Very Cool Music Video!

Greg Laswell "Take Everything" from Vanguard Records on Vimeo.

Video of the Week - Jay Z "DOA"

Jay-Z's "D.O.A" Video!

Album Review - Metric - "Fantasies"

This Canadian Indie Rock quartet's first record in four years has an electrophile slickness, not to mention a set of catchy songs. Fronted by lead singer and resident rock’n roll hottie Emily Haines, this band had a lot to live up to after their critically acclaimed last album “Live It Out”. So the question going into this album was - were they able to live up to the hype they created for themselves as one of most relevant Indie bands around? And the answer is YES and then some.

The album opener “Help I’m Alive” is an excellent kickoff to a three song stretch that reels the listener into the deeper tracks on Fantasies. Emily Haines’ voice is unadulterated ear candy, her raspy whisper threads the verses wrapped around the golden sweet anthemic choruses that fill this record. The obvious choice for second single “Gimmie Sympathy” has Haines begging the question “Who would you rather be? /The Beatles or the Rolling Stones.”

The closer, “Stadium Love”, kicks the shit out of everything I’ve heard so far this year.

Mixed in between some of the lusher tracks like “Twilight Galaxy” and “Collect Call” are heavy hitters like “Gold, Guns, Girls” and “Satellite Mind”.

Everthing on this album is done to perfection. The guitar riffs are in the right spots and never overstay their welcome. The Synths add depth and layers that I haven’t heard in a very long time.

Start to finish, Fantasies will easily make top ten lists in 2009 for its accessibility, incredibly strong writing, and precision production. It is, and I say this without reservation, simply excellent.

Fantasies is a hell of a lot of fun to listen to and is by far my favorite album of the year so far.

Download these – “Gimmie Sympathy”, “Sick Muse”, “Twilight Galaxy”, “Gold Guns Girls”, “Help, I’m Alive”, “Stadium Love”, “Collect Call”, “Blindness”, “Satellite Mind”.

Rating - 9/10

Album Review - The Veils "Sun Gangs"

The Veils have been through many changes since their inception in 2002. But while the band has seen its share of band members come and go, the pillar known as Finn Andrews has remained the same. This time around the band has provided a nice blend of songs ranging from gritty rock anthems, to some more subdued, even eerie pieces, resulting in what can only be described as their most diverse record to date.

Lead singer Finn Andrews, who is known for his vocal flexibility, returns on Sun Gangs with more of the same incredible vocals here. On songs such as "Three Sisters" and "Larkspur" Andrews' voice is at its grittiest, sometimes moving into frantic territory.

On the other hand, songs like "Sun Gangs" and "Scarecrow" expose a softer, more vulnerable side of Andrews' vocals. Appropriately, when the accompanying music is at its softest, Andrews' vocals mimic the mood perfectly, almost as if adapting to circumstances it is put in.

Among the 'rockiest' moments on the album is "Killed by the Boom" which describes the untimely death of some sort of dancer to a wail of screeching guitars and pounding drums.

Two of the albums best tracks, “It Hits Deep” and the 60’s inspired “The House She Lived In” reveal a folk rock side of The Veils.

Overall this is another amazing record from the Veils. My only complaint, is that its too short. 10 tracks just isn't enough.

8.5 out of 10

Download these - "The House she lived in", "It Hits Deep", "The Letter", "Killed by the Boom", "Sit Down By The Fire", "Three Sisters"

Grammy awards - Best performances of the night

Radiohead with the USC Trojan Marching band - 15 Step



Coldplay with Jay Z - Lost/Viva La Vida



A Very Pregnant M.I.A with Jay Z, T.I, Lil Wayne, Kanye West - Swagga like us



U2 - Get on your boots



Estelle w Kanye West - American Boy

Britney Spears - All of the boys and all of the girls are beggin to "if you seek amy"

Britney Spears newest single "If you Seek Amy" is creating some buzz for its sneaky title and chorus.

In the song she blatantly states that that everyone wants to "If you seek amy". Which when said/sung quickly sounds like everyone wants to "F" her. which is probably true.

The song is actually quite clever and I hope radio stations will play it. Although I doubt they will without an edit that will likely ruin the song. Check it out here and judge for yourself. Should it be played unedited on radio? (chorus is at about the 45 second mark)

Youtube of the day - Gavin Castleton performs Nothing Compares to you

Nothing Compares 2 U (cover) live


Gavin Castleton performs a live version of Nothing Compares 2 U (made famous by Sinead O'Connor) in his bedroom using a Line 6 looping delay (but multitracked for better mixing in post production), a Gulbransen pump organ, and everything else (including synthetic kick drums) with a Roland JP8000.

This is one to THE coolest things I've seen in a while. Genius!

Youtube of the Day - Jaydiohead

You may or may not have heard Danger Mouse's mash up of Jay Z's Black album and the Beatles White album called the Grey album a few years back.

Well this morning I ran into Jaydiohead. A mix of Jay Z and Radiohead done by producers "minty fresh beats". Enjoy the mash ups of Dirt off your Shoulder and and Paranoid Android called "Dirt off your android". As well as Jay Z's "No hook" and Radioheads "Karma Police". Also here is "Change order" a combo of Never Change and Gagging Order.

Dirt off your android



No Karma



Change Order

Song of the Day - Lilly Allen "The Fear"

Album Review - Coldplay's Prospekts March EP

A little background to begin.

Prospekts March was born out of studio sessions and material that was cut from the Viva La Vida/or death and all his friends experience. In the Summer of 08' lead singer Chris Martin claimed the tracks weren't quite polished enough in time for inclusion in Viva La Vida, but insists they had always been intended as part of that collection. He then went on to say that the material "might be considered too catchy or too heavy for Coldplay songs." This seemed reason enough for the band not rush and "polish" the material in time for VLV.

After hearing this album there is no denying that it was born out of the VLV creative sessions with producer Brian Eno. Almost like a little Brother to its big Bro Viva La Vida this is as complete an EP as you could ask for. Since there are only 8 tracks (2 of which are basically re-releases fom VLV) I figured I'd review the album track by track.


1. Life in Technicolor II - For those that heard the opener to Viva La vida and thought it would be better with lyrics…..well your wish is granted. It was widely reported during the VLV sessions that the band had written and recorded great lyrics to this song but in the interest of album flow they took the direction of their producer Brian Eno and decided to make it an instrumental. Which, for VLV was ultimately the right decision. You have to respect a bands decision to nix a song as good as this from their album. All that said, "Life in Technicolor II" is hugely satisfying and develops Viva La Vida's addictive intro track with belting and uplifting guitar and vocals. As it was on Viva La Vida this is a Great opener.

2. Postcards from Faraway – A Gorgeous piano piece, which sadly ends at 48 seconds. This brings me to a point a friend of mine made about it "if you're going to write a gorgeous piano piece and you're Chris Martin why not make it a full song". Agreed.

3.Glass of Water - This could be one of the top 5 Coldplay songs of all time. A soaring Rock song in which Martin laments "He heard you could see your future/Inside a glass of water/ the ripples and the rhymes/He asked 'Will I see heaven in mine". The Chorus on this song is as good as any that I have heard all year. I just wish they had played this live when I saw them in July. If this isn't released as a single I'd be shocked. This song alone makes the EP worth buying.

4.Rainy Days – Strange opening to this one. It has a real U2 feel to it and this includes the muffled vocals. That is until the Chorus kicks in and we get Vintage Chris martin over a lovely bed of Strings singing "I love it when you come over the house /I love it when you come over to my house." The guitar work over the Chorus is wonderful as well.

5. Prospekts March/Poppyfields – like a Parachutes track, slow strummed with Martin pensive in mid-register, before opening up into some slowly rising/celestial production and Pink Floyd like guitars. The lyrics while Cheesy (what Chris martin lyrics aren't) are simple and great "don't you wish your life could be as simple/as fish swimming round in a barrel when you've got the gun" you know what Chris Martin…I Do wish that.

6.Lost + - This Track was billed by Martin to be the same Lost track from VLV with a "Guest Experience" from hip hop God Jay Z. That's exactly what it is. Jay Z gives us something to think about when it comes to Success "With the same sword they knight you/ they gon' good night you with" …he goes on to say "So it's tough being Bobby Brown/To be Bobby then, you have to be Bobby now" Good Points J good points. Not right for VLV but right for this release.

7. Lovers In Japan (Osaka Sun Remix) – This is traditionally what an EP from a Band like Coldplay is like. Filler and remixes of songs we've already heard. Nothing special here as this is basically the same track found on VLV. Skip it.

8.Now My Feet Won't Touch The Ground – This is the bow that ties the package together. Similar to "Till Kingdom Comes" from X and Y. This track is an acoustic number with middle eastern influences mixed in and ties the lyrics of Life in Technicolor II in nicely.

So whats the verdict:

There are two types of people in life, those that like coldplay and those that don't. If you like Coldplay you will Love this record. If you don't like Coldplay there isn't anything here that is going to change your mind. Thankfully I consider myself a Coldplay fan.

8.5 out of 10.

Download these – Glass of Water, Rainy Days, Lost +, Life in Technicolor II.

Red(wire) - Artists working together to cure aids

Yesterday was World Aids day and as such several of the worlds biggest artists have joined forces to raise money and awareness for the aids effort in Africa. Some of the new tracks are pretty good and so I thought I'd link to some of the videos. Its a great cause featuring some great artist and some Good songs. Check it out


Coldplay ft Kylie Minogue - "Lhuna"
Jay Z ft Santogold - Brooklyn we go hard
U2 - "I believe in Father Christmas"
The Killers ft Elton John and Neil Tennant - "Joseph you're a better man than me"
Death Cab for Cutie - Live version of "Cath"
Sheryl Crow - "Cross Creek"
Jenny Lewis - Live version of "Acid Tongue"


Everything can be found at http://red.msn.com/

I don't watch Porn

Its 2:30 am...I just finished recording and production on the first 2 tracks for the new White Chocolate Album.

I have to say I am REALLY pleased with the first two tracks. I'm working with Dan "Mix Master" Mathers on the tracks and he's a genius with the production.

I think we both learned a lot in the first few sessions and I honestly think these are the best WC songs ever. Especially considering ALL of the music and vocals were done by us.

I'm hoping the album will be 12-14 tracks in total and these two are a really great start. I hope to stream them here soon so stay tuned.

The tracks are titled "I don't watch Porn" and "EMPO".

Anyway I'm tired. Good night all.

Album Review - Kanye West "808's and Heartbreak"

Let me ask this: Where would music be without Kanye West?

Kanye West does not do Subtle. He does not do humble. He does however give everything he has to his craft….absolutely EVERYTHING.

I say this after seeing his jaw dropping “Glow in the Dark Tour” this summer in Toronto.

Kanye, unlike most artists insisted his performance be just him, on stage showcasing his music. No Band, no backup singers just him….and he pulled it off flawlessly.

There aren’t many artists that I can think of that can pull this off for 1 or 2 songs let alone an entire 1 ½ hour show (save for Lupe Fiasco’s brief appearance onstage at the end of the show). Kanye pulled it off and then some.

So it would be understandable for a someone like Kanye to want to take a break. I mean he is coming off 3 hit records (College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation) in 4 years AND one of the years most successful tours. Wouldn’t you want to take a break and enjoy life for a bit?

Not Kanye West.

He is motivated, driven and always pushing the boundaries of what he’s capable of and what defines music today. So instead of taking time off to enjoy life, Kanye ventured back into the studio where he is most comfortable and proceeded to write, record and produce an entire album from start to finish in 3 months.

Enter “808’s and heartbreak. Kanye’s latest, and most ambitious effort to date.

Those looking for the traditional Kanye West flash won’t find it here. With the exception of a couple of rhymes on the albums best and most accessible track “Paranoid” Kanye has decided to try his hand at singing, albeit with the assistance of today’s most popular Studio tool the Autotune. And not surprisingly it works.

Sticking to distinctly non-hip-hop rhythms and new-wave-era Synths, Kanye has managed to reinvent himself as a vocalist. It’s also VERY important to note that the production on 808's is the best it has ever been...EVER.



Lyrically Kanye has never been more introspective as evidenced by the albums 2nd track “Welcome to the Heartbreak” where he bemoans: “My friend showed me pictures of his kids/And all I could show him were pictures of my cribs/He said his Daughter got a brand-new report card/And all I got was a brand-new sports car.”

The first 2 singles “Love Lockdown and Heartless” set a nice tone for fans venturing into this album. They set a nice scene for what to expect kind of like dipping your toe in before wading into a pool for the first time.

As mentioned the albums best track (other than the 2 singles) is the bouncy Synth infused “Paranoid” which is one of the only tracks where we’re treated to a traditional Kanye verse.

Another standout is the Drum heavy string enriched club anthem “Robocob” where he sings “'Bout the baddest girl I ever seen /Straight up outta movie scene /Who knew she was a drama queen /That'll turn my life to Stephen King's”

Overall Kanye has managed to reinvent himself even if it is for a short time. There is no way he continues this Autotune progression into a new record. In fact one of the things that for me reduces the impact of this album is that I know there is no way this album sustains itself like his other work will 3 years from now when the Autotune phase of music is long dead and buried.

But again that’s reason enough for Kanye to make this album now. So that when people look back on this time in music he can say he made one of the best albums of its time in that mold.

Bottom line is that as long as we have a guy like Kanye West around who is willing to take chances and push not only his own boundaries but the boundaries of music then I think we’re all going to be ok.

So I ask again: Where would music be without Kanye West? I hope we never need to find that out.

8 out of 10

Download these: Paranoid, Robocop, Heartless, Love Lockdown, Welcome to the heartbreak