Artists From Twitter – Paige Michael
I received a follow and an email from a young talent last week, Paige Michael. She wrote:
“I am 13 years old from Port Perry, Ontario and I am a singer/songwriter. I co-write my songs with my friend Carly Macdougall who is also thirteen. I have recorded two tracks so far and I am actually in the studio recording a third. I have been only been doing this for six months but the response had been awesome. I am getting airplay on the Internet and in Australia and the UK but no support here in Canada. I really love what I am doing and hope to make it a career because I want to earn my living doing something that I love.”
“I also wanted to share with you that I received above average scores on my Factor Canada funding submission, and received the following feedback from the judging panel:
“spectacular voice,” “amazing talent at this age,” and “big things to come from her”
As you all know, I support Canadian talent at every opportunity, with one proviso, they need to be good. After listening to Paige, she qualifies. Great voice, and 13. I have suits older than that. Listen to the attached video. Then agree with me.
My Favourite Songs of 2012 – Part 2
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.
The Echo Friendly – Same Mistakes
Haunting melody, interesting harmonies, good video. This one snuck up on me and really grew on me.
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The Black Keys – Gold On The Ceiling
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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Dave Matthews Band – Mercy
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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Mo Kenney – Sucker
This video is a duet with a favourite of mine, Joel Plaskett. He produced her album as well. Beautiful song.
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Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait
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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Shawn Colvin – All Fall Down
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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John Mayer – Queen of California
I am an unabashed John Mayer fan. His consistency is amazing. Great player as well.
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Phillip Phillips – Home
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.
Related articles
- My Favourite Songs of 2012 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
My Favourite Songs of 2012
These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year. It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning it’s 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.
Emm Gryner – Ciao Monday
I see great things from this Canadian singer-songwriter. Love this version, recorded live at CBC.
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Graffiti6 – Free
This song reached and grabbed me by the ears and shook me to a musical high. Phenomenally written song, reaching one crescendo after another.
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The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Another tune that grabbed me. The more I listened, the more I liked. This song will be around for years, in movies, on TV, in commercials. Instant classic.
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Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks
Iceland’s contribution to music this year, and a great video as well.
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Alabama Shakes – Hold On
What a voice.
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Caro Emerald – Back It Up
My favourite find of the year. I am really digging this act. Great voice, and different in a great way.
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That’s a start, still have some more to pass on and will do so tomorrow. Don’t want to destroy your attention span.
Related articles
- Listening To Canadians – Emm Gryner – “North” (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
- Song Of The Day – Caro Emerald – “Back It Up” (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. I hope each of you has a great new year and hopefully I can add to your soundtrack.
Here’s an excerpt:
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 5,400 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 9 years to get that many views.
Music On My Social Media – Ian McAnsh
Canadian artist, Ian McAnsh is a follower of mine on Twitter. Ian is a recording artist and a professional golfer and hails from Trenton and Belleville Ontario. His music is a pop blend. He recently released his first album “Back To Da Brix”. Give him a listen.
This song is off the album.
Don’t Stop
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This song is a live version of “Go With The Flow”.
Listening To Canadians – Walk Off The Earth
Remember this video, only 140 million views on YouTube.
Believe it or not, the people who did this are recording artists in their own right. The group, Walk Off The Earth, hails from Burlington, Ontario and have been together since 2006. Their most recent album R.E.V.O., released this year and is their third recording. The video here is their song “Red Hands” off of the album. This song is receiving a lot of play on CBC2 here in Canada.
Related articles
- No place like home for Walk Off The Earth band members (insidehalton.com)
New Canadian Music – Plex
Plex is an award-winning hip-hop artist and producer based in Toronto, Ontario. He released his first album in 2009 and has established a broad base of fans throughout North America. His newest release is titled “Demons” and is available on iTunes.
This tune, named “I Can’t Breathe”, is off the album.
Listening To Canadians – Emm Gryner – “North”
emm gryner @ westfest (Photo credit: SMN)
A piano, a girl and a great song. Emm Gryner, Canada’s next gift to music? Could be. In the meantime, have a listen to a song that actually incorporates Aurora (as in Borealis) into the lyrics. I have many memories of watching them dancing over my head, a real Canadian thing.
Related articles
- Listening To Canadians – The Deep Dark Woods (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
Listening To Canadians – The Deep Dark Woods
deep dark woods (Photo credit: catechism)
The Deep Dark Woods are another band out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan that I spent some evenings listening to at Bud’s On Broadway. This particular song was written for a CBC project in 2009 called The Great Canadian Songquest. Charlie’s (is coming down) is performed live in this version. Ah, memories.
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 29
A mix of old and new, from Gowan to Plaskett, a good set.
1. Barenaked Ladies
“Jane”
Barenaked Ladies (Photo credit: Houston Marsh)
The Barenaked Ladies are a major Canadian success story. Their cheeky style and interesting lyrics set them apart from most contemporaries. This is their first entry on the best music list, the first of many.
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2. Gowan
“Strange Animal”
Lawrence Gowan (Photo credit: OpalMirror)
A classic tune from a well-travelled artist. He is the current lead singer for Styx.
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3. Gandharvas
“Downtime”
Cover art for the album Sold for a Smile by The Gandharvas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Great song from the early 90′s. Kick back and enjoy.
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4. Chalk Circle
“NIMBY”
The Best of Chalk Circle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Some classic 80′s rock, a bit mellow and not my favourite song by the band.
5. Joel Plaskett Emergency
“Natural Disaster”
Joel Plaskett Emergency Playing the Aliant Stage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Love this band. Prolific and good, a deadly combination.
Related articles
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 28 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
New Canadian Music By Serena Ryder
English: Serena Ryder performing at Showbox, Seattle 4-26-09 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Singer-songwriter Serena Ryder has released her new album today, “Harmony”. This is her 6th album to go along with 6 EP’s and 3 live compilations. Her music has elements of folk, mixed with contemporary alternative and a touch of country. Her career path is taking her on the steady path to stardom as each album garners more notice and critical acclaim. CBC2 in Canada plays a steady diet of her old and new material, for which i am thankful. I have inserted two tunes off the album. The first is “What I Wouldn’t Do” which is a contemporary indie style song and the second is an out-and-out rocker called “Stompa”. Both are representative of her work.
What I Wouldn’t Do
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Stompa
Related articles
- Serena Ryder rallies the glum, and other new music worth a listen (theglobeandmail.com)
New Canadian Music By Holly Cole
Holly Cole at Harpo’s, Victoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Halifax born Canadian jazz singer Holly Cole released a new album, “Night” on November 20th. This is her 16th release, spanning the past 23 years. Her sultry voice and stylings lend themselves to a wide range of music. She has released rock, country and show tunes in addition to her normal jazz repertoire. The song I have chosen to spotlight is titled “Walk Away” and is indicative of what she has made a career out of doing. Great song.
Walk Away
Listening To Canadians – Kathleen Edwards – “Empty Threat”
Kathleen Edwards (Photo credit: Regina Folk Festival)
Great song from a great singer songwriter. Kathleen Edwards is one of Canada’s finest and is developing a following around the world. This song was recorded live for the CBC during a private show for CBC3. It doesn’t get much better than this does it.
Empty Threat
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Listening To Canadians – Yukon Blonde – “Fire”
Yukon Blonde plays Vancouver’s Legendary Biltmore Cabaret (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yukon Blonde is an Indie Rock group out of Kelowna, BC that is beginning to make a name for themselves. This video is a live version, taken at the great venue in Vancouver, the Commodore Ballroom. This is an encore performance which includes members of the Library Voices and the Great Bloomers, good up and comers themselves. Great energy and a great tune!
Fire
Listening To Canadians – Scotty Newlands
Toronto born Canadian pop-rocker, Scotty Newlands has recently released a new disc titled “Starting Over”. He was kind enough to send a copy of the album for me to review. First, a bit of history behind the singer.
As noted, he was born in Toronto and has travelled a winding road to this point in his career. His musical journey started out like many others. The school choir and an introduction to an instrument at an early age. In this case, he was 8 and began playing the clarinet. In 2003 he was one of thousands to audition for Canadian Idol. While he failed to make the final 11, he did gain valuable experience and contacts. He released his first album, “New Roads” in 2009.
The album has a definite pop feel to it, heavily accented by a great singing voice. Scotty shows great potential in this song. It holds up well with comparable artists and should be be getting some airtime. All in all, a nice listen.
The first song I have featured off the disc is titled “Don’t Wanna Get Over You”. A nicely constructed tune, it features a strong vocal performance by the artist.
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Don’t Wanna Get Over You
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The second tune is called “Now That You’re Gone”. This song features a repetitive back beat and again shows off Scotty’s range. He advertises a 4 octave range and you can hear them in this song. Very nice tone.
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Now that You’re Gone
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I’m liked the album in general and see something in Scotty that I really like. If you want more, please hit the links.
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 28
Heavy on the classic stuff again. Canada did have a thriving cottage industry in music during the 70′s and 80′s. There is also another trivia answer in here somewhere.
1. Five Man Electrical Band
“I’m a Stranger Here”
Five Man Electrical Band (Photo credit: tab2space)
Another song from the group that brought us “Signs”.
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2. Idle Eyes
“Tokyo Rose”
Another 80′s group that enjoyed moderate success in Canada, especially with this tune. They won a Juno for most promising new group in 1985.
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3. Indio
“Big Hard Sun”
![[there’s a big] a big hard sun](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2809990274_177c9415a8_m.jpg "[there’s a big] a big hard sun")
[there’s a big] a big hard sun (Photo credit: [noone])
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4. Crash Vegas
Pocahontas
Red Earth (Crash Vegas album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kind of a depressing song from a very good band. This song was released in 1994.
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5. Ron Hynes
“Sonny’s Dream“
Ron Hynes at the Rose (Photo credit: Kent Barrett)
Canadian folk singer Ron Hynes hit gold in 1976 with the Sonny’s Dream. The song has become a standard and has been recorded by a multitude of artists around the world, The version here is a live duet with Alan Doyle of the group Great Big Sea.
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 27
An interesting set, heavy on the Guess Who and alumni, all classic rock with a trivia question in waiting, so pay attention.
1. Guess Who
“Shakin’ All Over”
Cover via Amazon
This is the trivia question. The Guess Who’s singer at the outset was not Burton Cummings, it was Chad Allan. This cover, released in the USA and Canada in 1965, by a band called The Guess Who? (yes a question mark). This was an attempt to disguise the real band and maybe to make it look like a British Invasion band. The band’s name at the time was Chad Allan and the Expressions. After the success of this song and the album it was on, the band was renamed permanently as the Guess Who. Chad had some throat issues and was replaced by Burton Cummings (a Peter Best moment) and the rest is history. Chad actually had 2 Peter Best moments as he was also part of a band with Randy Bachman called Brave Belt. After he left the band, it became Bachman Turner Overdrive, and the rest is, once again, history.
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2. Chilliwack
“Crazy Talk”
English: Bill Henderson (lead singer and guitarist for Chilliwack) taken in Merritt, BC, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A bit of gibberish from one of Canada’s best classic rock bands.
3. Harlequin
“Thinking of You”
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Continuing on a very Winnipeg based set, we have a band I used to see regularly in bars all over Winnipeg. Come to think of it, Winnipeg in the 70′s and 80′s was a crazy great place for live music.
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4. BTO
“Roll On Down the Highway”
Bachman–Turner Overdrive Gold (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
And some more Winnipeg. The kings of classic rock with a live version of another anthem.
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5. Burton Cummings
“My Own Way to Rock”
Burton Cummings of The Guess Who (Photo credit: Protest Photos1)
And a final Winnipeg connection. The smooth voice of Burton Cummings with another anthem from the 80′s.
Related articles
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 26 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 25 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
Song Of The Day – Joel Plaskett – “Through & Through & Through”
Joel Plaskett talking with fans at the 2011 Vancouver International Folk Music Festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I am going to make a statement here. I love Joel Plaskett. The guy is a one man songwriting machine. This tune is from 2009 and really highlights what Joel is all about. I’ll write a song and then we will have a blast with it. His music always hits the good time mark and is always presented in a very casual, this is me way. If you haven’t yet tweaked in on his music, do it now. One Canadian that deserves, no, demands a world-wide audience.
Joel Plaskett on Facebook – who cares
Through & Through & Through
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- Concert: Joel Plaskett Emergency (queensevents.ca)
Song Of The Day – Gabrielle Papillon – “No Common Ground”
Gabrielle Papillon is a Canadian singer-songwriter (in a folk vein) with exceptional skills, and yet another talent from Canada’s East Coast. She is from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She has sung and played since childhood and released her first album in 2001, “Songs For a Rainy Day”. Good tune, and of course, a live version. Very nice voice.
Gabrielle Papillon on Facebook
No Common Ground
Song Of The Day – Amelia Curran – “The Dozens”
Amelia Curran (Photo credit: davemmett)
Some Newfoundland content for Kayjai and Sightsnbytes to enjoy. Amelia Curran is a unique talent and this song is, well, fitting for an extreme east coast artist. And a live version that is very enjoyable. Sounds very much like a female Leonard Cohen. Thanks again to CBC2 radio, a superb source of everything Canadian.
The Dozens
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 26
Today’s collection includes some country rock, some classic staples, some music from my favourite city and some really sappy 70′s pop.
1. Murray McLauchlan
“Try Walking Away”
Murray McLauchlan (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Murray had a strong career in the 70′s and 80′s, writing and recording many current staples on Canadian classic radio. Unfortunately, he never hit mainstream elsewhere.
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2. The Poppy Family
“Where Evil Grows”
- Terry Jacks Guests on OTR (Photo credit: Stephen Dyrgas)
Smaltzy Canadian pop at its’ best (worst?). The Poppy Family had a string of North American hits in the late 60′s and early 70′s. The group was made up of Susan and Terry Jacks.
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4. Northern Pikes
“She Aint Pretty”
- Live (Northern Pikes album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hello Saskatoon, Canada‘s greatest city.
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5. Bachman Turner Overdrive
“Blue Collar”
Cover of BTO (1984)
BTO’s very first release, very different from everything they did afterwards. My favourite song by them by a country mile. This clip is of Randy Bachman only, but it is live and is at a great venue in Vancouver called the Commodore Ballroom. Great groove.
Related articles
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 24 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 25 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 25
I have not done one of these for a while, so it’s time to pick up where I left off and continue the series. I think we all might have needed a break. Only 380 songs to go. This set is heavy on the classic rock and features an icon of my generation, one of the founders of The Band, Robbie Robertson. Also included is one of the judges for Canadian Idol, Sass Jordan and one of the worlds greatest bands, Rush.
1. Robbie Robertson
“American Roulette”
English: Robbie Robertson during a March, 2011 radio interview. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One of the rock era’s greatest bands, The Band, spawned several major solo careers. Robbie Robertson is one of the major talents of the era. This version is live on Letterman, supported by fellow Canadian Paul Schaffer. This is one hot version.
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2. Coney Hatch
” Hey Operator”
- Coney Hatch (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Coney Hatch was an 80′s rock band who created 3 albums. The band was produced by Kim Mitchell, an accomplished Canadian act in his own right. Carl Dixon, the lead, played with April Wine and the Guess Who in later years.
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3. Strange Advance
“We Run”
Another 80′s band, Strange Advance were more of a new wave style group. They won Juno’s (Canada’s Grammy) in 1982 as Most Promising Group and were 1985′s Group of the Year. “We Run”s off their 1985 album “2WO”, which won them their Juno that year.
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4. Rush
“Distant Early Warning”
Geddy Lee playing his Roland Fantom X7 during the 2010–2011 Time Machine Tour (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The best thing I can say about any Rush song is, “ENJOY”. One of the world’s finest groups.
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5. Sass Jordan
“Tell Somebody”
- Cover of Tell Somebody
Sass Jordan had a great run from the late 80′s through the 90′s. When Canada pursued their own version of American Idol, she was selected as one of the judges. This was her first hit in Canada, recorded in 1988. Don’t panic, the song starts at about 22 seconds.
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Related articles
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 23 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 24 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
Song Of The Day – Young Empires – “White Doves”
Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first album to include a lyric sheet?
Young Empires @Great Escape ’11 (Photo credit: Braden F)
The Young Empires are a band out of Toronto with an already impressive catalog. They are also known for making some great videos. I posted this song once before, in a new Canadian release post, but I liked it then, and I like it now. Their sound is very Arcade Fire like with a dash of Coldplay. Enjoy White Doves.
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White Doves
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Billy Bryans
William “Billy” Bryans passed away on April 23. He was 62. Billy played drums for many bands including Raffi and the Downchild Blues Band. He is best known as one of the founders of the Parachute Club. He was widely known as a producer, making records with the above artists and Lillian Allen. He was also a promoter and an accomplished songwriter.
