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...