Holy 2011. Such a fab year! Being the CD buff that I am, I bought albums all year long. Mp3 is exciting, but come on! Having the actual album IN YOUR HANDS is such an amazing feeling.
Any-who, here are the songs that got me through the year:
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You
What is there to say about the Red Hot Chili Peppers? 28 years and 10 albums later they can still rock out with their cocks out (well, at the very least with their cocks in a strategically placed tube sock). With Rick Rubin once again taking the reins on production, I’m With You delivers the unique brand of funk we’ve come to expect from the Chili Peppers, albeit lacking the distinct presence of John Frusciante. That being said, Josh Klinghoffer, the band’s new guitarist, doesn’t disappoint, lending a darker, at times experimental undertone to the music, that while memorable in its own way, doesn’t detract from the Chili Pepper sound that we know , love and get naked to. Also noticeable was Flea’s reversion back to basics, with uncomplicated bass grooves that were more melodic and less about aggressive slapping and popping. Not a big surprise, considering his recent foray back into education to hone up on musical theory. Sure, I’m With You doesn’t have the once gregarious, impulsive energy of the Peppers’ Blood Sugar days, but I for one had no problem rocking out via the exposure of my metaphorical penis.
On Your Side Tour (Photo: Eve Sharabi)
1. The Young and Useless Tour – This Century’s headlining tour with support from Austin Gibbs and Carter Husley happened at Sneaky Dee’s on July 26th. Although Austin Gibbs decided to drop out of the tour on July 15th, the band got help from local bands: We Are the Wild Things, Chiara Young and Sleeper Skylight. The five bands played happily, thankful for every fan attending. The bands were down to earth and created an intimate atmosphere where fans could hang out and listen to both known favourite bands as well as new bands they may have never heard.
Anarbor at The Annex Wreck Room (Photo: Eve Sharabi)
2011 was a good year for concerts. Although I couldn’t attend many due to sickness, distance, school or cost, I did see as many local shows as I could. Here’s my Top-3:
1. Mod Sun – Blazed By The Bell
Released September 22nd 2011 as a free mix-tape on Mod Sun’s website. With his hip-hop/rap sound and hippy vibe, Mod Sun describes his genre as “hippy hop”. His down to earth personality is reflected in his music with his constant repetition of “No fans, just friends.” Also, Mod Sun was nominated this year to be the first un-signed artist on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine and although he didn’t win, he proved that you don’t need to be signed to be noticed.
Seems like all of our favourite musicians are in the spirit of giving this holiday season. Lady Gaga’s rough “one shot” recorded track is available for you to listen to and, when Gaga’s elves fix the download limit on Soundcloud, for you to stuff in your virtual stockings.
English indie pop band The xx have released a demo just in time for the holidays. This is the first new material that we’ve seen from them since the release of their Mercury Prize winning self titled album. Get a taste of what’s to come: