Wishful Concert Thinking For The New Year

So.

Last year I scored a disheartening 0 for 10 (almost as bad as the Detroit Lions) on my New Year’s Bands I Really Hope Come to Town Wish List. While I caught one band (Sigur Rós) in Minneapolis, it doesn’t count since it never took place here, such is the inflexible criteria.

Sure I’m slightly discouraged by the lack of love our city gets, but tis the season for optimistic wishes, so I composed another year’s list of concert hopefuls. This year though, I asked my trusted Magic Eight Ball fortune teller what the likelihood of each band coming to town was, and I must warn you its surprisingly sentient answers aren’t very comforting (and are just plain mean at times!)

2009 Winnipeg Concert Wishlist (in no particular order):


1. Vampire Weekend

Magic 8 ball said: Outlook Not So Good

2. Mum

Magic 8 ball said: Concentrate and Ask Again. I did: Better not tell you now.

3. Carl Newman

Magic 8 ball said: As I see it, yes.

4. Parachutes

Magic 8 ball said: Cannot predict now.

5. Goldfrapp

Magic 8 ball said: Here’s a prediction I can make: not happening.

6. Death Cab For Cutie (headlining show)

Magic 8 ball said: They were just there. Don’t push your luck.

7. Radiohead

Magic 8 ball said: Are you fucking kidding me? You live in Winnipeg dude!

8. MGMT

Magic 8 ball said: About as likely as the NHL returning.

9. Flight of the Conchords

Magic 8 ball said: *slaps knees* You SLAY me! Flight of the Conchords playing Winnipeg?!? A ha ha ha…that’s even funnier than the show!

10. Rah Rah

Magic 8 ball said: Now you’re being realistic. All signs point to “maybe”.


Who would you love to see come to town?

Infinite Playlist: Rah Rah - Going Steady

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My Favourite Songs Of The Year

For the second year running, I made a 80-minute long disc of all my favourite songs released over the past 12 months. My goal is to make one at the end of each year and to revisit the cds years later and hear which songs withstand time's grueling tests and which unfortunately don't.

At some point over the past 365, each of the 19 tracks below evoked that wonderfully joyous brain chemical response that we all love about music, the kinda track that requires looping for an hour, maybe even two until we get sick of it, only to revisit a day later and repeat.

Painting Over 2008's Silence

1. Goldfrapp – A & E
2. MGMT – Time To Pretend
3. Foals – Big Big Love (Fig. 2)
4. Parachutes – Your Stories
5. Plants and Animals - À L'Orée Des Bois
6. The Helio Sequence – You Can Come To Me
7. The Killers – Human
8. Vampire Weekend – M79
9. Cut Copy – So Haunted
10. Library Voices – Step Off The Map & Float
11. Flight Of The Conchords – The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room)
12. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
13. Bon Iver – Blindsided
14. Death Cab For Cutie – No Sunlight
15. M83 – Kim & Jessie
16. She & Him – Sentimental Heart
17. MGMT – Electric Feel
18. Sigur Rós - Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur
19. Goldfrapp – Some People

To clarify: the 19 tracks listed above are in playlist order not in order of preference.

I would, however, like to award some highly coveted Painting Over Silence medals to three songs off the list, tunes I simply couldn't (and really still can't) get enough of:

• GOLD - Goldfrapp's 'A & E'
• SILVER - MGMT's 'Electric Feel'
• BRONZE - MGMT's 'Time To Pretend'

I'm very curious: What were some of your favourite songs over the past 52 weeks?

Infinite Playlist: Painting Over 2008's Silence

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My Five Favourite Shows Of The Year

17 concerts this year! Wow!

Wait a sec. How many does the average person attend? How many does a person who follows music go to?

While I have no data backing this impromptu figure up, I suspect a reasonable estimate for the second question would be around one a month. That would mean my 17 is slightly above average. Slightly above average - that has a nice ring to it! I wouldn't mind having that inscribed on my tombstone.

For the record though, the number 17 doesn’t account for the near-daily summer concerts staged on my apartment’s front lawn by admiringly bad buskers who perform upsettingly awful covers of Radiohead’s ‘Karma Police’. Including these, my concerts attended number would spike to around 70 (they don’t possess enough artistic temerity to play on rainy days. Oh how I now love the sound of the rain.)

Further playing with numbers, I estimate I spent $452.50 Canadian and $42.50 US (Sigur Rós in Minneapolis) on shows this year, two numbers which when combined (and converted) come to slightly more than a month’s rent.

My concert experiences, however, was remarkably varied. Bob Dylan proved spectacularly disappointing; Islands were spectacularly dull; Sigur Rós spectacularly surreal; and Kanye West was spectacularly, well, spectacular.

Anyway, these are my five favourite concerts of 2008:

1. Kanye West w/ Rhianna, N.E.R.D, and Lupe Fiasco
Venue: MTS Centre
Location: Winnipeg
Cost: ~$107
Date: May 26, 2008

I rank Kanye at #1 knowing full well that doing so has the potential to shock and alienate my blog readers. But, of my four blog readers (my magnanimous pal Phil; my poet-uncle who just loves reading anything family members write, even lowly blogs; Lord L-7, head of the Kanye West fan club, Winnipeg chapter; and Shawna, a polite, but rather vocal hip-hop naysayer), I really only risk losing Shawna, so this stays at #1.

Kanye was awesome. Ego matched talent. If he comes back, I will definitely shell out $100 to see him again.

2. Sigur Rós w/ Parachutes
Venue: Orpheum Theatre
Location: Minneapolis
Cost: ~$42.50 US
Date: September 25, 2008

My second time seeing Sigur Rós was not as conscious-altering as the first time, but still an impressive, surreal experience. Parachutes were this year’s winner of the Opening Act I’ve Never Heard Of Who Blew Me Away Cup.

3. Josh Ritter w/ Emm Gryner
Venue: West End Cultural Centre
Location: Winnipeg
Cost: ~$19.75
Date: March 1, 2008

I can’t recall ever seeing someone who loves performing so much. The talented singer-songwriter from Idaho is clearly a passionate and confident musician.

4. Neil Young w/ Death Cab For Cutie & Everest
Venue: MTS Centre
Location: Winnipeg
Cost: ~$107
Date: October 16, 2008

Death Cab exceeded all expectations. Despite standing in front of 10, 000 partisan Neil Youngers, Ben Gibbard & co played like everyone in the audience was there to see them.

And as for Neil Young, well, the sexagenarian appears not to be slowing down with age. Sure he has more wrinkles and thinner hair, but the Winnipeg-raised singer defied his aged by putting on a helluva wicked show.

5. Born Ruffians w/ Plants and Animals, Slim Twig
Venue: The Pyramid
Location: Winnipeg
Cost: ~$15
Date: October 4, 2008

My first exposure to Plants and Animals was overwhelming. I loved them, bought their record and it subsequently made my top ten albums of the year list. Unfortunately, they lost the inaugural Opening Act I’ve Never Heard Of Who Blew Me Away Cup to Parachutes by the slimmest of margins (it was a bloody battle).

Born Ruffians were solid too.

What were some of your favourite/least favourite concerts of the year?

Infinite Playlist: Painting Over 2008's Silence

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Happy Festivus!

Happy Festivus everyone! I hope the feats of strength provided the physical test they should; I hope the aluminum pole shined like the beckon of hope it signifies; and finally, I hope the airing of grievances didn't get too out of hand.



And if you don't celebrate Festivus, well, then Merry Christmas!


Infinite Playlist: The Cure - Trilogy DVD

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My Favourite Albums Of The Year

My top ten albums-of-the-year are:

1. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend



Should I or shouldn’t I sorta paraphrase Depeche Mode. Ah, fuck it: “When I hear Vampire Weekend, I go out of my head. I just can’t get enough. I just can’t get enough.”

2. Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours



Vertiginous synths and caffeinated beats and contagious songs! Oh my!

3. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

Of these illustrious ten records, Fleet Foxes’ fantastic debut will probably be the one I revisit most often as the years tick by. For now though, it’s third on my list.

4. M83 – Saturday = Youth

Anthony Gonzalez = electronic alchemist.

5. Plants and Animals – Parc Avenue

Not a single miss on this Polaris-nominated album. Makes me question whether Caribou was the right choice for this year’s award.

6. Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree

I remember playing “A & E” in a continuous loop for like an hour and wishing for my intense infatuation to last forever. It died down after awhile, but I still love it. Also, the lovely “Some People” melts my insides.

7. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

I’m always a sucker for these lo-fi, achingly gorgeous, highly personal albums.

8. El Guincho – Alegranza!

Energetic guys from Spain who channel some of Animal Collective’s spirit (the multi-part harmonies and playful arrangements) but give it a Western European spin. Worth of that exclamation mark (if only I knew what Alegranza meant…or for that matter El Guincho).

9. The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead

I gravitated toward this record because I liked the band’s name. Turned out to be kismet.

10. Rah Rah – Going Steady

There must be creative germs in Regina’s drinking water! Like Library Voices, this is a provincial neighbour you need to be familiar with right NOW!

And a few EPs I absolutely loved:

1. Parachutes - Parachutes

Parachutes opened for Sigur Rós in Minneapolis back in September. I was enchanted throughout by their not-exactly-dissimilar-to-Sigur-Rós sound, and am eagerly awaiting their full length debut. The YouTube video below (of YouTube quality) would probably break my heart…if Goldfrapp hadn’t already melted it (veiled Flight of the Conchords reference for ya).



2. Library Voices – Hunting Voices

Some self-plagiarism: There must be creative germs in Regina’s drinking water! Like Rah Rah, this is a provincial neighbour you need to be familiar with right NOW!


Still to come this week: my favourite songs and favourite shows of the year.

Infinite Playlist: Painting Over 2008's Silence - My Favourite Songs Of The Year

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The Best Albums Of 2008 - As Voted By Painting Over Silence Blog Readers

First of all, thanks to everyone who sent in lists and/or comments about said record. I had a lot of fun compiling the results and even discovered some wicked new sounds. Also, a lot of people didn't leave comments (it was optional after all) so the glowing adoration for some entries is less explained than others.

Second, this list was entirely voted upon by blog readers, so it does not include my personal top ten (which will be published tomorrow...stay tuned!).

Third, despite not receiving a single first-place vote, Fleet Foxes dominated the competition. If you haven't heard them yet, check out the video below for "White Winter Hymnal" - it's glorious!

Fourth, ties were unavoidable. Made me seriously consider adding my top ten into the mix.

Now without further delay....

1. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes



"What a brilliant debut. ALMOST my favourite record of the year." - Sarah

"Beautiful music that for some reason makes me picture country landscapes covered in powdery snow." - Phil

"Like if Bon Iver were a bunch of guys." - DW

"I just love this one." - TR

2. M83 - Saturdays = Youth



"'Kim and Jessie' - song of the year." - Ben
(Mykael's note: see and hear above)

"I can't get enough of it..." - Nick

3. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

"Like if Fleet Foxes were one guy." - DW

"Justin Vernon's brilliant debut album, crafted alone in the woods of Wisconsin. Haunting, beautiful." - Nick

"A rather late addition to my list, but a new favourite based on the fact that I can't resist mopey - but not EMO - guys that can rock (but just a little)." - TR

"Just beautiful." - Sarah

4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

"With only 34 minutes runtime, Vampire Weekend's debut album is short and very sweet. All hits, no misses with this one. I can't wait to see what their next album will sound like and I'm sure I'm not the only one." - Phil

"The soundtrack of my summer!" - Sarah

5. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

"I've been listening to In Ghost Colours in my car for many months now and it hasn't left my changer sicne the day I put it in. I've probably listened to it more times than any of the other albums on this list combined, and I'm not sick of it! A true sign of an excellent album." - Phil

6. Constantines - Kensington Heights

"Winner, gritty band of the year." - Ben

6. Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

"Unlike most, I'm a big fan of the first four drony minutes of 'I Will Possess Your Heart'" - Ben

6. Sigur Rós - með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

"While not my favourite Sigur Rós album, there is a certain comfort to their music and their presence in my musical repertoire." - TR

9. The Verve - Forth

"Poor Coldplay tries so hard while this sounds effortless." - DW

"They have come a long way since 'Bittersweet Symphony'." - TR

9. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles

"Voltaic!" - Whitney

"How can you not be hooked after the first few video-game-esque bars of its opening track 'Untrust Us'?" - Nick

**************

Honourable Mentions (in alphabetical order)

Beck - Modern Guilt
Damien Jurado - Caught In The Trees
Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords
Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Tallest Man On Earth - Shallow Grave
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

Last word: While I'm not publishing individual lists, please feel free to publish your personal list under the comments!

Hope to hear from everyone (and more) again next year!

Infinite Playlist: Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

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The JP Hoe Holiday Show - Live At The Park Theatre

So I got a free, last-minute invite to tonight's sold out JP Hoe Holiday show at the Park Theatre, and it sure was a lot of fun. Crazy Christmas costumes were worn; cookies were given away; oh, and music was played.

The talented singer-songwriter was joined on stage by Fred Penner (who read a holiday story to the crowd) and by local rockers Quinzy. A few members of the WSO were along for the ride as well.

But the star of the show was definitely the man himself. It was my first time hearing the JP's rock-tinged folk music, and live it proved to be soul-stirring and charming. JP himself was a confident, funny, and clearly passionate performer, and if I had cash, I would've picked up his disc. Next time for sure.

Blog Poll Results tomorrow!

Infinite Playlist: Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

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