website. The song is pretty cool, with a lot of layers and moving parts that you would expect from a BSS tune. Don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself. All you have to do is enter your email below, and the band will email you a link to download.
