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Second Verse, Same as the First…the Best of 2012

Jan 012013

Hello all,

As I look at my blog, I realize how extremely bad I have been at posting to this site on a regular basis. I see that after Dreamforce life once again went crazy, and this site suffered first. I always make the same resolution every year – I resolve to see January 1 of the next year – but I will aim to post at least twice a month here…

And the first post for this year will be a look back at music. While life is busy, there is always room for music. Here is my top ten songs from the year that was 2012!

10. Jack White – Sixteen Saltines: So, he’s gone solo now, and the music is just too fun not to listen to. Bonus points for anyone who can tell me what the frak this song or video is about, other than copious amounts of drugs and alcohol…

9. Of Monsters and Men – Mountain Sound: Last year it was Mumford and Sons who brought over a folksy kind of vibe we all seemed to like (although their sophomore album did not remotely come close to making me want to buy it). This year it is Iceland’s Of Monsters and Men that makes me dance!

8. Dada Life – Kick Out The Epic Motherf*cker: If this song doesn’t make you stand up and want to jump and dance, you need to check for a pulse or ensure that your broken bones blocking you from dancing heal soon. BANANA!

7. Metric – Youth Without Youth: Canadian rockers Metric released a new album, Synthetica, and while not their best album in my eyes, the first single was awesome. That and Emily Haines becomes hotter with each passing day.

6. The Lumineers – Hey Ho: More from the folk rock fun vault, Denver trio The Lumineers got everything right with this song. Simple, short and sweet…and it sticks in your head.

5. Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis: Thrift Shop: Yup, it’s a guilty pleasure song. But it gets stuck in your head something fierce. And I want that jacket. I really want that jacket!

4. Black Keys – Lonely Boy: This was really hard to put down, cause I really don’t like most things that come out of Dan Auerbach’s mouth when he speaks publicly. But this song was just sheer awesome, and the video was brilliant!

3. Deadmau5 featuring Gerard Way – Professional Griefers: So, Deadmau5 has made more news this year for his choice of wife (the notorious Kat Von D) but also released an awesome album, and this video. The whole album is great, by the way! And Professor Meowingtons is on Twitter!

2. Billy Talent – Viking Death March: Politically charged would be an understatement with this song. But I agree with it whole heartedly. The song is rocking as well!

1. The Shins – Simple Song: Everything about this song makes me quiver. My favourite song of the year!

So, there it is…here’s to looking forward to some amazing music in 2013!

Our Common Goal Was Waiting For The World To End….The Best of 2011 List

Music 2 Responses »

Dec 302011

So, I’ve been blogging for a few years now and every year I’ve put out a best of list IMO for the music of the year. And, to be honest, I almost forgot until a kind old soul I just don’t talk to enough reminded me that he was waiting to see what I thought the best songs were this year. It was a nice way to end such a pathetic year for me…xLerate and work has been fine, but those who know me understand that this year was one I wish to wrap up, bury and never relive for a long, long time. However, the friendship and love of those around me and within my community (both locally and in Salesforceland), the love of my family (especially Steph!) and a perverse hope and belief that the kickback effect will occur in 2012 helped me get me through.

But, enough whining! Let’s get this going… the songs that have rattled around me noggin’ for the year!

10. Grouplove – Colours: One of the joys of having XM Radio is that you get to hear a many a song you won’t hear on Ottawa radio, for a myriad of (CRTC) reasons. Grouplove is one of those bands that I wish Live 88.5 could play, but they just haven’t had them on the playlist as of yet.

9. Death Cab For Cutie – You Are A Tourist: So, DCFC was the band that was to close up Bluesfest…that was until the stage collapsed (the first in a series of horrible collapses…luckily no one in Ottawa was killed). They still haven’t found their way back for the Codes and Keys tour, and have given up hope that I’ll see them this tour. The first single had an awesome, Cure-esque bass line, great lyrics (even with some sadder lyrics, which are not easily found on this album), and an amazing video that was cut in one take!

8. Pack AD – Sirens: A great Canadian duo that got some airplay on I believe every single show that played on the CW, or whatever that station with Gossip Vampire Cirle, 90210 show. Great rocking song!

7. Foo Fighters – Back and Forth: Dave Grohl seemed to be everywhere in the last few years…and Wasting Light is a great way to come back with the Foos. Six grammy nominations for this album…I won’t hold that against the band, are all culminated to me in the song Back and Forth. A mix of old Foos and new, this is the one song to me that could fit on The Color and the Shape as easily as it did on Wasting. The video that won the This Video Sucks contest should be used as the official video as well!

6. Skrillex – Kill Everybody: Skrillex absolutely blew apart Bluesfest with a chain-smoking awesome set that I honestly don’t think anyone expected. Hopefully the powers that be (yes, that’s you Mark Monohan) bring some more electro acts to Bluesfest (and if you put them all on one night, and put them on the front stage, that’d be awesome too…could you imagine if Girl Talk had been before Skrillex???).

5. Joy Formidable – Whirring: What is it about the UK pumping out amazing bands that only get 3 seconds of air? The weird fact about this band? They have had 2 top 40 hits on the US and CA Alternative charts, but have yet to get on the UK charts…

4. 311 – Sunset in July: 311 is one of the most under-appreciated bands in my opinion…kind of like Sloan in Canada. This song was the summer song of the year!

3. LMFAO – Sexy and I Know It: Did you really think this wouldn’t make the list? Yes, it’s ridiculous, and if you haven’t seen the video, you know you have to (and what rock have you lived under???). They’re having fun with it, and living it up…you gotta give them points for that.

2. Karen O, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – The Immigrant Song: OK, so I may lose points from some of you, but I am not that big on Zeppelin. Whether it be mass burnout from hearing it on Chez/Bear radio stations every 15 minutes, but I just am not that big. They have a place in rock history, but King Crimson had more to do with the music of today that I listen to…however, this redux, done for the Americanification of the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, has gotten played over and over and over in my head ever since being in the trailer six months ago.

1. Cage The Elephant – Shake Me Down: This song came out in January, and was played nightly in my head while visiting my mum until her passing in March. I hope my mother left this life in this way mentally. And even on a cloudy day, I keep my eyes fixed on the sun.

So, there it is – my list. As always, feel free to suggest any songs I have forgotten, or should mention! And here’s to a kick-ass 2012!

And if You save yourself, You will make him happy…

Music, Personal No Responses »

Sep 242011

So, today is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nirvana’s Nevermind. I’m not going to wax eloquent about how this album changed the music world on its head, or spoke to a generation, or any of that. To be honest, there is enough out there on Nirvana’s impact by people far more smarter than I am in the industry. I will tell you when I bought Nevermind though.

I went to high school at South Grenville, in Prescott. It was my last year of high school, the now defunct Grade 13, or OAC year as we called it. Our history class headed to Ottawa (all 13 of us) for a day of going through the old war museum (when it was on Sussex), the parliament building, and finally lunch and a wander around the Rideau Centre. I had heard of a band called Nirvana from a friend who still lived in Toronto (a mixed tape had held a song – Floyd The Barber), and so I thought I would go and see if the Rideau Centre HMV had a copy of this as Brockville had not. They did, and after dallying around the mall with friend Valarie, we headed to the bus, and I took the plastic off the cassette cover (yup – cassette!), and put it into the big honking yellow Sony walkman I had. To say my breath was taken away would be an understatement. The rest, as they would say, is history. And my ears and mind and heart had it’s first taste of a band that I would connect with to this day.

As I said, I didn’t want to go on about how Nevermind changed the music world on its head, or spoke to a generation, or any of that. But how many records do you remember buying and listening to with such clarity, as if it happened just yesterday?

Now on to the sharing part of the list. Here is my Top 10 Nirvana songs – my virtual mixed tape of songs that have, to this day, been my favourites to listen to.

10. Pennyroyal Tea – My favourite song off of their last album, In Uetero – and also the song that a very scratchy demo version had leaked prior to the release, causing critics and music people to wonder if Nirvana had fallen into the abyss for some reason.

9. Polly – The first slow song from Nirvana I ever heard, and slightly shocking (the opening line of Polly wants a cracker/I think I should get off her first is quite the image for a 17 year old!).

8. Blew – This is their first song and their first album, and one that the studio version just doesn’t do justice to. This version, taped in Amsterdam, just plain rocks!

7. Aneurysm – It builds, it falls, it whispers and screams. I’ve always thought this to be one of those songs that define Nirvana’s ‘sound’…

6. Floyd The Barber - The first Nirvana song I ever heard (the infamous mixed tape from a friend that also had Fugazi on it).

5. Talk To Me - a not so known live song that a studio version was finally released on the box set. I heard it off a bootleg conert CD I had and loved it.

4. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Yes, the infamous song is number four on my list. Get over it.

3. I Hate Myself And Want To Die – yes, this was on the Beavis and Butthead soundtrack. Remember them? Heard this song when I didn’t particularly like myself that much either. Title + song stuck with me.

2. Verse Chorus Verse (also known as Sappy) – besides the opening line serving as the title to this post, it also sticks out as one of their stronger songs.

1. All Apologies – The song I see as Cobain’s personal letter to us all. Haunting, beautiful, painful and true. Summarizes his life and his thoughts (In the sun we are as one, I’m married….buried)

Happy Anniversary, Nevermind.

Summer Begins when Bluesfest Begins!

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Jul 052011

Ah, the beginning of July means the true beginning of summer to me. It means Bluesfest, an annual concert that Steph and I (along with hundreds of thousands of others) have parktaken for what seems forever. For those not from Ottawa, Bluesfest is a two week music festival that is pretty darn good (I know they would like to be one of the elite festivals in North America, but they aren’t quite there yet). And while it began as a Blues Festival, and it still tries to draw in many Blues acts, it is a music festival encompassing all flavours. This year’s headliners are Soundgarden, Ben Harper / Skrillex, Steve Miller Band, The Black Keys, The Tragically Hip, A Perfect Circle, John Fogerty, My Morning Jacket / Buddy Guy, Billy Talent / The Tea Party, Blue Rodeo, Jane’s Addiction and Death Cab For Cutie (for the few that are split with a ‘/’, these are where I think the side closers are just as big or bigger than the main stage).

So, as I said, Steph and I have been going to this festival forever (remember the Black Eyed Peas at City Hall???) the last four or five, getting festival passes as it works out much cheaper. And over the years, we’ve seen things that make us laugh, raise an eyebrow, be blown away or just shake our head. As such, here are a few pointers for anyone new to Bluesfest this year.

1. Know the Weather! - Summer in Ottawa can be as weird as the politicians who live here! One day we can have sweltering heat and humidity, followed 24 hours later by chilly winds. This week looks no different, with a hot day today to open, Thunderstorms tomorrow, mild weather til the weekend, then more heat and humidity. Just remember to check the weather, dress accordingly (light clothes for the hot day), and more importantly DRINK for the weather. You have NO idea how many people I have seen heading to the paramedic tent on the hot days because they don’t drink water, or get a bit of shade. You can buy water at any food vendor (I expect the price to be $3 this year), and you can refill your water bottle at one of the refill stations near the main food vendor court. Shade can be found in the afternoons by the Subway, Hard Rock and National Bank (old Black Sheep) stage along the trees, as well as a nice breeze off the Ottawa River sometimes. And if you’re close to dying, there is the main walkway lobby of the War Museum, where you can relax.

2. Know your legs – Festivals means walking on uneven ground, pathways, and if it rains, mud. Wear your best comfortable shoes for pete’s sake. I’m sure that your leather dress shoes or five inch heels will still have a place for the next concert or gathering you go to that isn’t outdoors. You have no idea how many men I’ve seen ready to pitch their work shoes, or ladies I’ve seen walking barefoot while holding their pumps as they can no longer handle their feet pain.

3. Wander for Wonder – There are five different stages, set up in four different outside areas (this isn’t including Rideau Centre or the Barney Denson Theatre, which are indoors). And while many acts people hit the gates for are in the main area with the two largest stages, let yourself wander around, just to see if anything catches your ear. Every year there is two or three acts that just astound me for their live act and musicianship that is well worth the price of admission. Gogol Bordello, Infected Mushroom, Matisyahu, Girl Talk, Shout Out Out Out Out Out and Stripper’s Union are bands that quickly pop into my head as one’s that I hadn’t heard or expected much of and completely surprised me! And if you are wondering what everyone else is up to, Bluesfest is pretty good with the social media as well. Follow them on Twitter or search and follow #bluesfest (great to hear about surprising acts or issues at the event!

4. Pace Yourself – Bluesfest is sponsored in no small part by the Mill St Brewery. And, as all good festivals, there is food and drink available…for a price. The foods, while tasty, are your typical fried foods, along with some other (still greasy and high calorie) choices such as pad Thai, Roti and organic buffalo burgers. The alcohol, well, it’s cold and oh so yummy. But just remember – pace yourself. Nothing worse than seeing someone needing attention or getting dragged home by friends (or the people in Blue) due to over consumption. Also, know your tummy. If you’ve never had roti, or lamb stew, a festival vendor may not be the best place to introduce yourself. Eat and drink lots of water before you head down, enjoy some food (that you feel comfy with … I know my first stop is to get my Jamaican Patty, a daily staple of mine during Bluesfest), and pace your alcohol consumption.

5. A Friend in Need’s A Friend Indeed – Bluesfest isn’t just about the music but about the fans of music who partake in the event. Some of the best (and funniest) have to do with the conversations I’ve had with friends and family when music wasn’t playing, or the people I’ve met, typically by either helping them find something (it’s not hard to locate the people who are new to Bluesfest…just look for the people looking for a small stage in the main stage area for starters…), or just starting a conversation. Yes, Bluesfest has many volunteers in white shirts to answer q’s (and what a wonderful volunteer troupe they have – in all my years have never met one volunteer that wasn’t pleasant and happy to be there) but it’s our festival too! The most important time to react is when you see a person in distress though. I don’t think (knock on wood) Bluesfest has had any major injury in a long time, in due part to concert goers who will help an exhausted person to the back of the crowd (or over the security rail if near the front), or a nearly passed out person to security or more importantly a paramedic booth. Most importantly, if you see a fight, or pushing and shoving starting, don’t try to break it up yourself. Get you and yours (I typically have my 12 year old and 9 year old) away from the situation, and let security (you can’t miss them!) know of the situation. I’ve never seen an issue not resolved in less than three minutes, and then everyone can get back to enjoying the night!

6. Enjoy! – Bluesfest is a party. There’s great music, awesome people, tasty food, cold beer, and did I mention great music! Enjoy – dance, sing, do your thing!

So, there’s my pointers – all pretty standard common sense things, but thought I would pass them along.

Songs From 2010 – my Top 10 List

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Jan 062011

Wow – just noticed that it has been over six months since I have posted. I am sorry for anyone who checks this out every once in a while…I do have four or five posts around my usual conversation point – salesforce.com – but as of right now, I think I will kick it off with my usual point of talk at the beginning of each year…what is my top 10 songs of the year prior. So, without further ado, here we go…

10. Sleigh Bells – Infinity Guitars

So, I am sure if you know anyone (such as my daughter) who likes to shop in Abercrombie or American Eagle or one of them shoppes, you’ve likely heard this song. Typically, I bore easily of the emo-goofball altern-pop they like to play, but this song I first heard thanks to now having XM in the car, and then in my last trip to San Francisco. It caught me, and still does. Just fun to dance around to just for the hell of it.

9. Mumford and Sons – Winter Winds

Mumford and Sons have been taking over the airwaves, and for good reason. In a year where many of the bands we’ve grown with over the past decade seem to grow further from me (see: Foo Fighters, U2) and a plethora of boy-pop, it was refreshing to hear an English folk band to turn the ears of friends and family. I heard Winter Winds while listening to BBC online, and I still think it’s the strongest of their singles so far (and thanks to Steph for getting me the CD for Xmas …. yup, we still buy CDs every once in a while!). If it hasn’t been released as a single in Canada yet, I am sure it will be soon after the strength of Little Lion Man and The Cave.

8. Hollerado – Americanarama

I was lucky enough to see Hollerado when they won the Live 88.5 battle of the bands early last year. They were fun – a Drummer who reminded me of Russell Brand, and catchy rock tunes that were fun! Americanarama is one of those songs I heard, and then they put out an absolutely fantastic video for it as well…I don’t want to know how many takes it took to get that single shot video goodness right!

7. My Chemical Romance – Na Na Na Na

Nope – I am not a 14 year old (although I act this way), and I am not going through some strange phase. I’ve actually liked MCR since I bought 3 Cheers way back when (2004, actually….). This song is exactly what I expect from them…not too hard, not too brazen – just one hell of a back beat, catchy riffs, and silly lyric lines (Shut up and let me see your jazz hands…) that just get into your head and get you smiling and singing along. If you saw a car with a bald dude and 2 kids in the car screaming “NA NA NA NA” on the way to Orleans, I apologize though – we did get looked at quite often when me and the kids would drive home car dancing and yelling along to this one.

6. Them Crooked Vultures – New Fang

I saw these guys when they stopped in Ottawa. I have seen Dave Grohl and my wife’s favourite Josh Homme different times, both with Queens, Foos and for me, one time with Nirvana. Both together seems awesome (as was proven with Songs for The Deaf from Queens of the Stone Age). But, then they met this old guy named John Paul Jones (for those under 30, he was the bassist for this small band called Led Zepplin). I was amazed with the whole show, and completely blown away by the fact that it was the elder statesman of the band that made it work. This was their first single, and is an awesome driving song!

5. Stone Temple Pilots – Between The Lines

Am I the only one who wonders what Stone Temple Pilots could have been if Scott Weiland wasn’t such as big of a drug user as he was? They’ve gotten back together, and they still sound like the band they were back in the age of grunge, but it still works. I am sure this song, which came out just as the summer weather hit, helped Ottawa’s finest meet their speeding quote on a many a sunny day.

4. Interpol – Lights

I have absolutely loved Interpol’s first three albums. Which is why their self-titled album this year was so anticipated by me, and unfortunately, was my largest musical disappointment for 2010. The album, especially the second half, just seemed to fade like a sunset on a cloudy day. However, the first single, released a couple of months prior to the album’s release, stands out to me as one of their best ever (the diamond in the crap pile). The video was way out there (sure you can find it on youtube) which is why I have pointed you to a POV recording of the song, which just impresses me to watch.

3. Billy Talent – Saint Veronika

Billy Talent III came out at the end of 2009, with Saint Veronika being released in March. The song struck me when I first heard it, and it is what we’ve learned to love from Talent – good hard rock, with even harder hitting lyrics. This song tackles the unfortunate issue of suicide. I can’t listen to the song without getting slightly teary, angry and hopeful all at the same time. Songs that can do that to you have done all music can – touch you deeply.

2. Metric – Stadium Love

What is there to say…it’s Metric at their strange, poppy, crazy best. My daughter (who absolutely loves this song…I am thinking she should go as Emily Haines on Halloween – she could completely pull it off) asked me what this song was about. After about five minutes of me using the “I’m going to ask you a question so you can answer it yourself, and you’ll still think Daddy knows all” method, she caught on…yup – not a freaking clue of what Stadium love is, or why I am trading a cougar for a snake (stop laughing…it’s a line in the song) – I just know it is awesome!

1. How To Destroy Angels – Spaces In Between

I am still in shock that this EP and singles didn’t get more love from radio stations and sat radio. HTDA is Trent Reznor (Sir Nine Inch Nails to most), his wife…yes, I said wife, Mariqueen Maandig and Atticus Ross. It does sound quite like NIN; But adding a new voice in Maandig, and Ross’ love of soft noise (he was a producer on NIN’s last four albums) gave it something fresh and new. The EP, only five songs, and available at the website likely would have worn out if it was a cassette tape for me. Be warned – video is a CSI clip on acid. Many I have spoke to got squeemish when watching.

So, there you have it. Likely could’ve been many more in there – but it is my top 10. As usual, the title’s above are links to the video (all on youtube).

‘Til next time (hopefully soon!)

Nik

My Top 13 for the Decade

Music, Personal 4 Responses »

Jan 042010

Hey all,

Hope you had a great holiday season, and rang in the new decade with pomp, circumstance and most of all safety! First blog post of the new decade, and I thought I’d look back at the last 10…nothing to do with Salesforce this time – just some good ol’ music talk!

Now, those who know me realize that music plays a large part in my life. I now listen to music almost all the time, but at one point and time I used to write and play music as well. I still do play, just not in a band, and certainly no longer up on stage – my days of that have long since past, much like my hair I used to have back then has gone as well! I spent some time thinking back to the songs that really stood out from the ‘naughties, and I’ve come up with a list of 13 – the top 10, and 3 honourable mentions!

10. Queens of the Stone Age – Song For The Dead

One of the best live bands I have ever seen. Period. (And easy to go see for my wife, as she is drop dead in love with Josh Homme…)

9. Bloc Party – Helicopter

How I wish Bloc Party was still awesome, and didn’t put out their last album of suckitude. I think Q said it best – “Remember when Bloc Party didn’t suck balls?”. Yes…yes I do – and this song is when they didn’t.

8. Postal Service – Such Great Heights

Yes – it’s now a UPS song, which demerits it slightly, but the song (and the album) is super awesome amazing. How they recorded the album is just as amazing too (the band’s name was chosen due to the way in which it produced its songs. Tamborello wrote and performed instrumental tracks and then sent the DATs to Gibbard, who edited the song as he saw fit (adding his vocals along the way), sending them back to Tamborello via the United States Postal Service. - from Wikipedia’s note on the band)

7. Wolf Parade – Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts

A Canadian band from Vancouver and Montreal, this song from their first album sticks out as their best, and also as one of the best of the decade.

6. Johnny Cash – Hurt

One of the top 10 songs of the 90′s becomes one of the top ten songs of the naughties thanks to this haunting cover by a cowboy legend. The video can drive you to tears.

5. Radiohead – Everything In It’s Right Place

So, at the beginning of the decade, OK Computer was still fresh in everyone’s head as one of the albums our generation has to own from the 90′s. Radiohead could have ruled the world. Kid A was announced, and….it completely took a left turn from where OK was, and solidified Radiohead (to me) as a band that can do what they want, and still be absolutely awesome doing it!

4. Interpol – Evil

Not one of their biggest hits, but it has everything in it as to why I love Interpol as a band. The lyrics, the syncopation, the build, and the craziest video I have seen in some time.

3. Arcade Fire – Wake Up

Although they were super-hyped, this band (whom we saw open for U2, and blew me away for the few songs I heard) lived up to it. Although they seem to have fallen off the face of the earth (I believe they were working on a soundtrack or something) their first album is one of the best Canadian albums ever released! (BTW, the lead singer still reminds me of Patrick Roy every time I see him).

2. Muse – Stockholm Syndrome

I am so excited to finally be able to see Muse live in March (in Montreal). This is the song that made me run out and buy every album I could!

1. Arctic Monkeys – I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor

This song just makes me want to jump around, and from the look of the lads who play, they look like they’ve had some fun before recording as well (with a pint or five!). Why is it number one? Just cause I find myself still singing it every once in a while.

So, there is my top ten. As for the extra three – there are three songs that could have been #10, and so I add them as honourable mentions:

Green Day – Holiday (the best Green Day song. ever. period.)

Slipknot – Vermillion Part 1 (Slipknot is a guilty pleasure, but this song has some very powerful lyrics)

Billy Talent – Try Honesty (the first single ever by one of the best Canadian bands of the century…so far!)

So, there you have it – the top 13 of the naughties, in my humblest of opinions. But now, time to get back to work….

Take care all,

Nik