SOUNDESCAPE

2011-08-23T00:41:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone, just to let you know, I'm slowly switching things over to a new url: http://northern-flow.tumblr.com/

Hawaiian Air - Friendly Fires

2011-07-18T22:25:00.005-04:00

Taking a ride to another climb
Knees in my back 'cause we're flying high
Did I give it all?
I guess I gave it all.

I wish I was in Hawaii. But I'm not, so in the mean time I'll just listen Friendly Fires. Pala, the second album from the English band was released in May 2011.

Check out more music and tour dates here: http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/

mp3: Hawaiian Air - Friendly Fires

Change of Seasons - Sweet Thing

2011-06-28T21:10:00.004-04:00

Don't you worry,
Won't you let it go,
Baby don't worry,
Just let it go, let it go.

Here's a cheery track from Toronto band Sweet Thing. Mostly creating infectious pop/rock music, Sweet Thing released their debut self-titled album in 2010. This particular track may sound familiar because it was featured in the film Easy A.

You can find Sweet Thing performing live this summer at Yonge & Dundas Square in Toronto on July 8th and Bluesfest in Ottawa on July 9th.

Visit their MySpace page here: myspace.com/sweetthingmusic

mp3: Change of Seasons - Sweet Thing

Some Boys - Death Cab For Cutie

2011-06-20T21:28:00.007-04:00

But some boys don't listen,
Some boys don't listen at all,
They don't ask for permission,
They lack inhibitions,
No walls, and they get what they want.

Death Cab is back with their seventh studio album, Codes and Keys. I've loved these guys for so long and it's kind of nice my collection always seems to be growing with their new music.

After a few listens, I familiarized with the easy-going sound of Death Cab which seems to be much more prominent in this new album. The slow, emotional and sad undertones of Ben Gibbard's lyrics are for the most part missing on this album. I would even go as far as to say the album is quite cheery.

During recording, Gibbard and Walla both commented on how they were looking for change and decided to move away from a guitar-based album and more towards a technological influence. I chose to post "Some Boys" because I think it shows this musical shift well and gives a good sample of the new album.

Death Cab for Cutie - Some Boys by ATL REC

Listen to more album tracks HERE

The Night Out - Martin Solveig

2011-06-17T00:14:00.009-04:00

How does it sound if we spend the night out?

This is an awesome new track from French electronic music DJ and producer Martin Solveig. It can be found on Smash, his fifth studio album which was released last week. The track features vocals from Thomas Mars, the lead vocalist of the French indie-alternative band, Phoenix.

I also included the album's third single "Ready 2 Go" which features Kele, an artist well known from his work with Bloc Party. The track is also part of Martin Solveig's three part comedic music video series. Check out Episode #3 below.

mp3: The Night Out - Martin Solveig
mp3: Ready 2 Go - Martin Solveig

She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

2011-06-16T23:46:00.004-04:00

The sun’s in the sky,
Its warming up your bare legs,
You can’t deny your looking for the sunset.

I know I'm a little late here with the 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack, but I honestly hadn't listened to it until I eventually ended up watching the movie about a month ago. Anyway, I really liked this track. It's on the soundtrack, which you may already have. But if you don't... here's a cheery new track!

mp3: She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

The Deep End - Hannah Georgas

2011-04-10T14:13:00.006-04:00

No one needs to know.
No one needs to know right now.
Take a deep breath in don't let em break you down.

The wonderful Hannah Georgas performs for Mitch Fillion at Merchants of Green Coffee in Toronto. This song comes off Hannah's debut album, This is Good, which was released last April.

Hannah is currently heading back to BC where she will be playing some shows around her hometown Vancouver.

Hannah Georgas: http://hannahgeorgas.com/
Southern Souls: http://www.southernsouls.ca/
Merchants of Green Coffee: http://www.merchantsofgreencoffee.com/

HANNAH GEORGAS - The Deep End from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

mp3: The Deep End - Hannah Georgas

So I Took You - Oh No Oh My

2011-03-07T18:35:00.009-05:00

So I took you to the house
And sat you down up on the couch
You said "I don't know what to do"
"Darling that's alright; we go to the roof"
So I took you to the stars
Floating up above the yard
You said "I don't know just what to believe"
"Darling that's alright; we go to the sea"

Oh No Oh My hasn't really done too much since their first self-released album back in 2006. Even back in 2006, that album wasn't written to be released as an album. Now I'm happy to say they have a 12 track, full length album named People Problems.

I first got into Oh No Oh My after listening to Between the Devil and the Sea, an EP released in 2005. This EP has 5 tracks of cheerful pop, clocking in at just 15 minutes in length. On the new disc, Oh No Oh My show they've come a long way since 2005. I encourage you to give them a listen and spread the word.

mp3: So I Took You - Oh No Oh My

Don't Stop - The Dodos

2011-03-06T17:44:00.011-05:00

And you long to, keep it off you
Dancing often, and towards you
Till you've gone to, bleeding soften
Ones that got you, and so often
Don't stop.

This song comes off The Dodos new album, No Color. This will be the forth studio release for Meric Long and Logan Kroeber. On this latest album, they were also joined by Neko Case, who's vocals add a nice touch to about half the album. I've always loved these guys for thier distinctive sound. I can throw on one of their albums and enjoy every last minute of it.

On this final track of No Color, the extensive drumming beneath Long's guitar-playing gives the track its multi-textured, energetic sound The Dodos are known for delivering so well. You can stream and download the track below, as well as the rest of the album.

The Dodos - Don't Stop

No Color (Hype Machine Exclusive) by thedodos

Spring Wind - Jack Johnson

2011-03-01T00:38:00.007-05:00

My friends are gettin older, so I guess I must be too.
Without their loving kindness, I don't know what I'd do.
Oh the wine bottle's half empty- the money's all spent.
And we're a cross between our parents,
And hippies in a tent.

Happy March everyone. Spring is just around the corner.
This track can be found on the soundtrack for the film 180 South: Conquerers of the Useless.

Stamp - The Rural Alberta Advantage

2011-02-21T15:16:00.006-05:00

All young lovers,
You'll find another.

The Rural Alberta Advantage has a new album coming out! This song is the new single off Departing, due out March 1st.

Departing will still offer a similar sound to the band's previous release Hometowns, but will be less obviously grounded in the band's Alberta roots. However frontman Nils Edenloff told Exclaim! the references are still there.

"In a way, it's more personal stories about Alberta," he reveals. "Songs like 'The Breakup' -- it's referencing a lot of places in Fort McMurray and a lot of memories I have, and that moment when winter shifts to spring and the ice breaks. And 'Good Night,' every line in that is about Fort McMurray."

Check out the new video and free download below.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Stamp from Saddle Creek on Vimeo.

Ambergris - Snowblink

2011-02-15T21:18:00.005-05:00

Rebecca, they sent us twin red headed boys,
So let’s dress them all their days in turquoise.

I hope you find your ambergris.

Browsing through some new releases today, I came across Long Live, from the Toronto based group Snowblink. The album is a collection of delicate folk pop, distinguished by Daniela Gesundheit's lovely voice. Listen for yourself below.

Get show info and more here: http://snowblink.org/

mp3: Ambergris - Snowblink

Welcome - Hey Rosetta!

2011-02-11T19:45:00.014-05:00

So forget where you've been,
It'll never be that good again,
And we must only look ahead.
Soon you're 33,
And everything you tried to be,
Is pulled apart by fear and greed.

Welcome caught my attention with its soft touch about two minutes in, a clear contrast from its more powerful beginning. The track holds a perfect combination of Tim Baker's gentle voice and a fury of swirling string sounds. The rest of the album follows suit.

Hey Rosetta! is playing two sold out shows in Toronto next week. Hopefully you'll be able to catch a show at some point along the tour. The new album, Seeds, officially hits stores February 15th.

Download 'Welcome' and check out more about the album here: http://www.heyrosetta.com/

Hey Rosetta - Welcome by Sonic Records

Getcha Good - Jenn Grant

2011-02-08T20:14:00.007-05:00

Get your bag and boots on honey,
I've got love, but not much money for you,
If you want me, say you do.

Jenn Grant had just released this awesome pop folk album called Honeymoon Punch. It's fun, high-spirited and also has a few softer ballads.

Jenn Grant is based in Halifax and is currently touring to promote the new album. Catch her at the Horseshoe February 19th.

Honeymoon Punch was also recently the Globe and Mail's Disc of the Week: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/

Great Lakes - Harlan Pepper

2011-01-20T23:09:00.004-05:00

A woman asked if I like cake,
I said no ma'am, just like Great Lakes.

I was surprised to hear that Harlan Pepper is a bunch of kids from Hamilton, Ontario. They have just released a debut album called Young and Old, on which this track can be found. Great Lakes is one of those Canadian folk songs I could play over and over. If you like what you hear, head over to their site and listen to the album.

Preview Young and Old and Download the track free here: http://harlanpepper.bandcamp.com

mp3: Great Lakes - Harlan Pepper

King of Spain - The Tallest Man on Earth

2011-01-19T20:04:00.001-05:00

Why are you stamping my illusion?
Just cause I stole some eagle's wings,
Because you named me as your lover,
Well, I thought I could be anything.

Tallest Man on Earth is folk musician Kristian Matsson of Dalarna, Sweden. He released a lovely album, The Wild Hunt, this past April. About six months later along came Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird. This EP consists of 5 new tracks including "Like a Wheel" which can be heard here.

I like this song because it reminds me of Spain.

mp3: King of Spain - The Tallest Man on Earth

In the Family - The Wilderness of Manitoba

2011-01-16T22:04:00.008-05:00

All the times we laughed,
All the times we cried,
I will remember them,
And always cherish them.

I once saw The Wilderness of Manitoba in a small dark theater venue in Toronto. I had heard some of their music before, but it was nothing compared to how wonderful they were live. Mitch Fillion catches this perfectly in his video filmed in Toronto this past December.

Watch more here: Southern Souls

THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA - In the Family from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Quarry Hymns - Land of Talk

2011-01-11T18:41:00.003-05:00

How deep is this soul I feel I'm in?
Seen a lot of light and done a lot with it
How deep is this hole I feel I'm in?
Seen a lot of light and done a lot with it.

This track comes off Cloak and Cipher, the second full-length album by Canadian indie rock band Land of Talk. The thing I love most about Land of Talk is Elizabeth Powell's mesmerizing vocals. See what she had to say about Quarry Hymns below.

"Everything fell into place quickly and surely on this one. The lyric is one that struck me hard, a quarry of quandry, a distinct loneliness, all set to E-Street band momentum. How things hit us is often incongruous with our surroundings – this song is a sad summer day and the happiest snowfall you’ve ever run through. This is a song for friends and lovers, a call to arms for falling and turning leaves."

Read more: http://arts.nationalpost.com....

Catch them at Canadian Music Fest in Toronto, March 9-13 2011: http://canadianmusicfest.com

mp3: Quarry Hymns - Land of Talk

Changes - Champions

2011-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Only in our dreams we can be who we used to be,
so let them be real.

You could be alright,
We could be alright, tonight.

Germany’s Champions have released a cool track of their self titled album. It sounds a bit like relaxed Phoenix inspired pop. Check out the track below.

I Just Came to Say Hello - Mashup-Germany

2011-01-06T22:12:00.006-05:00

I have this thing for obscure remixes. I found this one today and felt like sharing.
Also, there's more where this came from: Mashup-Germany

mp3: I Just Came to Say Hello - Mashup-Germany

Lions in Cages - Wolf Gang

2011-01-05T21:57:00.000-05:00

In the city,
Where I'm from,
There are lovers to the dawn
And you stayed up to see the sun
I couldn't wait that long.

Out of the UK, Wolf Gang has provided us with an infectious pop single from their soon to be released Suego Faults, an LP that's expected early 2011.

mp3: Lions in Cages - Wolf Gang

Facing the Sun - Fritz Kalkbrenner

2010-12-15T21:46:00.005-05:00

And the faces get void,
And the lights get too thin,
And the roads become uneven,
So we don't know where we've been
And those who doubt us will soon believe,
We are never supposed to win - or even to achieve.

Having just come home from Europe, I have been looking into things people passed along or told me to check out. Which has also lead me to all sorts of crazy and cool things. Today I came across Fritz Kalkbrenner. He's one of the many artists that are part of Berlin's awesome music scene.

This killer track comes off Fritz Kalkbrenner’s new Here Today Gone Tomorrow LP. The video is pretty cool too. Check it out below.

Wasted Hours - Arcade Fire

2010-12-10T16:08:00.004-05:00

Wishing you were anywhere but here
You watched the life you're living disappear,
and now I see, we're still kids in the buses longing to be free.

I realize this album came out a little while ago, so many of you have probably listened to it already. However, if you haven't, I encourage you to give a spin. It's definitely my favourite Arcade Fire album yet, and so I had to share it with you.

I prefer the album as a whole, with its "letter from the suburbs" theme and all, so it was hard to pick out one track. 'Wasted Hours' has just kind of grown on me over the past few months. So give this track a listen and then go type your address in at The Wilderness Downtown and watch some guy run around your neighbourhood to 'We Used to Wait'. It's cool, I promise.

mp3: Wasted Hours - Arcade Fire

Green Eyes - Wavves

2010-12-06T17:01:00.004-05:00

Green eyes, I'd run away with you
Green eyes, 'cause I'm a fool,
I try staying away.

Back in August Wavves released an infectious, energetic album that brings me back to summer. Unfortunately there's snow on the ground now, but King of the Beach is still a fun listen. Expect to see this album on many of the year-end lists.

Listen and download the album's single, Post Acid, here: Wavves - Post Acid

mp3: Green Eyes - Wavves

Decidedly - Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans

2010-11-09T12:28:00.007-05:00

All the coniferous trees, they bend in the wind,
If I could I’d run around and put it all together again.

All the deciduous trees, they’re blowing in the wind,
Why would you ever grow leaves, just to watch them fall off again?

This track comes of a lovely album, The Falcon Lake Incident, put together by Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans. I've been away travelling the past two months and what better way to start things off than with two Canadian indie music icons. This album was released at the end of October and I was excited to hear about the collaboration between these artists. They recorded the album in two cabins during January 2010. The result is a unique collection of songs inspired by the crisp Canadian winter.

Read more about the album here: The National Post

mp3: Decidedly - Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans