CC

Mar 18, 2008

That was the day when dance music first got emotionally flipped on its head by the oddest of couples from the most fitting of cities. Ethan Kath and Alice Glass did different things with music. Alice beat the shit out of every song she sang on, while Ethan crafted smooth but abrasive simple electronic dance.

Ethan first spotted Alice on stage at a bar in Montreal performing for the punk band she then sang for. The rest is violent, fantastic history.

Their first record entitled 'Crystal Castles' was released on the march date above and was a collection of songs pieced together from 4 years of experimenting and playing arguably the most entertaining live shows in music. The record was completely new ground for electronic dance music because of the mood that it carried front to back. As much fun as the disc can be it doesn't sound fun. It sounds dark and full of despair in a way that Elliot Smith would be happy to dance to. Even though it carries this mood there is no denying the brilliance of it. Listening to this record is like watching the world end while agreeably bobbing your head to the hypnotic sound of it.

Through headphones it takes you to another place, but no matter how high you are or how vibrant your imagination is the place that it takes you to is nowhere near as audibly inundating as their live show.

So here we are April 15th 2010 and we finally get another fix from this face-fucking canadian duo. "Doe Deer" is a single that was set for release on record day but as now been leaked to the world via the .com. The new record comes out on June 8th and features songs called "Fainting Spells", "Baptism" and "Pap Smear". Hooh. It is also self titled and looks like that ^.

Crystal Castles "Doe Deer"

Fab Five

Happy April Folks,

This month is my favorite of the twelve, like drinking a case of beer you start feeling pretty good around the forth beverage. So ya, this month I start to feel pretty good about the year that is now upon us. It all comes right about now: Extended sunlight, shrinking clothing leading to extended organs, chocolate, furry animals, blooming tulips, hockey playoffs, NFL draft, wheat draft, poka dots, sun spots, sun roofs, no roofs and the fatigue factors fab five albums of spring.

Don't act like you didn't know.

This spring marks the renaissance of the true rock and roll band. And it does so in a large way.

A true rock All-Star team assembled in their prime putting out long awaited albums for the greater good of the world.

In the past year I have lost the yearning for the traditional rock and roll band. I have whored my ears out to the pleasure center pounding art of electronic music over the last 12 months, with their quick fix hooks and ADD melodies I really had no choice as a sexually functioning young adult. I fell victim to their offer like a cocker spaniel chasing a tennis ball on a sheet of ice; hard and often.

I liken it to my current hiatus from 5 pin bowling, I don't really miss it but it's gonna be fuckin magical to get back to it.

Now you most likely are wondering who these mythical rock legends are that are making a return to the Billboard arena to literally Come(Jizz) riffs on our out-streached arms. Well.......... we're gonna count down from 5 to prolong the anticipation.

5. Band of Horses- Infinite Arms (May 18th)

Infinite Arms is the third Band of Horses album. Their two previous releases have strong folk and country influences. Think of a Tom Petty/Willy Nelson lovechild that was hooked up to a generator for a quick second before heading on stage with The Band. These four talented musicians make you want to grow your pubic and facial hair just long enough them drenched in whiskey.

Band of Horses- The Funeral

4. The National- High Violet (May 11)

The National make melodic, rhythmic rock for lovers. Whether you are about to propose to your girlfriend or to the half wedge of lemon cheesecake in your fridge, they will put you in The mood.

"I'm put together beautifully,

big wet bottle in my fist, big wet rose in my teeth,

I'm a perfect piece of ass."

All words presented in a sultry baritone lull courtesy of lead singer Matt Berninger.

If I could get wet I would. And if you can get wet you should, the cover art alone is enough for the visual learners.

The National- All The Wine

3. The Hold Steady- Heaven is Whenever (May 4)

Anthem: (noun) A song, as of praise, devotion or patriotism.

The Hold Steady are your last party's soundtrack, especially if you don't remember it. If Bruce Springsteen mixed Valium with Vodka he might have as much fun as these guys...just maybe. If The Hold Steady was the only band playing Sasquatch this year I would still go, and probably do more drugs.

The Hold Steady- Stay Positive

2. The New Pornographers- Together (May 4)

Porno-power-pop-super-group.

This mostly Canadian band peaked in 2005 with their fantastic release Twin Cinema. It opened my eyes to the wonderful world of non-commercial pop music and was a mainstay in the clarion tampon that occupied the audio vagina of my Honda Civic for my three lovely year-long high school campaigns. Two of the best voices in indie rock anchor the ship to this Matador release. Expect Something Great.

The New Pornographers- The Bleeding Heart Show

1. Broken Social Scene- Forgiveness Rock Record

Broken Social Scene haven't released a full-length album as an entity in five long years. But on May 4th we get one, and all signs point to it being phenomenal. Another Canadian product Broken Social Scene have long been known for layering tracks upon tracks to create the largest and busiest songs in modern rock music. They also have an unbelievable knack for writing sweet, sweet melodies....and they love doing it. We all know Leslie Fiest from her Apple Accessibility and her man, Kevin Drew, is the driving force behind the newly trimmed down BSS record.

In the past this band has performed and recorded with as many as 12 musicians to the ecstatic acclaim of many fans. In their hiatus though, they have decided to change the way they present their songs and are now comprised of a more traditional six piece line-up. I stumbled upon them in my never-ending pre adolescent quest to find teen angst music. The name of the band seemed to me to promise a heavy dosage of maxed out Marshal amps and vocal wailing.

I was wrong.

And as in many times in my life when I am wrong, something beautiful came of it.

Enjoy.

Broken Social Scene- Cause=Time