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Song of the Day: VHS or Beta – Under the Sun

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

VHS or Beta first appeared on my radar in 2004, in the initial early 2000s garage-disco Yeah Yeah Yeahs-The Rapture led Brooklyn/East Side rock explosion that seemed to spawn many many bands (!!!, Stellarstarr*, Elefant, Bravery, etc the list could go on). Their debut record, Night on Fire was a energetic, catchy and pre-washed for the dance floor. The lead single off that album, Night on Fire was an especially great track, but unfortunately, the band was lost in the shuffle and probably never got the recognition that they deserved in retrospect. Their sophomore record –Bring on the Comets came at a time just when the NY revival disco-funk-rock sound was wearing itself out and subsequently was ignored. 2011 is a new year though and with that comes the band’s third record – Diamonds and Death. Released last week via Krian Music Group/Chromosome Records, the album has the similar midnight house-disco feel to it and I was especially pleased with the second track – Under the Sun. The six minute track features minimal synth, a pulsating beat and a some nice rhythmic vocals and is a great representative of the VHS or Beta sound. Check it out.

Touring with Ladytron
10/5: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
10/6: Montreal, QC @ Telus
10/7: Boston, MA @ Paradise
10/8: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/9: Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
10/11: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/13: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
10/14: Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub
10/15: Miami, FL @ Grand Central

Song of the Day: Trips and Falls – This Is All Going To End Badly

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

Trips and Falls are a Montreal trio who just released a new record – People Have to be Told off Song, By Toad Records. One of the tracks off this album is called “This Is All Going To End Badly” and admittedly, I was drawn to this track based on the title. Why am I attracted to song titles of inevitable doom? I don’t know. Anyways, what I discovered after a few listens is that it’s is an entirely enjoyable, subdued, somber folk track that features a dynamic male/female harmony. Check it out.

Song of the Day: Family of the Year – St. Croix

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

Saint Croix is an island in the Caribbean Sea, and is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Inhabitants are called Crucians. There are two towns on the island; Christiansted with a population of 2,433 and Frederiksted with a population of 859. The total population of the island as per the 2010 U.S. Census is 50,601. Who knew this even existed? certainly not me.

It is also the title of the new EP from Los Angeles band Family of the Year. Drenched in sunny disposition, the uplifting summertime track “St. Croix” can only be written by people who live in the the year round weather of California. Featuring catchy harmonics and a good head shaking, toe tapping beat, “St. Croix” is a good introduction to this band, who first came around a few years ago with their debut album Songbook. Have a listen

Song of the Day: Marion – Miyako Hideaway

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

I know I’ve written about UK act Marion before, but the news that they, like all other Britpop contemporaries, have decided to reform and potentially cash in on an aging fan base is still an exciting one. According to reliable music publication NME, Jaime Harding, Phil Cunningham, Anthony Grantham and Julian Phillips are reforming and will soon be playing shows. They are also joined by Jack Mitchell of Haven, a band that had about two good songs.

While Marion never quite reached the levels of success of many other Britpop bands, they are still a favorite among me and my friends with their catchy dramatic pop songs. Tracks like Sparkle, What Are We Waiting for and this track, Miyako Hideaway have never strayed far from my rotation. Hopefully they’ll tour Toronto where they’ll probably play in front of about 30 people, 30 very happy people.

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