The 1st review ever written by I Can’t Believe My Earz was of London, Ontario’s, The CreeksideStrays. It seems only fitting then, that the 1st review of 2016 be on Farewell Stanleys, a new side project of Creekside Strayers Justin & Jeremy, and their pal, Mark Milanovic.
The recently released album, “Good Company“, offers a folk-pop sound, with alternative sentiments. The songs are wonderfully written, with introspective and touching lyrics, set within an acoustic framework. There are way cool pop melodies, great changes and transitions, and dynamite harmonies. The arrangements are wonderfully suited to the minimalist instrumentation, which places the focus entirely n the songs, and the percussion is exceptional. Melodic and accessible, the sound falls somewhere between The Beatles “Rubber Soul”, and Loggins & Messina. One listen is just not enough. Favorite tracks: ‘Olivia‘, and ‘Said And Done‘. You can listen and purchase “Good Company” here.
It has been long time since The Creekside Strays released an album. Almost 2 years. After listening to their January, 2015 release, ‘Blacklisted‘, it was worth the wait. Which ever one of the Strays came up with the idea to release an album with an acoustic side, I am eternally grateful. Brilliant idea.
The ‘A’ side is the electric side . The cool jazz-funk beat of “Ms. Hunter” is overshadowed only by the wonderful melody. The blues-rock “Hey, Grave Digger“, has an amazing fuzz bass line, and a little Stevie Ray Vaughan thing going on. “GuiltyParties” delivers way cool vocals, and some double tracking. The changes in “Live This Down” rock, and “Begin To Heal” offers a dynamite melody. “Sucker Boy Blues” gives up great blues riffs, and exciting changes.
The acoustic ‘B’ side surprised and impressed me. I heard strings, and a cello in “Blacklisted Interlude“, and maracas and possibly bongos in “Wet Palms“. The wonderful change of key in “Took A While“, and the cool effects in “Let Him Go“, amazing. “Once Again” offers sweet harmonies, and a great riff and solo in an incredibly beautiful song. “Recycled Man” gives us some of the best female vocals I have heard in a long, long time, while”Unfold” has a way cool 1980’s folk-pop-rock, sort of Sugar Ray feel. Stand out track.
I am trying to figure out why The Creekside Strays are not a household name. They should be!! Blacklisted is an eclectic collection of incredible songs, with blues, jazz, funk, pop, rock, and folk elements. And they just keep getting better. This album demonstrates their maturity as songwriters, arrangers, and producers, and highlights the sophisticated simplicity of their songs. A dynamite album, and a wonderful time. A definite early contender for the I Can’t Believe My Earz 2015 Indie Album Of The Year. I suggested you grab yourself a copy, or 2. You should also check earlier The Creekside Strays releases.
1 month into 2014, and its already promising to be a good, if not great year.
The Toniks, England’s greatest export since The Beatles released their new single, “Jealousy” on January 3. I have heard from reliable sources that the band has a lorry full of songs they will be heading into the studio with this year. And, if that’s not enough, their tour plans include a return trip to Southern Ontario in late summer to grace the stage at The Shores Of Erie Wine Festival, and a few gigs in the Toronto area. We hope that super producer/manager Graham joins them on this trip. Someone has to watch them, and well, to be honest, they were a handful last time around.
The weirdly wonderful The Nursery have completed recording enough songs for another album as follow up to 2013’s Carnival Nature. Along with regular gigs in the Toronto, the band has made it to New York for a few shows, and released their first video. I have been informed that the sound is an extension of previous material, as The Nursery looks forward.. At the time of this writing, the tracks are in the process of being mixed. Way cool.
Toronto’s own rock demons, Social Strife have been busy recording. They already have a song out there and are working on several more. I will be joining them at the studio in a few days for an inside look at their material. Hopefully a new album comes out of this. From what I hear, the song writing just keeps improving and their live show is an epic event. I really like this band, so perhaps the Strife army can back off now…
The Creekside Strays, long a favorite I Can’t Believe My Earz, have recently worked with another London, On band, High School Sweetheart and their is a really cool tune out there. The boys have been furiously working on a new project, which will apparently include half acoustic and half plugged in. The always ambitiously daring trio are due to have their album out sometime this year. We hope.
Out of the Niagara Region, Xprime, my pick to win Canada Indie Week, have completed recording their new album. I was fortunate enough to receive advance digital downloads of the songs, however under threats of bodily harm from drummer Phil, I have not been permitted to play them or write about them. I will say that this album is amazing. Great melodies. wonderful harmonies, and a great deal of fun.
The always entertaining Toxic Melons, have been working on an album for several months. With a truly original approach to music, head melon, Pablo has amassed a cacophony of incredibly talented musicians from around the globe to participate in this monumental event. Pop music that bites and tickles. I have been waiting a long time for this, and as they say, good things come to those who wait.
And so, as 2013 draws to a close, we at I Can’t Believe My Earz have been weighing in on our Indie Album Of The Year. We have listened to hundreds and hundreds of albums, written about 50 or 60 of our favorites, and created a short list of potential Album Of The Year winners. We would like to thank and congratulate all of the artists that we had the good fortune to listen to this past year. We enjoyed all of your music, and are proud to be involved in the Canadian Indie Music scene.
Jenny And The Felines–Don’t Look Back-Not Canadian, but the music is so amazingly good, I don’t care. This band rocks. This band rolls. Jenny And The Felines does it all. Don’t Look Back is a wondrous compilation of memorable tunes with catchy hooks and melodies. They have created a unique blend of 1960’s and 1970’s music with an alternative edge. Simple music. Great songs. Nothing forced and nothing overwhelming. Don’t Look Back is a way cool 60’s feel good journey.
The Nursery–Carnival Nature-The Nursery have incorporated several styles and arrived at a sound that can best be described as acid/rock/soul/synth-folk/pop. Let’s be honest. Its just plain weird! Eccentric. But it is simply incredible. The songs are unconventionally spectacular. The arrangements are weirdly wonderful and I’m having the time of my life listening. This is an album you won’t want to miss.
The Creekside Strays–The Creekside Strays-This London, Ontario band released a classy and fun album of exceptional songs. The Strays have a unique sound, a blend of rock, soul and pop which could best be described as Stray Rock. The self titled EP contains five wonderfully crafted songs that you will not be able to stop singing. Unforgivable not to have this gem in your collection.
The Pygmies–Inside Your Mind-The Pygmies have nailed it. The sound is captivating and the songs are brilliantly written. I enjoy the 2 1/2 minute tunes, which are written in a pop style-short and simple, and give me the sense that these were recorded live in one take. These guys are adept at dropping garage melodies into 1960’s pop, and 60’s pop melodies into garage music. They have a distinct knack for vocal melodies and harmonies, and a great sense of humor.
Young Benjamins–Less Argue-These Saskatoon natives write amazingly well crafted songs and execute them to perfection. Incorporating pop rock, blues and middle eastern influences,Less Arguedelivers. Strong vocals, great melodies and tremendous musical insight allows this young band to make the kind of album they want to make. Esoteric, eclectic and entertaining.. Ten tracks take you places you never knew you could get to. A must for every collection.
The task then turned to selecting the Indie Album Of The Year from the 6 semi-finalists. It was not easy. There was yelling and screaming, some name calling, drinking, and, on one occasion, fisticuffs. After several days and nights of deliberation, postulation and trepidation, here is the I Can’t Believe My Earz Indie Album of The Year for 2013:
THE TONIKS-RISE & SHINE–Rise And Shine is Pop perfection. Not a bad track on the album. It will make you dance. It will make you sing. Best of all, it will make you happy. The song writing is exquisite, with simple lyrics about life and love and human interactions that take one to a more innocent and simple place. These guys are amazingly talented. The music is insanely great The album is a wonderful time. Not just the top Indie album of 2013, but one of the most incredible albums we have heard. Exceptional song writing, brilliant melodies, wonderful harmonies and a way cool 1960’s British feel make this our Indie Album of The Year for 2013. Check it out for yourself. Congratulations to Mark, Jez, Tom, Jessica, and Colin.
In a time when most music seems generic and derivative, the London, Ontario bandThe Creekside Strays have carved out a niche for themselves. This trio has compiled a significant catalogue of music in a short time, and have just released their third EP, simply titled The Creekside Strays. This Indie band has been slugging it out in the bar scene honing their craft and developing their songwriting for the past three years. The result is a product that showcases both their songs and musicianship. A blend of alternative rock, soul and pop has given The Strays a unique sound and a large, local following.
I hear the influences of The Beatles, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews and the alternative rock of Seattle. I am immediately taken by the subtle instrumentation; there is no overbearing guitar here and no pounding rhythm section. I ask myself who do they sound like and the answer is nobody. I tap my feet to every song. The production is simple yet profoundly well suited. Like Becker and Fagen, the song writing is exquisite-narratives that float across unpretentious melodies. From the opening track “Shit Outta Luck” to the soft 50s soul of “Keep Your Hands In The Car”, this EP is a journey through time, taking one back to the days when music was just plain fun.
Who says there is no good music to listen to anymore? As one who was fortunate enough to have grown up with the music of the 60s, I can tell you that The Creekside Strays are proof positive that music is alive and well and living in Canada.
The 1st review ever written by I Can’t Believe My Earz was of London, Ontario’s, The Creekside Strays. It seems only fitting then, that the 1st review of 2016 be on Farewell Stanleys, a new side project of Creekside Strayers Justin & Jeremy, and their pal, Mark Milanovic.
alternative sentiments. The songs are wonderfully written, with introspective and touching lyrics, set within an acoustic framework. There are way cool pop melodies, great changes and transitions, and dynamite harmonies. The arrangements are wonderfully suited to the minimalist instrumentation, which places the focus entirely n the songs, and the percussion is exceptional. Melodic and accessible, the sound falls somewhere between The Beatles “Rubber Soul”, and Loggins & Messina. One listen is just not enough. Favorite tracks: ‘Olivia‘, and ‘Said And Done‘. You can listen and purchase “Good Company” here.
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