Recommended Music

More Music from the Inbox

Damned Air Canada.  I’m stuck in Winnipeg–in the new airport, mind you–awaiting a late, late night flight back to Toronto because the airline forgot to schedule pilots for the 6:35pm departure.  I’ve been sitting in the Maple Leaf Lounge since 5:30, watching the Super Bowl (pretty good–and I was pulling for Eli), The Voice (AARRGGHH) and now The Big Bang Theory (I haven’t seen this one, so…)

Normally, I’d publish Juliette Jagger’s music recommendations Monday morning, but since I won’t roll home until at least 4am, I might as well take the time to do them now.

How do you forget to schedule pilots for regularly-scheduled flight on one of the most heavily-travelled routes in the country?  Anyone?

Artist: Sauna “Glitter Party” 

Album: The Teenage Angst EP

I am all for a band that does a former style if they do it well, but then I get press releases for stuff like this and I wonder who the hell the people are who promote these bands? This band is actually ridiculous. Sure they do a sort of throw back 60’s psychedelic surf rock thing and that’s cool, but they’re from Colorado. They’re lyrics are pure nonsense, their sound is almost hyper simplistic, and this song just sounds like a bunch of winning kids trying to squeeze out a teenage orgasm. 

Sounds like: Keep. It Simple. Stupid. 

Link/Listen/Watch:  Listen here.

 

Artist: Gemma Ray “How Do I Get To Carnegie Hall”

Album: Single (Gemma Ray Sings Sparks With Sparks)

This is a really cool / unprecedented sort of collaboration between Gemma Ray who interpreted a Sparks song, and Sparks who then re-interpreted her interpretation of their original! The finished product has this really compulsive edge to it that is further emphasized by these mad man piano parts and a haunting inner voice echoing the words “practice man, practice.” 

 Sounds like: Inner thoughts demanding outward expression 

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Daniel Rossen “Silent Song”

Album: Silent Hour / Golden Mile EP

Rossen who is best known as the mastermind behind Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles, has fashioned himself a bed made of smooth, warm, sadness, and he may go right ahead a lay in it joyfully. 

Sounds like: Rich, raspy, sadness.

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Ben Caplan “Down To The River” (Live In Bellwoods)

Album: In The Time of the Great Remembering 

Caplan has an incredible live energy. His voice is strong and sturdy, like something you trust. His words feel like the truth and every bit of anguish he utters comes bellowing up from deep inside his belly. 

Sounds like: bearded blues 

Link/Listen/Watch:

 

Artist: Blue Stahli “Rebellion Anthem”

Album: Self-Titled

A few weeks back I recommended a track by Detroit electronic-rock artist/producer Celldweller, and for good reason. This week I’ve come into Blue Stahli, the other half of his live touring show, and it’s just as hard-hitting. “Rebellion Anthem” is exactly what it claims to be. It’s a full on aggressive romp through all things pop, rock, and electronica. It goes straight in for the kill, doesn’t over stay it’s welcome, and perfectly pulls the chord on itself at 2 minutes and 11 seconds. 

Sounds like: The antithesis of sleep. 

Link/Listen/Watch: 



Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38005 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “More Music from the Inbox

  • Thanks for posting that Ben Caplan video. I didn't know who he was before this…now I will seek out his work! @the_ontarian

    Reply

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