Songs of the Week: Holiday Songs 2021

“November” by Kylie V

If you’ve been around here during the holidays before, you may know that I’m not always a big fan of Christmas music… which is why all of my favourites are songs that are not immediately or obviously about the holidays.

And to that end, the new single from Kylie V, “November” seems more of a “seasonal” song. I might not have even thought to include it here if it wasn’t written specifically for the latest installment in the annual Oh! Canada's "Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada" series, curated by Ro Cemm over at The Line Of Best Fit.

Much like their debut album earlier this year, Big Blue (which, spoiler alert, is definitely going to appear on my best of the year list), “November” is a gorgeous song, with Kylie’s heartbreaking vocals driving the slow and melodic opening to a grand finish.

• Kirk

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“Indie Rock Christmas” by Hawksley Workman

Funny enough, Kirk and I presenting you Christmas songs by Canadian indie artists and Hawksley Workman released a song with that very title.

It is VERY “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel, but listing all the things indie rock lovers want for Christmas, and I’m here for it.
(PS Santa, I’d like some Hawksley Workman vinyl, please!)

• Christine

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“Home Alone” by Kandle (feat. Debra-Jean Creelman)

Inspired less by the Chris Columbus classic and more by the likes of Sinatra and Elvis, “Home Alone” sees Kandle teaming with Debra-Jean Creelman for a nostalgic look at Christmases passed.

Kandle & Creelman say: "Inspired by a true story of Kandle’s parents brilliantly tricking her into believing in Santa just a little too long, here is Home Alone! Once again recorded in Kandle’s bedroom and written in about 30 minutes with an acoustic guitar and piano. Like most (semi) grown-ups, we’ve left behind the traditions and trappings of Christmas, that as children we took as an absolute. But the music that was playing during what was most often a harmonious and magical time in our young lives has passed the test of time. “Christmas Mourn”, and “Home Alone”, are love letters to an era of music that has influenced and provided comfort for both of us for our whole lives. Hopefully our songs can soothe a few other weary souls this year."

• Kirk

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“In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan

Funny enough, when this post goes live, I should be somewhere over the middle of Canada, on my way to Ontario to hopefully have a white Christmas,

This cover of “In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan, off of her holiday EP aptly named Holiday, is the perfect song to listen to while you sit by the fireside with a warm beverage in your hand.

Check out her original song “Calling You Home (for the Holidays)” as well (it’s got major “Blackbird” vibes).

• Christine

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“Christmas Eve Day” by Matt Mays

“Christmas Eve Day” is a song that Matt Mays wrote a few years back, “out on the cold road. I felt like now would be a good time to release it because so many people have been forced to be apart. Separating love is a fool's errand but somehow, under these strange and extenuating circumstances it feels tougher. Anyway ...Happy Holidays everyone. May we all be together...at least in song!”

The single features some good friends of matt, including Damhnait Doyle, Loel Campbell (of Wintersleep), Matthew Angus (from Fast Romantics), Adam Baldwin, and also some of his friend’s kids!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: November 29 - December 05, 2021

“Heaven” by Begonia

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard new music from Begonia, but last week she released a brand new single, “Heaven”. The gorgeous song features Alexa Dirks’ powerful voice driving the track that “finds beauty in the unknown.”

Dirks says: “When I was a kid I thought I knew a lot about everything. I was taught to believe that there was always a right or wrong and beyond that, that there was a heaven and hell waiting for us after we die and we just had to live our lives accordingly to end up in either place. I had a lot of fear of screwing up and a lot of fear of the unknown. As I've grown, all of those binary ways of thinking have more or less been shattered. I've come to understand that I'll always be searching and that there's a lot of beauty to that. I still think about what happens after we die but I feel more curious about it than I feel afraid or certain of it. I think this song speaks to that doubt and curiosity: thoughts I used to struggle with but now fully embrace”

Check out the video below, and keep an ear out for more new music next year!

• Kirk

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“FAT LIP” by BIG KILL (feat. Debby Friday)

The “destructive pop” duo BIG KILL promised a steady stream of new songs, and that’s exactly what they’ve been giving us.

“FAT LIP” is their latest, and while it’s not a cover of the Sum 41 classic, it does feature Vancouver’s Debby Friday on vocals for a frenetic and explosive tune.

They’ve already released a half dozen songs since their debut in September, and there’s no indication of them slowing down, so have a listen below and hang on tight.

• Kirk

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“Thunder” by Combine the Victorious

“Thunder” is the first song from Vancouver’s by Combine the Victorious, from their upcoming collection.
The track is an homage to nature and was filmed in Pacific Spirit Region Park in Vancouver, BC and Southern Quebec.
It also features Johanna Sö on violin! Give it a listen.

• Christine

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“Bubble” by D.W. Waterson ft Sydanie

This one got lost in our inbox for a bit, but it’s too fun not to include now that I’ve heard it. D.W. Waterson is the “non-binary/queer artist that melds punk rock drums with their signature pop electronic remixes and deep house anthems.”
And this track, “Bubble” from their new album Home Brew Vol 1, features Toronto hip-hop artist Sydanie.
Get your groove on below!

• Christine

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“Already Know” by Sam Weber

And to end on a mellow one, check out Sam Weber’s latest single “Already Know” from his upcoming album Get Free (due out Feb 4th).

Apparently the track started out as a waltz-style song, but Weber reworked it with co-producer Mallory Hauser and this is the result!
Also fun fact the last verse discuss the rumour that Paul Simon stole the idea for 'The Myth of Fingerprints' from Los Lobos.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: November 22 - 28, 2021

“Cathedral” by Kandle

Earlier this year, Kandle released her stunning album, Set The Fire, which is about to take on a whole new life.

Inferno is a companion short film and “visual album” directed by long-time collaborator, Brandon William Fletcher, and features “a stunning interwoven series of music videos – some audiences have seen before, some they have not – as well as a little new footage that landed on the cutting room floor, and some live videos for various version of the reimagined songs.”

“Presented as a long dream, Inferno is the burning in our subconscious, the way our brains try to process grief, frustration, anger, powerlessness, and the reclamation of that power,” comments Brandon. “While we’re incredibly pleased to be able to present this nearly 43-minute long film, we’re equally impressed that we filmed about half of it within a seven day period.”

“As usual, my partner in crime, Brandon William Fletcher, and I refused to see limitations,” adds Kandle. “Producing, styling, improvising, pulling favours, borrowing our talented friends and crossing our fingers, we created the new pieces of this film within seven days. We surrendered to the chaos, found our flow states, worked with our flaws and dove in. I am over the moon to share with you this film.”

Check out “Cathedral” below, and make sure to head here tonight (Monday) at 6pm (Pacific) for the premiere of Inferno!

• Kirk

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“Believe it All” by Twin Rains

Twin Rains indeed!
The aptly named band released a new single this month titled “Believe it All” and it’s just the dreamy, moody song we need here in Vancouver right now.

The Toronto band’s latest EP Unreal City was released on November 19th and just had their album release party last week. Give it a listen below!

• Christine

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“Unstoppable” by JP Maurice

Trust in JP Maurice to always give us catchy tunes with heartfelt meaning.

”Unstoppable” is from JP’s latest release Pressure Makes Diamonds, which was released at the beginning of this month.
The “Can’t stop, won’t stop. You’re unstoppable.” mantra the songs repeats is a great motivator to keep going - especially these days.
Check out the single below and the rest of the album by clicking here.

• Christine

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“Capture Love” by Melted Wings

We’re going back to the 80’s with this synth-y new track “Capture Love” by Melted Wings.
The song, the first single from the next album which should be out in early 2022, “explores feeling overwhelmed or down and how unexpected positive moments can lift you up.”

If that wasn’t relatable enough, Michael Wynn (the one behind Melted Wings) say that ““Love” in this case is not romantic love, instead it’s love for anything unanticipated that puts a smile on your face and clears the fog. Such as a dog wagging its tail at you, diving into your hobby or passion, or a random act of kindness from a stranger.”

I’m gonna go find a dog to smile at now.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: November 01 - 07, 2021

“Fade Out” by Brandon Wolfe Scott

We got a surprise new single from Brandon Wolfe Scott this past week - “Fade Out” - and while there was no mention of more coming, after hearing this one, I certainly hope so!

Of the song itself Brandon describes it being about societies, and his own, relationship and obsession from social media. The idea of ‘fading out’ or being able to get lost into an online reality as well as the struggle to stay in moment. Pretty damn relatable there.

We don’t have any solo shows to look forward to from Brandon (yet), BUT his band Yukon Blonde has a show scheduled for December 10th at the Hollywood Theatre.

• Christine

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“Blush” by Gold & Youth

Gold & Youth’s new album is officially out now, and they celebrated by releasing the final single from Dream Baby.
Seeing as Louise Burns is IN the band, me getting “Emeralds Shatter” vibes from “Blush” makes a lot of sense.
Lead singer Matthew Lyall said that they wanted to “make a song that sounded like Stevie Nicks singing on top of a shoegazey version of Heroes” - and that describes the song SO well.
Hoping to catch them on December 10th at the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver, where they’re opening the aforementioned show with Yukon Blonde.

• Christine

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“Blackhole Town” by Astral Swans

Okay, can someone please remind me of this video when it comes time for the Prism Prize next year? Because the video for “Blackhole Town” — animated by Jordan Minkoff — is as delightful as it is weird.

The video is an excellent companion to the latest tune from Astral Swans, which Matthew Swann describes as “about a desperate person living in a small redneck town”.

Find “Blackhole Town” on the latest self-titled album from Astral Swans, which is out now!

• Kirk

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Songs of the Week: October 04 - 10, 2021

“Recklessly” by JEEN

The new album from Toronto’s JEEN comes out in just a couple weeks, and we’re getting one last sneak peek with the latest single “Recklessly”.

It’s a gritty and driving song, with JEEN saying that “After a while, it can be hard to know whether you control your destiny or if your destiny is controlling you. ‘Recklessly’ is for when you can’t tell if you’re moving forward, or falling behind, and when it’s impossible to know where you’ll end up.”

Dog Bite was co-produced by JEEN and legendary Canadian musician Ian Blurton, and drops October 22!

• Kirk

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“I Give My All” by TITUS BANK

Another new track from TITUS BANK came out this week, and it was co-written with Toronto indie-pop group Valley.
”I Give My All” is about “lovers dealing with distance and embracing the mundane when together”.
In the video, Titus plays the guitar while a projection of home movies is displayed over top of him and on the wall behind him, and it even includes a proposal!
Give it a listen

• Christine

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“Nothing is Lost” by Luca Fogale

Luca Fogale has released an album of acoustic versions of songs from both is debut and sophomore albums, aptly named Other Ways.
The album also includes a cover of Joni Mitchell’s track “A Case of You”, but the song we have for you today is a wonderful piano ballad version of Luca’s “Nothing is Lost”.
The whole album is definitely worth a listen too - click here to stream it.

• Christine

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“Jungle Heart” by Adnama

Vancouver musician Adnama released a brand new single last week, “Jungle Heart”.

The tune has a simmering energy with driving bass, and vocals that seem to stalk you like the panther in the artwork.

Have a listen below, and hopefully it’s a sign of more to come soon!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: August 30 - September 05, 2021

“Change (Acoustic)” by Hannah Georgas

It’s been one year since Hannah Georgas released her critically acclaimed album All That Emotion, and to celebrate the anniversary, she’s releasing a second companion EP (after a compilation of alternate versions and remixes). This latest “mini-album” will feature a half-dozen songs from All That Emotion performed acoustically, thought not entirely “stripped down”, as Hannah was joined (remotely) by guitarist Christine Bougie and cellist Ben Whiteley, with additional strings from Drew Jureka.

Have a listen to the hauntingly beautiful version of “Change” below, and keep an ear out for the full EP September 17th!

• Kirk

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“Wild Boy ft. Polo Brian” by Snotty Nose Rez Kids

So much new music is coming out lately that I missed another release from the upcoming album Life After, by Snotty Nose Res Kids.
The song “Wild Boy” features fellow Vancouver rapper Polo Brian, and is the third single from the upcoming album (which is set for release on October 22nd).
Check out the lyric video below!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: August 23 - 29, 2021

“The Worse The Better” by Gold & Youth

Your “feel bad hit of the summer” is here with a brand new single from Gold & Youth. The Vancouver group is gearing up for the release of their sophmore album (newly signed to Paper Bag Records!) and are teasing us with the first single, “The Worse The Better”. The new tune is a dreamy alt-pop jam that the band describes as “a fun little bop about water-sliding into the abyss” and I can’t think of any better way to put it.

Mark November 5th on your calendar for the release of Dream Baby, or catch them opening for Yukon Blonde in Victoria and Vancouver on Oct 22 and 23, respectively.

• Kirk

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“A Mushroom Cloud” by Lydia Hol

Okay, I wasn’t meaning to start this week so bleak, but Lydia Hol’s gorgeous cover of the haunting (and maybe a little too timely) “A Mushroom Cloud” can’t be missed.

Originally written in the 50’s by Boudleaux Bryant, the song is about the North American anxiety and fear of nuclear warfare. Hol updates it with a renewed sense of urgency that’s less about fallout and more about, well… *broadly gestures around*

Watch the video below and catch the song on her upcoming album Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream is out September 17th on Amelia Recordings

Christine, can you pick it up a little for your song(s) of the week?

• Kirk

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“Dog Chained To Dog” by Amazing Grave

I got you Kirk…
For a completely different sound and direction with the songs this week, I present: “Dog Chained To Dog” a result of the collaboration between Kevvy Maher of Fake Shark, and Eric Breitenbach, drummer from Limblifter.

Amazing Grave is a heavy-metal band in the sense that they say they want to be “heavy in groove, beats, screams and sarcasm”. No word on more tracks or an album yet, but I’m sure more things are in the works.

• Christine

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“Bridget” by Graham Wright

On to upbeat and dance-able!

Last week we got new solo music from Dave Monks of Tokyo Police Club, and this week it’s Graham’s turn!

We only had to wait a mere ten years for Graham Wright to follow his solo album Shirts vs Skins up, but if the first track from The Cost of Doing Business is any indication, it’s well worth the wait.
”Bridget” follows the time-honoured tradition of two friends making the “if we’re both not married by the time we turn 40….” pact, and how their paths diverged.

I cannot wait to hear the rest of the album, and hope the next track released is “My Time Machine Worked!”, because 1) that title!, and 2) the press release says there is a sax solo, and that’s up my alley.

• Christine

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“Sparrow” by Chin Injeti

Bringing it back to to mellow and groovy, here’s Chin Injeti’s new single “Sparrow”!

The song came about while Chin was stuck at home, yearning to go out into the world - it’s about freedom and giving yourself permission to feel. After everything we’ve all been through, and to borrow a phrase from Kirk above, “*broadly gestures around*”, I think we can all relate to that desire.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: August 16 - 22, 2021

“Don’t Get Pushed Around (feat. Shad)” by Dave Monks

I will literally listen to ANY SONG that has the words “featuring Shad” next to the title, but seeing as it was a new song from the solo work of Tokyo Police Club frontman Dave Monks, I was going to listen no matter what.

Ironically enough, the song below is in Lyric Video form, but the only lyrics Monks says over and over are the ones in the track title: “Don’t Get Pushed Around”. Shad comes in about two thirds of the way into it and raises the word count instantly with his verse.

It’s a super catchy track and you can find it on his upcoming album I’ve Always Wanted To Be Me when it’s released on October 15th! (PS Shad’s new album TAO is out on October 1st!)

• Christine

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“Vortex” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

16 years ago Nick Cave put out a three-disc collection of b-sides and rarities called, well, B-Sides & Rarities. In that time he’s released four new albums with The Bad Seeds, as well as other projects, so it looks like it’s time for a follow up!

B-Sides & Rarities Part II contains 27 rare and unreleased tracks spanning 2006-2020, including first recordings of songs, new versions of old favourites — like a live recording of “Push The Sky Away” with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra — and unreleased tracks — like “Vortex”, a song that lives in the space between The Bad Seeds and side project Grinderman.

The new collection comes out on October 22 as a double vinyl or double CD, OR you can get a combo of Part I and Part II as a Limited Edition Deluxe Seven (7!) Vinyl Box Set.

• Kirk

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“Nothing Left To Find” by Del Barber

I wanted to include this live version of “Nothing Left To Find” by Del Barber this week because his new album Stray Dogs was released on Friday.
The album consists of a polished and reworked collection of songs and unfinished demos that Del had stored up. Using his time during the pandemic to put them together the result is a superb example of why Del is one of Canada’s best songwriters and story-tellers. Give the new record a listen!

• Christine

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“Strange Calm” & “Silver Lining” by Jasper Sloan Yip

Two more new tracks are now out from Vancouver’s Jasper Sloan Yip, whose new double EP, STRANGE CALM/BLUSHING AUTUMN, will be released October 26th.

Jasper says of title track off of the Strange Calm side of the EP is about how it is “an overwhelming time to be alive”. This is probably putting it mildly, but the song is slow and yes, is indeed calming. It’s definitely my favourite of the new releases so far.

”Silver Lining” was penned after hearing two ghost-adjacent stories that had Jasper thinking of the human soul and the idea that a part of us might go on forever.

Check em both out below!

• Christine