Starting Today for 30 days I am going to only listen to music made by Albertans.
Why?
Two reasons.
1) there was a time when people sought out local entertainment. The people who played music for you were your neighbors and friends. My Granny used to tell me all kinds of stories about her family's band playing community dances. This is by and large a lost tradition. It is sooo easy now to listen to artists from across the world. While this is generally a good thing. There is also a lot of pressure form cultural imperialism. I want for maybe the last time in my life to focus on hyper local arts and culture.
2) I think this will be a neat way to support local artists. I hope this thread is a good way for people to share music reviews and recommendations of artists from the wild rose province.
With that is mind, please share any recommendations! No artist is too small obscure or well known!
Rules: Obviously it will be impossible to block out everything that isn't Albertan, like at the grocery store or mall. Nor does it count music you hear while watching hockey games or whatever.
But seriously, your recommendations are appreciated I will go crazy listening to Corb Lund and Ian Tyson 30 days straight.
Last edited by TheIronMaiden; 12-11-2024 at 10:53 AM.
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Some of my favorite local bands (past and present):
Des Arcs
Vailhalen
Night Committee
Napalmpom
Lab Coast
Huevos Rancheros
Chixdiggit
Chad VanGaalen
Viet Cong/Preoccupations
Women
Pine Tarts
Hot Little Rocket
Golden Calgarians
Citrus Park
Melted Mirror/Bridgeland
Tau Ceti
All Hands On Jane
Chron Goblin
Woodhawk
Sunglaciers
Gone Cosmic
Ghostkeeper
Forbidden Dimension
Samantha Savage Smith
36?
Betaboys
Von Zippers
Ohama
Last edited by troutman; 12-13-2024 at 06:18 PM.
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Salvador Dream formed in Vancouver but are 2/3rds Calgary with Russ Klyne being from Saskatoon.
Incredible band, the 1994 album "UR" was way ahead of it's time.
My brother was buddies with them, learned from Ray Garraway who was a prodigy drummer. I watched him jam in the basement of sparky's. His drumming was deafeningly loud it was insane even with the jazz grip. They were signed before having a hit. Died in 2013, I think it was drugs.
His dad was in the reggae band dubble UI.
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Alt-right rapper Tom MacDonald -basically the only counterculture artist out there now.
Moe Berg --front man of Pursuit of Happiness
Cochrane's own George Fox- my personal favorite
I loved Moe Berg’s early bands - Modern Minds and Facecrime. He was a power pop genius. It’s Gone is a favorite all time song. 10/10.
Edmonton Compilation
1. The Touch – Nerve Gas Attack
2. The Thieves – What's Old Is What's New
3. Route 66 – Where Is She During The Week?
4. facecrime – I Know Some People
5. Down Syndrome – You're A Punk
6. Malibu Kens – Party's Over
7. S.N.F.U. – (Real Men Don't Watch) Quincy
8. The Standards – Break Out
9. Malibu Kens – 421-1111
10. The Thieves – Screams
11. S.N.F.U. – Strip Search/Grunt, Groan, Rant & Rave
12. facecrime – Did I Hear You Right?
13. The Touch – Family Tree
14. Down Syndrome – Bums
15. Route 66 – Had Enough Of This
Last edited by troutman; 12-11-2024 at 03:15 PM.
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I wanted to start with some music released in 2024. I cut a pretty wide swath of albums I am aware of but never listened closely to before.
Sahil Chugh, Don’t Be Sad, 2024.
Sahil is a producer, composer keyboard player and artist born and raised in Edmonton. His Don’t Be Sad is a moody and often times energetic jazz album. The production quality is excellent and the piano tones are sharp and warm. The best track on this is without a doubt the single Night Dragon. Though I am partial to the more sentimental “November” I’d give this one a 7.5/10 if you’re into Jazz music. I will 100% be listening to this many times over this stretch, especially at work, when I prefer not to listen to music with lyrics. https://sahilchugh1.bandcamp.com/album/dont-be-sad
Echtros , A Tooth For An Eye, 2024
Echthros is from Calgary, Alberta. They call their music Indigenous Power Electronics. It is definitely not for everyone, but if you’re at all into dissonance, noise music or harsh sound design give it a go. The song Horrible Wound// The Flood is my favorite from this. I’d give the entire album a 6.5/10. Just a matter of personal taste.
This is a friggen Deadly double album. It is dripping with creativity. To some people this might be some indie hipster garbage, so feel free to call me a garbage person, because I love it. 9/10 will listen again. Highlights for me are Flesh and Blood, I Have My Doubts, and Lockstepp but its all some stanky twangy goodness.
Here was Tariq. My bro played for him. This song had some play on the radio waves. I think he was a CBC host for a while afterwards.
Nicest guy you’d ever meet. He’d come over and make butter chicken for my white as fata parents. He destroyed any sort of racism that may have lingered in them prior.
It’s foreign food Honey
Chevrolet Way.
Also Zuckerbaby.
And Bent in Barbie that had Jiri’s hamburger reviewer friend as lead singer.
Day 2/30 of only listening to music made by Albertans.
The biggest thing I've noticed is it is a huge pain not being able to listen to the radio or throwing on a playlist at random.
Other than spamming Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee I have been looking for music released this year.
Audry, Wolfheart, Mademoiselle Seroquail, 2024
6.5/10
This is some experimental music, it is speculative, dramatic and a good balance between thick and thin tones. Audry, from Lethbridge, is down right prolific. This is their sixth album this year! My Favourites off this one are Halloween Categories Emotional History and Die in the Morning
Kheroufi has a voice like satin. These tracks are groovy and sentimental. I really like how comfortable he is with creating space for tight little rhythms and catchy leads. The best on this album are Why Do You Call For Rain, Now & Forever as well as Arab Rap #1
Some serious dad rock vibes on this album. That said, I do love the ambience and environment. Not to mention to smooth leads. Not groundbreaking stuff, but quality easy listening. Back to New York and So Glad to See You are the strongest from this album.
I am still having a lot of fun looking at 2024 releases. I think I will look up some of the suggestions in this thread later in the 30 day challenge.
If it wasn't for Cindy Lee, I would be really struggling with my day to day just throw it on and listen. So easy to take mindlessly putting music on for granted.
momerfish, Axolotl Plateau, 2024
6.5/10
A really nice simple piano sound scape album. I enjoy this kind of music while I am at work, and it is as good as any other ambient music I have been listening to. I think I will keep this one on repeat.
7/10
A pretty groovy western adjacent album. Looks like a who’s who of alberta indie artists help with this project including Aladean Kheroufi. The vibes on this project are great even if I find some of the lyrics ham fisted. I’m a big fan of the driving beat on Easygoing and Less Stress.
8.5/10
I knew that there would be some bad ass Metal searching through bandcamp releases. Necht doesn’t disappoint with their Epic Black Metal release. I don’t know what else to say but if you like black metal, you’ll like this, Holy ####.
30 Day Alberta Music Challenge
