By Aaron Levy (CIVL Station Manager) – Email
Print Edition: November 13, 2013
CIVL station manager Aaron Levy loves that the Cascade Journalism Society provides CIVL Radio with the opportunity to promote itself throughout their lovely pages.
Gandharvas – “Downtime”
One of the first music videos I ever saw, in true 90s odd-coloured and psychedelic imagery. The high-pitched wails of this London, Ontario grunge outfit’s last great single, in my eyes, eclipses their original hit, “First Day of Spring.” There was also “Watching the Girl,” with the snake-swallowing.
Spin Doctors – “What Time Is It?”
Not their biggest hit, but definitely like the first music video I ever saw, certainly before that Gandharvas classic. Think Soul Asylum or more uppers, or Metallica, but not at all. This is a lazy song, from a lazy band, for lazy listening. It sure ain’t no “Runaway Train.” Four-thirty.
Florence and the Machine – “My Boy Builds Coffins”
He has no use for sails, and he builds coffins, but nothing else. No ships, but one coffin each for he and his lover, she, who has wroteth this song. Pretty dark, pretty dingy, pretty reminiscent of Pirates, without the bird sparrows. She’s famous, so you can’t criticize. And scene.
The Dresden Dolls – “Coin Operator Boy”
Lead songstress Amanda Palmer not only recruits local musicians to perform in your town on her touring itinerary, but also invites naked women from the audience up on stage to entertain you. I don’t know if I approve, but it kind of worked for The Boss. Dancing, not dark.