Monthly Archives: September 2014

MORE New Semi @preciousweapons with “Brando”

SEMI-PRECIOUS WEAPONS, “Brando”

Boy, was I glad to see even MORE new Semi-Precious Weapons music surface this year in the form of thoughtful and affecting but still very edgy “Brando”.  While I missed the raw-raw-raw, uninhibited new-glam rock sound of their older songs like “Magnetic Baby”, I definitely embraced the glossier, more pop-oriented and anthemic songs on their Aviation album, released earlier this year.  “Aviation High” still resonates as a mystical singalong that should have taken the band to greater heights.  While Aviation now seems like a transitional release, “Brando” reels back some of the eager-to-please and large sound for a sweeping and grandiose song with emotion on its sleeve.  Lead singer Justin Tranter scores big time with his vocal here, I can’t wait to hear him perform it in concert.  You’ll be humming “Brando”  for days!  And if a new album is on deck for later in the year, let’s hope for a North American tour to promote it.  Canada misses you SPW, well done!  

More Stage Fright: “Scared” by @iamJakeBarker

JAKE BARKER, “Scared”

As you’ve already read in these blog posts, Jake Barker was my underdog favourite on the last edition of “The Voice” with his on-point R&B/pop style, despite having never performed on stage before being on the show.  Well since then, he’s released his EP Stage Fright (on my regular iPod playlist 🙂 ), toured with “The Voice”, and proposed to his gal Alyse on stage when in New York City.  I’m looking for more to come from talented Jake, but in the meantime the lyric video for “Scared” will get you acquainted with another of the songs from Stage Fright and make you understand why he and his goosebumps-raising voice belong in the limelight.  Get Stage Fright on iTunes for a very reasonable price!

Say Cheese: “Love Song” by Piper Hayes @PiperCanSing

PIPER HAYES, “Love Song”

As you will tell from the delightful scenic backdrop in the video, singer/songwriter Piper Hayes hails from my city, Toronto!  And the video, with its carefree and impromptu style, is out to set you off into a good time in its tribute to the “Love Song”.   Of course it all wouldn’t work without being a brief but terrific song – and it’s hard to write briefly and succinctly! – accompanied by a gleeful, fun vocal.  Piper’s voice can be added to the cadre of similar singers who’ve put out great records – Jann Arden, Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles (HER “Love Song” notwithstanding 😉 ).  Look for a full release coming very soon!