Kingston's very own megagroup The Gertrudes are back with a brand-spanking new album called Till the Morning Shows Her Face to Me . Their latest LP is an evolution of their folksy sound – there is no radical departure here but certainly they continue to grow. While they show their wonderful raucous side right out of the gate with the stomper "Derby Girl", the sound on the album is predominantly quite gentle. This soothing, almost contemplative sound is found across the record, particularly with the standout tracks "Six Jars", "Flashbulbs & Catcalls" (my favourite song [...]
Kingston's very own megagroup The Gertrudes are back with a brand-spanking new album called Till the Morning Shows Her Face to Me . Their latest LP is an evolution of their folksy sound – there is no radical departure here but certainly they continue to grow. While they show their wonderful raucous side right out of the gate with the stomper "Derby Girl", the sound on the album is predominantly quite gentle. This soothing, almost contemplative sound is found across the record, particularly with the standout tracks "Six Jars", "Flashbulbs & Catcalls" (my favourite song [...]
Photo by Mint Records I happened to be in Montreal this year when the extravaganza known as Pop Montreal was on. That meant I was able to attend a few wonderful things, including the Pop BBQ put on by Mint Records, Fuzzy Logic Records, Out of This Spark, and Do Right! Music. In addition to tasty food, there was all sorts of tasty musical treats. My favourite was the Out of This Spark Family Band which featured members of The D'Urbervilles , Forest City Lovers , and Evening [...]
Photo by Mint Records I happened to be in Montreal this year when the extravaganza known as Pop Montreal was on. That meant I was able to attend a few wonderful things, including the Pop BBQ put on by Mint Records, Fuzzy Logic Records, Out of This Spark, and Do Right! Music. In addition to tasty food, there was all sorts of tasty musical treats. My favourite was the Out of This Spark Family Band which featured members of The D'Urbervilles , Forest City Lovers , and Evening [...]
Holy Smokes! August is here which means WIMF2011 is only a few days away! And I haven't said a single thing about it. It is a good thing that I am probably not where you get your info about these sorts of things, otherwise you would be right to scold me. But you probably know all about it all ready so what I am about to say is not going to be news to you. However, just in case you need to know if this year's Wolfe Island Music Fest has my seal of approval, rest [...]
Holy Smokes! August is here which means WIMF2011 is only a few days away! And I haven't said a single thing about it. It is a good thing that I am probably not where you get your info about these sorts of things, otherwise you would be right to scold me. But you probably know all about it all ready so what I am about to say is not going to be news to you. However, just in case you need to know if this year's Wolfe Island Music Fest has my seal of approval, rest [...]
As the summer solstice approaches, one of the most unique cultural events in Kingston is close at hand. This year's Skeleton Park Music Festival, running from June 16-18, once again has an eclectic and really wonderful line up. Performers on Saturday include Julie Doiron , Charlotte Cornfield , Steve McKay , and One Hundred Dollars among many others. The evening before you have Sheezer & The Gertrudes and more will rocking out with the Kingston Derby Girls . Here is the lineup but check out the [...]
For the third year running, the ambitious Home Grown Live will be taking place all across downtown Kingston. This year's edition, taking place Saturday, May 28th, will feature sets of local musicians grouped by genre (folk, jazz, indie, blues etc) at 11 venues. The cost is only $10 to get access to all the venues - only $5 with a Foodbank donation - and all the proceeds go to the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library . The best bet for readers of this here blog is going to be the Apple Crisp Showcase [...]
The Provincial Archive playing The Provincial Archives of Manitoba, 14 May 2011 (photo by Robert Szkolnick ) Hello my friends, It has been much too long. I haven't forgotten about you but I have had less time to devote to b(oot)log. I imagine things will pick up as Wolfe Island Music Fest is fast approaching - get your earlybird tickets now !. Before we get to talking about that, I thought I'd shake off the cobwebs by talking about a band who is playing The Mansion TONIGHT (May 21st) - [...]
It is a good day to exist my friends, because The Luyas ' stunning new record " Too Beautiful to Work " was released yesterday and our ears are filled with wonderful sounds. Mysterious, haunting, beautiful sounds unlike anything else you are likely to encounter. You should go, now, to Idée Fixe Records where you can stream the full album , download two tracks and where you can, nay must!, buy it. There is a dreamy quality that coats the album. Jessie Stein's unique voice reaches out plaintively as the music swirls and builds, until things [...]
Jim Bryson and his friends The Weakerthans are coming to town tonight. However, if you don't have your ticket already you are out of luck 'cause the show is sold out. If you are like me and don't have a ticket you are probably going to miss a great show. Maybe you were lucky enough to see them play at the Wolfe Island Music Fest this summer. If so, they you know that Bryson sings down to earth tunes with a rich, unassuming voice. They are melancholic and wistful but he is not defeated. Bryson picks himself [...]
Hey, Did you miss your chance to get tickets to the now sold out Jim Bryson/Weakerthans show on Saturday? (more on that show later) Well, never fear because your Saturday night can still be filled with awesome live music. The fantastic Off the International Radar are playing with Mausoleum at The Mansion . There will be also be Special Intimate Solo Acoustic Sets from Shotgun Jimmie, Jay Baird & Megan Hamilton. Doors are at 8, sliding scale admission ($8-$10). See the FB event page for more details. [...]
( photo of The Phonemes, with Owen Pallett, at the Tranzac 2007.) The Phonemes are in no rush. They (really, she, Magali Meagher, with help from her friends) took three years between releasing her EP and her LP and it has been over three years since that wonderful album " There's something we've been meaning to do" " came out. I am hoping that there will be a new album soon but I am more than willing to wait for what comes next. The Phonemes create delicate, intricate pop songs which, understandably, [...]
(Photo taken by kcnickerson at Sappyfest 2010. ) Julie Doiron 's songs are like short stories: small gestures filled with emotion. Quick and to the point, they are devoid of filler, and they rapidly immerse you into their world. Her songs are given power by their brevity. They provide dark glimpses into a life where regret, longing, and desire are expressed - at times quietly, at times amplified by rage and desperation. Light shines through, though, at times, and memories of moments of tenderness and contentment help to [...]
Toronto's Entire Cities released a new album in December - it is called " I Hope You Never Come Home " and it is pretty darn fantastic so I hope you bring it into your home. I've seen the band a bunch of times live and love their ep and previous album. Their new record confirms their place as one of my favourite bands. The band may be best know for their boisterous "Dancing With My Brother," but, as much as I love that song, it is the softer moments that I have really come to [...]
The hottest spot for New Year's Eve in Kingston this year is undoubtedly The Mansion with PS I Love You . They've had an unbelievable year and it seems fitting that they will be closing it out with a hometown show. The year that was 2010 started off pretty amazing for the band with P4K finally flipping over the Diamond Rings/PS I Love You 73 and giving "Facelove" the love it deserves in January. They released a single in March, toured - not only outside of the 613 but extensively - and released [...]
Just a reminder that this year's Salvation Army Winter Relief Benefit is taking place TONIGHT at Zappa's Lounge. Get out there and enjoy the best thing about Kingston in December. Last year's event was a little different than previous years – new venue & two shows – but it featured all the things you come to expect from a Winter Relief Benefit after 15 years: great local musicians, cover songs, folks hopping onstage to give a helping hand when needed, and good times had by all. I attended the early show which did not have a [...]
With only a few short days until Christmas, you probably would rather have a hole in the head than hear "Jingle Bell Rock" one more time. Never fear, Michael Wray (of Mixylodian ) has put together another awesome compilation of non-traditional holiday tunes from (mostly) Montreal musicians. If you were lucky, you caught last year's "Feats of Strength" mix , which features great songs by favourite Montreal acts including Adam & the Amethysts, Jessie Stein (The Luyas) & Mixylodian, and others. This year's installment continues the tradition of presenting holiday-themed tunes from refreshing and [...]
The best part of the holiday season is seeing Weeping Tile and a bunch of special guests get together to rock out for charity. This year it is going down at Zappas Lounge on December 21st. Get your tickets at Zap Records or at Maple Music . More details at the Sally Ann website.
Mark your calendars for the Apple Crisp 122 Release Party - Dec. 18th at Queen Street United Church. Check out the AC site for more details.
B(oot)log
Watch: Trailer for Dave Grohl’s documentary, Sound City
Childish Gambino - "Heartbeat" (Official Music Video)
First Aid Kit – Emmylou
Hardwell Bootleg Pack 2012
James Blake – Live Album
