Uncommon Chords

Everything But The Girl: Downhill Racer

2012-01-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

Resolve....

2011-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Inspiring story this morning on CBC Radio One, on the special program entitled "Resolve". The story I listened to was with Kristin Millar, a Winnipeg woman who carries her heart around in her purse, - she's waiting for a heart transplant - why she says she's not sick, she's just accessorized.

Make it go away or make it better
Isn’t that what love is supposed to do?
Make it go away or make it better
Cause I would do either one for you

This is not the way you should see me
This is not the face I recognize
Could I lay my head down here for a moment?
Would you sing to me like I’m your child?

Cause I’m not angry I’m not crying
I’m just in over my head
You could be the angel that stayed on my shoulder
When all of the other angels left

Make it go away
Cause I am weak and
This is more than one should have to take
If you do this for me then I will promise
I’ll make it go away for you someday

There are reasons with silver linings
There are lessons but I don’t care
Cause I just need a hand that I can hold onto
When it’s darker than death out there

Oh, and I’m so cold
And so far away from my home
But tonight you’re
You’re where I belong
You’re everything right
When I’m everything wrong

So make it go away or make it better
Isn’t that what love’s supposed to do?
Just make it go away or make it better
Cause I would do either one for you

Mika with Imogen Heap....By the Time

2011-12-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Things to do post full time employment

2011-12-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's Friday and day 3 of being out of my position with the Mayor's Office. A fantastic opportunity it was, but alas, my fearless leader had made her decision to not run for re-election. Not an easy gig - particularly in the fashion she ran her Administration - on high octane, to an impeccable standard, and to the very best of level of democracy.

As 2011 comes to a close and I begin to suss out a new post, hopefully in the political realm, I will take it easy on myself. Going forward sans Blackberry, hours in front of a small screened PC, millions of details to cope with and negotiate through on a daily basis, these are the things I am looking forward to...

Snow Patrol's "A Hundred Million Suns"

2011-12-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

This is a throw-back post written almost three years ago to the day. In light of the fact that Snow Patrol's new album "Fallen Empires" isn't out for Christmas - not being released until January 10th (a colossal marketing mis-step), I thought I'd remind people of this album. At the time I gave it a 7 out of 10.

Album: A Hundred Million Suns
Artist: Snow Patrol
Label: Polydor/A & M
Released: October 28, 2008
Rating: 7 out of 10
Review by: Stephanie Kiernan

Don’t expect to fall in love upon the first go around of “A Hundred Million Suns” – I’ve personally renamed Snow Patrol’s fifth album “A hundred million Starts” since that’s about how many plays it took for me to warm up to it and wipe off its monochromatic veneer.

Nevertheless, despite the repeated starts of the album in my car and on my iPod, it eventually wedged itself into my psyche. Irish-Scottish ensemble Snow Patrol resumes their clean-cut, soft-alternative sound, while lead-singer-lyricist Gary Lightbody fortifies the band’s tried and true post-Coldplay formula for a perfectly pleasant offering without any surprises.

And while surprises might be vital in satiating the iPod generation, Snow Patrol’s music is nevertheless cheerfully alternative, in addition to having the underpinning of distinguished Irish Producer, Garret “Jacknife” Lee; who’s pixie dust has illuminated other alternatives like Weezer, Kasabian, The Hives, and Bloc Party.

“A Hundred Millions Suns” stamps out 11 sashaying originals, including sixteen marathon-minute “The Lightning Strike” which swoons and flares with echoing high-tempo. Snow Patrol has mastered mellowness with extractions like track 7, “Set Down Your Glass” and track 8 “The Planets Bend Between Us” and yet plodded optimism strikes through “Engines” – a highlight of the release.

This Snow Patrol offering would make a decent Christmas stocking stuffer. Just add this review disclaimer to the wrapping.

Reaching into the heart of the darkness for the tenderness within

2011-09-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

She was a friend to me when I needed one
Wasn't for her I don't know what I'd done
She gave me back something that was missing in me
She could of turned out to be almost anyone
Almost anyone--
With the possible exception
Of who I wanted her to be

Running into the midnight
With her clothes whipping in the wind
Reaching into the heart of the darkness
For the tenderness within
Stumblin' into the lights of the city
And then back in the shadows again
Hanging onto the laughter
That each of us hid our unhappiness in

Talk about celestial bodies
And your angels on the wing
She wasn't much good at stickin' around--but
She could sing...

In the dead of night
She could shine a light
On some places that you've never been
In that kind of light
You could lose your sight
And believe there was something to win
You could hold her tight
With all your might
But she'd slip through your arms like the wind
And be back in flight
Back into the night
Where you might never see her again

The longer I thought I could find her
The shorter my vision became
Running in circles behind her
And thinking in terms of the blame
But she couldn't have been any kinder
If she'd come back and tried to explain
She wasn't much good a saying goodbye--but
That girl was sane

The Power of Orange Knickers

2011-09-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

The power of orange knickers
The power of orange knickers
The power of orange knickers
Under my petticoat
The power of listening to what
You don't want me to know

Can somebody tell me now who is this terrorist
Those girls that smile kindly then rip your life to pieces?
Can somebody tell me now am I alone with this?
This little pill in my hand and with this secret kiss
Am I alone in this...

A matter of complication
When you become a twist
For their latest drink
As they're transitioning

Can somebody tell me now who is this terrorist
This little pill in my hand that keeps the pain living
Can somebody tell me now a way out of this -
That sacred pipe of red stone could blow me out of this kiss
Am I alone in this...

Shame shame time to leave me now
Shame shame you've had your fun
Shame shame for letting me think that I would be the one

Can somebody tell me now who is this terrorist
This little pill in my hand or this secret kiss
Am I alone in this kiss
Am I alone in this kiss

Tift Merritt, Trouble Over Me

2011-08-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

You're not my boyfriend, I don't want a boyfriend
Just make a little trouble over me
In your kitchen, on the way to your window
Walking down your hallway
Make some trouble over me

I'll play hard to get but if I mean it
Just make a little trouble over me
Leave me alone. Do what you want to
See, I got some things on my mind

Don't treat me bad, that's not what I'm asking
Look out your window, everyone's in line
Paper truth in strings, hearts and broken things
Love goes for quite a price
I don't want you for mine. Oh, but don't we get along fine

Tell me a secret before you meant to
Worry what I'll do. Trouble over me
If you touch me, it's only by accident
Oh, wrists and fingertips. Trouble over me

In your kitchen, on the way to your window
Walking down your hallway, make some trouble over me
Button my coat up, stumble with your words some
Let me think that you might go to a little trouble over me

Just a little
Just a little trouble
Just a little trouble over

Ryan Adams: Please DO NOT confuse him with Bryan Adams

2011-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

And streets that only turn to boulevards
And houses with back yards
and it's raining like hell on the cars
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
Knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked
I'm totally fucked
Wish you were here

And if I could have my way
We'd take some drugs
And we'd smile
We'd smile
We'd smile
But not tonight, my dear
Wish you were here

Flippin brilliant. One of my desert island artists. Bar none.

Back to basics with the Tragically Hip on my iPod

2011-08-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

Although "In Violet Light" is my new Hip favourite album (playing "Leave" 20 times a day), I'm reminded of their In Between Evolution hit here. Also, "Are We Family" is a goodie.

And then there's this...

When the colour of the night
and all the smoke for one life
gives way to shakey movements,
improvisational skills,
a forest of whispering speakers
let's swear that we will
get with the times,
in a current heath to stay
let's get friendship right
get life day-to-day
in the forget-yer-skates dream
full of countervailing woes
in diverse-as-ever scenes
proceeding on a need-to-know
in a face so full of meaning
as to almost make it glow

O' for a good life, we just might have to weaken
and find somewhere to go
go somewhere we're needed
find somewhere to grow
grow somewhere we're needed.

I need a girl like you like a stolen car

2011-08-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

One day you're gonna miss me. One day you're gonna wake up cold.
Then you'll wish that you could kiss me when you're old and you're alone.

So cry if you want to.
Yeah, you can come undone but you've gotta have a heart to have a broken one.
You can take your accusations. You can have all your records back.
You can have an opinion or a heart attack,
'cause if you lose a kindred spirit, you'll find another one.
But you've gotta to pull the trigger to have a smoking gun.

Oh my girl, it must be so tight in your skin 'cause there's no room to breathe- this fantasy you're living in.

I need a new perpective, I need a fresh start.
I need a girl like you like a stolen car
Cause we all love the joyride until you wind up dead.
You see, you don't need a heart to have a swollen head

2011-08-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

The Talent of Jimmy Fallon - the History of Rap.

2011-08-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Lucinda Williams...need I say more?

2011-08-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Baby, sweet baby, you're my drug
Come on and let me taste your stuff

Baby, sweet baby, bring me your gift
What surprise you gonna hit me with

I am waiting here for more
I am waiting by your door
I am waiting on your back steps
I am waiting in my car
I am waiting at this bar
I am waiting for your essence

Baby, sweet baby, whisper my name
Shoot your love into my vein

Baby, sweet baby, kiss me hard
Make me wonder who's in charge

Refrain:
I am waiting here for more
I am waiting by your door
I am waiting on your back steps
I am waiting in my car
I am waiting at this bar
I am waiting for your essence

Baby, sweet baby, I wanna feel your breath
Even though you like to flirt with death

Baby, sweet baby, can't get enough
Please come find me and help me get fucked up

I am waiting here for more
I am waiting by your door
I am waiting on your back steps
I am waiting in my car
I am waiting at this bar
I am waiting for your essence
Your essence

Dustin Bentall and his cute girlfriend Kendel Carson on the Shore 104

2011-08-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Locally we've held his Dad Barney Bentall in great esteem, but in recent years, young Justin has done his family name proud and carried on their musical tradition. The fiddler is Kendal Carson. Thanks to my friend Rod, I'm going to be paying much more attention to her and her own music career.

This next video is not official, but this is how I first heard the song "Crash Hard", in its studio recording version. Love this music - which I refer to as roots rock.

Back in 82 and the Couples' Skate

2011-08-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

This morning while playing iTunes Radio, All Chilled 181.FM, a re-make of Hall & Oates' 1982 single "One on One" came on. Dreadful cover. There's nothing like Daryl Hall's sexy voice on this recording. Reminds me of night skating at Karen Magnussen Arena when I'd haul in all my vinyls so that they could play them while we glided around and around the rink and waited for the couples' skate. The lighting at the 8:45pm to 10:15pm skate was turned down and the "mood" lighting was on. Even at 14 years old, I understood and valued my lighting.

Multi-Talent Wouter De Beacker, aka Gotye, from Bruges, Belgium

2011-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

You don’t get burned
(’Cause nothing gets through)
It makes it easier
(Easier on you)
But that much more difficult for me
To make you see…

Love ain’t fair
So there you are
My love

Your heart’s a mess
You won’t admit to it
It makes no sense
But I’m desperate to connect
And you, you can’t live like this

Sarah Harmer.

2011-07-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

I see my mouth moving when I talk to you,
I do,
I see my lips and I feel like a kid
I can't keep something hid
Cause I've been under the paper you were writing on
you left your impression long after you'd gone
on me,
marks only I can see.

Brigitte Bardot, Mr. Sun

2011-07-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

Beach House, Real Love

2011-07-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Beach House is the duo, Real Love is the Single

BEACH HOUSE: REAL LOVE from matt amato on Vimeo.

Velvet Morning

2011-07-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

Tim Chaisson and Morning Fold

2011-07-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to S W E E T P E A, I have discovered Tim Chaisson...The East Coast of Canada as always, brings us such goodness in music.

Smiths

2011-07-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

I found a new blog and a kindred spirit...Door 16 is a great blog and she obviously has great taste in music.

Bob Welch and a little bit of 1970's history

2011-07-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't find any "official" Hypnotized video but I found these two interesting little gems. The first is someone's handy video work with the actual soundtrack, which would be perfect playing on a large screen and if only smoked illegal substances. Which I don't.

The second is a live version which looks like it's from a Bob Welch concert in the mid 1980's.

Ryan Adams - Two

2011-07-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

If you take me back
Back to your place
I'll try not to bother you I promise
'Cause it's cold in here
And I wish it was hot
The sink's broke, it's leaking from the faucet

And i'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
But it takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take only one

Well, my money's no good when i'm up to no good
No good ever comes from it, honest
I got a really good heart
I just can't catch a break
If i could i'd treat you like you wanted me to i promise

But i'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
I'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home

But it takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take only one

Pyro, by the Kings of Leon

2011-07-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Single book of matches,
Gonna burn what's standing in the way.
Roaring down the mountain,
Now they're calling on the fire brigade.
Bury all the pictures,
and tell the kids that I'm okay.
If'n I'm forgotten,
You'll remember me for today.

I won't ever be your cornerstone.
I...

All the black inside me
Is slowly seeping from the bone.
Everything I cherish
Is slowly dying, or it's gone.
Little shaken babies
And drunkards seem to all agree,
Once the show gets started,
It's bound to be a sight to see.

I won't ever be your cornerstone.
I don't wanna be here holding on.
I won't ever be your cornerstone.
I...

Watch her roll,
Can you feel it?
Watch her roll,
Can you feel it?

Watch her roll,
Can you feel it?
Watch her roll,
Can you feel it?

I won't ever be your cornerstone.
I don't wanna be here holding on.
I won't ever be your cornerstone.

Parental Discretion is Advised: Language*

2011-07-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dwight Yoakam is Doyle Hargraves in Sling Blade. This is classic.

CAKE: You break up the band, flimsy as it is, it's open-mic punk rock

2011-07-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

"Cake epitomizes the postmodern, irony-drenched aesthetic of '90s geek-rock"

you turn the screws
you tear down the bridge
flimsy as it is, it's business like
you shake my hand
you break up the band
flimsy as it is, it's open-mic punk rock
red white and blue

you twist the knife then go home to kiss your wife
a bigger better slice is what you'd like
you kick the sand, you get the upper hand
you sell it to japan
it's natural punk rock
red white and blue

you turn the screws
it's what you choose to do
you think that i
must turn them too
you think that i must be so satisfied
i stay inside
i wonder why

Everybody Knows, Ryan Adams...

2011-07-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

You come for me in the worst of places
You come for me, you come and try to take me home
I'm always in need and it's hard to be reciprocating
The fabric of our life gets torn
And everything's changing so how i am to know
How i'm going to hold on to you when i'm spinning out of control
You an i together
But only one of us in love
And everybody knows
He says her name, it echoes in my head like it was a canyon
He says her name, he says it and i know what's up
You come to me sometimes when i'm thinking like a cannonball shooting out a canyon
And i forget whatever it was i was thinking about
With everything changing how am i to know
How i'm going to hold on to you when i'm spinning out of control
With out and i together
But only one of us in love
And everybody knows

THIS SUMMER, by Squeeze

2011-07-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

Squeeze is still a fav anytime of year.

ray lamontagne and the pariah dogs

2011-07-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is now one of my all time favourite songs for the summer...aptly titled For The Summer. I can't seem to locate the official music video, which drives me crazy, so for the best audio, I'm posting this very unofficial video.

Sun Kil Moon

2011-07-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

I can't remember where or when I discovered Sun Kil Moon (Mark Kozelek) and his captivating song "Carry Me Ohio", but I'm still in love with it. The album was from late 2003, but I think I was a little late in discovering it. I'm going to guess 2008.

Citizen Cope "Sideways"...found on soundtrack "Ghost Town"

2011-07-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Jim, Farewell Paul Quarrington

2011-06-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Definitely off the down troden path of pop music, the brilliant Paul Quarrington still reminds me that songwriting and the Canadian perspective is important and real. He was born in July, 1953 and in May of 2009, he got the sad news of being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. On January 21, 2010, Paul Quarrington passed away at home in Toronto. The documentary of his work is encapsulated in the Bravo documentary Life in Music. So who was Paul Quarrington? He was a Canadian, a screenwriter, a playwright, a singer, a novelist, a musician, an educator, a creator.

Paul Quarrington Life in Music (Trailer) from MovingStories.TV on Vimeo.

Big Jet Plane, Now Playing

2011-06-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Angus and Julia Stone are the brother and sister dynamic duo from Australia, signing on to Nettwerk Records for their North American distribution and world domination. I love their artist website, just as cool and innovative as their sound. Nothing like the drivel that drowns our daily airwaves, poisoning our senses with gruesome sounds. No, this band is different. You're gonna like em.

Angus and Julia Stone - Black Crow (2010) from Nick Murray Willis on Vimeo.

Angus and Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane from kirill dolmatov on Vimeo.

The band is Blue Foundation. The Tune is Eyes on Fire

2011-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Danish band Blue Foundation

Little Things, James Bright featuring Rachel Lloyd...an All Chilled classic

2011-05-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Brigitte Bardot

2011-05-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

From 1981 Squeeze, Labelled with Love...Brilliant songwriting

2011-05-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

She unscrews the top of a new whiskey bottle
And shuffles about in her candle lit hovel,
Like some kind of witch with blue fingers in mittens
She smells like the cat and the neighbours she sickens,
The black and white t.v. has long seen a picture
The cross on the wall is a permanent fixture,
The postman delivers the final reminders
She sells off her silver and poodles in China.

Drinks to remember, I me and myself
And winds up the clock
And knocks dust from the shelf
Home is a love that I miss very much
So the past has been bottled and labelled with love.

During the war time an American pilot
Made every air raid a time of excitement,
She moved to his prairie and married the Texan
She learnt from a distance how love was a lesson,
He became drinker and she became mother
She knew that one day she'd be one or the other,
He ate himself older, drunk himself dizzy
Proud of her features, she kept herself pretty.

Drinks to remember, I me and myself
And winds up the clock
And knocks dust from the shelf
Home is a love that I miss very much
So the past has been bottled and labelled with love.

He like a cowboy died drunk in his slumber
Out on the porch in the middle of summer,
She crossed the ocean back home to her family
But they had retired to roads that were sandy,
She moved home alone without friends or relations
Lived in a world full of age reservation,
On moth eaten armchairs she'd say that she'd sod all
The friends who had left her to drink from the bottle .

Drinks to remember, I me and myself
And winds up the clock
And knocks dust from the shelf
Home is a love that I miss very much
So the past has been bottled and labelled with love.
The past has been bottled and labelled with love.
The past - has been bottled and labelled with love.

William Fitzsimmons, coming to the Waldorf May 13

2011-04-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

You Broke My Heart by William Fitzsimmons

More William Fitzsimmons music on iLike

2011-04-08T08:02:00.001-07:00

Hey Rosetta!

2011-04-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asleep for a long, long time
Blond hair to brown and then brown to white
My mom is buried beside my dad
But I was asleep for all of that

I shut my eyes for a moment’s rest
‘Cause I get so tired
What thing transpired while my body slept?
Beset my mind

All the schools that I went to have all been closed
And all of my teachers are dead I suppose
The songs that we sung have all gone quiet
What happens below as you sleep at night?

I shut my eyes for a moment’s rest
‘Cause I get so tired
What things transpired while my body slept?
Beset my mind

The river’s up, the reeds are caught
Halfway across what never was
The water rose and swept in slow
When the reeds awoke they were half below

I’ve been asleep for a long, long time
Blond hair to brown and then brown to white
My ma is buried beside my dad
But I was asleep for all of that

I’ve been asleep for a long, long time
Blond hair to brown and brown to white
My ma is buried beside my dad
But I was asleep for all of that
For all of that

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

2011-03-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Underdogs Win Album of the Year at the Grammys

2011-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

There's hope....

2011-02-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

npuke: Morrissey supports Johnny Marr over The Smiths Dav...

2010-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

npuke: Morrissey supports Johnny Marr over The Smiths Dav...: "Morrissey has praised former bandmate Johnny Marr for criticising Prime Minister David Cameron for liking The Smiths. The singer also slamme..."

British Prime Minister is snubbed by Morrissey & Marr

2010-12-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Britain's austerity measures are having an ill effect for Prime Minister David Cameron. Poor old David must be crushed. I'd hate to be him.

Something old, something new, something to remember

2010-11-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed an amazing Remembrance Day morning in West Vancouver at the Cenotaph with a great community. I visited the Legion for a short time, but really not my thing. I was back home in the afternoon, cozy in my flat with some telee and music.

2010-11-07T12:20:00.001-08:00

New Favourite Song

2010-10-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

I'm not just about re-arranging furniture and buying throw pillows. This blog proves it. Just be careful in stepping into my other life on Mainstream Melancholy.

Saturday Night at the Movies

2010-10-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

Spoon,

2010-10-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

Another exciting Saturday night. Pouring rain, dark, no energy to go out. But Austin City Limits had Spoon on. That's something to save the dreadfulness of this night. Great band. Touring nowhere near to YVR though.

Cute Kelowna Boys, Yukon Blonde, saving this dreadful dark and rainy Saturday morning

2010-09-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yukon Blonde

The New Arcade Fire - coming in August

2010-06-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

In the suburbs, I
I learned to drive
And you told me I'd never survive
Grab your mother's keys, we're leaving

You always seemed so sure
That one day we'd fight in
In a suburban war
You put it down against mine
I saw you standing on the opposite shore
Nobody down, the first bombs fell
We were already bored
We were already, already bored

Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling
Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling again

The kids won't be so hard
In my dreams we're still screaming
Running through the yard
And all the walls that they built in the 70s finally fall
And all of the houses they built in the 70s finally fall
It meant nothing at all
It meant nothing at all
It meant nothing

Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling
Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling into the night

I just can't understand
How I want a daughter while I'm still young
I want to hold her hand
Show her some beauty
Before this damage is done
But if it's too much to ask
If it's too much to ask
Send me a son

Under the overpass
In the parking lot we're still waiting
It's already passed
So move your feet from hot pavement
And into the grass
Cause it's already passed
It's already already passed

Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling
Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm moving past the feeling again

I'm moving past the feeling
I'm moving past the feeling

In my dreams we're still screaming
We're still screaming
We're still screaming

Satchel, the song Suffering, featured in the Beautiful Girls' Soundtrack

2010-03-21T14:52:00.001-07:00

one of my favorites of today, The Stars, do my favorites of yesterday: The Smiths

2010-03-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

A BRILLIANT cover from The Stars....

1979 Classic

2010-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

from their latest EP, Modest Mouse's weirdest video ever, but a great tune

2009-12-13T21:54:00.001-08:00

Modest Mouse - Satellite Skin from Old World Monkey on Vimeo.

Tops for 2009

2009-11-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

My Top Ten for albums of 2009 have been submitted to the North Shore News - many thanks to audiophile John Goodman. I have given him the caveat audiens for my picks - being far more folk/roots and of course, singer-songwriter stuff. No Lady GaGa (gag-gah) from me. How vile. This is the year of really geeky looking guy bands. And a lot of Canadians.

10: Morrissey - Years of Refusal

9: Andrew Bird - Noble Beast

8: Wilco - Wilco

7: Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

6: Bruce Cockburn - Slice O' Life

5: Joel Plaskett - Three

4: The Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

3: Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Break Up

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Relator @ Yahoo! Video

2: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

and my number one pick for 2009....

1: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone *** A highlight of the year and an obvious highlight to her recording career. Neko Case is outstanding in her vocal talent and this album is a must have by anyone's standards!

Smiths' Influence in The Drums

2009-09-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

NME is reporting that Boy George is impressed with the band "The Drums", saying they remind him of The Smiths.

Susan Boyle's first single drags em away

2009-09-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle's first single will be an amazing cover of Rolling Stones "Wild Horses". Although I love the Sundays' rendition of the song, this is something so beautiful, I can see that Boyle's album entitled "I Dreamed a Dream", will set new records in the stratosphere. It's release isn't due until November and will be offered on Amazon.

Off the beaten down path of Mainstream, get yourself some Andrew Bird

2009-08-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Chicago Instrumentalist, Andrew Bird, does his rare vocal appearance on this single "Imitosis", from the album Armchair Apocrypha. Great tune, intriguing video.

he's keeping busy
yeah he's bleeding stones
with his machinations and his palindromes
it was anything but hear the voice
that says that we're all basically alone

poor Professor Pynchon had only good intentions
when he put his Bunsen burners all away
and turning to a playground in a Petri dish
where single cells would swing their fists
at anything that looks like easy prey
in this nature show that rages every day
it was then he heard his intuition say

we were all basically alone
and despite what all his studies had shown
that what's mistaken for closeness
is just a case of mitosis
and why do some show no mercy
while others are painfully shy
tell me doctor can you quantify
he just wants to know the reason why

why do they congregate in groups of four
scatter like a billion spores
and let the wind just carry them away
hows can kids be so mean
our famous doctor tried to glean
as he went home at the end of the day
in this nature show that rages every day
it was then he heard his intuition say

we were all basically alone
despite what all his studies had shown
that what's mistaken for closeness
is just a case of mitosis
sure fatal doses of malcontent through osmosis
and why do some show no mercy
while others are painfully shy
tell me doctor, can you quantify?
the reason why

Fiction Factory, from the Reese Peanut Butter Cup Ad

2009-07-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

Someone just drove by with this song blasting out of their car

2009-07-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

And you know, it was darn cool.

Michael Jackson - Don't Stop
by fred04dj

DANIEL LANOIS Lotta Love To Give

2009-06-07T10:20:00.001-07:00

DANIEL LANOIS Lotta Love To Give

Shared via AddThis

Blondie, Dreamin

2009-06-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

Birthday Blessings to Morrissey

2009-05-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Artist: Morrissey
Album: Years Of Refusal
Label: Lost Highway (US), Decca/Polydor (UK)
Rating: 8 of 10

It’s hard to believe Morrissey turns 50 on May 22nd, but luckily he never ceases to be the embodiment of eccentricity, an enigmatic oddball to revere. He fiercely continues to give mainstream pop the cold shoulder (and perhaps rightly so), and is no more acclimatized to the pop music scene than he was twenty-three years ago when he emerged as Britain’s beloved outsider with his 1980’s fêted band, The Smiths.

Never lacking of critics, Morrissey has been countering back with successful solo albums and touring to sold-out shows from L.A. to his birthplace of Manchester, England since 1988. His latest rebuttal, Years of Refusal, seemingly reflects the artist’s acceptance of a life-sentence of sour discontentment. Below its 12-track listing, the album’s subscript reads in lower cased italics “produced by jerry finn, recorded in los angeles, play very loud” and compelling proves that age hasn’t diffused Morrissey’s perspective nor his ability to deliver vocal potency. “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore” hallmarks his sublime falsetto and track two, “Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed”, is lushly layered and enjoyable despite its somewhat disturbing lyrics. The opener, “Something is Squeezing My Skull” scowls with energetic ferocity, stating the big sound theme. Collaboration from long-time band mate Boz Boorer is evident as is punk-pop producer, Jerry Finn’s contribution, which was tragically the 39-year-old’s last effort, having succumbed to a brain hemorrhage only weeks after finalizing the Morrissey recording. A full-bodied intensity flares through to the finale, bonus track, “Shame Is The Name”. Undisputedly, melancholy and wry lyricism, not to mention a notorious quaff, have served Morrissey well and he deserves a very happy birthday.

- Stephanie Kiernan

Crossing A Canyon - 54-40 let me disappear and try again...

2009-04-25T11:50:00.001-07:00

LOVE this song...

Sittin' on the edge, atop a canyon
I'm a piece of time too small to name
There's a sign that's hanging over me
Let me disappear and try again

I'm no prophet, but I've seen things
When right and wrong become too close
In that moment of my greatness
I become afraid and watch it go

And the day is long
And the bridge is gone
And the river's washed away
The road I'm on
Only road I know

Everybody's got a problem
Something to do with self control
You gotta tell somebody if you got one
You can't pretend you didn't know

Staring out, across the canyon
My eyes won't tell me what to see
If I let go, I could be floating
From the river to the sea

And the day is long
And the bridge is gone
And the river's washed away
The road I'm on
Only road I know

If I let go, I could be floating
From the river to the sea

And the day is long
And the bridge is gone
And the river's washed away
The road I'm on
Only road
Only road I know

This Girl needs some Beatles

2009-03-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that The Beatles and Apple Macintosh have more money than God, they continue to quibble over iTunes and name rights and copy rights of "Apple". Therefore, when importing your Beatles' CD's into your iMac iTunes, you don't get the automatic artwork. Tonight I pulled up The Beatles.com and downloaded all the album artwork so I can upload the images for my jukebox display. Now things look way better.

Pete Yorn's upcoming album can't come soon enough

2009-03-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

But neither can Matthew Good's new studio recording "Vancouver". Pete has done a duet/vocals with him on the album. This is quite exciting.

New one called "Shotgun" - you can upload it on Facebook and improve your iLike profile. Hmmm, I likey. I likey alot.

Richard Hawley

2009-02-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning sitting in Starbucks on Robson awaiting Lianne's arrival so we could attend the Geist writers workshop, a song came on that caught my attention. An acoustic remake of Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot's Early Morning Rain. I casually inquired what CD was playing and found the hard copy at the front counter. It was a Starbucks' compilation entitled "Sweetheart". It was also 24 quid - I wasn't in the mood to pay that, but I made my mental note.

This song is an oldie - the guy that re-recorded it isn't. Richard Hawley is a Brit - a Northerner, who was born in January 1967. From his vintage voice one would think he was 40 years old recording in 1967. Richard Hawley is a throwback and way cool. His voice is velvet, hitting that part of the past that is late 1960's and early 1970's. Check out this LINK and see if you think he could be of Glen Campbell's vintage. He's fabulous.

Proof? Here is his cover of "Born Under A Bad Sign" - a song made famous by a chap named Albert King but could just as easily been sung by Nancy Sinatra. This video is fantastic and so is our retro Richard Hawley.

The Starbucks "Sweetheart" Compilation was released January 30th. Here is it's line up of mellowed out covers. Jem's cover of Coldplay's Yellow is actually really well done.

01. Death Cab For Cutie - "Love Song" (Cure cover)
02. Katy Perry - "Black And Gold" (Sam Sparro cover)
03. DeVotchKa - "Hot Burrito #1 (I'm Your Toy)" (Flying Burrito Brothers cover)
04. Department Of Eagles - "Love Me" (Elvis Presley cover)
05. Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Words Of Love" (Buddy Holly cover)
06. Ben Bridwell - "Your Love Is Forever" (George Harrison cover)
07. Kate Tucker - "I'm On Fire" (Bruce Springsteen cover)
08. Rogue Wave - "Maps" (Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover)
09. A.C. Newman - "Take On Me" (a-ha cover)
10. Jem - "Yellow" (Coldplay cover)
11. Richard Hawley - "Early Morning Rain" (Gordon Lightfoot cover)
12. Daniel Martin Moore - "I Hear Music" (Billie Holiday cover)
13. She & Him - "I Put A Spell On You" (Screamin' Jay Hawkins cover)
14. Lila Downs - "My One And Only Love" (Frank Sinatra cover)

It's all fire and brimstone baby...

2009-02-21T22:00:00.001-08:00

Maynard Keenan, lead singer of Tool, has a side project called Puscifer. His new song is The Mission featuring vocals of actress Mila Jovovich. I am addicted to this song. I dare you not to love it as well.

What A Tease

2009-01-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Morrissey's upcoming solo album, Years of Refusal, features interesting inner sleeve artwork. The ninth solo studio recording for Moz will be released in the UK February 16, 2009. As usual, he has fun with his song titles....

1. 'Something Is Squeezing My Skull'
2. 'Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed'
3. 'Black Cloud'
4. 'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris'
5. 'All You Need Is Me'
6. 'When Last I Spoke To Carol'
7. 'That's How People Grow Up'
8. 'One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell'
9. 'It's Not Your Birthday Anymore'
10. 'You Were Good In Your Time'
11. 'Sorry Doesn't Help'
12. 'I'm OK By Myself'

And if that isn't enough NEWS, there is also his interview with Russell Brand. So you MUST purchase the deluxe DVD edition of Years of Refusal in order to treat yourself to the full 20 minute interview, entitled "Wrestle With Russell".
God I love the intrawebs.

Hairdresser On Fire....really

2009-01-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Morrissey - Hairdresser on Fire from Steve Pope on Vimeo.

The Two-Minute Miracles

2008-12-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to CBC Radio 2 and a December 20th trip to Costco with Steve Jones, I now know about the Toronto based band, Two-Minute Miracles. These guys are so under the radar but totally authentic and unwary roots rock.

The video above is of a live performance of "Stall Tactics", which I encourage people to purchase off iTunes, from the album Volume III The Silence of Animals. Weird title, but that's good. I purchased several songs from various recordings of theirs and then burned a CD for Steve for Christmas. This I hope, will push him to set up his iTunes account on his "new" iMac and buy the albums in full. So far, Steve loves these guys.

This video link is of a more polished production; an upbeat sort of tune, which I will also buy, from the album "Lions of Love". Title song from that album is also really good.

The state of the union post Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T10:09:00.001-08:00

This morning after a truly lack luster Christmas spent virtually alone, snow bound, suffering with achey-flu-like symptoms, and then yesterday from 11:45 am to 2:10 pm, joining in the “fun” with six other homeowners up on the roof of our apartment building, heaving twelve-thousand pounds of snow off to the ground, well, I have awakened to the fact that I am a cynical and fearful person. Buddy's down to one last tin of Fancy Feast and it's the Salmon flavor one which he's not wild about.

And even worse, reading the NY Times online this morning, right there in black and whitish, “Billboard reported that three-quarters of Santogold’s (singer Santi White – whom I don’t know or listen to) excellent album has already been licensed for commercials, video games and soundtracks, and Ms White appears in advertisements for sneakers.”

Journalist Jon Pareles has it right, it’s a hard one to fathom at times. He goes on to state, “this is the reality of the 21st-century music business. Selling recordings to consumers as inexpensive artworks to be appreciated for their own sake is a much-diminished enterprise now that free copies multiply across the Web.”

Good grief. I love his description of the two types of music listeners – me being of the first collective – an apparent dying bread; “While people (I’d be one of these people) still love music enough to track it down, collect it, argue over it and judge their Facebook friends by it, many see no reason to pay for it.”

Jon Pareles’ full article was published December 24, 2008, entitled Songs From the Heart of a Marketing Plan.

And so far, I have only received and opened 2 Christmas presents. One from Richard - thank you dear for the multiple DVDs -they have come in handy these past few days; and one from Hartwick - a lovely collector book of Audrey Hepburn. I'm hoping to get a few new CDs - including Jill Barber's Oh Heart. That is, if this fricken snow would disappear!

Eartha Kitt, January 17, 1927 - December 25, 2008

2008-12-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sad to hear the news this afternoon that talented singer and actress Eartha Kitt has passed away from cancer. It's rather apropos that she passes away on Christmas day, as she made the song "Santa Baby" famous after recording the holiday hit in 1953 - Eartha was the original recording artist of the song.

The Best of 2008 - the year in review for music

2008-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's already been twelve months. It seems like only a few months ago when I was publishing Best of 2007, so when John Goodman emailed me to contribute the The North Shore News annual Year In Review Section, I thought, "You gotta be kidding me? Another December?" It really has flown by.

1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (Sub Pop)
2. Ray LaMontagne – Gossip In The Grain (RCA)
3. The Smiths – The Sounds Of The Smiths (Rhino)
4. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – Cardinology (Lost Highway)
5. Kings of Leon – Only By The Night (RCA)
6. Lucinda Williams – Little Honey (Lost Highway)
7. City And Colour – Bring Me Your Love (Vagrant)
8. Kathleen Edwards – Asking For Flowers (Universal)
9. James – Hey Ma (Decca)
10. KD Lang – Watershed (Nonsuch)

While this year was rather dry for publishing, I was able to push through my pieces on Kathleen Edwards' Asking For Flowers, KD Lang's Watershed, City and Colour's Bring Me Your Love and Morrissey's Greatest Hits. All great albums, with the exception of Morrissey's so-called Greatest Hits (I know, how can I slag my man?!). I have included them in this year's submission, appearing in this past Friday's paper (NSN December 12th edition, page A19).

The year 2008 can be described as eclectic, still filtering commonality in the collective Best-Of-2008. For more than one nomination The Kings of Leon, Fleet Foxes, Lucinda Williams, Block Party, Wolf Parade, Hey Rosetta!, and the most frequent nominee being Kathleen Edwards for her album, Asking For Flowers. Ottawa-born Kathleen Edwards is as confident and reflective as Lucinda Williams. Her debut album Failer is one of my "desert island pics". The Kings of Leon simply rock. Lead singer Caleb Followill's vocals are so striking to me. I'm in love with everything he utters. Further mention must be paid to Dallas Green and his solo work as City and Colour for the album "Bring Me Your Love", because as I described back in March, his voice is soft as silk, transporting lines to a diaphanous lullaby.

My Top 10 Albums were in no way prioritized. They were submitted in random order because I find it dreadful to remark on art in terms of rating. The absolute worst part of submitting an article for an album is the dreaded numbering out of 10. Holding my breath, I type it in last thing before clicking the Send Button on my email. But that is what we do as humans. It's unfortunate, but it's safe to say society is competitive in virtually all aspects, including art, of existence. What is better or worse, what is fastest, most expensive, you name it, we'll rate it. With rating, measuring, ranking, assessing, gauging, grading or estimating, we limit art - we stifle, regulate and limit it. But Music is really very simple. Above all of the temperament, Music is for enjoying.

Snow Patrol's "A Hundred Million Suns"

2008-12-06T07:15:00.001-08:00

Album: A Hundred Million Suns
Artist: Snow Patrol
Label: Polydor/A & M
Released: October 28, 2008
Rating: 7 out of 10
Review by: Stephanie Kiernan

Don’t expect to fall in love upon the first go around of “A Hundred Million Suns” – I’ve personally renamed Snow Patrol’s fifth album “A hundred million Starts” since that’s about how many plays it took for me to warm up to it and wipe off its monochromatic veneer.

Nevertheless, despite the repeated starts of the album in my car and on my iPod, it eventually wedged itself into my psyche. Irish-Scottish ensemble Snow Patrol resumes their clean-cut, soft-alternative sound, while lead-singer-lyricist Gary Lightbody fortifies the band’s tried and true post-Coldplay formula for a perfectly pleasant offering without any surprises.

And while surprises might be vital in satiating the iPod generation, Snow Patrol’s music is nevertheless cheerfully alternative, in addition to having the underpinning of distinguished Irish Producer, Garret “Jacknife” Lee; who’s pixie dust has illuminated other alternatives like Weezer, Kasabian, The Hives, and Bloc Party.

“A Hundred Millions Suns” stamps out 11 sashaying originals, including sixteen marathon-minute “The Lightning Strike” which swoons and flares with echoing high-tempo. Snow Patrol has mastered mellowness with extractions like track 7, “Set Down Your Glass” and track 8 “The Planets Bend Between Us” and yet plodded optimism strikes through “Engines” – a highlight of the release.

This Snow Patrol offering would make a decent Christmas stocking stuffer; just add this review disclaimer to the wrapping.

Greg Laswell Linked and Liked

2008-11-29T07:35:00.001-08:00

It's early Saturday morning and I've logged on to Facebook to pick up some messages. Although I resisted Facebook at the onset last year, I must admit it has its advantages.

First it's about people. I've been able to connect with friends and family that I would otherwise not be able to. There just wouldn't have been that opportunity. The other of course, is the iLike application. I'd like to say that I'm turning friends on to new music by 'publishing' my iLike selections, but also, there are friends like Terrie, Jennifer and of course Marni, who are doing the same for me. So while many folks like to blame Book-Visage for everything from break-ups to gossip machinery, there's something to be said for the connection that a song or music can make between people.

With that said, thanks to Terrie and Jennifer for being very cool and selecting and publishing your pick for the multi-talented artist, Greg Laswell - hailing from San Diego, California. Besides being a producer and engineer, the guy clearly knows how to write and record good music. From his album, "Three Flights from Alto Nido", this song is entitled "How The Day Sounds" and it is my pick of the week.

Now I have to finish - actually start - my review for the new Snow Patrol. It's not doing it for me so far. Looks like another bleak 6 out of Tener.

Snow Patrol to Ryan Adams and back to Lucinda Williams

2008-11-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

After receiving a brief email last week, the new Snow Patrol album is coming my way for review. The problem is, I wouldn't consider myself a big Snow Patrol fan. I mean, they're alright for soft edged pop. They're kind of like Coldplay's little brother aren't they? But I suppose I should save my reservations until I actually get the CD and hear it. Who knows, maybe I'll love it. It's much easier to write with love or hate. It's dreary if your feelings are grey or lukewarm. In writing, nothing could be more boring than indifference. In any case, my starting point before receiving the CD is research and I've found a few tricks for comprehending a band and an album. This morning my iTunes Store was my first stop. There's a few songs on it which might be palpable. But I was immediately uninterested and moved on to the new Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - now that's more my speed. I could sing my teeth into that one.

iTunes beguiles you in with one purchase and then thoughtfully recommends other artists and albums with their subtle "Listeners Also Bought" tool. Which naturally lead me to the newest Lucinda Williams' CD, "Little Honey". Steve said that Lucinda Williams was having a relationship with the wee Ryan Adams. I don't know about a romantic relationship. He's 34 and she's past 50. That would be rather Oedipus Rex-ish. I don't doubt they've observed in one another a strong sense of symmetry as artists.

The iTunes review of "Little Honey" was stirringly perfect; clearly the writer understands what it means to hear Lucinda Williams. The final paragraph of the review was irresistible, surmising

"the cover of AC/DC's "It's a Long Way To The Top" is at once bizarre and absolutely perfect, a blues lament coming from the mouth of a woman who has spent decades trying to get her point across."

Yes, that's exactly her.

It seems that most people are fairly flagrant with their music tastes and sadly, again, indifferent towards it. Hawksley Workman asserts "The poets let a generation down and modern music could be a healing sound" in his "We Will Still Need A Song". It's true, modern songwriters - real singer-songwriters - are vessels of poetry today; dispensing their stories and truths and harnessing them to harmonies; a double feat.

I guess my point is, I personally can't waste my precious time trying to assimilate monochromatic, common pop music. I know; pretty elitist.

"so I could parade it in all it's glory"

2008-11-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

and Bernard Sumner is a total diva..hmmmm.

Phontaine

2008-11-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

I worked on Saturday to help out at one of the showhomes in Heritage Woods. On the way home in the dark just after 6pm, driving along the quiet Barnet Hwy that hugs the inlet from Port Moody to Burnaby, I was listening to CBC Radio 2 and this catchy song came on. It was Sunny Day by local Vancouver music project Phontaine. Before the song ended I took note of the time and thought once I got home I'd check the CBC Playlist Web Site and find out what it was - there was no need because Tim Tamashiro, Tonic's host, plugged it immediately 'If you don't have any Phontaine, go out and buy an album - it's great music to have..." I was rummaging into my purse, nearly driving off the road for my ballpoint and note pad to scribble it down. Once home on Saturday night I purchased the album in which Sunny Day appears, Bibliotec. I wouldn't declare myself as a fan of electronic music, but I have to say, this got my attention.

This unofficial Phontaine video is of the final song on that album. I can't seem to find Sunny Day, but this entire album is pretty addictive at the moment. The track "Fin" is also fantastic.

Grant Baldwin is Phontaine and the music is grade A.

Home By The Sea - A Genesis forgotten classic

2008-11-07T23:44:00.001-08:00

Tonight at the Cross, I scammed a few dollars off Steve Jones to throw into the "Juke Box". I punched in a few classics, but one surprised me - a Genesis song. I was a Genesis person in the eighth grade but this was post 1982. This is a great song. Post Genesis fan or not. The pub was filled and they liked it - but they didn't remember why.

"as we live relive our lives in what we tell you"

Ah Morrissey, we love you

2008-10-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Even though I "closed" my Airborne Confessions Blog down in August, I still receive the odd comment here and there. This morning I discovered this one left on a Morrissey post.

Morrissey is a rock ikon the world over as far as real people are concerned.
He refuses to conform to the commercialised and fake music scene. For this reason he is left out in the cold when his immense talent should be respected and idolised by true music fans.
Top bands such as The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Ordinary Boys, Wombats, Coldplay and many more all nod to his influence in their respective careers.
Morrissey is indeed the Last of The Famous International Playboys!

Vive la Moz!

PS. you are very pretty Stephanie. I will see you in far off places! Daz Manchester UK

Also, the photo above is most likely the confirmed artwork for his new album "Years of Refusal", due out February 3, 2009.

"Still On Fire" by First Aid Kit

2008-10-01T21:40:00.001-07:00

Jason Collett you have my vote

2008-10-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've been rather obsessed lately with bad politics, the crap Canadian election, the shite economy and the end of the world, so it was a little shining music that got me back on track. Although our election doesn't give us much hope, here in Canada we have great singer-songwriter talent to keep us from killing ourselves. I must say I just love this young cracking-folkish voice of Jason Collett's. He's just the perfect thing to get my mind off the negatives. I especially enjoy his song "Through The Night These Days". Jason Collett is signed to Arts & Crafts at the moment and they've done him a nice web-page, but other than that, I think you'd have to check out iTunes to get his album.

"Through The Night These Days" is from his latest release.

Finally something new!

2008-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

While driving home over the Lions Gate Bridge, CBC Radio 2 played a track from a band I hadn't come across. The Fleet Foxes. I love their sound so I will leave you to their MySpace Page to see for yourselves. I say it's great Fall driving music. I like the tracks "English House" from the MySpace collection, but CBC played "Ragged Wood", which got me as far to blog this.

David Letterman appearance video

Bravo New York, Bravo!

2008-09-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

While on the NY Times website this morning, an image caught my eye. Did I see carpet and chair and people sitting in the middle of Times Square? Yes - this image is just a sparkling component of what the essence of New York is about.

An audience in Times Square had a free treat on Monday evening: projections of the Metropolitan Opera’s opening night, with Renée Fleming in excerpts from “La Traviata,” “Manon” and “Capriccio.

I don't know who's in charge over there in New York, NY, but whoever it is, to come up with such an extraordinary idea - and perhaps this is a regular occurrence, I don't know - but they deserve a raise.

God bless New York and those exceptional people who understand the cultural splendor something like this event brings. Bravo!

Music in the Mail

2008-09-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

For the cool photo above, I thank Flickr Photographer Elsie Cake. For my Bjork DVD, I thank my dear nephew...packaged and delivered all the way from California. I look forward to watching it. Alone - as directed.

Back to black indeed

2008-09-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

In the past I have been unduly hard and embittered on the topic of Amy Winehouse. I wish to retract the past comments and negative review of her. This afternoon I came across an early interview she had on the Jonathan Ross show on YouTube. She so endearing, I urge you to stay with it and watch her acoustic performance of "I Heard Love Is Blind".

A few years after her debut album Frank, she released an even greater album, Back To Black. In thinking about what is so depressing about her situation with addiction is that she is undeniably super talented and she may be making like a shooting star across the sky - brief beauty soon to be erased as if it never existed at all.

Morrissey the cat

2008-09-20T12:38:00.001-07:00

the song's name is "Stephanie" by Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham

2008-09-20T01:37:00.001-07:00

Trees Lounge

2008-09-15T20:11:00.001-07:00

Not only was Trees Lounge a great flick with great acting performances from Steve Buscemi, Michael Buscemi, Elizabeth Bracco and Carol Kane, it had a great title track by Hayden.

There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner & the outlook is absolutely vile

2008-09-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

One of the best online radio shows is "Morning Becomes Eclectic" on LA's KCRW. Morrissey was the guest on August 29th and yes, bugger, I missed it live. But here's the good news. You can listen to the interview Here. LINK
Here are His Majesty's recommendations:

1. The Courteenas - A new Manchester Band

2. The Buzzcocks "You Say You Don't Love Me" (boy, do I relate)

3. Sparks - who "crashed" into Morrissey's life when he was only 14 - the single "Moon Over Kentucky"

4. The Cockney Rejects "The Greatest Cockney Ripoff"

5. The New York Dolls - "There's Gonna Be A Showdown".

"If you've ever seen footage of Steve Jones he's completely mimicking Johnny Thunders"

6. Jobriath - "Morning Starship"

7. The Single by Mr Bloe, "Groovin"

8. Noel Coward, 1940's England, "There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner"

And as Morrissey says, Noel Coward is simply an amazing lyricist.

And by the way, Morrissey mentions that his first single he purchased was Marianne Faithful - "Come and Stay With Me".

James - one of the coolest bands ever

2008-09-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

This video's from one of James' last concerts given in their hometown of Manchester. Tim Booth couldn't weigh more than 115 pounds.

a little piece of Frank Black history...

2008-09-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Everywhere Music Won't Take You...the CBC Radio 2 Fiasco

2008-09-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

It is day two for the remodeled national FM station, CBC Radio 2, which Canadians have come to rely upon for steadfast classical music programming and I’m wondering what to think and where to stand on these changes. I will never hear again the radio's slogan, "Everywhere music takes you." What a shame. Somehow the new slogan "Music Lives Here" is a little lame for my liking. I mean, when they stated "everywhere music takes you" it was all encompassing, suggesting that something more than just music was going to happen here on the national station.

Several months back the entire country was in an uproar over the CBC’s heavy-handed change orders. I remember reading a National Post article where even the “young” listeners were in complete disapproving mode over the prospect of losing the Nation’s classical culture dose. There was even a Facebook Group called “Save Classical Music at the CBC.” Pathetically there were only 16,000 people to join.

Now according to CBC Executive Director of Programming, Chris Boyce, the new Radio 2 “will be more relevant to more Canadians.” When I first read this statement I thought – great, now CBC can be as mainstream, dull, boring, unintelligent, monotonous and characterless as the rest of radio programming in the Country – just what Canada needs.

As I drove down Taylor Way and approached the Lions Gate bridge this morning, I crinkled my brow and listened to dear old Tom Allen almost struggle to introduce discs and albums of alternative groups like Broken Social Scene, (a band I dearly love by the way), and I thought what a shame it was to mute all of his amazing knowledge for classical music and its composers. Now we’ll get nothing out of our dear Tom Allen, because this genre of music is simply not his thing.

I for one will long for the mornings where I can relax and listen to Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Chopin – and true disc-jockeys like Tom Allen and Peter Togni, as they would enlighten and account for the lost golden age of music. Thanks to the bind-folded executives at the CBC, the shovels are heaving the last piles of soil over the crypt of symphony, chamber and choral music in Canada.

Well, at least I still have my iTunes Radio where Public Radio reigns supreme on a Sunday morning.

Classical Facts:
Since we won't be hearing from our beloved CBC Radio 2 for this relevancy

Classical Music describes the specific period from 1750 – 1820 and the music of major composers such as Johann Christian Bach, Mozart and Haydn when music was modeled after the ideals of the philosophy and art of Ancient Greece and Rome – balance, proportion and disciplined expression.
There are many styles of music within classical music, including symphony, opera, choral works, chamber music, Gregorian chant, the madrigal, and the Mass.

Classical music is broken down into historical periods: Medieval (including Gregorian chant and all monophonic music before 1400); Renaissance (1400 – 1600, music that was related to the church and expression of piety); Baroque (1600 – 1750, including the music of Bach and Handel. This was the period during which opera began and music became more ornate and textured); Classical (1750 – 1820, including the music of Johann Christian Bach, Mozart and Haydn during which music became an expression of balance, and discipline and the structure of its harmonies were transformed. Public concerts became very popular.); Romantic (1820 – 1915, including the music of Johannes Brahms, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. Music became more centered on ideas of fantasy, spontaneity and sensuality); Modern (1915 – present day, including Copland, Gershwin, Stravinsky, Barber. During this period older forms have been revisited and reinvented and technology has played an increasingly important role).

The term classical music was not used until the early 19th century in order to canonize the period from Bach to Beethoven as an impressive, "golden" era of music.
Many studies have proven that early experience with music provides the basis for more serious study later, so many parents expose their children to classical music at an early age and introduce them to instrumental lessons. The 1990s showed an interest in research papers and popular books on the so-called Mozart effect: a temporary, small elevation of scores on certain tests as a result of listening to Mozart. Other similar studies of different composers have produced positive effects on academic studies and child development.

Classical music is often associated with communication of transcendent emotion and universal ideas about the human condition. Many times composers will express inspiration from folklore, poems, paintings or other pieces of fine art and culture.

The Symphony is revered as one of the largest and most impressive fixtures in classical music. The following symphonies are some of the most perfectly representative of the structure: Mahler Symphony No. 9 in D Major; Haydn Symphony No. 34 in d minor; Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in c minor; Mozart Syphony No. 25 in g minor; Barber Symphony No. 1 in G Major; Haydn Symphony No. 94 in G Major; Dvorak Symphony No. 9 in e minor; Ives Symphony No. 1 in d minor; Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major; Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in d minor.

The contemporary classical American composer Samuel Barber and his brilliantly moving Adagio For Strings...

Chemical Brothers featuring Mazzy Star

2008-08-24T09:52:00.001-07:00

The Tragically Hip - Canada's best band

2008-08-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

As I just posted on Mainstream Melancholy, if you're a real Canadian, then your Canadian band is The Tragically Hip.