song of the day: january 31/2011

Smashing Pumpkins - Pennies

Album: Zero Single [1996]

Smashing Pumpkins - Cherry

Album: 1979 Single [1995]

last day of the month + my favourite band + monday = double shot! of all the major alternative rock bands of the early '90s, the pumpkins were the group least influenced by traditional underground rock. billy corgan fashioned an amalgam of progressive rock, heavy metal, goth rock, psychedelia, and dream pop, creating a layered and powerful sound driven by swirling, distorted guitars. as with all great bands, the smashing pumpkins have a completely ridiculous amount of b-sides, many of which are just as good or better than the songs that make the albums. the band recorded 50 songs (!!!) for their masterpiece, "mellon collie and the infinite sadness", with 28 songs making the double album and the remaining 22 finding their way to the "the aeroplane flies high", a box set of the mellon collie singles. especially during that magical era, corgan's prolificacy seldom got the better of him, always finding an engaging melody to match his detailed production. his artistic scope had always been immense and the result was a band that flourished in the overblown setting. corgan's songwriting has never been limited by conventional notions of what a rock band can do, even if it is clear that he draws inspiration from scores of '70s heavy metal and art rock bands. instead of copying the sounds of his favourite records, he expands on their ideas, which is why a poppy love song like "pennies", or a longing-for-love heartwrencher like "cherry" can sit comfortably against the volcanic rush of a song like "jellybelly" and "zero." in between those two extremes lies an array of musical styles, drawing from rock, pop, folk, and classical. in my opinion (which is the one that matters most to me), no one will ever be able to write as many amazing songs as the pumpkins did during the early to mid-90's. the fact that this song was left off a 28-song album speaks volumes about their greatness :)

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song of the day: january 30/2011

The Shins - Split Needles (Alternate Version)

Album: Phantom Limb Single [2007]

i read somewhere once that this is the original version of the song that appears on 2007's "wincing the night away". depending on the moon you're in, it's hard to choose which one is more enjoyable. this version of the song is a highly charged pop/rock song while the version that the band decided to put on the album is much darker and experimental. a delicate and wistful band from the albuquerque, the shins seem to take a while delivering new material, but as they proved on "wincing the night away", it's time well spent. neither a retread nor a radical departure - nor a conscious attempt at making "life-changing" music (as natalie portman proclaimed in garden state), the album is a mix of quintessentially shins songs that take their sound in subtly different directions. they've shown us where they've been and that they're able to move on to new territory, and while it probably won't change your life, it probably will make it more enjoyable. now all they have to do is finally put out some new music.

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song of the day: january 29/2011

Tame Impala - Solitute is Bliss

Album: Innerspeaker [2010]

kevin parker (vocals/guitar) and dominic simper (bass) formed tame impala as 13 year olds in perth in 1999, sticking to bedroom recordings until 2007. myspace rocketed them from a teenage garage band to the sought-after trophy in a multiple label bidding war. the swirls and squalling fuzz-toned riffs that populate their debut album clearly owe a hefty, heartfelt debt to the hazy feel of late-60's/early-70's psychedelic rock. there's so much tame impala get right with this song - a distinct undercurrent of melody, a relaxed but ever-present sense of groove, and a crispness to the sound even when it's treated with buzz and reverb. moreover, they do it all without seeming like they're trying all that hard. sounds like heavy beatles.

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song of the day: january 28/2011

Regina Spektor ~ Us

Album: Soviet Kitsch [2004]

i was watching (500) days of summer when i stumbled upon this song, which plays during the movie's opening credits. a veteran of new york's anti-folk scene, spektor makes quirky, highly eclectic, but always personal music. born and raised in moscow until age nine, she listened to her father's bootleg tapes of western pop and rock as a child and also learned to play piano. this song comes from her third album - an album with a more refined sound but not without it's rough edges and unexpected twists and turns. the fiona apple and cat power are still valid even today, though spektor has always been more theatrical and playful. it's contaaa-uh-gious.

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song of the day: january 27/2011

Built To Spill - You Were Right

Album: Keep It Like a Secret [1999]

one of the most popular indie acts of the '90's, built to spill found their middle ground between pavement-style pop and the spacious jamming of neil young. with their third album (and first to knock down the lengths of their often-epic songs), "keep it like a secret" did not keep them from being any less majestic. "you were right" is a song that delivers a powerful combination of urgent music with aching lyrics, soaked in regret. doug martsch's guitar work sounds like a symphony of stratocasters, and when the vocals start, their is instant gratification, with martsch's sweet, multi-tracked voice pleading the painful message of the song. the verse lyrics are addressed to "you", which turns out to be a pantheon of classic rock voices, and martsch goes on to tell pink floyd, jimi hendrix, and bob dylan (among others) how right they were in the assertions of their classic songs. "you were wrong when you said everything's gonna be alright" (a la bob marley), is the entire chorus, and it's a dismal outlook that turns one of music's most positive lyrics upside down. it's a ridiculously well-written rock anthem.

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song of the day: january 26/2011

Land of Talk - It's Okay

Album: Some Are Lakes [2008]

with it's mood, pace, and lyrics, this is one of the best songs to listen to while driving alone at night. land of talk is the brain child of elizabeth powell, who got her start playing her own anti-folk anthems on the local scene of guelph, ontario, during her mid-teens. in 2005 the band was formed and released their debut "applause cheer boo hiss" which bore influences such as pj harvey, dinosaur jr., and sonic youth. this track comes from their second record, "some are lakes" which was produced by bon iver's justin vernon and shows off a more eclectic, melodic approach. the vulnerability and unabashed prettiness of powell's voice is showcased throughout "some are lakes", but their previous bite and power is never sacrificed. the slowness and smoothness of this song might be surprising to those familiar with their heavier side, but proves that the band's intensity has just been channeled in different directions. in the end, the tension between the band's nerviness and its poppier approach make for some great moments.

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song of the day: january 25/2011

The Dodos - Jodi

Album: Visitor [2008]

i was driving home today and found this gem on a mix from february 2009. this song, from their first officially released album, boasts tons of energy and creativity. it's the band's strong pop sensibilities in terms of memorable melodies and ear-catching hooks that holds everything together - their expansive influences have created a sound that's almost too full of ideas to stick to a verse-chorus-verse format for very long. this particular track sounds like a timeless folk song revved up to modern-day speeds. though the band consists of only two core members playing mostly acoustic instruments, they generate an energy with their rapid dynamic shifts that can really turn your day around.

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song of the day: january 24/2011

Why? - A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under

Album: Alopecia [2008]

Why? - January Twenty Something

Album: Eskimo Snow [2009]

the fact that frontman yoni wolf will alternate his nasally, sung vocals with spoken word pieces, a designation for their sound is rather hard to categorize. why? are not hip-hop, but they are also much more than indie rock or folk or whatever other genres are thrown at them, staying within those distinctions but also moving forward, looking outward, all the while remaining wonderfully accessible. this is especially apparent on "alopecia", the band's third full-length, which, while musically resting in the experimentally-tinged indie rock realm, explores as many other influences as it can touch without ever overextending its reach. it's all magically and awkwardly tied together by wolf's lyrics - detailed and odd and sometimes all too humanly crude - which find a way to be both extremely intimate and detached, simultaneously. as for the music, it's a lot of layered keyboards, guitars, and electric and organic percussion that always turns into something simultaneously melodic and distant. because they've quickly become one of my favourite bands, and because their show at lee's palace was arguably one of the toronto's best shows of 2010, and because of the song title "january twenty something", today is a double-shot monday.

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song of the day: january 23/2011

Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire - Some of These Days

Album: Thrills [1998]

though much of his newer offerings could be categorized under pop/rock, this chicago singer/songwriter/violinist started out by updating the traditions of small-group swing, german lieder, and new orleans jazz by mixing gypsy, folk, and rock elements into a very distinctive style. essentially, "thrills" is a hybrid of music from the first half of the 20th century. the production at once sounds like a vintage recording and yet at the same time contains a striking clarity, sounding as if it were recorded live in the studio using very few microphones in an effort to imitate the production style of that time. the true focus of the album, and this particular song, is the violin playing of andrew bird. he was 25-year-old at the time of this release, and it's mind-blowing to he wrote and arranged most of the songs. it's a worthy endeavor that deserves marks for breaking the rules and taking chances. i will play this song at my funeral :)

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song of the day: january 22/2011

Hush Arbors - Sand

Album: Hush Arbors [2008]

"sand" is an absolute delight. the kind of warm-toned acoustic/electric guitar mix suggests timelessness just from the playing. keith wood, from virginia, is the name behind "hush arbors" and this song comes from his second album. wood's fragile singing provides a gentle blanket over the bright, intricate bed of guitar finger-picking. though he's sometimes subject to raucous playing, this song is more a matter of him letting the music take control with the vocals fading away amid the sounds.

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song of the day: january 21/2011

Page France - Junkyard

Album: Hello, Dear Wind [2006]

all the reasons why you fell in love with neutral milk hotel's "aeroplane over the sea" are the same reasons why you should check out this album. the second offering from this baltimore indie rock group sees singer michael nau showcase some boyish sweetness and spotless vocal delivery while mostly recalling subjects of mended broken hearts and dreams of future travels. this song blushes with optimism and is driven by a choppy acoustic guitar that is complimented by xylophone and a steady drum beat that eventually takes over the song. simple songs for the daydreamer in everyone.

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song of the day: january 20/2011

Rilo Kiley - A Man / Me / Then Jim

Album: More Adventurous [2004]

this wonderful story-telling gem comes from the band's third album. as the band continues to hone their mix of classic pop, country, and folk, this song is a mostly-perfect collection of the various sounds the band pulls off best. jenny lewis' vocals are lighter than clouds and are wrapped around easily findable hooks and a glowing acoustic guitar. as always, she does an impeccable job of putting together perfect phrases about the song's theme (which in this case is the "slow fade of love"). the barely-noticeable organ synths along with the horns and a galloping drum beat bring a surprisingly sunny feel to an otherwise gloomy tune.

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song of the day: january 19/2011

Jeremy Enigk ~ Cannons

Album: World Waits [2006]

lead singer of sunny day real estate, jeremy enigk's voice is close to perfection, blanketed by resonating melodies and lyrics that flutter beneath a very calming keyboard arrangement. sunny day was mostly about conveying intense emotion with it's loudness (and greatness!) where as enigk's solo stuff is much more toned down. "world waits" is a an instant classic for fans of his more sentimental songwriting qualities.

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song of the day: january 18/2010

Denison Witmer - Songbird (Fleetwood Mac Cover)

Album: Recovered [2003]

implying personal recovery as well as a clever record title, "recovered" reveals witmer's influences and admirations that seep into his strong songwriting. he mostly adopts timeless melodies and lyrics from '70s adult contemporary, so who better than fleetwood mac?. using techniques from that time period (recording live, using vintage equipment), he does a great job of re-introducing this absolutely beautiful love song. long live "rumours".

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song of the day: january 17/2011

And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - How Near How Far

Album: Source Tags & Codes [2002]

what better way to start the week than with one of the best songs of all time??! this is a perfectly sculpted track with everything to love and nothing to dislike. it may also be the most essential trail of dead song, with gorgeous-yet-gritty vocal and guitar melodies, prominant drumming, artiness, and a perfectly arranged interlude that ends with breathtaking intensity. it's impossible to expect anything more magical from conrad and the boys, but with a new album coming out soon, here's to hoping they come close. happy monday!

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song of the day: january 16/2011

Iron & Wine - Monkeys Uptown

Album: Kiss Each Other Clean [2011]

a lil' somethin' to get everyone excited about the forthcoming iron & wine record. as sam beam progresses towards the release of his sixth album, it's apparent that he's embracing the bigger sound that highlighted 2007's "the sheperd's dog". beam and co. take another leap away from the lo-fi, one-guy-in-a-bedroom beginnings of the group and this song features a large cast of musicians that blanket the songs with a wide array of intrumentation. like most iron & wine albums, it'll probably make a case for album of the year. well played.

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song of the day: january 15/2011

Tunng - October

Album: ...And Then We Saw Land [2010]

tunng's fourth album ventures in several complementary directions without sacrificing the group's distinctive combination of futuristic-folk and whimsical electronic interventions. this track comes closer to their sometimes somber rustic roots. it's a darkly melodic waltz-ballad that has the simpleist little piano notes to send shivers down your spine. this foggy london band is only getting better as they gently move along.

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song of the day: january 14/2011

Silverchair - Asylum

Album: Diorama (B-Side) [2002]

unnoticed by many, silverchair were able transform themselves from a straight up grunge band in the mid 90's into a cohesive, enduring, and artistically diverse outfit by the end of the decade. "asylum" remains one of the best songs ever to be left off an album. daniel johns steps into the forefront here, showcasing his rich voice with melodies that are hardly predictable but often delightful. they've been around for 17 years now and it seems there's no end to their brilliance. here's to hoping 2011 brings a new and, presumably, awe-inspiring album.

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song of the day: january 13/2011

Elliott Smith - I Didn't Understand (alt. version)

Album: Unreleased ~ Original from XO [1998]

"i don't really have any goals as a songwriter - other than to show what it's like to be a person." - elliott smith. this is the saddest song i think i know, but as per usual, it's perfect. xo.

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song of the day: january 12/2011

Local Natives - Who Knows Who Cares

Album: Gorilla Manor [2010]

an enjoyable piece of work, filled with melody and outlook. the thing that seems to set them apart from others on their first album is the almost afro-beat aspect, with the musicians often yelping their verses in multi-part harmony before barreling into highly infectious choruses. as i think about it, it's the perfect morph of yeasayer and fleet foxes. the best news of all is that this is their debut so there should be lots more to come.

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song of the day: january 11/2011

Midlake - Rulers, Ruling All Things

Album: The Courage of Others [2010]

one of the stand-outs from midlake's third album. with their image of bearded poets of the mountain in tow, it's another mesmerizing work of quiet beauty that may not exactly improve on "the trials of van occupanther", but does refine and focus their sound. as always, the mystical lyrical subjects of human condition, death, courage, and nature are present.

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song of the day: january 10/2011

Junip - Don't Let It Pass

Album: Fields [2010]

lead by jose gonzalez, this swedish group finally released an album last year after being on-again-off-again since the late 90's. this track is crafted in the same vein as gonzalez's solo work - dark and sullen. however, the addition of the keyboard gives it a subtly exotic feel that sets a lingering mood and atmosphere.

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song of the day: january 9/2011

Anais Mitchell - Wedding Song (Featuring Justin Vernon)

Album: Hadestown [2010]

since i haven't been able to get this one (among many of her others) out of my head for the past two months, i figured it was time to spread the wealth. this track comes from mitchell's "folk opera" based on the greek myth of orpheus and eurydice, set in a poverty-stricken america. heavily influenced by the likes of ani difranco and joni mitchell, she has a contagious edge to her voice (a la joanna newsom) and owns impressive guitar skills. lots to like!

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song of the day: january 8/2011

Radiohead - Gagging Order

Album: Com Lag [2003]

hardly a throwaway, this song was unfortunately missing from radiohead's 2003 album, "hail to the thief". it's one of thom yorke's most accessible works and is one of the few songs post-"the bends" that features only his voice and a guitar. undeniably beautiful and gloomy.

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song of the day: january 7/2011

The Middle East - Blood

Album: Recordings of the Middle East [2008]

this australian outfit specializes in lush, orchestral indie pop and they certainly blend in all the right ingredients on this track. adding instruments along the way, it's a slow and steady build up with a highly rewarding climax of mezmerizing proportions. it's one of modern music's more beautiful vocal hooks and, after hundreds of listens, still has the uncanny ability of helping one to get lost in the magic.

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song of the day: january 6/2011

Sun Kil Moon - Alesund

Album: Admiral Fell Promises [2010]

it's snowing persistently outside and there's a cloudy day mood in the air, which means that it's time to embrace the haunting beauty that is sun kil moon. though this album came out in the summer of 2010, it fits the mood of late fall and the dead of winter. i just recently claimed it to be my favourite song of last year and hearing it today makes it me feel very confident about that choice. please enjoy responsibly.

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song of the day: january 5/2011

The Decemberists - January Hymn

Album: The King Is Dead [2011]

a fantastic and fitting song given the time of year! as one of the most hyper-literate bands in the world, the decemberists could build a fan base around colin meloy's lyrics alone. their latest offering is much less theatrical than it's predecessor (2009's rock opera, "the hazards of love"), providing a fresh and more accessible sound that should stack up nicely with the best records of early 2011.

song of the day: january 4/2011

Best Coast - Crazy For You

Album: Crazy For You [2010]

the title track from best coast's second album couldn't be much more direct. it's a little tornado of straight-ahead verse-chorus song writing influenced by various strains of pop and rock, played without frills, and sung super-earnestly. it's hard not to like.

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song of the day: january 3/2011

Eels - Losing Streak

Album: Blinking Lights and Other Revelations [2005]

always glaringly personal, "E" (mark oliver everett) hits the mark with this liberating ditty. like a lot of one hit wonders, the eels have so much more to offer than "novocaine for the soul". amongst their sprawling repertoire are very dark and very rewarding hidden gems.

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song of the day: january 2/2011

Avi Buffalo - What's In It For?

Album: Avi Buffalo [2010]

a song of question. has the feeling of the shin's "caring is creepy" with a little more quirkiness. again, another song that fits that new year feeling of wondering what the world has in store...especially when you're not doing much.

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song of the day: january 1/2011

perfume genius - learning

album: learning [2010]

a short and strangely enchanting song to ring in the new year. delicate but strong, faint yet persistent, it's a great soundtrack to accompany your thoughts on what happened last night.

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