Here's the Thing...

Music, sports, TV, movies...I like it all and here it is.

[the-real-jmac-blog]

And we're back...After a lengthy hiatus from the ol' tumlbr!

Anyway, I figured what better way to jump back into the swing of things than to talk about The Lumineers. I'm loving this band right now. I guess this really won't come as a surprise to those that know me seeing as I'm a big fan of this folk-rock style of music.

"Ho Hey" is a great song to introduce anyone who isn't already familiar with The Lumineers. It's such a nice, simple, melodic song that puts a smile on your face. 

This sort of music makes you realize that there are still plenty of talented musicians out there who are amazing at their craft. No autotune necessary here. No overproduced sounds. Just a great track with nice vocals. It's fun, easy listening. Even the band just looks happy in this video. If I were making music like this with my friends I'm sure I'd have that same look.

[the-real-jmac-blog]

Plants and Animals are a solid indie-rock band out of Montreal. These guys aren't new to the Canadian music scene (they released their first album back in 2008) but it wasn't until recently that I really started listening to more of their music. Once you give them a listen you'll also be glad you did.

Anyway, I've been enjoying this song lately - and the video is pretty cool too. Enjoy "The Lightshow" and check out the rest of their new album The End of That.

[the-real-jmac-blog]

This song will have a place on every mother's special day for years to come thanks to Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake. These two guys are super creepy, incredibly hilarious and give moms everywhere the gift they really want on Mother's day...Laughter, of course. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Happy Mother's day!

[the-real-jmac-blog]

Animal Liberation Orchestra (A.L.O.) is pretty great. Enjoy this little acoustic jam courtesy of Zach Gill from A.L.O.'s new album "Sounds Like This".

Try not to feel good when you're listening to "Storms and Hurricanes".

[the-real-jmac-blog]

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are awesome. I saw them do a similiar performance of this song when they opened for Ben Harper last summer and the whole show unreal. Just an amazing concert...and this song is great.

[the-real-jmac-blog]

The Beastie Boys were a big influence on myself and a lot of my friends growing up. The band and music industry as a whole was hit with some terrible news last Friday when Adam Yauch (aka MCA) passed away.

Every year at Laurentian University a competition called "Airbandz" takes place to raise funds for cancer research. This is an Airband we did in 2004 at that competition. We decided to act as one of our favourite bands, the Beastie Boys. With so many great songs to choose from, this is the mix we made and performed.

I post this as a 'thank you' to MCA and to the Beastie Boys. Rest in peace, MCA.