Chad VanGaalen - "Clinically Dead"

Back in my poor college days I would try to find cheap ways to have fun in Boston. My favorite was a bike ride to an underground (literally and figuratively) record store that sold $1 CDs. I would pick out 5, (based mostly on cover artwork and instrument tributes) and then go home to listen to my new found tunes. Every CD was always amazing, but the album that this track is on was by far my best find. Written, sung, and played by just one dude from Canada, this music touches every genre from Broken Social Scene to Neil Young. Not only is his music awesome, but he's also an artist who does these crazy animations for his music videos.
This is track #1 on the album, and a good intro to a guy who goes by Chad VanGaalen. Enjoy.

Radical Face - "Welcome Home, Son"

I just recently discovered this band Radical Face. Their album "Ghost" is really great. A lot of simple guitar picking, soft harmonizing in the background, great piano build-ups, and some really beautiful lyrics.

This song "Welcome Home, Son" was the first I heard of them, and is my favorite track on the album.

It holds so much emotion in it's humble notes and words. Every song will softly surprise you.


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Audio Learning Center - "Stereo"

This song aired one night and one night only on a music channel when I was 15 years old. It's a good thing I always took notes, because after that, I never heard anything about them again.

They are called Audio Learning Center. They made one EP and one album, and after that, they ceased to exist. But what they did create is something very special.

This song Stereo is not only a great song, but is on my top 5 favorite music videos of all time.

Is it cheesy? Yes. Is it low quality filming? Yes. But it has this magical vibe happening throughout it that I've never felt before. The build up of emotions that coexist with the guitar riff will make your heart stop.

Megafaun - "The Fade"

The catchy vibe of a 90s rock song, mixed with a touch of old school folk? Absolutely, yes.

"The Fade" by Megafaun will make you feel refreshed - like that feeling you get when you step outside and realize winter is over and spring is here. These dudes know how to harmonize like no other, and I can guarantee this song will win you over.

Broken Social Scene - "Cause = Time"

Broken Social Scene's album "You Forgot It In People" comes in a very close second in my favorite albums of all time ranking. It actually won Alternative Album of the Year in the 2003 Juno Awards. This song is the best track on the album. The energy, the weird lyrics, and the guitar riff that makes your heart run in circles every time it comes in. Dig it. 

Luna - "Speedbumps"

This absolutely amazing gem of a band snuck it's way into my ears one day this fall. I am a huge Built To Spill fan (favorite band, actually), and 90s rock fan in general. And if you have any interest in 90s rock or Built To Spill, and you haven't had the pleasure of listening to Luna yet, then you are in for a real treat. The day I discovered them, I couldn't listen to another band for a couple of days, until I had heard everything they had to offer. Twice.