Week 07: Feb 19- Feb 26, 2013

+ Major Lazer has put off the release of their album AGAIN! They did however release a new track recently as a consolation prize; 'Watch Out For This (Bumbaye)'

+Wolfmothers' Andrew Stockdale tweeted saying that the bands 2013 album is now complete! He is just "jumping through the hoops" to get it released. Fingers crossed.

+Kanye West has a new album set to drop this year. Will be hear tidbits of baby daddy anxiety? Maybe a love ballad dedicated to Kim and their unborn?Probably not. It's still all about the bitches, and the money.

+ Canada's Japandroids perform on Conan!

+ More song releases: David Bowie - The Stars are Out Tonight, Frank Ocean - Eyes Like Sky

+ The National are hard at work. New album will be out in May. Iggy Pop & the Stooges will also be releasing a Spring album. Elton John has a new album that is said to be "brilliant" is will be released in September.

+ Prince Jackson, son of Michael Jackson (you may have heard of him) is not only a new member to Entertainment Tonight but will also be joining the 90210 cast (briefly). He is said to be Erin Silvers "interest".

+ After years of nay saying, Robert Plant has said he has become OK with a Led Zeppelin reunion tour! Was he bullied into it? Is he lacking creative juices and using it as an outlet? Who knows. Who cares. Zeppelin tour!

+ No Doubt is already working on a new album. The bands September realease, Push and Shove, was a bit of a flop. Let's hope the band takes a hint and returns to their old style. The world needs more club music like it needs more Kardashians.

+ JT news: Timberlake will be collaborating with Mumford and Sons on a Coen Brothers soundtrack. This collaboration sound weird and a little forced (they're both famous let's make them make music together). But it will no doubt be wonderful. JT and Jay-Z also announce a summer tour. Justin will be on Saturday Night Live (again) on March 9th.

+ In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jack White hints at new Raconteurs material as well as new goods with the Dead Weather! all his musical outfits are now living in Nashville, making jam time easier.

+ The Ottawa Bluesfest lineup was released and it's quite impressive. The Nations capital boasts a a continuously well rounded and growing festival. Big names like Wu-Tang Clan, Dixie Chicks, and Fun. will be hanging out at Lebreton. With a slew of returning favorites: RUSH, Weezer, B.B King, Skrillex.

+ Now watch this Avril Lavigne Taylor Swift video: here

The Road to 'Roo 2013 | Buying the tickets & finding what's good (JD McPherson)

It is official! I am going to Bonnaroo again this year! This will be my second time on the farm, the first being in 2011 (which still remains the best four days of my life). Greg and I bought our tickets today moments after them going on sale, and are now in full on preparation mode.

Deciding to go to Bonnaroo is not a light hearted choice. Especially when you are heading down from the great white north (even though in June, there is nothing cold about Ottawa, Canada). It shall be stated that Bonnaroo is not like the other (also awesome) music festivals out there. Bonnaroo kicks your ass, and somehow leaves you wanting more. Roo is the Christian Grey to your Anna Steele.

There are some things you should know about Bonnaroo.

1.) This is not some "vacation". OK, OK I guess yeah, it is a vacation but it's not going to be like a summertime concert on a beach under the stars. No no. There is heat. Scolding heat from that mean Tennessee sunshine, that will ruin your day if you do not take the proper precautions. Meaning, stay hydrated, find shade between shows, sunscreen up, and equip yourself with a hat and sunglasses. As explained on the website when thinking of Bonnaroo think "Survivorman rather than Sandals" (the resort).

2.) Bonnaroo is dirty. You are camping but no, it's not like your regular camping experience in the woods where you can go swimming and canoeing and make s'mores. No sir. If you are lucky you will get a spot under a tree (we were so happy to have that tree last time), but this is a long shot. Camping at Bonnaroo means you need to accept being sweaty, and covered in dust and dirt for four days. You will wake up with a spider crawling over your body, but you will be too exhausted to care. This is the level of acceptance you need to be on from day one. Bring baby wipes! They were my best friend (and water, my mistress). Don't try to stay perfectly clean because your efforts will be futile.

3.) It is the most fun you will ever have (probably). In the course of the four days on the farm you will feel uncomfortable, tired, dirty, and sore. To offset the bad, you will witness some of the best performances the musicians will ever perform. It is clear that every musician playing is honored to be at Roo, and wants to show you just how much. It is worth everything you are putting your body through and more. Bonnaroo is the best! Not to mention the very cool people you will meet there. Everyone is there for the music. Bonnaroo is just one massive love fest. People are too dehydrated and sun stroked to be mean.

Being that step one of Bonnaroo preparation is complete (buying the ticket) onto the next steps of prep. The first includes making a Bonnaroo playlist!

Sure, you have bought a ticket to Bonnaroo to see some of your favorite artists perform. But there are a lot (!!) of other fantastic musicians, comedians, and artists who show up on the Bonnaroo roster, who you might not know. It is worth checking them out. This is how I found out about the Head and the Heart, who are one of my favorites. You don't want to miss an opportunity to see someone great because you didn't feel like doing some research pre-Roo.

The first artist I have chosen to check out (under Greg's influence) is a musician named J.D McPherson. JD is a singer-songwriter, guitarist from Oaklahoma. The retro style, rockabilly blues boy released his first major album in 2012 titled, Signs and Signifiers. Listening to S&S makes you forget what year, what decade it is! JD rock n' rolls like it's the 1950's. No, not in the way musicians take inspiration from an era and use it in their music. He is actually playing like he was put in a time machine and is rockin' with Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. Johnny be great.

The artist claims the album is "not a time machine record" but I wholly beg to differ. It is. And it is fantastic! JD says he draws inspiration from a slew of varying genres though, including Wu-Tang Clan and Led Zeppelin making for an interesting mix.

JD McPherson seems not to want to pigeonhole himself to the "retro" identifier. S&S does portray his onslaught of stimuli and how he has made it his own. Given that the heat can handle JC McPherson, he is one act I so don't want to miss. What a great start to my Roolist (Bonnaroo playlist).

New band alert (Half Moon Run)

Half Moon Run, a Canadian trio is a musicially wise beyond their years indie rock/pop/folk outfit. Canada's Alt-J, if you will (I will). The band, with a median age of 23 years old, originally from Ottawa, ON and Comox, BC are now living and making music in Montreal. As the band describes, it seems as though making music together became a means to an end.

Their sound is indeed unique and quite mature for such a new band. The harmonies flow seemingly effortlessly and beautifully. Their sound is moody emulating a folkier, funkier Radiohead with a crooner, Devon, at the forefront.

HMR released their first album in 2012 called 'Dark Eyes'. The obvious first single off the album, Full Cirlce, is a somewhat psychedelic, beat oriented track. The song exerts the usage of an array of sounds ranging in beat and symmetry. It's very impressive, not just for a newer band, but for anyone.

Half Moon Run's most recent album, Dark Eyes is available for purchase through most Canadian music retailers.

Female role models

I know you were all wondering, and yes, I am a feminist. Not a particularly good one, I will try to eye flirt with a bartender to be served faster (and fail), I'm not above that. But, a feminist nonetheless. My second year politics professor said it best "a feminist is simply a person who believes women deserve equal rights to men. It doesn't mean women deserve more than men, it means equal. I'm a feminist!!". There is a chance he meant to say "feminine" because that he was, but you get the point. Equal rights y'all!

When I was growing up the female celebrities I looked up to were not exactly "idol" worthy. The fact that I was looking to celebrities for guidance was also all kinds of wrong, but hey, we're all teenagers once, it happens. I looked up to women like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Who, now, are badass awesome chicks. But at the time of my worshipping MK could be described as an anorexic drug fiend. That is not the kind of role model for an insecure fifteen year old girl. 

In a conversation with my dad, he asked who each of us would invite to dinner given the chance. The idea was to figure out which famous people you think you would mesh with. My dads answer was easy, as he had thought about this before, but mine took a bit more thinking. The majority of people I would want to invite are dead; Jimi Hendrix "so I hear aside from being the best guitar player of all time, you're actually a really cool dude, let's be friends", Jesus "are you real?", Hitler "what the fuck man?!" Our conversation ended with me being not completely sure. 

Our talk left me thinking about it for a little while after. I mean, if something like this were to materialize, I would need to be prepared. There were, of course, my obvious picks: Conan O'Brien, Jack White, Judd Apatow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Johnny Depp (I apparently like J named people), Woody Allen and Donald Glover. But then I realized, despite worshipping, (oh and I mean worshipping) an onslaught of various male musicians (and females- I just gravitate towards men a little more), the rest of my dinner party consisted of females. 

The women I would love to sit down and chat with, or rather, listen to them chat while I sit creepily at the side and note their every word, giggling and guffawing when appropriate, would include: Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Kelly Oxford, and Tina Fey. If you'll notice they all have a few things in common. 

1. They are all writers. Mostly comedic writers. These girls are funny. They are witty, clever and well written. 

2. Smart. With funny comes intelligence. A lot of people don't make the link but it's a fact (I made it a fact). The smarter the person, the better chance they have at being funny. Note: the Situation (I don't know his real name, the annoying guy from Jersey Shore with the abs) at the roast for Donald Trump. Intelligence matches hilarity. This is clear here. 

3. They are all hardworking. Crazy hardworking. Kelly Oxford has three kids, and seems to be writing non-stop; for TV, movies (I think) and book that comes out in April! Not to mention her very funny twitter (that I promised myself I wouldn't mention because she is so much more than her twitter, but now I have, so, sorry). Tina Fey starred on SNL, wrote and directed a movie, started a TV show all while raising a daughter! Mindy Kaling completed school (where she kicked ass) went on to pursue her dreams and ended up interning with Conan, started writing for the Office, has a book and her own TV show! Lena Dunham is an all around all star: writer, producer, director. She writes movies, 'Girls', essays all while going through her 20's! These women are constantly busy creating and succeeding.

These are the type of women young girls should be looking up to. I wish I had when I was fifteen. I hate to use the term "real" women because it makes me sound like a Dove commercial, so I'll say "non-artificial" women. These ladies are non-artificial women! That sounds bad. Whatever. These awesome ladies are the type of take no crap from no one, get work done kind of people I find myself looking to now in my wiser years in my twenties. Good, smart, funny, hardworking women. And, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one.

For the first time (that I can think of) it seems as though women are finally getting the foreground they deserve. Girls CAN BE funny! Women ARE smart! At last there are actual female role models who are receiving the attention and praise that a good portion of sort of, male role models receive. 

What working in a record store has taught me

Next to surfer (though never having surfed a day in my life), music magazine editor, and late night television host, "record store employee" was an adolescent dream job of mine. Though having good and bad aspects it is clear that working at a CD/record/movie store is not how the movies portray it.

Here are some things that I have learned from working at a CD/record store.

THE CUSTOMERS
Chances are, in 2013, you may not even know where the local record store is in your town. You know where the Wal Mart is, and you sure know how to log onto your favorite downloading site. But, record store? Do those even exist anymore? Sure do. And a very distinct array of customers seem to shop there.

- Hipsters: Hipsters love record and CD stores. The store transports them back to a time when the hipster didn't even exist. It's hipster heaven. The hipsters buy records exclusively, and they buy in bulk. Chances are the hipster does not even own a record player. The point is to look like you have been a collector for years. A hipster rarely knows much about the artist or even the piece of work they are spending twenty odd dollars for. It's all in the facade. When you say to the hipster buying the latest Red Hot Chili Peppers on vinyl "great album, but it's too bad about Frusciante. The new guy is still pretty good though" and they look back at you wide eyed through perfectly shaggy bangs with downward tilted Buddy Hollys, you know you've encountered a true hipster. All in all they are harmless. And good for business.

- The older folk: They are a fickle bunch. You may encounter some truly fantastic older people. Old folks who have lived long, full lives. They relate their lives to the music they heard and how it made them feel at the time. It's a beautiful thing. If you're lucky (like me) you might have an older fellow croon to you in a mad search for an old Tony Bennett song that reminds him of his late wife. These are the people who take your day from good to unbelievable.

To my misfortune then there are the other kind of old folks. The grumpy ones. The ones who hate everything, even you. They are the know-it-all, partially racist, condescending bunch who you would like to punch right in the dentures. They might say things like "you're much too young to know a thing about the blues", or "I'm sure you don't even know who Canned Heat is" (you do), or they may go so far as to say "I'd like to speak with someone older, you won't know who this is and I would trust an older gentleman" and you will know who it is, despite being a young female, because it will be someone like Frank Zappa. And everyone knows who that is. The grumpy old ones suck. They are draining and make you wish there were more hipsters around to help. Or make fun of.

- The people who can't afford it but buy stuff anyways: CD stores have the power to attract a low income kind of crowd. CDs offer a lot of bang for your buck. $10 for something that will bring you joy for the rest of your life? Hells yeah! That's a steal. But, it probably isn't wise when you are living welfare cheque to welfare cheque to skip on rent for the $6.99 copy of Rushs' 'Fly By Night' if you "might already have it". It's cool that these people just want their tuneage but they get you to look up any CD they can think of from 1978- 1985 only to say that it's all "a bit pricey eh?" (it's really not). They will take your attention from other customers for what seems like an eternity only to turn to you to say "ahhh better not, can you hold this for me for a month? I'll be back!" and they don't come back. The best kind of low income CD purchaser is the kind who brings a friend. They have thought ahead and know they plan on buying a few CDs but have only brought enough cash for one. When you reveal the price, they nonchalantly turn to their buddy and say "hey man, can I borrow a few bucks", and this is before they even check their wallet. These people are usually the ones you see every few weeks, every time with a different friend. Crafty.

EXAGGERATION
When people enter a music store they must all of a sudden speak in hyperbole. It's an unwritten - now it's written - rule. It shows you mean business and know your shit. Or that you have a flair for the dramatic.

-"I absolutely NEED the latest One Direction or my daughter will DIE!"
-"Downton Abbey is the BEST show OF ALL TIME!"
-"When Ed Sheeran and Elton John played together at the Grammys, I DIED! It was PERFECT!" (people seem to "die" a lot).

PEERS AND OPINIONS
When you tell someone you work at a CD store they will likely think one of two things (or maybe both things): 1.) "That is awesome! You must have so much fun" or 2.) "You are a bum. Get a real job."

Both are valid. And probably correct.

IT'S NOT LIKE THE MOVIES
Working in a record store is not, I repeat, not like High Fidelity or Empire Records. Not in 2013. In those movies records and music was way of life, a way of breathing. It tied everything together. When Marie De Salle singing Framptons 'Baby I Love Your Way', is playing over the shop, you really get a sense of what Rob is feeling at that moment. In real life, it's not like that. What CD/record stores lack now is the feeling of comfort, so long are the days where a record store served as a sacred holy ground. How could it be when a store willingly will pump "we are never ever getting back together". In a CD store now, there will not be someone like Barry galavanting in with a mix tape who will shamelessly tell a father that what he is buying his daughter "sucks". People don't change the music based on your mood and current love life. It's just not like that OK.

CUSTOMERS ARE RIGHT. YOU ARE WRONG. THE END.
No matter what the customer says, they truly believe they are correct. Despite the fact that you are the employee, making you the expert. Despite the fact, that you needed to interview for this job, you didn't just waltz in one day and claim it. No, you had to earn it. Despite the fact that you are obviously passionate about music and know your shit. And despite the fact that you do this every single day, you are wrong and know nothing. When a customer says "Carly Rae Jepsens album should be in the folk section", you just smile, and remember this tidbit to laugh about with your coworkers later. When a person says "well, I already checked your rap section for Bieber and no luck" you try to explain that he is very much so a pop artist, they will then say "but he kind of raps in Boyfriend" you just make a mental image of Bieber next to Biggie*, Biz Markie and Black Star, you laugh in your head and reply with "huh mkay".

When it comes down to it, the customers generally don't care if you have a backstory to what you are selling them. Trust me. After my THIRD (yes it happened three times) attempt at getting a customer (wearing a RHCP t-shirt!) to check out Live at Slane Castle (because he was looking for DVDs) because it is probably the bands best live show to date and being brushed off with a "Uhhh... naw. I was looking for stuff from Stadium Arcadium on it mostly" I threw in the towel.

COWORKERS
The absolute best part (other than the discount- yep I said it) about working in a CD/record store are the wonderful people you get to work with. You are surrounded by somewhat likeminded creative, music lovers constantly. At my store I am constantly reminded of how uncool I am. I work with a graphic designer, a painter, a stand up comic, a slew of people in bands - really good bands, the future Angela Hewitt (actually she will likely be even bigger), a jazz singer... and the list goes on. I am working with a group of music geeks. Varying genres but all with the same obsessive nature. I am constantly in awe of how cool my coworkers are. It's great for company, bad for self esteem. The type of people who work at CD/record stores are usually pretty nice people, who just happen to make music a large part of their lives.

IT'S RAD!
The final thing I've learned is that it is a pretty sweet deal. Maybe not a life long gig for me, who knows though, but in the mean time it is nice to be employed somewhere I want to support, and am proud of. Oh and a place that pays me listen to some one my favorite music all day.

*Biggie is actually categorized under Notorious B.I.G, I just said that to make a point.
** the photo was not taken by me but by a coworker. The photo is not of the store that I work at, but another of our locations

Matt Costa (Self Titled album)

Matt Costa - {self titled}
Release date: February 12, 2013

Up until today I thought Matt Costa was Canadian. Maybe it's his small town feel, maybe it's because sometimes I make things up. Either way, he is not Canadian. He is from California. Glad I could clear that up for you.

I feel a little ridiculous thinking that Costa was Canadian now. Under the Brushfire Records umbrella Costas sound is so very Californian. Especially on his latest. When I heard that Belle and Sebastian were collaborating with Costa (I still don't know to what extent) I was expecting full on melancholy from the get go. That is not to say the album is melancholyless, though. On this more inventive album MC is seemingly trying to step outside his norm. To say this album is experimental would be an understatement. He sounds like - but constantly in his sweet, warm, Matt Costa-esque way- so many  musicians in the "indie" pop/rock/folk field.

'Loving You' starts the album off. The 50's pop sounding track is the perfect drop to a ten song score. It's a gradual slow down, starting with 'Early November' to follow 'Loving You'. The Phoenix, and Vampire Weekend parallels are clear. Costa sets himself apart with more of a vintage sound than the aforementioned bands. The song exudes happiness. I picture twinkling lights and wholesome lovers holding hands eating popsicles. That's how sweet this is. Matt Costa does James Blunt better than James Blunt on 'Eyes For you'. No, this is not a James Blunt song. But a good chunk of it sounds like a far less annoying 'You're Beautiful', mixed with Regina Spektor instrumentals. The tempo is brought back up on 'Good Times', the Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros jam band sound. Though, less hippieish. 'Shotgun' sounds like authentic Matt Costa. This track is the quintessential song of this album. It so perfectly ties all the songs, experiments into one exciting hand clapping and keys filled superjam. All the songs after 'Shotgun' sound much more rootsy. 'Ophelia' is the ultimate folk song of the album. Vocals resembling an early Dylan strung together with harmonica and lovelorn lyrics. It is the perfect near final act.

This album did not seem to receive a lot of hype, which is surprising because it is arguably Matt Costas most mature, best piece of work. This will be difficult for him to follow up.

Atoms For Peace (Amok)

Atoms For Peace - Amok

Release date: February 26, 2013

Just when you think Thom Yorke can't get any cooler (I know you were thinking it), in walks Atoms For Peace. Yorke collaborated with Flea, the man with the capability to shape shift himself to any creative effort he so pleases, to make Amok. 

Thom Yorke is cool like Call Me Maybe is catchy. It's one of those indisputable things. Despite his years of desperately trying to convey to us that he is a brooding artist, Yorke flips the switch. Granted his attitude on Amok is thanks to the ever cheerful Flea. 

Flea has a knack of spreading his groove around. This time, with Thom Yorke, it proves to be successful. It's very "sci-fi/indie rock". Amok comes off as sounding quite arty. The type of music you would hear in the basement art gallery in the meat packing district where tiny appetizers would be passed around but no one would take any, because everyone is way too damn cool. 

Atoms For Peace was not created on a whim. Like every of Yorke's projects AFP needed to be executed to perfection. Meaning, waiting about four years - yes, four years - for the world to hear anything by the collaboration was necessary. Atoms For Peace is not just made up of Thom Yorke and RHCP's Flea, longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich (keyboards), Joey Waronker, and Brazilian percussionist Mauro Refosco are also hard hitters. Amok is clearly not just the Thom Yorke show (despite how I've described it so far). The artists carefully selected to work on Amok have thrown in as much guts as Yorke. 

The beats on Amok come off sounding Radioheady at times, but pick up where Radiohead leaves off with Flea's constant funkified bass. It all plays almost as though it is is one track, with quick breaths every five minutes or so. It's a hip, psychedelic trip. It becomes quite simple to look past the lyricism, which scream Thom Yorke by the way, with so many groovy rhythms going on. The sensation is almost hypnotizing. 

This "new" project is diverse straying from what you might expect from Yorke and Flea. The inventive quality, though, is what will make Amok a lasting piece of (art) work. 

Week 06: Feb 12- Feb 19, 2013

+ Happenings in Jack Whiteville: Owner of Third Man Records and being a clear vinyl connoisseur JW was named Record Store Day Ambassador for 2013. The superhuman, White, has also partnered with Nashvilles Belcourt Theatre for a monthly film series called 'Light and Sound Machine'.

+Gaslight Anthems 'Every Word Handwritten'  is a 15 minute short that is ultimately based on the lifespan of a record and the effect it can have on generations. Interesting? We'll see.

+ Rilo Kiley is releasing a special album this year, 'RKives'. The album is said to feature past B-sides, demos, and other gems unheard by the public. This week RK released a somewhat sweet and dreamy "Let Me Back In"

+ Prince releases a new track 'That Girl Thang'. The track strays from the flamboyant singers usual style, being acoustic. He does however stay true to his signature high, androgynous vocals.

+ A project requiring the use of 170 musicians, Beck has completed his rendition of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The finished product is BEYOND awesome. Extremely well done. It is my current favorite thing. If I do anything for you, reader, let it be me showing you this video. Click on the link! Don't be shy.

+ Tame Impala made their TV debut back in 2011 on Fallon and return to the set this week. The Aussie outfit is so unfazed and so wonderful; Elephant.

+ So, Michael Jacksons son, Prince, becomes a celebrity journalist on Entertainment Tonight? Irony, I think so.

+ Phoenix debut 'Entertainment' which will appear on their album set to be released April 23rd titled Bankrupt. The band has also released the album art work. Think, peaches.

+ VIDEOS: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake release video for 'Suit and Tie' and the world continues to talk about and love 'Mirrors'. Suit and Tie is as classy as JT's new persona. So happy to have JT back. Passion Pit cast a crazy/beautiful Sophia Bush in their latest music video for 'Carried Away'. Lana Del Rey keeps up her diva, sultry songstress character in 'Burning Desire'. Yeah Yeah Yeahs give teaser to new track 'Always' that will appear on their album 'Mosquito'. Canada's west coast wonders, Yukon Blonde, release their video for 'Guns'.

+ Word on the street is that Black Sabbath is hanging up their regular heavy metal style for a blues album on their LP set to be released this year.

+ JUNO Awards nominees are announced!! And The Sheepdogs are up for a slew of awards. I was also happy to see that Yukon Blonde was nominated as well as Grimes and Bahamas! For the Americans reading this.. it's the Grammys in Canada for Canada and with much less sparkle.

+ The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival line-up has been announced!!! Today Weird Al helped in announcing the line-up in a Bonnaroo Lineup Announcement Megathon. Which just made the fest blow all other festivals out of the water in getting fans hyped up. **

**stay tuned for 'Road to 'Roo 2013' and 'A Peek into 'Roo '13' posts on the blog.

An ode to Zaphods

Being in your twenties is difficult. Like, really difficult. Despite the fact that pretty much every adult in life has warned me of this up to this point, it's still a tough time. How am I supposed to pay for rent, food, bills and still have money have for fun. Like, beer. What's more is it's not always easy to figure out where to fit in. You are older, but not old. You are still young, but not younger. Ultimately you are entering adulthood, begrudgingly.

Last night my friends and I, after playing a made up drinking game about how well we know each other (by the way I found out even after 8+ years of friendship they hardly know me, ouch) we decided to stop being so lame and have a night out on the town. Being in that age group where it's not only  considered uncool, but is also just plain ridiculous to skank yourself up to go to a bar, I find myself feeling like an old lady. And no, not the kind of old lady you would find in Sons of Anarchy. The kind of old lady that finds herself yelling to the young ones in barely there dresses with no coat waiting in lines in -20 degree weather saying "goosebumps are not sexy! put on pants!"

After wandering our Ottawa streets it became obvious that there are too few places that could satiate our appetite for both normalcy, cheap drinks, and dancing. Oh and no sleeze balls. Enter, Zaphods.

Though it being a long time favorite bar of mine, Zaphods is almost always put in the "no" pile of options for places to drink and dance. Thanks to my group of guy friends who feel it just "too weird". Other than going to see a show, I haven't found my way to Zaphods dance floor in too long. What we all came to realize last night - what I already knew - is that Zaphods is the best bar in Ottawa for someone in their mid to late twenties. Not only can it boast a cheapish cover, its average patron can be described as laid back, type-B sort of person.

Coat check is full? No problem, throw your coat in a corner someone and it will be fine. The unspoken "I got your back" rule is in affect upon stepping through the Zaphods doors. Oh you've just come from work and are in your uniform still? Meh no worries, no judgement here. It's the best place to let out your long awaited exhale and just be.

Being in my mid twenties means I was born in the late 80's. Meaning I grew up in the 90's. Finding a seat in the dimly lit semi-seedy palace while the DJ was spinning mega hits like Thrift Shop it became obvious that this was the type of place I want to hang out. Zaphods on a Friday night is the ultimate place for a sweaty dance fest. We heard Blink 182, Sum 41, Destinys Child, Outkast, Dexys Midnight Runner, House of Pain... the list goes on.

Zaphods felt like the center of the universe on Friday night. It took me from feeling like an old lady to feeling eighteen again. With an extra large Budweiser in hand it felt so good to gyrate among the other normal "weidos" to the songs that make sense to dance to, while losing my voice to singing along to every lyric. It was more than satisfying to find a place to jam out like it was 1999.

New band alert (Ivan & Alyosha)

Though not entirely new to the scene, Ivan & Alyosha are releasing their debut album February 26 titled 'All the Times We Had'. The band, who are not strangers to the road, with a few EPs under their belt have collaborated with The Low Anthems Jesse Lauter and keyboardist/engineer Chad Copelin for their most recent project.

I&A are originally from Seattle, though you may have seen them perform live in your hometown if you reside on the West coast. If you decided to lock The Head and the Heart in a room with Yukon Blonde, this would be the result. I&A's 'All the Times We Had', which you can stream on NPR is full of pretty melodic hooks, and endearing lyricism. It's a rootsy, honest album. Every song sounds like a hit.

At a time where folk-pop rock is starting to seem overdone, Ivan & Alyosha come in and revive it. The band together just creates very beautiful music.

Visit their webiste to find out more: Ivan & Alyosha

Week 05: Feb 5- Feb 12, 2013

+ Justin Timberlake releases cover art AND tracklist for his March release (March 19) album; 20/20 Experience. And if that's not enough, after the Grammys JT also released his first single off the album called 'Mirrors'. Obviously it's great. Obviously.

+ Gary Clark Jr. is launching his own music festival, "Maverick Music Festival". The festival will take place in GCJ's home state of Texas. It will feature local musicians during the day, and when the sun goes down you can look forward to performers like GCJ himself, as well as The Toadies, Girl in A Coma, Arum Rae, and Henry and the Invisibles. Gary Clark Jr also played 'Numb', and 'Ain't Messin' Around' on Kimmel this past week. He's so damn good.

+ New Queens of the Stone Age is described by Dave Grohl as "ridiculous". I assume in a good way. The album is going to feature major players in music including Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Jakes Shears (Scissor Sisters) and Elton John who claims to be a big fan.

+Jenny Lewis will be appearing on both new Postal Service tracks. Including: 'A Tattered Line of String' that was released this week.

+Phoenix owns the recording console used for Thriller (Michael Jackson) and is recording their new album on it. That there is some good juju.

+ With 'channel ORANGE' not even a year old Frank Ocean is riding his wave of success and will be heading back into the studio soon. He is currently in the creative stage, but hopes to be recording shortly.

+ The man with a million ideas, and stamina of a cocker spaniel on speed, Jack White, is back to work on his follow up to Blunderbuss. If that is not something to get excited in this cold winter, I don't know what is. White reportedly has about 20-25 tracks all in varying styles. He is not sure if the album will be released this year, and just wants to flow with his inspiration.

GRAMMYs

+Congrats to Gotye and Kimbra who took home a golden gramophone for Record of the Year AND Best Pop/Duo Performance {Somebody That I Used to Know}. The two were so gracious, so humble. Gotye also grabbed a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album {Making Mirrors}.

+ Album of the Year went to Mumford and Sons!! {Babel} Well deserved. And, they also take home an award for Best Long Form Video with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show for {Big Easy Express}. So thrilled to see Big Easy do well. Phenomenal.

+ fun. took home a Grammy for Song of the Year {We Are Young feat. Janelle Monae}. The group also won Best New Artist. Congrats!!

+ Adele took home Best Pop Solo Performance {Set Fire to the Rain}. Really though, that was a no-brainer. She deserves it.

+ The Black Keys did quite well taking home a Grammy for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song AND Best Rock Album {Lonely Boy/El Camino}. Dan Auerbach also wins Producer of the Year!

+ Best Urban Contemporary Album goes to Frank Ocean {channel ORANGE}

+ Best Jazz Vocal Album went to Esperanza Spalding! {Radio Music Society}

+ Dr. John takes home a golden grammy for Best Blues Album {Locked Down} !!

+ Best Folk Album went to Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan deservingly {The Goat Rodeo Sessions}

+ Jimmy Cliff takes Best Reggae Album {Rebirth}

For the complete list of Grammy winners find out: here.

This years Grammy performances were ridiculous. I want to relive those performances over and over again.

Here is a list of my favorites from the night:

+ Elton John joins Ed Sheeran to play 'A Team'
+ fun. performs 'Carry On'
+ Justin Timberlakes big band performance of a few new tracks; 'Suit and Tie' with Jay-Z, and 'Pusher Girl'
+ Mumford & Sons perform 'I Will Wait'
+ The Black Keys get on stage with Dr. John and Preservation Hall Jazz Band to play 'Lonely Boy'
+ Try not dancing when Sting and Bruno Mars perform Mars' first single off Unorthodox Jukebox, accompanied by a Sting hit 'Locked Out of Heaven/Walking On the Moon'. Followed by a Bob Marley tribute with Damian and Ziggy Marley and Rihanna; 'Could You Be Loved'
+ Lumineers perform 'Ho Hey'
+ 'Love Interruption' and 'Freedom at 21' by Jack White and his two traveling bands.
+ Adam Levine and Alicia Keys, 'Girl on Fire'
+ I don't care much for Wiz Kahlifa, but Miguel performs and its great: 'Adorn'
+ Frank Ocean performs 'Forrest Gump'
+ LL Cool J, Chuck D, Tom Morello and Travis Barker pay tribute to MCA
+ Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Brittany Howard, Mavis Staples, and T Bone Burnett play tremendous tribute to The Bands' Levon Helm by playing 'The Weight'

*click the highlighted link to view video. Do it!

A year of Keys. Black ones.

It is difficult to pin point the exact "thing" about The Black Keys. In a fickle world where genres like Americana and Dubstep can simultaneously erupt only to be crushed by a song where no one actually knows the lyrics (except "hey sexy lady") where exactly do The Black Keys fit in? The answer is, they fit in everywhere.

The once independent band can boast impressive knack and work ethic. It has now been 14 months since the Keys last release, which seems like 5 years in Black Keys time. With the release of Brothers in 2010, and El Camino in 2011, The Black Keys have been in the works of creating their next studio album since about July to be released this year. Every year just keeps getting bigger and bigger for the Akron boys.

With the Grammy Awards tomorrow and the Keys nominated for about five awards let's look back on everything great and Black Keys related in 2012.

To start 2012 with a punch, El Camino was released in December of 2011. The albums' glam-rock stadium suited album blew up the rock and roll scene really solidifying The Black Keys earned place in rock. For a band so big with a small band ego, and the zealous behavior of Jack White great things are bound to happen.

The Black Keys produced the crap out of 2012. Albums and songs from Dr.John to Ke$ha were worked on by Dan and Patrick both together and apart.

In April Dr. John's 'Locked Down' was released. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Dr. John's particular flavor of New Orleans jazz combine with Dan Auerbach blues aptitude at Bonnaroo in 2011. Watching the pair on stage I remember thinking to myself "brilliant". I did not realize that less than one year after that thought Dr. John would release an album called Locked Down, and that album would be produced by Dan Auerbach. Brilliant.

On Locked Down Auerbach and the Doctor hone in on that New Orleans southern fried sound and pump it with thick grit and blues. Thus creating a funky new nostalgia sound.

Locked Down is not intended to be a comeback album. Without having that pressure left room for Auerbach and Dr. John to relax and lay down what they knew. The album is more deep than expected. Dr. John is 71. He has been around too long having too much success to have any interest in trying to prove to anyone his knack. He rather, took his years of acquired musical wisdom, and gruff old man voice to fabricate a genre adapting work of greatness.

At the MTV Movie awards the Black Keys were "forced" to perform with Johnny Depp. Of course this didn't require much to any arm twisting for the Keys who were honored to play with Depp. Auerbach admittedly says "[Johnny Depp] was cool from when he came out the womb". Depp joined the duo on stage for 'Gold On the Ceiling'. What most people don't know about Johnny Depp is that when he first moved to LA he was in search of work as a musician rather than an actor. The man has mad chops.

In June/ July Auerbach had a few projects that were being released; The Lion The Beast The Beat (Grace Potter & the Nocturnals), Hypnotic Nights (JEFF the Brotherhood) and Shakedown (Hacienda).

On The Lion The Beast The Beat, Dan Auerbach aided in production as well as offered vocals and some instrumental work. Oh to be a fly on the wall of the recording room. Dan Auerbach and Grace Potter creating together would be a scene filled with so much passion and talent it'd make your toes curl. 'Loniest Soul' is a playful, seemingly edgy song. With the intent of sexy ebb and flow it comes off as mysterious and showy. This works much better than the initial intent. Auerbachs influence is quite clear.

Shakedown, by Hacienda turned out to be a throwback to the 1970's style of writing music. Though seemingly simple, it gets the job done; a good hook, and a willful amount of "oohs and aaahs". Bound to do it. The dirty electric garage rock style guitar combined with a jaunty blues rasp of a voice, and steady drum beats make for one successful album. 'Veronica' is the clear winner of the album. It wraps up all of Shakedown in one perfected, neat, package.

Dan Auerbach tested his limits in JEFF the Brotherhoods 2012 album release, Hypnotic Nights. The album, resembling stoner rock, isn't at first a clear parallel to the Black Keys guitarist normal style. It takes a second listen to hear the influence. It works. 'Region of Fire' is the ultimate psychedelic track, coming off similarly to Led Zeppelin's sci-fi/fantasy inspired songs. It's a mystical sax and guitar love fest. The hooks and new found mass appeal are likely in thanks to Dan Auerbach. The group show tribute to Black Sabbath in playing 'Changes'. The song is played in perfection. There is visible maturation in this record.

Dan wasn't the only Key who was busy. Patrick Carney was hard at work bringing fame to The Sheepdogs by producing their most recent self titled studio album. Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved.The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.

The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.

The collaborations continue on into the fall. The Black Keys team up with RZA for the movie "The Man With the Iron Fists". The three duel over the last fortune cookie in 'The Baddest Man Alive'. Which is also the most underrated song of 2012. It really does deserve more clout.

The Keys close the year with an appearance on Ke$has latest album, Warrior and a slew of Grammy nominations. Carney helps out the pop tart on the track 'Wonderland'. A song not undefiled by autotune. So that's what Ke$ha really sounds like.

Tune into the Grammys tomorrow night and be sure to send your good vibes the Keys way.

They fit everywhere.

The 55th GRAMMY Awards

The 55th GRAMMY Awards are this Sunday. The Super Bowl of the music world. I love a good competition. Though, this year it seems as though most of the winners are clear.

Honestly I mostly watch the Grammys for the performances. This year I am most anxious for: Travis Barker and Tom Morello, Justin Timberlake, and Brittany Howard with Mumford & Sons (+ others) to play tribute to Levon Helm by playing The Weight. Can't friggen wait.

Here are some *hopeful* winners:

I will be live tweeting with Spin (#SPINGrammys).

New band alert (Pickwick)

A band so new they aren't even on Wikipedia yet here's introducing, Pickwick. I received an e-mail from Dine Alone Records a few weeks ago saying they had signed a new band called Pickwick. The Seattle hometown heros have a surprisingly large following for such a low key group.

Pickwick is a rough around all the right edges, soul garage rock outfit with splashes of punk for good measure. The band plays in varying styles. Some funky, some even sounding like they belong in a NOLA jazz group. Pickwick vocals are especially unique to this particular sound of dream garage rock resembling a more soulful Pixies, or Cold War Kids.

The group is the type of audiophyllic musicians who pay clear attention to detail noting, harnessing, and perfecting their influences. Hacienda Motel, the bands first song off Can't Talk Medicine is a clear debut. The song, which was also the first song the band has had played on the radio, exemplifies how rock is done right shaping their sound with varying influence.

Priding themselves in the use of unique musical aesthetic, Pickwick will be releasing their first "big" album in March titled Can't Talk Medicine. The album is available for pre-order here: http://tinyurl.com/7q48aq9

Week 04: Jan 29- Feb 5, 2013

+ K-Os' new album, Black on Blonde, dropped this past week. It's experimental, lengthy, and great. The Canadian rapper also has set dates for his Canada tour.

 + Macklemores hipsteresque rap song, Thrift Shop, is a Billboard chart topper! No surprises here. The song is clever and inventive. Not to mention beyond catchy. Could it be this years Call Me, Maybe? Maybe. This is fuck-ing awe-some.

+ Iron & Wine plans to release a new album, Ghost on Ghost, in April. Sam Beam seems to be all business as usual. The first single from Ghost on Ghost was released this week called 'Lovers Revolution'. It's jazzy in its big band style. A meritorious taste of what is to come.

+ Beck is in the works of creating a cover of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The cover will be created using 170 musicians. Beck is diving into the project and taking it on as his own. The quirky artist admits to probably never being able to work with this many artists at one time again, and is trying to cherish it to produce something inventive, while remaining authentic to Ziggy Stardust.

 + Jim James (of My Morning Jacket) performs on Fallon the night before his latest album debut; Regions of Light and Sound of God. The album, which dropped today, staying true to his indie folk sound dabbles in sounds of soul, and some chamber pop while experimenting with varying space rock sounds. Rad.

 + Fall Out Boy is back from their nearly 4 year hiatus. But, does anyone over the age of sixteen care? Patrick Stump should continue working solo. Soul Punk, Stumps 2011 solo effort was actually really good. Pete Wentz should stick to posting pictures of his junk online and being Ms. Simpsons baby daddy.

+ Vampire Weekend are doing big things this year, and I can't wait to experience them all. Their new album, titled 'Modern Vampires of the City' is set to be released May 7th. They have also signed on for countless North American shows.

+ The Sasquatch music festival lineup was released today. Headliners include The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, The Postal Service.. the list goes. A fantastic lineup, trumping Coachella. Also, Atlanta has a new music festival called Shaky Knees Festival. It boasts an outstanding cast to start them off; Lumineers, Band of Horses, Jim James, Gary Clark Jr... I got butterflies looking at both set lists.

+ Super Bowl: Beyonce "killed" it. She was good. And more importantly, she didn't lip sync! Plus, who else was thrilled with Destinys Child? They could have sang a bit more though, really. I'm pretty sure Beyonce shut down the internet on Sunday night. Her performance overshadowed some pretty great performers that weekend. Including, Alicia Keys singing the national anthem, Gary Clark Jr., Stevie Wonder, and Justin Timberlake played the pre Super Bowl. Which you know was spectacular. Timberlake also played two new songs in big band style. Oh and, have we found the best use for Psy in America? Selling pistachios. Of course...

Currently listening to

{from left to right, right to left}

1. alt-j (An Awesome Wave)

2. The Band (The Band)

3. The Lumineers (The Lumineers)

4. ZZ Ward (Criminal (EP))

5. Johnny Cash (American IV:The Man Comes Around)

6. David Garrett (Rock Symphonies)