I love discovering new bands before the mainstream catches on. I've been lucky to have a couple of friends who have their ear to the ground when it comes to new music who know my taste in music and got me hooked on Biffy Clyro. Last week I was lucky to be one of the few Vancouverites to experience Biffy's first major show in Vancouver at the Venue (Granville Street).
This band has been around for 15 years and has 5+ recordings and has steadily grown its audience in the UK over that time period.
I remember hearing stories of the first Vancouver show that Radiohead played. I'm not sure of the exact date but it was at the Railway club in the early 90's and apparently there was only a handful of people there that night Everyone you talk to in the local music industry talks about how they were there yet only 20 were in attendance (I'm guessing none of these music industry people were there, they just like to say they were a part of it). This is typical for this kind of monumental show. I remember hearing from a few friends about the Strokes first show at the Pic or the White Stripes show at the pic and how no one was there and how it was great to see these bands before they broke into the mainstream.
This is how I felt last week.
The Venue holds about 500 but they will stuff about 600 people into the room. When we walked in the room was full and you couldn't move. Although we were near the sound booth, the sound and energy was electric.
I have to admit to you right now that based on "Only Revolutions" (the newest LP from Biffy) I was expecting smoke and mirrors (backing tracks synced to a lighting rig, a touring keyboard player, a touring guitarist) because this record sounds absolutely huge. I was suprised when I saw this band was in fact just a trio. They did not need any tricks to fill out their sound. The guitars were huge. The drums sounded massive. The bass was booming. They had a huge banner of the album artwork behind them but only the club lighting (which is terrific for a local venue).
I am still a newcomer to the B.C. back catalogue. This band is not afraid to play old songs. Their set was all over the map, very progressive, and at times I felt like I was watching Rush. Other times I felt like I was watching Nirvana and/or the Foo Fighters. Other times I felt like the band was harnessing mid-90's Supergrass. They were tight. Fast stops. Fast starts. Huge breaks that slammed back into the complex bridge. They take risks in their music and they take even bigger risks on stage. The bass player and drummer player even left the stage for two acoustic numbers in a row. Their songs are diverse, ranging from 90's grunge to prog to melodic ballads with beautiful harmonies.
Most of the crowd that night was either British or Scottish or there with someone from the UK and all were singing along with every word.
I'm going to steal this quote from another show review:
""Biffy who?" you're probably saying. It's a valid question. Too weird for CFOX, too noisy to fit into The Peak's 24-hour Mumford and Sons playlist; Biffy Clyro remain virtually unknown in this corner of the English-speaking world. Which is why they're reduced to playing Granville Street's 500-capacity Venue for the budget price of $14 a ticket. " (Robert Collins, ctvbc.ca)
This sentiment is the hard truth and it continues to be the truth about many bands that Vancouver is not exposed to. In my opinion (which can be taken with a grain of salt) there is a niche of music locally that is not being promoted by the local industry. Somewhere between CFOX & the Peak, great bands are getting ignored. Some are local. Some are from Canada. Some are American. Some are from Scotland. Biffy Clyro is one of these bands.
I am very glad to say I was part of the first wave of Biffy's breakthrough into North America. I will definitely be the one who says "I was there."
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 28, 2011
February 25, 2011
British Invasion
When I was in my early teens I discovered the Beatles.
I think it was this random documentary that was on TV one day about how they broke into America in 1964. I had heard a lot of their music growing up (how could you not, their music is ingrained into society) but there was something about them that I had never quite connected with until I saw this brief doc. I remember hearing their cover of "Rock and Roll Music" and thinking wow, that's what a band is supposed to sound like. I rabidly devoured everything Beatles and have done so like millions upon millions ever since.
This continued. With. All. British. Music.
When I get into something, I need to feed the addiction. For example. Just like a billion others, I got really heavy into Harry Potter a number of years ago. I am a nerd. (If you have read some of my blog you may have realized this by now) I loved the series so much that I started reading other books in the same genre (children's sci-fi fantasy) because I wanted more. more and more and more.
This applies to music.
I love the Beatles so I got into John's solo work. And George's. And Ringo's. And Wings. And Paul's. Then I got into the Stones. And the Who. etc etc etc.
Then I went modern. Radiohead. Kula Shaker. Oasis. Blur. Pulp. Supergrass. The Stone Roses. (that was the 90's for me).
A while ago I met a group of Londoners travelling through Vancouver on their way to Whistler. I got to talking with one guy in the group, Finn, who then gave me a few bands that were undiscovered in Canada but up my ally. I told him I was really into Bloc Party/Franz Ferdinand/Arctic Monkeys/Boy Kill Boy/the Futureheads and was looking for some bands that were similar and new. He introduced me to a couple amazing bands called the Pigeon Detectives and the Wombats and from there I got into Scouting for Girls, the Hoosiers, Two Door Cinema Club, Hard-Fi and more. Needless to say Finn and I are close friends and I'm planning on seeing London in the summer and sleeping on his couch and singing Oasis songs over a pint (or 8) and talking about music until wee hours in the morning and also trying to desperately explain hockey.
Fast Forward to now.
About a month ago a friend of mine (who is from the UK) sent me a text saying, "do I want to go to the Venue to see Biffy Clyro play a show". I said yes not having any clue who they were. He said I'd like them and that it would be fun. Fair enough. I emailed another friend from the UK to email me an MP3 of her favourite Biffy song. Born on a Horse was in my inbox the next day. Mind blown. I bought the entire newest record, "Only Revolutions" on iTunes and have been really getting hardcore about this band. The more I delve into this band the more I realized that this UK based group has been together for years and even has a connection to Vancouver having recorded a previous record at the Warehouse with local legends GGGarth & Mike Fraser.
What you've learned from this post:
I want to hear new undiscovered music from over the pond.
I hope you can take some of my advice and maybe check out some of these awesome bands.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
I think it was this random documentary that was on TV one day about how they broke into America in 1964. I had heard a lot of their music growing up (how could you not, their music is ingrained into society) but there was something about them that I had never quite connected with until I saw this brief doc. I remember hearing their cover of "Rock and Roll Music" and thinking wow, that's what a band is supposed to sound like. I rabidly devoured everything Beatles and have done so like millions upon millions ever since.
This continued. With. All. British. Music.
When I get into something, I need to feed the addiction. For example. Just like a billion others, I got really heavy into Harry Potter a number of years ago. I am a nerd. (If you have read some of my blog you may have realized this by now) I loved the series so much that I started reading other books in the same genre (children's sci-fi fantasy) because I wanted more. more and more and more.
This applies to music.
I love the Beatles so I got into John's solo work. And George's. And Ringo's. And Wings. And Paul's. Then I got into the Stones. And the Who. etc etc etc.
Then I went modern. Radiohead. Kula Shaker. Oasis. Blur. Pulp. Supergrass. The Stone Roses. (that was the 90's for me).
A while ago I met a group of Londoners travelling through Vancouver on their way to Whistler. I got to talking with one guy in the group, Finn, who then gave me a few bands that were undiscovered in Canada but up my ally. I told him I was really into Bloc Party/Franz Ferdinand/Arctic Monkeys/Boy Kill Boy/the Futureheads and was looking for some bands that were similar and new. He introduced me to a couple amazing bands called the Pigeon Detectives and the Wombats and from there I got into Scouting for Girls, the Hoosiers, Two Door Cinema Club, Hard-Fi and more. Needless to say Finn and I are close friends and I'm planning on seeing London in the summer and sleeping on his couch and singing Oasis songs over a pint (or 8) and talking about music until wee hours in the morning and also trying to desperately explain hockey.
Fast Forward to now.
About a month ago a friend of mine (who is from the UK) sent me a text saying, "do I want to go to the Venue to see Biffy Clyro play a show". I said yes not having any clue who they were. He said I'd like them and that it would be fun. Fair enough. I emailed another friend from the UK to email me an MP3 of her favourite Biffy song. Born on a Horse was in my inbox the next day. Mind blown. I bought the entire newest record, "Only Revolutions" on iTunes and have been really getting hardcore about this band. The more I delve into this band the more I realized that this UK based group has been together for years and even has a connection to Vancouver having recorded a previous record at the Warehouse with local legends GGGarth & Mike Fraser.
What you've learned from this post:
I want to hear new undiscovered music from over the pond.
I hope you can take some of my advice and maybe check out some of these awesome bands.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 22, 2011
Star Wars
I love Star Wars.
I usually watch the entire series about once a year. Each time I watch A New Hope, Empire, & Return I find something new I really like and didn't see before. George Lucas is brilliant for creating what he did in Episode IV on such a small budget. It's amazing.
Anyway, I was thinking about these movies and about how great they are and had this great idea for a house party/dinner party/family get together/team building excercise. What you do is you get the script from either Star Wars Episode IV/V/VI and each person at your party draws out of a hat the characters that are in the movie and then you proceed to re-enact the scenes from the movie. Maybe your group just recites the lines. Maybe they dress up and get really into it and have some props. I think this is a fun idea.
What do you think?
Let me know if you want to get together and do this.
It doesn't have to be Star Wars. Maybe it's Star Trek: the Next Generation episodes. Maybe it's Indiana Jones.
If it's Star Wars, count me in!
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
I usually watch the entire series about once a year. Each time I watch A New Hope, Empire, & Return I find something new I really like and didn't see before. George Lucas is brilliant for creating what he did in Episode IV on such a small budget. It's amazing.
Anyway, I was thinking about these movies and about how great they are and had this great idea for a house party/dinner party/family get together/team building excercise. What you do is you get the script from either Star Wars Episode IV/V/VI and each person at your party draws out of a hat the characters that are in the movie and then you proceed to re-enact the scenes from the movie. Maybe your group just recites the lines. Maybe they dress up and get really into it and have some props. I think this is a fun idea.
What do you think?
Let me know if you want to get together and do this.
It doesn't have to be Star Wars. Maybe it's Star Trek: the Next Generation episodes. Maybe it's Indiana Jones.
If it's Star Wars, count me in!
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 21, 2011
Show Review: Carpenter, Northcote, & Virginia Leaves, Feb 19th at the Fairview
The Fairview was not prepared.
On Saturday night when I walked into the venue, I could tell right away that this out of the way bar on West Broadway did not expect what was about to occur. The room was packed, it was already sweaty, and the bar lineup was deep.
I was extremely geared up for Carpenter but got a chance to see the 2 openers. I really enjoyed Virginia Leaves who were just getting going when I arrived.
The following act called Northcote (is singer/songwriter Matt Goud) captured the audience easily with just a guitar and his very powerful voice. I'm not too familiar with his work but after seeing him, I wanted to get a CD and dive into his music. Here is a video of "Energy" from his current CD. He mentioned on stage that there will be a new record shortly and I'm looking forward to it. When he busted into a version of "Your Love" by the Outfield, everyone in the audience was singing along to every word. I had a feeling that would be common throughout the rest of the night.
Carpenter has rabid fans.
I fell in love with this band's music a few years ago and can sing along with most of their songs. Saturday night there were about 275 people that were as in love with them as me in a club that comfortably holds 200. When the band got going the venue was at complete capacity with a mix of people that share a common love of this great band that has written songs that speak directly to them about them and for them. These songs connect deeply with the individual. These songs are about a person who longs to be home and who has made mistakes and wants to prove himself in this world of failed dreams. These songs deliver messages of those people who party hard, live hard, and fear nothing. This band is more then a punk band. They have songs with subtle hooks that linger days after you've heard them. The band also has an electric energy on stage that shows passion and drive and Saturday night Every Single Person in the room was singing along to Every Single Word of Every Song.
Explain to me again how you've never heard this band or been to one of their shows (or supported your local farmer).
While Northcote was finishing his set Carpenter's bass player, Dana (who is an old friend of mine), was telling me some stories of the road and the pranks that were pulled on Dan (the singer of Carpenter & like myself, an avid Leafs fan). I love hearing war stories about the road. Touring is my favourite thing in life and seeing the yellow lines of the Highway 1 in Canada can be frustrating but when you're out there on the road, no one will quite understand it unless you have been. You sleep on couches in strange towns. You pass the time in the van laughing with your best friends. You drink way too much to numb your mind. You long for a warm bed with that girl you love but also you look forward to getting back on stage every night playing your favourite songs.
Carpenter exemplifies the dreams of those who have been on the road. Dan sings about a lifestyle that is hard to maintain, a lifestyle that in your head you know you need to quit, you want to give up, you want to walk away, yet in your heart you cannot. You have to sing these songs, you have to speak to the people, you have to keep connecting with those that are in love with every word you sing, everything you stand for, everything you believe in.
I don't ever want Carpenter to give up. They are the best band in Vancouver and they proved it on Saturday. If you missed this show, you missed history in the making. People will talk about this show for years. People will talk about how they remember Carpenter from when they we playing small clubs in Vancouver and how they wished they'd seen them then.
Download "Law of the Land" by Carpenter here
Download "Sea to Sky" by Carpenter here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
On Saturday night when I walked into the venue, I could tell right away that this out of the way bar on West Broadway did not expect what was about to occur. The room was packed, it was already sweaty, and the bar lineup was deep.
I was extremely geared up for Carpenter but got a chance to see the 2 openers. I really enjoyed Virginia Leaves who were just getting going when I arrived.
The following act called Northcote (is singer/songwriter Matt Goud) captured the audience easily with just a guitar and his very powerful voice. I'm not too familiar with his work but after seeing him, I wanted to get a CD and dive into his music. Here is a video of "Energy" from his current CD. He mentioned on stage that there will be a new record shortly and I'm looking forward to it. When he busted into a version of "Your Love" by the Outfield, everyone in the audience was singing along to every word. I had a feeling that would be common throughout the rest of the night.
Carpenter has rabid fans.
I fell in love with this band's music a few years ago and can sing along with most of their songs. Saturday night there were about 275 people that were as in love with them as me in a club that comfortably holds 200. When the band got going the venue was at complete capacity with a mix of people that share a common love of this great band that has written songs that speak directly to them about them and for them. These songs connect deeply with the individual. These songs are about a person who longs to be home and who has made mistakes and wants to prove himself in this world of failed dreams. These songs deliver messages of those people who party hard, live hard, and fear nothing. This band is more then a punk band. They have songs with subtle hooks that linger days after you've heard them. The band also has an electric energy on stage that shows passion and drive and Saturday night Every Single Person in the room was singing along to Every Single Word of Every Song.
Explain to me again how you've never heard this band or been to one of their shows (or supported your local farmer).
While Northcote was finishing his set Carpenter's bass player, Dana (who is an old friend of mine), was telling me some stories of the road and the pranks that were pulled on Dan (the singer of Carpenter & like myself, an avid Leafs fan). I love hearing war stories about the road. Touring is my favourite thing in life and seeing the yellow lines of the Highway 1 in Canada can be frustrating but when you're out there on the road, no one will quite understand it unless you have been. You sleep on couches in strange towns. You pass the time in the van laughing with your best friends. You drink way too much to numb your mind. You long for a warm bed with that girl you love but also you look forward to getting back on stage every night playing your favourite songs.
Carpenter exemplifies the dreams of those who have been on the road. Dan sings about a lifestyle that is hard to maintain, a lifestyle that in your head you know you need to quit, you want to give up, you want to walk away, yet in your heart you cannot. You have to sing these songs, you have to speak to the people, you have to keep connecting with those that are in love with every word you sing, everything you stand for, everything you believe in.
I don't ever want Carpenter to give up. They are the best band in Vancouver and they proved it on Saturday. If you missed this show, you missed history in the making. People will talk about this show for years. People will talk about how they remember Carpenter from when they we playing small clubs in Vancouver and how they wished they'd seen them then.
Download "Law of the Land" by Carpenter here
Download "Sea to Sky" by Carpenter here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 17, 2011
Show Review - Dominique Fricot, February 16th, 2011 at the Backstage Lounge
There is a burgeoning local, independent, original, live music scene.
There are about 5 main venues that independent bands/artists/music groups frequent in the downtown core.
One would assume that as most people love music, a lot of people love the atmosphere of a small club, and then add the intimate nature of the singer/songwriter format, every one of these venues would be packed almost every night in
Wrong.
That being said:
It is very rare to see a place like the Backstage Lounge full on a Wednesday. Last night was one such rare occasions. I'm sure there were 100 people who made excuses why they could not make it to Dom's first show with a full band. They either heard about the show or know Dom personally but needless to say, these mystery 100 people missed something big. I'm not alluding to Dom's height (which is a common joke and a great conversation starter when you first meet this friendly giant), what I am alluding to is that he is a star.
Charisma cannot be taught. It cannot be practiced in a rehearsal space. You cannot take a course on charisma. I believe you can learn to get better at charisma but some people naturally have it. Dom has it. He has it in spades. One of his biggest talents is drawing the listener in with charisma on stage. I'm not sure if it was just last evening or if this is what every one of his shows is like, but he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He could do no wrong. And he did not do anything wrong. Even when he told a personal story about a recent experience with the law where he was in the wrong it was not wrong. He could've fallen flat. A lesser showman would've but last night he was funny, and bold, and brave, and controversial. All things I love.
In a previous post I mentioned that Dom was in a band before he started this solo endeavor. 4 guys writing songs and creating a sound together. I don't want anyone to take offense to this but I feel that that band is only a shadow of what Mr. Fricot truly is. His voice commands the stage. How many times have you seen a singer carry the entire band? A singer who, when he sings requires little or no instrumentation to fill the room with sound. The timbre of his voice is extremely powerful. And he can sing. Man can this guy sing. And was the band good? Yes. Damn good. Let me tell you about them. Firstly, it was clear to me that these guys are great friends of Dom and only want to help him and be a part of what he is doing. Now I've always thought that if the bass player is really good, that you won't notice what they're playing. If he's really good you'll only notice when he's not playing. This guy was a perfect fit to this criteria. And the drummer could fill the spaces that needed to be filled and play to the song. He was able to build a song dynamically when, at times, he was only using brushes. There was also a 4th member of the band. He was the backup vocalist. He filled in where necessary and was very solid and filled the sound out nicely. I have barely any constructive criticism but here it is. Dom, I know you're reading this: Give him a tambourine and or a tiny keyboard to add a little bit of organ sounds in the background. I don't even know if it's a good suggestion because too much keyboard and too much instrumentation could ruin this already great band. But visually it may add to the group and give him slightly more stage presence and build on his existing talent.
Now you'll have to forgive me for not doing 2 things:
1) remembering the song names
2) remembering the band member's names
Now that you've forgiven me, let's talk about the songs.
I hate to go back to previous work, but. The previous original project Dom was involved in was “ok”. They were good live, they had good stage presence blah blah blah. Stifled. That's the word I want to use when comparing his old band with the new solo material. The new songs truly suit his voice, they truly suit who he is, and they truly represent him. They have lyrics that are so powerful and meaningful that you believe what he is singing. You believe he's lived these songs. You believe what he is saying what he is emoting what he feels. And to top it off all the original songs were extremely listenable. I have to be honest; I really want to hear all these songs again. On my iPhone/iPod, on my way to work, on a sunny Friday, when you have no cares in the world. That's what they made me feel like. They made me feel joy. And optimism.
He wasn't afraid to take a few risks last night. He played a beautiful cover of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon". He performed an acapella number written by a friend with just handclaps and foot stomps. He performed a duet of Sinatra with the 2nd act on the bill.
This is the kind of guy Dom is: There can be no live music in the Backstage Lounge until the Arts Club upstairs is finished. They were running a hair late. So what Dom did is play 6 songs to open the set and then the "opening act" performed her set (she was nervous as hell but she has a nice voice and has lots of "upside"). When she was finished Dom came back on and played 6-7 more songs. A heart of gold. It gave the crowd a chance to see both acts and if they didn't want to stay until almost 1 a.m. at least they got a chance to see some of the show. When he returned to the stage for his final set, I was considering ducking out about half way through. Hey, at least I'm honest right?
I could not leave. I was glued to my seat just like you would have been if you had been there.
Next time be there.
Dominique Fricot - Legend.
www.myspace.com/dominiquefricot
www.youtube.com/dominiquefricot
www.twitter.com/dominiquefricot
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 16, 2011
Cuba
In November I went to Cuba for a vacation.
It was intended to be a cheap holiday in a hot destination at an all-inclusive. Have you been to one of these?
All the food you could ever eat, all the booze you could ever drink, lots of sun, lots of blue ocean, lots of skin, and lots of fun.
After about 3 days of this, we decided to get out of the resort and go into the closest town. We were not in Veradero (the main tourist/resort area) we were in Cayo Coco which is an island in North Central Cuba and the closest town is called Moran. Initially I was semi-skeptical of leaving the resort because every single tourist website had said things like: don't rent a car, don't leave the resort, don't do this, don't do that.
I'll tell you the honest truth about Cuba, the more I found out about this beautiful country with beautiful people, the more I fell in love with it. It is one of the safest places on earth. They have a 100% literacy rate. They have low property crime. You can leave your camera on the table and when you come back it's still there. Other countries (like Canada perhaps) not so much.
So we met an amazing resort worker named Pirez who said he would give us a tour of his town on his day off. You have to realize something, these people work usually 6-7 days a week. I don't know why the people of Cuba, Mexico, etc get labeled as lazy. Most of the people I have met in these countries work harder and for longer hours then I do. To continue, Pirez was being very generous with his time to show us around. Obviously his ulterior motive was to make a little money on the side, but still, I felt that he went out of his way to show us around and spend time helping us see the culture. He took us to all of his family's houses and took us to all the famous landmarks in this little city. He explained the local culture and did the best to describe what Cuba is all about. I won't bore you with the details but let me put it this way and this is the point of this post: we as Canadian's take everything for granted. I learned so much about the country and communism and feel like I can now form better opinions of the rights and wrongs of capitalism vs. communism and developed an opinion for myself about the world I live in.
The things we take for granted?
- Borrowing money. In Cuba and other parts of the world, people can't just borrow money from a bank. They can't just fill out some forms and get a Visa and pay with future earnings. This is a huge advantage that we have in the modern world. It means that you can own a house. It means that you can buy a car. It means that you can go on opulent vacations once a year.
- Quality food. Cuba doesn't trade with the US. In fact it wasn't until the late 90's that Canada started trading with Cuba. They have to import from Argentina, Russia, & China. They don't always have quality food and if they do they can't just splurge on higher end beer. Or cheese. Or olives. Or bread or or or or...
And it's not like they can just go to Safeway. There is no Safeway. There is no Future Shop. There is no McDonalds/Subway/bullshit fastfood restaurant.
- Travelling abroad. Canadians are accepted into just about every country (unless you have a criminal record or something). Some citizens of some countries, like Cuba, cannot leave their country. They cannot experience the world like we can.
- Freedom of information. I can access google. I can access facebook. I can access CNN. I can access world news. Unbiased or Biased. Whatever I choose. Is it like this everywhere? No.
I could keep going literally forever.
Basically this trip changed my life.
The other point I would like to make is that Cubans are incredibly generous people. They also seem extremely happy even though they do not have things we have. They are an extremely family orientated society and put family first in almost all situations. The Cuban people live on the equivalent of $40 per month. They cannot buy property. They can't buy vehicles. Sometimes the country runs out of even the most simple household items such as toothpaste.
I learned a lot.
I grew.
I want you to experience Cuba. Maybe you'll feel the same. Maybe you'll think I'm out of line.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
It was intended to be a cheap holiday in a hot destination at an all-inclusive. Have you been to one of these?
All the food you could ever eat, all the booze you could ever drink, lots of sun, lots of blue ocean, lots of skin, and lots of fun.
After about 3 days of this, we decided to get out of the resort and go into the closest town. We were not in Veradero (the main tourist/resort area) we were in Cayo Coco which is an island in North Central Cuba and the closest town is called Moran. Initially I was semi-skeptical of leaving the resort because every single tourist website had said things like: don't rent a car, don't leave the resort, don't do this, don't do that.
I'll tell you the honest truth about Cuba, the more I found out about this beautiful country with beautiful people, the more I fell in love with it. It is one of the safest places on earth. They have a 100% literacy rate. They have low property crime. You can leave your camera on the table and when you come back it's still there. Other countries (like Canada perhaps) not so much.
So we met an amazing resort worker named Pirez who said he would give us a tour of his town on his day off. You have to realize something, these people work usually 6-7 days a week. I don't know why the people of Cuba, Mexico, etc get labeled as lazy. Most of the people I have met in these countries work harder and for longer hours then I do. To continue, Pirez was being very generous with his time to show us around. Obviously his ulterior motive was to make a little money on the side, but still, I felt that he went out of his way to show us around and spend time helping us see the culture. He took us to all of his family's houses and took us to all the famous landmarks in this little city. He explained the local culture and did the best to describe what Cuba is all about. I won't bore you with the details but let me put it this way and this is the point of this post: we as Canadian's take everything for granted. I learned so much about the country and communism and feel like I can now form better opinions of the rights and wrongs of capitalism vs. communism and developed an opinion for myself about the world I live in.
The things we take for granted?
- Borrowing money. In Cuba and other parts of the world, people can't just borrow money from a bank. They can't just fill out some forms and get a Visa and pay with future earnings. This is a huge advantage that we have in the modern world. It means that you can own a house. It means that you can buy a car. It means that you can go on opulent vacations once a year.
- Quality food. Cuba doesn't trade with the US. In fact it wasn't until the late 90's that Canada started trading with Cuba. They have to import from Argentina, Russia, & China. They don't always have quality food and if they do they can't just splurge on higher end beer. Or cheese. Or olives. Or bread or or or or...
And it's not like they can just go to Safeway. There is no Safeway. There is no Future Shop. There is no McDonalds/Subway/bullshit fastfood restaurant.
- Travelling abroad. Canadians are accepted into just about every country (unless you have a criminal record or something). Some citizens of some countries, like Cuba, cannot leave their country. They cannot experience the world like we can.
- Freedom of information. I can access google. I can access facebook. I can access CNN. I can access world news. Unbiased or Biased. Whatever I choose. Is it like this everywhere? No.
I could keep going literally forever.
Basically this trip changed my life.
The other point I would like to make is that Cubans are incredibly generous people. They also seem extremely happy even though they do not have things we have. They are an extremely family orientated society and put family first in almost all situations. The Cuban people live on the equivalent of $40 per month. They cannot buy property. They can't buy vehicles. Sometimes the country runs out of even the most simple household items such as toothpaste.
I learned a lot.
I grew.
I want you to experience Cuba. Maybe you'll feel the same. Maybe you'll think I'm out of line.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 15, 2011
The Tallest Man I know
I formally met Dominique Fricot a number of years ago at a music seminar I attended. I'd seen him around at shows and seen his band "the Painted Birds" play a few times and even played a show with them. We seemed to have a similar view on music and shared opinions on the state of the music industry and were able to offer each other constructive critiques of each others music. After that, I invited him to a few shows and last year we spent just over a week together on a holiday at the Coachella festival.
Last year he told me that the Painted Birds decided to go their separate ways and he was deciding to take the solo route. He wanted to change musical directions and show a new side of himself as a writer. At the time I was interested to see where this new path would take him and was looking forward to hearing some recordings.
Now if you talk to Dom, he'll tell you how many times I ditched out of attending one of his shows. Maybe he'll tell you I'm a bit of a flake. I don't mind. If you know him personally you will know that he will tell you exactly how he feels about you. Both the positives and negatives. I suppose this is the nature of an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has an immense heart and I think it takes a lot of courage to challenge your friends to grow and offer real perspective into not only what they are doing right and why, but also what they should consider changing in their lives. He's recently given me some hard advice. I really appreciated it and have since been trying to fix the things he suggested I at least attempt to fix.
So he phones me this week. He has a show coming up and wants me to come. He's been reading the blog and thinks it's pretty good and I may have a talent. I said I'd love to attend as long as my rehearsal schedule does not conflict. He says, come on, I'm on late enough that you'll be able to catch it. I say ok, but I want to hear a demo song, and talk about it here.
Last night I get an email with a demo he wants me to hear. "What can I give" is the title.
My first impression is that yes this is a different direction. I'm not a huge "singer songwriter" fan but lately am becoming more drawn to this more simplistic art form. Want to talk about courage? Try singing a song on a stage with just an acoustic guitar and your voice. You better be damn good as a vocalist and/or a guitarist. Dom happens to be both. He has tone in his voice. He picks unique chord phrasing. He arranges tasteful wandering guitar lead lines. This song build from the start with just his voice and a guitar and builds with drums and bass and horns until the crescendo and then it's over. You want to hear it again. Here are sample lyrics:
I must be crazy cuz I'm thinking bout you all the time/I don't even know you that well/And what, the hell/I'll just call you up with something to do/You say yes you say maybe you'll say wait and see
I really like this song. Maybe I like it even more because Dom is my friend. My only small criticism of this song is related to production. I'm sure when it is recorded in a studio with real production it will be even better. I hope you come to his show tomorrow (Februrary 16, 2011) at the Backstage lounge (Granville island) and see what Dominique Fricot is about.
I will be doing a show review on Thursday so stay posted.
Here are his links:
www.myspace.com/dominiquefricot
www.youtube.com/dominiquefricot
www.twitter.com/dominiquefricot
Here is "What can I give" on Youtube:
Please download all of Dom's work here:
http://www.dominiquefricot.bandcamp.com/
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
Last year he told me that the Painted Birds decided to go their separate ways and he was deciding to take the solo route. He wanted to change musical directions and show a new side of himself as a writer. At the time I was interested to see where this new path would take him and was looking forward to hearing some recordings.
Now if you talk to Dom, he'll tell you how many times I ditched out of attending one of his shows. Maybe he'll tell you I'm a bit of a flake. I don't mind. If you know him personally you will know that he will tell you exactly how he feels about you. Both the positives and negatives. I suppose this is the nature of an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has an immense heart and I think it takes a lot of courage to challenge your friends to grow and offer real perspective into not only what they are doing right and why, but also what they should consider changing in their lives. He's recently given me some hard advice. I really appreciated it and have since been trying to fix the things he suggested I at least attempt to fix.
So he phones me this week. He has a show coming up and wants me to come. He's been reading the blog and thinks it's pretty good and I may have a talent. I said I'd love to attend as long as my rehearsal schedule does not conflict. He says, come on, I'm on late enough that you'll be able to catch it. I say ok, but I want to hear a demo song, and talk about it here.
Last night I get an email with a demo he wants me to hear. "What can I give" is the title.
My first impression is that yes this is a different direction. I'm not a huge "singer songwriter" fan but lately am becoming more drawn to this more simplistic art form. Want to talk about courage? Try singing a song on a stage with just an acoustic guitar and your voice. You better be damn good as a vocalist and/or a guitarist. Dom happens to be both. He has tone in his voice. He picks unique chord phrasing. He arranges tasteful wandering guitar lead lines. This song build from the start with just his voice and a guitar and builds with drums and bass and horns until the crescendo and then it's over. You want to hear it again. Here are sample lyrics:
I must be crazy cuz I'm thinking bout you all the time/I don't even know you that well/And what, the hell/I'll just call you up with something to do/You say yes you say maybe you'll say wait and see
I really like this song. Maybe I like it even more because Dom is my friend. My only small criticism of this song is related to production. I'm sure when it is recorded in a studio with real production it will be even better. I hope you come to his show tomorrow (Februrary 16, 2011) at the Backstage lounge (Granville island) and see what Dominique Fricot is about.
I will be doing a show review on Thursday so stay posted.
Here are his links:
www.myspace.com/dominiquefricot
www.youtube.com/dominiquefricot
www.twitter.com/dominiquefricot
Here is "What can I give" on Youtube:
Please download all of Dom's work here:
http://www.dominiquefricot.bandcamp.com/
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 14, 2011
the Grammys, yeah, I know, I'm blogging about the Grammys
I watched this awards show last night.
Maybe you've heard of it? It's called the Grammy's.
You don't know this about me but I hate awards shows. How does Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Eminem really reflect what's going on in music these days? How does album sales/popularity reflect an artist receiving the "top award" in music?
I can cite hundreds of examples of artists who are currently breaking boundaries and although I will give the mainstream some credit for being influenced by some of the artists who are not mainstream and breaking small boundaries, I still feel that manufactured music is out of date.
One exception and the highlight in my opinion from last nights gala was Mumford and Sons. (notice I left out the Arcade Fire?)
Their performance at the Grammys was exciting. They showed that they will almost certainly be future stars and they blew me away with their empassioned performance and charisma. They also have songs that make you want to sing. The songs are full of life and passion. You want to know what they are about. They make you feel alive. They make you feel strong and feel love and feel moved. This is what music is all about.
As you know, Arcade Fire won for Album of the Year. Fair Enough. They're wonderful. The underground has now emerged into the mainstream. Well done. Again, this is my opinion but I feel like Win Butler and Co. are just a bag of hot air. They are pointing their fingers at us. They are trying to effect change by purposefully playing noise at the Grammy's. Why not change people's perception by performing material that is so great that it has to effect change or a shift in the ideas within the industry. We don't need to hear music that is unlistenable. In a way the first track that they played was just as horrible to listen to as an overproduced Lady Gaga song. In fact I would rather listen to Lady Gaga. At least I can appreciate the high quality production and skill of the songwriters that were able to put together a perfectly candy coated pop song. Again. My opinion only: a simple pop song with a strong hook that stays in your head for days and days is harder to write then noise. Arcade Fire's statement was lost on me. It was also lost on the crowd who looked bewildered at their weirdness.
Now: The awards am I really interested in?
In Canada we have the Polaris prize. Read up on it here
I recommend you read the FAQ's to understand where the judges come from and how the artists are selected. It's probably in ways similar to the Grammy's, Juno's etc, but I like that there is no prejudice. You can literally submit your record and have a shot at being shortlisted based on artistic merit stands alone.
Read the Rules here
I thought I would highlight a couple of the rules that really speak to me:
Rule #1a:
Maybe you've heard of it? It's called the Grammy's.
You don't know this about me but I hate awards shows. How does Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Eminem really reflect what's going on in music these days? How does album sales/popularity reflect an artist receiving the "top award" in music?
I can cite hundreds of examples of artists who are currently breaking boundaries and although I will give the mainstream some credit for being influenced by some of the artists who are not mainstream and breaking small boundaries, I still feel that manufactured music is out of date.
One exception and the highlight in my opinion from last nights gala was Mumford and Sons. (notice I left out the Arcade Fire?)
Their performance at the Grammys was exciting. They showed that they will almost certainly be future stars and they blew me away with their empassioned performance and charisma. They also have songs that make you want to sing. The songs are full of life and passion. You want to know what they are about. They make you feel alive. They make you feel strong and feel love and feel moved. This is what music is all about.
As you know, Arcade Fire won for Album of the Year. Fair Enough. They're wonderful. The underground has now emerged into the mainstream. Well done. Again, this is my opinion but I feel like Win Butler and Co. are just a bag of hot air. They are pointing their fingers at us. They are trying to effect change by purposefully playing noise at the Grammy's. Why not change people's perception by performing material that is so great that it has to effect change or a shift in the ideas within the industry. We don't need to hear music that is unlistenable. In a way the first track that they played was just as horrible to listen to as an overproduced Lady Gaga song. In fact I would rather listen to Lady Gaga. At least I can appreciate the high quality production and skill of the songwriters that were able to put together a perfectly candy coated pop song. Again. My opinion only: a simple pop song with a strong hook that stays in your head for days and days is harder to write then noise. Arcade Fire's statement was lost on me. It was also lost on the crowd who looked bewildered at their weirdness.
Now: The awards am I really interested in?
In Canada we have the Polaris prize. Read up on it here
I recommend you read the FAQ's to understand where the judges come from and how the artists are selected. It's probably in ways similar to the Grammy's, Juno's etc, but I like that there is no prejudice. You can literally submit your record and have a shot at being shortlisted based on artistic merit stands alone.
Read the Rules here
I thought I would highlight a couple of the rules that really speak to me:
Rule #1a:
Polaris Music Prize nominees and winners will be selected solely on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation.
Is this how the Grammy's decide on album of the year? I doubt it.
Rule #1b:
All forms of contemporary music (including, but not limited to, pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B,
electronic, experimental, jazz, classical, instrumental, country and blues, or any combination of the above, and including genres not mentioned or invented at the time these rules were written) are eligible for the Polaris Music Prize.
Genres not mentioned or invented at the time these rules are written. This suggests that the Polaris Prize is encouraging artistic growth and for artists to break boundaries.
I don't want to get to preachy but here are a few of my favourites from the past few years that have made the top 40 on this list:
- Two Hours Traffic
both LPs from this great pop/rock band from PEI are great from front to back. Both albums have subtle hooks and melodies that stick with you forever. The lyrical content is also very subtle and it brings you back again and again.
- Plants and Animals
In my opionion this band will some day be bigger then the Arcade fire. They are a trio from Montreal and sound like a 10 piece band. I love the quirky sound selection and the arrangement of the songs aren't of the norm. This is a great band.
- the Stills
If you haven't heard the Stills just go buy all their music. Right now. They're one of the best bands in Canada and are very close to breaking through into the mainstream. Get into them before this happens so you can say you were there before it happened.
- Caribou
I downloaded "Andorra" only because I had heard a few songs by the 2008 Polaris list. This album grew on me every time I listened and I love the intricate sounds and hidden melodies throughout the record. Also it's really danceable. If you like to dance that is. Most people in Vancouver just like to cross their arms and frown when watching live original music.
Lastly:
- Stars
I have been listening to Stars since 2003 when they released a song called "Elevator Love Letter". I honestly am in love with Amy Milan. I'm also in love with Torquil. You will fall in love too.
That is my rant for today.
In closing:
Some musicians dream of standing on the stage accepting "Song of the Year" at the Grammys. I will never fall into that category. I dream of winning a Polaris Prize.
Love,
Marty Zylstra
Marty Zylstra
@martyzylstra
February 11, 2011
Hidden Talent
To change gears I thought we could start a different conversation. Hidden talents.
You know those small things that you can do that nobody (even the people who know you well) expects from you? Maybe it turns out you were (almost) a pro-skateboarder in your teens. Maybe you are almost an expert on botony or bird-watching. Or maybe you once learned to figureskate and competed nationally.
Everyone has that hidden talent. Either huge or small.
My very few hidden talents are fairly unexpected (if you know me) and also fairly unrelated but all stem from former odd summer jobs during college or after high school:
1) I can crack an egg with one hand or 2 eggs with 2 hands at the same time. When you're a musician learning your craft, you take the odd part time job and in my "college" years, I worked as a short order cook mainly in high volume kitchens where breakfast was the speciality. In these situations you have to learn to react quickly and breaking 10 eggs in a short period of time becomes a 2nd nature. I can also cook a mean omellette and pretty much any "standard" breakfast you can think of. I wouldn't call myself a chef but I do ok.
2) I can operate most tractors. Weird right? Again, when you're in college or in a band, you take odd jobs out of your field. For a few summers I worked in a bunch of garden nurseries either in shipping/receiving or in production and learned to operate about 10 different types of tractors. I also had a few other random summer jobs where I was in landscaping and there always seemed to be a tractor used for various large heavy duty tasks and got used to operating it. You'd be suprised at how easy it is. It's not really a great hidden talent but it's fairly odd so I always tell people.
What is your hidden talent?
Tweet at me: @martyzylstra
or just comment!
I'd love to hear about it!
Love,
Marty
martyzylstra@gmail.com
http://www.martyzylstra.bandcamp.com/
You know those small things that you can do that nobody (even the people who know you well) expects from you? Maybe it turns out you were (almost) a pro-skateboarder in your teens. Maybe you are almost an expert on botony or bird-watching. Or maybe you once learned to figureskate and competed nationally.
Everyone has that hidden talent. Either huge or small.
My very few hidden talents are fairly unexpected (if you know me) and also fairly unrelated but all stem from former odd summer jobs during college or after high school:
1) I can crack an egg with one hand or 2 eggs with 2 hands at the same time. When you're a musician learning your craft, you take the odd part time job and in my "college" years, I worked as a short order cook mainly in high volume kitchens where breakfast was the speciality. In these situations you have to learn to react quickly and breaking 10 eggs in a short period of time becomes a 2nd nature. I can also cook a mean omellette and pretty much any "standard" breakfast you can think of. I wouldn't call myself a chef but I do ok.
2) I can operate most tractors. Weird right? Again, when you're in college or in a band, you take odd jobs out of your field. For a few summers I worked in a bunch of garden nurseries either in shipping/receiving or in production and learned to operate about 10 different types of tractors. I also had a few other random summer jobs where I was in landscaping and there always seemed to be a tractor used for various large heavy duty tasks and got used to operating it. You'd be suprised at how easy it is. It's not really a great hidden talent but it's fairly odd so I always tell people.
What is your hidden talent?
Tweet at me: @martyzylstra
or just comment!
I'd love to hear about it!
Love,
Marty
martyzylstra@gmail.com
http://www.martyzylstra.bandcamp.com/
February 10, 2011
Old Friends
The first time I met Toby & Ben was so long ago I can hardly remember when it was specifically. What I do remember is that they were interested in what we were doing and that they had actually taken the time to support whatever musical project it was I was in back then.
A few years later their band (then called retrograde) came to Victoria (where I was living at the time) as part of a national tour and I really had wanted to see what this band was about. In typical fashion for Victoria on a Tuesday night there was hardly anyone in the room but a few friends. I do vividly remember that show. This band was heavy. This band was tight. This band had chops that you would never ever see in Victoria at that time. I hadn't been away from the island much other then the odd trip as a teen to Whistler or to the rare concert and I was completely blown away at that time as a young musician seeing this band tear the stage down. These guys had so much presence that I had to get the record, devour it, and when I did I had to get a band together as tight and talented as they were.
About a year later I finally did have this band together and got a chance to play some shows with Retrograde and it was great to become better and better friends with Toby, Ben, Brendan & Mark. We stayed in touch as the years went by and when I moved to Vancouver finally in 2004 Toby and I became extremely close. I even convinced Toby to produce a demo/EP for Sweetheart & then eventually he produced our full length. What a guy.
As more years passed and Retrograde as a band decided they needed a change to make a statement about themselves that it was time to move on from "Retrograde" and that name. They thought "Retrograde" was associated with an outdated sound in Canada, and wanted to try something new and fresh. At the time I vehemently disagreed, but understood it was their decision.
--
I was living with Toby in the "Rupert Mansion" (I think just about everyone I know has lived in this house at one time or another) a number of years ago when "Run the Red Light" was finishing their EP. I remember countless nights when Toby would be in the control room in the basement tracking vocal ideas for a few songs. I love the process of recording. I would pop my head in and throw my 2 cents in.
The sounds coming from the room were great. They were different from Retrograde. I was excited to hear the final product. I even added some vocals to one track.
When I got the EP I instantly was drawn to "in too far". Here are sample lyrics:
We're falling out into the dark/the sounds are so unclear/the stars that died will come to life/again to disappear/close your eyes/and say goodbye/
Too far, in Too far, Nothing lasts forever in this world
I could talk about the nuances of the sounds of that song/record or the powerful vocals or the excellent performances/production that I have associated with Toby for all these years. What instead I will say is that you should go find out what this band is about. Go find out what passion and dedication to the craft is about. Go find out why this band has been around and stayed together. A belief in the creation of truly magical music by truly amazing individuals. These people are my closest friends and would give you the shirt off their backs. I know because they've given me the shirt off their backs countless times.
Download their EP here
Check out Run the Red Light's website here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
A few years later their band (then called retrograde) came to Victoria (where I was living at the time) as part of a national tour and I really had wanted to see what this band was about. In typical fashion for Victoria on a Tuesday night there was hardly anyone in the room but a few friends. I do vividly remember that show. This band was heavy. This band was tight. This band had chops that you would never ever see in Victoria at that time. I hadn't been away from the island much other then the odd trip as a teen to Whistler or to the rare concert and I was completely blown away at that time as a young musician seeing this band tear the stage down. These guys had so much presence that I had to get the record, devour it, and when I did I had to get a band together as tight and talented as they were.
About a year later I finally did have this band together and got a chance to play some shows with Retrograde and it was great to become better and better friends with Toby, Ben, Brendan & Mark. We stayed in touch as the years went by and when I moved to Vancouver finally in 2004 Toby and I became extremely close. I even convinced Toby to produce a demo/EP for Sweetheart & then eventually he produced our full length. What a guy.
As more years passed and Retrograde as a band decided they needed a change to make a statement about themselves that it was time to move on from "Retrograde" and that name. They thought "Retrograde" was associated with an outdated sound in Canada, and wanted to try something new and fresh. At the time I vehemently disagreed, but understood it was their decision.
--
I was living with Toby in the "Rupert Mansion" (I think just about everyone I know has lived in this house at one time or another) a number of years ago when "Run the Red Light" was finishing their EP. I remember countless nights when Toby would be in the control room in the basement tracking vocal ideas for a few songs. I love the process of recording. I would pop my head in and throw my 2 cents in.
The sounds coming from the room were great. They were different from Retrograde. I was excited to hear the final product. I even added some vocals to one track.
When I got the EP I instantly was drawn to "in too far". Here are sample lyrics:
We're falling out into the dark/the sounds are so unclear/the stars that died will come to life/again to disappear/close your eyes/and say goodbye/
Too far, in Too far, Nothing lasts forever in this world
I could talk about the nuances of the sounds of that song/record or the powerful vocals or the excellent performances/production that I have associated with Toby for all these years. What instead I will say is that you should go find out what this band is about. Go find out what passion and dedication to the craft is about. Go find out why this band has been around and stayed together. A belief in the creation of truly magical music by truly amazing individuals. These people are my closest friends and would give you the shirt off their backs. I know because they've given me the shirt off their backs countless times.
Download their EP here
Check out Run the Red Light's website here
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 9, 2011
Fear
I'm reading Stephen King's book, "It" right now.
I've never read a book that made my spine tingle like this one. You may or may not like King's writing but I've always enjoyed his books. I've read about 10 of them and will probably continue reading a few more this year.
It was a New Year's Resolution to read more. I usually have a book or two on the go but last year didn't hardly read anything but some pop fiction.
So this book.
The premise is about a group of kids who are not killed by this evil clown named Pennywise. You've all probably saw the movie. Well I can tell you right now there is absolutely no way that the movie does this book justice. King has a tendancy to let his pen run. And run. And run. He'll develop minor characters. Spend 15 pages setting the background of someone who is killed early on. It's great though because he knows how to really build a story. That's why he's probably one of the most popular writers of the modern era. I'm not finished the book but I wanted to mention the fear.
Fear.
Remember childhood fear?
Ghost stories.
I can remember being afraid at 6 years old after watching of all movies, ET. Why? I don't know. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown. or Alien.
As a child it's harder to seperate reality from dreams. This is no more evident then in It. The fear is manifested into adulthood in this group of character's lives.
What if you could still really feel the fear. Not be able to seperate reality from dreams. Or the true opposite. Innocent joy. Sheer absolute happiness. Like Christmas day. Or riding your bike down a country road in the summer time.
I'd take that kind of feeling again. Even if it meant I would have to experience real fear.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
I've never read a book that made my spine tingle like this one. You may or may not like King's writing but I've always enjoyed his books. I've read about 10 of them and will probably continue reading a few more this year.
It was a New Year's Resolution to read more. I usually have a book or two on the go but last year didn't hardly read anything but some pop fiction.
So this book.
The premise is about a group of kids who are not killed by this evil clown named Pennywise. You've all probably saw the movie. Well I can tell you right now there is absolutely no way that the movie does this book justice. King has a tendancy to let his pen run. And run. And run. He'll develop minor characters. Spend 15 pages setting the background of someone who is killed early on. It's great though because he knows how to really build a story. That's why he's probably one of the most popular writers of the modern era. I'm not finished the book but I wanted to mention the fear.
Fear.
Remember childhood fear?
Ghost stories.
I can remember being afraid at 6 years old after watching of all movies, ET. Why? I don't know. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown. or Alien.
As a child it's harder to seperate reality from dreams. This is no more evident then in It. The fear is manifested into adulthood in this group of character's lives.
What if you could still really feel the fear. Not be able to seperate reality from dreams. Or the true opposite. Innocent joy. Sheer absolute happiness. Like Christmas day. Or riding your bike down a country road in the summer time.
I'd take that kind of feeling again. Even if it meant I would have to experience real fear.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 8, 2011
Failure
I look back over the last 5 years of my life and I only see failure.
These failures consist of everything from losing jobs to ruined relationships with friends and lovers.
I look back at this time period and I wonder if I can look forward enough and see success on the horizon.
I think I can. No, I know I can.
I've been on a sobriety test. 24 days of zero alcohol.
At one point or another I'm sure a lot of you have had that feeling that "maybe I have a problem".
Yeah, I've had that feeling too much over the last year. So I quit. For now. It started with a 30 day goal. Maybe it will go longer. You want to believe that nothing will control your life. That you can look to the future with no fear. No failure. Beautiful optimism. But you get to a certain age and you think, I should have been "here" by now, but instead I'm still "here".
I'm not saying that alcohol has been the cause of everything, but it certainly doesn't help. It's destructive. It can lead to complacency. To failure. Failure to react. Failure to move forward. I want to remove anything in my life that holds me back from moving forward and achieving goals. Those goals can be as small as wanting to go for a short 30 minute jog on a Sunday morning. Or, spending more time with my family. But also saving a few dollars towards the future. I want to make sure I leave all doors open. Any door that I can control.
I love these few quotes:
"you've got to learn to lose for a while"
and
"you've got to lose love if you want to find love"
and
"when there's nothing left to lose, you must set yourself on fire"
Is this too personal for you?
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
These failures consist of everything from losing jobs to ruined relationships with friends and lovers.
I look back at this time period and I wonder if I can look forward enough and see success on the horizon.
I think I can. No, I know I can.
I've been on a sobriety test. 24 days of zero alcohol.
At one point or another I'm sure a lot of you have had that feeling that "maybe I have a problem".
Yeah, I've had that feeling too much over the last year. So I quit. For now. It started with a 30 day goal. Maybe it will go longer. You want to believe that nothing will control your life. That you can look to the future with no fear. No failure. Beautiful optimism. But you get to a certain age and you think, I should have been "here" by now, but instead I'm still "here".
I'm not saying that alcohol has been the cause of everything, but it certainly doesn't help. It's destructive. It can lead to complacency. To failure. Failure to react. Failure to move forward. I want to remove anything in my life that holds me back from moving forward and achieving goals. Those goals can be as small as wanting to go for a short 30 minute jog on a Sunday morning. Or, spending more time with my family. But also saving a few dollars towards the future. I want to make sure I leave all doors open. Any door that I can control.
I love these few quotes:
"you've got to learn to lose for a while"
and
"you've got to lose love if you want to find love"
and
"when there's nothing left to lose, you must set yourself on fire"
Is this too personal for you?
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 7, 2011
Show Review: Atomic Tom & Sweetheart
Last Friday I was excited.
Do you know that I play in this band: Click here
I think you did know and I think that it is old news to you.
If this isn't old news to you, you should just go download our album for free here.
ok.
A while ago, we were asked to play a show at the Media Club in Vancouver with Atomic Tom.
This show was last Friday. As I said before I was excited for this show. I was excited for a few reasons.
1) I love playing with bands from outside of the city. You get a new perspective on what is happening outside Vancouver, and what is people are doing musically, and on stage.
2) The pre-sale for the show was strong. I really enjoy playing to a good crowd on a Friday night. I love it. More then anything.
3) Home Ice Advantage. The Media Club is like home to us. I hang out there often and we play there often. I know the stage and I know the sound and I know all the staff as friends. It's awesome.
So when we showed up for load-in/sound check AT was on stage working out their sound. I could not believe it when they literally stopped what they were doing to meet us and introduce themselves. Very unpretentious, very down to earth and very nice. Keep in mind this band is from Brooklyn New York and they've just driven over 2000 kilometers to play one of only 2 dates in Canada. I really appreciated this small gesture. Their soundcheck was really great and the quality of the sound was very very good.
So fast forward to the show.
As you may or may not know, Sweetheart tends to exude energy. We play upbeat songs and we try to interact with the crowd as much as possible. It was fun. Robert played his first show on bass (of many I hope) with us and he was extremely solid. His background vocals were perfect and his calm nature on stage was exactly what gave us that little edge and confidence. All round it was a positive experience for me.
to the Headliner:
Two things about AT. Number one: they have zero radio play. They had only a small amount of promotion for the show but a small club listing in the local entertainment magazine. They did not do interviews for the show. They did not do press. Yet, the club was packed. Clearly the local industry is out of touch. Another sign was that the crowd knew their songs. The show. I really liked their show. This was their 5th show of a month of touring and they had a great presense and charisma. There were quite a few songs that stood out and of course their single "Take me out" was great as was a cover of "Don't you want me baby" by the Human League (from the 80's).
I'm almost positive you'll be hearing about this band again and you should go buy the single, "Take me out" on iTunes:
Click here
So once again thank you to Timbre for having us and to the Media Club and to Atomic Tom.
2011 is really shaping up to be a great year.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
Do you know that I play in this band: Click here
I think you did know and I think that it is old news to you.
If this isn't old news to you, you should just go download our album for free here.
ok.
A while ago, we were asked to play a show at the Media Club in Vancouver with Atomic Tom.
This show was last Friday. As I said before I was excited for this show. I was excited for a few reasons.
1) I love playing with bands from outside of the city. You get a new perspective on what is happening outside Vancouver, and what is people are doing musically, and on stage.
2) The pre-sale for the show was strong. I really enjoy playing to a good crowd on a Friday night. I love it. More then anything.
3) Home Ice Advantage. The Media Club is like home to us. I hang out there often and we play there often. I know the stage and I know the sound and I know all the staff as friends. It's awesome.
So when we showed up for load-in/sound check AT was on stage working out their sound. I could not believe it when they literally stopped what they were doing to meet us and introduce themselves. Very unpretentious, very down to earth and very nice. Keep in mind this band is from Brooklyn New York and they've just driven over 2000 kilometers to play one of only 2 dates in Canada. I really appreciated this small gesture. Their soundcheck was really great and the quality of the sound was very very good.
So fast forward to the show.
As you may or may not know, Sweetheart tends to exude energy. We play upbeat songs and we try to interact with the crowd as much as possible. It was fun. Robert played his first show on bass (of many I hope) with us and he was extremely solid. His background vocals were perfect and his calm nature on stage was exactly what gave us that little edge and confidence. All round it was a positive experience for me.
to the Headliner:
Two things about AT. Number one: they have zero radio play. They had only a small amount of promotion for the show but a small club listing in the local entertainment magazine. They did not do interviews for the show. They did not do press. Yet, the club was packed. Clearly the local industry is out of touch. Another sign was that the crowd knew their songs. The show. I really liked their show. This was their 5th show of a month of touring and they had a great presense and charisma. There were quite a few songs that stood out and of course their single "Take me out" was great as was a cover of "Don't you want me baby" by the Human League (from the 80's).
I'm almost positive you'll be hearing about this band again and you should go buy the single, "Take me out" on iTunes:
Click here
So once again thank you to Timbre for having us and to the Media Club and to Atomic Tom.
2011 is really shaping up to be a great year.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 4, 2011
Earlstown Winter - Helena
A few years ago I heard a couple of my friends of mine had started a new alt-country group called Earlstown Winter. As we got talking, plans to go into the studio and record an EP with a few songs were mentioned and I wished them luck and looked forward to hearing the final product. I got my hands on this new CD titled "Porch Lights" from my friend Adam Fink (who I have spread copious amounts of love on this blog mostly because he is one of my best friends but also because he is ridiculously talented and also awesome in every way! (follow him on twitter: @adrawk)) a while later and had zero expectations but knew it would be pretty cool to hear some new great music from such great friends.
So I get through the CD and really like what I hear but then get to the last song. It's titled "Helena". Jonathan's voice is very unique. He's got a country tinge and his delivery is perfect. You know when you hear a song so beautiful and so powerful you have to listen to it again on repeat until you know every word and until that feeling in your heart goes away? Helena, does this to me. I don't know who this girl is but in this quiet acoustic ballad with barely anything but guitar and a bit of piano I can relate and connect with the feelings within that it's so powererful it almost brings me down to tears. It feels like you're sitting in a dark room with an old guitar and a bottle of cheap whisky. This song is like a ghost that haunts you. All of the lost loves, and feelings of regret come back. Your heart hurts for a moment. You think of all those memories of pain you've had and maybe pain you've caused. I think we've all had a "Helena". I certainly have.
Sample lyric:
The time that we had/the time that's so quickly to go/your feelings I've had/emotions I just didn't know/the longer I wait/the quicker I'm losing this race/subtle remarks end up as just a disgrace/
Helena, won't you come back to see me/you're sailing your ship but you're all that I know/Helena, your sweet love will defeat me/I'll lay down my life and I'll lay down my soul.
Click Here to buy this song on iTunes
Go listen. Maybe you'll feel the same as me. After a few listens maybe you'll be able to move on from the Helena that you're holding on to.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
So I get through the CD and really like what I hear but then get to the last song. It's titled "Helena". Jonathan's voice is very unique. He's got a country tinge and his delivery is perfect. You know when you hear a song so beautiful and so powerful you have to listen to it again on repeat until you know every word and until that feeling in your heart goes away? Helena, does this to me. I don't know who this girl is but in this quiet acoustic ballad with barely anything but guitar and a bit of piano I can relate and connect with the feelings within that it's so powererful it almost brings me down to tears. It feels like you're sitting in a dark room with an old guitar and a bottle of cheap whisky. This song is like a ghost that haunts you. All of the lost loves, and feelings of regret come back. Your heart hurts for a moment. You think of all those memories of pain you've had and maybe pain you've caused. I think we've all had a "Helena". I certainly have.
Sample lyric:
The time that we had/the time that's so quickly to go/your feelings I've had/emotions I just didn't know/the longer I wait/the quicker I'm losing this race/subtle remarks end up as just a disgrace/
Helena, won't you come back to see me/you're sailing your ship but you're all that I know/Helena, your sweet love will defeat me/I'll lay down my life and I'll lay down my soul.
Click Here to buy this song on iTunes
Go listen. Maybe you'll feel the same as me. After a few listens maybe you'll be able to move on from the Helena that you're holding on to.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
February 3, 2011
I reposted Lefsetz blog about Mumford and Sons
I reposted this blog because if you read it, you'll see that all the "rules" within the music industry are DEAD:
Mumford & Sons
The story of the week is not Amos Lee entering the chart with an anemic sales total of 40,000. That’s like seeing your name in print in the newspaper. All your homies call you up thrilled and the following day you’re forgotten. Ditto with Cake. These are not bad stories, the fans come out and support these acts, they can make a living playing music. But they’re never going to go platinum. They’re never going to blow up like Mumford & Sons.
Could it be the Hot AC play? And there’s been adult radio spins, but there are barely any adult radio stations.
We could debate all week long what’s fueling Mumford’s sales, but the fact is Mumford & Sons’ "Sigh No More" sold 31,000 copies this week to place number six on the SoundScan chart. They’re almost at 750,000 copies. And number 10 on the 2010 chart was Ke$ha, with 1,143,000 copies sold.
In other words, in the world of recorded music, Mumford & Sons are SUPERSTARS!
Katy Perry’s vaunted "Teenage Dream" has sold barely over a million. Despite being on the chart for 22 weeks. Then again, Mumford’s been on the chart for 49. You see it takes that long to build.
And building is the story.
It’s no longer about the peak. The Black Eyed Peas are going to headline the Super Bowl this weekend on the downswing of their career. Not because they’re decades beyond their moment in the sun like the classic rockers, but because their latest album, "The Beginning", is the beginning, of the E.N.D. It’s over. It’s like everybody in America looked at each other and said THESE GUYS SUCK! In a world searching for meaning, the Peas are meaningless. It’s hard to party all the time when you’re broke and don’t have a job.
When that happens, you’re looking for something more soul-fulfilling.
It turns out Top Forty radio is not king.
Most of those Top Forty acts, which do sell singles on iTunes, can’t tour for shit. Whereas Mumford sells every ticket. Then again, Mumford underplays and undercharges. What a concept! Create a frenzy, get everybody talking about you!
In other words, your friend says he’s going to the show. Do you want to come? You debate. The Ticketmaster charges, the lame opening act, you’re gonna pass. But when your friend is going to the show of an act you’ve never heard of, and is foaming at the mouth about it, and you get excited and want to go too and you can’t get a ticket you’re frustrated and ask yourself WHAT IN HELL IS GOING ON HERE?
What is going on here?
The media is driving towards a cliff of its own device. The record labels and the movie studios and the newspapers and magazines and TV stations are in cahoots, believing it’s still the nineties, when hype is everything and it pays to be mainstream.
You know how you become mainstream today? By driving in the complete other direction and doing something so different, so unique, so ALIVE that the public is drawn to it.
Mumford doesn’t need the usual suspects. It’s just the music. That’s enough. Acoustic instruments, no beats, HUH?
You can decry the Internet. But it’s the Net that breaks these new acts. Because the mainstream, if it cares at all, cares last. People are looking for something new. And they’ve found Mumford & Sons… WHO’S NEXT?
Could it be the Hot AC play? And there’s been adult radio spins, but there are barely any adult radio stations.
We could debate all week long what’s fueling Mumford’s sales, but the fact is Mumford & Sons’ "Sigh No More" sold 31,000 copies this week to place number six on the SoundScan chart. They’re almost at 750,000 copies. And number 10 on the 2010 chart was Ke$ha, with 1,143,000 copies sold.
In other words, in the world of recorded music, Mumford & Sons are SUPERSTARS!
Katy Perry’s vaunted "Teenage Dream" has sold barely over a million. Despite being on the chart for 22 weeks. Then again, Mumford’s been on the chart for 49. You see it takes that long to build.
And building is the story.
It’s no longer about the peak. The Black Eyed Peas are going to headline the Super Bowl this weekend on the downswing of their career. Not because they’re decades beyond their moment in the sun like the classic rockers, but because their latest album, "The Beginning", is the beginning, of the E.N.D. It’s over. It’s like everybody in America looked at each other and said THESE GUYS SUCK! In a world searching for meaning, the Peas are meaningless. It’s hard to party all the time when you’re broke and don’t have a job.
When that happens, you’re looking for something more soul-fulfilling.
It turns out Top Forty radio is not king.
Most of those Top Forty acts, which do sell singles on iTunes, can’t tour for shit. Whereas Mumford sells every ticket. Then again, Mumford underplays and undercharges. What a concept! Create a frenzy, get everybody talking about you!
In other words, your friend says he’s going to the show. Do you want to come? You debate. The Ticketmaster charges, the lame opening act, you’re gonna pass. But when your friend is going to the show of an act you’ve never heard of, and is foaming at the mouth about it, and you get excited and want to go too and you can’t get a ticket you’re frustrated and ask yourself WHAT IN HELL IS GOING ON HERE?
What is going on here?
The media is driving towards a cliff of its own device. The record labels and the movie studios and the newspapers and magazines and TV stations are in cahoots, believing it’s still the nineties, when hype is everything and it pays to be mainstream.
You know how you become mainstream today? By driving in the complete other direction and doing something so different, so unique, so ALIVE that the public is drawn to it.
Mumford doesn’t need the usual suspects. It’s just the music. That’s enough. Acoustic instruments, no beats, HUH?
You can decry the Internet. But it’s the Net that breaks these new acts. Because the mainstream, if it cares at all, cares last. People are looking for something new. And they’ve found Mumford & Sons… WHO’S NEXT?
February 2, 2011
Sweetheart - A show
Did you know I was in a band called Sweetheart?
I'm being partially facetious because most of you will know about that. I wanted to talk about it for a couple of reasons.
Part 1:
Firstly I want to mention how highly I think of the people in this band. I have known MK & Sammy for 9 years and 6 years respectively. Do you have 1-2 friends who you can go to with ANY problem and they will listen and give honest advice? Well these 2 individuals I can literally go to with anything and they will not judge and they will listen. That is important. Both of them know my deepest & darkest secrets. They have been there with me through the failures. We have also stood there through some of the biggest successes in our lives. Personally and professionally. I would defend them and take a bullet for both of them. This is what a band is about. A band isn't about fame and fortune. A band isn't about sex, drugs & rock and roll. A band is a group of brothers who can have a laugh and have fun playing the music that they truly love to play.
Part 2:
We hadn't rehearsed in a few months up until about a week ago. Our good friend and fellow bandmate Weezee had left the group in November for a new opportunity in another province. He was our bass player and we really enjoyed having him in the band and sharing a lot of laughs and a lot of amazing times. The "new guy" had big shoes to fill. A couple weeks ago I pitched the idea of playing bass in the band to my friend Robert Watt. We happen to share a love for the Beatles and Brit-Pop and have had many a (beer fueled) disscussion about John L, George H, Macca, and Ringo. He said, "Why not?". He'd recently purchased a bass with the intention of recording some demos or possibly filling in here and there around the city. He's a really really good player and can fill every role. He also knows just about every song you can think of and we've had fun sitting around singing Oasis/Blur/Beatles covers on many a night.
So back to last week's first rehearsal with a 4 piece.
I heard a quote from Geddy Lee once that said that when Rush got back into rehearsals for a tour they felt like the first few practises they were like a Rush "cover band". Well last week it felt like I was in a Sweetheart cover band. The only person who actually was really solid was Rob. He is a great player and extremely versatile. I was terrible and at times couldn't remember lyrics to songs we've been playing for a million years. Fast forward to this week. Last night we had our second jam. When everything clicks in the rehearsal space there is no better feeling. It's hard to describe. It's like a warm summer day on a patio with your favourite group of friends with your favourite beer. It's like listening to your favourite song that's been stuck in your head and you hadn't heard it in a long time. It's like a good movie in a theatre with the smell of popcorn lingering in the air. When Sweetheart hits our stride in the space, it feels like magic. The songs we play are my some of my favourite songs.
In closing.
I'll tell you why we're "getting the band back together". Well first of all, we recorded a few songs last year and we're getting ready to release it to the world. This will be a fun process and I always love the CD release party and the initial stuff that happens surrounding a release. But secondly, we were asked to play a show a few weeks ago by our friends at Timbre Productions. Click here to find out what they do and what shows they put on. They offered us a show with this great band from New York City called Atomic Tom. You may remember them from a "viral video" last year where they performed their hit song on the NYC subway entirely on iPhones with iPhone instrument applications. Click here to see it: As you can see it's a pretty quirky video and really well done. Anyway, we agreed to play the show and I'm really looking forward to Friday. As always I hope some of you come out. I will review the show from my perspective on Monday.
Now, if you don't have any recordings by Sweetheart, you should download the entire LP, Map of the Human Heart here for free. It was recorded a while ago but we still perform a few songs from that album. Just enter your email address and then you'll be sent a link with instructions on how to download the zip file.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
@sweetheartband
I'm being partially facetious because most of you will know about that. I wanted to talk about it for a couple of reasons.
Part 1:
Firstly I want to mention how highly I think of the people in this band. I have known MK & Sammy for 9 years and 6 years respectively. Do you have 1-2 friends who you can go to with ANY problem and they will listen and give honest advice? Well these 2 individuals I can literally go to with anything and they will not judge and they will listen. That is important. Both of them know my deepest & darkest secrets. They have been there with me through the failures. We have also stood there through some of the biggest successes in our lives. Personally and professionally. I would defend them and take a bullet for both of them. This is what a band is about. A band isn't about fame and fortune. A band isn't about sex, drugs & rock and roll. A band is a group of brothers who can have a laugh and have fun playing the music that they truly love to play.
Part 2:
We hadn't rehearsed in a few months up until about a week ago. Our good friend and fellow bandmate Weezee had left the group in November for a new opportunity in another province. He was our bass player and we really enjoyed having him in the band and sharing a lot of laughs and a lot of amazing times. The "new guy" had big shoes to fill. A couple weeks ago I pitched the idea of playing bass in the band to my friend Robert Watt. We happen to share a love for the Beatles and Brit-Pop and have had many a (beer fueled) disscussion about John L, George H, Macca, and Ringo. He said, "Why not?". He'd recently purchased a bass with the intention of recording some demos or possibly filling in here and there around the city. He's a really really good player and can fill every role. He also knows just about every song you can think of and we've had fun sitting around singing Oasis/Blur/Beatles covers on many a night.
So back to last week's first rehearsal with a 4 piece.
I heard a quote from Geddy Lee once that said that when Rush got back into rehearsals for a tour they felt like the first few practises they were like a Rush "cover band". Well last week it felt like I was in a Sweetheart cover band. The only person who actually was really solid was Rob. He is a great player and extremely versatile. I was terrible and at times couldn't remember lyrics to songs we've been playing for a million years. Fast forward to this week. Last night we had our second jam. When everything clicks in the rehearsal space there is no better feeling. It's hard to describe. It's like a warm summer day on a patio with your favourite group of friends with your favourite beer. It's like listening to your favourite song that's been stuck in your head and you hadn't heard it in a long time. It's like a good movie in a theatre with the smell of popcorn lingering in the air. When Sweetheart hits our stride in the space, it feels like magic. The songs we play are my some of my favourite songs.
In closing.
I'll tell you why we're "getting the band back together". Well first of all, we recorded a few songs last year and we're getting ready to release it to the world. This will be a fun process and I always love the CD release party and the initial stuff that happens surrounding a release. But secondly, we were asked to play a show a few weeks ago by our friends at Timbre Productions. Click here to find out what they do and what shows they put on. They offered us a show with this great band from New York City called Atomic Tom. You may remember them from a "viral video" last year where they performed their hit song on the NYC subway entirely on iPhones with iPhone instrument applications. Click here to see it: As you can see it's a pretty quirky video and really well done. Anyway, we agreed to play the show and I'm really looking forward to Friday. As always I hope some of you come out. I will review the show from my perspective on Monday.
Now, if you don't have any recordings by Sweetheart, you should download the entire LP, Map of the Human Heart here for free. It was recorded a while ago but we still perform a few songs from that album. Just enter your email address and then you'll be sent a link with instructions on how to download the zip file.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
@sweetheartband
February 1, 2011
Carpenter
Are you a bro?
The first time I saw Carpenter play it changed my life.
It was March 2008 and they were playing a "Bro Show" at the Media Club. The bill was something like: Living With Lions, Carpenter, Broadway Calls, and someone else either Battle Snakes? or Aspirations?, or ?
I went alone to this show expecting nothing, just wanting to hang out with my closest friend MK who works at the club and to drink some Pilsner and see some indie bands.
I left this show blown out of my mind. If you haven't seen Carpenter, go see them as soon as you can. Even if you don't like punk/punk influenced post-modern rock, you will appreciate this band's live show. Energy. That's what an "industry" person would say to describe their music. Energy. Every person in the audience was singing along with these songs. I had to know more about this band and find out what they are all about.
The day after this show I drove down to Zulu records on 4th and bought Law of the Land which is Capenter's 1st LP. I still listen to this record almost daily. It is an inspiring album. Some songs on this record deal with touring with a band and life on the road and how difficult it can be to be away from your family. Some songs deal with pain. Lost love. Found love. Taking punches and continuing:
"You can take what I say/twist and turn it around/You can't keep a good man down" is a sample lyric.
I'd give you my highlighted songs on this album but I don't have any. This record is all good from beginning to end. You should just go buy it. Support this band. Why? Because they would support you.
Late last year Carpenter released "Sea to Sky". A new LP.
I couldn't wait to get this record and bought it on iTunes the day it was released. I wanted to hear it immediately. Remember in the old days when you would mark on the calendar the release date of your favourite band's new album?
I was not disappointed with this LP. Right away 2 songs stood out and spoke to me:
"Joan" - a very heartfelt story about addiction
"Just another Friday Night" - A country tinged upbeat song with great pedal steel playing.
This record is raw and stripped down to 2 guitars, bass and drums. There are no slick studio tricks. It is honest and refreshing to listen to. I really love this album and feel that it shows growth but also isn't a departure in sound. You'd like it.
Click here to go buy it!
Carpenter plays the Fairview on February 19th with: Northcote, Viginia Leaves & Childsplay
Click here for more info on this show!
**They will also be releasing their 12" of Sea to Sky on the same day, make sure you make it out!
I'll be reviewing the show here on my blog, so stay posted.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
The first time I saw Carpenter play it changed my life.
It was March 2008 and they were playing a "Bro Show" at the Media Club. The bill was something like: Living With Lions, Carpenter, Broadway Calls, and someone else either Battle Snakes? or Aspirations?, or ?
I went alone to this show expecting nothing, just wanting to hang out with my closest friend MK who works at the club and to drink some Pilsner and see some indie bands.
I left this show blown out of my mind. If you haven't seen Carpenter, go see them as soon as you can. Even if you don't like punk/punk influenced post-modern rock, you will appreciate this band's live show. Energy. That's what an "industry" person would say to describe their music. Energy. Every person in the audience was singing along with these songs. I had to know more about this band and find out what they are all about.
The day after this show I drove down to Zulu records on 4th and bought Law of the Land which is Capenter's 1st LP. I still listen to this record almost daily. It is an inspiring album. Some songs on this record deal with touring with a band and life on the road and how difficult it can be to be away from your family. Some songs deal with pain. Lost love. Found love. Taking punches and continuing:
"You can take what I say/twist and turn it around/You can't keep a good man down" is a sample lyric.
I'd give you my highlighted songs on this album but I don't have any. This record is all good from beginning to end. You should just go buy it. Support this band. Why? Because they would support you.
Late last year Carpenter released "Sea to Sky". A new LP.
I couldn't wait to get this record and bought it on iTunes the day it was released. I wanted to hear it immediately. Remember in the old days when you would mark on the calendar the release date of your favourite band's new album?
I was not disappointed with this LP. Right away 2 songs stood out and spoke to me:
"Joan" - a very heartfelt story about addiction
"Just another Friday Night" - A country tinged upbeat song with great pedal steel playing.
This record is raw and stripped down to 2 guitars, bass and drums. There are no slick studio tricks. It is honest and refreshing to listen to. I really love this album and feel that it shows growth but also isn't a departure in sound. You'd like it.
Click here to go buy it!
Carpenter plays the Fairview on February 19th with: Northcote, Viginia Leaves & Childsplay
Click here for more info on this show!
**They will also be releasing their 12" of Sea to Sky on the same day, make sure you make it out!
I'll be reviewing the show here on my blog, so stay posted.
Love,
Marty
@martyzylstra
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