Alanna Yaraskavitch is a former co-op student. She has also been a part of both the Wednesday and Thursday versions of Special Blend. The Special Blend is a public affairs/music show put on by a variety of hosts every morning from 7 - 9:30 AM. Here are her favourite black and white album covers, in no particular order.
Glasvegas - Glasvegas (2008)
Bad album, but it has a cool cover that's a modern take on Van Gogh's Starry Night. This would look great on a t-shirt.
REM - Accelerate (2008)
Phwor! A cartoony, collagey cornacopia of contrast. Say that ten times fast.
The Beatles - Revolver (1966)
This looks like something from mid-90's zine, but they did it in 1966! And, yes, it probably has (unfortunately) inspired countless Beatles fans to try to draw John, Paul, George and Ringo for themselves.
The Stranglers - Black And White (1978)
Photo cover! You can hardly see that one guy's head, which is pretty spooky at first glance. Clean, stark and punk as hell.
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures (1979)
I remember hearing somewhere that this drawing is from a book. It's very artsy, dark and cooler-than-thou. Perfect cover for the mood of the album.
Ramones - Ramones (1976)
Iconic! They all look SO tough and cool that you just can't look away. Plus you can see Tommy Ramone's belly button.
Cults - Cults (2011)
Aww, what a yucky crap band. But this album cover is killer! I looked at this record and I thought "Oh man! This is gonna be great rock'n'roll! They're banging their heads! Wow!". Sadly, it's not. The cover still rules though.
Crass - Christ: The Album (1982)
Simple, meaningful, clean. Almost 30 years later it still looks like a graphic designer's dream.
XTC - Go 2 (1978)
I don't care what anyone else says; this is the most hilarious, brilliant, wonderful album cover of all time. Essentially an essay about album covers as the album cover. Best line? "They're TRICKS and this is the worst TRICK of all since it's describing the TRICK whilst trying to TRICK you, and if you've read this far then you're TRICKED but you wouldn't have known this unless you'd read this far." Genius!
Hey guys! Now I know what your thinking... what are Philys' top 10 song choices of 2011?!?.... well here I give you that very important question with an answer. I give you my Top Ten Songs from 2011. (In no order!)
Starting with "Countdown" by beyonce.
Beyonce always has the moves and the amazing vocals so thats why shes on this list.
Next we got here Maroon 5 feat Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger"
Great song to dance to and sing along too, nothing but fun. And plus trying to imitate Mike Jagger is always fun to try.
Now we got Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe. Such a fun song to sing too. And best part of all is that Carly is Canadian and even tried-out for Canadian idol!(Remember that show?)
Next singer tops my list with 2 songs! shes one "only girl" who has 2 on the list and we all know "what her name" (got the hints?..) its Rhianna with "we found love feat. Calvin Harris, and Cheers (drink to that)
happy to see this star putting out her new c.d. in a while heres Kreesha Turner with "I could stay" Plus the video is stunning and beautiful.
Heres LMFAO One of the best fun entertainers. These guys are all about partying, having fun, and not taking life to seriously. (which all thoes frowners need to live by) This is "sexy and I know it"<--- Confidence booster!!
This next singer is a REAL singer, meaning he can sing live better than the actual track. not many "singers" can say that (hint hint Justin Bieber)... Plus im pretty sure hes the definition of: "Romantic" Heres Bruno Mars with "Greneade and "It will rain"
Now I had to put this catchy song on the chart, I mean even tough, Big guys were singing this track. Its the cute, adorable and funny Selena Gomez with "love you like a love song"
Now I know I said top ten but I Had to put Drake the former "Degrassi" star turn Rapper, I feel that his music is like a lyrical Diary. He doesn't need to degrade women or swear every 2 seconds to prove or show his point. Heres Drake with "Headlines."
Now this is the end of the countdown by me Philys O.g (co-op gal) Hope you checked out all the videos, comments and enjoyed the music. Peace!
Ron Sweetman is the host of In A Mellow Tone every Wednesday night from 9 - 11 PM, which you can check out the website for here: http://inamellowtone.blogspot.com/. Here are his favourite albums of 2011.
1. Lina Allemano - Jargon (Lumo)
2. Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society - Infernal Machines (Newamsterdam)
3. Atomic - Theatre Tilters Vol.1 (Jazzland)
4. Blue Notes - Spiritual Knowledge & Grace (Ogun)
5. Boswell Sisters - The Boswell Sisters Collection (Storyville)
Without much deliberation, these albums come to mind quickly when thinking of only 10 must have albums for any respectable collection of hip hop music. Certainly it would not end here.
1. Wu-Tang Clan - 36 Chambers of Hip Hop
The Wu-Tang Clan emerged and certainly changed the scene with one of, if not the first, large crew of emcees. Plus, their vast styles and affinity for kung-fu made them a very unique group.
2. Nas - Illmatic
Classic on all fronts. At the time this album was very unique as it was one of, if not the first, to attain multiple producers all with highly respectable histories. Nas was also being toted as the next Rakim. This album was/is a very big deal in hip hop.
3. Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full
A very important piece to have as it's not only a great album but highly respected among numerous other artists/groups. Rakim was/is lyrically unbelievable and highly unique. At the time, Rakim's lyrics and style were unheard of until he emerged on the scene.
4. De La Soul - De La Soul Is Dead
I went with De La's 2nd album as they really nailed things on the head with this release. It was one of the few albums to receive 5 stars in the Source magazine and is classic because it seemed to flow perfectly. Tracks were bridged with skits and made this album highly unique. A definite must have.
5. A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
While Tribe's previous 2 albums are also must haves, I went with Midnight Marauders as it really seemed to embody the role that Tribe were on. I feel as though they had really nailed it on the head in terms of sound. An absolute classic that, in my opinion, everyone loves.
6.Gangstarr - Daily Operation
It was a coin toss between this and Hard To Earn. My favourite group of all time and one of the most respected producers in hip hop really developed their sound on this album. DJ Premier and the late Guru made up the group Gangstarr. Guru's monotone flow and DJ Premier's perfect production really started to develop a much copied sound on Daily Operation. Strong on all fronts: production, lyrics, flow and overall sound.
7. NWA - Straight Outta Compton
This album really made a mark in creating a strong west coast vibe/sound. A must have because of it's lyrical content in that it helped to define the west coast, California's Compton. The true gangsta album putting Compton on the map permanently in one swoop.
8. EPMD - Strictly Business
Perhaps this album is more to do with my personal upbringing, but classic none-the-less. EPMD were regarded as perhaps the first underground heavy hitters whom later introduced the world to the highly bit group Das Efx, Redman, K-Solo and Keith Murray. Also an all time favourite, EPMD are a must to the east coast head.
9. Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
At the time Outkast emerged, my general impression of the south was the Florida south and the Miami Bass sound to which I wasn't keen on. However, Outkast's production by Organized Noise was distinctly dope while Big Boi & Dre (Andre 2000) complimented the beats perfectly.
10. Tupac - All Eyes On Me
While I was never a huge Tupac fan, I still highly respect him and the mark he left before passing in 1995/6. I went with All Eyez On Me as he had already done so much when he created this classic album after getting out of jail. Death Row had recently signed him and pushed a lot of money into the project. His lyrical content was very heavy and this is definitely a must have.
Other Highly Notable Albums (without a doubt):
Dr. Dre - Chonic
Dr. Dre - Chronic 2000
Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Wu-Tang Clan - Forever
Redman - Whut Thee Album?!?!
Das Efx - Dead Serious
Geto Boys - We Can't Be Stopped
Boogie Down Production - Criminal Minded
Boogie Down Production - Sex & Violence
KRS-One - Return of the Boom Bap
Big Daddy Kane - Long Live The Kane
Masta Ace - Disposable Arts
Beastie Boys - Licesed To Ill
Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggystyle
Other Highly Notable Artists/Groups (without a doubt):
Run DMC, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Mobb Deep, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G.
Courtesy of Dj Ducats from "The New Journey" playing "Straight Hip Hop, Still No Fluff!!"
Darcy Lynch is the host of Guitar Town, a show that airs every second Monday morning at 10 AM. Here's his list of 10 albums to start a Steve Earle collection with.
1. El Corazon (1997)
First ("Christmas In Washington") & last ("Ft. Worth Blues") songs are the strongest on the album. The latter is a tribute to Steve’s friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt, who died shortly before the release of this album. Lots of other great tunes in between like "Tanneytown", "Telephone Road" and "NYC".
2. Guitar Town (1986)
This album is so good I named a radio show after it. Steve’s debut into the country/rock world. Includes classics like the title track, as well as "Good Ol’Boy", "Hillbilly Highway" and "Someday".
3. I Feel Alright (1996)
First three songs blend together like one awesome 8 minute track. Also make sure you check out "Now She’s Gone" and "The Unrepentant".
4. The Hard Way (1990)
Steve’s last album before he hit rock bottom with drug addiction but he still managed to put together a very strong record. "The Other Kind" is one of his best and if you’ve never heard "Justice in Ontario" or "Have Mercy", take a listen now.
5. Train A Comin' (1995)
Steve’s first sober album; this really showcases his genius as a storytelling songwriter. "Tom Ames Prayer" and "Ben McCulloh" are the strongest songs on the album.
6. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive (2011)
His latest album goes back to his folk/country roots and focuses heavily on mortality and reflection. The lead track, "Waitin' on the Sky to Fall", is superb and "God Is God" is the most personal song on the album.
7. Copperhead Road (1988)
Of course the album he is most known for, it includes the overplayed title track and the underplayed "Johnny Come Lately" and "Back to the Wall".
8. Exit O (1987)
Includes three of Earle’s best – "Nowhere Road", "The Rain Came Down" and, my personal favorite, "Angry Young Man".
9. Jerusalem (2002)
Not one of Earle’s better albums but the title track is one of his best songs and makes up for some of the weaker tunes.
10. Transcendental Blues (2000)
Title track has a Beatles feel to it and "Over Yonder" is the most personal of his anti-death penalty songs.
Alanna Yaraskavitch is a former co-op student. She has also been a part of both the Wednesday and Thursday versions of Special Blend. The Special Blend is a public affairs/music show put on by a variety of hosts every morning from 7 - 9:30 AM.
Whenever I went into a music store as a young child, I would take a look at "London Calling" by The Clash. "WOWZAS!" I would think to my seven year old self. "This must be incredible!". A couple years later, I finally clued in to the fact that maybe I should actually get the record. I got the CD from the library, and I turned the volume on really low. I had no idea what it was going to sound like. I feared for the worst. However, all it took was one listen-through to get me hooked. Whether you are hate punk or love it, here are some of its great records.
The Ramones - Ramones (1976)
The record that started it all. Four boys from Forest Hills playing songs about sniffing glue, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and wanting to be your boyfriend. 1-2-3-4!
The Replacements - Tim (1985)
More sincere and sensitive than most punk records, this was the last Replacements record with the full original line-up. Full of catchy tracks and lyrics that make your heart explode, from the cuteness of "Kiss Me On The Bus" to the down and dirty punk anthem "Bastards Of Young". This is a killer album.
The Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols (1977)
I had no idea what to expect the first time I put this record on. It's actually pretty harmless, in all honesty. If, by of course, you classify harmless as denouncing religion, the monarchy and life as we know it. Fun fact: Malcom McLaren told Johnny Rotten to write a song like Television's "Blank Generation" after a trip to New York. He came up with "Pretty Vacant".
The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic (2003)
WHAAAT? A modern classic punk album?! It's true. This is the one and only album put out by Portland garage poppers The Exploding Hearts. After its release, three of the members died in a car crash. I can barely listen to this album without crying. Great, catchy stuff.
The Clash - The Clash (1977)
Be still my heart. The Clash are my Beatles. And they should be yours too! This record is insane. I could listen to it about a billion times and it would never, ever get old. From the opening chords of "Clash City Rockers" to the drums in "Janie Jones" to the lyrical brilliance of "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais", if you can only listen to one punk record for the rest of your life this should be it.
The Slits - Cut (1979)
Scarier than the Sex Pistols, doing reggae before The Clash, The Slits were true innovators. Ari-Up goes crazy when she sings. Something about the way she screams "Typical girls, typical girls" on this record continues to resonate with women - and men - of all ages.
The New York Dolls - New York Dolls (1973)
Glammy goodness! The New York Dolls are like a cooler, more dangerous version of The Rolling Stones. David Johansen's opening howl in "Personality Crisis" sets the tone for this great rock 'n' roll record filled with a delightful don't-give-a-crap punk attitude.
Bikini Kill - The CD Version Of The First Two Records (1994)
Their first two EP's on one convienent record! Riot Grrrl legends (though they'd probably hate that I wrote that). This is a noisy, frantic and urgent record. One time I heard Alan Cross play "Suck My Left On" on The On-Going History Of New Music and he warned the audience beforehand. HARDCORE!
Television - Marquee Moon (1977)
How does this record continue to sound so modern?! "Marquee Moon" is timeless. Definitely not conventional 3 chord, 2-minute punk. Filled with tons of guitar wails and lyrics that are more like poems than songs. Essential!
Teenage Head - Frantic City (1980)
Hamiltion PUNX. That cover! Those songs! How is this punky-power-poppy riot of a record not being played 24 hours a day on every commercial station in the world? The breakdown in "Take It" makes me want to die and puke and scream at the same time it's so good.
Ron Steeds is our Sponsorship and Fundraising Coordinator. He is also one of the members of the This Island Earth collective of hosts. This Island Earth is on Sundays from 1 - 4 PM. He is a member of the improvised music collective.
This is my current 10 favourite World Music albums at the moment. Some have been on the list for a while (“Radio Kaboul”; “Terra Nostra” and “Imidiwan:Companions”). Some are relatively new to me (David Dalle turned me on to “Eternal Light” over the past year when he played several pieces on his show – THANK YOU DAVID!). Some replace the previous albums by the same artists (“Gakondo”; “Rising Sun”). Some others could easily be exchanged for other albums by the same artists (Kayhan Kalhor & Brooklyn Rider’s “Silent City” could easily have been Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan’s “The Wind”). All have have sustained my attention over many listens. I’d recommend any of these recordings to anyone who is looking for something a little off-the-beaten-track and appreciates fine musicianship and compelling compositions. In no particular order:
