Two Word Heap » Top 7 In 7

March 29th, 2009 – April 4th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:50:27 +0000

Will spring finally arrive to Alberta? Will Kyle survive on Ritz crackers and gingersnap cookies until he receives gainful employment? Will Kyle’s penchant for records and restaurants finally overstep his monetary bounds? FIND OUT THIS WEEK ON: THE TOP 7 IN 7!!!

The Aquabats! – The Return of the Aquabats, Vs. The Floating Eye of Death! AND Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2!
Does your favourite band have an intro like this?

“Out of the Pacific Northwest, somewhere in the Octagon, in a cave, in a patch of moss, underneath a rock, in a wig for bacteria leeches, nature mutated! The most dazzling human-sized predators of evildoers the world has ever known! Armed only with donkey bones, honeybears, and the mossy log whom they traveled in, these marooned masked marvels land on the sandy beaches in search of Vitamin C and a few thousand marbles! If you have their number, call them sometime! They are: the Aquabats!”

If I had to pick one band to listen to for the rest of my life, this would be a definite fore-runner. You simply cannot have more fun listening to any other band. In fact, I defy you to find a band that makes music more fun than this. It is simply not possible.
Talking Heads – Naked AND 12 x 12 Original Remixes
The last of my un-listened-to Talking Heads collection, Naked is the last album put out by the band, and the other one looks like a compilation of 12″ mixes that I won’t bother to research. One of the most talented bands in at least the last 50 years.
The Smiths – The Very Best of The Smiths
This band laid the foundation for just about every indie-rock band to hit the scene since the 80′s. One of the more important bands to ever happen ever. It’s that simple. If you don’t know this band, that is a problem.
Explosions in the Sky – All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone (Disc 2: Remixes) AND The Rescue
At one point in 2005, the band’s van broke down. They were informed that their transmission had to be replaced, and the band went broke in the process. During the repair period, they stayed in the attic of a stranger for eight days. Each day, they would write, record and finish a song every day. The album The Rescue is the product of those eight days. Available at their website for free, and apparently also at their live shows, I had forgotten about this record for the longest time. Quite excellent.

The remix disc that came with their newest album is almost better than the album itself. With help from heavy-hitters like Eluvium, Jesu, and Four Tet, these versions are at least as good as anything else they have released.
Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs
I saw this band on the night of the 4th, and they did not disappoint. The lead singer not only sings and plays piano and guitar with equal talent, he is also quite an attractive fellow. Energetic as all hell, they had the whole crowd singing along, even the ones who didn’t even look like they wanted to be there. An extremely talented group of musicians, check them out if they come through your town. You will not regret it.
Cursive – Happy Hollow
I was once a great fan of the band’s earlier album The Ugly Organ, so I decided to give this second-to-newest record a go. Not too bad, but it is still very apparent that they are holding on to their past “emo” roots, and are almost into a less misunderstood genre. Perhaps the next record will give them the spotlight they deserve, if they can step away from their preconceived notions of emotional rock. Not bad overall, though.
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
A carry-over from last week.

What do you like about this column? What would you change? Is there something you hate? Is there something you would like to see done differently? Should I keep doing what I am doing? Should I give up? If one person answers one of these questions, either in the comment box below, or via email at yaschuk@twowordheap.com, I will be a happy person. At least I will know if somebody actually reads this. See you in THE FUTURE!

March 22nd, 2009 – March 28th, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

March 22nd, 2009 – March 28th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:07:33 +0000

Hello again, and welcome to yet another edition of my Top 7 in 7! This week, as spring suddenly remembered that it forgot to turn the iron off back at its house, and winter slips back into the place we Albertans have come to loathe, I bring you some more tunes that have come across my ears. Is there something you would like me to listen to and put on this list? Drop me a line, either in the comments at the bottom of the page, or by email to yaschuk@twowordheap.com.

Explosions in the Sky – The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place AND How Strange, Innocence AND Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever
Finally, one of my very favourite bands lands a place in this column. I only had to listen to three full albums to do it, too! This Texas four-piece has basically defined post-rock as we know it. With soaring and crashing crescendos, intensely detailed guitar-work, and surprisingly emotional instrumentals, this band not only is the model for many groups making this type of music, but are also just plain amazing. Their live performances are nothing short of incredible. My first exposure to them, here, live at Austin City Limits, was nothing short of breath-taking. I cannot recommend this band enough.
The Aquabats – The Fury of the Aquabats
This group of mega-rad, nerd-core, back-flipping, crime-fighting super-heroes are seriously the best band in the world. Their live show, featuring Saturday-morning style commercials and fights with the bad guys, is probably the most fun I have ever had at a show ever. A TV show (which has been in the works for years) has been filmed, and now we are all anxiously awaiting it debut. Every one of their albums is an instant classic, but this one has perhaps their most popular tune, “Super Rad”. If you want to give your ears the most fun they have ever had, listen to this band. You will thank me later.
Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight
As said in a previous article, this band has made a terrific album. A sort of epic-folkness permeates the record, and the lyrics are quite potent as well.
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
Worth it, if only for the title track: a story about a werewolf who discovers his true self, told in a very non-contrived way. The band also jumps around in their style, at some times playing a sort of electronic folk, but then switches to a type of disco-influenced rock, and around and back again. This threw me off the first time I heard the record, wondering if they were the same band. Very interesting, but not quite repeat-worthy.
Joel Plaskett Emergency – Ashtray Rock
One of the greatest Canadian songwriters in existence, this veteran of the indie scene put out a record loosely based on a party location on the East Coast. He has the perfect voice for his writing, which is candid and unassuming. Perfect Canadian folk-pop/rock, Mr. Plaskett is among the very best of musicians this country has to offer.
Iron & Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days
Intrigued by the popularity brought on by the film Garden State, I decided I should look into the music stylings of one Mr. Samuel Beam, better known as Iron & Wine. Nothing surprising here: sleepy, relaxed folk. There are people who go nuts over this kind of thing, but it doesn’t really seem to be my bag.
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – Worlds Apart
Although they are now known more simply as Trail of Dead, I had listened to this only once or twice during 2005. Returning to it now, I find that the record still has a considerable shelf-life, it plays the same as it did back then. It’s a complex sort of pysch-rock, and having completely forgotten about the record, it’s still as good as it used to be.

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

March 29th, 2009 – April 4th, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:04:19 +0000

Hello again everyone! The first day of spring was on Friday, and soon the warmth will flow over you like so many ladybugs over Chopin’s long, tapering fingers. Enjoy these words, reader, for The Internet is a fickle place and they may not last forever! As always, if you have anything you would like to say about the article, there is a little box at the bottom of the page where your words can reside happily. If there’s something you would like to say to me personally, send an electronic mail to my electronic mail address, which is yaschuk@twowordheap.com, and once it has arrived via the Electronic Pony Express, I will send an electronic mail in response!

The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love
This album gets better with every listen. It is definitely one that should be listened to as an album, rather than as singles, the way everyone in the world has apparently learned how to listen to music. Once you commit to this nearly-an-hour-long piece of work, you will not regret it. Full of amazing folk storytelling and fucking killer prog-rock riffs, this will probably be on many year-end best-of lists.
Los Campesinos! – Hold On Now, Youngster…
This Welsh pop group has the most infectious melodies that have ever been imported across the Atlantic. Keyboards and glockenspiels, a nasal Welsh boy and a pretty girl makes this first full-length something to pay attention to. This band also released a brilliant second album only eight months after this one, which is a testament to what very well could be a long career ahead of them. Sporting not only super-cute music-making abilities, but also fairly witty and complex lyrics, this is a disc that begs to be listened to over and over again.
Colin Meloy – Colin Meloy Sings Live!
This man is responsible for much of The Decemberists’ catalogue. Hearing him perform stripped-down versions of Decemberists tunes, among others, is somewhat magical at times. His banter about campfires and sitting under the stars with your burro, makes this album a real treat to listen to.
Nick Drake -Way To Blue
One of the most amazing writer/voices in music history. Nearly forgotten in his lifetime, since his death he has received quite a large following. Very soft-spoken, yet his finger-picking is quite enviable, this is a great overview of his work. If you enjoy this, his other three albums, Five Leaves Left, Bryter Later and Pink Moon, are each classics in themselves.
Gogol Bordello – Super Taranta!
For the best moustache in punk today, go no further than Eugene Hütz. He is the man behind this fantastic, incredibly intense group. Heavily influenced by gypsy music from Ukraine, this album is bright fucking green, and should make you want to dance until your red boots and large blue pants fall right off.
Talking Heads – True Stories
What more can be said about this band? They’ve been on a majority of these 7in7′s, and are quite possibly one of the greatest bands to come out of anywhere. This album has the song that Thom Yorke named his band after (Radiohead, if you didn’t know), which has to tell you something about its impact.
Tim Barry – Rivanna Junction AND Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free^[1]
1. Tim Barry
  Former lead singer for punk rock band Avail, this album is a collection of folky alt-country tunes for lonely hearts. It seems a lot of the 90′s punk generation are making these types of records. From Greg Graffin of Bad Religion, to Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music, these albums are usually pretty good, but much different from the music they used to make.
2. Akron/Family
  I have only heard rumours of this band’s prestige before I had heard this. Complicated, somewhat weird folk, but entirely amazing music. It’s an album you can feel the first time you listen to it, but it takes subsequent hearings to really get to the heart of it. When this comes out, surely music people are going to be talking.

Until next time, etc. etc.

Footnotes

a tie, which was a 3-way tie, but I’m keeping it short

February 15th, 2009 – February 21st, 2009

March 22nd, 2009 – March 28th, 2009

March 1st, 2009 – March 7th, 2009

March 8th, 2009 – March 14th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:41:03 +0000

So last.fm went and became a jerk, scrobbling a bunch of songs twice for this week, which threw everything off. I tried to fix it, but that just made it worse. And to top it all off, my wireless is acting up, and my computer is running very slowly this morning. So, out of frustration, this week’s 7in7 is going to be short and sweet. Two records that may have been on here^[1] would be The Tigers Have Spoken by Neko Case, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by it should be obvious.

Questions? Comments? At the bottom if the page is a little form you can fill out, or you can email me at yaschuk@twowordheap.com.

The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love
My most anticipated album of the year does not disappoint. I listen to around 15 hours of music a week, and to spend about a fifth of that time with this album must let you know how I feel. Perhaps their most epic album yet? (And that’s saying something)
Wesley Willis – Rush Hour
Extremely simple music made by a very tall, very large, schizophrenic black man with a callous on his forehead from where he would head-butt people. A fascinating human being. He sings about almost everything, including whooping Batman’s ass, termites that ate his house up, and also how he hears profanity in his head when he’s out in public. Worth listening to, as long as you can stand it.
Broken Social Scene – Broken Social Scene
A wonderful album by one of Canada’s most important bands, if not the most important. A bunch of good tracks, but You Forgot It In People is still my favourite.
The Flaming Lips – Soft Bulletin
Here’s another case of “maybe I just don’t get it”. There is so much said about the greatness of this band, but I don’t really understand. I have asked a friend of mine to show me how this band is apparently so great.
Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique
The first album, celebrating 20 years since it was released. Pretty decent, I must say, but the 12-minute-34-second closing track began to get on my nerves. Attention aspiring MC’s: keep your raps under 5 minutes.
Neutral Milk Hotel – On Avery Island
When I received my copy of this, the track list was apparently out of order. It is much better when all the songs are in the right place.
Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs
This has been on more than one 7in7. I really like this record, what can I say?

Footnotes

if last.fm didn’t screw things up

March 1st, 2009 – March 7th, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

February 8th, 2009 – February 14th, 2009

March 1st, 2009 – March 7th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:39:34 +0000

March has finally come to end this blasted winter. Now the end of the week has come, and you get to read about what I listened to. Not really the same level of anticipation, but maybe you’ll still like it?

Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight
This Scottish band came up when I had subscribed to Fat Cat Records’ YouTube channel, so that I could more easily find music videos by Múm and old Sigur Rós. This album hit me in the same way that Hey Rosetta’s Into Your Lungs did at the end of January. I think it is really good. Great lyrics, awesome hooks, and the guy doesn’t feel the need to stop being Scottish just to sing. Highly recommended.
Tarkio – Omnibus
Colin Meloy, who you will remember as the singer/writer for The Decemberists, before he got famous, was in an alt-country band called Tarkio. Featuring his signature voice and writing style, you can definitely see the progress of how he got to where he is. This band was responsible for the song “My Mother was a Chinese Trapeze Artist”, which would later become a Decemberists staple. Listen only if you’re interested in indie-rock evolution, because this thing is two hours long.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
This is a carry-over from last week.
Pavement – Slanted & Enchanted
A lot of people go on about how this band is so awesome. I decided to look into them, and I have listened to Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain and now this one. I don’t think I know enough about them to know why they are lauded so much, because I don’t find these albums that interesting. Either they just don’t appeal to me, or I’m not paying attention.
Beastie Boys – Licensed To Ill
I decided that it was about time that I became a fan of these guys. This album has a bunch of classic Beastie Boys tunes, like “Fight for your Right” and “She’s Crafty”. It doesn’t have “Intergalactic” on it though, which I was disappointed about.
Joanna Newsom – The Milk-Eyed Mender
Everyone’s favourite harpist/elf on her first full-length album. A lot of people can’t stand her voice, which at times can be quite startling. Her lyrics are epic and complicated, and her harp-playing is equally as interesting. She’s one of my favourite artists, and if you’re looking for something a little strange, but still very pretty, maybe she could be one of yours too.
Tortoise – TNT
The title track from this album was put on a mixed CD for me about a year ago, and I finally remembered to look them up when I saw the album cover in the background of a scene in High Fidelity. The album turned out to have more electronica than I anticipated, and I was not impressed. The previous album, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, is supposed to be some landmark of post-rock. Maybe I should have listened to that.

What are your top 7 artists this week? Let me know in the comments section, or in an email to yaschuk@twowordheap.com!

March 22nd, 2009 – March 28th, 2009

March 8th, 2009 – March 14th, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:43:02 +0000

I think I’ll do this week’s column as a Top 7 In 7 EXPRESS! Aaaaaand GO!

Talking Heads – The Name of This Band is The Talking Heads and More Songs About Buildings and Food
This is my second listen to More Songs and I like it a lot. It’s getting very close to being my favourite album of theirs. Listening to The Name of This Band took some determination, as it is 33 tracks of live goodness, lasting for over two and a half hours.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks and Moondance
I watched The Royal Tenenbaums last week, and the track playing during the end of the movie was not on the soundtrack, which intrigued me. I thought it was Van Morrison, and it was! The song is “Everyone” from the album Moondance and it’s fairly decent. My dad loves this album, so maybe I had/have a bias towards it. Now Astral Weeks, on the other hand, I am finding to be strangely compelling. It’s an album you can spend an entire afternoon with, and I intend to very soon. Although, occasionally when he sings, he sounds like a goat.
Wire – Pink Flag
I listened to this again a week ago to see if the excellence holds up to another listen. It does. (It’s also on last week’s 7in7, so check out the write-up there.)
At The Drive-In – This Station is Non-Operational
Basically an ATDI best-of. If you’re not sure about the band, but want to check them out, get this one.
The Specials – Too Much Too Young
This band is among the masters of two-tone ska. My high-school ska band did a cover of “A Message To You Rudy”, and we were raddest (see: only) ska band our town had ever seen.
The Epoxies – Stop The Future
If Debbie Harry had been the singer for Devo, that band would be called The Epoxies. These guys are electro-punk awesomeness embodied. They opened for The Aquabats when I took a trip to Seattle to see them, and they are sadly no longer active.
Mother Mother – Touch Up
From a small island off the coast of British Columbia, comes a band with the best vocal harmonies and pop hooks you’ll find anywhere. It’s more impulsive, more energetic and less polished than the new album that came out last year. Don’t get me wrong, the new one is still very good, but I still prefer this one.

Do you want to see more of something on these lists? Less of something? Post a comment or send me an email at yaschuk [at] twowordheap [dot] com and I will get back to you as soon as humanly possible!

February 1st, 2009 – February 7th, 2009

March 22nd, 2009 – March 28th, 2009

February 8th, 2009 – February 14th, 2009

February 15th, 2009 – February 21st, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:49:28 +0000

Hello friends. It’s me again. First off, I’d like to give a big thanks to Tyler for writing last week’s column, as my power cord had melted to the point of being non-operational, and I could not write. But you’re stuck with me for this week, so I guess you’re going to have to learn to like it. I’ll keep it short. Remember to leave a comment or email me at yaschuk [at] twowordheap [dot] com.

Wire – Pink Flag
I didn’t know about this band until last year’s Sled Island Festival. Entirely my fault. These guys are great. This album came out in late 1977, and was incredibly influential. Covers have been performed by Henry Rollins (performing as Henrietta Rollins & The Wife-Beating Child Haters) and Minor Threat all the way to R.E.M. Listen to this record loudly.
Neutral Milk Hotel – On Avery Island and�In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
The only two full-length albums released by this band. The list of my All-Time Top 5 Albums definitely includes In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. The main mind behind this record, Jeff Mangum, wrote this record after reading Anne Frank’s diary, and had become obsessed and started having dreams about her. It’s a record that I could write indefinitely about, and if you haven’t heard it, you’re missing out.�The record that came before it,�On Avery Island, is almost as good as its predecessor, but lacks a certain spark. If you like Aeroplane, you’ll like Avery Island, too.
Jawbreaker – Unfun
The first album by this San Francisco punk rock band, released in 1990. I had been going through their catalogue, and this was the last record I needed to listen to. A little darker than your average early-90′s California pop-punk band. It’s pretty good, if you like this kind of thing.
Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose
Before singer Tom Gabel became a dick, Against Me! was a legitimately awesome folk-punk band. This is the first full-length to be released by the band, and I stand by my statement that this is one of the better punk records to be released in the last ten years. The band has been under a lot of scrutiny over the last few years after signing to Sire Records from more independent labels. Accusations of “selling out” �have been thrown around, and Against Me! is a prime example in this debate. This is probably my favourite AM! record.
David Bowie – Hunky Dory
What can be said about David Bowie that hasn’t been said? This is a damn-near perfect record and is one of, if not the best, Bowie albums. With nary a weak track to be found, this record has a near-permanent place upon my turntable.�
God Is An Astronaut – The End Of The Beginning
Irish post-rock that is similar to the stylings of other bands like Explosions In The Sky, This Will Destroy You, and Mogwai. Guitar-focused and melodic, this group continues in a long line of great post-rock groups. I’ve listened to their latest disc, and also this one, which was their first. More listening is required to establish a definite opinion on this group.
At The Drive-In – Acrobatic Tenement
Another first record by a band that unfortunately broke up in 2001. Not as good as their later releases, yet still worth the listen. ATDI split up into two groups, Sparta and The Mars Volta. The two groups took the post-hardcore stylings and the progressive rock of ATDI, and created two more homogeneous bands. ATDI still is better than both of them, no matter how people go crazy for The Mars Volta.

Be seeing you.

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

March 15th, 2009 – March 21st, 2009

February 8th, 2009 – February 14th, 2009

February 8th, 2009 – February 14th, 2009

Tyler Hauser — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:02:12 +0000

Hello all! Kyle was unable to do his Top 7 In 7 this week, so I’m here to fill his shoes. Here’s my Top 7 In 7 for the week of Feb.08.2009 – Feb.14.2009.

Ben Gibbard – Live at Theatre of the Living Arts on May 9, 2007
A friend of mine, David^[1], insisted I listen to this live recording freely available on archive.org. Not typically a fan of recorded live performances, I was thoroughly pleased with the quality of not only the recording itself but the entire performance. Ben Gibbard, of Death Cab For Cutie, is clearly in touch with what his fans love, as all of the songs played that evening made the crowd roar. It was quite delightful to hear him play “You Remind Me Of Home” off of his split EP with Andrew Kenny of American Analog Set, Home Ep Vol. V. Other welcome surprises included “Brand New Colony” and his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Excellent stuff.
The Doobie Brothers – Greatest Hits
So over the last week, I kind of went on a classic rock kick, as you can probably tell by this and the next artist. I never really listen to classic rock on a regular basis, relying mostly on the odd times I actually listen to the radio^[2]. So because I’m not very familiar with The Doobie Brothers library, I opted for the Greatest Hits album released in 1973. It’s always amazing how I lack the ability to connect classic rock bands with the songs they wrote. I had no idea The Doobie Brothers wrote half the songs on that damned album. See, my classic rock roots actually stem from listening to the music my mom used to play while she cleaned. She’d typically just toss the radio on and have at ‘er, so I never had the opportunity to actually learn the band names. Now, in my adult years, I’m finally getting to know the bands I’ve apparently loved for so long.
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
My other classic rock indulgence this week was Led Zeppelin. It’s remarkable to me how many bands I listen to now that have been so heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, so I figured I’d get myself acquainted with the real thing. I chose the double album, Physical Graffiti, because it’s from about the middle of Zeppelin’s career and I had heard from somewhere that it was an exceptional album. Wherever I heard that from must have been a good source because I really, really enjoy this album. It covers so many different styles, from funk and disco to hard rock and blues, all demonstrating how much modern music has ripped off from this band and many others of the 70s. If you don’t already know the power of Led Zeppelin, go grab a copy of any of their CDs and give it a good listen.
Land Of Talk – Some Are Lakes and L’Aventure Acoustique
Led by Lizzie Powell, Land Of Talk is slowly becoming one of my favourite bands… like, ever. And to be honest, I can’t really articulate why. I suppose any band that releases an acoustic record must be good, right? OK, so that’s not it. I don’t know, there’s just something so simple and unusual about their music. They’ve drawn many comparisons to the likes of Broken Social Scene, Metric and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who all have that same dirty alternative feel. I particularly love the vocal melodies Powell sings, as they’re generally unlike most other vocalists I hear regularly. It helps, also, that the strange vocal doubling and inharmonious harmonies^[3] inspire some pretty complex emotions. The vocals are usually accompanied by similarly discordant guitar riffs that just further the odd sonic delight. It’s fascinating, really.
Blonde Redhead – 23
Blonde Redhead is a neato dream pop band from New York City. They’ve been around for ages but have only recently made a splash in the main stream^[4] with their 2007 record, 23. I can only not listen to this album for so long before it pulls me back in without my knowing. One day I’ll just be listening to it again, with no recollection of how I got to where I came to be. Watch out for this one…
Mute Math – Spotlight EP
This EP by New Orlean rockers, Mute Math, was actually just released on February 10th, so I had my way with it a few times that day. Read more here.
Tegan and Sara
These guys actually just kinda squeezed in this week. There was no particular album I listened to, they just happen to show up on shuffle^[5] more often than others. If you’re bored, check out The Con.

And there you have it!

Footnotes

Yes, our very own David Blanchard
Calgary, AB simply LOVES its classic rock. Q107 is the best station for classic rock in the city, though
It makes sense, I swear
Clever, eh?
And not be skipped

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

February 1st, 2009 – February 7th, 2009

February 15th, 2009 – February 21st, 2009

February 1st, 2009 – February 7th, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:58:20 +0000

Here you are, kiddo’s! My Top 7 In 7 for this week. This week is more of a “who has the longest track listing” rather than an accurate cross-section of my week’s listening. If you want to tell me anything, please leave a comment or send an email to yaschuk [at] twowordheap [dot] com! Enjoy!

Talking Heads – Fear of Music and Little Creatures
Some time ago, I found myself being enthralled by David Byrne’s incredible dance skills. I thought to myself, “Kyle, why haven’t you been listening to this band?” This was immediately rectified. I have since been slowly going through the Talking Heads catalogue, and I have not been disappointed. This band has all the grooves in all the right places. Check out “And She Was” and “Television Man” from Little Creatures, and I like “Mind” and “Life During Wartime” from Fear of Music.
John K. Samson – Slips and Tangles
I was traveling the interblogs a little while ago, and I found out that before he left Propagandhi, John K. Samson (now of The Weakerthans fame) had released a cassette called Slips and Tangles. It was released in 1993, and although you can hear the youth come through in his singing, the promise of a great songwriter is there. When The Weakerthans recorded their 1997 full-length, Fallow, they re-recorded the closing track “Agonistes” as “Illustrated Bible Stories for Children”. Again in 2000, they remade the title track and used it on their album Left and Leaving. Other notables include “Velveteen” and “Little Pictures”.
Rites of Spring – End on End
This band strongly influenced the hardcore punk scene of the mid-1980s. The violence and frantic energy that the scene was known for was built upon by this band, yet they changed some preconceptions when it came to song-writing. They chose to write more personally, rather than the politically left-wing, anti-Reagan songs that came from other bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat and Bad Brains. Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat) not only produced their self-titled album, but also formed the band Fugazi with two of the members when this band split up. Unfortunately saddled with the title of the first “emo” band, it’s my belief that because of this label, many people don’t take them seriously. Check out “Deeper Than Inside”, “Remainder”, and “In Silence/Words Away”.
Sigur R�s – �g�tis Byrjun
This is the first “real” Sigur R�s album. It differs a lot from their 1997 debut,�Von. This is the first album to feature what is now the regular line-up, and musically, it resembles most all of their work since. Heavily laden with strings and piano, this album is very atmospheric, and quite beautiful. The title means “an all right start” or “a good beginning”, from a friend of the band who had heard the first track they recorded, and was asked his opinion. Standout tracks: “Staralfur”, “Vi�rar vel til loft�r�sa”, and “�g�tis Byrjun”.
The Decemberists – The Rake’s Song and Live from Soho
Okay, so the new Decemberists album comes out on March 24th, and I am very excited. They have released the first single from this album on their website, and it is terrific. Classic Decemberists lyrics — full of murder and darkness — with an amazing change in musicianship. The third week in March can’t come soon enough. The Live From SoHo iTunes exclusive EP is fairly good as well, bringing some classic tunes out and mixing them with new ones; nothing terribly exciting, but I would say it is worth it for those fans who crave completion.
Pixies – Surfer Rosa
This is the first album I listened to by these guys. Many people claim this as the greatest Pixies album, but my allegiance still lays with Doolittle. Not to say that this isn’t a great record; it is, very much so. Kim Deal has the perfect voice for this record. Not too peppy, and smoky enough to cause intrigue. It’s too bad that she never got to sing more often. The guitars on this record, and Black Francis’s voice make this a pleasure to rock out to. Do yourself a favor and listen to “Break My Body”, “Cactus”, and “Tony’s Theme” again, because everyone knows “Where Is My Mind”.
Basia Bulat – Oh, My Darling AND Propagandhi – Less Talk, More Rock
These two are tied for the #7 spot, so they both get written up.

Basia Bulat is probably the cutest girl to be making music with an autoharp today. She makes pretty good music, too. This full-length album was nominated for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize, and deservedly so. Listen to “Oh, My Darling”, “In The Night”, and “Snakes And Ladders”.

Propagandhi has been making music for angry vegetarians for many years now. I chose to listen to this one instead of How To Clean Everything this week because I was really liking the song titles. Favourites: “Nailing Descartes To The Wall – (Liquid) Meat Is Still Murder”, “I Was A Pre-Teen McCarthyist”, and “The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist”.

Until next time, keep fit and have fun.

February 15th, 2009 – February 21st, 2009

February 8th, 2009 – February 14th, 2009

February 22nd, 2009 – February 28th, 2009

January 25th, 2009 – January 31st, 2009

Kyle Yaschuk — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:51:18 +0000

Here goes: my top 7 most listened artists and albums for this week, January 25 through 31. This isn’t a list of my seven favourite albums of the week, or my top seven picks to spread news about, or even what I recommend to whoever reads this article. This is simply the seven artists that have graced my ears the most over the last 7 days, and why I have listened to them. Maybe you’ll find something new, maybe not.

Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs, and Plan Your Escape EP
Hey Rosetta! is a six-piece band from St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 2007, they released the�Plan Your Escape EP and it is very good — quite terrific in fact — but fails to compare to the scope of the full-length that was released last summer.

Just as the cover of the album reads,�Into Your Lungs (And Around In Your Heart And On Through Your Blood), it has placed itself within my body. Whether it’s the perfect use of the mandolin in the opening track, or the melodies emanating throughout the disc, or the earnest voice that pleads with us through every song, I think this album is damn near perfect. It has nearly absorbed my being. Their geographical isolation may be the reason why you haven’t heard this yet, but go out of your way to find this record. I am willing to put money down that it’s going to be on the Polaris Prize list later this summer. If you count yourself as a fan of amazing Canadian music, then it is important that you listen to this album.
Sigur R�s -�Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust
The newest album by the most famous Icelanders that aren’t Bj�rk. This is, hands down, my favourite band. A lot of people don’t like this album as much as the previous few albums. This one is a lot more bombastic and sunny than the other discs the group has released. It’s a little strange to the ears for those who are used to the somewhat darker, more intense post-rock style that they had become known for. Still a very impressive disc, it features a boy’s choir and orchestra on “�ra B�tur”, and the group’s first song in English, “All Alright”.
Mogwai – The Hawk Is Howling
When it comes to post-rock, this Scottish group wrote the book. This new album doesn’t disappoint, even if the cover isn’t actually a hawk. Check out “I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead”, “The Sun Smells Too Loud”, and “Thank You Space Expert” (which is possibly about Carl Sagan).
Dirty Three – Cinder
This was a Last.fm recommendation. An Australian three-piece: guitar/drum/violin. It’s interesting, experimental, instrumental rock. I am going to keep listening to these guys to form a better opinion.
Seu Jorge – The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions
David Bowie classics, covered by a delightful Brazilian man with a classical guitar in Portuguese. Is there more to say that should convince you? I thought I had lost this disc, but it was just hiding!
Megapuss – Surfing
Devendra Banhart and his beard doing Devendra/beard things. Apparently, the first live show these guys put on featured what appeared to be a�skirt made out of dildos. Listen to “Duck People Duck Man” and the meow solo in “Theme From Hollywood” to get a glimpse of how wacky this band is.
Rachel’s – Music For Egon Schiele
This classically influenced post-rock band recorded the soundtrack they did for a theatrical production about painter Egon Schiele. The album abounds with piano and strings, and everyone is quite talented. It’s worth investigating.

So! Until next week, friends!

Two Word Heap » Top 7 In 7

March 29th, 2009 – April 4th, 2009

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