Some friends of mine played their first show at the Casbah in Hamilton last night. I was super impressed and expect big things from these guys. Im stoked to hear some of last nights tunes recorded.
I had Josie with me, so decided to snap a couple quick photos.
Even though Bodden and I had our own opinions on some of the top albums of 2010, there were 8 albums that we both agreed stood out. These albums got a lot of plays on ipods and computers, at parties and on docks, so without further adieu, in no particular order, I give you Part 2 of the Top Albums of 2010.
Cee-Lo Green – The Lady Killer
Cee-Lo has proven that he doesn’t need Danger Mouse in order to produce some great jams. His solo effort produced The Lady Killer and has a range from sexy soul to gangster edge. I think Cee-Lo says it best himself when he described his album as a “sexy, sophisticated night in the life of a lady killer.†It’s a great album overall, but the real gems are tracks 6 to 13. Check out this Toe Jams post for a more in depth look at this album.
Cee-Lo Green – Satisfied
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/07-Satisfied-Produced-By-Fraser-T.-Smith.mp3|titles=Cee-Lo Green – Satisfied (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)]
Suckers – Wild Smile
I remember I told Bodden to check out this album earlier this summer and after the first listen he was like “I tried Mon, but I’m just not feeling itâ€. Then, one day I got this email that said “I was about to throw in the towel, when all of a sudden on the 5th spin, I was like woah, I’m feeling these tracks.†I felt the same way. I think I loved it because I didn’t love it at first – if that makes any sense. I loved that it grew on me and I appreciated the tracks even more because of it. The vocals, the building instruments – I guarantee this album will be the diamond in your rough.
Suckers – Martha
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/08-Martha.mp3|titles=Suckers – Martha]
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye’s latest release received perfect scores from just about anyone who reviewed it. In my opinion, it’s not quite perfect, but I will say that it is pretty damn good. There’s a lot going on, on this album. It’s much more than a Hip-Hop record. There’s the guest vocalists, the Bon Iver collaborations, the orchestration, the list goes on. Love him or hate him, it’s tough to deny his talent when it comes to making music. I believe Kanye is striving to be much more than a Hip Hop artist, and on his latest record, I think he may be another step closer.
Kanye West – Monster (feat. JAY-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/06-Monster-feat.-JAY-Z-Rick-Ross-Nicki-Minaj-Bon-Iver.mp3|titles=Kanye West – Monster (feat. JAY-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)]
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
This was by far my most anticipated album in 2010, and as expected, it did not disappoint. Arcade Fire changed up the game plan a bit on this one. It’s not as heavy on the anthems. That’s not to say they were not up to their old tricks. The entire crew is back. The band is backing front man Win Butler behind the keys on quite of a few of the tracks – opposed to the strings. This probably gets my vote for the album of the year. I had the pleasure of seeing them twice this year. And the new tracks sound fantastic live. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and check this album out.
Arcade Fire – Rococo
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/04-Rococo.mp3|titles=Arcade Fire – Rococo]
Vampire Weekend – ContraVampire Weekend – Diplomat’s Son
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/09-Diplomats-Son-1.mp3|titles=Vampire Weekend – Diplomat’s Son 1]
Best Coast – Crazy For YouBest Coast – Bratty B
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/09-Bratty-B.mp3|titles=Best Coast – Bratty B]
Matt & Kim – SidewalksMatt & Kim – AM/FM Sound
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-AM_FM-Sound.mp3|titles=Matt&Kim – AM_FM Sound]
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard WaySharon Jones and The Dap Kings – Better Things To Do
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/03-Better-Things-to-Do.mp3|titles=Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – Better Things to Do]
For this week’s Toe Jams Tops Lists we have the Top LPs of 2010. I asked Bodden his opinion on what he felt was the cream of the crop this year and although we both agreed that it was close to impossible to narrow it down to 20, here they are – well the first 12 anyway. We decided not to put them in a numbered order, but here are 6 of my top albums and 6 of Bodden’s. Make sure to come back Wednesday for the last 8 that we both agreed produced some real toe tappin’ jams.
MONICA’S PICKS
Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild HuntThe Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-The-Wild-Hunt.mp3|titles=01 The Wild Hunt – TMONE]
Tokyo Police Club – ChampTokyo Police Club – End Of a Spark
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/06-End-of-a-Spark.mp3|titles=06 End of a Spark – Tokyo Police CLub]
The Drums – The DrumsThe Drums – Best Friend
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Best-Friend.mp3|titles=01 Best Friend – the drums]
The Black Keys – BrothersThe Black Keys – Everlasting Light
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Everlasting-Light.mp3|titles=01 Everlasting Light – the black keys]
Beach House – Teen DreamBeach House – Norway
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/03-Norway.mp3|titles=03 Norway – beach house]
Future Islands – In Evening AirFuture Islands – Inch of Dust
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/07-Inch-Of-Dust.mp3|titles=07 Inch Of Dust – future islands]
Of Montreal – False PriestOf Montreal – Sex Karma
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/08-Sex-Karma.mp3|titles=08 – Sex Karma – of montreal]
Free Energy – Stuck on NothingFree Energy – Dream City
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-Dream-City.mp3|titles=02 – Dream City – free energy]
Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. – Record CollectionMark Ronson & The Business Intl. – Record Collection – Lose It (In The End) feat. Ghostface Killah and Alex Greenwald
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-mark_ronson_and_the_business_intl-lose_it_in_the_end_featuring_mark_ronson_ghostface_killah_alex_greenwald-caheso.mp3|titles=02-mark_ronson_and_the_business_intl-lose_it_(in_the_end)_featuring_mark_ronson_ghostface_killah_alex_greenwald-caheso]
Das Racist – Sit Down, ManDas Racist – Luv It Mayne
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/08-luv-it-mayne-featuring-fat-tony-bo-p-produced-by-tom-cruz.mp3|titles=08 luv it mayne (featuring fat tony & bo p) (produced by tom cruz)]
Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock RecordBroken Social Scene – Art House Director
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/06-Art-House-Director.mp3|titles=06 Art House Director]
MGMT – CongratulationsThere was so much amazing music produced in 2010 so let us know you’re thoughts on these choices or who would have made your list and make sure to check back on Wednesday for the Top 8 that both Bodden I agreed were outstanding.
* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.
I decided there was so much great music made in 2010 that I would showcase some of my favourite albums and tracks and I hope you like them too. All of December will be dedicated to these lists and the first installment is my top EPs (short albums). Make sure to stay tuned for Top LPs (full length albums) and Top Tracks. I’ll let the songs speak for themselves but all of these albums are worth buying and are a great listen all the way through. Any of them would make a great Christmas gift – and EPs are always cheap!
If you think I missed some worthy EPs, let me know! I love hearing about gems that slipped under my radar or albums that would have made your list. Happy Listening!
Top EPs:
Cold War Kids – “Audience” from the Behave Yourself EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Audience.mp3|titles=Cold War Kids – Audience]
Barbara – “Moon Trip” from the Robopopironica EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/04-Moon-Trip.mp3|titles=Barbara – Moon Trip]
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – “Vocal Chords” from the Horse Power EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-Vocal-Chords.mp3|titles=Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.- Vocal Chords]
Cults – “Go Outside” from the Cults EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Go-Outside.mp3|titles=Cults – Go Outside]
We Are Trees – “Sunrise Sunset” from the Boyfriend EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Sunrise-Sunset.mp3|titles=We are Trees – Sunrise Sunset]
Guards – “Resolution of One” from the Guards EP (free!)
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-resolution-of-one.mp3|titles=Guards – resolution of one]
The Tallest Man on Earth – “The Dreamer” from the Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/02-The-Dreamer.mp3|titles=Tallest Man on Earth – The Dreamer]
Generationals – “Trust” from the Trust EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/4-Trust.mp3|titles=Generationals – Trust]
Girls – “Thee Oh So Protective One” from the Broken Dreams Club EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01-Thee-Oh-So-Protective-One.mp3|titles=Girls – Thee Oh So Protective One]
Jonquil – “It Never Rains” from the One Hundred Suns EP
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/03-It-Never-Rains.mp3|titles=Jonquil – It Never Rains]
* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.
After checking out a stellar show from The Girls Can Hear Us! this past Saturday at Club Absinthe in Hamilton, frontman Will Steep was generous enough to give me an interview for the MvM readers.
Check out our interview below:
I read that you grew up in Bracebridge, Ontario. How was that for an aspiring white rapper?
I’m not sure it was an aspiration the whole time I was there. [laughs] It was probably very similar to how you’d expect it to be. While I was in high school I didn’t spread around my music very much. I would show my friends and stuff but I didn’t try and do shows too often. The first time I was in front of a crowd I was around 16 and it was one song at our school assembly. It was well received, but I wasn’t too comfortable spreading it around in that environment. I went to school in Ottawa and then I moved to London 3 years ago and did a one year media program at Fanshawe and now I’m a Western student. It was around the time I moved to London was the time I started to be more pro-active.
So this is pretty new then.
Ya, specifically The Girls Can Hear Us! Is 2 years old in January
You offer pretty honest accounts of your dealings with girls. Do you think this helps you with the ladies? or hinders your efforts?
Probably does both, it depends on whose ears it hitting. Part of the approach is pretty deliberate and I guess that’s obvious. If people don’t like what I’m doing or saying then that’s fine. I mean people tend to dislike artists, that’s just the way it is, but I figured I can at least make it that no one could say I’m a liar and full of shit.
How involved are you in the process of making your music? Do you lay down all the tracks and everything?
Ya. Beginning to end. With the exceptions of a couple of songs I credit some other producers who have come in and worked with me, but since June it’s pretty much just me from beginning to end – production, recording, mastering, writing – everything.
Is it true you’re studying Social Justice and Sexuality in school?
I’m a double major in Women’s studies and Sexuality studies.
Do you plan on using your platform to help the cause?
I like the grassroots aspect of that sort of thing. I mean, I know I’m probably not the best advocate for women’s rights, but at the same time, I don’t think there is much of a conflict that would appear on the surface between my lyrics and the kind of stuff that I would stand for especially when it come to sexuality studies. I think access to sexual freedom and the fact that men are called pimps and women are called sluts is more than just an annoying little thing to me. I think the fact that talking about sexual escapades rings to people as me objectifying girls, speaks more to the fact that people see it that way – that the girls shouldn’t have sexual agency or that weren’t knowing parties. I never say that I’m fooling anybody or that these girls are stupid – in most cases they’re probably smarter than me. I mean I don’t consider my music to be advocacy for things like Prop 8 but I do intend – even if things go well for me in the future – to teach at a college and teach programs related to my undergrad.
Do you have any new releases coming out?
I’m going to have a mix tape coming out by New Years, its gonna be called The After Party. The first one was The Predrink and I couldn’t think of any name like The Bar or The Club [laughs] we’ll just go home from here. That will be out by New Years, we’re shooting 2 music videos over the next 3 months.
I actually have some news I was gonna share in another interview later tonight, but we’ll be starting a label called Fashionably Laid Records and its The Girls Can Hear Us, Ed’s solo project Overworked, Conway, MDMK and also a guy that goes by Andy’s Ill who is from London, but getting a lot of rep in Australia right now. We’ve decided we wanted to combine efforts so we made a label and we’ve officially announced it this week.
So things are really picking up for you. Mike was telling me that you’re playing The Viper Room in L.A this week.
We’re playing The Viper Room Friday and then we’re in Salt Lake City on Saturday and then we’re gonna stay in L.A for a couple days and shoot a video. Starting in September things have really picked up and they’re just getting better from there.
Toe Jam Specials:
Cats or dogs?
Both, I like both
Drive-in or theatre?
Theatres. I grew up in Muskoka so I have this trauma from mosquito bites in my youth and I don’t like outside spaces in the evening.
Finish this sentence: Never underestimate the power of….
[laughs] I’m not good at this sort of this thing…never underestimate the power of shutting the fuck up.
Were you scared of monsters under the bed when you were a kid?
No, I actually almost always liked the monsters. I thought the monsters were so much cooler than the good guys.
Every Day – The Girls Can Hear Us!
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Every-Day.mp3|titles=Every Day]
A big thanks to Will and crew for a great show last weekend and for the awesome interview. We wish you the best of luck on all your new ventures and we’ll keep our ear to the pavement for your newest release.
Click here to grab The Girls Can Hear Us! album on iTunes.
I had a post ready to go for this week about cleaning my house and what I listen to while I dust the fur balls from behind my TV…exciting stuff. But as I checked my Facebook on Saturday morning and found out that The Girls Can Hear Us! were playing Club Absinthe, that changed everything. I hit the DELETE button on what I had written and prepared for something much more post-worthy.
The Girls Can Hear Us! is a Canadian-made outfit that had taken over my summer playlists with their remix of Lisztomania by Phoenix. The vocal stylings of Will Steep over top of the infectious beats of Phoenix was the recipe for good times that I was looking for.
There is nothing I love more than a good vocal swagger. Front man, Will Steep’s, delivery and phrasing of his rhymes work for me. A great example of this is his opening line, “You got my game all gone, like I feel so choked. I mean you look great but it’s more the fact you can take a joke†paired with the audible exhales between words. All I could think was, “Yup, more please.â€
Lisztomania – The Girls Can Hear Us! Remix
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Lisztomania-The-Girls-Can-Hear-Us-Remix.mp3|titles=Lisztomania (The Girls Can Hear Us Remix)]
I hadn’t gotten my hands on the newest mix tape The Predrink yet, so I made my way to the legendary Club Absinthe to see what he could offer me in a live venue. I won’t lie…I had some pretty big hopes.
Even with a club that was in the midst of an uncharacteristically slow night, Steep and crew played like there were 1000 fans waiting to be entertained. There is nothing I appreciate more than someone who gives the same intensity to their craft whether they are in front of their mirror at home or in front of an adoring crowd. It is impossible not to appreciate what they have put their heart and soul into. Will came out into the crowd, ready for whoever would take him.
After watching his set and dancing along – although a little disappointed I didn’t hear Lisztomania – I could not have been more impressed with what I met off-stage. This was a guy who was happy just to have the opportunity to perform. Although I had been informed he played to packed crowds before this event and had impressive sets lined up afterwards, he had an appreciation for a city that is still establishing itself as a place for bands to be seen and heard.
Will made time to chat about the negativity that exists in an area where everyone is looking for the same validation. We talked about how, although sharing negative opinions may generate more press, it is a positive attitude that will lead you to your greatest success.
It was refreshing to talk “music†with someone who shares my views on music critiques. As I said when I started this blog, I chose to talk about music that I think you will enjoy because it has touched me (or my dance moves) in some way. No one wants to hear me hate on someone or what they have created, because art in general, is subjective. We talked about campaigns that spread the love instead of the hate and how much more effective they were. In the vein of Monsters vs me, and enjoying what life has to offer instead of what it hasn’t given you yet, the outlook was refreshing to see from a guy that is on the cusp of being thrown into an industry where the critics will hate you before they hear you… and it’s your job to prove them wrong.
I saw a short interview with Penn and Teller on MTV randomly and the interviewer asked Penn his thoughts on the Justin Bieber phenomenon – half expecting a rant about his hair or his outfit – but instead he gave an answer that I loved. He said “ I love Justin Bieber and if he is what it takes to get young kids into music, more power to him.†He went on to say that people took pride in hating The Beatles, The Monkees and Elvis, but why waste your time trashing something that is obviously making others happy. My thoughts exactly.
But getting back to what The Girls Can Hear Us has to offer. Steep is the master of the remix and The Predrink proves this. I can see where the title came from because Will’s freestyles over some recognizable beats are the perfect soundtrack to do just that – predrink. But that’s not the extent of his talent. The Girls Can Hear Us debut LP Everyday – which was made with former bandmate Edmond Huszar but the two had an amicable split in June – is full of original tracks that rival all of the impressive remixes. This catalogue is the perfect playlist to any party and I can guarantee you that if your friends don’t already have the albums, they’ll be asking you where they can check this guy out by the end of the party. Click here to grab the album before you make any further plans.
Make sure you check back on Friday for a special interview with Will Steep. Remember, I always love hearing from you. And you know where to reach me.
Barbara Streisand – The Girls Can Hear Us! (Will Steep freestyle remix)
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Barbra-Streisand-freestyle.mp3|titles=Barbra Streisand freestyle]
You Want It, I Want It – The Girls Can Hear Us!
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/You_Want_It_I_Want_It.mp3|titles=You_Want_It,_I_Want_It]
* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.