Max Webster was the starting point for 2 of Canada’s most brilliant songwriters, Kim Mitchell and Pye Dubois. The band formed in 1973 and had a string of hits and gold albums until 1981. The principals all went on to great solo careers.
The Gilded Palace of Sin. Flying Burrito Brothers 1969 LP (Photo credit: sludgegulper)
Another part of music history has passed on. Chris Ethridge, bass player, passed away on April 23. He was 65. He was suffering with pancreatic cancer Check out this list of players and bands he worked with, but first, note that he was the bassist for The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. These guys pretty much created the country-rock genre of music. Chris wrote several songs with the band.
An oldie from a Scottish band called “Travis“. This song “Why Does It Always Rain On Me“, released in 2006, but only hit my personal world today. Shame on me. Another nugget that presented itself in those dreary 20 minutes between work and home. The band is from Glasgow and they formed way back in 1990. The host on CBC2 told a story about the band, in that it rains when they play this live and outdoors. Interesting. Enjoy a very nice tune.
Hey it is almost summer. Let’s start moving towards it. And while we are at it, lets exude some joy. This song is perfect for both. David Myles is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Fredericton, New Brunswick. This song is off his album “Into The Sun” which was released in 2011. Enjoy Simple Pleasures.
The Song Of The Day will dedicate this post to Tommy Marth, saxophonist extraordinaire. Tommy died of his own hand on April 23. He was 33. His work is most often associated “The Killers” who he played with during 2008 and 2009. He also appeared on their albums, “Sam’s Town” and “Day & Age“. This is a live version of Joy Ride.
Crash Vegas was a Canadian folk-rock band from the late 1980′s. It has a connection to Blue Rodeo in that Greg Keelor, the other singer and songwriter for Blue Rodeo was one of the founding members. He left the band before they had recorded anything. This song is from their 1989 record, “Red Earth”. The quality of the clip is lacking and I apologize. Could not find anything better.
The Jezabels at their intimate gig at the Clarendon in Katoomba. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Jezabels are an Australian group of alternative/indie pop rockers. To me, their music has a bit of an updated 80′s feel. This tune is off their debut album “Prisoner” which was released in September 2011.
Song of the Day dedicates this post to Joe Muranyi. He passed away on April 20 at the age of 84. Joe was a jazz player, who specialized in the clarinet and was also a vocalist. His career was highlighted by a stint (1967-71) with the Louis Armstrong All-Stars, where he played clarinet. He was also a producer, a critic and created liner notes for many albums. The attached song is from 2008.
Chicago based California Wives have a new single out called Marianne. The video is a live version which definitely showcases their abilities. While it is Indie-pop, it is a refreshing blend that I am still looking to put my fingers on. I hear lots of influences in this song. There is a short interview at the start and the song itself builds in momentum as it goes.
I heard this on CBC2 this morning. The artist, Michael Kiwanuka is a UK singer with 1 disk under his belt, “Home Again”. It was released in March of 2012 and had great success in Europe, reaching #4 in the UK. In Canada and the USA, not so much, 35 in Canada and 120 to the south of us. This tune is off the album, also titled “Home Again”. I think I will need to hit iTunes up for this one. Very soulful. Liked it a lot.
Now that I am back from my first round of golf for the season, it is time for some Kimbra. At the moment, she maybe the biggest unknown singer on the planet, in most circles. The reason you ask, simple. You have probably heard a little ditty called “Somebody That I Used To know” by Gotye. The female singer is Kimbra. She hails from New Zealand and has quite the career going for her even without appearing in this tune. The track here is a live version of one of her hits “Settle Down” as performed at SXSW.
For those of you who know my blog, I do tributes to recently departed musicians. As of this posting, I will be integrating these tributes into the Song Of The Day format that I have been using. This should reduce some of my spamming in your in-boxes.
As most of you now know, one of the original members of Men At Work, Greg Ham, passed away on April 19. Exceptionally talented, he played saxophone, flute, organ, synthesizer and piano. He also contributed with his songwriting skills to the success of 80′s favorite, Men At Work. One of their most enduring songs is “Who Can It Be Now“, which featured Greg Ham on saxophone.
Frozen Ghost was formed in the mid 80′s, recording until their break up in 1993. They had a string of hits in the late 80′s, winning the 1987 Juno award as most promising new group. Should I See is their first entry on the list.
Robert Charlebois is a composer, singer, author from Montreal. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1999. This song was originally recorded way back in 1967.
It has been a looooonnnggg time since I first heard John Mayer. The first time I heard him, I was hooked. Room For Squares was and is a great record, and his follow-up albums have been consistently good. Heavier Things is one of my all time favorites and his work with the John Mayer Trio is, well, awesome. He is a very under-rated guitar player as well. His latest release is Shadow Days.
Eliza Gilkyson on the Custom House Stage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today’s song of the day features Eliza Gilkyson. The significance behind this choice is a personal one. We have been enjoying a new series on Fox called “The Finder“. Last nights episode turned out to the last one as they have cancelled it. This song was used to close out the show. Great song. It was originally done by World Party, but this was the version used, so kudos to Eliza’s version.
Tango In The Attic are a Scottish band, with a garage/pop style. They formed in 2008 and have released 2 albums. The song here, Mona Lisa Overdrive, is from their new release Sellotape.
The Brooklyn Bridge, seen from Manhattan, New York City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Echo Friendly are a band out of Brooklyn, New York. Jake Rabinbach and Shannon Esper are the key duo in the band. This is a release from an upcoming album. Kind of a cool song.
Today is the day I retire Talent Tuesday. As part of the song of the day, I will highlight new releases by all bands but will point out when the band is Canadian. Have to, it is my job.
Today’s band is indeed Canadian, and have just released an album, available in stores and on iTunes everywhere. The band is Third Place (typically Canadian, we are okay with someone else being first) and the album is titled “Lifeland”. The band has been playing and recording since 2006. They play rock style which is good to kick back on. The song I have inserted here is called “Feel the Beat”.
An older song from circa 1992, but new to me. The guitar sounds like Jimmy Page and Eddy Van Halen somehow mated and had a kid who was a hybrid of their styles. Crazy.
It is Sunday and time for the next 5 in my list of Canada’s best music. In this edition, 2 by a current Canadian favourite, a classic rock song, a second entry by the great Joni Mitchell and some garage rock by Ugly Duckling.
Blue Rodeo are Canada’s number one alt-country, rock band. They have been churning out the hits for many years and are still at the top of Canada’s popular music game. This song was released in 1989.
The ugly duckling…. (Photo credit: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ♥M§. яåє♥Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ)
Waaaay back in the 60′s, The Ugly Ducklings were the best there was on the Toronto music scene. Garage rockers extraordinaire. The version here is from a 2000 concert. Love it live.
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3. Blue Rodeo
“Hasn’t Hit Me Yet”
Blue Rodeo 1 (Photo credit: Neal Gillis)
A second song by Blue Rodeo in this set. This is from 1993.
Joni Mitchell performing in concert photo by Paul C Babin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A second tune on the list by the incomparable Joni Mitchell. Easily one of the greatest ever. This video features a live version and features an incredible band. Really, really good!!
