Artists

Have a look at this video. Then consider the fact that the music and visuals were created - written, played, sung, recorded, drawn, animated - entirely by one man. Isn't this exactly the kind of gentleman you'd like to become better acquainted with? Isn't it the most murderous chorus you've ever sung along to? Don't you want to know more about his work?

Well, ok then. Chad Vangaalen used to busk as a one-man band, playing guitar, harmonica and drums at once (we don't know how, exactly). He makes and modifies his own instruments. From 2004’s debut Infiniheart and 2006’s Skelliconnection, both released by local label Flemish eye and south of the border indie giant Sub Pop, VanGaalen seemed to pretty much embody a ramshackle, DIY aesthetic reminiscent of early Beck, and sounds occasionally not unlike a more evil Sufjan Stevens. However on 2008's Polaris Prize nominated Soft Airplane it becomes pretty clear the best comparison, however, may be with fellow Canadian Neil Young; he shares Young's penchant for swinging between gorgeous, melancholy folksiness ('Willow Tree') and raw, ragged rockers ('Poisonous Heads'). Never one to rest on laurels, he also produced fellow Calgary band Women's debut album (in his basement, apparently, on ghettoblasters and old tape machine) and a year later brought an album out under the electronic alter ego of Black Mold.

MP3: Chad VanGaalen - Electric Light (2008) RCRDLBL link
MP3: Chad VanGaalen - Willow Tree (2008) via Stereogum