Stranger Than Paradise

My Top 40 of 2005



Physical State:insomniac
Mental State: awake
Music: Eluvium - Talk Amongst The Trees
Fashion sense: grey t-shirt, pajama bottoms

Word of the day

insomnia

n : an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness [ant: hypersomnia]

***

Ok it's 4am and I am fighting off both insomnia after many days of sleeping eratically and a slight heartburn from the mixed vegetable indian roti I had last night. I'm also doing my annual catchup with tv series I have missed over the year including the stellar 4th season of Six Feet Under (especially the David abduction episode) and the repetitive and frankly boring Little Britain. Everyone's doing their year end lists so I have decided to post mine. For you dear reader(s) I wanted to share my thoughts for this year's exceptional releases in my mind. No doubt this post will be followed up by the customary "Oh did I forget that this year too?" post. It's already happening with Eluvium's Talk Amongst The Trees which I've just heard and liked but didn't hear until it was too late. Sorry Matthew Cooper. Graceful loops of chilly ambience and a position as indie rock's Brian Eno. It reminds me of the view of windy Lake Ontario from Sunnyside Beach in the dead of winter. There's some circular logic to a lot of the songs so if repetition in music bores you then this might not be your bag. Good for meditation this Eluvium I would imagine though. He might even help me out of my insomnia now. If Fennesz is the sound of summer than Eluvium is the sound of winter. So here we go in no particular order. Comments appreciated and your lists always welcome. The tops spot hands down goes to Sufjan Stevens this year.


1. Low - The Great Destroyer
Duluth, Minnesota’s godfathers of zen and art of indie rock branched out this year with a heavier amped-up sound. Featuring the production talents of the inimitable Dave Fridmann, The Great Destroyer was this year’s document of Low growing exponentially.

2. Immaculate Machine - Ones and Zeroes
Like fellow Victoria, BC’ers The Organ, this young trio displays a distinct Blondie meets Smiths influence. The shining star here for me is the amazing and powerful voice of Kathryn Calder who may just turn out to be the next Neko Case (no surprise then that she toured as Neko’s replacement on the New Pornographers’ European tour). One of the best new bands I saw live this year (in London of all places).

3. The Guest Bedroom - We Like Accidents
This little known Toronto band debuted with this extremely strong ep that I couldn’t get enough of, especially the title track. Their Constantines vibe mixed with the Kathleen Hanna-like yelp of Sandi Falconer made these guys a talent to watch this year.

4. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
Glasgow, Scotland’s indie-disco dance party showed that you can manage to make another album while still avoiding the sophomore slump. Outsiders was for me the best track of the album that tops even Blur’s Girls and Boys from many years ago. This album might even be better than their debut. Aye laddie.

5. Sons & Daughters - The Repulsion Box
Speaking of Glasgow here comes yet another wicked young talent from the centre of the universe for great pop music. After their strong debut ep Love The Cup, Sons and Daughters unleashed this masterpiece that mixes everything from Johnny Cash to The Smiths to The Clash. Adele Bethel seems like the kind of Scottish lass that you’d want on your side in a bar fight which is what this album sounds a lot like the soundtrack to.

6. Bearsuit - Team Ping Pong
Cuddly and chaotic was a term I once reserved for Deerhoof but these young kids from Norwich, England are also in that category. Not afraid to hide their accents nor their passion these guys were one of the nicest bands I ever had the pleasure of meeting when I dj-ed for their show in Lancaster, Lancashire this fall.

7. Mommy and Daddy - Duel at Dawn
The East Village’s ultimate power couple were also some of the nicest people I met this year. The Sonny and Cher of indie rock gave us more of their dirty overdriven bass and frenetic Roland 808 drum machine beats. Edmond performs like an electrocuted cat while Vivian holds court with the best rock poses. Man these guys are awesome. Sexy crazy cool.

8. The Fiery Furnaces - EP
Out of obligation to Rough Trade, or as an answer to their more arty rock opera The Blueberry Boat just months before, Brooklyn’s brother and sister team released this compilation that lives more in the world of their debut Gallowsbird’s Bark. The singles all overlap into one another with the FFs wanting you to deal with them on “whole album at one sitting” terms it seems.

9. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
This album could have just as easily be called Gimme Shelter. Is it just me or does Spoon hold the prime position as indie rock’s Rolling Stones? I love the swagger and sweat that these guys lay down here.

10. Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary
Montreal you just keep on continuing to kick asses and take names. The new wave brilliance of Wolf Parade may make them this year’s Modest Mouse (no surprise then that MM main man Issac Brock produced this album). A shambolic, quirky and amazing debut from these guys with more interesting things ahead.

11. Orange Juice - The Glasgow School
Sure we all liked “Rip It Up and Start Again” back in the day but did you know that Edwyn Collins and his crew were a very tight indie pop band with a handful of excellent singles rarely heard outside of the UK? The Glasgow School is an appropriate title for this compilation. There have been many students of OJ’s musical blueprint, they go by names such as Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand. The Domino records guy who is re-releasing these lost Scottish gems, with Josef K up next, deserves a great pat on the back.

12. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - s/t
These Brooklynites are proof positive of the power of the self-promoter and the possibilities of true “indie” in indie rock. With no record label to release their debut, they did it themselves. The rest, as they say, is history as they managed to not only sell a lot (and I mean A LOT) but also managed to end up on many critics top ten lists all without the aid of the monied marketing machine.

13. Maxïmo Park - A Certain Trigger
“I ehm yoouhng and I ehm lohst” (from Coast Is Always Changing)...ah you have to love those Northerners in England. These dudes from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne channeled the raw pop beauty of early XTC and The Jam. Take that Bloc Party, this is the sound of England that I want to hear more of. Curiously these guys were released on electronic stalwart Warp. Who cares, it’s damn goohd stoof, soohn.

14. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
This Vancouver mega-band made an indelible mark internationally this year with this varied third release. The talents of Carl Newman matched with the sweet voice of Neko Case make this one of the best releases.

15. The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
John Darnielle is one of the most interesting songwriters out there today and his Mountain Goats have become one of my favourite bands over many years gaining my respect with each release. Taking a position in my mind as the Raymond Carver of indie rock, Darnielle’s great stories just a keep on comin’.

16. The Decemberists - Picaresque
What can be better than more Dickensian folk-pop tunes from the creative mind of Colin Maloy. These guys just consistently keep on putting out interesting stuff.

17. Black Mountain - s/t
These Victoria, BC shaggy-haired rock allstars managed to find a place where Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer and The Velvet Underground could all co-exist on album and sound incredible. Remember learning recorder in grade school? You too can be a rock star.

18. Elliott Brood - Ambassador
Sounding like an album ripped straight out of the pages of a Flannery O’Connor novel, Windsor ON’s Elliott Brood (not a guy but a band) managed to maintain the tradition of fire ‘n’ brimstone country punk à la 16 Horsepower. Live these guys must be one great party to behold, like a Southern revival or something. Salvation for your wicked soul.

19. Iron and Wine & Calexico - In the Reins
It was inevitable that these two great factions of alt-country would meet up one day. More mariachi and Morricone magnificence from Calexico matched up with the sad cowboy croon of Iron and Wine’s Sam Beam.

20. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Hands down the best release of the year (and I see that many others agree looking at critic’s lists this year). In the ongoing 50 U.S. states project, Sufjan emerges with a true gem in tribute to Illinois this time round. I’m convinced this guy could make the hydro bill sound sad and beautiful. A repeat offender for my best ofs.

21. Pernice Brothers - Discover a Lovelier You
Now a Toronto citizen, Bostonian Joe Pernice has brought out another velvet-voiced pop masterpiece to my ears this year. A charming release end to end and a sweet addition to their pop canon. The Pernice Brothers manage to isolate the beauty of ELO’s Jeff Lynne and feel-good pop everywhere.

22. Teenage Fanclub - Man-Made
Glasgow does it again. This might be the best album since Bandwagonesque that these Scots have released. This release showcases a reunion of all the original Teenage Fanclub members. Their smooth delivery and Big Star power pop is as comfortable as that pair of well-worn jeans. This album tends to be one speed and that’s alright with me.

23. Picastro - Metal Cares
After many years on the Toronto indie scene, Picastro’s finally being recognized for their poignant sad songs by a larger market. At the centre of this sadcore collection is the sleepy voice of Liz Hysen who consistently manages to expose us to her naked and raw emotions with a cathartic edge not unlike The Swans’ Michael Gira. This album also includes incredible string arrangements from “do no wrong” Toronto indie star Owen Pallett of Final Fantasy.

24. Great Lake Swimmers - Bodies and Minds
2005 was the year that the world started to take notice of quiet and reflective Toronto singer/songwriter Tony Dekker. With his grain-silo recorded debut being re-released internationally this was also accompanied by this sophomore release recorded in a rural church in London, Ontario with a full band and even a choir. Channeling that other great Canadian, Neil Young, Dekker manages to make one sweet country-pop album here.

25. The Clientele - Strange Geometry
Alisdair MacLean leads this trio of 60s influenced popsters who seem to belong in an English garden after the haze of morning has lifted. Exquisite is a word that I think best befits The Clientele who consistently put out great autumnal pop music. Look out your window, it’s a lovely day.

26. Scout Niblett - Kidnapped By Neptune
Note to future me, you’re probably rockin’ more than ever. Nottingham, UK native now living in Oregon, Emma Louise “Scout” Niblett has finally shrugged off the Cat Power comparisons and come into her own as an artist of contrasts, the soft and the hard. With production from “The Steve” (Albini), Scout rocks harder and more varied than ever before. Also the best live show I saw all year with Shellac’s Todd Trainer backing her up on drums. Simultaneously kooky and cool.

27. Alina Simone - Prettier In The Dark
Ex-pat Siberian now living in Chapel Hill, NC. Alina finally saw a full release for this exceptional debut ep on NC indie Fractured Discs. Rockin’ in a world where Sinead O’Connor meets PJ Harvey, Alina is a talent to watch and a super nice person. Production touches here from Steve Revitte (Liars, JSBX). Glad to call you a friend there, Alina.

28. Smog - A River Ain’t Too Much To Love
I probably have more Bill Callahan (Smog) albums than any other artist and I never tire of his slow-moving sad songs. After many years of great releases Bill returns with an album that seems to be inspired by his recent move to Austin, TX. There’s a more rural vibe that reminds me of a David Gordon Green film on this album and especially on his interpretation of the American folk classic, In The Pines.

29. Françoiz Breut - Une Saison Volée
Cherbourg, France native Françoiz Breut returns once again with a beautiful collection of her smokey gypsy-indie rock with a distinct Gallic flair. This album featuring some assistance from Herman Dune and the great Joey Burns of Calexico. Formidable. One wish...the Yann Tiersen/Françoiz Breut/Tindersticks album to surface in 2006, s’il vous plait!

30. LCD Soundsystem - s/t
After many years of acting behind the scenes as one half of the DFA record label backing artists like The Rapture, James Murphy emerged with this disco-punk party that is equal parts Arthur Baker, PIL and The Fall (with a little Talking Heads thrown in for good measure). Probably heard on more style tv shows this year than any band. Dancing is mandatory when listening to this. More cowbell, kid!

31. Out Hud - Let Us Never Speak of This Again
Both with this project and with shared members in !!!, Out Hud have managed to teach the indie kids to dance again. This smart mix of rubbery bass-heavy riffs, New Order synths and New York street funk have made Out Hud a much sought after prospect for music festivals and cool dance clubs worldwide.

32. Annie - Anniemal
Specfically "Heartbeat". Remember how you heard that Kylie Minogue song and felt guilty and not “indie” enough for liking it? Well not to fear your saviour has arrived in the form of Norwegian artist Anne Berge-Strand with the catchiest single of the year that you could listen to 10 times a day. The combo of Air-quality grooves and Annie’s sweet voice make this a no-brainer. She’ll probably become damn famous. A guilty pleasure without the hangups.

33. Broadcast - Tender Buttons
Birmingham, England retro-popsters Broadcast are now down to two original members and a more folky sound that’s less Raymond Scott and more Free Design.America's Boy a standout track that is a questioning of what it means to be a soldier in the Bush army. Still one of my favourite bands, hands down.

34. The Books - Lost and Safe
The New york duo of Nick Zamuto and Paul De Jong have created another collection of sound collages and pastiche of samples from lectures, news items and instruction records. This time we see the emergence of Zamuto with a more active vocal responsibility that turns the role of song lyric on it’s head. Reminiscent at times of what a lunch between Laurie Anderson and Hood might sound like, this is truly unique music that sounds unlike anything else.

35. Caribou - The Milk of Human Kindness
Dundas, ON native Dan Snaith now living in London has turned in another great release in the form of this kaleidoscopic scrapbook of beats and sounds. Seems that the change from being Manitoba to Caribou has not changed the spirit of creativity or inventiveness that Snaith continues to amaze us with. He hasn’t even hit his stride yet it seems. A strange and wonderful pop.

36. Ladytron - Witching Hour
Three albums in, Liverpudlians Ladytron show no signs of slowing down. In fact they seem to be gaining steam here on this release with a new sound that is broad, edgier and less reliant on the electroclashy plinkyness of their earlier work. There seems to be a new found exploration of different textures, Numanesque keyboards and even of things like guitars. Are friends electric?

37. The Bell Orchestre - Recording a Tape The Colour of Light
This Montreal band made up of some members of The Arcade Fire have turned the instrumental art-rock sound of Montreal on it’s ear this year. With the skillful string arrangements of Sara Neufeld and musical direction by Richard Parry, Bell Orchestre have created an incredible jazz-rock-classical hybrid that is as much Arvo Part as it is Penguin Cafe Orchestra. I can’t get enough of this album. Rock the french horn, dudes.

38. Clickits - Express Gifts
The name reads like the band sounds (especially if you’re addicted to the Macintosh alert sounds). This Lancashire duo creates beautiful collages of found sounds such as cardboard boxes, tools, chains framed by lovely melancholy keyboards. I haven’t heard sweet sad glitch sound this good since Aphex Twin, Isan or Kim Hiorthoy. They also remind me of times of my all time favourite collage duo...(see below)

39. Boards of Canada - The Campfire Headphase
Thankfully there was yet another return journey to planet Boards of Canada this year in the form of The Campfire Headphase. I think that it goes without saying that I could listen to these guys endlessly on repeat for a week (and have at times it seems). The mix of peaceful ambience and catchy beats is this brother team’s classic trademark. Their dreamy selections of pastoral folktronic music is as much at home as you drift off to sleep as it is on an airplane flight (which I found works better than drinking). Sedated and superb.

40. Ulrich Schnauss - Far Away Trains Passing By
A bit of a cheat. Technically a 2001 release on Germany’s City Centre Offices, this master work was re-released by the brilliant minds at Domino Records with an additional cd that is like getting two great albums in one. It goes without saying that I am a huge fan of Schnauss who I picked last year as my favourite artist of the year. It seems appropriate to end this compilation on even more of his dream-poptronica that is equal parts Gary Numan, Slowdive’s Pygmalion and My Bloody Valentine. This guy should be an international star for his ability to de-stress. Yoga or Ulrich Schnauss, the choice is yours.


Now go out and buy some of these and check them out for yourselves. Also let me know some of yours.

Only Little Boys Wear Bowties

(F)(T)ucker Carlson vs Canada



Physical State: creaky
Mental State: fired
Music: Bell Orchestre - Recording a Tape The Colour of Light
Fashion sense: green t-shirt, jeans

Word of the day

ignoramus

n : an ignorant person [syn: know nothing, uneducated person]

***
Words of Wisdumb from south of the border:

"Anybody with any ambition at all, or intelligence, has left Canada and is living in New York. Canada is a sweet country. It is like your retarded cousin you see at Thanksgiving and sort of pat him on the head. You know, he’s nice but you don’t take him seriously. That’s Canada. Canada is essentially a stalker, stalking the United States, right? Canada has little pictures of us in its bedroom, right? It’s unrequited love between Canada and the United States. We, meanwhile, don’t even know Canada’s name. We pay no attention at all."

Well United States you act like a wifebeater and use guilt trips to get your way, we're tired of being your co-dependent. Do you have any friends left USA? You're like the boorish drunken lout who crashes the party and says we're all lame if we don't agree with their idea of fun. Sorry there are 50% Americans I like, for you people I feel sorry for this ape sharing your citizenship. Wipe that smug smile off your face momma's boy. MSNBC owes Canada his firing (come on CNN did it so why not follow suit?). Jon Stewart should be interesting tonight. Don't forget Tucker, Santa Claus is a Canadian (he lives at the North Pole). Here's some coal for ya...but no softwood lumber should be used to knock you out.

Best of Britcoms (the ongoing search)

Why I Loved "Spaced".



Physical State: achey
Mental State: lumpy
Music: Last.fm (need to know what unknown bands you'd like? Here's the place for recommendations)
Fashion sense: blue t-shirt, grey sweats

Word of the day

prescient

adj : perceiving the significance of events before they occur; "extroardinarily prescient memoranda on the probable course of postwar relations"-R.H.Rovere

***

In my ongoing search for great Britcoms since coming back from England I have stumbled across the excellent First and Second Series of Spaced. Produced by Edgar Wright of Shaun of the Dead fame and written by main stars Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, this show is unlike a lot of britcoms I have seen. Its like a slacker film mixed with the X-Files and Trainspotting. The culturally-educated will delight in all the pop references throughout. Its also a joyride in terms of its twisted and bizarre writing. It was after seeing this that I have to give Shaun of The Dead a second look. Basically the show follows the lives of a supposed couple Daisy and Tim who have had to lie about being a real couple in order to get a flat rental which is deemed for "couples only". As they move in we are introduced to Brian the tortured painter who is borderline insane, Daisy's fashion-obsessed girlfriend Twist (who secretly works in a dry cleaning store), Mike, Tim's military-obsessed best friend, bizarre chain-smoking and wine drinking landlady Marsha Klein and also a host of other guests characters who are hilarious like the Irish bike courier Tyres who turns instant raver at any sound that has a rhythm. This show stays with you after because these characters are so believable that you could turn to any of your friends and name one who is the same as one of this ensemble. A totally rewarding viewing experience. North Americans will have to do a special search for episodes of this series because it has never officially been released in North America on DVD due to music licensing clearance (there are a lot of contemporary electronica songs in the show). Many indie video stores will probably have dvd-r copies for you to rent so be sure to seek it out you won't be sorry. You can also watch this show if you buy dvds from amazon.co.uk and have the ability to switch regions on your player.

Next up is "Peep Show".

Google Satellite Maps



Physical State: achey
Mental State: tepid
Music: Dawn and Drew Show
Fashion sense: blue t-shirt, jeans

Word of the day

disingenuous

Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating; Pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated; faux-naïf. Usage Problem. Unaware or uninformed; naive.

***

Ok this blog isn't being updated and people are getting unimpressed (all 3 of you...ok 2 of you, guys always exaggerate size don't they). I found out about the google maps site that has satellite shots and it's weird that you can find your house from so far away (makes me wonder how far they can go). Like could someone see that my car is not in the parking lot behind my building if I said I was home sick. The mind boggles at those kind of invasions of your privacy.

A couple of nights ago a senior citizen was struck down and killed at the crosswalk at Marion and Roncie. This crosswalk is like something out of a Roadrunner cartoon as you can look both ways and there are no cars and then when you walk some a-hole is bombing down the street at breakneck speed. Out of 5 people who drive by one of those will cross the crosswalk when the lights are flashing, the walker is holding his arm out like Hitler and it's broad daylight. Roncesvalles has become like the 401 of inner city streets with everyone rushing up from the Queen/Queensway/King junction and thinking they're all cool. Of course there is a strategically placed seniors home at this crosswalk which creates quite a contrast to the fast-paced Toronto me me me driver attitude. I'm really mad about this and I know that if I call up Sarmite "Sam Photo-op" Bulte my MP who incidentally is up for re-election, that not much will done (but do we really want Stephen Harper???). "Did you hear we have an election coming." Sorry that was to be said very sarcastically...you can't turn anywhere without hearing about the election. In cyberspace no one can hear you scream. I feel like calling up her office and asking what is going to be done about this crosswalk business and how they can slow down the cars. I think Montreal has it right, chill out and don't try to be everywhere at once...sometimes I think I should move there. Ok getting back to my MP. I think if I call they will say it's a provincial roads problem. "Hello Mr. Kennedy...the crosswalks." "City problem I'm afraid there mister...I'm the education minister" "Hello Mr. Miller? Can you stop people using Roncie as a dragstrip?" "Love to...that's a city councillor issue though." You know where it will go next. My little imagined scenario is inspired by the comment I got from a police officer at the scene (one of over 15 btw...15!?! for a road fatality). His comment to me was something like "We'll take as long as we want for this investigation in the way we see fit and if you don't like it write your councillor". This was after I asked how come I couldn't drive my car 100 ft south to where our parking lot laneway was. Nowhere near the unfortunate incident. It seems at times when an accident happens it becomes like a nuclear bomb hit the House of Parliament and police get all black and white about everything, all official and aggressive. You can't, as they say, fight city hall (whoever they are and whatever that means). There just seem to be a lot of uptight people in this town and it makes me wonder what makes them feel that way (and frankly how do I get the hell away from it as it consumes me too).

Ambient music, ambient music...Stars of the Lid...green tea...serenity now.

Speaking of things to listen to. I know everyone and their grandmother already listens to the Dawn and Drew Show (the best damn podcast about absolutely nothing, ok something).
Their motto "Always Profane. Rarely Profound". I love this show and as is usually the case with me I discovered the party long after it had been in full swing. They're at show 200 already and have turned their hobby of podcasting their conversations into a full-time job with the Podshow network. You may think that this is bizarre but I have to say that they are very talented and they make the everyday seem interesting. They are very funny and very friendly too. They tend to lean more towards the Howard Stern end of radio but they are smart enough to realize they don't have to be crass for crass sake. Just listen to it/them, you'll enjoy it. I think they are a perfect example of how DIY is making radio fun and interesting to listen to...so turn off the radio and turn on your computer. Do we really need to hear Celine Dion for the 10th time today when there's stuff like this. Sirius satellite radio obviously doesn't think so because they've syndicated their show as well. I am really looking forward to satellite radio and I hope to god that the rich Clear Channels and other corporate a-holes don't f up this avenue for expression. There's no commercials so that will cut almost 99% of the crap music out of the equation right there. Can you imagine beaming your own show one day next door via satellite. That will be awesome. Legions and cities of Hard Harry Hard-ons from Pump Up The Volume. If you haven't seen that film in awhile it is just as important a message now as it was then (maybe even more so in an age of Bush).

oh and this just happened:

"Hi Steven, Tim from Rogers here...I want to tell you about the great new service that we're offering."
"Not interested."
"You can save more money on your phone bills by switching..."
"—I have a home phone and cell phone services already, I'm not interested."
"Oh but this is really becoming popular with people in your area..."
"—Well if you're making so much money from them then why do you
need to call me? Thanks for calling, bye now." Click.

FU Rogers...don't you already control enough stuff in my life (my tv, my internet, my radio stations, my video stores, my Blue Jays, etc). Sorry Tim, it's not your fault. There has to be a better way for someone to make a living then selling crap over the phone. This is the 21st Century dammit! We won't even get into the "take me off your mailing list" hydra that seems to happen all the time. Here's the key: if you pick up the phone and no one speaks right away you know they're checking their computer to see what your name is. If there's that pause at the beginning of it all, then hang up right away. Works every time for me. Simple as that. If it's someone calling who was important tell them later you messed up answering the phone or something. If it's important people will call back. 9 times out of 10 solicitors will not and will move on to the next name in the phone directory (let's save that "Bell phone listing being used for direct mail calling as the biggest crime ever" speech for another time).

More later (maybe later than it should be frankly and for my lack of updates I apologize).

Comment you three! Come on, don't be shy.