I am lazy

This summer vacation has turned me into a lazy slob. I don't have a job, I do nothing with my days, and contribute nothing to society or my bank account. I lay around the house all day listening to The National and reading. On the bright side I have made it through 4 novels since the end of school and countless other reading materials. I also got a copy of the Virginia EP by the National, you know, the one that comes bundled with the DVD. It is pretty awesome.

The National - You've Done it Again, Virginia


Jon

Todays Playlist

This week's instalment of Blog Radio, or The Breakthrough (Thom and Jon in the Morning).

artist song
The Weakerthans -(Manifest)
The Weakerthans -The Reason
The Weakerthans -Reconstruction Site
What Made Milwaukee Famous -Blood, Sweat and fears
What Made Milwaukee Famous -Cheap Wine
What Made Milwaukee Famous -The Right Place
T.W. Walsh -Drunk and Poor
T.W. Walsh -The New North American Friction
T.W. Walsh -The Polite Way to Rob a Bank
rogue wave -chicago x 12
rogue wave -lake michigan
Fancey -Witches Night
Fancey -Lost in Twilight
Fancey -Karma's Out to Get Me
Crystal Castles -Untrust Us
Crystal Castles -Crimewave
Islands -Rough Gem
Islands -Volcanoes
Animal Collective -Peace Bone
Destroyer -Blue Flower/Blue Flame
Destroyer -Dark Leaves from a Thread
Hayden -Lonely Security Guard
Beach House -Turtle Island

Real Tom Waits

A little while ago I spoke about my love for Tom Waits, and recently my disdain for Scarlet Johansson, and from that discussion arose my recent string of Tom Waits listening.

I am going to do a bunch of songs that Tom wrote and later were picked up by other acts (for better or worse).

Tom Waits - Anywhere I Lay My Head

Tom Waits - Downtown Train

Tom Waits - Time

Tom Waits - Martha

Tom Waits - Ol' 55

At least these are the ones I remember other artist covering, anymore to add and I will post them.

Tour Dates:

06-17 Phoenix, AZ
06-18 Phoenix, AZ
06-20 El Paso, TX
06-22 Houston, TX
06-23 Dallas, TX
06-25 Tulsa, OK
06-26 St. Louis, MO
06-28 Columbus, OH
06-29 Knoxville, TN
07-01 Jacksonville, FL
07-02 Mobile, AL
07-03 Birmingham, AL
07-05 Atlanta, GA

Press Conference:

Cancon

Indeed it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I would plead for forgiveness but in all honesty I haven't been that busy, in fact I rather enjoyed my 2 weeks of nothingness. Moreover I believe that I am rested up enough to contribute a little more regularly, at least more regularly than Thom.

First order of Business is Brendan Canning's Broken Social Scene Presents.

The second of the series, and includes many of the things that Kevin Drew's did, including most of the members of Broken Social Scene, and a many of friends that cameo.

First Track is

Brendan Canning - Hit the Wall

Tour Dates:

05-09 Istanbul, Turkey
05-10 Istanbul, Turkey
05-12 Njimegen, Netherlands
05-13 Amsterdam, Netherlands
05-15 Paris, France
05-15 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
05-16 Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain
05-18 Minehead, England
05-20 Dublin, Ireland
05-21 Sheffield, England
05-22 Oxford, England
05-23 London, England
05-25 Moscow, Russia
05-26 Helsinki, Finland
06-15 Manchester, TN
06-27 Calgary, Alberta
08-02 Chicago, IL
08-04 Montreal, Quebec
08-24 San Francisco, CA


Second order of business is the Bon Iver Album, self-released last year, picked up by jagjaguwar this year, and soon to be released in the UK (already release here in Canada) on the 12th. The album was recorded in a cabin in the wilderness, and as my friend Ewan described it, think of it as the lead singer from TV on the Radio alone in a room with a tape recorder. Fantastic Album, I cannot say enough good things about it.

Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago"

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Tour Dates:

05-10 Rye, England
05-12 Glasgow, Scotland
05-13 Manchester, England
05-14 Sheffield, England
05-15 Brighton, England
05-16 London, England
05-17 Brighton, England
05-19 London, England
05-20 London, England
05-22 The Hague, Netherlands
05-23 Ottersum, Netherlands
05-24 Amsterdam, Netherlands
05-27 Paris, France
05-29 Ghent, Belgium
05-31 Barcelona, Spain
06-02 Dublin, Ireland
06-04 London, England
06-21 Minneapolis, MN
07-20 Chicago, IL
08-03 Columbus, OH
08-24 San Francisco, CA
08-25 Los Angeles, CA

Multi-cultured

I'm wondering: just how much does being a Canadian effect my taste in Canadian music? Am I biased to Canadian artists because they are from the same country I am? Do I have a particular pessimism toward American artists? British artists?

I really don't like British bands...it's just something about them. Maybe Jon can do a Brit-tribute post for me.

New this Thursday

The Bicycles - B-B-Bicycles
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - In This Home On Ice
Peter Bjorn and John - Detects On My Affection
Sarah Harmer - Escarpment Blues
(5) Spoon - They Never Got You
Sufjan Stevens - Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head!
Wilco - Handshake Drugs
The Unicorns - Ghost Mountain
Islands - Rough Gem
(10) Think About Life - Paul Cries
The Arcade Fire - Crown of Love
Final Fantasy - This Lamb Sells Condos
Barzin - Queen Jane
The D'Urbervilles - We Are The Hunters
(15) Forest City Lovers - Don't Go, Please
Nina Nielsen - Cloudberry Mountain
Water Colour - Hidden Sound
We're Marching On - Shithead Kids
Acorn - Brokered Heart

Ben Gibbard is Weird

'nuff said.

.

There is life on this planet.

Why?

Why do actors think that they are entitled to foray into all aspects of the entertainment industry? I say, "keep your hands off of my Tom Waits, Miss Johansson!"



ugh,

jon

New Wolf Parade

3 years in the making, and we finally have a light at the end of the indie rock tunnel. Wolf Parade's untitled sophomore release is slated for a June release on Subpop.

Indeed the first single has already been released...Call it a Ritual.

Wolf Parade - Call it a Ritual

Regardless the reason posts have been so few and far between is because I am in the middle of exams and Thom is preparing his art exhibit. We promise once this craziness dies down we will be back more frequently.

jon

Returning to the fold

This week marked the launch of the new pitchfork.tv, and well it is entertaining and acts as an amazing distractor while hard at work. Also the ability to download some of the clips, is fantastic.

The Thermals - Returning to the Fold (Video)

On the matter of videos there is a new dvd coming out about The National..trailer is here.
It also includes an EP, which is 12 songs long...so its not really an EP at all.

01 "You've Done It Again, Virginia" (previously unreleased)
02 "Santa Clara" (UK b-side)
03 "Blank Slate" (UK b-side)
04 "Tall Saint" (demo)
05 "Without Permission" (unreleased cover)
06 "Forever After Days" (demo)
07 "Rest Of Years" (demo)
08 "Slow Show" (demo)
09 "Lucky You" (Daytrotter session)
10 "Mansion On The Hill" (live)
11 "Fake Empire" (live)
12 "About Today" (live)



Jon

Be Good or Be Gone

Fionn Regan - Be Good or Be Gone

You know, I really love Detroit. I like Kwame, too. How do we comprehend this mess?

In the year 2080... In the year 2080!

I can't sleep when I think about the times we're living in. I can't sleep when I think about a future I was born into. Outside's dressed up like Sunday morning. But with no Berlin wall, what the hell am I going to do? It's the new year and I'm glad to be here, it's the first spring, so let's sing. In 2080 I'll surely be dead, so don't look ahead-never look ahead.

And so are the thoughts of Brooklyn pop-ambient-electric foursome Yeasayer. The band formed in 2006 (which seems like yesterday... I guess I'll be saying the same thing in 2080) releasing 2080 and Sunrise as singles. Conan O Brien called Yeasayer the best band to hit late night until Conan. He also enjoys their music.

Yeasayer - 2080

Pickle the pain.

April is the cruelest month

To all Ontarians (14-19): we hope you are enjoying your 4-day weekend.
To all Ontario union workers: we're sorry you couldn't have a 4-day weekend.

Mark Kozelek is releasing a new record this April (to be titled April) under his Sun Kil Moon moniker. To be released on April Fools Day, it is rumoured (perhaps confirmed?) that Will Oldham (Mr. Bonnie Prince Billy) and Ben Gibbard (Mr. Cutie Postal Serviceman) will be making guest vocal appearances. The entire album is available for streaming on SKM's MySpace (of course, 56k) and FOLLY magazine published a great interview with Mark in February of 2007 (found here.)

Sun Kil Moon - The Light (YouSendIt)
Sun Kil Moon - The Light (YouSendIt Link #2)

Sorry Norm, looks like I beat you.

Urban Black Mail

There are 3:35 left in the Memphis/Miss State game right now, and I have a feeling the Tigers are going to win this one. This is not necessarily a good thing because the winner of this game plays my favourite, Michigan State, and Memphis is seeded in the #1 spot. But during the "words" from my local station, the fortune-500 filled break featured a familiar voice, a familiar beat--or so I thought! Upon googling, Saul Williams' track "List of Demands" plays on the 60-second Nike commercial, embedded below. The track is strikingly similar to TV on The Radio's "Wolf Like Me." Nonetheless, great track, have a listen.

Saul William - List of Demands (YouSendIt)

Some people say...

This disappoints me. I am a relative newcomer to the sardonic attitude of Cat Power, having drifted by her press for years, carrying the notion that perhaps she was a typical female solo guitarist/singer. This is obviously not the truth! The singing on "Ramblin' Women" is so very reminiscent of Windsorite Steph Copeland. So, having given her recently released (January 22, 2008) LP Jukebox a listen, and coming across Pitchfork's ripping review, I have concluded that you either love or hate folk music.

Cat Power groups rather well with my favourite blues musician, Sam Lightnin' Hopkins. It should also be noted that Jukebox is titled so for a reason; the LP is all cover songs. I can understand how the LP might not be a spark for many listeners, because of the straightforward simplicity of the music. But you fall in love with Chan Marshall's voice, and the accompanying emptiness between verses. If you know the words she is singing, you will stumble on your feet to hear her sing in person. Have a go for yourself, this is her cover of New York, New York (popularized by Sinatra/Minelli.)

Cat Power - New York

In other news, I am now friends with Matthew Good via flickr. Is anyone else enjoying NCAA basketball?

Damn Heathens!

Noted southern rockers The Heathens have broken up! We are late in conveying this news...8 months late, but the little spark-plug of a band always slipped under the radar. The video for their single "Stickin' Around", off of their only-LP Big White House, showed at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Justice

It was almost impossible last night to get a decent shot but this is the best that I could do.

Justice: Royal Oak, MI March 19th 2008

Holy Fuck

Viddinet, a New York (Brooklyn) based video website (not so much a blog, more so a compilation website) followed Brian Borcherdt's Holy Fuck around town as they set up before a concert recently.

Video link killed the electronic music star.

Go to Viddies > 4th option from the top.

Swearing isn't so bad!

I will eat your heart

Death Cab for Cutie return to the mainstage in 2008 with the release of their 6th LP, Narrow Stairs, this early-Spring. Officially their second "major label" record, the Bellingham-bred boys have claimed this record (the entirety of which was recorded and produced by guitarist Chris Walla between Portland and Seattle) is entirely their own crafting, no label input. This is justified by the "outrageous" length of their single, "I Will Possess Your Heart", released today, which stands in at 08:35.

The track itself is very pleasant. A nearly 3.5 minute intro of drum/bass/swells/piano is very reminiscent of a hallucinogenic influenced American Analog Set--especially the vibraphone part that concludes every 4th bar. I picture Gibbard swaying in typical fashion, sporting a long sleeve plaid button-up, rolled past the elbows (coincidentally what I am wearing currently) having freshly bummed a smoke from John Byrd. Andrew Kenny is dressed the same, but with cowboy boots. MDMA, or perhaps simply buddha, has closed his eyes; yet, his metronomic strumming remains constant, and impressively on-time.

Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart

Ben Gibbard's lyrics still contain repetition of the word love. And heart. And advances. Will this boy ever grow up? Or will he ever find love? I thought he was doing just fine with Sarah.

FB

******* ******
0 out of 23 people would date her

This message was originally intended for Jon, but he was offline, so...

Best of 2007

Did we miss one?


Nope, we didn't miss it. But damn, is it a good album.

Detroit Zoos Cal?

Having just arrived intact from a trip to Detroit (I'm joking, I love the motor city) I felt the need to share some contemporary Detroit acts. I have posted Pas/Cal before, and ranted about their precision on many occasion; however, what exists beyond these forward slashed boundaries?

Zoos of Berlin - On Large Amusements
Sa Sevol - An Easy Promise
Computer Perfection - Silence is a Shadow's Dream

Finally, I have discovered my new favourite Detroit musicians. Javelins are on Suburban Sprawl Records and are releasing their LP March 22nd? Regardless, their CD is at CJAM, and we played it this past Thursday and will play it again tomorrow. This one is for Chris White.

Javelins - El Dorado

The Javelins link is up for only 7 days, or 100 downloads. So don't expect it to be around when you come back! Kind of like your car in downtown Detroit! Lolerz!

cmq958,
Thomas.

Absentee

I apologise to all you German fans for being absent lately, I'm a total workhorse when it comes to things. I'm going to be on lockdown until mid April, so be patient. For your pleasure, some great underground hip hop: Born Ruffians.

Born Ruffians - Tic Toc

Stay awake,
Thomas

The Jammies

The Jammies are here, the jammies are here.

Vote for The Breakthrough (AKA Thom and Jon in the Morning) in the "Best Indie Rock Show" category.

Birth of a Nation

*Caugh* Birth of a Nation *Caugh*




Common - Black Maybe

Get it?

Jon

This week's Playlist

This weeks playlist. No much to say other than I highly, highly recommend the "Maybe, Smith" song "Open War"... It is clickable.

plants and animals-good friend
kat burns-under sheets
forest city lovers-don't go
hayden-did I wake up beside you?
forest city lovers-watching the streetlights grow
born ruffians-hummingbird
kate maki-white noise
beach house-turtle island
silver mt zion-black waters blowed/engine broke blues
ladyhawk-faces of death
Ryan adams-political scientist
tacoma hellfarm tragedy-creek fills
black mountain-jugganaut
maybe smith-open war

It was an interesting show to say the least. The song by "Maybe, Smith" is the greatest thing to ever come out of Western Canada, and as an Ontarian I feel that my opinion is the final word. Wait for the ending of the song with all of those deliciously wonderful, La La La La's. Trust me if you do not sing along you are void of any emotional depth and possibly lack a soul, which means you may be a vampire, so I think it is time for you to ask yourself some existential questions.

jon

The Old Pornographers

Hopefully someone finds this as funny as me.



Not only do these magazines display complete nudity, but they do so in a perverted manner!

New Charlatans

Hey Man!
Oh Hey!
Guess, What?
What?
I just got the brand new Charlatans album.
Fuck You I didn't think that was in stores yet?
It's not.
Jon, You're an asshole. Piracy is Wrong.
Even when it's band sanctioned?
Even when it is band sanctioned.
Is it still piracy than?
Hey look its snowing out again.


With all of these bands releasing their music for free piracy may actually go out of business...

The Whole album is here.(zip)

You just want one mp3 you say? Why not try the title track?

The Charlatans - You Cross My Path

A possibly schizophrenic,

jon

DVNO

I am Jacked for Justice on the 19th.

To Hold me over we get this nostalgia inducing video...QUICK NAME ALL THE LABELS.

Operator, Get me the President of the World!

This is an emergency!

New Tokyo Police Club from the upcoming Elephant Shell on Saddle Creek 4/22. I think Elephant Shell is a stupid name, but meh I'm not the boy wonders from New Market either, so what do I know?

The song is (predictably) short, and has all the elements you love from TPC, hand clapping and chanting, Oh My!

Tokyo Police Club - In a Cave

jon

Today's Playlist

If you were wondering why we were nasally and drowsy this morning it is because Thom is under the weather, and I was skiing all day yesterday. The more you know!

Today's Playlist:

james murdoch-give me your love
hot chip-out at the pictures
animal names-kurt cobain road
luke doucet-the comandante
apostle of hustle-el enceuntro
apostle of hustle-fast pony for victor jara
hayden-did I wake up beside you
cadence weapon-in search of the youth crew
the whitsundays-I want it all
the locusts have no king-down here
american music club-the windows on the world
plants and animals-bye bye bye
plants and animals-good friend
viva voce-fashionably lonely
orillia opry-I lied
ida-worried mind blues
stephen malkmus-real emotional trash
television-marquee moon
detroyer-rubies

Plants and Animals

Hey you, yes you! Wanna be let in on a secret? A secret so great that you may question my possible divinity? Okay, it is...I know the winner of the 2008 Polaris Music Prize! It's true, I do. Ask me how I know, c'mon ask?

I did the math, yes the math. See here is what I did, broken down for you laymen.

[(1 Polaris Nominated Label+Hyped Band's New Release)xBlog Hype]-Potential Pitchfork Backlash = Polaris Win.

Take 2007 as an example and the Polaris Music Prize winner "Patrick Watson". Remember that his label "Secret City" has both him and Miracle Fortress both of which were nominated for the prize. But anyway to prove my theorem.

[(Secret City Records+Close to Paradise)X Oddles of Praise on the Blogs] - Pitchfork Backlash 5.2 = 2007 Winner of Polaris Music Prize Patrick Watson.

So who is this mystery band that I am claiming to be destined for fame and fortune, you ask?

The Answer is Montreal's "Plants and Animals".

You want to listen?

Yeah, You want to listen!

Plants and Animals - Bye Bye Bye

Not to be confused with the N'sync hit of the late 90's early 2000's.

enjoy kids.

Jon

I think I am dying

My stomach hurts....

Todays Playlist:

Shad-Brother (Watching)

The Libertines-Up the Bracket

British Sea Power-Waving Flags

The Helio Sequence-Keep Your Eyes Ahead

The Mountain Goats-San Bernardino

Hello, Blue Roses-Hello, Blue Roses

Throw me the Statue-Yucatan Gold

Bran Van 3000-House Lights

Black Mountain-Stormy High

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Timorous Me

Danielson-Did I step on your trumpet?

Plants and Animals-Good Friends

Jens Lekman-Black Cab

Lily Frost-Enchantment

Vampire Weekend-The Kids Don't Stand a Chance

Joel Plaskett-Work out Fine

Twilight Hotel-Slumber Queen

Xiu Xiu-I do what I want, When I want

Apostle of Hustle-Charade (Henry Mancini cover)

The Whigs-Right Hand on My Heart

Ida-Capo

Elbow Beach Surf Club-Turf Dream

Loney, Dear-The Battle of Trinidad and Tobango

Harvey Danger-Wine, Women and Song

Celebrating Kosovo's Indepen-DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION

yehaw


I love when History unfolds in front of your eyes.

The Declaration of Independence.

Convened in an extraordinary meeting on February 17, 2008, in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo,

Answering the call of the people to build a society that honours human dignity and affirms the pride and purpose of its citizens,

Committed to confront the painful legacy of the recent past in a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness,

Dedicated to protecting, promoting and honoring the diversity of our people,

Reaffirming our wish to become fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family of democracies,

Observing that Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual breakup and is not a precedent for any other situation,

Recalling the years of strife and violence in Kosovo, that disturbed the conscience of all civilised people,

Grateful that in 1999 the world intervened, thereby removing Belgrade's governance over Kosovo and placing Kosovo under United Nations interim administration,

Proud that Kosovo has since developed functional, multi-ethnic institutions of democracy that express freely the will of our citizens,

Recalling the years of internationally-sponsored negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina over the question of our future political status,

Regretting that no mutually-acceptable status outcome was possible, in spite of the good-faith engagement of our leaders,

Confirming that the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari provide Kosovo with a comprehensive framework for its future development and are in line with the highest European standards of human rights and good governance,

Determined to see our status resolved in order to give our people clarity about their future, move beyond the conflicts of the past and realise the full democratic potential of our society,

Honouring all the men and women who made great sacrifices to build a better future for Kosovo,

1. We, the democratically-elected leaders of our people, hereby declare Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state. This declaration reflects the will of our people and it is in full accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.

2. We declare Kosovo to be a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. We shall protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo and create the conditions necessary for their effective participation in political and decision-making processes.

3. We accept fully the obligations for Kosovo contained in the Ahtisaari Plan, and welcome the framework it proposes to guide Kosovo in the years ahead. We shall implement in full those obligations including through priority adoption of the legislation included in its Annex XII, particularly those that protect and promote the rights of communities and their members.

4. We shall adopt as soon as possible a Constitution that enshrines our commitment to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all our citizens, particularly as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights. The Constitution shall incorporate all relevant principles of the Ahtisaari Plan and be adopted through a democratic and deliberative process.

5. We welcome the international community's continued support of our democratic development through international presences established in Kosovo on the basis of UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We invite and welcome an international civilian presence to supervise our implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan, and a European Union-led rule of law mission. We also invite and welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to retain the leadership role of the international military presence in Kosovo and to implement responsibilities assigned to it under UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Ahtisaari Plan, until such time as Kosovo institutions are capable of assuming these responsibilities. We shall cooperate fully with these presences to ensure Kosovo's future peace, prosperity and stability.

6. For reasons of culture, geography and history, we believe our future lies with the European family. We therefore declare our intention to take all steps necessary to facilitate full membership in the European Union as soon as feasible and implement the reforms required for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

7. We express our deep gratitude to the United Nations for the work it has done to help us recover and rebuild from war and build institutions of democracy. We are committed to working constructively with the United Nations as it continues its work in the period ahead.

8. With independence comes the duty of responsible membership in the international community. We accept fully this duty and shall abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, other acts of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the international legal obligations and principles of international comity that mark the relations among states. Kosovo shall have its international borders as set forth in Annex VIII of the Ahtisaari Plan, and shall fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all our neighbors. Kosovo shall also refrain from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

9. We hereby undertake the international obligations of Kosovo, including those concluded on our behalf by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and treaty and other obligations of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to which we are bound as a former constituent part, including the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations. We shall cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We intend to seek membership in international organisations, in which Kosovo shall seek to contribute to the pursuit of international peace and stability.

10. Kosovo declares its commitment to peace and stability in our region of southeast Europe. Our independence brings to an end the process of Yugoslavia's violent dissolution. While this process has been a painful one, we shall work tirelessly to contribute to a reconciliation that would allow southeast Europe to move beyond the conflicts of our past and forge new links of regional cooperation. We shall therefore work together with our neighbours to advance a common European future.

11. We express, in particular, our desire to establish good relations with all our neighbours, including the Republic of Serbia with whom we have deep historical, commercial and social ties that we seek to develop further in the near future. We shall continue our efforts to contribute to relations of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Serbia, while promoting reconciliation among our people.

12. We hereby affirm, clearly, specifically, and irrevocably, that Kosovo shall be legally bound to comply with the provisions contained in this Declaration, including, especially, the obligations for it under the Ahtisaari Plan. In all of these matters, we shall act consistent with principles of international law and resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, including resolution 1244 (1999). We declare publicly that all states are entitled to rely upon this declaration, and appeal to them to extend to us their support and friendship.

10 Years

10 years, and it still pulls at our hearts like nothing, or anyone we have ever experienced. To talk about this album and what it means to us would do the emotions that it invokes a disservice. It would be a tragedy to use this post to talk about how we wish Jeff would make more music. I think it is fair to say that I (and possibly we) are content with what he has given us and cannot ask for more.

33 1/3 Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea By Kim Cooper

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Neutral Milk Hotel - 10/31/1997 Athens



Neutral Milk Hotel - Collection of Demos and Rarities (This was put together by me...It is obviously missing many things. Hopefully you guys can help me add to it.

With love,

Jon

The Rifle

The Tenth anniversary of In The Aeroplane Over the Sea is on Sunday, I wanted to do something but it seems those jerks at Stereogum have beat us to it. I still might though.

# 79.2 - ALELA DIANE - THE RIFLE
by lablogotheque

Colin Meloy Spring Tour

4/7 - Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa
4/8 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
4/10 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
4/11 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
4/12 - Charlottesville, VA - The Satellite Ballroom
4/13 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
4/15 - Somerville, MA Somerville Theatre
4/16 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg
4/17 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg
4/21 - Chicago, IL - Park West
4/22 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater
4/23 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theater
4/25 - Lawrence, KS - Liberty Hall
4/26 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
4/28 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
4/29 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Rio Theatre
4/30 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
5/2 - Seattle, WA - Showbox
5/3 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom

Thanks, Colin.

Throw me the beats

Throw me the Statue! If you you are a regular listener of Thom and Jon in the morning you already know and love this band because they have been played 4 weeks in a row. We never play the same band 4 weeks in a room unless we know it is this good and this under appreciated. Moonbeams will be re-released on Secretly Canadian 2/19/08.

Throw me the Statue- About to Walk

Also if you fancy more you can buy it here and download three other songs.

Your Welcome,

Throw me the Jon

Narrow Stairs

The Narrow Stairs LP.


Update coming soon. Well sooner than later.

jon

Current Obsession

This is the song that has been on repeat ALL DAY.

Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwasa Kwasa

Album out the 29th on XL

love,

Jon

I feel so tall when I'm with you

Forest City Lovers have a new CD coming out March 11th, 2008. It is to be titled Haunting Moon Sinking on Out of This Spark Records.

"Please Don't Go" was featured on the Friends in Bellwoods compilation released earlier last year and we played it extensively on CJAM 91.5 fm. Along with Ohbijou, FCD are a combined folk/slow-pop 4-piece with a glowing female lead singer from Toronto. If I'm in Toronto next year, I will make it a priority to see these guys live. And if they come down here to Phog, I will bicycle back home.

Check out "Song for Morrie" on their New Music Canada page.

Kitchen rock.

Something for the ladies...hahahaha get it?

#305, Iceland here we go.

Firstly, I never get comments. No Jon, It's not because I post shitty music.

I had a small folder of music on my computer that I had put away some 16 months ago. After reviewing the contents, I've come across the next great Icelandic band. Unlike Sigur Ros and Mum, Bang Gang does not play instrumental, atmospheric music but instead melodic lounge-pop.

Bang Gang - Find What You Get

The song can be found on Screaming Masterpiece, and Icelandic compilation found on Amazon.com.

Trouble in Dreams

I am going to admit it. since receiving the new Destroyer album at about 2 pm today I have had it on continuous loop. This man, nay this god seems to top him self each and every time. The standout album of the track seems to be shooting rockets, and considering foam hands seemed to be formulaic Dan Bejar I could not be more relieved at how epic sounding this song is with its steady constant build up.

Destroyer - Shooting Rockets (From the Desk of Night's Ape)



Going in for a 4th listen,

jon

Radiohead live

Radar Bros.

I am tired, I have to be up in 4 hours and 10 mins. Not even counting Mountain Goats helps me sleep right now. Although I realized how much I love " Transmission to Horace". The new Radar Bros. comes out in a week or so, it is pretty fucking good, although I have only given a listen in a half. I recommend it and I cannot believe how good the beginning of 08 has been. New Stephen Malkmus leak, new Xiu Xiu, and this. Also I am now going to go see Justice...JUSITCE.

This is one of the stand out tracks.
Radar Bros. - Pomona

jon

New Xiu XIu

Brillant, fucking brillant. Xiu Xiu's new album is out and there is no other way to describe it. It is emotional, raw and tortured as ever. Although the advance copy I got is terrible quality it does not take away from this work. I won't say this is the most accessible album but it was instantly satisfying and I already love it.

Xiu XIu - Under Pressure feat. Michael Gira [Queen&Bowie cover]

I tought it said feat Michael Cira at first and was like, FUCK YEAH GEORGE MICHAEL. Then I realized I was stupid.

jon

MTV

Pre-Prego

2 Knew Music

YES to procrastination! NO to a 3rd term!

pole
Anders Ilar

I'm not referring to George W. Bush, I'm talking about Eddie Francis.

Slow is winter

I think I finally realized what the name Wintersleep truly means. Although allusions to hibernation prove highly unlikely, the Nova Scotia boy's are 100% alluding to the dullness of winter, and the speed at which it seems to move. Sleeping winter, sleeping bear.

I am doing artwork based on the sleeping giant.

Music update? You bet not. If you're a CJAM-mer reading this (which you most likely are) remember that tonight, 8:00pm at the Dominion House, is the Holiday Party. Please be sure to wear your skivvies, this is no rodeo-opera.

I shall now steal bandwidth from Sterogum. BLACK MOUNTAIN is releasing a new album on January 22nd (Jagjaguwar) titled In The Future.

Black Mountain - Tyrants

Danger!

Holy Fuck the French can do one thing well and that is making music that causes us to shake our asses. All other things that the French do are marginal at best. This being said Danger out of Paris is my newest obsession and I cannot stop dancing in my (small) room.

Danger Interview

Danger - 11h30

Danger - 14h54

Danger - 19h11

Yeah listen to them all and try not to dance, I double dog dare you.

love,
jon

Upcoming Releases

Destroyer, Vancougar, Hayden, The Constantines, and Jason Collett.

YOU KNOW!

Kate Maki

I've got Kate Maki on the line...

The subject of many MP3This! posts, Nathan Lawr has a new leash. His (reported) girlfriend, Kate Maki, is putting out a new album, titled On High, in February of this year (now 2008.)

Maybe Jon will make a post about whether or not he likes.

Check it out rigggggggggggggght here.

Neverending Math

Here is a list of some of the many great albums released in 2007--see you on '08, baby!

clap your hands say yeah - some loud thunder
of montreal - hissing fauna, are you the destroyer
shins - wincing the night away
menomena - friend and foe
matt and kim - s/t
trans am - sex change
do make say think - you, you're a history in rust
the besnard lakes - are the dark horse
julie doiron - woke myself up
apostle of hustle - national anthem of nowhere
early day miners - offshore
andrew bird - armchair apocrypha
ted leo - living with the living
lcd soundsystem - sound of silver
low - drums and guns
arcade fire - neon bible
fiest - the reminder
dntel - dumb luck
germans - cape fear
blone redhead - 23
good shoes - think before you speak
young galaxy - young galaxy
voxtrot - voxtrot
the national - boxer
battles - mirrored
wilco - sky blue sky
the sea and cake - everybody
bjork - volta
frog eyes - tears of the valedictorian
cinematic orchestra - ma fleur
dapple city - granddance
great lake swimmers - ongiara
shapes and sizes - split lips, winning hips, a shiner
miracle fortress - five roses
st vincent - marry me
editors - an end has a start
spoon - ga ga ga ga ga
au - au
ellen allien - fabric 34
caribou - andorra
architecture in helsinki - places like this
figurines - when the deer wore blue
the most serene republic - population
apparat - walls
sleeping states - there the open spaces
picastro - whore luck
les savy fav - let's stay friends
kevin drew - spirit if
doveman - with my left hanf, i raise the dead
matt pond pa - last light
his name is alive - xmmr

Because I'm hardcore nationalist, I bolded all Canadian albums

Top TEN!!!

This is my proper top ten list. I was wrestling with doing the top 50 but it seems that the ordering outside of the top 10 was unfair. I was also a little apprehensive at putting Panda Bear as my top album but I have been vindicated by the release of P4K's top 50 today. All in all it appears my list falls in line with every other one released in a while so nothing to new hear or see which is disappointing but I think that 2007 was a great year for music, but a disappointing one for Hip-Hop. I am also angered by the fact that Amy Winehouse gets publicity ( I know this is in fact publicity).

1. Panda Bear - Person Pitch
Panda Bear - Bros
2. Okkervil River- The Stage Names
Okkervil RIver - Unless it Kicks
3. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
Band of Horses - No One's Going to Love You
4. The National - Boxer
The National - Fake Empire
5. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Radiohead - Reckoner
6. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Of Montreal - Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
7. Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth
Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Goddamn
8. The Field - From Here we go Sublime
The Field - The Little Hearts Beats so Fast
9. M.I.A - Kala
M.I.A - Boyz
10. Justice - † (Cross)
Justice - D.A.N.C.E (why not?)

Also for the record, Amy Winehouse does and always has looked like a man who I shit out on a cold sunday evening after a particularly rough lunch. As vile as that sounds it is true and I cannot apologize for that.

-jon

8 and GOAL

Happy belated birthday Thom!

This holiday season, may your wishes pile up. Well, That's a Jim Bryson song. It was an attempt at some humour, but what the heck. Here it goes:

Jim Bryson is from Ottawa, he's a musician. Hes playing with the Weakerthans in Winnipeg on the 22nd. Go see him!

Jim Bryson's webpage
Jim Bryson's CBC3 page

Tomorrow is my boyfriend, tomorrow is where I'd like you to touch!

So for all of you tuning in to tomorrow's program, be forewarned:

The mess-ay-ay-ay-ughhhhhhhhhhh!! Jon will not be performing his regular duties; in his place, will most likely sit Patrick Craven, a good friend of ours who knows absolutely nothing about music. But does Jon really, also? Nevertheless, the show will go on and you will hear a slightly biased version of Thom and Jon's Best of 2007. At the same rate, I will not be with you for the following two weeks due to my Olympic conditioning duties in a certain Latin-American country. Those two weeks will be filled with a slightly biased show, "According to Jon."

Todays post features Major Maker, again, but this time with their heart-stopping beat, "Rollercoaster". Here is the track-list tentative for Thursdays program (with the Major Maker link)

1. Jose Gonzalez - Killing For Love
2. Beirut - Scenic World
3. Decomposure - Hour 5
4. Destroyer - Foam Hands
5. Buck 65 - Kennedy Killed The Hat (MSTRKRFT rmx)
6. Copperpot - Demo
7. Crystal Castles - Air War (CFCF rmx)
8. Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How...
9. Dizzee Rascal - Sirens
10. Caribou - Eli
11. Blonde Redhead - 23
12. Hot Springs - Headrush
13. Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha Man
14. Office - The Big Bang Jump!
15. Apparat - Holdon
16. Jens Lekman - You Can Call Me Al (Paul Simon)
17. New Buffalo - City and Sea
18. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
19. Kevin Drew - Safety Bricks
20. Shapes and Sizes - Head Movin'
21. Major Maker - Rollercoaster
22. Apostle of Hustle - National Anthem of Nowhere

Round of applause for Jon

Intervention (by Thom)

I think we need to rest this Sunday evening and give Jon a big thanks for hammering out the "Best-of's" in recent weeks. My update will be one big list, posted before Thursday's show.

EDIT: Exam time for jon...

Best of 07 pt. 6- Freeing Us From The Tyranny Of The Guitar

This award goes out to all those special artist who took the courage and used non-traditional rock instruments...

Its not that I hate the guitar, its just that I like the trumpet , accordion, and organ better.

The "Polka Paradise Award"...Does anybody get it?

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup / Lon Gisland EP



Zach Condon managed to woo Natalie Portman this year, and more importantly myself. His use of horns is a far more subdued than his debut effort but still ass a magic touch. The song that has been on repeat is from the EP, a reworked version of Scenic World.

Beirut - Scenic World (EP Version)

Les.Petits - The.mighty.antlers.of.song EPs



THEY USE THE GLOCKENSPIEL!!!!

Les.Petits - Best Tasting Wool in the Whole World

The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible



I don't care what anybody says Intervention is one of the best singles of the year and the organ gives me chills at the start of it. Its like what would happen if Bruce Springsteen mated with a Church Choir.

Arcade Fire - Intervention

And just incase the Arcade Fire was not obvious enough.

Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna are you the destroyer?



Kevin Barns solo project now I guess. Spawned the summer single (fuck umbrella) Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse. I mean you didn't expect this album to make it anywhere on this top 50 wank-off?

Of Montreal - Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse

-------------------------------------------------------------------

IN OTHER NEWS

The Mountain Goats reveal new album and tour dates. Keeping with the western mans tradition, they snub Detroit.

Best of 07 pt. 5- The Animal Scene

Animal Collective released easily one of their best cd's and collective member Noah Lennox know as Panda Bear released one of, if not the best album of the year. Broken Social Scene members were just as prolific this year with Feist, Kevin Drew and the Apostle of Hustle releasing new material.

The Animal Collective Vs. Broken Social Scene = We are all Winners Award.

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam



New collective, turns out to be one of their best efforts to date in my humble opinion, sadly I have never been great at discussing their sound. The only thing I know is that I love them and this album makes me feel happy in new and exciting ways.

Animal Collective - Unsolved Mysteries

Panda Bear - Person Pitch



I'm going to come out and say it, and this is all I am going about this album. Best album of the year.

Panda Bear - Comfy in Nautica

Apostle of Hustle - National Anthem of Nowhere



ANdrew Whiteman's band the Apostle of Hustle has a special place in my heart with it's latin influenced folk. This album was another suprise of this year, and Mr. Hustle if you are reading I am sorry about the terrible interview I gave you...

Apostle of Hustle - National Anthem of Nowhere

And I refuse to post a Feist Song.

-jon

New Destroyer, New Music

I've just discovered something phenomenal. I love experimental electronica music 50 times more than the next guy, and I love The Walkmen's "We've Been Had" and I love things that involve Ontario and Canada. Thus when I found Decompusure, who is from Elmira (Waterloo) I got really giddy and felt like smiling which is exactly the same feeling I get when Jon's sister smiles and says, "Hey!" to me (except with about half the exclamation that a normal exclamation point denotes.) Even "Hour 7" (Caleb's most pop-hit-like) is a rush.

Decomposure - Toy Electronic Drumsticks

Can also be seen here.

GUYS NEW DESTROYER

My twin has released some new material for his forthcoming album Trouble In Dreams out march 18 on Merge

Destroyer - Foam Hand

I'M JUST SO HAPPY!

-jon

Best of 07 pt. 4-Your Mom

And we are back on the best of 07 road after only a minor detour through 06-ville. This is the award that goes out to all the big Indie acts out there that were able not to disappoint us this year, more specifically 3 fine gentlemen whom only need an acoustic guitar and a sweet vulnerable voice to woo us over.

The Best "Oh My God My Mom Even Likes This Song (alternatively Best Acoustic Album) of the Year are:

Jose Gonzales - In Our Nature



One of two Swedes in this category, this fine gentleman won our hearts over with his soft voice making us feel alright that there is no god... Inspired in part by Richard Dawkins "God Delusion" this album explores the depths of the human condition.

Jose Gonzales - Killing for Love

Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala



The second Swede up for this award he is a great deal happier than his countryman Jose, and he even has a Swedish sounding name, not that there is anything wrong with Jose. After promising never to make another proper album he went ahead and made another proper album.

Jens Lekman - Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo

Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog




The lone Yank on this list Sam Beam's third full length release seems him rocking out, or as close to it as Iron and Wine can get. You have already heard enough about this politically inspired album so no use in saying more...

Iron & WIne - Flightless Bird, American Mouth

thanks for staying,

-jon

Best of 2006

I think we can manage 18 more! Expect, in the forthcoming fortnight, posts of our best of 2007 clustered together.

I now focus on an artist who completely escaped out field of hearing during not only last years BO'06, but all of last year! Fionn Regan was nominated for last years Mercury Music Prize (for you Canucks, it's what the Polaris Prize ripped off, and for you Americans it's kind of like winning the Superbowl or having your nipple protector ripped off my JT.) and he has since lingered in the shadows. From Ireland, it was fitting my Irish friend recommended him to me first.

Lyrical brilliance, and a wealth of guitar ability are in all of his songs. Even better than Damien Rice, he takes a clear stab at any folk effort (good riddance David Bazan.) I give to you, Snowy Atlas Mountain.

Fionn Regan - Snowy Atlas Mountain

Best of 07 pt. 3-Year of Hip Hop

I understand that these post have been coming fast and we are usually not this regular, so for the record let's not get used to it. 

This was my year of hip hop, never before have I ever listen to as much hip-hop that I loved  to the point where my favourite CDs of this year are hip-hop and I proudly proclaim my love for it.  This year's favourites included the albino from Minneapolis, to the tiger from England.  The Best Hip-Hop CDs of the Year are:

Brother Ali - The Undisputed Truth 

Hands down the best surprise of this year was "The Undisputed Truth". This is Brother Ali's third full-length album, full of politically charged goodness.  

Brother Ali - Truth is

M.I.A. - Kala

One of my favourite live shows of the year this album from the always controversial M.I.A is a little softer than her debut but still the least accessible album of the three but if  you get into it, oh my god is it good.  I also have a minor crush on her after seeing her dance in detroit.

M.I.A - Paper Planes

El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead

The most cameo heavy album of the year El-P took five years to craft this and it regarding the quality I would wait another five.  Worth the wait, his aggressive style paints a bleak picture.

El-P - Smithereens 

-jon

Best of 07 pt. 2-Shaking of Asses

This award goes out to all of the bands, groups and individuals  that help the masses shake their asses this year.  To the Datarocks, Justices, and !!!s this year we have moved like never before. 

The Helping the Masses Shake Their Asses award will be split three ways between:

Datarock

The Norwegian band's second album first had us moving with after being played on the morning show with the track "sex me up".  It was a desperate attempt on our part to drop some hints to the ladies out there.

Datarock - Sex Me Up 

Justice

Producing the most remixed song of the year is pretty easy when you make on of the best house albums of the year.  This album will find its way to the top ten this year and this should not be a surprise to anyone.  One of the best debut LP's of the year.  Don't worry I won't post D.A.N.C.E!

Justice - The Party 

!!!

I cannot say enough about this album, or band.   Despite their ungoogleable name and tragedy striking the band in December of last year they managed to produced a phenomenal album.

!!! - Bend over Beethoven

OH!, I am so excited for tomorrow's post, well technically later today's post.  

Jon