Posted: December 13th, 2009 | Author: waub | Filed under: Music | No Comments »
Music shouldn’t be compartmentalized into years or even genres, but when a year wraps up it’s a good reason to discuss what some of the highlights are. Music has really been one of the only solid constants in my life, so I cherish everything new that I hear. At the end of the year, It’s a good chance to summarize some of those highlights.
So here are my favourite albums from 2009:
Digging Roots – We Are
Spirit and emotion are at the roots of good music, and not many bands can harness that as well as Digging Roots can. While their last album was a mind-blowing tour de force, this one transcends even that brilliance. It’s a fantastic eclectic blend of blues, soul, rock, and rap. Everyone needs to see the passion Raven and ShoShona have for the music they play.
Mastodon – Crack the Skye
I’m pretty sure they ate a forest of mushrooms before making this one, because it’s a totally bizarre concept album. They even played it the whole way through live, which is a very self-indulgent and esoteric move. But after many listens, it’s one of their best because of the narrative they created for it coupled with the mind-blowing metal music. “The Last Baron” is now in the canon of epic tunes – up there with “Echoes” and “No Quarter”.
Propogandhi – Supporting Caste
This album is the perfect marriage of punk and metal. Raw chords, compelling vocal melodies, and some amazingly tight beats. These Winnipeg dudes have been grinding for the cause for many years now, and I think this is by far their best album. Regardless of your political leanings, you need to hear this for the music alone. And the message is a nice byproduct.
Joel Plaskett – Three
I’ve always appreciated his musicianship, but have only been a casual fan. Then I heard him on CBC’s Definitely Not the Opera explain why everything is better “in threes”. That prompted me to pick up this album, and on the first listen I was blown away. He is a musical gem and I can’t wait to hear what he does next.
Them Crooked Vultures
The “supergroup” of the year. On paper, members of Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin should make some of the best music you’ve ever heard. It didn’t quite meet those expectations, but this is still the best rock n’ roll album that’s come out in a while. If you listen closely, you can hear distinct influences from each aforementioned band.
Priestess – Prior to the Fire
Every year there’s a “guitar album” that inspires me to pick one up and try to chug out riffs. That’s what this one did for me. They are the best rock band in the world right now and they deserve credit above anyone else. The intricacies of the guitar work should perk up anyone’s ears, and the rhythm section ain’t bad either.
The Bronx – III
Just a righteous rock n’ roll album.
The Bastard Fairies – Memento Mori
The best discovery of the year for me. I saw them play a stripped-down acoustic show back in November and bought their album right after. Music that defies labels will always appeal to me, and this one fits into that vague category. Yellow Thunder Woman embodies the sex appeal and intrigue that any front woman should. Her voice will rope you in.
Pearl Jam – Backspacer
Originally I felt obliged to throw them on the list just because I’ve been a fan since I was 13. But after recent spins I realized there’s really something to be said about longevity and credibility, and Pearl Jam has never wavered. It’s the same formula they’ve stuck to for years, but that’s not a bad thing at all.
Slayer – World Painted Blood
The band that pretty much pioneered modern-day heavy metal still finds ways to push the envelope. This is is edgier than anything else you hear these days that is “heavy”. They could repeatedly rewrite the bible of heavy metal and it’d be okay. And to think, they’re all almost 50.
That’s what I listened to in the last 12 months, and as always I look forward to hearing what comes out in the new year. Post some of your faves!
Posted: December 6th, 2009 | Author: waub | Filed under: Music | 2 Comments »
The end of the year gives bloggers and lazy journalists something to write about. So I figured I’d chime in about the best shows I saw this year. Anyone who knows me knows music is a big passion of mine, and I take any opportunity to hear anything live. 2008 was one of the best years for live music I’ve ever experienced, but this year wasn’t too bad either. So here’s where I had fun this year:
Slayer
MTS Centre
June 27
Regardless of the stigma that’s linked to a band like Slayer, their live show is something everyone needs to experience. Amazing dedicated fans and some of the tightest music anyone can ever see live. I’ve seen them many times over the years and this was the best performance I’ve ever witnessed. What’s more impressive is that these dudes are all pushing 50 and they can still lay down thrash metal better than anyone else. And having Megadeth open was just a pleasant added bonus.
Neko Case
Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 10
She has a voice that can make the most hardened criminal cower. When she sings, everyone pays attention. That’s power. She was definitely the highlight for me at this year’s Winnipeg Folk Festival, and I felt blessed to hear her sing her songs in person. I think if everyone on this planet listened to her, we would truly achieve world peace.
Metallica
MTS Centre
October 12
The last time I saw these dudes was at Lollapalooza in 1996. That’s right when they decided to be a trendy “rock” band. It was still a good show, but disappointing because of the path they tried to blaze to stay relevant at the time. I heard their new album last year and was thoroughly impressed, and decided to check out this show. It was a nice reminder of why they are living metal legends.
Mastodon
Garrick Theatre
April 28
Every time Mastodon puts out a new album, it’s really exciting because you know they’re gonna do something totally innovative. Their new one is no exception, although it was hard to digest at first. So they decided to play the whole thing through live on their tour. That’s a totally lame Rush kinda thing to do, but after I saw it I appreciated it way more. And to send the hardcore fans home with a smile, they closed with “March of the Fire Ants”.
Digging Roots
Martial Caron Theatre
November 7
Actually the best musical performance I experienced this year was seeing these guys play “Cut My Hair” the night before at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. It brought tears to my eyes and made my whole body shiver. But seeing their own whole set is always a really special thing, and they showcased that unrivaled talent at this show to close off the inaugural Aboriginal Music Week. Raven and ShoShona have an unwavering romantic dedication to their music that everyone needs to see live.
AC/DC
CanadInns Stadium
August 22
It was a stereotypical rock show but it was a perfect summer moment. A totally sold out football stadium on a Saturday night with people who just wanted to rock out and have a good time. They played all the classics to appease the 42,000-strong crowd, but the way they did it solidified why they are locked in to the canon of rock n’ roll. Seeing the sun set on the Prairies while the opening riff to “Hell’s Bells” rang across was a truly unforgettable moment.
Elvis Costello
Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 8
He was rightfully the biggest draw to this year’s Folk Fest and he proved why. For someone like me who only knows his hits, it was a nice reminder why he is such a legendary powerhouse. But seeing his command of his music and the crowd moved me to look deeper into the remarkable things he’s done throughout his career.
The Lytics
Royal Albert Arms
September 12
You don’t often see hip-hop at a punk rock staple like the Albert, but these dudes definitely threw it down with their set here. Really uplifting and tight rhymes that totally catered to a younger crowd of very enthusiastic people. They sort of remind me of what A Tribe Called Quest would have been like when they started out 20 years ago.
Wab Kinew
Pyarmid Cabaret
January 24
Hip-hop is always better with a full live backing band, and Wab assembled a killer crew to debut his new album Live by the Drum. It’s an eclectic and powerful collection of songs from one of the most talented young Anishinaabs in the country, so it was great to see it translated so well live.
Priestess
Pyramid Cabaret
November 25
Getting to this point has probably been a tough road for these dudes – having a much-anticipated follow-up album dropped and picked up a few times by record labels. They play the best rock n’ roll guitar riffs out there today, and as a guitar player it’s a real treat to see how they play them live. Priestess embodies the true energy and spirit that rock music should really be.
Next week…my favourite albums of the year. Stay tuned!