Polaris 5 - Holy shit this is hard: It's all true, The Suburbs,

So...I might be a bit ambitious.  Taking this task on was like ordering the Lumberjack breakfast at Denny's...

Never the less I'm gonna keep trekking ahead.  There are six days until the short list and while there is not way I can get through the rest of the longlist before that I'll continue on while we wait for the final prize announcement.

Junior Boys - It's All True
When I have parties I like to dance...or sing along with Jimmy Buffett songs.  But when I'm not a six-pack deep I like songwriters and all that otherwise boring music.  What I find interesting about this album is that it mixes the sonic textures of Caribouesque electro pop with a lyrical narrative for us boring traditional "three minute song" types. Favourite tune "A Truly Happy Ending."

Here is Reid Coolseat's description of the album.  He is Canada's fastest marathoner and went to highschool with the Boys: Junior Boys, electro-pop duo from Hamilton with a distinct Northern sound. Charming.Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
what is there really to say about this album that hasn't already been said?  For me it was less energetic than Funeral and less insightful then Neon Bible.  Great moments no doubt: "it's hard to lift something with your arms folded tight" in Rococo to me was a beautiful comment on the apathy of my generation and a fun poke at the Sid Vicious leaning on the Jukebox kind of mentality of the cool kids in the cafeteria.  Solid album but for me there is a little irony in the fact that the biggest anthemic rock record of the year doesn't read quite seem as powerful Wake Up or Rebellion.  Favourite track: Sprawl II


Keep it easy friends

Polaris 4: Degeneration Street & Wilderness Heat

The Dears - Degeneration Street
I've always had a peripheral liking of The Dears.  This album continues in that tradition.  I was running a lot to these tunes back in the spring.  I was also writing a lot of hip-hop tunes and lyrics at the times and some part of me loved the connection between hip-hop beats and the beats and grooves on this record.  Especially "Omega Dog."
Love the lyric - "none of us has the guts to bear a cross" from Thrones and I love the peppy jump along guitar of Yesteryear.

Black Mountain - Wilderness Hearts
When I was younger and I would get pissed off I would throw on Nirvana's Nevermind and just fucking rock out on my Fender Squire until all my grungy angst had dissipated.  I started listening to this Black Mountain album after I failed to make the finals at the Canadian National Track and Field champs.  It almost had the same effects.  Well, heavier tracks anyways.  And I thank Black Mountain for that, but when I listened back to the album the parts I cared for were the tunes that sound like they belonged on a Pink Mountaintops record.  All in all I think I wish Wilderness Hearts  was a 5 song Pink Mountaintops ep rather than a sometimes fragmented stoner rock mish mash.

Word.

Polaris P. 3 - Kaputt

Hey y'all, 

This is gonna be a mixtape first I think...an overall negative review.

Gonna throw it out there. Destroyer-Kaputt is not quite my cup of tea.  It's more of an earl grey when you I'm really a Jasmine guy.  To me, the album came off like elevator music for American Apparel. While there are moments (a beautiful pop guitar solo in the middle of "Blue Eyes") I thoroughly enjoyed, most of the album's fabric sounded like it would have been better cast as a soundtrack to the comedown moments in "Bright Lights, Big City".  Overall, I guess I understand the throwback Hall & Oates aesthetic but it just ain't my thang.  

If I missed something holla at me to let me know.  

Go Big or Go Home

Damn, Jackson is back with a vengeance! I think the mountain air has addled his brain. He's got twitter now... and uses it! i think that's what going on in the top right corner of this blog now (i've never actually seen a twitter account but my powers of deduction are telling me thats what it is). I'm gonna let robbie power through his polaris reviews and post some tunes that i hope you all like.

So I wanted to play "Spaceman" by Bif Naked but apparently youtube only has the remixed versions of the song. The album version is my favourite. I somehow forgot about Bif when I did the Tribute to Those Without Penises post. Shame on me. "Spaceman" is probably one of my top 20 favourite songs ever. Bif has a lot of great songs but this one just gets to me every time. Haha, at one of her shows in Kingston Kris got really drunk and started yelling "Play 'Spaceman'!" while Bif was doing her encores... unfortunately he was too drunk to realize that at that exact moment, they were playing 'Spaceman'. I'll never let him forget that one. Instead of 'Sapceman' you're getting 'Lucky' cause everyone loves Buffy.

I found out this week that Alkaline Trio is putting out a new album on July 12th called Damnesia. It's a collection of re-recorded songs selected by fans that are done semi-unplugged. The album also features a cover of a Violent Femmes song and two new originals. I did multiple backflips when I found out about this. I can barely contain myself right now. In honour of Alkaline Trio, here is "I Found A Way".

I've also been listening to a lot of Yellowcard lately. Remember those guys? My friend Joel in high school was obsessed with Yellowcard. We would be at parties and he would insist on playing Yellowcard, not during the party, but when everyone was going to bed. Apparently it was the only way he could fall asleep. Anyways, they released a new album in... March I think, don't quote me though. It's pretty good and I really like their first single from it. Gotta love that violin. That guy rocks out hard on that thing. props. This is "For You, And Your Denial".

Last song is by The Flatliners. Watson has been making me jealous by telling me all his sweet stories about seeing Chuck Ragan, Dave Hause, Hot Water Music, and the Flatliners repeatedly. Screw you Rob... music videos are just as awesome... kinda... maybe... fuck. This is "Eulogy".

Right, good luck to everyone out in Calgary for Canadian Track & Field Championships. Kick some ass River and come home with some hardware. Also good luck to Mr. Watson who is rockin' a half marathon out in Van City this weekend (it's also his birthday today - i think he's racing in the masters category now, jk). Happy Birthday big guy.

Later Days!
C Dot

Polaris p.2: Departing, Honeymoon Punch, Special Affections

Yo yo, we back.

We've got 39 albums to go so let's jump right into it.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing
Lots has been said about the high and lonesome vocals of Nils Edenloff but my favourite part of this album might be the dance that goes on behind him.  The sometimes frantic always pulsing drums of Paul Banwatt against Amy's Cole's haunting girl-next-door piano create a big atmosphere for the three piece.  Usually when I listen to an album the whole way through there is a triad (or so) of songs that really stick out.  The jewel piece of the record. "Muscle Relaxants" "North Star" (below) and "Stamp" are the emerald in the crown of Departing.


THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE - Muscle Relaxants from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.


Honeymoon Punch - Jenn Grant
I've written about Jenn Grant before.  A couple times I think.  It's because I really think she's super. From the first lines of the record -"You look like a movie star from this angle..."- to the by-the-candlelight-on-the-back-porch lullaby turn barroom romp of "Stars to Waves" I just keep listening!



Special Affections - Diamond Rings
I first heard "All yr songs" a long time ago and I always mixed up Diamond Rings with One Hundred Dollars so I could never find it when I went to go look for it. When I finally pulled my head out of my touche and realized it was Diamond Rings it was just about time for John O'Regan's rise to indie stardom via this concept glam rock moniker.  Dylan has a line in "Mr. Tambourine Mane" that reads: "to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free" and to me that is how this album sounds.  This tune "All yr songs" is a beautifully crafted take on the love song.

Mixtape Does Polaris p.1

Hey y'all!
So now I've decided to return to the blogosphere I have thrown myself fully into social media whoredom.  That's right, I've got a tumblr, I've got a blog, and now I've got an android phone synced up to a beautiful twitter account.  Has this Canmore mountain air gotten to my head?

Anyone who has half a foot in the door of the Canadian music scene must know that the polaris music prize announced its longlist last week.  It's chalk full of amazing Canadian artists who are dedicated to the integrity of the album.  As part of our journey here at the Mixtape to open up discussions and introduce/remind you of our favourite music I'd like to weigh in to the polaris prize conversations.

Hooded Fang - Album
You know that (usually) douchy guy in the gym who claims his "muscles have muscles"?  Well, if the good folks in Hooded Fang claimed that their hooks had hooks I'm not sure they would be lying.  With a name borrowed from Mordecia Richler and a sound they categorize as "alt pop/holiday" this Toronto band caught my ears on the Grant Lawrence podcast.  This fantastic Album is a jumpy light pop masterpiece in my books.  My favourite tunes are "Ghosts" (for it's wicked guitar riff...take that Vampire Weekend! and its mid song snare build up) "Promised Land" (for its backing vocals).  Listen - that's an order.

That's all for today.  Going to a show @ Communitea here in Canmore.  Should be fun!  Before I leave though, check out this sometimes hilarious podcast

When You Just Wanna Relax...

Hey, Robbie J has returned from the abyss. I'm glad he's back, he has way more insight into music then I could ever hope to have. I'm sure you all are happy he's back too so now you don't have to put up with my pitiful attempts at blogging.

I was in the hot tub at the school this weekend. I love the hot tub. This time was especially relaxing because you know what album the lifeguards had on while I was in there? Boxer by The National. Talk about one awesomely relaxing hot tub experience. Who knew lifeguards had such good taste in music. This prompted a solid couple of days of listening to The National. This is "Karen" from Alligator.

I also started listening to music on my way to work this week. Usually I don't because I ride my bike but my bike got stolen this past weekend so I'm now walking everywhere. You know what is good walking music? Diamonds Rings. That guy writes some poppy moving tunes. I need to see him live again. He puts on a great show. This is "Something Else".

I feel like some City and Colour. I think it's about time for Dallas Green to put out another album... it's been awhile. I used to listen to his albums on my late night drives home from work. This is "The Girl". I did not know he made a music video for this... I like.

Keeping with some acoustic gems. I'm sure most of you have heard of Nick Sheqz but in case you haven't, listen to this masterpiece. Dude has skills. He probably also has girls falling in love with him every time he plays music for them. This is "Sirens" **Note to self: Learn how to play this song.

Alright, I'm off to eat some ice cream. Mmmm.... ice cream....

Later Days!

C Dot

For Shame...

Hey y'all,

It's been a while.  Cheers to Cody for keeping this thing rolling while I've been a total absentee blogger.  Anyway, let's get to the music shall we?

I was on a long drive this weekend down to Indianapolis.  Indianapolis is a nice city but not very exciting.  Especially when the Colts are on a lockout.  I mention this little road trip because it inspired me to get at this ole mixtape again.  On the way back we listened to top 40 radio.  A lot of it.  Most of it is shit.  Most music isn't shit.  Let's share some music that should be on the top 40. Some music that if it was on the top 40 people would like it because it is good. But mainly people only like what other people tell them to like.

Wow, that last paragraph reads like it was written by an angsty 7th grader.  My bad.


First tune newish my Beirut.  I doubt the folks in this band know much about life in East Harlem but they do know how to recycle old metaphors and images quite well.  Also, I bought a Ukelele and Zach Condon from Beirut plays a Uke.






Second tune is a great little sea shanty by Final Fantasy.  Looking for this video was funny because I got to watch a lot of weirdo posts from video game nerds.

Check out Medicine Hat.  They are from good old Guelph.  They rock.  Buy Nabi's earrings and stuff at the merch table.  Kim got a pair and they rock.  They have a show on the 17th of July @ the Albion.  The Albion rocks.

Short little post from me today but it's good to be back.

Luv ya

The Old Mixtape Shuffle

S'up mixtapers. It's been a long week. And there's still Friday to get through. Blah. Real life is just not my cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I like my job and I'm very happy working there. Sometimes I just wish I could do nothing all day, take naps after lunch, and lounge around and laugh with my friends. That kind of stuff has now been reserved for weekends... along with many other things, which makes weekends not all that relaxing. Lately, all I want to do is sit around and listen to music. Unfortunately, in order to do this is means staying up a little too late and being super tired the next day. Not cool. As a result my music listening has deteriorated significantly, which also means I'm at a bit of loss for music to post this week. This is not a good thing when you're trying to keep a blog alive... Luckily, I have a back up plan. So way back in Week #1 of this blog, everyone involved posted a little blurb about themselves and part of that involved hitting shuffle on their iTunes and seeing what came up. Well, I joined this blog a little late so I never got to do that. I'm sure most of you have figured out my musical interests by now but, fuck it, I'm gonna do it anyways. I'm gonna hit shuffle and the first 5 songs that come on (and that I can locate on youtube) will be my post for this week. Alrighty, enough talking, let's get started.

1....Pullin' Punches by The Arkells. It's been done by Donald so we'll redo that one... oh boy, it's Elton John. Well because I'm a man of my word I'll post it. This is "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore".

2... Boom, big track. "Century of Fakers" by Belle & Sebastian. Damn, these people know how to make music. I love this song.

3... Haha, hahahahaha, good old Green Day. Hahahahaha sorry, this brings back some sweet memories from high school. This music video is awesome too. It's "Basket Case" everyone. Hahahahahahaha...

4... I should write blogs like this more often, this going so quick. Ok, and the song is... whoa, complete swing from Green Day. This guy's name is Joshua Radin. Alec discovered him while working at Chapters (does this give you any hints about what style of music this is? haha). Some of his stuff is pretty good though. The song that came on is called "Friend Like You". If you like it, check out "Brand New Day" and "I'd Rather Be With You".

5... Alrighty, last one... another B&S song... we'll try another one... nice, old school Tragically Hip. I think Gord Downie had hair when this song was written. This is "She Didn't Know". There are some sweet guitar rifts in this song.

Bam, done. Record time for posting. I'll try harder to come up with some better material for next week. I'll also talk to TMac about the move to another website.

Later Days People!

C Dot

ps. "The Desperations Gone" by NOFX just came on. Awesome song. I love shuffle.

A Tribute To Those Without Penises

Hey everyone, how's everybody doing this week? Personally, I'm in a fantastic mood. I've been hitting up a lot of female artists this week so I thought I'd share some favs with you. First some house keeping notes though. Note the first: Tara has not abandoned us (or so she says), blogspot is not letting us log in to the general account so we can't change anything and Tara can't post. I can still post cause I use a different account but I can't change the layout at all. Fear not though, we have plans of moving to tumblr or some other site. Tara is in charge of this so stay tuned for updates. Note the second: I crammed everything into the first note so this is pointless. Ok, music time.

Brandi Carlile anyone? Gotta love Brandi. She's borderline country but its rocky alternative country so its Ok right? Whatever, she's awesome. This is "Dying Day". I have listened to this song at least 3 times a day this week. I just can't get enough of it.

Regina Spektor. Gotta love our Jewish friend. I don't think I've ever heard another person capable of doing the things Regina does with her voice. Bitch is crazy. This is one of my favourite Regina songs thanks to A. Bray. We once rocked out to Regina for a solid hour while sitting in his car at a party in Belleville. Good times.

Jenny Lewis. Oh Jenny. I have to admit that I'm not big into her music but this song is incredible. I love it. "Silver Lining".

Tegan Quinn. Both sisters are awesome but I'm a huge Tegan fan. She wrote this song. It's good. Have a listen.

And for a change pace... Brody Dalle... formerly Brody Armstrong. Brody was in a band called The Distillers. They put out 3 records before Brody peaced out and started a different band. Her raspy voice is pretty cool and you can't go wrong with that hair.

So I almost forgot someone. I feel like if she found out she would be very angry. I'm sorry Lily, you just slipped my mind for a second. Nothing personal, I swear. This is "Not Fair". There's also an awesome mash between this song and the theme from the Littlest Hobo... great tune. This is just Lily though. Enjoy.

Alrighty peeps, thats it for this week. We'll keep you posted on the possible move. 

Later Days!

C Dot