The Verve Pipe disappeared after their 2001 release “Underneath” tanked. It had the misfortune of being released on September 11 and the band took it as a bad omen. Despite being a bit of an unheralded pop masterpiece, it didn’tRead more…
Various Artists – The Space Project
In what can only considered an extremely literal approach to songwriting, a group of artists assembled tracks for Record Store Day compilation record “The Space Project” by utilizing recordings from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes. Using theRead more…
Lorde – Pure Heroine
Today is Lorde’s 18th birthday. She was born on November 7, 1996. Here’s a list of some great albums that were released that year: Beck – Odelay Cake – Fashion Nugget Eels – Beautiful Freak Tool – Ænima All fourRead more…
Halestorm – Reanimate 2.0: The Covers EP
It feels like I’ve been writing about a lot of cover discs this week. (I covered the Doomriders/Sweet Cobra Devo split last week and Life of Agony’s version of “Don’t You Forget About Me” just yesterday. In the case ofRead more…
Tales from the Bargain Bin: Life of Agony – Ugly
Back in September I lamented the decline of CD shops in Toronto. But I took solace in the fact that Neurotica was still occupying Queen St. West. (aside: Sonic Boom occupies a prime spot on Spadina north of Queen andRead more…
Blackalicious – Blazing Arrow
From the first time I heard the Blacklicious track Attica Black 20 years ago I fell in love with their music. Gift Of Gab is clearly one of the most talented MCs out there. His versatility allows how to layRead more…
Playlist Monday: Our Band Could Be Your Life
“Our Band Could Be Your Life” is a book by Michael Azerrad. It features many underground punk and alternative rock bands that pre-dated a lot of the great 90’s stuff. I thought it was an interesting read and decided toRead more…
Sólstafir – Ótta
I stumbled upon Icelandic metal act Sólstafir earlier this year at the Hard Luck Bar. I was there to see a friend who was in the opening act. I was told before the show that Sólstafir had been a blackRead more…
Mogwai – Rave Tapes
Mogwai has earned a reputation over the years for being one of the loudest bands around. Their first few records displayed a mastery over the quiet/loud dynamic as well as the use of repetition around a theme. (refer to classicRead more…
The Vines – Wicked Nature
The Vines have been staying fairly productive since exploding seemingly out of nowhere with hit song, “Get Free” and being tagged with The Strokes, The Hives and The White Stripes as the saviours of rock for the early 2000s. YetRead more…