Land of Talk feature Elizabeth Powell, a former punk who got her start playing her own anti-rock anthems on the local scene of Guelph, Ontario, during her mid-teens. Upon her college years, with stints playing with the Aaron Riches Nuclear Family Band and the Valentines behind her, Powell set her sights on a solo career in the late ’90s. Gigs in and around Ontario and Quebec eventually led to the formation of Land of Talk in 2005 with Bucky Wheaton and Chris McCarron.
Bon Iver / Re:Stacks This song changed my course, emotionally. I can’t tell you how, but it levelled me. Everyone I have played it for, or who has heard it, has had same to similar reactions. This is a song I will listen to well into my twilight years.
Named Best New Artist of 2008 by iTunes Canada, the Montreal foursome Winter Gloves endearingly dub themselves ‘glock-rock’ for their use of the oft-ignored glockenspiel. The band began as the solo project of Charles F, who created the early Winter Gloves recordings that make up Let Me Drive EP in his own home using a single microphone. The project soon evolved into a four-piece ensemble that also includes Pat Sayers, Vincent Chalifour, and Jean-Michel Pigeon.
Chad Vangaalen / TMNT Mask I recently discovered the voice of Chad Vagaalen. It was such a shock that I wasn’t sure I would spread the news or keep it jealously for myself. The whole album is a hit, but this song stands out and brings together two of my childhood icons: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and cheap Casio keyboards.
In mid-February, Australian band, The Devoted Few, release Baby, You’re a Vampire, the follow-up to their previously acclaimed album, Billboard Noises. Baby, You’re a Vampire is an astonishing record from start to finish. It’s got moments of transcendence that would make the Arcade Fire blush, dark corners that would frighten Robert Smith, and ideas that would make Brian Eno say, ‘bugger, I wish I’d thought of that’.
Pivot / In The Blood Lawrence Pike must be one of the best drummers in Australia. Whenever I see these guys live, I generally spend the whole show glued to what he’s doing. There are some beautifully messed up guitar sounds on this and the approach to playing them is one that I’ll be trying to rip off in the future.
My Secret Playlist is a music discovery website and weekly email publication. We invite our favourite bands and musicians to give us the rundown on their eight favourite songs right now. These are their words on the music that inspires them.
