Andre Ethier s/t 12" EP

When searching for new music I often find myself browsing the rosters of the record labels of bands that I really like. A perfect example of this is my fairly recent discovery of Andre Ethier's music. I've been a fan of Rick White for some time, and the label he's called home for the past decade or so has been Blue Fog Recordings. After visiting their MySpace page I quickly realized that they had a spectacular back catalog with artist such as the Unintended, One Hundred Dollars, Castlemusic, and several others including our subject for the day Andre Ethier.

Andre is the former lead singer of seminal Canadian garage rockers the Deadly Snakes. Upon that bands demise he started releasing solo records and although he still has some bite to his vocals the music itself is a little more laid back, much the same way Dylan pulled back the reigns after Blonde on Blonde. He has four solo albums to his credit, the first of which Andre Ethier With Christopher Sandes Featuring Pickles and Price was released in 2004 while he was still with the Deadly Snakes. 2006's Secondathalam, 2007's On Blue Fog, and 2008's Born of Blue Fog all followed with each record being better than the last. Acoustic guitars, keys, percussion, and horns can all be found in Ethier's mixed bag of tunes, his melodies and earnest vocal delivery always giving each track their own unique flavor.

His albums are available on CD from Paper Bag Records and Sonic Unyon, but finding some of his music on vinyl has proven to be a difficult task. He put out a ltd 7" single on Dull Knife last year which sold out very quickly from what I've read, and recently Les Disques Steak issued a 4 track 12" EP compiling songs from his Blue Fog releases. As far as I know this is a Euro release only, but thanks to the wonders of the internet buying a copy shouldn't be too hard so long as you act quickly, they're ltd to 500 copies. I received my copy this past Friday from Germany's X-Mist mail order shop and the sound quality is nothing short of stunning.

For your listening pleasure I present to you Pride of Egypt, a track that appears on the s/t 12" EP and originally released on the On Blue Fog album.  Following that is a live version of Cop Killer.

you've changed ...

You've Changed Records is one my favorite labels going. It's an artist run indie label who prides itself on quality, not quantity .... as evidenced by their 3 official releases over the past year. I count each of their releases among some of the best music I own, which is why I'm VERY excited about news of an upcoming tour by Daniel, Fred & Julie !!!

Daniel Romano is one of the artists behind You've Changed Records, you may know him from his stellar band Attack In Black. He had an idea to record a few new songs and some old standards in an old school way, one microphone, a four track tape machine, and some acoustic guitars. The making of the record was detailed nicely by Daniel over on the Hero Hill blog, check it out, it's a nice little read. Recorded in Fred Squire's garage with a some vocal assistance by Julie Doiron, this album is a real slow burner and very easy on the ears. I find myself listening to this record in the morning while making breakfast, or sitting on the back porch. It's just an all around great listen with an old time vibe.

The video below is from a club date the trio did in Berlin last fall. Runner was penned by Romano and is one of the stand out tracks on the album. Do yourself a favor and catch these guys live if you can, tour dates below.

MP3 the Gambler & his Bride - Daniel, Fred & Julie

Tour dates w/ Baby Eagle as opener

Apr 7 Charlotte St Arts Centre - Fredericton NB

Apr 8 Baba's Lounge - Charlottetown PEI

Apr 9 North End Church - Halifax NS

Apr 10 Mt. Allison Chapel - Sackville NB

Apr 12 Le Cercle - Quebec City QC

Apr 13 Zaphod's - Ottawa ON

Apr 14 Jane Bond Cafe - Waterloo ON

Apr 15 the Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto ON

Apr 16 the Grad Club - Kingston ON

Unnatural Helpers 7" release

I've decided to attempt a revival of this blog. It's not going to be a full podcast as I just don't have the time to put one of those together each week, but what I will be doing is posting songs I like along with a little blurb about the band and where to buy the music (vinyl anyone?!?!).

I stumbled across this tune last week and cannot get it out of my head! It's straight-up power chord rock with a chorus that rejoices in all things SUMMER. Unnatural Helpers are from Seattle and are on Hardly Art, a Sub Pop subsidiary label chalk full of cool little bands.

This tune is from their soon-to-be-released 'Cracked Love & Other Drugs' lp, and it's also getting a 7" single release. Only 500 hand numbered copies of the 7" single are being pressed so act fast if you want one. (pre-order HERE).

Enjoy!

Hacienda - Loud is the Night

So I was skimming my favorite music blogs this morning and came across the wonderful sounds of Hacienda. This band needs a moment of your precious time so they can proceed to blow your mind.
This San Antonio quartet have found just the right mix of roots/indie rock to keep you locked into their fantastic little groove. Their new album was produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, and they're currently touring with one of my current favorites, Dr Dog.

Use the interactive play list below to sample the tracks, or just click HERE to stream a few choice cuts form their new album, you'll be glad you did.

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

So, David Byrne and Brian Eno made a record, and they want you to hear it (what a concept!!). Click the PLAY button below to listen to the album.
Enjoy!

So will me, and so will you ...

(click HERE to listen)



tracklist

1. Orphans - Beck 0:00
2. In Field & Town - Hayden 3:17
3. Modern Music - Black Mountain 7:08
4. Singing to the Earth - Apollo Sunshine 9:53
5. Language City - Wolf Parade 13:13
6. Bangers & Mash - Radiohead 18:18
7. Broke - Beta Band 21:38
8. Take the Bench - Sloan 26:19
9. Dead Flowers - the Rolling Stones 39:10
10. Record Body Count - the Local Rabbits 43:15
11. Oceans & Stream - the Black Keys 47:21
12. Top Yourself - the Raconteurs 50:47
13. All Passed By - the Unintended 55:13
14. Darkness on the Face of the Earth - Willie Nelson 59:29
15. Perfect Day - Lou Reed 1:03:13

Don't replace it... fix it.

(click HERE to listen)

tracklist

1. Top Drawer - Man Man
2. Just - Mark Ronson feat. Alex Grenwald
3. Easy - The Beta Band
4. the Breaks - The Black Keys
5. the Modern Age - The Strokes
6. Jimmy Jazz - The Clash
7. The Ballad of Daykitty - Lou Barlow
8. Your Name/My Game - Herman Dune
9. Scarlet Begonias - Grateful Dead
10. Sissyneck - Beck
11. Bullet - Frank Black & the Catholics
12. Dignified and Old - The Modern Lovers
13. Papercut Hearts - Jason Collett
14. Jenny & the Ess-Dog - Stephen Malkmus
15. Love in Vain - The Rolling Stones

Breakfast with the Arghts

(click HERE to listen)

I'm getting back into the groove.... expect more frequent posts in the future. That being said, here's a few tracks to help kick start summer.

All This Time - Heartless Bastards
This Ohio based trio is a new addition to the Restless Radio playlist, having only recently discovered them via mix someone sent me. I love how three people can make a song sound so full and complete, and with lead singer Erika Wennerstrom singing her heart out it makes this track a winner.

Hard Feelings - Constantines
The Cons have a new record out titled Kensington Heights, and in true Cons fashion it's in your face and loud. Sooo good.

Aluminum Park - My Morning Jacket
I'm following one new release with another. Evil Urges is My Morning Jackets latest studio effort and to say they've evolved their sound would be an understatement of epic proportions ... kinda like saying Mt Everest is a nice little hike. They incorporate all sorts of different styles (soul, funk, rock, jam, etc...) on the new record, Jim James even sounds like Michael Jackson on one of the tracks. But to keep the rock vibe of this playlist going I've decided to sample one of the true rockers on the album for your listening pleasure.

Keep It Down - Local Rabbits (Basic Concepts)
Peter Elkas and his fellow Rabbits were known for laying a solid groove wherever they went and this track is a perfect example. RIP Local Rabbits.

Oh No - Dr. Dog (Easy Beat)
So one of the reasons I haven't been posting many podcasts as of late is that I just haven't had the time to listen to very much music, let alone new music ... but the one band I have been devouring for the past few months has been Dr Dog. Their music can be nuttier than squirrel shit at times, but it's always interesting and their grooves just don't quit. This particular track is from their '05 release Easy Beat. If you love your ears and want to reward them for all those years of service with some solid tunes then this is the band to do it with.

The Grey Estates - Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade is releasing a new record soon (REJOICE!!!) and this song might be on it... (you didn't hear it from me).

Thunder on the Mountain - Bob Dylan
I saw Bob Dylan and his band last week at the Coliseum and it was nothing short of amazing. His band was insanely tight and "his Bobness" was rocking out on keys all night (I'm told he places less guitar and more keys these days due to some nagging arthritis in his hands). This track is from his most recent lp 'Modern Times' and really showcases the sound he's been refining over the past 5 years. He's not as prolific as he used to be, but his output hits the mark every time.

Happiest Day of Our Lives -> Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2 - Luther Wright & the Wrongs (Rebuild the Wall)
One of the perks with having a wife who works at a local top 40 radio station is that they (the station) often times discards GREAT CDs because they don't fit their top 40 mold. A few times a year the employees get to dig through boxes full of unplayed albums and this Luther Wright & the Wrongs album was one of the gems that made it home to me. LW & the W's decided to faithfully reproduce Pink Floyd's 19'78 classic "The Wall", the twist being that it's done in an alt-country way. I used to think the Wall was the most depressing album ever... no more. Put on yer 10 gallon hat and rock out to one of the funnest covers you'll ever hear.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him (Volume 1)
M.Ward (the musician) & Zoe Deschanel (the actress) have teamed up to record an album. Music wise it may be right up your alley, so here's a sample.

Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi - Jacques Dutronc
This track comes to you straight from 1966 era France, sung by one of the most popular French vocalists in existence. I just happen to like the song. If you can understand french you'll get the rebellious nature of the song, if not ... c'est la vie.

My Old Ways - Dr. Dog (We All Belong)
I did say I was listening to these guys non-stop lately right? A great track from their latest lp titled 'We All Belong'.

Old Enough - the Raconteurs
The Racs released their latest LP 'Consolers of the Lonely' guerilla style, giving the industry and fans alike only one weeks notice before unleashing this beast of an album on us. Personally, I like the tactic. It means less time waiting in anticipation and more time listening ... what a concept!

The Sweetest Tooth - Camphor
Camphor is a New York based group with Max Avery Lichtenstein (indie film score composer) at the helm. Vocally there are similarities with mellow era Beck ('Sea Changes' anyone?), but musically this stuff is cinematic in scope, which makes sense given Max's background. A solid track to say the least (one of two songs this week gratefully "donated" by DJ Bones ).

Challengers - The New Pornographers
The poster children of Canadian indie rock return to the Podcast with this A.C. Newman penned gem of a song. The combination Of Neko Case's vocals and the faint mandolin in the background totally make this track.


Mona Lisa - Blair
This New Orleans native has a real angel of a voice and is just an absolute pleasure to listen to. More of her stuff can be found here. Big thanks to DJ Bones for another fine recommendation.

Bedhead - Shotgun Jimmie (the Onlys)
From the ashes of Sackville's now defunct Shotgun & Jaybird comes this solo outing from one of it's co-founders. It's mellow and quirky, a fitting end to this weeks melange of tunes.

Until next time ...
MD


tracklist

1. All This Time - Heartless Bastards 0:00
2. Hard Feelings - Constantines 3:07
3. Aluminum Park - My Morning Jacket 6:32
4. Keep It Down - Local Rabbits 10:30
5. Oh No - Dr. Dog 14:31
6. The Grey Estates - Wolf Parade 18:36
7. Thunder on the Mountain - Bob Dylan 22:04
8. Happiest Day of Our Lives - Luther Wright & the Wrongs 27:59
9. Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2 - Luther Wright & the Wrongs 29:02
10. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him 33:03
11. Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi - Jacques Dutronc 35:34
12. My Old Ways - Dr. Dog 38:30
13. Old Enough - the Raconteurs 42:01
14. The Sweetest Tooth - Camphor 45:48
15. Challengers - The New Pornographers 49:52
16. Mona Lisa - Blair 53:24
17. Bedhead - Shotgun Jimmie 56:16