so pale and wan.

Probably should have eaten more than an orange and a vat of coffee today.

Track list:

1. The National Lights - the dead will walk, dear - swimming the swamp

Comments: quiet, smooth, mellow. With a girl in cowboy boots.

2. The Soft Parts - unerring melodic scents - a missed television opportunity

Comments: I love television, so I can totally relate to this. I get whistful over missed tv opportunities too. TV watching opps, that is, because I'll never be on TV. Dang no, I don't even like having my picture taken! Come on now.

3. Chet - flight against darkness - ships sink in the fall

Comments: It's funny how men with vocal incompetencies are somehow the most beautiful and poignant thing, sometimes. I really love this, and I can't necessarily tell you why. I just really love it. Sigh.

4. Quadra - based on a true story - between the lines

Comments: But there are no lines! Crazy Quadra.

5. Dustin Cole with The Specialest - try and love me - oh! my captain

Comments: Weird use of flute. I do not object.

6. Gloom Room - mr. resistor - mr. resistor

Comments: I don't usually play the title track, it seems so obvious. However, I will make an exception for this ska for robots. I appreciate extreme niche-marketing.

7. Go Jeff!!! - wake up the dance machine! - womandolin

Comments: I'm iffy on the use of exclamation points since that whole panic! debacle. But the song titles make up for it. Meh, I'm not a big fan. Too braggy.

8. Aereogramme - my heart has a wish that you would not go - a life worth living

Comments: aw, cheer up, wouldja?

9. Cinemascope - soundimension - exotica

Comments: I love that movie. It has casey jones in it, in his vindicating role! It's all so very great.

10. Eric Hanson and The Church of Doubt and Dissent - the pills helped but where have the years gone? - famous child actor

I would rather be playing video games

er, with you! Because that is somehow more personal than this radio thing. Still, since this is as close to you as I can get, I will have to be content with it. Sigh. You're pretty.

Since I mentioned it, you should go here.

Track list:

1. The Approach - safe as houses - pistols at dawn

Comments: I'm gonna be might pissed if I just inadvertently played a side project by the dude from Billy Talent.

2. Graydon James - the ominous panda ep - confession

Comments: Pretty, very very pretty. I love the word "fiasco". It's so endlessly useful. I have just inadvertently bled myself into the next show. Whoops! Oh well.

3. Bellevue - lost in space - this house

Comments: I love weird harpsichord! I love everything today, evidently. Well, I bet if Bellevue threw a couple of "Emily is a blabby idiot"s into their song the sheen would come off. Lucky for them they're totally ignorant of my existence. Lucky for me also, I guess. I get enough name-calling in my personal life, I don't want to start getting it from impersonal media.
This is a nice song, I like it. It feels like I do.

4. ESG - come away with esg - dance

Comments: Funky and kicky. This rulez. Damn! No seriously, this is awesome. I even love the "yip yip woo woo woo" parts. I can't really explain it, but I am feelin' this action.

5. The Fortunate - get up, you dead - the storm and what came of it

Comments: What came of it? Broken eardrums and a sore throat. Misery never tasted so much like broken liquor bottles.

6. The Fussy Part - s/t - near you

Comments: tinkly and Hayden-ish. this is by no means a bad thing.

7. Woods - at rear house - night creature

Comments: like a lullaby to the subject of a horror movie. I would like an album's worth, Woods! "Chuuuucky, dream of plastic surrrrgery..." Or "float peacefully and without pause... JAWS." I have to tell you, that took just about every ounce of creativity I've got. I'm spent.

8. Knock Knock Ginger - based on a true story - the makeout song

Comments: A tested favourite, with a surefire title.

I will see you in two weeks, my little sticky bun. Grr.

anxiety music

Tonight I'm feeling bejangled. I'm being forced out of the house for "fun times", and I have to wear work slacks for the whole evening. This is bullshit. So let's hope tonight's music soothes my aching nerves - or at the very least shows some sympathy by being appropriately frenetic.

Track list:

1. Collapsing Opposites - inside chance - song for two

Comments: utterly sweet. Very traditionalist rock lyrics, but sort of in the homage sense. And nice music too. Delighted.

2. Do Make Say Think - you, you're a history in rust - a tender history in rust

Comments: pretty, could be on some sort of 'Wonder Years' reunion soundtrack, if that ever happened. For my own benefit, the part of Fred Savage will be played by John Cusack.

3. M 80's - you only get one shot at the big time: obscure powerpop & punk 1979-1985 - walking on the surface of the moon

Comments: delicately punk-y. I hope they get a second shot.

4. Nervous Fellas - born to be wild - gimme somethin' strong

Comments: cute, competent, not terribly unconventional, but who can argue with a band that includes a guy called "Buzzsaw Pete"?

5. T Bone Burnett - s/t - Time

Comments: Gratuitous Tom Waits cover.

6. Joni Mitchell - blue - this flight tonight

Comments: Nazareth has annoyed me forever with this song, which is really unjust, because it's a fantastic song. It's a bit saucy, actually. Probably why they decided to do it. Shut up, I'm playing this for my mother, that's immunity from criticism right there.

7. ZMF TRIO - circle the path - wild horse

Comments: Like music from a film noir by Ingmar Bergman, set in Istanbul.

8. Tuck - seven songs - haven't we lost the same thing lately

Comments: Excellent cello!

9. Abernethy - college grove - astronaut

Comments: bye!

Bitter about coal

Track list:

1. Change of heart - 50 ft. up - into the clock

Comments: I had forgotten how much I loved them. Their enthusiasm alone captivates me.

2. The Local Rabbits - the super duper ep - shot me down

Comments: These I did not forget. It's unreserved.

3. The Men of the Deeps - s/t - the omen

Comments: I call bullshit! There's no way these guys are coal miners! There is no such thing as a lily-voiced coal miner!

4. The Hidden Cameras - Shortbus - boys of melody

Comments: For such a supposedly graphic movie, this song is very mellow and romantic. Perhaps it is all a ruse, like the miners.

5. Quintron and Miss Pussycat - let's lazertag sometime - swamp buggy badass

Comments: I think there was the king swear in that song. Whoops!

6. The D'Urbervilles - friends in bellwoods - we are the hunters

Comments: My favourite book ever? Check. I like how this song teases me. We will rock you? Maybe? Ohhhh... wait a sec... NOW! No, only joking.

7. Anagram - the lights went up - thrill of separation

Comments: They don't sound that thrilled. Maybe it's a neutral thrill, like getting thrown into a bucket of ice water in your underwear. Taking emotion out of it, it's a bit of a shock. Anagram, are you playing word games with me?

8. Les robots de la rime - dans la marge depuis 15 ans - sympathie pour les robots

Comments: Normally things don't get played twice, but hey, there are always exceptions. French rap about robots is one of those exceptions.

9. Maurice & the Cliches - c'est la vie - it's all talk

Comments: So gloriously awful looking, from 1982! And it's Canadian! When a Canadian group makes ill-advised new wave music, it must be heard.

politechno

Track list:

1. Mountain Movers - we've walked in hell and there is life after death - not quite yet

Comments: poppy and terrifying.

2. The Electrobe - electrobe - church and state

Comments: INXS and protestations.

3. You Say Party, We Say Die - lose all time - teenage hit wonder

Comments: hooty and needy.

4. The Mighty Vitamins - take-out - talk that big talk

Comments: experimental and commanding.

5. Jliat - a well tempered clavier - track 3

Comments: oh and my.

6. Roland Blinn - rosebud - nicholas II

Comments: a weirdly shallow yet well-intentioned history lesson? Social commentary? Sci-Fi soundtrack music? Surprisingly listenable.

7. The Reveries - live in bologna -

Comments: so many questions. Bologna: bo-log-NA? BO-lonia? Baloney? Merriam-Webster can kiss my ass. I said it.
As if Bob Dylan had an onstage meltdown.

8. Sneaky Thieves - accident(s) - old tired joke

Comments: I was hoping for some sort of "awww daaaad" song, but not so much. The old tired joke must be that she broke his heart fifty times. Real knee-slapper, that.

va fa etc.

I'm feeling a bit too whacked out to provide good commentary today. Sorry about that. I've been a little too obsessed with Friday Night Lights this week. I started watching episodes off the internet on Friday and now I'm caught in the inevitable downward spiral. Damn, Kyle Chandler looks good in that headset. I wish he'd yell at me like that. Grrr.

Ahem.

Track List:

1. Screaming Eagles - enemy gold - prom song (california raisin remix)

2. Intercom - aaaaaaa - electroluxe

3. Minibloc - carton, micro, recreation - encore parle politique a table

4. Daddy's Hands - welcome kings! - french made simple

5. Nick Lowe - pinker and prouder than previous - cryin' in my sleep

6. Sam Phillips - omnipop - slapstick heart

7. Jane Siberry - the speckless sky - seven steps to the wall

8. Joan Armatrading - walk under ladders - I wanna hold you

9. Sarah McLachlan - touch - ben's song

je ne sais blah

Hey everyone,
It's time for another rambling nonsensical show, with matching blog post. Hang on to your pleather.

Track list:

1. Johnny & the moon - the aaaargh annual year two - the ballad of scarlet town

Comments: pretty. Very pretty. so deliciously country, and in the good way.

2. Live Country Music - long hard season - long hard season

Comments: there's some okey from muskogee vibe in this song, which is expected I guess. I enjoy it, but I was hoping it would be more sexual, given the title.

3. Octoberman - laguardia - laguardia

Comments: saw this live a few weeks ago and loved it very much. Also, he stood right in front of me and I had to vigorously fight the urge to nudge him and then talk his ear off. Trust me, it would have been positive for no one.

4. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - living with the living - the toro and the toreador

Comments: I love how it starts so unassuming, and then about 1:30 in kicks out the jams hardcorse. I know this will be obvious, given that it's TL and the P, but it kicks them out extremely well.

5. Statues - new people make me nervous - (you can't wash) dirty thoughts

Comments: no you can't, sadly.

6. The Finches - human like a house - june carter cash

Comments: I have absolutely nothing to say about june. this woman's voice is lovely though.

7.Pawa Up First - introducing new details - j'garde ca reel (feat. Seba)

Comments: I am such a sucker for French rap. this is one of the great mysteries. Why do I love it? It makes no sense. And yet somehow it makes all the sense in the world. this is nice French rap, with lovely bell-like synthesizer. Aah.

8. The Magic Numbers - those are brokes - carl's song

Comments: Adorable, as usual. I like the everyone singing, participatory and chorus-like quality of this band. And they have long hair and like dancing! Superb.

9. Run with the Kittens - run with the kittens - ??

Valentine's Birthday

The station is full of special visitors, and I'm having heart palpitations. No really. I heart coffee!

Track list:

1. Mother Mother - touch up - love and truth

Comments: both important for valentine's day, and also this song is fun. I like the drama mixed with silliness. Like if Tori Amos wasn't such a drag.

2. Value Village People - extreme makeover, audio edition - fireworks

Comments: I will never stop loving you, you're that weird.

3. Fabio advice. I'm sorry, I don't have track names or an album title. Update: it's called 'Fabio After Dark', and is sadly out of print. Just assume I'm interspersing this throughout, because it's so creepy. And you know how I love to make you squirm, you little minx.

4. Billy and the Boingers - U Stink but I Luv U

Comments: I don't know either. Aren't they cartoon characters? I thought this album was just a joke. Ouch.


5. Astrud Gilberto - once I loved

Comments: I'm in love with this song, almost as much in love as Astrud seems to be with this scampy fellow who ran off on her. Bastard.

6. Away Ri'o! - all things shining - only bad can come of this

Comments: Like Axl Rose, but sentimental and awesome. I love the sliding guitar sounds of this.

7.Octoberman - laguardia - I'm not drunk/Island time

Comments: soooothing. I love you too, Octoberman.

8. Field & Stream - snowed in, a tribute to Hank Snow - I don't hurt anymore

Comments: so damn depressing. My dead black heart loves it. Next!

9. Black Heart Procession - square heart

Comments: the obvious choice. So obvious I probably shouldn't have played it. Oops.

10. Marit Bergman - my love

Comments: Apparently the hipsters are now into unironically loving Timberlake, so maybe this is okay. I hate hipsters.

11. Away Ri'o - all things shining - ...like the big kids play

Comments: Yes, Away Ri'o, I like you that much. You're so nice I'm playing you twice.

12. Neil Diamond & Barbra Streisand - you don't bring me flowers - you don't bring me flowers

Comments: for obvious reasons.

cranky and disoriented? check and check!

Well, things have been changing for me and I guess I can say the changes are okay... except for the minor detail that I abhor change. I think my language skills are slipping too.

Track list:

1. Rabbit Ears - rabbit ears ep - jenny

Comments: I love it, it sounds like a nihilist danced until he exploded.

2. Cinemascope - soundimension - see my eyes

Comments: Mellow and acoustic but sounds like it's on the verge of exploding into insanity. I'm on the edge of my seat. This could have something to do with the old coffee I drank today.

3. Mixel Pixel - music for plants - ghost for life

Comments: Ironical title? Good for one point. This is a bit morose though, isn't it? Maybe it's not ironical after all. Unfortunately those points are hard to get back once you've given them. There's some really weird guitar soloing. Someone outside the window is making an odd sign with his hands, like this rocks, or maybe he's in horrible pain. My final verdict, it's catchy, with a dose of who gives a damn. It's the perfect combination.

4. No Luck Club - prosperity - better times will come

Comments: Playing at the Anza club this Friday as part of the 4th annual CJSF FM party. We lurves them, and want them to have many wealthy diamond-encrusted children. (That's them on the left. Everyone looks awesome in black and white, and also more introspective. Plus you do not have to match your clothes. Trevor is wearing purple pants and a bright green hat, but you would never know. Trick photography.)

5. Teenage Head - dave rave anthology vol.2 - everybody needs somebody

Comments: Is this nostalgic for anyone? It feels that way to me, and I've never heard it before. That's a weird state of things. I love this sound, it's a very 1990 Cancon sound, with ratty boots and mild but not unconquerable misery. Seriously, I should write for the backs of albums, that was damned eloquent.


6. The Dry Heeves - snowed in, a tribute to hank snow - my nova scotia home

Comments: Played for very obvious reasons. I love songs about Canada, the more gratuitous the better. Plus obscure tribute albums rule. *Caveat* - sometimes they may not rule. Don't blame me if you buy some weird Dolly Parton by Green Day & Friends and it sucks. Your own fault, really.
The voiceover is so, so great.

7. Camaromance - different paths - mostly harmless

Comments: Douglas Adams factor - it's a weighty factor. And this song is really about the book! Or at least it mentions the book. It's good to credit your sources. I like this alot.

8. Malajube - dans la marge depuis 15 ans - la fille a plumes

Feb 9, wanna go?

It's the FM Party, at the Anza club. I hear all the cool kids are going. So you have to go with me, so I won't be intimidated. Let me know guys.

Track list:

1. For The Mathematics - we impend - this transient

Comments: Aaaugh, the energy! I love it, in fact. You have to be both fit and scruffily handsome to pull this off.
Also, I'm looking forward to a wave of bands with the same grammatical structure to their names, since this is how these things tend to work.

2. Junior Boys - so this is goodbye - FM

Comments: To remind you that you should come to the FM party. I'm serious, if you want to go I'll hang out with you and everything, just send me a note.
This song is dreamily delicious. I will add it to my list of love immediately.

3. Neko Case - live from austin tx (austin city limits) - buckets of rain

Comments: I had this stuck in my head earlier today. It's fabulous. I once heard it live too, so that's probably part of it.

4. Million Dollar Marxists - zero culture - comma come on

Comments: I like the anger. They're so yelly and earnest. Plus I like their pro-punctuation stance. Good job MDM!

5. The Lemonheads - lemonheads - let's just laugh

Comments: This is part one of the 'highschool flashback' portion of the show. Beautifully produced, I have to say. Lovely and swimmy and kind of like if I went to India in my plaid-shirt-and-misery costume. Not only is Evan Dando not dead (as most people I know thought), he's producing fairly nicely, isn't he? Writing songs and everything. Good job, undead Evan!

6. Veruca Salt - IV - damage done

Comments: The WTF??? pick of the night. Why, Louise Post, why are you still making music as Veruca Salt? It makes no sense. Everyone else is gone! It's like, if we all left Canada, and only Anne Murray was left, would she call herself Canada and be all exclusive about it? Because that would be odd... and yet somehow not that surprising.
God Louise, let it go.

7. BA Johnston - call me when old and fat is the new young and sexy - kiss her you loser

Comments: I love this song so much, I needed it to counteract the veruca salt. This is the balm that heals my every wound.

8. aMute - the sea horse limbo - disco flags are all around you

Comments: But they're not waving, because this is another mellow one.

9. The Walkmen - pussy cats - save the last dance

Comments: this is the saddest possible version of this song. But I like it, because I like depression. This makes for some seriously paradoxical situations. Meh.

10. Marcy Heisler & Zina Goldrich - one meat ball - taylor the latte boy

Comments: a special in-studio request. I met a latte boy and I wanted nothing more than to call him a bitch and scowl at him. However I did not, because being overly courteous in a phony way is not enough of a reason. I need to get some medication, maybe.

hellothisisemily

Hi Campers. I'm having a damnably difficult day. That's why the show is seriously shortened tonight. By half, in fact. No one is more sorry than me. However, we will soldier on, won't we. Yes, we will, because there's nothing like the cold hand of routine to get you through your day.

Moving on, cheerfully:

Track list:


1. Hellothisisalex - the stump act - long naked violets

Comments: Demonstrating the correct use of synthesizer. I like it. The CD is adorable, with its hand-drawn stump art. The transparency of the name is also pleasant. The prequel to Alexisonfire? The intermediary band being Somebodydoesn'tlikealex? No, probably not. I'm a jackass, I'm sorry.

2. Unitus - caretaker - the highly prized bruising of violent consumerism

Comments: An interesting concept. I'm picturing women decked out in yoga pants and furry coats, showing each other their mall-lesions. Gross. Also, they have no website...? Have I inadvertently wandered into 1992?

3. The Thurstons - I have to live forever - ...and I'm key

Comments: I'm worried about the amount of pressure The Thurstons are putting on themselves, like it might mean undue stress if they persist in this 'living forever' mission. Ooh, a thought. Martha Stewart should change the name of her mag to 'Martha Stewart Living Forever', just to freak people out. I know I would probably vomit in the grocery store.
Despite all of this rambling, I do really love the song. Thurstons, stress agrees with you.

4. Lions & Tigers & Bears - louder than your shirt - scarf rock


Comments: concerned about global warming, I threw this song on in an effort to 'rain-dance' us into some colder weather. Because it's been freakishly spring-like around here. Now this little town is snowing its arse off. Sorry about that, everyone. Also, some nice fellows in the cjsf green room loved this song, asked me about it, said they would check it out. So listen, LaTaB (sounds like the youngest Jackson, maybe?), I guess you owe me one. I will think about what gruesome deed will be required as payment.
I'm kidding, all I ask is that you continue to play your little Calgarian hearts out.

5. The Sweet Homewreckers - from the letdown to the come around - louis

Comments: Three reasons for playing this tonight. 1: it is good. 2: the name "louis" is seriously on the outs and should be resurrected, because I think too many kids have soft little lives these days and it's turning us into a bunch of pansies. 3: last time I played a sweet homewreckers song somebody in the band noticed and sent me a thank you note. In this respect I am a bit like your grandmother - your attention will get you even more knitted hats, or in this case, airtime. So actually I beat your grandmother by a mile. Ha!

the french resurrection!

let's get right to it people, I don't have all day.

Track list:

1. Esther Galil - z-land - pas de loup

Comments: I don't know if it's a dance or an interdiction, but it's fecking amazing, no matter what it is. This is a lost classic from the music library. Her hair, also, is killer. Seriously - I would take that hair and rule the world with it, way past 1976.

2. Mayor McCa - cue are es tea you - hair farmer

Download MayorMcCaHairFarmerLIVE.mp3

Comments: LOVE it. So batshit crazy! Plus the concept is stunningly great. I think he's referring to his own shiny luxurious locks (what is this, the hair show?), but I can pretend he's one of those guys with the hairy billiard balls in his basement, right? That sounds all wrong, I know.

3. Harvee - sink or swim - remember we were sailing

Comments: I knew this would soothe me based on the album cover alone. I'm now unsure whether this show is the hair show or just the French show. Next week: the FRENCH HAIR show. I don't know what that sounds like, but I'm sure it's glorious, whatever it is.

4. The Machines - after my misspent youth - snatching defeat (from the jaws of victory)

Comments: pretty good, and the title is from something, and I don't know what. Infuriating.

5. Octoberman - laguardia - intoxicated/walking time

Comments: According to our resident folk expert, "sounds like Dan Byrne". It's very mellow, and yet it has a skull on the front. Amazing. I like it a lot actually. (Also, putting closed-eye photos on the website? Mildly adorable. Plus, I sympathize with this problem - every picture of me since 1996, apart from my grad photo, is a squinter. Don't know why that is.)

6. God Made Me Funky - we can all be free - down with the king's

Comments: Hm, another self-referential hip-hop song. Maybe one day it'll all seem like Cervantes. I don't know.
This is where people pop their heads into the studio and tell me how 'diverse' this all is.

7. The Mall - emergency at the everyday - hospital mouth

Comments: Fun, very violent but with a lull involving synthesizer. Good stuff. Plus, hospital mouth, about the most disgusting thing I've contemplated all day, so, um... bonus!

8. The Winks - birthday party - slumber party let's go

Comments: Love it, plus it's seasonally appropriate for me. I mean because this is the time of year when everyone shows up to sleep on my floor for some reason. Come on, hobo relatives, it's slumber party time!

9. Esther Galil - z-land - white tears

Comments: Because I can. Seriously, she is my new hair hero, and also her music is awesome (I realize it's hard to transmit a hairstyle over the radio - this is why I have the blog). I have had some inquiries about this record today, so I'm not just lying and saying it's good. It really is good. Also, hilariously, at the beginning of the show I misread the album title as "zlang", which sounds like an uncomfortable new underwear style. I will forever love this record as a result. It's fate.

dreams, nightmares

Track list:

1. Roy Orbison - Harvest of Hits - Blue Bayou

Comments: why was this sitting neglected on a floor at cjsf? For obvious reasons. And because this is the only song on the album that's only mildly embarrassing. The rest are flamingly so.

2. Million Dollar Marxists- zero culture - in nightmares

Comments: see what I did there, with the roy orbison & 'in nightmares'? Clever. Anyway, this is alright but fairly generic. I suggest getting out of st. catharine's once in a while. Ooh, that was harsh man. Sorry. People will probably love these guys when word gets around and they'll be huge and then I'll have to eat my words (only not really). Good murphy this goes on, doesn't it?

3. No Luck Club - prosperity - corporate spy hunters

Comments: Love love looove. Sounds like hip hop done in an alley with corrugated tin. So, corporate spy what? Oh, here's some melodic stuff, I guess I can see it. It's great regardless. You should go to their shows and throw money at them. How did I do, guys?

4. Immaculate Machine - les uns mais pas les autres - les dernieres nouvelles

Comments: Delicious, and French too. Wheee! I like it alot.

5. Les Robots de la Rime - Dans la marge depuis 15 ans - sympathie pour les robots

Comments: Oh, French rap, you rule my world so hard.

6. Frenemies - birds in high school - everybody wants a piece of you

Comments: so far my favourite of the night, I think. I like the beat that makes me want to dance, and the sad bastard vocal that makes me want to weep. I declare new-age dance party! Everbody lie under the strobe light and cry!!

7. Califone - roots & crowns - the eye you lost in the crusades

Comments: Love it, fabulous, etc. Plus I have this fascination with the crusades, and also eye patches. Especially the diamond-studded kind. So it's all coming together for me in this song.

8. 1090 Club - shipwrecked on shores - business end

Comments: there's a reason that 'business end' expression has survived for so long - it's awesome. There's poetry to it. This song is not bad. Band name reminds me of 'Freedom 55', which is really just my own hangups getting in the way. Gotta think about retirement, it's coming faster than you think.

9. The Sweet Homewreckers - from the letdown to the come around - amplification

Comments: it's a given - I love the sweet homewreckers. I'm very loving and open when it comes to music though, it's the way I am. I sense your creative effort, and I nurture it with my positive energy. And spastic dancing. You can thank me later.

two more weeks. sigh.

Due to lack of internet (what is THAT about?), this is going up a day late, via a scribbled-on piece of scrap paper. The old methods, while charming, are quite, quite lame.

Track list:

1. Shad K - when this is over - out of love

Comments: Owner of my new favourite hip-hop lyric of the moment: "I don't want to tell you all to put your hands in the air, and wave 'em all around 'cause I just don't care." This is the truest thing I have heard in months. Perhaps I should try motivational seminars or something.

2. Reality Sandwich - dejeuner s'il-vous-plait - castles in the sand

Comments: quite odd, but delicious also.

3. The Mountain Movers - we've walked in hell and there is life after death - the devil is alive

Comments: I love listening to extremely religious and musically adventurous bands. So bizarrely entertaining. Don't know if I'd have the guts to go to a show though.

4. Local Rabbits - this is it here we go - the lights turn on

Comments: This is a test. I haven't listened to this album in quite a while, and today I am listening to it again in an effort to become friends again. Little did I know I would instinctively run screaming into its arms screaming "mummy!".
In case you're wondering, that means I love it.

5. Navet Confit - dans la marge depuis 15 ans (CISM Montreal compilation) - asphalte

Comments: Extra super great, because of the French factor. Also because of the techno factor, which inexplicably gets me every time. I'm like a mid-90s dance machine, if such a thing exists.

6. BA Johnston - call me when old and fat is the new young and sexy - I am a robocop

Comments: I appreciate having the whole concept explained to me when I'm listening to a song. I want to know the background story and everything. I mean, if you're talking about driving to your girlfriend's house at 4am and you pass 16 fire hydrants along the way and it makes you need to pee, I want to know that.

7. BA Johnston - kiss her you loser

Comments: oh maaaan, my personal favourite. Just... unbelievable. I love it so hard.

8. BA Johnston - sleepin with my walkman

Comments: also fabulous. Whoops, f-bomb! It's fine, whatever, we're so college. I feel a little uncomfortable finding out this much about his life though. What's worse is finding out that he lives exactly like me (substitute 'guy next door' for 'roommate' and you're there).

BONUS: BA Johnston - 'Captain's Catch', because I couldn't find the songs I actually played. But this is totally amazing too, so you won't know the difference.


9. Still Flyin - time wrinkle ep - rope burn

Comments: I am totally caught off guard by the reggae-ska of this. The cover is so hand-drawn and pink, I totally wasn't expecting it. Enjoyable enough.

10. Built to Spill - linus and lucy

Comments: A Christmasy favourite. I'm sure Charles Shultz would be totally annoyed.

sweating through four layers? eesh.

Not really, but I feel like I could. I sweat like a mediterranean, especially when it's least convenient.
And scene.

Track list:

1.Ten Year Drought - memoranda - screaming at cars

Comments: surprisingly serene, given the title. There is no screaming in this song. It made me feel a bit better, in fact, about having witnessed a good deal of car screaming in the last two hours. So that's good.

2. Shot While Hunting - man eating tiger - holliday now

Comments: different for me, and I'm fine with that.

3. Swan Lake - beast moans - the partisan but he's got to know

Comments: a song title so odd I can't possibly understand what it's supposed to mean. I don't appreciate that swan lake! Still, I like that this song is such an overwhelming group effort. How many bad male voices can we layer together over slightly hawaiian guitar? ALOT. And yet I'm enjoying it. Feel free to make whatever conclusions you want.

4. Supersystem - a million microphones - joy

Comments: funky. Like the bongos and synthesizer. Hey, actually this is pretty awesome, and incredibly weird. It's so hard to find anything original anymore that it's a relief when someone thinks of something, no matter how bizarre. Thanks Supersystem, for just being you.

5. Bright Eyes - noise floor - soon you will be leaving your man

Comments: I'm intrigued by this song - what is your reasoning, bright eyes? How will you make me leave my man? Or are you just clairvoyant? Or will I have to take a sudden trip to Eurasia? What is it?? Well, whatever it is, it's musically extremely enjoyable. Love it. Well done. Personally I'm not planning on following through on your little predicition, but I bet there are some chicks who would, because you have a definite charm.

6. Scream Club - life of a heartbreaker - i'm going crazy

Comments: if this album is the hypothetical diary of one of Tom Petty's heartbreakers, then sign me up! But it's not. Ah well. Recommended to me by a fellow programmer, thanks Elvira. Pretty great, in fact - they'll be here in March, if you enjoy sort of tag-team Peaches style music. Snicker.

7. The Gumshoe Strut - 52 pick up - broke off rap

Comments: very nice sounding countryish rap. Delighted.

assaulted by musical contrast! don't fight it!

Track list:

1. Various - African Christmas - White Christmas

Comments: Aieee! No really, would it really be Christmas without painfully ill-advised re-thinkings of holiday standards? No it wouldn't. That's why I'm so glad they come up with new horrifying crap every year.

2. Melvins - a senile animal - a history of bad men

Comments: I was honestly hoping this would provide more of a list, but I guess this is okay. I like this the way I secretly love Faith No More. Seriously, when they had that album out in the mid-90s, with 'last cup of sorrow' on it, and the video was the band members all re-enacting Hitchcock's Vertigo? That was freaking amazing.

3. The Ghost is Dancing - the ghost is dancing - to french ave

Comments: I like the synthesized accordion. "Orchestral indie rock from Toronto." Indeed. Seriously, it's good. This song is on their myspace page, if it interests you to listen.

4. Ohbijou - swift feet for troubling times - widths and curves

Comments: she's sort of the Cranberries' singer without the accent, and maybe a little more undernourished. In short, I love it. I could listen to this on public transit all day and feel vaguely romantic and miserable. Every criteria is fulfilled.

5. The Purrs - the purrs - she's gone

Comments: love, love love love. Fabulous. It's like the animals but with a new and more vaguely miserable sensibility. And moan-y singing. I would sing along, but my throat hurts. And there are people.

6. K-Os - atlantis hymns for disco - born to run

Comments: sadly, not a Springsteen cover. In keeping with my usual enigmatic reasons for playing songs, I'm playing this first for Ash, who loves k-os even though he is a confirmed indy-rocker. It's also for Scott, who loves Brucie's Born to Run more than any other song. To both of you, I freakin' HIGHLY recommend this truly funky-ass song which I now completely love. I need to get this album I think! (It's not just the suburban nerd-boys who want to be mcs. It's me too. Hot damn.)

7. The Establishment - economy radio - economy radio

Comments: must be economy, because it comes in very large volumes. Pretty great actually, which is hard for me to admit, because I'm usually so anti-establishment. HA. Ugh.

8. In Ink Please - formica table for two - faster first half

Comments: cute, with matching glasses.

unironically listening to canconcoun

Hey, what's up. It's time again for me to waste my life at my former university AGHAHDOODOODOO spend an hour at the radio station I love so much.

Track list:

1. The Divorcees - you ain't gettin' my country - nearly fell

Comments: Hm. In order to appreciate this you have to turn off your inner skeptic. Mine is virtually impossible to squish, but I did my best, and there was some oooing I liked. I also love Blue Rodeo to absolute distraction when I'm drunk. Seriously, if Jim Cuddy got me liquored up, I'm not making any promises about where things might or might not go. This is about the situation with the delightful Divorcees (although they're not as pretty as Jim).

2. Ill Scarlett - epidemic - n.t.f.

Comments: I think ska is dead.

3. Career Suicide - anthology of releases 2004-2005 - There's Something Wrong With You


Comments: But there's nothing wrong with this track, which kicks ass. It could be a reaction to the first couple of songs. So what. I luuuuurves it. Oh hey, I never thought I'd say this but: nsfw. Seriously, that t-shirt is the dirtiest line drawing I have ever, ever seen, and I've been using the internet for several years now. As usual, I'm fascinated.

4. Hilary Grist - on my way - unless you're sure

Comments: Just playing it because we were friends in the fifth grade. Odd, don't you usually think these people just vapourize after highschool? Apparently she decided to be a singer/songwriter instead, so more power to her. She'll be on Melodies in Mind, the show after mine, on January 9th! That'll be good. You should listen.

5. Powder Keg - quality you can taste - beefcake

Comments: They have much energy. I'm exhausted. Also, it's not my fault I'm not linking to anything, their site must be all flashed up or something because google doesn't know them at all.

6. PJ Harvey - Peel Sessions - Wang Dang Doodle

Comments: love it. I am familiar with this song only from the Pointer Sisters version. If you don't have the Pointer Sisters Live album, you should immediately take thyself to whatever used record bin is in your vicinity and beg for it. It doesn't have 'I'm so excited' on it, so relax yourself dammit. Anyway, PJ Harvey does a damn good job and rocks and is generally awesome, like a young british Patti Smith. Maybe it's just the hair, but also the growling I think.

7. Ox - american lo-fi - Miss Idaho


Comments: Really great. The cover art didn't speak to me, but when Canadians write songs about American things in a sort of lamenting way I generally enjoy it. It all balances out.

8. Lesser Birds of Paradise - space between - Claire Danes if you ever get a nose job I swear to Jesus I'll hang myself

Comments: So nice I'd like to reminisce about Jordan Catalano twice! Speaking of which, didn't that guy turn out to be a world-class dick. Appropriate really considering what he did to Claire Danes in the boiler room. Asshole. I'd like to punch his pasty face.
This song has nothing to do with any of that, and is completely and utterly awesome.

9. Lesser Birds of Paradise - space between - do you remember when we overthrew the government

Comments: I must have been drunk or something, because no. But this song makes me wish I did, with its sheer excellence.

rainy day people

Da da dooo dedaada dummmm.

Track list:

1. Himalayan Bear - la lonesome island - I swam with turtles

Comments: I find it hard not to love this. So strummy and soothing with the high man singing and the lyrics about creatures, or something. Screw it, I am going to love it. You can't stop me.

2. Their majesties - lands where tales are tall - sweet sweet thunder

Comments: Trying to stick with the water theme here, and thunder tends to signal that I'm about to get wet. Clearly I'm enjoying being a little morose lately, because I've picked another song featuring a guy who can't really sing. But since that's the trademark of every really great band, I can't fault them for choosing the man-who-can't-sing direction. In fact, I applaud it. I like this quite a bit.

3. The Stolen Minks - family boycott - Batman (you're the sex)

Comments: Really this is an excuse to talk about Batman the animated series and how much I love it. Who cares! Oh my gravy, 'you can leave the mask on'? SO TRUE. Stolen Minks, you are awesome. Full stop.

4. Mathias Delplanque - ma chambre quand je n'y suis pas (montreal)

Comments: um, I think he actually set up a recording device in his room and just left for 45 minutes while the ghost of a reggae man messed with his laundry and whistled. Honestly. This is what we call a "soundscape", I believe.

5. Minisystem - madingley - cheddar

Comments: this is for my cousin, who likes cheese. She's too young to be allowed to listen to the station, but spiritually I think she feels the vibe. Plus, this is very danceable and there's no reason I shouldn't be able to play it back for her later, the odds are very slim that it'll cause her to start using crystal meth or something.

6. The Curtains - calamity - World's Most Dangerous Woman

Comments: Lucky bastards managed to land on Asthmatic Kitty, and are therefore beneficiaries of Sufjan and his magic industry love. Which isn't why I'm playing them, but it doesn't discourage me either. There's a reason the man has magic industry love, okay? Most of these bands are really good, as far as I'm aware. They're pleasantly consistent in that respect.

7. No Luck Club - prosperity - Birds on Parade

Comments: ooh, I'm soothed and I keep waving my arms around in interpretive dance fashion against my own will. Who doesn't love that. Perhaps I am biased toward liking these guys, since they have cjsf roots. Who cares. I say you have to use whatever you can to get ahead in this nasty harsh brutal world. Which is currently, for me anyway, flooded with a smooth beat and some panflute-like sounds. Aaah.

8. The Pants Situation - the ugly man - The bigamy was big of you

Comments: I wanted to talk about Britney here, but there was nothing I could say without embarrassing myself quite a bit. Even with the disclaimers I didn't do too well. Whatever, I'm so happy, I hope she comes back with some completely heinous single and a very stupid hat and kicks pop music ass.
The Pants Situation, on the other hand, are actually a good band, and this song has very little to do with Britney's marital situation, but is instead cool and interesting. Thanks TPS. Ha! TPS.

9. Destroyer - we'll build them a golden bridge - Islands in the Stream

Comments: I doubt there's a way I could love this concept more - random songs given the titles of famous songs. I now wish I was a musician so I could do this too. I would have a weird obsessive love ballad called Lady Stardust, and then a rocking power ballad called, um, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This is the best idea ever. Destroyer, for the 57th time, I love you.

CRAB INVASION!!!

I am Jens, Drummer of the crab, the KING CRAB! (However, I don't play on recordings, I am
the useless performance drummer.)
First song: Rocky Monty
Really just about substance abuse and Dave and Josh's problems with it. Really a sad story. I didn't play on this track. I mean, I really didn't play on this track! really....
Watch out...tape recordings lead to bands....ARRGH!
Steroids are not my friend...
French's alphabet makes a very good folk song.
Swedish folk songs (or arias) by Flonk are very incredible.
Track 2: Straw House
Jens' poor singing. Bad.
Track 3: Sailin' Home
Skipping songs are hilarious. This song is about a man coming home from a deserted island. He gets nookie. I don't play on this track. Josh always rocks the house on guitar. Dave's drumming and falsetto make me laugh. That's why he plays bass.
Hello to Mr. Baker!! HI!!!
I like PSA'S!!!
Last names make me laugh!
Snobbery is not awesome!
Track 4: First Day Out of Jail
A messed up song for Josh! I like it! I didn't play on this track...again!
Track 5: Army of Love
Dave's in command!! Apparently Dave is Jimmy Smits! I didn't play on this track! BEWARE THE PROFANITY!
Dave is like David Byrne!!
Track 3: Town of Funk!
I named this song! I love it! I don't play on this track!

**update: listen to the show HERE:
The second half-hour (unfortunately the first half got toasted by the server. Sorry guys).

Guest appearance

And the guest is.......Jacob, Emily's brother. Well it's not that exciting at all. I'm subbing in for Emily today on the blogging aspect of the show. (This blog entry may be worth something someday....so copy it in a text file and keep it in a safe place.)

1. Lily Tomlin - This is a recording - Mrs. Mitchell
Comment - Halarious! We'll funny, I'm not sure I didn't listen to it fully. I'll need a second oppinion. Emily loves her, everytime she snorts everything is right in the world.

2. AA Sound System - Laissez Faire - Vermillion
Comment - Emily goes out on a limb and thinks that it is great. I'll agree with her on this one, it hits that soft spot.

3. Jane Siberry - The Walking - Red High Heels
Comment - Emily loves this song so so much. I mean a lot. She wanted you to know. Emily loves Jane Siberry or her new name Issa Jar Jar Binks...sorry, just Issa (eeee-sah)

4. Volcanoless in Canada - Volcanoless in Canada - We Win
Comment - First off to clear things up, they are from in Saskatchewan. Lots of drums, guitar, and I hear some tambourine. This combination produces some interesting music that Emily agrees with and would like anyone out there to buy her this CD for christmas. That means you Santa..... or Mom and Dad.

5. Gordon Lightfoot - Did She Mention My Name - The Last Time I Saw Her
Comment - Lightfoot! Lightfoot! Lightfoot! Come one, come all! What is not to like about this man. Other than his tailored tuxedo. "This is nice." quoted from Emily. Of course she would say that. She joined her boyfriend in the mosh pit at the Gordon Lightfoot concert.

6. Steve Bell - My Dinner With Bruce - Closer to the Light
Comment - I would like to have dinner with Bruce Cockburn. He's like a hero to me. I can say that I want a rocket launcher and my mother can't complain. I think it's hard to ruin a song of Brucy, unless it was someone like Avril Lavigne.

7. Ramonettes - Ramonettes - I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend
Comment - Totally awesome, living the dream.

8. Great Aunt Ida - How They Fly - Company You Keep

Mississip!

Track list:

1. Miss Violetta Beauregarde - odi profanum vulgus et arceo - the unbearable lightness of a farm tractor

Comment: oh crap, so weird. Therefore fabulous.

2. The Sadies - live vol. 1 - Tiger Tiger

Comment: The only way to see the Sadies is Live. I don't know what your alternatives are, but there it is.

3. Ghostrain - let the record show - the modern age

Comments: I can relate - I also fear the modern age. I feel I belong in the 1920s, with the girls with no boobs. Oh wait... damn.

4. The Old Soul - she's got party davis eyes - he's got larry david eyes/she's got party davis eyes

Comments: played almost solely for the titles. Absolutely love it, because anything weird is instantly my friend.

5. The Stance - shall inherit the earth - kiss me kiss me

Comments: masterful use of the word 'baby'. Really quite kick-ass musically also.

6. Giant Squid - metridium fields - versus the siren

Comments: Ack, too emo for me. Sorry giant squid, your ink is running all over my new dress, which cost me $5, and that hurts because I am poor and my boyfriend called me a whore. What? Sorry, just getting into the spirit.

7. Bettie Serveert - bare stripped naked - roadmovies

Comments: so perky. I'm going home everyone. Try not to fall on your swords, I'll be back two weeks from now (cjsf.com, 7-8pm)

emily sings the blues

Please disregard that. I promise no singing.

Track list:

1. Lake Holiday - The Curse of Sunshine - press record then play

Description: Ding! Love it. Happy sounding.

2. The Square Waves - s/t - dreams kept on machine

Description: Loopy. And there are some tinkly sounds. Love it also.

3. David Bowie - David Live - Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (reprise)

Description: This is maybe in my top five albums of all time, so you don't even need to ask.

4. Rafter - Achoo! An Asthmatic Kitty Sampler Vol. 1 - zzzPenchant

Description: If you're a music student, try to count along with this one. Maddening. But so unspeakably great.

5. The Fabulous Kildonans - bottle rocket - marktember rain

Description: Kind of generic, but overall fairly okay.

6. Cat Scientist - cicada - pink dress

Description: How could I avoid playing a song called 'pink dress' really. Being the owner of a little Pepto Bismolesque number myself, I can fully appreciate the sentiment behind the song... maybe. Unless it's about some horrible person with a pink dress, and then I just feel sad for pink dresses everywhere... Honestly, this song is super great. It's sort of funky but country-ish... something. It's really, really good, I recommend it.

7. Bonnie Prince Billy - cursed sleep - cursed sleep

Description: Carla, this is for you. Or is it your friend who likes him? I can't remember. Anyway, you're the reason I know who he is, so it's your song, enjoy it.

ain't got nobody

Hey, where's the J? She's not here yet. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime I'm playing a song that is almost 8 minutes long, just to keep you occupied. I'm like a bad babysitter. But man, this isn't what I'm usually paid for!

Track list:

1. fond of tigers - a thing to live with - here, you are hated

Comments: horn-y. By which I mean there are horns. It's piano-y too, if that helps. It's sort of experimental band geek jazz. I quite like it.

2. super xx man - x - garage apartment

Comments: mellow! I like it. Summery.

3. dirty on purpose - hallelujah sirens - no radio

Comments: this song has the driving sound. I like it.

4. rae spoon and rodney decroo - trucker's memorial - double wedding

Comments: Jonelle's favourite today. I like it too. This also has a very summery feel. Country music screams delerifying heat and stultifying amounts of iced tea and beer. Mixed. Mmm.

5. tuxedomoon - bardot hotel soundtrack - effervescing in the nethersphere

Comments: selected solely because of the sailor moon factor.

live at last!

We have missed connecting with you live and in person, pookums. So we're back, we're live, and we're even semi-coherent. It's as much as you can ask. Any more and we'll probably just start crying, and that's never easy to stop.

Track list:

1. A/V - hot action - do you two know each other?

Comments: Good for dancing. Our compatriot thinks the vocals are "shitty, man", but we're not deterred. The sythesizer is wicked good.

2. Eux Autres - hell is Eux Autres - the sundance kid

Comments: Tag team singing is good. Doesn't sound very hellish though. Actually it's quite nice. I'd listen to this on the deck, sauced off my ass, but you know, with people around. Don't want to get too maudlin about it. Hey, they're from Montreal, where many good things come from. That explains everything.

3. Giant Panda - fly school reunion - 90s

Comments: I'm not usually a fan of high school or the 90s, but this is fairly soothing. Might have to change my mind. Hmm. Nah. (But the song is still pretty good.) Jonelle says it's hip-hoppy and "okay" and "she doesn't hate it". Oh, it's like a wave of love.

4. Oh Beautiful! Majestic! Eagle! - various: the radiator collective - l'emu de lumiere

Comments: Thanks to your band name, OBME, you are getting yourselves played on our show. Your music is seriously weird though. Hey, way to carve out your own niche!

5. The Donkeys - the donkeys - she's a wolf

Comments: And she'll gnaw you to death as slowly as possible, while crying sparkly tears. I also think she's wearing huge amounts of eyeliner. Just a guess.

June 12th disguised as June 13th

Track list:

1. The Capricorns - pure magical love - the sailor

Comments: hello sailor. Actually I picked this out solely because I'm a Capricorn too, and it's obviously all about me.

2. Tokyo Police Club - a lesson in crime - citizens of tomorrow

Comments: I think it might lessen the Tokyo police's credibility somewhat if they persist in referring to themselves as a 'club'. These fine people are from Montreal, where everything cool happens. I think it may have started with Jonelle and I visiting there - the epic visit of 1993!

3. Broken Social Scene - see you on the moon! - puff the magic dragon

Comments: Children's music is great and all, but on the 53rd listen you might find yourself feeling slightly less cool than you were as a childless person. It's very unfair, it's certainly a false impression, but it's true. So consider this instead, because it's awesome and kid appropriate all at the same time. Unlike most things that are truly fun.

4. The Fembots - see you on the moon! - under the bed

Comments: Another selection of children's music that won't make you want to stab yourself in the eye. Whoop!

5. Sunset Rubdown - shut up I am dreaming - I'm sorry I sang on your hands that have been in the grave

Comments: I approve of song titles that take ages to say and include miles of unnecessary qualifiers. Plus the band name always makes me giggle. It speaks vaguely of the mid-70s and cocoa butter.

**update - June 15th**
This show never actually aired. Because we burned the CD wrong or something. My theory is that we burned the thing, and then wrote on the data side, thus rendering the whole thing totally useless. But we honestly meant to make it happen. So consider yourself due some entertainment, and we'll get back to you. In the meantime you could listen to the music on your own time and provide your own insipid commentary in between songs. Who'd know the difference?

the pre-record blues

Track list:

1. Kokeshi Doll - japan for sale - Song for Hasuike

2. Jeremy Morris - tribute to the beatles - It's all too much

3. Minnie Driver - everything I've got in my pocket - everything I've got in my pocket

Comments: Please don't ask why we're playing this, it wasn't my idea, dammit!

4. Tegan and Sara - so jealous - I can't take it

Comments: neither can we, we're leaving now, goodbye cruel world!

pre-recorded deliciousness

Due to today's pre-recordedness, you'll be able to follow along with the show ahead of time! Special, no? Well, don't get too excited, it's all part of the service.

Track list:

1. The Television Personalities - my dark places - ex-girlfriend club

2. Darling Arms - all the ghosts - the hero

3. Julian Curwin - the tango saloon - man with the bongos

4. The Stolen Minks - the stolen minks e.p. - chug a lug

cat scratch fever

Track list:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - show your bones - honeybear

Comments: It's great we love it, blah blah blah. Hasn't enough been said? Just listen to it already.

The Doers - whatcha doin? - keep yr shirt on

Comments: Yeow, it's like funk prudery! You'll be glad to know Jonelle gives it a 7.2 out of 10, 10 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest. That's not bad.

The Cosmopolitans - wild moose party - how to keep your husband happy

Comments: Hilarious girl band alert. They're so B52s, but it's forgivable because they were out at the same time. Now they're a distant memory, or at least a recently formed one, because I've never heard them before.

Loose Fur - born again in the usa - hey chicken

Comments: I think it's pretty good, Jonelle's not a fan. Hey, it happens. It sounds a bit grateful dead-ish, although did the dead ever sing about farm animals? I'll have to look that up.

Final Fantasy - he poos clouds - the arctic circle

Comments: hmm, violins.

filthy, nasty.

Track list:

1. Scissor Sisters - scissor sisters - filthy/gorgeous

Comments: This guy defies physics. How do you dance around shirtless, sing like you've got clamps on your nads, and drip irony out of every pore all at the same time? Well, maybe it's a generous irony, but still.

2. Frank Peebles - various: prince george covers - Sex at 31

Comments: Mmm, spoken vocorder jazz.

3. Death From Above 1979 - blood on our hands (single) - blood on our hands

Comments: will coloured vinyl ever get tired? My verdict: hell no. We actually meant to play the other side of this record, but we accidentally... didn't. What the hell, I love this song too. The elephant noses never fail to charm me, and the songs are all exactly the right length, somehow. It hits me pleasantly in my 'rage against the machine' cortex.

4. Orchards and Vines - tomorrow and yesterday - in the darkness

Comments: awesome, seriously, I'm not even kidding! Oh damn my eternal sarcasm.

rammy!

Tragedy: Jonelle just managed to drop her rammstein cd down a crack in the control board. It's lost forever, and it's probably going to start a horrible fire.

On with the show!

Track list:

1. Kid Koala ft. Lederhosen Lucil - various: see you on the moon - fruit belt

Comments: this is a kids album, and it's completely awesome. I WANT it.

2. Cat Power - the greatest - the greatest

Comments: this album is not very depressing, like we said. It's completely awesome. I WANT it.

3. Dr. Rage and the Uppercuts - hittin' wood and diamond hard - hittin' wood

Comments: doo da da da doo doo da da da DA DAAAAA! Yikes. We were hoping for some inappropriate content. Instead it just kind of is... wait! He said "between a memory and a dream"! TOM PETTY THIEF!!

4. Hank Williams III - straight to hell - thrown out of the bar

Comments: everybody's favourite.

Jonelle's favourite song of all time is...

Track list:

1. Rammstein - mein teil

Comments: Seriously, this wasn't my idea. Actually it wasn't Jonelle's idea either - she was going to play benzine. This was an accident. In fact, I think you, and I and Jonelle and the band should all wipe this one from our histories and move on. P.S. - have I mentioned before that he's talking about his "part"? Oh, it's disgusting.

2. Shapes and Sizes - shapes and sizes - boy, you shouldn't have

Comments: We'll be the judge of that! Actually, this is really good. It's a little bit alt-country, a little bit nerd-rock n' roll. The magic combination that feels so right. I like the chorus in the background, they're like the supremes!

3. Swearing at Motorists - last night becomes this morning - you will not die tonight (probably)

Comments: Driving guitar, high horror-movie vocals... fabulous.

4. Pink Mountaintops - axis of evol - slaves

Comments: I'm not going to lie to you, I'm playing this because it's an eight minute long song, and Jonelle is very ill and can't 'perform', if you see what I'm saying. And what I'm saying is that she can't comfortably sit in a chair, you perv.
Oh, and Pink Mountaintops? I love this guy. This song is a bit reminiscent of the Vietnam War... not that I've been. But I've heard it's super hot and goes well with hard drugs and Creedence Clearwater Revival. I don't know how else to explain it.

5. Turnstiles - 13 telephone towers - my town is on fire

Comments: I love it. The piano thing is always a bonus. It's frenetic. I really believe that his town is on fire. He's selling it, that's for sure.

6. Red Lights - unlucky genes - whisky and failure

Comments: It's a song about my retirement plan, ba-dump ching!

socan week!

Track list:

1. NOFX - never trust a hippy - you're wrong

Comments: I agree. Stop putting the hookers in jail! Also, did anyone really ever think that punk rock and politics don't mix? Or even that this song is punk rock? Hm. The questions just keep popping up. Seriously, dammit, stop with the acoustic guitar!! I am not linking to your website, you deserve no such attention.

2. Islands - return to the sea - rough gem

Comments: I am totally in love with this song. It's sort of a hipster sea shanty. Seriously, we looove it. (p.s. - you can get it for free at 3hive)

3. Maybe Smith - second best death - choking, kicking, screaming

Comments: The 'your call cannot be completed as dialed' intro is cool. And here comes the echo-ed slide guitar. Maybe, 20 seconds in and you're already great.

4. Cat Power - the greatest - living proof

Comments: I have to say that this album is excellent. Remarkably un-suicidal. Seriously, I'm shocked by the distinct lack of abject misery.

5. Islands - return to the sea - don't call me whitney, bobby

Comments: We had to come back to it, because it's ridiculously great. Jonelle has cousins named Bobbi and Whitney. Of course they're both girls, but it's still hilarious.

horrible, horrible song

Track list:

1. The Aldous Orwell Project - Cow - Ballad of the Bad

Comments: Oh, holy suck. Sheryl Crow could probably sue, but that might be too embarrassing.

2. Matthew Sweet - High School Reunion (compilation) - American Girl

Comments: Tom Petty is my favourite, and this is one of my favourite Tom Petty songs. Also, I believe he's dragging his decrepid ass out on tour this summer. If he comes here, I'm so going. Oh yeah, and Matthew Sweet, he's great too.

3. Ham - Comrades Demand Conquest - Slave Wage

Comments: I like the choral effect. If possible, get everyone to sing at once. It makes for a nice 'everbody' effect. Wow, suddenly they've cranked it up a notch. Usually I object - it's so system of a suck - but this time I don't mind. Really I kind of like it. It seems sincere. Ham, we're confused, but it's a good kind of confused.

4. Bossanova - "Hey Sugar" - In the Immortal Words of You

Comments: Apart from the scare they gave us ten seconds in, when everything cut out and we thought we had dead air, they're excellent. A little bit quiet, but that's not a bad thing. Oh, and now it's picking up. The organ is boss. Hey, they're on Teenbeat records, that's awesome.

5. Pink Mountaintops - Axis of Evol - Plastic Man, You're the Devil

Comments: Just love this guy. He's so diverse. And multi-talented. And this music is kind of folky and sounds like it could be played to great effect in an open car on a slow moving train, with a half-naked guy named Pete on mouth-harp. Who knows why. Art is so fickle that way.

wall-to-wall red shag carpet

Tracks:

1. The Lollipop People - we need a new f-word - Mature Fruit

Comments: I know Mr. Dressup is dead, but do you have to sing it that way? It was like losing him all over again. I don't know if I can handle it. It sounds like traditional Japanese music with odd pop culture lyrics. Hmm.

2. Red Shag Carpet - lift and drop - So and So

Comments: This is a song I already like and have listened to repeatedly. You should do the same. They have other good songs too, unlike your average band these days. Seriously, what is with that? Two good songs on an album and the rest of it is just repetitive crap. It's like a global conspiracy.

3. Saint Dirt Elementary School - fall (in love) by april - Every Day I Fall in Love

Comments: It's like finely crafted elevator music. Oddly enough, I love it. So smoothly lo-fi. So jazzily sleepy. If I was desperately stressed out I would put this on and it would just mellow me right out, like a smothering shiatsu massage.

4. The Ladies - they mean us - Empathy on a Stick

Comments: It's short, and just experimental enough to be odd. Also, it's pretty good! Plus who could lose with a title like that. Not to mention, the lady singing sounds an awful lot like a man.

5. Run Chico Run - slow action - Old Men's Clothes

Comments: This has some super cute piano. Woohoo!

Anyone in a band is automatically cool.

Track list:

1. MC Lars - Escape from Robot Island

Comments: so lame it's awesome. Nerd self-indulgence. Thankyou babs #3.

2. They Shoot Horses Don't They? - boo hoo hoo boo - the bugs

Comments: The album title alone... I love this, it's so carnivalesque, plus the yelling, and the horns... Love it, love it, love it.

3. John P. Strohm - high school reunion - somebody's baby

Comments: This song gets an automatic in, because we're getting the idea that this whole cd is fricking awesome. It might not have the most artistic merit ever, but who the hell cares. Also, this song is really good. He's like Tom Petty Jr. I love Tom Petty with a violent passion, and I think the world could use a few more of him.

4. The Robocop Kraus - they think they are the robocop kraus - life amazes us despite our miserable future

Comments: Wow, four for four! This is also really good, and I like the theme. It's uplifting for someone like me. They sure know their audience.

5. Knock Knock Ginger - hurry! - looks and books

Comments: A mellow end to a most excellent show. Listen to this if you'd like to slowdance with yourself, in your own living room, with a sad expression on your face. Aww. Well, at least you don't have to be ashamed of your awesome musical taste!

the high school guidance counsellors

Track list:

1. Cat Power - the greatest - lived in bars

Comments: What a surprise, she's lived in bars. Don't look for her in your neighbourhood anytime soon, she's scared of you.

2. Red Shag Carpet - lift and drop - starve your film

Comments: Hey, they sound a bit like Rusty, and I like it. Jonelle is also entranced. I like the part when they all sing together - so kicky.

3. Neko Case - fox confessor brings the flood - star witness

Comments: Jazzy. Not really, but anything to get her to come to town, I guess. I like the sound of the recording, it's always like it's been recorded in some kind of bat-filled cave. So atmospheric.

4. Kind of Like Spitting - one hundred dollar room - pick a town, find a box, live alone

Comments: If the title of this song were any more hilarious, it would mirror my life exactly. As it is, we're not going to be suing anyone for plagiarism. Count yourselves lucky boys. It's a bit slow, but I think it's okay. Jonelle would like to hear more from the album, because 45 minutes of this would cause anyone to adopt a small dog and ride the rails in a coat full of holes. Or something equally depressing.

5. I love you but I've chosen darkness - fear is on our side - lights

Comments: Our music director loves this band name. Plus, he has a nice new haircut. Which makes him qualified to judge, we think.

oh neko

Tracks of the week:

1. Neko Case - fox confessor brings the flood - Margaret vs. Pauline

Comments: we love this, of course. Margaret is an antelope, and Pauline is a snow-goose. We can tell you that definitively, because we've been fans for so long. We know how she works.

2. Supersuckers - Tribute to Cash - mean eyed cat

Comments: I like it, and so does Jonelle. We're really just so relieved that it's better than the beverly killbillies cover we played a few weeks ago. Man, that sucked.

3. The Wading Girl - high school reunion (various) - Danke Schoen

Comments: Absolutely love this. I think we're going to play quite a few songs from this CD today. It's so frickin good.

4. Guillermo Verdecchia - the terrible but inclomplete journals of john d.

Comments: not bad, just stupidly long. It's like 35 minutes long! What the hell. But it's Canadian, so wave your little flag and be proud, because it's government funded.

5. Underdog - high school reunion - I melt with you

Comments: Jonelle's favourite 80s song of all time. For good reason too, this song rules the night with an iron fist.

6. Frank Black - high school reunion - repo man

Comments: has Frank Black ever done anything bad? Shut up, that's a rhetorical question. Careful, he'll punch you, and he wears some wicked jewel-encrusted rings. So you know that's gonna hurt.

branola

Track List:

1. Dandi Wind - concrete igloo - einsteinbrains

Comments: I'm doing the robot! Behind a synthesizer! This is pretty hilarious.

2. Boymerang - various: check the water - The Don

Comments: Soothing.

3. Sleddogs - great escape - do not love me carefully

Comments: This is heartfelt. And we agree with the message. Fight! Fight! Fight!

4. Lilys - everything wrong is imaginary - black carpet magic

Comments: ow ow ow! Well, the beginning is very abrupt. It has a 'wall of sound' quality to it.

5. Alexander MacSween - fortner anderson six silk purses - As I Stand

Comments: uck, bye!

don't rock the boat!

Track list:

1. Do the Hustle

Comments: whoops. This isn't the right song. Oh well, we'll play the right one later. Ha.

2. The Dan Band - Live - Tyrone

Comments: This is my favourite song on this CD, although Jonelle apparently doesn't like it so much. We're so different, which is, I think, why we're so complimentary. Oh, but it's true.

3.The Buttless Chaps - where night holds light - blanket of pain

Comments: worth it for the album art alone. So beautiful. We do love you, Buttless Chaps. Also, this song is very good. It's a bit Morrissey-ish, but with a girl in it. That's always a plus. Ooh, and the mariachi accents.

4. Young and Sexy - panic when you find it - without your love

Comments: I like the idea behind this band name. I'm going to start a band called "slim and attractive", because I think false advertising is always a good idea. Or how about "nobel prize winner and fabulously wealthy". Oh, wait, you'd like to know if the song is good? I like it. How's that?

5. Carsick - carsick - old yellow

Comments: hmm, boring.

6. The Hues Corporation - rock the boat

Comments: this is your favourite song of all time.

olympic-style excellence

1. The Diableros - you can't break the strings in our olympic hearts - Olympic Island

Comments: This is the song where they got the title of the album. I know that much. They kind of sound like the Walkmen, but since I love the Walkmen, I like this song too. Jonelle says 'not bad', which is a resounding mark of approval.

2. Existential Angst Party - existential angst party - I'm too romantic

Comments: lives up to its billing. The violins are a nice touch.

3. Beverly Killbillies - Dear Johnny (Cash tribute) - Wanted Man

Comments: oh no, not good.

4. Silent Film Soundtrack - diplomats and confidants - lights out (murder)

Comments: hm, this comes highly recommended. It's not bad. There aren't many chords in it, but sometimes too many chords just confuse things. It makes me a little bit nervous, what with the driving beat.

5. Boycrusher - sometimes a man... - lucky lady

Comments: our last song. We haven't heard it yet, but it's truly a masterpiece.

love love love

1. Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash - dear johnny: a tribute - the long black veil

2. Boycrusher - sometimes a man... - dance the night away

3. The Beatings - holding on to hand grenades - remedial math rock

4. Books on Tape - dinosaur dinosaur - kitten kitten kitten kitten kitten surprise

wind, rain, bad hair

Tracks:

1. Matt Murphy/Michael Mabbott - Bring it Back Home - friend of the devil

Comments: If we liked alt-country (aka country for intellectual snobs) any more, we'd be married to it and copulating like rabbits. It's that bad. So we love this stuff, it's great.

2. Daisy Spot - daisy spot - see dick drive

Comments: More country, and I think we all know what that means.

3. Albatross Note - the art of lodge tapes - in the morning

Comments: oh my god, the little man on one side of the cover has a gigantic wanger. Oh, so does his little friend facing him! I don't know what it means, but we enjoy this game of 'spot the hidden penis'.

4. Go Go Go Airheart - rats! sing! sing! - shake it off

Comments: meh. I don't mind it so much, Jonelle thinks it blows, so it gets a 'meh'.

1. Thomas and the Evil Computer - Math Teachers Count - why I can't have nice things

Comments: wow, this is actually awesome, which is odd, because usually we only feature horrible music on this show. The computer aspect is so boss, we loooove it.

2. Metric - Live it Out - too little too late

Comments: like I say, this album, in my opinion, takes what they normally do about six steps further and just makes it more interesting. I liked the last album, but I don't think I would've bought it. I'm on a budget, people. Anyway, Jonelle loves this album too. Maybe we could split a copy and organize some sort of joint-custody arrangement.

3. Dandy Warhols - Odditorium/Warlords of Mars - love is the new feel awful

Comments: it's pretty self-indulgent, but who cares, it's 9 minutes of experimental alt-rock, or something, and those are valuable airtime minutes.

4. The Wolfnote - sacred bodies - get them out

Comments: crap!

5. DOA - war on 45 - smash the state

Comments: If we didn't love this, someone would hurt us. Luckily, we do, because we could never tell a lie.

madly lobbing panties

Track list:

1. Portico - shape to form - good ladies go to good graves

Comments: I enjoy this. The woman's voice is very yeah yeah yeahs, and I like that. Jonelle says, not bad, good background music, but she wouldn't throw her panties. That's a shame.

2. Twin Fangs - street sweeper - more can go wrong

Comments: angsty title, angsty song. No wait! Sudden excitement! AAAAH! It's like that vestibules grunge song. Jonelle says it's 'zippy'. She's liking it.

3. Mr. Something Something - the edge - sound the alarm

Comments: sort of brassy/ska-esque. They're obviously hipsters, but we'll try to see past that.

4. The Constantines - tournament of hearts - hotline operator

Comments: it's building slowly. First it's just drums and voice, now there's a guitar too, oh suddenly the guitar and voice are gone... hmm, pretentiously delicious. I like the yelling part too. Also, I don't think hotline operators have enough heartfelt anthems to choose from, so this is good. Telephone professionals are much maligned, and they need more props. And they would get more props too, if they'd suck less and stop calling me at home.

5. Fun 100 - hit it & quit - computer

Comments: conventional 80s revival. It's fine. I think the lyrics are a bit violent, oh wait, this bit sounds like moist. hmm. I feel high school flooding back at me. Gotta go.

can I borrow a feeling?

Track list:

1. Rick Moranis - It's the Champagne Talking - The Agoraphobic Cowboy

Comments: "Sounds like Milhouse's dad" was one comment. It's a whole song about holidays, and the booze appropriate to each one. It's charmingly naive. Plus I like the glasses.

2. Country Church vs. The Crotch Rockets - Sneaky Roach - Telescope

Comments: voice effects! voice effects! Jonelle doesn't like it. I think it's harmless, but I wouldn't play it at my wedding. I might play it at Jonelle's wedding though.

3. Bruce McCulloch - Answering Machine

Comments: pure gold. That is all.

4. The Walkmen - The Rat

Comments: this is a good bathroom break song. Jonelle's taking advantage of that right now. In the meantime, I'm going to take the opportunity to tell you that I love this song. I think it's super great. I don't really know what it's about. Possibly a bad roommate. Nonetheless, it's excellent.

And that's all. See you next week kids.

five more sleeps

Track list:

1. Innerstance Beatbox - your eyes are like ufos my darling - theme from the bastard squad

Comments: woop, six minutes long.

2. Modernettes - get it straight - barbra

3. Pretty train crash - pretty train crash - taste you

4. Secret Mommy - very rec - ice rink

Comments: this is completely odd. But it has a beat, and I can dance to it! Then again, let's face it... I can dance to anything. But anyway, yes, this is so cool. It must have taken ages to do, and it's actually

5. Virgin Prunes - Pagan Lovesong - DJ Morpheus I can't live without my radio

Comments: who cares, I'm only playing this to mock DJ Morpheus for his matrix-inspired name. But we have been told that this album is totally awesome by our music director, so you know, maybe it's good. But we'll never know. It's the morpheus factor.

Bo Didley Squat

Track List:

1. The Reatards - Not Fucked Enough - Pretty Baby

Comments: I like this, but I can't understand the lyrics at all. We were hoping to be offended, but I guess that's not going to happen. Oh wait, he's leaving her... he has to move on. I see the light! Anyway, it's deliciously low-fi. As in really bad. Jonelle says it sounds like he's getting run over by a car.

2. Didley Squat - burning alive making a living - my better half

Comments: My first thoughts: what the bloody ass is this? Jonelle likes it though. I don't think it's road trip listenable. Obviously they're very serious about their art, and you have to respect that. Or else.

3. Modernettes - get it straight - barbra

Comments: I really like this, even if they did misspell barbra. In fact, this goes straight into the track list for the end of year best-of show. No wait, they spelled it right! We love you so much, Modernettes.

4. Funkservice International - a post modern life - life is good

Comments: Ooh, this would be great if I owned more turtlenecks and was lighter on my feet. Since I'm a lumbering jackass, it's not something I'll be listening to at home. I do like it though, in a voyeuristic kind of way.

the loud "whoops" of incompetence

It came to my attention yesterday that I had quite an exclusive deal going regarding the comments section of this blog. In that nobody could use it. Sorry about that. Anyway, now it's been fixed, so feel free to abuse the comments feature to your heart's content, provided you're not trying to sell us 'old man boner-pills' (I hear that's what the kids are calling them these days). We don't need boners, and we don't have access to any old men who need them either, so just back off. I hope that's the last time I'll have to scold you about that.