Alanis Morisette ~ My Humps

It struck me as just a little bit funny, last night, to find Alanis Morisette in the Joel Plaskett YouTube mix. When this song came up, though, it donned on me. They are more similar than they are different, especially being Canadian! And that is how Canadian artists roll.

I realized this during this song because I like the original version of it by Black Eyed Peas. I know - BEP is a favourite band of mine...judge me ALL you want, I like how they drop their beats! This version of their song, My Humps, is definitely my favourite, played by another artist I love...in the YouTube mix of a fellow Canadian I adore. And, so, somehow, life makes sense again...

Check out the video here.

The Deep Dark Woods - All the money I had is gone

I love getting back to the roots of this blog. Canadian Music, especially Canadian Folk Music is so nice on the ears! And, this band takes me back to my roots, being from deep in the heart of the rectangular province I will always call home: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Listen to this song, one of my favourites of theirs, and then check out their website as well!

Mike Roste ~ Someone

I've been meaning to post this video for a while now, but it's best that I've waited until April. As it turns out, he has a new cd coming out this spring, and a party happening at the end of this month. Check out the details on his Mike's MySpace page.

Anjulie - Boom

A productive day is always dreamed of, rarely attained... c'est ma vie!



Yesterday morning, my schedule was faced with a conondrum. Early morning shift, lunch date just before noon, personal training mid-afternoon and dinner with a friend I haven't seen in much too long to end it all off. And so, where was I going to fit in that work I actually want to be doing - the work that is supposed to be moving my soul further in this world - my writing?

Luckily, I have connections on Whyte... WIFI connections, that is! And like that, my sporadic day of running here and there was supported by my sitting in a bookstore cafe, typing away at my laptop, and listening to the random music trying to be sold by the bookstore. Trying? Hmmm, maybe not. When I talked with the person who chose the album, it was a random picking of an album that looked pretty. (Yes, we do judge books/cds/etc. by their covers! )So, once again, I have serendipitously found a new artist to love....who's also Canadian :-D

Check out her website: http://www.anjuliemusic.com/

Elvis Costello ~ 'Sulphur to Sugarcane'

I have a confession to make...

I haven't listened to enough Elvis Costello in my life! But it's never too late to start:



And, yes, are you really surprised to hear that he's of the vegetarian way?

:-D

And Canadian!

And Folk!

How amazing...

Diana Pops ~ Light My Cigarette

"Los Angeles is a city of orphans, all with something to prove, so many of which are the brightest stars of their former homes. We all come here to "make it", trading the security of our hometowns for the chance at a future where we can live our dreams on a daily basis. " ~ Diana Pops


Over the holidays, my mother shared a horoscope for 2011 with our family. I know that some people look at horoscopes as mere fun and games - and sometimes they are - but for me, I put more faith in them. They are not always accurate, but in the times when you really need to be encouraged, some part of the universe will provide you with what you deserve. Horoscopes have been my gift from the universe for many years, especially when I most needed to hear some encouraging.

According to the horoscope for 2011, this is the year when many people will find their success. I was talking to a musical friend the other day, and it seems like he's gonna make some progress on his dream this summer (more to come on that closer to the time, I'm sure). An old high school classmate will have her first album out this year (more to come on that as well). And as for me, this is a year of sea change for me and I'm pretty stoked for any success to come out of it, as it's already starting to.

The biggest steps I'm taking to reach that success is engaging with my creative soul. As I learn more and more about this Diana Pop, it is that search - a creative journey to find one's fate - that draws me to her melancholic tunes. She is not just music, she is art.  She's a painter, a remodeler, even a welder.  However she can create, she creates.  With her music, she creates emotions for her listeners.  Perhaps not always joyous ones, but the kind that soaks into your soul regardless.  In her writing, I know she is a positive person. She sees the silver lining in the grey-clouded days and this is what keeps her going...but the pain of life has inspired her to share her talent, luckily with the world.

"I dwell on moments and scenes instead of every day life and the bigger picture. Then I wonder why the world feels so small sometimes. I used to sit outside on windy days because it felt like the whole world was whirling around me, encapsulated in a single gust of north wind. Just like I used to think that love was actually encircled in a wedding ring.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine tonight. We were talking about relationships (as people our age are apt to do). He's always pushing me to be me. Unfortunately, I'm always looking for reaction and happenstance to tell me who I am. I think that mentality is a reaction in and of itself. I'm mourning the loss of my years as a little girl and indignant that theres not much of an interim between childhood and womanhood. I don't feel ready to sufficently embrace being an adult. I haven't figured myself out enough yet. How can I be myself if the version of myself that I know seems so unfit for an adult world?
How can I expect a man to love me when I'm too afraid to unveil the real me until I "have it all together" ?
No one ever has it all together. And now I'm talking in circles.
I guess the fact is, I will always daydream, hopelessly overanylize, read into nothing and everything, hope for the best, and sit outside on windy days." ~ Diana Pops, 5 March 2007

This is just her writing, though, emotions read rather than heard. To get a true sense of her passion, you must listen to her! Sadly, no videos to watch....yet. She has an EP coming out on Feb 22 on iTunes. Until then, listen to her on MySpace or Facebook.

It was only a month ago, after posting about Meiko, that I had a reader of this blog tell me about this young woman from Winnipeg. She's been chasing her lifelong dream for years now, and it looks like things are about to start happening rather quickly for her. As with most Canadian artists, she has my support in every way!  Good luck, Diana!

Daniel Powter ~ Bad Day

I love that a song about a negative fraction of time became a "One Hit Wonder." If only those negative fractions of time could remain "One Hit Wonders" themselves...




My fellow Canadian, Daniel Powter, grew up in Vernon, BC. Like many other artistically-inclined little boys, he was bullied throughout school. Thank goodness for that, too! He began out playing the violin, but changed to piano after a group of children destroyed his violin. Music was where Mr. Powter could find his zen, though, and he continued to pursue it, even attempting to study it in university. Sadly, as a dyslexic, Powter struggled in university, and later dropped out. He chose, instead, Life University, which I'm currently enrolled in as a Masters students (and like my friends working on their Masters as well, I hope it takes me a long time to finish!). Powter knew his gift early on, though, and has used his time at the University of Life to learn music by ear and the business of the music industry by trial and error...

Powter's first album was released in 2000, to a small fanbase. He got some airtime on a small Canadian television show, Higher Ground, and things started to gain momentum. Then, in 2005, supported by Warner Bros. Records, Powter released this, his first single...and it exploded in Europe. Warner had submitted the record for some commercial production, and all across Europe, music lovers and pop addicts couldn't get the tune out of his head. Thank you, Coca-Cola, for continuing to support the capitalist growth of good talent... (and I'm serious about that. I like that artists can get through big breaks through capitalism just as much as they get it through socialism...as long as they don't get it through nepotism, I'm pretty much okay with it ;-D)

In December 2009, Powter was named as the decade's top One-Hit Wonder by Billboard Magazine. The magazine describes one-hit wonders as acts whose second hit did not reach the top 25...that was last decade, though...we'll see how the day following "Bad Day" goes...

Day 145: A Little Lesson In History, In The Key of Canadiana

Just another evening around my apartment. Washing dishes from the morning, mixing vegan muffins on the counter across from my sink and, of course, tuning into CBC's Canadian Songwriters' online stream from CBC's website.

Suddenly, I was transported back to my father's shop, listening to classic "country tunes" he loved, while painting, building, or working on one of his miscellaneous projects.



BUT... this was not the tune coming from CBC's Canadian Songwriters' Channel? As fabulously as Mr. Johnny Cash was, he was no Canadian - sorry to disappoint you all (and that's supposed to be two words. :-D) And so, this was not the tune I was used to hearing. Who could be singing?

This song has quite the history! The original is, in fact, Australian - and I wouldn't recognize a single place in that song. Turns out, it was a Canadian-born Songwriter, Hank Snow, who changed the names and the opening line of Australian Geoff Mack's version to create the North American song we over here all know and love:



This was more likely the tune I would hear pumping from my father's ol' tape deck in his shop... BUT, this was still not the song I was listening to...

Luckily CBC encourages the promotion of fellow Canadian artists (with funding like that, it's kind of their "thing"). And so I was able to catch the name before the end of the song and search for the artist, Mike Ford.

Now, apparently, I'm on a theme of the younger audience this week... Completely coincidental and random, of course, 'cause that's how I roll. Turns out this artist tours the country, providing history lessons to young minds through song. And not necessarily the folky songs we've all come to expect from Canadian history songs...

Sadly, I could not find a video of Mike Ford and his lovely Canadian version of "I've Been Everywhere;" however, he was once in the same band as another gorgeous Canadian, who interviewed him this one time:



Although not entirely musical, I do reccomend watching this interview. Ford is quite eloquent in his self promotion, and I don't doubt he would be a fabulous guest to have in your classroom, if you're a teacher or student. Or, perhaps you're just a Canadian or history buff like me. Check out his website: http://www.mikeford.ca/pages/canada_song.html to order his music, have him come to your classroom or to just learn more about this educational Canadian artist!

Day 122: Michael Bublé ~ Hollywood

It's official...I've joined the 21st century. Proof of this exists in the realization that I learned of Buble's new single, Hollywood, through YouTube, NOT the radio...and I'm a radio fiend! Turns out, I'm also a YouTube junkie.... :-D

Other signs that I am a member of the 21st century:
- when I wake up, I turn on my laptop to find out what's going on around Facebook rather than sitting down to a cup of coffee and opening up one those large flimsy, rustling things that turn your fingers grey
- my spelling is getting worse with righting, rather then better...and I didn't own a fiscal dictionary :-(
- I cook 95% of what I eat (which does NOT make me a 21st century citizen), but had a mental breakdown when my microwave bit the dust (which does make me a member of this society)!
- I have no idea what my neighbours' names are, but I'm kept well-informed of my favourite celebrities bowel movements thanks to social media... =(
- I use emoticons in my writing to denote tongue-in-cheek comments rather than trusting the intelligence of my audience to catch my wittiness...

Meaghan Smith - Heartbroken

I had a request to play "All the Saints" today...but, alas, Meaghan Smith grabbed my heart so much, that I had to chose this song instead...awn...another day for the Saints ;-)

From London, Ontario, Miss Smith is an absolute delight to listen to. This may shock you, dear reader, but I have to admit that I am self conscious about singing. I love music so much, though, that sometimes I blissfully forget about what I have been told is an off-key voice and just let it out! (That was one of the reasons "All the Saints" was requested for today ;-D) Luckily, I live alone and use my time around the home to sing along to the radio, like last night. This song by Miss Smith came on and I couldn't help myself: top of my lungs, I began singing along!

After reading the bio on her website, I am not surprised that I find myself able to sing along to her songs easily. She, too, is unable to read music (the sole reason I tell people I can play a cd player, but that's about it;-D). All sisters, another similarity, and an attempt at piano lesons, but that's where the similarities end. Oh, except for the Canada thing, but well, that nearly goes without saying ;-D. Alas, her parents were musicians, so it would be easy to blame her abilities on genetics. It doesn't really matter, though - she is phenomenal, regardless of how I can relate to her...

With two drops Jill Barber and a spoonful of Kate Nash, I nominate Meaghan Smith as one of my new fav artists! I just know she's make a great addition to the feast of music I'm gobbling up this year!

Day 116: Spirit of the West ~ Venice is Sinking

This band ALWAYS makes me think of parties. They're funny tunes, though, too. This one has an interesting meaning... What do you think it means? I like it.

Stars - Your Ex-Lover Is Dead

Ah, Stars...

This video comes recommended from a friend who enjoyed my post on Sara Barielles yesterday. Like Barielles, Stars is one of those sleeper artists that you will randomly fall in love with. Um, but I have to admit something: I did not like Stars when I first heard them ... several years ago.

This song was their first song I knew as theirs. You know those songs you recognize in the first bar. Well, as this song begins with an attention-grabbing voice at the beginning, it was not very difficult to recognize it even before the first bar! It's come in and out of my favour several times since its release, but I think it's in my favour to stay now. Stars has also become one of my all-time favs!

It's interesting how a song can be both a memory and inspiration. When I hear this song, I am taken back to my time spent in Vancouver, the initial Edumusication summer and educators. This time, though, when I listened to it, I heard something else. The opening bar struck me as inspiring: "When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire." Well, since this recommendation has come from a friend after reading yesterday's post, and several of my other posts over the last few months, my subconscious seemed to know that there was this not-so-hidden message in this song...

And now, for some personal reflection:

At times, this week, I've felt like I'm back EXACTLY where I started. But, ... I'm not. Situations may be similar; pay cheques may be the same; but this time is an entirely different level! So, perhaps I lack the opportunity I have so desperately relied upon in the past...and perhaps I've let that opportunity slip by me, but the most important thing that's keeping me alive - creative and ambitious - is knowing that I am my fuel, especially when all else fails...

I apologize if my self reflection is too vague. Perhaps its vagueness will help you on the path to your truth.

Alanna Clarke - Fine Line

“Alanna has a voice that is a natural gift. But it’s the artist behind that voice that excites me. She writes with a depth and passion that reveal wisdom and an unmistakable style. You’ll be hearing this voice for a long time to come.” - Christopher Ward, Clarke's producer

Born and raised in Cochrane, Alberta, this 18-year-old songstress has been performing her music since the age of ten, and it shows. Her lyrics and her voice capture the emotion of mature music soul, and there is no second guessing that writing music is her calling.

Her talent for creating music was discovered by Christopher Ward, through her cousin's performance at a Songwriters Association of Canada panel in ottawa. Overly impressed and aware of talent when he heard it, Christopher Ward approached Clarke's cousin and her big break began to happen. This song, Fine Line, was featured on a movie produced by another Canadian classic, Degrassi, last summer, which will only add to her publicity. That same summer, she was a member of U22, an organization that promotes blooming musical talent under the age of 22. Through U22, she was able to perform at both Canmore and Edmonton's Folk Music Festival, where I was introduced to her sound, and subsequently bought her cd. It's been through my cd player a few times since then, and I am delighted to finally share her with you! As Ward said, "You’ll be hearing this voice for a long time to come.”

For more on Miss Clarke, check out her website:

http://alannaclarke.com/index.php

SHAD - Rose Garden (Official Video)

Born in Kenya, to Rwandan parents, and raised in London, Ontario, this hip hop artist is Canadian. Unlike most other hip hop artists, he is self-deprecating. He also values education, as he is currently working on his Masters in liberal studies at SFU, and holds a business degree form Wilfred Laurier University. And I love this song! It's so upbeat, and reminiscent of the Jackson Five...but in a twenty-first century sort of way...

Rob Szabo- Beautiful

Fantabulous song; great video, especially for a live recording ;-)

An artist that has been compared to the likes of Damien Rice and Ray Lamontagne, Rob Szabo is slowly gaining my admiration. I liked him as soon as I heard him - on a mixed cd my sister shared with me from one of her coworkers - but it's taken some time for me to add this song on to my top ten list on my iPod. Now that it's there, though, I thought I should share it with all of you as well!

Another Ontario man, Rob Szabo is yet another artist who thinks outside of the box for funding. Currently, he is fund-raising for his new cd with pre-orders and a campaign to do "some other ideas about something that’s of value to you, that I can provide," such as house concerts, or guitar lesson. He's not looking for charity; he's just asking you to value the production of art. I find him innovative!

Check out his website:

www.robszabo.com

For more information.

Video From Day Nine: SPIRIT OF THE WEST ~ Home For A Rest

You'll have to excuse me, I'm not at my best...I've been gone for a month; I've been drunk since I left...

Day Nine: Blarney Stone tonight!

Update: Ah, Spirit of the West... I always thinks of the best pub in Vancouver's Gastown when I hear this song. That, and one of my best friends - Heidi. I remember one St. Patrick's Day when we waited in line for four hours just to get into the Blarney Stone. We got inside, ordered a jug of green beer each, downed it and ended up creating a dance floor wherever we were... The next night we went to Spirit of the West together. Anyways, i'm pretty sure I went with Heidi. I can't imagine having gone with anybody else at that time...

I think it's only appropriate that I re-share this video within the holiday season. Hope you're all having some responsible fun! ;-) And you're also probably headed home for a rest as well...

Day 93: Alanis Morissette ~ Head Over Feet

For everybody who ever needs a Jagged Little Pill, there is Alanis Morisette...

Who would've thought this squeaky clean girl from Ottawa would become the symbol of female romantic angst in the nineties? Well, history likes to repeat itself...look at the next decade's version of Alanis, Avril Lavigne... Why are some of the most famous Canadian female artists so full of rage?

This song, though, is a love song...

I've been asked to sing a few times in my life. The people who ask are not people who have ever heard my aty karaoke night. Of course, after a pitcher or two of bravery, who doesn't sound terrible? I always find myself singing along to any song on the Jagged Little Pill album. Somehow, my voice is able to wrap itself around the lyrics coming out of Alanis' mouth much more easily than most other artist's lyrics. Does this mean I'm filled with romantic angst? Or is it merely my voice...

Earlier, I posted the video to her angrier songs - You Oughta Know, Ironic, etc. - but fate would have it that those songs could not be displayed on my blog. I think that was a good choice. Alanis does get seen as a very angry woman, but this song is anything but that. Listening to it again this evening, I have a deeper appreciation for it. She's done the break-up songs so well, but she can sing about falling in love at a decent level, too.

Enjoy!

Barenaked Ladies - The Old Apartment (Video)

It would not be a complete 90s list without some BnL, especially from me.

Day 90 - I Go Blind

Doesn't this just scream nineties?

I've been watching a lot of Friends this week, which is never a bad thing. In fact, watching Friends always makes me feel better about having no idea where my life is going. The series begins with Rachel searching for a calling; Phoebe never knows where her life is heading (and relishes in that fact); Ross changes careers (slightly) after a nervous breakdown; Monica is advanced, fired and then has to build her career up from the bottom (and a romantic funder) in her late twenties; Joey's career in show biz is all about the ebs and flows of career success; and then Chandler plugs away and away at a "filler" job for almost a decade before realizing that he is unhappy and he takes the plunge into finding his dream! So, there is NOTHING wrong with being obsessed with Friends right now!

Which brings me to this song, which was featured on Friends at the height of its popularity in the 90s. In fact, Hootie and the Blowfish were all over theepisode where Monica has her career setback.

Anyways, enjoy!

And then, realize that Hootie is actually doing a cover of a Canadian band: 54-40! Here is the original version of the song, released in 1986...not realy the nineties, but everything builds on itself. The sound quality is not as good, but, well, that was twenty plus years ago...

Video From Day 13: Mike Roste ~ Wait Away

In response to my earlier post today - here's an indie artist I promote every chance I get!

Day 13: I actually wanted to post "Little Miss Sunshine" my Michael Amirault today, but it's not on YouTube. This one is a pretty sweet song in itself!

Update: Yeah, fabuluos good song! And not JUST because I once shared a school bus route with this artist... He describes himself as a more country version of Jack Johnson. i wouldn't argue with him. For "country," he's pretty good. ;-)
Still looking for stocking stuffers - think about getting his cd for anybody who likes their country, but wants to try something a little bit different too... I think different is always a good choice!