Tim.Maciag

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2019 albums of the year
Ola all. It’s that time again for me when I like to share what I consider to be my favourite 10 albums of the year. Before we get to that, what a year! The biggest highlight of 2019 was the new addition of Pippin into our lives. Below is him chilling on his new memory foam bed! He’s such a sweet dude! Other highlights included: I recorded an album, started the build of Nova’s huge “she-shed” in our backyard, and went to Adobe Max in LA with Nova (what a wild, awesome time!). Not to mention I love my job at the university and am really settling into my teaching (and have even begun a few adventures in research!). All in all, it’s been a really great year!

But all that aside, let’s get to what we’re here for…my top 10 albums of 2019 with, of course, a few honourable mentions first; Honourable mentions (in no particular order, limited to 5)
- Rheostatics, Here Come the Wolves
- Billie Eilish, When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
- Vampire Weekend, Father of the Bride
- Matt Andersen, Halfway Home by Morning
- Wintersleep, In the Land Of
10. The New Pornographers, In the Morse Code of Brake Lights

One of Canada’s finest musical collaborations. I simply love these folks and this album is top-notch goodness! Favs include: Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile, The Surprise Knock, Leather on the Seat. Higher Beams, and You’ll Need A Backseat Driver.

9. Rammstein, Self Titled

Every so often these folks release an album and every time they do they don’t disappoint! These folks are near and dear to my heart as they still, to this day, remain the best live act I have ever seen. If you ever get a chance to see them live, do not delay! Favs on this album include: Auslander, Radio, Deutschland, Sex, Was Ich Liebe, and Tattoo. Hell, it’s all really great!

8. Sharon Van Etten, Remind Me Tomorrow

What musical talent! I first heard Sharon’s music in 2014 on her album “Are We There.” Simply fantastic, full of wonderful harmonies and all-around good tunes. Favs include: Seventeen, No One’s Easy To Love, I Told You Everything, Comeback Kid, Jupiter 4

7. The Black Keys, Let’s Rock

What a good ol’rockin’ album! Such good grooves and that guitar tone is next-level great! Great inspiration for picking up the electric and writing my own groovy tunes. Favs on this excellent album include: Fire Walk With Me, Lo/Hi, Shine a Little Light, Tell Me Lies, Go, actually, all tunes are excellent!

6. Guided By Voices, Zeppelin Over China

This is an epic 32 song album! …and it doesn’t disappoint right from song #1, Good Morning Sir. A really great rock album indeed. I actually only just found out about these folks on this album but they’ve been around since the 1980s (on and off in later years). Favs include: The Rally Boys, Blurring the Contacts, Carapace, Step of the Wave…it’s really hard to narrow down the great tunes on this album. Just give ‘er a listen!

5. Bad Religion, Age of Unreason

I was super stoked to hear about this new album from one of my all-time fav punk rockers. Getting you right from the first track, Chaos From Within, classic Bad Religion! This album has been in constant rotation since its release. Favs include, all really, but picking a few: My Sanity. Chaos From Within, The Approach, Candidate, and Old Regime. What a fucking great album!

4. Slipknot, We Are Not Your Kind

Now this album here, wow do I ever love it. Lead singer Corey Taylor is just such a cool dude (when folks complained about his mask in the video below being too ugly he said, good…I’m never taking it off now…ha! I love this attitude and my motto going into 2020 is going to be similar, just “rock what I got”). On this album, I love how they mix crushing metals riffs intermixed between beautiful vocal harmonies. Favs include: Unsainted, Nero Forte, Critical Darling, Orphan, Solway Firth, and Spiders

3. Lowest of the Low, Agitpop

Oh do I ever love Ron Hawkins and Co. And every song on this album is good ol’ classic Canadiana. Right from the opening track this album hooks you in. Don’t delay, give it a good listen. You won’t be disappointed. Favs include every damn song, but picking a few: Bottle Rockets, The Ballad of Late-Era Capitalism, Bonnie & Clyde, The Barricade, Midnight Maryanne, …this is pointless, just listen to it all!

2. The Stumbellas, Rattlesnake

These fine folks, what can I say about them. They are just soooo good! When they played the RFF a few years back; it is still one of my finest musical memories #dave. As with many in my top 5, scratch that, my top 10, all songs are great on this album but this album, in particular, holds a special place in my heart and makes me so damn happy. Picking a few is what I like to do #rhymes…ha, so: I’ll Wait, Salvation, We All Need Someone, One Hand Up. Again, just listen to the whole thing. You will not be disappointed (you’re going to get two vids below #sogood)

1. Wind Rose, Wintersaga

And here we are with this super fine, super-fun album full of nerdy and classic metal riffs; a constant at the gym and at work and at home. I simply love this album. All songs inspired by the Dwarves, aka The Hobbit/LOTR. There is not one song I dislike on this album. So fun, so good – from the opening Of Iron and Gold to the epic closer We Were Warriors. All favs indeed (You’re going to get more than a few vids below…ha!)

There you have it folks! Have a great 2020! -tMAc
December 24, 2019
2018 albums of the year
Well, 2018 has come and gone. For me it was indeed an interesting year, starting a new gig at the local uni, road-trippin’ out west, and trying to stay on top of all the mundane and exciting things that life has to offer.

This post being about music; in my own musical adventures, I didn’t write many, or any, of my own tunes. That said, I am having a blast playing with the Regina Mandolin Orchestra, now in my third year with the group!

Now with the new and cool music I listened to this year, there was indeed a lot to be happy about with what 2018 had to offer (if anything, 2018 had some great musical offerings that were put out into the world for all to enjoy…and maybe that’s about all 2018 really had to offer the world #trumpbecray). So let’s get to it.

Honourable mentions (kept to 5):
- Doug Paisley, Starter Home
  - This came to me late. Otherwise, it would for surely have been in the top 10
- Jim Bryson, Tired of Waiting
  - This was a fantastic little album. However, it only 6 tunes on it which, to me, is more like an EP
- Ghost B.C, Prequelle
- Pennywise, Never Gonna Die
- Death Cab for Cutie, Thank You For Today
10. Avatar, Avatar Country. I became aware of this fine Swedish metal band from my brother. He sent me the clip below and I immediately liked them. Good humour, good riffs, awesome tunes! Crank’er’loud folks! Favs include: Legend of the King, King’s Harvest, and King After King.

09. The Breeders, All Nerve. I’ve loved this band since the mid-’90s. Just good ol’rockin’ tunes. This album offers no different than their previous albums. Just a good, solid rock album. Favs include: Nervous Mary, All Nerve, MetaGoth, and Blues at the Acropolis.

08. Wax Mannequin, Have a New Name. This dude is quite simply a poet. His deep, delicate voice just captures and delights me. I actually think every song on this album is great but if picking favs is something I do: Someone Fixed the Game, Quickening, Scold’s Bridle, and Basketball.

07. Judas Priest, FIREPOWER. Metal God Halford and Co. are at it again. This album takes me right back to the Painkiller days. Grittier, harder….so damn great! This is quite simply, their best album in some time (for surely since Painkiller). Love it! Favs include: Evil Never Dies, Never the Heroes, Necromancer, Children of the Sun, and No Surrender.

06. Postdata, Let’s Be Wilderness. So soothing, so fantastic! Wintersleep being one of my fav bands, and Postdata being a side project of Paul Murphy (singer of Wintersleep), this album makes me quite happy and had a lot of rotations. I love every tune on it, but favs do include: Wilderness, Black Cloud, Erase Your Heart, and Evil.

05. David Byrne, American Utopia. This fine album from The Talking Heads frontman is just a fantastic treat! A poet in his own right as well. Do yourself a favour and give this one a listen. Favs include: Everyday is a Miracle (Tim edit: love love love this tune), Gasoline and Dirty Sheets, I Dance Like This, This and That, It’s Not Dark Up Here, and Everybody’s Coming to My House. Tim edit: Afterall “We’re only tourists in this life. Only tourists but the view is nice”

04. Brian Fallon, Sleepwalkers. The frontman of The Gaslight Anthem is at it again. What a great album, and an album that was in constant rotation throughout the year. Following a Springsteen-like recipe for song success, Brian excels at what he and his band mates do. Favs include: Her Majesty’s Service, Etta James, Little Nightmares, …damn, this whole album is great!

03. Disturbed, Evolution. One of my favourite metal bands. I’m so glad they came back from retirement (or a long break) as their last two albums have been quite fantastic! Politically charged lyrics, headbanging riffs, you simply can’t go wrong. Heavy metal – It’s what actually helps me get through the crazy world we live in – and these fine folks are top notch at what they do. Favs include: No More, Hold On to Memories, Savior of Nothing, Stronger on Your Own, The Best Ones Lie, and In Another Time (Tim edit: “In another time, when we weren’t so blind, when the world was more than what we see online” – fucking fantastic lyrics)

02. The Wave Pictures, Look Inside Your Heart. I came across this band in a Google Playlist while treadmillin’ it up at the gym. They have a kind of raw vibe like with early (all) Talking Heads that I just love. When I found out they had this album coming out this year I was really excited …and not disappointed. I simply love it. Just raw, good ol’ classic rock and roll. There is not one song I dislike on this album, but picking a few favs: Look Inside Your Heart, Shelly, Roosevelt Sykes, I Came To You Once, and Goodbye Spiderman. Fantastico!

01. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, While We’re At It. Wowza. When I first heard this album I was immediately transported back in time. Since this one came out in June it’s been on constant rotation at work, at the gym, doing the dishes, just everywhere! I love every tune on this album. They are so fun, energetic, thought provoking, and the musicianship is so top notch! Indeed my favourite album of 2018 and will be on rotation for years to come! (as will most of these top 10’ers). Favs include: Closer to Nowhere, The West Ends, Here We Are, Green Bay Wisconsin, The Constant, In Honor Of, and Hugo’s Wife.

and one more just for the heck of it

and how about the full album!

And there you have. 2018 was a great year for music indeed. Now, let’s deal with the Trump fella and get him the fuck outta there! I just read this morning that Elizabeth Warren is throwing her hat in the ring! There is light folks!

Here’s to an awesome 2019 for all – tMac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhbR7oJbzxs&w=560&h=315
December 31, 2018
2017 Albums of the Year
Trying to avoid all the boxing day madness I figured I’d get on this annual tradition of mine. What a great year this has been for music! I listened to well over 250 albums and dwindling these down to my top 50 was hard, then my top 25 was crazy hard, and then, finally, my top 10 was super duper crazy hard, hence I’ll have a list of “honourable mentions.”

Let’s get right to it. First up are my honourable mentions (in no particular order)
- Skydiggers, Warmth of the Sun
- Lowest of the Low, Do the Right Now
- The New Pornographers, Whiteout Conditions
- Gord Downie, Introduce Yerself
- The Wilderness of Manitoba, Across the Dark & The Tin Shop
- Gov’t Mule, Revolution Come…Revolution Go
- Amelia Curran, Watershed
- Alan Doyle, A Week at the Warehouse
- Arcade Fire, Everything Now
- The Rural Alberta Advantage, Beacon Hill
- Queens of the Stone Age, Villains
All of the above albums were just fantastic (and there were even more fantastic 2017 albums I cut from the list above). Trying to stay true to a top 10 and I already feel I’ve failed…ha. But seriously, all of the above albums – check ’em out! Now for my top 10. These 10 albums were in constant rotation throughout the year.

10. Mastodon, Emperor of Sand. Another fantastic album from these fine metal lads. Just prog metal at its finest! Favs include Show Yourself, Roots Remain, Sultan’s Curse, Steambreather, and Word to the Wise. Truly a solid album!

09. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Murder of the Universe. What can I say about these fine folks? Truly one of the more ambitious bands I’ve come across lately. They also know how to write some epic albums to boot! Releasing 4 albums in 2017, all of which were/are fantastic, and the last of which they freely released! …as in free beer *and* freedom. As with all of their records, songs bleed into each other making an opus of a record! Enjoy the whole record, start to finish, as I do!

08. Bill & Joel Plaskett, Solidarity. Joel Plaskett is, what I would consider, one of Canada’s gems. On this excellent record, Joel hooks up with his dad and the two of them make beautiful music together. What a treat! Favs include Next Blue Sky, Up in the Air, Jim Jones, The New California, and the title track, Solidarity.

07. Roger Waters, Is This The Life We Really Want? Having been a Pink Floyd fan for as long as I can recall this album was such a treat! So politically charged with the current state of what we’re all living through, every song on this album resembles a story for the ages. Truly a remarkable artistic piece meant to be listened to in its entirety. I love it all but stand outs include Deja Vu, Picture That (“Picture a leader with no fucking brains”), Wait for Her, and the title track Is This the Life We Really Want?

06. Sepultura, Machine Messiah. I was hooked right from the opening track of this masterpiece of an album. This band takes me way back to when I first began playing the guitar. An inspiration indeed. This record was a constant joy throughout 2017, with thick juicy guitar rifts and lyrics that, as with Roger Waters’s album, speak to the current state of the world. Here, on this record, specifically how we’re all so tied/strongly coupled to our technological devices of the day. Favs include the title track Machine Messiah, as well as I am the Enemy, Sworn Oath, Phantom Self, Vandals Nest, Cyber God, and Chosen Skin.

05. Chad VanGaalen, Light Information. Another fantastic album from Chad and Co. Although I’ve never been a fan of his live game, this dude sure knows how to write and create beautiful records. This record is no different. Such a treat! Favs include Mind Hijacker’s Curse, Pine Clover, Mystery Elementals, Old Heads, Locked…actually, I love every song on this record!

04. Rancid, Trouble Maker. “…And Out Come the Wolves” – Rancid’s last album I truly thought was especially great. Well no more. What a great record by this most excellent band! This one was on constant rotation since it came out earlier in the year. Although loving every song I can still pick a few stand outs, including Ghost of a Chance, Telegraph Avenue, Where I’m Going, Make It Out Alive, Molly Make Up Your Mind, Cold Cold Blood, and We Arrived Right On Time.

03. The Black Angels, Death Song. So melodic, so wonderful. What a great great record! I simply love it all, from the opening track Currency, to the closing Life Song. All of it, fantastic! Picking a few others for the sake of it, Half Believing, Estimate, and Comanche Moon.

02. Unleash the Archers, Apex. Wowza. What a spectacular record here from these fine Canadian folks! My brother Joey introduced me to this super excellent band a while back, even dragging me out to their show at the Exchange when they were last in town (they are also fantastic live!). Although releasing a few gems in the past, this album is particularly excellent. A musical masterpiece, start to finish. Like with the last few on this list, I love every song. Some standouts though include False Walls, Ten Thousand Against One, Awakening, Shadow Guide, Cleanse the Bloodlines, and Earth and Ashes. What a damn fine record indeed!

01. LCD Soundsystem, American Dream. And here we are, my fav album of the year by one of my favourite musical groups of all time. Upon hearing that James Murphy was resurrecting the band from retirement ashes I was super excited to hear what he’d have in store for all of us. He did not disappoint. Releasing a couple gems early on with american dream and call the police I knew I would love the rest. Although I love it all, favs include change yr mind, I used to (my personal fav on the album), other voices, tonite, emotional haircut, and black screen. Start to finish, a masterpiece!

and one more for good measure

There you have it. What a great year for music 2017 was. So many musical treats to dwindle it down to just 10 was rather folly. Here’s hoping 2018 bring more wonderful treats for the ears! -tMac
December 26, 2017
A New Adventure on the Horizon
With another year almost in the books, my annual “albums of the year” post is forthcoming (what an awesome year in music it has been!). It seems to be the only thing I blog about (I am, as always, hoping this changes in the upcoming year). Before we get to the heart of that post I would like to provide a quick update regarding some exciting news. Namely being, after 5 interesting years back in the world of industry at eHealth Saskatchewan (eHS), I am embarking on a new work/life adventure back in academia as I have recently accepted a tenure-track Lecturer position at the University of Regina in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science in the department of Software Systems Engineering (SSE).

Since finding out a few weeks ago of the offer from SSE, I have had some time to reflect on the last little while. When I returned to eHS in 2012 as a Knowledgebase Analyst, almost exactly 5 years ago, I was fortunate to be accepted back into the fold, as I had left eHS in 2010 to return back to academia to attempt to finish my doctorate – which I eventually did in 2016. Anyway, I was very fortunate that the leadership at the time (Jacky, Shannon, and Cindy), the same leadership that had to deal with me departing earlier, still believed in this *still* crazy academic-minded dude to come back and try and rock the gig again (I am forever indebted to these three wonderful people). After a couple years back I was provided the opportunity to move up the hierarchy in the company, becoming the Team Lead of Knowledge & Education (Knowledge Management (KM)). In the last 3 years as Team Lead of KM I have grown the KM team from a team of 1 (me) to a team of 8 with my team and I having had many notable successes along the way. A few of these include:
- The continued refinement and evolution of a knowledgebase for the eHS Service Desk (front-line staff that support Healthcare practitioners/related clients throughout Saskatchewan’s healthcare industry)
- The design and development of a successful and user-friendly KM website to aid/enable healthcare practitioners of the Hospira SmartPump technology (medical infusion pumps used throughout Saskatchewan hospitals) to provide more precise/accurate, safe, effective and efficient quality of care
- The design and development of a successful and highly user-friendly KM website (intranet) for the health region formerly known as Five Hills (Moose Jaw and surrounding area)
- The design and development of a Learning Management System (LMS) called LION (Learning Interactively Online Now) for internal (and external) eHS staff and clients
- Our ongoing work toward developing a plan for eHS/Enterprise metadata
- Our ongoing work toward developing plans/solutions for a provincial Service Desk for the Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Among many other activities/accomplishments…
My team and I know how to have fun, think big, get shit done, and to boot, we know how to take care of each other. In my time at eHS I have made many life-long friends and have watched, and helped guide in the development of, many folks. This work has been profoundly satisfying. I will very much miss seeing many of these people on a daily basis as, leaving the work aside, it is/was truly the people that made my experiences at eHS so enjoyable.

The push-pull guiding my way back to the world of academia has always been strong. Since teaching my first class/laboratory in Computer Science (a joint class between Computer Science and Film on the use of multimedia applications, e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut), I have known what I want to be, namely a teacher.

So with that, my first day in the world of SSE is December 1. As I leave eHS to embark on this new adventure I am going through the gamut of emotions – from excitement, to sadness, to happiness, to nervousness, and back to excitement! I’m not 100% sure what I’ll be teaching yet (starting in January – I’ll find out more when I officially start), but I am super excited to embark on this new journey.

So stay tuned. At the very least my 2017 “albums of the year” post will happen sometime in December. As always, I hope to blog more in the coming year. Who knows if that will happen though…ha. Thanks for reading 🙂

-tMac
November 18, 2017
2016 albums of the year
Here we are again. Another year has passed. 2016 was an interesting year indeed. We lost so many artists. This was hard. And then there was/is Trump. I suspect this to be even more difficult (I try to remain optimistic, but it will be the American folks who will need to hold him in check). I had promised new blog posts throughout the year = failure. I finally, after 10 long years, completed my PhD (I pity the fool who calls me *Dr.*T…hehe). I found out that San Diego and surrounding area is AWESOME. Two different trips out east were made. A Rheostatics concert was witnessed on one eastern adventure (a slight disappointment as it was a bit of a hot mess – but they remain one of my favorite bands of all time). I got pink eye for the first time ever (I wouldn’t wish this on anyone!). My band “Burns & Maciag” disbanded (super sad, but I’ve let go finally – it just took all year). I began writing tunes for my next album (under the name “Drive By Trees”, hopefully to be released in 2017). I played my first solo gig ever (Thanks Joey)! Salsa adventures with Sylvia. Saskatoon trips remain to be awesome fun adventures. Paintnite events are super fun. Work is going well and the folks I work with are all super awesome (those crazies got me a ukelele for Christmas. A real unexpected thing. They are all such special folks and make work less like work). Statistics are hard. Outdoor sprinkler connections are a bitch to seal. The Regina Folk Festival is always an awesome time. Thinking of starting a Knowledge Management consulting business with a few folks. Life is beautiful, life is hard, life is an adventure.

And now on to my top 10 list of 2016. Musically, 2016 was both great and difficult. With so many artists passing (notably for me, Bowie and Cohen just to name the 2 that stung most), there were also so many great artists/albums. I had over 200 albums in my 2016 playlist, and about 40ish of these albums spun (both in analog and digital (haha)) in my ears throughout the year. When making this list I found it quite hard to go from 30 to 20, and even more hard from 20 to 10. Before unveiling the top 10, here were some of the ones that were most difficult to cut (in no particular order):
- Jim Bryson, Somewhere We Will Find Our Place
- David Francey, Empty Train
- Violent Femmes, We Can Do Anything
- The Strumbellas, Hope
- Plants & Animals, Waltzed in from the Rumbling
- The Tragically Hip, Man Machine Poem
- Gord Downie, Secret Path
- Federal Lights, Coeur De Lion
- Danny Michel, Matadora
All of the above are very good albums from super awesome artists. But now for my top 10 list of 2016.

10. Pretenders, Alone. A band I’ve always super enjoyed. On this one, Chrissie and Co. created many catchy and super “chunky” anthems. Favs include: Gotta Wait, Alone, Chord Lord, and Roadie Man.

09. Amon Amarth, Jomsviking. Wooooo. Now here we have a doozy of an album. This one was in constant rotation throughout the year (well, since March). A headbangers delight indeed. Favs include: On a Sea of Blood, First Kill, Raise Your Horns, The Way of the Vikings, Wanderer.

08. Ron Hawkins, Spit Sputter and Sparkle. Another very excellent album from Mr. Hawkins and Co. Just great, catchy, rock and roll. Favs include: Chrome, Sliver, Beautiful Girl, Sunflowers, Till It Kills Ya, Constellations.

07. Blue Rodeo, 1000 Arms. Quite possibly my favorite band ever. On their latest here, they do not disappoint. A great, solid album that will be in rotation for years to come. Looking forward to seeing them in a couple weeks! Favs include: 1000 Arms, I Can’t Hide This Anymore, Jimmy Fall Down, Long Hard Life, Can’t Find My Way Back To You, So Hard To See, Hard To Remember.

06. Killswitch Engage, Incarnate. Another fantastic album by these folks. This album, and its first single “Hate By Design,” speaks volumes on the current state of where we are as a collective people. One only needs to look down south with the divisiveness that is occurring. My fear is I see it happening here at home. Hopefully I’m wrong. It’s songs/bands like this that help me get through it all. Favs include: Hate By Design, Alone I Stand, Cut Me Loose, It Falls On Me, The Great Deceit. Actually, I love every song on this album.

05. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Nonagon Infinity. This album is best listened to in its entirety, start to finish. Each song melds into its previous in a rocking, psychedelic, groovy, foot-stomping kind of way. What a great find of 2016. Favs include the whole thing, start to finish 🙂

04. The Burning Hell, Public Library. I simply love these fine folks. Led by one of Canada’s great poets, Mathias Kom. Like all Burning Hell LPs, this album is most fantastic. Mathias’s lyrics are both humorous and impactful. Really such a treat! Favs include: Men Without Hats, Fuck the Government I Love You, The Road, Good Times, Give Up, bah, all tunes are really quite excellent!

03. The Pixies, Head Carrier. What a fantastic album. Frank and Co. have been inspirations to me for quite some time. A constant on the 33 and in the Google Music. Not much more to say. This album rocks. Every song is great, but to pick a few: Baal’s Back, Classic Masher, Oona, Tenement Song, Bel Esprit, Um Chagga Lagga.

02. Against Me!, Shape Shift With Me. Another fantastic album from Laura Jane and Co. There is not much room between my number 3 pick, this album, and my number 1 pick of 2016. I simply love this album (and all 3). Every song is great but to pick a few: Haunting Haunted Haunts, Dead Rats, 12:03, Crash, 333, Norse Truth, All This and More.

And one more for good measure…

01. Face to Face, Protection. Having been a fan of these folks for 20-odd-ish years, I was finally able to see them live this year at The Cultural Exchange. What a show. A definite highlight of 2016. This album does not disappoint. Every song is just fantastic. Like mentioned with my 03 and 02 picks of 2016, there is little room differentiating these 3 fantastic albums. However, this album does inch itself slightly ahead of the pack. This one has spun many times on the 33 and in the Google Music. Picking a few favs, keeping in mind there is not a single tune on this album I don’t like, favs include: See If I Care, Double Crossed, Protection, Fourteen Fifty-Nine, And So It Goes, I Won’t Say I’m Sorry.

and one more for good measure…

There you have it. A great year in music. Although 2016 had its challenges and many sad moments, there were many highlights. Cheers to 2016. Bring on the New Year!

-tMac
December 28, 2016
2015 albums of the year
Well, another year, another top 10 list. Each year I also proclaim that I will blog more, and this year will be no different. Keeping that discussion to the end of this post, it’s been a very good year for music with lots of great albums from the usual suspects, and a few new additions. Those honorable mentions not in my top 10 include (alphabetical):
- Lee Harvey Osmond, Beautiful Scars
- Metric, Pagans in Vegas
- Ron Sexsmith, Carousel One
- Sarah MacDougall, Grand Canyon
- Slayer, Repentless
Ok, “So Let’s Go” and jump right in!

10. The Acorn, Vieux Loup. The Acorn hail from Ottawa, Ontario. I have been a fan of the band since I first heard their 2007 album, Glory Hope Mountain (around 2007). All of The Acorn’s albums are distinctly ethereal. They always put me in a good place, and this album is no different. My favorites include: In Silence, Rapids, Palm Springs, and Dominion

09. City and Colour, If I Should Go Before You. AKA, Dallas Green, a highly skilled, consummate musician. On this album, he breaks free(er) from his past, largely acoustic efforts. However, the fact of the matter is, it’s still great! My favorites include: Mizzy C, Wasted Love, If I Should Go Before You, Northern Blues, Lover Come Back, and Runaway.

08. Adele, 25. Every now and then, there comes along a musician who is simply, and wonderfully fantastic. Adele is an example of a singer who is this for me. Her voice simply one of the best there is! My favorites include: Water Under the Bridge, Send My Love, River Lea, Hello, and Million Years Ago

07. Colin Linden, Rich in Love. I was first exposed to Colin’s music when becoming a huge fan of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (BARK), which Colin is 1/3 of (Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson making up the other thirds). Going back and listening to his many albums I realized Colin is not only a giant talent in the Canadian music scene, but globally as well (recording and playing with many greats). This album is such a delight! My favorites include: Everybody Ought to be Loved, And Then You Begin, No More Cheap Wine, Knob and Tube, Delia Come for Me, and all others! Unfortunately I could not find a full version youtube of a track on his new album, but here is a teaser

06. Disturbed, Immortalized. Back after a little bit of a hiatus, “The Guy” and his troops have come roaring back. This band is one of my favorite bands. Many of their songs come with excellent, politically charged narratives that simply speak to me. Many of their tunes are some of the best there is in heavy metal world. Their last album, “Asylum” did not make my top 10 list of that year but later became one of my most played albums and is still in high rotation. This album is represented here in my top 10 and I’m convinced I’ll be listening to it for years to come. A great album indeed. As an aside, I’m looking forward to finally seeing these folks live in 2016 in Moose Jaw! My favorites include: The Vengeful One, What Are You Waiting For, Open Your Eyes, The Light, Who, Immortalized, and Who Taught You How To Hate.

05. Rah Rah, Vessels. Another great album from these very fine Regina indie rockers. Actually, they have always been my favorite band from my little city. Every song on this album is great, complete with catchy and groovy…well, grooves! (wow…lame…ha). Picking favorites: Chip of the Heart, A Love that Sticks, All I Got, Fix Me. Actually, I thoroughly enjoy every tune on this album!

04. Faith No More, Sol Invictus. I never thought I would hear new music these fine folks again after they broke up in the late 1990’s. Always one of my most favorite bands, they do not disappoint on their latest. Sol Invictus is classic Faith No More, complete with funky grooves, metal epicness, with, as always, a dash of humor added. Their music just speaks to me on a certain level. I enjoy all songs on this album, but if picking a few favorites: Rise of the Fall, Sunny Side Up, Separation Anxiety, Matador, Superhero, and Motherfucker.

03. Mumford and Sons, Wilder Mind. There is no denying that this band is one of the greats and will likely go down in the history of musical lore as being such. On their 2015 album, they took a lot of heat for departing from their fundamentally roots driven music, replacing banjos for more electric sounds. Regardless of the detractors, this album is fantastic and is a true testament to the most excellent musicianship of all members. All songs are great. However, picking a few favorites: Wilder Mind, The Wolf, Believe, Tompkins Square Park, Monster, bah….every song is just wonderful!

02. Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins, Garden Songs. Being a huge fan of the Canadian indie rock gods, Lowest of the Low, by default I am also quite the fan of singer songwriter Ron Hawkins (lead vocalist of the band). When I first heard “Saskia Begins” on the CBC radio, it immediately brought back good feelings. This album also helped to reignite my passion for making music and was instrumental in helping me get me through the break-up of my own band, Burns and Maciag which happened this year. What it did? Well, with my band’s break-up I was all set to lay low musically. On hearing this album, it re-energized me to get over it and start playing/practicing and writing again on my own. For that I am very thankful. It made me realize that playing and making music (and art) is a part of who I am and what I want to be doing. Amazing how music can do that! From the beautiful harmonies, to catchy grooves, this album is quite simply wonderful. All songs are great, but picking a few favorites: Propellers, Garden Song, Peace and Quiet, kingdom of the Sun, and Waiting on Something That’s Already Here – this song in particular got me playing and writing again, although I may have made up my own interpretation, it helped me bite the bullet and join the Regina Mandolin Orchestra (such a great experience that this has been) as well as pick up the pen, paper, harp, and guitar again.

01. Alan Doyle, So Let’s Go. One album that was continually ringing through my ears in 2015 was “So Let’s Go.” This is a true testament to the greatness of this album for me as it was released in January of 2015, way at the beginning of it all! Alan is such a wonderful musician and person. From his Great Big Sea days to his solo efforts, he has an energy about him that can only be described as magical. Seeing him live at the Casino this year was one of my most memorable highlights of the year. I also made an effort to read his book which I got for Christmas in 2014, “Where I Belong” which was just as touching a read as his music is to listen to. As with Ron’s album in #2, this album also helped me get back on the musical path, inspiring me to play/practice and write music again. “So Let’s Go” is just a beautiful album made by a beautiful human being.

Final thoughts:

Well, there you have it, my top 10 of 2015. Great year for me and a wonderful year for music. Will I blog more next year, who knows…ha. Regardless, cheers to 2015, and bring on 2016! -tMac
December 28, 2015
2014 albums of the year
It is that time of year again. Lots of great music this year. All in all, I had 89 albums to reduce down to 10. The last 5 cuts were most difficult. They included (in band-name alphabetical order):
- “High Noon” by the Arkells
- “Sleeping Operator” by the Barr Brothers
- “Shines For All the People” by Mike Farris
- “The Future Happens Anyway” by NQ Arbuckle
- “Departures” by The Once.
Just a fantastic year for music! So, here we go with the top 10 goodness…

10. “Shrink Dust” by Chad VanGaalen. My friend Jason also had this album on his top 10 of 2014 list and his words actually very much mirror how I feel about this dude, and this album. A few years ago, Jason, his wife, and I went to the Exchange to see Chad and his band play. It was hands down, the worst show I have ever seen. Loud, obnoxious, out of tune, and the man and his band seemingly laughing about it. It could be their thing to do so but at $30 per ticket, I expect a little more. Regardless, Chad and Co. make very beautiful music. I try hard to dislike him, but I suppose not that hard as this album is a delight in my ears. My favs include: “Weighted Sin”, “Monster”, and “Where Are You.”

09. “Work and Love” by Elliot Brood. Casey Laforet, Mark Sasso, and Stephen Pitkin really do know how to make beautiful music. I’ve seen these fine lads multiple times and each time does not disappoint. Just good ol’ toe tapping, wonderful music. Actually, the last time I saw these folks was at the Exchange and they had the whole crowd jumping up and down. I actually felt the floor flexing! (crazy but strangely excellent!) My favs include: “Little Ones”, “Jigsaw Heart”, “Each Other’s Kids”, and “Tired”

08. “South” by Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. Those who know me well know that Tom, Stephen, and Colin are huge influences in my music. Especially Tom and his deep dark voice (a lot like my musical voice in Burns & Maciag). Really, everything these fine folks do is gold. This album is simply a delight. It is more folky than their last few albums, which is likely why it really stood out for me this year. It seems the older I get, the more folk I get! Although I still also do love the heavy metal. As Rob Zombie said, something along the lines of “once a metalhead, always a metalhead.” I digress (ha). Favs on this album include: “Reinventing the Wheel of Love”, “North”, “South”, “I’d Have to be a Stone”, and “I’m Still Lovin’ You.”

07. “Help Your Self” by Sean McCann. When I first heard the news of Great Big Sea (GBS) sailing out the harbour I must admit I was in shock. I simply love GBS. Their music will always be in my playlists. I only wish I had seen them during the farewell tour. They came around these parts late last year but it was on a work night in Moose Jaw so I opted not to go (shit!). Although GBS has sailed away, the members are still individually making tunes. Alan has a new one coming out in January (looking so forward to this one) and Sean had this one in 2014. What a fantastic album this is! It is new and refreshing. Favs include: “Run”, “Wish you Well”, “Stronger”, and “Fire.”

06. “Once More ‘Round the Sun” by Mastodon. Here we go – MeTaL!! I love love love these dudes. I became a fan of them on their last album, “The Hunter” and have since got all their albums – all of which are AWEsome! “Once More ‘Round the Sun” does not disappoint. Fantastico! As you’ll see in the video below, there is a humour to their tunes. The official video for “The Motherload” is so hilarious, poking a bit of fun at the “twerk” (I must admit, I have turned into my dad lately – not really understanding the kids of the current generation…I mean , twerk? …WTF….ha). Favs include: “The Motherload”, “Tread Lightly”, “Ashes in the Deep”, “High Road”, and “Ember City”

05. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” by Against Me! We’re midway here folks. I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to think of this album at first when I first heard about the lead singers transgenderism – not that I have difficulty with such things, just that I had been a fan for so long and, let’s face it, this is a pretty radical change. That all said, whatever you think of things like this, this album is classic Against Me! and it rocks ever so much. Favs include: “Black Me Out”, “True Trans Soul Rebel”, “Transgender Dysphoria Blues”, “Unconditional Love”, and “Dead Friend.”

04. “They Promised You Mercy” by Amelia Curran. Amelia is one of those rare souls that you come across in life, a person that just radiates all that is good. I’ve seen her perform a few times and each time was, simply put, magical. Her last album also was in my top 10. This album is no different – just wonderful. Favs include: “I am the Night”, “Song on the Radio”, “Somebody Somewhere”, “Coming For You” (this one is just WoW!), and “Fables & Troubles”

03. “Morning Phase” by Beck. I must say, I was pretty skeptical of this release by Beck. My memories of Beck only really include “Loser” – oh the 90’s 😉 That all changed on my first listen of this so very beautiful album. The layered acoustics and airing atmosphere. All I can say is WOW. It is just an all around wonderful album. I love every song on this album but if I were to pick favs, “Blue Moon”, “Country Down”, “Morning”, and “Blackbird Chain.”

02. “Indie Cindy” by the Pixies. Ok, getting down to the wire now here ladies and gents. After a crazy long hiatus, Frank Black and Co. return with this most excellent album. I might even dare to say that this is my favourite Pixies album (this is just crazy talk…bah to you says I…ha!). From the opening “BOOM” track to “Indie Cindy” to “Blue Eyed Hexe” to “Snakes” – this whole album is an ear yummy masterpiece (that’s right, ear yum yum!). Between this one and my number 1 album below are the narrowest of margins. Favs are those mentioned plus “Greens and Blues” and “Magdelena.” All of it really – so good!

01. “Mended with Gold” by The Rural Alberta Advantage. “Our Love – Our Love Love Love, Love Will Bring Ya Down, Love Love Love, Love will Burn it Down” Right from the opening track of this fantastic album, it had me. I saw these fine folks a couple years back at the Knox church with Dan Mangan. Loved them then, loved them before, still loving them now. “Mended with Gold” is just as excellent as their first 2 albums. Such energy, such great musicianship. Their song writing as well, simply wonderful. Do yourself a favour and pick up this little beaut. On the 33 it spins every other day and in the google play it is a constant. As I said above, between this album and the Pixies “Indie Cindy”, I constantly had them playing and will likely to continue to have them for all time. Every song is a delight but if picking favs is my thing, they would include: “Terrified”, “Our Love”, “Runners in the Night”, “On the Rocks”, and “Vulcan, AB”, and “Not Love or Death.”

Well, there it is. Yet another fantastic year in music. Actually, it was just a fantastic year in general. A lot happened – first home purchase (I’m still getting used to this one), marriage to my lovely Bean, new job! (I am a Supervisor/Team Lead!!…wha!!!! – but I am loving the job – helping people succeed at work brings so much satisfaction), trip to NFLD (amazing place). Thesis still is in the works, but hopefully soon now. I really need to do a 2014 year in review with pics. After the wedding/shindig thing, Newfoundland was the most amazing time. What a wonderful place! Here is bean and me dancing to the fine sounds of the Bystanders (thanks so much to those gents too, and my musical life partner Jason)

Before signing off for another year, I always say maybe I’ll blog more in the coming year – and maybe I will! 🙂 But just in case not – stay well out there everyone!

Signing off for now – tMac
December 20, 2014
2013 albums of the year
Well well well. It seems my blog has all but died but for my annual “albums of the year.” Perhaps this year I’ll make more of an effort to write more…yes. But alas, I say this each and every year. No Miley here friends. Also, Arcade Fire??? …WTF??? Omitting the blah blah, here is my top 10 of 2013, with some honourable mentions. For the most part, another great year in music! 🙂

10. City and Colour, “The Hurry and the Harm” (LP)

Dallas Green has the voice of an angel. Yes, simply beautiful. From the opening track, “The Hurry and the Harm”, to “The Lonely Life”, to the slightly more rockin’ first single “Thirst” to the angelic “Take Care.” A solid good and great album.

09. Young Galaxy, “Ultramarine” (LP)

I have always been a fan of Young Galaxy. There is something I really like about the smooth, toe tapping melodies that they make. Favourites on this album include: “Fever”, “Pretty Boy”, “New Summer”, “Fall for you”, “What We Want”

08. The Black Angels, “Indigo Meadow” (LP)

I simply love these folks. Super psychedelic. One could for surely got lost in the reverb grooves (haha!). Favourites include: “Evil Things”, “Broken Soldier”, “War on Holiday”, “Love Me Forever” and, of course, “Don’t Play with Guns”

07. Shotgun Jimmie, “Everything, Everything” (LP)

Someone, this “one” in particular, would consider Shotgun Jimmie to be a national treasure. His infectious beats, not to mention his most excellent of live show that he puts on, his kind nature. Just a fantastic person and musician. So many favourites on this one but in choosing, “Carry On”, “3212” (tractor beam, tractor beam!), “Skype Date”, “Proud Champions”, “Standing in a Line”, “Growing Like a Garden” (fantastic live!), and “Sum of my Parts”

06. Ron Sexsmith, “Forever Endeavour” (LP)

Although making comparisons really isn’t a fair thing to do, if I were to do a comparison I would say Ron Sexsmith is the Neil Young of my generation. From his thoughtful songwriting, to his delicate guitar and beautiful voice. Perhaps another Canadian treasure! Favourites include: “If Only Avenue”, “Back of My Hand”, “Nowhere Is”, “She Does My Heart Good”, “Nowhere to Go”, and “Me, Myself, and Wine”

05. Killswitch Engage, “Disarm the Descent” (CD)

What an album! My brother Joey introduced me to these fine lads. I always say, once a metal fan, always a metal fan. And these boys sure do metal well!! Not to mention that this album in particular has done wonders during my bicycling routine 🙂 My favourites include: “In Due Time”, “Time Will Not Remain”, “The Hell in Me”, “Slave to the Machine”, “Beyond the Flames.” What a kick ass album!

04. Vampire Weekend, “Modern Vampires of the City” (LP)

“If ‘Diane Young’ won’t change your mind, baby, baby, baby, baby right on time.” Since first hearing this song I was like, “What the What, so good!” Ok, I think I might have the lame award there. But seriously, this album is fan-tas-tic! From “Don’t Lie”, to “Everlasting Arms”, “Obvious Bicycle”, “Finger Back”, “Step”, “Ya Hey” …ya hey, there is not one bad song on this album! If you don’t have this, whatcha waiting for!?!

https://youtu.be/bg4c3L0rq1Q

03. Portage and Main, “Never Had the Time” (LP)

Truth be told, when I first heard these guys I really did not like them. Perhaps it was the Radio3 over playing their single. Unsure. However, this album soon became a highlight of my 2013. Seeing them live at the Artesian was one of my most memorable highlights this year for live music (Skydiggers as well, and of course, you’ll soon be finding out about another 😉 Perhaps “The Band” of my generation. I just love this album! Every song is great but in choosing favourites, “Oona Jean”, “Epitaph”, “Sweet Darlin”, “As a Child”, “This Old Heart”, “It is You”, and “Better Man”…yeesh, just all 10 songs are great!

02. Blue Rodeo, “In Our Nature” (LP)

One of my favourite bands of all time, and one of Canada’s finest (or the world’s for that matter). This particular album is really so very great. Truth be told, it has rekindled my eagerness to write music of my own (just as Portage and Main as well as my #1 album of 2013). Such a treat for everyones ears 🙂 All is good but if picking a few favourites, “Paradise”, “Over Me”, “Mattawa”, “Made Your Mind Up”, “Wondering” and “New Morning Sun” …oh and “Out of the Blue” …and “Never Too Late” …and “When the Truth Comes Out” …and 😉

01. David Francey, “So Say We All” (CD)

One of my most favourite days of 2013 (minus a really big day I had in May ;), we went out to see this lovely person with his band at the Exchange. If you have not heard of David and his music, please do yourself a favour and youtube it up! I’ve listened to this album now thousands of times and I get shivers and goosebumps still. I always say the sign of a great song is one that gives me goosebumps. There are no individual favourites as I love each song on this album start to finish, from the opening “Rain”, to “Pandora’s Box” to “Satellite” to “Long Long Road” (so very great), to “Blue Yonder” (listening right now and goosebumps!!), to “BitterRoot” – “So Say We All,” this album is pure brilliance!

Well, there you have it friends! My top 10 of 2013. What I like to call “cyrus-free!” and, sadly, Arcade Fire free (what the hell was that that they released?!?) There were many other very good albums of 2013, just to mention a few, in no particular order:
- The National, “Trouble Will Find Me” (LP)
- Justin Rutledge, “Valleyheart” (CD)
- Alice in Chains, “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here” (LP)
- Basia Bulat, “Tall Tall Shadow” (LP)
- Burns and Maciag, “Neyaskwaw” (LP) – of course I would have this one!! 🙂
- Pearl Jam, “Lightening Bolt” (CD)
- Powerwolf, “Preachers of the Night” (CD)
- Pokey LaFarge, Self Titled” (LP)
- Dream Theater, “Self Titled” (LP)
- The Burning Hell, “People” (LP)
Here’s hoping for a great 2014 for music! – tMac
January 4, 2014
My #ETMOOC Experiences

As my PhD dissertation nears completion – hopefully soon, …hey there man, there is still some work to do there! …Oh-oh, talking to myself again 🙂 OK, whoops (tehe)…and I begin my post-university life as a Knowledge Base Analyst (Knowledge Coordinator/Manager) for eHealth Saskatchewan, I see exciting times ahead. As I travel on my continued path of life-long learning, having been thrust into the world of business (again), torn from the comfiness of the academic world that I have grown quite fond of (oh my, the drama!), I find myself turning back again (Bilbo style) as I began investigating, as John Dewey describes, new experiences to aid in my betterment in conducting my job related activities. As the Knowledge Coordinator for eHealth I am tasked with the building of a collaborative organizational learning and knowledge network and cluster – A community of practice if you will. My experiences at work thus far have been excellent. Most everyone I have chatted with, teams and individuals, have been very open and eager to begin this journey with me. This openness and positivity has made me even more eager to build on my own knowledge, learning about different possibilities and courses of action.

Enter #ETMOOC, an online and highly collaborative, and at times participatory, activity being offered by Alec Couros, a University of Regina professor in Educational Technology, along with many other contributing individuals. #ETMOOC is a MOOC, a Massive Open Online Course – the “ET” standing for Educational Technology. For an excellent description of what this is, here’s a video by Dave Cormier:

With the building of a community of practice around knowledge management I have, thus far, found my #ETMOOC experience to be invaluable. One of the most significant outputs on my collaborative and participatory experiences has been learning, from Dave Cormier, about Rhizomatic learning. I find this concept truly fascinating and will likely apply it to the work I am doing at eHealth. From the concept of Rhizomatic learning I also learned about a framework for knowledge management called Cyenfin. Cynefin, developed by Dave Snowden, is a Welsh term for “habitat” or “place of multiple belongings.” The framework describes specific categories of knowledge, i.e. simple, complicated, chaotic, and complex (i.e. knowledge management itself), the different activities (safe-fails, attractors, etc.) that one could conduct, among other things. I too find this work extremely fascinating.

Here is Dave talking about it here:

In taking part in collaborative #ETMOOC Blackboard Collaborate sessions I have learned about several other interesting things. The most recent session I watched was on the power of narratives – a presentation run by Alan Levine. As Alan posted on his Twitter, the video I have posted below highlights the potential power and usefulness of narratives. I find this work quite interesting. I too am using narratives, a technique referred to as narrative inquiry, in my PhD dissertation (to find out what people truly care about when forming decisions relating to food selections). I have also been actively using narratives in my job activities at eHealth. Here, I am interviewing both teams and individuals, asking them to relate the experiences, habits, and interactions that comprise their daily work lives. My experience in conducting this activity has been quite successful in better understanding the inner workings of my organization. With this I am also actively thinking about how to apply the notion of business narratives to further aid in organizational learning and knowledge. I still have many questions but it was #ETMOOC that opened the door and it may very well be #ETMOOC that helps me define further safe-fail investigations (the notion of safe-fail is part of the Cyenfin framework – see the video above).

From #ETMOOC I also learned from Dean Shareski about sharing and responsibility (rather than enforcing the notion of accountability). I have learned about connected learning from Alec Couros. Of interest here was the distinction between: little boxes (silo’ed groups/teams), glocalization (the ideal perhaps? – where specialized groups, or clusters form in compliment to the general network of an organization), and networked individualism (everyone doing their own thing, regardless of network and space, leaning on their developed network to aid in daily activities). I believe my organization, and likely many others, are somewhere between little boxes and glocalization. The exciting aspect is how to define a model of interaction that is best suited for an organization. Although, based on their article, it is my understanding that the authors cite networked individualism as the way of the future, I am not so convinced it can be as successful as something like glocalization (especially for my organization). Again, I have many questions, #ETMOOC opening the door and #ETMOOC helping me to continue my investigations.

My #ETMOOC experiences have been quite illuminating thus far. They are just beginning and they are ongoing. I would like to thank Alec Couros, the many contributors mentioned in my post here (and those not mentioned – this blog post is too long already!), and those who also participate in blogging, posting on Twitter, and interacting in Blackboard Collaborate sessions. This has been, and is surely still to be, a highly educational and wonderful learning experience. One that has benefited both my school activities as well as my work activities. I’m leaving you with the following video that was also highlighted by one of #ETMOOC’s many participants -tMac

February 17, 2013
2012 albums of the year
It’s been a bit too long since I updated here. Just a brief update until I get to the business at hand. Still have some work to do re: thesis but it’s almost there. My weight loss efforts have taken a little hit recently with +4lbs re-gain over the last 3 months, +3lbs just over the Christmas break – eGaDs!! But I am re-focusing my efforts to get back on track. The holiday season and all the food grazing and rum egg nog and ale was not very kind to me but it did rekindle my awareness that I’ve put in some good work and that I need to reamin focused so it’s not all lost. I’m back in industry again starting in the new year working for eHealth Saskatchewan as a Knowledgebase Analyst, and my happiness project is still on track and Nova even got me Gretchen’s new book “Happier at Home” which I’m really looking forward to reading.

Ok, to the business at hand, my top 10 picks for 2012 albums of the year. This year I listened to 63 new albums and dwindled my top picks to 20. This is where the task became terribly difficult. In removing albums from my top 20 list I felt like I was nitpicking but I did manage to dwindle things down (it was very very hard indeed). I did add a few extra “honorable mentions” as this year, like all years since I started doing this, had some most fantastic music ringing in my ears. This year I also started purchasing vinyl and let me tell you, what a different listening experience indeed. I actually think I like and appreciate the music more when spinning records on the ol’ 33. In brackets after each album are the various formats I have listened to the album in.

10. Justin Townes Earle, Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now (LP, MP3). This was an early favorite for me and it has been a constant in my playlists and on the 33. My favorites on this album include: Movin’ On, Memphis in the Rain, Baby’s Got a Bad Idea, Look the Other Way, and Maria.

09. Bidiniband, In the Rock Hall (MP3). Missing one of my favorite bands of all time, the Rheostatics, a good close second are the various side projects the members of the band have been putting out throughout the years. It took me a little time to get into the groove of Dave and Co.’s recent album here but once I did, I loved it! My favorites include: I Wanna Go To Yemen, Hey Paul and Donna, Needle Beach/Outdoor Motors, Big Men Go Fast on the Water, and Last of the Dead Wrong Things.

08. Rah Rah, The Poet’s Dead (LP, MP3). Regina-based band really puts out an excellent album here. Actually, my favorite song of the year, Prairie Girl, is on this album – such a great song. This is one of the many albums that inspires me to pick up my guitar and write or pick up a paint brush and paint. It is just a good album! My favorites include: Prairie Girl, Art & A Wife, Dead Men, I’m a Killer, and The Poet’s Dead.

07. Soundgarden, King Animal (LP, MP3). Wow!! One of my favorite bands from my high school years, and a band that was, and still is, a huge inspiration musically. They’ve come back! Kim Thayil is quite simply one awesome guitarist and Chris Cornell on vocals, Matt Cameron on Drums, and Ben Shepherd on bass all equal one recipe for musical awesomeness. I love this album. Favorites include: Eyelids Mouth, Non-State Actor, By Crooked Steps, Taree, Attrition, Black Saturday, and Halfway There.

06. The Walkmen, Heaven (LP, MP3). I could not believe that I hadn’t heard of these folks before. When I first heard this album I immediately knew it was something special. My favorites include: Heaven, We Can’t Be Beat, Song For Leigh, Line by Line, Nightingales, Love is Luck, and The Love You Love.

05. Cowboy Junkies, The Wilderness (LP, MP3). One of the highlights of the year for me was when Jason and I headed up to the Cedar Lodge just outside of Saskatoon to see these fine folks. As part of a 4-LP/CD set called The Nomad Series this is the forth and final album. Such a great album! My favorites include: Fairytale, Unanswered Letter, I Let Him In, We Are the Selfish Ones, and Damaged From the Start.

04. John K. Samson, Provincial (LP, MP3). Another early 2012 album release – which could have been easily overlooked. Alas it surely was not as it was always a constant in my playlists and on the 33. From the opening song Highway 1 East you just know that you are listening to something special. My favorite song, partially maybe due to my own thesis, well, it was just given away (haha!). An very cool album with favorites including: When I Write My Masters Thesis, Highway 1 East, Highway 1 West, Heart of the Continent, and Grace General.

03. The Gaslight Anthem, Handwritten (LP, MP3). This album was an instant classic. Such raw energy and emotion from this New Jersey-based band. All of their albums are constantly in rotation on the 33 and otherwise. My favorites include: Handwritten, “45”, Howl, Biloxi Parish, bah!! It’s all great! Seriously, if you don’t have this album, go buy it now!

02. Amelia Curran, Spectators (CD, MP3). Another highlight of my year is when Nova, Jason, and I went to the Artful Dodger, a wonderfully beautiful music venue that just opened up in Regina, to see Amelia and her band (with opener Joe Nolan who was also AWEsome!). Such a talent and special person. On this album she adds a few more instruments to her normal repertoire and although this departs a tad from what we’re used to, still a very excellent album. Although all songs are great, if picking a few favorites they would surely include: San Andreas Fault, Blackbird on Fire, Years, and The Great Escape. Like with #3, go buy now!

01. Mumford & Sons, Babel (LP, MP3). And to the #1 of 2012 for me. This band was a band I just was introduced to in 2012 very recently. Simply fantastic! Beautiful harmonies, excellent musicianship. These folks make me happy and are constantly spinning on the 33 or on the playlist. As with the last 2 albums all songs on this album are great but if I must pick a few: Lover of the Light, I Will Wait, Holland Road, and Hopeless Wanderer just to name a few 😉

Honorable mentions (no particular order, basically those in my top 20):
- Andrew Bird, Break It Yourself (LP, MP3)
- Mike O’Neill, Wild Lines (MP3)
- The Skydiggers, Northern Shore (CD, MP3)
- Joel Plaskett, Scrappy Happiness (LP, MP3)
- The Lumineers, Self Titled (LP, MP3)
- Patrick Watson, Adventures In Your Own Backyard (LP, MP3)
- Rush, Clockwork Angels (LP, MP3)
- The Tragically Hip, Now For Plan A (LP, MP3)
- The Wilderness of Manitoba, Island of Echoes (MP3)
- The Wooden Sky, Every Child a Daughter Every Moon A Sun (LP, MP3)
That’s all folks. As always, here’s hoping for a musically excellent next year! -t.Mac
December 28, 2012