All Of Us | 2020

Hi Friends,

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 'All of Us' truly is the perfect title for the new Sam Roberts Band record being released in 2020.

I've had the luxury of living with the new album 'All Of Us' 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.

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.  

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.  
Many of these tracks evoke feelings of nostalgia and good times growing up for me. The track 'Ghost Town' is a personal favourite - but that same feeling comes from other tracks like 'Youth' heard here.  A few of the songs actually gave me a great sense of hope knowing that life truly is meant to be about evolving.  Listen to 'Ascension' here or give 'I Like The Way You Talk About The Future' a listen - or even the title track 'All of Us'.

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 'Wolf Tracks' and 'War Chest' right off the top are perfect for that.

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 'Spellbound' 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 'Ghost Town'.  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 'Take Me Away'.

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.  

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!

Stay safe.  Believe in science - and wear a fucking mask so we can all get back to seeing SRB live in concert.
Thanks for reading / listening.
Gregg

The Best of 2019 IMHO

Hi Friends,

I always get shit from a friend for putting my 'Best of the Year Playlist' 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.

In the meantime - this is my playlist featuring the songs I loved the most this past year.  

Some of the greats returned to the spotlight in the past 12 months including the likes of Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Liam Gallagher, City and Colour, Coldplay, The National and The Killers.  The Killers actually only came back to drop this very important song / video called 'Land of the Free'  and I'm glad that they did.  

Sidebar - this album by City and Colour is a complete masterpiece from start to finish.  

There were also many new acts that I became aware of this past year including Tierra Whack, The Jon Johns, Anyway Gang, Lizzo, Delacey, ren, Lewis Capaldi, Baby Keem  and the 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner Haviah Mighty.  

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.  Madeline Merlo, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Young, Lady Antebellum, Adam Hambrick w/ this song are all amazing.

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.  

• Here's the playlist - I hope you enjoy it.

Have a great December and holiday season.

Gregg

The 2010's Sounded Like This...

Hi There,

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.

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 magical collection of songs from the past 10 years.

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;)

*Raffy and Lyla at Field Trip

I love music and if you've read this far then I'm certain you do too.

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 started out in small venues while they perfected their craft.

*Sam Roberts Band at Rachel Ray's Backtyard BBQ in Austin

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.  

*The 1975 at Red Eyed Fly in Austin

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. 

*Sam Smith at a church in Austin

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. 

*Gord Downie at Danforth Music Hall 

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.  

*The Weeknd at Air Canada Centre

*Ed Sheeran at MuchMusic Video Awards 

Enjoy the playlist here!

Thanks for reading / listening.

Gregg

Dad's Tunes

Ian Stewart and Gregg Stewart November 2017

Hi there,

It's been ages - I hope you're well :)

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.

In recent weeks he and I have been talking about music (as we tend to do often) 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.

2 weeks to the day I got a call asking some very specific questions like "Can it only be 10 songs?" and "Does it matter what era?" coupled with "How do I send this to you?".  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.

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.  

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.

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.

Love ya Dad....now send me your top 10 rock songs that remind you of your teenage years.

Enjoy! Click here to listen to the Spotify playlist

The Top 150 Canadian Songs of all Time List (IMHO)

Hi Friends,

Music's always going to be a subjective topic of conversation - and for me that's totally fine.

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.

If music's causing debate then I'm all for it.

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.  

Here's what I consider the finest 150 Canadian songs ever recorded in the form of a Spotify playlist for you to enjoy.  

I've also realized that I really like melancholy songs while compiling this list.

• Here's my playlist - Enjoy!  

Let the comments begin :)

Have a wonderful Canada Day long weekend!

Gregg

My 2016 in Music

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 'New Dad Playlist' 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.

2016 may have been a pretty depressing year when it came to deaths across the music world - as heard here 'RIP 2016 Playlist' (No Prince on Spotify sorry) - but it was also a year with some amazing new music.

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 - 'The GREATEST Songs Ever Recorded IMHO'

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 that terrible news.  This was one more thing to put perspective on life and how precious it really is.  

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 'Man Machine Poem'.  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. 

Here's a little video I don't remember shooting during 'Wheat Kings' on that final night.

I also managed to land tickets to Gord's 'Secret Path' 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.  

I will be listening to Strombo's salute to The Tragically Hip this evening starting at 8pm - link here if you're interested.  

Here are a few quick lists of my favourites this past year.

Top 10 Shows

1. Guns N Roses @ Sky Dome
2. Metallica @ The Opera House
3. The Weeknd @ Air Canada Centre, iHeartRADIO Jingle Ball
4. The Killers and Sam Roberts Band @ World Cup Of Hockey Village
5. The Tragically Hip @ The K-Rock Centre, Kingston 
6. Gord Downie @Roy Thompson Hall
7. Noel Gallagher @ Echo Beach 
8. Pearl Jam @ Air Canada Centre
9. Lumineers @ Mod Club 
10. Jack Garett @ The Garrison 

Top 10 Songs

1. David Bowie - 'Dollar Days'
2. Warpaint - 'New Song'
3. Gallant - 'Bourbon'
4. Gord Downie - 'The Stranger' 
5. The Tragically Hip - 'Machine' + The Tragically Hip - 'In Sarnia'
6. Michael Kiwanuka - 'Love & Hate'
7. Sam Roberts Band - 'Roll With The Spirits'
8. Kings of Leon - 'Walls'
9. Alessia Cara - 'Seventeen'
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers - 'Dark Necessities'

Top 10 Albums 

1. David Bowie - 'Black Star'
2. The Tragically Hip - 'Man Machine Poem'
3. Sam Roberts Band - 'TerraForm'
4. The Weeknd - 'Starboy'
5. Kanye West - 'The Life Of Pablo'
6. Kings of Leon - 'Walls'
7. Drake - 'Views'
8. The 1975 - 'I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It'
9. Alessia Cara - 'Know It All'

Respect to the great songwriter and TV Dad Alan Thicke too.  I know he didn't write this one - but it's the perfect song.

Best wishes to you and yours in 2017.  

Gregg

New Dad

On Tuesday, September 29th at 7:15am 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Here are some songs that remind me of being a kid called - New Dad Playlist

A house with music playing will always be a happy home to me.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

The Late 80s and Early 90s

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.

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 Tretorn shoes.  Tretorns with ollie holes mind you.

Shoes were a big deal to me at that time - and still are today. 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 Doc Marten shoes without stitching 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.

I do remember getting a great pair of Timberland 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.

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.

Here are some songs that remind me of that time in my life...

Violent Femmes - 'Kiss Off' (This whole album is perfect)

The Housemartins - 'Caravan of Love'

R.E.M. - 'Stand'

Suicidal Tendencies - 'Possessed to Skate'

Kool Moe Dee - 'Wild Wild West'

The Stone Roses - 'Fools Gold'

The Cult - 'Heart and Soul' 

De La Soul - 'Eye Know'

Depeche Mode - 'Everything Counts'

The crowd intros from the album 101 still give me chills to this day.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

The Weeknd

'I Can't Feel My Face' 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 'Tell Your Friends'.  His new album 'Beauty Behind The Madness' comes out this Friday. AND he's performing at The MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday.  The Weeknd is the KING of the World right now.

OH YEAH - Tom Cruise also lip synced to his song on Fallon calling it the song of the summer.

I first heard about The Weeknd around the online release of 'House of Balloons' 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.  

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.

For the next 3 years we tried various times to get The Weeknd 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 'Earned It' into 'The Hills' - Watch it here.  

When preparing for the release of 'Kiss Land' 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 'Belong To The World'.  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.

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.  

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.

Here's my Spotify playlist entitled The Weeknd GH

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Compton

Andrew Patton and I at soundcheck for Up In Smoke 2000.

In 2000 I went to the 'Up In Smoke' 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 -watch it now.

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.

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.

Like many I went to see the movie 'Straight Outta Compton' this past weekend and LOVED IT.  I was a mere twelve years old when both 'Straight Outta Compton' and 'Easy-Duz-It' 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 'Radio' or 'We Want Easy'.

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 'The Chronic' and Ice Cube's 'Predator' made it feel that way.

Found this in my parents basement :)

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.

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.

Here's a Spotify playlist featuring some of my all time favourite songs related to Compton entitled - Straight Outta Compton Tunes

Thanks for reading.

G.

Amy.

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 The Top of the Senator in June 2004.

It was at an industry showcase for the recently released album 'Frank' that I sat front row to take photos for Universal Music's website.

*Actual photo from that first night - just not mine.  I can't find mine.

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 Gina Gershon.

The next time I saw Amy Winehouse was when she came back through Toronto in support of 'Back to Black'.  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 Dallas Green 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 here.  From there she went to perform in the amazing Orange Lounge Studios. She capped that day off by playing the MOD Club later that evening as seen here.

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 the footage of her watching the Grammy Awards live while in London.  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.

Here's a best of playlist I've made to remember the late great Amy Winehouse

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

2 Old + 2 New Tracks

It's tough to keep up with new music these days simply because there's so much of it coming out each week.

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.

My first new recommendation this week is from a Canadian girl named Alessia Cara.  She samples Portishead's smash 'Glory Box' with her new track 'Here' with perfection.  The video is beautiful and the lyrics are spot on for an 18 year old.

My first old track comes to us from LL Cool J.  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!

My second new pick is from Jamie XX.  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.  

My second pick is from my favourite band of all time Oasis.  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 'Don't Believe The Truth'  which came out almost 10 years ago to the day.

• Spotify Playlist

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

2 Old + 2 New

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...

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. 

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.

I recently went down a worm hole of Led Zeppelin's music - so the 1st of this week's Older selections has to be 'Ramble On'.  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.

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.

The 1st New track I'd like to suggest is something from Hot Chip.  The track is called 'Huarache Lights' and it's fucking amazing (pardon my language relatives).

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 :(

Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, was the musical guest on Monday's show and he performed the song 'Betterman' with Paul Shaver and CBS orchestra.  It was insane and solidified Eddie, once again, as a rock God.  

Suffice it to say I've been listening to the Pearl Jam ever since and would like to recommend something from their Vitalogy album that still gives me chills. 

The 2nd new track I've selected this week is something from a BC Rapper that goes by the name of SonReal.  His latest EP is called 'For The Town' 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.

I hope you check enjoyed my picks and I look forward to suggesting more next week.

• YouTube Playlist

Gregg

I Love Led Zeppelin

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 'Almost Famous'.  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.

Almost Famous was on AMC this morning and so I had to watch it.  The Almost Famous soundtrack has become synonymous with Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer', which is an amazing song, but watching it again today made me thirst for the mighty Led Zeppelin.

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.

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.

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.

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 4 album box set, we made copies of mixed tapes, bought posters and more.  I even went to the flea market and bought all 4 Zeppelin logos for the back of my jean jacket.

That was 25 years ago when the Billboard Hot 100 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.

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.

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.

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.

Get The Led Out Playlist

Gregg

80s Vibes + SXSW

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.  Here's what I'm talking about.

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.

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.  

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.

Some highlights for me at this year's festival were these talented artists...

• Frank Turner
• Yukon Blonde
• BRONCHO
• Scott Weiland
• Run The Jewels
• Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires
• Marina and the Diamonds
• The Weeknd
• The War On Drugs
• Twin Shadow
• July Talk
• Leon Bridges
• James Bay
• Metz
• Ibeyi
• The Vaccines
• The Sheepdogs

Here's - My SXSW Spotify Play list - that includes many of the above mentioned as well as others that performed in Austin this year.

Until next time.

Gregg