Thursday, June 30, 2011

Summer in the City

Finally, it's the Canada Day long weekend. Here's a good ol' tune to start the weekend off. (Rest of the weekend will be Canuck tunes - promise!)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sunshower - Secret track on Euphoria Morning. Remember?

Not many remember this one, but I found it by accident when I was playing around on Kazaa back in 1999 and instantly fell in like with it.


Another fave of mine was this first single released from Cornell's first solo attempt:


Hard to believe he's 46 now. I mean, he was Soundgarden. And then Audioslave. Temple of the Dog... Ok, I guess it's not hard to realize hwo old this guy is. He owns such a unique voice. I'm suffering minor symptoms of Cornell withdrawal.


Speaking of withdrawal...I haven't set up my sound system yet in the new place. I still have boxes EVERYWHERE and can't find my dressy work clothes (ah, who needs 'em, right?) Been busy with the new job (while still working the old one), represented Uncharted Sounds at a really interesting Social Media seminar hosted by Randall Craig for ThatChannel producers. Lisa Balestri, owner of Uncharted Sounds used to host a show on That Channel called UCS Wave... Ever see that Stereos interview? Go Here and type UCS Wave. It's the first episode that comes up. :)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Envy

Today's tune of the day is by The Envy.


Their tunes have been featured on So You Think You Can Dance, and hopefully you'll hear more of them, too. Hit up their Web Site to get a free download of their tune War.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Whoa Is Dope

Today's Tune... This vid screen shot looks like my room right now. (Just moved into a snazzy new pad.)


My girl Lisa knew this band when they first started years ago. I just found out about them - and I'm glad I finally did! They sound GREAT live and seem quite down to Earth, but still have a bit of that cool Rawk 'tude, which is a perfect combo. Plus they're a pretty cute group of guys.

The first tune I heard by this band is linked below. I heard She's Dope when I was working otu at Goodlife. I changed the TV channel to MM and was pushing weights hard when this one came on. I actually stopped to watch the video, waiting for the name of the band to pop on the screen. (Then I started pushing again, don't worry.)




Saturday, June 25, 2011

Voodoo Obsession

Today's tune is Godmack's Voodoo

This vid came out in 2002 I believe. Voodoo's been around forever, though. (Ever see Skeleton Key? Love that movie!) There's also Haitian Vodou and West-African Vodun, but we'll stick with the Louisiana/New Orleans style of it.

I've never met a real Voodoo Queen (well, not to my knowledge), but if I ever do get to New Orleans, I would seek one out. Not for an ouanga, rather for a charm to reppel evil or to witness a ritual of good intentions.

Yesterday's tune was Obsession by Animotion

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Music is a Philosophy.

I first discovered Visual Audio Sensory Theatre (VAST) when I moved from Montreal to Toronto in my teens. Maybe that's why I have a soft spot for this band's music. I found them at a very impressionable time in my life.


If you read the lyrics of this debut album, you may think they're a Christian band, but I believe they're actually more spiritual instead of Bible thumper bands like Collective Soul and Jars of Clay. Exploring where all music comes from is important to self discovery - how far you've come and where you will go.

Listening to Black Metal will help you address what you're afraid of. It will make you feel unsettled, maybe, or draw out some unresolved anguish. I can only listen to it for a few minutes at a time. It makes me feel too anxious to listen to it any longer.

Maybe listening to Chris De Burgh will remind you of that one song your mom would always put the needle too when she was vaccuming your house when you were a kid. It drove you crazy then, but now you kind of like it (though you would never admit to it.) Then you'll wonder whatever happened to vinyl? Oh right, cassettes.... Then you'll recall winding your cassettes with pencils when the tape spun out coz of your crappy boombox eating it.

Listening to Grunge will make you relaxed; you'll remember all those days listening to Hole or Soundgarden while smoking up behind your high school during English class.

Good feelings will come, memories too. And you'll wonder where all those good memories and feelings went... how they changed, how you grew and what is good now.

Music is a philosophy. It's my creed and it's a drug I'll forever push.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

As if we need a reason to NOT do Heroin..

Honestly, I can't believe we need reasons to NOT shoot Heroin. If anything I need serious reasons to even begin to consider that trash.

But if you need a reason not to, just look at Scott Weiland's life. And his scrawny body. Barf.

Song of the Day is Velvet Revolver's Fall To Pieces, but Blogger's Youtube App is being a bitch today and won't let me upload. Here's the linky.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JhsUFuqbCM

I think I'm a rare breed of girl who likes a guy with meat on his bones. I can't stand a skinny dude. I don't care if he's taught and has lean muscle, I like thickness on a guy... on his arms and legs people. Yeesh.

(Ok, that too...hehe)

As my mom says, cushion for the pushin'. Actually, she said it backwards (Pushin' for the cushion), but I was still bewildered she even said anything remotely crass. Love it.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Wake up Sleepyhead ... It's the Summer Solstice today!

Today's track is a great discovery...


My old boss is a music fiend; addicted to Slacker Radio, he feeds me new music all the time. I say old boss, because I have been promoted!

Lately, I've had a lot of fabulous things to celebrate. Been working out in the gym solid for 8 weeks, looking great. Receiving fab-u compliments, got a promotion, moving into a new pad, going to Vegas - life is gooooood.

Happy Solstice, everyone!!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Feel It.

Today's tune is by Canadian band Jakalope who was prominent on Toronto radio and TV from 2003 - 2004 ...and then fell off the radar.


Back in the fall/winter of 2003/2004, I was briefly dating one of the techs who was editing this video with the director. They had the little aliens in bottles scattered all over the director's house. He also had a chandelier that held real candles. It was boudoire looking. Super cool, not overly dark and dreary. He also had a young family, so it was amazing to think about growing up in a cool environment like that.

Odd part was that I ran into my ex-beau 5 years later on Bathurst street. He was strung out and talking to himself at a bus stop. So sad.


Forgot to add my tune of the day yesterday, I was so bizzy running around! I have a soft spot for Boston...even though they stole the Cup.


On the subway ride home from hitting up the driving range with my gal pal, I was approached by a man who introduced himself as a Trojan Skinhead. (Then he pointed to his buttons on his jacket.) I had no idea what that meant until I looked it up when I got home. Thank goodness he was the good kind of skinhead.

His name was Chucky and he said I looked like I stepped out of a Ramones video coz of my Chuck Taylors, rolled up jeans, leather jacket and long hair. I politely smiled and said thank you! What a loverly compliment. We talked about tunes, it was pretty lax, but comfortable.

Chucky said he had a girlfriend, but his brother was single and he thought I was cute for him. Then Chucky asked how old I was. I started laughing straight away. How old did he think I was? So I asked why he was asking. His brother is 19! So I said I was a little old for him... that I'll be 29 next month.

It's such a lovely compliment when people are so surprised about how I'm older than they first thought, lol. Guess I'm taking good care of myself! We said we'd try to meet up at Wakestock coz the Dropkick Murphy's are playing - Chucky is a huge fan. I have never been, so I figure it's a good time to go.

I love life's funny little stories like this one.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

What Sarah Said...

I'm in a DCFC mood so here is today's tune of the day:

I saw Death Cab for Cutie twice live. Once at the Kool Haus and again a few years later on Toronto Island for a summer fest. There teen hipsters and The O.C. fans everywhere. I went with my buddy Matty, who is super picky with his women. He always said to me that it's good to be picky - It's how you'll ultimately be happy. I thought he was ridiculous then, but as time passes, I grow more picky and realize Matty's point.

Last night I had an interesting convo with a guy I was dating. He's in his second year of university and is living at home. He's six years younger, so I knew that he wasn't going to be thinking of long term relationships, which is what I ultimately want. But I had fun hanging out with him whenever we have the chance, which is about once every 10 days.

He said he felt like he was wasting my time. I asked him to elaborate. He went on to say that he thinks I should find a man with money and time. I told him that I have money and I'm busy enough so seeing him so sporadically didn't bother me. I said that it would probably never work because he's in university and still needs to explore what he wants in general. We never did define our relationship. We never had sex. We just played, talked and confided in each other. It was akward somewhat because we were so intimate without being sexual.

So we parted amicably. After which, he made some odd little comments, but one stuck out:

"Your glasses hide your eyes. They're so pretty."

 I do have contacts but rarely wear them. So today I tried an experiment and put my contacts on when I picked up a coffee and cat food this morning.

Men stared. Some of them even smiled. One said hi as he walked by.
A lady told me how nice I looked! I received amazing service in shops where I never received good service before. The shop keepers looked at me a little longer, more than they usually did. The striked up conversations on topics outside my purchases.

Perhaps it was just a day where the stars were aligned and everyone was chatty. It is a beautiful day after all. Still, I can't help but feel my younger friend was right. People trust more when they get a better look of your eyes. Perhaps I look more trusting without glasses?


Yesterday was so busy, I forgot to post the song of the day:

As crazy as she is, I still love her tunes.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Just lay it AGAINST ME!

Ah... love it.

Hearing Against Me! always reminds me of getting inked. When I was on Tyson's table last Spring, the artists has the Miami album on for one of the hours (I was there for 4 to complete my calves.) I'm a fan of the tune Stop! But the one below is my ultimate fave tune by this band.

Unprotected Sex with Multiple Partners. Awesome name for a tune.

Now I wanna get inked again... Hmm...

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

*~. The Girl .~*

This is the song that every girl dreams for a their musician boyfriends to write. An acclamation of love that's far from a sappy love ballad, though equally touching.


I've never had a guy write a song about me and sing it. I have had a guy spontaneously make up a song about me, which was pretty funny. I've also been serenaded several times, which was always appreciated. It wasn't super romantic, but it was a sweet gesture on both their parts.


No Sex... In The Champagne Room... NONE!


This was my tune of the day for yesterday. A throwback from 1999. Crazy. I remember watching this on Much Music. And how Chris Rock was HUGE. And he's faded into the background like DJ Jazzy Jeff. Then it became all about Dane Cook and Russell Peters... We need someone new in comedy!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Chills

This song is way too catchy not to post
My boss was jammin' to this tune a little while ago and I now whenever I pop into work I hear it. I wonder if, like the smell/memory trigger, the Sound/memory trigger is just as strong.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

SHOUT! The tune of the day :)

The Isley Brothers knew what they were shoutin' about...

Heard this tune while I was in a home decor shop that just opened next to the Balisi on Yonge north of Eglinton. The gay couple who owns it are adorable. They just got a new puppy and have finally hired help for the shop so they can enjoy the day to themselves. I was a bit disappointed they didn't carry any 'Happy Pride' cards. I wonder if those even exist in Toronto? I'll have to check the Paperboy card shop at St. Clair and Yonge. He might have it.

Friday, June 10, 2011

ohGr = awesome

Tune of the day is ohGr's Water.


My buddy Derek first introduced me to ohGr back when I was just about out of College (2003). Immediately took to this tune. Was all about timing because I was huge into anything Al Jourgensen touched back then. Had the Twitch album on repeat.

Derek has a very diverse taste in music and I am so lucky to be his pal. He passed music on to me and I pass it on to my friends who rant about how I'm always discovering new music. I feel like a bit of a cheater, but really, how else do we discover music most if it's not through friends or being rocked by an opening band at a show?

Thursday, June 9, 2011

What is a Skeleton Jar?

Song of the day is by Aussie's own Youth Group... it leaves me wondering what a skeleton jar is...



You may think you don't know who Youth Group is, but I trust you have already heard their cover tune in countless commercials.


Apparently it was on the O.C., but which trendy tune wasn't?

Hmm... Do you think Glee took over on what the O.C. used to be in regards to discovering (or rediscovering) tunage?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Feelin' Superbad

Song of the day is James Brown's Superbad
Makes for a Wonderful Wednesday. ;)

Is it weird that I always think of Superbad's opening credits when I hear this?

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

That question I will never avoid being asked...

...Why are you single?
Other variations of this question include:

1. Where is your boyfriend?
2. Are you focussing on your career?
3. Are you a lesbian?
4. How do you meet people?
5. Are you trying?
6. How can you eat out alone?
7. Are you too picky?
8. Do you know what you want?
9. How long have you been single?


I'm sure some of you can plainly see the look on my face without looking at me right now.


To answer these questions:

1. I don't have one.
2. Yes, but it's not my main focus in life.
3. Yes. If I'm not bound to a man, it means I must be a lesbian. Thanks.
4. Rock shows, grocery stores, TTC, through friends. Anywhere and everywhere.
5. If by trying, you mean to ask if I strike up conversations with anyone, then yes.
6. Because I hate being restricted by couple-dome. If I wanna steak and don't wanna cook, I'll go to a resto and avoid pathetic looks from the wait staff.
7. No, I just know what I don't want, which in turn creates an argument for what I want.
8. I thought I did...
9. Three years with a couple months of relationships squeezed in.


Lately I've been getting variations of these questions quite frequently. Of course it's always married or coupled people who ask these Q's. And I always tell them the same answer "I just haven't met the right guy yet." I don't know what answer these people expect.
And it's always married guys who tell me "If I were single, I'd date you." Ew. Sleezeballs. Is that supposed to make me feel better?

The long and the short of it is that I have specific requirements for a boyfriend (listed below). Some of you may think I'm dreaming. (If this is your case, perhaps yo're not in a fulfilling relationship. Grow a pair and get what you want. Life is too short to be miserable with someone.)

Req #1: No drugs and no alcoholism or smoking.
Flexibility: Having a joint or cigarette once in a while is acceptable (weekly/monthly/annually). Daily is not. Coke, Meth, Heroine constitutes immediate fail. Also, I'm all for having fun drunk spells once in a while (monthly).

Req #2: Must be over the ex.*
Reiteration: I will not tolerate being courted by a man who is not emotionally invested in me.
*This is why I cancelled my eHarmony account in February. All these twerps still had hard-on's for chicks who ditched them.

Req #3: Must be a good guy (with a spine).
Clarification: I once was on a date with a guy who asked me (with arms flailing in a gelatto shop) why girls say they want nice guys, but don't stay with them for long. I told him a lot of nice guys don't have a spine. He paused and then admitted he had no spine. Therein lies the problem.

Req #4: Must be willing to commit to being in a relationship.
Reiteration: Dating is fun, but I want it to go somewhere. I'm not out to dick around and date four people at once just for the hell of it. My time is too valuable and I really enjoy getting to know a person. If the man's goal is not relationship-bound, I'm not interested. Usually this is sorted within the first three weeks of dating when a guy expects to get laid and doesn't. If  he's really interested and has the best of intentions (and the same goals as myself), he'll stick around.

Some people think this makes me picky. I assure them it simply means I have standards. I'm not willing to let people walk all over me, or to bend my rules. Of course, compromise is key to a relationship, but that's only possible if both parties desire similar outcomes.

Song of the Day is Something a Little Spacey

I woke up, still fuzzy from the BBQ celebrations last night. Was a great time with a rad group of people. Made new friends! Ate lots of steak! Polished off a bottle of wine and played with a puppy! WEEE!

(See? Still fuzzy. Awesome feelin' tho.)

Something Spacey to match my mood - Wolfmother's White Unicorn.


I saw these guys live twice. First was a free show from The Edge about 5 years ago at a wee venue across from the Mod Club. It was a stellar show. Back then, no one knew who Wolfmother was, so they thought I was mad for sitting on the shoulders of my boyfriend at the time and cheering the band on.

Second time I saw Wolfmother was at the first Virgin Music Festival on Toronto Island the year after. Seeing them play an arena made me feel great! It's so awesome to watch a band you like succeed. Still, I preferred the intimacy of the small venue.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Armistice - a beautiful arrangement


I'm a huge fan of Coeur De Pirate, the work of 21-year-old Béatrice Martin, a pop starlet from my home province of Quebec.

I love her work with Jay Malinowski even more. Their voices mould and dance so well together. Far better than Zooey Deschenel's partnership with M. Ward. Some musical couples have the chemistry. And the Canadian duo have what it takes.

So City Lights Cry is today's tune of the day. :)

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Smooth Criminal Sexx Laws

Today tune of the day is Sexx Laws by Beck

This video is weird. I remember when Midnight Vultures came out and I had no idea who Jack Black was.

June 3 - Alient Ant Farm's Smooth Criminal


Where the hell did these guys go?

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Song of the Day - Enola Gay

... By Orchestral Manouevres In The Dark. Symphony must still be on my mind. ;)

The Symphony was... wow.

I have never seen the Toronto Symphony Orchestra before, so when a gal pal of mine asked if I wanted to come with, I jumped at the opportunity.

We had front row seats, smack dab in the centre. It was neat to be so close to the strings, to watch the expressions on the faces of the cellists and violinists as they swayed to the music. To listen to them expell air or suck in a breath before a solo. The funny thing about the whole ordeal? People actually say Bravi, Brava or Bravo!

It took 2 hours to listen to 5 concertos: (Is concertos the right word?)
Rachmaninoff: The Isle of the Dead
Debussy: Première rhapsodie for Clarinet and Orchestra
Dukas: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Intermission
Messiaen: Les offrandes oubliées
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43

My absolute favourite was The Isle of the Dead. You can listen to Part 1 here:


The best piece had to be the Sorcerer's Apprentice. It's the music of Fantasia!! I couldn't help but giggle through the whole thing. It was so fun. I can't wait to go back!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Looking for a smile?

You will find one here:

First of three G20 summit meetings on the first night of a Stanley Cup Game

Makes sense.
All the rowdy folks who caused problems will be AT THE GAME.


TORONTO, May 12 /CNW/ – The Independent Civilian Review Into Matters Relating to the G20 Summit will hold three hearings in Toronto on June 1, 6, and 13, 2011.  The hearings will provide individual members of the public, organizations, and other stakeholders with an opportunity to share their views and opinions on the role that civilian oversight should play concerning the policing of major events.  The hearings will be open to the public.

The Independent Civilian Review Into Matters Relating to the G20 Summit was launched on September 23, 2010 by the Toronto Police Services Board.  The Review will examine issues concerning the role the Board played with respect to the policing of the G20 Summit of world leaders that was held in Toronto on June 25-27, 2010.  The Review will also examine the role played by the Toronto Police Service during the G20 Summit, with a view to determining whether the plans developed and implemented were adequate and effective for policing of the Summit.

The Board appointed the Honourable John W. Morden, a former Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, to conduct the Review and provide a report and recommendations to the Board. For more information about the Review, including the public hearing process, please visit www.g20review.ca.

How did Robert Plant let this happen?

Song of the Day. Reznor and Atticus are at it again with the score for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo remake. This tune is a Zeppelin cover with Karen O.... what do you think?


I had to listen to this quite a few times to get past the unsettling feeling that came with the wailing that is Karen O. It sounds too much like something Marilyn Manson would create. I love Reznor and was a huge supporter of the score for The Social Network. But I guess this proves I'm not a fan of everything the man touches.