Monday, August 31, 2009

I'm A Connector, re: The RAA



The Rural Alberta Advantage have had a terrific year (even if you still don't know who they are), they were featured on this website (which I've never been to) eMusic - apparently a big deal, they've played a bunch of shows all over the place, they've been on ABC (like, the TV network), and they've been signed to Saddle Creek Records (Bright Eyes, Tokyo Police Club). This, IMHO, is a little ways from playing in front of me, Liz, and possibly 5 other people at the Alex P. Keaton (London, On) last March.

While I'm not sure Liz has warmed to the band (sorry Nils), the band might take solice in the fact that they've become popular enough that someone (possibly an intern at Saddle Creek) has created a wikipedia page for them. There's that, they got a very respectable 8.0 from Pitchfork, and have been slowly getting more and more attention from blogs (like this one, but outside Toronto).

The one thing I wonder/worry about for the RAA, is that their album Hometowns, and the band name (the Rural Alberta Advantage), is so rooted in Alberta and Albertan lore(?), that they may not have anywhere to go from here. I mean, I suppose they don't have to write another CD about Alberta, but, then the whole RAA name doesn't really make much sense... maybe they'll start a new trend of renaming their band before every CD and if they do I'm going to suggest a CD about Toronto by David Miller and the Garbage Collectors entitled The Garbage Strike (TM).

[mp3] The Rural Alberta Advantage - Frank, AB
[mp3] The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place

"Edmonton" ... this is why they put out one of the best records of '08

Sunday, August 30, 2009

District 9



I went to go see District 9 with my dad last night. It was unbelievable... in a good way. Just really, really, good. In fact, I tweeted last night that I thought it might be one of the better movies of the decade. You probably want to take that with a grain of salt given my track record of getting really excited about something right after I see it/hear it.

Unlike anything I've seen recently (and I saw Inglorious Basterds on Weds.), the movie was incredibly well layered. It was a compelling personal story (both Wikus Van Der Merwe and the father and son Prawn), overlayed against in incredibly interesting political backdrop, with wicked-awesome action scenes, set in a well crafted future distopia. That, and the documentary style interviews along with the use of non-standard cameras (security cameras, some POV - I think) gave the film even more life.

At worst, the film was as good as Children of Men and at best this'll be a movie like Planet of the Apes (not the remake starring Mark Wahlberg) that every parent will show their kids. Anyone else seen it?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pick of the Week #34: Mantis - Still Life



I used to be a huge hip-hop head. Like, through the latter half of high school and most of my undergrad I basically only listened to hip-hop. I watched RapCity on MuchMusic, I frequented the message boards scouring for new stuff, and I ordered a lot of stuff off HipHopSite.com. I gradually got tired of the themes in hip-hop: the misogny, the big-up where you're from, the I'm badder than you, and worst of all, the I can't believe everyone talks about the first three themes I've seen the light and we all need to be conscious of what's going on in the world (the fourth theme reminds me of the episode of South Park where they all drive hybrids and smell their own farts).

That said, I haven't gone away from hip hop entirely and have really enjoyed a bunch of hip-hop albums over the last couple of years (in no particular order): Shad K's The Old Prince; Wale's The Mixtape About Nothing; Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III; K-os Joyful Rebellion; K'Naan Dusty Foot Philosopher; De La Soul The Grind Date; along with everything Kanye West and Brother Ali have done; etc. etc. etc. While there's obviously a big stretch (thematically) to get from Lil' Wayne to Shad what I think all of these rappers do, is that hold up a mirror to themselves and just give us a snapshot of their lives.

I'm not quite ready to lump Mantis' debut in with that group of albums, but it's definitely really good. In fact, I'd say production wise, this might be the best "indie-rap" (saying that really makes me cringe) I've heard in the last couple of years. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the production on the album rivals Kanye's Graduation -- and there are no stinkers like "Drunk and Hot Girls" or "Barry Bonds". That said, I think what leaves it just short of being a next level album is the lack of a real unifying theme/mood/or maybe just a je ne sais pas. For me, its not the obvious choice to put on when I'm going to chill and be introspective (Shad), when I want to party (Lil' Wayne), when I feel angry and riteous about the world and social injustice (Brother Ali), etc., but that's nit-picking and its hard to fault Mantis on a debut for what its not.

Really, and this is what'll I'll leave you with, this might be the best hip-hop release to come out of Canada this year, and with the right promotion, breaks, etc. he has the potential to have as much success as Juno/Polaris nominee, Shad (who Mantis has produced for -- see "I Don't Really Like To". And, actually, given Mantis' ability to produce some real bangers if his stuff gets in the hands of the right people, its not unforseeable that we see him producing for some really, really, big names in the not too distant future. This may actually be his "Warning Shot" (Pun! there's a song called Warning Shot on the album).

[mp3] Mantis - The Future Is...
[mp3] Mantis - You Don't Know

Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8:
Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue
Pick of the Week #29: Parkas
Pick of the Week #30: The Wooden Sky
Pick of the Week #31: Bowerbirds
Pick of the Week #32: Miss Maya

Pick of the Week #33: Ben Folds Presents University A-Cappella

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

FWD: Re, Truman Peyote, et.al. @ Rancho Relaxo, Sept. 2nd, 2009


I haven't been in the habit of promoting local shows... other than shows I've been to... after the fact... which, if you think about it, isn't really promoting at all.

Anyways, I got an email from Marc at Groovetastic Entertainment about this band, Truman Peyote, and their upcoming show at Rancho Relaxo, which I know to be a cool place, so I thought I'd pass it along. I haven't heard much from any of the bands on the bill, but from the one mp3 (posted below) Truman sounds a little like Animal Collective, so, if they're your steez then maybe this is something to check out. And, I guess the other thing is, its only $5, so, its not like you're going to have to take out a second mortage to attend...

The show, in case you can't - for some reason - read the poster, is Wednesday, September 2nd at Rancho Relaxo ft. Truman Peyote, Owl Farm, Two Year Touqe, Mirky Thunder, and the Johnston Brothers (presumably that is a typo and its actually the Jonas Brothers).

[mp3] Truman Peyote - New Wife New Life

Monday, August 24, 2009

The XX



I feel like all the new cool Pitchfork/Hype Machine bands are all these uber-trendy-electro-dance-punk-rock that no one really likes, but the internet music crowd pretends to like them because nobody has heard of them. I was pretty sure, given their spot at the top of the hypemachine's "most blogged" artists list -- see the sidebar on their website -- they were going to fit into that uber-trendy, but unlistentoable category.

But, and granted this analysis is based on two whole songs "Basic Space" and "Crystalised", the XX is much more laid back than I expected. It would be inaccurate to say that the XX is not at all part of the uber-trendy-electro band movement, but, again, based on my two song experience, they seem to be one level cooler and thus don't need to be all brash with the electro ish. I mean, look at the photo, they're so cool that they don't even look at the camera when their picture is being taken!

After doing a lot (not a lot) of research I have discovered that they have a self-titled album out now, which presumably you can purchase from the usual outlets. Also, they do a pretty cool cover of "Teardrops" (which, I guess is not a cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop", so, sorry if you're an ass and were offended by that mis-cue earlier).

[mp3] The XX - Basic Space

"Crystalised"

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Mr. G's Song of the Week "Warped Sister"



Well folks, this is it... my final blog post written in North America. On August 22nd, my wonderful female companion, Justine, and I will be relocating to the truly burgeoning metropolis that is Milano, Italia (no offense, London, ON'ers). I am hoping to continue contributing to this fine online publication, but it's difficult to know at this point whether time will allow for it. On top of the complications of moving to a new country, myself and Mrs. G (as Rob likes to call her) are preparing to endure our first year as teachers. So, like I said, should time and a stable internet connection be made available, you will continue to be subjected to my music musings on a weekly basis.


For this final North American post, I wanted to pick a song that was just downright funky. Something to force you out of your seat and make you dance nonsensically around whatever space you happen to inhabit. Well ladies and gents, it don't get much funkier than the man who penned "Green Onions," one of the grooviest instrumental tunes of all time. His name is Booker T. Jones. He fronted the Booker T. and the MGs throughout the '60s and '70s and did things to the Hammond B-3 organ that to this day cannot be replicated. And not only all of that, but after a 17-year hiatus since his last studio album, the man is back this year with a new record, Potato Hole.

Joined in the recording sessions by southern rock dynamos, Drive-By Truckers, and none other than Neil Young, Booker T. has put together an album of original instrumental tracks, with a few covers sprinkled in, designed to remind you just how good he can really be. The cream of the crop is "Warped Sister," an organ-driven beauty that, as designed, will be sure to induce furious booty-shaking. I hope you enjoy this installment of Song of the Week, and I'll be in touch soon from the other side of the pond.

A presto,

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Pick of the Week #33: Ben Folds Presents University A-Cappella



The typical fare in this here Pick of the Week have been mostly independent, Canadian bands, with a few exceptions (Bowerbirds, The Antlers, Glasvegas); but mostly, as my buddy Kurtis would say, they have been bands from Woodstock, Ontario who need haircuts (note: I'm pretty sure I've never written about a band actually from Woodstock). Either way, it felt like it was time to mix things up a little bit with the PotW, and there is probably nothing further from what I usually write about than the barbershop a cappella's of Ben Folds' quirky pop songs.

I used to be a Huge (hence the capitalization) Ben Folds/Ben Folds Five/The Bens fan; like, with a couple of friends I (someone else) drove 5-6-7 hours to see him in some college gymnasium in Oswego, NY, kind of liked him. Now, not so much. I mean, I still think Rockin' the Suburbs, Ben Folds Live, Whatever and Ever Amen are terrific albums - especially BFL - but if this were another Ben Folds album I probably wouldn't have even bothered to download it.

However (as the title of the album suggests) Ben Folds Presents University A Cappella is most certainly not a run of the mill Ben Folds album. It is (as the title of the album suggests) a collection of University A Cappella groups covering the work of BF. The songs are strategically selected from the entire BF catalogue, which unfortunately means that there are a smattering of songs from Songs for Silverman and (barf) Way to Normal. The vomit inducing songs from Way to Normal notwithstanding, the album is pretty serious amount of fun... if you're a fan of Ben Folds, The Be Sharps, or Andy Bernard (who someone has created a myspace for, awesome) then you are going to want someone to beer you this disc.

See the University A Cappella Documentary (15 mins on Youtube) here.

Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8:
Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue
Pick of the Week #29: Parkas
Pick of the Week #30: The Wooden Sky
Pick of the Week #31: Bowerbirds
Pick of the Week #32: Miss Maya

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I'm A Connector, re: The Antlers



There's a hilarious line in S3 of Friday Night Lights (the TV show, obvi) where J.D. McCoy's Mom explains that she's just read Malcolm Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point' (I think) and she explains how she's a connector, and so as an homage to Mrs. McCoy, I introduce the BM's newest segment (to appear periodically until I give up on it) "I'm A Connector".

You may remember the Antlers as Pick of the Week #5, when they were an un-signed band promoting their album on their own (this may explain why they emailed me), but you will more likely remember them from being on Pitchfork's Best New Music list (or, probably, you still have no idea who they are).

I'm not sure that I have anything entirely new to say about such a haunting, sterile, album that makes you feel like you are the last person alive on earth. I haven't listened to it a tonne since I reviewed it, mostly because it makes me feel sad and lonely, and I try not to inflict that on myself too much (for much the same reason that I haven't had Bruce Peninsula's A Mountain is a Mouth on repeat -- still, both great albums). That said, if you're in the mood, or you're just a sad person, then this (Hospice) is probably something you should get your mitts on.

Anyways, its great to see things going well for the band as Hospice has been picked up by FrenchKiss (Passion Pit, The Hold Steady, The Dodos, etc.), has been remastered, and is out today (according to the band's press release) digitally, physically, and at your local record store (although, presumably not if your local record store is HMV).

So, hopefully things keep moving for the Antlers and hopefully they'll invite me out to their Sept. 24th show at the Horseshoe.

[mp3] The Antlers - Bear
[mp3] The Antlers - Two

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Summerworks Festival: Sunparlour Players w/ Josh Reichmann Oracle Band @ the Theatre Centre. Aug. 14. 2009


... man I shouldn't have had so much to drink the other night...

The Josh Reichmann Oracle Band, which, last night at least, was Josh Reichmann (presumably) and a back-up (interpretive) dancer wasn't exactly what I was expecting as an opener for the SPP. Reichmann sang over his electro-beats backing track and, I think in a different, clubbier, context it would've been pretty cool. In the theatre setting opening for the Sunparlour Players, something was off. That said, I certainly think that there's something there, and I'm making a mental note to investigate JROB further...

The Sunparlour Players who followed - very quickly, I might add, so kudos to the show organizers - were pretty spectacular. This is probably not news to people that are familiar with the band, their music, and their live show. Their set consisted of a mix of their old (Hymns for the Happy) and their new (Wave North) material, and culminated with an encore performance of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck", which is always a good time.

This is probably the 6 or 7th time I've seen the SPP in their various incarnations, and, while I see a fair number of shows, I've seen them more than I've seen any other musical act (except for my buddy Donny, new album coming!). That, I think, is in part a location thing (they often play in places close to where I have lived), but the other part is that they are probably the best live act around (in the city of Toronto). I keep tabs on when/where they're playing shows, and I make it out to them, because they're fun, energetic, and the character in Andrew Penner's voice live really brings the songs from the record to life.

I'm kind of curious where they go from here... they've got a pretty loyal following here in TO, but, with all of the uncertainty in the music industry its hard to see how they're going to make a living (unless they somehow strike it rich with their mustard recipe). Although, really, you could say that about virtually every band that I write about, and not everyone puts on a live show like they do...

[mp3] Sunparlour Players - Talk it to Death (live @ the Theatre Centre)
[mp3] Sunparlour Players - Battle of '77 (live @ the Theatre Centre)

A very cool video...




Josh Reichmann Oracle Band






The Sunparlour Players








Friday, August 14, 2009

Pick of the Week #32: Miss Maya - This Refers to You EP



I think there are two reasons I'm going to have a tough time selling you on Miss Maya, neither of which have anything to do with the quality of her first solo EP, if you were wondering. The first is that Maya and I are friends, and by friends I mean we've met a handful of times, but she's going to be one Liz's bridesmaids. So, I suppose I probably lose a little credibility there. The second is that Maya doesn't exactly produce blogger friendly music. It's not weird, genre-bending music that most people are going give you a WTF look when you put it on.

Instead Maya has put together 4 incredibly catchy dance-pop songs (plus one acoustic jazzy number at the end) which, as a whole are the This Refers to You EP. Certainly, part of the reason that I'm dig the EP is my penchant for the odd radio friendly song (in moderation) -- I mentioned the Birthday Sex song the other day, I love the new Sean Kingston '911' song, and I have documented my affection for Lil' Wayne, JT, and Lily Allen on my Best of ____ posts. So, if you're not into that sort of thing, I'm probably not going to convince you.

But, if that's what you're into, Maya's songs have everything that all those artists have (and then some) great production, catchy hooks, and lyrics that tweenaged girls can sing along to. And, while I feel like that might automatically turn you off - as it likely would me, were Maya and I not BFFs - I think that Maya's background as a jazz singer, violinist, musician, eliminates the possibility of her putting out that usual radio drivel.

In fact, if I had one complaint about This Refers to You its that it probably doesn't show off Maya's vocal range enough. Maya has a pantheon level voice - like Beyonce, Amy Winehouse, Adele - and her EP doesn't really show case the full range of her abilities. So, here's to crossing our fingers that we get to hear that range on a future (soon) full length (which someone pays her to record)... and that she finally get's to do a cover of "Valarie" for me...

[mp3] Miss Maya - Let It Go
[mp3] Miss Maya - Take My Time

Maya covers Lily Allen's "Smile"



Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8:
Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue
Pick of the Week #29: Parkas
Pick of the Week #30: The Wooden Sky
Pick of the Week #31: Bowerbirds

Thursday, August 13, 2009

When Brakes Get Wet We'll Hope For The Best


(photos via JulieDoiron.com)

One of the most fun things about the interweb music era is finding something new, interesting, but also something that you say to yourself, I'm curious where that came from I want to know more (if you're more smart than me, you'd probably say something eloquent). Anyways, as you may have guessed by my lead in, I'm in that sort of discovery phase with (apparently) Canadian indie music icon, Julie Doiron.

This, to me, is a pretty cool thing, since I don't really get to 'discover' stuff so much anymore. Which is certainly not to say that I know everything, but I feel like its rare for me to find someone who has been this prolific (she has been making records since 1993 on her own, and since 1990 w/ Eric's Trip) but also someone who is so universally adored by everyone who has written about her. Also, I think being on the Jagjaguwar label (Bon Iver, Besnard Lakes, Pink Mountaintops, etc.) speaks volumes about her street cred, as it were.

I guess all this stuff about how great JD is has led me to wonder why I hadn't heard her stuff before. I've got some theories, one involves her establishing herself in the pre-interweb, digital media era; another involves her un-Jessica Simpson/Jenny Lewis/Santigold sort of look/persona that isn't marketable, or that; she just may like making music, touring and playing, and isn't really interested in being rich, famous, or otherwise adored by people like me (and probably you to).

But rather that fleshing out those (half-baked) theories, I thought I would solicit some suggestions on JD's best work from those who are familiar. I e-mailed Bryan from Herohill and he suggested: the new one, I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day [2009]; the Polaris nominated, Woke Myself Up [2007]; or Heart and Crime [2002]. I'm wondering if anyone has any other suggestions....

Here's what the fuss is about...

[mp3] Julie Doiron - When Brakes Get Wet

"Consolation Prize" from I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day [2009]

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Birthday Sex...


... is a real song. I thought when Liz told me it was a real song, that it was a real song as in it was on SNL real, rather than this guy has been signed Universal real.

Here's the link to the youtube video - pretty impressive production value, I'd say.

Here are the lyrics:

[Verse 1:]
It's yo birthday, so I know you want to ride out
Even if we only go to my house
Sip mo-eezy as we sit upon my couch
Feels good, but I know you want to cry out
You say u want passion, I think you found it
Get ready for action, don't be astounded
We switching positions, you feel surrounded
Tell me where you want your gift, girl

[Chorus:]
Girl you know I-I-I, Girl you know I-I-I
I been feenin
Wake up in the late night
Been dreamin about your loving, girl
Girl you know I-I-I, Girl you know I-I-I
Don't need candles and cake
Just need your body to make...
Birthday sex... Birthday sex oohoohoohooh
(It's the best day of the year girl)
Birthday sex... Birthday sex oohoohoohooh
(G-spot g-spot let me hit that g-spot g-spot girl)

... I think that's probably enough....

Happy Birthday Liz! I hope you got everything that you wanted... Wink.

Monday, August 10, 2009

D-Sisive "Mr. Daydream" and Let the Children Die



Thanks to the good people at Urbnet and the Musebox I was able to get my hands on the Polaris Long List album Let the Children Die by D-Sisive. I, of course, was curious as the prolific reviewers at the Herohill are big fans, but I also feel like I've been going through a big hip-hop drought this year. I'm not entirely sure whether Let the Children Die is going to fill that void as I tend to favour hip-hop with that is production heavy (read: like Kanye West does it), and tend to stay away from the more minimalist beats that are featured on D-Sisive's newest album.

That said, the new video for "Mr. Daydream" has given me something to connect with (I have a visual-spacial learning style). So, who knows, maybe I'll begin to see what the Polaris Jury saw in Let the Children Die and figure out what the BFD is about, but, as I write this my head is nodding to "Nobody with a Note Pad" and "I See" which are getting iTunesed to my Best of '09 playlist. I guess what this means is that its probably not the last time you'll hear about D-Sisive from me...

[mp3] D-Sisive - Nobody With A Notepad

"Mr. Daydream" dir. Miles Davren

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Let's Book Club: Who's Your City by Richard Florida



Kind of ironic that I've taken the time to read Who's Your City, a self-described "self-help" book about choosing the place where you live, both after I've moved to Toronto (last year) and after I've moved in Toronto (last week). But, I suppose if nothing else, its made me feel pretty good about the place Liz and I have moved to (downtown), presuming we can afford it.

Who's Your City, for those not familiar with Richard Florida and his ideas surrounding the creative class, explains that creative people drive the economy (duh), but that creative people are drawn to cool places with arts scenes, bars, amenities, pretty places, etc. (i.e. creative spaces draw creative people which drives economic growth), I think. Who's Your City doesn't so much build on these ideas, but repackages them in a way to make explicit that: 1/ you should know what kind lifestyle you want before moving somewhere -- don't move into the city if you like piece and quiet; 2/ if you want to find work, regions are specializing, so go to the region where your field is -- if you're interested in business and finance, come to Toronto!; 3/ the more money and education you have, the more choices you're going to have -- if you don't have money, you're screwed! Hello growing divide between the rich and poor!That last point is probably the most striking one that the book makes, since, if you're relatively self-aware, many of Florida's suggestions seem self-evident.

So, basically the nuts of all this is that if you have some money and are mobile there are a whole lot of opportunities in an increasingly complex, globalized world; if not, then prepare to get hosed. You can't live in the city, because its expensive (or really unsafe in the areas you can afford), nor can you afford to live out of the city (there is no public transportation, or work for people without skills), so, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

What all this means to me is that there is probably some good things that cities, or provinces (cities are "creatures of the province" - they don't actually exist anywhere in our constitution) or federal governments for that matter, can be doing to create nice places to live for everyone. I think Florida misses out on this point, that what is good/important for certain demographics, is probably good for everyone. If there are good schools, walkable streets, a vibrant nightlife, a viable arts scene, reliable transit, etc. that's good for everyone.

The Executive Summary: As you may be able to tell, its got me thinking, so bonus points for that. But, on the whole, I kind of wish I had read Rise of the Creative Class since it probably would've been less listy (this neighborhood in Toronto, Vancouver, San Franciso, New York are all like this...) and more of the academic ideas (stuff on why/how regions are specializing, etc.).

Grade: C

1. The Inner Game of Tennis | Timothy Gallwey (134 pages) | A
2. The Last Shot | Darcy Frey (240 pages) | A+
3. The Road | Cormac McCarthy (287 pages) | A+
4. Outliers | Malcolm Gladwell (299 pages) | C+
5. The Last Season | Phil Jackson (304 pages) | B-
6.
The Sunset Limited | Cormac McCarthy (160 pages)| B-
7. The Education of a Coach | David Halberstam (288 pages)| B+
8. Downtown Owl | Chuck Klosterman | (288 pages)| B

9. Can I Keep My Jersey?| Paul Shirley| (336 pages)|C-
10. Then We Came to The End| Joshua Ferris| (416 pages)|B+
11. Friday Night Lights| H.G. Bissinger|(400 pages)|A++
12. Strokes of Genius| L. Jon Wertheim|(208 pages)|B
13.
Who's Your City| Richard Florida|( 345 pages)|C

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Your 2009-2010 Euro-League All-Stars!


Why a photo of Sam Mitchell? To remind me that things could be worse...

Am I excited about the 2009-2010 Raptors? Sure, I guess. I doubt that the Raps are going to win a playoff series or be more than a .500 team, but they are going to be more exciting, and, probably more importantly, more fun to cheer for than the 2008-2009 team.

If we look at who they've lost: a couple of over the hill soul-suckers Jermaine O'Neal and Shawn Marion, Jamario 'I'm good for one weak side block a game' Moon, and one meaningful piece of the team, Anthony Parker (who I think is going to have a great year in Cleveland, and may surprise a lot of Americans that didn't see him much); in my mind, we're down one positive contributor to the team.

Who we've gained: a really versitile piece, who's happy to be here - which, I think counts for a lot more than people think - in Turkoglu (note: his contract is going to be a disaster in 3 years); a friend for Bosh (Jared Jack) and Barni (Belinelli) who may be a really exciting pair coming off the bench; a guy who has the potential to be great scorer at SG, DeRozan; Nesterovich, who'll hopefully be a great presence for the young Euro-contingent; and a couple of others who I don't think much of.

On the whole, the team appears like its going to be more cohesive and enthusiastic about playing with each other. They also seem like, especially having Bargnani, Turkoglu and Bosh have the capability to create a lot of mis-matches with their big guys who can shoot. The biggest gap, of course, is going to be their defence... quick name a guy on the Raptors roster who is an above average defender... average defender? Maybe Reggie Evans? Jared Jack? Maybe Bargnani, if he's playing well... boy, I hope that Patrick O'Bryant and Quincy Douby don't have gauranteed contracts so we can bring back Pops Mensa-Bonsu...

Anyways, looks like we're trying to outscore everyone this year...

Monday, August 3, 2009

True Blood



I've got to say I didn't expect to get into True Blood, and not that I think its god's gift to TV or anything, but I did make it the entire way through season 1. Not that that's a ringing endorsement or a reason to go out and buy the DVDs, although the fact that I was willing to spend 12 hours (granted, I was playing video games much of the time) in front of the TV (computer) says that there must be something compelling/moderately interesting about the show (or, it says that I have really, really, needed a diversion after work).

While I certainly haven't been blown away by the writing, acting, character development, and on and on and on, there's a really cool aesthetic to True Blood. The fact that its set in the American South in a distopia where humans and vampires are beginning to learn to co-exist (I'm not sure whether the creators are trying to draw any parallels to the civil rights movements -- if so... really? -- that whole aspect of the show really, really, rubs me the wrong way) the way the show is shot, the sets, the costuming, etc. is all pretty cool.

Cool enough to overcome mediocre everything else, and cool enough that I'm prolly going to get into S2 later this week. But if True Blood has made me realize something else, its that I ought to be watching more movies/reading/exercising/getting out more...

I don't normally add song in on posts like this, but these are a couple of the best songs of the year...

[mp3] Bon Iver - Blood Bank
[mp3] Pink Mountaintops - Vampire

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Pick of the Week #30: The Wooden Sky - If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone


A little late for this week, but better late then never!

I've mentioned before that I was pretty sure that I'd seen the Wooden Sky, but kind of ignored them. What I haven't mentioned (because I hadn't taken the time to listen to anything they've ever done) is that they might be the best band you've never heard of, that is, of course, presuming that you've never heard of them (or that you have heard of great bands like these, these, or these). I guess the point being that I'm generally very impressed with the Wooden Sky's new album If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone.

The reason I'm so convinced that you'll like the Wooden Sky - unless you're one of those musichastobeweirdandobscuretolikeit types - is that their album feels like a major label release: high production value, catchy choruses, a consistent sound but a variety of song tempos, and a hell of a lead single "Something Hiding For Us In The Night" which is, quite possibly, my favourite song of the year. While If I Don't Come Home has those kind of major label qualities, there is the indie-rock/roots/country feel to their music that makes you feel that it is written by real human people, going through real human emotions (rather than by suits who adjust notes and tweak song lyrics based on the responses of focus groups).

And while I'm sure you've all stopped by because my blog is the epicenter of the Canadian music blogosphere, you might be interested to know that there have been many, many, many, many (and probably more) positive things already said about the soon to be released (Aug. 25th for those keeping track at home) If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone. I think we'll be adding this record to the, strong consideration for Hottest Canadian Band/Polaris 2010/Top Records of 2009 list.

[mp3] The Wooden Sky - Something Hiding For Us In The Night

From the new record "Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)"


And, a live video by Scott Cudmore of "The Late King Henry" which has a very Oh, Brother feel to it.



Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8:
Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue
Pick of the Week #29: Parkas