So here they are in chronological order. Enjoy my 40 songs in all shades

1973 – Elton John “Crocodile Rock” – this song was on a children’s LP that I had later in years and I adored this and would constant play this over and over again.

1974 – Barbara Striesand “The Way We Were” – one of few songs I learned on the piano, because my mother made me!
1975 – Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” – I blame all country songs that I know on my grandfather! He was not a glittery cowboy but I think he influenced my mother who then in turn influenced me.

1976 – Barry Manilow “I Write The Songs” – pure torture. I hate this song, but I had to hear it when all I wanted to listen to was Sesame Street Fever. My mother was evil
1977 – Rod Stewart “Tonight’s the Night” – Rod was a staple growing up. I still like his raspy voice.
1978 – The Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” – the be all end all of music according to my father. Ask me anything Bee Gees related. Barry Gibb to my father is Ryan Star to me. Nuff said.
1979 – Billy Joel “My Life” – lip sync duo with Kevin, my older brother from a K-Tel album that had this song …it was the first song on the second side of the LP…..the album cover was green. I’m such a visual person!
1980 - Queen “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – I wanted to put ‘Another Bites the Dust’ but that would be the Queen song for my brother’s list. This isn’t my favourite Queen song but I do like it’s groove.

1981 – Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl” – Yep. I was born at the perfect time to be one of those Rick Springfield lovers. I thought he was soooo cute, but I was more drawn to Bull Terrier on the cover of the ‘Working Class Dog’ LP.
1982 – Olivia Newton-John “Physical” – so many to choose from this year, but I had the headband, my mother refused to buy me the leotard. Smart woman.

1983 – Musical Youth “Pass the Dutchie” – don’t judge me….81, 82 and 83 were me discovering music on my own with no parental or brotherly influence. Honestly though, I think this was the beginnings of my diversity in music. Such a rap/reggae influence right?

1984 – Van Halen “Jump” – the beginning of the metal years, thanks to my bro. We were just like every other kid jumping from the couch to couch playing this song, swinging out arms playing air guitar.
1985 – Metallica “Fade to Black” – I’m still not over Cliff Burton and still angry that Jason Newstead left the band. Love the bass players, no longer care about the rest of the band!
1986 – Run DMC “Walk this Way” – I was deep in Metallica at this point but intrigued and fascinated by rap, and when Aerosmith did this song with Run DMC it took my breath away.

1987 - Beastie Boys “Fight for your Right to Party” – nuff’ said.
1988 – Leonard Cohen “First we Take Manhattan” – I remember watching the video for this song on Much Music. I wasn’t sure I like the song at that age, wasn’t sure what is was, who he was, but I remember it vividly and came back to it years later.

1989 – The Cure “Pictures of You” – The Cure hold a special place in my heart. My first concert – CNE Grandstand – 8th row center – I could see Robert Smith’s sweat drip from his brow.
1990 – Jane’s Addiction “Three Days” – The 90’s were a great era for Team ‘73ers. A time of self-discovery. Perry Farrell had much much influence over me. Ritual De Lo Habitual is still part of me.

1991 – REM “Losing My Religion” – Again, the age of video. I can visualize this entire video in my head. The song is still great. I am not a fan of REM post Out-Of-Time though. Automatic For the People did so well and people love it, but it bores me.

1992 – Pearl Jam “Jeremy” – Eddie Vedder what a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man. He booted me in the head once – he was crowd surfing and Steph (another Team ’73) and I bounced around the mosh pit.
1993 – The The “Love is Stronger than Death” – god I love this song. If you haven’t heard it go listen. Hell listen to the entire Dusk album.
1994 – Tori Amos “Cornflake Girl” – Girl Power.
1995 – Radiohead “Fake Plastic Trees” – oh Thom thanks for coming out. Thanks for being a staple in my life for 20 years.

1996 – The Wallflowers “One Headlight” – this is likely not the best song Jakob Dylan has ever recorded, but I still throw this one on my running playlist. It still has a hold on me.

1997 – Hanson “mmmmBop” – i put this in to see if you are still reading….actually it’s Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” but I didn’t want to repeat a band
1998 – Matthew Good Band “Apparitions” – this is my CRTC Canadian Content. No, I do love Matt Good and thankfully he continues to put out great music!
1999 – Moby “Natural Blues” – how can you not crank this tune and drive fast?
2000 – Coldplay “Yellow” – I’ve always had a thing for Brit Pop. Coldplay are like U2, they are consistent and well loved by the masses. This song reminds me of the favourite yellow t-shirt I once had.
2001- Nickelback “This is how you remind me” – this is only here for the pure fact that it showed that 2001 and was a terrible year in the history of music. Ick.
2002 – Damien Rice “Cannonball” – and we recover with Mr. Rice. “O” is a fantastic album, and it needs to be listened to from beginning to end.
2003 – The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” – this is where I begin my love affair with a weirdo.
2004 – The Killers “Mr. Brightside” – I don’t care what you say this is the best running song ever.

2005 – Imogen Heap “Hide & Seek” – Oh the song from The OC (as show I never watched). I love Imogen and her weird hats. Especially love her collaborations with Jeff Beck.
2006 – Ryan Star “Back of Your Car” – and so it begins. Rockstar Supernova airs and I fell hard. I know that BOYC isn’t a 2006 song, but it is for me. I don’t think it was Ryan’s first original I had heard, I looked him up previously to him rockin’ it out on the show – but I chose it here because I love every form of this song I have heard. I adore Ryan acoustic, on the piano and being all mellow – but I love love love when he gets all nasty and rocks it out.
2007 – Radiohead “Reckoner” – Radiohead swooped in and stole my soul in 2007 with this song, this album.
2008 - Portishead “Magic Doors” – brilliance comes around again! I chose this song because the beeping at the beginning. Every time it came on in my car I thought my car was alerting me to something wrong. Every.Time.
2009 - Florence + The Machine “Rabbit Heart” – Lungs is a great album and this song is my favourite. The lyrics are fabulous.
2010 – Ryan Star “Breathe” – A worthy repeat of an artist wouldn’t you say? 11:59 was released in this year and I may have listened to it a wee bit.

2011 – Bon Iver “Flume” – I know Bon Iver puts people to sleep. I was being put to sleep from early on in the release of this album. I also adore Peter Gabriel’s cover.
2012 – Jack White “Love Interruption” – This song makes me appreciate a different sound out of Jack, also makes me want to have love bite me, and slam my fingers in a doorway. Kinky.

2013 – Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Sacrilege” – can’t get enough of this song so far this year and anticipate the album release later this month!!! Woohoo new music!

There were so many songs I could have chosen, so many that had impact in certain years and then there were years where pickings were slim! So odd. There are artists that didn’t even make the list, like Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Love and Rockets, Iron Maiden to name few. I wouldn’t call this my Top 40 songs, as there are many songs that were made pre-1973 that I adore, and there are likely many songs released in one year that would fill spots.

So as I prepare to turn 40 in 2 days….I do hope to remain young at heart in my music tastes. Is that possible or am I delusional?

Cheers,
Lila

1) Kitten – an LA band http://www.kittentheband.com/music with ‘Cut it Out’

2) The Neighbourhood – another California Band http://thenbhd.com/letitgo/ (sidenote: I love that they have a ‘u’ in their name) with ‘Female Robbery’ – also check out ‘Sweater Weather’ and ‘Let it Go’

3) Robert DeLong – the one-man electro band from LA with ‘Global Concepts’ http://robertdelong.com/ from his appearance on Letterman.

4) Paramore – http://www.paramore.net/ with ‘Now’, don’t judge me, I like it.

5) Imagine Dragons – http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/default.aspx#!news Las Vegas based and catchy as hell, again don’t judge me! with ‘Radioactive’

6) The Lighthouse & The Whaler – http://thelighthouseandthewhaler.com/ and Ohio melodic folk band with ‘Venice’

And there are six songs for you to give a listen. Feedback? Am I out to lunch here or what?

Cheers,
Lisa

Love songs.  You know, the songs you don’t admit to anyone that you know every single lyric to.  The ones you listened to in your cheesiest moments.  Many heard at a high school dance.  Like Zeppelin’s “Stairway”, the songs you danced with your crush to, trying to cop some kind of feel, swaying and being mushy in adolescent  Hollywood romanticized love.

For all my musical snobbery, it amazes me that I was able to collaborate such a list of cheesy goodness.  That once the creative juices started to collectively flow, how many songs – most of them nostalgic in nature – came forward for consideration.  Much gratitude to those that entertained me with their singing of songs and mad research skillz (ahem.. Steel Man…), their like-mindedness in cheese choice (ahem.. Bros…) and their penchant for recruitment from the ones around them (ahem.. Faubert…).  A completely stellar list. Thank you, as always, for the inspiration and aid.

And yes, I know all the words.  Sad.  But true.

This is how we cheese it up for all you gooey gobsters out there.  Sing along.  Just don’t admit that you did it.

A Veritable Vestibule of Valentine’s Vocalization: Top 10 Songs To Guarantee a Cheese-eriffic Valentine’s Day

#10: Wicked Game – Chris Isaak

A song entirely made up of baritone moaning.  90210 made it memorable.  Who didn’t want to be Helena Christensen frolicking in the surf (or to have her frolicking with them)?  How many people made out on the beach to this song in the mid-90s?

#9: My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

A shipwreck of a love song.  Oh, yes.  I just said that.  Chest-pounding Celine and some thoroughly cheese-y goo.  It doesn’t get any better.

#8:  I Would Do Anything – Meatloaf

Beauty and.. the Beast?  A classic video that I grudgingly admit I watched religiously while singing along.

#7:  Take My Breath Away – Berlin

Before Tom Cruise lost his mind (and his marriage.. thank you Celeb Gossip…), he was pretty dreamy.  To my pre-teen self.  The original goo.

#6: (Everything I Do) I Do it For You – Bryan Adams

Robin Hood.  Merry Men.  And a song that everyone danced to at a school dance.  Sway along, people.

#5: Love you Like a Love Song – Selena Gomez

It occurred to us that we had a ton of songs from our nostalgic pasts.  Nothing truly new (since I assume we’ve evolved in our taste for cheese to not include overt-lyrical mush).  This is our nod to how the love song has evolved.  It’s a bit pathetic, really.  A ballad for this generation? I’ve mocked this song before, so I won’t ask the obvious question (how does one love like a love song? The answer isn’t all that complimentary…)

#4:  More Than Words – Extreme

The one song we can all sing verbatim without any music in the background.  Who didn’t want to grow their hair and pick up a guitar?

#3: Never Tear Us Apart – INXS

It has been pointed out, multiple times, that when anyone searches for an “us” song, the choice by the masses seems to be this song.  It’s on everyone’s list.  Making it a top contender for the ultimate in cheese.

#2: I Just Called (To Say I Love You) – Stevie Wonder

Who doesn’t love this song?  You don’t have to admit it, we know.  Classic Stevie.

#1: Careless Whisper – WHAM!

There was some debate about whether this was a George Michael song, or a Wham! song.  I’m giving it to Wham! Mostly because it occurred to me that Wham! was the original punctuation-band.  Now I get you Fun-Dot.  Clever boys.  Do you think the sax is what makes the song?  Sax is quite close to the word “sex”.. subliminal message or conspiracy theory about why so many cheesy love songs feature saxes?

Although, this video was provided as an example.. which mocks the hell out of the cheese.  Extremely well played!  I was impressed.  As I so often am when musical meanderings surprise me.  ”He doesn’t like George Michael!!! Boo!!”

Of course, while discussing the overt gooey-ness featured above, talks turned to the quote-unquote love songs (insert air quoting here) that you don’t really hate.  The Cure’s Love Song and even Tori Amos’ cover of it.  U2′s “One” (my favourite… this led to talk of White Whales and waiting for a Steel Man and Ice Man to guest blog – a coming attraction that I’ll merely sidenote here for increased interest).  Our Honourable Mentions today go to two “love” songs that we don’t think suck.  Watch these tomorrow when you haven’t had your eyeballs burned out with the vibrant colours of red and pink; you are not reveling in singleton sadness (if you’re the single sort); you are not missing someone or wallowing in the winter of your discontent.  Or even after today when you will not be inevitably mocking the commercial nature of a holiday invented by Hallmark (Google challenge – was it?!).  Might I suggest watching these next two videos with a heaping side dish of discount chocolate (again proving that Feb. 15 is actually a great celebration day – half price chocolate!!) and singing along proudly.

U2 – All I Want

Annie Lennox – Love Song for a Vampire

Happy Heart Day dear readers.  We think you’re pretty awesome Valentines.  (How was that for cheese?!) As always, we want to hear your thoughts!  What cheese are you listening to today?

Think of the penny like an old band.  Past its prime, no longer seemingly useful and prepared to die a slow and, at times, annoyingly painful death as it makes its way down the road of obscurity.  You have some good memories of it, but on a day-to-day basis, it is just not providing any value.

Or so it seems.

However, let us take a moment to honour the penny and consider how removing it from our lives actually may have a lasting impact. This is where the questions began.  (And this is where I point out the irony of a Steel Man discussing the demise of a copper coin and I could make a Metal joke here, but, really, I’m on afternoon shift and I’ve not yet consumed enough coffee to make the joke as hilarious as it could be.. )

Allow me an indulgent moment to pose exactly how the disappearance of the penny will inevitably affect our lives.  For about a week.

Best question asked:  What will become of the penny loafer?  I suppose we could call them “Dimebag Dawdlers”.  However, that immediately makes me think of Dimebag Darrell (Pantera guitarist that was assassinated by a fan upset at the rumour of Pantera’s impending breakup.. true story…).  So, goodbye Penny Loafer.  An entire generation of preppy hipster dressers (who I’m certain only dress “preppy” as an ironic nod of the head to their prep-school leanings) will have to go without the addition of a penny to their tasseled tootsies.

I suppose no longer will bad pennies turn up.  Because it seems they always did.  What will happen to these “bad pennies”? Conversely, those deemed a “pretty penny” will likely be stuck in the same circle of hell as the bad ones; where they will likely spend eternity finding other pennies, picking them up and never finding the good luck claimed they would inevitably find.  It is very sad to realize that those of us walking around won’t stoop down to pick up that one little lucky penny in the hopes that our fates will be transformed.

And since penny candy hasn’t been around in decades and I’ve completely dated myself talking of it, we are just going to pretend that buying little brown bags filled with sugary goodness was something someone once read in a book or saw in a movie.  Move along.  I’m not that old.

And what will the penny pinchers in life pinch now?  Dimes and nickles seem in direct contrast to the spirit of being a “penny pincher”.  I imagine that those cheap enough to pinch a pretty penny will have to give up their stingy natures.

Oh, wait.  This is about music.

You wouldn’t think that the penny would have shown up in many songs over the years, aside from the obvious choices (which are indeed included in the list below).  It was an innocuous little coin, it seems.  But the references are there and we took the time to find them.  And thus became the Top 10 Penny Tribute Songs.

#10:  Hot in Herre – Jenny Owen Youngs

Okay, I know I’m starting out a list that doesn’t really include the word “Penny” in the title.  Bear with me.  It’s a 50 Cent cover done beautifully and one of my all-time favourite cover songs.  Get it? 50 Cent.  Fine.  A stretch at best, but it’s a damn good song.

#9:  Coin in the Pocket – Joni Mitchell

It’s not really a song, but rather what I would call a bridge between songs.  A preamble.  And it’s Joni Mitchell, so regardless of relevance or the fact that it’s not really a song, it is great.

#8: A Bad Penny – Cat Stevens

1974. Cat Stevens.  A fool and a train.  Classic.

#7:  Penny Sparkle – Blonde Redhead

From their last studio album (2010) of the same name.  An excellent tribute to Penny.

#6: Pretty Penny – Stone Temple Pilots

A favourite from STP. Sing along.

#5: Pennyroyal Tea – Nirvana

You all know my Grunge leanings.  That this was included is hardly a surprise.

#4: Pennies from Heaven – Billie Holliday

There are two songs that automatically had to be included in the list.  Songs that have been covered more times than I care to even Wikipedia.  Forgive the predictability.

Although, be surprised at my inclusion of Christopher Walken cover…. oh, yes.  I did.  Best thing I’ve watched today:

#3: Penny Lane – The Beatles

Thoughts of classic Beatles tunes, the movie Almost Famous and my hunt for a great cover of this obvious choice. I still like Bowie’s version: 

#2: 10 Cent Pistol – Black Keys

I know it is 10 times more than a penny.  But it is 10 times more great as a song.  (oh, that was cheese….)

#1: Dollars & Cents – Radiohead

For Pete – a Radiohead number one choice.

Honourable Mention:  Anything by Pennywise.

Of course, to choose their song “Fuck Authority” is my way of encouraging all of you to collect your pennies and find some use for them.

Did you know that you can use a penny instead of a screwdriver (no, don’t add it to your vodka and OJ…)?  Ever thought of giving someone money owed entirely in pennies?  The currency act states that no one is obligated to accept more than 25 pennies as payment.  Ha! So there Kramer. 

Still, I believe we should continue to offer a penny for someone’s thoughts.  Because, honestly, there are some thoughts roaming around out there that aren’t worth rounding up to a nickel.

(Side note – can we do away with the nickel next? I’m thinking the obliteration of Nickelback would be a good place to start…)

Adieu Little Penny.

p.s. Much gratitude, as always, to a Steel Man for the idea and collaboration.  Another great inclusion.

Being honest here, I have no desire to do a year-end recap, to blog about what we blogged about, what we listened to in 2012. I admit and accept that 2012 was a slow for us on Beat & Lyric….maybe we were busy? Maybe we were lazy? Maybe we just didn’t have the desire to chit chat about music?

I will say my year was consumed by Jack White. If you have 75 minutes to spare watch Conan’s sit-down with Jack here – http://teamcoco.com/video/serious-jibber-jabber-04-jack-white

Here is a sample of what I was listening to in 2012, it’s not all new, some of it is old some really old but it is what passed through my headphones on a regular basis. I ran to it, I clean my house to it, I drove (likely too fast) to it…..I may have even sung along (no one needs to hear that). I

She Wants Revenge – Tear You Apart
Dum Dum Girls – Lord Knows
Tegan & Sara – Closer
Yuna – Lullabies
Willy Moon – Railroad Track
Stateless – Bloodstream
Silversun Pickups – Bloody Mary
The xx – Islands
Franz Ferdinand – Lucid Dreams
The Black Belles – Wishing Wells
Ryan Horne – Terrible Tommy
Tribes – Sappho
Gin Wigmore – Man Like That
The Avalanches – Frontier Psychiatrist
Tanlines – All of Me
Dirty Projectors – Gun Has No Trigger
Ryan Star/Stage – The World Has Come Between Us

I tried not to list stuff that I blogged about. Obviously I over-listened to Jack White, Ryan Star and Hesta Prynn, Florence + The Machine, to name a few I blogged about this year. I had a iPhone/iPod/iTunes malfunction part way through the year and had to re-load everything. I’m sure there is a song or two floating out there that I missed.

Cheers and here is to a promise of more music blogging in 2013.

~Lila

Although, it came to my attention last Christmas that not everyone knows this song. And while it isn’t “technically” a Christmas carol, it is the song I will have on repeat over the next couple of days.

Some notes about the song:

• The female vocals were to be sung by bassist Cait O’Riordan, but she left the band in ’86. Kirsty MacColl’s then-husband was producing the Pogues and asked MacColl to step in as a vocal guide. The Pogues liked her contribution so much that they asked her to sing along officially.

• The song still kicks ass. 25 years after its initial release. Fairytale has re-entered the Top 75 every December since 2005. It has made the Top 20 on nine separate occasions and the Top 10 on four separate occasions. Its 10 visits to the chart now total 57 weeks on the official UK Top 75 making it the joint 16^th most charted song of all time.

• Kristy MacColl’s death is an interesting one with many unanswered questions. Although, her heroic actions undertaken (she pushed her son out of the way of the boat that killed her) are something to be in awe of. Her death was controversial until a few years ago when the campaign to answer the unanswered questions was ceased.

If you haven’t heard it (and I’m shocked), give it a listen and enjoy. For the rest of you old punks, have the happiest of Christmases! Enjoy good food, good drinks, good company and may it all be spent with the accompaniment of stellar music.

1) Here’s Where The Story Ends – The Sundays

A band from the 90’s, Harriet Wheeler has a cheerfully delightful voice but this song is dark.  The story may not be the end of the world, in this case it reads as the end of the ‘fling’ or ‘relationship but to some (especially teen girls) a relationship ending is the end of the world!

2) The Four Horseman – Metallica

Kill ‘em All is still one of my favourite LPs, thanks to my brother.  I have a soft spot for hardcore/thrash metal and Kill ‘em All was the introduction.  Having seen Metallica live numerous times pre-Black album gives me street cred right?  “Time, has taken its toll on you, the lines that crack your face”  This line hits home for me.  Wrinkles are cropping up as I turn the corner into a new decade of age, I welcome the end of the world!  Rock on!

3) All Along the Watchtower – Bob Dylan

This song haunts me.  Both Bob’s original and Jimi’s cover.  I give credit here to Bob Dylan as he wrote the lyrics.  The song is poetically dark, the fog roll in as you listen, gloom and doom is near as …”the wind began to howl”

4) Earth Died Screaming – Tom Waits

I’m pretty sure that Tom Wait’s vocal chords have already been through an apocalypse and survived…..just barely.  If you are labeled ‘experimental’ as an artist I’m damn sure you are going to be singing about death and destruction and Tom Waits delivers with Earth Died Screaming.  The end of the world happens when the earth screams.  Nothing says end of the world like raining fish, and mud in your eye….the locusts, that creeps me out a little.

5) The Future – Leonard Cohen

More vocal chords that have an apocalyptic existence, how fitting for a blog about the end of the world.  I think Lenny and Tom should batten down the hatches together in a concrete bunker because if anyone can survive this impending doomsday it would be them.  They should invite Keith Richards and hot box themselves for a decade, I bet they all come out looking younger, but the question here is…..’if three shoulda been dead decades ago genius musicians survive an apocalypse would anyone hear them?’  Bruce Cockburn might be the only one.

“When they said repent repent”

6) The Sky is Broken – Moby

The visual this song creates is totally a 3D Hollywood movie scene. The two notes on the piano give me shivers – ‘speak to me’ oh Moby you do, you do.

7) Here Comes the Flood – Peter Gabriel

Peter has said that this song is about a mental flood.  It’s seems too obvious to think this song is about a real flood that washes over the earth and destroys the world as we know it.  With Peter referring to a mental flood he says it’s about a telepathic society where can read each other’s minds.  The Truth.  Wouldn’t that invoke an end of the world response?

8) Cannon – The White Stripes

This song to me is how Jack White prays, his internal struggle.  His rapture is coming, he lets in his spirit – which to him is a tribute to an old blues song – and then he repents and waits for his punishment.

9) No Depression in Heaven – The Carter Family

This is a song about going to the other side and leaving a sad and turbulent reality.  It’s fitting for today as tomorrow may not be and with all the horrific tragedies we’ve seen in this generation.  There are people in Connecticut tomorrow that will say ‘our world ended last Friday’.  So very sad.

10) Moonlight Mile – The Rolling Stones

This song isn’t necessarily about the end of the world.  The song is about getting back to someone you love, tremendously, someone you would want to be with if the world was ending “I’m just living to be lying by your side” is a lyric that says it all.

11) Back of Your Car – Ryan Star

Another song about making the most of things as the ‘world’ comes to an end with someone, someone hopefully that means something to you.  Stripping down and being vulnerable, no holds barred, getting it on and feeling every inch of who you really are inside your head and inside your body.

If this is the last blog ever by Beat & Lyric, than Happy Rapture, hope you have repented your sins

~Lila

Okay, okay.  As much as I like to imagine myself still 25, the fact is a decade has passed since I last saw that number on my (no doubt Santa-inspired) birthday cake.  I can handle being 35 today.  I just like to consider myself… more experienced.

As it is with a birthday so close to Christmas, I often lament the onslaught of Merry Birthday.  For you other Decemberist birthday people, you know what I mean.  Your presents are wrapped in the merriest of Christmas paper, your cakes often resemble a fat man in a red suit and, worse, you get the dreaded “combo” gift.  Does this sound familiar:  ”Oh, this is your birthday-Christmas gift!”?

So this year, I gave myself the gift of music.  I invited a couple of my favourite musical cohorts along for the ride, battled Toronto traffic (thankful for those with better GPS’ in their blackberries than I have), managed to find elusive Toronto parking after navigating a myriad of one-way streets, hit a nifty little bar near Lee’s Palace (Hey Lucy on Bloor – featured above, my Lucy martini – perfect nod to my littlest beat.. and try the pizza at this place!!) for pre-show drinks and nosh and then spent my night having my eardrums damaged just a little bit more.

It was loud. It rocked. It was a Monster of a birthday.

Show Deets:

Monster Truck and Special Guests (more on that later). Edge Jingle Bell Concert Series ~ Lee’s Palace.

Let’s start with a bit of venue gushing.  I love Lee’s Palace.  The place is dark, a bit dank, small enough to see everything, big enough to withstand the rock that poured off the stage.  This is how you are supposed to see a band.  No huge stadium, no $50 rounds of giant beers, no giant light show and theatrics.  It is simply great music, played loud, where you can see the nuances of the band on the stage in front of you.  Where you buy merchandise from pals of the band (and who show great appreciation when you do).  Where you can be standing and waiting for the headliner only to turn and see the opening act having a beer behind you as you smile and nod to acknowledge the great set they had just performed.

In between opening acts and the main attraction, the game of “spot the hipster” was once again played.  Only this time we had a literal smorgasbord of bearded goodness to take in.  An eclectic mixed crowd – it was difficult to discern between vapid hipster and the real deal.  It soon became a ranking of the best beard (I’m not even sure who won this) and the best look alike (Jerry Garcia and his inner-jacket-porn took this, but the aged Dee Snider-bad-perm guy was a definite contender).

But let’s get to the real reason we were there:  music.

Usually opening acts at Lee’s are insights to upcoming music that is hit and miss with greatness.  Sometimes you score, sometimes you just shake your head and use the time to wrestle your way upstairs to the washrooms (note: avoid at all costs).  Seeing as this was a combined birthday night out (ahem, Pete, this one is for you), it seemed only appropriate that the opening act was a band that my birthday-buddy wanted to see live.  Indian Handcrafts.  You likely haven’t heard of them.  I suspect you will.  Soon.
Two guys walk on to a stage.  Sounds like the start of a joke, right?  And then they proceed to blow your eardrums out.  Just two guys and a lot of beautiful, loud sounds.  One guitar, half a drum set, both vocalists (a drummer and he can sing??) and I stood agape.  Who are these guys?  I suspect I received something of a “I know, right?!” kind of look from the one who already knew this band.  Which means that the rest  shared grins.  You know – those smiles given with the people you’re with when you know you are hearing something that just may end up being huge.  That moment when it occurs to you that you will soon be saying, “Yeah, I saw these guys ages ago” when everyone else starts freaking out about them.

Indian Handcrafts (http://indianhandcrafts.net/) sound bigger than they are – a true Festivus-worthy feat of strength.  A duo, comprised of Brandyn James Aiken (drums, vocals) and Daniel Brandon Allen (guitars, vocals) out of Barrie (so I’ve read…).  It is loud, but it’s not sloppy-loud.  The music is filled with stellar riffs, some seriously sick drum action, fun, frivolity and is so reminiscent of a grinding grunge sound that I almost got nostalgic.  This is how music is fun – it’s loud, it’s humourous, it is compelling to watch and it makes you grin so big while your head nods along and you want more.  Needless to say, I have now dowloaded their recent album, “Disobedience for Losers” and spent the better part of my weekend recommending that friends give them a listen.  I want to know more.  Apparently this band will be touring in 2013 with the likes of Billy Talent (ugh, sorry guys, but everyone here knows my innate hatred of Billy Talent) and Sum41.  Well played, guys.

The Main Event:  When I heard that 102.1 The Edge was doing a Jingle Bell concert series, I was intrigued to see Monster Truck on the list.  Even better was that they were at Lee’s.  The thing is, this is a concert I knew I had to attend.  Growing up, rock like this was what I was first a part of.  Banging heads, ringing ears, in your face, long-haired kind of rock.  What I have discovered about this band is that you either know them, or you don’t.  So the response to finding out that I was going to the show was varied.  From the bubble-gum-pop crowd (and my Mom), I got looks of confusion.  ”You’re going to see monster trucks??”.  From those that know local rock, I got looks of “What? Really? How?”  Small venue, big sounds.  My birthday doesn’t get much better than this.

Jon Harvey (Bass & Lead vocals), Jeremy Widerman (Guitar & Vocals), Brandon Bliss (Organ & Vocals) and Steve Kiely (Drums & Vocals): what they provide is just what the band name implies:  a monster rock sound.  The music is tight, featuring favourites from their EPs and new stuff they are currently putting together in the studio.  Monster Truck has a classic rock sound mixed with some 90s grungy influence.  It’s loud, your head dips lower on each nod and ending their encore with Righteous Smoke was the best set decision I’ve seen (er.. heard?).  Actually, starting out with Seven Seas Blues, moving into a mix of newer and older songs and finishing out with their current hit all seemed highly appropriate.  Most of all, it made me anxious to see what they pull out on their album when it’s released.

And can I mention that Jon Harvey is waaay taller than I ever suspected?! Although, I will give Jeremy (guitar/vocals) huge kudos for stage presence.  The entire group meshes well together.  Their sound is tight (when music sounds exactly as it does recorded, it’s always a great thing) and you lose yourself in a solid set.  There are no bells and whistles.  No stage theatrics.  It is just really great rock music.  And it rocked.

There it is.  I’m 35. And I got rocked for my birthday.  Perfection.

As always, many thanks to those that joined me for our birthday night out.  In overview, this has been a stellar concert year for me, which has been shared with excellent company and great memories.  I could not have asked for better musical cohorts.  Or a better night.  Even the guy peeing on the wall of the alley back to the truck (p.s. Don’t Fuck With the Truck!) did little to dampen the spirits.  Such incredibly loud fun!  Thanks guys!!

As for our readers, since gifts are a given on birthdays, consider this mine for you.  Go check out Indian Handcrafts.  Right now.  And if you have a chance, go see either them or Monster Truck live in 2013.  Put on something tight and black, let your hair down and rock a show.  For now, I’ll leave you with something to listen to.  Turn it up.  Loud.

Indian Handcrafts –  Bruce Lee

Monster Truck – Righteous Smoke (an obvious choice, I know, but a fucking good one nonetheless)

However, I think we need to recognize that you can’t always be forgiving of shit, even if Santa is watching. And to counter the onslaught of cheery-sappy-goodness, I thought I would provide a pre-Christmas bitch-fest. Of course, this isn’t about crazy Christmas family dramatics, the brazen audacity of people shopping, or even about how you won’t be getting exactly what you want under the tree (or throughout your eight days of Hannukah, or beside your Festivus pole, we like to be inclusive here at Beat & Lyric).

This is about music. Specifically, music that makes you cringe. The song you hear on the radio and marvel that it actually has a fan base. The band you hear people gush about that makes you shake your head. The time when your music snobbery background rears its snobby head and you warm yourself knowing that this one, at least this time, you have an innate sense of what is good and “they” are merely tone-deaf followers. You don’t necessarily don a “man-scarf” or your non-prescription black glasses – you aren’t quite a hipster yet – but you do rail against the industry that has allowed trite crap to be played en masse.

So I asked around – what are the songs right now that are making you irrationally angry? Here’s the Top Five Songs that Are Filled with Suckage that I’m hearing about right now. Feel free to add your own.

5. Anything by Nickelback

I know, I know. It’s almost like a broken record by now – the combined dislike of Nickelback. Of course, I’m not the only one who feels this way. When asked, one of my musical cohorts, Pete, immediately mentioned Nickelback. This is why I have good friends – they have great taste (and a mutual dislike of 3 chords and shitty muisc).

4. Green Day – Oh Love

Like “Time of Your Life”, this is Green Day at their worst. It’s overtly commercial, it’s “radio friendly” (ugh) and it is insipid junk. It sounds more like a Linkin Park-Nickelback collaboration of crap. It gave me absolutely no hope for their much-promoted trio of albums. Such began my rants about bands that once were groundbreaking that succumbed to the power of money and put out shit music past their prime. Luckily, they have now released “Let Yourself Go” and gained a modicum of respect back. Not much, but a small inkling of a sound that made me listen to Green Day in the first place

3. Billy Talent – Surprise Surprise

I probably should like Billy Talent a bit. They’re Canadian and I do have a penchant of patriotism that makes me listen to Canadian bands and artists. But, this is like Nickelback without the three-chord banal sound. There is nothing new or noteworthy about this song. It fades into the background noise that is Can-Con. And don’t think the irony of the lyrics (which, again, I should like since it mocks the Hipster culture along with the video) doesn’t escape me. Lame typical rock stars singing about a culture that they can’t possibly be a part of. They’re trying too hard. At least the hipster listens to somewhat decent music. Not trite music like this.

2. The Offspring – Days Go By

Another Pete choice (I asked him for two choices) and this one would be on my list as well. For reasons already expressed in the Green Day notes. A band that was once pretty great that has succumbed to fear-of-obscurity music making. So they make insipid crap that we are forced to listen to.

1. K-Os – The Dog is Mine

A choice of steel and stellar proportions. Not only is this a shared irritation, but it was once asked of me if K-OS actually has fans who would have anticipated this song. There is nothing wrong with the song, other than the fact that it is just.. dumb. And dumb things bother us.

Note:  I didn’t put any videos with this post.  Frankly, that would require adding hits to videos of songs that I don’t want to listen to.  So, if you’re curious, go look them up.  But be forewarned, it’s all not great.  Which could be a Beat & Lyric gift to our readers – a good laugh early on a Thursday morning. 

Happy Holidays all!

p.s. Thank you to those that provided the inspiration and collaboration for this – what is Festivus without an airing of the grievances?  Now where is my pole??

What started my desire to chronicle these stories happened months ago.  A story told to me about a man who allegedly sold his soul to the devil for success and fame (told by an excellent storyteller, one I don’t tire of hearing).

Robert Johnson was, arguably, one of the most influential blues musicians. During his lifetime, however, he was a mediocre success.  As legend has it, Johnson met the Devil at a crossroads (or a graveyard, depending on the teller of this legend), where the Devil gave him mastery of his guitar.  In exchange for his soul, the Devil gave Johnson the ability to be a famous musician.

Interestingly enough, Johnson’s success didn’t come until well after his death.  Ironic.  Be careful what you wish for.  Also interesting is how Johnson died (it is claimed he was murdered by a jealous husband of a woman he flirted with – murder by poison and Johnson suffered a painful drawn-out death).  And, also note, that the exact location of his grave is unknown.  All adding to the weight of the myth.

This is the legend that started my talk of musical myth.  A mystery and myth all rolled into one very great story of an amazing musician.  Go read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson#Devil_legend

Even better, go find some Robert Johnson music and give it a listen.  Because a myth without music is just boring fodder.  May I suggest listening to both “Crossroad” and “Me and the Devil Blues” to start.