What’s been happening at Rock Me Joe since I posted my top-20 of 2011, here’s an update!
I’m still over at True North Records and Linus Entertainment working on retainer for the labels. It’s been awesome and we’ve got a ton of great things happening this year! If you’re a fan of trad jazz, Peter Appleyard put out an amazing record called The Lost 1974 Sessions. It’s been #1 on the !earshot Jazz Chart the past two weeks, which is great news! Watch out for his new recording, Sophisticated Ladies, coming out this June. It’s an album of standards and features 10 of Canada’s top female jazz vocalists paying tribute to Peter, who joins them on vibs.
Canadian rock legend GOWAN is re-releasing his classic record, Great Dirty World on May 8th. We’ll be doing a ton of press to promote the release, so watch out for his performances on radio and TV next week! He’s also playing Fallsview Casino this July 11-13, so get your tickets. I’ve got mine!
We also had a great time at the 2012 JUNO Awards. The Wailin’ Jennys and Bruce Cockburn took home awards in both Roots categories. Check out the Jenny’s Bright Morning Stars and Bruce’s Small Source of Comfort. They’re fantastic records!
Madison Violet are currently on tour in the U.S. – so if you’re south of the boarder, visit madisonviolet.com for tour dates.
I’m so excited for the releases we have coming out this year! There’s a ton of exciting things happening so I’ll try and keep you updated.
As always, thanks for stopping by. If you’re an independent band who’s happened across my site looking for a publicist, please still reach out and send me your music. We’re always looking for fantastic artists to sign to the label.
So, I’ve failed at being as diligent as I’d set out to be when it comes to spreading this out over time. I will finish before midnight though, I swear.
Coming in at #6 on my list is “Calgary” by Bon Iver. I’ll never get sick of listening to Justin Vernon’s falsetto. In fact, I had no idea what the lyrics to this song were about until I looked them up. Still, they don’t really matter. The production is incredible. This music is all about the emotional reaction you have while listening to it. Love them or hate them, Bon Iver’s doing something pretty different. I mean, there’s not much out there to compare it to. A lot of rock bands these days are pretty interchangeable. You can’t replace Bon Iver with anyone, as far as I’m concerned.
This is another track released on a 2010 record but not as a single until 2011. Argue if you must, but it’s a great fucking song and “Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn is #5 on my list. There are various reasons why I love this song. Robyn can write hooks for days; the melody is so strong and the fact that it throws back hard to the 90s, yet comes off as completely fresh and new is a feat. However, what sets Robyn apart is that she writes mature, thoughtful and emotional lyrics to these crazy catchy tracks. That’s unique – and I hate using that word. It’s also another one of those songs that came along at the right time in my life. I’ve had a lot of those songs this year.
Number 4 is The Belle Brigade’s “Losers.” I consider this song’s appearance in my life a bit of a happy accident. I caught the last two songs of their set when they opened for Dawes and Blitzen Trapper this fall. I was so blown away by those two songs, I bought the record that night. As soon as I got home from the show, I broke out the record and really regretted missing their set. It’s one of the best debuts I’ve heard in a long time. As they’re a brother and sister songwriting duo, their songs are more mature, I think. They’ve obviously been writing together for a long time and they explore topics that are less conventional. Losers is mature. It’s epic. It reminds me of what folk music is supposed to be – songs with passion and a message. This song is an anthem. The Belle Brigade are, hands down, my favourite new band of 2011.
Adele’s “Someone Like You” is #3 on my list. I’m not going to spend too much time on this track. We all know why we love it. Everyone’s experienced the feelings that inspire this song. By a mile, this was the biggest song of the year. It will probably be remembered as one of the biggest songs of the decade. I will say, however, that this song inspired a new life goal for me. One day in my career, I want to be one of the first people to ever hear a song like this. I want to have that moment where I hear a true hit before anyone else. I want to know what that feels like.
Speaking of Blitzen Trapper, “Love The Way You Walk Away” is #2 on my list. I can’t really put my finger on why I love this song as much as I do. Those are always the best songs though; the songs that compel you to hit repeat as soon as it’s over. Everything about this track is perfect. The lyrics tell a story, the instrumentation is fantastic and the harmonies are beautiful. What kills me is the chorus: “And a brand new coat of paint / on this broke down palace couldn’t compensate / for the things I never really said to make you stay / because I love the way you walk away.” Break. My. Heart.
Here we are at #1. I fell in love with M83′s “Midnight City” before the intro even finished. I had a physical reaction to this song. I can’t help but dance every time I listen to it. The synths, the echoing vocals, the rock sax… everything about this song is amazing. It’s the kind of song you’d want to soundtrack your life. It just makes me happy. So very happy. Every time I listen to this song, I love it as much as I did the first time I heard it. That’s the mark of a great, great tune and it’s my favourite song of 2011.
My official New Years resolution is to blog more. Writing is a huge part of my job, but writing for your job VS writing for fun is just different. Clearly, I love tell people about the music I love and the projects I work on. It’s incredibly satisfying and somehow, I’ve been lucky enough to turn it into a career. Anyone who works in the music business will generally have similar sentiments about the work they do. However, sharing music that I love, purely as a fan, is something different. I need to do that more often.
On to my point.
Let me preface my #9 by saying I, in no way, view this track as a guilty pleasure. I listen to all kinds of music and I do have a penchant for divas. Beyoncé is the diva to end all divas, as far as I’m concerned, and “1+1″ is a brilliant track. However, she clearly doesn’t know much about algebra. If she did, the lyrics would be “I don’t know much about algebra, but I know a +1 =2.” That’s okay though.
I can’t tell you how many times I sang this song at the top of my lungs from the confines of my tiny bedroom early last summer. I love how driven the vocals are – almost desperate. Again, it’s incredibly sexy. I think I’ve got a thing for sexy songs. The passion in B’s vocals perfectly match the passion in the lyrics. It also contains a perfectly awesome guitar solo. I love 90s rock ballad inspired guitar solos.
Check it.
I’m really excited to share #8 with you. It’s a song about a young US soldier who goes on an acid trip and thinks he’s been caught stealing heroin from the Taliban, placed in solitary confinement, shipped home to the US and asked to go on a special mission for the pentagon into outer space. Sounds just like the makings of a country song, no? No it doesn’t, but that’s what makes it the best damn country song of the year, as far as I’m concerned.
The mark of a good country song is its ability to tell a story. Whether it’s a story about your dead dog, cheating wife or acid trip, as long as it’s a good story, it’s a good country song. Hayes Carll’s “KMAG YOYO” is just that. Recently, someone in the media asked where all our protest songs have gone. Well, I believe country music holds true to a lot of the ideals of the 60s folk music revolution, when it comes to storytelling. If you don’t have this record, pick it up. Don’t let the country label scare you off. Hayes Carll is one of this generation’s best singer/songwriters.
Now here’s where things get all convoluted. Any of the following songs really could land at #1 depending on the day, my mood or which way the wind blows. Middle Brother put out one of the best (and most criminally overlooked) records of the year. It really is a rock and roll supergroup, composed of members of Deer Tick, Dawes and Delta Spirit. Individually, Dawes and Deer Tick are also two of the most criminally overlooked rock bands of the last 3 years. I’d comment on Delta Spirit but I haven’t really checked them out yet. I should get on that.
The thumping rhythm and 70s guitar kick ass, but the lyrics are killer: “She’s a southern girl with out a drawl/a good girl who wears black bras/she’s the only one who could make me crawl but she’s to sweet to force me” UGH. LOVE. Honestly, I’d like to meet the girl who inspired this song because she sounds awesome. At least I’d like to follow her on Twitter. Check out my #7, Middle Brothers’ “Blue Eyes,” below.
It took me a while to check out Cults’ self-titled record. Mostly because I illegally downloaded a shitty copy and couldn’t be bothered to search for a good one. Eventually I did. (Disclaimer: I thought I wouldn’t like it, which was why I didn’t want to pay for it. It’s no excuse until I buy a ticket to the show in April.) On the whole, I’m not totally crazy over the record, however, there are some excellent, excellent tracks. “Go Outside” is one of those. For the most part, I lean towards singer/songwriters, however, once in a while a track will grab me for its sound above anything else. “Go Outside” is that kind of song. It’s superbly catchy and really, that counts for a lot. If I want to dance around in my room in my underwear while putting away my laundry, “Go Outside” is one of the first tracks I’d play. Check out my #14 below.
From Baltimore, Wye Oak’s “Holy Holy” comes in at #13 on my year-end list. There’s something about this track that really evokes 90s indie rock. Not necessarily in its sound, aside from the grungy guitars. More in the “If My So Called Life” were on air today, “Holy Holy” could have replaced Buffalo Tom in this scene (though Buffalo Tom is perfect and I’d never change a thing. That is, by the way, one of my all-time favourite TV moments.) Anyway, you get my drift. It’s throwback, but not in a deliberate kind of way. There’s something really dirty and sexy about this track too. It’s almost like Jenn Wasner’s vocals are teasing and flirting with the guitars. There’s a great back and forth happening here.
The Dears’ Degeneration Street is my favourite Dears record. I think it’s the most accessible album they’ve recorded. “Thrones,” sitting at #12, is by far the stand-out for me. The hook is so, so strong. It seems heavily influenced by 90s Brit pop, which is always okay with me. This album should have made the Polaris short list. It’s a shame it didn’t. Maybe there’s Dears fatigue here in Canada by now, but they’re one of this countries most underrated bands that were deserving of commercial success on this last album. “Thrones” should have received heavy air play on new rock radio stations, if we actually had any of those in this country.
Florence + The Machine’s “Shake It Out” is #11. I have to say, I had a sincere, visceral, physical reaction to this song the first time I heard it. I was a huge fan of Flo’s debut, but “Shake It Out” is by far her best thing she’s released yet. Rarely, does a song make you feel joy. I can truly say that I can’t help but smile every time I listen to this song. It really is a musical expression of pure joy, as far as I’m concerned.
And here we head into my top-10. I’m going to call this one a tie. To be honest, Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” has been on #10 on my list for weeks, however today I found a song that I’ve listened to repeat most of the day, so I’m going to throw it in here too.
So, anyone who knows me, knows I’ve always had an affinity for 80s pop, synthesizer and heavy beats. “Nightcall” has all of that. I know it’s from Drive, but if I throw this on while I’m driving to work, my shitty sentra feels like a European sports car, for about 10 seconds. It’s another one of those tracks that wins me over on sound alone – there’s really nothing to the lyrics, though the dreamy vocals are a definite highlight.
If forced, I’ll admit that I’m a hopeless romantic. I’m foolishly searching for those Cameron Crowe and John Hughes moments. Admittedly, many of my favourite songs are songs that could soundtrack some personal epic movie moment, if I’m ever lucky enough to have one. My own personal soundtrack includes Robert Ellis’ “Friend’s Like Those,” even though I’ve only known this song for less than 12 hours. I love this song so much, I’ve not been able to make it past track 3 on Photographs. The lyrics are truly simple and sincere. I love the traditional country twang in his voice too. It sounds like a James Taylor song, if James Taylor cut is teeth in smokey bars in Nashville and Texas. Sometimes songs find you at that exact perfect moment where they make so much sense to you personally. Just so happens I’m (trying) to let go of someone who has been a huge part of my life, directly and indirectly, for the last 3 years or so and I’m sure I’ll always think of that person when I hear this song. It will always make me smile.
I can’t find a full-band live video, so click here for the track instead.
I just realized that we’re fast approaching December 31 and I better kick it up a notch if I expect to get to #1 by the end of the year.
Coming in at #18 is Nicole Atkins’ “Heavy Boots.” Sadly, I missed her last show in Toronto because I was out-of-town for a very good friend’s birthday, otherwise I would have gone through hell and high water to be there. Mondo Amore is a stellar record. It’s full of great songs, however, it does have 2 or 3 outstanding tracks, which almost make the rest pale in comparison. The song’s dark lyrics and melody, coupled with the thumping drums make for an intense 4 and a half minutes. Atkins’ rather sweet voice is a nice and welcoming contrast. I simply love this song.
Number 17 is TV On The Radio’s “Keep Your Heart.” I’ve always been a huge TVOTR fan and I’ve loved every release, welcoming the band’s transitioning sound. I think with each record, they become more and more accessible. Nine Types Of Light finds this exceptional band heading in that direction. When it comes to my top-20, “Keep Your Heart” is the sexiest song to make the cut. It’s the one and only true make-out song. There’s something about falsetto that’s always sexy, I think. Also, I’m sure I’ve said it before, but if David Bowie was still making (as) relevant music as he was in the 70s, it would probably sound something like this.
Surfer Blood put out one of my favourite records in 2010 and their 2011 EP, Tarot Classics continues to position the band as one of rock music’s most exciting new bands. These post-surf rockers (is that a term?) sometimes fall off my radar. I’m not really into this whole surf rock resurgence and don’t really dig their contemporaries like Best Coast and Wavves, however I’ve been playing the shit out of “Miranda,” which sits at #16 on my list. Every time I play it I can’t help but seat dance, or proper dance/jump around my room. Sometimes, I tend to gravitate towards pretty, acoustic songs. Surfer Blood remind me I’ve not quite retired onto dad-rock yet. If I’m being honest, I feel like real rock and roll has gone to shit since the Kings of Leon revolution, but Surfer Blood and songs like “Miranda” make me think there’s still hope.
If I could swap music libraries with any music editor, it would have to be Paste Magazine’s Josh Jackson. That dude has impeccable taste. Every year, I eagerly anticipate his year-end and SXSW lists, respectively. I always find a new favourite band among them. Admiral Fallow were a SXSW pick in 2011 and I’ve fallen in love. If you dig Frightened Rabbit or Mumford and Sons, you’ll fucking love Admiral Fallow’s Boots Met My Face. They’re really wonderful lyricists: “sometimes I talk with the metre of a bingo caller’s east end drawl/who cares we’re all just trying float while everything seems set to fall/so hard, so hard.” COME ON. LOVE. Also, how many folk-rock bands can legitimately pull off flute and clarinet. FOR. REAL. Here’s my #15 track, “Subbuteo.”
Admittedly, I was nervous for Ryan Adams’ new record, Ashes & Fire. Only because he’s one of the most unpredictable singer/songwriters I’m a fan of. As Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Jacksonville is a very different record compared to Cardinology. And then there’s also that bizarre metal album he released. However, that is what I love about Adams. He takes risks and is notorious for not giving a shit about what people think.
I think most Adams’ fans really love him for his ability to write heartbreakingly beautiful acoustic ballads. The kinds of songs you wish someone might right for you someday. Come to think of it, if I had a bucket list, inspiring a Ryan Adams’ song would most definitely be on mine. Who knows, he tweeted me twice on Saturday when he was in town. It could happen.
Getting back on track, his new record, Ashes & Fire is beautiful. It’s really a return to Ryan Adams circa Heartbreaker and Demolition. I know some critics have said there are gems and some songs that fall flat, but any Ryan Adams fan will love every second of this album. And the standouts are more than enough to appeal to those who aren’t already fans of this amazing songwriter.
My favourite track on the album is “Dirty Rain.” Again, I do feel like my ranking system is a little random and I wish I put this one higher on the list. I love the chorus: “So, may the wind blow and the moonlight know your name/So, let the needle move the record round until the walls cave in/And you and I are out there dancing in the dirty rain.” Adams’ vocals are so smooth on this track too. They just melt and bend around his perfect melody. Spoiler alert: this song is about the end of a relationship – like so many of Adams’ songs. But, no one does it better than him.
Also, I have to say, I saw Adams’ on Saturday in Toronto and it was a magical, magical experience. He told stories about Skyrim and Dracula, and sang to us like we were his best friend, just kicking around on his front porch asking him to play our favourite songs.
So – I haven’t posted on here in a while. I’ve been very busy over at True North Records and Linus Entertainment, where I’ll remain on contract to the labels for a little while longer. I’m loving my time over there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drop me a line. Though I won’t be working any more freelance projects for a while, if you think I might dig your music, or it might be a good fit for True North or Linus, please get in touch!
That said, 2011 has been a wonderful year for music and I can’t help but share my top picks for the best 20 songs of the year. Coming in at #20, in a very arbitrary order that changes as often as I change my hair colour, is James Vincent McMorrow’s “Hear The Sound That Moves So Soft and Slow.” Basically, Early In The Morning is one of my favourite records — as a whole. It doesn’t have any one song that particularly stands out from another. They’re all very, very good. James Vincent McMorrow’s voice is so entirely ethereal that you can’t help but be whisked away on a soft, warm cloud of sound. I know. Lame. But I swear it’s true. It’s truly a case of “he could sing me the phone book and it would be beautiful.” Personally, I just happen to like “Hear The Sound…” the best. I’m not sure why. I’ve always been more of a melody than lyrics person, so I think the pretty, simple, melancholic melody just sucks me in and makes me want more. It was also my first introduction to James Vincent McMorrow, after my favourite Music Director suggested him to me.
Check out the video below, filmed by one my favourite live video series, Wood & Wires.
Also – I should mention I had some very serious honorable mentions. In process of elimination, they didn’t make the cut.
- Yes, I realize this record came out last year. It’s a 2011 single though and that counts. I will, for the rest of time, dance around in my underwear around my room to this song.
- I seriously love this song. This Winnipeg duo remind me of the indie rock I missed out on because I listened to the radio too much in high school. It’s just fucking cool. It’s simple, but with an undeniably catchy, infectious hook. It really is one of my favourite songs this year and I can’t wait to watch this band grow.
- I love kick-ass female fronted rock and roll bands. Especially when they play some mean, dirty guitars and thumping drums. More women need to play kick-ass rock and roll like this.
- Taylor Goldsmith is probably the one of the best songwriters to come out of the last 5 years. His songwriting sensibilities are so timeless. This track didn’t make the cut because I think the Middle Brother album is better than Dawes’ release, but this song is so intense, I probably should have found room for it on the list. He’s also one of the best guitar players and most intense performers I’ve ever seen live. So genuine and believable.
ALRIGHT. I’m sure I could go on. Must. Stop. Making. Top. 20. List. It. Started. Out. As. A. Top. 10.
