“I’ll take the alleyway today. No need for streets, I’d just compete with other people.” Fun introduction to a character who likes to be alone, but the band – well, you’ll see them in the videos, they love life, and love being able to share themselves with the world. Their music is addictive, and their energy is enthralling. It’s funny how I was introduced to these folks. I was on the beach on Mustang Island, just south of Corpus Christi, looking at the Gulf of Mexico and the oil rigs on the horizon. I was contemplating how beautiful the oceans off California were without the rigs on the horizon when some music brought me out of these thoughts and I got to visit with another music lover. He had two singles, and was quite willing to share, so I have listened to them over and over. He also told me about a page where I could listen to them live on CDC radio. Click here to here the concert. The ‘irony’ is that here I was on the Gulf of Mexico listening to a band from Canada called Hey Ocean singing a song about California while my mind had been contemplating the oceans of California. It’s a small world after all.
Which brings me to the shoutouts, A Song About California (“can’t think of a single thing to sing about this place”) & Fish (“I felt so at ease slipping in and out of the ocean breeze”). The bands strongest point is its ability to delve into many styles and make them sound naturally their own, be it rock, folk, reggae, jazz, pop, or singer-songwriter. It is also very exciting that they have different singers taking on the tasks of different songs, and beautifully harmonizing with perfect pop sensibilities. They look and sound young, have managed to get two albums under their belt, and have top-notch musicianship that will carry them in the music business for many years to come.
I have not heard their albums, but I have listened to the live show and the singles many times. I am confident that the albums will portray the same love of life that these folks so willingly share on their singles. Check ‘em out.
Stop Looking Like Music (2007)
It's Easier to Be Somebody Else (2008)
Hey Ocean - A Song About California
Hey Ocean! on MySpace
