Robots Need Love Too

So, it’s a very spoooooky Halloween night (although extremely quiet, maybe because it’s a Sunday. It is weird to have the day of the dead on the day of God and the church, but what can you do). For this spooky night, I have a, wel,l not so spooky topic. This one I debated over and over again in my head because I’ve already talked about him so many times, but I saw him last night, and I think I have even more to add. So, as some of you may know, I went to see Dan Mangan last night, and as some of you may also know I have made an insane claim. A claim that doesn’t come easily. Are you ready for it? I think his show last night may have been one of my favourite shows EVER, if not my favourite live show. Although I’m going to try, I’m not sure I can even begin to explain the impact it had on me, and how truly great it was, but I’ll give it my best shot.

First of all, it was snowing on our way into the show (and as we left). And for all of you who do not know me, there is nothing I love more than snow. Especially big, Christmas-like flakes of snow. I really don’t understand how people don’t like it? It makes things a hundred times prettier. So we’re standing in line, with the pretty snow falling, and than we enter one of the prettiest churches. Seemed really old school. There were two opening bands. First was a band called The Crackling, part of Dan Mangan’s band. They were pretty awesome. And than came the Harbourcoats, a single man, singer-songwriter, thing. It was also very good, although slightly sleepy at times. But, just when you were getting slightly bored, out came Dan looking completely adorable in his stripy hoodie (and Burning Hell t-shirt, kinda funny for a church but, Peterborough represent!). They started the whole show with Sold, one of my very favourite songs. The whole thing was really pumped up, and fantastic. After that, they did song, after song, after song that I really liked and I got worried that all my favourites were going to go, and I was going to end up doing the classic “watch watching” thing I find myself doing at some shows. But, it just got better and better and better.

Usually at a live show, if you’re lucky you get what I call a “moment”. A song that seems to change everything. In this show, there seemed to be quite a few moments, from the very first song. Highlights for me were Sold, of course, Tina’s Glorious Comeback (another of my faves, love the Tom Waits reference), Robots, and an unknown song as his encore at the very end. For Tina’s Glorious Comeback, they went completely acoustic and just clapped and stomped, a perfect, perfect moment. Because it was the Halloween weekend a lot of people came in their costumes, my very favourite were the two robot guys. I’m assuming robots because of Dan’s song Robots. So half way through the song (his last song of the night before the encore) he called them up to the stage to strut their stuff. Following those guys all the people in costumes came up. Everyone started to sing along and clap, and viola, a moment. The greatest part of the night though, was his final encore song. I’m sad to admit I don’t even know what it was, but man was it good. He ditched his guitar and mic and walked right into the crowd to sing. The acoustics were so great you could here him perfectly. The song he sang was really sad, everyone just kind of clapped and sang along. It was really perfect, this scruffy guy in a Burning Hell tshirt standing on a pew singing this song about death, with dead zombie brides, robots, bee’s, cupcakes, and everyone singing together. It was really something, and very hard to describe. All I can say, is I don’t think one person wanted to leave that church, I think everyone would have stayed for the rest of the night, I know I would have. But sadly it had to come to an end, and a happy end it was. For now though, I’m going to give your eyes, and brain a break, and let you sit back and relax to his great video for Robots. Picture home-made robots dancing around while watching it, it really enhances the experience.

I love this video, in all its crazy 80′s robots glory. It’s pretty cool. Even the cheesy happily-ever-after ending works. Once again thank you for indulging me, and allowing, or at least tolerating, another Dan Mangan post, I hope you weren’t too disappointed. It’s pretty hard to capture the same moment I felt while there. All I can say is go see him live, trust me you won’t be disappointed, and remember “Robots need love too”.

Overall Rating: 5++++

Comments: There has never been a more likable guy, I wanted to go right up and give him a huge hug. He seemed to have such passion for what he does, it made him really endearing and likeable.

P.S. hope you had a great Halloween, I did

P.P.S. since it snowed, you have to listen to Hawksley’s First Snow of the Year, it’s a tradition in my family.

Endearing Hats

Okay so another whole week has passed. What is my problem? You’d think in the summer I’d have more time to write but it’s been the exact opposite. Of course I may write more during school time just to avoid homework. But none-the-less I am here now and ready to report more on music. I think my exuse this week for missing so many days (because there is always an exuse) is that I was away on the “culinary adventure” with my mom and we were to busy stuffing our faces (to put it really nicely. I always hate when people say that, not quite sure why I did…) with the most delicious food to write about music or anything else. Basically we just ate, and ate. But of course only the finest of foods (and one or two mishaps). But I have returned, am back on a normal diet (well an all salad diet to compensate for the amount of well not salad I ate well away) and ready to write. Sadly not much musically happened well we were away. I did though come across quite a wonderful little gem while searching for a topic for the day. I was thinking Aidan Knight and on a search for his video’s I came across a duet of him and Dan Mangan which seemed far to perfect. You already know how much I love Dan Mangan (speaking of, he has one song with the line “there’s a place I sometimes like to dine” in his song The Indie Queens Are Waiting and well that place for me is Ithaca, New York where we just went for our eating marathon) and I’ve just recently discovered Aidan Knight so for 3:27 of this song I was in complete and utter music heaven. Dan Mangan also sometimes performs with Shance Koyczan. He makes many heavenly music moments for me. Thank you Dan Mangan.

But back to the song. Like I said I’d only just discovered Aidan Knight (on last.fm of course) and only had a few of his songs including Altar Boys, Fighting Against Your Lungs, and Sorrows. But the discovery of his song Jaspar was a great one indeed. He has a great indie, folk, singer-songwriter vibe (which is just what I like) but also an added…twang? He has this other “thing” to him that makes him even more special and not just “another one of eyetunes folky indie guys” (of course he doesn’t have a beard either so take that world). I’ll let you see for yourself though. Here’s the video for Jaspar. Enjoy and talk to you in 3:27.

I like that their in the wilderness (well there’s a road behind them but still) I’m thinking probably close to Jaspar due to the snow and mountainous humps behind them. Plus it looks pretty darn cold, Mr. Knight and Mr. Mangan’s hands must have been quite frozen. The cold puffs of air coming out of their mouths each time they sing also adds quite the effect. The things people do for good music and the right atmosphere and feel. They could have just stood infront one of those fake scenes you see at photography places. That’s how you know a hardcore musician. Their red hats are also quite indearing (I’m a sucker for a red toque, but aren’t we all?). Oh and the song lyrics are quite lovely as well, they have a bit of an old-timey folk song feel and I like that. But that’s all for me tonight. For some reason I seem to write best at night but by the end I get very incredibly sleepy and my spelling and grammar probably just dies completely (sorry about that). For now though enjoy the video check out the musicians you won’t be disappointed and I’ll see you tomorrow for Random Playlist Monday, HOORAY!

Up Above

Okay I’ve been gone for a whole week. And I must say it’s been a pretty awful week. It started off with a bad bout of food poisoning and ended with the awful duty of putting my little dog down. Mixed in with that was a whole lotta’ family stuff. But I’m back and with force. I realize that I never wrapped up Hillside week (boy that feels like a long time ago) or did my double random playlist Monday, but oh well I guess. I’ve been debating how to make my come-back and I’ve decided to stick with the regular plan. Shane Koyczan. It’s now been exactly two weeks. But I think I can still remember the show. And it goes along perfectly with the mood I’m in now.

When you see Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long your whole life flips. If you listen to his stuff without seeing him, his music seems meaningful. But when you see him live you also see all his emotions. Exactly how he feels and you can tell he’s had a pretty awful life, but he’s made the best of it. I love that. I love how sincere he seems, and I love how honest he seems. I’ve never seen a crowd get that into a show before. Standing ovations, encores. A mile long line for signatures afterwards (which I stood in). And an obvious admiration for him and what he does. People who once scoffed at spoken word (*ahem* me) quickly had a new found respect for it. Instead of spouting tales of love and peace, he says it how it is. There’s no sugar coating, but he also adds enough clever bits to not make it the most depressing thing you’ve ever heard. That’s a talent. And on top of him being fantastic his band really rocks too. The women have incredible voices, making his stuff sound even better.

Today I thought I’d feature a video of him doing his song The Crickets Have Arthritis. This one really got me, and in a way seemed to fit the mood I’m in. There’s a line at the end about feathers that I didn’t understand at first. It took me three listens but finally I understood and the song seemed even more complete. So please listen, and look more into his stuff. For now though I’m exhausted and in desperate need for some sleep. It’s been quite a week.

Hope it touched you as much as it touched me. And please look up more of his stuff, it is so incredibly worth it. And if you ever get the chance to see him live do it, everybody should get a chance to. That’s all for now though, good night until tomorrow.

Rap Love on the Hill

So, it’s Sunday night, my hair is greasy, my teeth fuzzy, my clothes smelly, and my spirits high. Why? Because I’ve just come back from Hillside. One of the greatest cultural and musical experiences of my life. I’ve been thinking all weekend about what I’m going to say and how I’m going to sum it up. And than it came to me. This whole week is going to be my official Hillside week. Every day features a new band and experience. Not to mention, food and craft vendors. So get yourself ready for the Hillside experience of your lifetime, conviently located at your computer.

For now though here’s a quick recap.

Weather: we were only rained on slightly Saturday afternoon. Otherwise pretty darn good Hillside weather

My favourite shows: The Wooden Sky, Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long, Zeus, Flashlight Radio, and Horse Feathers

My favourite food vendors: The Flying Chestnut Kitchen (greatest taco of my life, it even made me like chili which I happen to hate, or hated), Studs’n'Spuds (some pretty delicious kettle chips and dip), and Meals that Heal (which happen to actually be really delicious). Oh and the Ethiopian place Laza Catering. Can’t forget them. Anyone who brings Ingera to well anywhere is my hero.

For tonight I thought I’d kick things off with a little rap. Yes rap. Never before seen on Eyetunes, but there’s a first time for everything. This guy completely blew me away, changing every opinion I ever had on rap. Instead of using his talent to be offensive and crude, he uses is to well, entertain. So congratulations Shad for introducing me, and probably a lot of other people to a new realm of rap. Below is his video for I Don’t Like To. Check out more stuff and see him live if you can. It got everybody on there feet dancing and singing.

I hope you enjoyed my burst of rap love. Which happens to be a great thing about Hillside. I never would of thought twice about him, but at a festival like Hillside where you can’t help but over hear, you get talked (or I guess musiced) into buying things you never would have (this is sometimes a down fall, but I don’t think that’s the situation in this case).

P.S. exuse all the spelling and grammar mistakes tonight. I’m uber tired and will fix things up in the morning. But for now goodnight until tomorrow when the Hillside festivities begin!

A Giggle Face Day

It’s really time for a post so here I am! I’ve been having a hard time coming up with topics so my dad suggested randomly pulling out a record and talking about it. Well I pulled out Train Your Bird To Talk. I’m not entirely sure if that will take up a whole post. It does include training lessons and stickers though. Which makes it even more fun and amusing. So instead I decided to create a list of the 10 random records I take out of my case. This will be especially fun because I haven’t really gone through the whole collection yet. This will give me a helping hand. And it will be amusing. So sit back, relax and get your giggle face on ’cause this I believe will be slightly amusing.

1. Train Your Bird To Talk – Annoying Female Automated Voice

2. Circles In The Stream – Bruce Cockburn (this one really is good. I saw him live and he was phenomanal)

3. Sounds From True Stories – David Byrne (below it says “music for activity freaks” there you go, I was confused but now I get it…)

4. Leon Redbone (now this is something I really do love, but who couldn’t with that deep and lovely voice, and songs like Polly Wolly Doodle which is of course is one of my favourites)

5. 54-40 (we just talked about this and I still love it. This one even includes I Go Blind)

6. A Jumpin’ Night In The Garden of Eden – The Klezmer Conservatory Band ( this my friends is a classic. I am so happy I came across this. You must check it out)

7. Oktoberfest im Hofbrauhaus – Holiday in Munich (enough said)

8. Dr. Demento Presents The Greatest Novelty Records Of All Time The 1980′s (I think this is also an “enough said” moment)

9. Night Vision – Bruce Cockburn (I guess it’s just that kind of day)

10. The B-52′s (this has a really “out of this world cover” and is deffientley a classic to finish off the playlist)

So that was amusing. I’m particulairly fond of Train Your Bird To Talk and Dr. Demento. Although The Klezmer Conservatory Band was really something else I didn’t even know I had. But I really loved the Bruce Cockburn so I think that’s a good topic for the day.

I know my moms always been a big fan of Bruce, and I can see why. He’s pretty awesome and he’s deffientley stood up against the test of time. He’s still uber popular and for good reason. Not only does he have an awesome voice, but his songs are great too. He’s a great song writer, writing one of my favourite lines ever. In Lovers In A Dangerous Time there’s a line “kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight” that my mom used to always say to me when things got bad. It’s the perfect line, for that and anything else. In grade 8 we had a project where we had tell the class our favourite quote, well I said mine was “kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight” by Bruce Cockburn, and all I got back was blank stares, only the teacher knew who he was. Slightly embarassing, but I thought it was just too bad for all those people who are missing out on great music. I think over the years the Barenaked Ladies have also contributed to Bruce’s popularity with that song, because there cover of it is known by many.

Of course Bruce has other great songs like Wondering Where The Lions Are, and The Coldest Night Of The Year. But I mean there’s tons. Seeing him live last year, made me realize how good he really is, and he’s awesome to see live. Really charismatic and fun, but still quiet and stern. I recommend if you ever get the chance, going and seeing him.

Here’s the video for Lovers In A Dangerous Time. It’s well pretty strange, and a little dated, but I never get tired of the 80′s track at the beginning of the song. Somehow even that doesn’t seem dated, although the video does.

What’s with the dancing people 1:50 and the masked people at 2:00, only slightly strange, and what does it have to do with the song. And whats with the smoke machine envoloping Bruce completely. It’s a strange and kinda disturbing video, but a super awesome song, so we’ll exuse the video. It’s kind of entertaining anyway.

Man, It’s Fathers Day

It’s father’s day. Go dad! You eyetuners should all thank my dad too. If it weren’t for him we wouldn’t be here right now, me writing ridiculous music info and you either, laughing in joy, or laughing in mock of my blog. So, go dad for helping along in my musical life. For playing all sorts of crazy music when I was little. For taking me to music festivals. For not freaking when I was into Hedley and other whiny boy pop bands (by the way, thank you for taking me to see Hedley even though you didn’t enjoy it). But most of all thank you for pushing me to do this blog and being my #1 fan and commenter when no one else really was. This post is completely dedicated to you (warning this post could become mushy and sentimental at times, which is so not me, but it has to happen). Thank you.

So this post is completely for dads. Of course that made me think, if you’re making a post for dads what do you talk about? AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Who. Dad bands right? Well not all dads are that stereotypical. Although my dad does enjoy a listen to Stairway to Heaven or Hells Bells every once and a while, that isn’t his usual style. No not my dad. My dad goes for girl punk (70′s girl punk preferably), Mexican dance music, crazy gypsy punk and well, the strangest of strange. So dad, just for you I’m going to talk about Man Man. Yes dad, Man Man, I’m actually not hating it as much as I did before, in fact I’m kinding of loving it. When I was little (well 13 or 14) I hated Man Man. And as I go on I’m realizing it’s an aquired taste, that is actaully quite a good taste. So, once again dad you were right, and I’m sorry I missed out on all those fantastic concerts, but I am completely caught up on the greatness of Man Man now.

Man Man is one of those great, sing-along, shouty chorus, awesome bands. I think when I was little I was much more into the whiny male voice and the acoustic guitar, although not as much anymore. Well not the whiny voice, but the acoustic guitar will always be a music staple to me. Of course not in Man Man. So dad, thank you for now introducing me to Man Man. I’m finally loving it after about 5 years, and think it may stick around for awhile.

So below is their music video for Rabbit Habits. I warn you it is really strange and about 6 minutes long, but I really like it. It also has the woman from Paper Hearts, Charlyne Yi, which was an awesome movie, especially if you love Michael Cera, which of course I do.

So dad hope you have an awesome fathers day and I hope you enjoyed your fathers day post, and having me admit that Man Man really is awesome. So, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

1 For The Moms

Alright all you mothers out there, this ones for you. This is my mothers day playlist, dedicated of course to my mom, but also to all you mothers reading and all you people reading with mothers. This is my all ladies playlist, no gentlemen allowed. The songs are all by individual woman who made it in the industry. That’s pretty cool, and the songs are too. The playlist features two Hillside women, which makes me uber excited. Enjoy moms, you deserve it. I’m off to make mothers day dinner, aren’t I a good daughter.

1.  Heart of My Own – Basia Bulat (a great new discovery)

2.  Glorious Machine – Sometymes Why (this is to me is a real mom song, for mine anyways)

3.  I Am Aglow – Sarah Harmer (an obvious choice)

4.  Bird Of The Summer – A Fine Frenzy (just a song I like)

5.  Born To Hum – Erin Mckeown

6.  Closer To Fine – Indigo Girls

7.  Be My Somebody – Norah Jones

8.  Amazed – MoZella

9.  Smilin’! – Pascale Picard

10. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell

Happy mothers day to all. Enjoy the songs and maybe even get the playlist. You can also check it out at my last.fm profile page.

Here’s a video just for moms. In my mind their can’t be a more perfect artist for moms than Sarah Harmer, I know my moms a huge fan. Can’t think of a present try a Sarah Harmer CD, my personal favourite is You Were Here.

Something about her just seems really strong and independant not to mention that lovely voice.

Where The Wild Things Are

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting and listening to my Where The Wild Things Are record. And I was wondering what to write about but than I realized, it’s pretty obvious, I’m going to talk about Where The Wild Things Are.

As a little (and a kinda older kid) my parents always read to me at night (which I’m convinced turned me into the writer, reader and weirdo I am now, thanks mom and dad, truly ). Where The Wild Things Are was always one of the stories they read me, although I have to admit, it wasn’t always my very favourite. When I heard the movie was coming out though I was excited because I was hoping I’d get the story a little more as I got older. When I heard Spike Jonze was directing the movie my excitment grew even more. I went to see the movie close after opening night(with one of friends who didn’t appreciate it and my mom) without really knowing what I was in store for with the soundtrack…or the movie (the only song I had was All Is Love, which is probably still my favourite).

The movie, in my opinion was incredible. The monsters were unbelievable. Ira of course was my favourite but I defiently felt for Alexander, poor guy. The landscape and everything was great, the whole movie fit with the book even though the book has like nothing it. Spike must of had a pretty clear picture in his head because he got it so right. I felt like the whole movie was pretty moving. Did anybody else think that Carol should have hugged Max at the end? I did. And the soundtrack, well the soundtrack rocked my world. I can’t say I was ever really a fan of Karen O or the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s but maybe she’s just better with kids? Anyways, I love all of it, it has this really cool indie vibe to it that I love and somehow relates to the movie which I thought would be an impossible task. Head’s up is also one of my favourites.

I went shopping with my mom on the weekend and we ended up in Urban Outfitters. I think we must have spent about an hour there looking at clothes (of course) but also looking at all the other stuff they had. I mean I knew those stores had funky things, but I had no idea how cool. I not only got clothes (which were awesome) but I also got a Barack Obama figure that says things, sadly not Yes We Can! though (he’s staring down at me right now). I also got my Where The Wild Things Are Record (on sale). It has this really sad picture of Carol on the front that kinda of breaks my heart but makes me happy at the same time. I wnated to get a figurine to add to my collection of figurines (featuring Dude Love, yes Dude Love, his shirt actually says that and he’s a wrestling guy that I got at the dollar store. What does that even mean?) but they only had Max and I really didn’t want Max (even on sale) I wanted a monster.

You may be wondering why I don’t mind Where The Wild Things Are getting popular, but it’s not the same crowd of usuals who appreciate Where The Wild Things Are. It’s not like Nicholas Sparks The Last Song or Twlight because it isn’t annoying 12 yearold girls loving it, it’s people who are a little well…strange?

Anyways, I’ve posted All Is Love, check out the rest of CD, it’s great and if you haven’t already WATCH THE MOVIE! And of course, read the book, always read the book like my librarian mother says (actually she never said that, but if she a normal librarian I’m sure she would). Enjoy!

Of course their wasn’t an actual music video for the movie, but this is good because it gives you a snapshot of the movie if you haven’t already seen it of course, if you have well enjoy it again, or just listen to the song or just look at the big lovely monster faces. Think this made kids more scared of monsters in their closets or less. For me less.

Lovely Duets

Okay so I know I’ve already posted today but I really want to post my duets playlist. Their just really pretty little songs that I love. The male voices are usually dominate with the womens voice kind of floating through, but not always. This will just make up for my playlist post I missed yesterday. So, here it is.

1. Can’t Go Back Now – The Weepies

2. Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (this is one of the prettiest songs of all time)

3. You’ve Got Growing Up To Do – Joshua Radin

4. Stars – The XX

5. Officer Down – Carolyn Marks & NQ Arbuckle (the only country song I really love)

6. People Are Getting Better – Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long

7. The Indie Queens Are Waiting – Dan Mangan

8. You Can Always Come Home (feat. Serena Ryder) – Jason Castro

9. All The Things You Never Wanted – Peirson Ross

10. Calendar Girls – Stars

11. Two Tongues – The Swell Season

12. Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat) – Jason Mraz

I hope you enjoy it, maybe look up some of the songs their pretty good.

The video I’ve posted is my favourite country song (probably of all time), enjoy it.

I’ve always found the cover art very creepy, but oh well.

A Place I Sometimes Like To Die

I’m having a very quiet and melancholy day. I woke up with a headache and puffy eyes (which is always a bad sign) so to match my mood I’ve decided that Dan Mangan is the guy I want to talk about today. My dad actually told me about him and I loved it the minute I heard it. I’ve been in this super quiet indie folk mood and that’s exactly what he is. He also has a duet song which has become something I really love lately. I’ve even made a whole playlist of duet songs, but that will come another time.

In 2007 he released his first CD, Post Cards and Daydreaming which I have to admit I have not listened to as much. In 2009 he released his second CD Nice, Nice, Very Nice which is the CD with my favourite songs. I find something about him is just really quiet and peaceful and I love that.

Today I went to search his video for the song The Indie Queens Are Waiting and fell in love with it. It definitley matches my super quiet mood. I really love the line “Down the road and on the right-hand side there’s a place I sometimes like to dine” For I long time I thought it was “there’s a place I sometimes like to die”. I was slightly disappointed when I found out it wasn’t that, because that line really seemed perfect for me today although the actual line isn’t quite as morbid or depressing which I guess is good. I showed my mom the video and just like me she thought there was something very compelling about the video and the music. It’s hard to look away from it or to stop listening to it.

I think my 3 favourite Dan Mangan songs have to be The Indie Queens Are Waiting, Road Regrets, and Sold, all from his CD Nice, Nice, Very Nice. I hope you enjoy him as much as I do. He’s just another example of great Canadian Indie Music. Below is his video for The Indie Queens Are Waiting.

Their is something about him that seems really familiar, like I just ran into him at the store or something, that must be what makes him so likeable.