As yet another spawn of the likes of unusually popular posts such as Mid.Month.Music.Mashup, I almost hesitate to post another “what I’m listening to” entry. Likely, with the onslaught of search traffic to that particular previous post, I’m not doing my server any favors. That said, my music tastes continue to border on a cross between the experimental and the transcendental, and dipping into sampling things I’ve not bothered to before. And I thought I should share.

Tony Wilson 6tet | Pearls Before Swine

When I obtained a copy of this album from iTunes the other week, I will admit that it fell neatly into the “what the hell” category. There were no reviews. Explanations were few and far between. And what little information I could find about the album was that it contained a bounty of experimental jazz. I recalled listening to an interview on CBC the other week about new music and experimenting with new music. One of the interviewees suggested that anyone truly interested in finding new music should steer clear of the beaten path and try out innovative albums and music that is flying below the public radar. This definitely fits the bill. I’m not sure that I could say I am completely enamored with the collection yet, but I will say it is growing on me. The best explanation I can give for the style is that it is a blend of hard jazz with a heavy influence of random diversions, occasionally straying from the song in unexpected and delightful ways. This is not for everyone. In fact, I would say it is not for many people at all. But there are a few people who could sit back, listen, and appreciate the abstractions that are being attempted here.

Tegan & Sara | If It Was You

My second selection is coming from the opposite end of the public perception spectrum. I’ve been hearing all sorts of buzz about an early career band out of Calgary. I fully admit I’m jumping on the bandwagon with this one, though after downloading a full three albums, I will say that If It Was You is my favorite, even to the point of incorporating one of the songs from that collection into my recent running soundtrack. If you have not climbed aboard this train, I would recommend it. The music has a classic feel with a modern spin. And it’s Canadian, to boot. It also helps that I feel as though these girls are artistic contemporaries. No, I’m not deluding myself into groupie-ness, but rather that being of a similar age and artistic compulsion I can empathize with their efforts, envy at their growing success, and foster my own hope that it is possible for enlightened youth from the prairies to succeed at creative endeavors. Case in point.

Wishful thinking? Or uncommitted listening? You decide.