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Pink Rocker

April 14, 2010 by morningaftershow

Battle between the Scythians and the Slavs (Viktor Vasnetsov, 1881)

Today is anti-bullying day.  Lots of people rocking Pink. (I wore black today cuz I am more pro space than anti-bullying, but yeah, semantics aside).  Jason and Dylan had a powerful discussion on their show this morning that would be worth your time to revisit.

I wouldn’t say I was bullied a ton in school.  I was am a skinny guy and I remember back in grade 8, my first year of middle school, being made very aware of how skinny I was.  There were some older kids that gave me a hard time and I didn’t like being in the gym change room when the football guys were there because they’d push me around.  I do remember wanting to be fat? I thought people would pick on me less if I were a giant lumbering barbarian man!  How fucked is that?  Probably didn’t help that I played a TON of Dungeons and Dragons.

The way I dealt? Fought back… once at least.  Results… hmm  mixed.  I would spend my lunch sometimes in the tech room with the other nerds in grade 8, thinking I would be clear of bullies there.  Wrong-O.  there was this alpha cowboy nerd guy that would beat on us… and my friend Rob in particular.  I got tired of it so one day I told the teacher guy and he turfed him.  He lost his lunch privileges.  After his little suspension, he came at me one time but I fought him off and all was cool.  He kind of avoided me and I him.  The older football guys… well I just avoided and they moved up to highscool at the end of the year.

I also made some friends and quick.  Got tribal.  And the tribe of choice for me were the “rockers.”  They were some “big” guys and they were into metal and rock and liked to party and there were girls around.  And when I got bothered by the “homies” it wasn’t “me” they were laying into, rather the culture and that was cool… because our culture was strong and we could give it back.

My high school was so big that by grade 11… to me at least, people didn’t worry about that stuff so much.  I am sure it mattered to most people but I had a thick skin by then and just focused on graduating and parties.

The idea of music and bullies does live on.  The music and style you listen to attracts comments, dissent and dissection.  Sometimes fun and sometimes unwanted.  Any closet country fans reading this blog?  Probably not the first thing you share when you walk into a room.  Save that dirty secret for your lover or priest or something.  Ace of Base fans?  Just kill yourself.

See, that is me being a bully.

Working on the Zone I get a LOT of phone calls from people with their opinions of the music we play.  Being a professional broadcaster, I have the confidence to listen and then not really care that you think Wintersleep’s “Black Camera” is too repetitive (mostly because I don’t think you really know why you hate the song and you picked the wrong way to articulate it).

To me, harshing on someone’s taste in music is a form of bullying.  Its a personal decision that doesn’t have to effect anyone else (well except on the Zone, we broadcast our taste to your car stereo… so please feel free to beak off if you so desire).  At the end of the day, every song we play is someone’s favourite, or it wouldn’t be on the radio.

I do try to not slam anyone’s music (except Vancityrockgirl’s obsession with Placebo… creepy).  Its not that I don’t have opinions or strong dislikes… I’d just rather focus my arguments on what are the best… instead of what is the worst.

Go with yourself.

Posted in life or something like it, music | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments »

Whaddya going to do with a pontoon boat? Retake Omaha Beach?

April 13, 2010 by morningaftershow

Up late last night working on music playlists for the Canoe Brewpub and I experienced a couple musical moments that are rooted in science.

I read a book (last summer maybe?) called This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin. The book is full of neat facts and research and explanations.  A couple things that got my brain turning last night.

I love listening to music loud.  I always have… likely will till my ears stop… then the theatre of mind will be in Dolby Surround all the time as I wait to die.  I remember as a kid jamming out my R.E.M. and Alice in Chains records before bed, cranked on the discmen.  A car to me, is a stereo that allows me to also travel faster than bus.  The bus is a wonderful machine that lets me focus solely on my iPod without all the “driving” getting in the way.  My late teens and twenties were spend at shows.  Loud shows were best.

When I came to the Zone (and still to this day) the monitors are at full bore.  When I did evenings, I’d walk home to Fernwood and get home around 1:30AM.  The evening show used to be live to 1AM back then.  I’d smoke pot, lay on my floor and crank music.  Even soft music had to be loud and with headphones on.  I’d lay on the floor or the couch, stare up and listen.

Coral, god bless her, does not like loud music.

What’s going on?  Science do you know?  You don’t?  SWA?

“A lot of people really like loud music. Concertgoers talk about a special state of consciousness, a sense of thrills and excitement, when the music is really loud – over 115 dB ( a typical rock concert). We don’t yet know why this is so.  Part of the reason may be related to the fact that loud music saturates the auditory system, causing neurons to fire at their maximum rate.  When many, many neurons are maximally firing, this could cause an emergent property, a brain state qualitatively different from when they are firing at normal rates.  Still, some people like loud music, and some people don’t.” (pg. 71 – This Is Your Brain on Music)

So there I am at, at 1AM last night, music cranked.  Its like my drugs man.

As I am sitting there at my computer at some odd hour, Wilson Picket’s “Land of a Thousand Dances” comes on.  Immediately I think about the 1988 comedy The Great Outdoors.  Its a film I watched over a dozen times as a young snot noser in Coquitlam.  The song is featured in a fairly prominent way and whenever I hear the song, I think of the film.  Music has a huge ability to trigger memories.

“According to the multiple-trace memory models, every experience is potentially encoded in memory.  Not in a particular place in the brain, because the brain is not like a warehouse; rather, memories are encoded in groups of neurons that, when set to proper values and configured in a particular way, will cause a memory to be retrieved and replayed in the theatre of our minds.  The barrier to being able to recall everything we might want is not that it wasn’t “stored” in memory, then; rather, the problem is finding the right cue to access the memory and properly configure our neural circuits. (…) In theory, if we only had the right cues, we could access any past experience.” (pg. 165 This Is Your Brain on Music)

Its why when I hear Harry Chapin I think of my Dad.  not because he is the “father character” from the “Cat’s in the Cradle,” but because I fondly remember the time we were driving through California listening to the record late one night many years ago.  When I hear the song (or any from the album we had punched up that night), the neurons take me to California with my old man.

Go with yourself.

Posted in music, science | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments »

Interview: Hot Hot Heat

April 12, 2010 by morningaftershow

photo: Lee Rainford @ http://www.hothotheat.com

Victoria rockers Hot Hot Heat have a new record coming out in June called Future Breeds.

Steve Bays was kind enough to make some time and call into the ZAS.

Click to Listen: Steve Bays of Hot Hot Heat on The ZAS

We talk about Hot Hot Heat getting dropped or leaving their record label Sire, they built a studio in Gastown, Steve did lots of the recording himself, the story behind the single “21@12” and what Future Breeds means to him. Coming home from tour and then partying in Vancouver, touring Canada more in general.  He talks about some of the music videos they’ve made for the new songs, creative people, film/analog vs digital… then we talk about Serato a bit?… and say good bye.

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A Well Respected Man

April 12, 2010 by morningaftershow

OK, this might be just finally too nerdy (even for me) but I do kinda want it.  Diesel’s Turntable Bed Sheets! ahhhhhhhhh!

If its super high tread count Egyptian cotton, then maybe Coral will let me have it?

Crystal and Linda came by the Veneto on the weekend, and we got to talking about bed sheets and how it is important to have good sheets.  I told them it didn’t really matter for me, I’m married.  I get what I get.

When I was single and young, I was just happy to have a bed that was off the ground.  I figure its a trade up… but now I am 30, and maybe it’s time to revert back to novelty bed sheets.

(actually, that whole analog apartment blog is pretty groovy)

***
I wore a tie to work today and my sweater vest.  Today was picture day at the Zone.  Jason’s wife Lilly Louise came over, set up shop and snapped away. I’m uhhh, how do you say? not photogenic, so it was an awkward ordeal for me, but Louise did her best I am looking forward to what the final pictures might look like.

I do dress up sometimes… mostly when I DJ at the lounge.  Maybe I should dress up more?  Dave Sawchuk was trying to tell me some philosophy the other day.

He was talking to a friend and going over the things that make him happy or feel good that he can control.  one of the things Dave mentioned was that he likes when he “looks good.”

The buddy said, “well that’s easy, then when you wake up to go to work, put on a tie, dress up.”

I like being on vacation and I love the desert, so I am trying to think of ways to live like I’m on holiday.  All I got so far is to put a palm of some degree on my deck, and build a swim up bar in the bath tub.

If Coral could start wearing a bikini top around the apartment, bonus.

Go with yourself.

Posted in life or something like it | Tagged , , | 3 Comments »

first time a former colonial force pushed back a major European power on European soil

April 8, 2010 by morningaftershow

I don’t know why, but the other day I was thinking about the Canadian generally regarded as the first to die during World War One.

I remember watching a documentary about the war sometime ago and they mentioned him.  I thought it would be a cool name for a band or something… then I thought, maybe that will be my DJ handle.

I was waxing about it on my radio show a couple weeks ago and I got this email from Jeff at CFB Esquimalt:

Jeremy;

I can’t remember when but one afternoon, I think last week you were talking about the first Canadian war dead from World War I.  The first Canadian war dead were actually sailors not soldiers and they died nowhere near the shores of Europe, they actually died in the Pacific.

The German squadron leaving Valparaiso on 3 November 1914 after the battle.

The first Canadian casualties of the war occurred before these troops arrived in Europe. Sir Christopher Cradock’s squadron was sunk at the Battle of Coronel off the coast of Chile, claiming four midshipmen who became Canada’s first war dead.

We sailed past Coronel last year and paid our respects by dropping a wreath in their honour.  A moving moment for our ship’s company.

Hope that helps.  Best Regards,

Jeff McCartney
Petty Officer 1st Class | Maître de premier classe
Senior Naval Communicator | communicateur naval Superieure
Information Systems Security Officer | Officier de securite des systemes informatiques
Chief of Maritime Staff | Chef d’état-major des forces maritimes
HMCS CALGARY | NCSM CALGARY
Canadian Fleet Pacific | Flotte Canadienne du pacifique
Department of National Defense | Département de la Défense Nationale

***

Now that is an interesting piece of historic knowledge.  The first Canadian casualties of the war were likely reservists serving Cradock.

The story of this early navel battle is a decent read if you like your War History.

These men were not who I was thinking of.  It took some digging, but the man I was looking for was a soldier named Bellinger.

German barrage on Allied trenches at Ypres. Probably Second Battle of Ypres, 1915

The Canadian Army at the beginning of World War was tiny.  At the start, a new regiment was formed called the Princess Patricia’s and they became part of the 1st Canadian Division.  They first dug into the trenches at a place called Dickiebush (France) on January 6th, 1915.  By the 8th, the first two Canadians of the war were dead, Norman Fry and Henry Bellinger.

The name Bellinger has always stuck with me.

Go with yourself.

Posted in history 101 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

April Showers Bring May ROCK

April 7, 2010 by morningaftershow

Starting to get pretty excited for some upcoming releases from some of my favourite bands.  Here is a little run down of what gets me all hot bothered between the legs ears.

The National – High Violet (May 11th)

I remember reading sometime ago, the guitar player from the band was talking about the creative process for crafting the songs that will end up on this new National record.  He was naming the drafts after Civil War battles!  Its just so nerdy, I love it.

The National are one of my all time fave bands, so the day this comes out, I’ll be grabbing the digital and the vinyl copy for my collection.  And if the gods smile on me (no tix yet and its sold out!), I’ll be front and center at Sasquatch Festival when they take the stage.

Download: The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”

Band of Horses – Infinite Arms (May 18th)

Very romantic music, I have a couple BOH records and they remain a constant favourite for both Coral and I. We’ve also been fortunate to see them a couple time (or three for Corj) and every time, its better than the last.

I should start setting aside money now as there are a lot of records in May already that I’ll need.  You can have a listen and watch a video for the song “Compliments” by clicking right heeeeerrrrrre.

oh, and also playing Sasquatch!

The Hold Steady – Heaven is Whenever (May 4th)

A day after my brother Matt turns… hmmm I’m 30, my little sister is what?  25?  Matt must me turning 27?  Does that sound right?  my Mom will have to back that up, the point is, I know what I am getting my OTHER brother for a wedding gift!  The new Hold Steady record.  CJ, god bless ’em, went to live in London for the better part of a year sometime ago and one of the highlights of his working holiday was getting a chance to see one of our favourite bands in London!  How rad is that?  Then the man got tickets for us to see them in Vancouver last fall but I jammed out.  Bad brother I be.

The Hold Steady made some changes to their sound on this record, most notably, no more keys… who’ll be tickling the ivories on the new disc?  less piano balladry?  I don’t know about that, some of my fave Hold Steady songs are the ones with some heavy piano melody.  You can hear the song here and get all nostalgic for Boys and Girls in America era Steady.  Also listen for this new single on The Zone’s modern rock inbox.

And because I love torturing myself… another band I might miss if a miracle doesn’t happen and I don’t get me some Sasquatch tickets!

Holy Fuck – Latin (May 11)

Holy Fuck have a name that some people find offensive.  Calm down… if you look at it in the right frame of mind, it actually might be a very spiritual branding?

Holy Fuck changed my world in the fall of ’09 when they melted my brain into a sooty, chalky ooze in Element Nightclub during Rifflandia.  Its electronic, its epic, its organic, its living, its  a lot of things and with no (or much) lyrical content… it can be whatever you need it to be.

“Lovely Allen” will always remain one of my favorites and because they write that perfect song, they’ll get the benefit of the doubt that the new stuff will crush.  The first feature track is called “Latin America” and you can download it here, for free if you provide an email address. (on the player, its says MP3, click on that.)

A lot of you readers of the blog that have been enjoying some of the chilltastic beats I have been posting should really get a good experience from this song (and its free and painless to get, so go get).

Stars – The Five Ghosts (June 22nd)

The Stars’  2004 record Set Yourself on Fire, should go down as a Canadian indie rock classic.

It travels throughout all sorts of lonely and/or adorable themes.  I listened to that record pretty heavy when it came out and still enjoy going back to re-explore it from time to time.  I wasn’t as keen on “In Our Bedroom After The War” though I really wanted to be.  I think this might be the record where I bounce back into the Stars fold.  The first single sounds very solid to me in the first few listens.

You hit play and it jumps right out at you.  Then Amy Milan takes over with her beautiful voice, and I’m in love again.  And because the internet totally rules… why not download for free? like why not, really?

***

That what I am looking forward to in regards to new music coming out next month (and June I suppose).

Another half baked idea I had was to try and start collecting Beatles music on vinyl… but seeing as my record player is on the fritz and I don’t have the wall space to display the album art, maybe that idea will be put on the back burner for now.

Go with yourself.

Posted in music | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments »

Interview: Theset

April 6, 2010 by morningaftershow

I almost got caught in the rain.  Hard at work on a sandwich before work and it looked sunny and bright.  But then I got caught up playing with Madelyn, changing a bum and putting some clothes on her, and when i looked outside again, it  was POURING.  If I had left when I could have, I’d have got soaked on my scooter ride!  So thank you Dad-chores?  Today that’s a yes.

Speaking of sandwiches… yes I am still doing my damnedest to pack a lunch everyday.  And I (errr… actually Coral) may have found the BEST bread.

Portofino Bakery makes an epic sandwich bread.  They don’t have a website, or fan page, or twitter… or anything really… so I guess they are building low and slow with word-of-mouth or whatever, but its good bread.  Yum yum.

***

Theset is truth.

Yesterday, Victoria rock and roller band theset stopped by my radio show for an interview and live performance.

Have a download: Theset yaps then performs “Already Know.”

For you Zone Mail subscribers, the song will be available for download in the Zone Mail section in the next couple days.

We talk about iPodMeister.com, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the first movie), moving to Toronto to get signed by Wax Records, how great Elias is, shooting music videos on shoe-string budgets, and Adam Lambert.  Oh the times we share.  Then they sing “Already Know” and that’s a podcast.

Go with yourself.

Posted in food, music, radio, The Zone @ 91-3 | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

iWant

April 5, 2010 by morningaftershow

Madelyn dressing herself last night.

On the weekend I finally headed over to the Ableton website to download their free version of Live.  It is a 30 day trial or something.

I do have some music projects I am working on right now, but I am hoping to steal a little time to learn it.  Talking to Tyson last night, and the man said he had an old MIDI keyboard I could have/borrow.  Fun.  Its no Akai somethingorother shiny toy, but beggars can’t be choosers and it’ll let me get started.

I don’t know how to do any of this stuff… I just know what I want stuff to sound like.  But I don’t know how to make the sounds.  You dig?  ugh, should have stayed in band as a youth.

Then a Eureka moment!  learning to play instruments is for communists.  Check out this video, a man has unleashed the power of Capitalism to give me instant results!

***

In other news of awesome, Polbot 4000 found me this website: iPodMeister.

Let me get this straight, I find somewhere in the neighbourhood of 600-1,200 CDs.  Ship them to some guy and he sends me an iPad?

At first I thought… no way… but then you do the numbers.  What does an iPad sell for?  $500?  really this guy is bulk buying my CDs for about .50 cents each.

Is that fair?  They do sit in a combination of storage, Dave’s basement and in my closet doing me nothing.  Maybe I can scrape together 1,200 and see if this dude is legit?  Not gunna lie, I kinda want an iPad.  It looks like fun.  Or at the very least, I could get an iPhone…

Go with yourself.

Posted in music, neat-O gang | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

MIX: I love you, but you’re terrible at…

April 1, 2010 by morningaftershow

DJ Maddy Oh YEAH!

Thank you for making the time to listen to my selections.

A simple relaxing mix. Lots of electronic ambient and simple fuzzy pop music. The little set ends with a more organic epic rock sound from This Will Destroy You.

Click to Stream: I love you, but you’re terrible at…

My wife Coral is reading a book called “Eating Animals” by a gentleman named Jonathan Safran Foer.  He was talking about about the joy of the birth of his first child and how it was a second.  The quote is so beautiful and poignant.

” We could retell our stories and make them better, more representative or aspirational. Or we could choose to tell different stories. The world itself had another chance.”

Seeing as I tell stories for a living, the quote resonated with me and has rattled around in my brain for days now.  I came across a series of great songs in such a short amount of time that i wanted to get a second mix upon here for you and when i play these songs at home, i think about this quote.

As for the title of the mix… it began as a conversation i had with Coral last night on the couch.  She said, “I love you, but you’re terrible at frying an egg.”  i guess I make bad fried eggs.  they don’t look like the pictures in the Jamie Oliver cookbook!

It’ll be a mute point soon… as Jonathan’s book is turning Coral into a vegetarian.

***

DJ Notes

Baths – “Maximalist” (MP3)
Four Tet – “Love Cry”
Washed Out – “Feel it all Around”
Loscil – “Dub for Cascadia”
This Will Destroy You – “Happiness: We’re All In It Together”

Go with yourself.

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Interview: USS

April 1, 2010 by morningaftershow

USS Akron airship over NYC in the olden days.

Ontario’s USS came back to Victoria for a Zone show last night.  Before rocking the stage at Element Nightclub, they stopped by my radio show for an interview and a live performance of a new song called “Peak State.”  Awww, its a lullaby.

Download: Interview with USS

Ash, the lead singer man, said he was inspired to write “Peak State” as a lullaby because he had always wanted to write something you could sing to a baby.  Turns out, lots of friends back home are having kids and he is around new borns a bunch, so… he wrote a song about it.

Also, he talked about putting out a new record soon.  My vote was October… and I think he said something about college kids at the Royal Military College in Kingston are pretty extreme.

That’s all I got… or do I?  Right, hit their website right now and watch the video of the Human Kebab doing a vintage WWF video style smackdown  as the Ultimate Warrior.  It’ll be worth your time (well it was for this radio DJ).

Go with yourself.

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