I’m on a big music fix right now as I’m nearly finished building my new recording studio. I’m really ansy to just get in there and start laying it all out there.

For the last two weeks I have been furiously listening to only one record: Year of the Black Rainbow.

Unlike most Coheed and Cambria records, this one has taken the longest to grow on me. Truth be told, I thought the singles were the only thing saving it at first and it was really disappointing. For the last two records hit me like a freight train on crack. Sometimes, though, you have to take a step back from something and not expect it to rock your world in 5 seconds. Chalk it up to our collective ADD perhaps.

My two favourites continue to be the singles, the Broken and Here We Are, Juggernaut, a song that is quickly becoming my favourite Coheed song (I’ll regret that statement, I’m sure). Yet songs like Guns of Summer, Far, Made Out of Nothing and Pearl of the Stars have become really fun to listen to as they’re completely different from anything the band has put out before.

Guns of Summer is, simply put, a beautiful mess. But that’s what makes you start to move as soon as the chorus hits and everything cleans up in a hurry.

Far was one I liked right away, and I’m glad that its only continuing to grow on me. The synth-heavy tracks liken it to the Prize Fighter Inferno record, but the vocals are just like traditional Coheed.

Made Out of Nothing has a killer opening and verse riff, especially when the lead part kicks in under the prechorus. Then the chorus is perfect pop.

Pearl of the Stars is interesting because, like Far, it’s unlike any other Coheed song. For the first time in the band’s history, Claudio really shows off his lower register while delivering the lyrics with his classic high level of emotion.

I’ve also been reading the novel that accompanied my preordered version of the album. It chronicles the origin story of the sci-fi opera that accompanies all of the albums. It’s been fun diving into the fiction in earnest for the first time since knowing the band. Before starting the novel I searched online for all I needed to know beforehand. Now all the names and places have great significance, making it all more of a special experience looking back.

I woke up this morning, flipped on YouTube, and stumbled upon the documentary that was filmed last year for the Neverender series of concerts, where the band performed each of its albums in their entirety on 4 consecutive nights. Really made me understand why this band has become such a big part of my life.

And still I wonder: How?

Considering where I came from musically, it’s quite a shock, really. To throw this band up there with the likes of Matthew Good and Jimmy Eat World without reservation as my undeniable top three greatest heroes and influences is remarkable, considering how different they are. Their story documented in the film only confirmed that.

The movie reminded me of why I’ve spent thousands of dollars and thrown so much into this studio I’m building. The prospect of producing music that just makes me move like Coheed’s is more exciting than ever. This time it won’t be to satisfy anyone but myself and won’t be steeped in trying to anticipate what others want to hear. I’m not saying I’m going to re-invent the wheel, per say, but I do feel the pieces are coming into place for a new chapter in my own music.

I usually can’t stand to listen to music sung in foreign languages. Yes, it’s my North American bias, but it just always sounds awkward to me when, say, I hear a song in French. The rhymes seem forced and rhythmically it always sounds like the vocalists are trying to squeeze words into melodies.

Who’d have thought, however, that one of my favourite bands sings in Icelandic—Sigur Ros. Or rather, usually their own language called “Hopelandic”, which plays with Icelandic words, transforming them into drawn-out mumbles. While the music and unparalleled sonic qualities are what definitely pulled me in originally, the lyrics are sung in such a way that they sound like the most profound words one can hear.

Courtesy of Danny Polowin in the summer of 2003, I was handed an album that had no title and whose songs had no names. All I saw was a parenthesis symbol on the cover.

Of course I was curious.

Unfortunately the first time I listened, I think I fell asleep before the end of the first song. Sigur Ros is an acquired taste.

By the time I had heard the whole record I was stunned by the artistry of this band who is clearly in a league of its own. Since then, follow-ups “Takk” and “Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust” took it to a new level, adding heavy guitars and rock drums at times.

Sigur Ros’ contributions to the soundtrack of Vanilla Sky are pretty much the main reason why I like what would otherwise be an ordinary film.

I read once that James Hetfield from Metallica called Sigur Ros the best band on Earth. You don’t mess with James.

At the moment I’m listening to Sigur Ros’ frontman Jonsi’s solo effort called “Go”. It’s fantastic and I highly suggest it to music lovers everywhere.

This past Saturday, my glorious brother Daniel performed with Justin Bieber on Saturday Night Live. While doing so was one of his dreams, perhaps a greater accomplishment was achieved when he caught the attention of his hero Zakk Wylde via Twitter the next day.

Dan recently came into possession of Zakk’s custom Les Paul bullseye guitar—one he has sought his entire adult life—and played it for the first time on Leno and then SNL a week later. We, or rather his fiance, joked that Zakk might catch wind of the situation and forbid him to play it, simply for being Justin Bieber’s guitarist. Little did he know that some of Zakk’s fans actually were displeased to see their hero’s guitar played in service of a pop star.

As such, the following messages were posted on Zakk’s Twitter page:

@monkeytough Justin Bieber in SNL now and his “guitarist” is rockin a @ZakkWyldeBLS AXE!!! HAH!!! WTF?

@JoeVonAxeman @ZakkWyldeBLS Justin Beiber’s guitarist is sporting a Gibson ZW Custom Bullseye on SNL… I feel violated.

@blacktrix @ZakkWyldeBLS guitar AND Amplifier on SNL… normally that would be WIN, but it’s during Beiber’s performance. Shudder.

As I’ve said before on several occasions, the internet is plush with anonymous douchebaggery. For if we had to actually look those in the eye whom we were speaking of on the internet, well, let’s just say it would be a much friendlier place. Fake, yes. But friendlier on a superficial level and much less grief for those who have to take it.

See: Britney Spears.

Newsflash, friends: you don’t own the guitars; you don’t own the style; you don’t own the empowerment.

You don’t own the music.

Yet some think they do and this problem is something all of us supposed music connoisseurs need to deal with. Yes, it defines many of us, or so we think. Yes, we might be ordinary without it, but who are we to claim to be more true than those who walk among us.

Dan promptly stood up for himself and Bieber, thus paving the way for the ultimate judge, jury and executioner to lay down the verdict. The following tweets were posted by Zakk Wylde earlier this morning:

That kid playing the Bullseye was cool as shit….kids listening to Justin Bieber will get Baptised by BLACK LABEL!!! That’s Fn’ COMEDY!!

He had a Marshall up there w/his Orange Cab…..he was ripping some scales when he put the guitar up on his leg…God Bless Em’

Hey Dan …. Great Job on SNL last Night!!!! Made Me Proud!!!!!! Keep Throwing Down ….. Zakk tSDMFt MAY THE ODINFORCE BE WITH YOU ~===[]

Dan…. ODIN said Killer Job as well!!!! ~===[]

Match point. Congratulations, Dan.

Last night was my 10th time (possibly more, I can’t seem to remember) seeing Matt Good live and he continues to kill it every time. The new material off Vancouver sounded amazing and Matt’s voice despite illness was immaculate as usual.

Although Massey Hall in Toronto doesn’t exactly lend itself to rock shows very well (seating makes people unsure whether or not they should stand up), the sound is just awesome. I was hoping to hear Vancouver National Anthem, but unfortunately it was not to be. Nevertheless, the setlist was strong.

One point worth mentioning is how incredible the opening act Mother Mother was. I had seen them at the Casby’s, but couldn’t really get a good sense of what they were about after only hearing two songs. I haven’t heard vocal harmonies live like that, well, ever. Go get their album, people.

Everyone’s got one. Music is probably the most powerful memory recall assistant there ever has been. Whether it’s time or place, person or feeling, there are dozens of songs that make me stop what I’m doing and mentally wander away.

So here we go:

1) Take a Minute – K’naan
God bless you Sarah Young. Miss you very much. She introduced me to this song and K’naan in general. Hearing it makes me feel joy for that reason, but also the sorrow I felt while in a drunken daze at his concert. It was the last time I had a sip of hard liquor.

2) Burial – Alexisonfire
As chronicled in a previous entry, I first heard Alexis’ new album driving down highway 41 through central South Ontario on the way to Murray’s cottage. The album is obviously incredible, but hearing the first dark, country and western film-esque guitar chord strike of this song blew me away. Despite this song’s sadness, it reminds me of beautiful summer scenery at dusk. It makes me want to get in my car and just start driving…

3) Amsterdam – Anberlin
Anberlin is one of the few bands that I’m actually surprised has remained so constant with me over the last 6 years. Amsterdam is a beautiful dreamy song that reminds me of sitting on the subway with it playing in my ears on the way to my first live show in Toronto. Probably not the best way to get pumped for a gig.

4) Fight Song – The Appleseed Cast
I came across the Appleseed Cast by accident in my first year of university. Easily one of their best songs, Fight Song reminds me of sitting alone in my dorm room during some of the most difficult times adjusting to a university work-load and trying to not to drown. The song seems to give me strength despite its apocalyptic tone.

5) Right Now – Van Halen
The ultimate football pump up song. This was a pregame ritual for many years and ultimately makes me get all softy when I hear it these days. Specifically I think back to 1994 and playing football at camp.

6) Dry County – Bon Jovi
This song is so epic that I can’t really associate it with just one moment. It makes me feel like that 12 year-old kid again who was trying to learn how to play piano. Back then, this song represented all that music could be to me. To this day it continues to remind both my brother and I of growing up.

7) Wake Up – Coheed and Cambria
The rare Coheed ballad that came out of nowhere. I actually didn’t notice this song the first 3 or 4 listens through the album; it’s that subtle, simple and unexpected, yet so pretty. I covered this song in a September 2008 show and the line, “I’ll do anything for you, kill anyone for you,” was deemed “shocking” by close friend Angelique who hadn’t heard it. Nowadays it brings up a lot of emotions for me depending on where I am and how I’m feeling. It seems to have a certain universality in that sense.

8) Warning Sign – Coldplay
One of Coldplay’s unnoticed beautiful songs. It puts me back in late 2002 walking through snow listening to it on a discman (remember those?). It tends to make me think of old girlfriends—probably why I rarely listen to it anymore.

9) Remember to Breathe – Dashboard Confessional
Yes, I liked them just as much as the next young person 5 years ago. This song, particularly the live version of it done on the MTV Unplugged album, reminds me of sitting in front of my computer at my grandparents house when I lived there temporarily in my final year of high school. A lot was unknown then. My mom was trying to get back on her feet following my parents divorce. We sold our house and had to move in with my grandparents for 6 months before moving into the house my mom currently resides in. The song makes me feel uneasy.

10) What Sarah Said – Death Cab For Cutie
This song reminds me of my friend Harriet from university for some reason. It might just be a timing thing. H—you’re still my favourite and my best. The song incorporates some of the most creative piano and guitar melodies I’ve ever heard.

11) Transatlanticism – Death Cab For Cutie
Yeah, Death Cab gets two because I can’t forget about this song. This song is paralysis-in-8-minutes for me. Like Dry County, it is one of the most epic songs I’ve known. It reminds me of my dearest friend Nina, who I fought with so intensely during the summer of 2004 over stupid things. And just when the summer was coming to an end, I realized I had wasted it all.

12) What a Catch, Donnie – Fall Out Boy
I have no explanation for this one, but for some reason I was listening to it a lot while I was in Africa. The album had come out just before I left so I figured I would get it to listen to on the plane rides. I ended up throwing it on repeatedly while traveling in trucks down Kenyan highways. It reminds me of poverty but also hope because of its gospel feel. Plus, you can’t help but applaud the band for pulling off the outro where they bring back lyrics from previous hits in one big send-off.

13) Name – Goo Goo Dolls
An easy one. This song would make anyone sit down and reminisce about something, even if totally unrelated and disconnected. Me? This song reminds me of sitting in my basement learning to play guitar and discovering the idea of alternative tunings. I thought it was the coolest thing since discmen (remember those?).

14) Sweetness – Jimmy Eat World
Dear Paul Karpiak: thank you for introducing me to my favourite band in the foyer of Sir Robert Borden High School in the winter of 2002. There I was just sitting there and he throws this song on the speaker system. No one knew it. No one paid attention to it. But my head immediately shot up as soon as I heard the “whoa-ohs” of the chorus. The rest is history.

15) Ten – Jimmy Eat World
Obviously Jimmy gets a few. This song oddly enough reminds me of driving a motorboat on the Ottawa river. Yeah, I know: weird. I remember singing the bridge of the song (one of my favourite Jimmy bridges) out loud knowing no one could hear me over the sound of the motor. It is a perfect specimen to represent what Clarity is to me—my favourite album of all time.

16) 23 – Jimmy Eat World
This one reminds me of trying to overcome challenges. It is like others on this list, sad but hopeful. After the summer of 2004 I needed to repair a lot of friendships and this song puts me right back there. Either there or driving in a car at night, alone.

17) Running For Home – Matthew Good
In my circle, this song became popular in 2002, but I had been mesmerized by it since 1999. It evokes several different memories: sitting in my room on Arbuckle listening to Beautiful Midnight for the first time, learning to play the song in my basement and of recording music in high school. It was also the inspiration for my Song for a Friend.

18) She’s Got a New Disguise – Matthew Good
I could probably say something different about every single song on Last of the Ghetto Astronauts (or every MG song for that matter), which is funny because it’s MGB’s forgotten record. But I suppose after listening to it religiously in the summer of 2000 that might happen. I used to listen to this song to go to sleep and it reminds me of waking up in the middle of the night and hearing it play softly in the background.

19) Blue and Yellow – The Used
This one brings me back to the summer of 2003. Thanks Josh Brown.

20) One Year, Six Months – Yellowcard
This song also has the power to make anyone want to reminisce. For me, it reminds me of traveling in Israel on a bus from place to place. I often listened to it on repeat. It also reminds me of Steph, the person I’ve always wanted to sing this with, but never had the chance to. She, however, knows I’m always around if she ever changes her mind.

So that’s my list, what’s yours?

… is what my brother used to call the harmonized guitar sections during songs on And Justice For All.

I just returned from Metallica at the ACC—and I wouldn’t be able to hear you if you tried talking to me because my ears are humming a high-pitched frequency that I can’t turn off.

It’s funny how I grew up listening to heavy metal, considering the kind of music I produce today. Back in 1997, Metallica was one of the first serious concerts I attended. There I was, a small 13 year old, amidst bikers and metal heads waiting to get ruined, as my parents sat home worried that I might forever be tainted.

12 years later the band rocks as hard as they did then (when they literally blew up the stage with pyro).

Night two at the ACC apparently was as furious, if not more so, than night one. I must say it’s great going to see the band when they’re touring an album that is, well, good. They opened with the first two tracks off Death Magnetic and never looked back. The highlight of my night of course was the song I always want to hear live—my favourite: Blackened.

Perhaps most surprising of all was how tight the band was. Lars’ shortcomings as a drummer are well documented, especially post 2000. But he was on tonight, save a small mishap during Broken, Beat and Scarred.

It’s amazing how absolutely everything seems trivial when you’re getting your ass kicked.

Had the pleasure of going to watch K’naan perform last night. As many of you know, I’m not the biggest hip hop listener in the world, but I do dabble in very specific cases. K’naan, like K-OS and a handful of others, is a super intelligent, soulful songwriter who actually has something worthwhile to say, unlike most in the rap world.

I suspected he would have a killer band also and surely enough he did, which added an awesome organic feel to the show. The biggest highlight for me was hearing my fav—If Raps Gets Jealous, which features Kirk Hammett from Metallica on the record. Never expected to hear a rock song from him live, but he pulled it out during the encore. Other great moments included extended a capella intros to both Wavin’ Flag and Take a Minute.

After the show my friends and I had the opportunity to meet him. He seemed a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people at the meet and greet, but was happy to take pictures and shake hands. Of course I thanked him for making my night with If Rap Gets Jealous.

Home tonight exhausted.

I awoke this morning and listened to Last of the Ghetto Astronauts—Matthew Good’s first record. As I’m sure all of you have, there are certain songs or albums that are time travel machines. When you put them on, you immediately get transported back to a certain critical time in life when that was the soundtrack playing in the background.

But today, Matt’s latest—”Vancouver”—is streaming on his site and I’m currently listening. So far it’s brilliant.

Have a nice Sunday.

I just got back from a relaxing cottage weekend and will be spending the next week in Ottawa. On the way in, I had the pleasure of listening to the new Alexisonfire record. Man, do they just punch you in the ears nicely for 45 minutes. The album rocks. Generally speaking, each song comes at you with a barrage of voices, making it feel as though this is not a 5-piece band, but rather a post-hardcore choir. And despite being busy, the production value is top notch with each instrument sitting really well.

One new aspect for the band on this record is George’s turn towards more growling/singing from melody-less screaming. I’m sure many die-hards won’t like that, but I think it’s a natural progression as the band experiments further. In the meantime, Dallas Green’s vocals continue to soar miles above anyone I’m currently listening to.

The band incorporated some new elements not done by them before. The organ on “The Northern” adds a certain killer charm to an already great song. On “Young Cardinals,” the band makes its first foray into the world of drop C (if I’m not mistaken). Also, Dallas and George sing together, usually in an octavised fashion. Finally, the ballad “Burial” is simply ridiculous and needs to end up in a good movie or TV show. Using a church organ, the song takes the serious tone of the whole album to a new level and then adds a dark country/western feel with some twangy guitars. As soon as the first sustained strum hits, I smiled. That always tells me something’s damn good.

“Where were you?”

That’s what you’ll probably be asked at some point in the next couple of days or definitely twenty years from now. You could easily make the case that the only timeline that really matters is: Elvis (‘77), Lennon (‘80), Michael Jackson (‘09).

When I was a child, MJ was my idol and the sole reason I found music. At 6 years old, I was exposed to “Smooth Criminal” and immediately wanted to be him. I learned all the dance moves and can recount dozens of basement concerts for family and friends. During one concert, I even fell and hit my head on a coffee table trying to do his patented spin move (the source of my forehead scar).

Around that time, my brother and I pleaded endlessly with our parents to let us see “Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker” movie. Eventually they agreed, but shielded our eyes during “the needle scene”. In 1991, Dangerous came out and my adoration grew to new heights. How could any self-respecting kid not love the fact that Macauley Culkin was in the “Black and White” video. There was also that awesome clay-mation video for “Leave Me Alone,” an unreleased song that was so elusive the world went away each time I saw it.

I always thought it was sad that so much legal drama and oddities got in the way of more music coming out. Anyone who tows the line between man and perceived god probably would also recoil in the face of that much attention. The problem is that this world takes so much satisfaction and profit from building people up and then tearing them down.

I was always fascinated by “Man in the Mirror”. I cannot really comprehend such an amazing musical construct. From the production to the lyrical content, it’s truly a masterpiece. In 2002, I developed an acoustic cover and performed it multiple times over the next 7 years, the most recent of which being a small performance for my co-workers in Africa. Every time I play it, I instantly feel good and it seems that anyone listening does as well. There’s something so powerful in a song like that and I feel like it needs to be thrown up there with the likes of Imagine, Stairway, One Love, and Let It Be as the greatest songs of all time.

Just last year, I was driving back to Toronto with my brother, who happened to have stumbled across a behind-the-scenes interview series from the production of “Thriller”. It included bits from Quincy Jones, MJ, and the writer who penned the song (his name escapes me at the moment). One of the most interesting parts was the telling of the story behind bringing in Vincent Price to record the spooky talking. My brother recently planned to attend one of his shows in London that was scheduled for this summer, but ended up being postponed.

So where was I today? I was driving home from work and heard on the radio that he had been rushed to the hospital. I didn’t think much of it and figured he would be fine so continued about my business. As I was getting a haircut a bit later on, my phone was buzzing repeatedly and eventually I wondered if it was an emergency. In a manner of speaking, it was. Someone who shaped my life is dead.

Goodbye, MJ.