New Music Tuesday - The Catch Up

Life in the T-Dot has been hectic, just as they talk about. Thankfully, I don't have the feeling I am in the centre of the universe. Although, I do sometimes feel like I am being sucked into a Super Massive Black Hole. If you didn't catch the reference it is a Muse song and speaking of Muse they are opening for U2. I am probably going to the show when it rolls through Toronto which would be a great concert experience. But, all of this is not the issue at hand! How can a fine young fellow such as myself keep just a good pace on updating this blog, but then fall off the face of the earth...well moving, life, moving again and work have all prevented such updates. But as always I am back! Some new music to chat about as always, so more stuff from the every evolving story that is the Toronto Subway and a brief catch up on music news. So kids, get out your subway tokens and lets get on the train.

CD Review:

Swan Lake - Enemy Mine:

The Canadian Indie Super group Swan Lake brings together members of Destroyer (Daniel Bejar), Frog Eyes (Carey Mercer) and Wolf Parade (Spencer Krug). There first album was released in 2006 entitled Beast Moans which contains one of my favortie songs of 2006 which was "All Fires". So, for the last three years the members of the ever expansive Canadian indie scene were doing as they do best, making great tunes. Daniel Bejar released a captivating album last year under his band Destroyer, Trouble in Dreams. Carey Mercer released a couple albums under his band Frog Eyes. And of course Spencer Krug released a very very solid album with Wolf Parade, At Mount Zoomer an absolutely fantastic album from start to finish!

Well with such raw talent, I was expecting big things from Swan Lake. My expectations were mostly met, a few tracks I wasn't sold on and would probably skip as I listen to the album. Seriously, it is difficult to make albums that are great from start to finish and when those ones come along well they become classic. Overall, this album has everything a good indie album has, amazing vocals and raw musical power. With each of the members contributing vocals to a variety of tracks on what is a somewhat disappointingly short album, they each bring their own unique and amazing qualities to the tracks.

The album starts with the powerful "Spanish Gold, 2044", big sound and stunning vocals leads you into a beautiful album. "Settle on Your Skin" showcases Spencer Krug's vocal prowess as he puts such passion behind his lyrics...terrific. The track I really could have done without is "Warlock Psychologist" it just did nothing for me and seemed to carry on forever. Overall, this album puts you into a hurricane of indie goodness. Buy it - If you like any of the bands that these members are from you will enjoy this album!!!

Music News:

It's that time of year where people go on tour, here's the list so far....also if you live in Calgary you won't see many of them, but you're more then welcome at my place in Toronto if you want to come visit and catch a show.

Bands on Tour:
The Doves
TV On The Radio
Jay Reatard
Art Brut
Jenny Lewis
The Shins
Camera Obscura (I am for SURE going to this one!!)
Yo La Tengo

T.I is going to jail...shocker! After being arrested for trying to illegally purchase firearms, he's going to jail for a year and a day which means he will release two albums this year and make millions and millions of dollars.

Wilco is releasing a new album this year and Feist is adding some vocals to the tracks...should be good.

Random Stuff on the T-Dot Subway:

Well....as always the Toronto Subway is an amazing collection of human tapestry. Over the last few weeks I have been told that the end is near! Believe it people because no less then 4 people told me this and one guy spit while he talked to this was not fun....

I sat beside a lovely old lady who talked to her stuffed cat (not like taxidermy, but like a teddy bear) Other then being a little off her rocker she did seem to be having a very pleasant conversation with the cat.

Finally, as I was taking the subway to work Friday morning and we came to a stop at St. George station. I heard a commotion behind me and turned in my seat to look as I saw an arch of coffee flying in the air coming down on a poor soul how had fainted temporarily. After a minute or so they had the person up in a seat and they seemed to be fine and everything resumed back to normal after the TTC staff who were amazing and on the scene immediately came aboard and helped the person out.

Not so sadly, my regular transit trips will be far less frequent as I am moving within walking distance to work. SO! I will bring you interesting stories from the T-Dot, just more city wide.

Till...well, Tuesday hopefully. I hope you are all well and I hope you enjoy the tunes.

--Dave