tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41095217658443551992024-03-12T21:46:49.569-07:00Reductive ReviewsThis+this=that. An attempt at being pithy without taking the piss.Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-5573989225132446202020-09-28T09:04:00.008-07:002020-09-28T09:10:46.502-07:00Douniah & High John - "Neighbourhood / I Miss"<p>I'll admit it. I haven't been on here in ages. COVID did a number on my life and schedule and seeing as how this is something I do for fun, it didn't so much as take a backseat as get put in the Thule on the roof or left by the side of the highway while my family took up all the space in the car.</p><p>That said, I have continued to listen to new music and heard some great stuff which you can hear on my weekly <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/shows/thank-god-its-free-range">radio</a> <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/shows/expansive-prairie-skies">shows</a>. </p><p>But I wanted to hop on here after checking "Neighbourhood / I Miss" out this morning and encourage you to give it a listen / watch. As of posting, there are only 66 views on this track and I hope it blows up because it has an incredible vibe and sound.</p><p>Douniah is a Hamburg-based artist with Moroccan roots and has a voice that contains a weight and sadness when she sings in the lower register, but can really lift off and brighten up as she ascends the scales. Producer High John provides her with some languid beats and does some interesting stuff in the interlude as this track and video move from the "Neighbourhood" portion to "I Miss."</p><p>Don't miss out on these two.</p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UPn7JWZgMVg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-61257378047375195712020-06-06T10:28:00.003-07:002020-06-06T10:28:21.631-07:00My Polaris Prize Ballot - 2020 Round OneFirst off, it's been a while.<br />
<br />
I've of course been listening to new music since my last regular post in March as I continue in my role as PD / MD at <a href="https://umfm.com/">UMFM</a>, but while there's been stuff I'm digging, I just have not had the time or energy to share things here on RR as I've also been home with four children full-time since March 13th. If you want to hear what I'm digging week-to-week for the time being, I'd recommend checking out my showlogs <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/shows/thank-god-its-free-range">here</a> and <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/shows/expansive-prairie-skies">here</a> as I continue to program new broadcasts.<br />
<br />
The other reason I haven't had the time to post on RR is I'd been busy listening and re-listening to a slew of recommendations by my fellow <a href="https://polarismusicprize.ca/jury/">Polaris Prize jurors</a> before the longlist voting deadline.<br />
<br />
Which was yesterday, June 5th.<br />
<br />
As I have done every year, I'll once again be sharing my personal longlist and ballot here and when it comes time to whittle the longlist down, I'll be posting that ballot as well.<br />
<br />
Before I get to my "first final five" directly below are the albums I had the hardest time not including (and as always with my attempts at being internally consistent, anything released in since January 1 2020 is also on my longlist for the best albums of the year).<br />
<br />
Anachnid - <i>Dreamweaver</i><br />
Andy Shauf - <i>The Neon Skyline</i><br />
Begonia - <i>Fear</i><br />
Bon Enfant - <i>Bon Enfant</i><br />
Catherine Major - <i>Carte mere</i><br />
Caveboy - <i>Night in the Park, Kiss in the Dark</i><br />
Ellis - <i>Born Again</i><br />
Emie R. Roussel Trio - <i>Rhythme De Passage</i><br />
Flore Laurentienne - <i>Vol. 1</i><br />
Fortunato Durutti Marinetti - <i>Desire</i><br />
Junia-T - <i>Studio Monk</i><br />
Kaytranada - <i>BUBBA</i><br />
Little Scream - <i>Speed Queen</i><br />
Peripheral Vision - <i>Irrational Revelation and Mutual Humiliation</i><br />
Sarah Harmer - <i>Are You Gone</i><br />
Songs of Tales - <i>Life Is A Gong Show</i><br />
Super Duty Tough Work - <i>Studies In Grey</i><br />
TOPS - <i>I Feel Alive</i><br />
Wares - <i>Survival</i><br />
<br />
Should any of my five not make the cut for the actual longlist, but something from the personal longlist does, that will be considered first.<br />
<br />
With that said, here's what I voted for (screenshot from the actual voting page):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BnWgAIUfEI/XtvRCf3dLBI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Muqj9CdxYwonHHCSXrnF9rvbX1CvGxGRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/polaris%2B2020%2Blonglist%2Bballot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="851" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BnWgAIUfEI/XtvRCf3dLBI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Muqj9CdxYwonHHCSXrnF9rvbX1CvGxGRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/polaris%2B2020%2Blonglist%2Bballot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't believe I've done this before, but here are hyperlinks to the albums or artists.<br />
1. <a href="https://loving.bandcamp.com/album/if-i-am-only-my-thoughts-2">Loving</a><br />
2. <a href="https://menitrust.bandcamp.com/album/oncle-jazz">Men I Trust</a><br />
3. <a href="https://www.williamprincemusic.com/">William Prince</a><br />
4. <a href="https://raphaelweinroth-browne.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-within">Raphael Weinroth-Browne</a><br />
5. <a href="https://witchprophet.bandcamp.com/album/dna-activation">Witch Prophet</a><br />
<br />
Good luck to all of these great artists and fingers-crossed I'll be voting to put you on the Shortlist in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
<br />Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-38602262001076428262020-03-06T08:39:00.001-08:002020-03-06T08:39:04.996-08:00Benjamin Gordon - "Take Me Home"It's important to note that the real strength of this cut is the magnificent vocal work of guest Adeleye Omotayo, who has such emotion is his voice that it is at times gutting. From the restrained growl of the first few lines to the naked emotion as he quavers "felt the water falling from my eyes / hold me closer let me see / take my hand and hear me cry" at the mid-way point, Omotayo is a force throughout and a name I've now added to my musical radar.<br />
<br />
This is the latest single from UK producer Benjamin Gordon's forthcoming <i>Where Did We Get Lost?</i> and if "Back To You" and "Walls Fall Down" didn't already have you marking April 3rd on your calendar maybe the third time's the charm.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1295501983/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 442px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://benjamingordon.bandcamp.com/track/take-me-home">Take Me Home by Benjamin Gordon</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-45796355179020709232020-03-05T08:10:00.002-08:002020-03-05T08:10:38.614-08:00Courtney Marie Andrews - "If I Told"The closest Andrews will get to my hometown of Winnipeg on her upcoming tour is Minneapolis for their Basilica Block Party (July 10th) which lands in the middle of <a href="https://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/">Winnipeg Folk Fest</a> so I won't get to see her, but I'm circling my calendar for June 5th as that's the day her new album <i>Old Flowers </i>comes out on Fat Possum.<br />
<br />
She just dropped "If I Told" last night and it is another stunner from the singer-songwriter.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ttdwUr0JXe8" width="560"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-41268125176994233182020-03-03T10:26:00.002-08:002020-03-03T10:26:18.491-08:00KOKOROKO - "Carry Me Home"So Brownswood just dropped a new track from KOKOROKO (previously featured <a href="http://reductive-reviews.blogspot.com/2019/03/kokoroko-ti-de.html">here</a>) who were inspired by Dele Sosimi to write "Carry Me Home." Sosimi was the subject of a post <a href="http://reductive-reviews.blogspot.com/2015/12/dele-sosimi-you-no-fit-touch-am.html">here on RR</a> back in 2015. With both Sosimi and KOKOROKO on the RR radar, hopefully they're on yours as well and you enjoy this joyful track that features a bubbling bass-line, warm vocals and exuberant horns.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2323173687/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://kokoroko.bandcamp.com/album/carry-me-home">Carry Me Home by KOKOROKO</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-18639569387320416002020-02-28T08:43:00.002-08:002020-02-28T08:43:30.885-08:00A Tribe Called Red - "Land Back"I'm going to be leading off tonight's TGIFR with this new track A Tribe Called Red released yesterday in support of the Unist'ot'en 2020 Legal Fun and in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en people and their hereditary chiefs.<br />
<br />
I wish there was a better reason for new material from ATCR.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/765829585&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-89026370542401280792020-02-13T11:43:00.000-08:002020-02-13T11:43:26.419-08:00John Moreland - "Terrestrial"WOW.<br />
<br />
That was the first thought I had when this track started up midway through John Moreland's latest album, LP5 (coincidentally his fifth). "Terrestrial" just unfurls over the course of its near-four-minute runtime, beginning with an acoustic guitar alone before it's joined by the bass, drums, electric guitar and a piano.<br />
<br />
OH THAT PIANO.<br />
<br />
So wonderfully recorded - you get the warmth of the low notes and the sparkle of those chords the right hand is forming. Focusing on just the piano on this track is a rewarding exercise, particularly when it goes on a little vamp at the 2:41 mark in the upper registers of the keyboard. Plus there's friggin' percussive clapping flitting around those notes.<br />
<br />
AND WE HAVEN'T EVEN TALKED ABOUT MORELAND'S VOICE.<br />
<br />
Did you ever have an old blanket that was thick, a little bit coarse and not the best to snuggle up in but damn if it wasn't the perfect thing to pull over your legs on a cool evening outdoors? Maybe you kept it in the trunk of your car for a picnic or an emergency? That's Moreland's voice - it's not fleece soft, but it is secure and comforting nonetheless. I can picture taking a drive out of the city, pulling out that blanket to cover up with my back against a tree and a view of the stars in the night sky with "Terrestrial" wafting out of the open window.<br />
<br />
This is one of those perfect songs and is a front runner for my favourite of 2020.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2712576717/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=1917971139/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://johnmoreland.bandcamp.com/album/lp5">LP5 by John Moreland</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-10070161888659031302020-01-31T08:54:00.000-08:002020-01-31T08:54:22.254-08:00Testiculo Y Uno - "Wasabi Terraces"Honestly, the entirety of <i>Two</i>, by Testiculo Y Uno is worth a listen, but if you need a taste of the beat-tape before you consume the entire thing, start with "Wasabi Terraces." It's from the first half of the album, produced by Twit One.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3601586092/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=1476999516/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://twitone.bandcamp.com/album/two">Two by Testiculo Y Uno</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-24904727200595611182020-01-29T09:13:00.002-08:002020-01-29T09:13:44.909-08:00The Immaculate Beings - "Come In (Space Control)"I'm not sure which of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/theimmaculatebeings/about/?ref=page_internal">The Immaculate Beings</a> - Trevor, Griffin, Joe, Christian, Casey, Staurie or Michael is the one singing this song, but what a great showcase for their voice. Particularly when they ascend on "I'm an extra-terrestrial human" and during the scoop and drop on "come in space control / is there anybody there." It's a gymnastic line they hit like Simone Biles.<br />
<br />
The entirety of <i>Mental Space</i> is worth a listen as the band "promote the importance of self-love, self-care, and self-validation through their music" and "create a safe space that reuminds you how much you matter in this world. You are so loved."<br />
<br />
As I post this, the day happens to be a corporate-sponsored national discussion of mental health in Canada, but as I am learning, every day is the right day to talk about these things and this record might help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1639150923/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=1861594828/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://theimmaculatebeings.bandcamp.com/album/mental-space">Mental Space. by The Immaculate Beings</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-13617099380833741032020-01-09T14:24:00.000-08:002020-01-09T14:24:44.629-08:00Veronica Fusaro - "Rollercoaster"The nice thing about taking a break over the holidays is coming back to the station and finding some great new tunes in my inbox as I play catch-up.<br />
<br />
Swiss songwriter Veronica Fusaro's <i>Sunkissed EP</i> is pretty solid front-to-back, but lead off track "Rollercoaster" is an inside-the-park homer. It's just so ebullient and speeds along at a pace that will take your breath away.<br />
<br />
It's a contemporary recording that draws on the classic sound of soul music in a way that Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse have achieved and you can practically hear the smile on Fusaro's face as she belts her way through the song.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/650527889&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-49459447893669451232020-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:002020-01-07T12:35:13.491-08:00Top 20 of 2019So....<br />
<br />
about the longlist.<br />
Normally I do several posts detailing the entirety of the longlist of albums I considered for my year-end Top 20, but I'll be honest, the demands on my time over the holidays was just too much to carve out time for the entire 180 that were great but not-quite greatest. I did <a href="https://reductive-reviews.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-longlist-part-1.html">post about</a> the ones that were cut last (and clearly from the title, hoped to chronicle the rest).<br />
<br />
I was also away over New Years' so I failed to post my Top 20 in concert with the countdown show on UMFM, so here now is the rundown/recap:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>20. Hania Rani - <em>Esja</em>
[Gondwana]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=108272298/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=768205486/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://haniarani.bandcamp.com/album/esja">Esja by Hania Rani</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>19. Ryan Dugre - <em>The Humors</em>
[Birdwatcher]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2703702669/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=251325543/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://ryandugre.bandcamp.com/album/the-humors">The Humors by Ryan Dugre</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>18. The Quiet Temple - <em>The
Quiet Temple</em> [Point of Departure]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2544630684/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2032052182/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://thequiettemple.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-temple">The Quiet Temple by The Quiet Temple</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>17. Carlton Jumel Smith - <em>1634
Lexington Avenue</em> [Timmion]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3946879309/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3312724634/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://carltonjumelsmith.bandcamp.com/album/1634-lexington-ave">1634 Lexington Ave. by Carlton Jumel Smith</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>16. Men I Trust - <em>Oncle Jazz</em>
[Self-Released]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1115961286/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=403518490/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://menitrust.bandcamp.com/album/oncle-jazz">Oncle Jazz by Men I Trust</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>15. Aldous Harding - <em>Designer</em>
[4AD]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QyZeJr5ppm8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>14. Moonchild - <em>Little Ghost</em>
[Tru Thoughts]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3218817111/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/license_id=672/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3417770643/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://thisismoonchild.bandcamp.comnull">Little Ghost by Moonchild</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>13. Ryan Porter - <em>Force For
Good</em> [World Galaxy]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=242049929/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=984748812/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://worldgalaxyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/force-for-good">Force For Good by Ryan Porter</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>12. Bedouine - <em>Bird Songs Of A
Killjoy</em> [Spacebomb]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=173537406/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1266364951/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://bedouine.bandcamp.com/album/bird-songs-of-a-killjoy">Bird Songs of a Killjoy by Bedouine</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>11. Theo Croker - <em>Star People
Nation</em> [Sony Masterworks]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKaEfcWSa6I" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>10. Helado Negro - <em>This Is How
You Smile</em> [RVNG Intl]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3822467491/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2951338350/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://heladonegro.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-how-you-smile">This Is How You Smile by Helado Negro</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>09. Jamila Woods - <em>Legacy!
Legacy!</em> [Jagjaguwar]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3866511451/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=144198012/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://jamilawoodsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/legacy-legacy">LEGACY! LEGACY! by Jamila Woods</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>08. The Comet Is Coming - <em>Trust
In The Lifeforce of The Great Mystery</em> [Impulse]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dHj5YGimzbs" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>07. Sharon Van Etten - <em>Remind
Me Tomorrow</em> [Jagjaguwar]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3871517269/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4248492777/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://sharonvanetten.bandcamp.com/album/remind-me-tomorrow">Remind Me Tomorrow by Sharon Van Etten</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>06. Andrew Bird - <em>My Finest
Work Yet</em> [Loma Vista]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YEFLR2JnMd0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>05. American Football - <em>LP3</em>
[Polyvinyl]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3254154520/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3151725780/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://americanfootball.bandcamp.com/album/american-football-lp3">American Football (LP3) by American Football</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>04. Royal Canoe - <em>Waver</em>
[Paper Bag]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2883940930/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2224659610/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://royalcanoe.bandcamp.com/album/waver">Waver by Royal Canoe</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>03. Julia Jacklin - <em>Crushing</em>
[Polyvinyl]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=171742989/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1475590839/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://juliajacklin.bandcamp.com/album/crushing">Crushing by Julia Jacklin</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>02. Resavoir - <em>Resavoir</em>
[International Anthem]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=276148849/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1266590624/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/resavoir">Resavoir by Resavoir</a></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>01. Maggie Rogers - <em>Heard It In
A Past Life</em> [Capitol]</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IcVK6PGVgtc" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
*** IMPORTANT UPDATE ***<br />
I shared my longlist with longtime friend Donna Lowe and she created a <a href="https://t.co/azvIGuuUc9?amp=1">Spotify playlist</a> so even though there's no blog entries for the entirety of the albums I considered, you can (provided you use Spotify) listen to selections from all the titles that are available within their service.Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-17854414567259623982019-12-19T08:07:00.001-08:002019-12-19T08:07:12.128-08:002019 Longlist Part 1It's that time of year again. I just finished whittling an <i>extremely</i> long longlist down to my Top 20 albums - which I'll be revealing on December 31st on UMFM as part of the 15th annual countdown show that Station Manager Jared McKetiak and I host.<br />
<br />
But before that, I'll be posting the rest of the albums I considered before arriving at that Top 20. Pivoting from how I've done it in prior years, where the longlist has been somewhat randomized, or alphabetized, the first post this year carries a touch more weight than the rest. THESE are the final 10 records I removed from consideration. And while they are not presented in a rank order below, if I was doing a Top 30 these are the titles that would occupy the 21-30 spots. I was particularly hard-pressed to cut these ones and it came down to the wire.<br />
<br />
Consider these my most honourable mentions.<br />
<br />
**Where possible I have linked to the Bandcamp for these artists so you can support them directly if you dig the preview tune. Not every artist has a page though, so you'll get the occasional Soundcloud and Youtube link.<br />
<br />
<b>Tiny Ruins - <i>Olympic Girls</i> [Milk! Records]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1402207599/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2633258478/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://tinyruins.bandcamp.com/album/olympic-girls">Olympic Girls by Tiny Ruins</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The Cactus Blossoms - <i>Easy Way</i> [Walkie Talkie]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qj7jJk8TPZk" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Haviah Mighty - <i>13th Floor</i> [Self-Released]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2292492124/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3484766302/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://haviahmighty.bandcamp.com/album/13th-floor">13th Floor by Haviah Mighty</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Sudan Archives - <i>Athena</i> [Stones Throw]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2988884775/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2488904388/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://sudanarchives.bandcamp.com/album/athena">Athena by Sudan Archives</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Emma Elisabeth - <i>Melancholic Milkshake</i> [Ferryhouse]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1448128673/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4230464154/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://emmaelisabeth.bandcamp.com/album/melancholic-milkshake">Melancholic Milkshake by Emma Elisabeth</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Black Pumas - <i>Black Pumas</i> [ATO Records]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1495009583/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2383786989/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://blackpumas.bandcamp.com/album/black-pumas">Black Pumas by Black Pumas</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Joel Ross - <i>KingMaker</i> [Blue Note]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_nbmVDsQMOA" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Durand Jones & The Indications - <i>American Love Call </i>[Dead Oceans]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vRLel-AjK4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>SPAZA - <i>SPAZA</i> [Mushroom Hour Half Hour]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2350156432/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3334746717/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://spaza.bandcamp.com/album/spaza">SPAZA by SPAZA</a></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Sarah Tandy - <i>Infection in the Sentence</i> [Jazz re:freshed]</b><br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2552378755/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=788314952/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://sarahtandy.bandcamp.com/album/infection-in-the-sentence">Infection In The Sentence by Sarah Tandy </a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-40466878323116009852019-12-05T09:13:00.000-08:002019-12-05T09:13:06.737-08:00ephemerals - "Electricity"This second taste of forthcoming LP <i>The Third Eye</i> from European duo <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/ephemeralsmusic/about/?ref=page_internal">ephemerals</a> has a beautiful feeling of yearning as singer Wolfgang Valbrun intones "if you want it to be" repeatedly as the music fades out.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to hearing the rest of this when it drops on Jalapeno Records on January 10th, 2020.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2515269271/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=2039255875/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://ephemerals.bandcamp.com/album/the-third-eye">The Third Eye by ephemerals</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-53563358092828581132019-11-29T10:35:00.004-08:002019-11-29T10:35:50.285-08:00Will Samson - "Ochre Alps"English ambient/folk musician Will Samson is set to release his album <i>Paralanguage</i> on Wichita Recordings December 6th and the whole album is quite lovely, but "Ochre Alps" with its slow build, delicate vocals and string flourishes is the standout track.<br />
<br />
If you're having a stressful day, put this on and feel your muscles loosen and your thoughts lighten.<br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2932254311/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=4014232550/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://willsamson.bandcamp.com/album/paralanguage">Paralanguage by Will Samson</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-40963366521911493362019-11-19T08:29:00.005-08:002019-11-19T08:29:42.460-08:00Basia Bulat - "Your Girl"YESSSSSS!<br />
<br />
Basia Bulat has a new album due out next year - produced by Jim James (!) - and she'll be hitting the road in support of it with a lengthy list of tour dates that includes my very own Winnipeg (the West End Cultural Centre on May 5th). I've posted the full dates below the first single / video. <i>Are You In Love? </i>comes out on <a href="http://secretcityrecords.com/">Secret City</a> March 27th.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o7ElOrJ0QSE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Dec. 13-14<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Ottawa, ON <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>National Arts Centre</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Dec. 28 - Jan. 1
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Woodford, Qld<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Woodford Festival</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jan. 2-3, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Sydney, NSW<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>LOW 302</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jan. 4, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Melbourne, Vic<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Welsley Anne</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jan. 5, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Melbourne, Vic<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Esplanade Hotel</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">March 18-22<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Austin, TX <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>SXSW</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 1, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Madison, WI <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>High Noon Salon</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 2, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Minneapolis, MN <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Cedar Cultural Center</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 3, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Milwaukee, WI <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>The Back Room at Collectivo</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 4, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Chicago, IL <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Lincoln Hall</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 6, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Louisville, KY<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Zanzabar</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 7, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Nashville, TN<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>The High Watt </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 9, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Washington, DC Union Stage</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 10, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Brooklyn, NY <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> Music Hall of Williamsburg</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 11, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 13, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Cambridge, MA <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>The Sinclair</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 16, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Moncton, NB <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Central United Church</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 17, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Charlottetown, NS Confederation Centre of the Arts</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 18, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Halifax, NS <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>St Matthews Church</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 19, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Fredericton, NB Wilmot United Church<br />
April 23, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Quebec City, QC<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Palais Montcalm</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 24, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Montreal, QC<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Theatre Fairmount</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 26, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Burnstown, ON Neat Coffee Shop </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 28, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Peterborough, ON Market Hall Performing Arts Centre</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 29, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>London, ON <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Aeolian Hall</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 30, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Toronto, ON <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Danforth Music Hall</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 1, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Guelph, ON <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Royal City Mission</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 2, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Waterford, ON Waterford Old Town Hall</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 5, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Winnipeg, MB <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>West End Cultural Centre</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 6, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Saskatoon, SK <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Broadway Theatre</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 7, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Edmonton, AB Station on Jasper</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 8, 2020
<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Calgary, AB <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span> <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Knox United Church </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 10, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Kamloops, BC <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>Sagebrush Theatre</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 11, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 12, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Victoria, BC <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Capital Ballroom </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 14, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Seattle <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Sunset Tavern</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 15, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Portland <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Doug Fir Lounge</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 17, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>San Francisco <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>The Chapel</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 18, 2020<span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>LA <span class="apple-tab-span"> </span> <span class="apple-tab-span">
</span>Largo at the Coronet</span></div>
Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-10173092632595924412019-11-13T07:51:00.001-08:002019-11-13T07:51:07.200-08:00Bill Fay - "Filled With Wonder Once Again"By the time of its release on January 17, 2020, it will have been five years since Dead Oceans last released a record from English folk artist Bill Fay (that was <i>Who Is The Sender?</i>). Known for being a bit enigmatic and letting his music speak for itself, I can't say for certain what Fay's been up to, but after five decades of releasing music (his self-titled album came out in 1970) it's promising to hear a hopeful track such as this first taste of <i>Countless Branches</i>. A beautiful way to ease into the new year and new decade and such a simple sentiment expressed directly.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2901173824/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://billfay.bandcamp.com/album/countless-branches-deluxe-edition">Countless Branches (Deluxe Edition) by Bill Fay</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-56474022575371446532019-11-06T12:33:00.002-08:002019-11-06T12:33:30.621-08:00Teebs - "Mirror Memory"So apparently this was initially an Adult Swim single last year? Either I missed it or forgot, but it's one of the standout tracks on Teebs new full-length, <i>Anicca</i>, which came out on Brainfeeder October 25th. I was just wrapping up UMFM's <a href="https://umfm.com/donate">Pledge-O-Rama</a> so am still playing catch-up on a glut of music I backburnered but I am a little stuck on this particular album. Special shout-out to Sudan Archives who makes an appearance on a track and whose <i>Athena</i> is another fantastic release.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RzS5_tNOAPU" width="560"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-87384506577260416932019-11-06T10:47:00.001-08:002019-11-06T10:47:56.439-08:00Jazzanova - "Little Bird (Feiertag Remix)"While my favourite track on 2008's <i>Of All The Things</i> is "Let Me Show Ya" featuring wonderful vocals by guest Paul Randolph, but with the 10th Anniversary reissue of the album on vinyl, Jazzanova let pal Feiertag remix one of the cuts from the album and he made "Little Bird" a really dark version of the original, with haunting, echoed vocals from the great Jose James.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4027716419/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://jazzanova.bandcamp.com/album/little-bird-feiertag-remix">Little Bird (Feiertag Remix) by Jazzanova</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-61533840517066342192019-10-09T10:33:00.000-07:002019-10-09T10:33:52.108-07:00Joe Henry - "Bloom"So apparently the video for the track is called 3'40" to reference the duration rather than the song title, "Bloom," but regardless of what it's called, the new song from Joe Henry's forthcoming <i>The Gospel According to Water </i>just dropped today. As I've come to expect from him, it's another literate heartbreaker with great turns-of-phrase and Henry's evocative delivery.<br />
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The very first lines are "there's very little / we can leave behind / will truly mark this Earth / but treachery and love / are ours to keep / for all they're worth." - if you're not digging it by 0'40" then chances are you won't go the full 3'40"<br />
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For more info and to pre-order Henry's album - out November 15 on earMUSIC - head <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fjoehenry.lnk.to%2FTheGospelAccordingToWater&v=Ozv3TJTWAtg&event=video_description&redir_token=ie1ORIV6Bqk8wmEt3JfPr3h6Kq18MTU3MDcyODA3MkAxNTcwNjQxNjcy">over here</a>.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ozv3TJTWAtg" width="560"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-92025306739293455612019-09-12T09:24:00.001-07:002019-09-12T09:24:18.524-07:00LOONY - "Dare You"Just got word this morning that Scarborough R&B act LOONY will be opening for Rhye <a href="https://garrickwinnipeg.com/events/rhye/">this Sunday at the Garrick </a>here in Winnipeg.<br />
<br />LOONY just dropped a new video for the track "Dare You" (below) and listening to the loping beat and delicate vocals, it's no surprise they'll be serving as the opener on all the Western Canadian dates.<br />
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My interview with Mike Milosh - aka Rhye - will air tomorrow night just after 6:30pm CT on my show <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/shows/thank-god-its-free-range">TGIFR</a>, and I'm pretty sure I'll be kicking things off with this cut.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXVpwNPYVws" width="560"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-40180992342476948892019-08-28T08:25:00.001-07:002019-08-28T08:25:21.307-07:00Tawiah - "Recreate"October 18th is an auspicious date. In my life, it's the day that <a href="https://umfm.com/donate/pledgeorama">Pledge-O-Rama</a>, UMFM's annual funding drive starts (though you can support great campus/community radio <a href="https://umfm.com/donate">ANY TIME</a>). In the world at large, it's the album release date for <i>Starts Again</i>, the new record by London, UK neo-soul singer <a href="http://www.tawiahmusic.com/">Tawiah</a>.<br />
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"Recreate" is the first single from the album and it's a promising note to begin on. REALLY dig the arpeggiated harp on this one and not surprised to discover string arrangements are by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.<br />
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While this is Tawiah's debut full-length, she has previously worked with a murderers row of RR faves: <span style="background-color: #e9e0d1; color: #6b2c23; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Cinematic Orchestra, Blood Orange, Mark Ronson, Kindness, Cee-Lo, Wiley, Zed Bias and Eric Lau</span><br />
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And the record comes out on the always-on-point First Word Records who continue to amass a brilliant roster of artists.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=968674732/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=2527420974/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://tawiahmusic.bandcamp.com/album/starts-again">Starts Again by Tawiah</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-8406928013767404382019-08-27T12:24:00.000-07:002019-08-27T12:24:06.519-07:00Bridal Party - "Attention"Didn't realize I'd taken quite so extended a break from RR - August turned out to be a busy month IRL and while there was a slew of music crossing my desk, I just didn't ever get my head above water to share stuff.<br />
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That said, I'm catching up on last week's releases as I was completely off the grid and found <i>Too Much</i> in my inbox from Victoria BC's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brydesmaids/">Bridal Party</a> waiting for me. It's a front-to-back solid slice of indie pop, but it was album closer "Attention" that really got mine.<br />
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It pairs a really bouncy track with a pretty scathing take on social media behaviour and great vocals from Suzannah Raudaschl that showcase her range - particularly on the chorus.<br />
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The band are about to hit the road - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/346241749648893/">including a stop here in Winnipeg</a> - and fingers-crossed I'll be talking to them for my radio show and possibly coaxing them in to UMFM for a live session.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1561946028/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=3038603989/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 470px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://bridalparty.bandcamp.com/album/too-much">Too Much by Bridal Party</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-18747903098466965032019-08-01T09:00:00.001-07:002019-08-01T09:00:37.906-07:00Audrey Powne - "Flowers"I've only made <a href="https://reductive-reviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/2018-year-end-longlist-part-5.html">brief mention</a> of Melbourne, Australia act Leisure Centre here on RR, but the contemporary soul group and Hopestreet Recordings roster member have found their way into my playlists and heart.<br />
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Despite the group being on my radar, I missed the fact that band-member Audrey Powne released a solo single earlier this year, but thanks to a Bandcamp article about the Brownswood comp <a href="https://sunnyside-up.bandcamp.com/album/sunny-side-up">Sunny Side Up</a>, I discovered this gem.<br />
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It begins with a glissando harp run and then a swelling horn line and by 0:05, I'm completely won over because these things check some psychological boxes for me. All this before the drums kick in and Powne intones "When you bought me roses / I should've questioned your motives." That first five seconds might not be enough for some people, but if you're not all in by the 30 second mark, by all means close the tab on your browser and walk away because I don't know what to say.<br />
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I've always looked forward to more from Leisure Centre and the Hopestreet label, but I've added Powne to the list of Melbourne music I'll always press 'play' on.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=115420628/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 442px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://audreypowne.bandcamp.com/track/flowers">Flowers by Audrey Powne</a></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-72387017902554347062019-07-24T12:22:00.000-07:002019-07-24T12:22:18.595-07:00Common Holly - "Central Booking"Two weeks ago I spoke with Brigitte Naggar - aka Common Holly - <a href="https://umfm.com/programming/broadcast/thank-god-its-free-range-july-12-2019">for my show</a> in advance of her playing <a href="https://reallovewpg.com/real-love-summer-fest">Real Love Summer Fest</a> (this weekend!!) and at the time, "Central Booking" was still on the horizon and we had to feature something from her 2018 record, <i>Playing House</i>. In the interview, Naggar hinted at some of the sonic changes in the offing with her new material and "Central Booking" certainly demonstrates that difference.<br />
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Hopefully we'll be hearing more new Common Holly material this Saturday at 5pm as part of RLSF, in advance of the 11 October release of <i>When I say to you Black Lightning</i>.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ESqlVq_R3RE" width="560"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4109521765844355199.post-10439378238202062792019-07-17T14:15:00.002-07:002019-07-17T14:15:23.377-07:00Dylan Perkons - "Desert Island"Every now and then I hear a song that just GUTS me. The first track off Dylan Perkons upcoming LP, <i>The Healing Day</i>, which he recorded at <a href="https://portwilliamsound.tumblr.com/">Port William Sound</a> with Reductive Reviews fave Jonas Bonnetta (aka <a href="http://www.eveninghymns.com/">Evening Hymns</a>) landed in my inbox yesterday and the text accompanying the link to the track gives the following background:<br />
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<i>“<strong>Desert Island</strong>” comes from my own tendency to go inward
and seek isolation in times of emotional distress, partnered with the
need to be seen and heard and share this life with people I love. It
touches on the struggle between these two things – both the immense
capacity of vulnerability, and the shame that’s often felt when we
isolate ourselves.</i><br />
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I'm gutted because it 100% speaks to my own experience and something I wrestle with and puts it to music. The way the lyrics more from "oh you know / oh you know / I'm better off alone" to "oh you know / oh you know / I'm grateful for love" gets me every time and even typing it up my throat constricts and my tear ducts fill.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/598826778&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Michael Elveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222122823502485056noreply@blogger.com0