Tis 2:06 am and Christmas festivities are over (they were fun though).
Inspired by Paw's blog post about her favorite songs of year, I decided "why not? i'll do some kinda year in review thinggy". So, let's see what I can list...
3 Best Musical Discoveries of the Year (with suggested songs):
Gogol Bordello - Not a Crime/Star Wearing Purple/Wanderlust King
I was at a murder mystery party, and after the murderer was revealed, a friend blasted the music and we all had a merry time.
Beirut - Postcards from Italy/Nantes/Scenic World
Paw introduced me to them and they were awesome. So I saw them live, and they were even cooler. And I learned of "Alaska in Winter" which is another awesome band (they were the openers)
The Knife - Heartbeats
They're a band from Sweden with a few good songs here and there. Heartbeats is especially catchy. I found out about them from a blog...but only heard that catchy song when I was eating a sandwich at Santropol with a friend (on July 31, 2007).
3 songs that happened to stay in my head
Ivan Kupala - Kanareika
This is possibly one of the catchiest songs ever. Everytime I listened to it, I imagined little gnomes appearing and dancing around. That then made me smile while walking down the street and getting curious looks. It's all good though. This stayed in my head for about a month...I believe it was mid march to mid april.
Journey - Don't Stop Believing
I was perusing a friends' boombox on Facebook and that song was there. I had heard it before, but never knew who sang it. And well...I looped that song for a while. This was a 2 week disease lasting from sept 4 - 15 (it ended after I was forced to sing it :) )
Alicia Keys - No One
I'm not a huge RnB person, but this lady can sing and this song is very catchy. I looped that too...for about a week and a half. This was mid november.
3 coolest concerts (not including any of the bands mentioned above or that I've seen before)
The Polyphonic Spree
This is the HAPPIEST band I've ever seen live and they give a kick ass show. They played for about 2.5 hours. There are something like 22 people on stage, many instruments...the band director/main singer came into the crowd many times and best of all they had confetti guns. It's really fun to jump around when confetti is flying. So I'd say it was pretty magical.
The Arcade Fire
Even though they played in an arena, they managed to put on a really good show. They had neon sticks and played many songs...sound was good too :) best of all paw and I had good seats.
As a side note, there's really nothing around Pie IX/Viau metro stations.
Stars
I've been wanting to see these guys for a while. I wanted to see them at Osheaga, but it's bloody expensive. So I was really happy to learn they were coming to mtl. They put on a most wonderful show :)
3 Most Entertaining Activities
Manhunt
Playing a combo of hide and seek and tag in Montreal. Games are every other saturday and the location changes every time. Many a fun hunt were had...it's not often you are chased by people wearing orange armbands.
Pillow Fight
Early May, about 90 or so people congregated outside of Place des Arts to have a 10 minute pillow fight. Little did we know that there was a police convention happening that same day. There were tanks and horses and officers all over. So when the whistle blew at 3:00 pm, they were quite confused. But it was alllll good in the end. :)
Halloween Metro Party
It was short lived! (cote vertu - berri uqam) but it was ultra fun while it lasted. We filled up most of the last car, and everyone in costume...with some good industrialesque music playing. I hope it happens again :D!
3 Best Food Discoveries
Tiendes et Sante Vegetarienne
I'm not a big mock meat person, but this place has a big selection of fake meat stuff. My friend and I bought some "tuna" and made some premium food. Twas an improvised lemon, ginger black pepper fish, with a radish/cucumber sesame salad and these stewed green beans. Most awesome. I must go there again.
Bayou Brasil
This happened last week :) We originally planned to go to La Sala Rosa...but it appears that we had to make reservations and did not know. So we hunted along St Denis for a place to eat and stumbled upon this place. Their food is pretty good, though I should warn you alligator tastes bad (or so one of my friend's said). So if you don't eat that, everything should be A-Ok!
Kam Fung
I've had Dim Sum before, but May was the first time I went to Kam Fung. I've been to Furama and this other place who's name I don't recall (It was at the end of finals in my 2nd year of cegep...with Paw and some others). In anycase, the first time I had no idea what I was eating, so it was more of a learning experience. Furama is alright, but I think Kam Fung has more variety (though I could be wrong). Anyways, sooo goooood!!! They have the shrimp dudes in rice paper with sauce on top, shrimp/scallop dumplings, crab claw, CONGEE! and ooooh that tofu fah dessert o_o
3 Best Movie Discoveries
Little Miss Sunshine
I saw it with a friend after a day of Tea tasting and general chillage...we rented it and went to his place...at pita chips with hummus and enjoyed the awesomeness of this movie. I love that van.
Everything is Illuminated
I like this movie so much, I show it to everyone I can show it to...and therefore have seen it about 6 times in the span of 4 months. It is a most Premium movie :P that's all I'm gonna say.
Quills
It has been recommended before, but I never got around to watching it. After renting it, I got it at HMV for 12$ haha. Marquis, although a very dirty man is kinda charming in this movie...and Michael Cain does a good job of making you hate him.
Biggest Surprise of the Year
Having over a metre of snow and -20 C weather in December. This hasn't happened in a looong ass time. I could've made igloos and snowman armies if not for the fact that I had finals to study for. Right now a lot of it has melted, but it'll come back I predict. I'll get to make my snowmen!
That about concludes my year in review I think...
What do I look forward to for 2008? Graduation, heeeeellls yeah!
Hoi hoi!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year people's. I hope you have a most relaxing and enjoyable holiday. As I am feeling somewhat festive, enjoy these two videos:
One dancy happy one by Caspian Hat Dance (a cover of Amari szi, Amari)
and one Christmas song by Sufjan Stevens - Put the lights on the tree
And now I shall go back to the annual baking/food prep and gift wrapping :P
PS. Sweeney Todd is gruesome, yet strangely charming (and I don't really like musicals) and Mr. Beans' Christmas Special never gets old (tis on youtube also wheee!)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year people's. I hope you have a most relaxing and enjoyable holiday. As I am feeling somewhat festive, enjoy these two videos:
One dancy happy one by Caspian Hat Dance (a cover of Amari szi, Amari)
and one Christmas song by Sufjan Stevens - Put the lights on the tree
And now I shall go back to the annual baking/food prep and gift wrapping :P
PS. Sweeney Todd is gruesome, yet strangely charming (and I don't really like musicals) and Mr. Beans' Christmas Special never gets old (tis on youtube also wheee!)
My mom told me about this story she heard on the news the other day of a person shooting teddy bears. She's like wow, they have nothing else to do...but what I imagined was not shooting actual teddy bears, but teddy bears being fired out of a cannon.
Procrastination is good...yes :P
Happy Sunday!
Procrastination is good...yes :P
Happy Sunday!
Inspired by a night of Tampopo watching, ramen eating (to commemorate the event) and general craziness...we have the lonely fishball- Kronk:
It all started in a kitchen
With many fish, spices and dough
A grinder, a pounder, and then a set of hands
Would soon make me the fish ball I am today.
Oh...it's a sad tale as you'll see.
Yes, I am Kronk the lonely fish ball
Of round and compact shape.
I was once in a oniony, curry sauce with my friends
and then suddenly left to face life alone, all alone.
I got into the fridge
And stayed there for a while
Hung out with my friends in a plastic bag
Until it was opened and we were poured into a bowl
Soon to face our doom in the black, rectangular food agitator
Soon enough, the flying bowl was set on a table
Next to long green things and shrimp suffocated by bean curd
In the distance, you could see noodles submerged in hot broth
My friends were taken one by one
I thought I'd be next, but by the time I knew it everyone was gone
Yes, I am Kronk the lonely fish ball
Of round and compact shape.
I was once in a oniony, curry sauce with my friends
and then suddenly left to face life alone, all alone.
I stood there, all alone, waiting in the cold
Why was I not taken?
Am I a defective fish ball, not worthy of disintegration?
I was made fun of, stared at. They stared at me affectionately...
but they did not eat me, not me
A long wait...a distant thought
while they laughed and danced and cut things beside me
A dark liquid entered the agitator
and even the fruit got preference over me
But then...
I was no longer Kronk the lonely fish ball, with no friends
Because I heard my name and the cheerful one took me in
"We should dip him in the chocolate"
And now I am with my fishy friends
In a sea of curry and sweetly dark happiness.
P.S. Tampopo is awesome, muahahahahaha!
Alriiiiiighty! So, today was the first concert of the Fall season for me. It was especially awesome because the ticket was a gift from my awesome friend Pamela .
I've only known of Beirut for a few months...but they're like pure awesomeness in a can. We got to Sala Rossa at about 7:45 pm and waited for about 30 mins until they let us in. We were one of the first few people to be let in...and as such we got places right up in front of stage...which rocks considering it was a sold out show.
At this point, one of the openings acts was playing. He was called "Alaska in Winter" and I later found out that his cd is called "Dance Party in the Balkans" - but on the screen behind him it was written as "dance parti in ze balkans".
De toute façon, he was great! It's basically one guy that loops different sounds that he recorded. While that's happening he sings and the screen behind has little squares...in each square is him doing something different. So, picture one dude playing keyboards, drums, banjo, guitar while doing the running man dance, or just plain singing. His costumes also matched those in the video. In the first song, he was wearing his full outfit or pants and red sweater with a tie and his furry hat. And that's how he was dressed in the video. later he took off his tie, and then his shirt and pants...only to find another pair of pants and shirt under...but they were white instead.
He was also pretty funny :) at one point he was singing and said " I dunno what I'm supposed to say right now, but I'll keep saying something anyways"
and later "The song is nooot overrr...but if you want to get a drink you can, just ask the bartender".
Another time, he went to a little corridor off the side while dancing...we're like o_O what's he doing. He comes back. Then we see an arm stretched out from said corridor with a Corona. Anyways, lotsa fun. If he came to play, I'd go :D
http://www.myspace.com/alaskainwinter
Next was Colleen. She had a quiet set...played Cello and Clarinet and sometimes wind chimes. They asked us to sit on the floor for this...which was kinda cool, except my foot was falling asleep. One song gave me slight shivers...so that's good stuff there.
So Beirut comes onto this small stage. They are 8 people playing all kinds of instruments - ukelele, horns/trumpets, violin, drums, keyboards, xylophones. It's great :D
Here's the setlist (I stole it after the show, muahahaha!)
Elephant Gun
Brandenburg
Nantes
La Fête
Sunday Smile
Cherbourg
Scenic World
Mt. Wroclai
In the mausoleum
Cucek
Le Moribond
After the curtain
Carousels
Penalty
----
Encore:
Postcards from Italy - this was absolutely epic...all the instruments together :)
Closing Song/Gulag Orkestar
and theeen, he did a surprise cover of "Hallelujah" on the ukelele :D
I don't really know what to say other than the show was reaaaally good. I wasn't really expecting anything...so I was pleasantly surprised. Pamela and I paid tribute to Laurel and her awesome finger dance during "After the Curtain". There was a part where it was just really fitting, bwahaha.
The singer was kinda funny too. He was like "i need some more cognac up here :)!
And people would scream things of course. So one time, someone goes "WOOOOOOOO" and he goes "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
So people tried to woo again to make him ahh! but he said "Yeah, it ain't happenin again".
Then, another crowd person said "more accordion!", he said "Everything...all the time. I'm just going to repeat what you guys say".
I was only sad that they didn't play Guyamas Sonora. That's my favorite song off of the new album.
So yeah, awesome night :)
I've only known of Beirut for a few months...but they're like pure awesomeness in a can. We got to Sala Rossa at about 7:45 pm and waited for about 30 mins until they let us in. We were one of the first few people to be let in...and as such we got places right up in front of stage...which rocks considering it was a sold out show.
At this point, one of the openings acts was playing. He was called "Alaska in Winter" and I later found out that his cd is called "Dance Party in the Balkans" - but on the screen behind him it was written as "dance parti in ze balkans".
De toute façon, he was great! It's basically one guy that loops different sounds that he recorded. While that's happening he sings and the screen behind has little squares...in each square is him doing something different. So, picture one dude playing keyboards, drums, banjo, guitar while doing the running man dance, or just plain singing. His costumes also matched those in the video. In the first song, he was wearing his full outfit or pants and red sweater with a tie and his furry hat. And that's how he was dressed in the video. later he took off his tie, and then his shirt and pants...only to find another pair of pants and shirt under...but they were white instead.
He was also pretty funny :) at one point he was singing and said " I dunno what I'm supposed to say right now, but I'll keep saying something anyways"
and later "The song is nooot overrr...but if you want to get a drink you can, just ask the bartender".
Another time, he went to a little corridor off the side while dancing...we're like o_O what's he doing. He comes back. Then we see an arm stretched out from said corridor with a Corona. Anyways, lotsa fun. If he came to play, I'd go :D
http://www.myspace.com/ala
Next was Colleen. She had a quiet set...played Cello and Clarinet and sometimes wind chimes. They asked us to sit on the floor for this...which was kinda cool, except my foot was falling asleep. One song gave me slight shivers...so that's good stuff there.
So Beirut comes onto this small stage. They are 8 people playing all kinds of instruments - ukelele, horns/trumpets, violin, drums, keyboards, xylophones. It's great :D
Here's the setlist (I stole it after the show, muahahaha!)
Elephant Gun
Brandenburg
Nantes
La Fête
Sunday Smile
Cherbourg
Scenic World
Mt. Wroclai
In the mausoleum
Cucek
Le Moribond
After the curtain
Carousels
Penalty
----
Encore:
Postcards from Italy - this was absolutely epic...all the instruments together :)
Closing Song/Gulag Orkestar
and theeen, he did a surprise cover of "Hallelujah" on the ukelele :D
I don't really know what to say other than the show was reaaaally good. I wasn't really expecting anything...so I was pleasantly surprised. Pamela and I paid tribute to Laurel and her awesome finger dance during "After the Curtain". There was a part where it was just really fitting, bwahaha.
The singer was kinda funny too. He was like "i need some more cognac up here :)!
And people would scream things of course. So one time, someone goes "WOOOOOOOO" and he goes "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
So people tried to woo again to make him ahh! but he said "Yeah, it ain't happenin again".
Then, another crowd person said "more accordion!", he said "Everything...all the time. I'm just going to repeat what you guys say".
I was only sad that they didn't play Guyamas Sonora. That's my favorite song off of the new album.
So yeah, awesome night :)
I figured it'd be a good idea to keep a list of the concerts I've attended. I remember most of them...except for some reason 2006 was a blur and I had to consult my Pamela's list (she is my concert buddy extraordinaire...and I went to most of these with her) D:
So here it is:
2003 - The beginning of concertdom (before that I'd only ever been to my dad's christmas concerts/other choir concerts - as such, they don't count):
August 1 - The Vans Warped Tour - Parc Jean Drapeau
September 3 - Mogwai - Spectrum
September 6 - A Perfect Circle - Metropolis
December 14 - Placebo - Metropolis
Total = 4
2004
February 14 - The Stills - La Tulipe
February 26 - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Metropolis
April 16 - Muse - Metropolis (worst crowd)
May 9 - Sondre Lerche - Cabaret Music Hall
May 16 - Orgy - Club Soda
June 6 - Katatonia - Foufounes Electriques (worst ear damage ever - had ear ringing for like 3 days)
June 24 - Mum - Cabaret Music Hall
August 8 - Mogwai - Spectrum
August 13 - Vans Warped Tour - Parc Jean Drapeau (muddy :P)
September 17 - Jimmy Gnecco (Ours) - O Patro Vys (w/ Fil)
October 9 - Explosions in the Sky w/ the frequency + Adem - La Sala Rosa (awesoooome)
November 17 - Marilyn Manson - Metropolis (w/ Fil, Gina, Mave - so much fun! - including the weird electrocution dance during irresponsible hate anthem)
Total = 12
2005
January 5 - My dad vs yours - Casa del Popola
January 22 - Bright Eyes (+ Coco Rosie) - Spectrum
May 9 - Nine Inch Nails - Kool Haus (Toronto - w/ Erin!)
June 6 - Mindless Self Indulgence + Birthday Massacre (Amanda + Fil - awesome, we met Bday and I taught chibi how to say pantalons :D - also the first time I met Amanda!)
August 3 - Coldplay - Bell Centre (for Gloria's birthday - shivers during the scientist, woosh :o)
October 6 - KMFDM + Birthday Massacre (for Melissa's birthday! met bday again and this time got pics)
November 11 - Nine Inch Nails - Bell Centre (w/ Erin!)
Total = 7
2006
March 9 - La Clemenza di Tito - Opera de Montreal (it was free :) and I went with Melissa, Paul, Nick, Will, Gloria, Leilani and Harley)
April 18 - Final Fantasy - Club Lambi
May 29 - Imogen Heap - La Tulipe (w/ Kris, Jess, Louis, Pamela and two of Skrud's friends...from Vancouver -- soooo good)
June 11 - Les Ogres de Barback - Theatre Maisonneuve
June 18 - Indochine - Metropolis
October 1 - Ladytron - Metropolis
November 1 - Death Cab for Cutie - Metropolis
November 6 - Imogen Heap - Spectrum (w/ Kris, yay :) )
Total = 8
2007
March 25 - Explosions in the Sky w/ Eluvium - Le National
March 28 - Amiina w/ Tom Brosseau - Le National (the cutest band ever :P)
May 13 - Arcade Fire w/ St. Vincent - Arena Maurice Richard (HAHAHA I was like yes! finally I get to see them. Pamela and I were not disappointed)
July 3 - The Polyphonic Spree - Spectrum (w/ Fil - we left that concert feeling like the happiest people on the face of the planet...covered with confetti)
July 14 - Ours - Le Gymnase (w/ Fil and Pamela - Jimmy's voice is just amazing, never ceases to impress all of us)
Total so far = 5
Coming up
August 27 - The Birthday Massacre - Petit Cafe Campus (Fil + Pamela, who else?...I'll find out)
September 8/9 - Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (not sure about this yet...there are a bunch I wanna see on both days, but it's quite $$)
September 26 - The Cure - Bell Centre
October 9 - Matthew Good - Club Soda
October 10 - Gogol Bordello - Club Soda (Start wearing purple, the gypsy punks are comin to town and we (Laurel, Pamela, Fil, Vlad? and I) are gonna see em!)
November 3 - Mum - Le National (eeeee!!!!!)
5 for sure!
So here it is:
2003 - The beginning of concertdom (before that I'd only ever been to my dad's christmas concerts/other choir concerts - as such, they don't count):
August 1 - The Vans Warped Tour - Parc Jean Drapeau
September 3 - Mogwai - Spectrum
September 6 - A Perfect Circle - Metropolis
December 14 - Placebo - Metropolis
Total = 4
2004
February 14 - The Stills - La Tulipe
February 26 - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Metropolis
April 16 - Muse - Metropolis (worst crowd)
May 9 - Sondre Lerche - Cabaret Music Hall
May 16 - Orgy - Club Soda
June 6 - Katatonia - Foufounes Electriques (worst ear damage ever - had ear ringing for like 3 days)
June 24 - Mum - Cabaret Music Hall
August 8 - Mogwai - Spectrum
August 13 - Vans Warped Tour - Parc Jean Drapeau (muddy :P)
September 17 - Jimmy Gnecco (Ours) - O Patro Vys (w/ Fil)
October 9 - Explosions in the Sky w/ the frequency + Adem - La Sala Rosa (awesoooome)
November 17 - Marilyn Manson - Metropolis (w/ Fil, Gina, Mave - so much fun! - including the weird electrocution dance during irresponsible hate anthem)
Total = 12
2005
January 5 - My dad vs yours - Casa del Popola
January 22 - Bright Eyes (+ Coco Rosie) - Spectrum
May 9 - Nine Inch Nails - Kool Haus (Toronto - w/ Erin!)
June 6 - Mindless Self Indulgence + Birthday Massacre (Amanda + Fil - awesome, we met Bday and I taught chibi how to say pantalons :D - also the first time I met Amanda!)
August 3 - Coldplay - Bell Centre (for Gloria's birthday - shivers during the scientist, woosh :o)
October 6 - KMFDM + Birthday Massacre (for Melissa's birthday! met bday again and this time got pics)
November 11 - Nine Inch Nails - Bell Centre (w/ Erin!)
Total = 7
2006
March 9 - La Clemenza di Tito - Opera de Montreal (it was free :) and I went with Melissa, Paul, Nick, Will, Gloria, Leilani and Harley)
April 18 - Final Fantasy - Club Lambi
May 29 - Imogen Heap - La Tulipe (w/ Kris, Jess, Louis, Pamela and two of Skrud's friends...from Vancouver -- soooo good)
June 11 - Les Ogres de Barback - Theatre Maisonneuve
June 18 - Indochine - Metropolis
October 1 - Ladytron - Metropolis
November 1 - Death Cab for Cutie - Metropolis
November 6 - Imogen Heap - Spectrum (w/ Kris, yay :) )
Total = 8
2007
March 25 - Explosions in the Sky w/ Eluvium - Le National
March 28 - Amiina w/ Tom Brosseau - Le National (the cutest band ever :P)
May 13 - Arcade Fire w/ St. Vincent - Arena Maurice Richard (HAHAHA I was like yes! finally I get to see them. Pamela and I were not disappointed)
July 3 - The Polyphonic Spree - Spectrum (w/ Fil - we left that concert feeling like the happiest people on the face of the planet...covered with confetti)
July 14 - Ours - Le Gymnase (w/ Fil and Pamela - Jimmy's voice is just amazing, never ceases to impress all of us)
Total so far = 5
Coming up
August 27 - The Birthday Massacre - Petit Cafe Campus (Fil + Pamela, who else?...I'll find out)
September 8/9 - Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (not sure about this yet...there are a bunch I wanna see on both days, but it's quite $$)
September 26 - The Cure - Bell Centre
October 9 - Matthew Good - Club Soda
October 10 - Gogol Bordello - Club Soda (Start wearing purple, the gypsy punks are comin to town and we (Laurel, Pamela, Fil, Vlad? and I) are gonna see em!)
November 3 - Mum - Le National (eeeee!!!!!)
5 for sure!
I only really started listening to the Arcade Fire after they came at the end of feb in 2005 and I missed their 3 shows at the end of April because of finals. They were introduced to me by Paw who saw them open for Hawksley Workman a while back. She sent me the song "Headlights look like Diamonds"...and thought this is not bad. but ehh...lets see what else they have :)
So fastforward to two years later. ZOMG they're playing 5 shows in feb...and didn't get any tickets because they were playing at a tiny venue called the Ukrainian Federation. People lined up all night in the cold to get their hands on those cardboardy tickets and savour the sound of this band for about 1 and a half hours. I decided it was my turn...and the next time they came I would not miss it! And so today...I finally got to see them.
They played at Arena Maurice Richard...never been there before. In fact, I don't usually trek out to Viau. East side of Montreal is like unknown territory to me. I've been there before, but I don't hang out there. I have only been to Point Perdue (Pointe-aux-Trembles) once. So, Paw and I arrive at 4:15 pm. Doors open at 6:30. We're searching for these epic long Arcade Fire fan lines...and WHAT? we're one of the first ones there. There was a small group of people who did camp out overnight, or so I assume...because they had blankets and themoses n such...oh, I felt bad for them :P. While waiting in line we ate apples and crackers. Paw's most awesome for providing snack food. I also ran into my grade 8 Math teacher.
Fastforward once more...we get awesome seats. Off the side to the left first row. Seats are great in arena shows because you can go potty without losing your spot. The show started at 8...opening band was called the St Vincents. Actually, it just started off with the vocalist singing by herself with an electric guitar. It sounded very gritty and almost industrial. Her dress was a nice shade of blue, but looked like a potato bag with straps.
When the band came on, the sound changed slightly to some form of dancy rock indie something music which was just plain awesome. I picked up their EP and hope to hear more from this texan band.
The floor started getting really packed, tons of people cheering, hopping around in anticipation for the band to come on.
At about 9:00, they took the stage...all 9 or so of them. The stage had 6 long poles in the front and 4 circles screens on posts on each corner of the stage. I found out later that the 6 long poles were giant glowsticks. There was also a large screen in the background...and a pipe organ.
The following is an approximate setlist...I know the first 6 are absolutely right and the last 3 as well as the encore. It's the shady in between...
Keep the Car Running
No Cars Go - this song is awesome if only for the line "between the click of the light and the start of the dream". Regine's voice goes up high and cute. So sweet :)
Haiti - *happy jumping ensues* This is a great dancy song. Regine always goes crazy near the middle doing somewhat robotic movements. Then at the end, the band goes crazy.
After the song she said that 1$ from each ticket is going to a charity, and that there were many branches of that charity in haiti.
Black Waves/Bad Vibrations - initially I wasn't super fond of this song...and never heard it in its entirety. Big booboo. But now I have and I've learned the error of my ways. This song rocks, nuff said.
Neighborhood #2 (Laika) - I wasn't expecting this song, and boy am I happy they did it. The highlight has to be Win's brother going off to the side and banging one of the posts with his drumstick like a madman.
Intervention - "I don't think the arena is gonna let rock bands play here anymore...but we took it while we saw an opening". Then they started playing. Good stuff once again.
Ocean of Noise - a little quieter than the rest but very nice...joined in the ooo's
My Body is a Cage - such a dramatic song. you cannot beat the doom and power of the organ in this song.
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)- One of my favorite of the night..absolutely love this song. I generally sang along to the songs in the concert, but this one was particularly fun to sing to, especially this part " Then we think of our parents, well what the hell ever happened to them?!"
Antichrist Television Blues- Regine went kinda nuts again with her tambourine , shouting at the crowd :)
The Well and the Lighthouse - nice ending. reminds me of old school dances from like the 60s :P
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) - "Thank you for coming out. I've always thought montreal was a very (something along the lines of nice and curteous forgot the exact words) city." Then they burst into song, the crowd goes wild dancing like crazy monkeys. They even did a prolonged ending.
Rebellion (Lies) - This gave me shivers of happiness. Everyone was clapping and singing along. When the band walked off, everyone in the crowd was still singing "Oooo ooo ooooooooo" until they came back out.
Encore
Black Mirror - I like this song, but the sound was a little strange for it. A little hard on the ears. But still very good.
Crown of Love - someone in the crowd had a sign saying "Crown of Love". Win's like, change of plans. Someone made a sign and I'm a sucker for signs, so we're gonna play this song. Lighter moment.
Wake up - just before playing this song, someone in the front had a sign saying I need a drumstick. They held it up for the whole time too. Win was like AHH YOU IN THE FRONT! PUT DOWN THE FUCKING SIGN! I'll give you a drumstick, just put it down! stop it!
Anyways, wake up is an epic ending for a concert. Naturally, everyone was into it :)
I don't know if I can say anything else about the concert. I just kept saying how great everything was. It's great dance music! Great music to forget your troubles! Or to just scream it out!
As I was on my way home, I spotted two concert goers. They were twin brothers, both wearing arcade fire tee's. As the got off at Vendome, the yelled into the car "ARCADE FIRE IS AWESOME!" and a passenger nodded. I couldn't agree more.
So fastforward to two years later. ZOMG they're playing 5 shows in feb...and didn't get any tickets because they were playing at a tiny venue called the Ukrainian Federation. People lined up all night in the cold to get their hands on those cardboardy tickets and savour the sound of this band for about 1 and a half hours. I decided it was my turn...and the next time they came I would not miss it! And so today...I finally got to see them.
They played at Arena Maurice Richard...never been there before. In fact, I don't usually trek out to Viau. East side of Montreal is like unknown territory to me. I've been there before, but I don't hang out there. I have only been to Point Perdue (Pointe-aux-Trembles) once. So, Paw and I arrive at 4:15 pm. Doors open at 6:30. We're searching for these epic long Arcade Fire fan lines...and WHAT? we're one of the first ones there. There was a small group of people who did camp out overnight, or so I assume...because they had blankets and themoses n such...oh, I felt bad for them :P. While waiting in line we ate apples and crackers. Paw's most awesome for providing snack food. I also ran into my grade 8 Math teacher.
Fastforward once more...we get awesome seats. Off the side to the left first row. Seats are great in arena shows because you can go potty without losing your spot. The show started at 8...opening band was called the St Vincents. Actually, it just started off with the vocalist singing by herself with an electric guitar. It sounded very gritty and almost industrial. Her dress was a nice shade of blue, but looked like a potato bag with straps.
When the band came on, the sound changed slightly to some form of dancy rock indie something music which was just plain awesome. I picked up their EP and hope to hear more from this texan band.
The floor started getting really packed, tons of people cheering, hopping around in anticipation for the band to come on.
At about 9:00, they took the stage...all 9 or so of them. The stage had 6 long poles in the front and 4 circles screens on posts on each corner of the stage. I found out later that the 6 long poles were giant glowsticks. There was also a large screen in the background...and a pipe organ.
The following is an approximate setlist...I know the first 6 are absolutely right and the last 3 as well as the encore. It's the shady in between...
Keep the Car Running
No Cars Go - this song is awesome if only for the line "between the click of the light and the start of the dream". Regine's voice goes up high and cute. So sweet :)
Haiti - *happy jumping ensues* This is a great dancy song. Regine always goes crazy near the middle doing somewhat robotic movements. Then at the end, the band goes crazy.
After the song she said that 1$ from each ticket is going to a charity, and that there were many branches of that charity in haiti.
Black Waves/Bad Vibrations - initially I wasn't super fond of this song...and never heard it in its entirety. Big booboo. But now I have and I've learned the error of my ways. This song rocks, nuff said.
Neighborhood #2 (Laika) - I wasn't expecting this song, and boy am I happy they did it. The highlight has to be Win's brother going off to the side and banging one of the posts with his drumstick like a madman.
Intervention - "I don't think the arena is gonna let rock bands play here anymore...but we took it while we saw an opening". Then they started playing. Good stuff once again.
Ocean of Noise - a little quieter than the rest but very nice...joined in the ooo's
My Body is a Cage - such a dramatic song. you cannot beat the doom and power of the organ in this song.
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)- One of my favorite of the night..absolutely love this song. I generally sang along to the songs in the concert, but this one was particularly fun to sing to, especially this part " Then we think of our parents, well what the hell ever happened to them?!"
Antichrist Television Blues- Regine went kinda nuts again with her tambourine , shouting at the crowd :)
The Well and the Lighthouse - nice ending. reminds me of old school dances from like the 60s :P
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) - "Thank you for coming out. I've always thought montreal was a very (something along the lines of nice and curteous forgot the exact words) city." Then they burst into song, the crowd goes wild dancing like crazy monkeys. They even did a prolonged ending.
Rebellion (Lies) - This gave me shivers of happiness. Everyone was clapping and singing along. When the band walked off, everyone in the crowd was still singing "Oooo ooo ooooooooo" until they came back out.
Encore
Black Mirror - I like this song, but the sound was a little strange for it. A little hard on the ears. But still very good.
Crown of Love - someone in the crowd had a sign saying "Crown of Love". Win's like, change of plans. Someone made a sign and I'm a sucker for signs, so we're gonna play this song. Lighter moment.
Wake up - just before playing this song, someone in the front had a sign saying I need a drumstick. They held it up for the whole time too. Win was like AHH YOU IN THE FRONT! PUT DOWN THE FUCKING SIGN! I'll give you a drumstick, just put it down! stop it!
Anyways, wake up is an epic ending for a concert. Naturally, everyone was into it :)
I don't know if I can say anything else about the concert. I just kept saying how great everything was. It's great dance music! Great music to forget your troubles! Or to just scream it out!
As I was on my way home, I spotted two concert goers. They were twin brothers, both wearing arcade fire tee's. As the got off at Vendome, the yelled into the car "ARCADE FIRE IS AWESOME!" and a passenger nodded. I couldn't agree more.
Carrots in roasted garlic hummus...also had some corn on the cob.
That's good enough for me. I don't think I've ever devoured corn on the cob like that.
Food shopping was extra fun. I was in the vegetable aisle like AHAH I WANT THAT AND THAT AND THAT! Also got these mini melba toast rounds - multigran to be exact. They're awesome.
So yes. Tooth freedom rocks.
Also, it's 13 degrees C today and Sunny. Most awesome.
That's good enough for me. I don't think I've ever devoured corn on the cob like that.
Food shopping was extra fun. I was in the vegetable aisle like AHAH I WANT THAT AND THAT AND THAT! Also got these mini melba toast rounds - multigran to be exact. They're awesome.
So yes. Tooth freedom rocks.
Also, it's 13 degrees C today and Sunny. Most awesome.
I went to the orthodontist today. He says that in one month (March 28 to be precise), I will have my braces taken off. I started my treatment april 13, 2005 and it was supposed to last a total of 18 months. It's been almost 2 years (grumbles!).
During that time I've had wires poking in my cheek and the usual friction that people experience on their cheeks with the brackets. But I think I've had a record number of brackets falling off...and always in strange ways.
To name a few:
- eating sushi, a front bracket fell off. I consider rice to be soft, so I don't get it.
- eating fish at a resto in st-laurent. I had to find it and wrap it in kleenex and bring it to them.
- I'd say the weirdest happened while flossing. I passed through the wire, next thing I knew the bracket was gone. It completely disappeared from this planet. I did not see it come out of my mouth, I did not feel it either. I didn't hear it fall into the sink. I took a flashlight and searched the bathroom. Nowhere to be seen. Even if I did find it, say on the floor...I don't think I'd want it back in my mouth anyways. But yes, strange bracket disappearance.
I was afraid that they'd be peeved that I didn't have the bracket and accuse me of being a Forceful Flosser...but no...didn't really care how it disappeared, just that it did and they had replacements!
While replacing that one, they found another loose one. But, with this one, the metal completely unglued itself from the composite backing...and the backing was still on my tooth. The lady had to remove it all then replace it with a completely metal one.
They've had to replace at least 10 of them and some of them more than once. I guess the cement was not strong enough (or perhaps it's due to my acidic saliva :P one dentist told me I might have that and may be the reason I have so many cavities...since I have pretty good hygiene and don't really eat many sweets on a regular basis, certainly not due to that).
So yeah, once the braces come off, I can get my 1 million cavities filled which is good.
After they take my braces off, they're gonna take an imprint of my teeth and send it to the Damon laboratories for them to make "The Positioner". During that waiting period, I'll have to wear some kinda light clear retainer. woo.
Then when the positioner comes (the next week), I'll have to wear it 24 hours a day for a week, unless I'm eating or brushing my teeth. He says it resembles a mouth guard and I'm not allowed to talk...for the whole week...otherwise the thing will fall out.
I found a picture of this positioner thing:
It's meant to fix little things/bring all my teeth together in that "perfect" position or something like that.
It's going to be interesting to be mute for a week. I can use thumbs up/thumbs down and so-so waving hands, shoulder shrugging and head nods! If asked to explain something, I'll let out a mrar type grumble with a corresponding facial expression of unhappiness.
Once it's all over, I can eat carrots :O in their raw form :O dipped in hummus :O or maybe even babaghanoush :O
During that time I've had wires poking in my cheek and the usual friction that people experience on their cheeks with the brackets. But I think I've had a record number of brackets falling off...and always in strange ways.
To name a few:
- eating sushi, a front bracket fell off. I consider rice to be soft, so I don't get it.
- eating fish at a resto in st-laurent. I had to find it and wrap it in kleenex and bring it to them.
- I'd say the weirdest happened while flossing. I passed through the wire, next thing I knew the bracket was gone. It completely disappeared from this planet. I did not see it come out of my mouth, I did not feel it either. I didn't hear it fall into the sink. I took a flashlight and searched the bathroom. Nowhere to be seen. Even if I did find it, say on the floor...I don't think I'd want it back in my mouth anyways. But yes, strange bracket disappearance.
I was afraid that they'd be peeved that I didn't have the bracket and accuse me of being a Forceful Flosser...but no...didn't really care how it disappeared, just that it did and they had replacements!
While replacing that one, they found another loose one. But, with this one, the metal completely unglued itself from the composite backing...and the backing was still on my tooth. The lady had to remove it all then replace it with a completely metal one.
They've had to replace at least 10 of them and some of them more than once. I guess the cement was not strong enough (or perhaps it's due to my acidic saliva :P one dentist told me I might have that and may be the reason I have so many cavities...since I have pretty good hygiene and don't really eat many sweets on a regular basis, certainly not due to that).
So yeah, once the braces come off, I can get my 1 million cavities filled which is good.
After they take my braces off, they're gonna take an imprint of my teeth and send it to the Damon laboratories for them to make "The Positioner". During that waiting period, I'll have to wear some kinda light clear retainer. woo.
Then when the positioner comes (the next week), I'll have to wear it 24 hours a day for a week, unless I'm eating or brushing my teeth. He says it resembles a mouth guard and I'm not allowed to talk...for the whole week...otherwise the thing will fall out.
I found a picture of this positioner thing:
It's meant to fix little things/bring all my teeth together in that "perfect" position or something like that.It's going to be interesting to be mute for a week. I can use thumbs up/thumbs down and so-so waving hands, shoulder shrugging and head nods! If asked to explain something, I'll let out a mrar type grumble with a corresponding facial expression of unhappiness.
Once it's all over, I can eat carrots :O in their raw form :O dipped in hummus :O or maybe even babaghanoush :O
This is my new desktop picture, most awesome. Got it from here 
Next, Modest Mouse's new album leaked. Check out the song "People as Places as People"
Also, 2 NIN songs leaked: "Survivalism" and "My Violent Heart". This will take some getting used to...
On that same site, there's a version of "Clocks" (by coldplay), remixed be Buena Vista Social Club. It sounds pretty good...well at least if you like latin music. Give it a listen if you wish.
Concerto:
Arcade Fire is coming May 12 and 13.
Tool is coming April 28.
YAY :D
Happy Chinese (Early - since it's tomorrow) New Year!...I wish I got special red enveloped :P
It shall be the year of the Fire Pig. I don't know what exactly that means, I just know that pigs mean luck or something. I wonder what the fire pig will bring for the wood ox this year.
Next, Modest Mouse's new album leaked. Check out the song "People as Places as People"
Also, 2 NIN songs leaked: "Survivalism" and "My Violent Heart". This will take some getting used to...
On that same site, there's a version of "Clocks" (by coldplay), remixed be Buena Vista Social Club. It sounds pretty good...well at least if you like latin music. Give it a listen if you wish.
Concerto:
Arcade Fire is coming May 12 and 13.
Tool is coming April 28.
YAY :D
Happy Chinese (Early - since it's tomorrow) New Year!...I wish I got special red enveloped :P
It shall be the year of the Fire Pig. I don't know what exactly that means, I just know that pigs mean luck or something. I wonder what the fire pig will bring for the wood ox this year.
My friend Dario has a super mega car, drives too fast, drives too flash, the noise the wheels make screeching on the tarmac, echoes in his head, then echoes in his pants
This is the first time I see the video, but you gotta love air drumming and air guitar.
I've been in a huge electro mood lately...apparently most of it is "Electroclash". <-most awesome term. According to wiki, electroclash is: a style of fashion, music, and attitude that fuses New Wave, punk, & electronic dance music with somewhat campy and absurdist post-industrial detachment in addition to vampy and/or camp sexuality. The movement combines the 1980s electropop/New Wave/Italo disco sound by means of synthesizers and drum machines.
Yeah, you could say that. I'm now a closet raver, woo! I'm far too lazy to be an actual raver.
#1 I don't know where exactly most of these rave places are.
#2 I was invited to red lite a few times (like tonight), it turns out that place is really far...and right now it's cold...and late. I don't wanna wiggle all night with other sweaty peoples.
#3 Getting home could be a problem depending on where you are/who you're with/how awake you are.
So back to the music. My electro mood started with the Party Monster soundtrack ...decided to listen to it recently(haha I love this movie). Tracks that stick in my head: Get Happy, Overdose, Two of Hearts (just that particular part that goes I-I-I-I-I-I I need you...like when Seth and Culkin are dancing), Seventeen, Frank Sinatra, Take me to the Club, Le Rock 01 and Money, Success, Fame, Glamour.
After that, I decided I should check out more Vitalic because "Le Rock 01" is a totally top notch track. Ok Cowboy is the album and it's definitely good. If you wanna check out some tracks in particular, I suggest:
Polkamatic
Poney part 1
My Friend dario
Rock 01
No Fun
As for some other electroclash, it seems Miss Kittin (which I've loved for about 4 years now) is in there, Ladytron, Felix da Housecat, Tiga, Peaches, Fischerspooner annnd Goldfrapp.
I'm not a big peaches person, though some song are okay.
I lurve lurve Miss Kittin and Ladytron (so envious of the europeans who get a nin tour w/ ladytron opening -.- the perfect combo).
Check out:
Miss Kittin - First Album <- the whole thing, because every track is great. Ladytron - discotraxxx, international dateline, true mathematics, fighting in built up areas, Cracked LCD (live in sofia version is really good), last one standing, seventeen, playgirl, he took her to a movie. As for non electro stuff, here's what I'm lookin forward to:
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible - March 6
The promo on their site is funny and their first single "Black Mirror" plays as well. I hope they come back and tour here. They had 5 sold out shows...and I hear that for the 50 ticket dealy people actually camped out all night to get some. CRAZY PEOPLE'S. In the summer I guess it's a little less insane, but I still wouldn't. One hour maybe, 2 even (When it's not cold). But camping out :o
I hope the show was worth it. I've only heard good things.
Explosions in the Sky - All of the sudden I miss everyone - Sometime later this month
Classified as post-rock of some sort. De toute facon, what's important is they're excellent. Already seen em live once with Paw. They completely physically exerted themselves, but gave such good performances. I shall see them again in march, hoorah!
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position - Out in europe feb. 26 I think...in NA - May 1. How sucky is that?
Accident and Emergency was enough to get me hooked. He needs to come here though. :D
Bloc Party - A weekend in the city
They've got catchy stuff, I'm curious.
Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero - April 17
I'm a slight ninomaniac. Less so than before, but I still like their stuff a lot. What's most intruiging about this release is that it only took 2 years to come out (with teeth came out may 7, 2005). Trent always took like 5 years in between. I'm sure I'll dislike it at first or somethin, and then love it. Go gaga and wanna see the nin camp live again. If only ladytron would play with them here...It'd be double happiness. Or some other equally cool band. Imagine if the arcade fire opened for nin. HAHAHA...zomg >_>
The Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist - July 7 (oh ho ho 7/7/07)
I wonder what they can come up with...I heard Auf Der Maur will be filling in bass on tour. I did always feel bad that I didn't know much before they broke up (and that's just when I liked them too -.-). Now I may get the chance to see them live...althought it won't be the original line up, still yeekees.
Amiina - in mtl 28th of march, oh yeaaa
They have a cd out, I'm just happy that I'll be seeing them live. They're from iceland and they make pretty music.
Okay, I may have forgotten things, but that's ok. I've written enough. I need to wake up early because I have to buy boots (hopefully).
This is the first time I see the video, but you gotta love air drumming and air guitar.
I've been in a huge electro mood lately...apparently most of it is "Electroclash". <-most awesome term. According to wiki, electroclash is: a style of fashion, music, and attitude that fuses New Wave, punk, & electronic dance music with somewhat campy and absurdist post-industrial detachment in addition to vampy and/or camp sexuality. The movement combines the 1980s electropop/New Wave/Italo disco sound by means of synthesizers and drum machines.
Yeah, you could say that. I'm now a closet raver, woo! I'm far too lazy to be an actual raver.
#1 I don't know where exactly most of these rave places are.
#2 I was invited to red lite a few times (like tonight), it turns out that place is really far...and right now it's cold...and late. I don't wanna wiggle all night with other sweaty peoples.
#3 Getting home could be a problem depending on where you are/who you're with/how awake you are.
So back to the music. My electro mood started with the Party Monster soundtrack ...decided to listen to it recently(haha I love this movie). Tracks that stick in my head: Get Happy, Overdose, Two of Hearts (just that particular part that goes I-I-I-I-I-I I need you...like when Seth and Culkin are dancing), Seventeen, Frank Sinatra, Take me to the Club, Le Rock 01 and Money, Success, Fame, Glamour.
After that, I decided I should check out more Vitalic because "Le Rock 01" is a totally top notch track. Ok Cowboy is the album and it's definitely good. If you wanna check out some tracks in particular, I suggest:
Polkamatic
Poney part 1
My Friend dario
Rock 01
No Fun
As for some other electroclash, it seems Miss Kittin (which I've loved for about 4 years now) is in there, Ladytron, Felix da Housecat, Tiga, Peaches, Fischerspooner annnd Goldfrapp.
I'm not a big peaches person, though some song are okay.
I lurve lurve Miss Kittin and Ladytron (so envious of the europeans who get a nin tour w/ ladytron opening -.- the perfect combo).
Check out:
Miss Kittin - First Album <- the whole thing, because every track is great. Ladytron - discotraxxx, international dateline, true mathematics, fighting in built up areas, Cracked LCD (live in sofia version is really good), last one standing, seventeen, playgirl, he took her to a movie. As for non electro stuff, here's what I'm lookin forward to:
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible - March 6
The promo on their site is funny and their first single "Black Mirror" plays as well. I hope they come back and tour here. They had 5 sold out shows...and I hear that for the 50 ticket dealy people actually camped out all night to get some. CRAZY PEOPLE'S. In the summer I guess it's a little less insane, but I still wouldn't. One hour maybe, 2 even (When it's not cold). But camping out :o
I hope the show was worth it. I've only heard good things.
Explosions in the Sky - All of the sudden I miss everyone - Sometime later this month
Classified as post-rock of some sort. De toute facon, what's important is they're excellent. Already seen em live once with Paw. They completely physically exerted themselves, but gave such good performances. I shall see them again in march, hoorah!
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position - Out in europe feb. 26 I think...in NA - May 1. How sucky is that?
Accident and Emergency was enough to get me hooked. He needs to come here though. :D
Bloc Party - A weekend in the city
They've got catchy stuff, I'm curious.
Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero - April 17
I'm a slight ninomaniac. Less so than before, but I still like their stuff a lot. What's most intruiging about this release is that it only took 2 years to come out (with teeth came out may 7, 2005). Trent always took like 5 years in between. I'm sure I'll dislike it at first or somethin, and then love it. Go gaga and wanna see the nin camp live again. If only ladytron would play with them here...It'd be double happiness. Or some other equally cool band. Imagine if the arcade fire opened for nin. HAHAHA...zomg >_>
The Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist - July 7 (oh ho ho 7/7/07)
I wonder what they can come up with...I heard Auf Der Maur will be filling in bass on tour. I did always feel bad that I didn't know much before they broke up (and that's just when I liked them too -.-). Now I may get the chance to see them live...althought it won't be the original line up, still yeekees.
Amiina - in mtl 28th of march, oh yeaaa
They have a cd out, I'm just happy that I'll be seeing them live. They're from iceland and they make pretty music.
Okay, I may have forgotten things, but that's ok. I've written enough. I need to wake up early because I have to buy boots (hopefully).
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