I’m in the process of moving/downsizing my colossal iTunes library so that it’ll all fit on my mac. No more plugging in the external. Alfred pointed out that running that beast all day was probably a bad idea considering that I’m technically supposed to use it as a backup and not my regular harddrive. So, for safety’s sake I’m doing the transfer. Point of all this is that I have been forced to go through all this shit sitting on the harddrive.
I think in this day and age we all collect a tremendous amount of “e-waste” (And no, I don’t mean old cellphones and the like– but we probably collect all this shit anyways). I wonder if its really a burden? Or just part of our society nowadays. Something that happens and no one really thinks about it. iPods get bigger every year right? I’m not a pack-rat, I mean its all organized after all. But does that make it any better? Not sure. Its still just a collection of stuff that I rarely look at. Its fun to go through from time to time and I suppose that in reality its not going to take up more space in the study if I add more or less to the harddrive right?
“Your mouth should be working for me, for free.” — The Maid Needs a Maid by Emily Haines
So, my education over here started last Monday. One week has flown by and I’ve already learnt more than I expected to. On Friday I had a Typography class. When I first glanced over my schedule I was surprised to see a whole class devoted to Typography… I thought to myself, “how can we spend hours talking about fonts?” I’ve seen some pretty stellar Typographic work in my day, but didn’t know very much about the craft itself. Well, let me tell you, Typography is a fuckin’ science. And a complicated one at that! Contrast, Space, Harmony, Typeface, Typefamilies, Ligatures, Dichotics, OSFs, Leading, Kerning, PICA, 12x14.4/28, an em, and so on and so forth. No idea what I’m talking about? Neither do I (I’m working on it, okay!). I’m sure if there are any Typographers reading this they are probably laughing their asses off. Shit’s whack I tell you, hah. Don’t get me wrong though, Typography is interesting as hell and I encourage anyone intrigued with the ‘science’ to look into it.
As an introduction to Typography we watched a documentary called “Helvetica,” which dealt with the world-renown typefamily: Helvetica. It has always been my favourite font, there’s something so ‘perfect’ about it. It’s sexy, modern, and clean. I love it. The film interviews many who hold the same opinion and some who don’t. But it also explores Typography, as an art, a profession, and much more. It was a fantastic watch, I recommend it to anyone, whether you’re interested in design, typography, or are just looking for a great movie to watch. Viva la Helvetica!
All these classes has meant lots of homework, which subsequently means lots listening to music while I work! So, have I ever got a sick bunch of tunes for you all this time around. Slower songs first: I came across this tune “Beaman Park” by Collarbones. Haven’t heard of the artist before, but it reminds me of Toro Y Moi or Washed Out, has ‘glo-fi’ written all over it. Also uploaded that remix by Jens Lekman of Au Revoir Simone’s “Shadows.” Amazing song, download it.
Now onto the more ‘dancier’ beats here: “Oh No!” remixed by Grum. Awesome, it’s like some sort of 80’s dance tune featuring that great voice of Marina and the Diamonds. Oh no? Oh Yeah! I’ve uploaded a remix of Housse De Racket’s “Oh Yeah!” I love this song and the french lyrics that seem to drive it, Housse De Racket are a solid act. New Soulwax!!! Well, at least a remix… Not the greatest but I was honestly relieved to hear that signature ‘Soulwax sound’ once again. One of my favourite uploads this time is a Two Door Cinema Club remix of “What You Know” by Cassian. Two awesome acts collide to create a badass little tune, you must check it out. I also uploaded another remix of the same song, by LightsoverLA. I kind of prefer this remix more, they left that awesome guitar track as the main focus and it really does it for me. Have a listen for yourself and decide which you prefer on your own. New Shinichi Osawa album dropped at the end of June, titled SO2. Here’s my favourite from it (so far). True Shinichi fashion, if you’re a fan you’ll love this. Another favourite of mine lately is called “Bliss” by a new guy on the scene, Mix Chopin. Apparently he’s from Toronto, so nothing but love for this guy, he’s already making a fellow Torontonian proud (plus he’s using the name of my favourite classical artist– man after my own heart). “Bliss” has a fat bass line going ontop of a really funky beat driven song, it’s a must download, it has received many a-repeats. Last, but certaintly not least, is a remix of the Foals’ song “Miami” by Tim Fuchs featuring Flight Facilities. Flight Facilities have been superb lately, and this song is no different. When it gets to the half way point the song goes all piano driven (Flight Facilities influence, no doubt), certainly eargasmic material. But enough of my rambling– download the tunes and listen to them yourself.. Enjoy!
Was just hanging out with Tristan and Alfred and they were watching some wonderful videos. Of those were some speeches made by Sir Ken Robinson at the annual TED Conferences.
What is TED you ask? Here’s what they have to say for themselves:
TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with the annual TED Conference in Long Beach, California, and the TEDGlobal conference in Oxford UK, TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Program, the new TEDx community program, this year’s TEDIndia Conference and the annual TED Prize.
It’s a fantastic website, definitely worth a bookmark and multiple visits frequently. Anyway, as I was saying, Ken Robinson’s address was such an enthralling watch. He attacks our education system at a global level, and explores how we have developed the need to suppress creativity. This notion struck a chord deep within me, I was left amazed at how well Robinson communicated this idea and above all else: how right this man is. As I find myself entering the creative industry I value Robinson’s philosophy more than ever and believe that we should all adopt it. Don’t believe me? Watch for yourself:
Some pretty inspiring stuff eh? Speaking of creativity, here are some pretty creative tunes. The first song is entitled “The High Road” by Broken Bells- I’m not too familiar with these guys but this has been a big song of theirs in 2010, so it’s fresh and neat (I love the ‘electronic element’ that they included) and worth some listens. I’ve uploaded another fresh song called “The Worse It Gets” by Penguin Prison as well as a remix by Shook. The next upload is by a new band called Lake Heartbeat. This band sounds wonderful and I’ve gotten ahold of most of their material, so check back for more posts featuring their smooth dreamy tunes. Also uploaded a new song by Clock Opera called “A Piece of String.” Apparently lots of this song was created using rather unique ‘instruments,’ ranging kitchen appliances to utensils. Last but not least is an Aeroplane remix that I came across, the duo never ceases to leave me impressed– this is a badass song! Enjoy and Vive Le Creativity!
Kind of weird but fun to look at nonetheless, quite soothing actually.
Sorry for being absent, I’m not going to lie, I lost a little motivation in posting. But thanks to a reader Matty, sending me a e-mail the other day asking where the fuck are we, that just made me realized that I should probably post something, thanks Matty!
Well Spring has finally arrived, last week was absolutely gorgeous, followed by some spring showers and today was just a little chilly but hey the day is getting longer, can’t complain. Anyways enough with the weather forecast. I actually managed to collect quite a large music collection this past month that I had not shared yet. So here’s going to be a pretty beast, all in one, load out of tunes that I though worthy for sharing.
When am I going to be happy with where I am as opposed to where I want to go? Not sure where this dichotomy will finally connect my dreams with the reality. It hurts more because the goal I’ve given myself isn’t really rooted in any one thing but relies instead on accomplishing certain steps along the way. Finishing school, just around the corner, getting into grad school/ getting a job.. financial resources to be able to do those things I love most.. going travelling, eating out with friends, going to funky dance parties… on top of paying for all the essentials like housing, internet, clothing; yes, in that order.
Next. This four letter word is hanging over all of us constantly.. what IS “next”? Damn if I know, but it interrupts my thoughts everyday. I’m not one of those poor saps who can’t handle the pressure of responsibility or am not on top of my work, has poor work/life balance, none of the above.. simply I am not completely satisfied with the status quo. Essentially I have nothing to complain about and spend my life of leisure enjoying the pursuits of any average 21 year old in the the big city.. but just not quite sure whats the point? Do you want to know the meaning of life? I’m not sure it exists. I think I will keep trying to question and pursue that utopic vision of happiness. One where I’m happy with my job, have financial means, free time to pursue hobbies, have a family and so on.
Sitting here I know spring is coming, I can feel it shinning through my windows, the birds are singing and I just want to know whats “next”. Summer?
I’m going to say goodbye soon and I think I’ve learned all those quintessential lessons that university should provide.
Love life: Don’t even want to go there. I imagine now that it was probably a monumental waste of time, but hopefully the experience will prove invaluable.
School: They give you shit marks to demoralize you, then you meet some amazing people who change your perspective about it all and rewards come in.
Friends: The ones who shape your outlook and help you grow during this most important time in your life. Basically if you are a douchebag– your friends usually are too.
This list could go on I’m sure… I just want to say I feel smart but equally stupid sometimes, as I’m sure everyone does. Point is keep your friends close and enjoy the ride.
I’m planning my trip to Europe this summer… that makes me very happy. I’m going to try and find myself on my solo journey. I expect to have some kind of epiphany around the 4th week while sitting at a little cafe in Prague haha. I can dream, can’t I?
(Took this picture on my then super awesome Razr phone… on a train crossing into Montreal in 2007. Next to thinking in the shower, nothing beats solo train rides.)
It’s a nostalgia music week. I have a crazy amount of music and I went through a bunch of it this weekend, about time actually. Anyways– these are a few old favourites… the fact these bands start with “M” is just a coincidence.
*Bonus* Crowded House — Don’t Dream Its Over ( I swear this played as a commercial to travel to New Zealand on TV in Hong Kong when I was a kid. Yes, its from Lord of The Rings –only one of the most badass movie trilogies ever.)
Their first self-titled album The Magic Numbers stands apart for my earlier music exploration days… I can distinctly remember seeing a review of this on Pitchfork years back (found it! link) and listening to one song– that was enough for me to run out and get the album.
Their follow up didn’t really strike a cord the same way the first one did. A time and a place? I don’t know– I hope maybe someday they’ll come back.
The 3 minute mark on Love Me Like You and the 3 minute mark on Which Way to Happy both stand out for me on this album.
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