Gotye

While I am in the business of sharing things I was somehow completely oblivious to here is a song that was released last summer. I stumbled upon it this weekend (while half heartedly watching the Much Music Countdown while folding laundry Saturday night .... can you say PARTAY!) and I am a little bit obsessed.

I'm sure many of you have already seen this video and heard the song but it's new to me and I wanted to share. It's from Australian artist Gotye (I'm not the only one that had to google how to pronounce that, right?) and unfortunately from what I can tell it's a bit of a gem amongst his other work but I won't be too quick to judge, I've got to explore him more.

The song is called Somebody That I Used to Know. Have a listen and don't let the skin in the beginning of the video alarm you, it's totally PG I promise.



Is anyone more familiar with Gotye? What else should I check out?

Yukon Blonde

I keep calling them Yukon Gold but nope, that's a potato, something entirely different.

Wayne Petti from Cuff the Duke recommended we check out Yukon Blonde as we might like them and he couldn't have been more right. We've been enjoying them online for a while now but for Christmas Neil bought me the album. I'm loving it. I am a huge fan of that something-about-this-sounds-like-the-60's sound. Upon first listen I would compare Yukon Blonde to Zeus, who I also think have very John Lennon-esque moments. If you fancy a listen here is my favorite song off their self titled album.

Check out more from Yukon Blonde on their website here.

Cuff the Duke

I've alluded a few times here on my blog to my love of Toronto based alt-country band Cuff the Duke. After seeing them perform twice last week I decided they deserve a post of their own. We first came across Cuff the Duke when they opened for and then played back up for Hayden. I love Hayden but I think a lot of us at that show got more enjoyment out of the opening act than we did his set. They are awesome. Cuff the Duke has just released their 5th album - Morning Comes, and in my opinion it's their best (although Way Down Here and their 2005 self titled album are also favorites). Neil and I have now seen them play (wait for it....) 7 times, and it's always an incredible show. Their live shows leave nothing to be desired, all harmonies and instruments are distinct and their sarcastic banter onstage is always a hoot. The guys are as approachable as they are musical and they regularly stay after for handshakes and well wishing. I always want to take them home with me. (Did that sound creepy? That sounded creepy.)

Their music is described as alt-country with heavy folk and rock influences. There is a decent offering of pedal steel and harmonica but if a knee-slappin' good time isn't really your thing don't be fooled in thinking it's all they offer. Each album holds soft ballads with keyboard and guitar. It's just... it's just.. genius.

We have found that Cuff the Duke tours with amazing opening bands and have introduced us to some new interests: Fembots, Zeus and Hooded Fang. It's good music all around.

After their Winnipeg show in 2009

I invite you to check them out and have a listen. Really. Do it.

Is someone gonna pay me for this?!

cool kid

It's simple, we listen to good music.

I am so proud every time Porter learns a new song and I hear him singing it around the house. He picks up music very quickly, as most kids do, and learns lyrics easily. He has a few favorites lately and I have to say I am really impressed by his choices. It is a sampling of what we like but these are songs Porter has favored all on his own.

Follow Me - Cuff the Duke

Bad Bad World - Guster

Walking With a Ghost - Tegan and Sara

I Want You (She's So Heavy) - The Beatles

Have a listen if you are interested in Porter's playlist.

Guster is for Lovers

Ok I think I have finally started breathing again after what was possibly the best night of my life. I don't want to be over dramatic here but honestly, there aren't words to describe how absolutely incredible it was. Now, before you read any further if you are not already familiar with the work of Guster you must do yourself a favor and go look them up now. Go. Do it.

I'll wait.

Love it? I know. 

I think part of the charm of the concert was the simple fact that we didn't think we would ever have the chance to see them play live. They are from the eastern States and don't really come anywhere close enough to make it to a show. When Neil said he may have some work to do in Utah we immediately looked up their tour schedule to see when they would be playing SLC and planned his work trip around that. True story.

The opening band was Good Old War which I really did enjoy live but didn't feel the need to go and purchase the album, as I have with many other opening bands such as Cuff the Duke, the Fembots and Zeus. I enjoyed their set but was basically putting in the time until Guster got on stage.

They opened the show with Barrel of a Gun and it was game on from there on. I did not stop grinning ear to ear the entire time. It. Was. Unbelievable. They played every song I was hoping they would, except for Fa Fa - my favorite being a crazy-fun rendition of Airport Song. The guys are amazingly talented, captivating and funny to boot - like here and here. (GO WATCH, it takes 30 seconds.) Yes, I may want to bear their children. Whatever.

It was an amazing concert and because my words won't do it justice I'll just leave you some iPhone photos from the show and tell you that if you are ever close enough you must go see them live, I would put off every other social engagement if I could see this show every weekend. I mean it.  I still can't believe we got to go, check it off the list! :)

Zeus

Ok I think I've made it clear that I like music, like I reeeeeally like music. Last night we went to the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg (in a sufficiently sketchy neighborhood, I was impressed.) to see one of our faves Cuff the Duke play. Their opening band was a Toronto based band called Zeus and I am telling you they completely stole the entire evening for me. It's really been a long time since I've been this excited about a new musical discovery and I had to share. They've only released a 5 single EP but have a full length album in the works and I tell you I can't wait. Head over to their myspace and website and have a listen (and watch the videos). Their cover of Genesis- That's All is brilliant and was even better live. You're going to think I love them just cause of their Beatle boots..... that helped, I'm not gonna lie.

I can't say enough, just go have a listen.