Wednesday Listens E08

This is essentially a Wally de Backer (AKA Gotye) theme week, because hey, the man is super talented.

Now before you think “oh is she just going to have ‘Somebody That I Used to Know'” song?” One: I was considering it. Two: Well I’m going to have other songs ’cause I want to show you some of his other songs that will have you going “WOW I SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS MAN A SHOT”

Fun fact. Wally de Backer is part of “The Basics” A stellar band that experiments with guitar, drums, vocals, and have impact-ful lyrics.

Love the video for this song. And his voice. And the lyrics. Oh plus the riff. And everything.

This a catchy poppy song from The Basics, much different sound from the previous song. Takes a more direct band-y song route (if that’s a thing?)

Super creepy video but I love it. The (I want to guess) flute is a great edition with the softer drums. Plus their suits are super adorbs.

Now before Indie88 continues making those “Find Gotye 2014” jokes again, he’s actually performing with The Basics and had an album release in AU on Aug. 14th (if you actually did your research…)

Cheers.

Wednesday Listens E07

Time for some High School throwback music.

“It’s funny how you just break down // Waitin’ on some sign”
That’s the line that got me for this number. Also the stache, but that’s not related. Or maybe it’s the guitar solo that ends with a faster tempo with powerful drum beat that gets me. It’s the song to walk, dance, belt out to.
Basically when I was in high school and spent most of my time at the library either during my lunch or before my shift at UPS this was on loop on my SanDisk Sansa MP3 player.

If you haven’t heard “Electric Feel” by MGMT by now, where were you in 2008? The psychedelic music makes you able to let go of your thoughts and flow with the music.

Konk is one of my all-time favourite albums. As such, it’s difficult choosing just one song off the album. BUT, “Do you Wanna?” has been a favourite for some time now. It’s that guitar riff that sucks you in, and especially when the music slows down with the drum beat steadying off. PLUS who can deny that ever-so low shirt paired with a great leather jacket? Swoooon </sarcasm>

 

 

Sue Monk Kidd “The Secret Life of Bees”

This book is beautiful. Knowing I never read it in school, I think it should be mandatory.

I really can’t do it justice by explaining what happens, really you just need to find a copy of the book yourself and read it. Nevertheless, in sum it’s a coming-of-age story about Lily Owens, who finds herself running away from home. From there, she learns that the way she’s been seeing the world is incorrect, and the perspective has only been taught to her. The novel also deals with the power of females, and the strength they live with.

“The whole time we worked, I marveled at how mixed up people got when it came to love.” pg. 133

“You know what? You think too much. It would do you a world of good to stop thinking and just go with your feelings once in a blue moon.” pg. 155

— Now the above quote is about me. I think WAY too much. It is the worst to think constantly. And you sit there, and you begin to THINK about why you can’t stop thinking, and live like others around you. The worst.

“I watched him, filled with tenderness and ache, wondering what it was that connected us. Was it the wounded places down inside people that sought each other out, that bred a kind of love between them?” pg. 184

If these two didn’t end up eventually, I’ll be upset.

Wednesday Listens E06

Get to it.

I had the pleasure of seeing X Ambassadors open up for Imagine Dragons in March 2014. Once they opened up, I knew I would be seeing more of them – which we kind of did last summer (not just this summer) when OITNB used “Jungle” Their use of synths and vocals make them a strong electronic group. Instead of presenting you with that one single (Renegades) you’ve seen Jeep use for the whole summer, I thought I would let you know they have some other great music too that you should listen to.

While technically not a new song, I wish RAC had more exposure (be sure to follow his Facebook for weekly caturday photos). Man. The riff in this song is sick and sticks with me. I’m glad RAC used Kele for the main vocals, his voice suits the foundation. Not related, I love the male actor in this video, he’s totally cute, has the right facial expressions, and plays the part well. Definitely did not listen to this on repeat walking around campus. . .

*video not recommended for those with weak stomachs as she’s a Hannibal Lecter type character*

Another solid guitar riff from Two Door Cinema Club paired with a cute music video. And the lyrics are on point. Was he thinking of me. It’s a pop-y alternative sound, but gets your toes a-tapping.

Wednesday Listens E05

Fifth “episode” is here. I have some nice folky tunes for your glorious day ahead. Turns out they all have to do with fire as well. Makes sense since today is suppose to be one hell of a day. (ha i’m so lame.)

What a cutie Vance Joy is. Vance Joy has a way with words that cause you to be caught up with the song, which is most definitely a good thing. Any artist who is able to have this pull over you is good in my books.

Rolling Stones’ song “Fire” is too short for my liking. The guitar riff keeps this song solid and makes me want more. I also have to loop this twice five times.

Finally this is one of my favourite songs by Kasabian. One: Vocals vocals vocals. If you haven’t figured it out, I love some good vocals. Next, mix of tempos are important. This song works because it has found a balance between that slow tempo and then is able to bring the tempo up without being off putting. Finally, there’s something about the lyrics with this song that hooks you in. Check out other Kasabian songs. Off of this album – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum – in particular, I really like “Where Did All the Love Go?”

Until next week.

Dean Koontz “Deeply Odd”

Deeply Odd is more emotionally straining than the other books. Given that children are the main focus, be prepared to become teary-eyed. Odd’s world is becoming more complex and it will be interesting to see where this goes in the final novel.

Continue reading →

Wednesday Listens E04

Fourth installment of Wednesday Listens underway. Going to present you with some newer sounds this week that you should DEFINITELY give a listen to.

Our lovely lead singer of Killers is going solo (again). I debated whether posting “Can’t Deny my Love” but settled on “Still Want You.” Brandon Flowers presents us with an albeit Killers sounding song that uses a great mixture of vocals, beats, and synth sounds. The vocals remind me of “Read My Mind” but the female back-up singers gives it a new 60s twist. Keep in mind, this isn’t the first time Flowers has gone solo. In 2010 he came out with his album Flamingo. It just seems – at least to me – that his solo career is more pronounced five years later.

Two underexposed artists, STS & RJD2, collaborate together to create beautiful sounds. Throughout the album RJD2 lays down a nice electronic base to STS’ rapping skills. Decided to share “Doin’ It Right” because I simply love the beat and whistling. Prepare to head bop to this one.

Lastly I decided on some Tame Impala even though this song has been around for a few months now. “Let It Happen” is a great single that doesn’t disappoint. Tame Impala uses their familiar sounds of psychedelic beats, synths and scary John Lennon vocals. Sometimes you just gotta let it happen.

Terre Bleu Lavender Farm

This weekend I visited the coolest place on Earth. Basically, I found heaven.

Terre Bleu is a lavender farm that is located in Campbellville. They are going into their second year of being open to the general public. Upon arriving you will be greeted by one of the many friendly university students (who of course are going to school for something related to farming) and you will have to pay a certain fee to enter.

The fee grants you a tour of the farm where you will see where they distill the lavender, where the apiary (bee hives) are and of course learn about the type of lavender plants in the fields (who know there was more than one type of lavender!)

This place was so relaxing. I love lavender to begin with, so it was easy to fall in love with the farm. Sipping on lavender lemonade and eating some lavender ice cream was a good decision.

Definite recommendation!

Wednesday Listens E03

This week has bit of a theme. Circa late 2000s in fact + some other themes you can use your head to figure out.

Oh The Tragically Hip. (that band everyone’s prof always talked about — or just mine?). Enjoy their 2006 single “In View” while you reminisce about that old crush, current crush, or just a person you’ve been meaning to call.

Bloc Party will forever have a special place in my heart. Intimacy is by my favourite album from them, mainly because the album flows with each song. “Flux” has a great beat and features my favourite word. Just say it with me “flux” sigh, doesn’t that feel good? It’s the x at the end (I swear I’m not crazy.)

Kings of Leon have those rough vocals you lust over. Just going to leave this song here and say no more.

5K Foam Fest Review

SO. 5K Foam Fest took place on Saturday July 11th. And it was FUN. Of course we all know these events are purely to make money – charity just seems like an add on so that people feel good about spending 60+ dollars. Continue reading →