Song Pick of the Week!

The Weeknd - “House of Balloons – Glass Table Girls”

I recently discovered Toronto's own, The Weeknd. Abel Tesfaye is a 20 year-old singer-songwriter whose rock inspired R&B music is simply awesome. Every song features electronic synths and most are laced with hip-hop references. He also samples lines from The-Dream, Drake and even Aaliyah. You can grab his mixtape debut House of Balloons over at his official website for free. If you are into sexy R&B tunes (and when I say sexy, I mean it. This is bedroom music) then do yourself a favor and download it. I personally love “House of Balloons – Glass Table Girls” and have played it repeatedly for a while now, but I'm also loving “The Morning” and “The Party & The After Party.” Enjoy!

Song Pick of the Week!

City and Colour - “Fragile Bird”

Gritty guitar isn't something you would often associate with Dallas Green's solo project, City and Colour. His music is usually so calm and acoustic. A slight departure from his folk sound, “Fragile Bird” has an upbeat, fuzzy guitar-rhythm that has me swaying in my seat, bobbing my head, etc, etc. I think I've mentioned my once serious obsession with Dallas. I couldn't help it; his beautiful crooning skills captivated my heart! Mind you, I was very young and into tattooed guitarists. Yet, that doesn't take away from his very obvious talent. “Fragile Bird” will be featured on his next album, Little Hell, out June 7.

Fragile Bird by cityandcolour

Song Pick of the Week!

Friendly Fires - "Hawaiian Air"

Sorry I've been MIA. Thursday was my birthday (YEAH!) and I've been busy partying and recovering. 

Yesterday, my favourite British trio, Friendly Fires released their newest single off their forthcoming album Pala. "Hawaiian Air" is a gorgeous synth-heavy track with somewhat of a tribal vibe. It's incredibly catchy and makes me even more excited for the release of the record (May 24th). Enjoy!

Song Pick of the Week!

Beastie Boys - “Too Many Rappers” (Feat. Nas)

Sorry I've been slacking with the week's song pick. It shan't happen again!

Anyway, I've been loving the new Beastie Boys record, Hot Sauce Committee Pt. II. If you haven't heard it yet, you can stream the whole album on this post over here. One track I continuously replay is “Too Many Rappers” featuring Nas. The beat is undeniably awesome. Plus, the combination of the Beasties and Nas makes for some amazing linguistic artistry which they drip in heavy bass to make it that much more sweet. It's a good time, listen below.

Too Many Rappers (featuring NAS) by Beastie Boys

Song Pick of the Week!

Slowdance - “Slashed Tires”

I recently discovered Slowdance, an indie-pop five-piece from Brooklyn, New York. I am really loving their sound and have had their track “Slashed Tires” on repeat for a while. Their enchanting new wave mixes guitar, keyboards and drums with the dramatic vocals of Quay Quinn-Settel. They're relevantly new on the scene, only having played a handful of shows, according to Stereogum. A record seems to be in the works. How far in the future? No one knows, but, I'll definitely be keeping tabs on them. “Spell” and “Sweetness” are also worthy listens. Head over here to grab some free downloads.

Slowdance - "Slashed Tires" 

Song Pick of the Week!

Caribou - “Odessa”

I've had this song stuck in my head for weeks, so I figure it's only fair to finally post it as one of my song picks. It doesn't help that it's being used in a Lexus ad that always pops up on TV and drills the unbelievably catchy beat back into my brain. Canadian indie-electro solo act Caribou returned last year with this gem of a song. It's definitely one of his best songs I've heard in a while and arguably the best track on his most recent release, Swim. Listen for yourself. 

Song Pick of the Week!

Foo Fighters - “Rope”

I've always had a soft spot for the Foo Fighters. Which is why I'm pretty excited about the release of their upcoming album Wasted Light, out April 12. Aside from the aggressive wailing track “White Limo” which was leaked in early February, “Rope” is the first official single off their new record which they approached a little differently; they recorded it directly to tape in Dave Ghrol's garage. No digital input? They're so badass. The song in particular holds onto their classic Foo Fighting vibe, ear-pummeling drum work, a catchy pop-rock chorus and Dave Ghrol's undeniably awesome howl.

Another leak surfaced online yesterday afternoon. “Bridge Burning” is even heavier and just as great. You can listen to the radio rip of it here.

Here's a shot of Dave Ghrol and of Taylor Hawkins I took myself back in 2008 at Toronto's Virgin Festival. I almost lost my camera and glasses, which I stupidly forgot to put away. I should have known better; I was in a Foo Fighters' mosh pit after all. I know, the shots aren't the greatest, but it's alright, I had a good time.

Song Pick of the Week!

In honour of the 40^th Annual Juno Awards taking place in Toronto tonight, I've chosen a few different tracks by some pretty awesome Canadian talent.

First up: Drake. The homegrown, former Degrassi star will be hosting tonight's event. So to celebrate that fact, I've posted my favourite Drake song, “The Best I Ever Had.” Not only did this particular track put him on the map, but it also brings back a lot of awesome summer memories. 

Next: Arcade Fire. These guys have had one hell of a year; performing and winning big at both the Grammys and The BRIT Awards. Not to mention their third album The Suburbs, was simply incredible and received universal acclaim. They will be performing at tonight's Juno Awards and I'm sure they will bring home some well deserved trophies as well. Below is one of my favourites, "Rococo," off said album which never fails to put me in a great mood.

Next: Chromeo. These Montreal natives combine the two very different worlds of electro and funk and mix them together so well, the end result is always a fun, dance-worthy track. Watch their quirky video for “Fancy Footwork” below!

And lastly: City and Colour. I should probably mention that I was completely infatuated with Dallas Green for a very long period of time. Through my entire high school career and some time in university, I pictured that we would one day be wed and he would serenade me on a daily basis. Didn't work out and I think I'm finally getting over it. Anyway, listen to him while he beautifully croons in “Sometimes (I Wish).”

  

Song Pick of the Week!

Foster The People - “Pumped Up Kicks (The Highweights Remix)”

This week I bring you an awesome remix of Foster The People's “Pumped Up Kicks.” Mixed by Mexico's The Highweights, the track is given a completely different vibe. While the original is still pretty good, if you want to prepare yourself for a fun night out, listen to this version instead.



Foster The People - “Pumped Up Kicks” (The Original)

Song Pick of the Week!

Junior Boys - “ep”

Canadian indie electro-pop duo, Junior Boys will release their fourth record It's All True on June 14^th. Group members Matthew Didemus and Jeremy Greenspan produced and mixed the record themselves while in Shanghai, Berlin, and at home in Ontario. The Hamilton natives have offered us a taste of what is to come in the form of their track “ep.” I'm not a hundred per cent sold on the song yet, since I was a huge fan of their first two albums, but I'm still kind of diggin' it. Listen below!

You can visit the band's official website to download the song for free in exchange for your email.

Song Pick of the Week!

Arctic Monkeys - “Brick by Brick”

This week's song pick is the new Arctic Monkeys track, “Brick by Brick.” It was released yesterday, but there's no word yet on when their fourth album will be out, which the Sheffield boys are currently still working on. As the song starts, it almost doesn't sound like them at all, then slowly evolves into the psychedelic sounds we heard on their third effort, Humbug. While the lyrics are repetitive and don't hold much substance, it's made up for in it's classic rock energy. In the video we see some studio shots of their new album being recorded. Since this is the only taste we've been offered thus far, I think it's safe to assume we can expect a more mature sound on their upcoming LP.

Song Pick of the Week!

Peter, Bjorn & John - “Second Chance”
 

So I know I'm a little late on posting this, so please accept my apologies. Hopefully you'll give me a second chance? Yeah? No? Okay, that was a fail. Moving on! This week's song pick comes in the form of Peter, Bjorn & John. Their track “Second Chance” will be included on their upcoming album Gimme Some, out March 29. The video was clearly shot on the same set as their clip for “Breaker Breaker,” a sped up fun performance vid. Watch it here. A wardrobe change later, PB&J continue performing while a massive mess disappears. It's a catchy song, less aggressive and punchy when compared to their first single, but just as good. Watch the clip below. 
 

Song Pick of the Week!

Tinie Tempah – “Pass Out”

Tinie Tempah is a British rapper from South London, whose electro-infused hip hop tell tales of youth, fame and love. His debut album Disc-Overy, has garnered him tons of praise in Europe, but breaking into North America has been quite a challenge. I bet it won't take too much longer.

“Pass Out” is an electonic-rap-clash toasting his success. It's not so much about getting incredibly intoxicated; but if you perceive it that way, it makes it an awesome party song. It features English producer/musician/songwriter Labrinth, who helps out with the chorus. The beat is infectious, meaning one listen is often not enough. I also recommend that you check out “Frisky,” and
“Miami 2 Ibiza.” The latter features Swedish House Mafia.

Enjoy!

Song Pick of the Week!

Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"

I've been waiting to post Adele's latest single “Rolling in the Deep” because I was planning to review her entire album, 21, which is due February 22, but I am so addicted to this song I couldn't help but want to post it! The 22-year-old, British singer-songwriter croons a heart-wrenching tale about what could have been between her and a lover, but instead took an unfortunate turn. The video for the track metaphorically captures exactly what her emotional lyrics are trying to illustrate; an abandoned house, dishes being smashed, sparks flying over a paper replica of a city which is set ablaze. Clearly someone broke her heart and nothing but a shattered relationship remains. Watch the clip below. 

Song Pick of the Week!

Niki and the Dove - “DJ, Ease My Mind”

Earlier this week I came across Swedish trio, Niki and the Dove. I figured I'd give them a listen and almost instantly, I was hooked. I fell in love with the track “DJ, Ease My Mind,” and can't seem to get enough of it. With an experimental combination of bouncy drumming and delicate synths, mixed with eerie, electronic beats, the sound of this band is completely intriguing. Vocalist, Malin Dahlstrom, has an artistic tinge to her fragile voice that forces you to draw comparisons to Karin Dreijer Andersson of The Knife and Fever Ray, as well as Lyyke Li. The band doesn't have an album out yet, but instead have four tracks floating around online. With that said, I recommend that you listen to “Mother Protect” and the remaining two songs by clicking here. There is little known about this act; both their website and MySpace leave much to the imagination. However, I have a strong feeling we'll be hearing a lot more about them in the near future.

In the meantime, listen to the captivating, ghostly single “DJ, Ease My Mind.”

Song Pick of the Week!

The Vaccines – “Blow It Up”

This week I chose the London-based, alternative rock quintet, The Vaccines. The band was formed less then a year ago, but are already garnering tons of praise from the likes of Spin, NME, Clash and even the BBC. They've already started touring, without having an EP or LP out! Their debut album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, will be released on March 21st.

Three singles have already been unleashed, one of which being “Blow It Up.” The melodic track consists of ringing guitar rhythms, and drifting bass, complete with a sing-along-chorus. It's definitely worth the listen. Also check out “Post Break-Up Sex” and “Wreckin' Bar.” Another record to look forward to. 2011 sounds pretty good thus far.

Song Pick of the Week!

Plan B – “Prayin'”

This week I bring you the British rapper-singer-songwriter, Ben Drew, primarily known as Plan B. The 27-year-old phenom (who is also an actor and director) fuses hip hop and soul to create songs with a Motown feel, yet adds modern touches with his quick, polished rapping. “Prayin',” the third single off his second album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, tells a small piece of a complex story. The album is centred around a fictitious character, Strickland Banks, a British soul singer who becomes famous for his sweet love songs, such as the album's opener “Love Goes Down.” Banks ventures out with his entourage to celebrate his success, meets a neurotic woman who is obsessed with his music, has a one night stand, she falls in love, he rejects her, causing her to accuse him of rape. Long story short, he loses everything and ends up in prison for a crime he didn't commit. There is much more to the story, but that is the bare-bones version. “Prayin'” in particular is a catchy, rhythmic track with poetic lyrics and a funk-layered beat. I've had it stuck in my head for weeks. I also suggest “The Recluse,” and “She Said.”

I wonder what Plan B has in store for his third effort, The Ballad of Belmarsh, which will be released later this year. Another plot-driven album perhaps? 

Anyway, here's the track. Enjoy! 

Song Pick of the Week!

Lykke Li – “Get Some” 

Lykke Li has come a long way since 2008's Youth Novels and has altered her sound just enough to showcase how she has matured as an artist. The Swedish songstress has returned with the track “Get Some” to be released on her upcoming album Wounded Rhymes, out March 1st. A little less quirky, and bubbly and a lot more mysterious, darker and provocative. Lyrics such as “Like a shotgun, I can't be outdone. I'm your prostitute, You gon' get some,” are a definite change from her previous body of work. The song in particular consists of a powerful, African drum beat and tribal howls throughout the chorus. Li herself sounds much less fragile and more in control. “I Follow Rivers,” is another track that has been recently released and will also be included on her sophomore album. If these singles are any indication, everyone is gon' want a piece.