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.
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- My Favourite Songs of 2012 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
Listening To Jake Bugg
Jake Bugg (Photo credit: wfuv)
Jake Bugg is today’s featured artist and the song is “Two Fingers”. Jake hails from Nottingham, UK. The astounding fact, 18, yes 18. Catch this tune and tell me that this not a great song. Looking forward to more.
Some Links:
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Listening To I.V. Webb
While perusing my email, I came across a missive from Sarah T, asking if I could listen to some music from American artist I.V. Webb. I did, and now I post. I love listening to all music, and especially love stepping out of the mainstream and giving due to the myriad of outstanding artists in the world. I.V. is now placed on that list. The world of social media has indeed made the world of music a much more interesting place.
First, a bit about I.V.. This was taken from her website.
“I.V. Webb, native of New York, resident in London, a beautiful, unique and sometimes haunting voice that belongs everywhere, driven by restless, universal feelings. Deeply emotional, never sentimental, her work recalls not only the hues and shades but more importantly the pure spirit of greats such as Patti Smith, Sandy Denny and Chrissie Hynde.
Far from the formula of pop, sometimes calling on the bittersweet electric folk of underground Manhattan or windswept Celtic romance, her spiraling songs and poignant vocals are both testament to her skill and testimony of her experience.”
Lets listen to a couple of tunes.
This tune is titled “Speechless”
An interesting song, that builds as it goes.
The second song is called “In Mind”
Some Links
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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.
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- Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 28 (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
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.
Song Of The Day – The Regulator – Clutch
Neil Fallon, lead-singer of the American Hard Rock band, Clutch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Was perusing some tags on my phone and came across his one by Clutch. This tune, “The Regulator” was used to close Season 2, Episode 8 of The Walking Dead. If you haven’t caught this series, I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend Clutch. About the only negative I can come up with is that their song “Electric Worry” was used as a celebration goal song by the Vancouver Canucks, and I have an intense dislike for that hockey team.
The Regulator
Song Of The Day – The Raconteurs – Steady, As She Goes
English: Jack White of the Raconteurs performing at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver B.C in April of 2008. Photo shot by Kris Krug. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Jack White, repeat after me, Jack White just can’t make a mistake. The Raconteurs are one of his multitude of projects. This tune comes from the vault, 2006 I believe. Jack is the vocalist and guitarist in this song. “Steady, As She Goes” pretty much sums up his style. The band is still active, but, as member Brendan Benson said in a 2010 interview, they are ambiguous. No matter, it is the music that counts and this band has a great sound. Besides White and Benson, the other members are Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. All have a pedigree within the music world, all are outstanding musicians. Time to rock. Check out the links for more.
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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.
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Song of The Day – Sufjan Stevens – “Chicago”
Sufjan Stevens – The Wiltern – October 24, 2010 (Photo credit: starbright31)
Chicago
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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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Song Of The Day – Alabama Shakes – “Hold On”
Aerial image of in Athens, Alabama, United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hey y’all. How you been. I have enjoyed major summer and have barely had time to read and comment let alone post. Figured that this tune was a good segue to getting back on the keyboard. The Alabama Shakes are a band out of Athens, Alabama (not Georgia, nor Greece) with an outstanding album released in April of 2012. Instant classic???? I vote yes. Remind me of Black Keys with a dose of Sheepdogs.
Hope to post a few things in the coming few weeks, then get back on the beam full-time again in September.
Hold On
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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.
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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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Song Of The Day – Edwyn Collins – “A Girl Like You”
A Girl Like You (Edwyn Collins song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Lets dip into the past and visit the 90′s. Always liked this one. A Girl Like You was released in 1994 by Scottish artist Edwyn Collins and had great success in both the USA and the UK, reaching #4 on Billboard. The song (and artists) are classic one hit wonder material, meaning, an extremely talented musician with many good albums to his credit, caught he world’s imagination only once. Check out his other material.
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A Girl Like You
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 24
A great set if you like classic rock. Max Webster is featured with 2 songs in the grouping.
1. Max Webster
“Let Go the Line”
- The Best of Max Webster (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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.
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Let Go The Line
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2. Nickelback
“Worthy to Say”
- Chad Kroeger on stage with Nickelback in Dublin May 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Nothing to say, except they are from small town Alberta. Major international stars, you either like them or you don’t.
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Worthy to Say
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3. Bachman Turner Overdrive
“Lookin Out for Number One”
Bachman-Turner Overdrive performing live in Örebro, Sweden 1991 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Great song. I always thought their early material was far superior. Kind of like the jazzy sound they had before they went straight power chords.
Looking Out For Number One
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4. Max Webster
“Night Flights”
- Kim Mitchell, Bobcaygeon Arena – 2005 (Photo credit: Steven Burke)
The second entry. Both these songs were from the same album. There will be more.
Night Flights
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5. The Band
“King Harvest”
- Bob Dylan and The Band – February 2, 1974 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Band is likely the best band to come out of our country. Great music. This video is absolutely spectacular.
King Harvest
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Song Of The Day – Travis – “Why Does It Always Rain On Me”
English: Travis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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.
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“Why Does It Always Rain On Me”
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Tommy Marth
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.
Joy Ride
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Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 23
Today’s 5 spot includes a classic female singer of the 60′s, another entry from Blue Rodeo some classic rock and folk, and a current superstar.
1. Buffy Ste. Marie
“Mister Can’t You See”
Buffy Ste. Marie is a native Canadian artist, born in Saskatchewan. Her music is a mix of history and mysticism. She is a true Canadian treasure.
This is one of her anti-war anthems.
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2. Blue Rodeo
“Till I am Myself Again”
Love these guys. Another entry from a great band. This song is off Casino, recorded in 1990.
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3. Crash Vegas
” It’s Not Funny Anymore”
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.
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4. 54-40
“One Day in Your Life”
Another entry from a Canadian classic band.
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5. Nelly Furtado
“I’m Like a Bird”
The first entry on the list by Canadian international superstar, Nelly Furtado. Great song.
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