David Myles - "Simple Pleasures"

I heard this one on CBC R2 the other morning, and it was like a blast of sunshine in the face. I love the message, and it coincidentally fits with Amy's recent post about enjoying the simple things in life. Feeling lucky for what you've got is a powerful recipe for happy living.




Save my money spend it on free time! More free time!

Southern Shores – "Grand Comore"

It is with great sadness that I share this great song that has become somewhat of a misfit in my compilation selection process. This song was on the SG11 shortlist for 3.5 months before some stronger songs knocked it off; it wasn't rock'y enough to make Summer Cuts 11; it's too summery for the forthcoming "Leaves" compilation (October 1); and ... well ... it's a great song! And this video mash makes it even better. Enjoy!

Summer Cuts 11

Every year the Summer Guide elimination process results in albums and albums worth of track casualties. It's funny how I kind of view the songs I come across as if they're people, imagining them with hopes and dreams of making Summer Guide 11, and picturing their devastation when the almighty let's them know, "I'm sorry, but you're just not Summer Guide material."

But there's a glimmer of hope and consolation as the voice continues to talk to some of the more talented applicants, "We do, however, think you'd sound good on our Summer Cuts compilation ... a collection of rawer and chunkier tracks that wouldn't be appropriate all types of listeners." And the song jumps and shouts and sings in jubilation!

Here's the 11th edition, Summer Cuts 11:

• Demonoid
• KA Torrents

Playlist:

1. DNA - The Kills

2. Goodbye Horses - Flight

3. Chasing Planets DEC - Campfires

4. I Need Your Mind - Singing Adams

5. Under The Gun - Apex Manor

6. End of the Night - Smith Westerns

7. Under Cover Of Darkness - The Strokes

8. Stolen - Arctic Death

9. Second Chance - Peter Bjorn & John

10. Come Closer - Miles Kane

11. Dirty Thing - Telekinesis

12. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win - Beastie Boys (ft. Santogold)

13. SOLO (4 CLAIRE) - Wise Blood

14. Bloom - The Veils

15. Magic Tricks - Whalers

16. City Dreams - Antonio Paul

17. Let's Get Out of Here - Les Savy Fav

18. At Home - Crystal Fighters

19. Darkest Day - FaceMan

20. Four Days Straight - Scattered Trees

'I've got friends' - Andy Hull

Sonic Youth - "Teenage Riot"

This might be my favorite song EVAR. Hot summer days bring out the rock and roll rebel in me.

Bjorn Torske - "Disco Members"

Ever since I turned 30, six long years ago I've been talking about learning the bass. Maybe I've been talking about it longer than that even. This year however, I'm getting off the pot and buying a bass guitar and starting some lessons to get going. I hope that within a year or so, I'll be proficient enough to play with the musically talented contributors to this blog. Whenever I play my "imaginary" bass, I imagine it sounding like this. And I have a big freakin' mustache.

Herman Dune – "Not On Top"

This song is so awesome for so many reasons. I considered it for Summer Guide 11, but declined, and took it off SG11 Cuts to cuz it wasn't rocky enough (which, come to think of it, I have to release soon, darnit) ... but the lyrics hit home in a major way, especially "10 years from teenage, and that's a freakin' lot!" (considering I'm 34!).  Enjoy!