The Trews-Den of Thieves (2005)

 

Why I like it:

The Trew's Spotify profile describes them well: "...have since become the staple of the Canadian scene and abroad. With 18 top ten rock singles to their name and support slots for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, and Guns'n'Roses, the veteran rockers are showing no signs of slowing down. Widely considered one of Canada's best live bands, the Trews are not to be missed in a concert hall near you!"

I can confirm that the Trews are a fantastic band to see live. You will guarantee have a fun time!

I picked Den of Thieves because I think it's got the best representation of what the Trews offer in their music. I also has my favorite song Yearning. 

If you want some fun rock n roll music then give these guys a spin! Even better, check them out live if you get a chance!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Poor Old Broken Hearted Me -"I took the line, the hook, the bait/And now I'm sick from what I ate"

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Similar bands to check out:

Arkells, Sam Roberts Band, 54-40, The Tragically Hip

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Reviews and links to check out:

Corus Radio-Interview

Steemit.com- Review

"So She's Leaving" Live

Podcast Free Roscoe- A retrospective of a tv series episode the Trews were in

Tilly's Mixtape Volume 2!

(Front side)

(Backside)

Here we go round two of the mixtape series! This time around I went for sad contemplative vibes. Sort of when you sit outside alone, in the middle of night, and gaze out into the vast emptiness- with only the self doubts as a companion. Don't worry I added some hopeful tunes in there too! I like to try and end those dreary nights with a positive light you know. 

There's a mix of years and types of artists in here. As long as it had the right song and has been covered in this blog, I went with it.

Hope you enjoy my volume 2!

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Links to the mixtape:

YouTube

Spotify

Transit-Joyride (2014)

 

Why I like it:

Transit made a big change in their last album with a new poppier sound and it worked really well! I'm not always a fan when bands do this but in this case I really liked the change. Before Joyride Transit were more of a melodic punk band (which was also great music).

Joyride is the perfect summer album. It is light, breezy, and a joy (couldn't help it with the pun). Just like a nice cool lemonade while chilling on a beach. The subject matter is still the same, however there is more pop to sugarcoat the sadness that lurks underneath.

I've noticed a trend of me posting albums that are for nice sunny days and summer vibes recently. I think by spring time I am looking forward to camping and summer trips and personifying the those feelings through these albums haha. 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Nothing Left to Lose-"Let’s go and bury our conditions /With sex and alcohol and songs with our friends"

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Similar bands to check out:

Handguns, Forever Came Calling, A Loss For Words, Save Your Breath

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Reviews and links to check out:

Getalternative.com- Review

American Brews and Tunes- Podcast (start at 63:40)

Little Elephant- Live Session

Theaquarian.com- Interview

Jack's Mannequin-Everything In Transit (2005)

 

Why I like it:

Jack's Mannequin came into my life sometime around the end of high school and beginning of post-secondary. This was around the time I went to Warped Tour and expanded my horizons on music genres. I honestly can't say if I saw them on Warped Tour, it was over 12 years ago and my memory sucks, but I do know I discovered them around that time. 

Since that time I have not listened to any Jack's Mannequin really but I decided to look into Everything in Transit again and it's amazing still! Seriously, this whole thing is a fun California rock album and you betcha I will be spinning it this summer! There's the joyous pianos and soring choruses in the first song that set the stage for the whole album. I can picture myself driving through that California town, with the head thrown back, sunglasses on, and no worries.

For anyone that knew this band from back in 2005 and haven't gone back to them since, I would say they are worth taking a second look!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Mixed Tape- "This mix could burn a hole in anyone/But it was you I was thinking of."

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Similar bands to check out:

Something Corporate, Cartel, The Academy Is..., Motion City Soundtrack

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Reviews and links to check out:

If You're Listening Podcast

Itsalldead.com- Review

Alternative Press- History and retrospective

Live at the El Ray Theater

The Anniversary-Designing a Nervous Breakdown (2000)

 

Why I like it:

The album Designing a Nervous Breakdown is an interesting one because it has been slotted as emo, however when listening to it you would think it's more of a power pop synth group. One of the songs (D for Detroit) is even featured on Vulture's list of 100 Best Emo Songs of All Time! 

I think it more has to do with the band being signed to Vagrant records and touring with more distinct emo acts such as The Get Up Kids and Dashboard Confessional. They were very much a part of that early 2000s scene. Regardless, I am happy they were slotted into the emo label because that's how I discovered them! 

This is fantastic album to throw on during a summer day. It's so breezy and upbeat sounding that you will get into the summer vibes in no time! Heck even if I just need a pick me up this is a go to. Do yourself a favor and the next time you are cruising on a hot sunny day, throw this album on and embarrass the poppy synth hooks!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

All Things Ordinary-"The summer goes on and then dies quick without much warning. All things ordinary."

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Similar bands to check out:

Reggie and the Full Effect, The Get Up Kids, Hey Mercedes, Red Hot Circuit

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Reviews and links to check out:

Stereogum.com- Interview

Punknews.org- Review

Live session from 2000

Lawrence.com- Band information

Spraynard-Mable (2015)

Why I like it:

I will come clean and admit that it's the album cover that first drew me into Mable. Something about seeing an elderly golden retriever laying contently on a couch, enjoying the sun rays, resonated with me. Before even going into the album, I got the sense that this album will be telling stories of a life lived- full of happiness, sorrow, and ponderings of lessons learned.

To my enjoyment, this album was exactly that! As someone who has lived some life, this content really struck with me. No longer in my glory days of youthfulness, you reminisce on easier times, while worrying about what your adult future brings. Pop punk has the tendency to be about youth and the problems that you might have at that time: the trials of dating, being an outcast at school, having feelings you don't understand yet. Don't get me wrong, I love that kind of pop punk too! However when a pop punk band is able to drawn on more introspective material, yet stay within that energetic punk lane, I am always impressed. Bands like The Wonder Years do it phenomenally and I would say Spranard (or at least Mable) is on the same level! 

It's interesting to think about if I would have enjoyed this in my earlier years and to honest, I don't think it would have hit me like it does now. That's the beauty of music, your tastes will evolve over time with your life experiences and you may re-discover something that didn't click before.

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Buried-"I’m buried deep inside my house/Can you help me get out?"

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Similar bands to check out:

Warm Thoughts, Fireworks, Big Nothing, Signals Midwest

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Reviews and links to check out:

The New Yorker Radio Hour- Interview

Gigsoupmusic.com- Review

Little Elephant- Live session

Newyorker.com- Review