THE RADIO SAYS

Box of wine, puts me right out.

2008-05-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

While cleaning out a drawer today, I found this. I'm not quite sure why it was thrown in with the stationary and envelopes. I remember seeing it years ago. It looks straight out of the 70s. It mostly reminds me of that Trailer Park Boys episode where they hold a rap concert for J-Roc, and they sell tanks of this sort of wine.

Who needs merlot when you can make this in a couple of old pepsi bottles?

And here you go, Wonder Wine. As you see it comes in three delicious colours!

It's RED.

And there you see a diagram for how much of this you can get out of one little packet!

I will definitely be serving this at my next party.

Yes, congratulations to us all, Lindsay. I'm so happy I'm not at the Ted Nugent concert.

2008-04-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have been rejecting this thing! Although, I think I'm the only person out of all of my friends that still routinely updates more than twice a year.

There's been a lot of things going on recently, but I think it's all starting to get back to normal.

I saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall last week and it was fantastic! I had been anticipating that movie since before it had even started filming. I was sort of worried that all of the hype/my own excitement was going to kill it, but it was almost perfect.

In ~~total nerdy fandom~~ celebration I've been watching Freaks and Geeks/Undeclared all week. Watching the final episodes always makes me really bummed out.

While I'm doing my best to save money, it's a bit of a tease with the summer touring circuits coming up. These New Puritans are doing their first North American tour, and they're stopping in Toronto in June! I'm really excited about it. It's at The Reverb, which would mark another T.O. venue I've yet to go to. I'm sure I'll see them a bunch more when I move over to the UK, but it'll be nice to see them in this sort of setting.

Speaking of money I shouldn't be spending, I found a Francois Hardy vinyl a few days ago! Plus in the 50cent bin, an Echo and The Bunnymen single!

I finally got around to making my vinyl list. It's not that impressive or anything, seeing as I only started "collecting" last year. I use the term collecting loosely, as I have actually been listening to what I buy as opposed to letting them collect dust in some space somewhere. It's great how many joke records I have from when I was younger. Back then I would buy all my vinyl based on how amazing[ly horrible and lame] the cover art was. This lead to me having a lot of 60's jazz fusion records.

I've been listening to the Bloodhound Gang a lot lately. It's completely ridiculous and unexplainable. Just like my long time love for Jimmy Pop. I've always liked them, but I never gave them a proper listen. They're all over the place musically, but the pop culture references make me happy. I will excuse their affiliations with bands like Limp Bizkit. I know it's not their fault, save for that brief rap-rock period in time.

They're still as politically incorrect as ever. Such as their version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" (their video for "Screwing You On The Beach At Night")

I drive a pink miata!

2008-04-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Lollapalooza 2008 Lineup!!! Definitely the best list I've seen festival wise so far.

Radiohead
Rage Against the Machine
Nine Inch Nails
Kanye West
Wilco
The Raconteurs
Louis XIV
Love and Rockets
Gnarls Barkley
Bloc Party
The Black Keys
Broken Social Scene
Lupe Fiasco
Flogging Molly
Mark Ronson
Cat Power
The National
G. Love & Special Sauce
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Explosions in the Sky
Brand New
Gogol Bordello
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Dierks Bentley
Okkervil River
Amadou & Mariam
Blues Traveler
John Butler Trio
Girl Talk
Your Vegas
CSS
Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves
Battles
Steel Train
Jamie Lidell
Bang Camaro
Butch Walker
The Blakes
Mates of State
Tally Hall
Spank Rock
White Lies
Brazilian Girls
Magic Wands
Chromeo
Electric Touch
Duffy
Innerpartysystem
The Kills
The Postelles
Rogue Wave
The Parlor Mob
The Go! Team
Bald Eagle
Mason Jennings
Krista
The Gutter Twins
Ha Ha Tonka
Yeasayer
Witchcraft
Grizzly Bear
We Go To 11
MGMT
Sofia Talvik
The Weakerthans
Booka Shade
Santogold
Black Kids
Black Lips
Dr. Dog
Nicole Atkins & the Sea
The Ting Tings
Kid Sister
Office
The Cool Kids
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
The Whigs
Manchester Orchestra
Foals
Uffie
The Octopus Project
Cadence Weapon
Ferras
De Novo Dahl
Noah and the Whale
Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s
K’NAAN
Serena Ryder
Newton Faulkner

Bevery stands for beverage

2008-03-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Why.
GUESS WHO.

WHY YES, IT IS RIVERS CUOMO OF WEEZER "FAME".
I miss my young delusional* days of being in love with this fellow on the right:

*I say delusional because he's always been creepy. I guess that image was skewed because his music was so good. Once.
New album soon though, apparently. Maybe he'll shave. At least Beardo Cuomo was entertaining. I think I still have that Guitar World interview where he called his fans "little bitches" somewhere.
I've been talking about this band too much lately. It's the nostalgia.
In memoriam,

RE: MIX TAPES #3

2008-03-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this in a really long time. I haven't been posting here that much lately. Two plus two is four.

Alright, the mix is in CD form this time around. I think it's from late 2003/early 2004. I know that because one of the artists played Call the Office at the time and I cried because I couldn't go.

I'm glad I still listen to most of the stuff I find on these things.

1. Ambulance Vs. Ambulance- THE BLOOD BROTHERS

I'm still pissed that I managed to miss every opportunity to see them before they broke up. I wanted to (and I guess still want to) be in a band like this so badly.

2. Hairspray Suppository- THE LOCUST

They're the ones that played CTO in early 2004. I think Paterson and I were supposed to go, but I was a prick and didn't want to go with her because I didn't believe she was into them. Haha. Really, prick.

3. I Used To Hate Cell Phones But Now I Hate Car Accidents- NORMA JEAN

I never got heavily into NJ, but I remember loving this. They sound so different now.

4. Closed Hands- SAETIA

Saetia were one of my favourite bands when I was younger. Even when I was only listening to nerdy dude rock, I still had A Retrospective on all the time. And I never pronounced their name correctly.

5. Drain the Blood- THE DISTILLERS

Whatever, everyone loves the Distillers. Even if they're a bit shit.

6. This Is Our Emergency- PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES

This was another band I took advantage of and never took the chance to see live.

7. And you know... - THE GOSSIP

Before their dance days! I definitely remember them playing CTO in the summer of 2003, and being really pissed off because I wasn't allowed to go. It's still really weird to me how huge Beth Ditto is now in the UK media.

8. Jet Black New Year- THURSDAY

I remember finally getting to see this performed live in 2006, and it brought back so many memories.

9. Your Touch Versus Death- EVERY TIME I DIE

Oh, so long ago.

10. Pink Tarantulas- THE BLOOD BROTHERS

Favourite b-side!

11. X and Y- MOVING UNITS

I never got into these guys, I think I only listened to them because Steve from Hot Hot Heat was wearing their t shirt. Is that something to admit? Probably not.

12. Murders In The Rue Morgue- IN FLAMES

I'm not owning up to this. This was an accident. Hahaha. Blame my sister still using the family computer.

13. Capitalism Stole My Virginity- THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY

Ahh one of the best live bands ever! I'll never get to see Refused so it's sweet that I got to see them.

14. Worked Up So Sexual- THE FAINT

What is this even doing on here? This is the weirdest mix ever. That album was weird, but I definitely became a fan of them because of it.

15. 44. Caliber Love Letter- ALEXISONFIRE
Haha, back when people weren't embarrassed to be an AOF fan. I remember my friend played this as his favourite song in class once and no one knew who they were. Right when it got to the "This is a 44. caliber love letter straight from my heart!" bit, we yelled it across the room. The teacher looked scared/pissed. Oh, memories.

You gave me a beer in exchange for a cookie

2008-03-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Breeders show was fantastic! The only downfall was that I went alone due to Matt's ID not being eligible.

Somehow I ended up being at the side of the stage, and I got closer as time went on. Both Kim and Kelley Deal looked fantastic and they were smiling the entire time. Kelley was quick to mention how nuts the crowd was for even being there. There was a HORRIBLE snow storm that day (and it continued through the concert and after).

It was their second time playing their new material, and it was great! Kelley sings an entire tune in Spanish.

Later on in the show they went through a whole slew of crowd favourites (No Aloha, Saints, Cannonball, Divine Hammer) and they even played their cover of Happiness Is A Warm Gun! I couldn't believe it. Hearing the original is impossible but it was amazing to hear this version live.

The lighting was horrible so the photos I took didn't turn out so well, but I got a few! (Click to enlarge)

SAINTS!!! (The beginning is cut off out of sheer excitement)

There were so many out-of-tune singers around me. It was awesome!

And of course, here's Cannonball

Look, we all like to light the clouds on fire with our laser vision

2008-03-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

I had imagined time would pass very quickly when I made the decision to move to London. I can't believe how fast it is approaching. The goal date is the end of July, and it's March already! It's about four months away now. It's a bit frightening, to say the least. That deep gut feeling of how much I will miss everyone here is beginning to set in. It is becoming very real now.

I've got a funny feeling which I bought mail order

2008-02-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Ballantine's day!

Thank you, Norway.

Valentines Top Tunes!

It Must Be Love- Madness
The Luckiest- Ben Folds
You Gave Your Love To Me Softly- Weezer (OHH.. but honestly this is a great tune)
La La Love You- Pixies
Love Song- The Cure
Maps- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Elevator Love Letter- Stars
You and Me Song- The Wannadies
Do You Remember the First Time- Pulp
Long Live Our Love- The Shangri-Las
Miss You Love- Silverchair
I'm Always in Love- Wilco
Shining Light- Ash
Fell in Love With A Girl- White Stripes
If You Should Try To Kiss Her- Dressy Bessy
You're So Great- Blur
All You Need is Love- The Beatles (Duh)
Always On My Mind- Willie Nelson
Lovely Day- Bill Withers

I had a dizzy spell going over London Bridge once

2008-02-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

Jess Baumung uploaded his Cancer Bats photos!

(the website URLs are on the photos, check them out!)
Liam is floating in the first photo. Magical.

I'm about to speak french... into a toilet

2008-02-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

GALLOWS WAS AMAZING. One of the best shows I have been to in ages.

HIGHLIGHTS REEL INCLUDES:

- Being front and center at the stage with Holly! I am never actually at the front unless it's someone well safe like.. Interpol. I can totally deal with stage divers and pile ups now. So fun. So bruised.
- Storyline Hero playing Beastie Boys, getting to sing with that. I can't wait until they play London in April. Such a good live band! Sort of reminiscent of Hot Damn-era ETID.
- Singing with Liam during Cancer Bats and being punched in the eye while it happened. Now it's swollen. Yes, this is funny.
- Jaye from the Bats joining Gallows on vocals for a Black Flag cover (Nervous Breakdown!!). The first second he's out he basically jumped head first into the speaker in front of us and landed on us. There was a shy attempt at trying to put the speaker back but he just fucking jumped on it/us again and wouldn't quit. Haha.
- Scott from the Bats joining Gallows for a 3-guitar duet at the end of Rolling With the Punches! It was intense!
- Frank running into the crowd, where he actually managed to get a hold of Sarah who was innocently standing at the back/side. He then tried to make his own circle pit. Then he disappeared for a few minutes and no one could find him. He suddenly popped up and crawled back onto the stage complaining that he had lost ten dollars.
- LIAM joining for ORCHESTRA OF WOLVES! My favourite Gallows song!! I was so happy they played it let alone have both Liam and Frank singing. One of the most insane things I've ever been involved in. Liam basically let me sing it the whole time, and when this guy tried to crowd surf in he pushed him out the way of my head and just kept going. It was so brilliant. A MILLION times greater live. Especially during the ending, ahh.

To sum it up: Shortline Hero were brilliant and a much suited replacement for This Is Hell. Cancer Bats were a party as they always are. Gallows were so much better than I could have hoped and imagined. Frank is hilarious, and it's sort of funny that he said he was only "putting on half the show" he could because he had a back injury. I can hardly believe that, he was amazing anyway.

I am waiting for photos/videos to surface and I will post them here! I can't imagine they'll be too flattering, I don't really care though. I was covered in buckets of beer and sweat and half the time there were huge dudes on my back. I am surprised I didn't pass out, too. Also, a hood does amazing things for protecting your head.

In elementary school he bit a guy, and then spit in his wound!

2008-02-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tell me you love me Francine!

2008-01-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Coachella line-up has been announced. Let down city in order of headliners! I mean, the last few years had Pixies and JAMC! Who the fuck cares about Jack Johnson? But the rest of the bands are alright. I don't think I will be too upset about missing it though.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: Jack Johnson, The Verve, Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, The Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend you, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butler Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Bang, Lucky I Am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Sasha & Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, DeVotchKa, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars on Broadway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noize, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Carbon/silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty!, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJs (Surkin, Para One and Orgasmic), James Zabiela, Sebastian, Kavinsky, Dredg, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony Club, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, Uffie

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: Roger Waters (“Dark Side of the Moon”), Love & Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dmitri from Paris, Autolux, The Field, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fav, The Cool Kids, Sons & Daughters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kids, Black Mountain, The Annuals, Kid Sister w/A-Trak, Man Man, Duffy, I'm from Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The Horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscines, Brett Dennen

Sorry Roger, I only have the heart for Syd.

There's no one I absolutely NEED to see. What happened to that rumour about My Bloody Valentine?! That would have made it worth it. Most of the bands I would want to see, I can probably catch at a much cheaper price. It would be brilliant to see Madness play "It Must Be Love" live though. I don't want to spend the cash, they might not even play it.

As I said. At least I don't have to whine about missing it this time around.

I won't let you buy it not at any cost

2008-01-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

I saw Juno tonight and it deserves every bit of praise it has gathered. It has also rekindled my love for Jason Bateman and Michael Cera. Not enough Rainn Wilson though. I won't talk about it due to the fact that I am not from Spoiler City.

I picked up some more cheap 45sss. Devo Live, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas (2 LPs!) and Talking Heads "Remain in Light". Sarah found the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, I hate that movie more than most things I can think of. She can recite every word. This is where we differ.

The man doesn't blink, mom! The man doesn't blink!

2008-01-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

After roaming through general shit in a second hand superstore (Lionel Richie, Streisand, etc), I came across some lovely things in the 45s section! All 50cents!

ABC- The Lexicon Of Love (I LOVED THEM SO MUCH AS A KID. Cheesy pop music wins.)
ABC- The Look Of Love 7"

The Human League- Dare!
THE MONKS- Bad Habits (!!!)
Adam and the Ants- Stand and Deliver (According to my mum this is another album my dad was obsessed with)
The Knack- Get the Knack (for mum)
Ted Nuuuuuuuuugent- Weekend Warriors (not for me, for my brother's friend)

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT FIND:
Prince- Graffiti Bridge

Also. After much disappointment that the Horrors did not make a tour diary for their US/Canada dates last year (they seem to have one for every other tour they've done).. turns out the whole thing is now going to be a movie. It's premiering at SUNDANCE. How fantastic and strange! I've already recognized a bunch of people from the trailer alone. I wonder what they'll have from the show I was at! I can't wait to see it.

1:15-1:17= brilliant.

In like, fourth grade

2008-01-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

Obligatory end of year list... now.
It actually took me a really long time to think of such a thing, because the majority of my music collection pre-exists 1996. Hence why it's the 3rd day of the new year when I got around to posting this.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Horrors- Strange House

Was this even going to have any competition? I can't remember the last time I was so excited about an album's release. Not to mention, it's their debut. I don't feel I have to defend this choice, really. Many refuse to give them a chance based on hype/appearance/things that don't even relate to the music itself. I've found that, generally, they change their minds as soon as they actually listen. Every song is something different, something you don't expect. Even their b-sides get better and better with every single. I'm really looking forward to what they come up with next. Apparently, that's happening very soon. They also win title for "Band I Refuse To Shut Up About" this past year.
TOP TRACKS: No, honestly. Listen to the whole thing.

HONOURABLE MENTION

Wilco- Sky Blue Sky

Wilco's one of those bands that are surrounded by major expectations. They've always won. This album, like the others, delivers brilliantly crafted songs full of everything going on in Jeff Tweedy's mind at the time. This round, he's a bit happier. It's gotten them another Grammy nod, and is all over the top critic's best lists. Well deserved for one of the hardest working bands today.

EPS/SPLITS OF THE YEAR

The Rentals- Last Little Life EP

FINALLY. That's the first word I can think of! When they first announced they were getting back together in 2005, I couldn't have been happier. Their albums are a staple in my music collection, and they were another band I thought I'd never have the chance to enjoy in person. This EP goes right back to where they left off.

Electricity In Our Homes- The Shareholders Meeting EP

The epitome of strange pop. This is just our first glimpse of these new dark heroes. I'm so excited to see what happens with this band in the future.

Graham Coxon/Paul Weller- This Old Town

Two of the most important figures in English pop music collide for this split single. Who knows why this took so long to conjure up, but in the end it was worth the wait.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Is Is

How does one sound now that they'll forever be dubbed "Grammy Nominated-"? Better. I really don't think that sort of thing would have an effect on Nick, Karen, and Brian. Though I do remember how excited they were about it. They've been one of my favourite bands since I heard their FIRST ep back in 2001. I still love them.

Crystal Castles VS. Health- Crimewave

They go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong.

SINGLES OF THE YEAR

Ipso Facto- Harmonise

What I'm about to say is not a bad thing. If it were not for a previously mentioned band, I wouldn't have come across this all-girl group so quickly. They're getting a lot of attention now though, and it's well deserved. As I've said before, I really hope I get to see them live soon.

Super Furry Animals- Run Away

They've always been known for their quirky pop music, but this takes it to another level. There's a sense of comedic irony, but somehow it's a completely genuine and a bit sad at the same time.

NEiLS CHiLDREN- You Didn't Care

The catchiest song of the year, period. If anything, the bass line will haunt you long after you've heard it.

Charlotte Hatherley- Siberia

It's been a good year for her. Her second album (THE DEEP BLUE) was released to very positive reviews, and she's finally getting away from being only known as "Ash's former guitarist". This tune is proof that she can go it alone, and she'll be just fine.

Spider and the Flies- Metallurge

The experiments of Mr. Furse and Mr. Webb. With brilliant results. More to come this year!

Robots In Disguise- The Sex Has Made Me Stupid

The Robots are back in full swing. They never really went away, but it's good to have new material. They're another band whose music has grown on a gigantic scale since first forming all those years ago. And another band on my list of acts to see live as soon as possible.

Britney Spears- Peice Of Me

No, I'm completely serious. Try not getting this song in your head. She may be trainwreck of the millenium, but she knows what producers can turn that into a hit song.

Gallows ft. Lethal Bizzle- Staring At the Rude Bois

A cover of the Ruts' classic, I passed this off as a guilty pleasure at first. It's just too good to be put aside, though. Gallows were definitely one of my favourite bands this year, though their album was released back in 2006. This is a fantastic homage to the original, and a guest appearance from Bizzle makes it even better.

CONCERTS OF THE YEAR

Interpol// Cowboys Ranch. April 17th.

I've seen them a few times this year, but this was definitely the best. It's got to be one of the greatest shows I've been to, ever. They played every song I wanted to hear, and they did it perfectly. Not to mention, Carlos D's moves are legendary. Having him play to the two of us directly was one of the greatest moments in my musical life. I don't care how fangirl that sounds, it was brilliant.

You can't tell unless I'm pointing it out, but you can see us.

The Horrors// The Mod Club. June 11th.

Featuring the most horrifying moment of my life (no pun intended) that will haunt my mind forever. Being dragged Faris-style through "Gloves" was both the best and scariest moment I've ever been involved in. It's too bad I never found a video of it.

Fact: This is the first and only time Toronto will ever see Death at the Chapel live. It has been officially retired from set lists.

White Stripes// JLC. July 14th.
I've explained on here how important this show was to me already. Not only was it the first time I got to see the White Stripes since first hearing them back in 2001- it was also that I got to see them with my cousin Katie. We were both too young to see them back in the day, so it was brilliant that of all places we were able to see them at home. Not to mention, they played all the songs we would have wanted to hear back then! Including Astro, TWICE! It was perfect.

The Gorgeous// Salt Lounge. March 13th.
Their second last show, and a fantastic send off to a band that was meeting their end far too early. It's very rare to capture the intensity in the room that night. It was amazing to be a part of it.

the gorgeous

For some reason, I have that microphone. Thanks to Liam from Cancer Bats, haha. Ugh.

Silverchair// G'Day Toronto conference. February 15th.
I can't even begin to explain how amazing this was for me. I've wanted to see them since I was a child, and to do it in such a small, relaxed environment was so beyond anything I could have imagined. Of course, they've been around years so they played a lot of newer material- but they didn't forget about the classics. They're still going strong.

Hawksley Workman// Old Roxy. Mount Forest. April 5th.
Take an artist you love, drive 3 hours to the middle of nowhere, and see them in a village's tiny theatre. Not to mention having random covers of songs like "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" in between your favourite songs. Brilliant.

Sloan// Nathan Phillips Square. Toronto. January 27th.
So once again, another band that took me years to see live. They're one of my favourite Canadian groups, ever. I remember a point in time where all I listened to was the album "Twice Removed". When they played "Coax Me", I was ten years younger. They're so good live. I can't believe it's been almost a year since.

He was laughing at me/did that little point with his finger because I was screaming the lyrics to the top of my lungs and flailing like a twat. Oh, how it felt to be 11 years old again.

AND IN THE FORTHCOMING YEAR...

2008 is set to be very fantastic for music. I'm already anticipating new albums by NC3 (finally!), Ipso Facto, The Horrors, The Breeders, among others. Plus, I'll be travelling elsewhere to witness such acts in person! I can't wait.