Culture Reject

Michael O'Connell is the main man behind the Toronto based solo project Culture Reject. I say 'main man' because the man, obviously talented, has musician friends who lent a musical hand, or two, while he recorded the album's 11 tracks. More notable amongst these were Jim Guthrie (drums, vocals), Karri North (background vocals), percussionist Dave Clark and a horn section consisting of Michael Barclay, Bradley Fauteux, and Venezuelan/Canadian saxophonist, Bernardo Padron. This is one of those little underground indie records that struggle to get heard by all the right, or even the wrong people. And the song that would easily earn the tag 'single' would be "Inside The Cinema", a simple but effervescent melody which only gains more prominence as the guitar parts weave beneath handclaps and equally staccato horn parts. I believe that O'Connell bears the perfect voice for his music, it doesn't distract the listener with vocal gymnastics, the wildest it gets is the favoured double-tracking of his voice. At times this records recalls Modest Mouse, or Isaac Brock's offshoot band, Ugly Casanova. This is a very strong debut solo outing for O'Connell (he previously played with indie band Black Cabbage), and he has given us a record which should, and will (if given a fair shake), be discovered over many listens... all it needs is a chance to grow.

From Culture Reject (White Whale Records)
inside the cinema [mp3]
fireflies are fading [mp3]

BUY Culture Reject
Culture Reject at iTunes

RADIOHEAD: Live at the BBC (again) April 1/08

These mp3s were re-posted (once more) on June 26th, 2008. Go here to get'em.

REDISCOVER: Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy

I named this post REDISCOVER, but many of you may not yet know of Lynott, or even the band that brought him fame, Thin Lizzy, so I envy you, I would love to get up this Sunday morning and discover an artist with this much talent and charisma. And even if you are familiar, perhaps you've forgotten...

When listening to Phil Lynott, even when you're familiar with his voice, you can't help but find your ears prick up. The presence and charisma of his voice can only be compared to that of an actor whose appearance on screen is electric, it demands that you watch, but as it's happening it's subliminal, quietly filling crevasses in your psyche you're unaware of, that you couldn't understand. This is a small sample of Phil Lynott's work with Thin Lizzy, a few songs that have been ringing in my ears lately:

little girl in bloom [mp3]
little girl in bloom (Peel Session) [mp3]
randolph's tango [mp3]
cowboy song (Peel Session) [mp3]
things ain't working out down at the farm[mp3]

Phil Lynott died at age 36 on January 4th 1986.

Jason Collett: Here's To Being Here

I'm not a fan of Broken Social Scene, but several members of that musical collective catch my fancy as solo performers and one of those is Jason Collett. His latest album, Here's to Being Here has been in my mp3 player for weeks now and just recently I've noticed that when I'm working and listening to music I skip many of the artists currently in that player, but when Collett pops up I always look forward to what's coming, no showing off, no showboating, just good solid hooks delivered in a familiar and welcome fashion. And don't forget to wallow in the malleable drawl which Collett has brought to the fore on his last two solo releases, I know I do. That drawl is what makes his sound so singular, that and the straight up recording of his voice as opposed to the double tracking and frequent over production of his vocals on solo debut Motel Love Songs.

Standouts on the new record include "Papercut Hearts", "Roll on Oblivion", "Out Of Time", "Through The Night These Days", and "Somehow". This record doesn't do anything new or flashy, then how does it satisfy with every listen? With a wack of strongly written songs and that voice, that's how.

from Here's To Being Here 2008 BUY
papercut hearts [mp3]

from Idols Of Exile 2005 BUY
i'll bring the sun [mp3]

BONUS: Live - Minneapolis - The Fine Line Jan 29/06
hangover days feat. FEIST [mp3]

from Motor Motel Love Songs 2003 BUY
tiny ocean of tears [mp3]

Radiohead: Live at The BBC April 1/08 MP3s

Radiohead: Live at the BBC Radio Theatre, London, April 1, 2008.

These files are no longer available. BUT... IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO BE RE-POSTED... JUST LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS.

The mp3s have been re-posted here.