Lucy (in the Sky) Passes Away September 29, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music.Tags: Elton John, The Beatles, William Shatner
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“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” one of the most iconic of The Beatles’ songs, was actually written about Julian Lennon’s childhood friend, Lucy O’Donnell. If you thought the song was about its acronym ‘L.S.D.,’ you aren’t alone; the BBC actually banned the song for alleged drug references.
The original 'Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds"
In 2007, Lucy Vodden (married name), told BBC Radio the story of how Julian came to paint the picture which inspired Beatle, John Lennon, to write the song “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”
“I remember Julian and I both doing pictures on a double-sided easel, throwing paint at each other, much to the horror of the classroom attendant. Julian had painted a picture and on that particular day his father turned up with the chauffeur to pick him up from school.”
The story goes that when Papa John asked wee Julian about the painting, Julian explained that the portrait was of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”
The song was originally released in 1967 on Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the album that solidified The Beatles’ position as true artists among their peers and fans. The former classmates had resumed their friendship in recent months when Julian Lennon learned that Lucy had become ill with lupus, a disease which attacks the immune system.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Lucy O’Donnell passed away at 46 following a long battle with Lupus.
Super Monsters! September 26, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music.Tags: Bright Eyes, M. Ward, Monsters of Folk, My Morning Jacket
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You’re no slouch, you already know that Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), M. Ward (She & Him), Yim Yames (Jim James of My Morning Jacket), and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes’ producer & collaborator) have formed a super-group called Monsters Of Folk.
Thought: What do you think it’s like to be Mike Mogis in this equation? There are write-ups that don’t even mention his name. Rude.
Another thought: Super Group. Why is everyone calling them that? Sure, all 3 bands are kind of popular, but (to use the obvious comparison) we’re not talking about the fucking Traveling Wilburys here. We’re not talking about a Beatle, the guy who changed folk music forever, and rock legends like Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Yes, Monsters of Folk are pretty cool, but are they really ’super’? Really?
Thoughts aside, rumours of the group have been swirling since 2004 when the members were on our together in their respective bands and solo outfits. I was as excited as most, but I came a late to the party (this post is in real time), because I couldn’t get over the atrocious name, ‘Monsters Of Folk’. I’m struck with disbelief that four such creative guys couldn’t do better in 5 years of playing together.
Their self-titled album hit shelves this Tuesday, and I decided it was finally time for me to put aside my misgivings and give Monsters Of Folk a solid listen.
Wow! It’s made of pure beauty. “Whole Lotta Losin’” is one of the greatest songs I’ve heard in ages; very reminiscent of the Wilburys and a ton of fun to listen to. There are gorgeous, sleepier tunes like “The Sandman, The Breakman and Me.” There are also perfect folk tunes like these.
Polaris Wrap-Up: Fucked Up FTW! September 22, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Chad VanGaalen, Elliott Brood, Fucked Up, K'naan, Malajube, Patrick Watson, Polaris Prize
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Last night’s Polaris Music Prize was a great celebration of Canadian music. It moved me to see such an eclectic display spawned from our fine nation; from Elliott BROOD’s rowdy country, to K’naan’s powerful hip-hop, to Fucked Up’s face melting hardcore. It was just plain rad.
Just A Few (of the many) Highlights – In Point Form:
- Patrick Watson’s performance of “Hearts In The Park” (a track available only through iTunes) was both terrifying and exciting as they crept through the crowd with these tenticled-megaphone-light thingys strapped to their backs.
- Elliott Brood got all the jaded industry types (Gian Ghomeshi in particular!) participating with wooden spoons and baking trays.
- A “food fight” started by Patrick Watson and Malajube’s tables. It was less with the food and more with the cups, ice and water.
- Chad VanGaalen’s thoughts on the Prize after his performance. “And this is how it ends” will be a favourite quote for months.
- K’naan’s performance of “Wavin’ Flag.” Goosebumps.
- Seeing Fucked Up’s Damian “Pink Eyes” Abraham in his underwear. Again.
- and of course, who could forget the romance when the winner was announced?! 
Don’t worry if you missed the live broadcast of the gala last night. R3 will have the podcasts (audio and video) this week, and Saturday, Sept. 26th at 9PM Much Music will be broadcasting the highlights (perhaps different than the highlights noted above). Also, check out Quick Before It Melts, they’ve got some great coverage of the show and audio treats for your ‘pod!
Polaris Countdown: Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplane & Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms September 21, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Chad VanGaalen, Patrick Watson, Polaris Prize
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If i was a betting (wo)man, I would put the few measly dollars that I have on a Chad VanGaalen win tonight. I’m 87% sure certain that when it shakes out, he’ll be taking home the Polaris Music Prize.
It’s a beaut and he’s a critical darling. At the end of the day (quite literally) it’ll be the critics making the call this fine evening.
mp3: Chad VanGaalen – Cries Of The Dead
I was introduced to Patrick Watson in 2006 when I went into an HMV on my lunch break and the guy working told me to buy Close To Paradise. He even promised to refund my money if I didn’t like it. Turned out that I didn’t want my money back. Not the best story, but they can’t all be.
I think Wooden Arms is even better than it’s predecessor, while it’s just as pretty as Close To Paradise, it’s clunkier and a bit more of a sound-circus. It reminds me ever-so-slightly of Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs. If Close To Paradise hadn’t taken the second Polaris Music Prize in 2007, I would spend all day with my fingers crossed hoping to celebrate Wooden Arms tonight. That said, I just think the chances of a second win are unlikely, but this album deserves all the praise it gets.
Polaris Countdown: Metric – Fantasies & Joel Plaskett – Three September 20, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Joel Plaskett, Metric, Polaris Prize
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I’ve been cruising around reading the other blog posts about the Polaris Short List, and there is definitely a common theme when it comes to Metric. While everyone seems to agree that Fantasies is a great album, Metric remain the black sheep of the Short List, regarded overall as too successful to deserve the Prize & associated loot. I don’t disagree with the reasoning, but I have the same feeling about Metric for another bag of reasons.
I’ve worked in the Canadian music industry for about 6 or 7 years – just about the same length of time that Metric has been putting out albums and playing shows. In that time I’ve crossed paths with the band on a few occasions, and each time they have presented themselves as ungrateful and demanding (incidentally, I would say the opposite of the team who work with them). I’m actually a fan of the band’s music – they are tremendously talented musicians who put on a hell of a live show – and if they were different to work with I might be more apt to say so. It’s been my experience that Metric seem to have no problem biting the hand that feeds, and for that reason alone I hope to see the recipient(s) of the prize be one who will truly appreciate and respect the honour that is being bestowed upon them.
Three is one of the most ambitious projects I’ve come across in a long time. Even the Beatles weren’t sure that the ‘White Album’ wasn’t too long. In my opinion a great album can never be too long and Three is, indeed, a great album. In 27 songs I never feel like the focus is lost or that quality was compromised in order to achieve the desired concept.
Joel Plaskett is always pigeonholed into an ‘East Coast rock’ bucket, and I think undeservedly so. He brings together folk, country and pop quite beautifully, and with the surge of alt-country/folk rock artists internationally, I’m not quite sure why Joel hasn’t been allowed to “cross over.” I hope this second nomination (first being with the Emergency in 2007 for Ashtray Rock) helps to break him out of the typecast that, perhaps, holds him back from more mainstream success in our fine nation.
C’mon, even Perez equates Mr. Plaskett to The Boss rather than the region he grew up in.
Snoop Dogg calls out Kanye West September 17, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Snoop Dogg
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Dude is my fucking hero. It’s pretty hilarious at the end, I suggest watching all 1:34
Polaris Countdown: K’Naan – Troubadour & Malajube – Labyrinthes September 17, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Malajube, Polaris Prize
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You know what these albums have in common, other than being nominated for the Polaris Music Prize? Impossibly difficult to spell titles.
K’naan, born Keinan Abdi Warsame, has a biography that reads like an inspiring work of fiction. As for my impressions of the album and a description of how I adore it, I can’t put it much better than HeroHill did in this quote:
“Right off the bat, politically charged subject matter and up-tempo beats make Troubadour an easy record to champion for white, “I don’t like hip hop but I like this” music fans. His fantastic back story and diverse message help make him a media darling and interesting conversation piece – one that works for people ages 18-80″
I hear the judgement in the words, but still…guilty as charged. I may not be saavy in the ways of the hip-hop, but I think Troubadour is a work of art.
mp3: K’Naan – ABCs
As for Malajube, I find this nomination delightful, though truthfully, I found Trompe-l’Oeil to be far and away a stronger album.
Regardless, I respect what these adorable Frenchies are doing; the way they swirl around and create epic and dreamy sounds that I’ve never heard before. I get off on this journey when I listen to Malajube albums – except sometimes, with Labyrinthes, I come to and realise I’ve lost the plot. Cleverly titled, or coincidence?
Polaris Countdown: Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs… September 16, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Hey Rosetta!, Polaris Prize
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Shit. I’m so far behind in this countdown. I’m going to have to start doubling up. I hate when life gets in the way of geeking around on the internet.
Hey Rosetta! are just what I like. Anthemic sound, toe-tapping rhythms and strings!
I don’t know what it is though, I just can’t sit through the album. It’s gorgeous, but it loses me. The songs, however, are incredible on their own – anytime my iPod throws them into the shuffle my ears celebrate! Give these Newfoundlanders a chance, if you haven’t already. I think you’ll be glad you did.
mp3: Hey Rosetta! – There’s An Arc
mp3: Hey Rosetta! – I’ve Been Sleeping for a Long, Long Time
MySpace: myspace.com/heyrosetta
Polaris Countdown: Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels September 15, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Great Lake Swimmers, Polaris Prize
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It’s great to see a band who’ve been around for a while get recognized.
Great Lake Swimmers have been around for ages, and Lost Channels is a truly a testament to the reward of putting time and effort into developing a sound and career. Great Lake Swimmers only get better with age, and seeing them on the Polaris short list just feels like the perfect answer to the subtle beauty that is Lost Channels.
Kanye West At The VMAs September 14, 2009
Posted by Shannon in music, tv.Tags: Kanye West, Taylor Swift, VMA
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I’m convinced the guy is actually mentally disabled. Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with him?
His apology blog is more mental than his behavior:
I think the guy is an asshole regardless, but I’m 76% certain that Kanye was put up to it by NBC. The Jay Leno Show premieres tonight at 10PM. Kanye is one of his guests.
