Sound of Lions interview and Sept. 15th show recap

It feels good to be back in action. Well, half back in action — yes, today’s show was prerecorded. But that didn’t make it any less kickass. This week’s tracks:

Winter Gloves – Plastic Slides
The Balconies – Elephant Lamp
Caribou – Leave House
Rich Aucoin – Brian Wilson is A.L.I.V.E.
Parlovr – Pen to the Paper
The Gallop – Evenings Over the Hills
Sound of Lions – Enders
Land of Talk – Cloak and Cipher
Free Energy – Dream City
Two Hours Traffic – Noisemaker
Tokyo Police Club – Not Sick

A couple weeks ago, I got to chat with Whitney and Christian (and their adorable kitty Mixtape) about their incredible project, Sound of Lions. A little trip-hop, a little lounge, and a whole lot of awesome, Sound of Lions has been in the works for over a year, but this Friday, the 17th, marks their first live show with a full band. Whitney and Christian have been recording a bunch of tracks themselves, in their ecclectic Centretown apartment, but have also been working on expanding their sound with some fantastic fellow local musicians. We talked about working on this new sound, the hip-hop scene in Ottawa, and where they came up with their majestic name:

Be sure to catch Sound of Lions this Friday, Sept. 17th, as they open for Skratch Bastid at Ritual Nightclub on Besserer St. More deets in our Local Listings section.

Speaking of listings… go check that shizz out. Let alone the next few weeks and months, there are actually some incredible shows happening TONIGHT, if you happen to read this in time. Get out of the house and check out at least one of the following:

– Caribou and the Russian Futurists at Babylon on Bank St. (though I hear tickets at the door are limited)

– The Anybody at the Cajun Attic on Dalhousie St. (1opm)

– The Golden Isles at the Avant Garde Bar on Besserer (I just interviewed these guys — they’re great — and will be airing the chat next week)

That should keep you occupied — ’til next week!

“Take your shirts off when you play. It feels good.” Interview with Miaou Miaou – PART ONE of August 25th show recap

I know I say this often, but really — today was an incredible show.

What we spun (apparently “ou”-heavy, it seems):

Caribou – Sun
Siskiyou – Hold It In
Miaou Miaou – North Memphis
Michou – Eavesdropping
Little City – Rise Up
Land of Talk – Swift Coin

Vancouver two-piece Miaou Miaou — composed of hilarious guys Raph and Sean — were in town playing at the Elmdale Tavern last week and I got the chance to sit down with them and talk west coast music, touring Canada, and, uh, taking your shirt off while playing the drums.

They’re playing at Rancho Relaxo tonight in Toronto — if you happen to be there, you should check ’em out! Why not sidle over to their myspace, too — they’ve got a great, self-described “grunge-pop” sound.

And just wait for our next post: Toronto’s Little City also joined us in the studio today to chat and perform…

July 8th show recap

The Polaris Prize Short List was announced Tuesday — which gave us some fabulous content this week on Now Playing:

Born Ruffians – Nova-Leigh
Royal Canoe – Me Loving Your Money
Dan Mangan – Road Regrets
Broken Social Scene – Chase Scene
Shad – Yaa I Get It
The Sadies – Another Day Again
Radio Radio – 9 Piece Luggage Set
Tegan and Sara – Don’t Rush
Owen Pallett – Lewis Takes Off His Shirt
The Besnard Lakes – Chicago Train
Caribou – Odessa

Okay, yes, those first two tracks had nothing to do with Polaris. And, yes, we forgot Karkwa (here’s something to make up for it. And we’ll play ’em next week). But hey — those first two tracks? Still awesome. And both bands are making a stop in Ottawa soon — Born Ruffians are hitting up the York St. Pop Life Stage as part of Bluesfest on July 10th at 7:15pm, and Royal Canoe will be playing at Zaphod’s on July 22nd at 8pm (see previous post).

That’s about it for now. Still keep your eyes peeled for album and show reviews comin’ your way soon.