#FastSong 116: Kiss With a Fist by Florence and the Machine.

Has it already been four years since this record came out?  This is from Florence and the Machine’s US network debut on Letterman in ’09.  I love the bite in all her lyrics, like her famous “happiness hit her like a bullet in the back”. This one’s a little more over the top but gutsy and fun with a real flare for comedy and drama.  She probably gets called a diva a lot (I’m guessing) but how many divas sing about getting a plate smashed over their heads ?

Though i love the album version, I sought out this particular performance because she’s still new here and has something to prove.  More so, I really hate the official video. Drags the song down terribly IMHO.

Happy Monday!  Tell me about a heated confrontation you had that ended in awesome sex. I envy you.

Get it on iTunes, Amazon.

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#FastSong 115: Hang Onto Yourself by David Bowie.

I have always loved David Bowie in every sense of the word. But that exhibit at the AGO was on a completely other level.  To see the ensemble of what the man contributed – music, fashion, art, film, theatre, concert stage – is nothing short of staggering. He never took the obvious or easy road.  He always opted to surprise, and fill you with wonder. You damn right he could move like a tiger on vaseline.

Two days left to catch the exhibit. Go!  And tell me what you thought.

Get it on iTunes, amazon.

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#FastSong 113: Pellucidar by Milk Lines.

Awesome intense mood set by Milk Lines at last night’s show at the dollar. I believe this was the track they opened with. Love the building intensity and commanding vocals, that pounding, psychedelic sound; Pretty much had the crowd hooked from the first 10 seconds.

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Shannon and the Clams at the Silver Dollar Room

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The last time I caught S&C was about a year ago in Costa Mesa, CA. If that show was a 7 then tonight was a solid 14. What a difference a drummer makes. Tonight’s dude was so much hotter in every sense of the word and just way more in tune with the bands vibe. Didn’t hurt either that tonight’s crowd outnumbered the California show by ten to one and knew the words to every song. Go clams !

#FastSong 112: You Will Always Bring Me Flowers by Shannon and the Clams. Come meet me tonight at the Silver Dollar in Toronto!

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to post one of S&C’s songs… and though they have many, this one will always be my personal fave.  Fast, intense and sentimental; my favourite combination.  Playing tonight at the Silver Dollar Room at College and Spadina !

Get it on iTunes, Amazon

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#FastSong 111: Stairway by Yukon Blonde. Dang there’s a lot of good music out there.

http://youtu.be/VH1r3haOPUE

Songs like this are why I’m alive. It’s fitting that Yukon Gold is Canadian and though they hail from Vancouver which is like a million miles away, songs like Stairway go right to my core. Something about the feel… In the moment, road trip soundtrack, love, discovery, forests, lakes, small towns, big cities, booze, bars, partying with strangers, and longing for home… It’s all in there. Listening to 2012’s Tiger Talk and yeah, these guys really set out to make a great soundtrack to your best years.

Happy Wednesday. Get out there, and see if you can check off two items from the above list today.

Get it on iTunes, Amazon.

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#FastSong 110: Major Tom by Peter Schilling. Retro Tuesday is alive and well!

God I love that synth opening.  Retro Tuesday back with a vengeance here at FSD!  Can’t resist this fantastic ’80s tip of the hat to Bowie, though Schilling clearly has his own cool, German electronic vibe happening.  Interesting how many synth based artists of that era cite Bowie as a crucial influence, Gary Numan being another important example.

Happy Tuesday!  Share your day below.

Get it on iTunes (German version), Amazon.

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#FastSong 109: Borrowed Time by Parquet Courts. Straight up Americana Punk.

 

Who wants complicated on a Monday right?  While this hot little number from Parquet Courts feels like a pretty first degree experience, the lyrics are actually pretty melancholic and sweet.  So you can have a deep, meaningful journey or just bounce off some walls.  You decide!  Tell me what you’re doing with your Monday.

Buy it here.

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#FastSong 107: Next Stop by Bleached. Happy LA party pop punk.

Young, wild, and free… that’s what I wanna be today. Hats off to sister act Bleached for this great little tribute to parties, motels, motorbikes, fireworks, fireworks on motorcycles, and honest heartfelt laughter. I dare you not to bounce to this number. Have a great Thursday!

Thinking of catching some music tonight. Any suggestions?

Get it on iTunes, Amazon.

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