Summer Music

It's been hot as hell in Toronto and even worse in NYC this week.  There's no escaping it, but for most people it beats the heck out of winter.  To me the best thing about the summer are all the outdoor shows and lots of music festivals going on.  My favourite place on earth is still the lawn at Molson Amphitheatre as that sun sets on Toronto when a great band is on stage.

Between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, NYC and Chicago there's no lack of great shows to take in.  Some of the world's biggest festivals that boast the greatest performers today are within a few hour driving radius.  The concert business is alive and well in the summer of 2013.

I'm not going to make it up to Montreal for Osheaga this year - but am hoping to check out The Grove and perhaps a bit of Veldt and OVO Festivals that same weekend.  All 3 are in Toronto and cover all kinds of popular music from Hip Hop, Rock, Folk to EDM.  Toronto is a world class city and these events solidify that.

Here are some amazing new songs that I'm loving and think might make your summer that much better.

Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know?'

Lorde - 'Royals'

Daft Punk - 'Lose Yourself To Dance'

White Lies - 'There Goes Our Love Again'

Frank Turner - 'Recovery'

J. Cole - 'Rich Ni#@as'

Foals - 'Bad Habits'

Half Moon Run - 'Full Circle'

Miley Cyrus - 'We Can't Stop'

*Twerking aside - this is the definitely song of the summer

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg

Relax and Smile

It's been a very busy time at our offices as we've just come through another successful MuchMusic Video Awards.  There were some great performances from some of the biggest names in popular music - bookended by massive production in lights, dancing, stage sets, pyro and more.  It's always an amazing experience and brings the industry together for one BIG night of celebration.

Our staff have been ending our night at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern for what we call the Aftermath in recent years.  It's a dirty rock n' roll party and a chance for everyone to kick back until the wee hours of the morning.

It's the most exciting week of the year and everyone on the team rises to the occasion.  On the flipside it's also amazing when it comes to an end.  After all it's summertime and that means relaxing a bit more than usual and after an awards show of that scale you need it.

Here are some great new tunes I would like to recommend to help relax and put a smile on your face.

Empire of the Sun - 'Alive'

Haerts - 'All of These Days'

Chris Malinchak - 'So Good To Me'

Frank Turner - 'Recover'

Haerts - 'Wings'

Mariah Carey featuring Miguel - '#Beautiful'

*I didn't want to like this one - but it's pretty great

Serena Ryder - 'Fall'

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg

Innocence In Videos

I'm a sucker for music videos that feature the innocence of youth capturing the simplicity of being a kid.  I went down a wormhole on YouTube yesterday because of the latest Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran duet video for 'Everything Has Changed'.  

Whether you grew up in the city or in the suburbs you were young and had an imagination.  You had and desire to explore, there was no real responsibilities and time was on your side.  These videos all bring me back to that time and put a smile on my face when I watch them.

Here are a bunch of great videos that also showcase that innocence in youth.

The Shins - 'It's Only Life'

The Black Keys - 'Tighten Up'

Snow Patrol - 'Signal Fire'

M83 - 'Midnight City'

Arcade Fire - 'The Suburbs'

The Sheepdogs - 'The Way It is'

Haerts - 'Wings'

Notorious B.I.G. - 'Sky Is The Limit'

Jay Z - 'Hard Knock Life'

Thanks for reading/listening. Stay young.

Gregg

New Tunes For The Weekend

As I watch this year's rock n roll hall of fame ceremony on HBO I'm reminded of what an honour it is to be working in music.  When they pan to the crowd there are many familiar faces of idols along with legendary big shots and stars.  From Tom Petty (one of my all time favourites), Rick Rubin, Dave Grohl, Quincy Jones, Chris Cornell, Run DMC, Chuck D and even Jack Nicholson to name a few.

I visited the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame once while in Cleveland and it was amazing.  It's like a church/museum, in my opinion, as it houses some of the most important artifacts of modern day.  I spent 6 hours in there and it was not even enough time to scratch the surface.

Here's a group that was inducted to the Hall of Fame this year...

Public Enemy - 'Fight The Power'

I'm lucky to be working in such an exciting business.

This is why I feel obligated to pass along music suggestions to my friends daily.  Here are some great new tunes that I recommend you give a spin.

Cassie featuring Rick Ross - 'Numb'

MS MR - 'Hurricane'

Vampire Weekend - 'Diane Young'

Action Bronson feat. Lauriana Mae - 'Compliments to the Chef'

Autoerotique - 'Asphyxiation'

Jake Bugg - 'Taste It'

City and Colour - 'The Hurry and the Harm'

Passenger - 'Let Her Go'

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg

Phil Collins Rules

For some strange reason I've been listening to a whole lot of Phil Collins recently.  I grew up in the 80s which means I'm more familiar with his solo work than I am with his days in Genesis.

He had some monster his in the 80s and that trend continued through the 90s and early 2000s.  From  epic love songs used in Hollywood blockbusters like  'Against All Odds' to the Disney smash 'Tarzan' where he penned the track 'You'll Be In My Heart'.

My favourite use of Phil's music came in this scene from 'American Psycho' and then in this scene from 'The Hangover'.  Phil Collins' music is timeless.


His song 'You Can't Hurry Love' might well be a cover of one of Motown's finest, The Supremes, but he manages to pull it off and then some.

Phil's a drummer and a singer-songwriter.  A rare combo to say the least - and if you've ever tried doing either you'll appreciate this man's great talents.

Phil's won many awards over the years including Grammys and MTV Awards as part of Genesis, and loads for his solo work like Best Duo, Single of the Year, Best Soundtrack and Best Rock Performance to name a few.  He also played drums on the important 'Do They Know It's Christmas' track as part of the super group Band Aid in 1984.  It's not Christmas in my family until we've heard this song on the radio.

Genesis' video for 'Land Of Confusion' belongs in 'Greatest Music Videos of All Time' - watch it again and I think you'll agree.

I've talked enough - let Phil's body of work speak for itself.  Hopefully you too will re-discover this man's amazing music.  Here are my top 5 favourite songs from Phil.

'Easy Lover'

'Don't Lose My Number'

'Against All Odds'

'In The Air Tonight'

'Sussudio'

'Groovy Kind Of  Love' *bonus

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg

Coupla Perfect Songs for the Weekend

It's starting to be lighter outside later and the forecast looks awesome for the next few days.  

That means outdoor activities, patios and smiling faces on the street.  It also means great tunes are required to act as the soundtrack.  Here are a few fantastic songs I've been listening of late and think you should give them a try - I promise they are perfect.

Chris Malinchak - 'So Good To Me'

Haerts - 'Wings'

Phoenix - 'Trying To Be Cool'

Daft Punk feat Pharell Williiams - 'Get Lucky'

Major Lazer feat Amber of Dirty Projectors - 'Get Free'

*I don't think that I will ever tire of this track

Noel Johnson - 'Where Would I Go'

You may not be familiar with this last gentleman - but he's one heck of a song writer and just released his latest album entitled 'The Remedy'.  Check it out!  

Have a great weekend.

Gregg

The Power of Music

On the heels of Monday's horrible attacks in Boston most people around the world are at a loss for words.  That's because sometimes there are no words. Sometimes it's best left to the music.  Music is a very powerful thing when it comes to emotion and the human condition.

At last night's Yankees game in the Bronx that emotion came in the form of Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'.  At the bottom of the 3rd the New York Yankees paid tribute to Boston by playing THEIR song.  A song that's been played at the bottom of the 8th at every Red Sox home game since 2002.  These 2 teams are arch rivals - and so this was the ultimate tribute to the city of Boston in their time of need. Watch this clip.

Tonight another powerful moment took place at the Boston Garden during the pre-game ceremony.  A tribute to the lives lost, first responders and citizens of Boston set to pictures and Philip Philips' hit 'Home'.  I had goosebumps watching this while that arena was on their feet with pride.  The crowd went on and took over the 'Star Spangled Banner' right after the tribute.  It was huge.  

I have friends from both Boston and New York.  They're among the hardest and most proud people I have ever met.  They would also give you the shirt off their back.  When you do something to them in their own backyard  - they come together and become stronger.  Watch this clip.

As a runner I've experienced the power and joy of seeing my family and friends at the end of a race. I've also had the pleasure of seeing my fiancé at the last few feet of a marathon. There's nothing but love from the runners and fans at that point.  It's a beautiful thing.

Our thoughts are with you Boston.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg