YOU ARE THE BLOOD - SUFJAN STEVENS

Sufjan Stevens cover's the Castanets for a charity album raising money for HIV and AIDS.

"Dark Was The Night will be released on February 17th, 2009. It’s comprised of 31 exclusive tracks and it will be available as a double cd/triple vinyl/download and will benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture. They are the people responsible for albums including No Alternative, Red Hot and Blue and many more, and this is their 20th year, and this is the 20th release!"

For his contribution to the the disc, Sufjan Stevens has covered his fellow Label mates the Castanets. The track,"You Are The Blood" is 10 minutes long, but don't let that intimidate you. At first listen I couldn't help but be reminded of Chad VanGaalen. Accompanied by lo-fi distortion, the intro to the song introduces you to the more eclectic side of Stevens. He does manage to incorporate small nuances of his own songs Illionis, A Sun Came and Seven Swans throughout the course of the song. Overall, the track takes a few turns here and there which definitely keeps things interesting. It's been a while since Sufjan Stevens' last release, so this is a real treat for those waiting for the next album.

YOU ARE THE BLOOD - SUFJAN STEVENS

LOVE LOCKDOWN (Kanye West Cover) - WHITE LIES

Hot off the release of their debut album 'To Lose My Life', White Lies are said to be the next big Brit act to watch out for in 09'. Compared to the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Leon and Babyshambles...it would seem unlikely this group would do a Kanye West cover... especially for BBC Radio 1. No mater though, the point is it happened and it's wonderful. This cover takes the song to a dark place with haunting drums and powerful, escalating vocals. Definitely give this one a listen. More info on the group at www.whitelies.com.

LOVE LOCKDOWN (KANYE WEST COVER) - WHITE LIES

ADAM FRASER PHOTOGRAPHY

Adam Fraser is an Alberta based photographer and one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. Upon graduation of high school, Adam made the move down to Calgary to pursue his post secondary education with a focus on photography. Adam has always had a keen eye for the unusual and beautiful. Now in his second year of studies at the prestigious 'Alberta College of Art and Design' his portfolio is constantly expanding as is his range of subject matter and concept work. If you are into photography at all or just appreciate a well shot image... I highly recommend you check out Adam's work:

WEBSITE
FLICKER
BUY HIS BOOK

FLEET FOXES

I'm not sure of the exact date it happened, but I won't forget the moment I found the Fleet Foxes album sitting in my car. I popped it in and was so thankful a friend of mine had accidentally forgotten to take it home with them. Immediately I was sucked into the soulful vocals, entrancing harmonies and overall feeling of the record. Subpop Records released the the Fleet Foxes first full length album (self-titled) in June 2008.

"This record is like our first steps and like any newborn, we made mistakes and made discoveries and in the process better found out who we are! That is what the record represents to me when I hear it now—the process we went through to find ourselves the first time. We cannot wait to continue making records, to explore all there is to explore in this vast musical landscape and test ourselves in new ways through song.”

Personally, I cannot wait to hear what they come out with next... but for now "He Doesn't Know Why" will still be my favorite Fleet Foxes track. Enjoy!

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why from Grandchildren on Vimeo.

BURIAL (DJ MEHDI REMIX) - MIIKE SNOW

I have to admit, I hadn't heard a thing about Miike Snow until the single 'Animal' (remixed by Treasure Fingers, Crookers) was released just recently. Barely leaving us with a chance to let that one sink in, Miike Snow has just released the single 'Burial', already remixed by Ed Banger star DJ Mehdi. It's a smooth track with TV On The Radio-esk vocals and a punch of the always agreeable Mehdi flavor. Not the next club banger mind you, but definitely something to add to your collection. Head on over to RCRDLBL for the download.


BURIAL (DJ MEHDI REMIX) - MIIKE SNOW (RCRDLBL)

STEVE AOKI @ EEC

I found a few pictures I took when Steve Aoki/MSTRKRFT came to Edmonton in December...better late then never.

ICE CREAM - MUSCLES

"I don't need a number I just wanna dance with my shirt off. And I don't want no other
I just wanna dance." - Muscles

This week in Edmonton we caught the first glimpse of spring. Meaning it hovered just above freezing and there was actual sunshine for maybe 5 hours during the day... but hey it's a start. That being said, I cannot wait for spring and the music that comes along with it. Today's track is a throwback to what... 2007?

Here's a little something to remind you of the simple summer days, courtesy of Australia's very own Muscles who just happens to be doing a couple dates this month. You can check out his website for more details.

ICE CREAM - MUSCLES

UPDATE

So after what seems to be a pretty extensive break from this blog... I've decided to keep it. I think it just began to feel more like a chore and less and less like a place where I was just sharing some of my favorite things. From now on I'm going to be less concerned with posting the newest/most hype tracks and more concerned with putting up quality events,tracks,photos, videos and reviews that I'm into. It's a New Year and I hope you'll give me another shot at being one of your favorite reads.

Take Care!

Michelle
shesaidwhat?