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Stephin and co.

On Monday I’m going to see The Magnetic Fields at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the CNE. I’ve never been there… I’ve also never been as excited to see a band since I went to see Paul McCartney for the first time. I really have no idea what to expect. I’ve yet to hear Realism yet, as I’m waiting until I can get my hands on a copy (I don’t want to buy the CD, I’d rather just buy the vinyl with a CD, but I haven’t heard from Criminal Records yet that it’s arrived). I don’t know what kind of material they’ll perform… new stuff, lots from 69 Love… Read More »Stephin and co.

January 2010, in review

In December, I set goals for myself, how many films to see this year, how many shows to attend, how many records to purchase, and how many books to read. This is the standings, as of the end of January… Books I read (1/10 – 10%): Animal Farm by George Orwell | Originally published 1945 Films I saw (11/52 – 21%): It’s Complicated | Originally released 2009 Magicians | Originally released 2007 A Single Man | Originally released 2009 Fantastic Mr. Fox | Originally released 2009 After Elizabeth II (Documentary, from CBC Doc Zone) Crazy Heart | Originally released 2009 Brüno | Originally released 2009 Dan In Real Life |… Read More »January 2010, in review

Ben Gunning

Went to see Ben Gunning last night, he was releasing his second solo record, Mal De Mer. He played the complete record. For more photos, click here.

Lyrics Volume 4: Misheard Lyrics

For Volume 1, click here. For Volume 2, click here. For Volume 3, click here. In this edition of Lyrics, we’re going to discuss my favourite misheard lyrics. Back in 1999, Thrush Hermit released their defining record, Clayton Park. During the opening track, they had what is perhaps the best lyric. If I were Phyllis, I’d take a bullet and impress my friends. Who is this Phyllis chick that randomly takes bullets to impress her friends. I’d like to know a bird like that. Turns out it was: If I was fearless, I’d take a bullet and impress my friends. Not nearly as awesome. Next we have a song by… Read More »Lyrics Volume 4: Misheard Lyrics

Lyrics volume 3

For volume 1, click here. For volume 2, click here. On Friday night I went to see $100 at the Horseshoe Tavern, and I knew right then that I should include them in this ongoing series of awesome lyrics. With only one album, one EP, and two seven inch records in their limited catalogue, there’s not much to choose from, but the it seems nearly every song has something worth talking about. Whether it’s songs about the hostile relationship between mother and her transexual son, self-righteous men who impose their beliefs on a lesbian couple, suicide on the TTC, or sloppy lovers, it’s easy to find something to talk about.… Read More »Lyrics volume 3

If I Were A Rich Man

Courtesy of Chromewaves, I’m now aware of a cover by Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields singing “If I Were A Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof. [wpaudio url=”http://www.chromewaves.net/mp3/radio/MagneticFields-IfIWereARichMan.mp3″ text=”Stephin Merritt – If I Were A Rich Man”] http://www.chromewaves.net/mp3/radio/MagneticFields-IfIWereARichMan.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Oh No, Forest Fires

When you socialize with a specific group of friends, you can often feel like the entire world is a part of your insular group. When I’m sitting in a bar with a bunch of music nerds, talking about Rural Alberta Advantage or Julie Doiron, it seems like everyone should and does know about these bands. I take it for granted that I can easily make conversation in my circle of friends and mention countless bands without any need for explanation or context. Yet, I was phased when I walked out of my apartment building, and overheard a couple talking about Oh No, Forest Fires.

$100

I just got home from The Horseshoe, where I saw $100, for the fourth time. I’ve seen them in many modes. When I first saw them at the Music Gallery, opening for Rick White, they were a two-piece of Ian Russell (Guitar) and Simone Schmidt (vocals). Since then, they’ve rounded out their numbers and now perform as a seven-piece. Apparently Rick White was so impressed by the band, that he asked to record their album. I was so impressed that after their set, I went to the back of the church and purchased their EP. I then later saw them opening for Eric’s Trip at the Mod Club, it seems… Read More »$100

Nice, Nice, Very Nice

I’ve been listening to Nice, Nice, Very Nice quite often over the past couple of weeks, and I cannot sing its praises enough. It’s absolutely fabulous. If you don’t own this record yet, I don’t want to know you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5RIHff3oas

Lyrics volume 2

For volume one, visit here. Years and years and years ago I made a friend online. A really pretty older woman, who sent me cassettes in the mail, and eventually would go record shopping with me. She showed me the wonder that is Rotate This (I later fell out of love with that place. <3 Criminal), and I showed her the wonders of The Vinyl Museum. One of those cassettes she sent this young boy had a live Velvet Underground record on one side which was enjoyed, but the other side was a masterpiece; If You’re Feeling Sinister. Those ten songs were incredible, and I couldn’t get enough. I bought… Read More »Lyrics volume 2