Tres-seh

(click HERE to listen)

Alright, here's another slightly disjointed set of tunes for your consumption. There's a definite rock vibe running through this compilation, more so than in the last few sets I've posted anyway. If that's your bag then have at it, it's a solid one.
I've featured most of these artists on the podcast before so I'll keep the descriptions brief.

Don't Talk Anymore - the Whigs (Give'em All a Big Fat Lip)
Athens GA has been a hotbed for indie rock since before the days of R.E.M, and you can add the Whigs to that impressive list of southern talent. Their debut LP was released in 2005 to critical acclaim and with good reason, it's a solid listen from start to finish.

Shine a Light - Wolf Parade (Apologies to the Queen Mary)
I was fortunate to see this band a couple of years ago in their home town of Montreal at the Osheaga festival. The weather was shitty, the band had sound problems throughout their entire set, and they still managed to blow me away. I cannot wait for them to release a new record.

Got My Eye on You - Brian Jonestown Massacre (Strung Out in Heaven)
The Rolling Stones fan in me absolutely LOVES this tune. Anton Newcombe yelps just like Jagger in the chorus and the guitar riffs are pure Keith Richards, yet the band make this one all their own.

Two Crows - Herman Düne (Switzerland Heritage)
The Düne are a Restless Radio favorite. The first time I heard them I thought I was listening to an obscure Cake record, but I quickly realized that they have their own unique sound and a VERY extensive back catalogue. If you like searching, this is a band with a pot of gold at the end of each rainbow.

National Anthem of Nowhere - Apostle of Hustle (National Anthem of Nowhere)
From the pulsing horn section to the relentless bass line, this track from these Broken Social Scene family tree members is chalk full of epic goodness.

the Hook - Stephen Malkmus (s/t)
If you were a fan of the seminal 90's indie rock band Pavement then this track will be right up your alley. Their former front-man has been busy since the breakup releasing 4 "solo" records, most of which were recorded with his backing band the Jicks. In terms of song writers, this guy is as good as they come.

It's a Long Line - the Mendoza Line (Fortune)
I've gotta thank my NYC buddy Ian for this track. During one of his famous 2am phone calls from Queens one night (or was it the East Village?) he gushed about seeing this excellent band perform at some hole-in-the-wall club. At the time I thought it was just the liquor talking, but a few months later a CD mix showed up on my doorstep from NYC with this track on it. Wicked tune.

Maageeta - My Morning Jacket (It Still Moves)
In case I needed a reason to feature yet another MMJ tune on the podcast, I learned this week that they'll be releasing a new record in June. Giddy up!

G turns to D - Sloan (One Chord to Another)
With the ECMA's just around the corner I thought it fitting to offer up a tune from my favorite ex-pat maritimers.

Things I Don't Remember - Ugly Cassanova (Sharpen Your Teeth)
Fans of Modest Mouse will know this song well, but if it's your first time listening... you're in for a real treat. And if you're up for reading a great little story about the making of this project head over to SubPop's website.

Havana Gang Brawl - the Zutons (Who Killed .... the Zutons)
Just a fantastically fun song to listen to. Long live Brit rock.

I Don't Want to Go - Mike O'Neil (the Owl)
I think I've featured another one of Mr O'Neil's songs in a previous post, and to be honest I'd post the whole album if it wasn't illegal. One of the most underrated Canadian singer songwriters out there.

Heart of Lovers - the Mohawk Lodge (Wild Fires)
A track from one of my favorite albums of 2007. If you like it, head over to the White Whale Records shop and pick up a copy for yourself.

Modern Girl - Sleater Kinney (the Woods)
SK are the loudest live band I've ever heard. It's a damn shame they called it quites in 2006 after an 11 year career. Pearl Jam fans will no doubt recognize the chorus as it was frequently featured as a tag onto "Wishlist" during the '05 and '06 tours.

Shine a Light - the Rolling Stones (Exile on Main Street)
I have several favorite Stones songs, and this one is most certainly near the top of that list. I always thought it should have been the closing track on "Exile", but who am I?
You'd swear it was a gospel tune during the first verse, but in true Stones fashion they kick it up a notch during the chorus with Bill Wyman's bass and the dueling Taylor & Richards combo completely taking over. Billy Preston is all over this track, and in true Preston fashion almost steals the thunder (the Beatles "Get Back" anyone?) from Mick & Keif. I could go on and on about this track and the "Exile on Main St" album as whole, it's just one of those PERFECT records.

Enjoy!

1. Don't Talk Anymore - the Whigs
2. Shine a Light - Wolf Parade
3. Got My Eye on You - Brian Jonestown Massacre
4. Two Crows - Herman Dune
5. National Anthem of nowhere - Apostle of Hustle
6. the Hook - Stephen Malkmus
7. It's a Long Line - the Mendoza Line
8. Maageeta - My Morning Jacket
9. G turns to D - Sloan
10. Things I Don't Remember - Ugly Cassanova
11. Havana Gang Brawl - the Zutons
12. I Don't Want to Go - Mike O'Neil
13. Heart of Lovers - the Mohawk Lodge
14. Modern Girl - Sleater Kinney
15. Shine a Light - the Rolling Stones

Montreal Snowfall Effect

(click HERE to listen)


This weeks installment of the podcast is brought to you by a Restless Radio listener turned correspondent. I crossed paths with Aaron while living in Ottawa a few years back, he was living one floor up from my brother and would always throw in his 2 cents whenever Eric and I were discussing our latest musical discoveries. Since then we've always kind of been on the same mailing lists so we've stayed in touch and traded musical experiences from time to time. He's currently calling Montreal home and has been lucky enough to get one of those special gigs in the music biz.
Most of these tracks were first time listens for me so it was refreshing to hear so many excellent songs in one sitting from bands that I'd never heard of for the most part. Early favorites of mine thus far include Kinetic Stereokids, Holy Fuck, and Handsome Furs.
Much like a fresh blanket of snow, these tunes will creep up on you... happy shoveling!
MD

************************************************************

allo, c’est moi aaron. i moved to montreal to get enwrapped in music. found a gig with pop montreal. pop is a music festival that breathes artistic creativity, magnifying the local community & culture and promoting musicians tout le monde who are pushing the industry (well in my modest and unbiased definition). over the past year i’ve been toiling around ‘the scene’, here is what my ears have fallen in love with via pop mtl.

side a

silently - blonde redhead
mccaren park pool, brooklyn, new york. sitting backstage, sipping free whisky, witnessing the sun slowly descend, peering out over the same scene the band receives, in their home court no less and all you have to carry you along is this sonic bliss. i’d place this song 12 times, but that doesn’t make for much variety.

sing! captain - handsome furs (mtl)
face from ‘wolf parade’ accompanied by his girlfriend provides montreal its own ‘beck’.

the wind - peasant
running around as a patron at pop montreal 2006, i tripped upon on this conor oberst/elliot smith-esque presence. couldn’t shake the bright eyes stage relation… with his drunkard between song shyness completely offset by a clear and ever emotional in song act.

this thing about you - miracle fortress (mtl)
still haven’t taken much a fondness or been won over considering the inner city hype surrounding this one man show (graham van pelt), but you can’t deny a good tune and everyone seems to speak praise of his character, haha.

acoustic blue sun - think about life (mtl)
onstage gimmicks are seemingly pretentious, but when the lead singer came out wearing a motorcycle helmet, it just seemed natural. they are a bit off the wall, and enjoy their fans going off so, but also show this calm side.

explosions were heard - kinetic stereokids
from Flint, MI. (yes, the lead singers parents met while working on the set of micheal moore’s film ‘roger & me’). in running the listening sessions for this year’s festival, i had to sit through over 1,000 bands material, this here was my veto (or needo if you like) to play the festival, my #1. you might not take to the samples (giggling kids), but hopefully you’ll take to the talent.
side b

lovely allen - holy fuck (mtl)
my vote goes for best live act of 2007. infectious, my eyes were glued to the drummer their entire set,…and I promise I don’t have a fetish for drummers. they giver 127.6% and improvise constantly. the transition to album is not magical, but a step down is expected, still keeping it pretty decent. for someone not liking instrumentals, you’ll believe there were words.

what we had - handsome furs (mtl)
if only they could physically get across the border, oh the movements they’d be making.

you are never alone - socalled (mtl)
nothing beats a jewish cowboy, or the sweet, sweet voice of an accompanying katie moore. additionally, the video is worth a look.

insistor - tapes 'n tapes
there’s always an exception to the rule, this is thus, no pop relation. coachella 2006, easily the best performance of that excruciatingly hot california weekend, they rocked out like it wasn’t even hot (and with mullets no less).

fog and the horn - hot springs (mtl)
guilty pleasure, despite a strong distaste for this attractive female as a person, can’t quite shake my love of the music. played the festival at a literal whole in the wall venue holding a max. capacity of 4 mice, somehow 100 loyal fans squeezed in, yet even the faithful are tired of her mundane antics, witness to them constantly shouting “NEXT SONG” to disrupt her sexually laced between song banter.

paul cries - think about life (mtl)
describe themselves as “black guy, a hipster, a polar bear, and an albino”. here they are giving their taste of ‘the strokes’.

23 - blonde redhead
this whole album should be on here.

as for Restless Radio, might i throw in this plug…

“I was always impressed with a tombstone of a nameless musician I once saw. All it said was MUSICIAN – HE PASSED IT ON”

- Keith Richards

tracklist
1. silently - blonde redhead
2. sing! captain - handsome furs
3. the wind - peasant
4. this thing about you - miracle fortress
5. acoustic blue sun - think about life
6. explosions were heard - kinetic stereokids
7. lovely allen - holy fuck
8. what we had - handsome furs
9. you are never alone - socalled
10. insistor - tapes 'n tapes
11. fog and the horn - hot springs
12. paul cries - think about life
13. 23 - blonde redhead

A Mix Tape For '08

(click HERE to listen)

Hey all,
By now I would imagine you're all fully recovered from the holidays, but in case you haven't .... toss on this mix, it'll cure what ails you.

Vegan in Furs - Of Montreal (Satanic Panic in the Attic)
Despite what their name may lead you to believe, these guys are actually from Athens, GA. Regardless of where you might be while listening to this track I can GUARANTEE you'll be groovin'. It's a full on assault on your ears.

Mr Saturday - Two Hours Traffic (s/t)
The best thing to come out of PEI since the potatoe.

Young Leaves - Attack in Black (Marriage)
I happened to catch this tune on Much Music while channel surfing a few weeks back. I only caught the tail end of the video but it involved the band standing around a record player listening to an Elevator lp. It was all the convincing I needed to track down the mp3 ... and I'm glad I did.

You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock 'n Roll Man - Okkervil River (the Stage Names)
This track has it all! A great name AND a groove that won't quit. The band is on the Jagjaguwar label and toured with label-mate Julie Doiron over in Europe at the end of 2007.

Nevertheless - Brian Jonestown Massacre (Teppid Peppermint Wonderland)
If you haven't seen the movie DIG! please make it a point to do so as I believe to be required viewing for ANY fan of rock 'n roll. The film is a documentary that spans 7 years and details the life and times of Courtney Taylor (of the Dandy Warhols) and Anton Newcombe (of the Brian Jonestown Massacre) as they paddle their respective bands through the rough seas of the music industry.
note: the film is not nearly as cheesy as my description above.

Passenger Side - Wilco (A.M.)
Here's some old school Wilco for your listening pleasure. This tune is stripped down to the bare alt country essentials with liquor and Neil Young references abound.

What's Left Behind - the Sadies (New Seasons)
This is currently my favorite track from an absolutely face melting record by Canada's favorite alt country son's, the Sadies. The lead guitar licks alone will leave you bruised and battered.

Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car - Iron & Wine (the Shepherd's Dog)
My friend Mars described the (relatively) new Iron & Wine album best hen he said "it's f'ing serious". Nuff said.

Almost Crimes - Broken Social Scene (You Forgot It In People)
My better half isn't quite finished with her BSS obsession, so here's another great little ditty from our Arts & Crafts friends.

By Winter's End - Cuff the Duke (Sidelines of the City)
Another excellent track from a truly solid record.

Star of Bethlehem - Neil Young (American Stars 'n Bars)
This tune is in my top 5 favorite Neil tracks of all time. I've always been a fan of his mellower stuff to begin with , but what makes this track for me is Emmylou Harris on backing vocals. Absolutely Angelic. The track was originally recorded for the Chrome Dreams lp but the album never materialized so it eventually ended up on American Stars 'n Bars (an absolute goldmine of an album when it comes to classic Neil performances). "Yet still a light is shining, from that lamp on down the hall. Maybe the star of Bethlehem, wasn't a star at all. "

Eyes - Rogue Wave (???)
To be completely honest I'm not sure how this tune made it into my iTunes library, but after one listen I made it a point to buy an albums worth of material. The track has a bit of an Iron & Wine meets the Shins kind of feel to it and sounds VERY familiar. Did I hear it in a commercial? You tell me, 'cause I haven't got the foggiest clue!

Golden - My Morning Jacket (It Still Moves)
Some songs seem like they were written for the road. You hear them while driving and you just want to keep chasing the horizon.

Superstar - Sonic Youth (If I Were A Carpenter)
I saw the film Juno a couple of weeks back and side from being a great little flick its use of music throughout the film was excellent. Our friends over at the Aquarium Drunkard discusses the use of this Sonic Youth track here, check it out.

Anyone Else But You - the Moldy Peaches (s/t)
And finally to wrap things up this week I decided to use another track from the Juno soundtrack. The Moldy Peaches (fronted by Kimya Dawson & Adam Green) were an integral part of the New York anti-folk scene of the early 2000's and Kimya's music is featured prominently in the film. With clever lines such as "up up, down down, left right, left right, B A Start. Just because we use cheats doesn't mean we're not smart", the Moldy Peaches are a fun band to listen to, they sing about the little things in life that we've all lived but may have forgotten about.

Until next time!
MD

1. Vegan in Furs - Of Montreal
2. Mr Saturday - Two Hours Traffic
3. Young Leaves - Attack in Black
4. You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock 'n Roll Man - Okkervil River
5. Nevertheless - Brian Jonestown Massacre
6. Passenger Side - Wilco
7. What's Left Behind - the Sadies
8. Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car - Iron & Wine
9. Almost Crimes - Broken Social Scene
10. By Winter's End - Cuff the Duke
11. Star of Bethlehem - Neil Young
12. Eyes - Rogue Wave
13. Golden - My Morning Jacket
14. Superstar - Sonic Youth
15. Anyone Else But You - the Moldy Peaches

Brother Down

(click HERE to listen)

In the spirit of the season I've decided to make this weeks post a family affair. My brother Eric has a keen ear when it comes to music and has dropped SEVERAL great artists onto my listening plate over the years (Jimi Hendrix in 1993, Ryan Adams in 2003, Magnolia Electric Co. in 2006, and Josh Ritter in 2007 to name but a few). He's spending Christmas down under in Australia this year with his girl (hi Cheryl!) so the least that I can do is give him a musical shout out. Eric picked the majority of the tracks (his notes are in italics), the rest are songs that he has turned me onto over the years. Let's get to it!

Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn & Jack White (Van Lear Rose)
This pairing may at first glance seem a little strange, but all it takes is one listen to fall in love with this duo. Recorded in 2004, this stellar track showcases Lynn's classic country vocals along with White's patented guitar & vocal assault.

To The Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter (The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter)
Josh Ritter is a true talent. Trust me, you'll never get bored listening to his songs. This song is like a playful non-related sequal to Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'...if that makes any sense.

Soon Enough - The Constantines (Tournament of Hearts)
The Constantines - A band that I would love to see live. This is one of my favourites by them. The line: "...the tournament of hearts, somebodys gotta lose" sounds like it was written by The Boss himself.'

Co-ordinates - The Violet Archers (The End Of Part One)
The Violet Archers are led by my favourite vocalist from the legendary Rheostatics - Tim Vesely. This song is the single from their excellent debut album (from a few years ago) entitled 'The End Of Part One'. The entire album is really great. Hopefully there will be more to come from them.

Werewolves of London - Magnolia Electric Co.
A great cover of a Warren Zevon song. Jason Molina having fun never sounded so sweet.

Oh My Soul! - Thrush Hermit (Clayton Park)
Although it's eight years removed from Plaskett's other song featured in this weeks podcast, it hits the mark every time. Long live the Hermit!

Myriad Harbour -The New Pornographers (Challengers)
I wasn't always a fan of Dan Bejar's songs with The New Pornographers but this song is brilliant.

If The Brakeman Turns My Way - Bright Eyes (Cassadaga)
I think this is one of the best songs in the Bright Eyes catalogue. Conor Oberst is a talented lyricist and musician and this song showcases both.

Girls In Their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen (Magic)
This is one of my favourite songs from Bruce's latest album. Once again, Bruce tells the story (like only he can) of some chap who's down on his luck ("The girls in their summer clothes, pass me by"). The Boss loves to namedrop characters and places that have previously appeared in other songs and he does it again with this song.

Hold On - Tom Waits (Mule Variations)
A song recommended to me by New York Ian. Found it on a juke box at Chez Lucien's....the rest is history.

Methamphetimine - Son Volt (The Search)
Jay Farar tends to write some heavy songs and this one is no exception.

If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams (Follow the Light EP)
I took Eric 4 years and cost him three Ryan Adams LPs, but he finally converted me into more than just a casual fan of Mr Adams. RA is a master at re-inventing himself so it was no surprise that on his latest EP he re-recorded a few of his own songs with his current touring band (the Cardinals). The results were nothing short of outstanding.

Paris 1919 - John Cale (Paris 1919)
This is the black sheep of the bunch. I don't know. It just sounds great...like it could be a b-side off of Sgt. Pepper's or something.

Soundtrack For The Night - Joel Plaskett Emergency (Ashtray Rock).
Leave it to Joel Plaskett to write a mini rock opera and nail it. I think the best thing about this song is that it's so easy to picture Joel and the Emergency playing it live complete with the gang vocals...."who do you love?".

Breathless - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Abbatoir Blues)
Not many people can write a love song using childish imagery and get away with it...but Nick Cave does it and man does it sound good.

Hangover Days - Jason Collett & Leslie Feist (live)
My Beautiful fiancee has been on a huge Broken Social Scene kick over the past few weeks, and while hunting for EVERYTHING BSS she found this fantastic live performance . It being the holidays and all I thought the title was fitting.

Minors’ Refrain – Elephant Micah (Agrarian Malaise)
Elephant Micah was recommended by Jason Molina (of Magnolia Electric Co.) on his myspace. Check them out.

Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole - Martha Wainwright (s/t)
There are few songs that strike a chord like this one does. wow

Be safe if you're traveling over the holidays and be sure to raise a glass or two and give thanks.
From the Restless Radio team, Happy Holidays everyone!

tracklist
1. Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn & Jack White
2. To the Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter *
3. Soon Enough - The Constantines *
4. Coordinates - the Violet Archers *
5. Werewolves of London - Magnolia Electric Co. *
6. Oh My Soul! - Thrush Hermit
7. Myriad Harbour - the New Pornographers *
8. If the Breakman Turns My Way - Bright Eyes *
9. Girls In Their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen *
10. Hold On - Tom Waits *
11. Methamphetamine - Son Volt *
12. If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams *
13. Paris 1919 - John Cale *
14. Soundtrack for the Night - Joel Plaskett Emergency *
15. Breathless - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds *
16. Hangover Days - Jason Collett & Leslie Feist
17. Minor's Refrain - Elephant Micah *
18. B.M.F.A - Martha Wainwright

* = Eric's picks

Week 9 ... streaming

I'm trying something new here this week so bear with me....
*to listen to a song click on the black circle next to the track*


SeeqPod Music beta - Playable Search

Here's another with some "oldies"


SeeqPod Music beta - Playable Search

Back in the Day

(click HERE to listen)

If you haven’t already guessed it from looking at the tracklist, this week’s theme is all about the old school. It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of 60’s & 70’s rock ‘n roll, at least half of my music collection pre-dates me by 10-15 years… no joke. What’s great about listening to older stuff is that you can easily weed through the mediocrity (early 80’s Rolling Stones anyone?) by doing a little research and finding the hidden gems from any artists’ catalogue.
I’ve tried to cover all the “must hear” bases, but with 3 decades of material to work with I’ve no doubt missed many a band. Not to fear, I guarantee that each one of these tracks I’ve presented will melt your face in their own way and there’ll most certainly be another podcast dedicated to this very same subject somewhere down the road.
My good friend Hutch, who is currently holding down the fort on the North Shore, is sitting in the GuestList spot this week so you’ll hear some of his all time favorites mixed in with what I’ve picked for you.

Don’t Do It - the Band
A Musical History (2006)
Their name suits them to a T… there is no other band that compares. They do it all, and for a time were the only band that mattered to me. This song was never officially released on a studio album but it was featured in the classic Scorsese film ‘the Last Waltz’.

Let It Bleed - the Rolling Stones
Let It Bleed (1969)
I have several favorites from this band, and today this track is at the top of my list. For a time this band could do no wrong in the recording studio (’68-’73) and this track is the perfect representation of a band firing on all cylinders and letting all hang out like only the Stones can.

Deal - Jerry Garcia
Garcia (1972)
So I planned on throwing a Grateful Dead tune into the mix, but couldn’t find one that I liked… that would clock in at less than 5 minutes that is. Hence the appearance of uncle Jerry. ‘Deal’ was originally recorded for Jerry’s first official solo album sans the Dead.

E Street Shuffle – Bruce Springsteen
The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle (1973)
If you’re a casual Springsteen fan (which I am) then you’ve likely never heard Bruce sound this damn funky. Release only 8 short months after his debut lp in 1973, this is Bruce is all his early glory.

I’ve Got a Feeling - the Beatles
Let It Be (1970)
McCartney absolutely OWNS this classic from the Fab Fours’ swan song LP ‘Let It Be’.

Izabella - Jimi Hendrix
Live at Woodstock (1969)
Hendrix was almost too sick to play his set at Woodstock, a fact that makes this performance even more spectacular. Don’t eat the brown acid … ever.

Ain’t That A Lot of Love - Taj Mahal
Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1968)
If there’s an album that made me re-focus my attention to the Stones and other artists of that era, it’s the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus album. Featuring the likes of Jethro Tull, the Who, Marianne Faithfull, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Taj Mahal, and of course the Stones, this album is an absolute goldmine of late 60’s rock. Taj and his band are so incredibly tight during their performance the Stones almost pale in comparison.

________________________________________________
** Greetings from a sleepy river town in northern New Brunswick where the youth are few and the snow is plenty! Considering I owe much of any knowledge I have of music to Mike D and his Restless Radio, it’s a great pleasure to contribute a few tracks to this week’s playlist.

** The Woman That Got Away - J.J. Cale
Troubadour (1971)
Diversity isn't something that J.J. Cale is known for, but what he does, he does well. The dude has a guitar style like no other, and his career is full of solid songs like this one.

** I Feel So Good - Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters at Newport (1960)
This is a great live version of a Big Bill Broonzy original. Nobody belts it out like Muddy.

** One Day I Walk - Bruce Cockburn
High Winds White Sky (1971)
I admire Cockburn’s rocket launching pursuit of a better world as much as the next suburbanite, but it’s his timeless folk songs like “One Day” that I can relate to. "Pacing the Cage" is another solid tune of his in the same style.

** Nobody ‘Cept You - Bob Dylan
The Bootleg Series - 1-3 (1973)
One of the great things about Dylan was his ability to at times captivate his listeners with mind bending lyrics, and other times to simply entertain with a light country rocker about love. Hatched from the three day sessions that became Planet Waves, this tune is another great Dylan - The Band collaboration.

** Wherever You Go - West Montrose
West Montrose EP (1987)
Before forming the Skydiggers, Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson released this tune under the name “West Montrose”. Hands down one of my favorite tunes of all time. Mike has an inaresting story about the acquisition of this ep. Go ahead, ask him.
________________________________________________

Lookout Joe – Neil Young
Tonight’s the Night (1975)
It doesn’t get anymore rock ‘n roll than Neil’s ‘Tonight’s the Night’ lp. Recorded in a haze in 1973 with a few members of Crazy Horse and a couple of other usual suspects, this album didn’t actually see the light of day until 2 years later. For the casual fan the album is likely unlistenable , but if you put some time into this one there are flashes of brilliance on every track.

The Soft Parade - the Doors
The Soft Parade (1969)
Getting drunk and listening to the Doors at the age of 14 is like a right of passage for most music fans. I mean, remember the first time you heard ‘the End’? All 11 minutes of it? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. It was like a new world had opened up and the 3 minute radio song you were used to hearing sounded like Yanni compared to this stuff. The Doors were great at creating a groove and letting Jim do his thing, and this lesser known track showcases this ability perfectly.

Wrong ‘Em Boyo - The Clash
London Calling (1979)
‘London Calling’ is hands down the most eclectic sounding album I own (If I’ve said this before about another album… I was lying). For a band who two years prior was the epitome of punk, this lp is anything but (except maybe in spirit) and only goes to show truly great this band was.

Dirty Blvd - Lou Reed
New York (1989)
Lou Reed is another one of those artists that you cannot really listen to on a casual basis. He has a catalogue that only Dylan and Neil Young can rival in terms of scope and influence so you can just imagine how much material this guy has released. He’s got a few hits, but he’ll be remembered for being a lyrical genius and the godfather of cool.

Country Death Song – Violent Femmes
Hallowed Ground (1985)
I’ve always liked the Femmes, they have a way of making the morbid and obscene sound like a day at the zoo.

Peaches in Regalia – Frank Zappa
Hot Rats (1969)
I cannot claim to be a huge Zappa fan, but admire what he did as a composer, musician, producer, and free speech activist. No list of ‘old school’ tracks would be complete without including the Z-man. This track is from his first official solo album without the Mothers of Invention and it’s an absolute assault to the senses. **Headphones recommended**

Sloop John B – the Beach Boys
Pet Sounds (1966)
When I was younger I was bombarded with Beach Boy tunes on family road trips … but I’ll be damned if they ever sounded this good. In terms of vocal harmonies it doesn’t get much better that Brian Wilson and the rest of the B Boys.

Wherever You Go - West Montrose (continued…)
West Montrose EP (1987)
To elaborate a little on what Hutch referred to earlier, I requested a copy of this long out of print 7” vinyl single from Andy Maize himself via email … a couple of weeks later three copies arrived in the mail along with a note from Andy saying he had an attic full of the records and was only too happy to give a few away to a fan.
The moral of the story … you’ll never know what you can get unless you ask for it (nicely).

Have a good weekend
MD & the Hutch


tracklist
1. Don't Do It - the Band
2. The Woman That Got Away - JJ Cale **
3. Let It Bleed - the Rolling Stones
4. Deal - Jerry Garcia
5. E Street Shuffle - Bruce Springsteen
6. I've Got A Felling - the Beatles
7. Izabella - Jimi Hendrix
8. Ain't That A Lot Of Love - Taj Mahal
9. I Fell So Good - Muddy Waters **
10. Lookout Joe - Neil Young
11. One Day I Walk - Bruce Cockburn **
12. Nobody 'Cept You - Bob Dylan **
13. The Soft Parade (partial) - the Doors
14. Wrong 'Em Boyo - the Clash
15. Dirty Blvd. - Lou Reed
16. Country Death Song - Violent Femmes
17. Peaches In Regalia - Frank Zappa
18. Sloop John B - the Beach Boys
19. Wherever You Go - West Montrose **

** = Guestlist pics

Word from the West

(click HERE to listen)



Word from the west. I’ve been enjoying the recent Restless Radio pod-cast installments and have missed the good ol’ days at CHMA, being Mike’s trusty sidekick, putting the show together on the home front. It’s my pleasure to present to your ears some of what my ears have been taking in whilst out here in Vancouver.

Artist: Michael Franti and Spearhead Track: Stay Human
Album: Songs From The Porch (2003)
To kick off the set, here’s a dose of the positive / political energy that is: Michael Franti and his band Spearhead. I had the pleasure of experiencing their live performance at the Malkin Bowl; a great outdoor venue nestled amongst the trees in Stanley Park. The sky opened up midway through the show to which Franti and the positive crowd gave much thanks….

Artist: Elliott Brood Track: Second Son
Album: Ambassador (2005)
I was lucky to catch this trio on their Exclaim! tour. They bring a truckload of floor-stompin’ energy. At the show they handed out an assortment of pots & pans for the audience members to giver on…. You can imagine the mad jam that ensued! They are still on the road with the final two dates on their tour scheduled for Moncton (Friday Nov. 23rd) and Saint John (Sat. Nov.24th).

Artist: Andrew Bird Track: Fake Palindromes
Album: The Mysterious Production Of Eggs (2005)
I came to know this Chicago based multi-instrumentalist as the “whistling guy who recorded an album in an abandoned grain silo for the acoustics” through my good friend and talented musician Rob Reid. Upon seeing him perform it becomes rather obvious that Andrew picked up his first violin at the tender age of four years! I had a tough time deciding which track to choose….. he’s got a deep bag of nine solid releases. You best be checking him out.

Artist: Final Fantasy (Owen Pallett) Track: This Is The Dream Of Win And Regine
Album: Has A Good Home (2005)
I had never seen a live performance coupled with manually overhead projected art… Who said that those weren’t useful anymore?
The Win and Regine referred to in the track title are Win Butler and Regine Chassagne of The Arcade Fire, the band with whom Owen plays live (and often opens for) and for whom he arranged the orchestral sections on their albums.

Artist: Great Lake Swimmers Track: Bodies And Minds
Album: Bodies And Minds (2005)
Bodies and Minds, their second album of three, was recorded in a lakeside church in rural southern Ontario, continuing the emphasis on atmosphere from the debut album.

Artist: Chromeo Track: Mommas Boy
Album: Fancy Footwork (2007)
If you have yet to listen to this duo’s newest album “Fancy Footwork” you best be getting to it. Buff the hardwood floor, put on your “dance pants”, apply kneepads and let your inner 80’s spirit shine.
P.S. don’t forget to stretch first J

Artist: Trevor Tchir Track: B-Side Intro
Album: Wooden Castles Fall (2005)
An instrumental selection from this Albertan folk writer’s third album. He’s a great guy (he crashed on my couch in Moncton during his last cross-Canada tour) and his music reflects his melodic knack for storytelling.

Artist: Ideal Lovers Track: ?
Album: ? (2006)
Zachary James DeCamp, David Louis Gaston Payant, Joseph Baron Grass, Joshua Franklin Toal, Mike Evin, and Mike O'Brien make up the revolving songwriter/instrumentalist crew Ideal Lovers. You may have caught them this past summer at Montreal’s outdoor Osheaga Festival Of Music & Arts. As a native Monctonian, Joe Grass is no stranger to past Restless Radio tracklists. His inaugural self-titled solo effort is a definite keeper. I received a bunch of tracks from these guys while they were recording their album so I’m unsure of the track name & album name (or if this particular track even made the cut!)…. Anyhoo… I dig it.

Artist: Imogen Heap Track: Hide And Seek
Album: Speak For Yourself (2005)
I was just recently introduced to this artist from the UK and was instantly captivated with this robotic lullaby. Other than that I know not much of her.

Artist: The Acorn Track: Do You Not Yearn At All?
Album: The Pink Ghosts (2004)
These guys were introduced to me by my brother (thanks Shaver!)… they’ve been keeping busy with one album release per year over the past four years and a fairly busy touring schedule…. Most recently, they’ve appeared alongside Elliott Brood on the western segment of the Exclaim! Wood, Wires, and Whisky tour, and they just released a fresh album entitled “Glory Hope Mountain”.

Artist: Caribou Track: Melody Day
Album: Andorra (2007)
You may have heard of Dan Snaith in the context of the trademark lawsuit that forced him to change his artist name from 'Manitoba'. Sued by ageing punk rocker Handsome Dick Manitoba, despite Dick never having released an album under the name 'Manitoba', and finding himself limited by the high-priced realities of trademark law, Snaith opted to take the high road and change his nom de rock to Caribou. No news yet on whether the province of Manitoba is planning on changing its name...

Artist: The Slip Track: Even Rats
Album: Guitar Hero
This trio has been laying down great stuff since their inception in Boston (1996). I was first exposed to their experimental rhythmic approaches at the Evolve Festival in Nova Scotia. They’ve since relocated to Montreal and recently released “Eisenhower” co-produced by the band and the Matthew Ellard (Elliot Smith, Billy Bragg & Wilco) and with additional engineering by good friend and fellow Montrealien Drew Malamud (Stars, Metric)

Artist: Hawksley Workman Track: No Sissies
Album: For Him And The Girls
Hawksley holds a special place in my musical heart. This Canadian boy has a serious way with words and is so passionate in his dramatic delivery that while watching him perform live I sometimes think that I’m witnessing a Broadway musical. He’s got a new album and tour in the works…. I’m all over it.

Artist: Beck Track: New Round
Album: The Information
Yessir…a melodic closer for the set. No need for an introduction here. Beck has been a staple go to from day one…. He feels like an old friend and I hope he releases records until the world explodes.

Cheers to y’all. Until next time, safe travels and all the best in your life’s passions.
I look forward to catching up with everyone and sharing some cheer over the rapidly approaching holidays. J

CPJackson


tracklist
1. Stay Human - Spearhead
2. Second Son - Elliot Brood
3. Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird
4. This is the Dream of Win & Regine - Final Fantasy
5. Bodies and Minds - Great Lake Swimmers
6. Momma;s Boy - Chromeo
7. b-side intro - Trevor Tchir
8. ??? - the Ideal Lovers
9. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap
10. Do You Not Yearn, At All? - the Acorn
11. Melody Day - Caribou
12. Even Rats - the Slip
13. No Sissies - Hawksley Workman
14. New Round - Beck

Red-Eyed and Blue

(click HERE to listen)

This weeks installment of the podcast is all about the slow burners. The slow jams. Those songs you throw on when you need to clear your head and relax a bit. Rock 'n roll is generally described as wood, wire, and whiskey ... but I'd liken this mix to a campfire and a bottle of wine type of vibe.
As an added bonus, I'll be posting another set of tunes in the very near future. My good friend and former Restless Radio cohort Chris Jackson has put together an incredible set of songs for your listening pleasure. Jackson is living out on the West coast of this fine country of ours and has been sampling a lot of what VanCity has to offer musically. Stay tuned for that set as it's guaranteed to impress.
In the meantime, lose the beans and pop in this lude of a podcast.

- I was recently introduced to the musical styling's of Midlake (thanks M&M) and my ears are all the better for it. If the Blue Oyster Cult and Ron Sexsmith had a bastard child I think he would grow up to sound a lot like these guys. I'm a sucker for subtle drum fills and a groove that doesn't quit ... an all around excellent song. On a side note, the band may have the oddest album art I've ever seen.

- You've all heard the idea of categorizing bands as either being of Beatles influence or of Rolling Stones influence, right? Mike O'Neil is definitely on the Beatles side of things, one listen to his track 'Mr Carvery' and you'll think you've popped in a Revolver era Beatles tune. He's a former member of 'the Inbreds', an excellent rock duo who recorded on Sloan's MurderRecords label back in the mid 90's. He has since release a couple of critically acclaimed solo records which are available over at www.zunior.com
Dig it.

- Ramshackle is probably the sleeper tune on Beck's masterpiece 'Odelay'. It's the album closer (if you don't count the seizure inducing hidden track) and really showcases Beck's softer more ambient side. The chorus might be one of my all time favorites of his, and the jammy little interlude before the final verse proves that this guy has always had the goods.

- Two Hours Traffic are great little band out of PEI. Joel Plaskett seems to have taken them under his wing and helped them produced a couple of albums. I only own their debut lp and it's a pretty solid outing, 'Girl Up the Stairs' being one of the more laid back tracks.

- Turner Cody has been part of the New York anti-folk scene since 2000 and has released a boat load of material (mostly self released CD-R's) in that time. In the past few years he has collaborated quite a bit with Herman Dune which is how I was introduced to his work. The Dune is Cody's backing band on this track (as well as on the rest of his 'Great Migration' lp) ... David Herman Dune's bass line is enough to make me want to play this track on repeat all day.

tracklist
1. The First Song - Band of Horses
2. Roscoe - Midlake
3. New Slang - the Shins
4. Poison Cup - M. Ward
5. These Days - Nico
6. Mr Carvery - Mike O'Neil
7. Ramshakle - Beck
8. California Stars - Billy Bragg & Wilco
9. Girl up the Stairs - Two Hours Traffic
10. Feel You Closer - the Skydiggers
11. Capri - Turner Cody
12. Holland (live) - Paul MacLeod
13. the Wrong Guy - Julie Doiron
14. Fake Empire - the National
15. Into the Night - Gord Downie