Artist: Royal Wood, Album: The Waiting, Song: On Top Of Your Love

"You scare me half to death but you bring on my best.  The worst I haven't seen but  give it all to me.  I wanna get on top of your love."  Royal Wood is a singer songwriter from Ontario who started his career in 2002.  Eight years later, finds him continuing to perfect his craft with the release of his latest album entitled, The Waiting.  Already garnering a lot of critical acclaim for his music.  The Waiting won him the Itunes award for Songwriter of the Year and he will be on tour in support of David Gray.  On Top Of Your Love is a song about pleasure and lust from this latest release.  Royal Wood sings confidently on this track that shows an experience beyond his years.  He actually reminds me of another Canadian artist by the name of Hawksley Workman, who he has collaborated with in the past.  The album, The Waiting, is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can follow Royal Wood and his music at http://www.royalwood.ca/.  You can also get a free download of the song, On Top Of Your Love, there as well.  He is in the middle of his Canadian tour and he'll be in B.C. during the month of October before making his way back east.  You can watch the video for, On Top Of Your Love, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MYSxbH_4-k&ob=av2e).  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: New Meanies, Album: Three Seeds, Song: Three Seeds

"I'm planting three seeds of positivity outside my window.  Gonna let them grow.  Every day, every hour.  I'm gonna watch 'til they flower."  The New Meanies were a band from Winnipeg, Manitoba that garnered some national attention following the release of their major label debut, Three Seeds.  The band had already developed a strong following regionally in the early nineties as the Blue Meanies.  It was their relentless touring and live presence that attracted Virgin Music in 1997.  The band changed it's name at that point to the New  Meanies to avoid confusion with other existing bands that had the name, Blue Meanies.  The song, Three Seeds, was the blazing lead off track on this release.  It reminds me a lot of the Black Crowes and Big Sugar.  More rock than blues but perhaps that's what you get when you enlist the services of a producer who had worked with Motorhead!  The album was recorded in California and landed the band some opening gigs with artists like Alice Cooper.  Surprisingly, their time in the spotlight was shorter than I would have expected.  They had such a refreshing sound for Canadian rock music at the time but decided to leave Virgin and explore life as an independent once more.  They would release one last album in 2001 and that would be it.  The band appears to be still together though.  I'm not sure if there is another recording planned at some point but you could see them play from time to time.  You can follow them at http://www.myspace.com/newmeanies.  Unfortunately, at the time of this blog, I could not find any new or used copies of Three Seeds available.  The band's independent releases are available on Itunes and CDBaby but not this Virgin release.  You can watch the video for the song, Three Seeds, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az5fr5lSZXE).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Eight Seconds, Album: Almacantar, Song: Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)

"Kiss you when it's dangerous.  I'll kiss you then and only then.  I'll kiss you when it's dangerous.  I'll kiss you once but never again."  Eight Seconds were a 5 piece from Ottawa, Ontario that had this hit back in 1986.  Kiss You was off their debut full length entitled, Almacantar.  The band won a local radio contest which prompted the attention of English producer Rupert Hine.  If you enjoyed any 80's release from The Fixx, Howard Jones, Chris DeBurgh, Saga or Tina Turner's Private Dancer  album, you have him to thank.  He had the band come to England where they recorded Almacantar as well as a very cool 12inch version of the song, Kiss You.  I found it recently in a used record store.  The liner notes show that this song as well as others were written 2-3 years prior to this release.  It seems this band's biggest problem was their label.  By the time they released their next album, it was almost 4 years later and the label ATCO went bankrupt.  The band at that point dissolved.  In 2002, a group formed to lobby Universal Canada to re-issue the Almacantar album as part of their Heritage Classic Series.  You can read about that at Almacantar Project.  Today, this album trades between $40 and $100 in used condition or new so I'm not sure how successful this project was but kudos to anyone who is passionate enough to preserve our musical history.  You can watch the video for the song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3bPUCgCAk).  You can also hear the 12inch version on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Duhks, Album: Fast Paced World, Song: Magalenha

The Duhks are a roots based band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fast Paced World was released in 2008 and is their 4th full length to date.  However, this particular release ushered in some line up changes to the band which appears to have had a profound effect on their musical scope.  Case in point, the song, Magalenha.  It's a latin roots fusion of sorts and the lyrics I believe are sung in Portuguese.  One of my favourite tracks despite not understanding a single word!  The Duhks are Tania Elizabeth, Jordan McConnell and Leonard Podolak along with the new brother/sister duo of Sarah and Christian Dugas.  They have been Grammy nominated already in the country category and were Juno winners as well.  They've opened for Los Lobos, played Bonnaroo and jammed onstage with John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).  You can follow the band at http://www.duhks.com.  It appears that following a full year of touring the world in support of this release, the band took a break this year.  Fiddle player, Tania Elizabeth has also left the band.  Hopefully we will hear something new from the band in 2011.  You can hear the song, Magalenha, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rUBoBS7Ijw&feature=related).  The album, Fast Paced World, is available on Itunes and Amazon.  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Danny Michel, Album: Valhalla, Song: Midnight Train

"I'm standing at the gate.  I got my ticket in my hand.  I'm praying you're just late.  I still don't understand.  I sank into my seat.  It was so, we slowly pulled away and no one called my name.  So I left on a midnight train."  Danny Michel is a singer songwriter from Ontario.  Originally hailing from Kitchener, he released his debut in 1999 and to date, has 8 releases.  His most recent, Sunset Sea, was just released.  This particular track, Midnight Train, was off his 2006 release, Valhalla.  He is quite an engaging entertainer if you get a chance to see him live.  It's a shame our country doesn't do more to promote his music because he is a phenomenal talent that deserves more recognition than he gets.  Midnight Train has a very cool groove to it and is more of an r&b track than a rock song.  Danny does push the envelope in his recording and I can honestly say there really isn't a common description for his music style.  It's rather refreshing if you ask me.  He is also very interactive with his fans either by allowing them to remix his tracks or offering them free downloads of his entire discography for a day.  Danny is in the midst of a national tour in support of his new album and you can keep tabs on him at www.dannymichel.com.  The album, Valhalla, is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can watch Danny and his band perform the song, Midnight Train, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRyk8rHkEZs).  I was actually at this particular show in 2006 at Toronto's Mod Club.  It was my first time seeing Danny live and it was a great show.  The bassist in the band is Emm Gryner and I remember Luke Doucet joining him on stage for a song.  Lastly, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (http://www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Erroll Starr, Album: Temple Of Love, Song: The Key

                                                                                                        "You have the key to open my heart.  Unlock my love and set me free.  You have the key so why don't we start.  Unlock my love and rescue me."  Erroll Starr (aka Erroll Francis) was born in Jamaica and lived in England before immigrating to  Kitchener, Ontario.  The 25 year old cut this upbeat R&B song in 1986 as the lead off single to his debut recording, The Temple Of Love.  The song did very well in Canada and got a lot of airplay on AM Pop Hit radio.  The song was produced by well-known Canadian producer, David Tyson and mixed by Bob Rock.  The song, The Key, was co-written by Eddie Schwartz who is one of our country's most recognized songwriters.  If you love 80's, still own a 12" of Kool & the Gang's Emergency or sported a tight perm back in the day, this song is all about you.  Erroll is still producing and recording today.  He is actually a partner in a business that creates relaxation music for spa and yoga.  You can check it out at www.asomamusic.com.  The song and album are difficult to find.  At the time of this blog, there was one copy of the Temple of Love selling at GrooveCollector.com for 59 Euros (shipping from France).  Ebay and Amazon had vinyl copies of the single, The Key, selling between $9 and $20.  You can watch the video for the song, The Key, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycDrmBWFRCA).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio). Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Haunted, Album: The Haunted, Song: 1-2-5

                                
"Walking down the street, on a foggy night.  I saw a young girl standing under a light.  Her face was pale and her skirt was tight.  Had a five dollar bill, I felt alright."  The Haunted were a 60's garage band out of Montreal, led by a man named, Jurgen Peter.  The band rose to prominence in 1965 releasing this cool nugget, 1-2-5, about procuring the services of a prostitute.  The band released a number of singles and one self-titled full length before calling it quits in 1971.  The band's sound is raunchy, blues based rock that was popular at the time among bands like the Rolling Stones, the Seeds and the Pretty Things.  The band developed a cult following regionally thanks to the support of local DJ's and their constant touring.  Thankfully, their musical legacy has not been lost.  The Voxx label reissued the self-titled debut with some extra tracks and it is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can also hear their story in the words of Jurgen Peter himself at http://www.thehaunted.com/.  The whole idea of releasing singles doesn't seem like such a foreign concept anymore!  There is another more recent thrash metal band that shares the same name which could surprise you if you happen to stumble upon it by accident.  You can hear the song, 1-2-5, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZXkzao9KvA&feature=related).  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about daily on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy! 

Artist: Skratch Bastid (feat. John Smith, Pip Skid), Album: Taking Care Of Business, Song: I Ain't Lazy

"I ain't trying to get thrown in the can like Pepsi."  In 2005, Skratch Bastid, a DJ from Halifax, teamed up with Pip Skid and John Smith from Peanuts and Corn Records in Brandon, Manitoba, to release one of the greatest Canadian hip hop albums that no one likely heard.  No disrespect to these guys though because they are as good or better than anybody in the rap genre.  If you enjoy old school rap and maybe the Beastie Boys, you will definitely find these guys entertaining.  Skratch Bastid is world renowned and does hundreds of shows a year.  His work is all over You Tube and worth checking out.  Aside from being an absolute whiz on the turntables, he really knows his music and mixes a lot of various styles into what he creates.  He also produced Buck 65's Situation release.  Pip Skid and John Smith both started their careers in the early nineties.  Pip was actually a member of a hip hop band called Farm Fresh.  Both are still active today and the label, Peanuts and Corn, now appears to be based in Vancouver.  You can follow these two guys at http://peanutsandcorn.com/.  You can follow Skratch at http://www.skratchbastid.com/.  The release, Taking Care of Business, isn't widely available.  Amazon has used copies between $40 and $90.  Your best bet is to buy it for $10 at Skratch's website.  Depending on the quality/bit rate you want, you might actually be able to download it for free there as well.  You can watch the video for I Ain't Lazy on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aPpc8vR-lM).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Toronto, Album: Girls Night Out, Song: Ready To Make Up

"I know I haven't been myself too much.  I think I been working a little too hard.  Yes I seem upset when I'm left out.  The wheels were turning a little too far.  But I'm ready.  Said I'm ready.  I'm ready to make up."  Not surprisingly, Toronto was actually a band from Toronto yet most of it's members were American.  Lead singer, Holly Woods was from San Fransisco and the bassist, drummer and keyboard player were all from New York.  Only the two guitar players, Brian Allen and his future wife, Sheron Alton, were Canadian.  The particular track, Ready To Make Up, was off their 1983 release entitled, Girls Night Out.  It's one of the band's lighter tunes.  Heavy on the synths and lyrically reminiscent of 80's Heart.  Coincidentally enough, Heart would record one of Toronto's unreleased songs entitled, What About Love, in the 80's.  The band did quite well in Canada selling 4 straight platinum records between 1980 and 1983.  Then things started to fall off the rails.  Members started leaving and their label, Solid Gold Records went bankrupt.  The band would release a couple of greatest hits compilations in later years that also include this song.  The album, Girls Night Out, was re-mastered and re-released in 2004 by Solid Gold Records.  It is available at Itunes and Amazon.  I also urge you to check out a cover of one of their songs entitled, Your Daddy Don't Know, by the New Pornographers for the Fubar Soundtrack.  It's fantastic and doesn't stray too far from the original.  You can hear the song, Ready To Make Up, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjbP9K4Yfo).  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Breeding Ground, Album: Tales Of Adventure, Song: Happy Now I Know

"I used to listen to Zeppelin and Sabbath.  Then I played these guys backwards and heard some pretty weird sounds."  The classic intro to the video for, Happy Now I Know, by Breeding Ground.  Breeding Ground were a Toronto band that formed in 1981 and made their name on the club circuit as a great live act.  By the time they released, Tales of Adventure, in 1986, they had already opened for the likes of the Stranglers, Echo and the Bunnymen and Bauhaus.  Happy Now I Know was a standout on this release and achieved some regular video play on Much Music.  Although this particular track was rather upbeat, the vocal styling of John Shirreff gave the music a certain darkness.  They definitely had a unique sound for the time.  This particular song was aided by a young Molly Johnson on vocals.  She would further her own musical career in the years that followed as a member of Alta Moda, the Infidels as well as a solo artist.  The band took a 3 year hiatus and came back in 1989 with their final release.  This particular track can also be found on a retrospective of the band entitled, Revisited, which was released in 1994.  Both Tales of Adventure and Revisited are difficult to track down.  At the time of this blog, there was one vinyl copy of Tales of Adventure available on Ebay for $40 and Cd copies of Revisited on Ebay and Amazon between $10 and $30.  You can watch the video for the song, Happy Now I Know, on You Tube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jnsU1hx530).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Wild Strawberries, Album: Grace, Song: Crying Shame

"Jennie lost her job on labour day.  She looks so disconnected but she's really afraid.  Ma-ma-monies gonna fade away.  She says, oooh ooh oh, what a crying shame."  The Wild Strawberries are a husband and wife duo from the Toronto area.  Roberta Carter-Harrison and Ken Harrison started their careers as the Wild Strawberries in the late eighties.  The song, Crying Shame, is actually on two releases.  The first in 1991, entitled, Grace and the second in 1994, entitled , I Bet You Think I'm Lonely.  The latter brought them to the attention of the Nettwerk label which carried them through their heyday in the nineties.  The band went independent in 2000 and are still releasing material today.  If you listened to the radio in Canada during the nineties, you would remember this Juno award winning band and their numerous singles like Life Sized Marilyn Monroe as well as the song Crying Shame.  It's melancholy pop at it's best.  Interesting fact about the Wild Strawberries is that they can thank their longevity to a Euro-trance artist named ATB.  The two have been collaborating for a number of years and have developed a following in Europe, notably in Germany.  They reported selling more records in Germany during the first week of release than in their entire career in Canada.  The band appears to be working on a new album.  They have teamed up with GO transit and seem to be riding the rails, visiting stations across the GTA and playing their music live.  You can follow the band at http://www.wildstrawberries.com/strawbs/Home.html.  You can purchase Grace and I Bet You Think I'm Lonely on Itunes and Amazon.  You can watch the video for the song, Crying Shame, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRa1_jlh1T8&feature=related).  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Kensington Prairie, Album: Captured In Still Life, Song: Bluebirds

"When will the bluebird sing her song by the window.  When will the new year shine her face like she did before.  When we were seventeen."  If angels could sing, I think this is what they would sound like.  Kensington Prairie is in principal, Rebecca Rowan, who is also known for her work with the band, Maplewood Lane.  This is her solo project and thus far, it encompasses one album entitled, Captured In Still Life, released in 2006.  This track, Bluebirds, is a simple reflective song about life.  It has wonderful harmonies and a mandolin.  The band was based in B.C. but now appears to be located in Ontario.  If you find yourself indulging in Canadian television, particularly the show, Heartland. You have likely heard Kensington Prairie's music.  The album was produced by Noah Mintz, who is well known for his work with the Broken Social Scene and was once a member of a grunge band called hHead with Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene) in the 90's.  That will be the subject of another blog however!  The band has a new EP entitled, The Healing Tree, releasing in November.  You can keep track of Kensington Prairie at http://www.myspace.com/kensingtonprairie.  You can purchase, Captured in Still Life, on Itunes and at Amazon.com.  You can watch the video for an abbreviated version of the song, Bluebirds, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2b70kvxvHo&feature=related).  As always you can listen to this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Extras, Album: Bit Parts, Song: Circular Impression

"Circ-Circ-Circular Impression. Leading to a state of depression.  In my Walla-Walla-Walla-Walla-Wallet.  I can't wait to install it."  The Extras were a Toronto band that had some regional success in the early eighties.  They released this hilarious song about a condom in a wallet with great expectations on their debut release, Bit Parts, in 1981.  The song can also be found on the 2004 release entitled, Ripe, as well as a Ready Records compilation.  The band would release 3 full lengths and 1 EP between 1981 and 1984.  They would reform briefly in 2004 to release Ripe which is a mix of new and re-issued material.  Ready Records was the independent label that managed them during this time.  The label had a number of great Canadian acts on it like The Spoons, Blue Peter, The Demics, Colin Linden and Fergus Hambleton (Sattalites).  You can read about the band and purchase, Ripe, at http://www.theextras.biz/index.html.  The dancing cat video is worth the visit on it's own!  Aside from the band's website, you can purchase the track, Circular Impression, on Itunes when searching for, The Best of Ready Records Vol.1.  You can hear the song, Circular Impression, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgOfJ5gK6ts).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Killer Dwarfs, Album: Dirty Weapons, Song: Dirty Weapons

Killer Dwarfs were one of the most underrated metal acts in Canada during the eighties.  Perhaps it may have been the fact that they used humour to sell their records and weren't taken seriously.  Their name itself poked fun at their diminutive stature.  If you were a metal fan though, their music alone made you stand up, whip out your air guitar and bang your head.  From their early days as a Black Sabbath cover act to a Juno award winning band by the end of their career.  The band kept perfecting their sound without the stability of a supportive label or management team.  Having started their careers in Toronto in the early eighties with Attic Records.  They were dropped by Attic after their first release and were forced to go the independent route for their next release.  The band toured and opened for huge International metal acts like Saxon, Accept and Iron Maiden.  This was enough to attract Epic Records and the producer Andy Johns for the album, Dirty Weapons, in 1990.  Who's Andy Johns you say?  Oh, he's just a guy that engineered some of the greatest rock albums of all time like Led Zeppelin's II, III and IV and the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street (to name just a few!).  Dirty Weapons is the lead off track on the album.  It's a hard driving rock song and Russell Graham sings like a young Sebastian Bach all over this track.  The band would release one more album in 1992 before calling it quits.  You can purchase the album on Ebay and Amazon between $5 and $40.  You can watch the video for the song, Dirty Weapons, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY-HGhnyfXw&ob=av2e).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Daniel Lanois, Album: For The Beauty Of Wynona, Song: Lotta Love To Give

"Fireballs bursting in the sky, Wasaga Beach, first of July.  You said to me, hey I gotta whole lotta love to give."  From his humble beginnings as a home studio producer in Hamilton, to his work with one of the greatest bands of all time, U2, and their monster release, Joshua Tree.  Daniel Lanois has received more accolades in the last decade from his production capabilities rather than his work as a musician.  Nonetheless, Canadians may remember this song from his release, For The Beauty of Wynona, in 1993.  It's hard to describe Daniel's sound.  He has the remarkable ability of being able to build a certain atmosphere at the base of  his sound.  The sound evokes dark and earthy images yet the electronics remain in the background and the raw roots based music stay up front.  This trademark sound often permeates the music of whoever he is working with.  It was very evident on Joshua Tree as well as on this track, Lotta Love To Give.  Daniel continues to be one of the most highly sought after producers in the business.  He is also in a new band called the Black Dub Collective.  However, he was recently injured in a motorcycle accident and had to cancel the summer tour planned for the band.  You can follow Daniel's progress at http://www.daniellanois.com/.  The album, For The Beauty Of Wynona, is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can watch the video for the song, Lotta Love To Give, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeGJwe5nEhA&ob=av2e).  As always, you can hear this track and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Tegan and Sara, Album: So Jealous, Song: Fix You Up

"What do I, what do I, what do I need to do to get myself in a better mood?  What do you, what do you, what do you need to do to get yourself in a better mood?  Well there's not a lot for you to give if you're giving in.  And there's not a lot for you to feel if you're not feeling it.  You bring it up and bring it in and we'll get you fixed up in no time."  Tegan and Sara are indie twins from Alberta who started their careers in the late nineties and were signed by Neil Young's label, Vapor Records.  They have released 6 albums to date, the most recent in 2009.  The song, Fix You Up, is from their 2004 release entitled, So Jealous.  Fix You Up is a perfect pop masterpiece that clocks in under 3 minutes.  The song has a quiet power about it that builds up through the song with wonderful harmonies.  I often thought that this song would be a great stadium rocker if they wanted it to be.  This particular release really put the girls on the musical map so to speak.  The first single, Walking With A Ghost, was covered by the White Stripes.  Since then, the band has enlisted a couple of the guys from Death Cab For Cutie for production purposes.  They have shared stages and toured with some of the biggest names in the business and seem to be well on their way to becoming international stars.  You can follow their exploits at http://teganandsara.com/.  The album, So Jealous, is available on Itunes and Amazon.  It appears they have a recollection box set coming out in the near future as well.  You can hear the track, Fix You Up, on You Tube (  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ptKhU__eoc).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!                                                                                                                                                       

Artist: Meryn Cadell, Album: Angel Food For Thought, Song: The Sweater

"You got a secret now honey and though you'd never sink as low as him.  You could blab it all over the school if you wanted.  The label in that sweater said 100% acrylic."  Meryn Cadell was a spoken word artist and writer from Toronto who released this song in 1991 on her debut album, Angel Food For Thought.  A prominent fixture in Toronto's indie music scene during the early nineties.  You could catch performances by her regularly as part of Elvis Monday's at various venues across the city.  She now teaches writing at the University of British Columbia.  The album, Angel Food For Thought, was recorded with members of the Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics and Blue Rodeo.  The song, The Sweater, received quite a bit of play on alternative and college radio at the time.  It actually permeated the mainstream somewhat by becoming a Top 40 hit in Canada.  The album, Angel Food For Thought, was recently re-released in 2007 on Bongo Beat.  You can purchase the album on Itunes and Amazon.  You can also watch the video for the song, The Sweater, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHQFDf96yrw).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Gonzales, Album: Soft Power, Song: Slow Down

"Yes I love you but I hate you.  And you're great to be around but sometimes I just can't stand this game.  So I walk out then I come back."  Gonzales had me giddy when I first heard this track from his 2008 release, Soft Power.  I didn't know who he was up until that point but this track changed all that.  If you love Todd Rundgren, then you'll understand my excitement upon hearing Slow Down.  It sounds like something that should have been recorded in the seventies.  His roots are classical yet he has played in alternative rock bands, released dance singles and played in a hip hop band.  If you are one of the many that purchased Feist's Let It Die or The Reminder albums, he was a major collaborator.  He has been residing outside of Canada for quite some time, both in France and Germany.  He is also due to release another album and film entitled, Ivory Tower, this year under the name Chilly Gonzales.  You can purchase Soft Power on Itunes and Amazon.  You can hear the song, Slow Down, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuPd_QBaPto&feature=related).  There is also some footage of him performing this song in Paris as part of his Guinness World Records longest performance.  You can follow Gonzales or Chilly as he is now known, at http://www.gonzpiration.com/.  As always, you can hear this song as well as others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: David Wilcox, Album: Breakfast At The Circus, Song: Breakfast At The Circus

"People walking a tight rope.  Head in the lion's jaws.  They need a little mercy, so come on Santa Claus.  And when you give your mercy, won't you save a drop for us.  We'll remember you and your family too when they get us on the bus.  Having breakfast at the circus with the lion's and the clowns."  David Wilcox is a blues rock performer from Montreal.  After spending many years as a back up musician to the likes of Ian & Sylvia, Anne Murray and Charlie Rich, he broke out on his own in the late seventies.  Breakfast at the Circus was one of his later releases having already attained gold status in Canada with some of his earlier work.  Known for his blazing guitar and quirky lyrics, David was cool and strange all at the same time.  I could write countless blogs on his songs but I always enjoyed the laid back feel of this title track released in 1987.  David took a step to the left with this particular release and experimented with synthesizers.  This was one of the tracks that benefited from that experimentation.  David has also released a number of compilations over the years and this track can be found on Greatest Hits Too and The Collected Works Box set.  He continues to tour and record with Stony Plain Records and you can follow him at
http://www.davidwilcoxrocks.com.  Unfortunately for David, he shares the same name as an American folk singer which makes finding his material abroad at bit tougher.  You can purchase this release on Itunes and Amazon.  You can hear the song, Breakfast At The Circus, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpYCcOldY84).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Great Bloomers, Album: Great Bloomers, Song: Catching Up

"Well, you got to come out and visit me.  Has it been a year or is it been three?  When's the last time you left the city?  Do you have a girlfriend, is she pretty?"  The Great Bloomers are Lowell Sostomi, Nate Hindle, Andrew Kekewich, Ty Rowles and Shawn Dell.  They are a Toronto band who released their self-titled debut EP in 2007.  The EP was produced in Lowell's basement.  It eventually paved the way for the band's first full length in 2009, entitled, Speak Of Trouble.  Catching Up begins with a very delicate piano intro with harmonies reminiscent of the Fleet Foxes.  Then it kicks into an upbeat groove that sounds reminiscent of something Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth might have released in the 90's.  The band appears to have many influences blended within their sound which makes them very unique as well as an interesting listen.  You can follow the band at http://greatbloomers.com and link to their other social sites from there.  They appear to be making their way west across Canada in September but should be back east in October for some shows.  The Great Bloomers EP is available on Itunes and from Maple Music.  You can watch the video for the song, Catching Up, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt-6gP3fK4Y).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Sattalites, Album: All Over The World, Song: Wild

"I saw you at a dance one night.  You looked so sweet, you looked so right.  My friends said to watch my step.  You've hurt more guys than any other yet.  But like a fool, I lost my head.  Fell head over heels in love again.  I'm lost, I'm lost for sure, but I'm telling you now, so you better beware.  I'm wild, wild , wicked and wild."  Canada's premier reggae band, the Sattalites, released this rump shaker in 1993 on their release, All Over The World.  Surprisingly, the track was not released as a single but it is one of their most recognizable songs.  I remember watching the band at a summer festival at Molson Park in Barrie and this was a great song to hear live.  The album was recorded in Toronto and Jamaica.  Sly Dunbar (aka Sly & Robbie) was a guest musician on the album.  The Sattalites were a band born out of a music school.  Through that association, some of it's members formed a band and began performing live.  One of the founding members was Fergus Hambleton, who not only wrote this song but handled the vocals and sax on this track as well.  Fergus has had an extensive career in Canadian music both as a solo artist and as a member of another band called A Passing Fancy.  He is still active in music and the Sattalites continue to perform live.  You can follow them on their label's website at http://www.solidgoldrecords.com/sg_cat_sattalites.html.  The album, All Over The World, is available on Itunes, Amazon and from Solid Gold Records.  You can hear the track, Wild, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgj6mc-dt24).  As always, you can hear this track and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Ron Sexsmith, Album: Exit Strategy Of The Soul, Song: Brandy Alexander

"She's my Brandy Alexander, always gets me into trouble.  But that's another matter, Brandy Alexander."  Co-written with Feist, this song was released by both artists.  Feist's version appears on "The Reminder" while Ron's is on his 2008 release, "Exit Strategy Of The Soul".  Known among his colleagues as the Song Doctor, Ron has been singing and writing on the Toronto scene for over 2 decades.  Internationally, he's shared stages with Coldplay, he was produced by Steve Earle and can count Elvis Costello, Elton John and Paul McCartney as fans of his work.  Not bad for a Canadian kid from Niagara Falls.  Ron has released 11 albums to date and Exit Strategy Of The Soul is his most recent work.  Ron will be the subject of a film entitled, Love Shines, which will debut in October at the Vancouver International Film Festival.  We should see a new album shortly thereafter.  You can follow Ron's work at http://www.ronsexsmith.com/.  Exit Strategy Of The Soul is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can see Ron perform the song, Brandy Alexander, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqscOh6z5SA).  I just love those darn horns!  As always, you can hear this song and others I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Ox, Album: American Lo Fi, Song: Surrender

"Mommy's alright, Daddy's alright, they just seem a little weird.  Surrender, surrender, but don't give yourself away."  One of the greatest rock songs ever recorded is dialed down to a mere ballad by the Canadian band, Ox, from Sudbury, Ontario.  This is from the band's second  album entitled, American Lo Fi, released in 2006 and recorded in Vancouver.  At times, I have a hard time believing these guys are from Canada.  I get images of driving through places like Nebraska when I hear their music.  Their sound is gritty yet delicate.  It's alt-country and perfect for the open road.  This particular cover of the Cheap Trick song, Surrender, is stunning.  The band released their third album entitled, Burnout, with the Toronto label (weewerk) in 2009.  Sadly, both the band and the label's websites are not showing any recent tour dates since the fall of 2009.  Hopefully, the break is temporary but you can keep tabs on the band at www.oxmusic.ws.  The album, American Lo Fi, is available on Itunes and CDbaby.  You can hear the song, Surrender, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTL91NcS8-c).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Mstrkrft, Album: The Looks, Song: Easy Love

MSTRKRFT is an electronic duo from Toronto.  The band is Jesse F. Keeler and Al-P.  Jesse was a founding member of the band, Death From Above 1979 and Al-P produced their one and only full length album in 2004.  Death From Above split in 2006 paving the way for MSTRKRFT to take shape.  This particular track was the lead single on their debut album, The Looks, in 2006.  If you enjoy thick danceable beats, French electronica (ie/ Daft Punk, Les Rythmes Digitales, Phoenix) or Australian yachthouse (Damn Arms, Empire of the Sun) you'll really enjoy this song.  I apologize if I've completely confused you with all those band references but sometimes it is easier to compare than describe!  MSTRKRFT released a follow up to this album in 2009 entitled, Fist of God.  They continue to do remix work for a number of high profile artists and John Legend guests on their new release.  Their music is widely available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can follow the band at www.myspace.com/mstrkrft.  You can hear the song, Easy Love, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl8U368OG5Q&feature=related).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Paul Janz, Album: Presence, Song: Go To Pieces

"And when we’re dancing face to face, it takes me out of time and space.  In images I can’t erase.  Every time I go to pieces.  Go, Go, I go to pieces."  Paul Janz was all over Canadian pop radio when his debut entitled, High Strung, was released in 1985.  He was getting as much airplay as our other favourite, Canadian sons like Bryan Adams and Corey Hart.  For whatever reason, his popularity seemed to fade in comparison to his peers.  He continued recording until the early nineties and then took up theology which he now teaches.  Paul has to have one of the most fascinating biographies of any Canadian artist I have read about to date.  He was born in Alberta but spent most of his years growing up and learning music is Switzerland.  He studied opera music and worked with the symphony among other things.  He even had some success in a band called Deliverance in the seventies before deciding to move back to Canada.  Go To Pieces is a great upbeat pop song with layered vocals and an addictive chorus.  Paul's first label, A&M, re-released the song on a retrospective entitled Presence, in 1992.  Both albums aren't widely available.  At the time of this blog, Ebay and Amazon had copies of each ranging in price from $15 to $250.  You can watch the video for the song, Go To Pieces, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw9FUiGWwIU).  As always, you can hear this song and others that I blog about each day on Live 365 (www.live365.com/stations/raisedoncndnradio).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Thrush Hermit, Album: Clayton Park, Song: The Day We Hit The Coast

"I'm going down to the river.  I'm going down to the river.  I'm walking on the rocks in the water.  I'm going down to the river."  This song exudes the freedom of rock and roll.  The video might make you think they are singing about fur traders discovering a new land but that was the beauty of Thrush Hermit.  You never really knew when they were serious.  The band was comprised of Joel Plaskett, Robert Benvie, Ian McGettigan and Cliff Gibb.  They were one of a few east coast bands that suddenly found themselves in the spotlight, thanks to the success of Sloan.  Both Thrush Hermit and Sloan were from Halifax and the Hermit would sign with Sloan's label, Murderecords, in 1994 and release their first EP.  Clayton Park was their last full length release as a band in 1998.  I often think of this album as their "Born To Run".  I remember watching Springsteen talking about that album and how there was a re-occurring theme of breaking free.  There are at least 3 or 4 tracks on this album that fall into that category.  The beauty of Thrush Hermit is in the way they channel their classic rock influences through their music.  Simple, guitar driven melody.  A common trait of many bands from the east coast of Canada but Thrush Hermit were among the best at it.  Joel Plaskett would adopt that same formula on many of his songs as a solo artist.  The band reunited briefly this year to play a few shows and a retrospective box set was also released.  Guitarist, Robert Benvie, plays in the band, the Dears.  In 2008, a tribute album entitled, Songs for the Gang, was released showcasing 18 Hermit songs performed by other artists.  Unfortunately, Clayton Park, isn't widely available.  At the time of this blog, Amazon had copies selling between $13 and $98.  You can watch the video for the song, The Day We Hit The Coast, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcqYwsFJl4k).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Pukka Orchestra, Album: Pukka Orchestra, Song: Might As Well Be On Mars

"Sunday morning with the New York Times.  The sun is shining in my penthouse suite.  My lady love laid down some lines.  They reach from Culver Beach to Easy Street."  Pukka Orchestra were a Toronto band that released their self-titled debut album in 1984 on Solid Gold Records.  The lead singer, Graeme Williamson, was actually from Glasgow, Scotland.  Might As Well Be On Mars is a wonderfully sad tale about two people growing apart and the distance in between that they try to ignore.  Aside from being a great rock band, their lyrics were quite sharp.  Another single from this album was Cherry Beach Express which chronicled a story about police brutality involving Toronto's 52 division.  This particular song caused quite a stir when it was released.  Getting back to Might As Well Be On Mars though.  The song was covered by the British band, the Strawbs.  Unfortunately for the Pukka's, their career was cut short after 3 releases in 1992.  Their lead singer fell ill after this release and needed a kidney transplant.  Graeme Williamson is alive and well in Scotland.  Guitarist Neil Chapman continues to write and perform.  You can read up on the band's history and link to other projects at www.pukkaorchestra.com.  Their self titled debut was re-released in 2000 and is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can watch the video for this song on You Tube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5X6-p1ocog).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Album: Love Over And Over, Song: Over And Over

"I could say love over and over and over .  I could say baby, baby, baby 'til my tongue spirals out of my head .  When there's no one looking over my shoulder .  I like to write rock and roll but it doesn't always hang together.  So what do I know or anyone know about love."  The late Kate McGarrigle and her sister Anna hailed from Montreal.  This track was off their 1982 release.  The sisters began their recording careers in the early sixties and garnered a strong following of fans both at home and abroad.  They were masters at the art of lyricism and were both multi-instrumentalists.  On this particular release, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) added some guitar work while Kate's 9 year old son, Rufus Wainwright, is credited with contributing vocals!  There is also a french cover of the Bob Seger song, You'll Accompany Me (Tu vas m'accompagner).  It would be another 8 years before the sisters released another album.  You can read more about their wonderful legacy at http://www.mcgarrigles.com/.  This particular release is available on both Itunes and Amazon with extra bonus tracks.  You can listen to the song, Over and Over, on You Tube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_mqt_q-7yg).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Leonard Cohen, Album: I'm Your Man, Song: Tower Of Song

"So you can stick your little pins in that voodoo doll.  I'm very sorry, baby, doesnt look like me at all.  I'm standing by the window where the light is strong.  Ah, they don't let a woman kill you, not in the tower of song."  This beautiful song was included on Leonard's 1988 release, I'm Your Man.  Probably one of his most celebrated releases to date.  The album had a number of well known songs which spawned many cover versions over the years.  In 2005, a film with the same title was released about the life and times of Leonard and included concert footage from a tribute show at the Sydney Opera House.  The soundtrack and DVD included two versions of this song.  One by Martha Wainwright and another with Leonard and U2.  I couldn't adequately describe Leonard or his work in a blog so I won't attempt to.  I love this particular track for it's quiet power and unapologetic lyrics.  An aging performer having bittersweet reflection on his life in music.  Leonard will be turning 76 this year and is still touring.  You can follow him at http://www.leonardcohen.com/.  The album is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can listen to Tower Of Song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiAuXRK3Ogk&feature=related).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Matadors, Album: The Devil's Music, Song: Creeping Demon

"I always finish what I start yeah.  I swear your mom thinks I'm retarded."  A song about Zombie love by rockabilly heavyweights, The Matadors.  The band is from London, Ontario and this song is from their 2006 release, The Devil's Music.  The band's founder and leader, Hooch Parkins, would prefer that their music be classified as Horrorbilly.  The band has some wild claims about selling their soul to the devil and having membership in the Luciferian Brotherhood of Baphomet. Check out http://www.thematadors.net/ for an entertaining read and to follow the band's latest tour dates.  Getting back to the song at hand.  The band just rocks and they remind me a lot of Danzig (the song, Mother, in particular).  You could also describe the sound as Elvis on crack.  Unfortunately, rockabilly isn't a heavily marketed genre of music but this band and the song is definitely worth checking out.  The band continues to release and record new music.  This album is available on Itunes and Amazon.  You can watch the video for the song, Creeping Demon, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvG_t_egMrw).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!