It's Almost 2020

At the beginning of 2019 I was really uncertain about how my year would go.

I spent the last few weeks of 2018 caring for my sweet sheltie Gracie. She passed away on January 2 so the start of the year, and the end of 2018 was quite sad for me.  I mean, you'd think I'd be use to sadness and loss, given that I'd dealt with the loss of Mark in 2015 and Sam in 2017.

Not quite half way through the year, something quite remarkable happened. I reconnected with a dear old friend and many things started to shift in my life. I'd first met this friend almost 30 years ago and we hadn't seen each other since the late 1990's. Because of email and social media, we'd always sort of stayed in touch. He was someone I'd always had a crush on but never told a soul. Apparently, he'd felt the same way about me and finally had the guts to tell me this year. Over the years, until the past couple of years anyway, we had never both been single at the same time so there wasn't much reason to confess our feelings I guess. He's the reason I made 3 trips to British Columbia this year. It's funny, we're both in our 50's now but inside, I still feel a bit like the indie rock girl I was back then, and he still feels a bit like the punk rock boy he was. Life is weird but you can find happiness at any age if you're open to it.

I'm looking forward to spending tonight with him, saying goodbye to 2019 (which turned out to be a very good year for me!) and welcoming in 2020. Finding a new love with an old friend is a wonderful thing kids.

Wishing you all the best things for the New Year, health, happiness and so much fun xo

Don't let go of my hand

Now darkness has gone

This will be our year

Took a long time to come

Merry Christmas to You

The older I get, the less caught up I am in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

In fact, I get more annoyed (and earlier every year) when the flyers appear in my inbox from Black Friday to Boxing Day.

I'm not religious at all but I like the holiday season for a couple of reasons. First of all, cookies. Second, it's so great to have a reason to get together with friends and family when the days are dark and cold. Seriously though, it's so easy to want to just hide away and hibernate and some folks will do just that. Third, mini lights.

I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from beautiful British Columbia. This is the first time I'll be celebrating Christmas outside of Ontario, away from my family. I'm sure the day is going to be a little bit different from other Christmas days but I'm excited about spending time with some very special people and experiencing the holiday in a different place. This year, I did almost no holiday shopping and have focused my attentions on spending my time with some wonderful people.

As is now my custom, on December 25, I share with you my favourite holiday song.  Here is what I posted last year about it.

The final song in my holiday top 3 is no surprise to folks who have been reading my blog for years.  Of course, in my opinion, the very best Christmas song ever written and recorded is, was and forever shall be "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues with the namesake of this blog, Kirsty MacColl.  Originally released in 1987 (can you see a theme here, I'm such a child of the 80's), this song, with it's accompanying video (beautifully shot in black and white) instantly appealed to me.  I wasn't the only one, in the UK, it is apparently the MOST played Christmas song of the 21st Century.

Some folks find the lyrics offensive.  Those folks can just fuck off.  It's art, it's a song, it's a story about a messed up couple, trying to drag each other through the holidays when they are down on their luck and not too sure what the future will hold.  I think it's a lot more honest portrayal of what some families go through at Christmas than any Norman Rockwell picture might.  Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas just as much as the next person (although I really just like the acts of charity, the spending of time with loved ones, the lights, music, food and fun stuff, as you know, the religious elements are lost on me) but it's a really tough time for some people and we shouldn't forget about that.



Happy Christmas to you and yours xo

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - San Francisco

This may be my last "on theme" post for 2019.

Not sure yet, it might not be.

Guess you'll have to check back on Tuesday to see huh?

Thing is, today is my last working day of the year and tomorrow, I'm heading out of town for the holidays.  At the moment, I haven't decided yet what I want to do here. Truthfully, I anticipate that I'll be too busy having fun to really want to post but there may be moments where I find myself just really jonesing to share a song with you so... you never know I guess.

Today's not guilty just please song is a gem by Foxygen - San Francisco - from their 2013 album, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic. Not only is it a beautiful song but it has a wonderful video (see below). I hope you enjoy it and, in case I don't post here again before the New Year, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

You swimming upstream or just tuning into new sensations

I was broken and we're broken

Cancon Thursday - Rum Tape

Today's Cancon Thursday son is "Rum Tape" by Ocean Potion (Mike O’Brien from Zeus and Jason Haberman from Yukon Blonde).

Ocean Potion in Kingston
November 2019

I recently saw them in Kingston. They were opening for Dan Mangan (with the amazing Don Kerr on drums) - actually they were also Dan's touring band. Anyway, when it was announced in the summer that they would be playing, I didn't know anything about them.  Immediately, upon finding them online, I fell in love with their self-titled album.  They are as terrific live as they are on the record. I'm not sure how you'd describe what they sound like, it's a sound that I like and I think that they would fit in perfectly with the "Dent May Radio" playlist I found recently. Anyway, it's a really upbeat, dreamy record and I have enjoyed spending more and more time with it.

Hope you dig it xo

Way Back Wednesday - Yes (Means It's Hard To Say No)

As you can tell if you're paying attention, I'm a big fan of power pop and the Odds do a might fine job making songs that fit into that genre. I still listen to Odds on a regular basis and lucky for us, they are still out on the road, making fun, awesome music for us.

I woke up the other day with this song in my head. Couldn't shake it, not that I had tried too hard. Eventually, I just thought, "well, guess it's your brain's way of saying that you haven't listened to Bedbugs in a while." Somehow, I had a cassette copy of Bedbugs and I remember listening to it a lot (like over and over again) when I first got it. Eventually I picked up the CD and listened to it a lot too.

So, rather than say too much about it, I'm just going to leave you with "Yes (Means It's Hard To Say No)" for your listening enjoyment on this Way Back Wednesday (and it totally qualifies, Bedbugs was released in 1993 - yikes).

Happy Hump Day kiddies xo

After writing down my darkest thoughts

I should feel just fine

Anyway, would you wanna hear me whine?

Because It's Tuesday - week of December 10

It's Tuesday so it's another cover!  I may have shared this song before. Goodness knows it's been covered, a lot. It's also a great song by the dynamic songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Originally made popular in 1968 when it was recorded by Herb Alpert (well the "boy" version) "This Guy's In Love with You," I've always preferred the "girl" version, particularly Dionne Warwick's. Today, I'm sharing a more recent version by She and Him. Recorded for their 2014 release, "Classics," this version stays pretty close to the original. It's very smooth and pretty and I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Tuesday kittens xo

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - Chivalry's Not Dead

As I write this, I'm feeling a bit bleary-eyed and fuzzy. It's been a long few weeks. I've had a lot on my plate and it's starting to catch up with me.  There is a lovely light at the end of the tunnel however. Next Friday is my last day in the office for 2019. For the first time in my entire life (and I'm old!), I'll be spending the Christmas break outside of Ontario. I'm returning to British Columbia to spend the holidays with some pretty wonderful people and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.

Alas, that holiday in Summerland is still a week away and I need to get through the next few days with my sanity (ha!) in tact. Music helps, always. Regular readers will know that I'm always looking for new music that speaks to me. Happily, I can report that my ears were recently treated to some great new music by a singer-songwriter from California, Michele Audish.  I don't know Michele in real life but we became "facebook friends" after we both joined the Father John Misty Fan Club (Can Flub!) page a few years ago. We follow each other on IG and I've enjoyed watching her social feed over the past many months as she's been sharing the story about her songs and her budding music career.

Recently, she released her first self-titled EP. It's SO good. 5 songs of fab! Her voice is just beautiful and the songs are clever and thoughtful. Michele is fantastic and you should definitely check her record out. She's streaming her music everywhere you stream stuff and you can buy it at Apple Music for $5.49 CND! A bargain at twice the price!! My favourite of her songs is called "Hypothetically" but I'm sharing "Chivalry's Not Dead" today. She released a video for it and it's SO good. It's funny but also not funny, far too many of us have met guys like the one she portrays in the video.

Hope you enjoy it, great song, super video, it's Friday. Life is good (even if you're fuzzy and bleary-eyed)!! xo

Cancon Thursday - Hup Two Three Four

Happy Cancon Thursday to you all.

Some of you may be thinking that now that December is here in full swing, I might start sharing some holiday music. At the moment, I'm thinking that everyone is just inundated with yuletide tunes everywhere so I'm going to hold off for a little while longer.

As it's Thursday, I'm sharing a song today by a Canadian band. A pretty amazing combo hailing from Calgary, Albert. Today's Cancon song is "Hup Two Three Four" by The Ramblin' Ambassadors (check out their bandcamp page if you haven't already).

If you're a fan instro surf/garage music, you're going to love the heck out of this song. Enjoy xo

Way Back Wednesday - Country Death Song

The holiday season is fully upon us it seems. In keeping with the spirit of the season, my Way Back Wednesday song for this week is "Country Death Song" by the Violent Femmes. This live version, recorded at the mighty KEXP is fantastic.

As you venture into the thick of things, the shopping, the gatherings, the traffic, I wish you luck and hope that you can navigate the next few weeks without throwing anyone
down a well.

Happy Wednesday kiddos xo

Gather round, boys, to this tale that I tell

You wanna know how to take a short trip to Hell?

It's guarenteed to get your own place in Hell

Just take your lovely daughter and push her in the well.

Because It's Tuesday - week of December 3

Here we are, it's December again.

As the year draws to a close, I know folks start talking about best of the year lists. I don't usually get too caught up in that stuff. I'm enjoying watching the whole is 2019 or 2020 the end of the decade arguments on Twitter.

Anyway. as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover today. This one was recorded at CBC by Father John Misty in honour of Arcade Fire being named Best Canadian Band of all Time. It's his cover of "The Suburbs"

Hope you enjoy it and happy December kiddos xo

So can you understand

Why I want a daughter while I'm still young?

I want to hold her hand

And show her some beauty before this damage is done

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - It Just Doesn't Happen

It's Friday which means that I get to share any song I like just because I like it.  In the case of today's song, I LOVE it. It's another new Destroyer song, "It Just Doesn't  Happen" from the forthcoming album "Have We Met" (out on January 31, 2020 - mark your calendars!!).

If the opening lines of the song, "You’re looking good, In spite of the light" don't draw you in, well I don't know what will. I'm really excited to hear the rest of this record. I don't think I've been this excited about a new release since I heard that the Muffs were putting out a new record earlier this year ("No Holiday" - get your copy  NOW!!). For now, I just keep listening to this on repeat, it's one of those songs, for me it is anyway.

Give "It Just Doesn't Happen A Listen" and watch the video... it's intriguing and looks super Canadian. Happy Friday kiddos xo

I find

The silence

Unbearable

What does that say about the silence?

Cancon Thursday - Roses Are Falling

Howdy kids. Once again it's Cancon Thursday so I'm sharing a song with you today by a Canadian artist.

This week, I'd like to listen to this pretty live version of "Roses are Falling" by Orville Peck. I grew up in a house (as we're fond of saying) where two kinds of music were played regularly, "Country AND Western." I like what Orville is doing, I love the darky spooky cowboy sound and his voice is pretty incredible.

If you haven't already, check out his album "Pony" which was released earlier this year on SubPop

Hope you enjoy it xo

You Know darling, you bring out the worst in me

Sometimes, when I'm around you, i feel like pure evil

I guess they say nobody's perfect

But they've never met a devil like you

Way Back Wednesday - Driving Away From Home

When I look back at the music I was listening to the year I graduated from high school, it was pretty much a mixed bag of stuff and that hasn't really changed in the 33 years since.

One song that caught my ear at the time (and I just loved it, what a delicious earworm it was!!), was "Driving Away From Home (Jim's Tune)" by It's Immaterial. I'm sharing it with you today for Way Back Wednesday.

It was a single from the Liverpool band's 1986 album, "Life's Hard and Then You Die."

I don't recall if this video was played a lot on Much Music but I know I had it on a VHS tape so I watched it a lot. Hope you enjoy it.

Happy Hump Day kittens xo

I'll tell you what

Why don't we cross the city limit

And head on down the M62

It's only thirty nine miles

And forty five minutes to Manchester

And that's my birth-place, you know

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 26

It's already the last Tuesday of November. It feels beautifully mild and spring like outside and I'm so happy about that.

Because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you fine folks today. It's a cover of a song I've loved for many years, In the Aeroplane Over The Sea. This version is by the mighty fine singer / song writer, Dan Mangan. 

I had the privilege of seeing and hearing Mr Mangan perform last night at the Grand Theatre here in Kingston. This was my first time seeing him live. I have to say, it was quite a show. He played with Ocean Potion who were simply amazing.  All in all, it was another fantastic night of music at our beautiful Grand Theatre. If he's coming to a town near you, I would suggest picking up some tickets if you can.

So, here you go kids, hope you enjoy this. I think it's just beautiful. xo

All secrets sleep in winter clothes

With the one you loved so long ago

Now he don't even know his name

Cancon Thursday - Home For A Rest

A few years ago, when I heard the news that John Mann, from Spirit of the West had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, my heart just sank. Alzheimer’s disease has touched my family and the early onset version of it scares the shit out of me. I felt so bad for him, and his family,
because I understood all too well what the road ahead of them looked like.  At the time, I remember seeing an interview with John and he was so graceful in the face of an awful situation. I was never a giant fan of Spirit of the West but I always appreciated what they did and the devotion of their fans.

I’m not sure (pretty confident it wasn’t) if this was just a Queen’s / Ontario thing but in the 1990’s, you could not be in a campus pub for an evening and get out without hearing “Home For A Rest” and witnessing a crazy stampede to the dancefloor.  Folks just lost their shit over that song. Again, not something that particularly floated my boat but I did love to watch the joy on the faces of the dancers, stumbling around, beers in hand, singing as loudly as they could, stomping their feet in unison.

Last night, the news broke that John Mann had passed away.  The news was not unexpected, but it was heartbreaking all the same. He was only 57, way too young to go “home for a rest.”

Today, for Cancon Thursday, I’m going to share that foot stomping favourite by Spirit of the West.  Hugs your loved ones folks, as often as you can. Tell folks how you feel about them, all the fucking time. Life is short, too short to keep that shit to yourself xo

You'll have to excuse me, I'm not at my best

I've been gone for a week, I've been drunk since I left

These so called vacations will soon be my death

I'm so sick from the drink, I need home for a rest...

Way Back Wednesday - Alone Too Long

So, once again, it's Way Back Wednesday. It's basically an excuse for me to share an old song that I like.

Today's song is definitely older, it was released as a single in 1975 by Hall and Oate
s.  I had never heard it though until it was used as the opening theme song for Stephen Merchant's brilliant but short-lived HBO series, "Hello Ladies." It features John Oates on vocals. Most of the Hall and Oates songs are sung by Daryl Hall, this is a nice change and, I think, a great song.

Enjoy kittens and have a very happy hump day xo

Another pretty face another body ache still awake three-thirty

Dial another number -- No one home

So then he wastes his time with TV

And he wonders if he lost the only one

And wonders if he's free

Too afraid to see

How alone he could be

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 19

I'd like to wish my "baby" brother Patrick a very happy Birthday.  I'll not be seeing him today (I'm in Kingston and he's in Ottawa) but I sure hope he has a fantastic time, celebrating the anniversary of the day that I became a big sister to a very cool brother.

For our cover today, because it is Tuesday, I'm sharing a very pretty cover of the very pretty Crowded House classic (from their 1988 album Temple of Low Men), "Better Be Home Soon."

Enjoy Tim Minchin's version kiddos and have a happy day xo

Stripping back the coats

Of lies and deception

Back to nothingness

Like a week in the desert

Cancon Thursday - Looking For You

How are you coping with this lovely January weather we're experiencing in November?  I normally don't hate winter at all.  I enjoy the cool temperature and the brightness of snow but this sudden deep freeze when I haven't even finished raking my leaves yet is annoying. Also, pretty sure that that cold snapped something in my vehicle so it's in the shop.  Not a lot of fun.

Not all is bad though. I may have found something which will help thaw you out for a little while. It's Thursday so I'm sharing a Canadian song with you.  Once again, it's by my girl Ralph.  I'm not a huge fan of this genre but I love her voice and think her writing is fantastic. I haven't heard a song of hers yet that I didn't like and I've almost worn out her "Good Girl" CD listening to it in my vehicle. 

She's got a new EP out this week, "Flashbacks and Fantasies." It contains three songs she'd released recently (No Muss No Fuss, Gravity and Last Time) and three new ones.  I'm sharing the video for "Looking For  You" today.

As always, the video is beautiful. The song is sweet and clever. The video ending will have you on the edge of your seat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did xo

let them kiss me cuz I'm bored

passing time until I'm yours

am I blind? 

when will I find you?

Way Back Wednesday - We Walk The Same Line

This year, I've been reminded, time and time again, at what a wonderful year 1994 was for music and other stuff.

Just this past week, I realized that 25 years ago, Everything But The Girl released "Amplified Heart." It's such a great record. I've been a fan of theirs since the first time I heard Tracey Thorn's voice (probably on The Paris Match by the Style Council but maybe not). This was EBTG's 8th studio album and it's beautifully laid back and yet it grabs you, well it grabbed me all those years ago when I first heard it and it still does today.

It's pretty much, to me, a perfect pop records.  Simply gorgeous.  Today, for Way Back Wednesday, I'm going to share my favourite song from it, "We Walk The Same Line."

Also, in honour of it's 25 anniversary, Amplified Heart is now available on vinyl. Just saying...

Enjoy kittens xo

And if these troubles

Should vanish like rain on midday

Well I've no doubt there'll be more

And we can't run and we can't cheat

Cause babe when we meet

What we're afraid of

We find out what we're made of

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 12

I'm Canadian so of course, I participate in a lot of talk about the weather. It's not even the middle of November, we're already into stupid winter storms. This doesn't make me feel great about where the rest of the fall / winter seasons are going.  Driving to work yesterday in the ice was no fun at all. I love this country deeply, I love cold weather but I hate snow and ice when I have to travel it. Seriously, dangerous driving conditions can just suck it.

As today is Tuesday, once again I am sharing a cover with you fine folks.  "Don't Change" was the first international single by Australia's INXS from their 1982 album "Shabooh Shoobah." It's been covered by many folks over the years but this particular version of it is my favourite.  It's by the amazing and talented (and just very nice!!) Ottawa based singer-songwriter, Chris Page and you can get a copy of it and so many other awesome Chris Page recordings by visiting his bandcamp page. Chris is involved with other terrific musical things including Expanda Fuzz (you may recall I shared one of their songs here earlier this year).

Hope you enjoy this and other stuff by Chris, stay warm kiddos xo

I found a love I had lost

It was gone for too long

Hear no evil in all directions

Execution of bitterness

Message received loud and clear

Cancon Thursday - Station Out of Range

Before I get into my weekly cancon song, I wanted to bring to your attention / remind you that the annual funding drive for our local campus / community radio station, the beloved CFRC, is happening right now.  Truthfully, they will accept a donation any day of the year but right now, during the funding drive, your donations really count.This year, perhaps more than any other year in recent memory, your support is greatly needed. 

From the CFRC website: "As you are undoubtedly aware, the Ontario Provincial Government’s Student Choice Initiative is expected to have a significant impact on CFRC’s operational capacity.  Fees that were once mandatory are now optional.  We anticipate significant reductions in our collected student fees over the next few years. These reductions threaten the station’s ability to operate and to provide programming, services, and broad/podcast training opportunities to our campus and Greater Kingston communities."

Your gift to CFRC not only helps keep producing unique content, it will help ensure that the station remains on the air to celebrate it's 100th Anniversary in 2022.  You can donate online by clicking this link.

So, today's Cancon Thursday tune is "Station out of Range" by Matt Mays.  It's a great song and the beautiful video was filmed not far from here, in Picton at the Hayloft.  Matt will be at the Grand Theatre tonight. Tickets were still available when I checked yesterday.  It'll be a great show so if you like "Station out of Range," head down to the Grand for an excellent night of music.  There are really no bad seats in the place and the sound is always fantastic.

I lost my love to silence

She lifted the needle one day

And anyone who knows true love knows

It takes a soundtrack to make it's soul sway

Way Back Wednesday - Penthouse In The Woods

I can remember the exact moment that I heard today's song for the first time. I was in the bedroom of an apartment I lived in from 1990 to 2000.  It was a weekend evening and I know this because Mr David Wisdom played the song on his CBC radio show. Until that moment, I was unfamiliar with the Scud Mountain Boys but I didn't move from the radio, waiting to hear the name of the band or artist who was responsible for the most wonderful things my ears had heard in a while.  It was 1996 (the year the song was released on their Massachusetts album) and as I type that, it seems incredible that it's been over 23 years since that magic moment on College Street.

As it happened, the whole album was (and still is) fantastic. The songs have a timeless quality about them. The best songs always do.

For Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing "Penthouse in the Woods" by the Scud Mountain Boys.  I hope that when you hear it, you're as struck by it as I was back in 1996.

Happy hump day kittens xo

I didn't sleep last night
I didn't sleep the night before
I'm pretty wound tight
I couldn't empty out my head
All the serious questions
Seem to eat my time away

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 5

Well, it's Tuesday again, the first Tuesday of November.  The year is just slipping away folks, to paraphrase Homer Simpson, I hope it's going somewhere good.  Actually, I have no complaints, my year has been a lot more up than down and it's been a while since I've been able to say that.

So, today, I'm sharing a cover. When this song was originally released, I was in (I think) 7th grade.  I remember it was very popular in general and particularly with my school chums and me. I'm pretty sure we just liked the sentiment of the title and were sort of oblivious to the inspiration for the song.  I know that years later, Bob Geldof (the song's writer) admitted that he'd regretted writing it because it made the shooter famous.

If you haven't figured it out by now, today's cover tune is "I Don't Like Mondays." Originally released in 1979 by The Boomtown Rats, the version I'm sharing today was recorded by one of my all time favourite singer songwriters, Ron Sexsmith.  I swear, I would buy three copies of Ron Sexsmith singing the phone book.  I love his voice and he is an amazing writer.  I love his interpretation of this classic song and hope you do too.

Happy November kittens xo

All the playing's stopped in the playground now

She wants to play with her toys a while

And school's out early and soon we'll be learning

And the lesson today is how to die

And then the bullhorn crackles

And the captain tackles

With the problems and the how's and why's

And he can see no reasons

'Cause there are no reasons

What reason do you need to die, die

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - Standing Back Up

Hey, it's November.

Hope you're all doing well and not rolling around moaning and clutching your stomach after indulging into too many mini-chocolate bars.  As it's Friday, I'm sharing a song I really like, just because I can.  Recently, and I mean over the past couple of weeks, so many folks I truly love have been releasing new songs that it's been tough to decide which one to share here. Hope you like the one I finally landed on for this week.

Free 3D Glasses!

While goodness knows I'm not a disillusioned millennial (good old Gen-Xer here) I enjoy the "earnest disco music" of Camino 84.  A few weeks ago, Camino 84 released his latest single, "Standing Back Up." Last week, a video was released (see below).  You'll need to have some old school 3D glasses to properly enjoy it.  Bonus, if you live in the US, Camino 84 will send you some, for free, you just have to ask!! 3D or not, this is a solid tune with a great message. I listened to it on repeat for a while and it continues to grow on me with each listen.

Hope you have a great weekend kittens xo

Well it's been a couple of fucked-up years

I lost some friends and gained a couple of fears

But now it's time to turn around

I'm picking myself up

Off the ground

Cancon Thursday - High Noon Scramble

Happy Halloween!

Many years ago, when I had my first proper post-college job, I worked at a place which, in the end, was a nightmare but, always had fun on holidays.  Halloween in particular was a big one and during the couple of years I worked there, everyone in the office dressed up on the big day. In a way, I'm glad that we don't dress up at work anymore.  It was always sort of a pain to figure out a costume and then have to function at your desk while wearing it.

For a long time, I would go all out on October 31.  I have bins in my basement which are filled with spooky and creepy and cute halloween decorations (always good to have a variety) but for the past few years, I haven't bothered to put them up.  It's supposed to be pouring with rain later today so who knows if the wee ones will even be able to get out to grab their candy tonight.  It's sort of a non event for me.  Having said that, I will be getting my flu shot this afternoon so that's sort of something significant to mark the day.  Maybe I'll wear a mask to the doctor's office.  Probably not but it's still early so anything could happen.

As it's Thursday again, I'm sharing a Canadian tune by a really fun Vancouver band, The Vicious Cycles.  I picked this video because some of the guys are dressed up like nuns (not for Halloween, just for the video).  If they actually are nuns and I misspoke, I would like to apologize.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy "High Noon Scramble" from their fine LP "Motorcycho" - you can purchase "Motorcycho" from Pirates Press Records and you really should, it's awesome and fun!

Stay safe and, if possible, dry today kiddos xo

Dirt first! Hear the church bells ringing

Dirt first! And the Filth Mode singing

Dirt first! Hear the church bells ringing ding dong

Way Back Wednesday - Perfect

Once again, we've made it all the way to the middle of the week.  It feels good so far.  I've got a lot on my plate but I'm also getting through a very very long "to do" list and that's making me really happy. This week, for Way Back Wednesday I'm heading back to the 80's again.

What can I say? I turned 13 in 1980 so my entire teenage experience happened during the Aqua Net and Sun In decade!

The song I'm sharing today, however, was not released while I was still a teenager.  It was released in 1988 by Fairground Attraction, a single from their fab LP "The First of a Million Kisses." Today's song was a number one single for Fairground Attraction and their album won a bunch of awards when it was originally released.

I'll not say a lot more about it other than it's catchy as all get out and an excellent toe-tapper for a blustery Wednesday.  I loved it then and I still love it today, it's a timeless song. One thing I noticed about the video is, the very 80's fashion is all back again. Who knew?

Enjoy "Perfect" by Fairground Attraction and have a very happy hump day kittens xo

I don't want half hearted love affairs

I need someone who really cares.

Life is too short to play silly games

I've promised myself I won't do that again.

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 29

It's been a while since I've shared a Beatles tune here.  I stumbled upon this live version of the Muffs (with the Bangles) covering "Rain" and thought it would be just about a perfect song for this  particular Tuesday.

Photo by Maria Younghans

It's perfect for a few reasons:

1. I love the Muffs and am still feeling sad / numb about the loss of the incredibly talented Kim Shattuck
2. I've been a fan of the Beatles as long as I can remember
3. It's been raining a lot here recently (that time of the year) but when the sun does pop out, it's brilliant and just gorgeous.

So, here you go, The Muffs and friends performing Rain, live in 2014.  Enjoy kittens xo

Can you hear me?

That when it rains and shines

(When it rains and shines)

It's just a state of mind

(When it rains and shines)

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - Crimson Tide

I went to bed on Election day knowing that we'd have a minority Liberal government.  When I awoke the following morning, I was relieved that the country would not be lead by a hateful man. What we have isn't perfect but it's workable.

Shortly after that, I opened up my email and read some very happy news, a new Destroyer song had been released. Good good news indeed.  Since Tuesday, I've been completely obsessed with this song.  I absolutely love Dan Bejar's writing.  This song is beautiful and I'm so excited about the new album (entitled "Have We Met" and it's due in January) that I've already pre-ordered my copy.

Regarding the election results, I'll just say this.  I've grown weary of hearing folks say that the conservatives won the popular vote.  They did not.  If you add up all of the votes that were cast across the country for alternatives to the conservatives, that number is far more than double the number of votes that they received.  Folks said it loudly, they will note allow a party which supports hate, sexism, racism, transphobia, homophobia, everything-I-care-about-phobia, to run this country.  /rant

So today, I'm sharing "Crimson Tide" with you. This song makes me stupidly happy so if you enjoy it 1/4 as much as I do, you're going to have an incredible musical experience.  Hope you all have a great weekend kiddos xo

Chicken-shit singers

Paying their dues

A circus mongrel sniffing for clues

You watch the blonde make mincemeat of the brunette

An actress pays her debt

To Satan again and again

Cancon Thursday - Wanna Be Your Friend

When you ask the average Canadian about bands from Kingston, one particularly well known band's name is usually the one you hear them mention.

File this under "unpopular opinion" but that band, I was never really a fan of.  I mean, when we were in high school, I saw them a bunch of times and even bought their first couple of records (to support local talent) but it never really did much for me and eventually, I just stopped going to their shows and buying their records.

In the 1990's, I don't think that there was a Kingston-based band I saw more often than The Inbreds. I was (and still am a little bit) involved with CFRC (our local campus / community radio station which broadcasts from Queen's University) and we played the Inbreds, a lot.  Why wouldn't we? They were local and they were awesome.  All of the PF bands (the label started by Dave from the Inbreds) got a lot of airplay and support from the folks at the station.  Kingston has always had a lively music scene but there was something (to me) very special about those PF bands.

For Cancon Thursday, I'm going to share one of my very favourite songs by The Inbreds, "Wanna Be Your Friend" from their 1996 album "It's Sydney or the Bush." Wherever  you are, I'd encourage you to support your local scene. That band you check out this week could just end up writing a song that becomes a favourite of yours for years and years to come.  Enjoy xo

This marina once was smaller, and the grass grew this high

We'd go for boat rides along the harbour with my hand over the side

(You and me) I wanna be your friend, well we always fight

I wanna be your friend tonight

Way Back Wednesday - Make Me Do Anything You Want

Hey kids.

It's Way Back Wednesday again and today I'm sharing a classic Canadian song by A Foot In Cold Water.  Their 1972 song "Make Me Do Anything You Want"

This song was a huge hit in Canada and will, this year, be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.  I was actually a bit surprised that it wasn't already in there!

According to the press release, "The passionate classic rock ballad “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want” was written by A Foot in Coldwater’s Paul Naumann and Danny Taylor. “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want,” with “Alone Together” on the B-side, entered RPM’s top singles chart in June 1972 and became a Top 40 hit not once, not twice, but three times. Radio stations CJOE (London, Ontario) and CKOC (Hamilton) told Billboard Magazine it was the best Canadian single they had played that year. Anything You Want turned A Foot in Coldwater into a hot group right across Canada, and helped secure a worldwide deal for the band with Jac Holzman at Elektra Records in New York. By 1993, the song had earned a SOCAN Classic Award for more than 100,000 airplays. The song was also a hit for Canadian platinum-selling band Helix who recorded it in 1985."

Enjoy this sweet, oldie but goodie and have a good day kiddos xo

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 22

Apologies for the recent, unscheduled hiatus.

I've got a lot going on and while I don't have a bunch of time to write something thoughtful or funny right now, I thought I would share a cover with you right now.  The original song is a guilty pleasure of mine and this cover, well it's like a super extra cheeze (yes, with a Z) version.

Hope you enjoy it, I'll try to get things back on track here soon.

Happy Tuesday folks and congratulations Canada for keeping obvious sexist, homophobic / transphobic, racists out of the PMO.

Way Back Wednesday - Together Again

This could be a guilty pleasure song except I don't really believe in them anymore. Goodness knows that I did for a long time. I would hide my secret love for cheesey songs. No more!! Embrace the cheese, bring it into the light and share it with your friends!!

Today, I'm doing that, my Way Back Wednesday song is from 1997. "Together Again" was a pretty big single for Janet Jackson, from "The Velvet Rope." It's one of those songs that if I hear it being played, I'll stop and listen to the rest of it. I just plain old like this song for no particular reason.

As it's mid-week, if you're needing a tune to inspire you to have a little dance party at your desk or in your kitchen, this could be it.  Enjoy it kittens xo

There are times when I look above and beyond

There are times when I feel your love around me, baby

I'll never forget my baby

I'll never forget you

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 8

Hey kids.

So, it's finally looking and feeling like fall around here.  I love that.  Crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, crisp air... not so much in love with the rain or the frost but you have to take the bad with the good right?

If you've been paying attention, you will have long ago figured out that I loved David Bowie and still listen to his music regularly.  Because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you. As I'm sure you can imagine, because Bowie's songs are so excellent, they have been covered many many times but artists of all genres.  Today, I'm sharing a often covered song, Heroes.

This is Ted Leo's cover... it was released in 2016 as part of the "Let All The Children Boogie: A Tribute to David Bowie" compilation. Proceeds from the album went to the LGBTQ youth charity organization It Gets Better. 

At times it's really tough to believe that Bowie is no longer with us, because his music is still everywhere.  Hope you enjoy this as much as I do xo

Though nothing will keep us together

We could steal time, just for one day

We can be heroes, forever and ever

What d'you say?

Kim Shattuck

Normally on Thursdays, I share a Canadian song here.  Today's not a normal Thursday so I'll not be sharing a Canadian song today.

My head is all over the place this morning. I didn't sleep super well to be honest. Last night, I heard the sad news of the passing of Kim Shattuck (of the Pandoras and the Muffs... ) at the young age of 56.  Apparently, Kim had been battling ALS for the last two years. All night I kept waking up and thinking about Kim.

She was an incredibly talented songwriter, singer and musicians.  I had the good fortune to meet her a couple of times over the years and to see the Muffs a bunch back in the 1990's.  It's been sad and also heartwarming to read everyone's Kim memories today.

My heart and deepest condolences go out to her husband and her family, to Ronnie and Roy and Melanie... to everyone who loved her and loved her music.  We are lucky that she left us so much good music to enjoy (and a new Muffs record which is out later this month).

Thank you Kim, for everything xo

I don't know why you're so glad

When my head's filled with sorrow

So maybe if I fade away

There'll be no sad tomorrow

Way Back Wednesday - Put Your Teeth Up On The Window Sill

It's such a dark and dreary morning around here that I need something to perk me up.  More than coffee, although coffee is good, don't get me wrong. I needed some toe-tapping, kitchen dance party music.  Something that you can bop around the house to while you wait for that slow dripping coffee to get into your mug. 

The thing that definitely helped my mood this morning is pretty awesome and I hope, if you're moving slowly too, this gets you going!  For Way Back Wednesday this week, I'm sharing "Put Your Teeth Up On The Window Sill" by Southern Culture on the Skids!!

This song was released in 1994 (again, what is up with 1994 and all of the good good music?) on their "Ditch Diggin'" album.  I found this incredible live version from 2010 and if this doesn't put some sunshine and a little boogie in your rainy morning, nothing will.

Enjoy and happy hump day kiddos xo

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 1

Happy October folks.

It's officially fall now and it feels like stinky summer today.  How the heck is it possible that the humidex is going to be in the low 30's today?

Because it actually feels like summer today, I'm going to share a very summer-y song with you.  It's an incredible cover of the classic Drifters song "Under The Boardwalk" by the always fantastic Undertones. 

I've heard many many cover versions of this song over the years but this one has always been my favourite (well, always since I heard it!).  You can find it on their 1980 album "Hypnotised" (such a great record, also contains the hits "My Perfect Cousin" and "Wednesday Week").

Enjoy this last little bit of summer if you can and have some fun dancing around the house to the Undertones today xo

Oh, under the boardwalk
Down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby
Is where I'll be

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - Build

Recently, the super funny Derren Litten's new TV show, Scarborough, launched on BBC One.  I'm a huge fan of his previous series, the long running Benidorm. 

Three episodes of Scarborough have aired so far and I'm loving it.  The stories and characters are fantastic and the seaside town of Scarborough is a lovely setting for the show.  One of my favourite things about this program is the brilliant soundtrack.  At the bottom of this post I've shared the Spotify playlist of songs from this first series of the show.

Because of Scarborough, I've been listening to The Housemartins this week.  In particular, I've been listening to their 1987 album,The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death.  The song I'm sharing today, Build, is amazing (apologies for the quality of the video - it's not great but I wanted to share it anyway rather than just an audio track).  Paul Heaton's vocal on this song is goose bump inducing.  Check it out and if you like it and aren't familiar with The Housemartins, you're in for a treat.  When you're done with them, you can move along to the Beautiful South and then Paul Heaton's solo work.  Fantastic music, beautiful vocals and fascinating lyrics.

Happy Friday kiddos xo

Slow, slow and quick, quick, quick
It's wall-to-wall and brick-to-brick
They work so fast, it makes you sick
It's build...

Cancon Thursday - Wonderdrug

It's Cancon Thursday again (funny how it just keeps happening every week - well most weeks).  Every once in a while, I like to listen to Jann Arden (and if you haven't seen her TV show yet, "Jann" it's fucking hilarious!).

I like a lot of things about Jann Arden.  Obviously, I think that she is a fantastic singer but I also like how open she is about the struggles she's had in life (or, in the case of when she was caregiver to her aging parents, sharing her daily challenges).  I identify a lot with her because, like me, she seems to be completely out of fucks to give about stuff that, at the end of the day isn't that important.  She's also hilarious and at a point in her life where she knows how crucial it is to put yourself first sometimes and do the stuff that makes you happy.  Also, like me, she can totally rock a red lipstick.  Can you see why I feel like Jann Arden is a kindred spirit?

I'm a 50 something woman who, like Jann, had been through the mill.  At this moment in time, I'm happy.  I have so much wonderful stuff going on in my life right now and I know exactly how lucky I am. My life is full of love and laughter and it feels pretty amazing.  So, today, I'm going to share another Jann Arden song with you, this time it's "Wonderdrug" from her 1994 album "Living Under June" (goodness, how did that get to be 25 years old too?).

If you're lucky enough to find someone who is your wonderdrug, hold onto them tight and never let them go xo

Oh my heart shines when you kiss my mouth

What a sweet surprise

And I stop cold when you're in the room

And you look my way

Say my name, say my name

Way Back Wednesday - Sonic Bloom

For Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing a song I've always loved, Sonic Bloom by Tripping Daisy.  Released on their 1998 album "Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb." It's a great album (in my opinion anyway, I think they were dropped by their label that years for mediocre sales - lucky for us, out of the ashes of that, Good Records was founded).

As regular readers of this here blog will know, I'm a sucker for a great pop song.   I think that Sonic Bloom is that and much more.

It's a perfect, pretty poppy love song, "the magic's in my heart...believe me" is such a sweet lyric.  For Tripping Daisy, this album was definitely a change from their previous releases. Looking back at it now, you can hear the transition beginning, musically, to Tim DeLaughter's next big thing, the Polyphonic Spree.

This song can always make me smile and I hope you find some joy in it.  Happy hump day kiddos xo

Rushing through my electrical phase
I found a place to hide when you're away
Almost caught myself a breath
I touched your hand, I lost myself instead

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 24

So it's Tuesday again.  The last one of September.  It's now officially fall which feels kind of nice.  It's my favourite season.  I like sweaters and wooly socks and leggings and the cooler weather.  The weather isn't exactly cooler right now, at least not around here, but it'll be here soon.

On Tuesdays, I share a cover song.  Because Bruce Springsteen is turning 70 this week, I'm sharing a song of his.  Now, I'm not the world's biggest Springsteen fan but I am a fan of a couple of his songs.  I am a pretty big fan of Soccer Mommy.  Soccer Mommy's cover "I'
m On Fire" is sweet and less haunting as the original.  You still hear the longing in her voice but it's softer, tender and I really like it.

Hopefully you'll enjoy this beautiful live version.  Happy Autumn everyone xo

At night, I wake up with the sheets soakin' wet
And a freight train runnin' through the middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire

Not Guilty Just Pleasure - Hollywood Ending

A couple of years ago, maybe more, I can't remember exactly when... I joined a group on Facebook for folks who were fans of Father John Misty.  It's a pretty active groups and much to my delight, it was not a large group of 20-somethings. The appeal of Joshua Tillman is broad and it was really an "all ages" kind of thing, think of Parker Brothers, 8 to 88 and that's a good way to describe the membership of the "Can Flub."

One of the folks on the group who I connected with is a lovely lady named Gail.  We became "Facebook friends" and started following each other on Instagram.  Gail's taste in music is a lot like mine.  Because she's no kid either, she likes a lot of the same things I do and I've enjoyed learning about stuff that she's into that I wasn't aware of.  One of the bands she's hugely into (like gigantically!!) is a young Los Angeles based band, Starcrawler.  Gail is REALLY into them and her enthusiasm is completely contagious.  Eventually, I checked them out and finally understood what Gail saw in them.

Starcrawler's sound reminds me of some of the bands I loved deeply in the 1990's.  If you haven't checked them out already, give them a listen today (after all, it's "not guilty just pleasure" day around here).  I'm sharing their song and video for "Hollywood Ending." Hope you enjoy it as much and I do xo

And now you think you're a rockstar
Glasses at night, hiding who you are
You fooled around, thinking you’re a king
How was I to know? I was all alone

Cancon Thursday - Take Me Outside

On Thursday's, I always share a Canadian song (which is why the heading is "Cancon Thursday")

Today, I'm sharing a song by Mo Kenney.  I don't remember the first time I heard Mo Kenney but I think it was on sound cloud and it was because of Joel Plaskett.  Pretty sure I remember that he was either sharing a song of hers or was following here... either way, I clicked through and listened to her and loved what I heard. She's a singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia and to date, she's released 3 great albums.  She's a terrific songwriter, singer and player.  Such a talent!

The song I'm sharing today is one of my favourites of her.  It's called "Take Me Outside" and you can find it on her 2014 album "In My Dreams." Enjoy xo

Take me outside
'Cause I'm gonna get mine
I just keep on thinking, it's a matter of time
Well I can't stand the wait
Is the party almost over

Way Back Wednesday - We Close Our Eyes

A lot of folks love the 80's.  As someone who turned 13 in 1980, I always find the nostalgia for the 80's a bit amusing, particularly when the folks who pine for them either aren't old enough to have been there or at least remember them.

If you want to be instantly transported (in your head) to the 80's, today's "Way Back Wednesday" song will help.  It's one of the most 80's sounding songs around.  It's cheesy and poppy and the video is, well, silly.  Give a list to "We Close Our Eyes," released in 1985 by Go West.

Have a little boogie around your desk and enjoy xo

No show Wednesday girl waits with the wine
She knows just what to say
While no one listens
You can almost hear time slipping away

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 17

The past few weeks have been a bit crazy for me and I didn't post here as regularly as I normally do.  Hopefully that will change this week. I'm actually planning to post again here this week so let's start off the week as I normally do, with a cover.

Recently, I discovered that Cher (who I love!!) had released an album of ABBA covers last year.  I gave it a list with an open mind and an open heart.  In addition to my life long love of Cher, I've been an ABBA fan since childhood.  The album was, to me, disappointing.  I hate to admit that but it's not the best thing ever that I've heard from Cher.

I still would like to share a cover of an ABBA tune today and have found an excellent version of their classic hit, "Dancing Queen." Back in 1997, Redd Kross released "Dancing Queen" on their CD single for "Secret Life."  I just love it, I hope you will too. 

Happy cover day kiddos xo

Night is young and the music's high
With a bit of rock music
Everything is fine
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 10

I'm back in Ontario, arrived on Sunday night.  I won't fib, it was not easy to get on the plane in Kelowna.  This was my second visit to BC this year and it really feels like home to me. 

But, for now, Ontario is still home and I have work to do so, I guess I better get at it huh??

As today is Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover.  I love this version of Sylvia's "Nobody."  Chixdiggit are just so much fun and I think that nobody else could have made such a fun cover of this tune.  Hope you enjoy it just as much as do.  If you like this, I would strongly urge you to check out the rest of the record, Born on the First of July. It's over 20 years old but is still a great record!

Happy Tuesday kiddos xo

You say nobody's after you

The fact is what you say is true

But I can love you like nobody can, even better