Ten Becomes Twenty

Hello Friends,

August 27th marked the 20th anniversary of Pearl Jam's debut album release entitled 'Ten'. I was but a mere 15 years of age and on my way into grade 10 at the time. This was a big time for my generation, when it comes to music, as less than a month later would see the release of Nirvana's 'Nevermind' changing the landscape of music around the World. I for one sided with Pearl Jam and saw their release as the far superior of the 2. I've only recently learned to appreciate Nirvana's music...but I digress.

I remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing, when I heard this album for the very first time. It was a game changer for me and when I hear it today I'm instantly transported back to my friend Wes' house. I had skateboarded there to hung-out poolside without a care in the World. Wes' older brother and Uncle Charlie didn't mind having us around and even included us on the beer run that night. A nice intro to my high school years indeed.

This poster still hangs in my parent's basement today - and I'm pretty sure every girl I know could recite this scene from 'Singles' verbatim. Pearl Jam reigned at that time.

Eddie Vedder was in Toronto in 2008 supporting the film he scored called 'Into The Wild' . I had the pleasure of being at Massey Hall to witness his greatness. He played songs from the soundtrack - but surprised the crowd a few times with Pearl Jam classics along with some Neil Young covers and stories from days gone by. Here's a clip from that night.

Today was a great day for me. I got a call today inviting me to the forthcoming screening of the Cameron Crowe documentary 'Pearl Jam 20' and attend their concert that night. I've never had the chance to actually see see Pearl Jam live in concert - so suffice to say I'm super excited. Thanks Gasp and JD.

Here's a few tracks to remind you how great that debut album still is - along with a few beauties I'm hoping to hear that night...

• 'Black' *one of a few songs I know how to play on guitar
• 'Jeremy' *remember this video? wow
• 'Release' *one of the most perfect tracks ever recorded
• 'Immortality'
• 'Nothing Man'
• 'Given To Fly'
• 'Alive'
• 'Crazy Mary'
• 'Hunger Strike' *wishful thinking. Listen to Eddie's vocal on verse 2 :)

There will be a full review of the show on Monday September 12th.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Why Music Matters | Elbow

Hello Friends,

I stumbled back across the site why music matters again today as someone had posted something new about The Beatles. The site itself has done the rounds on social media sites based on their amazing and cute little cartoons depictions of bands/artists – ultimately showing why music matters. I dug into the archives of older ones and was reminded how much I love the English band Elbow.

Elbow won the 2008 Mercury Prize for their album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ which is a true masterpiece. If you’ve not heard this band then I highly recommend you give them a chance. Here are a few tracks to get you started - enjoy!

'One Day Like This'
'Newborn'
'Forgot Myself'
'The Bones of You'

Thanks for reading/listening.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Gregg

Snow Patrol Time

Hi Friends,

Snow Patrol are easily one of my favourite acts of all time. From their humble beginnings to opening shows around the World for U2 - this band can do no wrong in my eyes. Click here and listen before going any further.

Tomorrow morning brings the release of their latest video for 'Called Out In the Dark' from the band's first studio album in over 3 years. Here's a teaser clip. 'Fallen Empires' will be the band's 6th studio album and the first after having released a greatest hits box set entitled 'Up To Now' in 2009.

The band formed in 1994 while at University in Dundee, Scotland. Over the next 7 years they'd go on to release 3 albums before their major record label debut on Polydor Records in 2002. In between this time Snow Patrol's lead singer formed a Scottish super group called The Reindeer Section which included Belle & Sebastian among many other greats. They were very much like Canada's own Broken Social Scene (only way better and cooler).

The Reindeer Section released some beautiful music in a short period of time. Here are a few tracks you should check out...

• 'Your Sweet Voice'
• 'You Are My Joy'

My personal connection is that I had the pleasure of working on their first 2 major label albums 'Final Straw' and 'Eyes Open'. Both albums are fantastic from start to finish and I am almost certain that everyone at Universal fell in love at that time. The band were one of the first acts to give us the time with an in studio sessions I created called 'Live at the Orange Lounge'. They were already massive in the UK and in Toronto ready to start from scratch building a following.

The big break for this band was when the song 'Chasing Cars' was used in the show Grey's Anatomy in 2006. The scene that changed everything using 'Chasing Cars' was so successful that the show used it again in a different way Grey's Anatomy cast sings 'Chasing Cars'. I'm telling you - TV is a very powerful medium:)

Here's a bunch of songs I highly recommend you give a spin. They also make great music videos as seen here.

• 'NYC' - 1998
• 'One Night Is Not Enough' - 2001
• 'Run' - 2004
• 'Chocolate' - 2004
• 'Chasing Cars' - 2006
• 'Set Fire To The Third Bar' (featuring Martha Wainright) - 2006
• 'Signal Fire' - 2007
• 'The Planets Bend Between Us' - 2008
• 'Just Say yes' - 2009

The next song (3 parts) is maybe the most epic 16 minutes of music I've ever heard. It still gives me goosebumps and I've heard it at least 300 times. Check them out!

1. 'The Lightening Strike - Part 1'
2. 'The Lightening Strike - Part 2'
3. 'The Lightening Strike - Part 3'

Gary Lightbody had a few more side projects over the years including Tired Pony alongside REM's Peter Buck.

The band also do some mean covers...

• Beyonce - 'Crazy In Love'
• Oasis - 'Champagne Supernova' *normal unacceptable to do this
• Oasis - 'Wonderwall'

I for one am excited to hear this new album and am eager to see some live dates on North American soil. It's time for Canada and America to fall in love while diving deep into a catalogue full of magical tunes.

I hope you check them out.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg