tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91971191742695062802024-02-21T02:23:43.655-08:00birds too tired to flyShawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-35549666042638610442011-03-24T11:10:00.000-07:002011-03-24T11:18:29.703-07:00The End of Birds.Hey folks, well it's been 2 months since my last post. I think that's a sign. I started this blog almost 3 years ago, really just for myself. I wanted a place to talk about music, film and Toronto. I also used it as a way to talk to people I looked up to. People like Barzin, Wilderness of Manitoba, Nick Zubeck... people who've become friends.<br /><br />So here's what I'm doing. I won't be posting here no more. I'll leave the site up at this address for a while, and when my "Lease" runs out, I'll post the Blogger address. From now on, I'll be focusing my attentions to my <a href="http://www.shawnclarkemusic.com/">personal website</a> (which this sorta was anyways), and writing for the odd blog here and there (hopefully I'll have some content up at <a href="http://www.rootsmusic.ca/">Roots Music Canada</a> soon).<br /><br />Thanks for reading! If you want to continue following me, I'll be posting here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shawnclarkemusic.com/">www.shawnclarkemusic.com</a><br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Shawn William ClarkeShawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-67159015068594381372011-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:28:24.692-08:00Track of the Week: What You Want When you Want by Bellevue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2chPUIoZxDS-9xWhTyxXx6FzAnHOobv3lhCUWyPYee52QUmS2TLfRcWv87iHG3tEMGPRYMesVXtJBghv3SIOK2YRIh_wNyoVySjwR7SA8FNm7dZgOYu1uILgIc5pUq93C6XuRVixZw_A/s1600/bvueWYWcover75dpi.jpg"><br /></a><br />Hey hey! So, tonight there is a great show happening at the Press Club here in Toronto. It features The Tight Ship, Bellevue, and well... me. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132696346788030&index=1">Learn more about the show here</a>)<br /><br />But, lets talk about Bellevue for a sec. They just released a wonderful poppy album called "What You Want".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2chPUIoZxDS-9xWhTyxXx6FzAnHOobv3lhCUWyPYee52QUmS2TLfRcWv87iHG3tEMGPRYMesVXtJBghv3SIOK2YRIh_wNyoVySjwR7SA8FNm7dZgOYu1uILgIc5pUq93C6XuRVixZw_A/s1600/bvueWYWcover75dpi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2chPUIoZxDS-9xWhTyxXx6FzAnHOobv3lhCUWyPYee52QUmS2TLfRcWv87iHG3tEMGPRYMesVXtJBghv3SIOK2YRIh_wNyoVySjwR7SA8FNm7dZgOYu1uILgIc5pUq93C6XuRVixZw_A/s400/bvueWYWcover75dpi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559124304599162418" border="0" /></a><br /> Here is the 2nd track on that album "What You Want When You Want"<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13701474-156" /><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13701474-156" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-91976215495055225722010-12-20T07:13:00.000-08:002010-12-20T08:46:56.258-08:00Top 9 of a so so year.Hey there, so here's the thing. I sat down the other day to write down a top 10 albums of the year list (like everyone is doing). When I was finished, I had 9 albums. That says two things about me; I didn't listen to a lot of music this year, and maybe, this year wasn't a good year for music. I've checked out other people's lists to see if I missed anything... but alas, I either didn't hear it (Janelle Monae, Broken Bells), or I didn't particularly like it (Diamond Rings, Beach House, Robyn).<br /><br />The second point works for a few of my favorite albums of the year as well. Let me explain. The Arcade Fire released a fantastic record this year, one of my favorites, but it's the worst Arcade Fire album. That statement shouldn't be quoted out of context, my current rating of Arcade Fire albums goes as follows: "Funeral" 5/5, "Neon Bible" 5/5, "The Suburbs" 4/5.<br /><br />The other big album this year was from Kanye West. Yes, it's a really good album. The production is inspired, "Power" is the song of the year... but... If Kanye had spent just a little more time developing his lyrics, I'd be a happier man. There are wonderful lines like;<br /><br />"Lost in translation with a whole fuckin’ nation<br />They say I was the abomination of Obama’s nation<br />Well, that’s a pretty bad way to start the conversation"<br /><br />only a few lines away from a clunker like:<br /><br />Fuck SNL and the whole cast<br />Tell ‘em Yeezy said they can kiss my whole ass<br />More specifically, they can kiss my asshole<br />I’m an asshole? You niggas got <em>jokes</em>"<br /><br />I don't expect gold from hip-hop lyrics. But I do expect it from albums that are being pegged as the best of the year, and albums that will probably define a generation. But that's just me.<br /><br />So for me, nothing was Great. There wasn't anything that really jumped out at me. Maybe I'm just in a weird place this year. Last years list seemed much more exciting (<a href="http://birdstootiredtofly.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-10-albums-of-year.html">you can read it here</a>), but is Mos Def's "The Estatic" really better than "My Dark Twisted Fantasy"?<br /><br />Here's my 9:<br /><br />9. The Many and the Wise- <a href="http://birdsacrosswater.bandcamp.com/album/the-many-and-the-wise">Birdsacrosswater</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKFut-N3poQW7fNHNsykHt79zJWV6_Q_k3wmVaH6RZjCfncmAgKsJ2_mKwF5XBV0Jwba2D4iKjx-s1XBdhSybIucSNM2kFtMpDf_SfIinxqABTp1EXgmvuLkOc0Tij3AldbDLsQmVXnc/s1600/2125959880-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKFut-N3poQW7fNHNsykHt79zJWV6_Q_k3wmVaH6RZjCfncmAgKsJ2_mKwF5XBV0Jwba2D4iKjx-s1XBdhSybIucSNM2kFtMpDf_SfIinxqABTp1EXgmvuLkOc0Tij3AldbDLsQmVXnc/s400/2125959880-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790341453910338" border="0" /></a>The problem with this album is that it's not easy to get a hold of. Yes, you can find it on Bandcamp, but there is little to no promo on this album. I'm a huge fan of his work, maybe you'll get something out of it.<br /><br />8. Working for the Music Man- <a href="http://www.myspace.com/danielromanomusic">Daniel Romano</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDZ0GRouFT7jRS8ovjjgAsWDvlsB-fEOBsNkX8jTIxFe_zu1bNee4E4OCaLdLTEvsAHoEc-nndIbzQ2ibBZEvCx7ivWPMW6dcJ-9dqYWd1uHEcIwCd2kJD2WA-gpmaGeAPml0KVTzahY/s1600/Daniel-Romano.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDZ0GRouFT7jRS8ovjjgAsWDvlsB-fEOBsNkX8jTIxFe_zu1bNee4E4OCaLdLTEvsAHoEc-nndIbzQ2ibBZEvCx7ivWPMW6dcJ-9dqYWd1uHEcIwCd2kJD2WA-gpmaGeAPml0KVTzahY/s400/Daniel-Romano.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790916465613106" border="0" /></a>I saw Daniel for the first time at Pop Montreal, and i was floored. A wonderful songwriter.<br /><br />7. Brothers- <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theblackkeys">The Black Keys</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNuVCYcSapzTDBsQs_m6W8Z2jBZDQKBOaGENsN608c0sj3Mhgt6OdKnPkTiTNJGTiQ_d-oUdHFAQ9h0_E0VQ0H8ztapkDVSEfp6ERw1CgxLZQt-jyn1YHymCWcfdUDAvE_UQj77gUp9U/s1600/Free-Download_TheBlack-Keys_Brothers_Album-Cover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNuVCYcSapzTDBsQs_m6W8Z2jBZDQKBOaGENsN608c0sj3Mhgt6OdKnPkTiTNJGTiQ_d-oUdHFAQ9h0_E0VQ0H8ztapkDVSEfp6ERw1CgxLZQt-jyn1YHymCWcfdUDAvE_UQj77gUp9U/s400/Free-Download_TheBlack-Keys_Brothers_Album-Cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552791355839662946" border="0" /></a>Dan Auerbach's "Keep it Hid" was one of my favorites last year. This isn't quite as good as that album, but it's the pure psych/Blues/Rock that we come to expect from the Black Keys.<br /><br />6. When You Left the Fire- <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thewildernessofmanitoba">The Wilderness of Manitoba</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Wa53_lDyJuHIpiWTbSKSGbbI2vj1UuGkX_dUAV_pevKsZ1xA7I7AOnDml_N6Ovoda5iqT7FjOx34-pUDdsiJ72EMHGHSXXq2Pf4ZHgNI1trQoj6Caox9TNzdoMZnwJWSoa-oIqgx-E/s1600/TWOM-Cover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Wa53_lDyJuHIpiWTbSKSGbbI2vj1UuGkX_dUAV_pevKsZ1xA7I7AOnDml_N6Ovoda5iqT7FjOx34-pUDdsiJ72EMHGHSXXq2Pf4ZHgNI1trQoj6Caox9TNzdoMZnwJWSoa-oIqgx-E/s400/TWOM-Cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552792732280358354" border="0" /></a>The Wilderness of Manitoba has made a wonderful progression from their first EP to this album. The production value has improved quite a bit, and they've come into their own sound (Fleet Foxes comparisons were far more rampant for the earlier album). Great harmonies, and musicianship.<br /><br />5. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy- Kanye West<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXiRWrIY5anWiKvtHZoE5524En7e-b-bnYA9bDjU_FtzvhdIcSDC0Ps6NEKjsJTq5fnnCPzFIzdAwIYvephoTkP8lkoXhSXew4xw9vBzCLDRSpCUsY6jU8JqLesuigoKTdyznieM1oLM/s1600/cb3d0_kesha-cannibal-2010.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXiRWrIY5anWiKvtHZoE5524En7e-b-bnYA9bDjU_FtzvhdIcSDC0Ps6NEKjsJTq5fnnCPzFIzdAwIYvephoTkP8lkoXhSXew4xw9vBzCLDRSpCUsY6jU8JqLesuigoKTdyznieM1oLM/s400/cb3d0_kesha-cannibal-2010.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552794293814281266" border="0" /></a>Well here it is. For all my complaints, this is a good record. "Power" knocks me over every time.<br /><br />4. Forgiveness Rock Record- Broken Social Scene<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED9PPQ7Go79HyBmOwP7WVBLla6keM7b-RjghPAaUbRP9beLad7yKjWdjrjNOy0ryUFWd8zhl15u4pE-XB6CRSWp7Y0VbXj8xedPiK70OhkJF-2gAyiUrWj5NpQi1HtkbPdGJFgPclrKg/s1600/BSS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED9PPQ7Go79HyBmOwP7WVBLla6keM7b-RjghPAaUbRP9beLad7yKjWdjrjNOy0ryUFWd8zhl15u4pE-XB6CRSWp7Y0VbXj8xedPiK70OhkJF-2gAyiUrWj5NpQi1HtkbPdGJFgPclrKg/s400/BSS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552795630171730866" border="0" /></a>When I first heard this record, I didn't really like it, and put it away for a few months. On further inspection, I've grown to love it. The stripped down lineup is a wonderful contrast to the mess that was 2005's "Broken Social Scene".<br /><br />3. And Now We Sing- <a href="http://www.myspace.com/olenkalovers">Olenka and the Autumn Lovers<br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEOX-jmdtp8HTkoHKe2Dgr0Sl7ShSb9tuaQnKnaXHNlvZrMgFmon1EXaWQC2saXQ_P8WJpe3qkFjjHXG0HHL2Tr2SRDO9fUp6n2LKK-YqUy15DqTKr3DsE_Cl44gIiaqyHEX-uTPXq2o/s1600/And-now-We-Sing-320x279.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEOX-jmdtp8HTkoHKe2Dgr0Sl7ShSb9tuaQnKnaXHNlvZrMgFmon1EXaWQC2saXQ_P8WJpe3qkFjjHXG0HHL2Tr2SRDO9fUp6n2LKK-YqUy15DqTKr3DsE_Cl44gIiaqyHEX-uTPXq2o/s400/And-now-We-Sing-320x279.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552796807821643762" border="0" /></a>Full disclosure. I'm on a couple of tracks. You can hear my honking saxophone off in the distance. Either way, Olenka has reached a new height with "And Now We Sing", doing away with the Open-door policy of her last efforts, she's put together a solid band who perfectly accentuates her subtle songwriting. Olenka is still one of the best songwriters working anywhere, and, that we can call her our own, is something to be proud of.<br /><br />2. The Suburbs- Arcade Fire<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRGEYzD1bEkDbptk4RhsxIdk2uLNuWCNqkBC3yNuCmjJUO6AcuVDarOu94RnQPd2V-gmAqfQ-zCnNJh0v-gobpm-tIf1is4e-Qd1r8ijZpxnJD_Z2hbOlvP32tTMz4cUvkazoCbfuatY/s1600/Arcade-fire-suburbs-300x297-thumb-400x396-17940.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRGEYzD1bEkDbptk4RhsxIdk2uLNuWCNqkBC3yNuCmjJUO6AcuVDarOu94RnQPd2V-gmAqfQ-zCnNJh0v-gobpm-tIf1is4e-Qd1r8ijZpxnJD_Z2hbOlvP32tTMz4cUvkazoCbfuatY/s400/Arcade-fire-suburbs-300x297-thumb-400x396-17940.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552799240934731058" border="0" /></a>My only complaint with that album is that it's too long. I've been in a lot of arguements about this, but I stand my ground! There is too much filler. Songs like "Modern Man" and "Wasted hours" would make great b-sides, but do little to propel the album. "Sprawl" is a great example of how to do a 2 parter... unfortunately "Half Life" is not. The thing is, the songs that are good are <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> good. "The Suburbs", "Ready to Start", and the "Sprawl" songs are some of the best of the they've written.<br /><br />1. Wild Hunt- <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth">Tallest Man on Earth</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uq_F2Z1m60Rm1UbR1AsS-Ei27u2on-V-unRY6I0D4VNMNygua3ELUVmiFlIPPwoZgfjlMuwhVnszyzX0t5KpgW9tk6F4Yz6P2oDEYRetD7uKwPxW5viqWiCItgJrPbiQnuIpMrIj8_8/s1600/tallest-man-on-earth-wild-hunt-cover-art.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uq_F2Z1m60Rm1UbR1AsS-Ei27u2on-V-unRY6I0D4VNMNygua3ELUVmiFlIPPwoZgfjlMuwhVnszyzX0t5KpgW9tk6F4Yz6P2oDEYRetD7uKwPxW5viqWiCItgJrPbiQnuIpMrIj8_8/s400/tallest-man-on-earth-wild-hunt-cover-art.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552802264900064834" border="0" /></a>Solo singer/guitarist albums can be pretty lame. "The Wild Hunt", and 2008's "Shallow Grave" are not. Why? For me it comes down to interesting guitar playing, interesting voice, strong Melodies, and engaging imagery. The Tallest Man on Earth has all of those things and more. All the way from Sweden.<br /><br />Honorable Mention: This is Happening- LCD Soundsystem, Provincial Parks and Breaking Hearts- Handsome Dan and his Gallimaufry, In The Dark Tower EP- William Delray, Swim-Caribou, Contra- Vampire Weekend.<br /><br />So, what do you think? Was it a good year for music? Anybody have the same problem as me? What does your list look like?Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-7300541724339068902010-12-13T13:42:00.000-08:002010-12-13T13:49:53.760-08:00New Music Website!Hey there! I don't like to focus too much on my music here, so I'll make this short. I finally have a website! You'll notice it's a blogger layout, but I think it looks pretty dapper. Anyways, if you can spare a couple minutes, check it out at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shawnclarkemusic.com"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.shawnclarkemusic.com"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 74px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah0hSO7LZAuJfAwEEN6BQtNskq_j7MyQbmH3ycZU7gFPbYasIWZOFQg-SVVK2NmbZBbK3zaoJZo8B1KvLloLnxDISrkArTzugJH8rgSTLUnl8e-F6BVaKOG4v2Dc2pRBXj1-AOft7bBg/s400/2128519823-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550286910867518594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Please, let me know how I can improve it! Talk soon.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-3579014983018294772010-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:002010-12-10T14:26:35.661-08:00Track of the Week: She Was the World to Me by Daniel Romano<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90MkdjoW-JnaMA9ywQgdqGtqIL2kOjGTTqMA0uRnS4awUPMSEd13AEEk1-KV2HDWmXWdJ6Zie9O1YjL-ODx8rCLYPMXN_ZISEnm_7ibo25fg6ajGvr9bQLQ6UBdFdF09ppsMg4xQnDxg/s1600/Daniel-Romano.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90MkdjoW-JnaMA9ywQgdqGtqIL2kOjGTTqMA0uRnS4awUPMSEd13AEEk1-KV2HDWmXWdJ6Zie9O1YjL-ODx8rCLYPMXN_ZISEnm_7ibo25fg6ajGvr9bQLQ6UBdFdF09ppsMg4xQnDxg/s400/Daniel-Romano.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549183546815310178" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>At Pop Montreal this year, i got to see some amazing acts, but one of the nicest surprises was <a href="http://www.myspace.com/danielromanomusic">Daniel Romano</a>. He performed a simple set, with lovely background vocals by Misha Bower. There was a wonderful Parsons/Harris vibe, and this track particularly struck a chord. Heartbreaking.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13466301-830"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13466301-830" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-55586385630694233872010-11-29T08:45:00.000-08:002010-11-29T11:59:12.507-08:00Track of the Week: Don't Get Into It by Whipping Wind<div style="text-align: left;">The wonderful folks at OH! Records sent me a copy of the new OH Compilation 2. I'll try to get a full write up soon (you know how slow I've been moving lately), but I just wanted to share a track with you. As with their first compilation the best song here is from the Whipping Wind.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbhawrbB-2BWzN9fCSiHudwQ03U6S9JKC6Ch9ifD3TvLHB2RmNCmE341rIJxXoxSI2Fa1MxMqsGPvaMOLmfJGNn-J_uAbI5AZgKflNfd_fCNM0zZN8DJdv5alECfnZqyUoSGppOqsfss/s400/Oh-Compilation-Two-cover1-1024x929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545015595915742898" /></div><div><br /></div><div> Rumour Has it Whipping Wind will finally get a full album release in the next couple months, I'm pretty excited about this. The songwriting is really top notch, and the production is always interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13360788-a99"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=13360788-a99" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You can actually download the first OH! Comp (featuring Tidal Wave by Whipping Wind) <a href="http://openhouseartscollective.com/">here at their site</a> for a limited time!</div>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-55050958362406154312010-10-18T17:11:00.000-07:002010-10-18T18:34:28.105-07:00Tour Journal: OAL TorontoOh Toronto. What a great welcome! We arrived in my home city around 4 o'clock, and I immediately went to my girlfriends place. This is the longest we've been apart, and I was beginning to miss the gal. I had a few hours to rest, hang out, eat a home cooked meal, and then we headed to the Garrison. <div><br /></div><div>It was great to see so many of our favorite people out! We were humbled. Patrick met up with us again! He's on his way from Halifax back home to Saskatchewan. We made sure to get him up on banjo for a couple of songs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Opening the show was Weather Station. I've had the pleasure of seeing this band once in the past, and it was a treat to see them again. Most of the show was performed as a duo, guitar and banjo, but they brought in a rhythm section for the last song. A great start to the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our current tour mates, Kite Hill were up next. Every time I see them, they get a little better. Singer/Frontman Ryan Carley is getting more confident in his performance, and the audience were really drawn to him. the already large band was joined by a flute player this time. Folks in Hamilton, Windsor and London are going to be very impressed over the next couple weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that leaves us. I think we played one of our best shows. Everyone was on the top of their game. My only complaint is that we didn't get to play our best track, Louise of Littleville. That song is usually relegated to the encore list. I'm not entirely sure why, but I've never been a big fan of encores. </div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, the show was a success, and I'm home. I can't help but feel a little directionless. I'll be out to a few of the Ontario dates (Hamilton and London for sure), but the touring part is kinda over. You get pretty close to people when you tour with them. I probably just need a couple days of rest. I have to find some paying work, and I guess get back to focusing on my own music. </div><div><br /></div><div>Folks in Ontario, there are still a few great shows coming up, first being tues night in Hamilton. I'll try to get a write up for that, come say hi if you see me there! </div>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-45423147963929325862010-10-17T14:37:00.000-07:002010-10-17T15:06:24.294-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Ottawa/KingstonHey folks, lets talk about Ottawa for a second. After Quebec, I fell like we'd run out of steam a bit. We pulled into Ontario and it immediately began raining. When we found Raw Sugar, I was a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disappointed</span> to see that it was a cafe. This has nothing to do with the venue itself. Truth be told, it's a fantastic cafe, great ambiance, they serve good beers, and I hear they have wonderful coffee. My problem is that with a small show, we alter the setlist for a quieter set. The list we settled on, had me playing on only 2 songs. So, I was in a bit of a mood. The one good thing about the gig for me, was seeing our opening act for the first time, Kite Hill. They'll be with the Autumn Lovers on a couple of dates, and they are worth checking out. More on them later.<div><br /></div><div>After my grumpy state, I was glad to get the next day off. Blair, Sara, Dan and I stayed at Blair's friend Katie's place. Lots of room, and we all felt great the next morning. After a walk through the city I found THE BEST RECORD STORE EVER! It's a place called Legends. Their selection is pretty vast, and the price are reasonable. A must see the next time you're in Ottawa. </div><div><br /></div><div>That night, after a quick hang out with some old friends, I met up with the the 3 other Lovers and we headed off to Katies family cottage near Kingston.</div><div><br /></div><div>That may have been the best day of the tour. We made a good breakfast (after a nice homemade dinner the night before), and enjoyed the sunny weather. I finally got to go Kayaking! So good. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think we all felt more relaxed, and better prepared for our show in Kingston. It was a bigger stage, great sound, and packed with a rowdy bunch of Kinston-ites. It may have been one of our best shows this tour. Our first opener was local band Monuments and Statues. There are a lot of great ideas going on in this banjo/cello let indie band. I'm going to watch their progress, I fell like they can be a really great band in a couple of years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kite Hill was up next. And wow. What a performance. Leader Ryan Carley brought a larger band this time, upright bass, cello, violin and clarinet helped support his beautiful melodies. I can't wait to see them again.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, now I'm back home in Toronto. Tonight, we're playing at the Garrison, and I'm really excited. It should be a great show. See you there!</div><div><br /></div>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-73822414263110344522010-10-14T08:48:00.000-07:002010-10-14T08:51:25.508-07:00Tour Journal: OAL: Sackville/ St. Andrews/ Quebec CityWell, I'm a couple days behind. But here's the update; Thanksgiving was AMAZING. A really beautiful thing. 21 guests piled into a small living room in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sackville</span>. More food than we knew what to do with. Good friends, new and old. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wouldn't</span> want it any other way.... OH, and the best part, Blair fell in a ditch. True story. <br /><br />The following day, we said good bye to Kevin, and headed west. St. Andrews is a sleepy town this time of year, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Summer</span> tourist have long gone, but it's a great time to see it. The leaves are fully changed and starting to fall. Emma, a friend of the band, set us up in her step-fathers place, Salty Towers. What a place! Antiques everywhere, parts of the building date back to the late 1800's. The building is maze-like due to the renovations over the last century. So much history.<br /><br />We played at the Red Herring, and there wasn't much of an audience, but we had great sound! We took advantage of our cheap drinks and had a blast. The few who attended where also treated with small sets by Handsome Dan, Myself, and Blair <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Whatmore</span>. It was great to see Blair play his originals for the first time this tour, and Dan, as always was enthralling.<br /><br />Early to rise the next morning. I took one final tour around the city, and we embarked on our longest journey to Quebec City. <br /><br />We pulled in after about 10 hours. We were glad to be out of the van. Our venue was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fou</span> Bar, a wonderful dark place run by the social and energetic Lily Jodoin. She really is a character,the type you can only find in Quebec! <br /><br />Our opener was a friend from Halifax, Gianna Lauren. She's also backing a new record, and will be in Ontario later this week, Ottawa and Toronto, take note.<br /><br />And so, you find me here; a nice apartment in Quebec City, stealing someones <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Internet</span>, and ready for breakfast., There should be more excitement to come (including how we're going to get this rental van back to Montreal!) Keep checking in.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-35475654584564282652010-10-11T12:31:00.000-07:002010-10-11T12:51:58.303-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Fredricton/ CharlottetownHey there! It's been a couple days, let let me tell you what's been going on;<br /><br />Fredericton. What a great city! The show at The Capital was wonderful, and we got to play the first of 2 shows with our new favorite band North Lakes. The North Lakes have this great 80's new wave/ surf vibe. They hail from Charlottetown, and anyone in the maritimes should check them out if they get the chance.<br /><br />There was something going on in Fredericton called a Decentralized Dance Party. Apparently it's happening all over the place. Here's what it entails: <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The DDP is a portable, battery-powered Party System. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It consists of hundreds of Party People, carrying boomboxes, and a DJ who wears a backpack, containing a powerful FM transmitter. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All the boomboxes are tuned into the DJ’s master FM broadcast, resulting in a mobile, synchronized sound system. This Portable Dance Party roams the night, generating complete awesomeness, street by street and block by block, onto buses and subways, into public fountains and beyond! Inevitably interfacing with the public, together we create an infectious epidemic of fun! A Roaming Party Adventure that lasts all night long!</span><br /><br />It was something to see, folks dancing it up in various locations of the city. Pretty cool.<br /><br />By the time we got to Charlottetown, I was feeling pretty exhausted. My nights of 3-5am bed times are behind me, and the last 2 nights where in that time frame. I was also sleeping on the floor in Fredericton, so I got very little rest. By performance time, I just wasn't in the mood. This was probably my weakest show, which is too bad, because it will be the last with are great late edition, Kevin on bass guitar. They can't all be gems. <br /><br />Luckily, a good friend of the band Sam Stewart, invited us back to his large house for the night. I slept in a bed, and it was glorious.<br /><br />So that's it for the update. We're back in Sackville, and we're setting up a huge Thanksgiving meal. There may be up to 30 people at this dinner! It's really exciting, some familiar faces from the road may be showing up. Our good friend Patrick from Halifax is already here, and slaving over the potatoes. This should be an epic night! <br /><br />Next show is in St. Andrews, tomorrow night. I'll be updating you soon!<br /></span>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-73019413812447468202010-10-09T11:04:00.000-07:002010-10-09T11:28:08.759-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Moncton/ SackvilleI may be the worst person to write a tour journal. I have a horrible memory. I was asked today, where we'd be on the tour so far. Um... Montreal.... Halifax... um... Edmundston...<br /><br />Yesterday we left Saint John (after a perfect greasy spoon breakfast), and headed to Moncton. Moncton wasn't on the original tour schedule. But a booker who Olenka knows, really wanted us there. So we agreed to do an early evening show. We pulled up to a little gallery, and set up for a quiet set (no drums, bass, electric guitar, horns). I was asked to do a small 4 song opener.<br /><br />Halfway through my set the child parade came in. within the length of one song, the audience became full of young children. While pondering the ridiculousness of it all, a small cat came bounding into the room. I couldn't help but feel like my set was upstaged by the caravan of adorable that kept coming though the front door.<br /><br />Handsome Dan played next. That's Autumn Lover drummer Dan Mancini (a truly handsome chap). He played a couple new songs, both great, and closed with one from his new EP.<br /><br />The Autumn Lovers set went off without a hitch. The audience was appreciative, and we all were interviewed after wards for... something... I didn't really catch it.<br /><br />Sackville was up next. Sound check was unfortunately pretty atrocious. The monitors were feeding back, the bass was overpowering everything, and any adjustments made, did little to help. That's always a bit frustrating, but to be honest, Simon and myself rarely have good sound. We rarely have mics, NEVER have monitors. Bad sound is sort of the norm.<br /><br />The rest of the band seemed a little bummed, but about two songs into the set we hit our stride. The audience was electric. Dancing, clapping along, cheering, and calling out the name of their favorite rhythm section member (I think Kevin won out in the end, but he lives here).<br /><br />The night ended back at Kevin's place. Our openers, Cory Eisener and the Sheep Dogs, and a bunch of friends partied until 4:30 or so.<br /><br />I'm a bit of a wreck this morning. Seriously sleep deprived, but luckily we have a few hours of rest here in Sackville before our next show in Fredericton!Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-87954356111661302972010-10-08T15:27:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:29:31.568-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Saint John NBAfter finally getting out of Halifax, we embarked on a journey to Saint John. From the pitiful google map Olenka had printed off, you'd think that Saint John didn't want anyone in or out. The map made little to no sense. And after a series of unsuccessful turns, Olenka and I were at each other throats. That was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">immediately</span> all forgotten when we found our destination; The Pirates Place. <br /><br />The Pirates Place is a house owned by Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laracey</span>. A spacious building, in a perpetual state of renovation, and in constant threat of foreclosure. But Jim is a man who loves music. His house is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">equipped</span> with guitars in various states of construction, amps, drum kit, and fully working PA and mixing board.<br /><br />Jim himself is something out of a Hemingway novel. A large man with a full beard, boisterous voice, and a big heart. <br /><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">soundcheck</span>, we were treated to a huge meal of open faced tacos, salad and apple crumble. As I've stated before, we're eating better on the road than we do at home (so, mothers, do not fear!) Oh, the toppings! Last night, for the first time, I tasted cactus and emu meat. Wonderful.<br /><br />With full bellies we hit the stage. From the first moment, we knew this was going to be a great show. We opened with the new track "East End". The audience (with a very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hippy</span>-leaning vibe), where up and dancing. The smiles couldn't be wiped from our faces.<br /><br />Most of them knew our old songs, and sang along. During the new songs, they danced and cheered. I danced harder then I ever have on stage, at one point bringing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">glockenspiel</span> into the crowd for an interactive version of "Flash in the Pan".<br /><br />At the end of the set, the audience staged the first sitting ovation I'd ever seen, hoping that Olenka would play a few quiet tunes to end their night. She <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">obliged</span>, and the rest of the band sat in with the audience, holding hands and clapping along.<br /><br />It was truly a magical evening. The magic continued after the set, when our appreciative host gave Blair one of his guitars. True story. Turns out during the Autumn Lovers last visit, Jim had asked Blair to lean bottle neck guitar playing. Blair hadn't learned, citing the lack of a suitable guitar. Jim graciously handed him a semi-hollow ES 35 copy from his collection. Blair hasn't put it down since.<br /><br />We must sincerely thank Jim, Leanne, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Vanessa</span>, and Zach for their hospitality. Now we're on the road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Moncton</span>, playing an early show then it's off to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sackville</span> for a big show at Georges! Talk soon.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-89731884128773703632010-10-06T20:34:00.000-07:002010-10-06T20:55:16.863-07:00tour journal: OAL HalifaxEating well on a tour is important. Usually you're stuck with meals on the road. Tim Hortons, Mcdonalds, etc. We've been extremely lucky on this tour, for example, this morning Patrick, Olenka and Kevin put together a wonderful meal of Fritata, potatoes, and crepes. It was glorious. After dishes, we went to the Dartmouth Value Village cause... well... i guess that's what you do. <br /><br />The good folks at radio CKDU had us drop by to perform. We did a similar acoustic set to the one in Edmundston, except this time we were joined by Patrick Shmidt playing the banjo on a couple tracks. It's nice to extend the musical hand of friendship to someone as talented and humble as Pat. <br /><br />OK, so this is a rough blog entry. To be honest, I'm tired, missin' my gal, and drinking a 14% brew that I picked up on the New Brunswick border. This stuff is awful and amazing at the same time. <br /><br />With that in mind, I'll make this brief. We just played at the Company House here in Halifax, and it was a great show. It's so good to have Kevin back on stage playing the bass guitar. Patrick played some banjo, and a great time was had by all. The stage size at CoHo is perfect for a 4 piece folk/rock combo... but, at certain points, we're an 8 piece combo. So I played at the side of the stage, hopping on when I felt like my shaker playing needed to be front and center. <br /><br />OK, that's enough of that. I've had half a glass of the crazy beer, and I'm drunk. So goodnight all!Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-82339996175621735102010-10-05T15:51:00.000-07:002010-10-05T16:36:00.057-07:00Tour Journal OAL Edmonston + meeting old friendsHowdy folks, Shawn here with your update from the road. After a wonderful experience at Montreal POP (Excluding various van problems, solved in part by the good folks at Hotel2Tango), we hit the road for the east coast. First stop Edmundston! <br /><br />I know nothing about Edmundston. I drove through it once, to get from Quebec City and Sackville, that's about all I know. But we eventually pulled in front of a quaint little cafe called Lotus Bleu.<br /><br />One of the great things about touring is that you really meet some of the nicest people in the world. Case in point, the staff at Lotus Bleu. Before we'd even hit the stage we had sold a number of CD's (including a couple of my own!). Olenka asked me to open with a four song set. The audience of about 40, where attentive and appreciative. Then Olenka hit the stage. It was a quiet show, so we had some constraints, we didn't set up the drums, and kept the horns in the car. Because of the constraints, the audience received a unique performance, featuring quieter songs like "Lark" and "Mary's Song" and a few old tunes, including the very little played "Tennessee" (By request). <br /><br />After the show the staff served us one of the best meals we've had in a while. A tasty veggie-pate Sandwich with soup and salad! When dinner was finished we where taken to our lodgings. Half the band went to a local's place, and four of us went to a really nice B&B. It's really great to get a bed after four nights of a half inflated blow-up mattress. <br /><br />We woke up early the next morning and picked up our equipment at the cafe. They graciously served us a breakfast sandwich and coffees. And we were on our way! <br /><br />Kevin Braiser is a long time friend of the Autumn Lovers. Like me, he has an on again/off again relationship with the band. Kevin moved to Sackville NB not long again, and the rhythm section hasn't been quite the same. So, we called him up, and after very little convincing, talked him into joining us for a few shows. We picked him up at his place, had an inpromptu reggae dance party on the front lawn, and took the highway to Halifax. <br /><br />That brings us pretty much up to date. We arrived in Halifax about an hour ago, pulled up to the house of our dear friend Patrick Schmidt (Slow Down Molasses). He prepared us a big meal of strawberry salad and Squash soup. and now where drinking Kev's homebrew and working out a setlist for tomorrow nights show at The Company House. <br /><br />I've been seriously humbled by people here on the road; Andrea in Montreal, the staff at Lotus bleu, and Patrick here in Halifax. I'm told this is the norm, and we'll be meeting more great people in the next couple weeks. I can seriously get used to this touring thing.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-15163509133885062902010-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:002010-10-27T10:54:06.627-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Montreal take 2Shawn here, with part 2 of the tour journal. Where'd I leave off? Oh right, crappy van, Olenka on a bus back to London to get her car. Right.<br /><br />After signing in for POP Montreal, having dinner and discovering the wonderful system of Bixi Bikes, we made plans to see free shows! First stop, O Patro Ve for the brilliant folk stylings of Fred Squire and the Graham Parson-esque songwriting of Daniel Romano. Daniel especially stood out for me, perfectly crafted songs.<br /><br />Next stop was Sala Rosa. There we saw the AMAZING Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens. A really fantastic show to see for free! Blair in particular was taken up by the lord for this one.<br /><br />Find tickets to <a href="http://www.qualityplustickets.com/searchevents.php?market=5000&marketName=Montreal,%20QC">concerts in montreal</a><br /><br />The next day was showcase day. But, first thing first, how are we going to buy groceries to make dinner? Why, Busking, that's how! The remaining Autumn Lovers (or I guess <span style="font-style: italic;">the</span> Autumn Lovers, minus the Olenka part), headed to a small parkette and went through a small collection of songs by Dylan, The Band, Beatles, Radiohead and various originals by Olenka (sans Olenka... very meta), Blair and myself. We made a cool $14! Enough to make a wonderful stir fry for 7!<br /><br />Our showcase was at a place called Cabaret Playhouse. When mentioning this to local friends we were met with either blank stares, or knowing smirks. The Playhouse is more of a punk place, we were told, where a man dressed in leather runs the door. Although Olenka insists she was part of a burgeoning British Colombia punk scene during the 90's, we aren't anything you'd consider to be punk. You won't be seeing our string section with safety pins in their noses any time soon. But, it was a wavelength showcase, so we had a great time! Rattail in particular was exciting to watch, and Polydactic Heart was engaging. After wards we split up. Some went to the Deerhoof after party, but 2am seemed particularly late for me, so I went to bed.<br /><br />That brings us to today. We've taken advantage of POP Montreal, hitting up a record show, and checking out the Patrick Watson curated show at the Ukrainian Center. Now we're about to partake in a wonderful Chili prepared by Simon and Blair. So, next stop is Edmundston NB, I'll try to get an update soon!<br /><a href="http://www.qualityplustickets.com/searchevents.php?market=5000&marketName=Montreal,%20QC"><br />This post is supported by...</a>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-53467384127279229512010-10-01T09:54:00.000-07:002010-10-01T10:24:11.960-07:00Tour Journal: OAL Montreal... almostSo where to begin... Lets start on Tuesday. That day was my last day at work. I was let go, without much warning, from a popular comedy club. But when a door is closed, another door... probably near the back of the house... is opened. My good friends Olenka and the Autumn Lovers where going on an east coast tour starting on Thursday. The way I looked at it, I wasn't going to have a job for about a month, I might as well be enjoying myself.<br /><br />The van was to arrive in Toronto to pick me up at 12, noon. At 2pm they showed up. We were to showcase at POP Montreal later that night with a starting time of 10pm. The math sort of worked, 5 hour drive, get there at 7, quickly sign in and get to the venue for 8. What could go wrong?<br /><br />Olenka is in possession of one of the worst vans currently on the road. Two tours have been changed, or reworked, because of this abomination of automotive science. So it wasn't much a surprise when somewhere around Cornwall, our windows were fogged up so bad that we had to have someone wipe it down every couple of minutes with Windex. Then, shockingly, a couple km's outside of Quebec, the van dies. It's beginning to look like we're not making the 10pm show. The folks at POP graciously decide to re-organize, and now we have a 1am start time. <br /><br /><br />The waiting game begins. We get a tow truck from CAA, he drives us into Quebec, and tells us it's a lot cheaper to get a tow truck from the Quebec side than have him drive us to Montreal. We wait again. The flat bed shows up, but wasn't informed about the taxi we were supposed to have taken care of, or the fact that we are going to Montreal. After some time, we finally get on the road, but 1am isn't going to happen. <br /><br />We finally get into Montreal, our wonderful host meets us at her place and, somewhat defeated, we finally get some well deserved rest.... until...<br /><br />8am. The van needs to be moved from the main road to a side street. We have a parking spot. Olenka takes the wheel, while Dan, Simon, Blair and myself begin pushing. We make a 7 point turn, and manage to parallel park with little to no damage.<br /><br />Where does that leave us? Well, Olenka is on a bus back to London Ontario to get her car. We will hopefully rent a van to house the rest of us (we are talking with the folks in Young Galaxy about using theirs), and the good folks at POP are looking into another showcase for us. I guess this is life on the road! <br /><br />This is my first blog post in a long time, but I hope to keep it up over the next couple of weeks, if anyone is interested.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-12655654563424763972010-08-24T06:04:00.000-07:002010-08-24T08:57:02.462-07:00Track of the Week: Wake Up Baby by DionI never thought I'd find myself enjoying Dion. I don't know why. I always just associated him with lame music... it wasn't even based on anything... But yesterday I was in Soundscapes here in Toronto (one of my favorite stores FYI), and I'm checking out the listening booths, and there's a new reissue of "Wonder Where I'm Bound". Well, what a great album! By this time in his career, Dion had dropped a lot of the Do Wop that made him famous and was mixing Blues and folk elements... Needless to say, Columbia Records wasn't happy. So much of the stuff recorded during the mid-sixties haven't had a significant release. Anyways, check out this great tune, written by himself, called "Wake Up Baby"<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" width="335" height="28"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12348432-513"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12348432-513" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="335" height="28"></embed></object><br /><br />Pretty great right?<br /><br />While you're here, have a listen to his interesting take on the blues standard "Baby, Please Don't Go"<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" width="335" height="28"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12348447-6b6"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12348447-6b6" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="335" height="28"></embed></object><br /><br />Awesome. Talk soon.Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-84286664199459290302010-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:002010-08-11T10:21:05.562-07:00Track of the Week: Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock AND Davy GrahamOne of my first Track of the Weeks was a Charles Mingus cover by the british folk/jazz musician Davy Graham. You can (and should) check that <a href="http://birdstootiredtofly.blogspot.com/2009/03/track-of-week-better-git-it-in-your.html">out right here</a>. I've been listening to more Davy Graham these days, and got a hold of this great cover of Herbie Handcock's Watermelon Man.<br /><br />First off, have a listen the Hancock version off "Headhunters":<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYTH08wa-zdBffPAS7-w_LNw7uzGFBczX1c4g6tB0etqEtKeVZ5SgkbLwnjioOevofqo2C6Qp9KQ-SPSxNM1f7o_BmrMMzOY80cqmN2HfvmcxMY2Nh6XDGugVS7b3g8arCUPZ7U-1tFs/s1600/albumcoverHHancockHeadHunters.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYTH08wa-zdBffPAS7-w_LNw7uzGFBczX1c4g6tB0etqEtKeVZ5SgkbLwnjioOevofqo2C6Qp9KQ-SPSxNM1f7o_BmrMMzOY80cqmN2HfvmcxMY2Nh6XDGugVS7b3g8arCUPZ7U-1tFs/s400/albumcoverHHancockHeadHunters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504203238663693746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" height="28" width="335"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12247711-6c0"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12247711-6c0" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="28" width="335"></embed></object><br /><br />Now, here's the acoustic cover by Davy Graham:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2oUF1rPyxp8ogWE9iUa1o0ebtbJPr4ExetMYP5b9zUzRLAWqnfi_U3ocxLpHDa-UM0sI2rHxrikJg2IVxYRvhN51zBseFhd8W-9fzn0J70h-a4v69KPKggIrFFZNmB7wcLs6MW-qX2w/s1600/fled3054.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2oUF1rPyxp8ogWE9iUa1o0ebtbJPr4ExetMYP5b9zUzRLAWqnfi_U3ocxLpHDa-UM0sI2rHxrikJg2IVxYRvhN51zBseFhd8W-9fzn0J70h-a4v69KPKggIrFFZNmB7wcLs6MW-qX2w/s400/fled3054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504203239120306930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" height="28" width="335"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12247656-586"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12247656-586" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="28" width="335"></embed></object><br /><br />So good. Happy Wednesday!!Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-18353189108972938012010-08-06T08:12:00.000-07:002010-08-06T08:26:04.314-07:00Track of the Week: The Lonely Bull by the VenturesHoly shit, it's been a while. OK. Here I am. Remember that contest I did a while ago for Putamayo? I totally have winners! So special congrats to Shannon in Toronto, and Jeanmarie in Michigan! You will have your copies very soon!<br /><br />I do have a few more give-aways, but until then, how about some surf music from the Ventures? Sound good?<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12202887-2dc" /><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=12202887-2dc" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-44063256604649172342010-07-13T06:17:00.000-07:002010-07-13T06:17:00.481-07:00Track of the Week: Ramblin Man by Hank WilliamsI'm a little hesitant to post this. I feel like this song is a given. It's just so good. Maybe not as painfully obvious as "Your Cheatin' Heart", but well known none the less. I was really close to playing this song at one of my last shows, but had to drop it. Who would believe me to be half as cool (or as vagrant) as Hank Williams?! No one. That's who.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGThWY4mZ3C5WSukLKJjSEnBFnemOV3lzKlzDM_2LalZaJoN71sKiSUqrths7AfuYI8HxNVjhWSeC8VGhA1yeHZ-4IEbIJ4O3VjtJaZ_xWCAZYHr87T6DnEn0nn4fI4KxU8Gurolxqc8/s1600/hank_williams_photo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGThWY4mZ3C5WSukLKJjSEnBFnemOV3lzKlzDM_2LalZaJoN71sKiSUqrths7AfuYI8HxNVjhWSeC8VGhA1yeHZ-4IEbIJ4O3VjtJaZ_xWCAZYHr87T6DnEn0nn4fI4KxU8Gurolxqc8/s400/hank_williams_photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493210371861310322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11986010-48a" /><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11986010-48a" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-76185090348163117032010-07-07T06:13:00.001-07:002010-07-07T06:20:36.198-07:00Track of the Week: Home Sweet Home by Robert HedgeGood morrow. My friend (and talented musician), <a href="http://www.roberthedge.com/">Robert Hedge</a> just released an 8 song LP called the Cleansing Fire. I'm a huge fan of his work, so I was excited to get my hands on a copy. It's really wonderful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWWDue4bJAcq_MY-oLDZUeXOaIupzaMsS0v5hT_doQOKOGSj0HLJJa6BFsvB1-CjdLKR484U0lkmIoRS71UXxbdVEMyDlULi4fr0NkprmvHNG0K5ccJbyIPByd8F_SPvqvJ1wIrvg-0I/s1600/square+aug+20.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWWDue4bJAcq_MY-oLDZUeXOaIupzaMsS0v5hT_doQOKOGSj0HLJJa6BFsvB1-CjdLKR484U0lkmIoRS71UXxbdVEMyDlULi4fr0NkprmvHNG0K5ccJbyIPByd8F_SPvqvJ1wIrvg-0I/s400/square+aug+20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491153381426070914" border="0" /></a><br />The first track on the album is a cover of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home". In Robert's hands the song is transformed into the type of dusty road cowboy song you'd expect at the end of a Roy Rogers western. It's a really great interpretation. Check it out, then head over to <a href="http://www.roberthedge.com/">his website</a>, and see what else he has to offer.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" height="28" width="335"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11919845-41a"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11919845-41a" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="28" width="335"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-28535840440819407102010-06-30T09:24:00.000-07:002010-06-30T09:43:10.203-07:00Toronto LoveHey there. Well, it's been a crazy few days for the city of Toronto, and the fall out will be felt for sometime. I'm not here to give my opinions on what went down at the G20. There are far too many questions, and far too much information to get things together so soon. Today I want to send a little love out to my city.<br /><br />Earlier this week, Jessica from the blog <a href="http://roundletters.wordpress.com/">Roundletters</a>, asked if she could post my love song to the city, "To Think I Once Was Lost". She felt like the song kept her sane through the weekend, and wanted to share it with her readers. I though that was a great idea, so not only did I let her post it on her blog, I made it a free download for anyone who wanted it. So, I'm inviting my readers (you guys and gals!) to do the same. Feel free to click the link provided and download the song. Tell me what you think in the comments section. Let's spread a little love today!<br /><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzc5MTU2NzQ5MTUmcHQ9MTI3NzkxNTY5OTgzMSZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9bWljcm9fbXVzaWNfcGxheWVyX2ZpcnN*X2dl/biZnPTEmbz*wYmQ4ZGU3MDU1Nzg*MTcxOTdmNzQwOTUyNTA1Y2RhMSZvZj*w.gif" border="0" width="0" height="0" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/31/widgetPlayerMicro.swf?emailPlaylist=artist_36698&backgroundcolor=EEEEEE&font_color=000000&posted_by=artist_36698&shuffle=&autoPlay=false" wmode="transparent" width="160" height="125"></embed><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/31/artist_36698/artist_36698/t.gif" border="0" width="0" height="0" /><a href="http://www.quantcast.com/p-05---xoNhTXVc" target="_blank"><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" style="display: none;" alt="Quantcast" border="0" width="1" height="1" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />If you dig the song, and want to hear more, you can always help a brother out and check out my iTunes account here:<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shawn-clarke/id372686963">Shawn Clarke on i-Tunes</a><br /><br />I hope all is well, and Happy Canada Day!!Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-24918909258216132622010-06-15T07:50:00.000-07:002010-06-15T07:59:14.223-07:00Track of the Week: Since I've Been Growing by David NewberryHello! Long time no see. How ya been? I've been busy. Started working a new job for Yuk Yuks, booking shows, sending CD's everywhere, and did two CD release parties (they went swimmingly, thanks for asking). So, I will try my best to update a bit more, I promise.<br /><br />I played the 10th annual Bob Dylan tribute in May, and I got to hear a guy who I think is going places. His name is David Newberry, check out the opening track from his album;<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" width="335" height="28"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11699029-deb"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11699029-deb" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="335" height="28"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />You can hear his album in it's entirety on <a href="www.myspace.com/boynewberry">his myspace page here</a><br /><br />See ya soon!Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-33208233808741755262010-05-20T19:59:00.001-07:002010-05-21T07:20:04.808-07:00Putumayo Giveaway 2: South Africa!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknkL7XRHfDwQgNe0EHqa_P2W280lgjDBr9OoJ-4yiigw2lWT57X8sKZniQVjIYAirL1wr2dWA6cd7wEUxvoS6lbUBms-eotM_vkPXy6lu8BNQroMnMy69iKwNhuR0vBShZT79zuQ6C5M/s1600/South+Africa+Cover+-+WEB.jpg"><br /></a><br />Helloooo! Last month I was put in a position to give away a CD from the great company Putumayo. For those who don't know the name, you'd know the product. Just take a look at this pic:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknkL7XRHfDwQgNe0EHqa_P2W280lgjDBr9OoJ-4yiigw2lWT57X8sKZniQVjIYAirL1wr2dWA6cd7wEUxvoS6lbUBms-eotM_vkPXy6lu8BNQroMnMy69iKwNhuR0vBShZT79zuQ6C5M/s1600/South+Africa+Cover+-+WEB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknkL7XRHfDwQgNe0EHqa_P2W280lgjDBr9OoJ-4yiigw2lWT57X8sKZniQVjIYAirL1wr2dWA6cd7wEUxvoS6lbUBms-eotM_vkPXy6lu8BNQroMnMy69iKwNhuR0vBShZT79zuQ6C5M/s400/South+Africa+Cover+-+WEB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473553277166717538" border="0" /></a><br />Look familiar? Right, you've seen these albums! Anyways, they've just released the one pictured above called "South Africa", and I have two to give away!! So... what should I ask you? Well, how about you name me one musician from Africa. That's all, email me at shawn_clarke25@hotmail.com, tell me the name of one African musician, and I'll send you a copy of this. Sound good?<br /><br />In the mean time give this a peep, a wonderful little track from the compilation called "Orlando"<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="divplaylist" width="335" height="28"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11437178-832"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11437178-832" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="335" height="28"></embed></object>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9197119174269506280.post-75170338099793077362010-05-18T06:06:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:21:51.314-07:00Track of the Week: How Can you Mend a Broken Heart by Al GreenOhhhhh Al Green. So good. So smooth... And still great (check out his last effort "Lay It Down"). My first introduction though was his brilliant '72 album "Let's Stay Together". And while the title track is a classic, I've always been drawn to "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?"<div><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11405102-d94"><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=11405102-d94" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What else can I say? Well, it was written by the BeeGees! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/COqUjfrB8dI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/COqUjfrB8dI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>OFF TOPIC: Keep checking in, this week I'll be starting a Putamayo give-away series! </div>Shawn William Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495724023351484386noreply@blogger.com0