The Noisettes Build A Bridge To Canada>>

One of the most interesting (and perhaps exaggerated) stories I’ve ever heard in the music world, describes how Henry Rollins joined the seminal punk band Black Flag. Rollins attended a show with his friend Ian MacKaye (founder of Minor Threat and Fugazi) and decided he wanted to sing on stage. So he got up and knocked out Dez Cadena (the original singer) and replaced him, for the rest of the night and the rest of the band’s existence.

The Noisettes were formed out of a similar, though much more tame, situation. Attendees of the British Croydon Music and Stage School, front woman Shingai Shoniwa decided to pull quiet guitarist Dan Smith (whose father once jammed with Jimmy Page) to dance on stage with her during a school music recital. The performance was being put on by a group of student “superstars” that now happen to be members of UK contemporaries the Feeling.

Add burlesque choreography to Shoniwa’s curriculum vitae, and the fact that she often plays her guitar with items like loaves of bread, and you quickly develop a picture of someone out of step with the musical mainstream. Smith was smitten by Shoniwa’s vitality, and following a series of impromptu noise-jazz gigs and the addition of drummer Jamie Morrison (who spent his teenage years playing drums locked in his attic), the Noisettes were formed and ready to rock.

The first track that caught my attention by the band was the rocking tune with a Canadian flavour: Bridge To Canada provided here thanks to the Rocksuckers. Feel free to check out the band’s myspace page here, and check out their official site for videos and other musical downloads. Ironically, given the song I mentioned, for those of us north of the border, the Noisettes won’t be making it to Canada on their current tour. Hopefully they will in the near future.

moon river >>

A while back, I (along with the sometimes heard from Burtch) posted a sort of wrap-up for the Virgin Festival last summer. I wrote a bit about Kid Koala, who I was really impressed with (even though his set was cut short). I wasn’t able to find his version of Moon River on the net, but now I’ve come across a wicked video. Check it out, truly amazing.

Anyone got tickets yet to Virgin fest? Great line up so far, wonder when they’ll start adding more names….

Kasabian “Me Plus One” >>

Check out Kasabian‘s video for Me Plus One.

Anyone know Sam Roberts? I swear that’s what they are going for in this song. I once saw a skull made of naked women, but I don’t have enough space in this post to explain…

Currently Listening To >>

Diamonds In The Dark by Mystery Jets. Check their myspace to hear Umbrellahead, great song.

If you were looking forward to seeing these kids in North America, I’ve got bad news. Visa problems are cancelling their current tour.

Indie Music Filter: Volume 3 >>

Its about time I put together a new mixtape. Here’s whats really getting the most spins with me these days. Click on the tape to download the zip file or get the album here. **Should take some time to download.
**All the tracks on this disc fall into a couple different categories. Artists either agreed to post their mp3 on my site, or their music has been made available on the net by a part of their team (homepage, myspace page, label page, publicity company, etc.). If you’d like off the disc, send me an e-mail.

Catching a Brakes >>

If I was to describe a band as containing former member of British Sea Power Eamon Hamilton, with the occasional backing from members of Sigur Ros, you’d probably picture something along the lines of winding musical tapestries that capture and build towards the precipice of a forceful crescendo. Both bands often produce lighter tracks with haunting or raspy vocals, before evolving into their full anthemic, stadium rock glory. You probably would NOT expect Country-punk… evoking reminders of acts like the Meat Puppets, Supersuckers, and Mclusky. And yet that is where the Brakes of Brighton, UK situate themselves on the musical scene.

Their just released 2nd album, Beatific Visions does blend a variety of musical leanings though, with tracks such as Isabel and No Return reminding of less aggressive artists such as Belle & Sebastian, Neil Young, or the aforementioned Sigur Ros. If you’re interested in songs that push you into a gallop though, tracks such as Hold Me In The River, Porcupine or Pineapple (which is on their myspace page), and Cease and Desist, will encourage you.

The band hits North American shores for a tour starting in LA on the 30th of May; they land in Toronto on June 12th at Lee’s Palace with Pela, and then Montreal’s Club Lambi on the 13th.

The Envy Corps >>

Keep this song in your head into the weekend. Its called Wires and Wool by The Envy Corps.

A band that’s been building from 2001 made up by a couple guys from Ames, Iowa. You’re probably going to be hearing a lot more from these guys if you haven’t already. They’ve toured with the Killers, currently touring the UK with Editors and are looking forward to releasing a full-length this summer called Dwell on Vertigo Records.

Head over to their myspace page to hear a couple others. Not sure what a Rhinemaiden is, but its a great song and video.

A couple quick thoughts on the Arcade Fire >>

1) You kids have an amazing live show, don’t change anything. Thanks for the 2 encores tonight. did you play a secret show that I didn’t know about?

2) Neon Bible. I like the record, but I think I’m a Funeral kind of guy. In the live shows? Its going to be a while before you get a louder response for something off the new record when you compare it to songs like Laika or Tunnels. Or even a sick transition from Wake Up Power Out to Rebellion (Lies).

3) My Body Is A Cage would make an amazing dance remix. Its all about Win’s vocal hook.
I have no real reason why I believe this, but one day, Intervention might become a Christmas song. Take a listen, does anybody know what I’m talking about??

4) and finally, I have a huge crush on Sarah Neufeld. You are quite amazing.