Song of the Day: September 02, 2015 - "Oh Donna" Library Voices

I knew that Library Voices had taken a bit of a break, as a band. I also knew that more recently, they had been working on some new stuff. I did not, however, know that it would be ready so soon. And I especially didn't know some of what happened to the band while they were recording it.

It seems a little while after they started work on the album, singer/guitarist Carl Johnson was jumped, beaten, and left unconscious in the street in an act of random violence. He ended up with a severe concussion, and the inability to smell bad odours. For a few months they were not sure if he would even be able to continue writing and performing music.

In the end, Johnson contributed 7 songs to the album (though apparently he still can't detect foul scents) and the remaining four tracks were fronted by Brennan Ross. Including the first single from the brand new album Loveish, "Oh Donna"

Song Of The Day: September 01, 2015 - "My Mind Is A Shark" Blimp Rock

Usually when I write these song of the day blurbs, I put a little something about how I feel about the song. Maybe pull a quote from the press release. Tell you why I think you should listen.
But the email I got from Blimp Rock (whose album Sophmore Slump has been one of my favourites of the year so far) is so awesome, I am just going to copy and paste it for you.

As both a marketing team and band we frequently get overwhelmed. This is where the inspiration for our latest song came from.

Animated by Parker Bryant, My Mind Is A Shark is a tribute to those of us who have busy brains. Whether your head is filled with to do-list items, social media statuses or blimp specifications, it's safe to say there are no shortage of ways for things to get crowded in the ole' noggin. Blimp Rock invites you to add another thing to the pile while hoping that it somehow helps lighten the load.

Our focus on funding our $700k festival on a blimp floating over Lake Ontario has come up short. We're still pushing forward planning on reaching our goal by releasing albums, touring as a relatively unheard of Southern Ontario rock band, and selling vintage office supplies such as rolodexes, fax machines and floppy discs. 

To purchase these, visit our website: http://www.blimprockenterprises.com/

Questions? See our FAQ.

Thanks for your time, we'd love to do business with you. 

BLIMP ROCK

There is nothing about this band I don't love. Their songs are ridiculously clever and catchy (as you can hear below), and I want nothing more than to buy vintage office supplies from them in order to fund Blimp Rock Live, their music festival that will take place on a blimp over Lake Ontario.
Failing that, I just want them to bring their live show (and powerpoint presentations) to Vancouver. 

Song Of The Day: August 31, 2015 - "Ride" Lowell

I wish this song came out at the beginning of summer, as I would have played it on every road trip I took over the last few months.

I'm still grateful for it, as I've had it on repeat the last little while, and it's helpful to pretend it's totally summer still (here in Vancouver at least). Close your eyes and picture yourself in a car on a highway, with the windows down, heading towards some sort of adventure.

Lowell has another hit on her hands with this one. Take a listen: 

Song Of The Day: August 30, 2015 - "Monument" Mutemath

It's been a few years since Mutemath put out their last album, Odd Soul, but the New Orleans four-piece has returned with a taste of what's to come. The first single off their upcoming album Vitals is "Monument", which toes the line of pop music, but without losing that distinct Mutemath flair. 

But I am most excited about the prospect of Mutemath touring the new album, and coming back to Vancouver. They are one of the most bonkers live bands I have ever seen, from drummer Darren King duct taping his headphones to his head, to lead singer Paul Meany's keyboard handstands, and crowdsurfing on a large air mattress.

Song Of The Day: August 29, 2015 - "Spirits" The Strumbellas

When I saw The Strumbellas play the Vancouver Folk Music Festival last month, they played a few new songs in their set. Two in particular stood out; one was "Shovels and Dirt" (which you can conveniently watch them perform at the CBC Music Festival in Toronto), and the other was this tune, "Spirits". 

It's a powerful and chilling song, and really makes me eager to hear the new album. 

Song Of The Day: August 28, 2015 - "Bubble Bath" BESTiE

I've been waiting for this one! I knew BESTiE had been recording for a while now, and we finally have the new single.

"Bubble Bath" made me immediately want to head to the beach and listen to it on repeat in the sunshine, which I want to do with most BESTiE songs. It also made me very jealous as my apartment only has a shower, and I'd LOVE to be able to have a bubble bath (maybe with some wine as the song suggests).
And other good news, the band performs in Vancouver tomorrow (Aug 29th) at the Astoria - more info here.

And now, forget your worries in the bubble bath:

3am Playlist #10: Endless Summer

Vancouverites, whatever you do, DON'T look at the weather forecast for the next week. It's going to be summer forever...right? 

Well, my plan is to listen to this playlist (click image above, or here, to hear it) in the sunshine on the beach this afternoon and pretend like there are still months of sunshine ahead of us. And then Saturday I'm heading to the BESTiE show at the Astoria to imagine some more.

Put on your summer dress and enjoy some outside time today!

Song Of The Day: August 27, 2015 - "Close Up" Peaches

I'm already so in love with Peaches' new album Rub (which comes out on September 25), and I can't wait for the rest of the world to hear it. It's classic, unapologetic Peaches through and through.

You might have seen the, kinda NSFW (when is she ever?) video for "Light In Places", but Peaches has now released a video for her next single "Close Up" and it features Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth!

Listen/watch below: