JF Robitaille’s playlist

Montreal’s indie treasure JF Robitaille is officially an export.

The singer’s latest album Rival Hearts was just launched in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, less than a year since its Canadian release.

On account of all the applause, JF chased his praised effort with a string of European tour dates, making buzzed-about introductions and leaving lasting impressions.

Now that Europe is speaking his name, the Montreal-born troubadour is crossing back over the Atlantic and has yet another concert in the works, a homecoming gig, planned for this Friday at the staple Plateau Mont-Royal dive, O Patro Vys.

“I’m playing more shows than I’ve ever played and I’m really psyched about that,” JF says of his busy schedule.

While European introductions were necessary on his trek, the extra effort won’t be needed this week. JF is no stranger to his home town. 

Since his 2006 debut, The Blood in My Body, JF’s talent has been recognized and compared to songwriting masters Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

“I don’t mind those comparisons. Who would?” he laughs. “I take that as a massive compliment. Especially since I’ve always seen Leonard Cohen as an outsider who does his own thing.”

Coinciding with his return, JF released a new video for his fresh single, “Echoes,” which can be viewed here, and he compiled a playlist of personal favorites for you below. 

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The Words That Maketh Murder – PJ Harvey

“The whole Let England Shake record is incredible and this song in particular blows me away. Topical songwriting is one of the hardest things to pull off without sounding trite or heavy handed and she does it perfectly.”

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The Traitor – Leonard Cohen

“Love, war, God, sex, mothers… I don’t know how he does this. A perfect song.”

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Strange Powers – The Magnetic Fields

“My favorite opening line of all time: On the Ferris wheel/ looking out on Coney Island/under more stars than/there are prostitutes in Thailand.”

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Venus – Television

“I’ve always just fucking loved it. Go listen to it right now.”

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Lakes of Pontchartrain – Paul Brady

“Everything I love about folk music. Great storytelling and sung and played beautifully by Paul Brady.”

JF plays O Patro Vys in Montreal on Friday, June 13 at 10 p.m. Connect with JF on facebook and twitter for more info.

Get his latest album, Rival Hearts, on iTunes now.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Jun 9 2014. Filed under Celebrity Playlist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.