As I sit here prepping this post, I noticed something odd, or not odd perhaps. My top 5 consists of a Brit and 4 Canadians. Not much bias on this blog. My Top 5, in no particular order.
Today we post the first 5 of my Top 10 for 2013. The Canadian content in this group consists of a great song by Donovan Woods. The Wire is likely the poppiest tune I have posted (or will post) but it is very catchy and becoming a huge hit. Having said that, some “purists” will contest John Mayer being on any list. I am a huge fan of his and greatly appreciate his abilities as both a songwriter and as an excellent guitarist. Both are highlighted in Wildfire. Enjoy!
Meredith Shaw, Toronto born, is both a singer songwriter and a radio personality. The messenger and the message, cool. She has a weekend show on 97.3 in Toronto, in which she interviews talent etc. She has 1 album out, (2011’s Place Called Happy) which was produced by Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson and 1 EP (also 2011, Trouble) which was produced by Joel Plaskett. This tune, “Call it a Night” showcases her personality and style and is done live as well. Great song.
Paul Simon still has it. The song “The Afterlife” from his 2011 album “So Beautiful Or So What”. Just a quick shot again tonight.
Song Of The Day didn’t have to go far for this one. Tegan and Sara formed right here in Calgary back in 1995 and have had major success with their indie style music. This song, “I Was a Fool” is from their latest album “Heartthrob”, which was released earlier this year. I have chosen a live performance for you to enjoy. An absolutely terrific tune.
More Tegan and Sara on CBC Music
On the road today, so a quick, but very good song to post.
David Myles live on CBC Music performing his new tune “So Blind” with some backing by Classified.
This could qualify as an Interesting Cover. Which reminds me, I should post a new one of those. Time is our enemy at times isn’t it. Today’s offering, presented for your approval, is a live version of a cover by Luke Doucet of a classic Cure tune, “The Lovecats“. Great song, and a great version. Luke Doucet is another of those Canadian talents that we kind of keep as a secret from the rest of the world. He is everywhere on Canadian radio, teaming up with Danny Michel, or playing with Whitehorse (a duo with Melissa McLelland) or playing on his own. Enjoy!
Bahamas, which is the stage name for Alfie Jurvanen, is a Toronto based musician who has played with people like Feist, Zeus and Jason Collett. He has a couple of records to his credit as well as three Juno nominations. The song I have posted is a nice folk ballad, performed live and acoustic. A great song to just sit back and listen to with your eyes closed. That’s a hint.
On a personal note, I now have a Facebook page for the blog. Feel free to follow. Have a great one.
Just a drive by post today. Blog favourite (and Guapo fave) Fitz and the Tantrums doing a live performance of “Breakin’ The CHains Of Love”. Great band, great song. Have a great Monday evening. Love the sax solo.
Three very different takes on this classic. The original was written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and appears on his second album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan“. It was first performed by Dylan at Carnegie Hall in 1962. Over the years it has been recorded many times by a wide and varied array of talent. Dylan himself has redone the song several times, most recently in 2007. I have touched on this diversity with what I believe are some pretty different versions, and finished off with the original.
First up, a version by Roxy Music‘s Bryan Ferry. As expected, it is different. He recorded it in 1973 on “These Foolish Things” where he did a raft of covers.
Bryan Ferry
Jason Mraz performed this song on “Listen To Bob Dylan: a Tribute”. Another slightly different take done in the Mraz style. Nicely done.
Jason Mraz
And of course the original.
Bob Dylan
Is It Possible To See It All 