Friday Night Soundtrack: The Calm Before the Storm

Considering we have whipped past the weeks sandwiched between Victoria Day and Canada Day in an absurdly short amount of time, it’s almost time for the TD Halifax Jazz Festival to kick off. That promises to be a hectic few days, with some amazing acts such as Sharon Jones, Tune Yards, Moon Hooch, and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars (to name a few) hitting stages around town. We’ll be out and about at a few shows, but as this is the “Calm Before the Storm” edition, I wanted to draw your attention to a few other warm summery tunes which should be emanating from your speakers as the summer heats up.

“Sedona” – Houndmouth

This is a tune that has overtaken Coleman Hell’s “2 Heads” for me, as it took a little time to grow on me, but now this earworm is on permanent loop as I find myself singing it all day long; it’s a catchy piece of retro beachy surf-pop.

“Carried Away” – Dionysia

A solid track cannot be denied, and as I worked my way through Songpickr’s Best of 2015 playlist on Spotify (well worth the listen –> http://bit.ly/1GSCwzQ) , Dionysia’s “Carried Away” was one of the songs that resonated within me, as it bears some similarities to Boston’s Dispatch’s indie-roots rock sound.

“T-Shirt Weather” – Circa Waves
https://youtu.be/Is-gZJ2wcVI
Liverpool’s scrappy, energetic Circa Waves have unleashed the potent hook-laden earworm “T-Shirt Weather” on the world.  The band’s peppy indie rock sound is reminiscent of early Kooks, 2 Doors Cinema Club and Vampire Weekend. Press play and enjoy!

“Waiting Here” – Jake Issac

Fans of Phillip Phillips, Dave Matthews and/or Twin Forks will feel right at home here, as this is a mellow, roots rock jam  with plenty of heart and warmth.  While the track is almost 2 years old, it is a track I’ve recently discovered and fallen in love with.

“Little Bitty Dreams” – Will Hoge
https://youtu.be/VQIRhgzwz-A
For the majority of my almost 40 years, I have been fairly adverse to the Country Music genre.  It seems silly now, as in the past few years, more and more tracks have begun to catch my ear, and this is one of the more recent tunes which has resonated with me.  Definitely have a listen.

“Boys in the Street” – Greg Holden

The first time I heard this track, I was blown away by the story being told by singer/songwriter Greg Holden.  The simple production makes it all the more powerful, it’s a heartfelt story of a father/son relationship.

“Stranger to my Happiness” – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

This coming Wednesday night (July 8th), Halifax is in for a treat as Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings will take to the stage and get the crowd moving with her Motown-era Funk/Soul sound.  Considering the Purple one himself had Jones opening for him, speaks volumes as to her immense talent.   The main stage will be grooving on Wednesday, and you can rest assured that HAFILAX will be there for this one!

 

About the author

Trev

A proud and over-caffeinated husband, father, runner and writer. I've written for the local weekly The Coast for over a decade and have since taken to creating and writing for HAFILAX for even longer. I hope you enjoy the musings of a guy who has loved music for the better part of 4 decades, and has an album of concert tickets to show for it.

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