Rob here. First allow me to mention that we’re playing Parts & Labour in Toronto TONIGHT w/ Spitfist, Hate Gang and Pkew Pkew Pkew. It’s a New Years Eve Eve party, and also Stacey McCool’s bday. Need you any more reason to attend? ATTEND ON FACESPACE!

—————–Best Albums of 2011 list—————– 

Working in a record store I have the opportunity to hear a wide variety of newly released albums throughout the year. This list represents the albums that for me, stood the test of multiple listens. For those that know me, this list is scarcely a surprise.

10. Black Lips – “Arabia Mountain”
No, not The Black Keys. There’s more than enough love going around out there for those assholes. Black Lips are the kind of band I’d want to join if I weren’t so aware that I’d ruin the all too important chemistry that makes these guys rule so hard. It wasn’t until seeing them earlier this year in Liverpool that my love for them was re-examined and heightened. This album was a “professionally produced” big step, with Mark Ronson putting a spit shine on an already mega-likeable band. I’ll always enjoy the grittiness that is “Good Bad Not Evil”, but a very calculated Black Lips still sound like they’re barely hanging on to life itself. A group of people that could truly explode at any moment, and you can hear it in the songs. Easily some of their catchiest and well-written material to date. May the Black Lips never clean up their act.

9. Craft Spells – “Idle Labor”
I don’t know much about this band, and I’m sort of comfortable keeping it that way for now. I’ve heard that this album is actually the work of one man, who is joined on stage by a group who help him flesh things out in the live setting. My mind is blown at the prospect (so I’ve heard) of their live show besting even the immaculate wonder that is this amazing album. Whether it’s on in the background or I’m paying attention there is so much to enjoy here. This is the kind of crap that seems almost mathematically designed to meet my musical likes. This album has a sugar equivalent to that of a 2L bottle of pop – without all that diabetes.

8. Peter Bjorn & John – “Gimme Some”
These dudes have mastered what they do to scary precision. This album is performed largely with the bare essentials (guitar, bass and drums). Let it also be known that I think “Guitar, Bass & Drums” would make a great band name (buys URL and copyright). A great song writing and production foundation topped off by a “keeping it simple” roof. This album makes “Writers Block” sound like Bon Iver (boring as fuck). I dare you to listen to any of these songs and NOT hum them for weeks. Start with “Second Chance” – good luck!

7. Braids – “Native Speaker”
This was my 2011 Polaris pick. “The Suburbs” IS a great album, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this one trumps it. These kids are barely into their 20′s and are dealing with musical pattern, emotion, tempo, harmony and feel on a level that would make Miles Davis shit his pants. Beautiful, breath-taking songs and non-songs intertwined – easily one of the most original “albums as a complete statement” I’ve ever heard. If they ended their career at this point, it will have been an impressive one already. An absolute must own!

6. Glasvegas – “Euphoric Heartbreak”
I love this band, and even though they’ve changed in subtle ways since their pre-debut demo album (which is perfection in and of itself), they haven’t lost me. Their live show left a little to be desired (off night?), but this is an album review(?). Produced by Flood (and it shows…er sounds) this second album succeeds in sonically dominating it’s predecessor in every way. From the back to back assault of “The World Is Yours” into the simply beautiful and heartfelt “You”, this album moves with emotion and intensity by barley flexing a muscle. Bill Hicks once famously screamed “..sing from your fucking heart!!!”, James Allan makes more than good on that request.

5. Beastie Boys – “Hot Sauce Committee Part Two”
This album doesn’t top the majority of world wide ‘best of’ lists WHY!?!? It makes an appearance in the Rolling Stone list (they also included Super Heavy?!?!?!), and is probably the only of my favs mentioned elsewhere. When the band streamed the album in it’s entirety from Madison Square Garden I wanted to hold out for the release date. I fell in love right away however when I caught a snippet of “Lee Majors Come Again”. Whether it be on shuffle amidst other albums or front to back, I’ve heard this bad boy more times than I can count. Like Sloan, with decades under their belt, the Beastie Boys have never sounded better. Quality over quantity – every time.

4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – “Belong”
Long story short, I bought their first album on tour in Victoria, BC based purely on the band name alone. Didn’t love it, but thought it had it’s moments. Upon first hearing “Belong” it almost felt like a different band entirely. This is a “Bleach” to “Nevermind” jump of impossible proportions. This album eclipses its totally decent predecessor mightily. If I find myself humming a tune randomly it’s usually “Anne With An E”. This record is the aural equivalent of having a good day.

3. S.C.U.M. – “Again into Eyes”
Most found this album through it’s sibling related connection to The Horrors (who also have a fantastic new album out this year), I heard it a few months back and after a while found myself listening to it all the time. Definitely a “grower”, this one sneaks up on you in the best way. Do you like your dark art rock with plenty of synth and reverb for days? This album is for you. Unexpectedly catchy and weird at the same time – I find it to be near perfect.

2. Sloan – “The Double Cross”
You might say I’m bias on this one as Sloan are my favourite band of all time, and you’d be right! That doesn’t detract however from the fact that this album is extremely strong. It’s strengths more than make up for any momentary weak moments most bands would cherish. Four incredibly gifted songwriters carving out and ruling a style of music they’ve made entirely their own. At this point in their career The Rolling Stones were past their best before date and The Beatles didn’t exist. Sloan for the win! They are completely unparallelled.

1. Smith Westerns – “Dye It Blonde”
I called this one as my album of the year when it came out, and nothing has touched it since. While I’ve heard it has it’s detractors, as far as I’m concerned this one is beyond solid top to bottom. Songwriting, production, artwork – it’s the total package. I’ve heard “Dye It Blonde” hundreds of times, and I will never tire of it. “All Die Young” would be my song of the year if I was making that list as well. Totally perfect in every way.

Classic Rock Indie Invasion Session 8
Posted 12/12/2011 1:09:00 PM

HotKid consists of Shiloh and Rob who just released their new EP called Under The Streetlight. This guy/girl duo just got back from a US tour with Sloan. Check out their brand spanking new music video here.

Hotkid cover Dancing in the Dark by CandiceKradio

Hotkid Fly Free by CandiceKradio

Hotkid interview by CandiceKradio
You can follow HotKid on facebook and twitter and don’t miss their next Toronto show at Parts and Labour on December 30th.

HK will be rockin’ around the clock tomorrow night at The Garrison for the “2nd Annual Modernboys Moderngirls 50s Rock ‘n Roll Party!”

**We’ll be on at about 10:45pm!**

Featuring special performances by members of:
The Balconies, Make Your Exit, Janes Party, Bahamas, Hands & Teeth
HotKid, Mad Ones, Quiet Cool, Sandman Viper Command, Dinosaur Bones and Little Brian and the Oat Cereals, and many more…

w/ DJ Reverend Throwdown
Doors 9 p.m., $8 at the door

The new MAD ONES vid for “800 Days” kicks ass. That is all.

We’ll be playing very few shows while we’re writing new songs, but couldn’t say no to our pally Danielle Duval. Her new album “Of The Valley” is out now, and is totally awesome. HK is playing The Piston w/ Danielle on Wed Nov 16th

FACEBOOK INVITE

Shiloh’s ’5×5 Clothing’ are launching their fall/winter line *THIS* Tues Oct. 25th at Not My Dog (Queen St. in Toronto). Our pals LITTLE FOOT LONG FOOT will be there to rock, and HOTKID will be in the house as well! See you there!!
5x5clothing.com

Had such a great time tonight as the musical guest for Sunday Night Live w/ guest host Bret Hart! Thanks a million to @normsousa for hooking us up!