Songs of the Week: January 03 - 09, 2022

“Curse Your Fail” by Broken Social Scene

Happy first Songs Of The Week of 2022!

Starting you off with a song from Broken Social Scene’s upcoming B-Sides album that is a “career-spanning collection of B-sides, rarities, and outtakes pulled from 20 years of 7-inches, compilations, soundtracks, and hard-to-find releases”.

“Curse Your Fail” came from creating the 2009 album Forgiveness Rock Record, and features guest vocals by DFA 1979’s Sebastien Grainger.

Old Dead Young: B-Sides & Rarities will be out this week on January 14th!

• Christine
  

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“God Complex” by Gentle Party

Chamber pop trio Gentle Party have a new tease of their upcoming album by way of the single “God Complex”.

The single is “an inquisitive and melodic embodiment of a misogynistic individual who is celebrated in the group’s artistic community” with the band adding: "so many times people's 'apologies' for their bad behavior are simply spineless virtue signaling, without integrity, values, or behavior change to back it up."

Check out the video below, which is a collaboration between artists Eva Dominelli and Ryan Qui, and mark down February 17th for the release of the album!

• Kirk

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: December 06 - 12, 2021

“Girl Of Mine” by Dave Monks

A super mellow song for your Monday morning.

Dave Monks, frontman for Tokyo Police Club, released another single , “Girl Of Mine”, from his most recent album I’ve Always Wanted To Be Me. The album is a self-portrait/ look into what makes Dave up and how “after 15 years into a career of making music, he continues to find inspiration in his craft”.

He’s announced two shows supporting the new release, in Hamilton and Toronto - but no word about the west coast yet!

• Christine

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“In It To Win” by Samantha Savage Smith

Samantha Savage Smith is back with a new single, and news on an upcoming album! “In It To Win It” is a dreamy, indie-pop tune that you can find on next year’s Fake Nice.

The new album was co-producer by Smith and Chris Dadge, and will be released on April 22 next year!

• Kirk
  

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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 15 - 21, 2021

“Red Flags” by Blonde Diamond

One of my most anticipated albums for next year is the debut full length from Vancouver’s Blonde Diamond, and their latest single is just reinforcing that excitement. “Red Flags” features the band’s rich sounds and singer Alexis Young’s killer vocals, and was written to help break the silence that so many people feel about speaking up about abusive relationships.

Young says: "Post the breakup of a very long relationship and at a particularly vulnerable moment in my life, through a chance encounter I found myself in a relationship that was—on its surface—everything that I was looking for. "he romance, the infatuation, the lust. It was the type of affair that you only read about in books and see in films. However, the red flags had presented themselves from the get-go and I initially ignored them. I wanted to see the good in this person, and believe that I could be a strong and positive force in their life. When it finally got to the point that I allowed myself to accept that it was abusive and emotionally manipulative, I felt stupid and ashamed that I could be so naïve and easily coerced into such a spiral of entrapment and darkness. I wanted to write this song not just as a form of healing for my own experience, but also as a message to others that you CAN walk away. That you're not alone. And that it's easy to get swept up and lose perspective when you're in the eye of the storm."

• Kirk

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“Hang in Pieces” by Riches

In the wake of Young Galaxy, singer Catherine McCandless has been hard at work with her new project, Riches, a collaboration between her and choreographer Wynn Holmes. After releasing their debut album just over a year ago, they’re already teasing their next with the first single “Hang in Pieces”.

The ethereal, shoegaze-y song “articulates the altered, psychedelic, and beautiful web of intersecting ideas, senses, and feelings within the creative process.”

Hit play below, then close your eyes and float away.

• Kirk

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“Eclipse” by Raine Hamilton

The latest song from Raine Hamilton (no relation… as far as I know) came out at the perfect time. “Eclipse” was released on Friday, mere hours before the longest partial lunar eclipse in six centuries.

Timing aside, Raine’s delicate voiced dances beautifully with the violin, for a song that was written after she witnessed a full lunar eclipse in the mid winter, saying ”it was profound. The loss of the reassuring light of the moon is a lot to handle, especially when we are already in our darkest moments of the winter. I learned a lot by sitting with the dark through that experience. There was something about enduring, moving through, and accepting that darkness that made me more able to trust my own ability to endure, move through, and accept. That winter eclipse taught me that I can make it through my own darkness, too."

“Eclipse” is from Raine's upcoming album, Brave Land, which drops on January 21st of next year, and check out the cool shadow puppet video below!

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: November 08 - 14, 2021

“I Am Water” by July Talk

After weeks of teasing on twitter what their new album would sound like, July Talk has returned with a brand new single, “I Am Water”. The new tune, produced by Graham Walsh, is “ruled by a vast force of emotion, just as the tide is controlled by the moon”, fitting since it features the familiar ebb & flow between Leah and Peter’s vocals.

With the new song, they’ve also partnered with Six Shooter Records and founded Danuta, which is “equal parts independent record label, production company and creative collective, as a new home base for Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis’ many creative pursuits.”

They’re also gearing up for a Canadian tour, which includes a stop right here in Vancouver, at the Queen E Theatre on Dec 22nd, with Kandle supporting them!

• Kirk

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“Waiting” and “Kill Something” by PUP

PUP has this excellent way of making even their heavier songs super sing-a-long-able (is that a word? It is now.). This is exactly what you get from “Waiting”, the first of two new tracks the band released this week.

The second, “Kill Something”, is about lead singer Stefan Babcock’s dog Moose. Apparently he loves to “destroy his favorite things, and then is sad that those things are destroyed” - which is definitely a dog thing.
The band will be touring again starting in February, including a show at the PNE Forum with Billy Talent on Valentine’s Day.

• Christine

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“Look Out!” by Peach Pit

And now to mellow you out, the new song from Vancouver’s Peach Pit.

“Look Out!” has summer-beachy-sounds - which we can definitely all use right now - and comes with a super fun little video that give me serious Wes Anderson vibes. They’re new album, From 2 to 3, is set to be released on March 4th, and they’ll be heading out to tour it shortly after.
Two shows are listed for Vancouver - an all ages afternoon show and a 19+ one, both at the Commodore on April 24th.
Can’t wait for more music to be released between now and then, but in the meantime, watch the new video below.

• 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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