The Blenheim Street Project

photo by Amplify This!

There are always people you meet in life who are so amazingly talented that you can't help but envy them. Jasper Sloan Yip is one of those people. I have been lucky enough to work with him on a few photoshoots and hang out with the sole member and main man of acoustic-folk act The Blenheim Street Project (BSP as referred to by the cool kids). White Elephant EP was the first release from The BSP in 2007 with dreamy songs full of spiraling melodies and thoughtful lyricism about travels and love all from a four track recorder in the depths of a Vancouver basement.

Currently residing in that same basement working on new material for the next album, you can catch him performing with his acoustic guitar and red, velvet chair at several venues in Vancouver throughout February. Keep your eyes and ears open for BSP and let the envy begin to form.

The BSP Photoshoot / Myspace / Facebook
Listen and purchase the White Elephant EP at CD Baby
Watch live performances on You Tube

The Online Romance and Bridges and Powerlines

photo by Sam Brosnan

I always love my quirky, indie pop bands that remind me of the days I would sit in a corner with earphones that were too big for my head and listen to joyous things such as The Beach Boys or all my grandmothers old records. The Online Romance are that band. The sextet from Portland, Oregon combine an array of percussion and heavenly harmonies that can only be found in dreams. They are currently taking a break from touring to concentrate on their full length album. One of the tracks that will be featured is Ladybug Don't Smile which you can download below. Check out their Myspace and site for more details. For now, just smile and enjoy.

MP3: Ladybug Don't Smile / Myspace / Site

photo by Ana Blohm

Another band that has caught my attention is Bridges and Powerlines, a four piece from New York that cram lots of fuzz and synth into various three minute slots. Making a name for themselves from the big players such New York Press, Pitchfork and CMJ Music these guys are definitely worth the listen. Currently working on their next album but download the following tracks to keep you going.

MP3: Uncalibrated / MP3: Middle Child / Myspace / Site

You're A Wolf

A couple of nights ago, whilst eating my supper, the new Chevrolet Malibu commercial came on TV. I stopped eating and paid attention to the sugary vocals and dreamy guitars that played. I did my research and discoverd a new band from LA called Sea Wolf who are pretty awesome. Check out the Chevrolet video and the Sea Wolf video for the same song below.

Sea Wolf Site / Myspace

New Fanfarlo Video

Fanfarlo have been a little quiet in my camp recently and I haven't really kept up to date with what they have been doing but luckily I received this new video link a couple of days ago for the ever catchy Harold T Wilkins. It's a pretty rad video as well.

Best of 2008

Another manic year has passed by and more music has defined that year. I feel I have had my finger off the pulse for most of it but that was due to starting a new life in the land of maple leaves. Besides that, I have tried my best to follow what has been going on and the following list is my best of 2008 and the soundtrack of my year.

Mason Proper - Lock and Key
Bear Hands - Bad Blood
Department Of Eagles - No One Does It Like You
Noah and The Whale - 5 Years Time
Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
Sigur Rós - Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur
Mystery Jets - Young Love feat Laura Marling
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
The Stills - Being Here
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
French Kicks - Love In The Ruins
Islands - Creeper
Vampire Weekend - M79
Death Cab For Cutie - No Sunlight
MGMT - Electric Feel
Ratatat - Shempi
Headlights - Cherry Tulips
M.I.A - Paper Planes
Weezer - Pork and Beans
The Walkmen - The Blue Route
Frightened Rabbit - Head Rolls Off
Wolf Parade - Language City
Foals - Cassius
Santogold - My Drive Thru feat. N.E.R.D and Julian Casablancas

The Infinite Playlist

So, I went to the above movie a few nights ago really just for the playlist but it was a pretty awesome movie. Light hearted and funny and lucky enough to get my Jay Baruchel fix. Anyway the playlist is awesome and should be listened to....and I am nice to enough to go on the hunt to save you the hassle.

Chris Bell - Speed Of Sound Myspace
Devandra Banhart - Lover Myspace
Bishop Allen - Middle Management MP3
Vampire Weekend - Ottoman MP3
The Dead 60s - Riot Radio MP3
Takka Takka - Fever Myspace
The Submarines - Xavia MP3
We Are Scientists - After Hours MP3
Band Of Horses - Our Swords MP3
Army Navy - Silvery Sleds Myspace
Richard Hawley - Baby You're My Light Myspace
Shout Out Louds - Very Loud MP3
Paul Tiernan - How To Say Goodbye Myspace
The Real Tuesday Weld - Last Words
Mark Mothersbaugh - Nick and Norah's Theme

Here's the trailer for your entertainment needs

Amplified!

Fantasmes

I am on a dreamy, shoegazy, folky rampage and I think I have found some diamonds. Fantasmes are from Puerto Rico and main man Mario Negr­ó is currently my soundtrack to lost thoughts and recalling dreams. Listen to A Sinister Garden because you simply can't live without this type of beauty.


Honey Pine Dresser

For years I have known great things have come out of Quebec (via London) and Marie-Pascale is one of those. She writes great folk-pop songs with a quirky twist and has a voice like chocolate eclairs. Which is a great quality. Check out Jellyfish to prove how far her talents go.


The Kitchen Cabinet

Peanut butter, custard, ice cream and frozen yogurt. These are some of my favourtie things that are delicious and smooth. And The Kitchen Cabinet is now added to this list. Upbeat happiness all about youth and love. It just all makes sense. Tickle your ears with Baby Bite Your Lip.


New Century Classics

The dreamiest of the lot. This five piece from Poland sound like they tender and care for their instruments going by the sounds that come through my speakers. My speakers love it. Sandbox Love should be the song of choice.