Musique Du Jour: Howie Day – Bunnies (live) February 28, 2009

Howie Day has a new song out so I thought this might be good timing, especially since this song just popped up on shuffle.

Here’s the thing about Howie Day. His singles are good. I enjoy Perfect Time of Day, Brace Yourself, She Says. They’re fun pop songs.

BUT. Howie Day is unfortunately one of those (many) artist whose best work is not all that well-known, unless you’re already a fan and you go looking for it. I’ve seen him live three times, and he’s a phenomenal musician, but again, I don’t think that’s really showcased in what we hear on the radio.

Take a listen to Bunnies, and keep in mind that this is a one-man show, from start to finish. Just Howie, his guitar, a mic, and 14 or so pedals. If you like it I would definitely recommend the Madrigals EP / DVD. The DVD is outstanding.

Musique du Jour: Derek Webb – This Too Shall Be Made Right February 26, 2009

derek webb – this too shall be made right
people love you the most for the things you hate
and hate you for loving the things that you cannot keep straight
people judge you on a curve
and tell you you’re getting what you deserve
this too shall be made right

children cannot learn when children cannot eat
stack them like lumber when children cannot sleep
children dream of wishing wells
whose waters quench all the fires of Hell
this too shall be made right

the earth and the sky and the sea are all holding their breath
wars and abuses have nature groaning with death
we say we’re just trying to stay alive
but it looks so much more like a way to die
this too shall be made right

there’s a time for peace and there is a time for war
a time to forgive and a time to settle the score
a time for babies to lose their lives
a time for hunger and genocide
this too shall be made right

I don’t know the suffering of people outside my front door
I join the oppressors of those who i choose to ignore
I’m trading comfort for human life
and that’s not just murder it’s suicide
this too shall be made right

Musique Du Jour: Alhoeverah – Tan Cani February 24, 2009

It’s just the kind of mood I’m in tonight. Blame the yoga.

Musique Du Jour: Au4 – Paper Cuts from Paper Butterflies February 23, 2009

To say that I was a fan of Stabilo throughout high school and most of university is an understatement–I truly reached levels of fandemonium, fansanity, fanaticism, whatever you want to call it. Though my tastes have somewhat changed, I still look back fondly at the memories of traveling all over the Lower Mainland to attend every all-ages show they had, and, when all else failed, booking them myself! The other great benefit is that the drummer, Nathan, and his brothers had (have?) a side-project called Au4.

I managed to catch them live a couple of years ago, and it was absolutely aurgasmic. Mmmm… All of the tracks from On:Audio are out of this world, but here’s Paper Cuts from Paper Butterflies.

They also have amazing visuals for each of their songs. My favorite (which actually accompanies Paper Cuts) isn’t available on YouTube but here’s another stunner:

Musique du Jour: KT Tunstall – Beauty of Uncertainty February 22, 2009

I used to do this back at the Old Ramblings, but then again, I also used to blog quasi-regularly, so there ya go!

Anyhoo, inspired by my friend Dan (whom I have not seen since grade 7 as far as I can remember!), I’m bringing it back. My absolute glee at some of his daily offerings reminded me that there are fewer things that are better, in my opinion at least, than being introduced to a new artist.

To start us off is KT Tunstall’s Beauty of Uncertainty. Ok, so she’s not “new”; I’m sure everyone’s heard Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, and Suddenly I See. I love this side of her, though, and I’m always a little bit sad when people judge an artist by their singles!

I first heard this song live when I saw her at the Commodore last year, and she earned herself top prize as my favorite female artist.

Hope you like it…

Looooooooove Mix Volume IV February 14, 2009

My annual Love Mix is available for download here.

Track List:
01. KT Tunstall – Other Side of the World
02. Frank Sinatra – I Get a Kick Outta You
03. Mute Math – You Are Mine
04. David Gray – Flame Turns Blue
05. Cake – Love You Madly
06. Ben Harper – Forever
07. Fleetwood Mac – Hold Me
08. Derek Webb – Can’t Be Without You
09. Radiohead – House of Cards
10. The Beautiful Girls – Let’s Take the Long Way Home
11. Travis – Love Will Come Through
12. The Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
13. Amos Lee – Sweet Pea
14. Feeder – Tender
15. Tonic – Love a Diamond
16. Brooke Fraser – Love Is Waiting
17. Ella Fitzgerald – I’ve Got a Crush On You
18. Guster – Satellite
19. Counting Crows – Accidentally in Love
20. Trace Bundy – Love Song

Enjoy!