Alright … this song has been stuck in my head for the past forty-eight hours. Usually that would be an absolutely awful and maddening situation but I gotta be honest: this song is amazing. I’m such a suck for catchy, well written pop songs that’s got you got you toe-tapping immediately. In the grand tradition of ABBA, Sweden has produced some well produced and intelligent pop music is recent years. And Robyn is no exception. Releasing an album in three parts this year, Body Talk Pt. 1+2 have proven to be a breath of fresh air in the electro-pop landscape. Her first single from Part 1, “Dancing on My Own”, was released two months ago to critical aplomb. With Part 2 on the horizon (released in the US on September 7 on Cherrytree) Robyn’s released “Hang With Me” and well … if you haven’t listened yet please do! Enjoy.
Bodies of Water are like a million bands that I listen to: I give them a listen, decide they aren’t for me, sit on the record for months or years, then give them a try and love them. It’s hard to do this, because I’m so ashamed with myself for being so wrong before, denying myself such excellent music. It’s literally been at least 2 years since I gave Bodies of Water a shot, and I am sad about myself for that.
They’ve released two fantastic record on Secretly Canadian, and I heavily suggest you check them up. It’s big, baroque roots-y folk-pop, with group sing alongs and tons of emotion. It’s great music because the band really feels like they’re giving it their all.
The website that put this video together is Swedish, so I’m still working through what they’re all about, but I’m all about Bodies of Water. Enjoy!
P.S. Quick question: Are there any Canadian bands that sound like this? I like to support my homeland, but I can’t for the life of me think of any national heroes that deliver this type of sound…
Stuart Mclamb of The Love Language has filled out an official DWD Questionnaire. Libraries is their new album, and it’s a damn fine blend of orchestrated-twee sensibilities, mixed with a big country kind of feeling. Also, Mclamb’s voice is something that I like to use when singing in the shower or out in the rain. Needless to say, I recommend The Love Language, and I recommend reading the questionnaire. Oh, and check out the album.
1) Live Albums: Hidden gems or waste of time?
I like some live albums but for the most part i’m not that interested. To name a few Live at Folsom Prison, Sam Cooke’s Live At Harlem Square Club, and The Velvet Underground’s Live at Maxes Kansas City. Fake live albums like The Make-Up’s Destination: Love rule as well.
2) Which of the 7 Wonders of the World would you want to play on top of?
Hmmm… In a row on the great wall, with a 5,500 mile long string section.
3) If your band was an actor who would they be and why?
Burt Reynolds. Because you want to hate on him but you just can’t.
4) Name a record you and your parents can agree on?
Ray Charles, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Snowed in with The Love Language from Jason Arthurs on Vimeo.
5) Who are some of your favourite bands that you’ve played with?
Lonnie Walker, Headlights, Local Natives, Phoenix
6) What happens on your commute on tour? What do you do together and what do you do alone?
we sleep. we sleep together. we sleep alone.
7) If your music could evoke a mental disorder in your listeners which mental disorder would it be?
Dissociative identity disorder
8) Who is your favourite producer (worked with or ever dream of working with)?
BJ Burton, for obvious reasons.
9) What do you read when looking for music news or criticism?
10) Are there any countries you would love to play that you haven’t yet?
All of them. I need to get a passport.
11) Which prehistoric predator is the most dangerous? Which one better represents your band?
The Darkhorn, because it is a unicorn that isn’t afraid to party.
On the heals of the Toronto Fringe Festival that took over the fair Canadian city earlier this July, comes yet another deluge of home-grown original theatre works this time with an awesome music series. That’s right folks, it’s time for the Summer Works Theatre Festival! (I know all of you have been marking down the days on your wall calendar) In its twentieth summer the festival boasts a roster of up and coming performers. But it’s not just for thespians. As I mentioned before there’s also some pretty swell musical stylings courtesy of local musicians. The festival kicks off August 5th and runs until the 14th down in Toronto’s west-end.
Every night of the festival there are scheduled musical performances at the Lower Ossington Playhouse. With two stages (upstairs and downstairs) Summer Works promises some pretty diverse and exciting sounds. From The Hidden Cameras to Bocce to Kamau. Shows at the Mainstage are only $10 and the Performance Bar is a pay-what-you can deal. So, I ask you…what’s stopping you from checking out some fab summer jams? The answer: Nothing at all.
Below is the entire festival line-up with links to artist’s bios. You can find info on the fesitval right over here.
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Russian band Motorama released their debut album this year, entitled Alps. If you’re into New Wave revivalists with gruff voices and a love for early New Order, then I think you’ll find something lovely and charming on this record. It’s nice and light, while fully capturing that tender, emotional depth synth-pop can really nail. Maybe it’s something to do with the robotic rhythm and jangled and chiming guitars that really give you space to fall into the emotional goals of the songwriters.
You can download it for free from their website (HERE) and then you can be listening to the same thing that I am!
