10 Great Music Videos With Nudity

Alright now that the holidays are done with we can dispense with all the wholesome, clean, family-oriented festivities that go along with them and delve into some serious hardcore action!! Sometimes videos feature nudity that's intentionally blurred out for effect, other videos get a second uncensored version, then are those videos that never get seen because of the X-Rated material that mainstream video channels wouldn't play. Let's look at a few.

1. The BPA - "Toe Jam" feat. David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal

The Brighton Port Authority (BPA) is a side project of Norman Cook better known as Fat Boy Slim.
The video for the song "Toe Jam" got alot of internet intention because of it's clever use of the censor bars that cover up the naughty bits of the naked men and women who dance throughout the video

2. Alanis Morissette - "Thank U"

Morissette's 1995 mega album Jagged Little Pill put the young lady from Ottawa on the globe and shattered countless of records. When it came time for her follow-up expectations were high. Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie was released in 1998 and was met with mixed reviews. Alanis handled the pressure extremely well and made the album she wanted to. The video for the first single "Thank U" featured a fully nude Alanis singing the song on street corners and subways. Yes it was blurred out

3. Sir Mix Alot- "Put 'Em On The Glass"

Yes you know Sir Mix Alot likes big butts...he can't lie after all, but he can withhold some truths. For example did you know he also likes big, fake breasts? And really likes it when the women who own them press them up against glass? It's true! Just watch this video...

4. The Dandy Warhols - "Bohemian Like You"

This video may not have the nudity front and centre like some of the other ones on the list. Also most other videos on the list it features male and female nudity. It's brief, but it's there.

5. Robin Thicke - "Blurred Lines" feat. Pharrell & T.I.

Everyone knew this video was going to be on here. It's not often that a music video helps boost a non-musician's career but it appears that's what happened with model Emily Ratajkowski. Since appearing (showing her stuff) in this video she's been in the Entourage movie and Gone Girl.

6. Foals - "Late Night"

Foals are an English band out of Oxford who got their start in 2005. With 4 studio albums to their name and even winning a couple awards the future looks bright for Foals. Their 2013 album Holy Fire was critically acclaimed in North America and was helped by the single "Late Night" which features a few steamy scenes in the music video.

7. Motley Crue - "Girls, Girls, Girls"

I guess this was part of the appeal of the Hair/Glam Rock genre, substance-less music, that's just a whole bunch of fun. The music videos were lined up right along with the lyrics too. Motley Crue wrote what they knew about, strippers and partying, guess you can't fault them for that. 80's girls were hot.

8. Scooter - "Weekend"

European dance music is all about shaking booties and hot sweaty bodies grinding up against on another. Scooter is a trance group from Germany who's videos I remember fondly from my younger days watching BPM on Satellite. It's a strange video with some sexiness and creepiness mixed in together. Also respect to the man in the ice cream van!

9. Blink 182 - "What's My Age Again?"

It's got some male ass at the end, but for the most part the nudity in Blink 182's lead off video for the album Enema Of The State is blurred out and played for laughs. Good stuff.

10. The Flaming Lips - "Watching The Planets"

The Flaming Lips were never a conventional band. They likely didn't care less if a video they made was deemed inappropriate for music television. They made the video they wanted to make. This one appears to include members of a nudist colony. Fitting.

Let's get naked!!

JZ

Johnny Zhivago's 20 Favourite Xmas Songs!!

I've done this sorta list a few times, but it's always good to reintroduce some killer Christmas music what with all the parties that are sure to be had this time of year. I've heard people say that they hate Christmas music and lump in all the contemporary tracks out there with the run of the mill Carols that get played in shopping malls. Not about that life. Take a listen to these 20 and try to enjoy the holiday season!

20. The Flirtations - "Christmas Time Is Here Again"

Formerly known as The Gypsies, The Flirtations were an R&B Group from South Carolina who had their biggest hits in the 60's and 70's. "Christmas Time Is Here Again" is timeless classic that fits in seamlessly with any Xmas playlist. It has that little tinge of personal reflection that comes with the holiday season as we look back on the past year.

19. Queen - "Thank God It's Christmas"

Most of the big musical acts took their swing at writing and releasing a future holiday classic. Queen did a great job and how could you not with a frontman like Freddy Mercury belting out "Thank God It's Christmas" in a way that only Freddy Mercury can.

18. Revenge Of The Egg People - "Season's Greetings Felony"

Not all Christmas tunes have to be all joyful and triumphant, Revenge Of The Egg People a Canadian punk band, released a whole album of twisted and edgy Christmas music called Songs & Hymns. "Seasons Greetings Felony" is found on said album

17. The Ronettes - "Sleigh Ride"

With all the wonkiness we now know Phil Spector was involved in it's hard to imagine him being a part of something as wholesome as a Christmas Compilation album, but here we are. The Ronettes were one of the bands Spector produced and they are credited with the best version of "Sleigh Ride" to date.

16. Cocteau Twins - "Winter Wonderland"

The Cocteau Twins were a Scottish rock band formed in the 80's known for their style of so called dream pop music. In the early 90's they released a 2 song EP called Snow it featured their ethereal take on two Christmas favourites "Frosty The Snowman" and "Winter Wonderland"

15. Hawksley Workman - "The Coldest Night Of The Year"

Full Moon Eleven is Workman's re-imagining and re-working of his own Christmas album released 10 years earlier Almost a Full Moon. It features a cover of Bruce Cockburn's "The Coldest Night Of The Year". Remember earlier when I talked about self-reflection and isolation during the holidays? This song does a great job of capturing those feelings.

14. No Doubt - "Oi To The World"

No Doubt's cover of the Vandal's Xmas original "Oi To The World" just brings more urgency and delight to an already delightful track.

13. Greg Lake - "Father Christmas"

After leaving Emerson, Lake and Palmer Greg Lake's only hit as a solo artist was this UK Christmas favourite "Father Christmas"

12.  Tran Siberian Orchestra - "Christmas Eve / Sarajevo"

I can't wait for it to be acceptable to listen to Christmas Music so I can blast this one at my speaker's top capacity!! Truth be told, this one sneaks into my year round playlist from time to time. It's not Christmas until "Christmas Eve / Sarajevo" melts my face off.

11.  U2/Darlene Love - "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)"

For a long time for me this was the definitive version of this song. I knew it was a cover and the original was done by Darlene Love. I knew this because she used to sing this song every year on The Late Show with David Letterman, and i'm a big Dave fan. Her final performance of this song on the show back in December of 2014 could be threatening to take the top spot. Knocked it out of the park.
So i'll give you both versions.

10. Wham! - "Last Christmas"

This song has almost become as synonymous with Christmas as ageless carols likes "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night". Covered by countless artists like Jimmy Eat World, Human Nature & Taylor Swift, nothing will top the original version.

9. The Kinks - "Father Christmas"

Never ones to be outdone, The Kinks came along and released a Christmas Song from another side of the coin. A tale about being robbed while performing the role of Father Christmas at a shopping mall. Good song either way.

8. Bryan Adams - "Christmas Time"

Probably Bryan Adams' most popular Christmas song and possibly the most popular Christmas song done by a Canadian. It's still a holiday staple and the lyrics call for peace and love for all humans. If only...

7. The Payolas - "Christmas Is Coming"

From one Canadian act to another. "Christmas Is Coming" rarely gets mentioned in discussions about great Christmas songs, but it should. It never gets old and hopefully never will

6. Run DMC - "Christmas In Hollis"

There has been a resurgence of this song in recent years. Which is a good thing, because this song is bad ass!!

5. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - "Merry Christmas Baby"

Recorded to near perfection during a live performance at the Nassau Colliseum in 1980 , The Boss delivers a holiday favourite tightly wrapped and placed with care under the Christmas tree. "Merry Christmas Baby" is a cover of an old R&B classic. This one still get's 'em going!!

4.  Dido - "Christmas Day"

Not many of these songs create a story revolved around Christmas time, most just sing about the magic and beauty of the time of year. Dido weaves a love story around the holiday season and does a great job I might say.

3. Cyndi Lauper - "Early Christmas Morning"

I'm curious as to why this song didn't get covered a few more times, it would be interesting to see what other groups could do with it. For now though the Cyndi Lauper version is the only one i'm aware of and that;s OK. Because the song is great.

2. The Royal Guardsmen - "Snoopy's Christmas"

Possibly inspired by the British/German Christmas Eve cease fire during WWI where soldiers from both sides agreed to put their guns down and meet in no man's land on Christmas Eve. They shared drinks, smokes and showed pictures of each others loved ones. A soccer game even broke out. It's that kind of humanity that Christmas is about. Are those kind of times behind us, those ideals, could they exist today?

1. The Pogues - "Fairytale Of New York"

The best Xmas song ever written. Simple as that.

Sometimes with all the craziness of the world, it's hard to enjoy the holiday season while so many are suffering. Do what you can to make yourself a better person, but still enjoy Christmas time. Take some time to think about others. Reach out to old friends. Make amends with family. Smile and laugh. Let bygones be bygones. And for god's sakes, eat drink and be merry!

Happy Holidays everyone from Johnny Z

10 Great B-Sides

A friend of mine started a discussion the other week about epic b-sides and it really was a fun little journey to discover some cool and obscure tracks. Back in the 60's, 70's and 80's when singles off a record were released on a 45, very often the song on the opposite was a track that was left off the album, a cover or a live version of some sorts. Since the 90's though when albums were released on CD along with the singles, a b-side was considered the other tracks that came with the single. Really the term could be applied to any obscure and rare track that didn't make the album's final cut. 10 Great B-Sides!

1. Pearl Jam - "Yellow Ledbetter"

"Yellow Ledbetter" was included as a b-side to the single "Jeremy" released in 1991. The lyrics are mainly gibberish and Vedder rarely sings it the same way twice in live shows. Maybe it went unfinished and they liked the way it sounded, who knows, but it has since become one of Pearl Jam's biggest hits and most well known songs

2. Radiohead - "Talk Show Host"

Another b-side from the era of CDs. This one was featured on the "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" single.
"Talk Show Host" has become a favourite of Radiohead fans, it gained more attention after it was used on the soundtrack for Romeo + Juliet, which is a great soundtrack. It was even included on the special edition Greatest Hits album

3. Blitzkrieg - "Blitzkrieg"

Blitzkrieg were an English band who were part of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement of the late 70's and 80's. Their first release was the 1981 single "Buried Alive" and featured on the b-side was a song called "Blitzkrieg"...i guess they liked their name so much, they felt they needed to write a song about it. "Blitzkrieg" would become just as recognizable and successful for the band as "Buried Alive". 3 years later Metallica would cover the song and use it themselves as a b-side to their single "Creeping Death".

4. The Cribs - "Get Yr Hands Out Of My Grave"

This is another case of a b-side becoming a band's more popular songs. The Cribs are a British indie rock group who got their start in 2002. In 2007 they released the album Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever. The second single "Moving Pictures" had the b-side "Get Yr Hands Out Of My Grave" which many feel is the band's best song.

5. Led Zeppelin - "Hey, Hey What Can I Do?"

Because I wasn't around in 1971 I was surprised to hear that my favourite Led Zeppelin was not included on an LP. "Hey, Hey What Can I Do?" was the b-side to "The Immigrant Song". Imagine if the song was included on the same album? Alot more people would own Led Zeppelin III i can guarantee that.

6. XTC - "Dear God"

"Dear God" was not originally featured on XTC's 1987 album Skylarking, instead it was used as a b-side to the single "Grass". It was American DJs who decided to flip the single over and play "Dear God" more frequently. The song became so popular that the record label decided to re-release Skylarking with the track "Mermaid Smiled" being replaced by "Dear God"

7.  The Smashing Pumpkins - "Starla"

First appearing as a b-side on the "I Am One" single the 10 minute long "Starla" eventually found it's way on to Pisces Iscariot the 1994 compilation album of rarities and b-sides.

8. The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now?"

Arguably The Smiths most well known song. "How Soon Is Now?" began it's life as a b-side to "William, It Was Really Nothing". Because of the song's cult success however, it go on to pop on subsequent Smiths albums, but only on oversea releases. It was featured on the US, Canada, and Australian versions of Meat Is Murder.

9. Buddy Holly - "Everyday"

This song is normally included on every Top Songs of all time lists and it was originally used as a b-side to the equally huge "Peggy Sue".

10. The Beatles - "I Am The Walrus"

Perhaps the inventers of the great b-side, The Beatles included this enigmatic track as the flip side to the more by-the-numbers "Hello Goodbye" in 1967. John Lennon had heard that a teacher at his old high school was getting students analyze and find meaning in Beatles lyrics. Lennon purposely wrote his next song with confusing and puzzling lyrics to keep himself amused at the thought of students pouring over "I Am The Walrus" for some deep profound meaning.

What are some of your favourite B-Sides??

Tweet them to @jonnyzhivago

JZ

10 Great Songs About Penis

Yup! This one's for everyone who likes dick!! There are plenty of songs out there about the male organ, some more ambiguous than others...and there's really not much else to say about it so here we go! 10 Great Songs About Dick

1. System Of A Down - "Cigaro"

This song touches on the very popular analogy of comparing dick sizes to see who is the bigger man. Usually the "dick sizes" are not explicitly measured but measured in other ways like fighting, drinking, owning bigger trucks, y'know compensation and such. This song comes off the first of two System Of A Down records released in 2005 Mesmerize, the second album, named Hypnotize, was released later that year. Here SOAD is using the dick-measuring analogy to compare acts of war by various world leaders.

2. Mickey Avalon - "My Dick"

Mickey Avalon is an American rapper and glam rocker from Hollywood, California and most of his songs are about excess with drugs and women. "My Dick" is a simple and funny diss track about a couple of guys riffin' on each other's wangs. It features rappers Dirty Nasty and Andre Legacy.

3. Buck 65 - "The Centaur"

Richard Tefry is a Canadian hip-hop artist, and songwriter from Nova Scotia who goes by the stage name Buck 65. He's also been known as Uncle Climax, Johnny Rockwell and Stinkin' Rich. Most of his songs have a bit of a satirical side to them...here he compares himself to the mythical Centaur, basically being a horse form the waist down.

4. Tool - "Hooker With A Penis"

Ok this one isn't really about dicks, but a song comparing the manipulative and complicated nature of the music industry to getting something you didn't pay for by finding out your hooker for a night has a penis. I love Tool.

5. Next - "Too Close"

"I wonder if she can tell i'm hard right now?" Those are the opening lines of Next's 1997 hit song "Too Close". Yes this song was a hit, actually most of these songs became popular in one way or another. This one hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100. Just goes to show that despite some people's warnings, the world doesn't go to shit if a song about a certain subject makes it to the children's ears.
This song is about dancing too close to a girl and having her feel your erection. Yes.

6. Chuck Berry - "My Ding-a-Ling"

Chuck Berry was known for righting many rock classics, he was also known for his sense of humour and admitted that he dreamt of being a comedian when he was younger. "My Ding-a-Ling" is often looked off as a novelty track about a young boy first discovering his hangdown, but Chuck was proud of it. It was his only #1 hit after all.

7. The Pixies - "Gigantic"

Though they never openly admitted it, it is widely accepted that Kim Deal wrote this song about a relationship with a black man. You can imagine what she was describing as "gigantic". A few years ago in the advertising fail of the year, Apple decided to use this song in a commercial about their new iPhone or something...sadly the ad featured multiple people singing and playing along to this song, including young children. The ad mysteriously was yanked from TV shortly after.

8. 20 Fingers - "Short Dick Man" feat. Gillette

American Electropop duo 20 Fingers are not known for much else beyond the 1994 single "Short Dick Man" a song that was more commonly censored as "Short Short Man" and played on radio stations and in clubs around the world. The song featured Sandra Gillette, aka Gillette a fellow rapper and dancer who's only other hit was "Mr. Personality". She had a knack for insulting men in her life I suppose.

9. Naughty By Nature - "O.P.P"

One of the all time classic hip-hop tracks of our generation. Many people wonder the second P stands for in this one...well if you listen to the lyrics it stands for property. If you really listen and read between the lines, you'll realize it actually has a triple meaning...

10. King Missile - "Detachable Penis"

Turns out I can't spell Missile right...took me three tries to get that stupid red wavy line out from underneath the word. King Missile is the brain child of John S Hall who got his start doing open mic poetry. He would eventually add musicians to his readings and his band was born. "Detachable Penis" released in 1992, is probably his best known work

Thanks dicks!!!

JZ
twitter - @jonnyzhivago

10 Great Songs To Be Used as Jonny & G Anthems

The Jonny & G birthday bash is the greatest party on Earth, hosted by two bad-ass mamajama samurais named Jonny & G. Yes i am one half of that duo and it might blow your mongrel mind to find out that I am not the Jonny of the equation...I am the G. This year saw the 15th anniversary of the bash and looking back (& forward) there have been plenty of great songs discovered and uncovered during the festivities. Songs that now when heard Jonny and G can't help but remember the times shared with good people and copious amounts of booze. Though we are always looking for new party tunes, so a few of these haven't been tested yet, but would rather make great anthems for parties of the future. Jonny and G bitches!!

1. Metallica - "Am I Evil?"

Going way back to kick it off. At the very first installment of the J&G Bash we found ourselves at one of our favourite watering holes. Unbeknownst to us that night however, a heavy metal cover band named Undead were tearing the place apart. Memories are foggy, but I vaguely remember singing at least 2 verses of this song with the long-haired lead singer. The song is actually a cover of an old Diamondhead tune that Metallica recorded for a b-Side to the 1984 "Creeping Death" single.

2. Korn - "Y'all Wanna Single"

Jonny & G say "fuck" alot when we're together. At the 2004 birthday bash, which had a random mafia theme, i distinctly remember dancing and swearing and screaming along to Korn's "Y'all Wanna Single"...and then not much else is remembered from that night. Noticing a trend here? By the way, Metallica is my lifeblood. Korn is Jonny's Metallica.

3. Dropkick Murphys - "Going Out In Style"

Celtic inspired punk is always great drinkin', partyin' music. This one hasn't been used as a Jonny & G anthem yet, but if there comes a day when we decide to end the tradition on our terms, this song should definitely be on the soundtrack

4. Drowning Pool - "Step Up"

I forget what year it was, maybe the 2008 Keg Party, where we used Drowning Pool's "Step Up" as the theme. You might noticing that all these songs have a certain edge to them as well. Heavy music is one thing that Jonny & I initially bonded over way back in the day, so it's expected that most of the music played is of that ilk. Now, Jonny and I have a certain reputation at our parties. First to rise last to fall sorta thing, we drink alot, smoke, fight, say fuck, eat things, Dwight Yoakum. All of it. Sometimes people come to these parties, scoff at us and try to go toe to toe with ol' Jonny & G. Soon they find themselves sleeping in their car, with their head in a bucket/toilet or slammed with a folding chair. Hence the theme to 2008 was "Step Up".

5. Mischief Brew - "Roll Me Through The Gates Of Hell"

This one is the official theme song to Jonny & G. Originally introduced to the duo for the 2006 "balls out limo bash" it has since become synonymous with the party. It was even performed live at the 2009 "texas mickey mosh". There is talk of tattooing some of the lyrics on ourselves, but that might have to wait another bash or six.

6. Misfits - "Where Eagles Dare"

Just this year a record player was present at the 2015 "Dwight Cabin Calamity" and one of the few records there was a collection of old Misfits tracks. "I ain't no goddamn sunofabitch!!!!" was a line that really stood out for us and was repeatedly chanted. There were plans to learn the obviously simple song in the morning, but drinking.

7. Dallas Green - "Sleeping Sickness"

I know this one kinda sticks out from the rest, but Dallas Green gets a nod because he made a celebrity cameo appearance at the 2012 "Raptor's Hotel Haunt" and bought me a drink. Good guy! Thanks Dallas! Call me!

8. Ween - "It's Going To Be A Long Night"

Another song not yet unleashed on the Birthday bash, but one that certainly has the lyrical content to be considered. There's a thing at J&G Bashes...thats the virgins. No, not those virgins, Jonny and G Birthday Bash virgins. People who are brave enough to accept our offer, without fully understanding or preparing for the events that will follow. This song is a great 'walk in the door' track for those brave souls

9. Gershwin - "Rhapsody In Blue"

I had to do it. There was an odd moment at Jonny & G 2013 "Ottawa Drinks Shirts" where the discussion of pump-up songs came about, everybody had some good input until Ben Oakes insisted we listen to "Rhapsody in Blue". The moment would not have been memorable had Mr. Oakes not pranced and pirouetted around the room for the entire duration of the song. It was weird.

10. Mark Morrison - "Return Of The Mack"

Jonny HP requested that I add this one and how could I NOT? There is no other jam in the history of life that gets a party started, going or ended like "Return Of The Mack". When you are going to a party and want to make an entrance? "Return Of The Mack". Cruising down the road, trolling for chicks? Return that Mack baby!!! When you hit a fadeaway jumpshot and win the game for the Lakers. One song and one song only! Return of the motherfucking Mack!!

11. Against Me! - "We Laugh At Danger & Break All The Rules"

Yup i'm doing 11 instead of 10. Cuz Fuck you!! I'm G mother -effers!!!
This song was the award winning nominee of the anthem for 2015 and future Jonny and G events going forward. It's not going to replace Mischief Brew, but party along beside it. Loads of great energy, a wicked bad-ass band and one of the most fitting song titles in Jonny and G history. Jonny & G 2016 baby!!! See ya there!!!

we rule....basically

JZ

10 Great Songs You Might Not Have Heard

I love hearing new music. Whether it's a brand new song or a song from the past that just slipped by my radar, finding those gems that get get stuck in my head makes me happy. I'm not going to be so brash as to label this blog as song you've never heard, how do I know that? It's possible you haven't heard them, so as my Canadian Thanksgiving gift to all you, here are 10 Great Songs You Might Not Have Heard.

1. The Zombies - "This Will Be Our Year"

Way back in the 60's, before the whole Zombie Apocalypse fascination was everywhere you looked, came a band out of Britain called The Zombies. Best known for their flower-child anthem "Time Of The Season" from the album Odessey and Oracle released in 1968. Another great track lies waiting on that album however, the Chris White penned "This Will Be Our Year" is one of my all time favourite classic rock tracks. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes, it's a sweet yet musically interesting little ditty. A good song to remind you to make the most out of your short time with that special someone.

2. Josh Ritter - "Wolves"

I love me some Josh Ritter, it's difficult to catagorize him into a single genre. Singer/songwriter, folk, alternative, country and blues would all apply to this Idaho native. His album The Animal Years released in 2006 is a revelation. Start to finish it's a great record to get lost in. Track #2 is "Wolves" a fun, ear-worm of a song that can really be a good launching point for the whole album. If you like this, check any other Josh Ritter song. You won't be let down.

3. Lunchmoney Lewis - "Bills"

I'm calling "Bills" as this year's "Fuck You". Y'know that song by Cee-Lo a few years back? Lewis is from Miami, but his single "Bills" has caught fire across the world, topping charts in Australia and New Zealand. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before his home country catches on.

4. Joe Purdy - "San Jose"

Probably best known for his song "Wash Away" from 2003 that was featured in a few TV shows like Lost and Grey's Anatomy. That album Julie Blue has always been a favourite of mine and for a while my relationship with his music started and stopped there. I Picked up his 2007 album Take My Blanket and Go and it kicks off with "San Jose". I was glad to hear it sounded different form anything of Julie Blue, but still had that distinct Joe Purdy tinge. Love the piano, the harmonica and the whole package.

5. Fleetwood Mac - "Blue Letter"

Originally intended to be included on the second Buckingham Nicks album, "Blue Letter" was written by Michael and Richard Curtis. It didn't see the light of day until 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham brought it out for the self-titled Fleetwood Mac album.

6. Smog - "Cold Blooded Old Times"

Smog is the stage name of Bill Callahan, a singer/songwriter and guitarist form Maryland. Known for his lo-fi genre of underground rock, his early indie tapes became treasures for music collectors in the 60's and 70's. "Cold Blooded Old Times" is perhaps his best known song.

7.  The Meadows - "Been So Long"

In an episode of The League, one of the characters makes a reference and picks up a copy of The Meadows' self-titled record. That little nod to an obscure group was enough for me to track down a copy of the CD and give it a listen. Sweet, smooth and simple rock songs from this Californian duo. Sadly not much else is known about them, which in a way is refreshing. Letting the tunes speak for themselves.

8. The Fireman - "Sing The Changes"

The Fireman is a musical side project of Paul McCartney and Martin Glover (more commonly known as Youth). They've only released 3 albums together with the first one going back to 1993 and the latest one in 2008. Paul McCartney performed a few Fireman songs when he played on top of the Ed Sullivan theatre during a taping of the Late Show With David Letterman.

9. Paper Route - "You & I"

Formed in 2004 in Nashville, TN Paper Route met while attending college together. With only 2 albums on their resume you can expect more good things form this indie-rock band. "You & I" comes off their 2012 album The Peace of Wild Things.

10. The Lackloves - "The Radio's Mine"

Another super impossible song to find anywhere. I heard it once a million years ago and haven't been able to find the album anywhere. Thankfully this song is on Youtube, so I have that available to me...which is nice. Great 90's/2000's nostalgia all over this track.

There's some music (new or familiar) to go along with your long weekend celebrations!
Comment, request, share, follow!! All that fun stuff

@jonnyzhivago

JZ

10 Great Songs By The Polaris Nominees

Wow almost a whole month since i've done this. Well, it's the 21st night of September, a very musical night, so i'd better do a blog post up in here. The Polaris Music Prize is a yearly award given to the best Canadian album of the last 12 months based on artistic merit. Popularity and sales do not factor into this award and it is decided by a jury made of music writers, bloggers and journalists. The winner gets a cool $50,000. Each of the nominees get cash prizes as well, so let's run down the nominees and see who's in there

1. "Archie, Marry Me" Alvvays

(Pronounced Always) The Toronto based Alvvays released their debut self-titled album in July 2014. This dreamy indie pop group met in high school and started playing music together. After touring with some high profile acts such as Peter, Bjorn and John and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, they began work on a full length EP. The result got them nominated for a Polaris.

2. "Six Degrees" - Badbadnotgood & Ghostface Killah feat. Danny Brown

Sour Soul is a collaborative album between Toronto based trio Badbadnotgood and legendary Wu-Tang member and rapper Ghostface Killah. BBNG have 3 previous studio albums under their belt and are known for their instrumental hip-hop and improvisational jazz stylings.

3. "Miniskirt" - Braids

BRAIDS got their start in Calgary, Alberta, but have recently found a home in Montreal's blossoming music scene. Known for their experimental music and almost art-like approach to record making, Deep In The Iris, the album for which they are nominated, has been called their most immediate and most accessible. The album has garnered universally positive reviews.

4. "Sing Our Own Song" - Buffy Sainte-Marie

At 74 years old, Buffy Sainte-Marie is the oldest and most accomplished of all the nominees. Known as much for her music as she is for her activism and work in education, she has been a very vocal supporter of the rights of Indigenous People and heavily involved in Native American issues.  Her oldest album goes back to 1964 and her 2015 album Power In The Blood has been nominated.

5. "Can't Do Without You" - Caribou

One of my personal favourites (and the album i'm pulling for) is Dundas, Ontario's Dan Snaith, better known by his stage name Caribou. Our Love the fourth album released under the Caribou moniker and it has been praised for it's "austere arrangements and unrelenting focus". "Can't Do Without You" was the first single released in July, 2014"

6. "Energy" - Drake

Of course coming in at #6 is Drake, who single-handily changed Toronto's nickname from T.Dot to the Six. If You're Reading This It's Too Late was the Raptor's global ambassador Drake's latest album. Love him or hate him, you gotta admit he's got the world looking directly at Canada. Whether it's our city, our sports teams or our music the recent spike in interest in our country has to be in some part attributed to Drake

7. "Pink City" - Jennifer Castle

This is the title-track from Toronto based Jennifer Castle's latest album. It is her fourth album and the first to be shortlist nominated for the Polaris Music Prize

8. "Brill Bruisers" - The New Pornographers

Here's another album that's on many people's ballot going into the award show tonight. The New Pornographers are veterans on the Canadian Music scene and have enjoyed a lucrative and successful existence even without mainstream aide.

9. "How Could You Babe" - Tobias Tesso Jr.

Tobias Tesso Jr. released his debut album Goon in March and it has been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Quite a prestige for the 30 year old out of North Vancouver, BC. The album has been praised for it's vintage feel in both the songs and the recording process.

10. "Continental Shelf" - Viet Cong

The debut album from Calgary's Viet Cong is only 7 songs long and I don't have a damn problem with that at all. Too many albums, especially debut ones, are torpedoed because the artist is trying to do too much and the songs end up suffering. The talent and ideals get stretched too thing and the audience is typically left with one good song and 14 filler tracks. Start small. Make a few songs the best they can be. Show us what you're capable of and we'll keep coming back.

Some cool songs and artists in there! The Gala is on tonight and the announcement of who wins the 50 Gs should probably come down the wire around 10pm!!  Check it out and check out the above artists. Some of the best that Canada has to offer!!!

JZ