I was driving home from work today and, much to my amazement, Frank Zappa‘s “Dancing Fool” comes on the radio (CKUA, another great station). Frank was the consummate working class musician. He was also one of the first bands I ever saw live. Good story. I was working for the Winnipeg Arena while I was going to school. We would clean out the seats after events, and during one of my shifts, I had the pleasure of listening to him and his band (Mothers of Invention) rehearse for a concert that night in Winnipeg. Not much work got done that day. I searched out two videos to share. First of course, is “Dancing Fool” done live on Saturday Night Live and the second is a live version of the classic “Dinah-Moe Humm”.
Our first new release is by Dan Mangan. The album name is Oh Fortune and was released today. Born in Smithers, BC and now living in Vancouver, Dan is an indie-folk-rock singer songwriter. This album is his third as he steadily grows in popularity. The video is the song “Rows of Houses” from the new album.
The second new release is by Canadian alternative band “Cuff the Duke” and is titled “Morning Comes”. Hailing from Oshawa, their sound is kind of country folk mix in the style of Blue Rodeo. The video is a cut from the album “Count On Me”
The Barr Brothers, are a Montreal based rock band and just released their self titled album. They are not an in your face band and their music is very lyrical and though out. The video is a lve version of “Beggar in the Morning” off the album. As you will see, it is very laid back, but nicely done.
Our 4th entry is from Juno nominated artists, The New Cities. Their latest album is called “Kill the Lights” and the attached video is “Heatwave” off the album. This Trois-Rivieres pop band is riding a wave of popularity with the release of this, their second album. Their music has been featured on “Gossip Girl” and “So You Think You Can Dance”.
Our final entry is a new release by Pickering, Ontario’s favourite songstress, Sarah Slean. This is Sarah’s 11th album (6th studio). Her first album was released in 1997. She has cultivated a large following in Canada. The video attached is titled “Set It Free” and is a catchy number that will continue to win new fans for her work.
I am adding a new weekly posting, usually on Tuesday, that will highlight new releases by Canadian artists.
First up is Elliott BROOD and their new album “Days Into Years”, released on September 20, 2011. This 3 piece band is out of Toronto, Ontario. Mark Sasso plays harmonica, string instruments an handles the lead vocals. Casey Laforet handles backup vocals, guitars and bass pedals. Stephen Pitkin plays drums and does some backup vocals as well. their music is self described as “death country”. I would call it more of alt-country with pieces reminiscent of Blue Rodeo. This release marks their 4th album, their first “Tin Type” was released in 2004. The cut featured is called “Northern Air”.
Next up, The Midway State released a single this week, a remake of Bryan Adams classic, “Run To You”. An interesting and very well done version of one of Adams best songs. Another band out of Toronto, they have released 2 albums and an EP since 2007. The band was nominated for 2 Junos in 2009.
Other notable releases this week are
Rock and Roll Romance by “State of Shock” Alternative rock.
Unpersons by “The Pack A.D.” Fusion of garage rock and blues, with tones of Jack White.
Fire/Water and EP released by “Yukon Blonde”. Great band, just couldn’t find a video.
A definite classic, China Grove by The Doobie Brothers, recorded live in 1974. This band was always hit or miss for me. I loved lots of their stuff (Black Water) and some, not so much (Listen to the Music). No matter though, this particular song is part of the soundtrack of my life as it is for many others.
Joss Stone has released a new album called LP1. Just purchased it and wanted to share. After dabbling out of her zone with “Introducing Joss Stone” (her preceding album, which I enjoyed as well), she has moved back into her wheelhouse with a bit more bluesy, rocking style. The songs are growing on me and I am really starting to enjoy. The clip I have attached is “Karma” and was done live on Leno. Note the guitar player, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. He collaborated with Joss Stone on this album. He is, or has, created a new entity called SuperHeavy with himself, Mick Jagger and Joss Stone, but that will be another story.
I heard this on CKUA on my way in to work this morning and knew I had to find it. Needless to say, as I am posting it, I found it and a live version at that. What a great groove. Eric Burdon was the power behind the Animals, a British invasion band that was right up there with the Rolling Stones and The Who. Eric branched off with War and did many great tunes with that ensemble.
An amazing video. Derek and the Dominoes on the Johnny Cash Show. They are not playing Layla either. Watch the whole video. After the first song, Eric Clapton is interviewed by Johnny, then Carl Perkins comes out and they all play a tune together. Quite the combo, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Eric Clapton.
The Yardbirds! One of the great bands of all time. One band, three special guitarists. Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page all played with this band at one point in their career. I have attached 2 videos of the classic tune, “Heart Full of Soul“, one featuring Jeff Beck, the other Jimmy Page. Page brings a different energy and a slightly different sound. Either way, superb playing by two of the best.
Thinking of old songs and the classic “The Letter” by The Box Tops popped into my head. While listening to it, Joe Cocker popped into my head with the version he did with Leon Russell during “The Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour. A great contrast, the original from 1967 and a version that claimed this song for eternity by Joe Cocker, done in 1970. The Box Tops version is a standard here is the band on a TV show and we are playing this song we wrote, whereas the Cocker version is live and filled with what appears to be a very stoned Leon Russell on keyboards and the moves characteristic of Joe Cocker, made famous by John Belushi in his parodies of Joe.
1973 - Ian Anderson and Martin Barre - Image via Wikipedia
Jethro Tull is one of the more interesting bands to make it big in the 70’s. I would have posted “Thick as a Brick” but it is kind of a lengthy tune. (old time inside joke) Ian Anderson is at his wildest (Insanest?) best in this live version of “Aqualung” and features Martin Barre on guitar.
