tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85393520695591419892024-02-21T10:48:38.680-08:00good music is good music@greggmstewartgregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-73702136445823788592020-10-15T18:53:00.004-07:002020-10-16T05:59:59.651-07:00All Of Us | 2020<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hi Friends,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVQiL0KIOm8/X4hbFz2HSPI/AAAAAAAACCo/6H1WWrQ3dtgN4rORLTjkSFwJIt_TEwGKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s745/sam-robert.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVQiL0KIOm8/X4hbFz2HSPI/AAAAAAAACCo/6H1WWrQ3dtgN4rORLTjkSFwJIt_TEwGKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/sam-robert.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's been a minute since I last logged into Blogger - so I actually wondered if it still existed. After a few failed login attempts I finally made it back. It looks like my last post was in December of 2019. Imagine knowing, at that point, what the year ahead was going to be like? The world pressed pause and every single human was effected. That's why <i>'All of Us'</i> truly is the perfect title for the new <b>Sam Roberts Band</b> record being released in 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've had the luxury of living with the new album <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/09XH90DXG8hru6NN96GbA0?si=Pb-4rcoqRjikioLIwY9Rjw">'All Of Us'</a></i> since late May. It's been in heavy rotation ever since. The music's accompanied me on long bike rides for the past 6 months. I watched the leaves grow on the trees when we first got a little reprieve from the first isolation during the first few listens. It joined me through the sweaty sun-soaked days of summer - and it's still the soundtrack to my daily rides while the leaves have started falling again. I really should have taken a photo each day on my rides to do one of those cool time laps photo things. I digress.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nx5HPJQpkg/X4iI6rHqwxI/AAAAAAAACC0/J0pcVNd4tdM3fO1ZqQGaFdvS_SKVpsJ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/trees.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nx5HPJQpkg/X4iI6rHqwxI/AAAAAAAACC0/J0pcVNd4tdM3fO1ZqQGaFdvS_SKVpsJ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w140-h187/trees.jpg" width="140" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It should be noted that this album had been written and recorded long before the World Health Organization declared the global pandemic back in March. The band were actually in a secluded studio in Quebec putting the finishing touches on the album when that happened. It's just the strangest of coincidences that you could mistake each and every track on this record for being a direct response to the happenings of 2020. Perhaps that's just true of all music. You get what you want from it and can relate pretty much any song to the times and pressures one is under at any given time. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For me this album will remind me of these times - but it's already starting to sound different and that brings me comfort. Timeless stuff does that. <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many of these tracks evoke feelings of nostalgia and good times growing up for me. The track '<i>Ghost Town'</i> is a personal favourite - but that same feeling comes from other tracks like <i>'</i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1CfZCwYwNO46FmxlVL0ucD?si=7vCmU7IaRj6hvA-KEVzzvw"><i>Youth'</i> heard here</a>. A few of the songs actually gave me a great sense of hope knowing that life truly is meant to be about evolving. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1NS90CikkktYd1WwwrJoB2?si=2Gj9P2f_TreCBlc1Vl3OKw">Listen to<i> 'Ascension' </i>here</a> or give <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4YXgP2DOJF1C2HQG1xhFbo?si=MbPaJLbtSM6_oGV_4q-qaw">'I Like The Way You Talk About The Future'</a></i> a listen - or even the title track <i>'All of Us'</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At my age, and with kids, you often think about your own mortality. There are a couple beauties on this one that take me pretty deep. Both<i> 'Wolf Tracks'</i> and <i>'War Chest' </i>right off the top are perfect for that.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sum of all it's parts is what makes this album amazing though. Your can hear each and everyone one of the band's instruments so clearly. I feel like they're having so much fun playing each and every note. There's simplicity bookended by melodic guitar solos like in <i>'Spellbound' </i>that just take you away from everything. There are moments where I can hear New Order coming through the keys and basslines in songs like<i> 'Ghost Town'. </i>Of course the keeper of the backbeat is apparent throughout as he keeps the train on it's tracks. Just listen to how perfect the drumming is on <i>'Take Me Away'.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GapwBfIzkM0/X4iOVoWz3lI/AAAAAAAACDM/Dg7YlfuQmGg3COTTZDWQScHyrYXAW6BTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="85" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GapwBfIzkM0/X4iOVoWz3lI/AAAAAAAACDM/Dg7YlfuQmGg3COTTZDWQScHyrYXAW6BTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w85-h85/logo.jpg" width="85" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">I've had the pleasure of knowing / working with these fellas and their management for about 20 years now. They've amazed me at every single turn in their career. They have a reputation for being some of the nicest artists around - and I totally agree with that. They're all individually cool AF in their own way. They refuse to fall into the classic traps of many musicians and therefor will be around for a long time to come. They remain true to their own vibe and wear their influences on the sleeves of their jean jackets. Each album is a reinvention both sonically and in fashion for the band - especially Jimmy on bass. They're true rock-stars and play the music I would love to play if I were in a band. I am thrilled to call them friends. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsAVB8Vq3-8/X4iPJrfuh6I/AAAAAAAACDc/cx4o8MooALohFkYWOZCGdnlYKdYAam7zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/1017-arts-roberts-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsAVB8Vq3-8/X4iPJrfuh6I/AAAAAAAACDc/cx4o8MooALohFkYWOZCGdnlYKdYAam7zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/1017-arts-roberts-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Give the album some solid time but make sure you go into it with a clear head. Take a drive, go for a long bike ride, smoke a joint, smoke cigarettes and drink 30 beers, or just zone out on a hike. This album is a 9 track masterpiece and needs to be heard in its proper sequence. Crank it!</div></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stay safe. Believe in science - and wear a fucking mask so we can all get back to seeing SRB live in concert.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks for reading / listening.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Gregg</span></div>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-4713702675746408552019-12-03T13:01:00.003-08:002019-12-03T13:17:28.321-08:00The Best of 2019 IMHO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi Friends,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I always get shit from a friend for putting my<i> 'Best of the Year Playlist'</i> out a bit too early. I stand by the fact that very little awesome music comes out in month of December. Most new music comes out in advance of the holidays with hopes it sells during the holiday season - or it's actual Christmas music. If there's something new that's also rad I'll go back and add it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the meantime - this is my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4hJxl7uKhYFO58t7hxM9TJ?si=QsQlmPUITtmFzmI0Oeccng">playlist</a> featuring the songs I loved the most this past year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the greats returned to the spotlight in the past 12 months including the likes of <b>Tame Impala</b>,<b> The Weeknd</b>, <b>Snow Patrol</b>, <b>Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds</b>, <b>Liam Gallagher</b>, <b>City and Colour</b>, <b>Coldplay</b>, <b>The Nationa</b>l and <b>The Killers</b>. <b>The Killers</b> actually only came back to drop this very important song / video called<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIT0ucf_gys"> 'Land of the Free' </a> and I'm glad that they did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sidebar - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ok5f0cN2PSqOXiDwtttDN?si=AB--3Ts3T0ORk3Ey2-VXXQ">this album</a> by City and Colour is a complete masterpiece from start to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were also many new acts that I became aware of this past year including <b>Tierra Whack</b>, <b>The Jon Johns</b>, <b>Anyway Gang</b>, <b>Lizzo</b>, <b>Delacey</b>, <b>ren</b>, <b>Lewis Capaldi</b>, <b>Baby Keem</b> and the 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner <b>Haviah Mighty</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been a great year and my list has more country than I ever thought it would. There's some real class in the country world plus the musicianship is top notch. <b>Madeline Merlo</b>, <b>Sturgill Simpson</b>, <b>Brett Young</b>, <b>Lady Antebellum</b>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6uUbQnzl9J7rOOirRITGjW?si=SpFxHYmiQFecOZqbgaEpJw">Adam Hambrick w/ this song</a> are all amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This list took a while because I arranged them in order from #74 - #1. Not a round number - I know - but these are the best of the best in my opinion. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4hJxl7uKhYFO58t7hxM9TJ?si=AnAzz_LMQ7WsZn8xlSPvwQ">Here's the playlist</a> - I hope you enjoy it.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have a great December and holiday season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-22265971776566814362019-11-14T08:28:00.001-08:002019-11-14T08:30:54.882-08:00The 2010's Sounded Like This...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi There,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been a very long time since I've posted something here - but seeing how we're approaching the end of a decade - here I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me start by saying that I've been spending way too much time listening to playlists I've created on Spotify each and every month since 2010. List of the songs I discovered with each passing month I found worthy of landing a spot in each coveted playlist. I've now taken to going through these playlists with a fine tooth comb to narrow things down to the best of the best IMHO. That alone was so daunting and therefor after trying to organize them I quickly realized I had to stop since it's virtually impossible to do a countdown with 200+ songs that I love. Instead I suggest that if you are going to listen that you start by clicking the shuffle button to enjoy what I consider to be <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XayEWKqFD1Wjezto8YRdf?si=ZeMaoV7eS3W_BlRYFRYOVw">a magical collection of songs from the past 10 years</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The process of creating a playlist is one of the greatest / most satisfying things I can think of. I enjoyed every moment of making this list as it allowed me to reflect fondly on great memories while also re-hatching times that may not have been so great. Either way a snap shot of a decade and a helpful reminder to grow as a human. *No I'm not high;)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Raffy and Lyla at Field Trip</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love music and if you've read this far then I'm certain you do too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the past 10 years I've had the pleasure of seeing many of these artists live in concert at many fine venues in various cities big and small. I've had the chance to interact with many of them as people - and talked music with them all. I've been lucky enough to see some of them as they </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">started out in small venues while they perfected their craft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Sam Roberts Band at Rachel Ray's Backtyard BBQ in Austin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The moments I cherish most come from sharing the experiences with other like minded folk - be it my wife or friends and colleagues alike. I can't wait for the day I'm doing so with my daughter too:) Many of these discoveries came from my travels to Austin, Texas for South By South West for a bunch of years. I discovered artist like Sam Smith, Leon Bridges, Ed Sheeran, The War on Drugs, Frank Turner, Jake Bugg, The Belle Game, James Bay and The 1975. I also had the pleasure of seeing established Canadian acts setting their sites on international audiences like City and Colour, Sam Roberts Band, Arkells, July Talk, The Sheepdogs, The Weeknd and A Tribe Called Red. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*The 1975 at Red Eyed Fly in Austin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SXSW is clearly a more commercialized festival in 2019 than it was when it began - but that's how things work. Advertisers need to foot the bill - so I ain't mad if it means these things still exist. Because of this there's a spotlight on the festival itself and all the other acts at it that are trying to break through. I've also had the pleasure of seeing the likes of Depeche Mode, Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Snoop Dogg, Gaga, Live and Kendrick Lamar through the year which is pretty rad in my books. I can't recommend this festival enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Sam Smith at a church in Austin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would be remiss not to say that this past decade also sucked to see my personal hero go. Gord Downie and his music are the reason I went to work in this crazy business to begin with. He was a true artist, poet, leader and champion of what is right. His swansong from this earth was among the finest we will ever witness. A cross country tour that didn't miss a beat followed by a passion project to help move this country in the right direction. The later will take time - but his spotlight and his legacy will no doubt keep it top of mind in all we do striving for inclusion and equality for all Canadians. Thank you Mr. Downie...you are missed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Gord Downie at Danforth Music Hall </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I digress. This decade's brought me so much joy as it relates to family and friends - and much of that can be recalled, with a smile, instantly with this soundtrack I've created from 2010 - 2019. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*The Weeknd at Air Canada Centre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Ed Sheeran at MuchMusic Video Awards </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XayEWKqFD1Wjezto8YRdf?si=ZeMaoV7eS3W_BlRYFRYOVw">Enjoy the playlist here!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading / listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-29659115919987354542018-02-09T09:01:00.001-08:002018-02-09T12:21:06.724-08:00Dad's Tunes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Ian Stewart and Gregg Stewart November 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi there,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been ages - I hope you're well :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finding the time to write a blog post is a bit harder these days now that I'm a Dad. It's also made me more aware of how important that title is and how high the bar's been set for me growing-up with such a great father. A great father who loves music might I add.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In recent weeks he and I have been talking about music <span style="font-size: x-small;">(as we tend to do often)</span> and have started coming up with lists of some of our favourite songs. I asked my Dad to send me a top 10 list of some of his favourite songs so that I can create a playlist. I thought this was a simple task and that he'd be able to text me within minutes of the call. It was not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 weeks to the day I got a call asking some very specific questions like <i>"Can it only be 10 songs?</i>" and<i> "Does it matter what era?"</i> coupled with <i>"How do I send this to you?</i>". That was when I realized I'd basically given my 77 year old father a homework assignment. One in which he was looking to get a perfect score. He too takes his music very seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This playlist is comprised of some childhood favourites, TV show theme songs and tracks that remind me of long car rides home from hockey tournaments. Tunes we'd here on the radio in the 80s in the back seat of the family car watching the brake lights for miles on a snow swept 401. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Songs have the power to stick you in a time machine for good times and the bad. In this case it's nothing but the good memories that come flooding back when we hear these ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note that I was surprised at my Dad's list at first - but after some careful listens I can see that time has also made him softer. Softer in that the lyrics mean that much more and there are some real beauties in his list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love ya Dad....now send me your top 10 rock songs that remind you of your teenage years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy! <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/71S6ponqTRJdkYebmWhEEX?si=glk8fSLuRWyYBcBqtaEEgQ">Click here to listen to the Spotify playlist</a></span><br />
<br />gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-79094451783117194272017-06-23T08:41:00.004-07:002017-06-23T08:42:37.493-07:00The Top 150 Canadian Songs of all Time List (IMHO)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi Friends,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Music's always going to be a subjective topic of conversation - and for me that's totally fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In many of my day-to-day roles I work closely with different teams to help determine lists. List, countdowns and groupings of songs, artists, genres, eras, albums and mostly music videos. We approach them through a democratic process and allow time for conversation and debate across the board. Having an open mind about music, be it new or old, is vital to folk who work in music. We sometimes forget that simple rule and become jaded - that's simply unacceptable in my books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If music's causing debate then I'm all for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we approach Canada's 150th birthday, next week, we'll all likely come across a plethora of "Top Canadian" music lists. Most likely top 150 lists at that. Since I love a good list I've taken the liberty to my very own list to the pile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's what I consider the finest 150 Canadian songs ever recorded in the form of a Spotify playlist for you to enjoy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also realized that I really like melancholy songs while compiling this list.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my playlist -</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/7B6Z885SYlLY0EQFzrVcE9" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</a> </li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let the comments begin :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a wonderful Canada Day long weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gregg</span></div>
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gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-75225409546475292742017-01-01T12:11:00.002-08:002017-01-01T12:11:37.757-08:00My 2016 in Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Spotify account shows that I've listened to Kermit the Frog's 'Rainbow Connection' more than any other song in the past year. It makes sense since it's the first track on my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/25z9atuKr8l04exU4qDn7n">'New Dad Playlist'</a> and which is part of the daily routine for my little girl. That little girl attended her first ever concert / festival this year. She can now boast having seen the mighty Sheepdogs and Barenaked Ladies as her first shows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2016 may have been a pretty depressing year when it came to deaths across the music world - as heard here <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/3aNyF6yD3Jl1hBtA0tM0ni">'RIP 2016 Playlist'</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(No Prince on Spotify sorry)</span> - but it was also a year with some amazing new music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My personal year was very different in that I was learning the ropes and trying to balance things on the home front with an addition to our family. That meant lack of sleep and less late nights at concerts around town. It didn't mean lack of learning about new music though. It was actually the opposite - I listened way more than I had in recent years. I discovered and uncovered music from all genres while diving deep into the past through nostalgia with a different perspective on life. Here's an on-going playlist I've been working on entitled - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/28VKuygZP6j9Hyr5NEdjIh">'The GREATEST Songs Ever Recorded IMHO'</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: center;">For me 2016 could be summed up in 2 words - GORD DOWNIE. Although David Bowie, Prince, George Martin, George Michael , Glenn Frye, Phife Dogg, Sharon Jones, Leonard Cohen and many others passed away - it was the news of my idol Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip, that shook me to the core. I continue to spend countless hours going deep into his band's catalogue as well as his solo work on the heels of hearing </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/gord-downie-cancer-cbc-interview-1.3804383" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: center;">that terrible news.</a><span style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: center;"> This was one more thing to put perspective on life and how precious it really is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was one of the luck my ones that went to a few of the band's last shows this past summer. I went to Toronto's first night with 2 lifelong pals and my older brother. It was a true celebration of the band's 30+ year career chalk full of hits. The band also played many songs off their latest album entitled <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7n8zDZnmmoo7OZv3OkdR7u">'Man Machine Poem'</a>. There was no way I was going to miss this band's last show in their home town of Kingston, Ontario. On Saturday, August 20th I made the trip with friends and soaked up what was one of the most amazing music filled days of my life. Kingston was magical and the band managed to make this junior hockey rink feel like a sweaty little club. Only difference was that 20 million people were watching right across this country. It was a very special day and shined a light on the wonder that is Gord Downie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a little video I don't remember shooting during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS_pcRsATHA">'Wheat Kings' </a>on that final night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also managed to land tickets to Gord's '<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0uqo6tAla0jJZQA1H4OdLK">Secret Path'</a> performance at Roy Thompson Hall in October. This was simply beautiful and among the most powerful messages and performances I've been witness to in my life. I consider myself lucky to have grown-up in a time when Gord Downie was making music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will be listening to Strombo's salute to The Tragically Hip this evening starting at 8pm - <a href="http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17763/strombo-show-tragically-hip-30">link here</a> if you're interested. </span></div>
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Here are a few quick lists of my favourites this past year.</div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Guns N Roses @ Sky Dome</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Metallica @ The Opera House</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Weeknd @ Air Canada Centre, iHeartRADIO Jingle Ball</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Killers and Sam Roberts Band @ World Cup Of Hockey Village</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Tragically Hip @ The K-Rock Centre, Kingston </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gord Downie @Roy Thompson Hall</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noel Gallagher @ Echo Beach </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pearl Jam @ Air Canada Centre</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lumineers @ Mod Club </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jack Garett @ The Garrison </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Top 10 Songs</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">David Bowie - <i>'Dollar Days'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Warpaint - <i>'New Song'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gallant - <i>'Bourbon'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gord Downie - <i>'The Stranger' </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Tragically Hip - <i>'Machine' </i>+ </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Tragically Hip - '<i>In Sarnia'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Michael Kiwanuka - 'Love & Hate'</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sam Roberts Band - <i>'Roll With The Spirits'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kings of Leon - <i>'Walls'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alessia Cara - <i>'Seventeen'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Red Hot Chili Peppers - <i>'Dark Necessities'</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Top 10 Albums </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">David Bowie - <i>'Black Star'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Tragically Hip - <i>'Man Machine Poem'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sam Roberts Band - <i>'TerraForm'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Weeknd - <i>'Starboy'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kanye West - <i>'The Life Of Pablo'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kings of Leon -<i> 'Walls'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Drake - <i>'Views'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 1975 - <i>'I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It'</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alessia Cara - <i>'Know It All'</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Respect to the great songwriter and TV Dad <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRvzm51EaKo">Alan Thicke</a> too. I know he didn't write this one - but it's the perfect song.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Best wishes to you and yours in 2017. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gregg</span></div>
gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-50479804594659449382015-12-09T18:31:00.000-08:002015-12-09T18:31:45.456-08:00New Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ViNLC4KIvU/VmjjnsUIVcI/AAAAAAAABTc/gcYTUAGFyqM/s1600/the_muppet_movie_kermit_swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ViNLC4KIvU/VmjjnsUIVcI/AAAAAAAABTc/gcYTUAGFyqM/s320/the_muppet_movie_kermit_swamp.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On Tuesday, September 29th at 7:15am </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I watched my wife give birth to our daughter who we named Lyla Grace Stewart. To say it was the greatest moment of my life is an understatement. I felt like a King that day walking on a cloud with a grin from ear to ear.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In the months that followed I've found myself being nostalgic and sentimental about lots of things. I've been reflecting on my own childhood and the different things that made it so great.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Many of my fond memories come from the music playing around the house growing up. Be it Christmas time when my Mom would bust out Anne Murray albums to my Dad spinning some Jim Croce, John Denver, and or even Friday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">night theme songs from shows like M.A.S.H., Hill Street Blues or The mighty Muppet Show. There was, and still is, always music playing at 793 Millbank Road in Pickering.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Although my daughter's only 10 weeks old - I'm already trying to introduce her to music. Music that reminds me of being a kid, catchy pop anthems from artists like Queen, The Beach Boys and of course The Beatles.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look forward to a lifetime when I'm playing new music for Lyla and learning about new music from her. I long for the day when we can go to outdoor concerts together and talk music over meals and a day when we can reflect on her childhood.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some songs that remind me of being a kid called - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/25z9atuKr8l04exU4qDn7n">New Dad Playlist</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A house with music playing will always be a happy home to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-58110420887193882542015-11-25T11:33:00.001-08:002015-11-25T11:33:24.270-08:00The Late 80s and Early 90s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0r2upJ4Two/VlYMwRsC-mI/AAAAAAAABTM/ML-9vqguVXc/s1600/depechre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0r2upJ4Two/VlYMwRsC-mI/AAAAAAAABTM/ML-9vqguVXc/s320/depechre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When growing up in central Ontario there were many different choices when it came to cliques. I don't think it exists the same way today - but picture a John Hughes film set to a soundtrack of music by the likes of Stone Roses, Violent Femmes, LL Cool J and R.E.M. and that was my suburban upbringing. Back then you identified yourself with specific groups and there were Rockers, Goths, Punks, Skinheads, Jocks, Mods, Hip Hoppers, Preps, Skaters, BMXers and many more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I had to classify my own style at that time I guess it was a cross between prep and skater. I skateboarded but was partial to a good Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, Club Monaco khakis and a pair of <a href="http://www.shoeme.ca/products/tretorn-womens-nylite-canvas-whitepeacoat-navy?size=8.5&gclid=CLuQmM_c_MgCFU2PHwodZrMC3w">Tretorn shoes</a>. Tretorns with <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/search/ollie%20holes">ollie holes</a> mind you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shoes were a big deal to me at that time - and still are <a href="http://clarksoriginals.com/">today</a>. I always wanted the best and most expensive ones. I was also very aware that I was in grade 9 and that older teens were known to "Roll" kids for their shoes at the time. All I wanted was a pair of 6 hole black boot docs with yellow stitches - but settled on <a href="http://www.marshallshoes.co.uk/mens-c1/smart-casual-c3/dr-martens-unisex-classic-3-eye-black-lace-shoe-without-yellow-stitching10078001-p67">Doc Marten shoes without stitching</a> so I didn't get my ass kicked by skinheads. I remember buying pair of low cut no stitch Docs in Scotland while on vacation between grade 8 and 9. It was funny because the boots were basically the working man's boot and you could buy them for dirt cheap everywhere. My older cousin Kenneth had a pair for his job as a security guard. On this side of the pond it was different. You could only buy Doc Martens on Queen Street at places like Twinkle Toes or head-shops. Ironically there's an actual Doc Marten's store on Queen now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do remember getting a great pair of <a href="http://www.timberlandforyou.com/PicImages/Timberland%20Men's%20Classic%20Boat%20Shoes/Men's%20Timberland%20Classic%20Boat%20Shoes%20Burgundy/Men's%20Timberland%20Classic%20Boat%20Shoes%20Burgundy1%20(1).jpg">Timberland</a> shoes in grade 8 though. I must have only had them for a couple days before they were stolen from the gym locker room. I'm pretty sure I know who it was that took them too. The lone asshole skinhead in grade 8 name Darcy. I had to wear my indoor gym sneakers home that day and was so pissed. PS - how on earth was there a white supremacist skinhead in a catholic elementary school to begin with? I digress.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the wide array of lifestyles came a very diverse mix of musical choices. I was all over the map and really did love it all. That wasn't the case for most though and they were very strict in their choices to make sure that it was in line with their identity. Goths listened to the likes of Depeche Mode, The Cure and Bauhaus while Skinheads cranked Motorhead and David Wilcox. There was Run DMC, Kool Moe Dee and Eric B. & Rakim for Hip Hoppers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Descendents, The Clash and The Cult for Skaters.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some songs that remind me of that time in my life...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Violent Femmes</b> -<i> 'Kiss Off' (This whole album is perfect)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Housemartins</b> - <i>'Caravan of Love'</i></span><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OU6QyruGNa8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OU6QyruGNa8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>R.E.M.</b> - <i>'Stand'</i></span><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wz2d5vSh5-c/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wz2d5vSh5-c?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Suicidal Tendencies </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">'Possessed to Skate'</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Kool Moe Dee</b> - <i>'Wild Wild West'</i></span><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6NRUmZYJ7_k/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6NRUmZYJ7_k?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Stone Roses </b>- <i>'Fools Gold'</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Cult </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> 'Heart and Soul' </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>De La Soul</b> - <i>'Eye Know'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Depeche Mode </b>-<i> 'Everything Counts'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The crowd intros from the album 101 still give me chills to this day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gregg</span></span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-58767770643562959232015-08-25T15:18:00.001-07:002015-08-25T15:19:00.141-07:00The Weeknd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIBusIwD3Qo/VdzoKxSzUoI/AAAAAAAABSQ/8uj32Bv39D0/s1600/20131017-the-weeknd-massey-hall-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIBusIwD3Qo/VdzoKxSzUoI/AAAAAAAABSQ/8uj32Bv39D0/s400/20131017-the-weeknd-massey-hall-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEI4qSrkPAs">'I Can't Feel My Face'</a></i> hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart last week. He's just announced an arena tour of North America for the fall. He's playing a club show TONIGHT in his hometown of Toronto. He just dropped a killer video for '<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ngEIxopUU">Tell Your Friends'</a></i>. His new album <i>'Beauty Behind The Madness' </i>comes out this Friday. AND he's performing at The MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday. <b>The Weeknd</b> is the KING of the World right now.<br />
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OH YEAH - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8sTZpwT3wI">Tom Cruise also lip synced to his song on Fallon</a> calling it the song of the summer.<br />
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I first heard about <b>The Weeknd</b> around the online release of <i>'House of Balloons'</i> in 2011. I was part of the grand jury for that year's Polaris Music Prize to which this album had been shortlisted. It never won the prize but local music journalist Anupa Mistry was there to champion the album and made many of the jury, myself included, take notice. </div>
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The process of Polaris' grand jury calls for members to listen to the albums in their entirety while preparing to vote. I chose to listen to the 10 albums while running in the early morning hours before going to work. I remember this one vividly as it was on a rainy morning and I was running through the woods near my home at Davisville and Mount Pleasant in Toronto. Haunting, beautiful, shocking and just god damn cool at the same time. This album is still fire today.</div>
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For the next 3 years we tried various times to get <b>The Weeknd </b>to perform on The Much Music Video Awards to no avail. The timing never worked out and or he wasn't ready. Well this year he was more than ready and performed a medley of both <i>'Earned It'</i> into <i>'The Hills' - <a href="http://mmva.muchmusic.com/watch/pid/1088/cid/640013/the-weeknd-the-hillsearned-it-2015-mmva-performance/">Watch it here</a>. </i><br />
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When preparing for the release of '<i>Kiss Land</i>' in 2013 Abel and his management came into the office to meet my team. They wanted to say hello and show us the latest video for <i>'Belong To The World'. </i> Abel was super shy and very humble. He told us how crazy the last year had been for a kid that grew up in Toronto being courted by everyone. Everyone from P. Diddy to Jimmy Iovine. He also told us that until then he'd never been outside of Ontario let alone on an airplane. His team took him to Japan and it blew his mind. I'm certain that a mere 2 years later it would take a lot more than a visit to Tokyo to blow his mind. This man headlined Coachella this year and has fast become friends with the likes of Kanye West and admired by all for his talents.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0S1bY21xI8/VdzlWKBEvsI/AAAAAAAABSE/uX-w62RmynE/s1600/abel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0S1bY21xI8/VdzlWKBEvsI/AAAAAAAABSE/uX-w62RmynE/s1600/abel.jpg" /></a></div>
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Able won 4 MMVAs this year for his videos and artistry. He's likely to win a few Moonmen this weekend and I'd hope a Grammy or 2 come February of 2016. </div>
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I'm lucky enough to be going to TONIGHT's show and can't wait. This is the exciting stuff in the music business watching artists become Superstars right before your eyes.<br />
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Here's my Spotify playlist entitled <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/4Es78YQty1X7O1PlJwNLDJ">The Weeknd GH</a><br />
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Thanks for reading/listening.<br />
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Gregg</div>
gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-88137412545637861382015-08-24T20:21:00.002-07:002015-08-24T20:23:46.095-07:00Compton<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Patton and I at soundcheck for Up In Smoke 2000.</td></tr>
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In 2000 I went to the <i>'Up In Smoke' </i>tour at the Molson Amp in Toronto. It still stands as the greatest live show I've ever seen. The production. The vibe. The attitude and of course the music. The show ended with a semi N.W.A. reunion featuring Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and Snoop standing in for Easy-E. This is the actual opening from that night -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkLpAP5o-Bw">watch it now</a>.<br />
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I worked at Universal at the time and had the pleasure of watching Dr. Dre soundcheck that afternoon. He walked all the way back to the lawns with his platinum plated microphone to test levels. A master of sound who was meticulous with it for every single show.<br />
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That was just the opening! Eminem, Warren G and Devin The Dude opened the night before these legends event hit on stage. Holy shit did that ever set the tone for an incredible night.<br />
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Like many I went to see the movie <i>'Straight Outta Compton'</i> this past weekend and LOVED IT. I was a mere twelve years old when both <i>'Straight Outta Compton' </i>and <i>'Easy-Duz-It' </i>came out. These albums were dangerous and scary as fuck - but my friends and I were hooked. We all knew the words to these songs inside out. I can still rap (I won't) every single lyric to Easy-E's <i>'Radio'</i> or <i>'We Want Easy'</i>.<br />
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For me the next few years would be all Brit Pop and Hip Hop aka Rap music. It was a backdrop while I skated the mean streets of Pickering. Truth be told they were the furthest thing from mean - but skateboarding in strip mall parking lots with a ghetto blaster playing albums like these and then Dr. Dre's <i>'The Chronic' </i>and Ice Cube's '<i>Predator' </i>made it feel that way. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Found this in my parents basement :)</span></td></tr>
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The movie probably wasn't even close to being in my top 10 favourite movies of all time - but I was still perfect. Perfect because it invoked great memories of my youth coupled with important memories of historic times that my generation grew up in. It's actually sad to see that racism is still as rampant as it was at that crazy time in 1991. I'm pretty sure that if you were to turn on CNN right now that it won't look too different from the news stories at that time.<br />
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I love Dre's music and production but for me it was all about Ice Cube and Easy-E. The movie solidified Ice Cube as the main rapper. He was the writer and lyricist that made this all come together. His career may be very different today - but this guy was a real gangsta. A true G.<br />
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Here's a Spotify playlist featuring some of my all time favourite songs related to Compton entitled - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/56F5mNUyXhsvUdxaKu1nlD">Straight Outta Compton Tunes</a><br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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G.<br />
<br />gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-68149104777989355262015-07-17T21:30:00.000-07:002015-07-17T21:30:04.005-07:00Amy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I never had the chance to see Nirvana before Kurt died - nor did I catch Blind Melon while Shannon Hoon was still alive. I did however see Amy Winehouse the very first time she performed here in Toronto at <a href="http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2012/11/29/jazz_club_top_o_the_senator_returning_with_new_name_next_year.html">The Top of the Senator in June 2004.</a><br />
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It was at an industry showcase for the recently released album <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0RisvCe4jLWes0m89StnuZ">'Frank'</a> that I sat front row to take photos for Universal Music's website.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Actual photo from that first night - just not mine. I can't find mine.</span></td></tr>
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The music world was unclear where this young jewish cockney jazz singer fit in. She was like nothing else at the time and so this showcase at a downtown Jazz club was the first attempt to see who might be interested. I remember thinking that her band was insanely good. The drummer was like nothing I'd watched on stage before. He was so smooth and on point while working with Amy to bring out the soul. He would wait to see where she was going and follow - then she'd look at him and he'd lead the way. I also recall thinking that she was very pretty and looked a lot like <a href="http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/GinaGershonMay10.jpg&imgrefurl=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gina_Gershon&h=3264&w=2448&tbnid=camMpVfpDlCltM:&tbnh=186&tbnw=139&usg=__l4hzKETINAXqILfAse3IMmCfIX8=&docid=QB4zRu2w58h4IM&itg=1">Gina Gershon</a>.<br />
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The next time I saw Amy Winehouse was when she came back through Toronto in support of '<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/097eYvf9NKjFnv4xA9s2oV">Back to Black'</a>. I was now working at MTV and she came by to be on our then flagship show MTV Live. She then headed down the road to be on MuchMusic's flagship show M.O.D. where she actually went missing from her dressing room. The producers of the show were about to have <a href="http://www.cityandcolour.com/">Dallas Green </a>come on to perform in her stead. She had decided to take stroll down Queen Street - but finally made it back to play a quick song as seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHnBxaP4fNQ">here.</a> From there she went to perform in the amazing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poLFu6_JE3w">Orange Lounge Studios</a>. She capped that day off by playing the MOD Club later that evening as seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63TkuLdTi5E">here</a>. <br />
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I've just come from the movies where I saw the new documentary about her life. It's heartbreaking, eye opening and down right sad all at the same time. My single favourite moment was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKraZ_2XvdU">the footage of her watching the Grammy Awards live while in London</a>. It was real. It was raw and so very genuine. Her short life was overshadowed by drugs and torment - but her music will be remembered and stand the test of time. This is a really great documentary and I recommend you see it.<br />
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Here's a best of playlist I've made to remember the late great <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/4r88BuDuiHBKb4K7IARnV4">Amy Winehouse</a><br />
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Thanks for reading/listening.<br />
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Gregggregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-66972363997800847282015-05-29T14:31:00.003-07:002015-05-29T14:31:34.470-07:002 Old + 2 New Tracks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's tough to keep up with new music these days simply because there's so much of it coming out each week.<br />
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I have the luxury of being privy to lots of new music as it comes out - and am afforded the insight as to what's going on surrounding and artist. It's a great position to be in because it's the social currency required to survive. It's definitely not rocket science - but you need to keep up and listen to the right people that know there stuff. You always need to be listening for new music and learning about music from the past at the same time. <br />
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My first new recommendation this week is from a Canadian girl named <b>Alessia Cara</b>. She samples <b>Portishead</b>'s smash<i> 'Glory Box</i>' with her new track<i> 'Here' </i>with perfection. The video is beautiful and the lyrics are spot on for an 18 year old.<br />
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My first old track comes to us from <b>LL Cool J.</b> I listened to him on my way to work today because my wife was watching his lip sync show on television last night. I can't ever hate on for doing all these shows because he truly is one of the greatest rappers of all time IMHO. His catalogue speaks for itself. Check out this classic cut!</div>
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My second new pick is from <b>Jamie XX</b>. Maybe one of my favourite side projects ever. This side project is better than most people actual projects. The album comes out next week and I can't wait to hear the rest of it. </div>
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My second pick is from my favourite band of all time <b>Oasis</b>. I know that some of you may have just rolled your eyes - but I could care less. These guys embodied everything I love about music and the rock n roll lifestyle. Here's a track off their album <i>'Don't Believe The Truth' </i>which came out almost 10 years ago to the day.</div>
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<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/3kuKqneIaoEcaCavVhkoHO">Spotify Playlist</a></li>
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Thanks for reading/listening.</div>
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Gregg</div>
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<br />gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-15871646630655863992015-05-22T14:03:00.004-07:002015-05-22T14:03:34.546-07:002 Old + 2 New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've decided I want to make my posts more frequent. In an attempt to do so I'll need to keep it quick and to the point. Here goes...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going to aim for a weekly post suggesting 2 NEW tracks that I think people need to hear and a couple OLD tracks that may have been missed - or require another listen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I selfishly write this with hopes my nieces, nephew and own children will one day click and learn a bit about the music that make me tick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently went down a worm hole of <b>Led Zeppelin</b>'s music - so the 1st of this week's Older selections has to be <i>'Ramble On'. </i> It embodies rock n roll and reminds me of my youth. I want to go on a long road trip with the windows down when I hear this song.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still listen to radio shows to learn about new music. It's different these days in that you can stream on demand - but it's still a voice on the other end telling tales of how songs came to be and tidbits of information about a song to give it context. They keep it exciting and I continue to learn daily. Here's one I heard for the first time a couple week's ago on The Strombo radio show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 1st New track I'd like to suggest is something from <b>Hot Chip</b>. The track is called '<i>Huarache Lights</i>' and it's fucking amazing (pardon my language relatives).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Wednesday David Letterman signed off for last time and I was among the many that shed a tear. That show had some of the finest musical guests perform through the years. I was actually at a taping one day but cannot remember the musical guest for the life of me. I do however remember that Bill Cosby was the other guest :(</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Eddie Vedder</b>, lead singer of <b>Pearl Jam,</b> was the musical guest on Monday's show and he performed the song <i>'Betterman'</i> with Paul Shaver and CBS orchestra. It was insane and solidified Eddie, once again, as a rock God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Suffice it to say I've been listening to the <b>Pearl Jam</b> ever since and would like to recommend something from their <i>Vitalogy</i> album that still gives me chills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 2nd new track I've selected this week is something from a BC Rapper that goes by the name of <b>SonReal</b>. His latest EP is called <i>'For The Town' </i>and the title track is just perfect. This is an artist my team's been watching for ages - and he just keeps getting better. I truly hope he gets the big break he deserves and soon. Take notes kids - Production is EVERYTHING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you check enjoyed my picks and I look forward to suggesting more next week.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Xwl882Vu22I1vv5oHI-fR_VXJizmwyQ">YouTube Playlist</a></span></li>
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gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-68496540816882704552015-05-18T20:20:00.002-07:002015-05-18T20:20:39.634-07:00I Love Led Zeppelin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a very long time since I went camping over the Victoria Day weekend. If I had to guess it's gotta be 20 years since my friends and I loaded up the car with beers, sleeping bags and not much else to head up highway 115. It's also been a while since I'd seen the movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk0XnyrENrE">'Almost Famous'</a>. This movie reminds me of those days because its soundtrack was very similar to what my friends and I listened to at that time in our lives.<br />
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Almost Famous was on AMC this morning and so I had to watch it. The Almost Famous soundtrack has become synonymous with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwIQBgcYLrI">Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer'</a>, which is an amazing song, but watching it again today made me thirst for the mighty Led Zeppelin.<br />
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I was introduced to Led Zeppelin when I first met my good buddy Wes van der Valk. It was the tail end of grade 9 as we headed into summer break. I remember the night vividly as Tim Holley and I were headed to the Hub Mall to see what was going on that Friday night. The town of Pickering all ascended on that mall's parking lot to see where everyone was going - then cram into cars to head to bush parties or the beach. On route we ran into these 2 dudes named Chris and Wes who invited us to a house party just around the corner. It was Wes' house and his Mom had gone out of town for the weekend.<br />
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Wes had an older brother named Will and his hippy uncle Charlie lived in the basement. The house was packed and could very well have doubled for a John Hughes house party from any of his movies. Every room was packed and the hallways lined with senior high school girls smoking cigarettes and drinking Durango coolers. The music was cranked and from each of the massive speakers came the sweet sound of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. It was perfect. It was rock n roll and it was dripping from the walls. The older guys were passing around joints and air guitaring while the girls sang each and every lyric from the top of their lungs. Wes snagged us a couple beers and we did our best to blend in. <br />
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Wes' uncle Charlie - aka Big C. - strummed along to the stereo on his 12 string guitar while smoke filled beer bottles got passed around the room. This night was also my introduction to hash.<br />
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It was 1990 and we did an about face with what we'd been listening to and quickly fell in love with music from the 60s and 70s. We had to make up for lost time and quickly entrenched ourselves with all things Led Zeppelin. Tim bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Led-Zeppelin-Box-4CD/dp/B000002IQ1">4 album box set</a>, we made copies of mixed tapes, bought posters and more. I even went to the flea market and bought all <a href="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/img/photos/2013/05/10/35/05/Led_Zeppelin.jpg">4 Zeppelin logos</a> for the back of my jean jacket.<br />
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That was 25 years ago when the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbXvaE39wM&list=PLlq0fgVGJYzxWVG5LdwigcvVMQeoqPiFA">Billboard Hot 100</a> was comprised of Technotronic, Wilson Philips, Bell Biv Devoe and Sinead O'Connor to name a few. Led Zeppelin was a welcome change for us and brought with it a culture that we wanted to be a part of. This was our tribe.<br />
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I had to put their music on the back burner for a while simply because I'd listened to too much for too long. We needed a break.<br />
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In recent months I've bought Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV on vinyl. Listening to it this way truly is like listening to it all for the first time. The break is over - we're back.<br />
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I may not have seen them live - but I can say that I love Led Zeppelin. It's magical, mythical, mysterious and oozes sex drugs and rock n roll. Every grade 9 kid should have their own Zeppelin experience.<br />
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<a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/5B8FgzTcKUxwBhm4y4k39Q">Get The Led Out Playlist</a><br />
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Gregggregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-68031895251339051812015-03-25T20:17:00.000-07:002015-03-25T20:23:18.277-07:0080s Vibes + SXSW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm LOVIN all these 80s sounding songs of late. All brand new - but you can tell artists are diving into their old record collections for inspiration. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/68dObhwFA6DWzwKB791hqZ">Here's what I'm talking about</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm just back from South By South West Music Festival and still trying to remember all the shows I saw there. It's always an overwhelming experience - but in the end I've come back to work more pumped than ever about new music. Pumped about all styles and level of greatness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you take a stroll down 6th street in Austin you'll see some seriously random things. From a homeless guy swinging flags around his head to the beat of a distant DJ set in a local venue to unicycles and jugglers and everything in between. You'll also see hundreds of struggling artists. Some are part of the actual festival slugging their gear from one gig to the next - but there are many that aren't part of the festival at all. They come with hopes of being seen and set up in street corners, in hotel lobbies, on the backs of pedicabs, up dark alleys and just about any other spot where people might be walking past. Loads of hip-hop crews handing out mixed tapes while wearing matching sweaters with names of artists while holding massive signs with twitter and Instagram handles. It's actually sad to see many of these things. Sad because it's a desperate attempt that will likely fall short in the end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really don't envy musicians trying to make it today. For all the success stories through Vine and YouTube - there are million of others cluttering our social media feeds and other media outlets daily. The lion's share are mediocre at best - thus making it harder than ever before for real talent to break through. It's a shame because there are some truly amazing new talents on the grind right now. Artists that should by all means succeed and I for one hope they can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some highlights for me at this year's festival were these talented artists...</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Frank Turner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yukon Blonde</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BRONCHO</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scott Weiland</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Run The Jewels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Marina and the Diamonds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Weeknd</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The War On Drugs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Twin Shadow</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">July Talk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leon Bridges</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James Bay</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Metz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ibeyi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Vaccines</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sheepdogs</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/0HCUgoVTgcr1sWFBy9Y5wf">My SXSW Spotify Play list</a> - that includes many of the above mentioned as well as others that performed in Austin this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-41736265100594820562015-01-30T14:40:00.000-08:002015-01-30T14:40:10.865-08:00Sia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xRUqGiLPT8/VMv9xaCE-QI/AAAAAAAABI8/sj3GAuENl1g/s1600/sia-performance-on-ellen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xRUqGiLPT8/VMv9xaCE-QI/AAAAAAAABI8/sj3GAuENl1g/s1600/sia-performance-on-ellen.gif" height="206" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sia_%28musician%29">Sia</a></b>'s quickly become a household name after many years of sitting in the wings. Although she's not as recognizable as say <b>Beyonce</b> or <b>Rihanna</b> she truly should be as you've likely heard her music just as much as both if not more. She tends to hide her face for television performances and is very selective when it comes to appearances of any kind. Her writing and vocal talents, coupled with her signature platinum blonde bob, have finally put her in the spotlight <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6YalhwzFxc">where she belongs</a>.</span><br />
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I had the pleasure of working on 1 of <b>Sia</b>'s albums back in 2004. It was her 3rd solo album and housed the breakout hit <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3DkBEoP2Qv7v2FX8no9XDO">'Breathe Me'</a>. That particular track took on a new life when it was used during the last scene of HBO's <i>Six Feet Under</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (spoiler scene - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNwARV9tPUw">click here</a>). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only time she came to town around that album was doing back-up duties for <b>Zero 7</b> on tracks like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQZ7JUhQR-c">'Distractions'</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTE6qBdn8eA">'Destiny'</a>. Both immense tracks with so much soul. I went to that show at <a href="https://nowtoronto.com/music/s-club-zero-7/">Toronto's Opera House </a>to say hello. She came out prior to the show and met me at the back bar. She was super friendly, pretty and quirky all at once. She was just excited to know that someone was handling this album and new it from cover to cover. I still love that album today and would stick it in my top 25 albums of all time for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sia</b>'s story hit the tipping point this past year and perhaps even exploded this afternoon when she performed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54p1WrH5OGQ">Ellen seen here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's written some of the biggest pop hits over the last couple of years including tracks for <b>Rihanna</b>, <b>Beyonce</b>, <b>Katy Perry</b>,<b> David Guetta</b> and <b>FloRida</b> to name a few. I knew a few of these were written by her - but when I heard her on the <b>Howard Stern</b> show my mind was blown. This is by far the most amazing interview I've heard in a long time - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7CQdmUQLN4">check it out.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sia</b>'s one of music finest talents today as she embodies what it means to be a true artist. Look for her star to shine even brighter in February with the a Grammy performance and nods in multiple categories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my - </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/3ChouRIhuSEod8BEqUfL6s" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'You Know Sia' - Spotify Playlist</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg </span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-10933872777154209292015-01-09T12:54:00.001-08:002015-01-09T12:54:34.310-08:00Something for the Weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love calendars. More specifically I love the process of plotting music events like concerts, release dates and festivals on a fresh calendar. Maybe it's the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder">OCD</a> in me - but it's a simple task that brings me a bit of joy while building excitement about the music itself. T.M.I.? Oh well - now you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I forgot to mention that I listen to lots of music while plotting and this last round allowed me to either discover or revisit amazing music that's come out recently. These particular tracks have been the soundtrack to my 2015 thus far and make me look forward to what's to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's January which means line-ups for festival are being announced along with dates and such. Although I won't be heading to Palm Springs for <a href="http://www.coachella.com/lineup/">Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival </a> - it's a killer announcement of acts spread across 2 weekends in April. I do hope to make it to NYC for this year's <a href="http://governorsballmusicfestival.com/">Governor's Ball</a> though. Mr. Gallagher will be playing this one which is the closest thing to an <a href="http://exclaim.ca/images/oasis1.jpg">Oasis </a>reunion we're going to see for some time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February means <a href="http://www.grammy.com/">The Grammy Awards</a> - then March brings us Canada's <a href="http://junoawards.ca/2015-juno-awards/">JUNO Awards</a> in Hamilton - and the following week is <a href="http://sxsw.com/music">SXSW</a> in Austin, Texas. Not a bad way to get one's head out of the fact that it was <a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/mars-officially-colder-than-canada-thursday/43251/">literally colder in Canada than it is on Mars this week</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are 5 tracks that I'm in love with at this time and simply want to recommend to you. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Black Keys</b> - <i>'The Weight of Love</i>' <span style="font-size: x-small;">*video not on YouTube:(</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The War on Drugs </b>-<i> 'Red Eyes'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bombay Bicycle Club</b><i> - 'Home By Now'</i></span></div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/IzuCOCZuS_A/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/IzuCOCZuS_A&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/IzuCOCZuS_A&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wu Tang Clan</b><i> - 'A Better Tomorrow'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tobias Jesso Jr.</b> - <i>'Hollywood'</i></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEeueAZUVeM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/1Us2RZyEwEGYV6kwg1Yj4w" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spotify Playlist Here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Black Key's track isn't available on streaming services:(</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span></div>
gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-20147409303487234742014-12-17T20:53:00.002-08:002014-12-17T20:53:39.780-08:00My Favourite Music of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQUtdA1ePFQ/VJJb0wD6-tI/AAAAAAAABIY/uHB43i8oAK4/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQUtdA1ePFQ/VJJb0wD6-tI/AAAAAAAABIY/uHB43i8oAK4/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014 has been awesome. It was a great year for music and was also a very special year for me because I got to marry the amazing <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3n0PHyNO_lY/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/8OSU-Alapjg/photo.jpg">Raffaella Fornarelli</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
For me this year's music discovery came through travel across Canada to places like Halifax, Winnipeg, Montreal and Vancouver coupled with a few trips stateside to NYC, Austin. Of course I also learned about new music through music streaming services, radio stations from around the globe and believe it or not on music television;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I love this time of year because it's when I get to make lots of new playlists. When I look back it always amazes me how much I've actually done of the course of 12 months. It's crazy the amount of music that I've been lucky enough to see live, hear for the first time - or even hear differently for the 800th time. Like most people I've got a ferocious appetite for NEW music and will go to any length to discover and be a part of it all. I truly love working around music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With out further adieu here's what I've been listening to throughout 2014...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've broken this out into a few categories including my top 5 favourite albums, top 5 favourite songs, top 5 videos and my top 5 favourite concerts. If you have 7 hours and 43 minutes to spare here are my top 110 favourite songs of the year <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and growing)</span> - <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/3bJzRkyhoRf4V1W1Zame7m">Gregg's Best of 2014</a></span><br />
<a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/greggstewart/playlist/3bJzRkyhoRf4V1W1Zame7m"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top 5 Albums of 2014</b></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/48Q27KoyKp38caYPuy0KXD"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Smith - 'The Lonely Hour'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfxEbuA22Uk"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Black Keys - 'Turn Blue'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/4f5QFycCas16VVeNNXtJoH"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/23CTxqMYnWPCCwKbO64NcS"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Roberts Band - 'Low Fantasy'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/1xn54DMo2qIqBuMqHtUsFd"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed Sheeran - 'X'</span></a></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top 5 Songs of 2014</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baVveuLnoA4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tobias Jesso Jr. - 'True Love'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vS1Hf3CVGs"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Belle and Sebastian - 'The Party Line'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3BLywhPiF4&spfreload=1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Smith - 'I've Told You Now'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjv9baASHE4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SonReal - 'LA'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/12B0Twa9kRz45Xw2PgXHJm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed Sheeran – Afire Love</span></a></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top 5 Music Videos of 2014</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHCYHldJi_g"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Duke Dumont - 'I Got You'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPYcbMADOt8"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Roberts Band - 'Shapeshifters'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi4pzKvuEQM"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chet Faker - 'Gold'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3t2h4NKPY"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cherub - 'Doses and Mimomsas'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRXc_-c_9Xc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arcade Fire - 'We Exist'</span></a></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top 5 Concerts/Shows of 2014</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CmTHP0ei_A"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Smith at St. David's Communion Church, Austin Texas SXSW</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wt8L3lnrLg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kasabian at Sound Academy, Toronto</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbdCoaMzyMs">Against me! at Olympia Centre Stage, Halifax</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAcd4QLsyB0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arctic Monkeys at Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmIRHIe9IZw"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arcade Fire at Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto</span></a></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a safe and happy holiday season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-6268464911438047952014-11-06T19:58:00.003-08:002014-11-06T19:58:43.467-08:00Ginger. Rusty. Red. Carrot Top. Big Red. Ed Sheeran.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJwNoCpYUCY/VFxBJZUq4yI/AAAAAAAABIA/na_TyVZT95k/s1600/ginger%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJwNoCpYUCY/VFxBJZUq4yI/AAAAAAAABIA/na_TyVZT95k/s1600/ginger%2B2.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have red hair <span style="font-size: x-small;">(it's actually orange)</span> then you've likely been called one, if not all, of the above mentioned nick names at some point in your life. Perhaps in an endearing way from friends and family or in a down right cruel way by some ignorant prick. I digress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M.I.A. didn't help matters in 2010 when she released a video for the song '<a href="http://vimeo.com/11219730">Born Free' </a>depicting police and army types going on the hunt to rid the World of my fellow pale skinned amber heads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">National Geographic published an article back in 2007 saying that red haired people are set for extinction within the next 100 years. It also spoke of the fact that less than 2 percent of the World's population have this as a natural colour. Here are some other interesting facts about gingers from your favourite list makers Buzzfeed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI5WJ0dWWPE">'11 Redhead Facts Everyone Should Know'</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Sheeran">Ed Sheeran</a> is probably the World's most famous ginger at this time and with good reason. He's one talent young man that keeps creating hit after hit. At the ripe age of 23 this lad from Yorkshire, England has reintroduced the youth of the world to something called the singer songwriter. It was something that had been missing from their vocabulary and was much needed on the heels of auto-tuned era featuring many choreographed groups.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed's not only a solo artist - he's penned, composed and collaborated on songs for some of the most popular acts in the World today including One Direction, Taylor Swift and more. He's respected by pretty much everyone in music including the hip-hop side because he's a pretty decent rapper too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions over the past couple of years. The first time was when he came to play the 2012 Much Music Video Awards <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4buSQV7CLA">seen here.</a> I met him in his makeshift dressing room around rehearsals at which time he was literally building a Lego castle. He gave it to me to give away on Much's social media sites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second time was when he returned on that same album and performed on the 2013 Much Music Video Awards <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pd-eRPhNMk">seen here.</a> The 3rd time was when he came back this past summer in support of his second album to perform at the 2014 MMVAs <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0CB2Jw6yHY">seen here</a>. He even stopped by our after party to hang out until the wee hours. He's a true gentleman and remains very humble from my experience meeting him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write about Ed today because I recently dove deep into his new album and it's fucking amazing. The kid has it all. He's got soul, style and is writing some of the most popular songs in music today. I am guessing that there's lots more to come too. The ginger jesus - as his fans called him - also makes some of the most interesting music videos around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a few of my favourite songs by Ed Sheeran's or in collaboration with others...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Ed Sheeran </b>- '<i>Thinking Out Loud'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Taylor Swift </b>featuring <b>Ed Sheeran</b> - <i>'Everything Has Changed'</i></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/w1oM3kQpXRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Ed Sheeran</b> - <i>'Afire Love'</i></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3KnfJxW4LJg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Ed Sheeran </b>- <i>'Lego House'</i></span><i><br /></i><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4BLVznuWnU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Ed Sheeran </b>- '<i>Stay With Me'</i> (Sam Smith cover)</span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/48qwvBkpw1g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Sam Smith</b> w/ <b>Ed Sheeran</b> - '<i>Stay With Me'</i> (Live)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not bad for a ginger eh? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span><br />
<br />gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-7378146921031224512014-08-13T19:35:00.001-07:002014-08-13T19:35:45.592-07:00Music Content In An A.D.D. World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogzgy0mLJ14/U-urxz3GQGI/AAAAAAAABHQ/vTg_3I_AE2M/s1600/1375105915_Man-on-the-moon-Mtv-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogzgy0mLJ14/U-urxz3GQGI/AAAAAAAABHQ/vTg_3I_AE2M/s1600/1375105915_Man-on-the-moon-Mtv-1.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started to type the title of this post as <i>'Music Content in an <a href="http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/attention-deficit-disorders/">A.D.D. </a>Generation'</i> when I realized that it's not a generational thing at all. A.D.D. is a characteristic of the World we ALL live in. From Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y/Millennials to Generation Z we're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Over the past few months my music team and I have been working hard on our <i><b>'Top 100 Music Videos Ever' </b></i>list to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MuchMusic">Much</a>. This might sound like a simple task - but there's a very big difference when it comes to the GREATEST music videos vs. the most ICONIC videos of all time. We're looking for the most amazing videos that stand the test of time and are truly deserving of inclusion in this list. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcATvu5f9vE">This is an example </a>of an ICONIC video that does NOT belong on our list. It's a difficult task and so we've been watching thousands of videos for the past few months narrowing things down as best we can. </span><br />
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We're almost there and I can't wait to share the final list :)</span><br />
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Back in 1981 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV">MTV</a> was the ONLY place you could watch music videos in the America. In Canada it wasn't until 1984 that we had our own offering which came in the form of MuchMusic. This was the place were I learned about many of my favourite artists and picked up in new ones along the way. It was the only place to learn about new music at the time. Much was a monopoly when it came to music content and that continued for decades. If you wanted to see the new Bon Jovi, U2, Barenaked Ladies or Twisted Sister videos then the only place you could watch was on broadcast television on one specific channel. It sounds crazy when you say it that way - knowing what we know today. </span><br />
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In the late 90s Napster took the music world by storm and excited a new generation all at the same time. This brand new peer-to-peer file sharing service allowed computers to communicate with others globally - and more importantly share files. Files that contained music from all of their favourite recording artists big and small. This opened the flood gates for torrent sites allowing users to share movies, television shows and music videos too. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the beginning of the beginning, not the the beginning of the end. Now you can access anything at anytime and anywhere and it's wonderful.</span><br />
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While screening potential videos to make this list we've become very aware of the transformation and evolution of how people consumer music content. Michael Jackson was making 16 minute music videos like Thriller and Bad in the 80s with the help of Martin Scorsese and John Landis. These videos were epic feature film like pieces set to the music of MJ. These visual interpretations of songs gave the fans a chance to dive in and analyse the song more - and give them visual context to what the artist had been singing about in the first place. Well that's the theory anyway. It wasn't just Michael either - Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Queen, Aerosmith, Aha and more where making magic in this era.</span><br />
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What I'm getting at is that since television used to be the only place to watch videos people paid full attention to the music video in question. There were no distractions or skip buttons in the 80s and early 90s. </span><br />
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I believe music content's getting better and better and that there's more of an appetite for it than ever before. There's just more buffet style consumption going on and so you'd better be making great music to cut through the clutter.</span><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Iovine">Jimmy Iovine</a> has been quoted saying that "Curation is the key". I know this is as fact. We see direct results when we curate specific play lists to compliment events like festivals, big shows and current events. I also listen to curated play lists regularly on streaming services. You need people that eat sleep and breathe music to filter things for the masses since most people just don't have the time or energy to do it themselves. This is exactly what we've been doing and I really hope that you take some time to check it out. It's an epic 11 hours long - so set your VCRs and stock up in VHS tapes. Or you can take the list and skip through them on YouTube later. Regardless - trust our picks and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tune in to Much on <b>Saturday, August 30th at 10am EST</b> for 11 hours of what we've deemed the '<i style="font-weight: bold;">Top 100 Music Videos Ever'. </i></span><br />
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Here's a few of my personal favourite music videos that may or may not make the cut...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Temper Trap </b>- <i>'Love Lost' </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Miike Snow</b> -<i> 'The Wave'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Depeche Mode </b>-<i> 'Wrong'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Michael Jackson</b> - <i>'You Rock My World'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Grum </b>- '<i>Through The Night'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS. I know that I truly do have the greatest job when this is what I've been up to for the past while.</span><br />
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Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-21393845884785675002014-07-10T14:40:00.001-07:002014-07-10T14:40:55.316-07:00Something for the Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsDC8Ny1UoQ/U776zNHHz_I/AAAAAAAABG4/okmF7WeYsIU/s1600/smiththumb-290x290.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsDC8Ny1UoQ/U776zNHHz_I/AAAAAAAABG4/okmF7WeYsIU/s1600/smiththumb-290x290.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure where the time goes, especially in the summer, but I've not had a second to blog of late and I really missed it. I will NEVER claim to be a writer - but I find blogging about music to be therapeutic and down right fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a minute so I figured I'd keep it simple and recommend a few new tracks that I'm in love with right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up is by the wonderful Jesse Ware. This is song's from a forthcoming sophomore album and it's down right gorgeous. <b>Jesse Ware</b> has the voice of an angel and her past album gave me goosebumps with each listen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jesse Ware</b> - <i>'Tough Love'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Roberts and his band can do no wrong in my books. They've created their finest record yet with this groove filled banger. The album's produced by the same guy that did <b>The Verve</b>'s <i>'Urban Hymns' </i>and it sounds fantastic like a continuation to that perfect recording. There's many great tracks on this album - but this one's my favourite at the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sam Roberts Band</b> - <i>'Too Far'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Drake'</b>s the king and I don't care if you disagree. He's proved himself time and time again while amassing a monster catalogue in a very few short time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This track has scents of <b>Kendrick Lamar</b>'s <i>'Swimming Pools</i>' laced with stunning - yet haunting - bits of <b>James Blake</b> and <b>Drake</b>'s own signature flow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The man and his crew don't stop and that's fine by me as long as they keep releasing tunes as good as this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Drake</b> - <i>'0-100'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of <b>Drake</b> - here's the first video from his boys <b>Majid Jordan</b> who are set to make waves on July 22nd with the release of their debut EP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This song makes me want to do very bad things and and rage until the sun comes up. The video enhances that urge even more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also proud to say that the video is partially funded by <a href="http://www.muchfact.ca/">MuchFACT</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Majid Jordan</b> -<i> 'A Place Like This'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been saying that<b> Sam Smith</b> will take over the world for the last 6 months or so and it's finally happening. I've had the pleasure of seeing him live twice now and he's the realest of the real in the vocal department. He's poised to become the male <b>Adele</b> and I can't wait to tell you that I told you so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His EP was phenomenal and so where his collaborations with <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ASUImTedo">Disclosure</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O1_3zBUKM8">Naughty Boy</a> </b>this past year.<b> </b> His debut full length has just come out and is picture perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't get enough and this is my favourite track (at the moment) from his album entitled <i>'In The Lonely Hour'</i>. Here's a link to Sam performing it live so you can see what I'm talking about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sam Smith</b> - <i>'I've Told You Now'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can you say about<b> Arcade Fire </b>that hasn't already been said? They truly deserve every award and accolade they've been given because they're that fucking good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This new album reminds me of <b>Radiohead</b>'s '<i>OK Computer</i>' - not musically - but monumentally as it's a game changer on some many sonic levels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This particular track takes you back to the great new wave era of the 80s while kicking you in the head to remind you that there are 7 of the best musicians on this planet making this noise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Arcade Fire</b> - <i>'We Exist' </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading / listening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span></div>
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gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-27886226336634586732014-04-24T19:48:00.000-07:002014-04-24T19:48:27.065-07:0010 Fantastic New Songs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The past few months have been pretty hectic in the best possible way. I've been to Austin, Texas for SXSW and then went to Winnipeg, Manitoba for The JUNO Awards. Now my team are preparing for Canadian Music Week which takes place here in Toronto in 2 weeks. Oh yeah and we have the 25th anniversary of The Much Music Video Awards on June 15th which is a big deal.<br />
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All this while trying to plan my wedding in late May. Truth be told this part is all Raffy - I'm simply making some play lists - but I digress. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thank you Raffy xo)</span><br />
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During these past few months I've seen, heard and been privy to some fantastic new music. There are at least 2 songs every day that catch my attention and become mainstays there after. <br />
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It's been strange going through my library to create these wedding play lists simply because all I want to do is listen to new music at this time. There's so much goodness to explore when it comes to new music.<br />
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Here are <a href="http://rd.io/x/QaNXYTPV08Q/">10 fantastic tracks</a> I'd like to recommend you give a spin...<br />
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<b>The Horrors </b>- '<i>So Now You Know'</i></div>
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<b>Hudson Taylor</b> - <i>'Battles'</i></div>
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<b>Lykke Li </b>- '<i>No Rest For The Wicked'</i></div>
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<b>Elbow</b> - '<i>New York Morning'</i></div>
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<b>Sam Smith </b><i>- 'Nirvana'</i></div>
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<b>Kiesza - </b><i>'Hideaway'</i></div>
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<b>Beck - </b><i>'Morning'</i></div>
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<b>Against Me! - '</b><i>True Trans Soul Rebel'</i></div>
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<b>City and Colour - </b><i>'Harder Than Stone'</i></div>
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Thanks for reading/listening.</div>
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Gregg</div>
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<br />gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-75793704283147101822014-03-21T18:08:00.001-07:002014-03-21T19:08:53.308-07:00Texas Forever <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How in the hell is it the end of March? <a href="http://sxsw.com/">South By South West</a> is already a distant memory and the conversation's have already gone from Texas to Winnipeg for <a href="http://junoawards.ca/">The JUNO Awards</a>. Once that's done we'll be laser focused on The 25th Anniversary of <a href="http://dylanpask.com/sk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/475_MMVAs_080611.jpg">The Much Music Video Awards</a> but I digress. I'm not complaining because this is simply fuel to the fire - and I love this stuff.</span><br />
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<a href="http://sxsw.com/">SXSW</a> truly is the most important music week each year (IMHO). It's the week that everyone descends on Austin, Texas for 2000+ bands playing on every inch of the city. From street corners, rooftops, grocery stores, churches to parking lots and more. It's hectic and gives me anxiety - but this festival is the real deal for those looking to learn about the next big thing or to see the biggest stars in the world in a small space. </span><br />
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This is the 3rd time I've been down to SXSW and it just keeps getting better. I know there are more and more people each year and many more brands taking over - but there's something for everyone which still makes it so good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a day-by-day snapshot of what I saw this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a travel day but my team and I had some great laughs going from Toronto to Dallas and then on to Austin. I was also seated next to Drake's beat maker <a href="http://boi-1da.net/">Boi-1da</a> on the second leg and it was great to hear his back story on how he got into music. This Grammy Award winner's from my hometown of Pickering so it was nice to have had the chance to meet him. You may know his work from songs like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Drake</b> - '<i>Best I Ever Had'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the official start to our festival. We headed to the conference centre to grab our badges and I checked out a couple panels including one with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_(band)">Jarvis Cocker of Pulp</a>. He read lyrics to various songs including some of his own hits and explained the background on each. It was fascinating to me as I'd been singing along to songs like<i>'<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikWW4pOehk">Sorted for E's & Wizz</a>' </i>for years with no idea what it was about. It's about The Stone Roses famous Spike Island gig in May of 1990. As the room filtered out I saw that the legendary BBC 6 Music DJ <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072lb2">Steve Lamacq</a> had been sitting in too. As he walked past me <i>'<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzrDeceEKc">Wonderwall'</a> </i>played over the<i> </i>speakers in the hall and my mind nearly exploded. I love Brit pop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there we headed to <a href="http://www.cimamusic.ca/">CIMA</a>'s annual Canadian Blast BBQ. It's a great place to start each year as you can see who's all there from the great white north and catch-up with people from across Canada that you only ever deal with on emails. There were loads of great performances including <a href="http://sbtmusic.com/">Siadah Baba Talibah</a>, <a href="http://www.thedarcys.ca/">The Darcys</a> and <a href="http://www.grandanalog.com/">Grand Analog</a> to name a few.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2EOMjbm4ik/Uyu5qrTU4aI/AAAAAAAABEA/_05Mcwv2Qmg/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2EOMjbm4ik/Uyu5qrTU4aI/AAAAAAAABEA/_05Mcwv2Qmg/s1600/photo-11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After feasting on some delicious Texas food we headed to our friends showcase for Dine Alone Records. This showcase was in a new section of Austin called Rainey Street which is super cool. It's all abandoned houses and empty lots converted into clubs and patios. There are loads of food trucks on the streets and about 25 different venues. The showcase featured many acts including standouts like <a href="http://noahgundersenmusic.com/">Noah Gundersen</a>, <a href="http://tokyopoliceclub.tumblr.com/">Tokyo Police Club</a> and <a href="http://theapacherelay.com/">Apache Relay</a>. This place was packed and not just full of festival punters. There were loads of musicians like the bass player from Soundgarden and one of the Mumford lads. Pretty damn cool for a Canadian Indie label from St. Kits.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday Austin awoke to the terrible news that a drunk driver had taken out a street full of festival goers killing 2 and injuring many more. It was a somber mood throughout as people tried to understand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This day was my team's first event at SXSW and so we hosted a brunch at 6th street's Iron Cactus rooftop. It was fantastic - and we can even boast some wonderful performances from Canadian acts like <a href="http://www.aintnolove.com/">Ain't No Love,</a> <a href="http://thebellegame.com/">The Belle Game</a>, <a href="http://julytalk.bandcamp.com/">July Talk</a> and <a href="http://atribecalledred.com/">A Tribe Called Red</a>. This will be a mainstay for us and look forward to having everyone next year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right after our MuchFACT brunch we headed to the Universal Music Group showcase where <a href="http://thekooks.com/">The Kooks</a> played an outdoor set under a perfect blue sky. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've loved The Kooks for ages and so to see them play new material alongside a mere 200 people while the sun beat down on us was pretty special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That evening we feasted on fajitas washing them back margaritas - as you do. Then it was over to Swan Dive to see <a href="http://jeremymessersmith.com/">Jeremy Messersmith</a> and <a href="http://thestrypes.com/">The Strypes</a>. The Strypes are like watching The Rolling Stones in their early days doing their finest James Brown moves and being absolute fucking rock stars on stage. These 4 kids (literally) have more R&B soul than many acts claiming to be in this genre today. Expect big things from these 4 lads from Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During The Strypes 30 minute set one of the SXSW employees jumped on stage to ask the crowd for 2 minutes of silence to remember the 2 people killed 2 nights before. This was done right across the festival at the exact same time. Chilling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there it was over to Maggie Mays in the heart of 6th street to see the Sam Roberts Band. To see these guys in a small venue is an absolute treat. They've done so well in this country and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and start over State side. They've got a deep catalogue - but with 30 minutes to impress they have to stay laser focused on simply knocking the socks of these new crowds. They're fucking amazing and I hope you check out their new album '<a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2014/02/album-stream-sam-roberts-band---lo-fantasy.html">Lo-Fantasy</a>'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hit the ground running on Friday morning and went directly to the convention centre. We had learned that if you have a delegate pass you're entitle to a trump card each day. The trump card allows you to walk directly to the front of any line and get right in. You get one a day and so you should always pick the one that you think is going to be the most sought after shows. Sadly we didn't learn of this special card until 2 days in. I would have been able to have seen <a href="http://kurtvile.com/">Kurt Vile</a> and <a href="http://www.nabumarubberband.com/">Little Dragon </a>the night's before:(</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2R_GyNs-O0/UyzUJZ-Xt4I/AAAAAAAABE0/2_UvWThJ6VA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2R_GyNs-O0/UyzUJZ-Xt4I/AAAAAAAABE0/2_UvWThJ6VA/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there it was over to the world famous Stubbs BBQ for Spin Magazine's annual party. There we caught <a href="http://warpaintwarpaint.com/">Warpaint</a>, <a href="http://www.schoolboyq.net/">Schoolboy Q</a> and <a href="http://www.againstme.net/">Against Me!</a>. This was easily one of the most amazing moments that I've experienced in music to date. Watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Jane_Grace">Laura Jane Grace</a> performing with her band with a smile from ear to ear made me smile from ear to ear. She was comfortable in her own skin having gone through a year of transformation from Tom Gable to Laura Jane Grace - the bad ass anarchist lead singer of Against Me! Watching the crowd full of 'bros' sing along to songs like '<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Transgender Dysphoria Blues</i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">' and '</span><i style="line-height: 19px;">True Trans Soul Rebel</i><span style="line-height: 19px;">' was fantastic. It gave me hope for a very bright future for all walks of life - that is truly what rock n roll's about.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had never heard a note of Against Me! until that afternoon and now know that I've been missing out. It's something I'll never forget and hope that this important album receives the accolades it deserves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As if that wasn't enough music for one day we were just getting started. Next stop was a friend's showcase for <a href="http://photofinishrecords.com/">Photo Finish Records </a>at Speak Easy on Congress. Here we caught <a href="http://photofinishrecords.com/artists/the-mowglis/">The Mowglis </a>and another set from <a href="http://photofinishrecords.com/artists/the-strypes/">The Strypes</a>. I still can't believe the amount of talent and star power these guys ooze. They were signed by Sir Elton John - so if that's any indication of what's to come then we're all in for a treat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop was a bit of dinner with some friends and some famous table side guacamole at The Iron Cactus. Amazing conversation about radio, streaming, new bands and the future of this crazy business - I could have sat at that table for ever. Sadly we couldn't as there were many more bands for us to see. Half of the table were off to see Soundgarden perform their classic album <i>'<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2014/03/14/4889349/soundgarden-celebrates-20th-anniversary.html">Superunknown'</a> </i>from start to finish<i> </i>on a rooftop. Others were off to see some Canadian acts at Canada House and my partner in crime, <a href="http://images.ak.instagram.com/profiles/profile_16123564_75sq_1372180560.jpg">Alana,</a> was off to see <a href="http://www.brokenbells.com/">Broken Bells</a>. I was off to see Sam Smith and then meet back up with Alana to use our trump card and see the ultimate hipster <a href="http://www.stereogum.com/1670006/watch-julian-casablancas-play-5-new-songs-at-sxsws-chevrolet-courtyard/concert/">Julien Casablancas & Voidz</a> at my favourite venue Cedar Street.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I actually ran into Sam Smith on the street about an hour before his show as St. David's church. He's very tall and looks like a star. He was super nice and I told him that we'd like to work with him when he comes to Toronto in a few weeks. I hope we can as this is exactly the time you want in on acts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam is already know for his collaborations with Disclosure on their massive hit <i>'<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ASUImTedo">Latch'</a> </i>and the infectious '<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O1_3zBUKM8">La La La</a>'</i> from Naughty Boy. These 2 tracks have an astonishing 300,000,000+ streams on YouTube combine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His performance in that church was a truly religious experience. This man is poised to be the biggest thing in 2014. Mark my words his solo career will be on par with the likes of Adele. This is just the beginning. The band <a href="http://www.tennis-music.com/">Tennis </a> were on just before and then <a href="http://vancejoy.com/">Joy Vance</a> end that showcase. They were good - but Sam Smith was the man that night.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgU1FBhKlcU/Uyze-MLNijI/AAAAAAAABFc/rAYyKZaixTk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgU1FBhKlcU/Uyze-MLNijI/AAAAAAAABFc/rAYyKZaixTk/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After hitting the convention centre to grab my trump card for The 1975's headline set it was off to The Agency Group's party at Lamberts BBQ. The room was full of agents, bands and managers along with some talent. The likes of Taylor Hanson and Sam Roberts Band were there hanging with their agents and having a few drinks. We got to spend some time with the amazing guys in Sam Roberts Band and enjoyed laughs and great conversation about tunes. They invited us to join them at a private party hosted by <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/">Rachel Ray</a> and there's no way we would say no to that invitation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rachel Ray's parties are known for their spreads and this was no exception. Gourmet hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and a full pig complete with an apple in its mouth. Oh and the band played a small stage as the sun went down. They opened with a new song<i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJEltYtMLe0">'The Golden Hour'</a> </i>which made the moment perfect. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXTgU24v8HY/UyzgMcxknZI/AAAAAAAABFo/b-0dYPSnmmo/s1600/samroberts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXTgU24v8HY/UyzgMcxknZI/AAAAAAAABFo/b-0dYPSnmmo/s1600/samroberts.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After their set the guys in Sam Roberts Band stuck around for a few hours before heading off on tour to California. They might be rock stars but they're also some of the nicest guys in music today. Each member is so different and on paper I don't think it works. For some reason it does and only the gods of rock know why. Thank you for the amazing day guys it was a blast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last stop on this adventure was to see a band that I was introduced to at last year's SXSW called <a href="http://the1975.com/">The 1975</a>. This time last year they played the backyard of Red Eye Fly and on tiny little stages around the city. This year saw them play the MTV Woodie Awards and then close out the Saturday night at Stubbs BBQ to a sold out crowd of people hanging on their every word. It was the perfect ending to another amazing trip to SXSW.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Texas forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-80170063255885439832014-03-02T21:12:00.003-08:002014-03-02T21:12:25.359-08:00Songs In Films<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H81mQJXVuGI/UxQNuBn1g8I/AAAAAAAABCI/Yl4k-mB09aU/s1600/john-cusack-say-anything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H81mQJXVuGI/UxQNuBn1g8I/AAAAAAAABCI/Yl4k-mB09aU/s1600/john-cusack-say-anything.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On a night when Hollywood celebrate all things film I've decided to made a quick list of my favourite scenes that have used the perfect songs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every second of a movie has some sort of music bed playing in it. You might not even notice them at times but they're there to set the mood throughout the whole film. You do however notice when a great song is used to enhance a scene and when it's done properly it can't be beat. It's vital and makes a movie even better when the right music has been picked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some of my favourites songs in movie scenes...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsyfGwlf_l0"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Donnie Darko: Tears for Fears - 'Head Over Heels'</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/56886652"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Office Space: Ghetto Boys - 'Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gansta'</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I9MDswUeYc"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Old School: Whitesnake - 'Here I Go Again'</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9uvEAYtBGA"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Karate Kid: Peter Cetera - 'The Glory of Love'</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmTyizVfCng">American Psycho: Phil Collins - 'In Too Deep'</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">*PG 13</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK9R3hvWfhU"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">High Fidelity: Beta Band - 'Dry The Rain'</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j379JbL-xM"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Say Anything: Peter Gabrielle - 'In Your Eyes'</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U35MvblI4og&list=PLNS0On5vFgYOgWYOqYOEyTSPThOuHP1WE"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do The Right Thing: Public Enemy - 'Fight the Power'</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for reading/listening,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gregg</span>gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539352069559141989.post-3689195542882714982014-01-27T19:49:00.000-08:002014-01-27T19:49:35.410-08:00A New Play List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Ces45Nrxs/UucoJyY-6VI/AAAAAAAABBk/w2Lxcr6ZDrs/s1600/samsmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Ces45Nrxs/UucoJyY-6VI/AAAAAAAABBk/w2Lxcr6ZDrs/s1600/samsmith.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Monday and I'm sifting through my iTunes, iPods, DMDS, Rdio and Spotify accounts while Raffy's at the Jay Z's concert. It's usually the opposite way around - but she loves music just as much as I do which is one of the main reasons I asked her to marry me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm constantly working on play lists for our big day. The hardest part's going to be narrowing it down to the best of the best. I'm currently sitting at 8 hours 55 minutes and not even close to finished adding. I send myself notes daily as I come across songs that I may have missed. There's just so many songs I want to play throughout the course of the day but so many things to consider when it comes to these play lists. I know for a fact that I'll be working on this right up until the last minute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm taking a break from that right now as I've started a new play list. A new play list of some of the most exciting songs I've been listening to of late. God damn is 2014 starting out on a high note.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a few tracks I'd like to recommend...</span><br />
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<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/bombay-bicycle-club/luna"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bombay Bicycle Club - 'Luna'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/felipoin/foster-the-people-coming-of"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Foster The People - 'Coming Of Age'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/annadinh/sky-ferreira-youre-not-the-one"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sky Ferriera - 'You're Not The One'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/thejezabels/the-end"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Jezebels - 'The End'</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/jvmcmorrow/cavalier-the-1975-remix">James Vincent McMorrow - 'Cavalier'</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The 1975 remix)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/samsmithworld/money-on-my-mind">Sam Smith - 'Money on My Mind' </a>and '<a href="https://soundcloud.com/samsmithworld/lay-me-down">Lay Me Down'</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sam Roberts Band - 'Golden Hour' <span style="font-size: x-small;">*Comes out in 2 weeks</span></span></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/indicarecords/half-moon-run-full-circle-dark"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Half Moon Run - 'Full Circle'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeXBiXcEBkY"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">RAC feat Kele and MDNR - 'Let Go'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZb8nEemK2k"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Strypes - 'Blue Collar Jane'</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://soundcloud.com/frontside/jake-bugg-slumville-sunrise"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jake Bugg - 'Slumville Sunrise'</span></a></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for reading/listening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gregg</span></div>
gregg stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330901895313854113noreply@blogger.com0