An under rated band that has had great success in the UK. Our cousin Lauren from England sent us a single for Christmas in 2007, which included this song. At the time, not available in Canada. Loved it. She came back to Canada in summer 2009 and we told her that she couldn’t come unless she brought the whole album, which was still unavailable here. Break Even, off this album became a hit here a year or so ago,, finally breaking this band in North America.
Tag: Music
John Walker – The Walker Bros – We Lose Another
A lot of people may not have heard of the Walker Brothers, but you have definitely heard them. He was the front man for the band, which was unique for the time. They did a reverse British Invasion in that they were an American band that went to the UK in the early 60’s and had a string of hits on the British charts. John Walker, deceased at 67 from liver cancer.
Listening to John Mayer Trio
I know what a lot of people think, John Mayer, pop star, etc etc. I disagree, I think he writes pop so he can do what he really likes and that is perform. John Mayer can flat out play as you will see on this video. This is his trio, which features Pino Palladino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums. He formed this band in 2005 as a one time thing to perform on Tsunami Aid. Soon after they released an exclusive Itunes collection, derided as a vanity piece by most critics, although Rolling Stone magazine called him a passable mini Stevie Ray Vaughn. They then began touring as the opening act for the Rolling Stones on some of their dates (What a rush that would have been) and released a full live album, “Try”. It appears that John Mayer has a soft spot for hard driving Blues/Rock. And he is more than passable.
Listening to Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Every now and then you find something when you least expect it. We were at the Saskatoon Jazz Festival a few years back and Lori sucked me in to go see Little Richard. 100 bucks later, we were in the Bessborough Garden listening to an astonishingly brutal concert by an icon. Talk about going through the motions. Anyways, I digress, the subject is Sharon Jones. Prior to the start of the concert, they were piping in music, and we’re saying who the hell is that, then more was played at intermission. The MC says, by the way, also playing tonight at the Odeon (basically a bar) is Sharon Jones, whose music they were piping in. One of those cases where the recorded music was better than the act, and it was only 20 bucks to get in. Finally did get to see her live at the Calgary Folk Festival (front row) a few years later. Well worth the wait. Click below to get to the video.
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Listening to Paolo Nutini (Two for One)
Yes, Italian name, Scottish accent, cute angle. Sure, BUT, this kid is really good. This particular song, “Coming Up Easy” is a primer on how to write a song. There will be much much more good music coming from this one over the years. Lori discovered him at a listening post I believe (remember those) at HMV. That was his first album, which is a must for any collection. This is from his second album “Sunny Side Up”.
i love this tune.
Listening to Sweet Thing
Yet another find from CBC2, while driving to work. Canadian band from Toronto I believe. Very catchy tune called “Lazy Susan”. If the CPC decides to ditch the CBC, I hope they keep the radio, especially CBC Radio 2. Where will I find new music, aargh!!!
Listening to Mumford & Sons
I was watching the Grammys and, as happens every year, getting pretty bored of the big show, when Mumford & Sons is introduced. They are all jammed up together on the stage and start playing. I am immediately enthralled by what I am hearing, then enthused. These guys are good. Not normally my cup of tea, mandolins, banjos and straight ahead folk music. Then I find out they are English, wow. I’m thinking they were right out of the hills in the USA somewhere (no offence to my American friends, just saying). Other than Jagger backed up by Rafael Saadiq and his band, the highlight of the show and the only album I bought while watching. Here they are, playing The Cave.
Listening to Cake
Remember “Short Skirt/Long Jacket”. That was Cake, and this is their latest, Sick of You. You could say this is my theme song for today’s election. This album was recorded using nothing but solar energy. Just a bit of a tidbit for any green friends out there. Enjoy.
Listening to Adele
Another find from CBC2, while driving to work. We have her first album, titled simply 19, and were very impressed with her voice and maturity. The album title is her age. Her new album, where this tune is from, is titled 21, and is again very very rich in vocal talent. And, as seems to be our recent direction, another British talent. Enjoy, if you have heard it before, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat. Turn it up.
Bookers BBQ Grill & Crab Shack – Calgary
Lori and I went for dinner tonight at Bookers BBQ Grill & Crab Shack here in Calgary with some friends, Bill and Betts. We had never eaten here before but had heard lots of good things, and Bill recommended as they had live music on Friday and Saturdays. On their website they were advertising duelling pianos, which is fun.
I had the catfish creole, very good. Food is a step up from pub fare, yet not quite fine dining. Atmosphere is great as was the service. We finished up and the band came on. Imagine our surprise when it was not duelling pianos, but renowned blues artist Sonny Rhodes. Even better, we are in the front row. He was playing an unadvertised evening at Bookers. Absolutely incredible, and unbelievable luck.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Rhodes
The Sonny Rhodes website is currently down, lots of links on the Wiki page though