Dark Shades of Blue

Hey-oh,

Well I am back with some new music, some concert announcements, some music news and a round up of the latest podcasts. So as you gear up for the long weekend, here is a new album to blast during that one last camping trip, last raft down the river or just while your kickin' it at a end of summer bbq.

CD REVIEWS:







Xavier Rudd - Dark Shades of Blue:

I recently saw Xavier Rudd in concert, it was amazing. A very gifted musician who falls under the general genre of Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, etc. For those who are unfamiliar with Mr. Rudd I will give you a bit of a background. He is from Australia, loves Canada and plays a multitude of instruments including the didgeridoo, banjo, and harmonica. He first start gaining popularity in Calgary at Mount Royal's Liberty Lounge. After gaining a strong following in Canada and Australia his albums began getting stronger and stronger. Dark Shades of Blue is Xavier Rudd's latest release, his fifth album. From his last album White Moth to his latest, his sounds has grown into a edgier, more vibrant sound.

From the opening track "Blackwater" you can hear the more aggressive guitar he has throughout the album. The songs transitions on the album are seamless and create an incredible flow. The blend of the stronger guitar sound and his vocals matching that closely recreate what his live show is like. Lyrically, he still creates a politically charged, environmental and aboriginal rights focused theme throughout the album. "Uncle" is the strongest socially conscious song on the album with a solid instrumental section closer to the end of the almost eight-minute track. This album is fantastic, it is going to be great to see him play these songs live and if this is the continued direction he is taking his music I certainly am looking forward to the follow up to Dark Shades of Blue. Buy this Album!

CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks w/ guest Blitzen Trapper - Oct 23rd @ The Warehouse - Tickets are on sale Now, $22. This is what I am doing for my birthday so if you care to join that would be cool.

Neil Young w/ Death Cab for Cutie and Everest - Oct 19th @ The Saddledome - This show will certainly be a good one and certainly an interesting mix of Neil Young and Death Cab. Tickets range from $50 to $250.

MUSIC NEWS:

In Weezer news, Brian Bell is launching his solo side project called Relationship. No worries to all us Weezer fans though, Weezer is still going strong with tour dates (none in Calgary) and plenty of positive news that Rivers isn't going into seclusion and disbanding the band.

The Arctic Monkeys are sticking to their side projects for now, as the drummer is releasing a mix disc. Taking the dance floor by storm Matt Helders takes that good drum sound and turns it into danceable tunes. With the other side projects going on in this band one has to start to wonder when we might see a new album from Arctic Monkeys. Hopefully, it's soon!

The Clientele has released an EP in what is hopefully a lead up to another full length release, following up their great release God Save The Clientele. Sadly as well they only have one live show with a wicked line up. They are playing with Camera Obscura and Frightened Rabbit.

Podcast Central is on a break for a while as I try and get caught up listening to all the ones I have missed over the last few weeks. Only so many hours in the day so if you have been looking for a new post, I will get caught up over the long weekend to provide you will all the music news you need.

Till next time.

-Dave