Damn, I haven't posted in FOREVER. I can't even remember the last time I actually felt motivated to blog, but I was randomly browsing the internet tonight and flipping through some Tumblr accounts dedicated to Dum Dum Girls.... not even necessarily music-related, but for outfit inspirations.
Anyway! Bambi Davies, the former bass player of Dum Dum Girls, left the band a little while back to pursue her own project - Cheap Curls. Her real name is Katie Serbian-Brouillette, by the way.
The reason I'm posting? I listened to this song - "Jackie Oh," which will be on Cheap Curls' debut 7" - to be released on Art Fag Recordings in May. Garage-y lo-fi rock, girl vocals and catchy. Yeah, that's my sort of music. Check it out!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Top Ten Albums of 2011
I haven't blogged in a REALLY LONG TIME, people. I've had a lot going on - I'm constantly composing blog posts in my head when I'm not at the computer but never seen to have time to actually draft something up or even log in to Blogger.
I've been thinking about getting all personal and writing a post or two about how my year has been - a lot has happened in 2011, so it seems appropriate to put it into words on my blog. That is, if I can find the time. Sigh!
But of course, my first priority is to post my top albums of 2011. When I sorted albums by year in iTunes, I was somewhat surprised at all the albums that came out in 2011 but didn't make a huge impact in my life. I feel mildly guilty not going crazy over albums that everyone seemed to love this year (most notably, Bon Iver). It's not to say I didn't like these albums, but they didn't really resonate that deeply with me... and therefore didn't result in many repeated listenings.
Anyway! These are the ten albums that I played the heck out of this year. If you check out my Last.fm profile, you'll see that I'm not joking. Dum Dum Girls and Tennis were my absolute favourites this year. Timber Timbre and Anna Calvi were definitely my favourite discoveries. In regards to Timber Timbre, I do believe I tweeted at some point that this band is filling that M. Ward-shaped hole in my heart (but please release something SOON, M. Ward - I do love She & Him, but I need some solo stuff).
1. Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams
2. Tennis - Cape Dory
3. Anna Calvi - s/t
4. The Elected - Bury Me In My Rings
5. Sarah Slean - Land & Sea
6. Nicole Atkins - Mondo Amore
7. Timber Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On
8. The Kills - Blood Pressures
9. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
10. Wild Flag - s/t
Favourite album released in 2011 that wasn't technically "new" but still made my year:
Beach Boys - The Smile Sessions
Honourable mentions:
La Sera - s/t
Beirut - The Rip Tide
Favourite standalone song:
"So Long" by Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward from the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack (they weren't billed as She & Him on the tracklisting, most likely to capitalize on Zooey's name...)
All right, that's all from me for now. Hopefully I'll find some time to post again soon!
I've been thinking about getting all personal and writing a post or two about how my year has been - a lot has happened in 2011, so it seems appropriate to put it into words on my blog. That is, if I can find the time. Sigh!
But of course, my first priority is to post my top albums of 2011. When I sorted albums by year in iTunes, I was somewhat surprised at all the albums that came out in 2011 but didn't make a huge impact in my life. I feel mildly guilty not going crazy over albums that everyone seemed to love this year (most notably, Bon Iver). It's not to say I didn't like these albums, but they didn't really resonate that deeply with me... and therefore didn't result in many repeated listenings.
Anyway! These are the ten albums that I played the heck out of this year. If you check out my Last.fm profile, you'll see that I'm not joking. Dum Dum Girls and Tennis were my absolute favourites this year. Timber Timbre and Anna Calvi were definitely my favourite discoveries. In regards to Timber Timbre, I do believe I tweeted at some point that this band is filling that M. Ward-shaped hole in my heart (but please release something SOON, M. Ward - I do love She & Him, but I need some solo stuff).
1. Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams
2. Tennis - Cape Dory
3. Anna Calvi - s/t
4. The Elected - Bury Me In My Rings
5. Sarah Slean - Land & Sea
6. Nicole Atkins - Mondo Amore
7. Timber Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On
8. The Kills - Blood Pressures
9. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
10. Wild Flag - s/t
Favourite album released in 2011 that wasn't technically "new" but still made my year:
Beach Boys - The Smile Sessions
Honourable mentions:
La Sera - s/t
Beirut - The Rip Tide
Favourite standalone song:
"So Long" by Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward from the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack (they weren't billed as She & Him on the tracklisting, most likely to capitalize on Zooey's name...)
All right, that's all from me for now. Hopefully I'll find some time to post again soon!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Brian Wilson @ Massey Hall, June 18, 2011.
First of all, I'd like to wish Brian Wilson a happy birthday today - June 20. Hard to believe he's a year younger than my dad.
Second of all, I just checked back in my blog entries tagged with "Brian Wilson" and "Beach Boys" and I can't believe I never mentioned (back in November 2010 when I bought tickets, no less) that I would be seeing Brian Wilson perform at Massey Hall on June 18! I know I tweeted about it on Twitter and posted about it (somewhat excessively?) on Facebook the day I purchased tickets, but why I didn't post about it on my blog is kind of baffling to me!
So that glorious day has come and gone, and here I am, on Brian Wilson's 69th birthday, updating my blog with a review of his show at Massey Hall this past Saturday.
The show started promptly at 7:30 - as Brian Wilson and his band made their way onto the stage, the crowd applauded wildly and quickly got to their feet. How many artists can boast they've received a standing ovation before even performing a single song? But honestly, I can think of very few artists who would deserve it as much.
Having read so many accounts, biographies and articles of his past reluctance and anxiety with performing, I guess I was a bit surprised at how charismatic and jovial he seemed. There was comfortable banter between songs, quick smiles here and there, and a gracious "Thank you!" after every song. There were also the maybe slightly contrived proclamations of "Toronto, you're the best!" but hey, audiences love that shit, right? He even got the audience to embark on a singalong of "Row Your Boat" (yes, the children's nursery rhyme song) several times with the expectation that it would launch into a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson tune before he waved, grinned and said, "That's it! You were great!" Ha! Good to see he has a sense of humour.
I especially enjoyed the informational introductions of many songs - even historical, if you will! ie. the year in which he wrote particular songs. My favourite intros: that "Surfer Girl" was the first song he ever wrote (I heard several murmurs around me saying, "Really?"), he wrote the instrumental "Pet Sounds" to be submitted for a James Bond film, and the introductions for a bunch of the Gershwin songs (including the educational fact that George Gershwin performed at Massey Hall, I think back in 1934 if I remember correctly - in any case, good researching skills for relevance!).
The show began with crowd pleasers - kicked off with "Do It Again" and followed with a whole slew of Beach Boys hits like "Dance Dance Dance," "Don't Worry Baby," "Please Let Me Wonder" (*dreamy sigh*), "I Get Around," "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Surfer Girl," as I already mentioned. They also did "Then I Kissed Her" (as found on Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) - sort of a response/opposite point of view to The Crystals' "Then He Kissed Me") with guitarist/amazing falsetto vocalist Jeffrey Foskett on lead vocals. Foskett did most of the higher vocals for all the songs - a little sad thinking about how a young Brian would've been singing these notes in his heyday, but Foskett was impressive nonetheless.
From Pet Sounds, the band did the aforementioned instrumental title track, "Sloop John B" and "God Only Knows" which garnered another standing ovation.
The only (slight) disappointment were the mere two songs from SMiLE - "Heroes & Villains" (it gave me chills, though I wish they had led into it with "Our Prayer/Gee") and "Good Vibrations" (more chills!). I wanted "Surf's Up" and "Vega-tables" and "Wind Chimes".... hell, I wish I could've gone back in time and that this was the SMiLE tour instead. But alas.
After a 20-minute intermission, the band came back to perform the Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin album. I gotta say that I truly adore this record, especially with my vocal jazz choir background (back in my high school days) and classical piano training. The audience was somewhat quieter during this portion of the show, and I had my suspicions that it was likely because many weren't familiar with the songs. Unfortunate, in my opinion. I love the "Beach Boys sound" given to these Gershwin standards and to me, that proves Brian Wilson's still "got it" when it comes to composing - even if it's not original material.
After the Gershwin material, the band left the stage again but quickly returned for an encore. As one would expect, the majority of the crowd was fairly older (older than myself and my boyfriend, at least by 20 years!) but at this point, most (if not all) of the audience were on their feet and dancing. For "Barbara Ann" and several songs afterward, Brian stood up from his keyboard stool to play bass (!) with an awesome "SMiLE" sticker on the back (I want this sticker for my guitar case!).
The band left the stage once again and returned for one last song: "All Summer Long." At the end, Brian waved and said, "We'll see you again!" I really do hope so.
I danced, I sang my heart out and maybe I even teared up a bit during a few songs. While it gave me a twinge of sadness to know I will never be able to see Brian Wilson in his youth and heyday, I'm still thankful I got to see one of my absolute favourite musicians, one of my idols perform live.
The set list (plus a meh review I wouldn't bother reading) can be found here via Canoe.ca/Toronto Sun.
Second of all, I just checked back in my blog entries tagged with "Brian Wilson" and "Beach Boys" and I can't believe I never mentioned (back in November 2010 when I bought tickets, no less) that I would be seeing Brian Wilson perform at Massey Hall on June 18! I know I tweeted about it on Twitter and posted about it (somewhat excessively?) on Facebook the day I purchased tickets, but why I didn't post about it on my blog is kind of baffling to me!
So that glorious day has come and gone, and here I am, on Brian Wilson's 69th birthday, updating my blog with a review of his show at Massey Hall this past Saturday.
The show started promptly at 7:30 - as Brian Wilson and his band made their way onto the stage, the crowd applauded wildly and quickly got to their feet. How many artists can boast they've received a standing ovation before even performing a single song? But honestly, I can think of very few artists who would deserve it as much.
Having read so many accounts, biographies and articles of his past reluctance and anxiety with performing, I guess I was a bit surprised at how charismatic and jovial he seemed. There was comfortable banter between songs, quick smiles here and there, and a gracious "Thank you!" after every song. There were also the maybe slightly contrived proclamations of "Toronto, you're the best!" but hey, audiences love that shit, right? He even got the audience to embark on a singalong of "Row Your Boat" (yes, the children's nursery rhyme song) several times with the expectation that it would launch into a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson tune before he waved, grinned and said, "That's it! You were great!" Ha! Good to see he has a sense of humour.
I especially enjoyed the informational introductions of many songs - even historical, if you will! ie. the year in which he wrote particular songs. My favourite intros: that "Surfer Girl" was the first song he ever wrote (I heard several murmurs around me saying, "Really?"), he wrote the instrumental "Pet Sounds" to be submitted for a James Bond film, and the introductions for a bunch of the Gershwin songs (including the educational fact that George Gershwin performed at Massey Hall, I think back in 1934 if I remember correctly - in any case, good researching skills for relevance!).
The show began with crowd pleasers - kicked off with "Do It Again" and followed with a whole slew of Beach Boys hits like "Dance Dance Dance," "Don't Worry Baby," "Please Let Me Wonder" (*dreamy sigh*), "I Get Around," "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Surfer Girl," as I already mentioned. They also did "Then I Kissed Her" (as found on Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) - sort of a response/opposite point of view to The Crystals' "Then He Kissed Me") with guitarist/amazing falsetto vocalist Jeffrey Foskett on lead vocals. Foskett did most of the higher vocals for all the songs - a little sad thinking about how a young Brian would've been singing these notes in his heyday, but Foskett was impressive nonetheless.
From Pet Sounds, the band did the aforementioned instrumental title track, "Sloop John B" and "God Only Knows" which garnered another standing ovation.
The only (slight) disappointment were the mere two songs from SMiLE - "Heroes & Villains" (it gave me chills, though I wish they had led into it with "Our Prayer/Gee") and "Good Vibrations" (more chills!). I wanted "Surf's Up" and "Vega-tables" and "Wind Chimes".... hell, I wish I could've gone back in time and that this was the SMiLE tour instead. But alas.
After a 20-minute intermission, the band came back to perform the Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin album. I gotta say that I truly adore this record, especially with my vocal jazz choir background (back in my high school days) and classical piano training. The audience was somewhat quieter during this portion of the show, and I had my suspicions that it was likely because many weren't familiar with the songs. Unfortunate, in my opinion. I love the "Beach Boys sound" given to these Gershwin standards and to me, that proves Brian Wilson's still "got it" when it comes to composing - even if it's not original material.
After the Gershwin material, the band left the stage again but quickly returned for an encore. As one would expect, the majority of the crowd was fairly older (older than myself and my boyfriend, at least by 20 years!) but at this point, most (if not all) of the audience were on their feet and dancing. For "Barbara Ann" and several songs afterward, Brian stood up from his keyboard stool to play bass (!) with an awesome "SMiLE" sticker on the back (I want this sticker for my guitar case!).
The band left the stage once again and returned for one last song: "All Summer Long." At the end, Brian waved and said, "We'll see you again!" I really do hope so.
I danced, I sang my heart out and maybe I even teared up a bit during a few songs. While it gave me a twinge of sadness to know I will never be able to see Brian Wilson in his youth and heyday, I'm still thankful I got to see one of my absolute favourite musicians, one of my idols perform live.
The set list (plus a meh review I wouldn't bother reading) can be found here via Canoe.ca/Toronto Sun.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
On repeat
I know, I know. I never update this thing. No apologies, because I should only do things that I enjoy and inspires me, right?
Anyway, I'm supremely obsessed with Dum Dum Girls lately and I cannot stop listening to this song.
"Pay For Me" apparently appeared on a 7" split with Male Bonding (who I'm pretty sure I saw open for Best Coast at Lee's Palace last year?) and came out for 2010 Record Store Day. Bummer, guess I missed out on that one. Obviously it's no longer available, but here's the product page on Sub Pop.
I think I've already listened to it five times today...
Anyway, I'm supremely obsessed with Dum Dum Girls lately and I cannot stop listening to this song.
"Pay For Me" apparently appeared on a 7" split with Male Bonding (who I'm pretty sure I saw open for Best Coast at Lee's Palace last year?) and came out for 2010 Record Store Day. Bummer, guess I missed out on that one. Obviously it's no longer available, but here's the product page on Sub Pop.
I think I've already listened to it five times today...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Twenty
Day 20 — A song that you listen to when you’re angry
Define "angry." There are many kinds of angry and lots of reason to get angry. I don't listen to that typical brand of "angry" music - you know, when you feel all "GRRRR RAWRRRR ANGRY," Incredible Hulk-esque (ie. metal).
This isn't a political blog and I'd never feel confident enough to argue my views in a public forum but I feel strongly (or keeping with the theme, "get angry") about women's rights, animal rights and how media skews and spins issues to influence impressionable minds. Those are really general terms, but that's as close I'm going to get.
Reality is the new fiction they saw
Truth is truer these days, truth is man-made
If you're here 'cause you want to be entertained
Please go away.
I've read that Sleater-Kinney's "Entertain" is a commentary on copycat bands and sell-outs in the music industry. However, I think the lyrics that I quoted embody my concerns about media spin and the perception of what is real and what society "accepts." I think that if this is the shit that gets you angry (which it does for me), then this is kind of the theme song for it.
Also, back on the topic of music, this song ROCKS. And so does Sleater-Kinney in general. I miss this band so much.
Define "angry." There are many kinds of angry and lots of reason to get angry. I don't listen to that typical brand of "angry" music - you know, when you feel all "GRRRR RAWRRRR ANGRY," Incredible Hulk-esque (ie. metal).
This isn't a political blog and I'd never feel confident enough to argue my views in a public forum but I feel strongly (or keeping with the theme, "get angry") about women's rights, animal rights and how media skews and spins issues to influence impressionable minds. Those are really general terms, but that's as close I'm going to get.
Reality is the new fiction they saw
Truth is truer these days, truth is man-made
If you're here 'cause you want to be entertained
Please go away.
I've read that Sleater-Kinney's "Entertain" is a commentary on copycat bands and sell-outs in the music industry. However, I think the lyrics that I quoted embody my concerns about media spin and the perception of what is real and what society "accepts." I think that if this is the shit that gets you angry (which it does for me), then this is kind of the theme song for it.
Also, back on the topic of music, this song ROCKS. And so does Sleater-Kinney in general. I miss this band so much.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Nineteen
Day 19 — A song from your favourite album
I don't really think I have ONE favourite album. But I definitely love A LOT of albums. Brian Wilson's SMiLE is up there on the list. This album (if you know anything about the history of the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson) was a labour of love - it almost didn't happen! A college friend of mine burned the early versions of the songs onto a CD for me and I was hooked. The old version of "Surf's Up" is amazing because you can hear the youthfulness in Brian's voice.... but the completed, final version is a gem that, I'm pretty sure, will bring tears to my eyes if I am so lucky to hear it performed live when I see Brian Wilson in June.
I pretty much love every song on SMiLE - it is truly a masterpiece. End of story!
March 11 update: Oh man! Am I somehow prescient or what?? Beach Boys' Lost 'Smile' Album to See Release in 2011. Oh my god, oh my god!
I don't really think I have ONE favourite album. But I definitely love A LOT of albums. Brian Wilson's SMiLE is up there on the list. This album (if you know anything about the history of the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson) was a labour of love - it almost didn't happen! A college friend of mine burned the early versions of the songs onto a CD for me and I was hooked. The old version of "Surf's Up" is amazing because you can hear the youthfulness in Brian's voice.... but the completed, final version is a gem that, I'm pretty sure, will bring tears to my eyes if I am so lucky to hear it performed live when I see Brian Wilson in June.
I pretty much love every song on SMiLE - it is truly a masterpiece. End of story!
March 11 update: Oh man! Am I somehow prescient or what?? Beach Boys' Lost 'Smile' Album to See Release in 2011. Oh my god, oh my god!
Tennis fever
I'm going to really try to make an effort to get back into the habit of blogging, or at least finish that damn 30-Day Music Meme (does anyone care about it anymore? I just want to complete it just so it's not hanging in my mind as this thing I never finished!).
Anyway, let's talk about stuff I've been digging lately - mostly music-related of course! I haven't been able to stop listening to Cape Dory by Tennis, as recommended to me by Ben at I have 19 voices. I don't think I ever would've discovered this album otherwise! But seriously, when I say "can't stop listening," I mean it - check my Last.fm charts for the past three months.
Clocking in at 29ish minutes, it's the perfect morsel of pop perfection wrapped up in an album. I love the sweet vocals and harmonies, the simplicity of the songs and the entire album's ability to make me smile, want to dance and sing along. As a side note, though, I have to be honest and say that I hate the album cover - it's far too cheesy and 80's looking. I still need to buy this on vinyl, but I don't want to cringe every time I look at the cover, haha.
Preview two songs via their official Facebook page.
When is the next Dum Dum Girls record coming out?? This EP is killing me with anticipation - it contains three new songs and a cover of the classic Smiths' tune, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." Gahhhhhhhh. I love it.
Preview the title track "He Gets Me High" (and some older songs) via their label Sub Pop.
So of course, while I was away on my Seattle/Portland vacation in February, BOTH Tennis and Dum Dum Girls played in Toronto (I also missed Nicole Atkins, but she played on the same day as Dum Dum Girls... had I been around, I think I would've chosen to see Dum Dum Girls?). Worst timing or what? Really hope these bands come back to Toronto soon....
The EP was co-produced by Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes and I would just like to put this out there - if The Raveonettes and Dum Dum Girls were to tour together (and bring the tour to Toronto, of course), I WOULD DIE OF HAPPINESS. I think they'd be perfect tourmates.
I've also been listening to my usual mix of Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley/Jenny and Johnny, and SHIT, what about the new Radiohead album? I admit, I haven't played the hell out of it, but it's a damn good album. In fact, I might listen to it right now...
Anyway, let's talk about stuff I've been digging lately - mostly music-related of course! I haven't been able to stop listening to Cape Dory by Tennis, as recommended to me by Ben at I have 19 voices. I don't think I ever would've discovered this album otherwise! But seriously, when I say "can't stop listening," I mean it - check my Last.fm charts for the past three months. Clocking in at 29ish minutes, it's the perfect morsel of pop perfection wrapped up in an album. I love the sweet vocals and harmonies, the simplicity of the songs and the entire album's ability to make me smile, want to dance and sing along. As a side note, though, I have to be honest and say that I hate the album cover - it's far too cheesy and 80's looking. I still need to buy this on vinyl, but I don't want to cringe every time I look at the cover, haha.
Preview two songs via their official Facebook page.
Preview the title track "He Gets Me High" (and some older songs) via their label Sub Pop.
So of course, while I was away on my Seattle/Portland vacation in February, BOTH Tennis and Dum Dum Girls played in Toronto (I also missed Nicole Atkins, but she played on the same day as Dum Dum Girls... had I been around, I think I would've chosen to see Dum Dum Girls?). Worst timing or what? Really hope these bands come back to Toronto soon....
The EP was co-produced by Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes and I would just like to put this out there - if The Raveonettes and Dum Dum Girls were to tour together (and bring the tour to Toronto, of course), I WOULD DIE OF HAPPINESS. I think they'd be perfect tourmates.
I've also been listening to my usual mix of Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley/Jenny and Johnny, and SHIT, what about the new Radiohead album? I admit, I haven't played the hell out of it, but it's a damn good album. In fact, I might listen to it right now...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Top Ten Albums of 2010
Making this list has been difficult. I played the hell out of some of these records (namely, Best Coast, Beach House and She & Him - the top three), and some of these albums I really liked, identified them as fantastic album but didn't overplay.
Does one make a top ten list based on playability and frequency of plays, or the artistic merit of the album itself? I guess I've gone for a combination of the two. True, my most loved albums from 2010 weren't exactly groundbreaking stuff (heck, the Brian Wilson album is basically comprised of covers), but as I grow older, I've found that I tend to stick to what I like (girl group sounds, 60's pop, harmonies). I think this list really shows that.
1. Best Coast - Crazy For You
2. Beach House - Teen Dream
3. She & Him - Volume Two
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
5. Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now
6. Brian Wilson - Reimagines Gershwin
7. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
8. Wild Nothing - Gemini
9. Spoon - Transference
10. Dum Dum Girls - I Will Be
Honourable mentions:
The Walkmen - Lisbon
Gigi - Maintenant
Black Angels - Phosphene Dream
Love Language - Libraries
Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects
Does one make a top ten list based on playability and frequency of plays, or the artistic merit of the album itself? I guess I've gone for a combination of the two. True, my most loved albums from 2010 weren't exactly groundbreaking stuff (heck, the Brian Wilson album is basically comprised of covers), but as I grow older, I've found that I tend to stick to what I like (girl group sounds, 60's pop, harmonies). I think this list really shows that.
1. Best Coast - Crazy For You
2. Beach House - Teen Dream
3. She & Him - Volume Two
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
5. Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now
6. Brian Wilson - Reimagines Gershwin
7. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
8. Wild Nothing - Gemini
9. Spoon - Transference
10. Dum Dum Girls - I Will Be
Honourable mentions:
The Walkmen - Lisbon
Gigi - Maintenant
Black Angels - Phosphene Dream
Love Language - Libraries
Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Missing in action.
It's been ages since I last posted - anybody miss me? I haven't been very motivated to blog in the past while and when I had some spare time, I didn't feel very inspired. Not sure if I should continue that 30-day meme as I've kinda lost interest in it.
At the moment, I'm really just posting to say that I'm still around! Lately, a lot of great bands have shown up on Conan O'Brien's new late night show, Conan. I'm a huge huge huge Conan fan and I've always been pretty certain that he has fantastic taste in music. I've been loving his new show and was thrilled when She & Him performed "I Put A Spell On You" on December 9th and Jenny and Johnny showed up a full week later (on the 16th) to perform "Big Wave"!
Oddly, I can't seem to get these videos to play for me, but as far as I know, they work for other people. Maybe it's because I'm Canadian. In any case, let me know if they don't work and I'll see if I can find alternates.
ALSO: go to the Team Coco website for more, web exclusive videos - She & Him do "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Conan himself, and Jenny and Johnny do another song ("Scissor Runner").
At the moment, I'm really just posting to say that I'm still around! Lately, a lot of great bands have shown up on Conan O'Brien's new late night show, Conan. I'm a huge huge huge Conan fan and I've always been pretty certain that he has fantastic taste in music. I've been loving his new show and was thrilled when She & Him performed "I Put A Spell On You" on December 9th and Jenny and Johnny showed up a full week later (on the 16th) to perform "Big Wave"!
Oddly, I can't seem to get these videos to play for me, but as far as I know, they work for other people. Maybe it's because I'm Canadian. In any case, let me know if they don't work and I'll see if I can find alternates.
ALSO: go to the Team Coco website for more, web exclusive videos - She & Him do "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Conan himself, and Jenny and Johnny do another song ("Scissor Runner").
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Like a shotgun needs an outcome....
I really dig this song right now. I don't care much for the video (though it reminds me of the album cover for Goldfrapp's Felt Mountain). Just have a listen and tell me that it doesn't make you want to dance.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Eighteen
Day 18 — A song that you wish you heard on the radio
I bet you're all sick to death of hearing about how much I love the Beach Boys. (An aside: I recently bought tickets to see Brian Wilson play Massey Hall in June 2011! I think I may die of joy several times during this show.)
This blog post isn't actually about the Beach Boys, but about a song that is reminiscent of any quintessential Beach Boys song (to me). If I had my own radio station, this song would most certainly show up on many playlists and wouldn't seem out of place sandwiched between the Beach Boys and like say, Buddy Holly.
Beulah! I love this band! Sadly, they are highly underrated and actually no longer exist. The singer, Miles Kurosky recently released a solo album called The Desert of Shallow Effects and it is as excellent as any Beulah album.
Honestly, if I were forced to compose a list of my absolute favourite songs (and I say "forced," because I don't think I would ever make such a list because it would be TOO DIFFICULT), "Burned By the Sun" would definitely be on that list. Back when I used to make mix CDs for friends, this song would almost always appear in the tracklisting.
I also get the same warm, fuzzy feeling I get hearing this song as I do with favourite Beach Boys tunes. And that's saying a lot, people. I LOVE THIS SONG. I'm not saying I'd want to hear it on real-life, mainstream radio but it would most definitely be played on MY imaginary radio station....
(also, yes, I know I've been severely slacking at being a good little blogger, especially at completing these meme! Breige over at Rare Opal has put me to shame and is nearly completed the meme in record time (well, compared to the rate I'm going at!).
I bet you're all sick to death of hearing about how much I love the Beach Boys. (An aside: I recently bought tickets to see Brian Wilson play Massey Hall in June 2011! I think I may die of joy several times during this show.)
This blog post isn't actually about the Beach Boys, but about a song that is reminiscent of any quintessential Beach Boys song (to me). If I had my own radio station, this song would most certainly show up on many playlists and wouldn't seem out of place sandwiched between the Beach Boys and like say, Buddy Holly.
Beulah! I love this band! Sadly, they are highly underrated and actually no longer exist. The singer, Miles Kurosky recently released a solo album called The Desert of Shallow Effects and it is as excellent as any Beulah album.
Honestly, if I were forced to compose a list of my absolute favourite songs (and I say "forced," because I don't think I would ever make such a list because it would be TOO DIFFICULT), "Burned By the Sun" would definitely be on that list. Back when I used to make mix CDs for friends, this song would almost always appear in the tracklisting.
I also get the same warm, fuzzy feeling I get hearing this song as I do with favourite Beach Boys tunes. And that's saying a lot, people. I LOVE THIS SONG. I'm not saying I'd want to hear it on real-life, mainstream radio but it would most definitely be played on MY imaginary radio station....
(also, yes, I know I've been severely slacking at being a good little blogger, especially at completing these meme! Breige over at Rare Opal has put me to shame and is nearly completed the meme in record time (well, compared to the rate I'm going at!).
Cover me, volume three.
My third installment of Wini-approved cover songs is timely in that I just saw Fran Healy (singer of the band Travis) perform this at his solo show in Toronto on Friday and also because it is somewhat Christmas-themed. I mean, we're starting to get snow around these parts and December is just around the corner, so... yeah.
The melancholy tone is so heartbreaking - I love the tiny break in Fran's voice when he hits the high notes (also see: impressive) and how sad and sincere he sounds. It's pretty faithful to the original, aside from the change of pronouns (from male to female).
The original is by Canadian legend, Joni Mitchell, duh. If you haven't heard it before, look it up. Oh wait, here it is:
Both songs give me chills. And rightly so. But I do apologize if they bum you out a bit. You have been warned!
The melancholy tone is so heartbreaking - I love the tiny break in Fran's voice when he hits the high notes (also see: impressive) and how sad and sincere he sounds. It's pretty faithful to the original, aside from the change of pronouns (from male to female).
The original is by Canadian legend, Joni Mitchell, duh. If you haven't heard it before, look it up. Oh wait, here it is:
Both songs give me chills. And rightly so. But I do apologize if they bum you out a bit. You have been warned!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Seventeen
Day 17 — A song that you hear often on the radio
I don't listen much to the radio, but when I'm in the car with my dad, he tunes in to various oldies stations with no complaints at all from me.
As I've previously mentioned, the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson are probably one of my favourite artists ever. And when listening exclusively to oldies stations, the Beach Boys tend to be a popular choice. There are so many songs to choose from, but I really do love it when I hear "Wouldn't It Be Nice" on the radio.
Also, while I'm gushing, I must say that it is the most perfect opening track on one of the most perfect albums (Pet Sounds, duh!). *happy sigh*
I don't listen much to the radio, but when I'm in the car with my dad, he tunes in to various oldies stations with no complaints at all from me.
As I've previously mentioned, the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson are probably one of my favourite artists ever. And when listening exclusively to oldies stations, the Beach Boys tend to be a popular choice. There are so many songs to choose from, but I really do love it when I hear "Wouldn't It Be Nice" on the radio.
Also, while I'm gushing, I must say that it is the most perfect opening track on one of the most perfect albums (Pet Sounds, duh!). *happy sigh*
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Sixteen
Whoaaaaa, first things first, it has been a LONG time since I last updated! Or it's been a few weeks at least. Since then... I've had a birthday, had a few work-related meltdowns and done some other fun stuff. =) The weather has gotten colder, so I can't promise many style diaries for a little while, I'm afraid.
I can't believe I'm still working on this meme! I've actually made little notes for the upcoming days of this meme, so I just need to sit my arse down and blog it out!
Okay, without further ado....
Day 16 — A song that you used to love but now hate
I was a huge fan of Nelly Furtado in high school. I thought she was super cool and I swelled with Canadian pride as a fan. A friend of mine went to the same high school as Nelly, back in Victoria, British Columbia (she scanned me Nelly's yearbook photos, which I thought was a hoot!).
My "claim to fame" in my last few months of high school was that I appeared on tv in the audience for Nelly Furtado's Intimate & Interactive special on MuchMusic. Basically, it was an hour-long special featuring an artist performing and sitting down for an interview in the MuchMusic studio. (MuchMusic is generally defined as the "Canadian version of MTV" - though, at this point in time, this definition doesn't mean much anymore since we now have MTV Canada... but that's besides the point.) MuchMusic was also in the habit of repeatedly airing these I&I programs over the course of several months, thus different classmates would see randomly me on tv in these repeated viewings.
Anyway, yeah, I was a superfan. The song that propelled Nelly Furtado into popularity was obviously "I'm Like A Bird" (ie. overplayed to hell). I can no longer stand to hear this song. Gahh. Sorry, Nelly. I guess I just grew out of your music.
However, I can still stomach the acoustic version of "I'm Like A Bird" - something about it isn't quite as grating as the original version.
Now, writing this entry has awakened a slight hankering to listen to her debut album Whoa, Nelly! (I didn't care much for her subsequent albums, to be honest), but I will most likely skip over "I'm Like A Bird"....
I can't believe I'm still working on this meme! I've actually made little notes for the upcoming days of this meme, so I just need to sit my arse down and blog it out!
Okay, without further ado....
Day 16 — A song that you used to love but now hate
I was a huge fan of Nelly Furtado in high school. I thought she was super cool and I swelled with Canadian pride as a fan. A friend of mine went to the same high school as Nelly, back in Victoria, British Columbia (she scanned me Nelly's yearbook photos, which I thought was a hoot!).
My "claim to fame" in my last few months of high school was that I appeared on tv in the audience for Nelly Furtado's Intimate & Interactive special on MuchMusic. Basically, it was an hour-long special featuring an artist performing and sitting down for an interview in the MuchMusic studio. (MuchMusic is generally defined as the "Canadian version of MTV" - though, at this point in time, this definition doesn't mean much anymore since we now have MTV Canada... but that's besides the point.) MuchMusic was also in the habit of repeatedly airing these I&I programs over the course of several months, thus different classmates would see randomly me on tv in these repeated viewings.
Anyway, yeah, I was a superfan. The song that propelled Nelly Furtado into popularity was obviously "I'm Like A Bird" (ie. overplayed to hell). I can no longer stand to hear this song. Gahh. Sorry, Nelly. I guess I just grew out of your music.
However, I can still stomach the acoustic version of "I'm Like A Bird" - something about it isn't quite as grating as the original version.
Now, writing this entry has awakened a slight hankering to listen to her debut album Whoa, Nelly! (I didn't care much for her subsequent albums, to be honest), but I will most likely skip over "I'm Like A Bird"....
Friday, October 22, 2010
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Fifteen
I thought this one over for quite awhile because to choose a song that supposedly describe a whole person... that's a bit a challenge. Or least narrowing down what song describes a particular part of my personality was the challenge.
Most people who know me know that I'm sarcastic and generally pessimistic. Most of the time, I'm convinced I have bad luck and I tend to wallow in misery. Friends joke around that Emily the Strange is based on me (heck, I actually dressed up as Emily last year for Halloween).
So the song I ultimately chose for Day 15 of this meme is pretty much perfect to describe me (or at least, perfect to describe me when I'm in a pessimistic mood). Garbage's "Only Happy When It Rains" was my anthem in grade 9 and it still remains as one of my most beloved songs. In my books, Shirley Manson will always be remembered as one of my first rock idols and my first ever girl crush.
She didn't sign her name; she gave an autograph.
On my commute to work this morning, I remembered how much I love this song.
You're not a teenager
So don't act like one
Sure, she is a heartbreaker
Does she have one?
You're not a teenager
So don't act like one
Sure, she is a heartbreaker
Does she have one?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cover me, second installment.
I previously mentioned that I grew up listening to my parents' records and was blissfully unaware of "contemporary" music for the longest time. Prior to the Beatles and Beach Boys, I bopped around to ABBA as a baby. My sister (eight years older than me) had a tape recorder with which she made recordings of baby Wini learning to talk. The gem of this tape is of me singing along to ABBA's "Voulez-Vous" (in which I'd sing "VOULEZ-VOUS!" loudly and then babble/mumble the rest).
ABBA is pure pop, no way around it. Their songs sound happy and cheerful, and the lyrical content tends to come second. Sad lyrics? Doesn't matter, it'll still make me want to dance.
Comparably, Camera Obscura is somewhat similar. Their lyrics have a stronger effect; the twee melodies still make me want to sway, but with a heavier heart. Their cover of "Super Trouper" does the song justice - the music actually reflects the lyrics better than the original. In fact, I'm not sure if I ever really paid attention to the lyrics until I hear Camera Obscura's version. Tracyanne's mournful, melancholic voice rings out and I'm surely convinced of her homesick loneliness when she sings, "Facing twenty thousand of your friends / How can anyone be so lonely?" Hearing her sing that line causes such pangs in my heart!
Camera Obscura's version:
The original by ABBA:
Wonderful example of a cover version bringing a whole new dimension to a song I already enjoy.
ABBA is pure pop, no way around it. Their songs sound happy and cheerful, and the lyrical content tends to come second. Sad lyrics? Doesn't matter, it'll still make me want to dance.
Comparably, Camera Obscura is somewhat similar. Their lyrics have a stronger effect; the twee melodies still make me want to sway, but with a heavier heart. Their cover of "Super Trouper" does the song justice - the music actually reflects the lyrics better than the original. In fact, I'm not sure if I ever really paid attention to the lyrics until I hear Camera Obscura's version. Tracyanne's mournful, melancholic voice rings out and I'm surely convinced of her homesick loneliness when she sings, "Facing twenty thousand of your friends / How can anyone be so lonely?" Hearing her sing that line causes such pangs in my heart!
Camera Obscura's version:
The original by ABBA:
Wonderful example of a cover version bringing a whole new dimension to a song I already enjoy.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The 30-Day Music Meme: Day Fourteen
Whoops, it's been a little while since I updated/continued this meme! But at least knowing that I'm only halfway through this meme means that you, lovely readers, are guaranteed 16 more posts (assuming I finish it - which I do plan to do!). And then some, of course. =)
Day 14 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Most friends who don't share similar musical tastes with me assume that I'm abhor from "mainstream" Top 40 radio stuff. While I am self-admittedly a music snob, I won't deny a good pop song when I hear one (see: Day 13 of the meme!).
On the way to get coffee one morning, a Lady GaGa song came on over the store's sound system. My coworker remarked, "Ugh, god, I hate Lady GaGa." I turned to him and said, "What, seriously? Who hates Lady GaGa?" With the same look of surprise, he said to me, "What? You like Lady GaGa? You know who Lady GaGa is?!" (Some context: every now and then, said coworker will bring up a popular song or music group and I'll have no idea what/who he's talking about. Case in point: Pussycat Dolls... I've heard of them, but am not familiar with their music... thankfully.)
But back to my original point: who hates Lady GaGa? How could someone hate Lady GaGa? (Yes, I'm aware that there are plenty of naysayers with their own good reasons for disliking her.) I love her outfits, her persona, her music is catchy as hell and she's a smart, media savvy lady with a queer-posi message to boot. Again I ask, what's not to love?
And so I leave you with this epic video for "Telephone" (again to the haters, who cares if the video doesn't literally translate the song visually? Sorry it's not just Beyonce and GaGa dancing in a loud club, ditching their cell phones). I love this song, don't care who knows it or judges me for it. So there.
Day 14 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Most friends who don't share similar musical tastes with me assume that I'm abhor from "mainstream" Top 40 radio stuff. While I am self-admittedly a music snob, I won't deny a good pop song when I hear one (see: Day 13 of the meme!).
On the way to get coffee one morning, a Lady GaGa song came on over the store's sound system. My coworker remarked, "Ugh, god, I hate Lady GaGa." I turned to him and said, "What, seriously? Who hates Lady GaGa?" With the same look of surprise, he said to me, "What? You like Lady GaGa? You know who Lady GaGa is?!" (Some context: every now and then, said coworker will bring up a popular song or music group and I'll have no idea what/who he's talking about. Case in point: Pussycat Dolls... I've heard of them, but am not familiar with their music... thankfully.)
But back to my original point: who hates Lady GaGa? How could someone hate Lady GaGa? (Yes, I'm aware that there are plenty of naysayers with their own good reasons for disliking her.) I love her outfits, her persona, her music is catchy as hell and she's a smart, media savvy lady with a queer-posi message to boot. Again I ask, what's not to love?
And so I leave you with this epic video for "Telephone" (again to the haters, who cares if the video doesn't literally translate the song visually? Sorry it's not just Beyonce and GaGa dancing in a loud club, ditching their cell phones). I love this song, don't care who knows it or judges me for it. So there.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cover me.
I love cover songs. (Well, generally .) It's weird because my mum hates cover songs for some random reason - she'll always scoff and say disparagingly, "Pfft, why is this person doing someone else's song?"
I'm the complete opposite. I love when an artist brings something new to a song and puts their own style/spin on it. Depending on which version I heard first, sometimes I'll like the cover version more than the original (which I know is somewhat sacrilegious in some cases of "classic" heralded tunes).
This morning I was listening to Nicole Atkins' cover EP, Nicole Atkins Digs Other People's Songs. On it, she covers Nada Surf's "Inside of Love," her lovely emotive voice holding faithful to the original. I love this song. Both versions give me chills and sometimes have the power to make me tear up a little.
(Side note: Nicole Atkins' new album comes out early next year and the first single can be downloaded from her website for free.)
The original by Nada Surf will always be held close to my heart - though Nicole Atkins' version is really good, the original will definitely reign superior. Chills, I tell you.
I'm the complete opposite. I love when an artist brings something new to a song and puts their own style/spin on it. Depending on which version I heard first, sometimes I'll like the cover version more than the original (which I know is somewhat sacrilegious in some cases of "classic" heralded tunes).
This morning I was listening to Nicole Atkins' cover EP, Nicole Atkins Digs Other People's Songs. On it, she covers Nada Surf's "Inside of Love," her lovely emotive voice holding faithful to the original. I love this song. Both versions give me chills and sometimes have the power to make me tear up a little.
(Side note: Nicole Atkins' new album comes out early next year and the first single can be downloaded from her website for free.)
The original by Nada Surf will always be held close to my heart - though Nicole Atkins' version is really good, the original will definitely reign superior. Chills, I tell you.
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