I’m sure we’ve all met the type.  “Oh, I listen to everything except rap and country.”  First of all—you don’t.  No one really does, but I suspect that you probably do even less.  Sorry, but Top 40 doesn’t amount to “everything”.  Secondly, if you truly believe that rap, country and their respective sub genres are worth writing off as a whole, put down that I-Pod, put its stale playlist on the backburner for a bit and open your mind to the following.

Let’s begin by acknowledging that yes, both genres have their share of shit.  They also both have their share of chauvinism and general “off the wall” mentalities within their realm.  There’s no arguing that.  But, when was the last time you didn’t go 30 minutes without a vomit inducing “rock ride” on a sickening mainstream rock station?  If I have to hear how Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman wrestles with infidelity or how Chad Kroeger likes to see felatio performed on lollipops one more time, I just might say screw rock n’ roll altogether.  Well, maybe.

Again, I’m positive there’s worse subject matter in the aforementioned genres, but the hypocrisy within the Nickelsack, Buckcherry (guilty as charged, but what a back catalogue) and Deadman lovers towards them is ignorant.  Sometimes it’s about entertainment as much as it is what they’re trying to convey.  I’ve personally considered rap to be battling for a title, similar, yet cooler than professional wrestling.  I might not be a cowboy or rancher but I’ve had my share of drinks, hardships and romance, alike.  Can you relate to being a hippy, an anarchist or a Courvoisier pouring, bling-sporting prick?  Maybe not, so, whether you can relate to it or not’s not always the point.

I will showcase selections from each genre that do and do not fit into the mainstream ideal of what they represent.  Classic or alt-country, for example.  Slam poetry or conscious hip-hop, for another.  I will, too, share the best of the worst (club banging, commercial rap and pop country at their finest).

Note: MP3’s are provided, unauthorized, courtesy of myself and my web server, not Steamroller. Click PLAY to listen or right-click to SAVE-AS.

Tasty Country

Dwight Yoakam – “Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose”

A pioneer of modern country, while resurrecting rockabilly authenticity.  He toured early on with the alternative and punk rock likes of The Violent Femmes, Los Lobos, The Blasters and X, to name a few.  Known for writing many songs of his own, his cover of Johnny Horton’s “Honky Tonk Man” was the first country music video ever played on MTV.  He’s also the sole reason the late Buck Owens started performing again, out of retirement.

Eldorado – “Denial”

Local, indie/alt country act displays the power behind a sad, country duet from 2008’s Suitcase.

Alan Jackson – “Livin’ On Love”

Almost as close to modern-day pop-country as I like to get, I can rarely get enough of him.  Known for his song writing for himself, as well as other successful artists.  The Georgia Music Hall of Famer sticks mostly to a traditional country sound and has criticized the state of the mainstream.

Linda Ronstadt – “Blue Bayou”

Soothing verses and crooning choruses drive this twangy, Tahiti treat.  An honorary doctorate of music, arts advocate and political activist, she’s charted thirty-six albums, ten Top ten albums and three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 Pop Album charts.

Tricia Yearwood – “She’s In Love With The Boy”

A guilty pleasure type of love story that many a hypocrite could relate to.  Known for ballads about vulnerable women, she also works with Habitat for Humanity, the Make A Wish Foundaton and has a home cookin’ cookbook, to boot.

Corb Lund – “Game In Town Like This”

Punk rock prairie boy rose from the ashes of The Smalls to receive a multitude of awards with his band The Hurtin’ Albertans, including a Canadian Country Music Award and Juno award, each.  Blending traditional country, rock and some Latin influence, his farmland tales stick out poignantly in today’s country scene.

Hip-Hopped Up On Rap

NWA – “Gangsta Gangsta”

Another seminal, though less publicized track from their groundbreaking debut Straight Outta Compton. Funky, funny, danceable and in your face thanks to the lyric majesty of Ice Cube.

Immortal Technique – “Freedom of Speech”

Incessantly independent, he lashes out at major labels, their laughable studio gangsta artists, as well as any conspiracy theory-worthy right wing politician.  This powerful Peruvian’s claimed to have sold nearly 200,000 records total, on his own.  His other treats include prose such as “I treat labels like the projects, cause I’m a hater.  Go to the Sony building and piss in the elevator.”

Eminem, G-Unit and Obie Trice – “We All Die Someday”

First of two lethal weapon “diss tracks” from our modern-day West Coast clan. A heavy, dirty bass backed track, care of Cypress Hill/Soul Assasin’s DJ Muggs.  Eminem can and does shine, here with my favorite verse of his… period.  Even the otherwise irritating 50 Cent makes a notable appearance.

Saul Williams and Zack De La Rocha – “Act III Scene II (Shakespeare)”

I realized today that every day that I haven’t listened to this song was simply a mistake.  A noisy, furious attack on the political senses by slam-poet and Rage Against The Machine front-man.  “For you share the guilt of blood spilt in accordance with the Dow Jones / Dow drops fresh crop skull and bones / A machete in the heady, Hutu, Tutsi, Leone / An Afghani in a shanty, doodle dandy yank on / An Iraqi in Gap khaki, Coca Coma come on”

Obie Trice, Dr. Dre and Eminem – “Body Guard”

A diss directed towards the cheap, Tupac rip-off and wannabee, Ja Rule.  Dre’s unforgettable as he puts him in his place.  It’s interesting how Ja and his duet heavy career disappeared almost immediately afterward.

Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre – “California Love”

A typical, yet hard to chose track, killing two birds with one stone.  A danceable, “this is us and fuck you, too” track from the kings of the Wild West.

Jay-Z – Death To Autotune

High-profile, mainstream rapper does good by addressing by far the worst trend and epidemic in music of the past decade.  (See: T-Pain and a hoard of other pathetic, unoriginal pop artists)  Let’s hope he’s set a precedent for the next one with this drum heavy, lead guitar driven and horn-happy cut.

There you have it: a baker’s dozen treats for your indulgence.  Stream, download and share.  Let’s hope the Napster hating Dr. Dre doesn’t come down on me for this.  I’m your boy, Doc.  Remember that.

This is Steve Roland signing off of Steamroller Music Blog for the foreseeable future.  Some of the funnest, funniest, most insightful and leading opportunities I’ve had as a blogger / journalist were produced here.  It’s a liberal and entertaining place to be.  For now, studies and (hopefully) equally redeeming projects lay ahead.  As always, you can catch me rock reviewing and interviewing at WestCoastWeasel.com.

- Steve Roland

Do you ever get lucky enough that a band you have ignored throughout your iPod’s shuffle routine comes on at the perfect moment on a sunny day?

Today I was laying on the beach and someone walked past me blasting Minus The Bear’s ”My Time” through their backpack speakers and a wave of excitement rushed over me. I preceeded to listen to said song three times over staring at the waves. 

Minus The Bear – My Time (official music video)

Everyone knows the feeling. Driving on a beautiful sunny day with the windows open and the wind whipping through your car. Whether driving or sitting shotgun, nothing seems more relaxing than losing yourself in the moment and watching the landscape scream by you; forgetting any stresses or worries and focusing only on the road ahead. The only thing that could ruin said moment, is an unfortunate song choice by a radio DJ trying to influence your behaviour. To avoid this from happening to you, here are 5 songs that I suggest putting in rotation on your iPod adapter or cd.

1. Steppenwolf – The Pusher Man

2. Led Zeppelin – When The Levee Breaks

3. The Allman Brothers – Whipping Post (Live)

4. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird

5. Sam Roberts – Mind Flood

All songs listed are long enough that you don’t need to worry about changing your moods too often; they each go through progressions that perfectly fit the bends of the road; and each of them carry a heavy interlude in the middle that allow you to focus on nothing more than the moment your experiencing.

So please, avoid radio massacre when taking a short to medium length drive, and either take my suggestions or create your own. But if you enjoy the feeling of a nice drive as much as I do, preparation is the key!

The Reason – The Longest Highway Home

The Reason. A band from my home town of Hamilton, Ontario has been working on a follow up to their 2007 Album “Things Couldn’t Be Better” for 3 years now and is set to release “Fools” on July 6th, 2010. This will be the third full-length album for the band, and while the band has gone through many transformations to get to where they are now, after attending a live show anyone can see that this band is ready to blow up.

Click the link above for their video of the new single off  ”Fools”

CBC Radio 3 presents The Wilderness of Manitoba with The Mountains & The Trees at the Little Mountain Gallery on July 22nd. The band will be here promoting their just-released full length album, When You Left The Fire. Here’s a tune from the album:

Hermit – The Wilderness of Manitoba

And a few more CBC Radio 3 Presents The Wilderness of Manitoba with The Mountains & The Trees dates:

June 29 – St. John’s, NL @ LSPU Theatre w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 2 – Halifax, NS @ The Company House w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 3 – Charlottetown, PE @ Baba’s Lounge w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 8 – Montreal, QC @, Le Divan Orange w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 14 – Sarnia, ON @ Adams Apple w/ the Mountains & the Trees
July 16 – Sudbury ON @ The River and Sky Festival w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 22 – Vancouver, BC @ Little Mountain Gallery w/ the Mountains & the Trees
July 29 – Bruno, SK @ All Citizen’s Shop
July 30 – Saskatoon SK @ Caffe Sola w/the Mountains & the Trees
July 31 – Winnipeg MB @ ACU Hall, West End Cultural Centre w/the Mountains & the Trees
Aug 1 – Gimli, MB @ Icelandic Festival of Manitoba w/the Mountains & the Trees
Aug 11 – Windsor, ON @ The Phog Lounge w/ the Mountains & the Trees

canada, music, band, tour, album, song, mp3

Promoting their new album, New Inheritors, Halifax artists Wintersleep are on the road again:

June 24 – East Atlanta, GA @ Earl
June 25 – Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox Laundrlounge
June 26 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
June 27 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
July 9 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest @ Pop Life Stage (York Street)
July 10 – Montreal, QC @ Live From Montreal @ The Apple Store
Aug. 6 – Saint John, NB @ Fort La Tour
Aug. 28 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Sept. 4 – Edmonton, AB @ SONiC BOOM Festival @ Northlands Grounds
Sept. 6 – Koln, Germany @ Luxor
Sept. 7 – Utrecht, Netherlands @ Ekko
Sept. 8 – London, United Kingdom @ Cargo
Sept. 9 – Glasgow, SL (United Kingdom) @ Stereo
Sept. 10 – Dublin, Ireland @ Academy 2
Sept. 11 – North Dorset, United Kingdom @ End of The Road Festival @ Larmer Tree Gardens
Sept. 12 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix
Sept. 14 – Heidelberg, Germany @ Kulturhaus Kastorbahnhof
Sept. 15 – Munich, Germany @ 59 to 1
Sept. 16 – Berlin, Germany @ Lido
Sept. 17 – Hamburg, Germany @ Molotow
Sept. 18 – Aarau Switzerland @ Kiff
Oct. 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Oct. 7 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
Oct. 19 – Waterloo, ON @ Starlight
Oct. 20 – Hamilton, ON @ Studio Theatre
Oct. 23 – London, ON @ The London Music Hall
Oct. 30 – Montreal, QC @ Cabaret Mile End
Nov. 3 – Fredericton, NB @ The Market
Nov. 4 – Halifax, NS @ The New Palace
Nov. 12 – Victoria, BC @ Alix Goolden Hall
Nov. 13 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Nov. 17 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall
Nov. 19 – Saskatoon, SK @ Louis’ Pub
Nov. 20 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick

canada, music, tour, band, album

Sudbury, Ontario’s Brian Dunn is set to play the Railway Club on July 29th, to promote his soon-to-be-released album, Examining the Fallout. The album will be out on July 29th On Cosmic Dave’s Record Factory. Here’s a catchy tune from Examining the Fallout, called Listening to Myself Die.

Listening to Myself Die – Brian Dunn

canada, vancouver, song, mp3, album, music

Just home from NXNE, Polaris nominated artists, Ghostkeeper, announce new tour dates:

July 7-11: Winnipeg Folk Festival : www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
July 15 : Vancouver, BC : The Media Club
July 22 – 25: Calgary Folk Festival : www.calgaryfolkfest.com
August 6 – 8 : Regina Folk Festival : www.reginafolkfestival.com
August 13 – 15 : Peppermill Festival : www.peppermillrecords.com/festival_2010/

They’re also offering up Like Moose Do, off their recently released self-titled album, as a free download. Check it out:

Like Moose Do – Ghostkeeper

canada, song, tour, shows, music, album, mp3

Good Canadian kids, Apollo Ghosts, are giving away an awesome free download of their song Coka Cola Admen off their latest album, Mount Benson. Check it out:

Coka-Cola Admen – Apollo Ghosts

They’ve also announced some Eastern US and Canadian Tour Dates:

July 23 New York, NY Bruar Falls
July 24 Boston, MA Problem House Festival
July 25 Rochester, NY Flying Squirrel Community Art Space
July 27 Toronto, ON TBA
July 28 Quebec City,PQ L’Agitee
July 29 Halifax, NS Gus’ Pub
July 31 Sackville, NB SappyFest
August 02 Charlottetown, PE Baba’s Lounge
August 03 Fredericton, NB Renu Boutique
August 04 Montreal, PQ Bar St Laurent II
August 05 Ottawa, ON Raw Sugar
August 06 Toronto, ON Sneaky Dee’s

mp3, tour, shows, album, canada, music, song

Winnepeg artists, Imaginary Cities have picked up 3 shows at NXNE this month, marking their Toronto live sow debut. You can download their entire upcoming album, Temporary Resident here: imaginarycities.ca. Check out the title track off the album:

Temporary Resident – Imaginary Cities

music, song, album, mp3