Sunday, June 20, 2010

Next Sunday!




























I'll be making two dozen of these:


Friday, June 18, 2010

Millencolin are playing the Phoenix in Toronto on September 12th. They will be playing Pennybridge Pioneers from start to finish, which just so happens to be my favourite album of theirs. I don't think I've been as excited about something since my first time seeing Propagandhi. I've been waiting for this day since I was in grade 8!


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I will be interviewing Chris Clavin from Ghost Mice for the Vegan Police. I am so excited to be doing this. Dylan said I was the first person he thought of to ask. I might also be interviewing Spoonboy from The Max Levine Ensemble. I had an off day today but this good news is making me feel a bit better.

I'd also like to add that I have the best brother. I am so happy that we are close and he is such a good friend. Riding bikes, planning to make amazing cookies and cream chocolate cakes and eating banana splits is the best. I really appreciate having him around, especially on days like these.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

I wish I could have seen this band.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Top Ten Albums '09

10. Shook Ones - The Unquotable A.M.H (Paper + Plastick): I've really only been listening to Shook Ones for the last year or so, because for some reason, it took me a while to get around to giving them a listen. This new release is very good. I've heard comparisons to Kid Dynamite, Lifetime, None More Black and I can hear them in this record. Which I can never complain about.

Standout tracks: Birds on Ice; For Collards; Tip the Weatherman.

9. The Mountain Goats - The Life of the World to Come (4AD): Another amazing release from the Mountain Goats. John Darnielle is such an outstanding songwriter and lyricist, this album is another product of his talents. It doesn't come near to the greatness that is the Sunset Tree, but it is still an excellent album, nonetheless.

Standout tracks: Psalms 40:2; Ezekiel 7 and the Permanent Efficacy of Grace; Isaiah 45:23.


8. Brainworms - II: Swear to Me (Rorschach Records): Chaotic, hardcore, post-hardcore, punk, whatever you call it, Brainworms, from Richmond, Virginia are an amazingly talented band that seem to be painfully underrated. The fast, often melodic guitar riffs mixed with the gritty, screaming vocals are truly awesome. After seeing them live at the Harvest of Hope Festival (where they played an Avail cover with Tim Barry), I realized their greatness and this album does not let down.

Standout tracks: Jay's Big Date; Half a Life; Which Words.



7. Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves - S/T (No Idea Records): This one is a rocker. But seriously, this first release by vocalist/guitarist of Hot Water Music Chris Wollard and his friends who comprise the Ship Thieves is a great indie, folk rock album. The lows he hits with his voice are amazing. Goosebump worthy.

Standout tracks: No Exception; Reason in my Rhyme; Same to You.

6. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country (Side One Dummy Records/TenFour Records): It's no surprise that Chuck Ragan's newest release is incredible. As awesome as 'Feast or Famine' is, Chuck has really grown and you can hear his progression in these songs. This album has more of a 'fuller' feel to it. The heart and soul he puts into his music is astonishing and gives me the chills every time I listen.

Standout Tracks: For Goodness Sake; Glory; Cut 'Em Down.


5. North Lincoln - Midwestern Blood (No Idea Records): I'm getting into this band ten years too late, but I guess it's better late than never. 'Midwestern Blood' is their final album and it's wonderful from start to finish. Each song is so well-written, with each instrument and vocal complementing each other in the best possible way. It's full of catchy, loud riffs, ridiculously good bass lines and fills. There are so many good things I can say about this album.

Standout tracks: All This Time; Seasons; Spy.


4. The Sidekicks - Weight of Air (Red Scare): This is another band that I just got into recently and have quickly fallen in love with. This album is a great mix of their old pop punk sound and a new found catchy Midwestern rock sound. It is such a change and huge progression from their first album. As much as I love 'So Long, Soggy Dog', 'Weight of Air' is such a huge step up. The songs are so catchy and heartfelt. The vocal harmonies, catchy riffs are all ridiculously good. Catchy.

Standout Tracks: Day-Staring; Almost the Same; Like the Tides.


3. Andrew Jackson Jihad - Can't Maintain (Asian Man Records): Amazing. Dark, heartfelt lyrics, electric guitar, drums, trumpets, saxophones, violins, trombones, the usual Andrew Jackson Jihad song with so much more depth. I didn't think I could love this band anymore, then they come out with this. OH MY.

Standout Tracks: Love In The Time Of Human Papillomavirus; Truckers Are The Blood; Heartilation; Sense, Sensibility



2. Propagandhi - Supporting Caste (G7 Welcoming Committee Records/Smallman Records): What can I possibly say about this album? Propagandhi outdo themselves every single time. Loud, passionate, intelligent lyrics, talented musicianship. It doesn't come as a surprise. Propagandhi will never go wrong and they prove it with Supporting Caste. Perfect from start to finish.

Standout Tracks: Night Letters; The Banger's Embrace; Potemkin City Limits; Supporting Caste; Human(e) Meat (The Flensing of Sandor Katz); the whole album.


1. Bomb the Music Industry! - Scrambles (Quote Unquote Records/Asian Man Records): When I first listened to this album, I thought it sounded very different - it was mature. I wasn't sure what to think but after my second listen, I realized the masterpiece that it is. Every single Bomb the Music Industry! album is just that. Jeff Rosenstock sure does know how to write a full album that flows together perfectly, rather than having songs that simply make up an album. Clever lyrics about living with parents, being broke, growing up, the exclusiveness of certain 'punk communities'; the use of an abundance of different instruments such as acoustic guitars, trombones, chimes, saxophones, piano, drum machines, sleigh bells, trumpets, stylophones, melodicas, banjos, a Wurlitzer that sound in perfect place, all make this album the best this year.

Standout tracks: Stuff That I Like; It Shits!!!; Can I Pay My Rent in Fun?; Sort of Like Being Pumped; 25!; Wednesday Night Drinkball; Cold Chillin' Cold Chillin' ...uh, every song.

Download Scrambles for free here. Donate any money you can, buy it from Asian Man Records, if you wish.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Sidekicks!






















I'm really looking forward to this show tomorrow! I discovered the Sidekicks prior to the Fest this year and have been listening to them a lot since. Unfortunately, I missed them and Failures' Union at the Fest. Also, Tin Armor rule!

Hopefully it will be a good day.