Songs of the Week: June 12- 19, 2023

June 19, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Blóðberg” by Sigur Rós

I was surprised last week when the first new single in seven years from one of my favourite bands of all time, Sigur Rós, hit my inbox. Then I was shocked when on Friday, they dropped a whole dang album, ÁTTA.

The new song, “Blóðberg” marks the return of multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson to the band, joined by frontman Jónsi and bassist Georg Holm. And to tease their upcoming orchestral tour, the nearly-ten-minute song features the London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames.

It is exactly as gorgeous as you would expect from the Icelandic band being joined by an orchestra, and is just a hint of what you’ll hear on the full album. Unfortunately, their sold out orchestral tour isn’t making its way up to Vancouver, but you better believe I already have tickets for the Seattle show.

Check out the beautiful video for “Blóðberg”, directed by Johan Renck, below!

Kirk

“Be A Man” by Adam Mah

I always hated the phrase “Be A Man” and that’s exactly what Vancouver artist Adam Mah addresses in his new song.
It’s about “challenging the stereotypes of gender roles he experienced growing up”, and the track is off his upcoming album Year Of The Dog, out on June 23.

You can catch Adam on the Burrard stage at the Khatsahlano festival on July 8th at 1:30pm.

Christine

“After Effect” by Taxi Girls

Just last week I was wondering what was up with Montreal band Pale Lips… and then literally days later, I get an email for new music from Taxi Girls, a new band featuring members of Pale Lips!

Their new single “After Effect” keeps the same high energy, punky vibe. It’s off their debut EP Coming Up Roses, due out July 7. And based off this single, it should be a fun time!

Kirk

Songs of the Week: June 05 - 11, 2023

June 12, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“How To Live With Yourself” and “Smoke Screen” by PUP

It’s a double shot of PUP this morning!
The two songs are (previously unreleased) b-sides from the band’s last album, THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND, and were put out into the world to celebrate their large summer tour kicking off.
Lead singer Stefan Babcock calls the track “How To Live With Yourself” a “catchy, miserable ripper”, which I love, and that “Smoke Screen” is a ““sludgy” version of PUP”.

The band is in Europe and North America this summer, with a big show in Toronto next week. No word on a Vancouver show, but I’ve got my fingers crossed.

Christine

“Overrated” by dwi

The new song from dwi is “Overrated” now.

The incredibly catchy fifth single from dwi’s upcoming album Zoo Life has a surprisingly clear message, with dwi explaining: “When everything in life feels meaningless just watch 'Everything, Everywhere All At Once’. That’s basically what this ADHD riddled song is about.”

Zoo Life comes out July 7th, and you can catch the album release show on July 8th at the Fox Cabaret, supported by Noble Son and Zach Gray (dwi’s bandmate in The Zolas).

Kirk

“I Do” by Colleen Rennison

There are many different types of “summer jams”. The big, loud, party ones; the chill campfire on the beach; and then the summer love songs. The newest single from Vancouver’s Colleen Rennison is that last one.

“I Do” is an R&B-tinged love song, with Colleen saying she "wanted to capture the excitement and delicious agony of being enamoured with someone and daydreaming about them to the point of almost insanity. I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote the chorus. I'd been listening to a lot of The Temptations and The Supremes and had been crushing on a graffiti writer who's name I kept seeing everywhere, hence the line: 'every time I see your name/ I seem to hear sweet refrains.'"

The new track is off her upcoming album Persephone, which will be out later this year!

Kirk

“Claws” by Ellevator

Well this snuck up on me! Not only did Ellevator release a new song last week, but they dropped a brand new EP as well! Do The Words I Spoke Still Move You? features live off-the-floor versions of four songs from their full-length album The Words you Spoke Still Move Me.

You can check out the video for the new version of “Claws” below, and the EP is out now on Arts & Crafts!

Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 29 - June 04, 2023

June 05, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Better Somehow” by Hannah Georgas

We finally have a release date for the new Hannah Georgas album! I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care drops on August 25 via Arts & Crafts, and the announcement came with a new single, “Better Somehow”.

The new single instantly became my favourite of the teases for the album, and Hannah explains: “I’m trying to be more honest with my feelings and be more comfortable communicating them. I think this track is quite vulnerable in that respect. It’s about being less self-critical and accepting the side of me that’s weird, insecure and has faults. I’ve been through many situations where someone has hurt my feelings by saying something offensive and I end up not saying anything about it and feeling resentful. I don’t want to hold on to negative thoughts and let them eat away at me. I internalise a lot, and this song is about wanting to be more open.”

Have a listen below!

Kirk

“Golden Days” by FRANKIIE

Happy release week to Vancouver’s FRANKIIE! Their sophomore album, Between Dreams, dropped last Friday and THIS Friday they’ll be having their joint release concert with Winona Forever at Green Auto.

Along with all of that awesome, they also put out another single and video from the record, “Golden Days”. The video follows “the inner world of a top-level gymnast, the unbreakable bond he shares with his coach, and the heartbreaking devastation they face after a sudden season-ending injury” (sorry, spoilers).

Christine

“You Get What You Give” by Mint Simon

I love a good cover song, especially when the covering artist puts their own spin on it. And that’s what Mint Simon has done with the New Radicals power-pop classic “You Get What You Give”

Aside from giving the song a synth-pop update, the video was shot at Montreal lesbian sports bar Champs, and directed by one of the owners, Sarah Watts. Mint also opened up about what the song meant to them, and the reasoning for the video:

"When I first covered ‘You Get What You Give’, I realized how much of a timeless, important, and empowering song it is. After having a really rough last year between personal and community trauma, the lyrics are something I needed to hear over and over. Maybe at first, I was singing ‘don’t let go’ to myself, but making this video to celebrate queerness has given it yet another life, and one that’s not just about me.

With all of the attacks on LGBTQIA+, horrific laws, and true and utter hate - we wanted to make something beautiful and joyful and celebratory; to show that no one can take that away from us. I want our community to see this and be reminded of their own queer bars and spaces, the places that shaped their youth as it did mine, the love and intimacy and beauty that is being queer, and to see queer & trans folks being happy and loved and thriving. Existing.

This is the most raw, real, and vulnerable I’ve gotten in a music video, there are no bells and whistles. It feels grounded and rooted in some really intense self-discovery, undoing my own thoughts and patterns surrounding my transness, and is just authentically me. I’m so excited to show and share this side of myself, and our beautiful beautiful community."

Get the music in you and give it a watch!

Kirk

“HUH” by Haviah Mighty

Okay, I actually had to get out of my computer chair and dance to this one - and hopefully you get a mid-day dance party too.
“HUH” is the latest from Haviah Mighty, after a few other releases this year, which hopefully means the new album is on its way too.

The new track is a very fun mix of a few different genres (hip-hop, house/dance, R&B) and it is hard to pin down in describing the progression, so I won’t!
Of the lyrical theme, Haviah says: “Huh is a tale of disappointment - following the narration of a desperate lover who is losing the love of their life, and vowing to change to reverse it all. Desperate to go back to how it was, they’re taking responsibility for the incompatibility, and suffering a mind/body separation of sorts-where their mind is wrapped up in the traumatic loss, unable to escape, but their body is free and has been let loose. They are living in two spaces, two worlds, and trying to return to perceived 'stability,' where ironically, what they want to return to, is the most unstable thing in their life.”

Christine

“All Your Dreams” by Blue J

Vancouver band Blue J has announced their second studio album, Deep in the Fade, with a release date (August 25) and a new single “All Your Dreams”.

The dreamy (yes, I know) little piano ballad is what band-leader Justice McLellan calls “an anthem to the dreamer”. It gave me images of a movie where a person is walking along the waterfront contemplating their life or decisions.
Can’t wait for more from the group!

Christine

Songs of the Week: May 22 - 28, 2023

May 29, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Cracks in the Finish” by Shred Kelly

I was super stoked to see this new release from Fernie, BC’s Shred Kelly in my inbox, not only because I love the band, but the fact that I was on-site taking photos of them recording this new album!
“Cracks in the Finish” is the first single from their forthcoming album (no date or title yet!), and it focuses on the imperfections in relationships and challenges that see them grow.

The band is heading out this summer to do a big run of festivals and shows, the closest to Vancouver they’re getting for now is Kelowna and Sun Peaks at opposite ends of the tour - check out the dates here.

Christine

“Matchmaker” by Haley Blais

Not only was I excited to see new music from Haley Blais pop up, but also happy to see it came with the announcement that she had recently signed with Arts & Crafts!

“Matchmaker” features her smooth vocals over a dreamy groove, which she describes as “a love song about being so confident and safe in a relationship that you start to look for cracks out of fear.”

While no solid word on a new album yet, the new song comes with a tease of a full length project set to drop later this year. Until then, check out the video for “Matchmaker” below!

Kirk

“Skylight” and “Freaking Out” by Sleepy Gonzales

Vancouver’s Sleepy Gonzales announced a brand new EP last week, with not one but two new song!

“Skylight” is soft and gentle, before erupting into a chaotic finish, and in contrast, the aptly titled “Freaking Out” is a frantic race. The band explains that “‘Skylight’ embodies light in a dark world and ‘Freaking Out’ is the evil inside us demanding validation. Maybe they balance each other out, or maybe one eventually destroys the other. That depends on you.”

The new EP Mercy Kill comes out June 23rd on Light Organ Records. Check out the video for "Skylight" below, and stream both new songs here.

Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 15 - 21, 2023

May 22, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Parfaite à l'écran” by Karkwa

My eyes nearly bulged out of my head when I saw there was a new song from Karkwa out last week.

“Parfaite à l'écran” is the first new song from the Francophone band since they took an “extended break” over a decade ago, and it sounds like they haven’t missed a beat; rich and lush in sound, with Louis-Jean Cormier’s captivating vocals.

The song is just the first taste of a new album, which will be out September 8th, and Karkwa has announced a few tour dates, but mostly in Quebec with one Toronto date. Hopefully with a new album out, they make it back over to the west coast at some point!

Kirk

“Everyone’s Moving Out East” by Half Moon Run

Me: Is this going to be about everyone moving during the pandemic?
*checks press release……YEP!

We got another new tune from Half Moon Run this week, “Everyone’s Moving Out East”, a few weeks ahead of the release of their new album Salt, on June 2nd.

Of the song the band said “..it felt as if many people were uprooting their lives and moving on to some greener pasture. Perhaps part of you would want to go with them, but alas, you must stay.” I definitely said goodbye to a lot of friend that moved to the Maritimes over the last few years, so this one hits close to home.

Christine

“Laundry Pile” by Arkells

A sweet little ballad and an album announcement from Arkells!
“Laundry Pile” came out this past week with the news that the new release will be on September 21, and will also be called Laundry Pile.

Of the album, Max Kerman says: “… Laundry Pile is a chapter that documents some of the messy parts that end up teaching you a lot: love, regret, desire, shame, and the longing to get it right. The title track is out first, and it’s a memory honouring the little moments that represent a true partnership.”
Curious to hear more of the tunes, as it seems like a fun creative project for the band, and might be different from what we’re used to from them.

Christine

“Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre The Giant” by Wolfie’s Just Fine

The latest song from Wolfie’s Just Fine (the moniker musician/comedian Jon Lajoie) is a gorgeous ballad about inspiration and overcoming massive odds.

It is also, as you may have realised, about the night that Hulk Hogan bodyslammed Andre the Giant in front of 90,000 screaming Hulkamaniacs at the Silverdome for WrestleMania III.

But really, it’s about being nostalgic for those amazing moments as a child. Lajoie elaborates that “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre The Giant” is “an ode to a window of time in my childhood when the world felt simple, and unfettered and unfiltered joy was still easily accessible. A time when Hulk Hogan defeating Andre the Giant meant that everything was going to be okay for ever and ever. When playing with my WWF wrestling figurines in my backyard with my older brother was more thrilling and exciting than any roller coaster ride or $200 million dollar blockbuster film. As an adult, I rarely have access to that kind of emotional exhilaration because, you know, life. However, that pure, blissful, unadulterated, child-like joy is so powerful, that even the memory of it can cause a small portion to travel through time to the present and put a silly smile on my much-too-serious forty-two year-old face.”

The song is the first single off his upcoming album, Everyone Is Dead Except Us, which is out June 16.

Kirk

“Everything Once” by Hotel Mira

The latest single from Hotel Mira is for everyone that struggles with addiction and metal illness. I don’t think there’s anything I can say that would be better than the poignant words words lead singer Charlie Kerr shared, so:

“He was the kind of guy who would come see your band even if only 6 people showed up. Risking humiliation, he would sing extremely loud and dance up a storm. It created an illusion that would have you thinking if just for a second, you were playing to a packed stadium. There’s undeniable bravery and kindness in that. Y’see he supported my pipe dream of being a singer. When he would have new people over to his folks’ place he would always take the time to show people what I was working on with whatever band I was playing with. He even had an ongoing joke that I should name my band after him. Hoping that a song in his honour will suffice.”

“When I think about him, I think about the unbearable pain someone can walk with and the lengths they go to not feel that pain. I think about putting your life in a stranger’s hands. I think about someone changing into something that no longer resembles the sweet kid that I grew up with. I think about the effort he was putting in to get out from under it all, and I think about how many loved ones I have lost with a similar story,”

“Everything Once” is the fourth single from Hotel Mira’s upcoming album, which we’ll hopefully get word on sooner rather than later!

Kirk

Songs of the Week: May 08 - 14, 2023

May 15, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Up 2 U” by Yukon Blonde

Yukon Blonde is back! Nearly three years after their last album, the group have dropped an incredibly earwormy new single, "Up 2 U".

Much like their last album, the new tune fuses some classic guitar licks & cowbell with more modern synth, and of course features their impeccable harmonies.

Singer Jeffrey Innes says “‘Up 2 U’ is a classic 120 BPM bop inspired by the kind of thing you’d see on the Midnight Special or Soul Train. I always wanted one of those DVDs you’d see advertised on those late night infomercials back in the day, but my family didn’t have any money and my mom thought they were a scam. She almost gave in once when we saw Marvin Gaye and Redbone on one, but in the end it never happened. Lyrically, the song is about personal choice and ignoring the narrow-minded folks who just can’t seem to stay out of your business.”

No solid word yet on a full length album to go with the song, but the band is teasing for later this year!

Kirk

“Shake It” by The Matinee

We’re gettin’ groovy this Monday morning!

Another new tune from Vancouver band The Matinee, “Shake It” follows the release of “Bad Addiction” and “Road To Hell”, and takes the band in another direction musically.

While listening I pictured a 50’s-era high school dance scene from a movie (the visualizer video below pretty much nailed that!), but lead singer Matt Layzell has a whole vision about the song:
“I imagine this song in an Audi or a Volkswagon commercial… A well-dressed guy pulls up at dusk to a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house and tosses a stone up at the second-floor bay window. His lover comes running out and hops over the door and into the convertible passenger side. They speed off all smiles grooving along to the song as they wind down the empty, lamp-lit street, likely headed for some late-night hot spot. I often picture the imagery this way in the songs we write, drafting the video as we craft the tune. In this one, it’s clear. Sometimes we all just need a good night out to get the blood pumping and feel that heart beating a little louder. Sometimes, things move fast. Sometimes, there’s someone that you just can’t resist.”

No official release date for the new album yet, but I’m sure there is more to come as the band gears up for summer touring.

Christine

Songs of the Week: May 01 - 07, 2023

May 08, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Blame Brett” by The Beaches

My first thought before even listening to the brand new song from The Beaches was, “jeez, I’d hate to be Brett”.

That’s because “Blame Brett” is the lead single for their upcoming album Blame My Ex, though Jordan Miller clarifies: “Blame Brett is a song with a little bit of a misleading title. It’s not really about my relationship. It’s about feeling vulnerable and afraid to open your heart to someone new. I'm basically talking to my future partners, explaining that I can only offer something casual while my heart heals—a song for all the hot messes out there.”

The new song is incredibly infectious and chaotic, as you would expect from the group, and you can grab the album when it comes out September 15. You can also catch The Beaches in a city near you when they hit the road this fall, including a show here in Vancouver at the Orpheum(!) on November 12.

Kirk

“Expensive” by Chin Injeti ft. Jarrel The Young

An 80’s inspired tune for a Monday morning? Yes please!

Chin Injeti teased in January that he would be releasing new music this year, and after “All For Nothing” a few months ago, we have another one.

“Expensive”, which features producer and songwriter Jarrel The Young, takes inspiration from Grace Jones’ hit “Crush” and is about “celebrating the decadence of love and all it comes with”.
It’s an infectious tune that has me excited to hear more soon!

Christine

“Cruel” by FRANKIIE

As we creep closer to the release of FRANKIIE’s new album Between Dreams, the Vancouver group is giving us another taste with the latest song, “Cruel”.

The third single off the upcoming album, “Cruel” is a dream-pop vibe that showcases the group’s ethereal vocals. About the song, the band saying “In an age of celebrated self-absorption, we were inspired to write this song about a fictitious character that we sing back and forth with. It is essentially an amalgamation of all the narcissists we’ve ever met and in turn we want nothing to do with.”

Check out the live performance video below, mark June 2nd for the release of Between Dreams. And if you’re here in Vancouver, check out their double album release party alongside Winona Forever at Green Auto on June 9th (please go in my place, as I’m out of town that weekend!)

Kirk

“The North Shore” by Gord Downie & Bob Rock

The long awaited album between the late, great Gord Downie, and Bob Rock, Lustre Parfait, is finally out, and with it’s release, another single titled “The North Shore”.

It’s a gorgeous ballad, and does a great job balancing the rest of the album, and while I immediately thought it was about the North Shore of Vancouver, Bob explains more throughly:
"I had the music to 'The North Shore' around for a very long time. I think when Gord came to Maui when we did The Tragically Hip records, he stayed on the north shore of Maui, so we were joking that there was a north shore of Vancouver, it seemed there was a north shore of every culture and every country. But in the end what Gord wrote, it's not about any north shore at all, but just this beautiful story of a couple with his incredible imagery as the backdrop.”

Definitely one of my favourite records this year so far - it’s always nice to hear new music from an artist that’s left us. Amazing work Gord.

Christine

Songs of the Week: April 24 - 30, 2023

May 01, 2023 by Christine McAvoy in Song Of The Day, Songs Of The Week

“Replacements” by Chromeo (feat. La Roux)

Starting your Monday morning off with the Funklordz, Chromeo, is never a bad thing.
“Replacements” ft. La Roux (who made an appearance during their Coachella set recently) is the latest release from the duo, who seem to be amping up to a new album release.

The end of the press release said “More from Chromeo is imminent” and they have announced a tour, with a stop at the Vogue Theatre on September 26th.
Have a funky day!

Christine

“All Of This Time” by Jenn Grant (feat. Bahamas)

Jenn Grant recently gave us another glimpse at her upcoming album, which is full of collaborations with some of Canada’s finest musicians.

“All of the Time” is latest single, a beautiful tune that Grant wrote with Bahamas.
Jenn says: “So wonderful to spend an afternoon working up this little ditty with Bahamas. I will never forget coming up with that chorus together in our little studio singing in harmony. His voice felt like a big ship taking me out to sea. Watching him play guitar, and then casually stroll over to the piano to add little bits of music here and there was mesmerizing. He thought he was just tickling the ivories, playing a few notes here and there for fun. We kept everything.”
And Bahamas adds: “So great to spend an afternoon with JG and sing together. I think this song officially qualifies as a ‘ditty.’ Wish we had more time to write a bridge but the guys upstairs at corporate had us working to a tight deadline. Hope you enjoy the results!”

Champagne Problems is out June 21st, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the collabs, which include Basia Bulat, Dan Mangan, Kevin Drew, Slow Leaves, Joel Plaskett, Tim Baker, Hannah Georgas & Amy Millan, and more!

Kirk

“Beautiful View” by Hannah Georgas

I’ll tell you what’s a beautiful view…the sight of new music from Hannah Georgas in my inbox!
“Beautiful View” is the second release from Georgas after “This Too Shall Pass” off of the album that is due to come out this summer.
Of the song she says it is “about seeing the beauty in the things we can take for granted. It’s about having perspective and recognizing the things we often overlook. It’s about enjoying the moment, even if it’s not a breathtaking high or grand achievement. Instead of sweating the small stuff I’m trying to be more present and thankful. Zooming out and seeing things from that perspective isn't always easy and it's all definitely still a work in progress for me.”
I cannot wait for more music, the album itself, and then hopefully some tour date announcements!

Christine

“Your Favourite Place” by Noble Oak

It’s funny that get to write about this new track “Your Favourite Place” by Noble Oak, because I ran into the man himself this week while we were both at work!

In addition to the new track, Noble Oak is announcing that his new album When It Finds You will be released on July 8th. The new tune, which I find incredibly ear-worm-y, is a song about finding optimism and “the desire to return to a place of comfort”.

No show announcements yet, but I might have got the inside scoop, so stay tuned!

Christine