Me vs. the Music
I am by no means an expert on music: I just love it. Music always knows what to say, how to act and where to be. Because I have spent so much time with music, I feel like I need to talk about it, share my opinions about it, write about it. So here it goes….
Adele Alabama Shakes Alessia Cara Arcade Fire Ariana Grande Audioslave Backstreet Boys Bastille Beck Ben Harper Beyonce Billie Eilish Bon Iver Bono Britney Spears Calvin Harris Chainsmokers Chris Cornell Coldplay Dave Grohl Dave Matthews Band Dixie Chicks DJ Snake Drake Emily Haines Eminem Enrique Iglesias Florence + the Machine Foo Fighters Garbage Grant Park Chicago Gwen Stefani Hozier INXS Jay-Z Justin Bieber Justin Timberlake Kanye West Katy Perry Kendrick Lamar Kesha Kurt Cobain Lollapalooza 2011 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Maroon 5 Metric Michael Jackson Miley Cyrus Montreal Music Fans Nicki Minaj Nirvana No Doubt Oasis Osheaga 2012 Pearl Jam Queen Red Hot Chili Peppers Rihanna Sean Paul Selena Gomez Shawn Mendes Sia Sigur Ros Snoop Dogg Soundgarden Stars Taylor Swift Temple of the Dog The Cranberries The National The Weeknd The xx Tragically Hip U2
Canadian Music
Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Posts Tagged 'Beck'
Posted: January 1, 2017 in End of the Year, New Music, Top 40
Tags: Alessia Cara, Banners, Beck, Beyonce, Bishop Briggs, Bon Iver, Britney Spears, Chainsmokers, Craig David, DJ Snake, Gnash, Gwen Stefani, James Blake, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Kaytranada, Lukas Graham, Sean Paul, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Solange, Temple of the Dog, The Lumineers, Tragically Hip, Zayn
Okay, so 2016 has been quite the year. We're all aware of all the genuine musical talent we've lost, so I'm not going to dwell on that. I also have to admit, I've been a little distracted this year, and feel like I've fallen behind in my musical game, so I apologize for that. All that aside, it's time to pay due to that music that did get us through this roller coaster of a year (note: as always, I haven't listened to every single album released this year, so keep that in mind.)
Best New Artist – Banners
Hailing from the UK, Banners (aka Michael Joseph Nelson) dropped his debut EP this year, and it was soulful, thoughtful and proved how he can use his words to shed a beautiful on love.
Best Live Show – The Tragically Hip: Man Machine Poem Tour
The entire country was in shock when we heard of lead singer Gord Downie's terminal brain cancer. After everything this band has done for music, for Canadians, it's hard to imagine world where they don't exist. However, The Hip didn't hold back from putting on one helluva live show. Downie was on fire, the crowd was on cloud nine, and it was one of the best concert atmospheres I've ever been a part of.
Best Collaboration – "I Need a Forest Fire" James Blake feat. Bon Iver
Two of indie music's geniuses came together and made some wonderful music. Sublime.
Worst Collaboration -"I Hate You, I Love You" by Gnash feat. Olivia O'Brien
There's no love here for this track, just haterade. It's such a cliché, teen angst attempt at being "deep." Also what's with the leather jacket in the blazing heat while walking through the forest?
Guiltiest Pleasure – "Pillowtalk" by Zayn
It's so bad, but I can't help it.
Coolest Artist – Alessia Cara
She's only 20 years old, she's Canadian and signed to Def Jam. She's mature, gracious and writes music with real meaning. She's everything other female singers in her age group aren't. Let's be friends, k?
Best Canadian Album – 99% by Kaytranada
A breakthrough in the Canadian hip-hop scene, Kaytranada brings all kinds of sounds together and tops it all off with tight vocals. Truly a unique album, and one everyone should hear.
Best 90s Comeback – Temple of the Dog
They reunited on the 25th anniversary of the release of their one and only album, for one last tour. There is nothing more 90s than Chris Cornell and Eddie Veddie making music together again.
Saddest 90s Comeback – Britney Spears
It's Britney, bitch. And apparently she's back. I think. Except it looks like she's trying to use the same tricks she used back in the day, just with more botox. Don't get me wrong, I want to root for her, I do. It's just time for her to throw in the towel (and get rid of her figure skating costumes.)
Best Song feat. Sean Paul – "Cheap Thrills" by Sia feat. Sean Paul
This right here, is my jam.
Best Folk Album – Cleopatra by The Lumineers
There's something to eloquent and peaceful about this band. Every track on this album is a story full of emotion, and displays the kind of musicianship that says so much, by doing so little. I also saw them perform in the rain, and couldn't stop swooning. So there's that.
Best Break Up Album – This is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani
The best thing to come out of her very public split from Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, was this album. It's part screw you, part self-reflection, and all Team Gwen. Plus, her live show game is phenomenal.
Best Dance Track – "Let Me Love You" DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
Hate on Biebs all you want, but you can't deny this song gets you up on the dance floor (even if that dance floor is your living room.)
Most Overrated Artist – Chainsmokers
I just can't with these guys. They're wannabe hipster douchebags, whose first single was entitled "#Selfie." They claim to be DJs, but I'm pretty sure their egos just like being on a stage with big headphones. Also, smoking isn't cool.
Most Underrated Artist – Solange
Solange (ie Beyoncé's younger sister) definitely gets a lot of critical acclaim, but I don't think the general masses really understand her talent. She's full of soul, heart, and has a voice that makes her a Queen in her own right.
Best Video of the Year – "Wow" by Beck
This track is several steps away from anything Beck has ever done. It's rock, but synth, but kind of hip-hop, with tints of indie. And the video has everything you could ever want, including Beck dancing in the middle of the street.
Worst Video of the Year – "7 Years" by Lukas Graham
Truth be told, there are probably worse videos out there, but this one wins because it's trying so hard to be something, but no one understands what. Not to mention, "Lukas Graham" refers to the 3-person band, not just the lead singer whose name is also Lukas. I'm confused.
Worst Album of the Year – Following My Intuition by Craig David
He tried to come back after years off the map, and it was horribly bad. Just so so bad (I swear I tried really hard to like it!)
Album of the Year – Lemonade by Beyoncé
This album is Bey at her Queenest, bringing her A+ of A games, while simultaneously slaying everyone in her path. She collaborates with artists of all genres, including Jack White, Kendrick Lamar and Diplo. All hail Queen Bey.
Most Disappointing Song of the Year – "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake
It's disappointing because we all know JT can do so much better. It's a sad attempt at a very poor man's "Happy" and falls totally flat.
Worst Song of the Year – "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes
I never enjoy knocking down Canadian artists, but Mendes gave me no choice. When I hear this song, it sounds like nails going down a chalkboard, and my ears bleed. His voice is so nasal/whiny, the lyrics are so cheesy (yes, I know he's only 18) and it just needs to stop.
Song of the Year – "River" by Bishop Briggs
Anything you could ever want in a track, and then some. Love, love, love.
Top 5 Songs of the Summer (so far)
Posted: July 20, 2016 in Alternative, Grunge, Indie, Lists, Pop, Rock, Spanish Music
Tags: Beck, Bishop Briggs, Broods, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jacob Forever, Summer Jams
I came across an article a while ago, stating this year's supposed summer songs have fallen short, and I couldn't agree more. The pop world has let us down once again, and given us lame, played out tracks that are so been there done that. How are we supposed to enjoy our summer now? In spite of this, I've decided compile a list – I just had to get more creative.
"Handclap" – Fitz and the Tantrums
This track comes off Fitz and the Tantrums' self-titled third studio album. They blur the line between rock and pop here, giving them more reach. It's catchy/infectious, involves synchronized claps (it's even in the title!) It passes the ultimate summer song test too: you definitely want to blast it and sing along with your car windows down (and not be embarrassed about it.)
"Free" – Broods
This track from New Zealand brother-sister duo is not to be missed. It's grungier than your typical summer dance track, but it's anthemic and empowering. You just can't help but hit repeat over and over once it ends, because that good a feeling is so addictive.
"Hasta Que Se Seque El Malecón" – Jacob Forever
No summer song list is complete without a little Latin flare. It's your standard reggaeton track, and I mean that in the best way possible. Your hips want to sway, you want to dance, and even if you can't exactly sing along or understand the lyrics, it doesn't matter. You hear this, and all you see is partying somewhere warm, beachy, drinks flowing; it's irresistible.
"Wow" – Beck
Okay, so I have no idea where/how Beck came up with this track. He's known to be rock/indie, and although his music has always been a little offbeat and eccentric, I've never heard anything like this from him" it's borderline hip-hop. The music is perfectly produced and executed, and just keeps building and building – it's a dope track even without lyrics. I never thought Beck would be on a summer jam list, but that just shows how talented he really is (right, Kanye?)
"The River" – Bishop Briggs
Briggs is a British musician who has taken the indie scene by storm with this track. Musically, you hear a bunch of different sounds coming together, and it's impossible to ignore the hook. Vocally, she hits all kinds of ranges showing her versatility as well as how strongly she's feeling the music. All you want to do is enjoy the crap out of this song.
O(h)sheaga!
Posted: August 8, 2013 in Live Music, Music Festivals
Tags: Beck, Imagine Dragons, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Montreal, Osheaga 2013, Stars, Tegan and Sara
Osheaga Music Festival took place this past weekend in Montreal. Parc Jean-Drapeau was once again host to the epic series of live performances. Sadly, this year I was only able to attend one day of the festival (I blame my age) but boy was it a great day.
The first band I made it for was Stars. They were playing to a hometown crowd and the fans were eating it up. Lead singer Torquil Campbell did spend a little too much time going off on Prime Minister Steven Harper which was a bit of an unnecessary buzz kill. Next up were darling twin sisters Tegan and Sara. From outfit to hairstyle to accessories, these girls decorated the stage with their immense talent. Their latest album Heartthrob has made huge waves for them. Well done ladies.
The next artist was supposed to be Miguel. He was a last minute addition to replace Frank Ocean who bailed due to damaged vocal chords. I was dying to see Miguel, having fallen head over heels for his album Kaleidoscope Dream, and I was in the mood to swoon. However, at the very last minute he also cancelled due to scheduling conflicts with his band. Who substituted him? K-Os. Normally this would have been fine. But K-Os actually had a slot the day before, where he took a hissy fit and stormed off stage when the sound system wasn't co-operating. Not cool buddy. The few minutes I did witness him rocking a Jays' hat, trying to remind the crowd why he was still relevant, weren't all that impressive. Therefore I will not post any footage.
Imagine Dragons came on after and completely saved the day. The band was happy the entire time. Smiling, dancing, singing their hearts out, playing their instruments like they were having the time of their lives. The energy was contagious and there wasn't a single person standing still in the crowd. Lead singer Dan Reynolds was dynamic, entertaining and the only one I've ever seen who plays a massive bass drum. I kind of want to be friends with them. What a great performance.
It was time. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were about to hit the stage and I couldn't contain my excitement. It started to rain (thankfully I was well equipped with a bad ass poncho) but that wasn't stopping anyone. The crowds had been gathering all day to see these guys and although I was tempted to worm my way up close, I knew it was going to be a battle and I wasn't in the mood to fight off drunken 19-year-olds. So I stayed back where I wouldn't be succumbed to the smoke, smells and sweat from being pushed up against someone. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis did not disappoint, they were off the hook. He did an acapella version of "Otherside" and during "Same Love," a track about equal rights for homosexuals (damn right he supports it) he treated his fans to a beautiful moment in music: he called on Tegan and Sara to sing the chorus. They are darling twin sisters who are also both lesbians. It was just perfect.
And then this happened during "Can't Hold Us":
The main headliner was 90s rock legend Beck. I was unable to make it long enough to watch his set, but heard that it was fantastic. Here's a look.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you've never been to an outdoor music festival you don't know what you're missing. There's just something about that environment that causes some sort of strange euphoria (not the drug-induced kind) that makes everything better. Try it, you'll see.