Coupla Tunes | Kings of Leon

Hey Friends,

The last couple of days has had me digging back into the Kings of Leon's catalogue while enjoying their latest offering entitled 'Come Around Sundown'. I get the sense that the band are at their happiest on this album as it's true Southern Rock with Soul spread throughout.

The band had been quiet since the release of this album at the end of last year. I believe the drummer was going through shoulder surgery and so they simply released a few videos and singles over that time period while he was on the mend. In recent months they seem to be back in fine form on the festival circuit both here and in Europe. With stops at Coachella and then last weekend to Slane Castle in Dublin - I think it's safe to say these guys are ready to take over the World again. They've even released a documentary called 'Talihina Sky' and the lead singer married a Victoria Secret model. Now that's rock n roll.

Here's a few of their songs I recommend you give another spin...

• Closer *how's this for an album opening track
• Back Down South *most recent single/video
• Knocked Up *unreal
• Molly's Chamber *classic
• Pyro
• Black Thumbnail
• On Call
• Fans
• Medley from VH1 Storytellers

The band are true Rock Stars and if you're on twitter I highly recommend that you follow these fellas. They put it all out there for you to see. Here's 2 of their handles @youngfollowill and @doctorfollowill.

@youngfollowill tweeted this link from this past weekend's party in Ireland. The tune playing in the background might well be the best song in the last year if you ask me. It's Fitz and the Tantrums - 'Money grabber and the fact that these guys are playing it at their party makes me like them even more.

The moral of the story is that I want to be in a band.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Live Music Reigns

Hi friends,

Sometimes I have to pinch myself as to what I'm doing for a living. These past couple of months have afforded me some truly amazing musical experiences by way of live shows and music festivals.

March was crazy as I went from Canadian Music Week to South By South West, in Austin, and then The 40th Anniversary Juno Awards. Had this been a regular desk job I'm certain I'd have burnt out...but seeing new bands and some giants like The Strokes was nothing but fuel to the fire.

April began with a band I was introduced to at SXSW. It was a magical little Monday night as The Boxer Rebellion took stage at a sold out Horseshoe show. They really are worth keeping an eye on. This guy's voice is like a young and happier Morrissey - give this track a spin.

The next show was the mighty Biffy Clyro at The Mod Club Theatre. This band are on the brink to breaking out Worldwide. They're opening for Foo Fighters right now across the US and then in Europe this summer. Try out your new favourite song here. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this trio from Scotland.

The month of May stepped up to the occasion too. It began with a small club showcase for British rapper Tinie Tempah. This youngster's been blowing up in Europe for the past year and now sits comfortably inside the Top 20 on Billboard in North America. With a few more collaborations I'm certain that Tinie is going to be huge:) Top rhymes from this chap to including..."You'll find me on a table with some vodka and tequila, surrounded by some bunnies and it ain't fuckin' Easter" as heard on this track - Miami to Ibiza.

May continues to deliver as well - with a show this weekend from Glasvegas at Lee's Palace. The month began with a show from Mr. Neil Young at Massey Hall which was fantastic. The next show took me by surprise and opened my eyes to R&B shows in general. Saturday May 14th saw Akon open for entertainer extraordinaire Usher. I may have been 1 of 3 men in the building but I'm glad I got to see this guys perform. He puts on one of the most entertaining shows around. Hit after hit and chalk full of beautiful women and amazing choreography.

The latest show I went to was Adele at Air Canada Centre last week. She floats in on a cloud of perfection and sings her albums effortlessly with grace. She truly deserves the title and recognition she's getting around the World at this time. Check this track out if you've not had a chance 'Turning Tables' .

So what does June have in store? Sam Roberts Band at Massey Hall June 4th for starters. And oh yeah, the Much Music Video Awards on June 19th featuring Lady Gaga, The Black keys, Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Avril Lavigne, City and Colour and many more yet to be announced.

If I could be so bold as to give you one bit of advice - it would be for you to get out there and see more live music. It's not something that can be captured on camera. Music is meant to be an experience and cherished.

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg Stewart

5 Epic Long Songs for the Long Weekend

Hi Friends,

It's the long weekend in Canada and to celebrate I've thrown together a quick list of epic tracks. These long weekend's are meant to be savoured and drawn out - so hopefully these help you do just that.

Most songs these days clock in at the 3.5 minute mark and I think we can attribute that to the A.D.D. generation we now live in. It's not often you hear anything that goes past 5 but these tracks I've selected range from 7 - 16 minutes in length.

If the World was to end at 6pm today then these would have been on my outro play list anyway.

• The Verve - 'Appalachian Springs'
• Pink Floyd - 'Us and Them'
• Guns N' Roses - 'November Rain'
• Neil Young - 'Change Your Mind'
• Paul McCartney & Wings - 'Band on the Run' *this is like 3 songs in one
• Snow Patrol - 'The Lightening Strike' + Part II and Part III *this is actually 3 in one:)

Have a great long weekend!

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Fantastic Tracks and Their Videos

Hello Friends,

There are so many amazing music videos out there that you may never get the chance to see. I luckily have the chance to see them all as part of work - so I've taken the liberty of selecting a few for you. I've not picked the best videos of all time - but simply chosen some amazing tracks and the videos that support them. That being said - there are still a few amazing videos in this list so check them out when you have a second.

Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait
Even if you don't fancy yourself a sentimental person this video has the power to melt any cold heart. You'll need to download Google Chrome to see it - but trust me it's well worth it. I had goosebumps and it almost (almost) brought me to tears. This song was amazing on it's own - but this video is next level and so perfect in every way.

Temper Trap - Love Lost
My folks are from Scotland and this video simply reminds me of visiting the UK as a child. It's always raining - but the people are hard and honest. The song is made even better by this great video. The little story is wonderful and the little ginger kid, in the back, reminds me of someone. It also reminds me of cross country running as a kid.

The Chemical Brothers feat Noel Gallagher - Let Forever Be

I didn't just pick this one because Noel's on the track - the video is such an iconic 90s music video for this band.

Black Keys - Tighten Up
Kids on a playground fighting for the love of a girl. Need I say more?

Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next

Epic tune from such an important politically charged band.

Stars - Changes

I love, love, love this album and 'Changes' is the lead single from it. This video is simple yet gorgeous.

Eminem feat. Dido - Stan

One of the best mini movies about the music game ever. What a tune - listen to the production by Dre on this - including the scratching of a pencil.

Adele - Chasing Pavement

For those new to Adele's music - it's well worth your while to check out her debut album that houses this track. The whole album is stunning.

The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony

This remains my favourite video of all times for the sheer attitude factor. It came out in a time when I was travelling Europe and you couldn't get away from this video. European travel + great music = win.

Depeche Mode - Wrong

Scariest video going - and a powerful comeback track at the same time. Hail, Hail Depeche Mode.

Glasvegas - Flowers and Football Tops

This band has a knack for creating some of the most amazing atmospheric music today. Each track sounds like it should be the bed track to the very intense part of a movie. The video is visually stunning.

Dr. Dre - Kush

We were not allowed to play this video as it promotes drug use - but it's such a great track from the forthcoming, much anticipated, release 'Detox'. Great video and tune - can't wait for the full album.

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

A friend and colleague of mine told me about this one and it's just awesome. I just want to know how long this video took to shoot.

The Buggles may have written a song called 'Video Killed The Radio Star' but that was way back in 1979. Music videos are alive and well in 2011.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg