Yeasayer – Odd Blood (Review)

Just happened to come across this album by Yeasayer which just “dropped” on Feb 9th in music stores/iTunes.
Its going to be one of those bands that is getting alot of buzz these days.
I will never see live in concert during my lifetime and skip Ottawa.
Please bear with me since I don’t know that much of this band.
Did some research oof the band on Wikipedia.
That Odd Blood is their second album.
That the band is from Brooklyn, New York and that their music has been called “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel“.
Besides this album sounding very fun on the experimental rock and psychedelic pop dance side of things.
They remind me of MGMT, Atlas Sound and Animal Collective.
Also feels like I’ve been transported back to the 1980s New Wave sound.
The only track which I felt was abit odd (no pun intended) is the beginning track “The Children”.
Had that morbid weirdness.

One of the most interesting to come out in 2010.

Best tracks:

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2010
02/09
POSTED BY
Ming Wu
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Language-Arts – Where Were You in the Wild? (Review)

Before I go and review alot of non Canadian albums that is out this week. Here is one that is Canadian. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to listen to Language-Arts.
They are a band that is sometimes played on CBC Radio 3.
This band hails from Vancouver and the members consist of:

  • Kristen Cudmore
  • Gregor Phillips

Their music (on Myspace) classifies them as indie-rock, obscure hip-hop and chamber pop.
This album has this chirpy happiness sound to them.
That sense of Vancouver sunshine pop.
Love hearing the orchestral parts in Benson and Shapes and Sizes.
This album leaves you feeling all happy and cheery

Best tracks:

The band will be on tour during March
Mar 5 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
Mar 7 – Canteen – Ottawa, ON (MEDIA ONLY)
Mar 7 – The Blacksheep Inn – Wakefield, QC
Mar 8 – Casa Del Popolo – Montreal, QC
Mar 11 – Jimmy Jazz – Guelph, ON
Mar 12 – TBA (CMW) – Toronto, ON
Mar 13 – Phog Lounge – Windsor, ON
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2010
02/09
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Ming Wu
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Massive Attack – Heligoland (Review)

February 8, 2010 is the day that Massive Attack releases their fifth studio album.
Its been seven (wow that long) years since their last effort 100th Window.
Somehow I wasn’t really impress with 100th Window besides Special Cases which featured Sinead O’Connor.
Massive Attack has been the pioneer in Trip-hop.
From their mellow R&B/trip-hop sounds from Blue Lines and Protection to the dark electronica sound of Mezzanine.
They have been changing and becoming innovative with their sound.
Contrary to some reports that this album was going backwards ala Mezzanine era.
A part of me wants them to go back to the Protection/Mezzanine era.
Heligoland seems to rely more on guest singers than Robert “3D” Del Naja (Which he sings on Rush Minute and Atlas Air) and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall.
So far I still like Paradise Circus featuring Hope Sandoval (ex-Mazzy Star, how I miss that band).
One thing I want to question is, “why does Hope sound like she is either British or European? Isn’t she American?”
Its very guitar, drums and electronica driven than previous efforts.
Still maintains that dark brooding sound.
Besides tracks like Babel which has that fast almost D&B sound and Girl I Love You sounding like a high intense angry track.
The shortest track is Psyche clocking at 3:25 minutes while the longest is United Snakes which clocks at 9:45 minutes.
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2010
02/09
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Ming Wu
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Burn Planetarium (EP Review) + CD Giveaway

Burn Planetarium @ Cafe DekcufAfter seeing their set on February 6th.
Decide to do a review of Burn Planetarium’s debut EP released in 2009.
So of an excuse to do a CD giveaway which I haven’t done in awhile (details on the bottom of this review).
For those that don’t know, Burn Planetarium is a five-piece band from Guelph.
Members consist of:

  • Greg Jackson
  • Dave Jackson
  • Ben Landau
  • Sean Mckee
  • John Law

Fairly new young band and their music is indie alterna-pop rock.
On the EP there is five tracks (technically there is seven maybe they are “hidden” bonus tracks”
Its a fun rocking EP and I totally enjoy it.
Catchy and accessible.
They remind me of a mix of Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club and Ruby Coast.
They don’t do just that kind of style of music.
With the two bonus tracks.
We Shall Meet Our End (By Means Of A Boy And His Magnifying Glass) shows off how good they acoustically.
Direct To The Center Of The Universe is very instrumental experimental with the glockenspiel.
Best track (all the tracks from the EP):

  • Young Chameleon
  • Death Death Death

  • Space Heaven
  • Chimney Sweep
  • Green To Orange
  • Direct To The Center Of The Universe
  • We Shall Meet Our End (By Means Of A Boy And His Magnifying Glass)

A great EP for your buck.
Check out this video from Southernsouls.

If you want to win a signed copy of Burn Planetarium’s CD.
Just send an e-mail on the subject line with “Burn Planetarium CD” or comment on this entry.
Put down your name and address.
I will pick out a winner on February 21st.
One winner will get this great CD.

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2010
02/07
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Ming Wu
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MBMG @ Cafe Dekcuf

With alot of events happening on February 6th.
Decided to hit up Cafe Dekcuf.
Playing at the venue were:

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2010
02/07
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Ming Wu
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Andrew Vincent and Rolf Klausener @ Raw Sugar Cafe

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February 5th was a wonderful intimate and packful evening at Raw Sugar Cafe.
Amazing to see two great talented musicians play at the lovely and cozy coffeehouse.
It was so crazy at Raw Sugar that the owner decided to move all the tables out and make enough room.
From my guess there was about 50-60 people that attended this show.
Actual attendance was about 80-90 people.
Andrew Vincent @ Raw Sugar Cafe
Starting off the set was Rolf Klausener doing a solo set.
got people to sit on the floor, which felt like a campfire story going to happen.
Totally amazing set.
Played a mix of old songs from the Acorn like Antenna and Crooked Legs
To some new songs.
He even played Slippery When Wet from the Friends of Bellwoods II compilation. No its not a Bon Jovi cover.
Rolf Klausener @ Raw Sugar CafeRolf Klausener @ Raw Sugar Cafe
Andrew Vincent is a big deal in Ottawa.
He was fresh off his European tour and did a great performance.
Played a solo set not with the Pirates (as Brian asked me a few days ago if he was playing with his band)
His set was so amazing with his blend of acoustic indie pop rock music.
He did some covers one being an Al Green if I wasn’t mistaken.
Jon Bartlett accompanied Andrew on drums. He was so intense on the drums that one of the legs fell and he was scurrying on getting on sync with the song.
Just went at it like a mad man.
The encore he sang the Kate Bush classic Hounds Of Love.
Also amazing to hear his interpretation of that song.

Andrew Vincent @ Raw Sugar Cafe

Love it when he wore the Sens scarf.

Overall it was a fantastic show.
Great to see the people who attended.
Two times this week at Raw Sugar Cafe, this is becoming my third home.
Andrew Vincent @ Raw Sugar Cafe
Here is the video of Rolf singing Crooked Legs

2010
02/06
POSTED BY
Ming Wu
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Bands Undone: Tanya Davis and Paper Beats Scissors

It was a fun double bill at Bands Undone on February 5, 2010.
Also a East Coast musician day too.
Playing at Canteen were:

It was nice to have both play a small set and it was like a preview of what to expect for this weekends “In The Dead Of Winter” Festival happening at The Black Sheep Inn.

Tanya Davis started off the set with her blend of indie alternative folk pop music.
She went solo and played a wonderful acoustic set.
Favorite song she sang was Art.
Listen to the interview with Tanya.


Tim Crabtree is the musician in Paper Beats Scissors.
Indie folk rock sound.
He had that British music sound and feel to it.
Listen to the interview with Tim.


Both were truly amazing to see acoustically live.
Definitely check out both artist near your city.

Thanks to Emily for helping me out do the interview portions.

2010
02/05
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Ming Wu
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The Darcys and The Wooden Sky @ Algonquin College

The Darcys @ Algonquin college

Two nights ago I saw The Darcys and The Wooden Sky perform at Algonquin College. The Darcys opened and mostly played songs from their new album “Young Believers” which has yet to have a release date. They’ve been on a mini-tour of sorts across Ontario previewing and promoting the new album. Here’s a list of songs they played (most of these titles haven’t even been announced yet):

  • 100 Mile House
  • Des Animaux
  • House Built Around Your Voice
  • Don’t Bleed Me
  • Shakin’ Down the Old Bones
  • Mountains Make Way
  • I Will Be Light

I caught up with two of the band members before their set. Here’s the interview:

The Wooden Sky @ Algonquin College

Unfortunately I had to leave early so I didn’t even get to see most of The Wooden Sky’s performance. I’m very glad I got to see them that night and at Bands Undone though. They’re very good live and I highly recommend seeing them if you get the chance. From what I remember they played “Something Hiding for us in the Night” and “The Wooden Sky” (which is hands down my favourite song of theirs.)

2010
02/04
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Stephanie Espilondo
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Evening Hymns – Spirit Guides (Review)

I’ve been listening to Spirit Guides on and off on my iPod.
It was ranked #22 of my best Canadian albums of 2009.
Finally have a chance to do a review on this album.
After seeing Evening Hymns performance at the Black Sheep Inn on November 27, 2009.
Its looking to be a good 2010 for Evening Hymns, one being listed on CBC’s Top 10 Bands Destined to Break in 2010.

Looking up on some research about the album Spirit Guides.
Jonas Bonnetta makes up Evening Hymns but he is helped out by other contributors of musicians like Mika Posen of Forest City Lovers, The Wooden Sky peeps and Julie Fader.
Didn’t know that making the album that Jonas’s father was sick and passed away (Just gets me teary eyed).
This is such an emotional album which pulls on the tugstrings about losing someone you dearly love.
Death can be a hard issue to tackle on a album but Jonas does it so well without being to scary and creepy like Timber Timbre.

When I listen to this album over and over, it bring back memories when my grandmother passed away.
Felt connected to the songs lanterns, dead deers, cedars and history books.
With the sense of loss and saddness.
Jonas’s vocals just astounds me, you feel him emotions when singing.

Overall I totally love this album, its so profound and moving.
It can be either a healing process or a disclosure album.
Best tracks:

  • lanterns
  • dead deer (my favorite!)

  • mtn. song
  • broken rifle
  • tumultuous sea

  • cedars
  • history books

Videos by Southernsouls.ca
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2010
02/04
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Ming Wu
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Bands Undone: Matthew de Zoete

February 3, 2010 was a simple Bands Undone with Matthew de Zoete.
Matthew is a singer/songwriter from Hamilton.
His music can be compared to the likes of Elliott Smith.
I was really impress with his music.
A mix of acoustic folk rock.
A talented musician that you should check out.
Here is the interview I did with him at Bands Undone. (sorry if I am being sloppy with my interviews)


Matthew de Zoete @ Bands UndoneMatthew de Zoete @ Bands Undone

2010
02/03
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Ming Wu
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