Collective Soul October 25, 2009

Helen and I met in our first year at UBC and we’ve been friends ever since. We share the same [i.e., superior] taste in music, and we’ve made it a bit of a habit to get together whenever Collective Soul is in town. Friday brought them (and us) once more to the Commodore.

Collective Soul is one of those bands that’s been around for a long time, so they are proficient musicians, have fabulous stage presence, and have lost all the pretentious bullshit that so many new bands exhibit. Ed was jumping around the whole time, they played to the crowd, and there was even a moment when I was convinced that we were going to witness a break-dance fight (we got some pointing and prancing instead, as evidenced in the pics below). They clearly enjoy each other and their craft, and they love their fans.

They are the quintessential rock band, and I can’t wait to see them again!

England 2009 October 19, 2009

Hard to believe I was in England last month; it really was the perfect vacation. Saw old friends, made some new ones, and just had a brilliant time. The pictures are here.

I’ve put together my soundtrack based on the stuff I listened to most during the trip. There was lots of pop to keep me going, and some of my staples at the time. Click here to download, and enjoy!

 

01. The Clash – London Calling
02. Spoon – Don’t You Evah
03. David Gray – Fugitive
04. New Pornographers – These Are the Fables
05. Hardi-Fi – Little Angel
06. Phoenix – 1901
07. Hootie & the Blowfish – Hold My Hand
08. The Romantics – What I Like About You
09. Radiohead – 15 Step
10. Amos Lee – Listen
11. Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
12. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
13. Beast – Out of Control
14. Tom Petty – I Won’t Back Down
15. Led Zeppelin – Over the Hills and Far Away
16. Jets Overhead – I Should Be Born

Trace Bundy September 1, 2009

I heart Trace Bundy because he is talented and his music is interesting.

He’s playing this Thursday in Vancouver; details can be found on his website.

In the meantime, here he is playing Metallica’s One on his iPhone. Epic.

Musique Du Jour: The New Pornographers – Challengers July 22, 2009

Oh I do love this song…

Musique Du Jour: Elbow – New Born March 15, 2009

This song reminds me of Australia, even though they’re English. There was this shop in Sydney called Dirt Cheap CDs, and they had… well, dirt cheap CDs. In Australia, discs tend to cost about $25-30 AUD, but these were $10, new (mass imports / factory outlet I think is how they did it). It was brilliant! Anyhoo, this track is from one of the many CDs that I picked up whilst Down Under. Guy Garvey has such a pretty voice.

Musique Du Jour: Howie Day – Bunnies (live) February 28, 2009

Howie Day has a new song out so I thought this might be good timing, especially since this song just popped up on shuffle.

Here’s the thing about Howie Day. His singles are good. I enjoy Perfect Time of Day, Brace Yourself, She Says. They’re fun pop songs.

BUT. Howie Day is unfortunately one of those (many) artist whose best work is not all that well-known, unless you’re already a fan and you go looking for it. I’ve seen him live three times, and he’s a phenomenal musician, but again, I don’t think that’s really showcased in what we hear on the radio.

Take a listen to Bunnies, and keep in mind that this is a one-man show, from start to finish. Just Howie, his guitar, a mic, and 14 or so pedals. If you like it I would definitely recommend the Madrigals EP / DVD. The DVD is outstanding.

Musique du Jour: Derek Webb – This Too Shall Be Made Right February 26, 2009

derek webb – this too shall be made right
people love you the most for the things you hate
and hate you for loving the things that you cannot keep straight
people judge you on a curve
and tell you you’re getting what you deserve
this too shall be made right

children cannot learn when children cannot eat
stack them like lumber when children cannot sleep
children dream of wishing wells
whose waters quench all the fires of Hell
this too shall be made right

the earth and the sky and the sea are all holding their breath
wars and abuses have nature groaning with death
we say we’re just trying to stay alive
but it looks so much more like a way to die
this too shall be made right

there’s a time for peace and there is a time for war
a time to forgive and a time to settle the score
a time for babies to lose their lives
a time for hunger and genocide
this too shall be made right

I don’t know the suffering of people outside my front door
I join the oppressors of those who i choose to ignore
I’m trading comfort for human life
and that’s not just murder it’s suicide
this too shall be made right

Musique Du Jour: Alhoeverah – Tan Cani February 24, 2009

It’s just the kind of mood I’m in tonight. Blame the yoga.

Musique du Jour: KT Tunstall – Beauty of Uncertainty February 22, 2009

I used to do this back at the Old Ramblings, but then again, I also used to blog quasi-regularly, so there ya go!

Anyhoo, inspired by my friend Dan (whom I have not seen since grade 7 as far as I can remember!), I’m bringing it back. My absolute glee at some of his daily offerings reminded me that there are fewer things that are better, in my opinion at least, than being introduced to a new artist.

To start us off is KT Tunstall’s Beauty of Uncertainty. Ok, so she’s not “new”; I’m sure everyone’s heard Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, and Suddenly I See. I love this side of her, though, and I’m always a little bit sad when people judge an artist by their singles!

I first heard this song live when I saw her at the Commodore last year, and she earned herself top prize as my favorite female artist.

Hope you like it…

Looooooooove Mix Volume IV February 14, 2009

My annual Love Mix is available for download here.

Track List:
01. KT Tunstall – Other Side of the World
02. Frank Sinatra – I Get a Kick Outta You
03. Mute Math – You Are Mine
04. David Gray – Flame Turns Blue
05. Cake – Love You Madly
06. Ben Harper – Forever
07. Fleetwood Mac – Hold Me
08. Derek Webb – Can’t Be Without You
09. Radiohead – House of Cards
10. The Beautiful Girls – Let’s Take the Long Way Home
11. Travis – Love Will Come Through
12. The Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
13. Amos Lee – Sweet Pea
14. Feeder – Tender
15. Tonic – Love a Diamond
16. Brooke Fraser – Love Is Waiting
17. Ella Fitzgerald – I’ve Got a Crush On You
18. Guster – Satellite
19. Counting Crows – Accidentally in Love
20. Trace Bundy – Love Song

Enjoy!