Vinyl. Finally.

We finally bought a turntable.

There's something about choosing a record, pulling out the vinyl and plunking the needle down that is so much better than .mp3 files. There's so much more intention to listening to music this way. I love hearing the album in the order the artist wanted me to hear it - while looking through the art work and lyrics.

And record stores?! Oh how I miss them. We have a couple here and they're great. I took my mom to one when she was here and she ended up talking with a guy her age about "how expensive records are these days." All this was happening as I dropped $80 on my two favourite Bowie albums.

The other day I took a break from work, wandered into the living room and put on an album. I sat here and savoured Side B, then went back to work.

Our record collection is small but mighty. My favourite Stones album, more Bowie, some Tom Waits and other random awesomeness. I can see this getting out of hand financially.

Next up: Pink Floyd, Tom Waits' entire discography and Led Zeppelin.

Bowie

I don't think I'll ever forget the moment I found out David Bowie died.

It was the middle of the night, I got up to get a glass of water and - I never do this - checked my phone. My mom had texted me and told me. I'm so glad I heard it from her.

You guys know me - I'm the last person on earth who cares anything about movie stars or Hollywood gossip or any of that stuff.

But - David Bowie?! 

I crawled back into bed, woke Brad and told him and cried myself to sleep.

After that all I can say is 'thank god I work at home'. I had Bowie on high rotation - for the first few days I didn't listen to much else. Then......the Lazarus video.

 

Again - thank god I work at home: Sobbing. Tears. Snot. Head on my desk at the end. Kleenex everywhere. When he gets into that cabinet - !? And the lyrics put me over the top.

Oh I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Oh I'll be free
Ain't that just like me

Bowie stood for all the freaks and weirdos who felt like they never fit in. He told them they were okay and not alone. The music on Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory blow my mind every time I hear them. Just do a search on my blog for Bowie - I dare you! 

My mom was here in January visiting and we were so glad to be together. We felt like we were clutching each other after the news - we were so sad, it was hard to express and comforting to be together. We listened to music together, shared lyrics and songs we loved and helped each other through it.

I read an article about how people were saying "get over it" and the writer's response included the usual - everything he stood for, the talent etc. But also the question: What if there is never anyone else like him?

At this point, I'm just thankful for the music. He truly was amazing and holds a big place in my heart.

Best of 2015

Happy New Year!

2015 was an intense, crazy year.  I started my own business, met tons of new people, lots of good camping trips through the summer and a trip to San Francisco. Lots of changes and new experiences. Overall it was a great year!

Best Book

I can't help it this year, it's a tie. 

I'm not sure if you could find two more different books. 

Last year a Joseph Boyden book was the best, this year I read the sequel. This book made me cry. CRY. His writing is incredible.

Ready Player One was also amazing for different reasons. It's a fun, original story that grabs your attention right away. It's also a trip back to 80's nostalgia. I recommend having Google Images close by if you can't remember or don't know about the things he's talking about. 

(Honourable mentions: The Martian, A Pair of Blue Eyes)

Best Album

Digits - Death and Desire was on high rotation for most of the year. Such great music to work to, it's edgy but not too crazy and distracting. (Honourable mention: Hot Chip - Why Make Sense.)

Best Instagram

I still love Brad's shirt, this is my favourite t-shirt and the lighting is great. I seem to have tons of shots of my messy desk, coffee and - surprisingly - beer in my feed this year. 

Best Blog Post

My favourite book lead to my best blog post. Krull. Definitely not the best movie - in fact one of the worst movies ever. But I love this cartoon and I still laugh of the memory of how tortured Brad was.

Best Show

I know, I'm late to the party. As usual. I'm actually only on Season 2 but it's such a great show. So rare that I can find something that makes me laugh out loud.

(Honourable mention: W1A and The Killing.)

Best Movie

We actually just saw this last night, but I'm including it as 2015 movies. This is also another blog post in itself, but I'll wait because I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

I'm looking forward to 2016! We're planning a big trip, my parents are here for the month of January, I'm busy with work, and best of all......I'll be getting these braces off sometime this year!

Crying in the Office

I signed up for Apple Music. I'm so hooked.

I'm like a kid in a candy store except the candy store is the world of music. I've listened to tons of new stuff that I wouldn't have found without it.

The playlists they make for you are really good too. I've found a bunch of new artists to check out and enjoyed lots of good compilations. My favourite one was Tom Waits Influences - consisted of The Stones, Howlin Wolf, polka and opera to mention a few. 

Tom Waits is the best. 

I spent a week working in an office in December.* I had my laptop with me so I was all over Apple Music, innocently working away and listening to a playlist. A song** came on that was so amazing.....tears. TEARS. In the office.

Damn?! This is why I work at home!! 

I went home that night and played it for Brad - again: tears. I was sitting there crying, snot everywhere, blubbering about how "it was like that song expressed how I felt about Brad" ....I look over and he's sitting there peeling an orange, looking at me like I'm CRAZY.

Funny how music affects people differently.


* That's a blog post in itself. Working in an office again was interesting.
** The First Time Ever I saw your Face - the Roberta Flack version

Coffee and Daft Punk

I've been working in a different office for the last two weeks. Actually, it's the office I used to work at! It was funny because the night before I was starting I had anxiety - you know - it's a new job, first day....

...until it kicked in that I know and adore everyone in there?!

I'm working on a few projects and it's going really well. One of them needs a bit of cleaning up before it goes out for tender. Once I met with the people organizing it and got my head into it, it was time to do my favourite thing:

Drink lots of coffee, plug in to Daft Punk and slam it out as fast as I can.

I've had to figure out a new lunch routine. There is really only one good place to hang out that's near this office, but it's really small. In the summer it has a great outdoor patio but the weather hasn't been great.

So I'm missing my old hangout.

It's crazy though because in another month I have no idea where I'll be working. Could be this office, could be with a millwork designer or I could be working from home for someone else. Or all three!

What am I doing again?!

Emotional Much II

Once in a while I have these really intense moments. They always involve music, I never know when they're going to happen, and it's always really positive.

Tonight I was walking home from work and the sun had decided to come out at the end of a cold, cloudy day. My iPod decided to play three of my favourite 80's songs in a row on a shuffle:

Automatic - The Pointer Sisters

It's my Life -  Talk Talk

Take on Me - a-ha

Once Take on Me came on, I was walking over the Johnson Bridge. Suddenly everything became clear, I felt totally euphoric and I knew that I was in the right place and doing the right thing.

No more doubts.

All the anxiety I've been feeling about my upcoming jaw surgery melted away. I know I'm in the right hands in so many ways:

1. Brad and my Mom
2. My surgeon
3. My orthodontist
4. Supportive work environment
5. Caring and supportive friends

I know I'm in good hands and I'll get through this.

Best of 2013

I'm following Christielli and doing a best of 2013 list. I agree with her - what a great way to look back on the year.

Best Book

I'm so excited about this book because I had my eye on her for a while. Not because of a recommendation, good reviews, best seller list or anything. It was just a feeling. Then I found one of her books at The Book Sale.

This book was seriously right up my alley - the writing, subject, characters - everything. There was even a bit of mystery thrown in. I thought a lot of it was like Downton Abbey but that just explains why I love it so much.

Best Album

I realize this album came out in 2012, but I was soooo into Neil Halstead this year it was out of control. In fact, for the entire fall season I couldn't listen to anything else except him and Craig Cardiff.

Neil's music is so gentle and even raw at times. His voice and melodies soothe my soul. He seems to have a smooth, quiet way about him that I'm digging at the moment.
Favourite song: Loose Change.

Best Movie

I'm not a big movie person and we rarely go to the theatre to see new ones. If I had to pick one and thinking back...I would pick Gravity.

I am heavy into space movies and it's so rare to find a good one. There were a few scenes you had to take with a grain of salt (which seems to be the norm with Hollywood) but I can get past it. Kudos to Sandra Bullock for pulling off a really intense role.

Best Blog Post

I don't have much material to choose from since I fell out of blogging for part of the year. Sadly, it's a work related post but it makes me smile when I look back on it.  I made some friends laugh offline and even garnered comments from my old BIM manager and others who rarely comment.

Best Completed Craft Project

This is a tough one. I made an amazing nephew sweater* and two quilts plus lots of other smaller projects.

I'm going to choose my nephew J's Rocketship quilt because I didn't end up giving it the finger while I was making it. Plus, I finally learned to make perfect corners and used a walking foot for the first time.

Best Instagram

Really hard to pick, but I'm going with this one because it sums up what's most important in my life. It was also taken on a trip we took this summer before everything went mental.

So that's it, I missed out on a lot of blogging in 2013. There was a lot of good material too but it is what it is. I'm stoked for 2014, like my brother in law said:

It's going to be the year of Jabba!


* I can't believe I have no completed photos of this sweater posted because it's off the rails cute. I'll do a blog post soon.

Too Much to Drink - Not Always a Bad Thing!

Tonight we had dinner with buddies after work. I had to literally tear myself away from my desk just to get there. It was worth it. We sat on the patio, soaked up some sun* and caught up.

Let's be honest - I drank too much wine and I'm still buzzing. Know how I can tell? I'm getting sappy, listening to some amazing music** that is making me weepy and I'm chatty - hence the blog post. I'll include some albums that are being played right now and putting me over the edge.

A good friend of mine sent an email out to a few people the other day about music. He's super passionate and it stirred something in me. I was thinking about starting to do posts about music and my experiences with it. Similar to talking about books, I love talking about music.

 I have a few friends who are heavy into music but I think I'm different from them, not in a bad way or anything. But I'm not into stats, keeping up on the latest news, who's collaborating with who - in fact I'm lucky if I even know the names of the band members of my faovurite groups.

Music for me is all about how it affects me on a deep, personal level.

I'm making a mixed CD for my Dad. I can still do this because he isn't completely connected technically, and I'm really enjoying the process.

*Sun does not equate warmth in Victoria. I had my jacket over my legs and my scarf on after that. Don't get me started.
** listening to amazing music is not a rare occurrance around here - just clarifying.

Favourite Songs - This Week

There are a few songs that I'm really into lately and be warned: they are all over the place.

1. Human Touch - Bruce Springsteen
I know, I know. I like Bruce, I always have. Lately I've been listening to him more often and the song 'Human Touch' blows my mind. On Saturday I put it on when we were getting ready for the party. Brad made me change it to AC/DC (don't ask), we went to the party and danced to lots of music. 

In the cab on the way home - what song was in my head? Human Touch. Love that.

2. The Warning - Hot Chip
I've been listening to lots of Hot Chip lately. Not sure why - it keeps me awake at work? Getting nostalgic? I've always loved the lyrics to The Warning:

Hot Chip will break your legs
Snap off your head
Hot Chip will put you down
Under the ground

3. Avida Dollars - Faded Paper Figures
Just downloaded their latest album. I love these guys, this album isn't their greatest so far but I'm still getting into it. This song - I can totally dig. There are train sounds. It's cool. Check it out.

4. It's my Life - Talk Talk
I heard this song on the radio a while ago - of course I remember it from the 80's even though I was super young when it first came out. I'm getting deja vu? I feel like I've tried to quantify my love of this song before.....

What are you guys into lately? Do your favourites change weekly? Do you have a favourite song EVER?

What's on my Ipod VI

I have been in a music slump for a long, long time. One night I decided to sit down and find new stuff and I scored. It's good timing, because I have a deadline next week. That means that for the last few weeks at work I've been plugged in to this stuff almost all day in order to finish drawings.

Metric - Synthetica

Can I just say 'best road trip music ever'? We listened to this on our way to Penticton and it's perfect! Other than that, I am in love with this album - super edgy, every song is different. I think Metric is really coming into their own. Their concert is in November (with Stars!) and I'm stoked.

Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur

Two buddies who I trust with music recommendations kept raving about this one. It's intense emotionally, but so worth it. When you understand the story behind the album (her break up) it's even better. Good stuff.

Plastic Operator - Before the Day is Out

I love, love, love these guys! I nearly peed my pants when I saw they had a new album out. It delivers fantastic new tunes right in line with their old stuff. Super catchy, great for working, walking home, background music - you name it. Check them out, do it. Fave song - Motor.

Mackintosh Braun - Where We Are

This is a great find. It was worth the couple hours I spent browsing online and listening to lots of stuff that wasn't right. A bit like Pnau, or Empire of the Sun - but way, way better. They are on high rotation.

Freelance Whales - Weathervanes

I love these guys too. A little more mellow than I usually go for, but their melodies are catchy and all the songs are different. There is one song I especially like - it starts out one way then morphs into another melody - I love it when artists do that.

I still have $40 to spend on Itunes. I might start looking again next week when my project goes out for tender.

Tattoo You

A couple weeks ago I was watching some movie and recognized a song - I hadn't heard it for a long time, it was totally obscure but it completely transported me back in time: dancing around the living room with my Mom was a regularly scheduled event in my childhood.

The song I heard is called Heaven by The Stones.

I tracked down the album and wasn't surprised to recognize it right away. Tattoo You.

When this album came out I was already into music - I was 6. The first song I ever picked out as a favourite for myself - Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. I had the 45. On the flip side - Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant. Oh. Yeah.

Man, does Tattoo You DELIVER! Even now - I think the music is amazing, so catchy, such great songs. It's the Stones - what are you gonna do?!* Of course it's good.

For a week after listening to the album I would wake up in the middle of the night - toes tapping to the songs! I couldn't get any sleep! Now if this isn't a sign of good music, I don't know what is.

I just had a relatively crappy day, I'm blasting the album in my living room and dancing around. It's even helping with that.

* Woah. I better lay off the Bitchin' Kitchen.

What's on my iPod VI

Do you guys go through phases with music? Man, I do. Lately I've been listening to more rustic stuff and I'm digging it unlike ever before. I grew up listening to Bowie, Zepplin and the Stones so these artists are more in line with what I love the best.

I've found an interesting source for good music too. You'll never believe it - the show House.....ahem. I know.

I have this afternoon off work. It's amazing how much giddiness 4 hours of freedom brings. I'm spending the day hanging out with Ziggy, listening to music and just relaxing - what bliss.

Eric Bibb
Man, this guy is so smooth, so raw and bluesy in a soft way. I love the lyrics (ie: 'I'm gonna make you some money you can fold') and get a such a warm fuzzy feeling listening to him. I'm surprised my Mom doesn't know about him cause he is right up her alley. My favourite - Shine On. Check him out.

Keb Mo'
I love classy men, don't you? He is very similar to Eric Bibb, between the two of them I'm in heaven. I'll take all I can from these guys. He is a little more on the blues side. I love his song 'Shave Yo Legs'. I can only hope Brad feels this way about me. Ahem....

Amos Lee
This is a guy I first heard on House. Seriously? How come I've never heard him before?! He is like a more classy version of John Mayer. Colours is the best song. I'm definitely loading up on his stuff.

Adele
Definitely a much more classy and tolerable version of Amy Winehouse. Her voice is awesome and I love the song Chasing Pavements - it reminds me of Vancouver. I think she has a new album out.....I should do my research before I do these posts.

Feist
How long did we all count down until this album came out? Yeah....I've listened twice and I'm not ready to make any solid judgements quite yet. I will say that I'm not a huge fan of songs without structure....that's the only way I can put it. I'll leaving this alone for now.

I hope everyone has had a great short week. I have three more hours of freedom until the regular weekend starts. I see IT Crowd, cofee and possibly some knitting coming my way.

15 Albums

The list of 15 Albums has been completed by Christielli and Galapagos and now it's my turn!

Here are the rules:
Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen albums you've heard that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Remember: List records in no particular order.

1. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes

The first time I heard of Tori Amos...yeah it was 1994. It was an album review in a reader produced issue of Sassy magazine (which was another big part of my life). I was living in Regina, I headed out right away in -40C (-40F) to walk to the record store to buy it. It was love at first listen and I was hooked.

2. The Tragically Hip - Day for Night

This album takes me back to 1993, the first Another Roadside Attraction concert. First row with my friend Dustin, we stood there for hours in the baking sun, squished in the mosh pit. It was so worth it. I was a huge Hip fan. I love every song on this album.

3. Sonny Stitt sits in with The Oscar Peterson Trio

I dated a jazz musician for a little while in Regina, he introduced me to this album. It's amazing.

4. The Tragically Hip - Full Completely

I grew up on the prairies, so it's like I was pre-programmed to love The Hip. This album is epic. Every song is stunning, belted out perfectly, amazing poetry.....it is a classic and will always be one of my favourite albums.

5. Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner

This is the first Tom Waits album I got my hands on and it delivers. I don't even know where this concert was performed (I should look it up, I mean really....) but I like to imagine it actually takes place in a run down diner. Tom Waits is my all time, all time favourite musician. This album brought me into his world and I'm still amazed at what he produces.

6. Operation IvyI remember driving around the city when I was in high school with my friend Sam with this album cranked. And singing top volume of course. I'm surprised we weren't in an accident.
This album was hard to find where I was growing up. There was a super cool 'alternative' record store in Regina that I would haunt and I found it there.

7. David Bowie - Hunky Dory

Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust go hand-in-hand for me. I grew up listening to this stuff. My mom had the vinyls. I remember running around the house dancing to this album. This is one of my favourite albums of all time. (Next to Ziggy Stardust.)

8. Alanis Morissette - Bitter Little Pill

I was in college when this album came out and my boyfriend had just dumped me for one of my friends. This was JUST what I needed: a good album full of bitter songs, obviously it spoke to me at the time.

9. Smashing Pumpkins - Pisces Iscariot

I love, love, love this album. I was a big Smashing Pumpkins fan, but this album spoke to me more than the others for some reason. When I listen to it I remember taking the Oak bus to work in downtown Vancouver.....I was 21. Frail and Bedazzled and Plume especially take me back.....

10. Pink Floyd - The Final Cut

Again, most people would choose The Wall or another album as their favourite Pink Floyd album, but not me. I like this one, there is such a great storyline here and the message is super powerful. I listened to it over and over when I was drawing millwork for the yacht place I worked at when I 'discovered' this album.

11. Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited

In 1994 I was living in Regina and I had a crush on my neighbour. He had really dark hair, sweet eyes and wore a black feather boa. I was at his place one time and he put this on, I was hooked from the first listen. I love Dylan and this is my favourite album of his.

12. The Presets - Beams

This is one of the first Electronica groups that Rawbean introduced me to. I knew there was another type of music out there that I would love, but I needed someone to show me the way. This album reminds me of my wedding (I choose a couple songs to play at the party) but it reminds me more of flying back and forth to Vancouver on the float planes for work.

13. Tori Amos - To Venus and Back

Like I said, Tori Amos stuck with me for years. I saw her in concert for the first time during the tour for this album, and it was intense. I love the song 'Liquid Diamonds' and it still remains one of my favourites of hers to this day.

14. David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust & the Spider from Mars

One of the best albums ever made. Hands down. Like Hunky Dory, this album has been in my life since I can remember. Only once I got to Vancouver did I really develop my serious love of this music. It never leaves my ipod. Never. It's comforting just to know it's close by.

15. Nirvana - Nevermind

Yeah, as if. When this came out, it was so crazy. While growing up on the prairies limited me to seeing these groups in concert, I still felt like I was part of something new and interesting.