:: wonderbug ::

Best of 2008

2008-12-30T01:33:00.010-05:00

I know you've been waiting for it.

here is NDLS' Best Albums of 2008:

1. Adele - 19 (video :: Cold Shoulder)

2. Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul (video :: The Shock Of The Lightning)

3. Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night (video :: Sex on Fire)

4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (video :: A-Punk)

5. The Kooks - Konk (video :: Always Where I Need To Be)

6. Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux (video :: America's Suitehearts)

7. Santogold - Santogold (video :: L.E.S. Artistes)

8. Coconut Records - Nighttiming (video :: West Coast)

9. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of Understandment (video :: My Mistakes Were Made For You)

10. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (video :: Electric Feel)

Honorable Mention (alpha order by artist):

David Cook S/T, The Filthy Youth (demos), James Morrison Songs For You, Truths For Me, Jason Mraz We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, Jesse Malin On Your Sleeve (covers album), Los Campesinos! Hold On Now, Youngster, New Kids On The Block The Block (yes, really!), Pink Funhouse, Robin Thicke Magic, Snow Patrol A Hundred Million Suns, The Black Kids Partie Traumatic, The Hold Steady Stay Positive, Kaiser Chiefs Off With Their Heads, The Ting Tings We Started Nothing.

NKOTB

2008-09-19T22:05:00.003-04:00

Posted with LifeCast

Mobile Blogging

2008-09-18T17:43:00.001-04:00

Just a warning.
I am now set up to send blog posts from my phone.
Let the fun commence!!

Posted with LifeCast

Conference 08...right Before H started Rapping

2008-09-18T17:41:00.002-04:00

Posted with LifeCast

girl crush :: adele

2008-03-28T14:24:00.004-04:00

forget duffy....duffy who?
adele is the girl you should be watching.

she went to the same performing arts school in london as amy winehouse and kate nash....her album is called "19" (her age).

plus she worked with mark ronson on "cold shoulder"...does this get any better for me?

it does...she's super cute and fun.
can't wait to see her when she comes back in june.

:: video :: chasing pavements

best albums of 2007

2007-12-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

well, well, well...

this year i've been very bad at keeping this blog up...but, this post has been on my mind for a few weeks now.

humbly, i present my pics for the best albums of 2007.

1. tegan & sara :: the con

it seems that the last time i actually made a post...it was about this album. produced by chris walla (death cab for cutie - who do NOT blow me away), the con is without a doubt t&s' best album to date.

2. arcade fire :: neon bible

a stellar album from front to back...the album's greatness was only enhanced by their live show. this album would have landed somehwere on my list if it was 10 tracks of crap and "keep the car running"

3. amy winehouse :: back to black
ok, i might be cheating juuuuuuuuust a tad with this one. back to black was released dec 12, 2006 (technically making it ineligible for my 2007 list)...but, when an album is this good - you just can't ignore it. produced by mark ronson (you'll see his album version a little further down on my list), winehouse's sophomore CD succeeded where her debut failed. frank was all "lite jazz" and just didn't ring true...but, back to black was nouveau-motown in all the best ways. and to prove that point - my favourite track on the album "tears dry on their own" was co-written by motown scribes ashford & simpson....that's right fuckers! she may be high on my deadpool for 08 (with ms spears for company), this album will always be her magnum opus.

4. peter bjorn & john :: writer’s block

i fucking loved "young folks" from the first whistle. and the rest of the album did not disappoint. i missed them at SXSW and i'm still kicking myself over it.

5. once :: motion picture soundtrack

ok, so recently i had to fly to montreal for business for the day. i watch 30 mins of ONCE on the way there...and, the next 30 mins on the way back...and, for the next week or so i was like a crack-addict trying to find her next fix to get my hands on the DVD to see how it ended (DVD doesn't come out until Dec 18). i haven't seen a movie in a long time that captured my attention so instantly - and, in so subtle a way. the music is just so perfectly suited to the mood and tone of the film - it's almost essential to the movie. glan hansard (the frames) and marketa irglova are perfect. you MUST see this movie...and, you MUST listen to this soundtrack. (also investigate the swell season!!)

:: video :: once movie trailer

6. hard-fi :: how the west was won

stars of cctv made it onto my best of 2006 list...so, i was excited with the new album came out. i'll admit, i didn't fall it love with it at first...but, it's a grower...gets better with repeated spins.
:: video :: suburban knights

7. feist :: the reminder
like hard-fi, this one didn't have me at hello. i was almost disappointed when i first listened to it. but, i'm glad to say that it grew on me like a fungus.
:: video :: my moon, my man

8. dragonette :: galore
i pretty much pooh-poohed this band before giving it a single listen. martina sobara (lilith fair "rock") on vocals? no thanks...but, then they played our annual conference and blew me AWAY! holy shit they were awesome. a sell sheet described them as gwen stefani fronting duran duran...pretty accurate.
:: video :: i get around

9. matthew good :: hospital music

i think i've rattled on about my matthew good obsession before (remember that year i listened to beautiful midnight at least once a day...every day?). so, i don't think there's any surprise that hospital music would make it onto my list. as always, matt's music is filled with emotion that (at times) can make me cry. filled with stories about a particularly difficult time in MG's life (divorce, mental illness) hospital music is intensely personal and i'm so happy to say i'm a fan still...after all these years.

:: video :: born losers

10. arctic monkeys :: favourite worst nightmare
wow...like a lot of other things on my list...the last monkeys CD made it onto my 06 list. this one is a bit lower on the list because it's not as stellar from begining to end as their debut...but, has standout tracks that make it a must-have.
:: video :: brianstorm

the best of the rest.....
11. rilo kiley :: under the black light
12. mark ronson :: version
13. fall out boy :: infinity on high
14. travis :: the boy with no name
15. white stripes :: icky thump
16. fiction plane :: left side of the brain
17. maximo park :: our earthly pleasures
18. kanye west :: graduation
19. kate nash :: made of bricks
20. m.i.a :: kala

:: linky :: best of 2006

tegan + sara: the con

2007-07-06T18:58:00.000-04:00

apologies all around....i've been very lax in my updating.
but, lets put that all behind us, shall we?
i have exciting news!

there is a new tegan & sara album in the pipe...THE CON is coming atcha like a northern bullet on july 24th via maple music.

though you can say i'm biased because i love the t&s...this album is AWESOME!
from front to back...track after track...it's solid - just the way i like it!

:: video :: the con

:: cd :: pre-order THE CON from HMV.ca

:: web :: teganandsara.com

podcast 11 :: mark ronson

2007-04-13T22:51:00.000-04:00

i've been neglecting my podcasting duties lately. well, to be honest, i've been neglecting my blogging duties as well...

what can i say? work's been a bitch...but, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

MARK RONSON...

this episode of my podcast series is a little feature of up-and-coming dj/producer mark ronson.

he's worked/produced tracks for the likes of: lily allen, amy winehouse, robbie williams, christina aguilera....and, more.

he's about to release his second album, version, and, this is why i've decided to highlight mron.

EPISODE 11 :: TRACKLISTING

1. Ooh Wee :: Mark Ronson feat. Ghostface Killah

2. Oh My God :: Lily Allen (Kaiser Chiefs Cover)

3. Valerie :: Amy Winehouse (Zutons Cover)

4. Toxic :: Mark Ronson feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard and Tiggers (Britney Spears Cover)

5. Good Doctor :: Robbie Williams

6. Apply Some Pressure :: Mark Ronson feat. Paul Smith of Maximo Park

7. Just :: Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald (Radiohead Cover)

8. Stop Me :: Mark Ronson feat. Daniel Merriwether (Smiths Cover)

if you're new the podcast game -here's how you can access it

LISTEN ONLINE:

- go to: http://wonderbug.podomatic.com/entry/2007-04-13T18_37_29-07_00
- click "play"

DOWNLOAD TO iTUNES:

- open iTunes
- go to "Advanced"
- click on "Subscribe to Podcast"
- copy and paste this link in the window that opens: itpc://wonderbug.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml
(note: you'll never have to do this again. new podcasts will automatically download when they are available).

enjoy!

sxsw 07 roundup :: part one :: the day stuff

2007-03-22T22:38:00.000-04:00

so, i'm back from my first visit to the "music capital of the world" austin, tx - sxsw...that was an experience. i've seen a lot of shows in my day...but, never 13 bands in one day (like i did last thursday). so, here we go...here is my run-down of what i did...what i saw...what i heard and what i recommend.

thursday march 15 2007

:: the pipettes ::

we went to the fader/levis party but, didn't realize that we needed to be on the list (people rsvp'ed in advance). when we got to the front of the line where the guy asks for your name and checks against his MASSIVE list...i just asked "is there ANY way we can get in?" the dude looked at my badge (sap says to look at my company) and then said "ok - sure". we got our wristbands (good for the shows happening all week!) and went in. the party was sponsored by southern comfort and there were FREE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!
i've never been a drinker. but, sap and i decided to try. the signs were advertising socal and lime...so, we asked the girl for that. she said "you should try the punches instead". we did..they were good!
then we go up to the front of the stage. the pipettes were on next.
they were just as awesome as i thought they'd be. they were cute and sassy in their matching black/white polka-dot outfits.

:: web :: www.thepipettes.co.uk

:: mp3 :: your kisses are wasted on me

wonderbug rating :: 8/10

:: lily allen ::

right after the pipettes left the stage we blew that pop stand and headed over to waterloo records. there was a line - but, the guy working the door said that sparklehorse was still playing and that people would leave and that we'd be able to get in. we did. the place was PACKED! saw a couple people we know - but, left them to weasle our way to the other side of the store. found a little nook behind an info booth counter (when a staff member came up to use the computer - he surprised us by NOT kicking us out).
like the other lily show i saw. she didn't play very long and did not bring her full band.
but, what we saw - we liked. she did that kooks cover i love and threw in blondie's "heart of glass" for good measure.

:: web :: www.lilyallenmusic.com

:: mp3 :: naive (kooks cover)

wonderbug rating :: 7.5/10

:: pete & the pirates ::

right after lily - we hoped back into a cab and headed BACK to the fader party. we wanted to see the fratellis.when we got there a cool band was playing. we had to look them up to see who they were. they were pete & the pirates. cool brit-poppy.
stoopid NOW gave them a "miss" and called them generic...evs! i liked them.

:: web :: www.peteandthepirates.co.uk

wonderbug rating :: 7/10

:: bonde do role ::
holy fuck. when bonde do role hit play on their entrance music i was captivated. not only did they use samples from "wild thing," "man in the box" and "i believe in a thing called love" but they rapped HARD over the beats in full on portugese (they are from brazil). listen to them....please.

:: web :: www.myspace.com/bondedorole

:: mp3 :: dança da ventoinha

wonderbug rating :: 8.5/10

:: the fratellis (acoustic) ::

they played an acoustic set. and quite frankly after the high i was on after bonde do role - i considered it a let down. but, don't worry.
this was not to be the last encouter with the fratellis this trip...more to come.

:: web :: www.thefratellis.com

wonderbug rating :: 6/10

end of the day stuff...to be continued...

westside

2007-03-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

what you are about to read is a creative writing assignment i had in university.
it is about my younger brother al, who has always been a pain in my ass.

enjoy!

Mississauga, ON – 1993

“The Wu-Tang Clan iz runnin’ dis shit” scrawls across my computer screen. I turn the monitor off, shake my head and yell “Al, did you change the screensaver?” I don’t really need to ask.

“Huh? What, Tosh?” My younger brother bounds down the stairs to where I sit in the basement. He smiles slyly.

He looks at me as I sit in front of the blank computer screen, and screams “Awwwwww, Yeah!!” Wu-Tang Clan is running dis shit!!”

“Yeah, I know what it says. I read it. I’m changing it back to the John Cusack one.”

“Tosh-man, that shizit is so boring.” Then his voice rings out with a triumphant “Wu-Tang CLAN, bee-atch!” He uses “Bee-atch” as his punk-kid version of bitch.

“What did you call me?”

“Nothing, Tosha.” He uses an obnoxious cartoon voice, but that sly grin is still there.

My middle brother, Al is seventeen, with dark brown hair, curly hair. He wears round metal framed glasses, and even though he is four years younger, he stands a full head over me. He refuses to shave the pathetic clump of hair under his chin, that only he calls a beard. His wardrobe consists of extra large GAP khaki pants, or extra wide-leg blue jeans and t-shirts with logos of either his favourite hard rock band or sporting companies. Because it is night, he now wears an old t-shirt and shorts with holes in them.

All my brothers call me Tosh or Tosha, while everyone else uses Natasha, Tash or Tasha. I have just learned to live with it.

I turn the computer screen back on so I can shut the computer down. Al constantly changes the settings on me. He changes the sound you hear booting up, shutting down, the look of the background in Windows and, like now, the screensaver. Once he even downloaded a music sample from the Cypress Hill home page. Anytime you clicked on anything in Windows, you heard an annoying bass line “duh - dum, dum, dum.” After about five minutes I was ready to rip the speakers out.

Today, when I start the shut down, I am met with the vocals of Jonathan Davis, the lead singer of the metal band Korn, who yells “ARE YOU READY??” at me.

“Awww, YEAH!!” Al shouts from in front of the TV. He stands, puts his hands on his hips and starts a strange, hip-grinding victory dance.

When he’s done, his sits back down and presses play on the VCR. Another metal band, this time Deftones, pop onto the screen. “I get BORED!!”

I turn to him. “Al, I’ve figured it out. You only like bands that need to yell to get their point across.”

“Damn right, nigga.”

“Cut it out with that word.”

“What? Nigga?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” We’ve had this conversation before. I know I am being set up.

“Because it’s derogatory. It’s been used as an insult for more than a hundred years.”

“Can a black man call another black man an Nigger?” he answers without a pause.

I know what he is doing. He forces me to answer “I guess so, yes.”

“Well, then nigga…I can say it all I want. I’m black! NEGRO!!”

I shake my head and sigh. Our father is from Argentina, our mother is from Trinidad.

“Al, you’re about one-eighth black. Grandad was the only one.”

“That don’t mean shit. I’m a nigga. And you can’t tell me what to do, bee-atch!”

“Really?” Now, I smile that same sly smile. “Tell me again…How much money do you want to borrow Friday night?”

“Uh? I mean…Sorry Tosha” he says in a meek voice.

I get up and relocate myself to the other end of the couch Al sits on, and steal the converter. “No more Deftones shit.” I press stop, and turn the channel to MuchMusic.

He punches me in the arm - hard. “Give it back! I had it first!”

“I was down here first.” I block a blow aimed at my head. “Keep your big meaty hands off of me!” I yell.

We wrestle for about five minutes, then he climbs on top of me, sits on my chest, and yells in my face “How you like DAT, bee-atch??!! West-siiiiiiiddddeeee!!” When pleased, he uses this barbaric insane, annoying call.

Now I am done for. I can’t breathe. I kick, wiggle and struggle but, it’s no use - he won’t budge. I stoop to the last and only line of defence left open to me. I bite him.

“Ow!” He rubs his arm, pinches me and moves off of me, pulling the elastic from my pony-tail with him. “Westside, Negro!!”

The soothing sounds of the Backstreet Boys emanate from the TV. Al joins in at the chorus and dances in his seat. “Quit playin’ games with my heart…with my heart…” His voice hasn’t completely changed and cracks often.

“How can you like Korn and the Backstreet Boys?”

“How ca you like all that shizit you like? Oasis sucks. Besides, I don’t like these fag-boys. I’m making fun of you. I’m mocking your dumb-ass!”

“Yeah, right.”

“Shut up! I am.”

“Okay, whatever.”

“I’m gonna kick your ass!” He starts toward me.

“Sit your ass down, little boy. I wanna hear this.”

We both quiet down and enjoy the last few seconds of the song.

“Press play.” he says, calmly.

Does he think I’m stupid? I know Deftones is still in the VCR. “No.”

“C’mon, just press play.”

“No.”

“Press play!!” he screeches.

“No.”

“Just do it!” He’s yelling now.

“No.” I continue to flip the channels, unfazed.

“I’ll remember this!”

I decide to quote a line from one of his favourite movies. “Write it down. Take a picture, I don’t give a fuck!”

He recognizes Smokey’s line from Friday and pipes up with “Smoke-dawg!! Awrgh! Awrgh! Awrgh!” The barking makes me smile. “Whatchu laughin’ at, bee-atch? You wanna pieces of me?” He puffs out his chest like a peacock and looms toward me with a “Classic Al” stone face.

I put my hand in the middle of his chest to keep him away.

“Sit down, boy. And, If you call me bitch again…” I leave the threat hanging open.

“You’ll what? BEE-ATCH!!” I change the positioning of my hand to pinch him.

“Ow!” He pushes my hand away. As he rubs his chest he changes tones and says “Yo, Tosh. That bee-atch, Miss Katz fucked me over again. She won’t have a Drama OAC class next year. What the hell am I supposed to do now? I was gonna use it as one of my top six. You know why she’s doin’ it right?” He pauses. I know what’s coming. “Cuz she’s a woman. She should be in the kitchen making dinner for her man, or cleaning something. We never should have given you guys the right to vote.” He’s hated all female teachers since one of them said “You should be more like your sister.”

“Yeah, boy! Westside!” and then chants “This is my house. MA HOUSE!” He taps the wall with the tip of his fingers. “See this? Ma house!”

I don’t want to start another fight, so I just roll my eyes and turn my attention back to the TV.

“Yo, Tosh, do you work tonight?”

“No.”

“Do I?”

He seems to have this fantasy that I will get him a job at the record store I work at…even though he’s a high-school kid with a bad attitude and no experience. “We’re not hiring right now, Al.”

“Get me a job!” he yells.

The phone rings. He turns to me and asks “What voice?”

“Irish.” is my answer.

He picks up the phone and says “Good day, there laddie. You’ve reached the McTavish residence…”

I stop him.

“McTavish is a Scottish name, you jack-ass!”

He says “Shut it” to me and “Hey Mary” into the receiver. “Hang this up when I get upstairs…and, don’t talk to her!”

Before he leaves the room I pick up the phone and chit-chat with his friend.

“Hi Mary…How are you?”

“Stop it! C’mon!” Al whispers to me.

I stop. We stare at each other. Silence. He leans toward me…sniffs around my head like a dog and says in that little cartoon voice “Tosha stinks” waving his hand underneath his nose. He gives a little weasel laugh “he he he” and like a big stupid elf, runs up the stairs, the old tube socks he’s wearing almost falling off his feet.

Once I hear the “Okay, I got it!” I hang up the phone.

I pick up the converter and flip the channels, again. I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. I see Martin, my youngest brother.

With a cup of ice cream in his hand, he stops in front of the TV, takes out Al’s Deftones tape and puts in one of his own. I don’t have to ask. I know its Silverchair.

He turns to me and says, “Yo, Tosh…press play.”

brit awards :: the fallout (no pun intended)

2007-02-20T20:10:00.000-05:00

the awards were held in london last week.
let's take a look at how DREADFUL my picks were....plus - i'll include my original comments...there are some telling comments in there.

British Male Solo Artist
· James Morrison WINNER
· Jarvis Cocker
· Lemar
· Paolo Nutini
· Thom Yorke
::wonderbug pick to win:: thom yorke >> not because i like him, but because everyone and their brother pees their pants over his insufferable whining.

British Female Solo Artist
· Amy Winehouse WINNER
· Corinne Bailey Rae
· Jamelia
· Lily Allen
· Nerina Pallot
::wonderbug pick to win:: lily allen >> it would be cool if amy winehouse won (i highly recommend her new cd, back to black)....but, this was lily's year.
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: why didn't i just stick with amy????

British Group
· Arctic Monkeys WINNER
· Kasabian
· Muse
· Razorlight
· Snow Patrol
::wonderbug pick to win:: snow patrol >> i really enjoyed the new razorlight (much more than the first cd) and my love of the monkey's is widely known...but, overall i need to give props to snow patrol. ONE. FINE. CD!
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: oh geez...why do i say i like someone to win...and, then not pick them?

MasterCard British Album
· Amy Winehouse Back to Black
· Arctic Monkeys Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not WINNER
· Lily Allen Alright, Still
· Muse Black Holes & Revelations
· Snow Patrol Eyes Open
::wonderbug pick to win:: snow patrol >> see above
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: it was a really good album....grrr

British Single
(Winner chosen by UK Commercial Radio listeners)
· Corinne Bailey Rae "Put your records on"
· The Feeling "Fill my little world"
· James Morrison "You give me something"
· Kooks "She moves in her own way"
· Leona Lewis "A moment like this"
· Lily Allen "Smile"
· Razorlight "America"
· Sandi Thom "I wish I was a punk rocker"
· Snow Patrol "Chasing cars"
· Take That "Patience" WINNER
· Will Young "All time love"
::wonderbug pick to win:: leona lewis >> wow...so many good songs to choose from (much better than the grammy noms in my opinion), but i pick the X-Factor Winner Leona Lewis as the winner (even if her first single was a Kelly Clarkson single 4 years ago....)
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: i'm actually glad TT won...good for them! ps -i sat on gary barlow's lap once - and stole his cocktail glass...i still have it....true story

British Breakthrough Act
(Winner chosen by Radio 1 listeners)
· Corinne Bailey Rae
· Fratellis WINNER
· James Morrison
· Kooks
· Lily Allen
::wonderbug pick to win:: lily allen >> the fratellis album is SO good...and, the kooks are friggin wicked (one of my fav albums of 2006!) but, i'm still giving this one to lily. i think the night belongs to her and snow patrol....and oasis.
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: aren't you loving how i keep mentioning how good it would be if a particular artist won....AND THEN THEY END UP WINNING??

British Live Act
(Nominees chosen by a panel of experts in association with The Live Music Forum. Winner chosen by Radio 2 listeners)
· George Michael
· Guillemots
· Kasabian
· Muse WINNER
· Robbie Williams
::wonderbug pick to win:: robbie williams >> there are no other choices. he's got this one locked.
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: whatever..this one was totally fixed. robbie entered rehab the DAY OF the brits...he should have won.

Outstanding Contribution to music
· Oasis
::wonderbug comment:: weeping from happiness.....
:: wonderbug after the fact comment :: stoopid CBC didn't show the entire performance OR acceptance speech. i had to read about it later. friggin ijits.

and, so...in closing...here's to hoping i clean up at the oscars this sunday. that will be the only chance i have to win the office pool.

i'm a sucker for a catchy tune...don't hate

2007-02-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

ok...i've never been open for my love of fall out boy. i've been fighting with myself.
i REALIZE that i am no longer a 14-year old girl swooning after the next cute boy in the band of the moment.
....but, i'm a sucker for a catchy song.

i love songs (regardless of genre) that i can sing along to.
there's nothing better than listening to the iPod on the way home from work and smiling and swaying back and forth to the music in your ear-buds while the guy behind you laughs at you (note: this actually happened to me last week. luckily, the guy was a guy i know from work - so, it wasn't so bad).

back to the point....

i haven't publicized by love of the boy (ie, fall out boy)...but, when i looked at my "most played" songs in iTunes and it showed that i've listened to "Sugar, We're Going Down" 63 times...i couldn't keep the farce going any longer.

then the new album leaked (street date: feb 6th). infinity on high, gawd - even the title is cheezy.

downloaded. listened. loved.

butch walker produced a few tracks - i love it.
babyface (yes, THAT babyface) produced a few tracks - they are actually my favourite on the entire album.

why can't i stop listening to this?
because it's so g'damn catchy!

i wouldn't be caught dead at a show though.
i'd want to punch the little girl in front of me, holding up that "I love Pete!" sign, in the face.

i say all this, but i know that i need not apologize for liking music for 2 reasons:
1. there is no such thing as a guilty pleasure. if you like it and 'they' don't...FUCK EM!
2. everyone knows my love of cheesy pop. it's pretty much what i grew up on on.

:: illegal download :: fall out boy - infinity on high

random things that made me laugh this week

2007-01-25T15:07:00.000-05:00

1. Things My Boyfriend Says blog

my brother blogged (or as my other brother says "blurgged" b/c only nerds blog, ergo "blurg")recently about some stoopid shit betwixt he and his ex-luvah and linked to this site: www.thingsmyboyfriendsays.com

gawd damn....this was awesome.

this one made me laugh out loud at work:

Population: You.
While E was playing Civilization 4 I decided to go to the store. He asked if I would bring him back something, I said no, and he said:
"And I was just going to name this city I conquered after you. I guess I'll have to call it Bitchburg."

i think i feel your pain, lady...i think i feel your pain....

but, my boy says some really funny stuff too...sometimes he even types them out....

2. I saw into the future....

20 years from now, when i am grown, i will have 4 children. 3 boys and one little girl.
and, they will form the most awesome rock back in history.
lucky for me - the future is broadcast on YouTube....

you are welcome. i know you are thanking me for bringing that awesomeness into you life.
side note: my boss said the little girl looked like the kid in "the grudge"...then i punched her in the mouth and told her not to talk about my future daughter like that.

:: linky :: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_4aGXTHo7w

konichiwa, bitches.

brit award nominees - wonderbug picks

2007-01-16T15:20:00.001-05:00

the nominations were announced today.
so, i'll take this opportunity to throw down the gauntlet and state my picks.
good news for those who choose to pick it up - i'm usually wrong.
but, at least i keep trying.

British Male Solo Artist
· James Morrison
· Jarvis Cocker
· Lemar
· Paolo Nutini
· Thom Yorke
::wonderbug pick to win:: thom yorke >> not because i like him, but because everyone and their brother pees their pants over his insufferable whining.

British Female Solo Artist
· Amy Winehouse
· Corinne Bailey Rae
· Jamelia
· Lily Allen
· Nerina Pallot
::wonderbug pick to win:: lily allen >> it would be cool if amy winehouse won (i highly recommend her new cd, back to black)....but, this was lily's year.

British Group
· Arctic Monkeys
· Kasabian
· Muse
· Razorlight
· Snow Patrol
::wonderbug pick to win:: snow patrol >> i really enjoyed the new razorlight (much more than the first cd) and my love of the monkey's is widely known...but, overall i need to give props to snow patrol. ONE. FINE. CD!

MasterCard British Album
· Amy Winehouse Back to Black
· Arctic Monkeys Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not
· Lily Allen Alright, Still
· Muse Black Holes & Revelations
· Snow Patrol Eyes Open
::wonderbug pick to win:: snow patrol >> see above

British Single
(Winner chosen by UK Commercial Radio listeners)
· Corinne Bailey Rae "Put your records on"
· The Feeling "Fill my little world"
· James Morrison "You give me something"
· Kooks "She moves in her own way"
· Leona Lewis "A moment like this"
· Lily Allen "Smile"
· Razorlight "America"
· Sandi Thom "I wish I was a punk rocker"
· Snow Patrol "Chasing cars"
· Take That "Patience"
· Will Young "All time love"
::wonderbug pick to win:: leona lewis >> wow...so many good songs to choose from (much better than the grammy noms in my opinion), but i pick the X-Factor Winner Leona Lewis as the winner (even if her first single was a Kelly Clarkson single 4 years ago....)

British Breakthrough Act
(Winner chosen by Radio 1 listeners)
· Corinne Bailey Rae
· Fratellis
· James Morrison
· Kooks
· Lily Allen
::wonderbug pick to win:: lily allen >> the fratellis album is SO good...and, the kooks are friggin wicked (one of my fav albums of 2006!) but, i'm still giving this one to lily. i think the night belongs to her and snow patrol....and oasis.

British Live Act
(Nominees chosen by a panel of experts in association with The Live Music Forum. Winner chosen by Radio 2 listeners)
· George Michael
· Guillemots
· Kasabian
· Muse
· Robbie Williams
::wonderbug pick to win:: robbie williams >> there are no other choices. he's got this one locked.

Outstanding Contribution to music
· Oasis
::wonderbug comment:: weeping from happiness.....

i'm not going to bother with the international categories...but, i have guesses for those, too.

we'll find out in early feb how wrong i am.

side note: a few of us at work have some bets on all the awards happening this season (SAG, Grammys, Golden Globes)....for the record, the 2 winners had 8 correct predictions for last night's Golden Globes...while i had 7....SO CLOSE!

:: website :: 2007 brit awards

snow daze

2007-01-15T15:35:00.000-05:00

so, today was the first real 'snow day' in toronto.

i awoke to the sound of sleet banging down against my window.

it had just gotten cozy, too.

the boy had just come to bed and had wiggled my way into his nooks & crannies (creating multiple points of snuggly contact).

i didn't want to get up. it was so nice and warm under the covers.

but, i had to get up and get my lazy bones off to work.

i shouldn't have bothered.

there are 6 people in my dept.

2 of them had scheduled days off today.

2 got snowed in (my boss included).

i got to the office around 9.15 and annie showed up around 11am.

what a waste of time....there were a bunch of people at other companies that didn't show up for work today either.

so, it ended up being one of those annyoingly boring days where even if there was work to do - you couldn't really do it because no one else was around.

the good thing was that our plans got canceled for tonight.

the bad news is that they got rescheduled for thursday! yes - right during my name is earl and the office....thank geebus for PVR!

these are the thoughts i will leave you with...

in the past few days/weeks i have done the following things way too much:

- eat chocolate
- listen to butch walker CDs

- watch STELLA on DVD

- read michael showalter blogs

and, only one of those things will probably change anytime soon...

later.

things i'm looking forward to in 2007, pt 1

2007-01-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

sxsw :: march 14-18, 2007 :: austin, tx

that's right, ladies and gentlemen.

i'm going this year.

sometimes i really love my job!

the full offical list of artists has not been announced, but there have been some tasty treats leaked in the last couple weeks.

most notable (and, exciting for moi) include:
- morrissey

- bloc party

- iggy & the stooges (unclear if mike watt will be playing with them)

- lily allen

- sloan (i know, i know...i could see them anytime i want in t.o...but, i'll still see them in TX if i can..have to support my boys!)

- girl talk

- rjd2

- interpol

- badly drawn boy

- youth group

- the watson twins (sans jenny lewis)

- stax records, 50th anniversary soul revue

the line-ups and dates/venues/times are still to be announced...so, we'll see what i actually get to go to and what will conflict.don't fret - i'll bring my camera (i'm sure that is VERY un-cool at sxsw..but, i'll geek-out for a good cause)

:: web :: sxsw.com

:: web :: donewaiting.com/sxsw

best ALBUMS of 2006

2006-12-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

i did a mighty 2 podcasts presumably giving my nods to the best songs of 2006

well – my brain must have farted because i neglected a couple key tracks (i think i just forgot they actually came out in 2006)

hello! where was “hard to beat” by hard-fi? where was “rise up with fists” by jenny lewis?

anyway…here are my picks for best albums of 2006.

what makes a “best album” you ask?

well – i have to like all the songs enough to listen to it all the way through.

that might not sound like anything special – but, with the amount of cds that cross my desk…if i listen to more than a couple tracks…that’s a pretty good album!

wonderbug’s best albums of 2006

the kooks :: inside in/inside out
lily allen :: alright, still
hard-fi :: stars of cctv
snow patrol :: eyes open
arctic monkeys :: whatever you say we are, that’s what we’re not
robbie williams :: rudebox
razorlight :: razorlight
jenny lewis & the watson twins :: rabbit fur coat
hot chip :: the warning
belle & sebastian :: the life pursuit

:: podcast :: best songs of 2006, part 1
:: podcast :: best songs of 2006, part 2

ps – i just got a call at work from a guy that is doing a tv show on some local cable outlet in windsor. this episode in particular is talking about the lack of support for hip-hop in canada. anyway – i’m thinking he’s going to ask us to buy an ad or something…and, he asks me if i’d like to come on his show to be interviewed on this topic.

i said: not me personally – but, you can talk to a member of the product dept.

he says: but, you’re in charge of marketing for hmv. why won’t you do the interview?

i say: i am not personally in charge of marketing. i work *in* the marketing dept.

him: well, who is in charge of marketing?

me [getting annoyed] : my director, saundra…who is out of the office for the rest of the week (knowing full well there’s not a snowball’s chance she’d go to windsor to do an interview on cable tv about hip hop.)

him: well, how can i talk to if you’re not in charge? wouldn’t you want to have your views known?

me: like i said already, the product dept would be your best bet because they actually buy the cds for hmv. i wouldn’t want to personally give this interview because this is not my area of expertise.

him: ok, i’ll talk to them.

me: good [transfer to reception hoping they’ll get rid of him].

i hate hard sells….they annoy me. good thing i get 3 gajillion sales calls at work every day – don’t get many interview opps…but, anyway. this is the equivalent to getting telemarketing calls at home.and, i’m not much more polite to them, if the truth be told.

so over 2006

2006-12-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

I am so over 2006.

The beginning of 2005 sucked HARD!
But, the tail end of ’05 and the start of ’06 had me hoping for a turning of the tides.

But, it was not to be.

There was an unplanned (and unwise) marriage resulting in an estrangement.
There was a move to Japan.
There was a death.
There was another death.
Then there was another death.
Then there was another death.
Then today there was one more death.

It’s just too much. Too sad.

There are only 25 more days until this gawd-forsaken year is over.
Do you think it will be possible to get through those days without any further tragedies?

In closing, to the year 2006, I say this:

"FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCK!"

To help make up for my mood, I give you this:

:: web :: http://www.cuteoverload.com/

podcasts 4 & 5

2006-11-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

EPISODE 4 :: let's go to the mall !!

if you've never seen HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, please just watch this.
i was sick as a mofo on last monday night - but, this made me laugh out loud.
why won't robin go to malls?
she was a teen pop star in canada named robin sparkles and her one hit song was 'let's go to the mall"
the song is so infectious i'm sick again (kidding).

:: website :: http://www.myspace.com/robinsparkles
:: video :: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1453772057

EPISODE 5 (a) :: people (with names)

Today, I begin my multi-part podcast devoted to: PEOPLE PLACES & THINGS!
This first entry in the saga is devoted to People..but, here's the catch...the people had to have names.

The next one will deal with the nameless...you'll see what I mean later.

1. The Fratellis :: Henrietta
2. Elvis Costello :: Alison
3. Johnny Cash :: Boy Named Sue
4. The Kooks :: Jackie Big Tits
5. Matthew Good Band :: Jenni’s Song
6. Sufjan Stevens :: John Wayne Gacy, Jr
7. The White Stripes :: Jolene
8. The Jam :: David Watts
9. The Clash :: Rudie Can’t Fail

please to enjoy!

podcast #3

2006-11-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

between the covers

some wicked awesome covers for your sunday afternoon.

EPISODE 3 :: TRACKLISTING
1. Lily Allen :: Naïve (The Kooks)
2. The Kooks :: Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
3. Ryan Adams :: Wonderwall (Oasis)
4. Oasis :: Cum On Feel the Noize (Slade)
5. Coldplay :: Lips Like Sugar (Echo & The Bunnymen)
6. Snow Patrol :: Crazy In Love (Beyonce)
7. Deftones :: No Ordinary Love (Sade)
8. Nina Gordon :: Straight Outta Compton (NWA)
9. Stereophonics :: Handbags & Gladrags (Rod Stewart)
10. Travis :: Baby Hit Me One More Time (Britney Spears)
11. Veruca Salt :: Somebody (Depeche Mode)
12. Matthew Good Band :: Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode)
13. Bonus Track (not a cover – but, it makes me happy)

my second ever podcast!

2006-11-05T12:23:00.000-05:00

part 2 for your enjoyment.

the best tunes of 2006 [part two]

EPISODE 2 :: TRACKLISTING
1. Robbie Williams :: Rudebox
2. Fergie :: London Bridge
3. Nelly Furtado :: Promiscuous
4. Lily Allen :: Knock Em Out
5. Nina Gordon :: Kiss Me Til It Bleeds
6. Belle & Sebastian :: For The Price Of A Cup Of Tea
7. Emily Haines :: Our Hell
8. Snow Patrol :: Set Fire To The Third Bar
9. Jet :: Come On Come On
10. The Killers :: When You Were Young
11. The Kooks :: Naïve

grazie!

my first ever podcast!

2006-10-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

songs for the lovers

selected by wonderbug

the best tunes of 2006 [part one]

EPISODE 1 :: TRACKLISTING
1. The Pipettes :: Pull Shapes
2. Arctic Monkeys :: I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor
3. Butch Walker :: Bethamphetamine
4. The Cribs :: Martell Miniatures
5. Dirty Pretty Things :: You Fucking Love It
6. Phoenix :: Long Distance Call
7. Raconteurs :: Steady As She Goes
8. Razorlight :: In The Morning
9. Ryan Star :: Back Of Your Car
10. Hot Chip :: The Warning

Enjoy! --

oooooooh...it's magic

2006-10-27T23:41:00.000-04:00

ok - enough dilly-dallying.
let's talk about music.

the magic numbers are a interesting bunch.
two sets of siblings (side topic for conversation: what would a band comprised of al, martin and i sound like?) from the UK.

they look like metal greasers..but, have a sound that would make one such as myself say that they are the new MAMAS & THE PAPAS. yes, you heard that correctly.

their first album (self-titled) was filled with sweet airy harmonies, and some really tight pop songs.

they are set to release their follow-up, those the brokes, this fall and this little wonderbug is waiting eagerly.

the first tasty treat is the first single "take a chance" and based on how much i enjoyed the last album - i can tell you that this tune did not disappoint.

:: mp3 :: the magic numbers - take a chance
:: site :: www.myspace.com/themagicnumbers
:: site :: themagicnumbers.net

i'm not dead

2006-10-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

despite reports to the contrary...i am still alive...barely - but, i'm still here.
i haven't been spending as much time blogging as usual...(was my last post really about Ryan Star winning Rockstar?)...it's that special time of year...CHRISTMAS!

Christmas is the time of year when co-workers get sick...so, instead of just doing your work...you're covering someone else.

Christmas is the time of year when there more than the "regular" amount of work (which is sometimes hard to manage under normal circumstances) and less time to do it.

Christmas is the time of year when everyone needs everything to be perfect and not only on time..but, preferably early.

Christmas is the time of year when you get home from work long after the sun has set and you only have the energy to heat a bowl of soup for dinner - even though you skipped lunch because you were tied to your desk and lost track of time.

Christmas happens every year. and even though you think you know everything that could possible trip you up (because you're learning from last year's mistakes) there is always a host of brand new problems, emergencies and crises to deal with.

OH JOY!

But, on to better things.
Ryan Star's going to do an in-store for us. acoustic performance AND autograph session.
Boobaloo's going to be a very convincing Borat for Hallowe'en (i shall be his village peasant woman during whatever we decide to do on saturday).

And, we just got back from a few days in Montreal (see fruity drink photo above).
Wish there were more days off...*sigh*

I miss my brother...well - truth be told...I miss all of them.
Holidays are coming up and what Meat Loaf said is true "two outta three ain't bad".

signing off.

me.

ryanstar = rockstar?

2006-08-24T18:38:00.000-04:00

when rockstar: supernova started...i was all over the lukas train. he's a toronto boy...i had to show my support, and his first performace (rebel yell) proved he was a contender from the very begining.
i have to be honest. i didn't like ryan star at the begining. he bored me. i barely paid attention to his performances...doing songs by the rolling stones and ccr is enough to make me change the channel until someone more interesting takes the stage.
he's the one the infamous tommy lee quote "show me some boat, bitch" was aimed at.
after that...he started to show some boat.
dave has dubbed him 'the dark horse' and he's the only rocker thus far to earn TWO encores. and, he's arguably had more "moments" than even dilana (who is a bitch of the grandest proportions, but i digress).
may i present, ryan star...who won't win rockstar...but who IS a star nonetheless.

.: web :. ryan star (myspace fansite)
.: web :. stone crow records (get ryan's solo album)
.: web :. rockstar: supernova - ryan
.: web :. ryan star (msn live space)

.: mp3 :. rockstar week 4 - i alone (live)
.: mp3 :. rockstar week 5 - losing my religion (rem)
.: mp3 :. rockstar week 6 - paint it black (rolling stones)
.: mp3 :. rockstar week 6 (elimination song) - enjoy the silence (depeche mode)
.: mp3 :. rockstar week 7 - in the air tonight (phil collins)
.: mp3 :. rockstar week 8 - back of your car (original song)
.: mp3 :. bonus track - back of your car (acoustic version)

how to break an indie-band: clell tickle video

2006-08-11T19:54:00.000-04:00

please for the luv of jeebus...watch this video!!!

this is the best thing i've seen this week.
and, it made me laugh..and, that's an awesome thing considering the craptastic week i've had at work.

FU HMV - it's the muthafukkin weekend, bitch!

.: you tube :. Clell Tickle: Indie Marketing Guru

threesome

2006-08-03T16:31:00.000-04:00

3 people who make me laugh: everyone makes me laugh...it's not a hard thing to do.
3 things I love: james, my family, my job
3 things I hate: gwenyth paltrow, nicole kidman, paris hilton (yes....to me - they are "things")
3 things on my desk (at home): james' beer bottle, packing tape (a good sub for a lint brush), and assorted cds
3 things I am doing right now: downloading rockstar supernova mp3s, sweating, blogging
3 things I want to do before I die: retire, see london and paris, not want anything
3 things I can do: wiggle my toes, curl my tongue, type really fast.
3 ways to describe my personality: light, funny, annoying
3 things people might not know about me: i have places for everyhing, if i don't do things my way - i get flustered, i think in linear lines
3 things I think you should listen to: butch walker, lily allen, your conscience
3 things I don't think you should listen to ever: the devil on your shoulder, people who just like to hear themselves talk, g.w. bush
3 of my absolute favorite foods: spring rolls, chocolate ice cream, burritos!
3 things I'd like to learn: how to calm down, how to think faster, how to cook
3 beverages I drink regularly: water, coffee, juice
3 shows I watched when I was a child: polka dot door, math patrol, read all about it
3 people I tag to do this crap: doesn't matter - i do these for my own amusement.

lily does the kooks??? WHA??

2006-07-31T11:20:00.000-04:00

remember when our girl was busy dissing every uk indie band under the sun? and then our poor lil kooks became the victims of her poison tongue? we had her back when she was talking smack about pete doherty...but, she lost us when her attention turned to the kooks...why the kooks? they are so sweet and good.

well...seems she's taken it back and made a little peace offering...here's lily doing 'naive' live on radio 1. sounds good with her sweet sing-songy voice, actually. wonder what the boys think?

.: mp3 :. lily allen - naive (kooks cover)
.: mp3 :. lily allen - live lounge...coming later

b-boys making with the freak freak

2006-07-29T00:42:00.000-04:00

on thursday i had the SUPREME pleasure of working the beastie boys instore at the hmv at 333 yonge street in toronto.

and, also...because you know i like them...here's a little video starring my co-worker and BIG beasties fan HARRY (cue drum roll, biatches).

.: photos :. wonderbug's beastie boys photos on flickr

2006-07-22T14:38:00.000-04:00

ok - here's what you do...

Open your Windows Media Player, iPod, whatever you got...and put it on shuffle.

Here's your soundtrack to your life.

Opening Credits: Ways & Means - Snow Patrol
Waking Up: The Saga - The Libertines
Falling In Love: God's Top Ten - Inxs
Fight Scene: Together - The Raconteurs
Breaking Up: Love Gets Me Everytime - Shania Twain (I couldn't make this stuff up...I swear this is what came on)
Make-Up: Digital Bath - The Deftones
Secret Love: Making Enemies - Snow Patrol
Life's Okay: The Future Language Of Slaves - Hawksley Workman
Autobiography: Another Affair - Divine Brown
Mental Breakdown: Here With Me - Dido
Driving: Mardy Bum - The Arctic Monkeys
Flashbacks: Midnight At The Oasis - Brand New Heavies
Happy Dance: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Carole King (mheh...it was on shuffle...this one didn't work so well)
Regretting: Under The Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Long Night: I'll Be Your Man - The Shore
Final Battle: Locked Out - Crowded House
Death Scene: I See Red - Neil Finn (live version with Eddie Vedder)
Ending Credits: Girls & Boys - Blur

AND I DIDN'T EVEN CHEAT. this was fun!!!

beautiful midnight

2006-07-22T00:36:00.000-04:00

so, i was having one of those days...one of those days where you're on the way to work and you're looking at all the songs on your friggin ipod and you can't decide what you want to listen to.

i've listened the crap out of all the new stuff i've gotten recently...new razorlight...girl talk...lily...tomi swick (much better than i thought i was going to be)...and, i couldn't listen to the kooks again (as much as i love it).

so, i'm scrolling around and finally passed by the "m"s.

matthew good band..................

"ok - i have listened to beautiful midnight in a long time...let's give it a whirl".

let me backtrack a bit and paint the picture for you.

i loved matt good...LOVED...boardered on obsession.

i was so in love with beautiful midnight that i listened to that damn album at least once a day for about a year (much to the chagrin of my cubical co-workers).

but, it was such a great album. hard and melodic and just plain awesome (i have a hard time liking music if i can't sing along to it).

so, today i'm listening to BM again after who the fuck knows how long and song after song that plays i began to remember how much this CD rocked.

hello time bomb...load me up...strange days...a boy and his machine gun...running for home...and jenni's song.

i was walking through the bay when running for home came on..and, i had to fight back the tears...i forgot how beautiful that song was.

aaaaaaand, i was thinking...hello time bomb would be a PERFECT song for one of the rockers to sing on Rockstar: Supernova! but, that will never happen (case in point - when 'born to be mild' dana said she was going to sing an underground song by a signer named 'sass jordan'...i bet the 1 million canadians watching that show LOVED that.)

don't you love rediscovering something you'd forgotten you loved so much?

new shit you must listen to

2006-07-20T22:25:00.000-04:00

you must listen to the new sloan track.
new album coming this fall...this is the first taste.
a little treat because, to the best of my recollection, we've never had a jay track as the first single (if this is, indeed, the first single).

as you would expect from a jay track - it's melodic and sweet in the vocal.
but, it's got a rockier edge to it (perhaps the influence of patrick? i don't know).

it's very 70's rock...me likes it.

.: mp3 :. sloan - who taught you to live like that?

you must listen to the new razorlight.

when their first album came out - they were dubbed (as soooooo many before them) as the "next big think from the uk".

i saw them at lee's palace and mr johnny thought he was the fucking man! he was strutting around the stage like mick jagger and it threw me off.

i wasn't keen on them after that (even though i admit "golden touch" was an awesome track). johnny even had the NERVE to diss the kooks (how DARE you!...even though lily allen's done the same thing now, too...but, i digress).

but, then tracks started to surface from their new self-titled album. songs like 'america' and 'pop song 2006' and the first single 'in the morning'...and, i started to come around.

they're good. listen.

.: mp3 :. razorlight - in the morning

you must listen to girl talk.

the name is pretty lame. i admit that. but, it's not what you think.

girl talk is an awesome artist....who's art is the mash-up...but, not like the mash-ups you've grown used to. these are works of fucking art (that will never be released by a major label). i'm waiting for the lawsuits to start pouring in.

the first single from his new cd 'night ripper' is a certified club anthem....'bounce that'.

.: mp3 :. girl talk - bounce that

ballad of jimbo and mickey

2006-07-15T01:06:00.000-04:00

another chapter in the ever growing saga...

for your viewing pleasure:

the ballad of jimbo & mickey (a cautionary tale)

al's van-city adventure

2006-07-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

recently, my brother took a mini-vacation to vancouver.
to his an old friend and for an interview (for a job in japan).

he sent me the pics...silly boy.

enjoy.

.: linky :. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytk98wvM4y8

ps...he got the job.
he (and my littlest brother) are leaving in the fall. :-(

jt is sexyback

2006-07-08T00:06:00.000-04:00

mr timberlake is set to return.
and, he's got timbaland along for the ride.

first single from this forthcoming new cd, is "sexyback".....

it's alright - but, i have a feeling it will grow on me.

i wasn't crazy about "like i love you" at first either...but, after repeated listens i recognized its brilliance.

.: mp3 :. justin timberlake - sexyback
.: website :. www.myspace.com/justintimberlake

rockstar supernova

2006-07-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

i'm so happy.

having a boyfriend that works nights gives me a lot of free time in the evenings.
sometimes, tv is a good friend to have.

and, i'm so excited that ROCKSTAR has returned to my life once again this summer.

last night saw the first episode of season 2 hit the airwaves.
tommy lee, jason newstead and gilby clarke (to be known from this point forward as supernova) were joined by series host brooke burke and permanent guest judge dave navarro.

special treat for moi? supernova producer BUTCH WALKER was also in attendance. i think he'll be stopping by the show every now and again (in between tour dates to promote HIS new album).

contestants....i'm only going to bother writing about the ones that deserve to be written about.

storm - stoopid name....but, a good rendition of the who's "pinball wizard"
patrice - loved her doing "somebody to love" by jefferson airplane
dilana - i have nirvana..but, she was good doing lithium. she won't be able to get away with her "just stand there looking crazy" routine next time. i hope she changes it up and does something soft and romantic. just to show her range.
josh - gotta love a man that loves the black crowes. he had a good vibe. would like to hear him do gavin degraw's "i don't wanna be"...he'd be good with that.

LAST NIGHT'S BEST PERFORMANCE: that belonged to toronto's own lukas rossi.

formerly of the band cleavage, rossi has worked with some notable canuck musicians (tea party, edwin, philosopher kings, alex from rush...)

his performace of billy idol's "rebel yell" was a new wave explosion. he SCREAMED rockstar, nevermind just saying it, tommy!

he's the one to watch. he will no doubt get tonight's encore performance.

he was electrifying! like greased lightning!

.: web :. http://rockstar.msn.com/
.:. recap :. what's alan watching? - rockstar ladies night

two mustachioed businessmen

2006-07-04T22:52:00.000-04:00

one day, two old businessmen (with mustaches!) came upon a wonderful device known as "the webcam"!
they enjoyed many amazing adventures with their new friend. but, none as memorable as that first day!

[excuse the typo at the end of the credits...i was working fast.....very tired!]

.: linky :. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J0lgYD9JDg

scoosbeev!

new jarvis cocker

2006-07-04T21:09:00.000-04:00

i always loved this guy.
didn't always like pulp...but, jarvis was always a character
from jumping up on stage while jacko played the brits...to appearing in the last HARRY POTTER movie as one of the weird sisters....the cock-man was always one to watch.

he's set to release a brand new solo effect..and, the first single is here for your listening pleasure.
i gives it the thumbs up.

.: mp3 :. jarvis cocker - cunts are still running the world

the next karate tranny

2006-07-01T15:17:00.000-04:00

happy canada day!

scoosbeev

but, i really want to hate it

2006-06-30T14:45:00.000-04:00

i hate fergie from the black eyed peas.
she was rad on kids inc...but, that was a long long time ago.
i could even stand her in wild orchid (the stoopid female pop group - not the mickey rourke movie)....but, then she started having plastic surgery and dressing like a HOOOORE!

and, now i hear that she's coming out with a solo album.
great.

i really wanted to hate it....

but, damn...it's catchy.

curse her!

.: mp3 :. fergie - london bridge

virgin festival

2006-06-30T12:13:00.000-04:00

we've been giddy to discuss this for ages...finally we can.

the list is up: http://www.virginfestival.ca/vfest_bands.html

will discuss later tonight.

suffice to say "YAY MASSIVE ATTACK"!

awesome...they fuggin shot that!

2006-06-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

the beastie boys first live dvd "awesome...i fuckin' shot that" is almost ready to see it's release.

july 25th to be exact, children.

mark it in thy calendars.

.: website :. awesome, i shot that
.: website :. you tube trailer

i'll be with stupid

2006-06-24T01:11:00.000-04:00

i am a very happy girl.
pet shop boys will be bringing their new tour to n. america in the fall to promote their new cd "fundamentals".

Tue Oct 10 - Montreal, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Wed Oct 11 - Toronto, Hummingbird Centre

confessions in a stadium

2006-06-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

my camera was carefully hidden inside my wallet last night.
and, for good reason.

i was in montreal to see madonna at the bell centre.

my seats were amazing.
i was on the floor....in the aisle....RIGHT BESIDE THE CATWALK.

the opportunity to reach out and touch madge was presented to me...but, i happened to be fiddling with my camera at that exact moment...and, it passed quickly.

but, i do have lasting memories...and, some pictures.

.: website :. wonderbug's flickr photos

enjoy.

ALSO! in the next few days...look for TASH'S & SBF'S GREAT MADONNA ADVENTURE *VIDEO*!!

scoosbeev,

the bug.

SET LIST
* Future Lovers
* I Feel Love
* Get Together
* Like A Virgin
* Jump
* Live To Tell
* Forbidden Love
* Isaac
* Sorry
* Like It Or Not
* I Love New York
* Ray Of Light
* Let It Will Be
* Drowned World/Substitute For Love
* Paradise (Not For Me)
* Disco Inferno/Music
* La Isla Bonita
* Erotica
* Lucky Star
* Hung Up

and, you can dance....for inspiration

2006-06-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

countdown begins.....wednesday night i will witness....thursday night i will share the experience.
montreal - here i come.

snow patrol reschedule n. american dates

2006-06-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

as promised, gary and his snow patrol buddies have rescheduled all their cancelled north american tour dates.

they will come back around september 13th to the kool haus.

lovin eyes open...so, will not miss this show.

new beyonce - not so crazy in love anymore

2006-06-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

hmmm...so, soul-sides posted the first single from beyonce's new album (b day - released on september 5th....one day after her...um...b-day...so clever! blah).

the track is called deja vu and it's another collaboration with boyfriend jay z.

it's got the same "old time" feel that christina put on her new track - but, less successfully, imho.
but, i do like the jay z part (i always like his parts, though...)

take a listen and let me know what YOU think.

oh, happy day! kooks cd gets n. american release

2006-06-15T21:35:00.000-04:00

good news, boys and girls!
my fav new brighton boys are bringing their poppy blend of rock this side of the pond.

the kooks' debut release "inside in inside out" is getting a north american release via emi music canada.

july 25th is the joyous day!

and, you know what this means? when the album is released...the band playing a gig in toronto is never far behind (the shore...i'm looking in YOUR direction...let's make it happen with album number 2, huh?)

.: previous blog entry :. the kooks...ie, "my new fav song" alert

scoosbeev.

not as bad as i thought it was going to be

2006-06-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

I am 38% Asshole/Bitch.

I may think I am an asshole or a bitch, but the truth is I am a good person at heart. Yeah sure, I can have a mean streak in me, but most of the people I meet like me.

Take the
Asshole/Bitch Test
@ FualiDotCom

nelly furtado - on the loose

2006-06-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

so, nelly's new cd "loose" is available this coming tuesday (june 20th).
and, based on the first single - the pumpin' "promiscuous" [feat. timbaland] - i really expected to be hooked on this album from the first listen.

today - the cd entered the office. so, i immediately asked my boss to borrow hers (didn't want to wait for mine to make it's way from across the building from the product dept).

popped it into the ol puter and let it go.

mheh.

that's the best way i can describe it.

not all of it is as hip-hop as the first single, as i hoped it would be. especially considering tim produced the ENTIRE ALBUM!

"I grew up listening to hip-hop and R&B but when it came to my own music, I kind of put that on a shelf. With this record, though, I knew I wanted to have that sound." - nelly furtado

but, i did give it only one listen....more chances is definitely in order...to be fair.

i'll give it another shot tomorrow.

if you want to give it a listen for yourself (no - i'm not posting it...sorry)...umusic.ca has included a link to stream the album in it's entirety.

.: stream :. nelly furtado - loose (you need real audio)

you can also stream the new keane album "under the iron sea" if you have the interest....

.: stream :. keane - under the iron sea (you need real audio)

ps - don't you love the booty nelly's got going on in the photo posted above? it looks like it's someone else's ass pasted on her body!

scoosbeev

lily allen “alright, still” :: track by track

2006-06-07T21:34:00.000-04:00

a little birdie sent me the album. and, now I present my track by track analysis of one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year.

.: smile :.
allen opens her album with the breezy smile (a track aimed at a loser ex – one she enjoys tormenting). the light airy sound belie the bitterness of the lyrics.

“…but, you were fucking that girl next door…whatchu do that for?”

.: knock ‘em out :.
this was the first lily allen track I heard. at the time she reminded me of a female mike skinner. easy, everyday delivery of lyrics that could be heard round any pub. a killer beat behind makes this a head bobber.

“no you can’t have my number – because I lost my phone.”

.: ldn :.
great old-time ska trumpet sample opens this track. another example of lily at her most easy natural best. half sung – half rapped ode to her hometown (London for the uninitiated).

“sun is in the sky. oh why – oh why would I want to be anywhere else?

.: everything’s just wonderful :.
things are going wrong all around her – but, she’s alright. having the time of her life, in fact! poppy tambourine and keyboard fill out the back of this tune.

“everything’s just wonderful. I’m having the time of my life.”

.: not big :.
every guy’s worst nightmare….breaking up with a girl. that girl getting famous…putting out a highly anticipated album…and, hearing a song where she’s telling everyone not only do you have a tiny dick – but, you were crap in bed, to boot. snap!

“i never wanted it to end up this way. but, you’ve only got yourself to blame…you’re not, you’re not clever. not big whatsoever!”

.: friday night :.
so you think the venom is saved for ex-boyfriend’s only? hardly. allen’s got words for stoopid females, too. this one tells the tale of some stoopid ho who gets all “female” on lily one Friday night in the club (getting the bouncer to search her and making her night a big hassle from beginning to end).

“test me and you’ll get a reaction. another drink and I’m ready for action. I don’t know who you think you are. but, making people scared won’t get you very far."

.: shame for you :.
with a smokey, bar-room flavour “shame for you” evokes thoughts of a 40s lounge singer. a cautionary tale…allen’s telling her adversary “don’t take me on” least she bring the pain! watch out!

“don’t try to deny because my fuse is ready to blow.”

.: littlest things :.
with a classical piano sample, this is the countless influence that has shown up on alright, still. another one about her and her boy – this time a longing, whistful remembrance of times past. easy to identify with these lyrics – allen’s just riffing on the simple things couples enjoy – no matter how “lame” they seem. but, after all is said and done – is this the end of our once happy couple? say it ain’t so!

“sometimes I wish we could just pretend – even if ony for one weekend.”

.: take what you take :.
heck yeah! bout time lily turns it out! complete with laser sample – this is THE dance track – just waiting for some producer to lay their talented remix hands on it. that laser sound reminds me of the beastie boys! and there ain’t nothing wrong with that!

“what the fuck do you know? just cuz you’re old and think you’re wise…”

.: friend of mine :.
a steady reggae beat keeps the time to this one. reminiscing of a friendship gone wrong. what happened? why is there so much sadness and loss in your music, lily? I love you best when you’re biting and witty – but, with that air of humour that makes you so cute. so cute – no one can hate for you cutting them down! more of that please!

“you’re no friend of mine. you’re just a waste of time.”

.: alfie :.
as a big sister, I sympathize with lily. and I know exactly what she’s doing. let me explain something about big sisters. we love our little brothers – and, always try to help them. but, we enjoy pissing them off – as much as they love pissing us off. so, calling out your little brother for drinking and wasting his life in the final track of your album – brilliant! well played, lily!

"oh little brother, please refrain from doing that – i’m trying to help you out. so can you stop being a twat. it’s time you and I sat down and had a little chat. and look me in the eyes and take off that stupid footie cap."

and, there you have it. the first album by miss lily allen.
a hit in my books - let's hope that blogger hype can translated into sales and make this girl the star she deserves to be.

mark it in your calendars, kiddies. alright, still lands in UK record stores july 11. [note] looking at a fall release in n. america, probably.....

scoosbeev,

previous lily allen posts:

lily allen makes me smile

2006-06-05T13:59:00.000-04:00

giving shit to a loser ex-boyfriend who continues to be a thorn in your side?
sign me up!

this video is pretty awesome.
not only does she look really cute (i think i might have a girl crush on her), but she's totally bad-ass by paying friends to beat up loser ex, and then trash his home and scratch his vinyl!
then she goes and slips some laxatives in his coffee...and, then when he gets home and has to go pooh...there's stuff in his toilet!
brilliant!

can't wait for when the album is released!

.: video :. smile
.: video :. ldn (oldie but a goodie)

wanky and whiney as usual

2006-06-02T15:16:00.000-04:00

ok - all is right with the world once again.
i maintain that thom yorke and his radiohead cronies have been wanky and whiney since the release of OK COMPUTER.
i loved THE BENDS. loved. loved. LOVED.

then thom stopped singing. he seemed more concerned with knob twiddling than with carrying a tune.
i blame all self-obsessed musicians on radiohead's whiny ways. dashboard confessional? i'm looking in your direction.

but, their fans seem to eat it up.

they'll pay anything for these guys.

the internet is nearly clogged with people passing around the tracks to the new thom yorke solo disc THE ERASER (released via xl recordings on july 11). so, who am i to say no?

so, i did the unthinkable - i took a listen.

and, i'm glad to report that he's whining like nobody's business...the songs are all ethereal and computer-y.
i hate it.

radiohead snobs will love it.

the streets will be soaked in their urine.

scoosbeev

it's getting cold here in hell

2006-06-02T15:01:00.000-04:00

sorry...i don't know what's going on.
it's just that one day the world is as it has always has been and things make sense...then BOOM!
everything is different...

day is night - night is day
right is wrong - wrong is right
yes is no - and no is yes
and, you like a christina aguilera song. i'm scared.

i know - it's hard to believe - but, it's true. i think the world is officially coming to an end.

the track is from her new album, tentatively called, BACK TO BASICS. and will probably been hitting the streets summer/fall time.

produced by preemo (thanks al!...aka dj premiere) and features the jazzy throw-back sound everyone's been talking about - but, is completely contemporary and just plain HAWT!

i've had this song on repeat for an hour now - and, i'm feeling a little faint.
excuse me while i go grab a cookie.

scoosbeev,

.: mp3 :. christina aguilera - ain't no other man

"you got soul, you got class, you got style - you're bad ass...ain't no other man but you!"

this is a local shop. we'll have no trouble here.

2006-05-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

as alluded to in the post below - i've been rather sick lately. and, to help me pass the time my boy has been letting me watch all the tv i want (while he is regulated to the computer room to play spider solitaire or video games). jeebus bless him.

but, last week - a friend recommended a bbc show called THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN. the name was familiar (and not just from that shizzy sean connery movie). so, we rented the first series from our local video shop (the film buff).

written by four friends who met at college, it is then performed by three (Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith) who like Little Britain's Matt and David and a host of others they don clothes and makeup to perform the majority of the characters seen on the show. (side note: my favourite gentleman is reese....)

well - i've never seen anything like it. and, it was amazing.
the series takes a look at the locals of a little village in northern england called royston vassey (the sign for the village reads "you'll never leave").

with the most bizzare and ecentric characters this side of LITTLE BRITAIN, L.O.G. is quiet spectacular - with a unique dose of pathos and horror thrown in the midst of comedy.

fav characters of mine include...

tubbs & edward: married siblings (ick!) who run the "local shop" that sells only to "locals" - if you are not a local beware - they have been knows to kill visitors! they specialize in "precious things" known in the real world as "snowglobes"...and, edward has an odd way of making tubbs take off her clothes for the visitors they are about to torture...and, tubbs can only count to one number...TWELFTY!

pamela doove: the worst actress in royston vassey. she has a normal speaking voice - but, when asked to recite the line "Excuse me. Does anyone have a bottle of orange juice?" it inexplicably turns into THIS - shouted at the top of her lungs!

Scoosbeev is my new favourite salutation!

papa lazarou: a circus/freak show/gypsy leader...he goes from town to town (in black face!) putting on his show and stealing wives! all the while asking for Dave! one of the best voices i've ever heard...it will keep you up at night.

so, three series and a christmas special later - and, we've now seen all there is the to TV show The League Of Gentlemen....the only thing to look forward to now - is my brother finding a copy of the movie online somewhere.

until then....Scoosbeev!

RESOURCES:

.: website :. total league of gentlemen fansite

.: website :. league of gentlemen fansite

.: website :. bbc - comedy guide

UPDATE! found this pic...looks like the boys did a signing at HMV...oh to be on THAT side of the pond.

mcpheever dies on idol

2006-05-29T10:35:00.000-04:00

sorry for the lateness of these posts. i've been getting over the longest and most disgusting sickness i've ever experienced. suffice to say that i will be happy when the situation no longer requires me to blow my flippin' nose. geesh!

anyhoo....on to the business at hand.
the american idol finale!
i was watching this 2 hour extravaganza while flipping back and forth to the LOST finale. but, the first hour was only a recap - so, i was all american idol for a while. which was useless - as they always are....with a parade of guest performers...and, this year (for the first time) seacrest-out was handing out some lame "idol" awards to people that auditioned and made fools of themselves. for instance - the kid that thought he was the next clay aiken....well - he got his award (for best impersonation, or something) and was asked to sing. he did - and, stated into "don't let the sun go down on me" - made famous (to american idol viewers) by none other than clay aiken.
the look on mr. crazy delusional's face when the real aiken stepped out onto the stage to sing was PRICELESS.

.: video :. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_i-QmUm1yQ

blah blah blah...yada yada yada....taylor named the season 5 champ...and, no one on the planet is surprised.

congrats taylor! i'm actually really interested to hear your first CD...hope it has more of your personality than that stoopid single they are making you sing.

special message for a special friend

2006-05-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

thinking of you.
i am so intensely sorry for what you're going through.

i've been there...unfortunately (or am there...don't know).

you'll be messed up for a long time (sometimes i think it might be forever before i get back to "normal"...whatever that is)....but, know that people love you and want to do whatever they can to help (including me).

call/email whenever you need anything.
i am here.

just remember that mom's are love - and, love never dies.

wonderbug come lately

2006-05-19T20:01:00.000-04:00

ok...i admit it...people told me that i should be watching lost but, i just couldn't comit to ANOTHER show.
so, i missed last season...but, THIS year...i happened to be at home and i caught a recap episode that gave me the storyline in a nutshell....
but, now...it's all different.
i've been watching the last couple weeks religiously - and, i've been sucked into the online game (http://www.thelostexperience.com/). i've been checking the http://www.thehansofoundation.org/ everyday for new clues to pop up from persephone. i love it that there are compu-nerds who are hacking the source code of the sites searching for passwords and hidden files. my boyfriend is a little scared by the scary noises coming from my computer when i'm sitting watching these clips play out with my nose almost touching the screen.

next week's finale promises to answer some questions (while no doubt, asking even more!)
insiders say there will be closure to the walt/michael storyline...we'll find out what happens when you don't input the numbers on time in the hatch...and, we'll learn what "the others" are really doing on the island (why is miss clue asking weird questions? why do they want michael to bring jack, hurley, kate and sawyer back to their camp? what are they going to do with them? how is sayid going to foil this plot?)

i feel like a loser for missing last year. i see a trip to HMV in my future to pick up Season 1. it will be my way to pass the time during summer rerun season.

i know there are loads of details i have missed and i need to go back and catch up.
and, i promise that i'll be on par with everyone else by the time Season 3 premieres in September.

elliot yamin hits the road

2006-05-19T19:57:00.000-04:00

american idol
in a move that shocked no one (even though i was rooting for him) elliot yamin...the man that reminds me of jon b (cool relaxed, white boy with soul) was booted from idol.
....final two are kat and taylor.
and, i'm going to go out on a limb and congratulate taylor hicks for winning!

idol drama continues - conspiracy?

2006-05-13T21:15:00.000-04:00

daughtry fans are calling out - saying when they dialed the first number (each idol has 2 dedicated telephone lines) they were greeted by mcpheever's voice thanking them for voting for HER!

there is an online petition that is asking FOX for a recount (why? in hopes of bringing him back? ain't gonna happen...it's dunzo!)

oh! i love it.

may sweeps - may 10th report

2006-05-12T21:13:00.000-04:00

OK - to begin - let's actually go back a day to Wednesday, b/c i must comment on AMERICAN IDOL.

McPhee was hideous on Tuesday night's Elvis show. She sucked more than my new vacuum. harharhar
I wasn't surprised when she and Chris landed in the bottom two (Elliott and Taylor were clearly better this week)...but, i thought rocker boy would be safe considering he wasn't THAT bad.

But, silly Americans must have so much McPheever that they are delerious...CHRIS WENT HOME!...??????

It might turn out to be the best thing for his career (now after the AI summer tour is done he can get started on a real career).

But, still....not cool.

Anyway - now on to Thursday:

SURVIVOR.....i was shocked when Terry actually lost those challenges. He hasn't consistently won the reward challenges...but, there's no question he's dominated this seasons imunity challenges (winning every one....until now).

Sure he was a sore loser - but, his chance of winning is on the line.

and, update: aras is still hot.

And, ps - burnett...thanks for leaving with a cliffhanger...jerkface.

next up - MY NAME IS EARL....it was ok - nothing more to say about that.

next...THE OFFICE (one of the shows i'm glad to say has surpassed all my expectations).

things that rocked about that episode:

jim convincing dwight that he has the ability to move things with his mind (thanks to pam and the coak rack and a hidden umbrella - shown in a wordless aside...nicely done!)
toby vs michael - they hate eachother so much it's awesome. there's nothing thinly veiled about it....it's totally on the books.
oscar hating the idea of donating to the boy scouts...hey oscar...i know they're not "suffering" - but, why are you hatin'?
kevin's band + headband + crappy visual effects
creed: the soup kitchen has good soup, theiving all over the place, never owned a fridge before...i missed a couple episodes...where did this guy come from? actually - i don't care...just keep him coming!
and, last but not least:

+
not only did jim confess his love for pam (something that NEVER happens on sitcoms until...say...season 8!) after he got rebuffed - HE WENT BACK AND KISSED HER!
my boyfriend was quite amused at how excited i was by that....

and, then WITHOUT A TRACE...it's Law & Order - but, with only missing people and the FBI.

hey jerry bruckheimer....thanks for ending with a cliffanger...jerkface no. 2!

for the record - i'm saying it's the white girl who died...would be too easy if it was the black boy.
just my 2 cents.

wonderbug <3 tom cruise

2006-05-05T23:03:00.000-04:00

[sarcasm]
I don't know what you all are talking about. Tom Cruise is awesome.
He's one of Hollywood's most noted actors and he's made a gajillion multi-million dollar box-office smashes!

He's so down to earth - and, you really get the feeling like you KNOW him.
That you could just sit down and have a coffee with him and shoot the shit.
Because he's just so REAL.

He's got it all figured out, man.
Really.
We could all learn a thing or two from this man, actor, father, husband...no...HERO!

....like how to dance.
[/sarcasm]

Watch and learn, plebs.
This is how it's done in the 'hood!

Peace out!
(and, thanks to The Superficial for the best laugh I've had a work in a while - and, I laugh a LOT at work.)

bitchy tuesday question....

2006-05-02T19:43:00.000-04:00

if you're supposed to be a "fashion icon" why must you find the most FUGLY things to wear in public?

i really don't care if john galiano designed it...he's shit.
if you don't believe me - please examine anything worn by gwen stefani.

i rest my case, your honour!

sincerely,

lily allen - the new m.i.a.?

2006-05-02T19:19:00.000-04:00

that was the question posed by stereogum when they were passed the mp3 for "knock 'em out". but, after a listen they thought (like me) that she's "the female mike skinner".
and, this from the london observer on her single LDN:

Last month OMM featured Lily Allen, describing the 20-yearold north Londoner as our favourite discovery thus far on MySpace - and now Parlophone is rushing out her first single. 'LDN', is a brilliant ska-pop trump card that skanks along with the slo-mo groove of Althea and Donna's 'Uptown Top Ranking' and binds it to a calypso hook with gorgeous consequences.
Allen's cocky yarn neatly chronicles the charade of normality that hangs over London's streets; her gossamer warble incongruously riffing on the slappers, crack whores, pimps and granny muggers lurking on every corner.
It should be a summer smash.

check 'em out, ya.
and, thanks for the tip stereogum!

.:mp3:. lily allen - knock 'em out
.:mp3:. lily allen - ldn
.:website:. www.myspace.com/lilymusic

update!

.:mp3:. lily allen - smile
.:mp3:. lily allen - the first mixtape

funny enough....

2006-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

A FOLLOW-UP!???

isn't this thrilling????

my littlest brother just dropped me an email...and, so it read:

FROM: Martin
TO: "Wonderbug"
SUBJECT: you will have bad luck if you finish reading this entire sentence....why are you still reading?
Hey nerd, its amazing [your company] continues to function with all its big wigs either off or blogging all day (hiiiooo)
I was just taking a gander at your blurg (thats what I call blogs made my nerds...then again only a nerd would make a blog..ergo...they should all be called blurgs instead). I knew you to be quite the pop culture connoisseur (sic), but it seems you've gained enough experience points in the game of life to graduate to the level of uber-nerd.
Funny enough, as I was reading your blog I had just finished ripping the Pet Shop Boys Discography onto the ol' puter (even stranger was the fact I had the copy of the album in my hand as I was reading your verbal threat)
Thats all,
Martin

oh wee one....your insults do nothing to me...because you see....i am rubber (i think you know the rest).

new pet shop boys

2006-04-28T21:39:00.000-04:00

i love the pet shop boys....writing these words has made me want to listen to discography. back in a second...

damn you martin! did you steal it and not give it back? i'm after you, kid!

anyway - the new pet shop boys album fundamental will be released in n. america on may 23!

if we are lucky canadians, the boys will grace us with their presence with a concert appearance!

when you have the chance, be sure to check out the video for the first single "i'm with stupid". it features david walliams and matt lucas of LITTLE BRITAIN fame ("...i'm a lady and i like to do lady things..."). the boys play actors auditioning (for something) and recreate famous psb video characters. excellent!

.:mp3:. pet shop boys - i'm with stupid
.:video:. pet shop boys - i'm with stupid

new futureheads

2006-04-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

very exciting!

you ain't no picasso has a new futureheads mp3 (for a song on their forthcoming new CD)

Vagrant Records and Startime International will be releasing the Futurehead’s sophomore album, News And Tributes, on June 13th.

.:mp3:. the furtureheads - skip to the end

the kooks...ie, "my new fav song" alert

2006-04-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

the band....the kooks
the album....inside in / inside out
the song....naive

stream a new butch walker tune

2006-04-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

Arjan Writes is streaming a new Butch Walker track.

If you don't know who Butch Walker is - if you listen to pop radio at all...you'll know his shit.

He's written for Avril, American Hi-Fi, La Lohan and Tommy Lee...great pop rock!

Saw him at the Mod Club a while ago and he was awesome. Hope he comes back around soon.

.: stream audio:. Butch Walker "Bethamphetamine"

pete...oh you poor bastard

2006-04-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

The SUN published some photos of PD injecting a (seemingly) unconscious girl.

CLASSY!

But, I guess a Junkie is as a Junkie does.

That was just one reason to hate Pete....but, there are so many.

Like the fact that the Babyshambles CD is a piece of crizzap (when compared to the Dirty Pretty Things album).

Mr Ashcroft summed it up pretty well

"If there's any drug addled rock star out there listening, all you're going to be is a picture on a T-shirt in five years time on some poor kid who thinks you were cool....But all you'll be doing is rotting. There'll be worms eating you."

you tube. i tube. we all tube!

2006-04-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

So, i'm addicted to You Tube.

Not only can you get to see commercials that don't air in North America but there are some very bored cats that have posted videos that i have either long forgotten - or have never seen.

and, so - with that in mind...may i present:

.:video:. Jack White's Coke Commercial
.:video:. Take That's Video for "Do What You Like"

the cribs

2006-04-28T11:22:00.000-04:00

if you've heard the new telus commercial with the parrot...then you've heard the new cribs single 'martel'...and, if you haven't heard it...you should...it's awesome.

just waiting to see if this will have the same impact that the ipod commercial had on jet (where's their new album btw???)

.:mp3:. the cribs - martell

.:video:. telus "parrot" ad

steady as she goes

2006-02-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

i'm listening to the new song by The Raconteurs...feat. Jack White.
very goooooooooooooooood!

also loving:
new richard ashcroft cd "keys to the world"
inxs "switch" and "kick" albums (the show revived my L.O.V.E. of this band...both original and extra krispy versions)
arctic monkeys "whatever you think i am, that's what i'm not"(very excited for them to open the oasis show)
jenny lewis "rabbit fur coat" (very cool alt-country)
the hard fi (move over killers...you have competition) - do yourslef a favour and listen to "hard to beat"

peace out.

.:mp3:. the raconteurs - steady as she goes

the geek in the pink

2005-10-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

so, last night...after MUCH anticipation Jason Mraz rolled into Toronto for a show at the Kool Haus.

Unfortunately for me there were a couple hurdles to my enjoyment of the show:
1. I was alone...no one could/wanted to come with me.
2. Jason didn't get on stage until 9.30 and i was TIRED!
3. (and most importantly) i was sick.

I think I caught something at conference last week - but, coming back to work this week - EVERYONE was ill.

Tuesday my sickness came back full force.

I couldn't last through the entire performance. I was so tired i was sitting on the floor in the corner. I wasn't watching the show (couldn't see him from where i was on the floor) - so, at 10.45 i decided to go home.

this morning - called in sick.

BUT, i did get to meet mr a-z again..and, this time i got to take a much better picture than the one i had before.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND, i got to hear Sleeping To Dream live...truly awesome.

.:mp3:. jason mraz - sleeping to dream
.:mp3:. jason mraz - you and i both
NOTE: both songs are the live versions from "tonight, not again")

van city all stars

2005-08-09T00:11:00.000-04:00

how to do vancouver in 1 day:
go for work.

damn...i really love that city.
it's GREEN! there are TREES!
cars STOP for people trying to cross the street!
they tell me the coldest winter day is 10 degrees. and they get maybe 2 snowfalls per year.

where do i sign up?

i could definitely see myself living there.

aaaaaaaaaaaaand we stayed in a super-posh hotel (the opus).

it's official

2005-08-03T01:23:00.000-04:00

i'm old.

i'm 30 and an hour and a half.

1:30 and i can't get to sleep.....

upcoming week of madness

2005-07-29T18:34:00.000-04:00

and, so it begins.

sbf was off all week on vacation. lb left for a 2 week vacation on wednesday.
i was swamped! to put it mildly.

i'm glad the work week is done...but, now things are really going to get interesting.

tomorrow is jim & laura's wedding. b/c james is in the wedding party, we are going down early to help them set up for the reception. how early? i have no idea. after i do what i gotta do at home tonight...i'll have to haul my butt down to james' place so, i'm there when i need to be there (whenever that is!).

sunday - brunch with tim & christina....relaxed! thank you!

monday - very exciting...james and i are celebrating our first year together. august 1st 2004 we had our very first date! we went to the ROM - then for dinner (thai), then we went to see toots & the maytals in nathan phillips square - then we went for drinks. great first date. great first year. (*que sappy smile*)

tuesday - coldplay (but, at least i don't have to go to work!)

wednesday - the dreaded birthday!

thursday - mercifully nothing planned (going to keep it that way, too!)

friday - taste of the danforth. was fun last year...

saturday - going to a taping of a design game show...then meeting up with james for a birthday dinner with him

sunday - flying out to vancouver with sb. going to see the virgin store we're taking over. then going to see the white stripes!

monday - flying back to TO. getting in around 11pm or midnight

tuesday - work (half day, i think)

geez...i'm tired already.

is my shuffle finished recharging yet? i need to hear some soothing tunes.

later.

tash

virgin blogger

2005-07-28T11:14:00.000-04:00

bon jour mes amis!

welcome to my blog.

just a little space for me to do my ranting, thinking, and rambling...

so, to start...let's say this.

my 30th b-day is coming up. a birthday i've been dreading since i hit 26.
but, the closer it looms in the distance (less than a week now) the easier it has become.

why? i realized i'm not really into my birthdays...it can come and go and i really wouldn't care.
just an excuse to get the people i care about in a room and eat some food.

it will be extra hard this year - because my mom won't be around...but, i'm trying not to think about it. we'll see how that goes.

thanks for listening.
will post more later.

tash