Popsheep

More Taiwan Sounds

2009-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

In an effort to figure out track listings and artist names, I took some photos.

Look here: Sounds of Taiwan!

Listen here: Taiwan Rocks!

Coming very very soon: LOST GREEK HITS, 1978-1988

Cumulative Results

2009-05-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the results of many hours of walking, digging and generally putting myself in awkward situations in Taipei, Taiwan. Firstly, let me point out the main flaw, I don't speak, read or understand Mandarin in the slightest. For that reason I can not provide you with artist names or song titles. 100000000 apologies. I would also like to apologize for the relative quality of the recordings. In my defense, Taiwanese people hate old stuff. The few records that I found were filthy, water damaged, moldy and sometimes stuck inside their sleeves.

Essentially the collection boiled down to"
[1] Rad 60's singers with sparse orchestral arrangements.
Track 1
[2] 60's studio rock
Track 5
[3] Amazing disco
Track 11
[4] Minimalist eastern pop grooves
Track 18

NB. The Cool Breakfast blog will be featuring the entire 18 track compilation (as one "mixtape" track) as soon as they get around to it.

In the water.

2009-05-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Taiwanese music non-stop for the last few weeks. There is more to come, but last night I landed in Portland and bussed out to see Old Time Relijun play all the classics (listen here!). The first time I heard this band, I thought the music was sample based. I thought the guitar was actually a church bell. I thought the bass line was from a jazz record and the drumming from a soul 45 played at 33 rpm. However, the first time I saw them I realized that I was looking at a photograph of a painting.

In the meantime, I did use proximity to pick up a few gems of the eastern world. In particular Nagisa Ni Te's Feel.

Nagisa Ni Te - We

Nagisa Ni Te's records have been re-issued by Jagjagwuar in the recent past. I also wanted to take this post to mention Sub Rosa's foray into Asian electronic music. In particular Wang Changcun's The Mountain Swallowing Sadness which is a great electronic/concrete album in the form of a very internet/blog un-friendly two track 40 minute CD. Sub Rosa is also planning a four CD anthology of Asian electronic music.

Young Country

2009-05-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Somehow I've found myself in Taipei, Taiwan for the last few days. It's more than a bunch of imperialists but their impact on the country's scattered modern history has definitely left a mark on the art & music scene. It's not the mark of cultural oppression but rather one of safety and security. It is sensible, like waiting until the forces are strong enough. It's a mark of work and sleep, then work again. Or school followed by cram school and maybe some late night Saturday school. Nevertheless, there still exists the 'underground' or 'amateurs do it for love'. From just a small dose of new (last 5-10 years) of music:

多美好的人生 - White Eyes
From the 2008 EP Get My Body If You Want It on White Wabbit Records.

盘古 - 求革命得革命

According to a local expert, this is total outsider art in Taipei. This song appears several times on the album, played at different speeds. This is the fastest. From their self-titled album on ToaKang Records.

18碎 - 橘娃娃 Loose Skinned Orange Baby

I feel like people would be disappointed if I didn't post some smooth late 90s style international pop. This track is actually considered not very smooth. Most 'indie pop' here consists of Melissa Etheridge style acoustic-electric guitar, excessive harmonizing and smoothness that reaches windchimes level. From the Lobo 1 compilation on White Wabbit Records.

More to follow, including a stumbling search through the apparently vacant music of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

3:39, What is happening there?

2009-05-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque

I've never given Sigur Ros much thought--this video has me thinking.

---------------

Like the previous performance illuminates there seems to be a inverse relationship between perfection and quality.[source:in search of the click track]

What is a "City of Daughters" anyways?

2009-05-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

I've often asked myself why no one has inspired themselves from Ian Svenonius' master works. Here is a wonderfully styled tangent courtesy of LA and Not Not Fun recs.

Vibes - Night Court

Is she saying "Here comes the judge" or is it auditory paradolia?

The 2009 Summer Jam Contest Has Begun

2009-04-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

David B. is at sea and nearly internet-less (seriously), so I figure someone else at Popsheep should step up while he's away. Popsheep founder Jay and I have a pact actually (agreed upon very late in the night at a house party six weeks ago) that we'd both post a least one entry before the end of April. So expect an entry from him about a Kenny Rogers rarity in the next five minutes.

Summer has finally arrived in Vancouver and, as such, the need for a proper "summer jam" is immediate. My nomination:

Fine Mist - Stop or Start

Jay Arner & Megan McDonald have played around town for awhile (in great bands like The Poison Dart and International Falls, plus amazing remixes), but there's something serendipitous about their timing with Fine Mist. The world wants (and needs) overwrought synthpop right now. "Stop or Start" is both a sort of love song & a sort of breakup song and a tune we can all get down to.

The picture above was taken on my phone at a craft fair that Jay and Megan were rocking a couple of weeks back. Jay & Megan's moms were there (emergency lyrics change?) and she said I freaked her out by "whooing" before they played "Stop or Start." What can I say, it's my jam.

Facilitator

2009-04-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

America has so many people in it. It's basically jam packed full to the brim of an infinite amount of people. It is easy to constantly be surprised by someone, in any field, at any time. For instance, last night I saw nine bands play between the hours or 8pm and 12am. I was prepared for some greatness (White Fang, Fortress of Amplitude, Rob Walmart feat. Watery Graves) but nothing could have prepared me for the comedy genius duo named Talibam (also purveyors of serious music) or the best "first band out of nine bands to play on a Tuesday night" performance I have ever witnessed. Like all great animals, the spectacular music of Pregnant dies when caged, but here is the closest approximation to the handful of wonderful songs that started off the epic night:

Pregnant - One Thing to be Sure of

To clarify, the Pregnant in question is a solo guitar/singer/looper from central California and his CD-R Ikewimin contains a Steely Dan/Steve Reich mash-up. Other than an overheard conversation where he said he had once played with Walter Weasel and the above written information, I don't know anything about Pregnant.

Tired,

2009-04-03T00:44:00.001-07:00

which is why I stopped reading and started only listening.

Cool Breakfast Blog by Adam of Lake and a million other bands that may or may not have delay on the vocals, I don't even notice/care any more. Sparse, efficient, meaningful and of a superior quality, everything I look for in a good magazine (of which the internet is the best).

As for my own laughable consistencies, this must come as no surprise:
Cole Moldy Milner - Miss You When I'm Gone

Everything I touch

2009-03-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to DOWNLOAD and then re-UPLOAD it but have been a repeat listener of Chain and the Gang's I see Progess.

Meanwhile, courtesy of Maxime in Berlin, a return to 1996 via the 2008 song New Broom by Minisnap.

Back on track.

2009-03-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Blood work doctors are the medical equivalent of traffic cops.

The first Che Cafe show in many months happened last night and I'm still kicking myself for not recording it. The Gift Machine, Emperor X and Drew Danburry played near perfect sets to a well behaved audience. Ryland Bouchard/The Robot Ate Me exhibited his wonderful performance persona (a dark place) and the great lost art of minimalist pop song writing.

Ryland Bouchard - Married to the Ground

I have lazily posted the first song from this pretty amazing box set. I haven't really digested the A sides and haven't even listened to the B sides yet, but couldn't wait to share.

2009-02-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sean's e-wisdom, I ended up burning my mind on Cary Mercer's blog for most of the day. Aside from amazing me and eating my time it managed to do a great job of self-exposing my own weaknesses. So what else can I do but return to the ridiculously simple? Firstly, a song or two by an obscure-for-now/hidden gem/yet to be recognized genius known as Glass Cake.

Glass Cake - We'll Work it Out

Glass Cake - Blanket

Secondly, combine two things to make a newer, better thing.

[1]

[2]

A way to feel:

2009-02-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

AMM - Late

Is this grasping at straws or a super infinite horizon dividing two grey plates? If there are a countable number of things but it would take you 'too long' to count them, then there are an infinite number of things. What I'm trying to say is, I don't know whose side time is on but it's pretty much all I've got right now.

253 BPM

2009-02-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Seriously, due to faulty wiring the above measurement was made. I'm still not sure what will be done to fix it, but basically my heart has been broken for about 7 years. Anna was there the first time it happened. We burst into a sort of Rocky style training run on the grounds of the University of Toronto. She was the trainer on the bike and I was man against everything, feet pushing the pavement. It jumped to double time at some point, but I didn't really notice it until it jumped to half time and beat twice as hard.

Other Ridiculous Current Realities:

Nice Snacks/Cold Drinks

Low runs of some 'drawings' that I have done printed on to t-shirts or newsprint, both so fleetingly temporary and poorly done that you won't regret buying them.

A Nick Krgovich musical!!! Thee Original Musical Genius! No Kids touring with Parenthetical Girls! Here's a track from the original cast recording (thanks Duncan!):
Nicholas Krgovich - In the Big House [In the Yard, Havin' Fun]

Lastly and most ridiculously, a small, last minute 'the endless bummer' tour to the Bay Area, March 4th-8th. Obviously, I'm willing to play anywhere in between, so see here for details [/.\] if you're interested in hosting a badly attended performance by a band that no one has heard of.

In America

2009-02-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Two days not to be alone in America:
1) Thanksgiving
2) Superbowl Day

The new Bird Names album Sings the Browns will be released on labelthatnowhaseverything Upset the Rhythm. Arrived.

For the impatients, the tape version is available now on LA label Really Coastal.

Bird Names - Sings the Browns, track 2, track 5 and so many more!

A year ago today.

2009-01-24T12:42:00.001-08:00

Well known and well explored is Badnoise, a guy with the name Juha and a dusty 7" record that has remained a classic since the Hall Rockin' compilation [(1996) Lansdowne Junior High year book]. He was persistent and industrious enough to make the internet. Badnoise was the year of the Expo. It's a bit of 'where are you going' rock which has long since worked it's way under my skin. What can I say except the same things over and over again?

Badnoise - Funky Baby

Mission Beach; a hypothetical 'internal' cognitive symbol that represents external reality.

Weak

2009-01-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Short of commenting on greater musical trends, I present a package that can only lead to one thing: discovery. This isn't the latter, just the former, and in reality 'discovery' just means a brushing off of something dusty yet well known and well explored. But let's leave that for another post.

So here I am, with two tracks from '76 & '77. Each is shrouded in it's own fog of confusion, and merits significant research or 'internet time spent'. Maybe time for me to stop waiting and just shave?

Dennis Wilson - Companion

Gary Wilson - And Then I Kissed Your Lips

Michael Barclay, David Barclay and the 160 Barclay bus.

Taking Back the House

2009-01-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

There are a few people I wish I could see tonight. Maybe two or three. Actually probably more around ten of them. In fact, I can think of at least twenty. Some of them I miss, some of them I love and some of them I just want to know a little better. There are a whole bunch that I would like to talk with and a few that I would like to play music with. Others could entertain, collaborate, sing or make a few recommendations. This is me listening to Adrian Teacher and his band Apollo Ghosts in my apartment and feeling this way:

Apollo Ghosts - Land of the Morning Calm

Madmen have no ears.

2009-01-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

This post will conclude this holiday/seasonal serial concept. After this, I will resume posts inspired by my intense personal life and occasional amazing live music experience (ALME) or amazing live music experience at the Che Cafe (ALMECC). Consequently, I present the most haunting and beautiful of all melodies. Herein is a tune to slash the collective face of Brian Eno subscribers and 'non-linear' editing purists.

Baden Powell - Manha de Carneval

Results

2008-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the seasonal holiday posting result, #1:

Chris-A-Riffic - Now, Now. There, There

I've been waiting for this recording for many years. This time, I got Chris-ed in his cold shed, surrounded by enthusiasts and lovers. A kiss on the cheek is enough to keep someone going for a few years.

In the meantime, a bizarre possibility: the combination of worlds or "straddling worlds". The above (British Columbia, Canada), the below (San Diego, California) and a little bit of New York City. We risk having a Christmas together.

The Ever Evie D. - Live at the Echo Curio LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA.

Super do I know it's Christmas?

2008-12-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

uptodatecoverageofchristmas2008:

Me listening to "The Sheppard" by Chet and wrapping presents in my childhood room in Victoria, B.C., Canada

Modernistic Christmas

2008-12-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Continuing coverage of seasonal internet posting of songs. This is Christmas in Exile! John L Nichols, the business man, the entrepeneur, record exec, advertiser, producer and calypsonian, exclaims "I would rather be dead! (than miss Christmas in Christianstead)". A shining example of REGIONALISM.

John L - Christmas in St. Croix

John L - Green Christmas

The Gift of Giving and Receiving

2008-12-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

In my best effort to be topical and seasonal, I present the first of many Christmas themed music blog posts that will occur over the next week. In this short and intense introduction, I have planned to make a sincere confession. I love giving and receiving gifts. It is a spiritual and corporal experience that transcends questions of meaning. It allows me to express my unconditional love for friends and family. Relatedly, the music of the music of one of my favourite groups, The Left Banke:

The Left Banke - Coke

The Left Banke - Hertz Rentals Car

The Left Banke - Toni Hair Spray

In other very very sad news, the following was found to be true.

Haunted Houses

2008-12-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

As recommended by Jay upon hearing of my complete immersion in Kath Bloom, more Loren Mazzacane Connors, this time with the focus on Suzanne Langille. It is bleak and beautiful, a rich piece of fabric stripped down to a few woven thread. Misplaced thumbs thump desolate blows and suddenly Loren and Suzanne sing out together. Clearly, I have no idea what I'm doing.

Suzanne Langille and Loren Mazzacane Connors - Horses Blues

Sing the Children Over

2008-12-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

In 2002, I spent the whole year without using an escalator. Anyone who has ever been to the A&B Sound in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada understands how awkward that can be. It has just become cold enough to use two blankets while sleeping. This is the magic of Kath Bloom & Loren (Mazzacane) Connors. A duvet and a thick wool blanket matted together. I first heard Connors while reading a zine about free weird late 60's Quebec ensemble L'infonie. Many years later, a few day after I finally graduated and a few days before I was about to finally leave Montreal, I found a copy of their 2nd LP, Volume 333. Fast forward several years to the near-present, Los Angeles, California. I buy the Chapter Music re-issue the 1982 Sing the Children Over based on strength of character of the salesman. Kath Bloom & Loren Connors sing through my headphones, a steady delicate lead voice and guttural accompaniment.

Kath Bloom & Loren Connors - The Breeze/My Baby Cries