Hey Ocean ~ My Friends

Generally, I will continue to avoid posting live videos if I can find a recorded version of the song I want to share. This video is pretty awesome, though, so I am sharing it! Sound quality is amazing!

My Year In Lists - Day 65 (Nov. 20, 2010)

It's been nearly two years since I heard my first Los Campesinos! song, yet I feel I do not know them well enough. For example, I just discovered they are from Cardiff, which just so happens to be one of my favourite European cities (and quite possibly my top favourite city in the UK). Other than that, I know they're punk and a punk I love (ie. less screaming lyrics, more words flying past the ears, and a message you have to at least smile at, even if you don't quite understand it).

If your interest has been peaked, check out: http://loscampesinos.com/

Local Western Canadian

Twelve hours late, but still posted for - Friday, November 19: Day 64

This is the first song from Ben Sures that I ever heard. Since then, he has randomaly entered my life, and is frequently featured on my iPod. To make things even more coincidental, I was just reading about a new trend for folk artists to do house concerts. That sounds like a cozy atmosphere for listening to any music that "makes people feel." Reading about Ben's upcoming shows, it turns out that he does house concerts himself! It was meant to be...

If that wasn't enough, it turns out that he, too, is from "Western Canada," rather than just one small town in one of our lovely provinces. Born in Regina (a fellow SK man!), he has moved throughout the prairies, calling the Peg home for many years, but even spent parts of his youth in Greece. The son of two artists, his career as a travelling musician makes a lot of sense. His songs are always entertaining - like this one that always makes me laugh - and would make me think of Canada even if I didn't know he was from my motherland.

To top it all off, I couldn't believe the truth within Ben's reflections on writing: "Sometimes I get letters from people saying if they didn't know better they could swear some of my songs were about their life and I like that. I like to make people feel. I wonder if any one actually writes songs or if we just pull them out of the air and then if they like us they stick around and get to be ours. When I go I hope somebody lets out a big old sigh of relief and says he sang what I needed to hear."

For more on Ben, check out his website: www.bensures.com

The 63rd Day

I've been trying to focus on more unknowns this week, but this song came on my iPod and I had to have it for today.

It's amazing how far your emotional world can change in two weeks, let alone two months. Both of those time periods have significance today.

Rachael Yamagata has such a gentle voice, yet there is so much strength carried in the lyrics of this song. It's been one of my favourites for years, having carried me through Vancouver, England, back to the prairies, and it was probably even helpful in Meadow, if it is that old. I can't remember when I first heard her, I just know that she is like a long lost friend popping in for coffee and scones whenever I hear her song. Brilliant!

Sounds From Day 33

I feel bad for not having shared the sounds from the First Fifty Days. It was merely a list of what I had previously shared. So, this is not a music video, but the music is there.

If you like her, as I have for years, check out her website:

Tanya Davis ~ How To Be Alone

Wow!
Tanya Davis' third album was released last week, and - as it happens with indie Canadian artists who rock - her single was featured on CJSR's Top 30 List this morning.  She is my artistic discovery for the day...and what a fabulous find!
This "song" borderlines on song.  There is music, but it is merely the background.  The song is spoken word, which often makes the best song anyways.  For those who love lyrics, I'm sure you'll love this poet.
If I could draw this song, it would be a sun dollar...luckily for us all, a fellow artist created this video to go along with the song.  Together, they have created a much better image than a sun dollar.  This is why collaboration is important.  But she's right...it is also important to know how to be alone...

Jill Barber Chances

I first heard Jill Barber - live - at FolkFest 2009, but it could have been 1949. She has an old-time feel...and an amazing crooning voice. If Betty Boop were a sugary sweet blonde who sang for a room filled with people in love, she might be comparable to Ms. Jill Barber. But, no, wait... Jill Barber is true-blue Canadian...Betty Boop could never compare!

Oh, and did I mention that she has amazing fashion sense! Canadian designers ...

If you like Jill, check out her website: www.jillbarber.com