Can You Dig It?

Family- Hanni El Khatib

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:32:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The Black Keys, Eagles of Death Metal

The second album from Hanni El Khatib, Head in the Dirt, is a great summer album! Chock full of songs perfect for blasting out of the windows of your car as your roll by the beach. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys (whose influence can be clearly felt in songs like Family), this album is the Pink Berry of summer albums: it's chill, it's fun, and it makes a hot summer day rock just that much more.

Kick off summer with Family by Hanni El Khatib! And purchase Head in the Dirt here!

Get diggin' it!

The One That Got Away- The Civil Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:25:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Allison Krauss and Union Station

The Civil Wars' soon-to-be-released self-titled album follows in the hugely successful footsteps of its predecessor Barton Hollow with this single. Passionate lyrics paired with Joy WIlliams' haunting vocals, as well as beautiful guitar and banjo riffs culminate in a track that's sure to give you the chills. Can't wait to hear the rest of this album when it's released August 6th!

Buy this song or pre-order the album here!

Can you dig it?

The Sasquatch Awards (2013)

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Fri, 31 May 2013 23:36:00 +0000

Okay folks- it's been a week since the festival began, I've slept off my hangover and the events of the weekend are finally starting to come back to me so here is my review of the best, worst, and WTF moments of Sasquatch 2013!

I am no stranger to multi-day music festivals but this one was on another level entirely: 4 consecutive nights of non-stop music on 5 different stages overlooking one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet. I don't think I could accurately describe in words how amazing this festival is. Camping with 30,000 music lovers on top of that and you have something that can only be described as one hell of a long weekend. Coachella may be grander in both the line-up and general magnitude of the event, but Sasquatch successfully balances the epic nature of a music festival of this degree with the typical down-to-earth nature of the Pacific Northwest. How can I make such a bold statement? Let's put this in perspective: at Coachella, one can very comfortably survive the entire day in shorts, a tank top, and sandals. In fact, there is a plethora of pool parties which one can attend prior to heading to the festival grounds (if you even decide to leave the party at all...). There is no sense of "roughing it" in the warm California sun. Sasquatch attendees, on a daily basis, deal with boiling hot sun, pouring rain (did I see hail at one point?), gusting winds, and freezing cold nights. So stake down your tent as hard as you can, slather on the sunscreen, and pack your bag for every kind of weather you can think of before heading to the festival grounds. But, being the hardy Northwest folks we are, preparedness is never an issue and it is a widespread opinion that a concert is just as good (and sometimes better) in the rain as it is the sun.

Enough of my recapping- if you are reading this, chances are you were there and are looking to either (a) see how I ranked the music, or (b) use this post to help you remember all the shows you forgot you watched. Well here you go: The Sasquatch Awards! Created and awarded by yours truly.

Best Stage Presence:
Macklemore!

What a front man! There were costume changes (overheard in the crowd: "He looks like a wizard!"), props, a pedestal that came up from the stage and more! It was exciting to watch to say the least.

Worst Dancing:
Father John Misty

You, sir, are an awkward dancer. Or maybe it was just that your music doesn't particularly lend itself too well to dancing. Either way, cease and desist. For your own sake.

Best Rock Act:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!

Were there any other true rock acts....?

Greatest Crowd Increase:
Bloc Party!

When Bloc Party started, the crowd on the ground was relatively small and everyone on the hill was sitting down. By the end, the crowd had at least doubled and there was some pretty significant dance parties happening on the hill. So congrats to Bloc Party! I bet you made some new fans that day!

Greatest Crowd Decrease:
Sigur Rós

It pains me to write this as I am a huge Sigur Rós fan but I couldn't help but notice how many people left during this set. In their defence, it was absolutely FREEZING on that hill during their performance. Not to mention that the Tame Impala set was bumped to the Yeti stage during this show so many people probably abandoned the unprotected, wind-swept hill for the warmth of the crowd over there. C'est la vie.

Biggest Mosh Pit:

The Dropkick Murphys!

The 90's are back! This was possibly one of the most fun acts to be a part of the crowd on the ground. I haven't seen a good mosh pit since I used to go to Battle of the Bands when I was 14. Ah memories. Thanks Dropkick Murphys- good times were had by all.

Biggest Crowd for a Non-Headliner:

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros!

Ground was packed, hill was packed, everyone was dancing and singing. Two thumbs up.

Best Crowd in General:

Mumford & Sons!

I wanted to call this category "Best Crowd I've Ever Been In, Ever." Listen. I am from Canada- country of ridiculously ludicrous politeness. I ride a full bus to work every morning and when a seat is vacated, no one will take it because they don't want to be "the jerk that took the seat." No one eats the last chip in the bowl and "sorry" is as common and mindless as breathing. But I was absolutely blown away by the crowd etiquette for Mumford. We've all struggled through concerts where we are pushed, shoved, stepped on, and squished to the point of choking and it is not pleasant. On the ground for Mumford & Sons, relatively near the front, this is exactly what I thought I was getting into. To my absolute surprise, no one was pushing, no one was forcing their way to the front, my friends and I had room to dance, and everyone in crowd seemed to be having and equally awesome time despite the thousands of people who were standing there watching too. I will remember that show for the rest of my life and henceforth, every crowd I am in will seem just a little bit worse.

Best Electronic Set:

The Presets!

As voted by my friends in attendance as I sadly missed out.

Biggest "What?!?!" Moment of the Festival:

Empire of the Sun!

No seriously- WHAT?! Did you know they look like that? Because I sure didn't. It was like a Daft Punk music video crossed with someone's LSD nightmare. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, just... strange.

Best Set Design:
The Lumineers!

I liked your chandeliers and the general folk-y look of your set. While we're on the subject of The Lumineers, I'd like to say that, as a fan, I really enjoyed the show. In a smaller venue though, going out into the crowd would probably work better. As it was, people were starting to lose interest during the time it took you to get out into the crowd and back. Everyone who wasn't in your immediate vicinity also had a hard time seeing and hearing you. Other than that, très bon.

Best Guitar Playing:
It's a toss up between Elvis Costello and The Tallest Man on Earth

Two very different styles, two very different genres. I'll give it to Elvis Costello because he is a music veteran that did not by any means generate the crowd that he deserved.

Biggest Let-Down:
Azaelia Banks

No show, no love.

Honourable Mentions:
Andrew Bird, Divine Fits, Arctic Monkeys, Rusko, The Postal Service, Radical Face

My biggest regrets of the weekend:
Missing Alt-J, The Presets, Horse Feathers, Elliott BROOD, The Barr Brothers, Tame Impala, Reignwolf

Were you out there digging Sasquatch Music festival? Leave your thoughts/memories/responses/ awards of your own in the comments!

Until next year, Sasquatch!

Lightning Bolt- Jake Bugg

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Oasis (solely based on his voice)

I hate to admit this, but this kid is 19. Yeah. Is that making you reflect on your life and the lack of things that you've accomplished? Me too. In fact, it almost makes me feel worse than when I think about the fact that, by my age, Sidney Crosby had a Stanley Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. (ugh. pass the wine...)

It drives me crazy that Justin Bieber is more famous than this guy. Here are the reasons why I think Jake Bugg is infinitely better than Justin Bieber:

He is musical. Don't tell me that Bieber plays drums- so what? Is he famous for his drumming? I think not.
He writes his own music.
He has phenomenal taste in music. Who are his influences? The Beatles, Layne Staley, Johnny Cash, Donovan, The Everly Brothers and Jimi Hendrix. Bieber's influences? MJ, Usher, JT, ect. Not bad, but not great.
He doesn't sing over-produced, under-whelming, sickeningly catchy pop music.
He doesn't have an army of "Beliebers." WHAT ARE YOU BELIEBING IN? HE'S ALREADY FAMOUS.
If he ever developed a fan base similar to Bieber's, they could be called "Buggers." Hilarious on so many levels.

vs.

passion #selfie

Support Jake Bugg over Justin Bieber and purchase some of this kid's music here.

Can you dig it?

The Hunter- On An On

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:38:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Grungy, electro, dream pop (apparently this is a theme of mine lately)

I haven't been able to find out much about this band. They seem to be a product of the mid-west and are now apparently stationed in Austin. Their newest CD Give In is chock-full of hauntingly beautiful songs with just the right amount of grunge. Although fairly new (from what I can tell), they are currently touring internationally and have earned a spot in this year's Iceland Airwaves festival- a festival which rivals SXSW for introducing new artists.

If you enjoy this song, check out Give In. Purchase here!

Can you dig it?

Stoned and Starving- Parquet Courts

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Pavement, Kings of Leon (old stuff), Pixies

Today's video was suggested by my boss, Kory! Parquet Courts weave together the best of 90's underground rock, punk, and alternative in their latest album Light Up Gold. What else is there to say about these guys except that they rock in the oldest and truest sense of the word. If you've got 30 minutes to kill, I recommend checking out their live set at the KEXP studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rEwOhbSbeI

Can you dig it?

Swim- Sunglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:13:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Grungy, electro, dream pop.

Sunglasses are a duo from Savannah, GA who are making a name for themselves in Brooklyn right now. Their sound is pretty unique as far as I am aware. I can liken them to a whole bunch of bands but, over all, their sound is very much their own. You can tell these guys have a background in sound mixing by the amazing orchestra of sounds that accompany their dreamy/grungy vocals. If you're looking for a new sound, these guys have something pretty different to offer.

If you dig this song, check out their new full-length album Wildlife. Purchase here!

No Destruction- Foxygen

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:39:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger

I friggin' love this band right now! You may be saying, "Yeah right- who sounds like Lou Reed, Bob Dylan AND Mick Jagger??" I kid you not, these guys do. This song, No Destruction, could easily be a Velvet Underground song circa 1967 except at about 2:58 in the song when the lead singer suddenly turns into Bob Dylan. (See the title track for the Mick Jagger sound/ another great song). Their second studio album We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic is an accurate title in my opinion. With their throwback psyche-rock sound, they are bringing the peaceful/magical attitude of the 1960's music scene to the 21st century. I cannot get enough of this album. These guys are currently on tour opening for Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Despite both bands being relatively unknown, they sold out the Media Club in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago (unfortunately for me...). I'd say it's about time to step it up to bigger venues, boys!

Can you dig it?

Purchase this bitchin' album right here!

Time to Run- Lord Huron

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:37:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Rogue Wave, Fleet Foxes
Where to Listen: Road trips on the West Coast

I have had Lord Huron's new album Lonesome Dreams on repeat for the past few weeks. From start to finish this album is fantastic. I was lucky enough to catch these guys at their sold-out show at Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver last week and all I can say is that these guys are the real deal. No auto-tuning or 20+ takes in the studio for them! Performing live, they sound almost identical to the album which is always nice (I hate a disappointing live performance...). Although they are from Michigan originally, this album could easily be dubbed 'the soundtrack to the Pacific Northwest.'

If you like Time to Run, check out my other favourites: Ends of the Earth, She Lit A Fire and Ghost on the Shore.

Or purchase this phenomenal album here!

Can you dig it?

Storms- Fleetwood Mac

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:38:00 +0000

This song on repeat today. Stevie Nicks' voice and the lyrics are perfection.

Old Love (Unplugged)- Eric Clapton

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:45:00 +0000

From my favourite unplugged album of all time, here's Old Love by Eric Clapton. This song is the perfect combination of sad and angry that strikes a chord (pun intended) with everyone whose ever struggled with getting over someone. It also features one of the most beautiful acoustic solos of all time (besides Classical Gas). So next time you have an ex on your mind and feel like screaming, "get out of my head," keep calm, put on this song and let Eric do it for you.

Can you dig it?

The Bewlay Brothers- David Bowie

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:41:00 +0000

I have so much love and respect for David Bowie as a musician, performer and artist. The man is a genuine visionary and his discography is outstanding. I love just throwing it on random and seeing what I can discover- a song that I haven't heard or a new, profound lyric. Today I discovered The Bewlay Brothers. Don't get me wrong- Hunky Dory is my favourite Bowie album and I've listened to The Bewlay Brothers countless times but today something about this song just caught my attention and rocketed this song to a new position amongst my favourite Bowie songs of all time (led forever by Queen Bitch if you were wondering). Here's a few more of my favourite Bowie songs, both obscure and popular.

Modern Love
Queen Bitch
Cat People (Putting Out Fire)
Life On Mars
Golden Years
Within You
Andy Warhol
Waiting for the Man
Ashes to Ashes

I will forever regret not being able to see Bowie in concert. Unless, if by some miracle, he decides to tour again.

What are your favourite Bowie songs?

Copperhead Road- Steve Earle

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 23:08:00 +0000

Every so often I have to admit to my mistakes and eat my own words. I've mentioned a few times that country music isn't my thing, but Steve Earle has forced me to make an exception. This song is pretty badass as far as country music goes and that kind of thing just can't be ignored. I love the drums at 2:31 too. Reminiscent of the moment in In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins that we all love. If you can think of any more country songs like this, please email them to me via the link of the left. I truly dig this song (despite it being country.)

Can you dig it?

Baby Just Break- King Tuff

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Best Coast, ~~Oregon Bike Trails~~ Cayucas, The Fresh & Only's

The perfect album for a Friday afternoon. Thanks to my coworker Brett for introducing me to this guy. Just a really great garage pop song to get you ready for the weekend. The whole album is wicked and, from my limited experience with this fellow, it seems he got away from the psychedelic sounds of his previous album. I picked this song in particular with the Russian band Pussy Riot in mind. Apparently this band has just been sentenced to two years in prison for their part in an anti-Putin protest concert. I love the 1960's throwback- breaking the rules with music. Long live free speech, girls!

Break some rules this weekend in their honour.

Can you dig it?

Heartbreak Hotel (live)- Elvis

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash

It's the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death today. Here's Heartbreak Hotel performed live by The King in 1968, at the height of his talent in my opinion. Enjoy.

Suspect Device- Stiff Little Fingers

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The Clash, Drop-Kick Murphys

Sometimes I'm in the mood for something completely different. Today it's classic 70's British punk. Technically these guys are Irish, but as far as genres go, I don't feel the need to distinguish. It's loud, distorted, angry and makes me wants to run through the streets re-enacting scenes from Trainspotting and Green Street Hooligans.

Dig it.

Smokestack Lightning- The Yardbirds

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The Who, The Kinks, Led Zeppelin

Time for a little musical education:
The Yardbirds are a 60's British rock group that is responsible for starting the careers of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and more. They recorded a few notable singles that you may have heard such as Over, Under, Sideways, Down and For Your Love, but are more well-known for their numerous covers of blues songs. This song in particular was originally performed by Chess Records' signee, Howlin' Wolf. This song probably deserves the title of "Most Covered Song in Music History" having been covered by various artists since it's release in 1956 including The Who, The Animals, The Wailers, John Lee Hooker and Aerosmith (just to name a few). The Yardbirds version is a particular favourite of mine. Like I''ve said before, "Who doesn't love a supergroup?!"

Can you dig it?

Come Out Of Her- Fraction

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The Doors, Cream

It appears Jim Morrison returned from the grave to record an album under a new name, with a new band. Not really. I bet if you played this song for any average Doors fan though, they'd ask you which album this was on. Jim Beach's voice is a dead ringer for Morrison's from the way he growls his sultry and poetic lyrics to the way he screams the chorus. It does seem suspicious that this album was released the same year that Morrison passed away. I wouldn't put it past Morrison to have faked his own death to escape the madness of fame...

Regardless, throw an organ in this song and you've got The Doors. And I for one don't think that's a bad thing.

Can you dig it?

Jah Atmosphere- SOJA

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:15:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Rebelution, IllScarlett

Someone once said to me that Bob Marley is the only reggae you need. While I agree the Bob Marley is the best of the best when it comes to reggae, I disagree that his music is all there is to the genre. SOJA are a great modern reggae group from Virginia (shockingly...). The reggae genre is too new to make it mutually exclusive to only one artist's sound. Bob Marley was a pioneer in the early stages when reggae was transitioning from ska to what it is today and it responsible for making it a worldwide phenomenon, but I like where reggae is going now with modern groups like this one. SOJA stay close to the roots and teachings of rasta in their music unlike modern groups that just mimic the sound and sing about whatever- and for a few guys from Virginia, USA, that is pretty commendable.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dogg) to the world of reggae. Obviously he did some serious soul-searching in Jamaica and was inspired by rasta, so good for him. Let's all just be thankful for the time we had with him as Snoop Dogg and see how this reggae thing goes for him.

I dig it. Do you?

Coming Up Easy- Paolo Nutini

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:15:00 +0000

Sounds Like: James Morrison, Ben Howard, Otis Redding. This song also has a kind of old school, soul thing going on.
When to Listen: Afternoon listening.

Thanks to my friend Hunter for introducing me to this guy's music. This is my favourite track from Nutini's second studio album, Sunny Side Up. I love the Otis Redding-esque vibe of this track. I should point out that the rest of the album has a very different sound from this song but is good nonetheless. Does it ever surprise you how accents seem to disappear with singing? For instance, it might shock you to learn that Nutini is actually Scottish. It shocked me, anyway...
This is just an all-around fun track that's sure to get you dancing. "It was in love I was created and in love is how I hope I die." Ditto, Paolo.

Can you dig it?

Flowers In Your Hair- The Lumineers

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Mumford & Sons, ect.

The only thing wrong with this song is that it's too short.

Don't Forget Me- Red Hot Chili Peppers

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Sometimes you get so lost in finding new music that you forget about your favourites. Whenever I stop and take a minute to listen to my favourite bands, it feels like coming home. I remember why I loved them so much in the first place. I appreciate that they lead me to pursue finding new music. They trigger memories of when your whole world revolved around them and of when every song seemed to relate to something in your life. Here's to those bands and to taking the time to remember why they earned a permanent spot on your ipod.

Today, I'm in a Chilis mood. So here's my favourite song by RHCP, Don't Forget Me. Everything about this song is perfect in my opinion. Enjoy (and spare some time for your favourite bands today).

Can you dig it?

Blood- The Middle East

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Sounds Like: Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, The Lumineers

This song is super comparable to Bon Iver's Holocene, Sujan Stevens' Chicago and The Lumineers Hey Ho so if you dig this one, head to those next. Or if you dig those, logic requires that you like this song. It's a pretty one. I like it when songs build but not in an over-the-top, Coldplay-esque way. Whistling is always a nice addition to a song- it gives it an air of relaxation and happiness and also presents a new challenge if you're a fervent whistler like myself.

I dig you, Middle East. Keep up the good work.

Laid Fucking Back- Lilacs & Champagne

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The soundtrack to a 1970's cult film.

When to Listen: At the beach; on a patio on a very hot day.

I don't know about the rest of the world, but summer in Vancouver this year is a total failure. It rained for almost all of June, it teased us with two weeks of sun in July, then started raining again. Now it's the end of July, the weather is back to being nice but it feels like summer has blow by faster than you can say "tan lines." And I for one am not okay with it. Summer, you need to straight-up slow down. Lilacs & Champagne is the perfect soundtrack for a hot summer day. I picture sitting on the beach on a day so hot that everything you look at has that blurry effect when I listen to this album. I don't even know what to term this genre. It's some kind of hybrid of 1970's psych and avant-techno. Either way, I feel like Jim Morrison would dig it. There is no denying that Laid Fucking Back seems slow down everything around you. I dare you not to get dreary eyed while listening to this song. So head to the beach, throw on this song and make summer last a little bit longer.

Can you dig it?

Southern Dreaming- The Sheepdogs

noreply@blogger.com (Britt Precious) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:07:00 +0000

Sounds Like: The Allman Brothers Band, The Band, The Doobie Brothers
When to Listen: Chill summer afternoon; road trip; by a lake in cut-offs while holding a beer.

~~Here's another great song from the 1970's by The Allman Brothers Band!~~ Believe it or not, this is a new band. They gained a lot of attention by becoming the first unsigned band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone after winning some kind of contest. Since then they've been touring the world and selling tons of albums with their sweet, throwback, rock and roll sound. This track is from their third studio album Learn & Burn and features some seriously Allman Brothers-like guitar harmonies within the first 10 seconds of the song. I seriously dig their sound- it's such a pleasant homage to the great rock and roll bands from the past. You hear a lot about how bands like The Band and The Doobie Brothers inspire all sorts of musicians today, but rarely do these musicians honour their predecessors by carrying their sound into the modern era and inspiring younger generations to get into it. I also really dig their look- they look a little like sheepdogs with that long hair...

I'm hoping that this song, with it's sweet, summery sound, will inspire the sun to appear in Vancouver today.

Can you dig it?