Category Archives: music

Hey Rosetta! Serenaded Me

Posted on June 28, 2011 | 1 Comment

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

Went to check them out at The Edge studios at Sugar Beach last night and was surprised with how intimate the performance was – there were so few of us there. I’m not complaining at all, I loved having a nearly private performance with one of my favourite live acts ever.

I saw Hey Rosetta! live before hearing any of their recorded stuff and was so impressed with the show they put on that I bought the album the moment I got home. Seriously, they’re that good.

They played an additional song for the crowd (bonus points!) and it was nice, towards the end of it, we all had a little sing along. I got the sense that the band was really enjoying it. I’m glad we all let loose a bit, during their soundcheck, I was commenting to a friend how people at a lot of Toronto shows are lame and stand staring up at the band like zombies. I then busted out a (quick) move. After their final song, they chatted with the fans, super cool band. I got to meet Tim, the lead singer and actually asked for a photo. I never ask celebrities/musicians for photos (Why? You think you’re better than me? Why aren’t you asking for MY photo? I’m dumb.)

Check out the videos from the live session below and if you’re digging them, you can click here and download their live session at the XM Studios from November 2010, for free. And if you’re in the giving mood (and you should be, they just gave you an album!), support USC Canada by leaving them a tip.

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Posted in music, Toronto, Uncategorized

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Cake Wrecked

Posted on March 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

I should know better than to bake when I’m not feeling up to it. In fact, I do know better. I’m a feeler, if I don’t feel like doing something, I won’t do it. And if I do, I will do a terrible job of it. Like tonight. I had my first ever cake wreck, times 2.

My first attempt at Red Velvet cake, failed miserably. I really should bake with my eyes on (i.e. contacts or glasses would be grrrreat). A couple of misread ingredients, along with some experimenting on my own lead to red velvet that tasted like, well, nothing at all. Well maybe some sugar. Also, the red velvet life would be so much easier if only I had a KitchenAid Stand Mixer (anyone? anyone?).

My second attempt (in the same night) was a chocolate layer cake. I really don’t care for cakes. Who likes ‘em anyways? I for one think they are boring and one can certainly make a nice dent in one before realizing just how much they’ve eaten. A nice, portion-controlled cupcake, cookie, tart or mini pie is what I’m familiar with. What I like to stick with. So, recipe for ultimate cake wreck, boredom and my “I don’t feel like it” attitude. It was somewhere between beating the eggs and vanilla into the 2 cups (yes, 2 bloody cups) of butter and sifting a whole lotta flour where I waved my white flag and claimed defeat. Now, I sit in my bed, wracked with the guilt of wasting so much butter.

So please don’t commission me to bake you a cake. I won’t do it. You won’t want it. Great. It’s settled.

On a completely unrelated note, I bought the new Strokes album and have listened to it 3 times tonight. I love it. Even if Pitchfork gave it a 5.9/10 (I will not let that site determine my musical tastes. I will not let that site determine my musical tastes. I will not let that site determine my musical tastes.). Get it.

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Posted in baking, music

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Most Anticipated Reunion

Posted on January 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

And no, it’s not more about BSB. This one’s legit. The 2011 Coachella lineup was announced last night and although at first, I was like, “yeah great bands, awesome show,” it wasn’t until I got to Day 3 where I was like, “Holy crap! I have to go! Where do I get a ticket! Expletive! More exclamation marks! Holy crap!”

Which band could have this effect on me? Death from Above 1979. I’ve only seen them as a unit once and then doing their own separate acts multiple times. I love them. They’re musical geniuses. And I may or may not have in appropriately caressed JFK’s foot one night at a bar – he was wearing ostrich skin DFA special edition Puma’s, come on.

While I enjoyed MSTRKRFT, I wasn’t entirely sold on Sebastien Grainger & the Mountains. These 2 just worked better as a unit and this is why I am beyond thrilled that they’re back together.

For real. I love them this much:

That's quite a lot of love

This was at the Toys ‘r Us in Times Square, we seriously spread the word around Legoland that DFA is where it’s at.

So, now what? Get a full-time job so I could pay for this sucker.

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Clap Your Hands, Go Crazy

Posted on April 30, 2010 | 1 Comment

In dire need for happy, uplifting song. This one has me forgetting all the blahness and even has me busting a move. Enjoy!

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Posted in music, Uncategorized

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Dancing in the Streets

Posted on July 21, 2009 | 2 Comments

I’ve finally found a song that had me let go of all inhibitions (no beer required) and bust a move in the streets. What’s yours?

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Posted in music

North American Celebrations

Posted on June 30, 2009 | 2 Comments

2626513873_3d25b5ff7bTomorrow’s Canada Day, I’m not going to go into depth about how unhappy I am that it’s on a Wednesday and that I had to work Monday and Tuesday and have to go back to work Thursday and Friday. All the while, our American office will be enjoying Thursday and Friday off. End rant.

I’m sitting here, trying to figure out what I’ll be doing to celebrate the big day and am coming to countless hurdles. My first idea, ohhh, spend the day at the Island and watch fireworks (if you can spot them from the island, can you?). Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, those plans won’t work out. The city of Toronto is currently a stinkfest. The city’s pesky union workers are on strike thus making things like garbage collection, ferries to and from the Island, many farmer’s markets on city property and many fireworks displays canceled, too. Very smart, union workers. Very. Smart. I don’t even think I’ll be able to enjoy some of the city’s parks as they’ve since become temporary garbage dumps. Disgusting.

So after some searching, I think I have a plan of action. BBQ at a friend’s house, then off to a free Constantine’s concert. That’ll do. Non?

So have a wonderful day off fellow Canadians. And to all of you lucky Americans who have the last 2 days of the week off, happy day to you as well.

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Posted in music, Toronto

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Its Britney, Bitch

Posted on March 19, 2009 | 9 Comments

3328824108_35be00a7bdI don’t know what it is, but it seems that no matter what Brit Brit does, the public is still rooting for her to come out on top. At least, I was. Since being under her father’s care (and not being able to make a single decision on her own) Brit’s comeback has been on the right path. She’s even on tour!

Brit Brit’s tour made a stop in Toronto last night and I was fortunate enough to get tickets. I’ve always wanted to go to a Britney performance. I say performance becuase I know she’s not know for her vocals and I refuse to call what I saw last night a concert. She didn’t sing a single song, not even the ballads. Can I say I’m surprised? No. I really wasn’t expecting her to sing much, I was just praying that she’d put on a fantastic show. And she came through.

The Pussycat Dolls opened for her and as much as I want to hate them, I just can’t. There’s a tiny part of me that can’t turn away from a catchy pop tune. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a Pussycat Doll? They were quite entertaining and they all Nicole sang their songs.

There’s normally a huge, boring wait time between the opening act and the main attraction at big shows like this. Brit Brit pleases fans with a little circus act to get us ready for her grand entrance. There was a man that was able to balance (and spin) a gigantic, I mean larger than life, cube on his palm. And a lady who was able to hula hoop 16 hoops at once. SIXTEEN. And I struggle with only one.

Brit Brit emerged from the ceiling after an opening from Perez Hilton, which was a bit too much for me but that’s Perez for ya. She “sang”, she danced – in a tiger cage, in a floating picture frame, on a chaise lounge, while straddling two men who’ve interlocked their legs and are floating about the stage – she greeted the fans (only twice which made me think she’s on Valium or Papa Spears won’t allow her to say anything else fearing possible inappropriate comments) and played most of her hits.

The show was entertaining (even from the nosebleeds) and the stage was gigantic so everyone got a great view. Brit Brit is most def’ on the track to coming back with avengence. I’ve been holding back on adding a ridiculous Britney song title reference but I can’t do it any longer, I must, I must. I left the concert hoping she’d gimme more.

Image courtest of diogocooper on flickr.

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Posted in music, Toronto

Music is my Savior

Posted on February 18, 2009 | 5 Comments

n293000813_298003_7096At least it used to be. I can’t find THAT SONG that will help me forget that I have 6572349058405647567 things on my to-do list, or drown out that voice that fills my ears with dread, that then makes its way to my brain a rattles the most sensitive of nerves, that then… well, you get the picture.

I used to be able to turn on my iPod and my tense shoulders would relax, my teeth would no longer clench, I wouldn’t care so much about things that shouldn’t bother me. I wanna be carefree again.

Please, I need new music. I need my new Canned Heat.

On an unrelated, yet somewhat related note. I loved the song, Canned Heat, so much that I actually wanted to get the lyrics tattooed onto the heels of my feet. I have a habit of making up my own lyrics to songs and apparently did so with this song but convinced myself they were the actual lyrics. Fortunately, I shared this tattoo idea with a friend who corrected me before I tattooed anything.

Here’s what I thought the lyrics were: I’ve got candy in my heels tonight, baby.

Actual lyrics: I’ve got canned heat in my heels tonight, baby.

It really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out I was wrong. After all, the song is named CANNED HEAT. Ah to be youthful, dumb and immediately ready to make life-altering decisions again.

Photo courtesy of me back in my youthful, dumb, carefree and dance loving days, that’s passion right there. Passion.

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12 Years in the Making

Posted on January 30, 2009 | 6 Comments

I think I’m still flying high on adrenaline as I’m running on about 2 hours of sleep. I must prepare you before you read on, some of you may lose an ounce of respect for me, some may be surprised, some will be jealous. This post is now officially announcing my love of boy bands. Not all boybands, just one.

I love, love, love the Backstreet Boys. Ever since that fateful day in the 6th grade, I was in my basement watching the Hit List, I remember Aashna introducing a new entry on the countdown, Backstreet Boys – Get Down. I was instantly hooked. Just seconds into the video, I had already figured out which one was my favourite. The one, the only Mr. Nickolas Gene Carter. Sure, I’ve enjoyed looking at all 5 of them over the past 12 years, but there was something about that Nick.

Let me put this adoration into perspective for you. You know how some couples have a list of celebrities they get a “get out of jail free” card should you end up cheating with them? I don’t need a list, I just need one person. This would be Nick Carter.

Fast forward to present day. I was out for dinner with a couple of friends on Sunday night, one of them mentioned that Nick would be celebrating his 29th birthday at a club in Toronto (well, Thornhill to be exact). I was in shock. I took advantage of this rare opportunity and immediately purchased tickets for the event.

So, last night, some friends and I head over to Nava for the birthday bash. Enjoy a meal there (to ensure we get prime spots) and gush over our BSB memories, it was great to feel 12 again. My love shows up and I’m thisclosetohimseriouslysocloseIdidn’tknowwhattodowithmyself. So I did the obvious thing and just stared, like a crazy stalker. Nick Carter

Although I didn’t get to converse with my love, I got this photo and I left happy. All is well with the world.

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Posted in Just For Fun, music

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Spice Up Your Life!

Posted on February 4, 2008 | Leave a comment

I was hesitant to write an entry about the Spice Girls concert I had attended but it was far too good to not mention. Although my current music tastes suggest that the Spice Girls would be the last group on Earth that I’d be a fan of, I’m not ashamed to let my past tastes come back from time to time.

I remember back in elementary school on photo day, the photographer would always call every student by a celebrity’s name when it was your turn to take your individual photo. In the sixth grade, the photog referred to me as “Posh Spice”, this was of course pre plastic surgery and rack of bones body, and I’m sure the only reason he called me that was because of the short brown bob we both sported. I thought I was the coolest and it only heightened my interest in the group.

Back to present day, the show in Toronto was PHENOMENAL! I’m never a fan of huge stadium shows but this was well worth forking over over $100 and dealing with a crowd of tens of thousands of young girls. They were bang on with their dancing and their voices have gotten better since they were last together.

The part of the show that I particularly enjoyed was when each Spice took the stage and performed a solo. My favourite being Posh using the stage as her own personal runway and not singing at all. It’s rather comical seeing as she doesn’t have the voice of an angel.

It was great to see the girls together again and joking along on stage and spicing up my life. VIVA 4EVA!

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