Hello 2021

Here we are again, right on the edge of a new year. Last year, I remember thinking about how 2019 started out on a sad note for me (my sweet Gracie died on January 2) but ended on a high note as I got to spend New Year's Eve with my new love. I was excited about the New Year for the first time in a few years. Of course, that excitement was short lived. Could you have even imagined how much our lives would change this year? I couldn't... 

People really are resilient. I think that whenever (rarely) I leave the house and see folks wearing masks, lining up at safe distances, doing the things that we need to do to keep safe. It's not been easy but somehow we dragged ourselves through it. 2020 was probably (globally) one of the most traumatic years in recent memory. Always a glass half full kind of gal, I have spent some time over the past couple of days thinking about the good things that happened:

• My dad had successful valve replacement surgery and has kicked ass with his recovery and rehab
• My mom just celebrated 5 years of being cancer free
• Everyone in my family and in my group of close friends has remained safe and healthy during this pandemic
• I was able to do some small home improvement projects this year
• In September, for the first time, I purchased a car on my own (the only other time I have purchased vehicles was with Mark and I left a lot of it to him)

Also, unlike many folks, I have had the privilege of working remotely since March. My employer has been wonderful throughout this strange time. I feel very well supported by our senior administration as well as my colleagues and know exactly how lucky I am to be employed full time right now. I really never imagined that I would have the discipline to work at home. The ritual of getting up, going into the office, seeing folks in person, these were things I always felt that I'd need to be able to be productive in my job. Instead, I discovered that I'm more focused and (weirdly) more organized working remotely. I know that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for working from home but I'm quite enjoying it (and not having to think about warming up the car and shoveling snow at 6 a.m. is an added bonus)!

Me, working remotely, photo by Bill.

Because I've been working remotely, I was able to spend a lot more time in British Columbia this year than I would ever imagined possible. I know that many folks in long distance relationships have had to remain separated due to travel bans. We're so lucky to have been able to spend the whole summer together and to be together now.  During the summer, because we're in a rural area on a large property, friends were able to visit as we could safely gather outside. While we were always conscious of keeping our distances and doing things safely, it felt almost normal to be able to sit together on the patio or go to the beach and I'm so grateful for that.

The holidays have been weird. It's been strange not seeing people, having fun gatherings, dressing up for parties and dinners... Around here, we embraced the quiet. Many days have been spent wearing pjs, countless movies have been watched, many many snacks have been eaten and a lot of sleeping has been enjoyed.

As the holidays wind down and the new year starts, I'm feeling very fortunate... lucky to be in a wonderful relationship, to have my health, a job I enjoy, a loving and supportive family and wonderful friends. I'm hoping that in 2021, I'll actually be able to see the people I love again and hug them tightly. That's all I really want for this year. 

I don't care about what people think of me

I'm fucked up as it is but we've got so much time to kill

And so many things to see

Life's too short to worry about things that we got wrong

So hug all your friends and let them know

You're not letting go

I won't let go

Way Back Wednesday - Terry

Hope your week is going well. Well, I guess "well" might be a stretch, "okay"? These days we take what we can get I suppose.

It's a bit scary to listen to or read the news. I force myself to check it a couple of times a day but I've grown weary of hearing the news about climbing COVID-19 case numbers, more people dying, even more getting sick. I don't ever ignore the masking / social distancing / hand washing stuff. By now, the protocols we follow feel a bit like second nature (sadly) but I find it exhausting to hear the news sometimes.

So, for Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing a song which should help you forget about all of the troubles in the world for at least a few minutes. Kirsty MacColl's great song "Terry" was released as a single in 1983 ("Quietly Aloud" was the b-side). It got to No. 82 in the UK charts. It's Kirsty's take on a "Teen Ballad" and the video is super fun.

Hang in there kids, we're half-way to the weekend. Stay safe, wear a mask xo

Sorry if your heart is broken

Why's your mouth just hanging open?

Don't look so surprised

I found another guy

Because It's Tuesday - week of December 15

Hey kids, how goes?

I know I've been missing over the past few weeks but sometimes that happens. Life just gets in the way. Trust me though, I've been listening to music and have been planning posts for you.

December is a month with many sad anniversaries for music fans. In previous Decembers we lost John Lennon, Frank Zappa, Zal Yanovsky, Joe Strummer and (in my opinion) the best female singer-songwriter I've ever heard, Kirsty MacColl. 

Kirsty was killed 20 years ago this month. The "Justice for Kirsty" Campaign was what inspired me to start this blog and the title is stolen from her great song of the same name, "What Do Pretty Girls Do?" This week I'm going to be posting some of my favourite Kirsty tunes.

As I usually share a cover on Tuesdays, I'm going to share a fantastic cover Kirsty did of the classic Smiths song, "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby" to start the week off.

Hope you enjoy it, stay safe folks xo

 If you're wondering why

All the love that you long for eludes you

And people are rude and cruel to you

I'll tell you why

I'll tell you why

I'll tell you why

I'll tell you why

Isolation Friday - Don't Worry Be Happy

As we head into the weekend, I'm going to share some impractical advice.

Well, I'm going to share a song and it's theme is pretty impractical. 

It's overly simple, in these difficult times to say "Don't Worry, Be Happy" to someone. Instead of listing all of the reasons why it's tough to follow Bobby McFerrin's sage advice, I'm just going to leave this here for you to hopefully enjoy. It may make you feel happy and tap your feet for a few minutes. That would be great. If on the other hand, it just annoys you and makes you click away as fast as you can, well, I'm sorry about that.

Either way, take some time this weekend to do something kind for yourself. You deserve it.

Stay safe, wash your hands, wear a mask... please? xo

Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style

Ain't got no gal to make you smile

Don't worry, be happy

 

Cancon Thursday - Drinking In LA

The other night, Bill and I were talking about One Hit Wonders and I found a list of songs online which was broken down by decade. We started listening to some of the songs. Many of them, I didn't think were "one hit" wonders because the artists had long, prolific careers and released many popular songs (to me anyway).  but I guess the threshold for what counts as a hit is a lot higher than I thought.

Anyway, when we got to the '90's, we started to recognize fewer and fewer songs. Probably because neither of us were listening to commercial radio / watching videos during the '90's so we were pretty clueless. A couple of songs on that particular list were by Canadian groups. Honestly, to me, the songs and groups are pretty interchangeable. Fans of either group would probably argue with me (and go ahead, I don't care enough about either one to really engage) but if I had to pick one I preferred, it's today's Cancon pick.

So, instead of Len's "Steal My Sunshine," I'm sharing Bran Van 3000's "Drinking in LA." Probably because I remember being sent SO many of those "Glee" stickers at CFRC when the song was released. I like that little deer I guess. Also, what is Todd's favourite cheese?

Here you go, without further adieu, some Bran Van... enjoy and stay safe, please!? Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, BE CAREFUL!! xo

I woke up again this morning with the sun in my eyes

When Mike came over with a script surprise

A mafioso story with a twist

A "To Wong Foo, Julie Newmar" hitch

Get your ass out of bed, he said:

I'll explain it on the way

Way Back Wednesday - Vera / Bring The Boys Back Home

As today is Remembrance Day, as well as Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing "Vera / Bring the Boys Back Home" from Pink Floyd's "The Wall." Roger Waters and his band recorded this version over the summer of 2020 as part of their Lockdown Sessions. This song almost always makes me cry, listening to this new version definitely moved me. It's striking and beautiful.

Today, as we remember all members of the armed forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty, let's also hope for peace. Let's hope that no more names are added to cenotaphs or grave stones because of war. 

Bring the boys back home

Bring the boys back home

Don't leave the children on their own, no, no

 

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 10

Do you feel relieved? I know that I do. I had no idea how much anxiety I was carrying with me about the results of US election until Saturday. I was visiting my parents and my dad turned the TV on just as CNN was calling Pennsylvania. As I watched Van Jones crying, I realized I was crying too. What a moment, what a day. 

Of course, like many folks, I was fearful that on Sunday morning, I might have woken up to news of violence and riots. Fortunately, I did not. It was so wonderful to watch the coverage joyous crowds of folks celebrating in the streets all over the place (not just in the USA). What a long, strange, four years it's been. I know it's not quite over yet but things just feel better today, for me anyway.

So, as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover. Today's song was written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mikey" Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter. It was made famous by the amazing Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. It went to No. 2 in the charts and became their signature song.

The version I'm sharing today made it's debut back in July 1985 during the Live Aid broadcast. I know this because I watched it. It was super fun to watch these middle aged white dudes (David Bowie and Mick Jagger) bopping around. Proceeds from the single went to the Live Aid charity fund. It still makes me smile, 35 years later. Hopefully it'll make you smile too and maybe dance around the kitchen.

Stay well my friends, wash your hands, wear a mask and please, be kind to each other xo

Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)

Baltimore and D.C. now (dancing in the street)

Can't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street)

Isolation Friday - Paris 1919

Like many people, I've been spending a lot of time on my own during the pandemic. During this time, I've been listening to a lot of music. It helps me soothe my brain. Over the past few months, I've been revisiting old favourites and uncovering new to me gems. 

Today, for isolation Friday, I'm sharing an old favourite by John Cale, Paris 1919. This is a live version with a full orchestra. I love this song and this version is beautiful. It's a song I've found myself listening to on repeat in recent days. It just makes me feel better. I hope that listening to it soothes your brain. If you're looking for something special to listen to this weekend, give the whole "Paris 1919" album a try. Originally released in 1973, it's still a gorgeous thing. 

Enjoy and stay safe folks xo

Efficiency efficiency they say

Get to know your job and tell the time of day

As the crowds begin complaining

How the Beaujolais is raining

Down on darkened meetings on the Champs Elysee

Cancon Thursday - Consider The Speed

Hey everyone.  How are you doing? You okay? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you drinking enough water? 

This election business down south is a bit nuts huh? I've been feeling anxious for days and I'm just a neighbour. Can't even imagine what it would be like to be living in the US right now. The sad thing is that no matter what happens, it doesn't feel like there will be a peaceful end to it. I'm hoping for the best but it's scary. 

To keep our minds off of bad things for a few minutes (elections, pandemics...) I'm sharing an awesome new song by the wonderful Terra Lightfoot. It's the title track from her new LP, "Consider the Speed."

The song is super fun and the video has bike riding in it. The best videos always have bikes in them, in my opinion anyway. So, enjoy, go for a bike ride and be kind (to yourself and those around you) xo

dreams are coming true 

as I'm getting closer to you

no there's nothing wrong 

and I'm barely holding on to you

Way Back Wednesday - Bizarre Love Triangle

The other day, CBC Music asked, on twitter, what song could always get you onto the dance floor. Without hesitation I answered. It was easy. I'm sure dancing wouldn't be so easy because, well, I'm old now and I don't really go to places with dance floors anymore. Back in the day, about 30+ years ago, when I used to go out dancing with my girlfriends, today's "Way Back Wednesday" song would always make me run to the dance floor.

That's right, I'm sharing the New Order classic, Bizarre Love Triangle. 

As I write this, folks in the US are voting and I'm feeling anxious. I have no idea if we'll know what the results of the American election are in the morning, we may not know for weeks. Good or bad, this song is appropriate. If you are celebrating a Biden / Harris win, you can dance around your living room. On the other hand, if it goes the other way and you need to cheer yourself up, this song will do that too. It's a perfect dance song.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a good day, not just for America but for all of us. I'd love nothing more than to see peace and sanity restored to our biggest and closest neighbour. 

Take care all. Stay safe. Wear a mask. Be kind to each other, please xo

Every time I think of you

I feel shot right through with a bolt of blue

It's no problem of mine

But it's a problem I find

Living a life that I can't leave behind

But there's no sense in telling me

The wisdom of the fool won't set you free

But that's the way that it goes

And it's what nobody knows

Well, every day my confusion grows

 

Because It's Tuesday - week of November 3

About 30 years ago (!!) or so, I won a contest on a local commercial radio station. It was called "See Sting in the South" and the prize was a trip for two to go to Atlanta and see Sting in concert (as luck would have it, Squeeze was opening for him!!). Anyway, when they called me to tell me that I'd won the contest, they asked me what my favourite Sting song was. I didn't really have one, I was sort of "meh" about Sting but was keen to take a free trip. I blurted out, "Englishman In New York" most likely because I'd just seen the video on Much Music. The dude from the radio station said something like, "OH! You like the deep tracks huh?" I actually chuckled at that. I don't think a song can be a single from an album AND a deep track at the same time. Oh well, free trip, right!?

So, as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover. It's a version of "Englishman In New York" by the Flying Pickets. I'm not sure if it was actually released in 1990 or 1992 (it varies depending on the source) but it's a lovely a capella treatment. My first introduction to the Flying Pickets was hearing their cover (a UK Christmas #1 in 1983) of "Only You" by Yazoo (and lead singer, the late Brian Hibbard was also on Coronation Street so that was very cool in my books). 

Hope you enjoy this little stroll down memory lane. Have a good week kiddos xo

Takes more than combat gear to make a man

Takes more than a license for a gun

Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can

A gentleman will walk but never run

Isolation Friday - Zoom Breakup

Happy Friday.

It's a pretty happy Friday for me because I have a day off. It was an unexpected treat that Principal Deane gave everyone at the University an extra day of vacation. Such a sweet thing and very appreciated.

I'm spending the day working my way through a pretty extensive "to do" list of things I've been avoiding for the past couple of weeks. No idea how much of it I'll actually get to but it felt pretty nice writing it all down yesterday.

Today, I'm sharing a great song with you by Muck and the Mires. It's called "Zoom Breakup" from their recent EP "Take Me Back to Planet Earth. I think it's pretty appropriate to share this tune during these pandemic times. For sure there are a lot of couples who have been separated during the lock downs (or stuck together in weird circumstances) so there must be break-ups galore happening all over the place. 

Also, the EP is fantastic and you can get your copy on their bandcamp page here: https://muckandthemires.bandcamp.com/album/take-me-back-to-planet-earth

Check it out, have a fun dance around the house and stay safe, please? Wash your hands and wear a mask! Happy weekend kittens xo

There's a new way

that you can break up quick

so why delay

all you do is point and click

Cancon Thursday - Young and Wasted

Hawksley Workman. You're quite a guy. You've entertained us as we've been stuck at home, from your father-in-law's basement at first and most recently, from your brand new basement. I've so enjoyed each "Hawksley Night In Canada" show, in particular I like the pet segments. You make me laugh and cry and it's always a good time. Thank you.

Now, in addition to providing us with isolation entertainment, you release a beautiful new record. "Less Rage More Tears" is a fantastic name for our pandemic times and the album contains a collection of wonderful, thoughtful songs. One of the things I love the most about his writing is that I'm always hearing new things in his songs, songs I have listened to dozens of times. All of a sudden, a lyric will jump out and it's like I'm hearing it for the first time. Brilliant. 

I had a really difficult time picking just one song to share here on Cancon Thursday. In the end, I decided on "Young and Wasted." Honestly, the clincher for me was the line about the wartime bungalow. I am living in a cosy (not cold) wartime bungalow in Kingston, Ontario. It was built in 1943 not too far from the old Alcan Plant. Many men who lived in my neighbourhood in the 1940's returned from the war and went to work at Alcan. 

I hope that everyone goes out and picks up a copy of "Less Rage More Tears." You don't even have to leave your house if you don't want to / can't. You can order it at his bandcamp page: https://hawksleyworkman.bandcamp.com/ It's important to support our favourite artists at a time like this (I mean it's always important but with live shows being very limited, buying records and CD's is a good way to show them some love while treating yourself. Kindness IS magic after all.

So give this a listen and let me know what you think. Again, thank you Hawksley, for this wonderful record.

Stay safe everyone xo

growing up so cold in a wartime bungalow

you were such a show-off 

brushing your teeth before bed even when we were both so drunk and stoned

and laughing and falling down

and i just fell asleep and started dreaming

Way Back Wednesday - Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis

Today's Way Back Wednesday song was released back in 1978 by Tom Waits on his brilliant "Blue Valentine" album.

This particular version of "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" is a live one. The song is punctuated by weird and somewhat inappropriate laughter from the audience. This has long been a favourite song of mine. 

Waits is singing about a woman who writes a letter to a man she knew, explaining that she's pregnant, sober and  married to a fine man who is going to raise her baby as his own. Life is good for her, or rather would be, she confesses, if she still had the cash she used to spend on drugs. Sadly, we learn that she's been fibbing to poor old Charley. The hooker is actually in jail but will be released on Valentine's Day. It's a sad story but I love the way Tom Waits tells it.

I hope you give it a listen. Happy hump day kiddos, stay safe xo

And hey Charley I think about you

Everytime I pass a fillin' station

On account of all the grease

You used to wear in your hair

And I still have that record

Of little anthony & the imperials

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 27

Well it's Tuesday once again, the last Tuesday of October.

The cover I'm sharing today was originally released in 1979 by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on their "Damn the Torpedoes" album. I wasn't the biggest Tom Petty fan but I was always a fan of "Damn the Torpedoes." 

Listening to today's song has reminded me about how much I miss road trips. Getting into the car, picking a direction and just driving until you find somewhere interesting to stop (or you're just too darned tired to keep going). Hopefully someday, when things calm down in the states and the pandemic is actually under control, we can do that again. It's been a long time since I've been on a road trip south of the border. I am optimistic that it'll be something I'll get to experience again even though, in reality, I know it won't be happening anytime soon.

Today's song is a version of "Louisiana Rain" (my buddy John is a big fan of the original) by Cut Worms. He released on Jagjaguwar it last week. You can find a copy of it over on his bandcamp page if you're interested in sending some cash his way to thank him. 

Hope you enjoy it xo

Well I never will get over this English refugee

Singing to the jukebox in some all-night beanery

Yeah he was eating pills like candy and chasing them with tea

You should have seen him lick his lips, that old black muddied beak

Isolation Friday - How to Forgive

As the pandemic continues to still be a thing that we must take very very seriously (yes I'm looking at you, anti-masking IDIOTS), more and more artists are doing live online shows. For us fans, it's fantastic but there are SO MANY that it can be hard to pick which one you'll watch live versus streaming it later.

Recently, super sweet Tennis did their own broadcast entitled "Live in the Void." The name reminded me of the John Oliver show but that's really not relevant. 

This week, they released a live version of "How to Forgive" from that performance and it's fantastic. They released "How to Forgive" back in January (which seems like a lifetime ago now doesn't it?) prior to their album (Swimmer) being released in February. I just love everything they do and am disappointed that I missed Live in the Void. Hopefully, we'll see more sneaky videos from that show (or I'll be able to watch the next one they do).

Hope you enjoy this. Have a great weekend kittens xo

All this noise when I need silence

Love shouldn't feel like violence

Swallow your pride, open up wide

Let the whole world in 

Cancon Thursday - This Beat Goes on / Switchin' To Glide

How is your week going? We're in the home stretch for the weekend now!!

It's Cancon Thursday here on ye olde blog. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because today's post is directly connected to this week's cover song post. I think this might be the first time I've shared the same song twice in one week. Neato!

That's right kiddos, I'm sharing the original song, well the better known, longer version of Tuesday's song, "This Beat Goes On / Switchin' To Glide" by the Kings. The video is a super fun montage of them playing their biggest hit over the years. Listening to "this beat goes on" made me feel a little melancholy. They talk about getting together with friends and having a good time. Gatherings with large groups of folks just shouldn't be happening right now (and I'm practically living like a hermit at the moment). If we are all smart and patient (and considerate of our fellow humans), we'll continue to play it safe rather than be sorry.

On that note, wear a mask, stay home when you can, wash your hands and practice social distancing... we'll get through this together but I think it's going to take a little while longer xo

I have lots of friends

That I can ding at anytime

Can mobilize some laughs

With just one call

Like a bunch of lunatics

We'll act away past dawn

Sure we'll be rocking

Til our strength is gone

Yeah this beat goes on

 

Way Back Wednesday - Dance The Night Away

Like most music fans, I was saddened to learn about the recent death of Eddie Van Halen. I've said it before, cancer is a fucking thief. If you grew up in the late 70's / early 80's like I did, you could not help hearing Van Halen songs everywhere... on the radio, on television, at the mall, blasting from open car windows, literally anywhere you'd go, you would hear the super distinctive guitar of Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth's crazy screams. 

Honestly, in the mid-80's, my favourite Van Halen song was Aztec Camera's cover of "Jump" (I still think it's the best version of the song) but prior to that, while I was still in elementary school, I loved today's song. For Way Back Wednesday, I'm going to share "Dance The Night Away." I've listened to it quite a few times over the past couple of weeks and it never gets old for me. Released in 1979 on Van Halen II, it was the bands first top 15 song. If you like Dave's scream and Eddie's playing, you're gonna love this. 

Stay safe kids xo

Have you seen her

So fine and pretty

Fooled me with her style and ease

And I feel her from across the room

Yes, it's love in the third degree

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 20

Hey kids.

Happy Tuesday. 

I took an unplanned hiatus for a couple of weeks. That does happen sometimes. Life gets busy and while I'm still listening to music, I don't take the time to share it here. I apologize. Can't say that it won't happen again but I'm back.... so let's go!!

It's Tuesday. As it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover today. Today's cover is a song which I have filed in my personal music collection under "roller skating songs." It's filed there because when this song was first released, it would get played at the roller rink I liked to visit with my friends. It was an awesome place with shag carpet covered boards and sparkly strings of Christmas lights everywhere.

Many times over the summer, while Bill and I were listening to old songs (we occasionally like to take a fun stroll down memory lane and listen to the songs from our childhood), this song would pop up. Well, not this version but the original. It is truly an unforgettable tune which can also be a most delicious ear worm. It was fun back in 1980 when it was first released, it's still fun in 2020 and the cover is really sweet.

So, having said all of that, today's cover is the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' version of The Kings classic, "Switchin' To Glide." I hope you enjoy it and maybe go give a listen to the original because it still rocks!!

stay safe kittens, wear a mask, wash your hands xo

Energy can be directed

I'm turning it up I'm turning it down

Even love can be affected

Harmony's the sweetest sound

Because It's Tuesday - week of October 6

Recently, on Can Con Thursday, I shared Toronto's "Your Daddy Don't Know" with you. Today, because it's Tuesday and I like to share a cover on Tuesday, I'm inviting you to check out a super fun version of "Your Daddy Don't Know" by The New Pornographers. 

If the video footage looks familiar it's because it's taken from the movie "FUBAR." The soundtrack is full of great covers of classic Canadian rock songs if you're interested in checking it out.

This week is sort of evaporating on me or I'd have more to say. For now, just know that I love The New Pornographers and finding this cover made me smile. Hopefully it'll make you smile too.

Enjoy kittens and please, stay safe xo

CanCon Thursday - Bad As They Seem

Happy Thursday.

It's CanCon day around here again so today, I'm sharing a mid-90's gem from Hayden, "Bad As They Seem." 

From his 1995 album, "Everything I Long For," Bad As They Seem was released as a single and the video did get played a bit at Much Music at the time. I think that the sentiment of the song is pretty appropriate for these pandemic days. The guy seems hopeless, he's in a dead end job, likes a girl he can't have and lives at home with his parents. He's stuck. I think a lot of us feel stuck right now. Even though staying home and being careful is the smart thing to do, it's not a lot of fun.

Give it a listen. It's not going to cheer you up necessarily but maybe your current situation may not seem so drab by comparison.

Stay safe kids, wear your mask, wash your hands xo

Someone who'll make me laugh

Someone to be my better half

Keep me warm under the sack

Share with me my midnight snack

Way Back Wednesday - Is She Really Going Out With Him

It might be possible that "Pretty girls out walk'n with gorillas on my street" is one of the best opening lines of a song, ever.

I don't say that lightly, there are a lot of songs out there with great opening lines but there is just something about that one, I just love it. I just love this song.

Anyway, in honour of that great line, I'm sharing a great live version of Joe Jackson, performing his 1980 hit, "Is She Really Going Out With Him" for Way Back Wednesday this week. I have shared a few Joe Jackson songs over the past couple of years and I'll probably continue to do so because he's fantastic. He's both a super song-writer and a terrific performer. 

This version of "Is She Really Going Out With Him" is a live performance on a Dutch television show, Countdown. 

Happy hump day kiddos, hope you enjoy this xo

Look over there! (Where?)

Here comes Jeanie with her new boyfriend

They say that looks don't count for much

If so, there goes your proof

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 29

Happy Tuesday folks.

As it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you today. Today's cover is a song I've shared before. Back in 2017 I shared a version of today's song which was performed by The Sweptaways. 

Today, I'm sharing a much better known version of the Kirsty MacColl classic, "They Don't Know." Kirsty originally released the song in 1979.

Tracey Ullman had a reasonably sized hit with it when she recordedit back in 1983. Of course, the video for it is brilliant and it was released during the height of Much Music / MTV Craziness. I remember it being in high rotation on the Nation's Music Station at the time. Having Paul McCartney show up in a cute cameo made folks notice it I'm sure. I hope you enjoy this as much I do. It's a super song, it's catchy as hell and is so much fun.

Stay safe kiddos xo

I get a feeling when I look at you 

wherever you go now I want to be there too

They say we're crazy but I just don't care

And if they keep on talking

Still they get nowhere

CanCon Thursday - Your Daddy Don't Know

So it's turning into a bit of an eighties week around here.

For CanCon Thursday, I'm sharing a song today from the early 80's by "Toronto" (from their third studio  album, "Get it on Credit"). I almost shared this for "Way Back Wednesday" but changed my mind.

"Your Daddy Don't Know" was a big-ish hit in Canada and even managed to crack the US pop charts. It's probably their best known song and I love the way Holly Woods sings. I remember seeing Toronto in the early 80's here in Kingston, in the Memorial Centre (back when they still had concerts there). I would have been 14 or 15 at the time. We went to a lot of shows at the M Centre because it was probably one of the very few places for all ages (and general admission) shows.

Unlike "Our Lips Are Sealed," while I still enjoy this song, I think it sounds really dated. That's not entirely a bad thing, nostalgia is fun, in small doses.

Enjoy and stay safe, wash your hands, wear your mask xo

So shake it up

Turn it on

Shake it up

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Way Back Wednesday - Mexican Radio

So this week's Way Back Wednesday tune is another wonderful and iconic 80's gem. I don't often find myself wishing that I was in Tijuana or craving some barbecued iguana but, I recently heard today's song again after a long, long time and was reminded of how much I loved it.

Wall of Voodoo released "Mexican Radio" on their 1982 album, "Call of the West." This is probably their best known song as the video received a lot of attention on the music video shows and channels back in the days when they actually aired music videos. Wall of Voodoo definitely fall into the "new wave" category but they were a bit different. They had a sound which was definitely inspired by spaghetti westerns. Lead singer Stan Ridgway's lyrics were quirky and catchy. A great combination if you ask me.

I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane. Stay safe folks, wash your hands and wear your masks, it's getting weird out there again xo

I hear the rhythms of the music

I buy the product and never use it

I hear the talking of the dj

Can't understand just what does he say?

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 21

Today is Tuesday and regular readers here know that I like to share cover tunes on Tuesdays.

The song I'm sharing today is sort of a cover but sort of isn't. Confused? Let me explain.

Today's song is "Our Lips Are Sealed" which was co-written by Jane Wiedlin (of the Go-Go's) and Terry Hall (of The Specials, Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield, etc...). In the Go-Go's documentary, Jane Wiedlin tells the story about how she met Terry Hall when they toured with the Specials. When she got back to America, he sent her the lyrics for "Our Lips Are Sealed" and she wrote the music. I'd say that was a fabulous collaboration - it's such a great song. It was first recorded for the Go-Go's 1981 album, Beauty and the Beat. The version I'm sharing today was recorded by Fun Boy Three in 1983. It was a hit for both bands and is a beautiful 80's gem that still seems fresh today, almost 40 years later.

I hope you enjoy the song and the video (I LOVE this video!!)...

Stay safe kittens xo

Can you see them?

See right through them

They have a shield

Nothing must be revealed

Cancon Thursday - Ha Ha Happiness

I could save this song for Isolation Friday but it's so good and so much fun that I wanted to share it with you today on Cancon Thursday.

Ha Ha Happiness is the latest release by the wonderful Krista Muir / Les Chouettes. Krista has been using her pandemic time to create beautiful masks and super cool music. To find out more about her music and her masks, please check out her website - https://www.kristamuir.com/

I hope you enjoy this super fun video as much as I do! xo

Way Back Wednesday - Being With You

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 15

It's already the middle of September but this morning, it really feels like fall. It's cool and crisp here in Kingston at the moment and I feel very grateful. That we have clear skies and clean air to breathe is a wonderful thing. For our friends and loved ones in the west, the air is not safe at all and the smoke can be seen everywhere. Folks can deny climate change all they want but they can't deny that the planet is on fire and it all feels pretty fucked up.

So, because it's Tuesday, I'm going to share a cover with you. Today's song was originally released in 1974 by the amazing Big Star. Hope you enjoy this fun version by the Bangles, from their 1986 album, "Different Light."

Stay safe kids, wear your mask and wash your hands, please xo

September girls, I don't know why

How can I deny what's inside

Even though I'll keep away

They we'll love all our days

December boy's got it bad

December boy's got it bad

Cancon Thursday - I Got You Babe

For today's Cancon Thursday song, I'm sharing "I Got You Babe" by Bahamas from the 2012 album, Barchords.

I'm keeping this short today. It's a busy day for me. I'm finally getting rid of my trusty old (2006) van and buying a new (2016) car. After work I'm picking it up and I'm pretty excited. This is the first time I'm buying a car on my own. Felt weird but good. I did a lot of research and think that I'm going to enjoy my new (to me), safer vehicle. Cleaning out the van last night felt strange because I found a bunch of things that I had no idea were even in there... tools, safety items, Mark's stuff. He was prepared for just about any car emergency we could have had. What a guy.

So, enjoy some Afie and have a good day (also, wear a mask!!) xo

Standing tall, I seemed to know it all

But the only thing I know is that

I've never known someone like you

I'm gonna figure out how it is

Way Back Wednesday - When Smokey Sings

 It's Wednesday already. As it's Way Back Wednesday, I'm going to share a little 80's gem with you today. ABC's "When Smokey Sings" from their 1987 album "Alphabet City."

This was a HUGE hit that summer. I remember listening to it a lot. That summer was memorable for me as I started my first real job after college and was getting my own apartment. Lots of exciting changes, so much fun.

Anyway, lots of exciting changes are happening now too, in that regard, I feel a little like I did back in 1987.  Very happy to be looking forward to good things. I know we're still in a pandemic but you can find joy in the places you least expect to.

So, enjoy Martin Fry's beautiful voice and have a bop around the house to "When Smokey Sings."
Happy hump day kittens xo

Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire

Should I say yes, I match his best

Then I would be a liar

Symphonies soothe the rage

When lovers hearts catch fire

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 8

This week, because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing my favourite pop song of the summer, which just happens to be a cover.   

If you read my posts with any regularity, you'll know that for a couple of years now, I've had a pretty big girl crush on Ralph. The Toronto singer-songwriter released today's cover song back in July and it's just about the perfect summer song. One of those perfectly poppy songs you want to play when you're driving around with the volume on the stereo way UP and the car windows DOWN!

How this girl isn't a massive star already I'll never know. I just love every single one of her songs, each release gets better and better. She's got a great voice and I think she's fab!!

As always, Ralph has released a super cute video too.... I know that summer is technically over but we can hold onto it for a little while longer. I hope you enjoy this cover of  Jennifer Paige's 1998 hit "Crush" as much as I do!!

Don't forget to wear your mask and wash your hands kittens xo

I see you blowin' me a kiss

It doesn't take a scientist

To understand what's going on, baby

If you see something in my eye

Let's not overanalyze

Don't go too deep with it, baby

Isolation Friday - Sandpaper

Happy Friday kids. The last Friday of the summer, which feels kind of weird. How was your pandemic summer? I spent a total of 4 weeks over the summer in quarantine due to travel between Ontario and BC. Quarantine is annoying but necessary and a small price to pay to get to spend some time with my lovely guy this summer. Even though I felt very safe traveling (by air) this summer, I knew that there was some risk involved. No one asked/told me to self-isolate after flying but I felt like it was the right thing to do.

As you know, I've been enjoying a lot of the quarantunes that have been released over the past few months. For Isolation Friday this week, I'm sharing an awesome tune by The Vicious Cycles, "Sandpaper." Listening to it, you'd never know that they weren't all together when it was recorded. 

Also, in case you didn't know, today is Bandcamp Friday so go check out The Vicious Cycles and spend some cash! Your favourite artists will receive all of the cash from the sale of their merch today so help 'em out and treat yourself to some new tunes. 

Even though Ontario is in Phase 3 and kids are heading back to school, many of us are still keeping things going as we did back in a Phase 1 or Phase 2. This song is SUPER relatable to most folks, no matter what the stage. Our lives have changed in weird ways and while I get that these changes are necessary, some of them still feel odd.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy "Sandpaper." It's a kick ass song and the video is mega-fun. Happy Labour Day weekend kids and remember, help keep that curve flat - wear your masks and wash your hands!! xo

Sandpaper, on top of my Knuckles

Empty cupboards and tight belt-buckles

Ain't nothin doin at the local grocer

I can't go out and you can't come over

Cancon Thursday - Damsel in Distress

Despite the fact that we couldn't get out to live shows this summer, there was a lot of new music released. I for one am very grateful for that... also, thank goodness for all of those streaming concerts. Summer could have been a huge musical bummer!

One of the great albums of the summer was the incredible "Unfollow The Rules" by Rufus Wainwright. Today, for Cancon Thurday, I'm sharing "Damsel in Distress." I hope you enjoy it and if you do, check out the rest of the album. It's fantastic. Another incredible album by the truly beautiful Rufus!!

This video for "Damsel in Distress" is truly beautiful. 

Happy Thursday kittens, please remember to wear your masks!! xo

Will you forever be wandering the wall

Looking for what you see?

Your father's face in a waterfall

Yes, I remember smiles

Yes, I remember wiles

Behind the Square of Sloan

Under the English moon within the Chelsea sky

Way Back Wednesday - My Love

This week is sailing by quickly so I'm going to keep this short.

As you know, on Wednesdays, I share an older song. Typically one that is 20 or 25 years old, or older. Today's Way Back Wednesday song is quite a bit older than that.  "My Love" was the first single from Wings' 1973 album, Red Rose Speedway. 

Recently, I gave a listen to a Wings greatest hit playlist I found and was pleasantly surprised by how happy these songs made me. Wings were all over the radio when I was a kid and while many of their songs were ear-worm inducers (I'm looking at you "Jet"!!), "My Love" is a sweet and moving tribute to a beautiful love. Also, no one ever wore mullets better than Wings!!

So yeah, I'll not say more than that. I hope you all enjoy it and are lucky enough to have (or have had) someone like the person Paul sings about in this tune, in your life. 

Stay safe and healthy xo

Don't ever ask me why

I never say goodbye to my love

It's understood

It's everywhere with my love

Because It's Tuesday - week of September 1

Happy September folks.

I would have never thought that I'd still be working from home when I left the office on March 16 but here I am... in my home office on September 1.

I'm sure for those of you who have kids heading back (possibly) to school, this already angst-ridden time we find ourselves in is feeling a bit more... just more yucky. 

As I mentioned last week, over the summer, we listened to a lot of music from the sixties and seventies. The Kinks were in sort of heavy-ish rotation so I thought that I'd share a cover of one of their songs today. This song is about finding a spot where you feel safe and just hanging out. Sort of appropriate for these times I think.

Today's cover song is "Waterloo Sunset" and I hope you enjoy this lovely live performance on BBC Radio 2 by First Aid Kit from 2014. 

stay safe kids xo

Millions of people swarming like flies 'round

Waterloo underground

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

Where they feel safe and sound

And they don't need no friends

As long as they gaze on

Waterloo Sunset

They are in paradise

Isolation Friday - Frightened by the Sound

I was deeply saddened this week to learn that Justin Townes Earle died this week at the age of 38.

Gone way too fucking soon and it looks like the cause of death was likely an overdose. Addiction is an insidious disease and this is an absolutely heartbreaking loss for his family, friends and fans. I discovered his music after Mark died. I was late to the party but jumped in with both feet. 

Justin was an incredible song writer, a true poet. His songs were a bright light on many dark days. If you're not familiar with his music, here is a song to get you started, "Frightened by the Sound" from his beautiful 2019 album, The Saint of Lost Causes.

Take care of yourself and those around you. Whenever you can, hug the people you love tightly and often and never stop telling them what they mean to you. Kindness really IS magic xo

There's no need to worry yet

Let us not forget that

Last time rain come

Down like this

So much was lost

We'll never know the true cost

Cancon Thursday - Simple Math

At long last, earlier this month, the new Kathleen Edwards record, Total Freedom, was released. Long awaited by so many people, it does not disappoint. She had a fantastic record release party / concert which was streamed from her coffee shop (Quitters) in Stittsville. Unlike many of the streamed events I have watched over the summer, this one is available to watch on YouTube if you missed or (or if you just want to watch it again). The album is fantastic and you can pick it up everywhere. It's been on repeat for days in my headphones and I think it'll stay that way for a while.

For Cancon Thursday, I'm sharing a song from Total Freedom. I was struggling to pick just one but I did. Because it was so tough to chose one song, I'll probably be sharing others in the coming weeks. For now, I hope you enjoy "Simple Math" because it's a sweet, beautiful, goose bump causing song. 

Enjoy xo

You teach me
Love is simple math
I don't care how old we get
I'm just one and you're one and we're two together
I'm okay being friends forever