Sort of forgotten, vol. 1

Remember The Besnard Lakes?

Chances are you don't, or if you do, you can't quite remember what they sounded like or why you know them. Well, now is the time to get back into them. While they still seem to be nowhere to be found as far as touring goes (minus one Coachella day last year), their albums are still amazing and some of my favorites to listen to.

The Besnard Lakes are a band from Montreal in Quebec, Canada. Originally started by a husband and wife team, they now have about six members.
Note: The name comes form Besnard Lake, a lake in Saskatchewan. It's so obscure there's not even a wikipedia article about it.

Today, I give you their EP "The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse." Every song on this album is pleasing to my ears and beautiful in a unique way. Imagine if the Beach Boys collided with a portion of Broken Social Scene. Listening to the work all the way through in one sitting is an experience.

Download the album here

Good for working on art projects, getting high with friends, biking in the countryside, riding the bus to work, or a laid back party of only your closest friends.

A song! vol. 4

Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up, I Am Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings
from the album Shut Up I Am Dreaming

I have always adored this song. It's long and beautifully structured, with many different parts to it. I swear it could almost be three separate songs it's so complex at some points. It moves in and out from intense to soft and then back to intense again, finally ending on a really gorgeous moment if stillness. On top of all the wonderful melodies and song structures going on, the lyrics are enchanting and the guitar and synth parts are absolutely haunting. Spencer Krug's whispers and soft gasp like vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the piece.
I will say your name before I sink - stronger words have not entered a Sunset Rubdown song to this day.

Download here