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.
Remembering Don Bagley
Jazz bassist, Don Bagley, left us on July 26, 2012. He was 85. Born in Salt Lake City, he played with such greats as Shorty Sherock, Bill Holman and Stan Kenton. He also did session work with Nat King Cole and Maynard Ferguson. The tribute song I have chosen is a performance by Julie London, with Don being the only player accompanying her.
Song Of The Day – Joss Stone – Sideway Shuffle
I have been a big Joss Stone fan since she was a barefoot 16-year-old phenomenon, singing the blues with the crème of the Louisiana blues players. Not bad for an out of place Brit. She has strayed a bit from those first recordings, but is still a force. Quite the voice.
Sideway Shuffle
Remembering Larry Hoppen
Cover of Still the One
Larry Hoppen, lead singer for the 70′s group, passed away on July 24, 2012. He was 61. Orleans had a string of hits in the 70′s, none bigger than “Still The One” which hit #5 in 1976.
Their other big hit, Dance With Me charted at Number 6 in 1975.
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- A tribute to Orleans’ singer Larry Hoppen, known for 1970s classic “Still The One” (markwebermusic.wordpress.com)
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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Song Of The Day – Scooby Snacks – Fun Loving Criminals
Fun Lovin’ Criminals (Photo credit: Reena Mahtani)
Just for fun, Scooby Snacks. NYC band Fun Lovin’ Criminals had some success a few years back with this song. Catchy chorus.
Remembering Jon Lord
Deep Purple (Photo credit: daniconil)
July 16, saw the passing of rock keyboard innovator, Jon Lord. He was 71. Best known as one of the founding members of 70′s icons, Deep Purple, he also played with Whitesnake. He played on the classic song by The Kinks, “You Really Got Me“. He was on albums by David Gilmour and George Harrison. He virtually created the riffs used to this day by keyboardists in all types of popular music.
In my life, Deep Purple was one of the bands that formed my musical tastes. Machine Head is still an album that makes me perk up and listen. I will never forget Smoke On The Water or Highway Star, which are very much a part of the soundtrack of my life. The band in heaven just got a bit better.
Highway Star
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Smoke On The Water
Song Of The Day – Here We Go Magic – How Do I Know
Here We Go Magic, Bonnaroo 2012 (Photo credit: jon_elbaz)
Nice song by Brooklyn based Here We Go Magic. The song, “How Do I Know” was released off their “Different Ships” album from 2012 on the “Secretly Canadian” label. Enjoy.
Remembering Bob Babbitt
Motown 4 album set (Photo credit: vintage_breda)
You like the Motown sound? Bob Babbitt, bass player extraordinaire, was likely responsible for that. He passed away on July 16, leaving behind a huge legacy and body of work. He played bass for Motown’s studio band, The Funk Brothers from 1966 to 1972. This would make a lot of people very familiar with his work, without realizing it. He was the bass player on such hits as Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours“, Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” and Freda Payne‘s “Band of Gold”. He also played with such greats as Phil Collins and Jimi Hendrix. Very diverse portfolio. Here are a few tracks.
Signed Sealed Delivered
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Uptight (with Phil Collins)
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)
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)
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 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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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.
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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.
Song Of The Day – Norah Jones – “Say Goodbye”
It’s Gonna Be (Norah Jones song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I think Norah hit a home run with this one. Definitely a bit different from most of her earlier releases. Say Goodbye is off her recent album “Little Broken Hearts”.
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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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.
Song Of The Day – Caro Emerald – “Back It Up”
English: Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald at Zoetermeer Stadhuisplein, Netherlands. September 19th, year 2008, time 14:20:55 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kind of a fun song from the “Michael Jackson of The Netherlands”. Her most recent disc broke Micheal’s long standing record for biggest selling album (Thriller) in Holland.
Back It Up
Remembering Zach Booher
Zack Booher of the band While We’re Up was killed in a car accident on July 8, 2012. He was 22. The band is an acoustic rock duo with one indie album to their credit, “Every Moment”. Terrific duo, great song, terrible loss.
Graduation
Song Of The Day – Cut Copy – “Where I’m Going”
Cut Copy – Lollapalooza 2010 (Photo credit: kate.gardiner)
Australian band, Cut Copy, released this song in 2010 and is from their album “Zonoscope”. Great song, kind of a 21st century Beach Boys thing.
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Where I’m Going
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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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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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