Best of 2011... Best Songs

    The year's best songs included breakout singles about break-up sex from The Vaccines, Coldplay doing their best Rihanna impression, Lady Gaga's arena anthem to Nicki Minaj serving up some bass, and Austra losing it. 

50. First Rate People - 'Someone Else Can Make A Work of Art'

           First Rate People lived up to their name with a playful, breezy summer single that we had in constant rotation.
  First Rate People - Someone Else Can Make A Work Of Art by Meet You At The Show

49. Ambassadors - 'Unconsolable'

           Industrial dums, shades of The Police and Hall & Oates it's a hidden pop gem. 
  Unconsolable by Ambassadors

48. Cat's Eyes - 'Over You'

           The Horrors' frontman Faris Badwan teamed up with Vancouver's Rachel Zeffira for '60s girl groups fun.
  Cat's Eyes - Over You by edin2sun

47. The Paint Movement - 'Fortune's Window'

            Boy/Girl vocals, an unpredictable melody, plenty of horns and just enough chaos to make things interesting and one hell of a joyous listen.
  The Paint Movement - Fortune's Window by Nevado
       

46. Bluebell - 'Normal Heights'

           An alluring rhythmic, symphonic pop track from a rather mysterious pop outfit had us hooked.
  Normal Heights by BLUEBELL

Best of 2011... Best EPs

   The EP is always a great way for up and coming artists to introduce themselves to audiences, or for established bands to tease fans with new/extra tunes and in the past year there was no shortage of EPs floating around, so Shattered Vinyl picked the best of the best in EPs for 2011 with the Best EPs of 2011:

Video of the Week: The Weeknd

The Weeknd - The Knowing (Official Video) from xoxxxoooxo on Vimeo.

The Weeknd - "The Knowing"

   Toronto's The Weeknd is anything but conventional with his mixtape House of Balloons released earlier this year garnering widespread acclaim including the shortlist for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize, while remaining relatively elusive. In fitting fashion "The Knowing" is Abel Tesfaye's first official music video, a track that doesn't immediately scream music video yet still manages to captivate. Both bizarre and stunning there is no denying the oddly enthralling experience of Tesfaye's references to Ethiopia and futuristic vision, "The Knowing" is not your average video but then again The Weeknd has never been your average artist.

Record Revue: Rihanna

Talk That Talk   3/5


  Talk That Talk leaves the dark, hazy sounds of Loud and Rated R for dancefloors soaked in neon lights, and sexy, flirtatious R&B/pop tunes. After exercising her demons on Rated R and discovering her sexual ethos on Loud, Rihanna finds comfort in her own skin and a more carefree approach to her sound.

Video of the Week: Data Romance

Data Romance - She's Been High

   Data Romance follow-up their ghostly video treatment of "The Deep", with "She's Been High" a simple, sleek black and white video featuring singer Amy Kirkpatrick as the focal point. The videos warmth comes from Amy's honest emotion, but arguably the music pulls focus from Amy with it's intense, addictive groove. Ready to embark on tour with Digitalism, Data Romance keep delivering new music that's worth our attention.

Video of the Week: Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot - Shadowcasting

   Ra Ra Riot's latest video for "Shadowcasting" besides being a solid track, is a colour video featuring what appears to be a distant relative of Cousin It if you replace the hair with bird feathers and what appears to be a lover in the form of a Peacock. A mix of what can only be described as Adams Family meets Alice In Wonderland, it's all a bit confusing but mainly just good fun.

Sound Wave: One Room

One Room - I Want You

Record Revue: Florence and the Machine

Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials   4/5


  Ceremonials finds Florence Welch and company moving from the more refined, crisp sound on Lungs, to gospel rock built on a grand scale.

Video of the Week: VV Brown

V.V. Brown - Children feat. Chiddy Bang

   VV Brown's lo-fi, sun kissed video for the catchy Children featuring Chiddy Bang, couldn't have come a better time, with Winter creeping up slowly it's a cheery, pop tune that reminds us warm summer nights. Who doesn't like a little freestyle dancing with children in the street, or random snake tattoos. It's fun, it's playful and that how SV likes it.

Sound Wave: Givers

Givers - Saw You First

Little Red "Rock It"

Little Red @ The Drake Underground

   Aussie sensations Little Red hit Toronto Friday night as part of the band's inaugural North American tour, to a lively crowd at the Drake Underground, anxious to eat up the band's vintage pop.

Record Revue: Little Red

Midnight Remember   3.5/5


   If there is one thing North American audiences are lacking it's a good straightforward pop band, all too often we're fed band after band of pop-punk but Australian natives, Little Red fill that void nicely. Bringing their debut album Midnight Remember across the Pacific, Little Red introduce North Americans to their simple, crisp pop-rock tunes.

EP Beat: Kimbra

Settle Down EP   5/5


   A brief introduction to the Kiwi wunderkind, on her North American debut the Settle Down EP, and the love affair with Kimbra begins. 

Record Revue: Coldplay

Mylo Xyloto   3.5/5


   Marking Coldplay's complete assimilation into Top 40 is Mylo Xyloto, like Viva La Vida, it's palette is expansive from the Cure-esque boppy, new wave of "Hurts Like Heaven" to the sonic progressive-pop of "Paradise". Coldplay pulls from a variety of sources on their fifth studio album, making their first three records sound even more humbling. 

Record Revue: Kelly Clarkson

Stronger   2/5


   Nearly a decade after she was crowned American Idol, Kelly Clarkson maintains the two elements that have made her successful - her five alarm voice, obviously - but more importantly her "every girl" appeal. 

Record Revue: Penguin Prison

Penguin Prison   4/5


   Marrying 80s synth-pop with electronic grooves, Penguin Prison mine playful pop tunes so sweet you're likely to develop cavities.

Record Revue: Class Actress

Rapprocher   3.5/5 


   Rapprocher convincingly pulls off its noir pop aesthetic with slinky, unashamed pop tunes without venturing into sugary pop territory, thanks to classic drum beats, layered analog synths within simple melodies. Combing Elizabeth Harper's golden age film star qualities with lo-fi, '80s new wave tunes, Class Actress lives in a completely different era.

Sound Wave: We Are The City

We Are The City - Morning Song

Dominant Legs Shine Despite Power Outage

Dominant Legs @ The Drake Underground

   San Francisco's Dominant Legs made a note worthy debut in Toronto Wednesday night, with the band setting up to perform ahead of Portland, Oregon's Nurses, power at The Drake Hotel went out, leaving the 5 piece momentarily sidelined. Once power returned Dominant Legs tickled the audience's ears with their sunny nostalgic pop. 

Video of the Week: Class Actress

Class Actress - Weekend

   Class Actress' retro party track "Weekend" gets a lo-fi, noir video treatment, with come-hither close-ups, amateur home video shots seen through a cyanopsia lense. Elizabeth Harper seems to like putting her head in hand and tossing her full head of hair around. It all begins to feel a little like an amateur porn with all that exposed skin and use of door ways to slink Harper's feminine frame over. But hey, it's never to early to bring on the Weekend and a little sexy fun. 

EP Beat: Body Language

Social Studies (Deluxe Edition)   3.5/5

  Brooklyn's Body Language find a sweet spot between spacey funk and dancefloor grooves. Social Studies (Deluxe Edition) gives a variety of soul-flavored electro-pop that ranges from the disco synth of "Falling Out" to bouncy, playful pop of title track "Social Studies."

Single Selections: Oct. 18, 2011

Arkells - Bloodlines   3/5   iTunes


   Hamilton, ON's Arkells have dropped their latest, Michigan Left, with their track "Bloodlines" as iTunes Single of the Week. A pleasing jangly rock tune that's radio-ready and like cohorts Tokyo Police Club or Hey Rosetta!, Arkells seem destined for bigger and better things.

EP Beat: First Rate People

Someone Else Can Make A Work of Art   4/5


  Ontario's First Rate People release their latest offering, Someone Else Can Make a Work of Art EP, easily some of the best pop of the year.

Sound Wave: Savoir Adore

Savoir Adore - Dreamers

Record Revue: Blondie

Panic of Girls   3/5


  It's been some 30 years since Blondie produced their biggest hits "Heart of Glass" or "Rapture,"  while decades have passed since their rein as punk-new wave innovators, Deborah Harry and company still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Video of the Week: Big Tree

                                                Big Tree - Storm King from Big Tree on Vimeo.

Big Tree - Storm King

   "Storm King" is a simple concept but one S.V. can't help but love. Running along asphalt, sand, a chalkboard, grass and down walls, the video slowly reveals feet walking in the grass, playing in the sand, paint running down the wall, and a skateboard rolling along the asphalt. It's all harmless enough and yet oddly hypnotic, when set to Big Tree's gorgeous indie pop tune. 

We Were Lovers Find the Right Grooves

We Were Lovers @ Horseshoe Tavern/Rancho Relaxo

   Saskatoon's dance-pop darlings We Were Lovers recently embarked on their North American tour, hitting Toronto for two performances earlier this week at the Horseshoe Tavern, and Rancho Relaxo with Toronto's Freedom or Death. Since the duo's previous appearance in June for Toronto's NXNE 2011, they've added a key element to their live performances, a drummer in Brad Heck. 

Sound Wave: Jane's Party

Jane's Party - Alone Together

Jane's Party Celebrate & Gramercy Riffs Rock Out

Jane's Party @ Horseshoe Tavern

   Putting on a party for the release of their self-titled EP, Jane's Party brought their fun, catchy indie-pop to the Horseshoe Tavern Thursday Night with the help of some friends The Fast Romantics, Gramercy Riffs (more on them later) and Entire Cities.

Video Of The Week: Liam Finn

Liam Finn - Jump Your Bones

   New Zealand rocker Liam Finn's latest video for "Jump Your Bones" is an oddly captivating video. Simple black and white enhances the experience of Finn's intense facial expressions, wind machine in his face and the awesome ripple of the cymbols and drums in slow-motion. Not to mention is acrobatic drumming as the videos finale, it's both a good tune, and a video that's funny and cool all at once.

Record Revue: Lights

Siberia   3.5/5


   After releasing gripping collaboration "Everybody Breaks A Glass" with Shad and production by two members of indie-electro band Holy F***! it was hard to imagine what Toronto's Lights had in store for her follow up to her slick electro-pop 2009 debut.

Record Revue: Feist

Metals   4/5


 2007 wasn't so long ago, yet four years ago, iPods were still the main event and Leslie Feist had capture mainstream music's heart by simply singing those breezy numbers "1 2 3 4." The Reminder was an unofficial marker that blurred the lines between indie rock and pop, it's breezy pop was clever, confident and disarmingly pleasant. Bringing Feist international acclaim and plenty of new fans.

Sound Wave: Ms Mr

Ms Mr - Ghost City USA EP

Record Revue: Blink - 182

Neighborhoods   2.5/5


  Blink-182 became famous as Clinton-era punks run amok in suburbia, but 2003's eponymous Blink-182 saw a shift in the bands pop-punk sound for more experimental elements resulting in the band's more mature sound. Neighborhoods, the band's first LP in eight years, picks up where they left off.

Video of the Week: The Paint Movement

The Paint Movement - Young Lights

   Mississauga's The Paint Movement have been on Shattered Vinyl's radar/playlist for quite some time, "Young Lights," the band's first single and video feel like an appropriate fit for the beginning of the season. It's visually intriguing use of finger paint, not to mention the tracks light horns, male-female voices and shimmering guitar strings make for one hell of an alluring track, simply put... the one must track for your fall playlist.

Sound Wave: Data Romance

Data Romance - Spark

Record Revue: Dan Mangan

Oh Fortune   4/5


   If you're looking for the bright acoustic folk of Mangan's 2009 Polaris Prize Shortlisted Nice, Nice, Very Nice you're in for a surprise. The Vancouver troubadour mines a new batch of folk stories, while exploring textured arrangements with a bigger, richer sound than previously heard, on his third disc Oh Fortune. 

Video of the Week: Young Galaxy

Young Galaxy - Peripheral Visionaries

   Long listed for Canada's 2011 Polaris Music Prize Shapeshifting by Young Galaxy is certainly an album you need to hear if you haven't already. Their latest video for "Peripheral Visionaries" is another good reason to check out the band, an other worldly animated video that's just eerie enough to be interesting, and set to the track's narrative, it's certainly not your typical video.  

Record Revue: Grouplove

Never Trust A Happy Song   3/5

   Since Grouplove's debut EP Colours back in January, the band's profile has grown with increasing anticipation for their debut full-length album, Never Trust A Happy Song, following the success of their single 'Colours.'

Single Selection: Sept. 20th, 2011

V.V. Brown - Children feat. Chiddy (Of Chiddy Bang)   3.5/5   Leaked

  U.K.'s V.V. Brown returns with 'Children' her first single off her sophomore album due out early 2012. The sing-song pop jam is a playful twist on the elementary school tune "Do Your Ears Hang Low," with the same retro R&B/soul as Brown's debut record. A choir of voices on it's chorus, the borders on bratting, with a bouncing beat and loaded with hand claps, it all but makes you want to bust out the jump roap and hopscotch.

Sound Wave: We Were Lovers

We Were Lovers - We've Got It

Record Revue: Luke Temple

Luke Temple - Don't Act Like You Don't Care  4/5


 Here We Go Magic's Luke Temple crafts a collection teeming with bright folk-pop songs on Don't Act Like You Don't Care, Temple's first solo record since 2007. 

Video of the Week: Rachael Yamagata

Rachael Yamagata - Even If I Don't 

   Singer-Songwriter Rachael Yamagata's latest video for 'Even If I Don't' is a lighthearted clip that showcases an unconventional courtship between a bunny and a tiger, not your typical pairing. Following their romance from it's innocent beginnings to their parting ways, Yamagata's on the nose lyrical narration makes for a witty and charming video. What's not to love? 

Single Selection: Sept. 13th, 2011

Born Gold - Decimate Everything   3.5/5   Soundcloud
 Canadian outfit, Born Gold's latest single "Decimate Everything" is delightful futuristic noise-pop. Featuring distorted vocals and a wealth electronic elements its a playful, energetic track that's hard to forget. Offered as a free download on Soundcloud it's worth exploring.

Sound Waves: Class Actress

Class Actress - Weekend

EP Beat: We Barbarians

We Barbarians - Headspace EP   3/5


   Brooklyn-based We Barbarians release their latest Headspace, a polished alt-rock 5 track EP. Clean, crisp and a just enough reverb We Barbarians produce an enjoyable set.

Video of the Week: Lights

Lights - Toes

  A couple weeks ago, Lights first official single 'Toes' off her sophomore effort Serbia was featured on our weekly Sound Wave, this week was the premiere of the single's video and though it's not exactly a stellar video it showcase not only Lights, but her hometown and Shattered Vinyl's Toronto. Shot in Dufferin subway station, the underpass at Queen St. West/Dufferin among others, it's more a game of naming that location that makes the video fun. Did we forget to mention it's a great little pop tune as well? 

   The pixie sized Lights leads us around the city, and while there are many more creative approaches to a video like 'Toes,' we could really care less, it's all about seeing where in Toronto she'll be next. 

Single Selections: Sept. 6th, 2011

Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All   2.5/5   iTunes


   Set to release her fifth studio album, Clarkson's first single 'Mr. Know It All' is a charming, mid-tempo pop song. Gone are Clarkson's signature snarl and hi-octane pop-rock though Kelly's still as feisty as ever, sticking it to a former lover (not a girl you want to wrong). Despite 'Mr. Know It All' being an easy digest tune its a bit of a snooze, leaving you to question if Clarkson's ever had a successful relationship given her history of singles. 'Since U Been Gone,' 'Miss Independent,' 'Never Again,' 'Already Gone'... just an observation. 

Sound Wave: Body Language

Body Language - Falling Out

Video of The Week: Destroyer

Destroyer - Savage Night At The Opera

Destroyer - Savage Night at the Opera from Merge Records on Vimeo.

   Destroyer's video for 'Savage Night At the Opera' is a seamless first person view from a motorcycle as it cruises through Vancouver's streets. No camera angles or view changes make for a cool scenic ride through a city illuminated by golden sunlight to an atmospheric track from Destroyer.


Note: Watch the number of red lights the driver runs, it's just saying...

EP Beat: Prussia

Prussia - Poor English 10" Part 1   3/5   Myspace


   Frantic, adventurous, eclectic are three words that best describe Detroit outfit, Prussia's first installment of their three part series, Poor English. A series of three 10"'s set to be released over three months, Part 1 of the trilogy is at its core chaotic yet composed, vulgar yet sweet, and above all ambitious. If you think that's a lot to take in, you're right!

Single Selection: August 30th

Zee Avi - Concrete Wall   4/5   iTunes

   If you're not familiar with Zee Avi, the 25 year-old Malaysian singer/songwriter, definitely deserves some attention with her striking song 'Concrete Wall' off her sophomore effort, Ghostbird. Bathed in a cappella accompaniment before slowly building in soft layers of pulsing synth, and pliable hand claps. It's laid-back simplicity makes for a refreshing and instantly pleasant tune. A stand-out worthy of attention.

Sound Wave: Dwntwn

Dwntwn - Hungry Hearts

Video of The Week: Kimbra

Kimbra - Good Intent

   Last week's V.T.W. (Video of the Week) featured Gotye getting a helping hand from Kimbra, the lovable Kiwi who's been slowly turning out bits and pieces of her debut album Vows. This week Kimbra takes center stage with her latest single to get the video treatment 'Good Intent.' The stylized throwback video is suiting given Kimbra's addictive vocals, a mix of St.Vincent and Blossom Dearie, coupled with the song's alluring blend of jazz and pop. A cleverly choreographed tug-of-war between good and evil, there is surely a few good things to be found here, an quirky, noir pop track and Kimbra, as gorgeous as ever. 

  Proving her success with Gotye on 'Somebody I Used To Know' wasn't a simple one off, there's plenty more to come from the New Zealand native with her debut Vows set for release in her homeland and Australia next week. Kimbra won't make it to North American shores till early 2012, until then enjoy a fun music video from one of Shattered Vinyl's 10 Artists To Watch in 2011!

Single Selections: August 23rd

 Dan Mangan - Rows of Houses   4/5   iTunes


   Dan Mangan is getting set to follow-up his Polaris-nominated Nice, Nice, Very Nice with Oh Fortune on September 27th and to kick things off is 'Rows of Houses.' An ambitious, folk-rock track Mangan maintains his husky vocals,  but boasts a bigger, anthemic sound including an electric guitar and a beat the chugs along. It is without a doubt more radio-friendly, but is still the Dan Mangan you've come to know and love.

Sound Wave: Bluebell

Bluebell - Normal Heights

Video of the Week: Gotye

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)

   Musician Walter De Backer's (Aka. Gotye) second single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' off his forthcoming third album Making Mirrors, is already a number one hit in his native Australia. Accompanied by the always impressive Kimbra (Shattered Vinyl's 10 Artists To Watch In 2011) who joins in the third verse of Backer's tale of a failed romance. Using stop motion and body art, the simple yet alluring video compliments Gotye's hit single. 

Check out the videos for Gotye's previous single from Making Mirrors 'Eyes Wide Open' and Kimbra's single 'Cameo Lover' below:

Pepper Rabbit

Red Velvet Snowball   4.5/5   Myspace


  Los Angeles duo Pepper Rabbit, Luc Laurent and Xander Singh, bring together a kaleidoscope of sounds and elements creating an imaginative and unadulterate indie pop gem with Red Velvet Snowball. 

Single Selections: August 16th

DWNTWN - Transition   4/5   Youtube


  Los Angeles duo DWNTWN's debut single 'Transition' starts out with warm hues of neon pulsing synth, a poppy beat and boy/girl vocals before colliding with supersonic flourishes and eerie chorus vocals. It's both a dancefloor summer jam, and a radio friendly pop tune. 

Cut Off Your Hands

Hollow   4/5   iTunes


   Following the success of You & I, the debut album from New Zealand quartet Cut Off Your Hands, comes the release of their sophomore album Hollow. Brimming with a variety of sounds from post-punks brittle rhythms to atmospheric Brit-pop and tinges of Americana Hollow propels the band to new heights avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump. 

Sound Wave: Feist

Feist - How Come You Never Go There 

Toronto's Little City: A Hidden Gem

Little City with Belgrave @ Clinton's 

Video Of The Week: Oh Land

Oh Land - White Nights

   Kicking off our newest installment, Oh Land, the Danish beauty and Shattered Vinyl favourite, is our first Video of the Week with the latest off her breakthrough self-titled debut, 'White Nights.' An imaginative new video for the charming and colourful single 'White Nights' is a visual wonderland full over choreographed dance numbers, numerous settings, and more costume changes than Lady Gaga. Building on 'White Nights' dreamy lyrical references, the video gives life to the quirky Oh Land with a lagoon of sparkly gold faced girls to tribal dances the creativity is impressive as the beautifully shot video makes for a sensory overload. The uber-talented Oh Land just keeps making us fall in love with her over and over again!

Single Selections: August 9th

Raphael Saadiq - Movin' Down The Line   5/5   Youtube

The electrifying, supremely talented Raphael Saadiq commands a style and sound all his own, drawing on classic R&B, soul and blues influences. His latest single and video treatment goes to 'Movin' Down The Line' an exquisitely crafted song, featuring Saadiq's gorgeous falsetto and a groove that'll have you jiving. 

Sound Wave: Lights

Lights - "Toes"

Artist to Watch: Young Buffalo

Young Buffalo

Record Review: Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland - Here I Am   2.5/5   iTunes

   Over the past two years Kelly Rowland's been a fixture on the dance charts and found a bigger audience abroad with 2009's 'When Love Takes Over' and 2010's 'Commander' both collaborations with producer David Guetta, much to the respective singles' success Rowland appeared to be moving in a new musical direction, but Rowland's latest Here I Am finds her right back in 2007 where she left off with her previous record, Ms. Kelly.