IR’s 2011 Christmas Playlist: Stay Young, Go Christmasing

Music plays a big role in our lives throughout the entire year, but it seems to come to the forefront during this season. Thus, we continue the tradition of a Christmas time playlist to help us chill out over the holidays, and look back over the past year. This year’s collection is entitled: Stay Young, Go Christmasing. There was a lot of dancing in the past year, and so dance songs seem to feature prominently on this year’s list. For a song to be considered it must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Is tied to a memorable event from the past year.
- Is musically meaningful to someone, or a group of people I care about, and/or have interacted with lately.
-Has been a popular song in the preceding year.
-Could be allowing me to send a message – but not always what appears to be the obvious one.
-Is a Christmas song.
-Is by an artist I think you should hear more of.
-A hands down cool song.

This is the fifth or sixth year I’ve compiled a list, but only two previous ones made it on to the blog (2009, 2010). The Killers get their usual spot with their annual Christmas single. You’ll note that Death Cab for Cutie, and David Gray are also regulars. As predicted last year, Death Cab had new stuff for us, and they did not disappoint and are recognized accordingly. The National also had a big year around these parts and they got a couple of nods, but almost got a third and fourth. Fake Empire and Conversation 16 were both last minute cuts – very difficult ones to make. Mangan gets two songs because Robots had the popularity, but Tina’s Glorious Comeback has some lyrics that could just not be ignored right now. A couple of Canadian throwbacks happily made the list in the Weakerthans and the Hip. If you haven’t yet checked out The Airborne Toxic Event, then you should.

Comments and questions on the list are welcomed, as are your suggestions for songs at this time of year. Have a very Merry Christmas, and remember to Stay Young, Go Dancing!… or Christmasing!

Stay Young, Go Christmasing

1. Angels We Have Heard On High – Sufjan Stevens
2. Helena Beat – Foster the People
3. Changing – The Airborne Toxic Event
4. Dancing Queen – ABBA
5. Home for a Rest – Spirit Of The West
6. Tournament of Hearts – The Weakerthans
7. Living Room – David Gray
8. Tina’s Glorious Comeback – Dan Mangan
9. Gold Guns Girls – Metric
10. Rumour Has It – Adele
11. Silent Night – Andrea Bocelli
12. Grapevine Fires – Death Cab for Cutie
13. Make Some Noise – Beastie Boys
14. Poets – The Tragically Hip
15. Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream – Bob Dylan
16. Raiser Your Glass – Pink
17. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
18. The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball – The Killers
19. Lonely Boy – The Black Keys
20. Daughters of the Soho Riots – The National
21. Stay Young, Go Dancing – Death Cab for Cutie
22. Robots – Dan Mangan
23. Dropout – Urge Overkill
24. Joy to the World – Three Dog Night
25. Christmas Time is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio
26. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks – The National

IR’s 2010 Christmas Playlist: Christmas Used To Wait

I wasn’t sure I’d get a Christmas playlist done this year. However, a couple days of being a bit under the weather have conspired to give me some time to mull things over, and come up with Christmas Used to Wait, the 2010 holiday playlist you’ll find below. For the past five years or so I’ve put together a compilation for this time of year. Artists, songs, and their order on the list are carefully chosen. For a song to be considered it must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Is tied to a memorable event from the past year.
- Is musically meaningful to someone, or a group of people I care about, and/or have interacted with lately.
-Has been a popular song in the preceding year.
-Could be allowing me to send a message – but not always what appears to be the obvious one.
-Is a Christmas song.
-Is by an artist I think you should hear more of.
-A hands down cool song.

Coldplay and The Killers were included as they are two of my favourite groups, and they put out annual Christmas works. David Gray is another all time favourite, and another regular on this list. His Nemesis got a lot of playtime on my iPod this past year. Death Cab for Cutie was a last minute addition, being unable to pass them over as the other veterans for Christmas playlists. Rumour has it we will see new stuff from them in 2011, and hopefully a fresh song of theirs will make it on to next year’s list. Simon and Garfunkel’s rendition of Silent Night was not an easy choice, but I think its time has come. It has been short-listed for years, but never made the final cut until now. I believe there’s enough to balance it out.

Be sure to go searching for some more from Christmas list first timers, including The National, and Florence + The Machine. Both fantastic groups that deserve some real-estate in your auditory canal if they aren’t already there. Finally, Vince Guarladi and OK Go round us out. Christmastime Is Here makes it every year, and if we can figure out an argument that This Too Shall Pass is somehow a Christmas song, then it fits all the criteria points.

Your comments and questions on the list are welcome. What would you put on your end of 2010 list?

Christmas Used To Wait

1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Sufjan Stevens
2. Boots – The Killers
3. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
4. She Talks to Angels – The Black Crowes
5. Christmas Lights – Coldplay
6. Bloodbuzz Ohio – The National
7. Empitre State of Mind – Jay-Z (featuring Alicia Keys)
8. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
9. Daylight – Matt & Kim
10. No Cars Go – Maxence Cyrin
11. We Used To Wait – Arcade Fire
12. 7 O’Clock News/Silent Night – Simon & Garfunkel
13. Joy to the World
14. Nemesis – David Gray
15. Cath… – Death Cab for Cutie
16. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) – Arcade Fire
17. Winter Winds – Mumford & Sons
18. Christmastime Is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio
19. This Too Shall Pass – OK Go

Last year’s list can be found here: Christmasland Fairytale

Arcade Fire at Pacific Coliseum, Sep 28

Awe. Inspiring. Concert.

That’s right, it was without exaggeration, or misrepresentation, awesome! Eight musicians were on the ball, both individually creative and at the same time incredibly tight as a group. The Arcade Fire played a high energy set to a high energy audience Tuesday night in Vancouver. Win Butler and Régine Chassagne were lights out with their vocals, and every other member of the eight piece (that’s right eight) multi-instrument group were spot on. Gotta love double drum kits! The ageing Pacific Coliseum could not have been a more appropriate backdrop as they featured songs of their latest album, The Suburbs. Songs from this current disc recall the passing of youth and innocence, both personally associated with the Renfrew arena.

Nearly every song had the crowd tightly engaged. Modern Man and Rococo, both off their latest offering, might have been the only exceptions, but personally I felt Rococo to be one of the best played pieces from the evening. Other fav’s from the night: No Cars Go, Rebellion (Lies), Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Keep the Car Running, and uber pumped to have them finish with Wake Up. That makes one third of the songs favourites on the night – indicative of a great show. Honourable mention to We Used to Wait. If you still haven’t checked out the interactive on-line film of that song you must do that now by going to thewildernessdowntown.com.

Thanks to Arcade Fire for an awesome show. They just may have had me missing my long hair.

You change all the lead
sleepin’ in my head,
as the day grows dim
I hear you sing a golden hymn.
—————————————–
With my lightning bolts a-glowin’
I can see where I am going…  You better look out below!!

Arcade Fire – September 28, 2010 at Pacific Coliseum – Set list:
Ready to Start
Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
No Cars Go
Haiti
Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Modern Man
Rococo
The Suburbs
The Suburbs (continued)
Suburban War
Intervention
We Used to Wait
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Rebellion (Lies)
Month of May
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
————————
Keep the Car Running
Wake Up

David Gray at Queen Elizabeth

Normally I would post rather soon after a concert, but have been out and about, so my apologies as the David Gray concert at Queen Elizabeth Theatre took place back on May 14. Regardless of the truancy I was not about to let this show pass without comment, as Gray is certainly a top notch musician and performer. This was the fourth time I have seen Gray live, which allows him to now be tied with others at the top of the all time IR concert list. Going in I was interested, and a little hesitant, to see and hear how the performance would unfold without his former long-time partner, Clune. He parted ways with the drummer and fellow song-writer after their last big tour and before embarking on the latest album, Draw the Line. Gray brings intensity to the stage, but Clune brought some zanyness, and their two energies were certainly complementary. I was relieved to find that the current group of musicians working with Gray were outstanding, but I really should have expected nothing less. A heavier sound, greater use of electric guitars, a greater diversity in the keyboard, and some new takes on old favourites combined to make it a great set. It was refreshing and captivating to hear the classics Be Mine, and Babylon done in new ways.

Some personal favourites on the night were Kathleen and Nemesis, both off the latest album. It was interesting to hear Gray say he also prefers these two from his newest effort. His voice, music, lyrics, and talent really come through on these pieces in particular. I am still waiting for him to one day play something from Sell, Sell, Sell, but I doubt it is going to happen. The other two personal favourites on the night were the throwbacks. He does not always play Flame Turns Blue, but it is a beautiful song, haunting in a way unlike some of his other work. Finally, any time he plays Shine it makes my select list. It is wonderful piece of music that can turn any great Gray show into an utterly fantastic one. As usual it was a complete solo, and acoustic effort on his part. It’s a song that will always belong to him. Perhaps one day it will warrant its own post.

They played for over two hours, they played twenty plus songs, and each was full out, big sound, top notch voice, great instruments. The final song of the encore, Please Forgive Me, was no doubt the audience favourite, had everyone up, clapping and singing along. You had to leave amped and with a smile with such a show stopper. I enjoyed the new take on the songs, and enjoyed the directed meandering these talented musicians were able to take on a number of pieces. If you’ve never seen him, be sure to check him out if you get the chance. The setlist below is partially incomplete, so I would appreciate corrections if you are aware of them. Thanks to the regular D. Gray posse: M., J., J., auxiliary members B., L., and new addition, D. Sorry to have been without S. for the first time.

David Gray – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, May 14, 2010 – Set list:
Fugitive
Stella
Disappearing World
Now and Always
Life in Slow Motion
Jackdaw
Babylon
Be Mine
Kathleen
Other Side
Shine
?????
Ain’t No Love
Flame Turns Blue
Draw the Line
The One I Love
Sail Away
————————–
This Year’s Love
Nemesis (+)
Please Forgive Me

I’m the babe that sleeps through the blitz,
I am a sudden and quite unexpected twist.
I am your one true love that sleeps with someone else,
I am… your… Nemesis
….Baby I’m life, sweet life…. itself.

New Arcade Fire

Two singles from the forthcoming Arcade Fire album made their way into the world today. Have a listen to  Month of May, and the soon to be title track, The Suburbs here. After a couple of initial listens I like what I’m hearing. It’s definitely them, but definitely new, and each song has different feel. Their new album, The Suburbs is set to be released August 2nd or 3rd. For more information follow the link to their website.

I suggest checking out the cool stuff you can do on the lyrics page.

Sometimes I can’t believe it
I’m moving past the feeling
Sometimes I can’t believe it
I’m moving past the feeling again

Danny Echo at the Bourbon

If you haven’t listened to Danny Echo yet, I encourage you to. A local group that’s not afraid to rock, they took to stage at the Bourbon on Saturday evening. Their front-man, Danny, certainly enjoys putting on a show, and for a rock band, that’s a good thing. The fan favourite on the night was clearly “Tomorrow Today”. Check them out at dannyecho.com. Besides, who doesn’t like a good fire extinguishing to finish off a show.

Sia at the Commodore April 10

Initially I was not going to post about the Sia concert a couple of weeks ago, but some-show is at least more than no-show, and being the outstanding performer that she is, the attention is still deserved.

Sia launched her latest tour in Vancouver on April 10 in support of her new album, We Are Born. She started of the night with “The Fight” and her voice was sounding as amazing as ever. Her interactions were typically giddy, fun-loving, and generally hilarious. However, after the third song, it started to become clear things were a little off. In the fifth number she left stage for a few moments to change out of a woollen poncho (knitting and twitter being some of here themes lately). She returned to finish “Be Good to Me”, but she was not well. She tried taking a break, but breathing difficulties and some heat exhaustion meant she was unable to return. The crowd, although disappointed, completely understood and left in a positive mood. Sia is not a prima-donna performer, and she obviously tried to gut it out, but couldn’t go any further. On her twitter feed she apologized profusely, and was grateful for all the well-wishes she had been receiving. She will return for a re-scheduled performance, and I’m already looking forward to it.

IR’s 2009 Christmas Playlist: A Christmasland Fairytale

For the past four or five years I have compiled a Christmas time compilation to either give, or just to have as a playlist during errands, decorations, and seasonal gatherings. Yet mainly it serves for the chill out times at Christmas – times we need more of. Thus, to help with the chill-out times, here’s this year’s playlist. A song makes the list because it fits two or more of the following criteria: Has been a popular song in the preceding year. Is musically meaningful to someone, or some people I’ve interacted with lately. Is tied to a memorable event from the past year. Could be trying to send a message – but not always what appears to be the obvious one. Is a Christmas song. Is a popular artist actually doing a good job at a traditional Christmas song. Is by an artist I think you should hear more of. Just fits as a cool song.

As usual, Vince Guaraldi appears, but other artists that have made previous lists are Death Cab for Cutie, Pearl Jam, The Killers, David Gray, and at least the music of Kings of Leon. Any favourites from the ones below? What songs would you put on your end of 2009 playlist?

A Christmasland Fairytale

1. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing – The Choir of St. Peter’s
2. A Dustland Fairytale – The Killers
3. Don’t Stop Believin’(Piano Tribute) –  Piano Tribute Players
4. Geraldine – Glasvegas
5. 16, Maybe Less – Calexico and Iron & Wine
6. Wavin’ Flag – K’naan
7. I and Love and You – The Avett Brothers
8. Love Is the Answer – Weezer
9. Intergalactic – Beastie Boys
10. Just Breathe – Pearl Jam
11. Silent Night – Susan Boyle
12. The Crane Wife 3 – The Decemberists
13. Draw the Line – David Gray
14. Last Parade – Matthew Good
15. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Coldplay
16. Use Somebody (Piano Tribute) – Piano Tribute Conservatory
17. The New Year – Death Cab For Cutie
18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Bonus Track: Christmastime Is Here (Instrumental) – Vince Guaraldi Trio

PS 22 Chorus & Updates

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this elementary school choir on youtube, and I was smitten. I have finally got around to sharing the PS 22 Chorus with you here as I feel you should check them out. The balance part of the blog might ask: is this appropriate for an elementary school choir? You know what, this is just too cool, and look at the kids, they are having too much fun: this is appropriate!! I wish I sounded half as good, and am glad music brings these kids joy, it should. I couldn’t decide on a single song to share with you, I like these four below, each for a different reason. They have a host of many other songs on youtube, or simply check out their blog at: http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/. Having trouble surviving while playing in the cold? Take this musical journey to the eye of the tiger and you’ll be running this town while living life. Which one is your favourite? Also: as a reminder, I try to keep the secondary pages (about, currently…) up to date even when I don’t post here, from time to time anyways, and now is one of those times.

Beastie Chris Martin

As you likely know, the Beastie Boys had to cancel their current gigs, including All Points West, due to Adam Yauch’s cancer treatments. At All Points West, one Chris Martin pays a little tribute. Seeing as youtube is my current connection for cover songs here’s a little rendition of Fight for Your Right. The footage is obviously rather rough, and you can find others on youtube, but this is actually him rather than him on the big screen. For one that has a bit better sound, click here.