Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams

Anticipation is kind of a dangerous thing, wouldn't you agree?  When having such high hopes for something in particular, in your head you can only foresee two things happening:

1) Everything goes horribly wrong.  All your nightmares come true and all you want to do is run back home, crawl into fetal position and pretend your somewhere in Ecuador...or

2) All positive thoughts come to fruition and everything you wanted to go right, goes right!

Then you get these seldom once in a lifetime experiences where anticipation becomes an after thought.  Where only the conclusion occupies your mind because you don't want it to end.

I had the privilege to meet all five band members of Lord Huron, and I couldn't help but be taken aback at how humble and genuine these folks were.  I waited a mere year for their album to release, but they gave me an experience worth waiting a lifetime. 

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Lord huron has such a peculiar sound to them, in which you can't quite place your finger on.  Their afro-cuban, Western, Alternative rock flair can't be compared with anyone, or anything else I've heard, which is why I took such a great interest in them.  Right from the get go you can hear how synchronized and unique their instruments are played; the guitar riff in "She Lit a fire", the multi-layer percussions in "The Man Who Lives Forever", the delayed bass in "Lonesome Dreams".  Yet the one thing that stands out the most is the lyrics.  

I read a review on Lord Huron prior to Lonesome Dreams where the writer stated: "great bands create songs, but great lyricists create stories".  Ben Schneider (lead singer and founder of Lord Huron) is an amazing story teller, creating themes and rhythms that are extremely difficult to mimic.  The music and the stories he writes come together in such a way that you can't help but be engulfed in the atmosphere he creates.  Here are some of my favourites. 

"She Lit A Fire" - I spent countless hours trying to perfect this guitar riff that my fingers grew calluses over their calluses; totally worth it.  What impressed me the most is how this song is constructed. Each instrument has its own characteristic where one doesn't out shine the other.  It's a perfect blend of lyrical and instrumental ingenuity.  

- "I have been trying to find her

Want to give what I got
She lit a fire but now 

she's in my every thought"

"Ghost on the Shore" - The first time I heard this song, I pictured myself sitting on a rock in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a reason to leave but never finding one.  If you listen to the lyrics, it's funny how it resembles just that.  

- "Die if I must let my bones turn to dust

I'm the lord of the lake and I don't want to leave yet
All who sail off the coast ever more
Will remember the tale of the ghost on the shore"

"The Stranger" - The Stranger is by far my favourite Lord Huron track so far.  It is extremely uplifting, yet deeply meaningful at the same time.  I always find something different when I listen to this song, it's difficult to describe but nonetheless it's a beautiful song.  If you haven't already, I highly recommend listening to The Stranger.

- "All words of comfort can not take away my doubt

I've decided if it kills me I'll find out what you're about"

Once everything is said and done, you feel a little silly how anxious you were at the beginning.  How your heart races and your brows dampen just from the thought, but thats the beauty of anticipation.  We live for that.  We live for the thrill, for the feeling that only you in the entire world is experiencing this moment.  It's a great feeling and I really hope it happens again...I'll just have to wait. 

Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams

5/5

Recommend Songs:

She Lit A Fire

Lonesome Dreams

The Man Who Lives Forever

Ghost on the Shore

Brother

Favorite lyric: "I said life without end wouldn't have any meaning / The journey to death is the point of our being /Well the point of my life is to be with you babe / But there ain't enough time in the life that they gave me" - Man Who Lives Forever

Mumford and Sons - Babel

I've been entranced with the boys from Mumford and Sons since their inauguration to the indie music scene with "Sigh No More".  Many were weary at first with their folk like sound and melodramatic melodies, but with Marcus Mumford's charming personality, backed with a group of multi-talented musicians, Mumford and Sons took the hearts of millions around the world in the span of one year.

My girlfriend and I had the privilege to watch these four fellows take the stage at a sold out Air Canada Centre. I couldn't help but be proud of a band who exemplified the prowess of hard work and determination.  I also couldn't help but be proud of my city whom excepted and acknowledged the music these men have created.  Sigh No More was a classic, how they faired on their sophomore album is about to be determined.
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To my surprise, every critic review I read upon the release of Babel were all negative.  They ranked the album subpar or merely decent compared to their predecessor.  But here's the thing, none of these reviews took into consideration when, where, and why this album was created.  

Mumford and sons were a traveling folk band playing in venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern, now they have the #1 album in the world...in the WORLD!  Sticking together as a band and keeping a humble heart with so much success in such a short period of time is quite impressive in itself.  Now keep that in mind and realize that they recorded the entire album while on tour.  If that's not enough, you don't think Mumford understands the pressure they are under after Sigh No More?  They put this upon themselves, but as an aspiring artist, it's a problem I would love to have.

Ok, enough of my two cents, here is a review of a few tracks from Babel

"I Will Wait" - Their first single, and by far their best song on the album.  With its thumping bass drum and banjo plucking we've all come to love, "I Will Wait" grasps you with its first strum till its final kick drum.  Its first chorus slows down the melody dramatically, but it mimics the lyrics of having to wait for whats yet to come, and believe me it's worth the wait. 

"Lovers of the Lights" - Lucky for me they played this track during their performance at the ACC back in October.  Listen to the melody when Marcus Mumford sings "watch me stumble, over and over".  This little melody comes up periodically and I can't help but think of Dave Matthews Band when I hear it.  It must be the drum kit in the background that allude to Carter Beauford.

"Below My Feet" -  The lyrics "keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn" still haunt me today.  A play on words that Marcus Mumford is quite known for, his lyrical talent has driven and will continue to drive this band to even greater heights.  This song is the one I am most excited and looking forward to witnessing live.  Might I remind you that Marcus sings, plays guitar, kicks the bass drum and tambourine all at once?  I Know....Mind Blown!

Rating: 4 / 5

Recommended songs:

I Will Wait

Lovers of the Light

Below My feet

Lover's eyes

Broken Crown

Stars - The North

I love Canadian music, there is so much emotion and talent that others take for granted. That being said, I do admit there is a lot of Canadian music that may sound the same and have the same themes and rhythms, but to me, I couldn't ask for anything less.  Each time I listen to a Canadian artist, whither it be the Arkells, Feist, Brocken Social Scene, Toyko Police Club, Arcade Fire, Rush, or even Shad, each one of these artist mimic what it means to be Canadian through their music.  What it means to be Canadian can be debated, but all I know when I think canadian music: euphoric.
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I get such a rush every time I listen to Stars.  Every album they release, there are at least 4-5 different tracks that give me goosebumps; it's like they have a nack of sharing...freedom.  Their latest instalment "The North", i'm proud to say, never let up with those goosebumps.  The entire album hits a different spot with the same feeling; such a rush.
Their first single off the record, "Hold On When you Get Love and Let Go When You Give It", is not generic by any means.  For one, the title is ridiculous and their lyrics are all around the map.  But for front man Torquil Campbell, and front lady Amy Millan, ridiculous is usually whats hit's the spot.  I couldn't agree more.  I couldn't help but sing "take the weakest thing in you, and beat the bastards with it", in the car, at the gym, in my sleep.
"The North" was the next song that caught my attention.  Listen to the chorus during a long walk and don't tell me you didn't fall into deep thought.  Such a subtle, yet strong chorus, definitely worth the same title as the album.
Finally, "Through the Mines" has Arcade Fire written all over it.  Amy Millan and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire, are two of the most talented, Canadian, and under rated female singers in Canadian music today.  So poise yet so strong, "Through the Mines" simply brings you to another world.

I did not grow up listening to Canadian music when I was younger.  My sister was the one who usually chose the music in the house, in which I learned the acronym for R&B at a very young age.  But I haven't been more proud to say that the music that my country produces can easily contend with the best.  Rock on Canada!

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Songs:
Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It
The North
Through The Mines
Backlines
A Song Is a Weapon

Mystery Jets - Radlands

There are a few things I've learnt in my post grad era.  One, you have to learn how to take advice.  Two, patience is nothing short then a gift.  And three, ambition should never be feared from, but admired.  To many times have I been afraid to do what I want because I thought my dreams were too big.  Then I realized that dreaming small is the largest step to falling short.  I've always admired people who have large admiration, that believing you are the best at what you do is never by chance.

I recently watched a show at the Sound Academy in Toronto, excited to be part of a three thousand plus crowd singing and dancing uniformly.  But before the headline band could blow us all away with their strobe lights and dashing good looks, the opening band was well prepared to set us up for a knock out show. So much so that their music was stuck in my head the whole night, even throughout the headline's setlist (the headliner being Keane; and I love Keane).  On the off chance of shuffling through their music once or twice, Mystery Jets was just another band on my playlist that I had no real diligence to listen too; but I think that was the beauty of it.  It was the first time I payed close attention to their music, how they constructed their songs, how united they were as a band, and how determined they were to give the best show they could possibly give.
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Mystery Jets - Radlands

 

Their first song "Someone Purer" taught me a valuable lesson, if you are not aiming to grab their attention at first strike, good luck trying the rest of the night.  Lucky for me, this song grabbed my attention and latched on until I started to sing those oh's in ah's in the chorus; mind you this was the first time hearing it.  This is everything you would want in an opener, catchy, melodic, enthusiastic, and that guitar riff just sneaks up on you at the right moment........perfect!
"The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar" was another track that stood out to me, but in a different way.  Since meeting my girlfriend, I've taught her how to listen to the different instruments individually.  In turn, she taught me how to listen to the lyrics as an instrument.
"Just a lone star in the sky/treading the night/cutting loose the mess you left/taking flight/from coast to coast you move like a ghost/trying to break the past/so follow the rope to wherever it goes/and strike up another chance".  I also couldn't forget "The Hale Bop".  This one's like a 21st century Ghostbusters!

Mystery Jets understanding for music was what excited me the most while watching them live.  Their camaraderie on stage, their attention to detail, their unity as a band, you could just tell that they didn't get here by chance.  Believing in what you do already sets yourself a part from the rest.  Funny what music can teach you some times.

Mystery Jets - Radlands
3/5
Recommended Songs:
Someone Purer
The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar
The Hale Bop
Sister Evert
Radlands

@jayleung20

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

The waiting wasn't the hard part; it was knowing that the waiting would soon come to an end that hurt the most.  I have been a Coldplay fan since their first EP's "Brothers & Sisters" and "Castles", but like any other music enthusiast, no one could have imagined their forthcoming popularity; though it's no surprise that their popularity continues to grow.  No other band has the ability to cross genres from Alternative Rock - Hip-Hop - Heavy Rock - Country - Synth/Pop, and still keep it relatively Coldplay.  Their music is never about how catchy, how danceable, or how many "oohs" & "ahhs" you can sing along to. It's always about how effective it is in the end.  If a million people hated their music, but one person loved every minute, then it was worthwhile.  Their music is genuine, it's uplifting, and most importantly...it's powerful.
All of you know how excited I was about this album; so i'm going to take this opportunity to give an in-depth, track by track review of Coldplay's fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto:
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Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Mylo Xyloto  - Chris Martin on Piano & Johnny Buckland on Guitar, what more can you ask for?  I can't wait to wake up in the morning with this playing in the background and the sun hitting my face; it's gonna' be a great day.

Hurts Like Heaven - I'm gonna' jump the boat right now and say this is my favourite song off the album.  Chris's ability to find rhythms and rhymes that fit perfectly to certain tempos is unparalleled.  This introductory track gives all four members a chance to reintroduce themselves to the world.  The lyrics, the beat, the chords - I just can't get enough.  Plus, the first time I heard this song was live. That never hurts. 

Paradise - Synth based melody, heavily distorted bass guitar and a hip-hop infused back beat does not spell out Coldplay; but because of their innovation and charisma as a band, they pull off one hell of a song and the second single off Mylo. 

Charlie Brown - Without a doubt, my second favourite song off the album.  What impressed me the most was their production and how well they incorporated every single sound.  Every instrument has a chance to stand out and have it's own spotlight.  Pay attention to the extra background voice at 1:10, subtle yet extremely effective.  If you asked me to give you just one song off the album to listen to, it would be this one.  (Hurt's Like Heaven is for me =)

Us Against The World - This song builds and builds, then softly sets you back down to reality.  It is a beautiful song with Will Champion backing up his partner in a melodic harmony.  "Through chaos as it swirls, it's us against the world". I think I found my new favourite lyric. 

M.M.I.X - Roman numeral for 2009, a synth, spacey based introduction to Coldplay's first single:

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (ETIAW) - This song totally grew on me.  I was skeptical at first because I couldn't shake the fact that it was so different, not just compared to past Coldplay songs, but to music in general.  Essentially, ETIAW is made up of three parts: Verse/Breakdown/Chorus.  It's one enormous build up, which is probably the reason why they use it as their last song in their live setlist. 

Major Minus - Other reviews have pinned this as the evil cousin of the album and I couldn't agree more.   What stands out the most to me is the bass riff that Guy Berryman performs on this song.  High to low, dragging notes makes him the focal point of the track. 

U.F.O - This was the one that reminded me the most of their older songs.  Chris Martin is a phenomenal songwriter with an even better voice.  

Princess Of China Feat. Rihanna - This was the song that shook Coldplay fans.  It's fine if Coldplay featured in Hip-Hop music, but not the other way around.  Though I have to say, as skeptical as I was, this song couldn't work without Rihanna; the chorus was meant for her.  Worth a listen. 

Up In Flames - This one was oddly one of my favourites as well.  Purely Chris Martin, he produces certain melodies that only a certain few can imagine.  Call me crazy, but I can't scratch the feeling that this should be used in a Disney film...no?  Give it another go. 

A Hopefully Transmission - The third and final intermission to the album.  I love the use of shakers and cowbells...

Don't Let It Break Your Heart - The pick-me-upper if you will. Can be compared to Coldplay's Politik. A booming, fast paced, instrument driven song, where Chris's voice is mostly used as back-up to the guitars and drums. 

Up With The Birds - A fitting ending to another epic tale of Coldplay.  Almost like a goodbye and hope to see you soon rendition.  Johnny breaks through half way into the song and Coldplay is at it again; this time with a more country feel.  A Great ending to another great album.

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

5/5

Recommended:

Hurt's Like Heaven

Charlie Brown

Up In Flames

Princess of China

Us Against the World

Arkells - Michigan Left

Nothing is ever good enough for the people you care about, so why is it so hard to believe that nothing is good enough for you?  Self deprecation happens to everyone whether you like it our not, and everyone has their own way of dealing with such torment.  For me, I have my friends, my family and my music.  No not my own, just yet, but music that I believe was written specifically for me, right for this moment. Albums that should just be named "Jason's album".  Motivation is always hard to find, but when it comes by, its easy to let go of, that's why we always search for it.  I haven't been finding too much music lately, what with all the post grad business, but that doesn't mean i've stop listening; luckily I found an album that catered to what I was feeling at the time.  The Arkells is a Canadian band from Hamilton Ontario and their sophomore album Michigan Left doesn't shy too far away from their first album, Jackson Square.  You can hear the influence of other great Canadian bands such as Toyko Police club and The Trews in their music.  Possible contender for album of the year at the Juno's.....nothing like an Arcade Fire Grammy, but never a bad thing to support a fellow Canadian band.
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Arkells - Michigan left

The Arkells is a true Rock & Roll band, no need for showmanship, no gimmicks or crazy light shows, they speak through their music, their instrument and their charisma.  Every time I listen to their music, I try to picture them writing it, then performing it and having the time of their lives.  I remember playing with my first band back in high school, and even when it wasn't music any of us really truly loved, we made it from scratch. Our identity was entirely in this music and it was overwhelming.  There was a video of them recording "On Paper"and it just reminded me of that moment where the four of us finished writing a song, and on that final note we all stopped and looked at each other and said...."yea!" Great moment, better feeling.  During "Michigan Left", right away you can pick out the Tokyo Police Club in every strum.  The fun, funky rhythm, with a little mix of reggae, really uplifts anyones sub-par feelings towards life.

I always tell people when i'm teaching them an instrument, even before I teach them anything, is to just play.  Play whatever you can or whatever you know, because more times then not, you hear something no one else can when you're just having fun.  Music usually starts off not what it is intended to sound like, much like life itself.  If you wish for life to turn out the way you intend it to be, you're straight out of luck buddy, 'cause that doesn't even make sense.

Arkells - Michigan Left
3.5/5
Recommended songs:
On Paper
Michigan left
Book Club
Kiss Cam
Whistleblower

Freedom Or Death - Ego

It's really great to be back writing and having the motivation to share music with you again. I've been excited for a while to share my life story and what i've been listening to along the way.  It was important to choose something special to share with you after such a long absence, though honestly I haven't found anything that truly stands out to me...'til now.  But first lets get a run down of what's been going on.  I finished school - thats right, I graduated people!  I finished a summer job and i'm just about to begin a new one with my parents.  I've started to record again and I've also started giving drum lessons to beginner drummers (if you're interested, let me know).  My sister is back from her stay in New York and it's always nice to have her back; and i'm happily in a relatively new relationship in which I don't see the end coming anytime soon (thats a good thing right??) All in all, i'm still living life and i'm still listening to music, and I have a little story that goes along with this artist.
I found this artist a while back, loved the song but could never find the album.  I went to HMV and unfortunately they told me they wouldn't be shipping in any new music in since they were closing down.  I went back a month or two after to see their closing sale, and there it was, sitting there, alone with all the discount stickers.  I felt like they ordered just one for me, and I never came to pick it up until now...It was meant to be.  So here you go....Freedom Or Death
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Freedom or Death - Ego

I'm sorry for such a long (re)intro to this blog, but I was just so excited to be back; and to be honest there are only two songs I really want you to listen to anyway.  One of them is the first song that attracted me the most to this band: "This Crowded Room".  If you listen closely, front man Sway hardly sings without a harmonization.  Every section, whether it be the verse, chorus or breakdown, someone in the background is singing or humming in a different timing or a different tone; its simply genius.  Their cross between electronic, hip/hop infused alternative style makes them unique in so many ways.  If I could make a comparison, (without getting any hatred from it) I would say they sound much like the Toronto sensation "The Weekend".....but better.  Just take a listen to my second request: "Virginia Woolf".  The voice is such an important instrument in which they use to their advantage.  Listen to the slight vibrato during the second verse at 1:10; I mean really, who thinks of this stuff?

This is truly a great piece of work which should make its way to the mainstream; though i'm quite glad, and proud that I found it before the radio destroyed it.  None the less, it was something to share, and something i've wanted to share for a while.  It's never too late to share a good thing. If you keep it amongst yourself, it slowly becomes stale.  So share everything you got...before it starts to turn on you!

Freedom Or Death - Ego
4/5
recommended songs:
This Crowded Room
Virginia Woolf
Human
Nobody Listens