First, let me say thanks to all the folks who’ve been visiting QBIM; I hope you’re all enjoying the music/discussion/info/etc. Be sure to pass a link on to your friends, and let me know if you link to me.

Locksley have been one pretty busy band of late. Tours of the US and UK this year have kept them on their toes (yet they still seemed to manage to lock the keys in the van somewhere in Redditch, UK). They’ve also written and performed the theme song to the new MTV show “Why Can’t I Be You” (not sure if it’s on yet; don’t get MTV USA feed here in Canada). They’re also getting ready to release their debut disc, and if the current offerings through their website and iTMS is anything to go by, it’s going to be a jim-dandy of a record. Locksley are just a great bunch of musicians, playing great power pop that sound classic and contemporary all at once. They aren’t unique in their musical approach or style; but what they do, they do very well. There’s a confidence about them that’s well-founded. Image-wise, I’m reminded of The Hives; sound-wise, there’s a hint of the Libertines (if the Libertines weren’t so pretentious), along with a smattering of classic British pop that helps set that timeless feeling. I’m guessing that the fever and rhythm of songs like “She Does” translates great live. If you’re in NYC, check out their show at Knitting Factory on September 25th.

:MP3 Locksley ~ “Why Not Me”: theme song for MTV’s “Why Can’t I Be You”

:MP3 Locksley ~ “Don’t Make Me Wait”

[Locksley on iTMS]
[buy Locksley here]
[Locksley Myspace]

Every so often, there comes a song that slowly but surely creeps its way into your unconscious mind and plants itself there, growing roots into your cranium and laying claim to part of your mental real estate. The Oohlas “Small Parts” has done just the very thing to me. I found myself humming/singing/remembering snippets of the song this week, but couldn’t remember who it was by or even what it was called. All I knew is that it was on my iPod, and gosh darn it, I liked it.

Visiting the band’s Myspace page says that they sound like “monkeys flinging poo” but I say they sound like hard candy–you have to get your jaw working and muscles flexing to break through to the chewy core, but the sweet lingering taste of the outer shell stays with you for awhile. There’s a whole album worth of sonic confectionery coming soon (on Stolen Transmission), so for now taste this sample and enjoy.

:MP3 The Oohlas ~ “Small Parts”:

[Official Site]
[Myspace]

I had an idea for a regular feature post here where I discuss and post work by some lesser known/now-defunct/big-in-Winnipeg-anonymous-in-Wichita Canadian musicians. With all the hype certain Canadian artists have been getting, I thought it would be nice to stroll down memory lane and take a look and listen to those that have come before. So this might just be the first of such postings, although I can’t come up with a catchy enough name for the feature–”Hey! We’re Canadian, too!” just doesn’t seem catchy enough. Anyone have a suggestion? Anyway, on with the post…

Rheostatics have been making their own unique brand of quirky Canadian rock for over two decades and show little signs of fading yet. Eleven albums (only one of which was on a major label), a steady line-up (currently featuring Martin Tielli, guitar, Tim Vesely, bass, Dave Bidini, guitar, and Michael Phillip-Wojewoda, drums), and a musical style ranging from prog-rock, to art-rock, orchestral to acoustic and everything in between have been the cornerstones of their career. When CBC Radio’s Definitely Not The Opera program searched out the one album all Canadians had to be familiar with, Rheostatics 1992 album Whale Music topped the list. With little commercial success, the band has developed a large and loyal fanbase across Canada, and they’re considered by some to be elder statesmen of Canadian music.

from Whale Music:
:MP3 Rheostatics ~ “California Dreamline”
:MP3 Rheostatics ~ “Queer”
:MP3 Rheostatics ~ “Legal Age Life At Variety Store”

from Melville:
:MP3 Rheostatics ~ “Record Body Count”
:MP3 Rheostatics ~ “Horses”

[buy Rheostatics here]

I have to thank the good folks at I Guess I’m Floating; Connor and Nathaniel have added QBIM to their list of blog links, and I appreciate their support in helping me get this blog on the blogosphere map. I got turned on to IGIF through a great post Nathaniel did awhile back called “Mommy, Where Do Blogs Come From?” in which he identifies the band and/or lyrical source for some blog names (I mentioned in my first post where this blog gets its name from… inspired by IGIF). I think Connor and Nathaniel have one of the best blogs out there, and I really take recommendations from them seriously and have been turned on to a lot of great music through them, so thanks guys and keep up the great work!

1 January 1964, Top Of The Pops made it’s debut on British TV and began its legacy influencing a generation of musicians and music fans alike. Think about it–the first show featured the Rolling Stones and had “I Want To Hold Your Hand” as the #1 song on the charts. How could it not be influential?

30 July 2006, Top Of The Pops bids its farewell broadcast, with original host Sir Jimmy Saville returning, along with a number of other past hosts, looking back at some of the great moments on one of the greatest music television programs ever to air anywhere on Earth. If you live somewhere where the BBC reaches you, tune in. The web site’s staying up and functional even after the show is over, so you can surf there for more info. And in honour of TOTP, here’s a legendary song, from a legendary artist, whose legendary success came via the show. Cheers.

:MP3 T. Rex ~ “Get It On (Bang A Gong)”
[buy here]