My Top 5 Concerts of 2011

I've been planning on posting this for weeks but I've just been so busy that I haven't been able to finish the post until now. They say better late than never so here we go...

2011 was a great year for concerts in Vancouver! Though I didn't attend as many shows as I would have liked to, I did manage to make it out for some goodies.

A few shows that I loved, but didn't include on the list were Cut Copy, Moonface and lastly, Atrak for the Smirnoff Life Exchange project.

5. St. Vincent at The Commodore
I loved how intimate this concert was. You could tell everyone in attendance was a diehard fan.

I was pretty into St. Vincent a few years back and not totally familiar with the newer material. Still, the show was great.

I see St. Vincent is set to perform at Coachella this year. If you're going, definitely do not miss this set.

4. Elliot Brood at The Commodore
Fantastic show! This was a packed house and the energy from the crowd was beyond.

This night kicked off the start of a four day weekend for me, so I would have been in a great mood even if the band sucked. Luckily I didn't have to worry about that.

My pal Michael and I at the Commodore 

3. Wolf Parade at The Commodore *Their "last" show ever*
I've already blogged about my love for Wolf Parade, so there's no need to rehash what already's been accepted as fact. What I will say is I still haven't completely accepted that this band is done for good.

2. Bon Iver at The Orpheum
I've been a Bon Iver fan for a couple of years now, and when I heard Justin Vernon was bringing the show to Vancouver, I knew I couldn't miss it!

If you're a fan, you know their sound is pretty laid back. The thing I loved about the live show was that they took some of their best songs and gave them a more upbeat flare.

Bon Iver

Justin Vernon

1. Watch The Throne tour at Rogers Arena
Oh my god! I am not a huge fan stadium shows, but wow. This concert was the best show, hands down, I saw all year, if not, the best show of all time. Big statement, I know. I loved everything about it from the fire shooting off the stage, to turning around and seeing Kanye West rapping behind me while Jay-Z rapped in front of me. I felt like I was surrounded by greatness.

Not only did they perform all of the best songs from Watch the Throne, but they also did their classics like Kanye's Flashing Lights, All Falls Down and Jesus Walks, with Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind and Hard Knock Life. They topped the night off with 6 performances of Ni**as in Paris in a row. Ah-Maze-Ing!

Jay-Z and Kanye West - Otis

Considering I bought my 7th row ticket just an hour before the show, this was one spontaneous night for the books.

Hova

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Lana Del Rey is on a Roll

Guess who's going to be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live for the January 14th show? That's right, Lana Del Rey. Amazing, I love her.

Here's her new song Off to The Races

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NY is Killing Me

I have to take a break from Drake. You know what they say about too much of a good thing, right?

So keeping in the Drake spirit, I'm all over Jamie xx. Subpop records released their staff's top 20 of 2011 lists and it's no surprise that Jamie xx and Gil Scott Heron make multiple appearances.

So without further ado, here is NY is Killing Me.



Also, completely off topic, but I love Grammar Girl.

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I'm So Proud Of You

Drake Drake Drake, we're so proud of you. Everyone is loving the album Take Care. Myself included.

The songs that stand out, in my opinion, are Crew Love, Make Me Proud, Take Care and Over My Dead Body. I haven't heard a ton of people talking about Marvin's Room, but it's also in my regular rotation. I'm especially loving the second half of the song. Pitchfork explains the story behind Marvin's Room, and it's worth a read through.

Ok so back to Take Care, which is a collaboration with Rihanna. If it sounds familiar, that's because it is. The song is produced by Jamie xx, and also borrows elements from his original version of the song I'll Take Care of You. It's a goodie.

If you haven't heard the entire new album yet, I highly recommend you do. Crew Love seems to be getting a lot of buzz this week, so take a listen below and let me know your thoughts.

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The Japanese Popstars

Not even my coolest friends can deny that Gossip Girl features some pretty sweet music.

Last week I tweeted about Lana Del Rey on GG, and this week I must share the Japanese Popstars. Their song Shells of Silver was on the show tonight and caught my ear straight away.

This song is the perfect background music for me to have on while reading a book and "sipping" down a big glass of red. Consider it done.

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Throwback Thursday: Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah

Here's the back story:

Years ago I bought an iPod touch. I was still completely committed to Blackberry at the time so an iPhone was a no-no. Anyway, I loved my iPod and had literally, thousands of songs on it. One day my computer crashed and instead of fixing it I got a new one. Only problem was that I couldn't figure out how to get the songs off of my iPod and onto my new computer. Then came the day I tossed the Blackberry and got an iPhone. Still with me?

Anyway, because I couldn't get the songs off of my old iPod, getting them on the iPhone was totally out of the question. I thought I was doomed to re-download the music, until a dear friend did some sort of sorcery on the iPod and long story short, I was able to get my old music on my iPhone. (BTW - anyone want an old iPod Touch?)

So I've been listening to my fav tunes from a few years back now ever since, and am falling in love with the music all over again. Before moving on to the new "cool" bands, I needs to make sure everyone is aware of the old ones. Case in point; Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah.

I've had their self titled album playing for the last week. Love it! And I'm not alone in that sentiment; in 2005 when the album was released, Pitchfork gave it a 9 out of 10.

My favourite track is The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth. Gross name, I know, but don't let that put you off.

I think if I were a runner, this would totally be my running song.

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The Moon and the Sky vs. Trials of the Past

Tonight's episode of Gossip Girl ended with SBTRKT's Trials of the Past. I was totally feeling it, but mostly because it was reminding me of a song I was obsessed with a few months back; Sade and Jay-Z's The Moon and the Sky remix.

It's not just me, you hear it too... don't you?

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Lana Del Rey - Video Games

Lana Del Rey is the gorgeous 24 year old New Yorker with the voice of gold.

A friend recently shared this song with me and I've had it on repeat ever since.

Read an interview with this rising star on Pitchfork.

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"Watch the Throne", more like watch my mouth

I am SO glad I didn't post this when I had originally written it; I had no idea what I was talking about.

Originally I wanted to say something about Kanye West and his Pichfork rated 10 out of 10 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I had planned on saying that the bar was set too high and he could never accomplish that again. I was prepared to call Watch the Throne "really good".

Shame on me.

I bought the deluxe version of the Jay-Z and Kanye West masterpiece on iTunes (that's right, I still buy my music). It's been on repeat on my iPhone since the purchase. Every single time I listen to this album I find another reason to love it.

Initially my favourite song was Why I Love You, which is easily the catchiest song on the album, but after countless listens, I can no longer pick a fav.

The songs I find myself listening to over and over are (in no particular order) Lift off, Welcome to the Jungle, H*a*m and Ni**as in Paris.

In honour of last night's huge announcement that Jay-Z and Beyonce are expecting their first bebe, here is Lift Off.

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Whatever you like...

I was recently tweeting about my love of Anya Marina, and since I still can't get this song out of my head, I think it's time to sentence others to the same fate as me. Misery enjoys company, although this song is anything but miserable.

If this sounds familiar it's because you probably already know the song. It had huge radio play a few years ago when rapper T.I. first released this hit (with a very different sound). You can check out the original here.

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This Heart's on Fire

All good things must come to an end, right? Knowing this, I shouldn't have been so naive to think that one of my favourite bands of all time, Wolf Parade, would be around forever. The group went on an indefinite hiatus on May 30th. Heartbreaking, I know.

On the bright side (if there is a bright side) at least their last show was in Vancouver at the Commodore. On the very bright side, at least I was at the show.

Having seen them play before, I knew going into this that it would be fantastic, which it was. That being said... was it just me or did the whole thing seem kind of... sad? It was like the band knew this was it and I could hear the mourning in the music.

It was a short night for me as I was sick the day of the show, but from what I hear, they played all of their classics well into the night/early morning. This Heart's on Fire, I'll Believe Anything, Kissing the Beehive, Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts, What Did My Lover Say, You are a Runner and I am my Father's Son, and the list goes on and on until the show ended with Bob Dylan's Knockin on Heaven's Door. The complete setlist can be found here.

Spencer Krug

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Grizzly Bear - Ready, Able

I have had Grizzly Bear's Ready, Able stuck in my head for 3 days now. Time for me to pass it on to someone else.

Warning; this song is highly addictive. Listen at your own risk...

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How Do You Do That?

By this point we all know that Nicki Minaj is here to stay. Anyone who had doubts about her lasting power was proven wrong this weekend when she performed on Saturday Night Live. Not only does she have a unique sound, but she also has range, making her one of the most entertaining performers on the scene.

Her first performance on SNL was Right Thru Me. I am loving this song, and loving this softer side of Nicki.

I'm not usually a fan of concerts at Rogers Arena (way too big of a venue), but when Nicki rolls into town on April 29th, I think I'll be making an exception.

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Kanye Update

It's been months and Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is still on constant rotation in my house.

Initially I was a big fan of the pop-ish sounding songs like All of the Lights and Dark Fantasy, but my taste has evolved and now I cannot stop listening to Devil in a New Dress. It reminds me of classic Kanye; Flashing Lights. The only difference is Flashing Lights is a really short song, and Devil in a New Dress is more than 5 minutes long! Amazing.

I must admit, I'm feeling foolish for missing Rick Ross in Vancouver last weekend. Did anyone see the show? I haven't heard any reviews, but am thinking that's a good thing; I can only control my jealousy for so long.

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Beach House

One of the most highly praised albums of 2010 is one you've likely never even heard. No, I'm not talking about My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (although that is arguably the greatest album to be released in years). Beach House, Teen Dream has been called the best album of 2010 by music lovers across the board. Their sound is airy and relaxing; the perfect album to have on while you do the dishes, read a book or chat with a friend on the couch.

Pitchfork rates the album a 9.0 out of 10 and has it listed in their Best New Music category. They describe Teen Dream as;

"the most diverse and most listenable of their three full-lengths, and yet it never seems like a compromise. It feels like the product of careful, thoughtful growth, bringing in new influences-- bits of mid-1970s Fleetwood Mac, sparkling indie pop, even a few soul and gospel touches--- while maintaining the group's core sound."

2010 was a big year for Beach House, touring with the likes of Grizzly Bear, Vampire Weekend and appearing on Conan. Though the album is almost a year old now, it's one that is not to be missed. Check out one of my favourite songs on Teen Dream, Zebra.

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Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy = Brilliant

Thank God. Seriously. How annoying was Kanye West getting? For the last few years, Kanye's self righteous attitude has been beyond irritating, and after not producing results, I was ready to forget about him all together. His publicity stunts with Taylor Swift, his failed Louis Vuitton sneaker line and his all around arrogance was a huge turn off for me.

He's still got that famous attitude problem, but at least he's putting out some of the best music I've heard this year. I'm not alone in that sentiment either, Pitchfork gave his new album a 10 out of 10 rating (which almost never happens), and Rolling Stone a 5 out of 5.

As I'm sure you've already heard, Kanye directed a 35 minute video to go along with the new album called Runaway, featuring clips from every song. I think the video is as epic as the album.

I'd love to say I have a favourite song on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but I think it's too soon commit. What I will say is that even for the non-hiphop lovers out there, you need to listen to this album at least twice. It's too good to miss out on.

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Top 3 Songs of the Day: S Edition

Dreary weather we're having here in Vancouver today. Dreary, rainy, cold... what more can I say? It's awful out there. If your walk to work was as nasty as mine (even with the free McDonald's coffee pit stop) then you need something wonderful to listen to.

My three favourite songs this morning are all brought to you by the letter S. (Very Sesame Street of me, I know.)

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Love These Tunes

Are you starting to think you've heard every song on your iPod at least 1,000 times? Are your ears getting bored of listening the same songs over and over?

This is pretty common, and if you don't watch yourself, you'll soon be downloading something awful like "Like a G6" just for variety.

Here are three great songs that I am loving right now. Feel free to comment with some of your favourites, and let's all make a vow to never, ever torture ourselves with bad music ever again.

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Live Shows Galore!

Those of you know who me, know there are few things in this world that I like more than a good concert! Sure, champagne is always a treat, and fashion is a definite weakness, but seeing one of my favorite bands play live, at a cool venue takes the cake.

Wolf Parade at the Vogue Theatre

I happen to have quite a few friends that share this love with me, so it's always easy to stay on top of what bands are coming to Vancouver, and where they're playing. However, even with the help of my friends, some shows still seem to slip through the cracks... but not for much longer.

This website has got to be the most in depth coverage of Vancouver's music scene I've ever seen! I had to share it. There's nothing worse than finding out a really cool band played in your backyard, the day after the show.

Take a peek and let me know which ones you'll be attending!

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Whip my Hair

Nine years old. Nine years old! Do you remember what you were doing at nine? I was laying in my bunk-beds, reading the Baby-Sitters Club books. Do you know what Willow Smith is doing at nine? Getting signed by Jay-Z.

Seriously, could the Smith family be any more talented? Papa Will has got to be one of the luckiest people of all time, because not only has he managed to become a super A-list celebrity, but he does so without having to sell his soul to the tabloids. Then he marries the beautiful Jada, and they produce an army of talent, with big brother Jaden staring in the Karate Kid earlier this year.

But back to Willow... listen to these vocals! I want to compare her to other teen queens out there, but that wouldn't be fair; Willow isn't even ten years old, and if you stacked up her talent next to Miley Cyrus... well even Billy Ray would be waving the white flag.

With nearly 4 million views on Youtube in only 3 days, it's safe to say I'm not the only one who can't believe their eyes (or ears). Willow Smith is this generation's Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Beyonce all wrapped into one.

Say hello to the world's next mega star...

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