Download: Paper Cranes – “Chivalry’s Dead (Arturo Remix)”
Its pretty good!
Posted in music | Tagged Paper Cranes | Leave a Comment »
Bike to Work Week is coming to Victoria at the End of May, May 31st – June 6th and my man David Eleanor is spear-heading a team.
“Victoria Broadcasting vs. Global Warming”
So far, I think the team is Pol, Dave, Me and Cuervo-Loren from the Promo-Team.
Since its Victoria Broadcasting, all my local radio friends shouldn’t be shy, lets all team up and fight global warming as radio colleagues!
dave@thezone.fm ; that is the contact.
Fossil Fool and Lisa cruising on the Choprical Fish, a custom Soul Cycle.
AND, what is this all about?
a bike stereo that is more stereo than bike? I like it (and might NEED it).
but a blender on a bike? Maybe Huckdoll could use that, but otherwise, I don’t get it.
Go with yourself.
Posted in life or something like it | Tagged Bike to Work Week, Bikes, Stereo | Leave a Comment »
Phoenix from a speeding motorhome SWAGed from my Mom's Facebook.
Coral and I sometimes harbour fantasies of picking up and moving away to live somewhere different.
Its no secret that I want to move to the desert. But lately I’ve been reading so much negative stuff about Arizona and their general distrust of immigrants… that well, doesn’t make me want to be an immigrant there. That leaves Nevada or maybe even New Mexico.
Coral is less enthused about the US in general… maybe I could talk her into Nashville? Music City USA, that has a nice ring. Or maybe Texas! If we moved to Nashville I’d make records and if we moved to Texas I’d obviously take the Panthers to State.
Jeff Gentner/Getty Images
I read that Nashville recently flooded. Nashville, being a center for music in the US had a lot of damage to the things that make music industry spin round. Guitars, piano’s, musical venues and touring equipment.
NPR: Flood Wreck Havoc on Music Scene
I wonder if this will effect us here on our imported rock & roll the same way it effects the price of oranges when there is a frost in Florida? Jack White records will cost double per pound?
ahhh, maybe we’ll stick to Canada. The Canucks let me down, but they got further in the playoffs than the Coyotes of Predators. Could you picture me wearing a Predators sweater? not so much.
Ugh, but that Canucks game last night? I get that the Canucks are going to lose some hockey games. The Blackhawks are a great hockey team and favoured to win. But the way they lost… it is all just so… typical.
The Canucks are NEVER the team that exceeds expectation, and I think that is the worst part of being a Canucks fan.
Every year for the past lot of years, the Canucks generally ice a competitive hockey club only to then fall to pieces in the playoffs. The villains change, but the Canucks lack of progress doesn’t. 600 divisional titles but zero Stanley Cups… its just not right. I only derive so much joy from the yearly spanking of the Leafs and the bouncing of the Oil and Flames from playoff contention (But OIL, they surprise you some years and charge to the Cup… and all the history, and the future prospects in their system!!).
Oh well, next year right?
***
Trying to squeeze a couple bucks out of our little budget to buy bike for Coral and a trailer to pull Madelyn. Then we can go for bike rides with long suffering Oil fan Dave.
Something that felt really good last night. Coral and I went on our online banking account payee list and deleted two. One credit card and one monthly bill that we payed up and eliminated. That oddly had a level of satisfaction I wasn’t expecting. Best use of the delete button for sure.
That’s all I got. Go with yourself.
Posted in Dave Babych, music | Tagged Arizona, Bikes, desert, Nashville, Nevada, Texas, Vancouver Canucks | 7 Comments »
“the incessant quest for identity” – part of the mission statement for a magazine called Fear.less.
***
I do like to punch up Seth Godin’s blog from time to time (who on the internet doesn’t?). Seth posts little bon mots and what nots of an inspirational nature. Occasionally he collects them up into books to make a living (I bought one!).
He was taking about the magazine industry and how they; like everyone “old” media; is heading to dinosaur land. All good stuff. I read about the death of radio everyday… according to some “new media-ists” I should have been laid off like 600 times by now… so that’s great, every pay-cheque is a gift!
I checked out the micro-magazine, likely not my style but I really liked that line at the top, part of their mission statement talks about the fear of… the incessant quest for identity.
Incessant is a good word. Without pause of stop. To the point of annoyance. Doesn’t that just sum it up?
***
My latest “identity”…. bicyclist… I don’t know how Dave does it. Two days in and that seat hurts that delicate area between my balls and bum.
I guess I just got to push through that dip and get hard to it. Seeing as I have no scooter anymore, its how I am getting to work.
I went to Mountain Equipment Co-op today to look at all the accoutrements, ugh… this is going to be another hobby to drain all my money. So much fun stuff to buy that I will “need” for my commute.
Luckily I stayed focused and actually bought nothing… but mostly because my money is spoken for until I am out of debt. hmmm, but pay day is Friday….
Go with yourself.
Posted in life or something like it | Tagged Bikes, Fearless magazine, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Seth Godin | Leave a Comment »
I biked downtown today to pick up a copy of The National’s High Violet on vinyl. It is a very pretty record. When I got to Ditch at noon, they had already sold out of their first box and I was a sad panda till Longshanks said, “wait, it might be in this parcel that arrived today.” Sure enough, it was.
Fingers crossed, my record player acts like a well adjusted machine and spins the platter all proper like and I’ll get the chance to dive into all four sides of deep brooding guitar driven indie-awesome.
I was staring at the record package before a meeting today at The Canoe Club. My waitress had never heard of the National, so I did my boy-scout deed of the day and gave her the MP3 download card that comes with better LP purchases.
The cover art of High Violet is a sculpture by an artist named Mark Fox. The sculpture is called The Blinding Force. It was neat to see the original on the web, but I picture of a sculpture doesn’t seem to do it justice. I’d have to see it in a gallery I think, to fully appreciate.
The sculpture has a bunch of hand written words blasting out of that wood base. On the record cover it is hard to make the them all out and I don’t really understand their meaning or theme right now. I think that is why I’d need to see it in person, to make out more of the words… maybe drink a box of wine with the artist and listen to his ideas.
And then, why did The National chose this piece of art over all the others pieces they could or would have seen in New York City?
I am now pretty sad I’m not going to Sasquatch to see The National in May. I just got my email approving my media pass. c’est dommage.
They play in Vancouver in September ( a day I likely won’t be able to swing) and then in Redmond, Washington the next night (an easier date for me).
***
Coral bought me a present yesterday… new Jamie Oliver cookbook. Does it have a chapter of food inspired by the desert of Arizona? Why yes it does, thank you for asking.
***
Go with yourself.
Posted in music | Tagged desert, High Violet, Jamie Oliver, Mark Fox, The Blinding Force, The National | Leave a Comment »
Vancouver based singer-bearded type, Dan Mangan came by the Zone Afternoon show last week before his show at Sugar Nightclub.
I am growing a bit of a semi for his record Nice, Nice, Very Nice. For Mother’s Day, we packed up the family in the ole Jeep and headed up to Parksville. On the trek, Coral’s sister Alyx brought along her copy of the album and we must have listened the CD twice through. It was pretty amazing to hear. I was pulling out elements of Damian Rice or The Frames; two artists that I also love. I was forced to hit stop only when the Canucks came on the AM radio for the drive back.
Which leads me to this: does the programmer of CFAX huff glue? After the game Alain is giving a post-game summery and interview and they cut him off to roll into commercials. What could possibly be more important than Alain Vigneault debriefing such a clutch win? What could CFAX have to air on a Sunday night after a 4-1 romp of the Mighty Hawks? Give your head a shake. I was forced to punch up the Team till it got too fuzzy. Respect the Alain… now I may never know the true nature of Sami’s testicle.
Right, Dan Mangan.
He came on the radio last Friday for an interview and live performance and clicking below will unleash that for you. We talk about fun things like Stand-Up Bass players; try to launch a beef with The Reverend Horton Heat; laugh at some really Jason Lamb-esque jokes; Dan talk about the future; a shout out to Tamara Stanners at the Peak; then he plays “Sold.” Then I gush some more about that stand-up bass!
Click to listen: Dan Mangan on The ZAS
Download or get you some Nice, Nice, Very Nice… its a mighty good record and I’ll give it a firm thumb up.
***
I am just a handful of chapters from finishing Juliet, Naked. The book is very enjoyable and is scratching a lot of itches that rattle around my head.
There is a brief moment of the book where Annie ends up meeting a couple gentlemen in a pub in Gooleness (which I think is a fake town? There is a city or town or whatever in England called Goole… which is similar but not the town talked about in the book). Annie meets these guys and they go on to display some crazy old-guy type dance and explain that they are into Northern Soul culture. They then take Annie to a community hall where a bunch of old timers are milling about remembering the “good old days.”
I had read a review many moons ago about a Northern Soul compilation record, so I thought I’d check out what the music sounded like to put the scene in context for me.
Northern Soul basically was a Motown type movement going on in England in the 60s and 70s BUT they seemed like they went out of the way to find rarities, indie, b-sides and generally obtuse American R&B records. I was instantly hooked.
Listen to some Northern Soul music
I downloaded something like 60 songs on Saturday and punched them up at the lounge. I was losing my shit (the audience… well they weren’t going crazy like when I play more mainstream Motown, but I could see the style worked in the environment).
It was a lot of new music for me. My easy read of what Northern Soul is led me to a couple books I’ll need to track down if I can.
01) Last Night a DJ Saved My Life by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
02) Northern Soul: Music, Drugs and Subcultural Identity by Andrew Wilson
and for shits and giggles maybe Buyology by Martin Lindstrom. Some crazy nerd words about fucking with your mind using the power of sound to sell stuff.
Basically Northern Soul sounds like music you’re familiar with, but you can’t place. I think it’ll end up being worked in with more standard Motown classic to flesh out the sets and keep it from getting stale. Plus, well anything new to me is exciting so it is fun trying to find and dig up the music of Northern England in the late 60s and 70s.
That’s all I got right now. Tomorrow, the new National record comes out. I have a meeting downtown so I’ll stop by Ditch and get the LP. Can’t wait. One.more.sleep.
Go with yourself.
Posted in Dave Babych, music, radio | Tagged CFAX, Daniel, Northern Soul, Parksville, radio interview, The National, Vancouver Canucks | 2 Comments »
I want to go to there. United Record Pressing, Nashville USA.
Posted in music | Tagged Untied Record Pressing | 3 Comments »
I am about 80% confident my scooter will sell this weekend. But I don’t have the cash in bank account yet, so this baby is still up for offer.
If you’re thinking about it, think faster!
BUY: my 2006 Honda Jazz scooter
Thank you, my scooter is now sold. I appreciate all the interest.
Should it sell tomorrow (fingers crossed) then I’ll be able to get my hands on a bicycle. I went down to Horus Bicycle Works today to have a look and William is likely going to set me up with a brand called Stevens. It is new to Canada. I think the model I’ll be commuting on is the Strada 600. He’ll set it up with fenders, lights and a rack on the back so I can attach bags if I need. Future plans call for getting Coral a bike and a trailer to tow Mads. And maybe another trailer like the ones homeless biker people have… cargo trailers. I could pack my DJ rig about on a bike!
So scooter sells, I’ll be a biker like my friend Dave and I’ll be able to pay down even more debt. Huzzah. The scooter doesn’t cost much to operate but I’ll also see a little savings every month on what little it did need (about $35/month… so like half a cell phone bill).
***
I was reading the Bob Lefsetz email the other day and he was talking about the book Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I love music and one of the few things I like more than listening to music, or making out while listening to music, is reading about music (while listening to music).
Nick Hornby wrote High Fidelity. I never read that but I’m sure its pretty good. Juliet, Naked is getting some good reviews and positive buzz, I like Bob’s emails… so I bought it. I don’t read a ton of Fiction… which is odd, because when i read a book that I like, I really like it. So I thought its time to dive into some make-believe for a change (that and my books about Quadra and Money are interesting; but also kinda boring and are taking me forever, so time for a break).
I’m only on chapter two but so far I like it. Nick tells the story of Duncan and Annie and Tucker Crowe but he also talks about music. About listing to music; being a fan; being a casual listeners; what it means; what it does for each of us. Duncan is a super obsessed music fan. His nerddom shames me. His life partner Annie is his suffering side-kick. In Chapter one they travel to America from their home in the UK to go on a pilgrimage of sites for Duncan’s favourite musician Tucker Crowe. Chapter two has them at home in the UK and Annie is starting to feel like Duncan is not the man for him and a little depressed at some of her life choices and how boring it all is. Duncan thinks Annie is an idiot. Then a CD arrive sin the mail and…. god dammit MADELYN GO TO BED.
“One thing about great art,” Duncan thinks after his first listen to Juliet, Naked, “it makes you love people more, forgive them their petty transgressions. It worked in the way that religion was supposed to, if you thought about it.”
I’ll have to tuck into more tonight after I get home from DJing at The Clubhouse. If you’re going out, maybe I’ll see you there for drinks and music and friendship… if not… go with yourself.
Posted in life or something like it, music | Tagged bike, Bob Lefsetz, Horus Bicycle Works, Horus Bikes, Juliet Naked, Nick Hornby, Stevens, Strada 600 | 8 Comments »
Yesterday on the Zone Afternoon Show I was swarmed by rock and roll. I had the opportunity to interview and hear a live performance from the groups Plants and Animals, Hollerado and Said the Whale. here we go!
Montreal’s Plants and Animals were the first band to stop by. We talked about May the Forth Be With You; how much their first record Parc Avenue ripped and came in second place a bunch when it was nominated for Junos and other prestigious things; how much they crush live; the sonic differences between Parc Avenue and La La Land (their new album); Adam Lambert and cruise ships; Tea; then they perform “Game Shows.” Fun.
Download: Plants and Animals on the ZAS
Ontario’s Hollerado came by next. They were playing at Lucky Bar that night and their show was fantastic.
Hollerado are from a small town outside Ottawa… but are they Sens fans, or do they cheer the Canadiens?
We talk puck; how they live in a van; how much they have traveled; London, Ontario totally sucks and Brazil totally rules; Record in a Bag is their album… but does it actually come in a back?; Juliet is the name of Hollerado’s hit song, but the video is a real trip. In the video, the old lady is played by non-other than Ms. Margot Kidder aka Lois Lane in Superman! believe that; They drank with her and those times they shared were special; they talk about Global Warming (but don’t worry I set them straight on the MYTH of global warming) and then they play “Americanarama.”
Download: Hollerado on The ZAS
The show ends with a return visit by everyone’s favourite magician singing band, Said the Whale.
STW lead singer Tyler sat on an airplane with Canadian indie rock royalty Emily Hanes, but does he spill the beans?; Said the Whale talks about the song “The Light is You.” Wait an minute, I know that song? But from where? Turns out it is used in a Sun-Rype commercial! Funny story about Sun-Rype… owned by Jim Pattison, the SAME local billionaire that owns the Zone… whoa.
Pretty song, fun interview.
Download: Said the Whale on The ZAS
That’s all I got, go read a book. And go with yourself, always.
oh and a baby.
Posted in music, radio | Tagged Hollerado, Interview, Plants and Animals, Said The Whale | Leave a Comment »
Inspired by my friend Dave Sawchuk and a new afternoon show sponsor, Horus Bikes… I think I wanna get a bike to commute to work everyday!
So that means I am selling my Honda Jazz scooter. Which I love, but sadly I fear that if I bike to work everyday, the poor scooter will be neglected. I’d rather it went to a good home.
As you know from reading my blog (I hope), I LOVE scooter riding. If you think you might, or know someone who does, please have a look or share my Used Victoria ad with them.
Link: Honda Jazz 2006 $1,800
***
Just got back from a quick trip to Coquitlam to visit my family and celebrate my brother Matt’s 27th birthday. Ran into some some old friends from High School which was kinda random. Its not like metro Vancouver is a small town or anything. Saw a friend named Lisa and her little 5 month old girl at Metrotown and ran into Jen on a first date!
***
In other less exciting news…
No more Sasquatch trip for me because I’m an idiot and did this:
ugh. So ignorant. Generally I feel Coral is the crazier driver and I am the zen one. Coral stresses in traffic, speeds, tails people. I always figured she’d be the one totaling the Jeep. But ah, Murphy’s Law, the guy that scooters to work in the sun/rain/sleet/hail/wind everyday… takes the Jeep out on a Friday morning for some errands (dry cleaning FYI), backing up and run into a cement barrier.
It smashed into the side/rear of the jeep above and beside the bumper. I don’t know if the Jeep is made of out of paper mache, but it sounded like an IED went off as I gingerly backed into the metal capped cement corner. I thought I was in Afghanistan briefly. As I didn’t see the barrier at all and the parking lot was empty, it was a mighty surprise.
“what the fuck was that?!?”
I fly outta the Jeep and… oh, right… the giant cement barrier. Since I missed the bumper, the cement barrier cut into the Jeep like a Spartans spear and did some serious damage.
So I have to make a claim to ICBC and that little “uh-oh I forgot” will cost me $500. About what I planned on spending on booze/food in Washington. Assuming I could get a media pass. If I had to buy scalper tickets more. So instead I canceled my holiday and will stay home to DJ and make up the $500. Lame.
That’s all I got. Go with yourself.
Posted in life or something like it | Tagged Coquitlam, Honda Jazz Scooter, Horus Bikes, ICBC, Jeep, Vancouver | 9 Comments »
The Morning After 
