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.
Song Of The Day – Ryan Adams – Chains Of Love
Ryan Adams (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Singer Songwriter Ryan Adams is from Jacksonville, North Carolina. Do not confuse Ryan Adams with Bryan Adams of Jacksonville, North Carolina with Jacksonville, Florida. The song here, “Chains of Love, is off his 2011 album, Ashes & Fire. A well written and performed song. If you would like more on Ryan, please hit these links
Chains of Love
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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
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.
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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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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.
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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
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Song Of The Day – Father John Misty – I’m Writing A Novel
Father John Misty at Capitol Hill Block Party – Day 1 at Capitol Hill – Seattle, WA on 2012-07-20 – _DSC6544.NEF (Photo credit: laviddichterman)
Been heavy on the older tunes lately. Time to hit up some new music, and another shout out to CBC2 without which I would likely never hear a lot of very good music.
Father John Misty (real name Joshua Tillman) has a new album out, “Fear Fun”. This tune is a smoking live take of “I’m Writing A Novel”. I think the word smoking might just be an understatement. The Father is better known as a member of Fleet Foxes and Saxon Shore. Just a wee bit of a pedigree.
I’m Writing A Novel
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 – 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
Song Of The Day – Shawn Colvin – “All Fall Down”
shawn colvin I (Photo credit: Generalnoir)
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with Shawn Colvin’s music. This one is a love. When she hits the Pop side, not so much. This one is a bit more…indie sounding and hits the mark. The video, kind of cheesy, so listen while doing something else, unless you like la fromage. Enjoy. I’ll do the trivia thing tomorrow. Working on some posts about Alberta summers over the weekend. Must put the travel back into a travel blog.
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Shawn Colvin – “All Fall Down”
Song Of The Day – Amos Lee – Jesus
Amos Lee (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Amos Lee is another of my favorites. My only issue with him is that I have found his albums to be inconsistent. In other words, he doesn’t hit my mark all the time, but when he does, it is very good. He is out of Philadelphia and has recorded 4 albums. I highly recommend the first (self titled) and the most recent. All have some excellent tracks. This cut is off his new album “Mission Bell” and is a live version of “Jesus”.
Amos Lee on Facebook – Who cares
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Trivia Question of the Day
Who was the first American pop band to tour the Soviet Union
The last Question answered
Q. What was the first “rock” double album?
A: Bob Dylan’s “Blonde On Blonde” in 1966
Song Of The Day – David Gray – “Sail Away”
No trivia question today for this one.
Sail Away (David Gray song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
David Gray’s tune “Sail Away” is a metaphor for a lot of things. While the song has more to do with relationships, it also conjures up some beautiful visions of idyllically cruising the seven seas, and does so based on the tune and the use of the title prominently throughout the song. All the above aside, it is a remarkable song that can sweep you away into your thoughts. One of my all time favorites.
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Sail Away
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Song Of The Day – Catherine McLellan – “Take A Break”
- Taking a break (Photo credit: noise64)
Enjoy a break. I have officially pushed myself away from the keyboard for the weekend. Looks like a nice weekend. See you on Monday
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“Take A Break”
Song Of The Day – David Myles – “Simple Pleasures”
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.
Simple Pleasures
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Song Of The Day – Alanis Morrissette – “Guardian”
Alanis Morissette in concert (Photo credit: coccinella)
Isn’t it “Ironic” that Alanis Morrissette hasn’t had any major successes since Jagged Little Pill in 1995 (yes 1995). “You Oughta Know” that she is Canadian and that she is releasing a new album titled Havoc And Bright Lights. Once again, Alanis will try to put “Her Hand In My Pocket” to buy her record. Hopefully you will be “Head Over Feet” about the record as “You Learn” that “All I Really Want” is for you to listen to her first single off the disk. I am sure she will personally “Thank You“.
Guardian
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Song Of The Day – John Mayer – “Shadow Days”
John Mayer (Photo credit: Iring Chao)
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.
Shadow Days
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Song Of The Day – Eliza Gilkyson – “Is It Like Today”
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.
Is It Like Today
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Song Of The Day – Emm Gryner – “Ciao Monday”
Emm Gryner (Photo credit: spaceamoeba)
Canadian singer-songwriter, Emm Gryner. This is a name you should try to remember.
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Ciao Monday
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 20
With this post, we now have covered 100 songs of the list I am working from. Only 400 more to go. This particular set is a really good one. A bit of hip-hop, mixed in with some exceptional classic tunes.
1. Bryan Adams
“Straight From the Heart”
Bryan Adams (Photo credit: crumj)
A further entry from one of Canada’s premier singer-songwriters. The man has the knack for writing the big hits, and this is one of them. Great video, the man, a guitar and an adoring audience singing every word
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2.k-os
” Crabbuckit”
Crabbuckit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
K-os came out with this tune several years ago and it became an instant sing-a-long song that is very hard to get out of your head once you have heard it.
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3.Neil Young & Crazy Horse
” Cortez the Killer”
Neil Young, 22/06/2008 Firenze, Nelson Mandela Forum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
After CSN&Y there was Crazy Horse. Nothing to say, except enjoy the master and his friends in this live version from 2003. The man can play that guitar.
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4. Joni Mitchell
“Help Me”
Joni Mitchell, performing in 2004 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Joni is one of the best anywhere. This song is on of my favorites in her catalog.
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5. Rush
“Fly by Night”
Canadian rock band Rush, in concert in Milan, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Rush is another world-wide breakout Canadian artist. Fly By Night was one of the tunes that broke them.
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Barren River Trio – Twitter Thursday
Today, I want to take a listen to Barren River Trio. They are at @barrenrivertrio on Twitter if you like what you hear and want to keep up with them. The group is out of Bowling Green, NY and are a folk trio. All three play guitar and sing. There is also some mandolin and harmonica in the tunes. Band members are Alex Day, Danny Moody and Andrew Varson. Now we listen to some of their material. The first song I have chosen is original, live and showcases their harmonies. Good stuff.
Shine The Light
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In this song, a cover of the Kings of Leon hit, “Use Somebody”, they change it and tweak it, creating an interesting version.
Use Somebody
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Nice sounding group. Check them out if you get a chance.
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Talent Tuesday – New Canadian Releases – April 17, 2012
Quite the week, many, many releases to choose from.
Patrick Watson in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We will start with Patrick Watson and his new release, Adventures In Your Own Backyard. Montreal based band leader, Patrick Watson is an interesting musician. He combines elements of classical with pieces of, lets say, Pink Floyd. Very creative pieces of music in the indie/alternative mode. He has released 4 albums with his band and has one solo record to his credit. They were recent players at SXSW and were named one of the top 25 can’t miss acts at this years event. The track I have chosen is titled “Lighthouse” and is a good example of the style that they play.
Lighthouse
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Sue Foley on the Hillside Festival Main Stage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Next is a blues album by veteran players Sue Foley and Peter Karp. Their new album “Beyond The Crossroads” is a collaboration of 2 solo talents. Sue has been a mainstay of the Canadian blues scene since the 90′s while Peter is an American singer-songwriter, He has shared the stage with such greats as Mick Taylor. Together they create some pretty good blues. This is their second release together. Here is a live version of a tune off the album.
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Now for some ROCK. Toronto Alt-rock band Evans Blue released “Graveyard of Empires” this week. The group has rocked since 2005, with Halo being their 4th release. They have had some moderate success outside Canada and are hoping this album breaks them big. The tune here is called Halo and is performed in my favourite way, live.
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I’m pretty excited about the potential of this group. Rikers is a Ontario group who write some very good tunes. Islands is their first release and a good one it is. The song Is “I’m On The Radio” and it is a catchy rock song that will have you singing along as you listen. Nicely done.
I’m On The Radio
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The international album release I have chosen is the new disc by Train called California 37. I always had a soft spot for Hey Soul Sister and their distinctive song style. One can usually tell that Train is the artist. I heard this song on DWTS tonight (hey, i have Maria and Derek in my pool, looks like a lock for 80 bucks) and liked it. The song is called “Drive By”
Drive By
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Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 18
1. Limblifter
“Ariel vs Lotus”
Ariel vs Lotus
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2. Chantal Kreviazuk
“Surrounded”
Chantal Kreviazuk talks to the audience in between songs during a performance at Jackson-Triggs Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Winnipeg born Chantal Kreviazuk is a singer/pianist who is continually close to being a major international star. This song highlights her voice quite succinctly. Interesting side-note. We saw her in concert in Saskatoon once. This was the infamous row F fiasco. Lori and a friend of ours, Lorna, were purchasing the tickets for the show and came home, pleased that they had gotten floor tickets in Row F. They swore that it meant the front row. Obviously, Robin and I were skeptical. So, on the night of the show we head straight for the front row. Even though I pointed out that the row was noted as A on the aisle, they forced us to sit there. Within minutes, the people who actually had Row A arrive and we moved to our correct seats. I had to ask, but if Row F was the front row, was Row B at the back? If I remember right, I till have the scar from asking that question.
Surrounded
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3. Honeymoon Suite
“New Girl Now”
From Niagara Falls, Ontario, Honeymoon Suite (pun intended, I’m sure) formed in 1981. They had great success on the Canadian scene throughout the 1980′s. They are still touring on occasion, although the original lineup (reformed in 2001), broke up in 2009. Their most recent album “Clifton Hill” was released in 2008. The song here is from their self-titled first album, released in 1984, and is their signature song.
New Girl Now
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4. Triumph
“Hold On”
Triumph performing at Sweden Rock, 2008. Showing all three original members. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Triumph was a power trio band who cultivated a huge North American following on the backs of their insane live performances. The group has had several incarnations over the years but have reformed with original members Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and Michael Levine. They began touring again in 2008. They are icons in Canada and their songs are the type that you just start singing to as soon as you hear the first chords.
Hold On
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5. Stompin Tom Connors
“The Hockey Song“
Stompin' Tom Connors, 2005 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Stompin Tom Connors recorded this piece of Canadian lore in 1973. It is a song that creates a sing-a-long when it starts up as every Canadian has it in their DNA. A classic.
The Hockey Song
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