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Magnetic Fields at The Sound Academy

Did you know that security sucks at the Sound Academy? For those unaware, The Sound Academy is the worst venue in Toronto. Situated at the foot of Cherry Street, The Sound Academy is a large warehouse with bars, shitty sound and worse sightlines. After seeing Belle & Sebastian there1 I vowed never to return. However, I knew I would break that for three bands, Belle & Sebastian, The Magnetic Fields, and The Beatles. Fortunately, Belle & Sebastian felt they needed to apologize to their fans for having played there before, so I don’t imagine they will play there again. Unfortunately The Beatles aren’t touring. However, The Magnetic Fields are touring,… Read More »Magnetic Fields at The Sound Academy

CMW at Sonic Boom

It’s Canadian Music Week time, once again. And once again, there’s not much that interests me. Sonic Boom, however is hosting days of afternoon and evening shows. There wasn’t much that interested me about yesterdays shows, except Martha Wainwright. When Wainwright released her first EP Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole, an ode to her father1 I was excited. It had some good songs. However, now, years later, I can’t remember the last time I listened to her music. It was shortly after that she released a full length album simply titled Martha Wainwright. I’ve always wanted to like her more than I actually do, to the point that I then purchased… Read More »CMW at Sonic Boom

Mike O’Neill @ Soundscapes

One of the disadvantages to going to a small show, without a stage, where you can see the set list, is the disappointment when Mike O’Neill doesn’t play “Andy” or “Camera Shy,” two of your favourite songs from his debut solo record What Happens Now? He did play “Alsatian” and “Are We Waiting,” however, so better than nothing. Mike O’Neill might be known to many of you as the bass player/songwriter from the bass and drum combo The Inbreds. Since the Inbreds break in the late ’90s, O’Neill has spent most of his time working in film, but he has released three records, What Happens Now?, The Owl, and Wild Lines.… Read More »Mike O’Neill @ Soundscapes

Ottawa Playlist 2

When the Open Road Is Closing In ((Disclaimer, I’m writing this at 4:04am, in a hotel room with three others. They are fast asleep, and I have the sound off on my computer, so if any of the links aren’t playing any of the songs. I’m sorry.)) by The Magnetic Fields I was originally thinking of opening the road trip with this song, but the previous choice was much better for obvious reasons. This song begins with the lyric “Time; measured in dotted yellow lines has passed you by.” Merritt paints a brilliant picture of the feeling of a long drive on highways of emptiness. Merritt’s lyrics are in top form.… Read More »Ottawa Playlist 2

An apology to Helen

First I’m going to start with an apology to Helen. When it was suggest that four of us share two beds in a single hotel room, I had a bit of a sense of dread, but I bottled it up, because “WOO! OTTAWA ROAD TRIP!” Now here I am, 3:30 am on Sunday morning. I only got an hour or two of sleep the previous night, if that. This night, I was smart enough to stay in when Emily, Joseph and Helen went to meet a friend of Helen’s. I spent most of that time editing the video (except for the footage that has yet to be shot) that will hopefully… Read More »An apology to Helen

Send someone to fetch us, we’re in saskatchewan

On Friday after work, Joseph, Helen, Emily and I all piled into Caroline (my car), and headed east along to 401. From Toronto to Ottawa. Since Ottawa is approximately five hours away (though that’s not counting rush hour traffic), I divided that in four, and we each had 75 minutes to fill with music. Each way… here’s my play list for going east. Movin’ Right Along – The Muppets Had to start with this as soon as I saw it. Nothing says “road trip” better than this song. Maybellene – Chuck Berry Catchy, popular, and a song about driving a car. Thought this to be appropriate. Doris Daytheearthstoodstill – Future… Read More »Send someone to fetch us, we’re in saskatchewan

Worst Oscar Upset, ever

One more Oscar post. This was definitely the worst mistake the Academy ever made in its history. Choosing Celine Dion over Elliott Smith… [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PcJO81ubI8&w=450&h=335]

L’Amore

I’ve been kissing the bottle wishing it was you. Kissing Things by The 6ths [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MarrzwTmANI&w=480&h=355] I was young, you were dumb. Now you’re older and I’m wiser. Falling Out Of Love With You by The 6ths [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ephn8t-fU48&w=480&h=355] If you ever loved me, tell me so, as you turn to go. As You Turn To Go by The 6ths [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW6YQYlftCE&w=480&h=355] When the clock strikes three I don’t care anymore about you or anything When the clock strikes four I could sell my soul just to hear my telephone ring. Give Me Back My Dreams by The 6th [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTqPfR1q0ZU&w=480&h=274]

Andrew In Drag

The Magnetic Fields have released what’s probably their first video since 1995’s “With Whom To Dance.” It’s for the lead single to their upcoming album Love at the Bottom of the Sea. The description for the video at The Magnetic Fields’ website, The House of Tomorrow says… Our music video for ‘Andrew in Drag’ premiered today on NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered.’ Watch Claudia and Stephin rotate on a lazy Susan while Darrell Thorne and Stormy Leather transform themselves with lipstick and pomade. Scott Valins directed, and the video is NSFW, if your workplace doesn’t appreciate nudity. I like that they capitalized “Susan” as now I’m picturing them rotating on a lazy Susan Anway1.… Read More »Andrew In Drag

Happy Boxing Day

I’ve been sick for the past two days. Saturday was the worst, I ended up sleeping 20 out of the 24 hours. Yesterday I ended up going to bed shortly after watching Doctor Who‘s christmas special… some time around 7pm. I woke up around midnight, and refused to move in the hopes I could fall back asleep, I failed, but by six am I gave up on my goal, and instead grabbed my laptop. There I saw this tweet from Dave Ullrich… I remember last year debating very hard, should I buy Rick White’s 137? See, I had just purchased it on vinyl, but it didn’t come with a download… Read More »Happy Boxing Day