I went to The Plains last weekend to check out Sonic Orchid. It was the first time I've been there in a while and some things never change. I was reassured of the fact that the femullet is alive and well. Also, if you want to be assured of seeing old drunks playing air guitar, just go to The Plains.
Facebook has officially taken over the world. I loved MySpace, but no one is on there anymore. I use MySpace strictly as a means to check out new bands. I've gotten used to Facebook and I use it, but I don't know if I'll ever actually like it. I have something like 350 "friends" on Facebook. But I wouldn't consider that guy who sat across the room in my Grade 10 Geo-Trig class a friend. But that being said, I have re-established contact with some genuinely true old friends who I have lost contact with. But I just wish I could have reestablished that contact on MySpace instead.
There are lots of really fat people at call centres.
Why did Hitler kill himself? Because he got the gas bill.
Since when did Muchmusic become the O.C. Network?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Best of 2007
Wow, that last post was a bit more intense than I had planned, but it's something I had to do. So I will now lighten things up a bit. Every year I've had this blog I have done a Best Of list of my favourite albums of the year. So this may be a month or so late, but without further ado here are my fave albums of 2007. (Insert drum roll here)
2007 was a great year for music. It's really hard to pick one album as the best. But I'll give it a try.
1. Feist - The Reminder. I may be a bit biased since she is my future wife (she just doesn't know it yet), but this album is aninstant classic. Her iPod commercial got her the commercial attention and now even Z99 plays her songs, but this a flawless collection of 13 diverse songs. Her voice comes out of the speakers like she's whipsering in your ear. Okay, maybe that was just a dream I had. But you get the point. Standout tracks: "I Feel It All," "My Moon, My Man," "Sealion," and yes... that iPod song. You know what it is.
2. Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War. Stars are a band I just cannot get sick of. I always go to bed listening to music, so I generally don't listen to punk rock music to soothe me to sleep. This is music to put you to sleep...but in a good sense. The voices of Torq Campbell and Amy Millan mesh perfectly, bringing their songs of failed romances and ghosts of dead Iraq soldiers both the male and female perspectives. Standout tracks: "The Night Starts Here," "Take Me to the Riot," "Bitches in Tokyo," and "Today Will Be Better, I Swear!"
3. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible. Yes, my three fave albums of the year are from bands that are more or less based out Montreal. This is album is a force. Listening to this album is like a religious experience, and I mean that in a positive way. "Intervention" is hands down my fave song from last year. I first heard the song on CJTR in my car and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. And the rest of the album is nearly as good. I can only imagine how good these guys and girls are live. Standout tracks: "Intervention," "Keep the Car Running," "Antichrist Television Blues"
4. Against Me! - New Wave. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but my three fave albums are all fairly mellow. But I honestly haven't been that impressed with many ROCK bands lately. Against Me! however absolutley blew me away. 10 songs, 30-some minutes...a perfect album. These guys make smart, literate, socially conscious punk rock with brilliant hooks. Listen to "Stop!" just once and it will be in your head for a year. I can't wait to see these guys in March. Standout tracks: "Stop!", "Thrash Unreal," "White People For Peace"
5. Bruce Springsteen - Magic. Bruce is BACK. This album is stellar all the way through. I became a huge Bruce fan with The Rising, and this album stands up to Born in the USA and Born To Run. There is nothing fancy about this album, just great well written back-to-basics rock songs. Standout tracks: "Radio Nowhere," "Living ing the Future," "I'll Work For Your Love," "You'll Be Coming Down"
6. Tegan and Sara - The Con. The great thing about these two lesbian sisters...Did I just say lesbian? Yep, I did....lesbian lesbian lesbian... I just love that word. But I digress. The great thing about these Quin siblings is that every album is different from the one before. Their first album was a mashup of folk, punk and hip-hop. Their second disc was more straight ahead rock while their last album was more poppy. And now they've brought out some Moogs and have decided to go in a New Wave direction. And in a coincidence, Tegan appears on Against Me!'s album called New Wave. I now give you permission to use that tidbit of useless information in a conversation. Go ahead, impress your friends. You're welcome. Standout tracks: "Back in Your Head," "Burn Your Life Down," "I Was Married"
7. Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild Soundtrack. Eddie Vedder's first solo effort is short, but definitely sweet. This mostly acoustic effort is almost meditative in nature, showcasing the softer edges of his deep baritone voice. Standout Tracks: "Setting Forth," :Hard Sun," "Society," "Guaranteed"
8. Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade. Steve Earle is one of the finest songwriters ever and he can still crank out brilliant albums. This album is mostly about his move from Nashville to New York. Being a tad leftwing in his politics, he ruffled a few feathers in the Conservative world of Nashville. This is his "goodbye to Guitar Town." He also gains some browny points for covering a Tom Waits tune. Standout tracks: "Jericho Road," "Sparkle and Shine," "Tennessee Blues"
9. Velvet Revolver - Libertad. Scott Weiland, Slash and co. put together a no-frills, straight ahead rock album with lots of great tunes. I was lucky enough to see these guys at the Brandt Centre amongst an underwhelming crowd of not even one third capacity. No wonder Regina has trouble attracting big name bands. Standout out tracks: "Just Sixteen," "She Builds Quick Machines," "Let it Roll"
10. The New Pornographers - Challengers. On their fourth album, Carl Newman, Neko Case and co. have created a more moody and subdued album than their previous offerings. Nothing quite leaps out you like "Use It" or "Mass Romantic" but it is perhaps their most cohesive album. Great nighttime music. Standout tracks: My Rights Versus Yours," "Myriad Harbour," "Challengers"
11. Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight. Two words. Jenny Lewis. I'm sold. Oh yeah, and the songs are great too. Standout tracks: "Close Call," "Under the Blacklight," "Silver Lining"
12. The Killers - Sawdust. AConsidering this is a collection of b-sides, rarities and a couple of new tunes, these songs hold together surprisingly well. It is pretty cool that they were able to release a single that features Lou Reed and a childrens' choir. Standout Tracks: "Tranquilizer," "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf," and a cover of Dire Straits' (yes, Dire Straits) "Romeo and Juliet"
13. Metric - Grow Up and Blow Away. Not technically released in 2007, this was Metric's first album when they were just a duo. It was available on their website for a long time until they finally decided to officially release it. And now the world is a better place for it. It's a nice teaser until they release their long overdue follow-up to Live it Out. Standout Tracks: "Raw Sugar," "Grow Up and Blow Away," "Soft Rock Star"
14. Serena Ryder - If Your Memory Serves You Well. Released in 2006, this album didn't pick up steam until 2007. I finally buckled down and bought this album after George Stroumbolopolus (sp???) kept raving about her on The Hour. If Strombo gives something the green light, he's usually right on the money. Serena has a rich, bluesy voice that brings this album of (mostly) covers to life. However, I'm most impressed with her handful of originals. And in a cool side note, my good friend Mr. Dan Silljer is currently playing guitar in her band. So I am one degree of separation from Ms. Ryder. Yeah, I know... I'm kind of a big deal. Standout Tracks: "Sisters of Mercy," "Weak in the Knees," "My Heart Cries For You"
Well, that includes my list. I believe my most random/diverse music purchase of the year was when I bought The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years and Van Halen: The Best of Both Worlds. And for the record, Van Halen is ten times better than Van Haggar. Diamond Dave was the man.
On the local level, my good friend Chad Kichula has been getting some radio play south of the border for his song "Never Seen the Ocean." The song is reminiscent of Lou Reed. The success of that song couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
And 2007 saw the end of BILF. I got to be good friends with the guys over the years and they have been nice enough to let me onstage with them countless times in front of packed houses, making me feel like a quasi-rockstar for 3 minutes a night. They defintely weren't the most technically sound band, but they were definitely the most entertaining.
2007 was a great year for music. It's really hard to pick one album as the best. But I'll give it a try.
1. Feist - The Reminder. I may be a bit biased since she is my future wife (she just doesn't know it yet), but this album is aninstant classic. Her iPod commercial got her the commercial attention and now even Z99 plays her songs, but this a flawless collection of 13 diverse songs. Her voice comes out of the speakers like she's whipsering in your ear. Okay, maybe that was just a dream I had. But you get the point. Standout tracks: "I Feel It All," "My Moon, My Man," "Sealion," and yes... that iPod song. You know what it is.
2. Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War. Stars are a band I just cannot get sick of. I always go to bed listening to music, so I generally don't listen to punk rock music to soothe me to sleep. This is music to put you to sleep...but in a good sense. The voices of Torq Campbell and Amy Millan mesh perfectly, bringing their songs of failed romances and ghosts of dead Iraq soldiers both the male and female perspectives. Standout tracks: "The Night Starts Here," "Take Me to the Riot," "Bitches in Tokyo," and "Today Will Be Better, I Swear!"
3. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible. Yes, my three fave albums of the year are from bands that are more or less based out Montreal. This is album is a force. Listening to this album is like a religious experience, and I mean that in a positive way. "Intervention" is hands down my fave song from last year. I first heard the song on CJTR in my car and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. And the rest of the album is nearly as good. I can only imagine how good these guys and girls are live. Standout tracks: "Intervention," "Keep the Car Running," "Antichrist Television Blues"
4. Against Me! - New Wave. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but my three fave albums are all fairly mellow. But I honestly haven't been that impressed with many ROCK bands lately. Against Me! however absolutley blew me away. 10 songs, 30-some minutes...a perfect album. These guys make smart, literate, socially conscious punk rock with brilliant hooks. Listen to "Stop!" just once and it will be in your head for a year. I can't wait to see these guys in March. Standout tracks: "Stop!", "Thrash Unreal," "White People For Peace"
5. Bruce Springsteen - Magic. Bruce is BACK. This album is stellar all the way through. I became a huge Bruce fan with The Rising, and this album stands up to Born in the USA and Born To Run. There is nothing fancy about this album, just great well written back-to-basics rock songs. Standout tracks: "Radio Nowhere," "Living ing the Future," "I'll Work For Your Love," "You'll Be Coming Down"
6. Tegan and Sara - The Con. The great thing about these two lesbian sisters...Did I just say lesbian? Yep, I did....lesbian lesbian lesbian... I just love that word. But I digress. The great thing about these Quin siblings is that every album is different from the one before. Their first album was a mashup of folk, punk and hip-hop. Their second disc was more straight ahead rock while their last album was more poppy. And now they've brought out some Moogs and have decided to go in a New Wave direction. And in a coincidence, Tegan appears on Against Me!'s album called New Wave. I now give you permission to use that tidbit of useless information in a conversation. Go ahead, impress your friends. You're welcome. Standout tracks: "Back in Your Head," "Burn Your Life Down," "I Was Married"
7. Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild Soundtrack. Eddie Vedder's first solo effort is short, but definitely sweet. This mostly acoustic effort is almost meditative in nature, showcasing the softer edges of his deep baritone voice. Standout Tracks: "Setting Forth," :Hard Sun," "Society," "Guaranteed"
8. Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade. Steve Earle is one of the finest songwriters ever and he can still crank out brilliant albums. This album is mostly about his move from Nashville to New York. Being a tad leftwing in his politics, he ruffled a few feathers in the Conservative world of Nashville. This is his "goodbye to Guitar Town." He also gains some browny points for covering a Tom Waits tune. Standout tracks: "Jericho Road," "Sparkle and Shine," "Tennessee Blues"
9. Velvet Revolver - Libertad. Scott Weiland, Slash and co. put together a no-frills, straight ahead rock album with lots of great tunes. I was lucky enough to see these guys at the Brandt Centre amongst an underwhelming crowd of not even one third capacity. No wonder Regina has trouble attracting big name bands. Standout out tracks: "Just Sixteen," "She Builds Quick Machines," "Let it Roll"
10. The New Pornographers - Challengers. On their fourth album, Carl Newman, Neko Case and co. have created a more moody and subdued album than their previous offerings. Nothing quite leaps out you like "Use It" or "Mass Romantic" but it is perhaps their most cohesive album. Great nighttime music. Standout tracks: My Rights Versus Yours," "Myriad Harbour," "Challengers"
11. Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight. Two words. Jenny Lewis. I'm sold. Oh yeah, and the songs are great too. Standout tracks: "Close Call," "Under the Blacklight," "Silver Lining"
12. The Killers - Sawdust. AConsidering this is a collection of b-sides, rarities and a couple of new tunes, these songs hold together surprisingly well. It is pretty cool that they were able to release a single that features Lou Reed and a childrens' choir. Standout Tracks: "Tranquilizer," "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf," and a cover of Dire Straits' (yes, Dire Straits) "Romeo and Juliet"
13. Metric - Grow Up and Blow Away. Not technically released in 2007, this was Metric's first album when they were just a duo. It was available on their website for a long time until they finally decided to officially release it. And now the world is a better place for it. It's a nice teaser until they release their long overdue follow-up to Live it Out. Standout Tracks: "Raw Sugar," "Grow Up and Blow Away," "Soft Rock Star"
14. Serena Ryder - If Your Memory Serves You Well. Released in 2006, this album didn't pick up steam until 2007. I finally buckled down and bought this album after George Stroumbolopolus (sp???) kept raving about her on The Hour. If Strombo gives something the green light, he's usually right on the money. Serena has a rich, bluesy voice that brings this album of (mostly) covers to life. However, I'm most impressed with her handful of originals. And in a cool side note, my good friend Mr. Dan Silljer is currently playing guitar in her band. So I am one degree of separation from Ms. Ryder. Yeah, I know... I'm kind of a big deal. Standout Tracks: "Sisters of Mercy," "Weak in the Knees," "My Heart Cries For You"
Well, that includes my list. I believe my most random/diverse music purchase of the year was when I bought The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years and Van Halen: The Best of Both Worlds. And for the record, Van Halen is ten times better than Van Haggar. Diamond Dave was the man.
On the local level, my good friend Chad Kichula has been getting some radio play south of the border for his song "Never Seen the Ocean." The song is reminiscent of Lou Reed. The success of that song couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
And 2007 saw the end of BILF. I got to be good friends with the guys over the years and they have been nice enough to let me onstage with them countless times in front of packed houses, making me feel like a quasi-rockstar for 3 minutes a night. They defintely weren't the most technically sound band, but they were definitely the most entertaining.
Back from the dead
I'm not sure if anyone bothers to check my blog anymore since I haven't posted anything since September, but I finally decided to get off my ass and post something for my devoted following. So this post goes out to all three of you. Your prayers have finally been answered. You now have a reason to surf the net once again. So what have I been doing for the last 5 months since my last post? Hmmmm. The main reason I haven't posted anything is that I really haven't felt like myself for most of that time. I was in a major funk for most of that and I finally now feel like I've gotten back to normal. As normal as I get anyways. Over the past year, pretty much since I finished school, I gradually got more and more down. I gave myself a month to find a "real" job, as they say. But I found out quickly that having a degree, or two for that matter, does not guarantee one a good job. I shot out lots of resumes for various positions but I wound up working at a call centre. Not exactly my dream job. So I gradually got stuck in a deep rut. I was really unhappy with my job and I was unhappy in my relationship. I took care of the relationship part and that provided some relief, but the job part really got me down in the dumps. Gradually I started losing interest in running and working out and writing and I was becoming lazy and lethargic. My days consisted of sleeping in as long as possible because I dreaded the fact of walking through the doors of the call centre. I would sludge my way through work, come home and crash on the couch, and be asleep by 10. Or else I would go to the other end of the spectrum and party like crazy because that was an easy way to not think about the day job. I would be out in public, but I wasn't really there. My body was there, but it was really just a shell. I was existing, I was breathing and I had a pulse, but I wasn't really LIVING. And in the process, I was shutting out a lot of my good friends. I am one of the luckiest people on the planet to have such an amazing group of good close friends, but I got to the point where I would almost cringe whenever I heard the phone ring. I tried to avoid human contact as much as I could. But for some reason I looked forward to Jan. 1 as a start of something new. It's hard to explain, but I just somehow sensed that things would be different somehow. Normally I've viewed New Years as just another day, as just another excuse to go out with a bunch of friends. But this year I saw that one day as a significant day. I'm not sure where it came from, but I decided to put my foot down and try to rise from the depths of my funk. And from that day I really have felt like I am turning over a new leaf. It's been gradual, but I have gotten most of the hop back in my step. I'm not quite there, but I'm close. And it feels great. I've started to strip things down to the basics and focus on the people who really mean a lot to me. So if anyone does actually read this... Mark, Zubazz, Chris, Kent, Shades, Ruda, Kash, Craig, Billy, Carina, etc, I just want to thank you guys for sticking around while I've gone through my ordeal. The one thing that got me through this funk is that I have the best friends in the world. I really do have a more positive outlook on life again. And I think it's starting to reflect now. I think that what you put into life is what you get back and I am now getting more opportunities. I had a job interview last week for a position as a Researcher and the job is now mine if I want it. It's contract work and it would mean I would have to toil away at my day job still, but at least it's a foot in the door to an industry I would love to be a part of. I also have another interview next week for another telephone job, but at least the money would be a lot more. I've also gone a couple old fashioned dates, so I have opportunities in the ladies department. And I've also started running and working out a lot more. Running is something I've always loved. It is my chance to listen to some tunes, get my heart racing, and just zone out. Running is so cleansing. It's not only great exercise, but I've gotten so many great ideas for song ideas and story ideas. So many times I have come up with some great lyric and melody ideas while running. So the JJ we all know and love is now back. Last year was definitely a year I would like to forget for the most part, but this will definitely be the year of the JJ. Look out. And mothers, lock up your daughters because JJ is on the loose. Wowza.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)