Sober October… not really. More like October everyone gets a cold and settles into the sheets with their love that being a human, book or tv show. Now that the fall shivers are out of the way and I’ve purchased a great pair of red stripe wool socks from Québec, I’m ready for hibernation. I’ve selected five videos that give a feel of shedding off late summer nights and bringing in the ease of a cozy fall.

Sayso – Evy Jane

Her performance with producer Jeremiah Klein back in April is what got me hooked. Not knowing they were from Vancouver I was super thrilled to see them perform again during the festival circuit at Olio and Music Waste. This duo really puts on the feelers and down tempo waist shaking movements around the house.

Time to Kill – Youth & Gold (Arts and Crafts)

I cannot deny my love for Louise Burns and a solid electronic beat. This song is really great at getting one in the mood for something either dangerous or loving. Black & white and contemplative the director brings a sense of danger and innocence to the shots. It is after all our time to feel. Youth & Gold will be touring across Canada with Diamond Rings this Fall and I bet it will be worth seeing.

Horizon – Humans (Hybridity Music)

Infectious sounds and always a fun show to boot, Humans brings electronic music to Vancouver in an accessible way. This video is polished yet creepy and has a narrative that you can expand on in your mind. Like what happens when grandma gets back home?

Plague – Crystal Castles

Micheal Jackson’s Thriller used to scare the shit out of me in grade 3. If I were a kid now, this would freak me out! Despite freaky and creepy there is some great body movement and choreography in the music video. These kids are playing the Commodore October 26th 2012. Happy Halloween.

Guided Highways – Spell

This is yet another project from the prolific and wonderful Prophecy Sun. The slow floating sounds and sparse lyrics bring space and atmosphere to the room as if you were under water. The song allows for thoughts to fall like leaves or a chance to reminisce about long highway drives in Northern Ontario. The video has very little development however it pairs well with the song.

SAD MAG// LOCAL MUSICS //AUGUST 2012

Not going to lie, music videos are my addiction. Although I don’t always watch the videos in their entirety (if they’re bad), I watch loads of music videos daily and have since my Much Music days. As Sook-Yin Lee has been my favourite host of all time, I had teenage excitement when the Wedge came on and most likely a denial crush. MTV/Much Music quality programming times are sadly over therefore I find myself perusing music blogs, aggregators and vimeo habitually. That being said, local music videos aren’t always easy to track down however this month I selected six music videos that celebrate the lovely August. With pride just passing by and the weather coming full circle, these songs reflect highway driving, pensive porch evenings, getting ready for the Fall and full on slap in the face partying. Please enjoy the songs and sights of these local acts and try to catch them live!

Top Less Gay Love Techno Party – Robin

Whenever I go see TLGLTP I end up finding glitter all over my sheets, the person I slept with post show (sexually transmitted sparkles) and on my scalp for months at a time. The band creates a party that I want to take part in and this video really gives me FOMO for whatever is going on tonight. I never really thought their recorded music would be as fun as their live show–and to be honest it isn’t– but this song is still really catchy and adventurous. Pre-party song for sure.

Hot Panda – Future Markets

This is a hard-working band and when you see them live you can tell by how tight they are. This video reminds me of a great movie opener and plays out well, however the lead singer’s mouth creeps me out at times. This is definitely an “enter onto the highway in your parents car” song, and a grower.

Chains of Love – He’s Leaving with Me

If I were to pick some of my favourite female leads in Vancouver, Chains of Love has one of them. This video is creepy and dark but really narrates the song’s hazy sound. The last scene really grossed me out and I’ll most likely have nightmares about it.

Mode Moderne – Real Goths

Filmed in Strathcona, this video is cute with some teen romance. Awkward boy goes goth and meets a total babe…the reality of being a real goth I guess. The song very much a classic 80’s influenced track is great for pensive moments out on the deck as the sun comes down.

Teen Daze- Treten

Who doesn’t love a little whale watching and rocket ship launching? Teen Daze creates a well crafted atmospheric song with a video that embodies the natural wonders of the ocean, space and darkness.

Hannah Georgas – Enemies

Beautifully crafted and executed live at CBC Music studios, this number shines. As Hannah Georgas recently signed to Dine Alone Records her new track demonstrates how her sound has evolved from previous releases. This video can definitely go on repeat while sitting still after a long day.

SAD MAG// LOCAL MUSICS //JULY 2012

Summer is slowly coming in this year with June seeming like an extension of Fall and July/August distant in the fog. As the sun starts to toast the skin music becomes a part of the scenery as a soundtrack to the adventures to come. As this blog will focus on local music happening in Vancouver and its close surroundings, I have picked five recent local albums for cycling to 3rd beach, hosting friends on the front stoop, drinking beers in the park or canning preserves in the kitchen.

Apollo Ghosts – Landmark (You’ve Changed Records)

This album starts in all the right ways, a warm jangly riff, group vocals and Adrian Teachers quirky vocal lines. Most songs under the three minute mark bring a smooth car ride with windows down to mind and infinite joy. Go see this four piece live, it is truly a treat.

Brasstronaut – Mean Sun (Unfamiliar Records)

It’s hard not to think that Edo Van Breemen is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful songwriters along with his trumpeting contributor Bryan Davies. Mean Sun glows in maturity for the band that is known to fuse jazz & pop together. Mean Sun relishes in a more subtle journey and a fuller recording sound quality from their previous release Mount Chimaera.

Japandroids – Celebration Rock (Polyvinyl Record Co.)

At first I didn’t want to like these guys.With much hype and a recent 8.8 on pitchfork I realized that their nostalgic early 2000’s emo rock gave me some instant energy and blood flow. Considering there are only two of them, they play with vocal layers, steady drumming and riffing guitar so well. Super catchy shit too.

Needles//Pins – 12:34 LP (Mammot Cave Recording Co)

Vancouver loves its punk rock and these guys (and girl) bring the best of it with delectable song writing, clear vocal lines and well thought out pop structures. After watching them live I really appreciated the minimalism that transfers over to their recent recording 12:34.

White Lung – Sorry (Deranged Records)

I was listening to this album while eating some dinner and couldn’t sit still. These kids have had me since their first release Local Garbage. Super short, sweet and fuck yeah songs that you just want to get sweaty listening to. Sorry finds itself to be more melodic than previous releases while still keeping its hardcore punk energy alive and well.

Nu Sensae – Swim

Trippy and colourful, like a summer vacation.

art work by Marc Johns