Heard this on CBC2 today during an interview she was doing and had to post it. Serena Ryder is the next big thing. The vocals on this are amazing, almost Adele, yet different, kind of like Aretha, yet different, and a dash of Amy Winehouse. This is the exact performance I heard. Sit back and enjoy “For You”. Oh, and get the album “Harmony”, you will not regret it.
A little surprised this one was on my iPhone (Lori???) (free Single of the Week??). No matter, I must be true to the random generator. This upbeat pop tune comes from Cookie Duster. The Canadian group formed in the late 1990’s, but went on hiatus when Brendan Canning‘s other group, Broken Social Scene, took off. When this project went on hiatus, Cookie Duster reformed and released an album in 2012. Nice tune.
In case you hadn’t noticed, my iPhone is full of Canadian artists and Feist is one of them. Calgary‘s own Leslie Feist had a major hit back in 2007 with her album “The Reminder“. It contained her major hit “1234” which had a life of its own after being used in an Apple iPod Nano commercial and on Sesame Street. I mean, how big are you when you get to sing a duet with Elmo. Feist has also got an extensive filmography and is also a regular member of the indie group “Broken Social Scene”, who are also worth a listen. This song, “I Feel It All”, was also on the album and received extensive airplay in Canada. It was also featured in the movie “The Accidental Husband”. Great album. Great song.
A quick song for you from a band out my home town, Winnipeg. The song. Hummingbird, the group, Imaginary Cities. The video, kind of cool. Speaking of the peg, will be out there again this weekend so some slow blogging once again. And an apology to people I normally drop in on, just to bloody busy, but I will catch up with you. In the meantime enjoy another fine song courtesy of my morning drive and CBC2.
A Winnipeger is allowed to speak of Winnipeg in whatever way one wants to. This song, “One Great City”, by Winnipeg band The Weakerthans, is literally a love/hate song of our mutual home town. The band formed in 1997. They are an Alt band with some punk roots. This song is both melodic and ironic. It was on their 2003 album “Reconstruction”. A bit different that what I have featured lately, but, heard it on the drive today and had to post it.
Canadian Luke Nicholson released his new album “Mad Love” in late 2012. “Just Fell Down” is a recent release off the record. As seems to be the norm for me, I just heard this on CBC2 this morning and couldn’t wait to post it for you. He has been playing and recording for 15 years and is now seeing his hard work move him forward. Great song. Has a nice pop feel,almost English and a very good chorus.
Just for fun, Scooby Snacks. NYC band Fun Lovin’ Criminals had some success a few years back with this song. Catchy chorus.
Nice song by Brooklyn based Here We Go Magic. The song, “How Do I Know” was released off their “Different Ships” album from 2012 on the “Secretly Canadian” label. Enjoy.
This is Part 2 of my list.
These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year. It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning its move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs. About time I’d say. I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc. The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.
I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1. In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012. I hope you enjoy.
Haunting melody, interesting harmonies, good video. This one snuck up on me and really grew on me.
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These guys are on a roll. Hope they keep it up. El Camino is a great album. Hope they don’t become the Gallagher’s redux.
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I suggest 2 things, in either order. Close your eyes and listen to the lyrics and let the sound wash through you, then open them and watch the video. Great song and message.
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This video is a duet with a favourite of mine, Joel Plaskett. He produced her album as well. Beautiful song.
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I don’t think Phil Spector was thinking banjos when he went with the wall of sound, but it works. And live, incredible. Singing lead, playing guitar and hitting the drum pedal.
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One of those songs where I have absolutely no idea why I like it. I hate the video, by the way. Exceptional in its corniness.
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I am an unabashed John Mayer fan. His consistency is amazing. Great player as well.
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When I first heard this song on Idol as the required song in the final, I knew there was no way he would lose. For the first time in American Idol history, the chosen first single for the winner was a perfect match. I also did something I had never done for an Idol artist, I bought the song.
Australian band, Cut Copy, released this song in 2010 and is from their album “Zonoscope”. Great song, kind of a 21st century Beach Boys thing.
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