At the end of a long day of work the last thing I usually feel like doing is.. well anything. This Tuesday I was particularly exhausted and would have loved nothing more than to stay home and veg. My daydreams of lying around in my trashy underwear watching even trashier TV were short-lived, because I knew I had a date. A long standing one actually, every Tuesday for the past two and a half years. I volunteer at our local humane society - in the back area doing animal care related tasks. As I pulled on my scrubs, Crocs (yes-guilty) and snapped my latex gloves (like I imagine some sort of sexy nurse would) I found myself wondering, "Why do I volunteer?"
These are a few of my favorite things
Usually I manage to desensitize myself to the realities of the shelter, in the same way I imagine that paramedics desensitize themselves to all of the horrible, tragic things they see at their job. Tonight was different, maybe because I was tired, maybe because I'm a girl, but tonight there was a small crack in the wall that I had put up. As I did the finals for the cats (I like to think of it as tucking them in for the night), I found myself tearing up a bit. I was surrounded by animals that are entirely dependent on the kindness of people. Newborn kittens, beat-up alley cats, all looking for one thing - to be taken care of. I stopped to really think about what I was doing. I took time to calm down the hissing,terrified stray, and wipe the dirt from the faces of the abandoned, orphan kittens. As corny as it sounds, I knew that even if only for a few moments, I had improved the quality of life of that animal. I know that their time at the shelter is limited, and my simple act of kindness could very well be the last for them.
So while the song "Angel" by Sarah Mclachlan played in my head and I looked down the endless rows of helpless animals, my answer came to me quite simply. I volunteer because they need me. You volunteer because someone needs you, whether it be animals, people or kids. It`s true that you can`t be everything to everyone, but sometimes we forget that we can all be something to someone.
You`ve all likely heard "Man In Black" by Johnny Cash, but I`d be willing to bet that most of you don`t know the meaning behind it. Following his increasing popularity in the 1970`s, people began to question Cash`s consistent wardrobe of all black,dubbing him "The Man in Black". In 1971 Cash responded to the public's curiosity about his dark outfits by penning the song "Man In Black". Cash sang:
"We're all doing might fine I do suppose, In our streak of lightning cars and fancy clothes" "But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back, Up front there ought to be a man in black"
The "Man in Black"
He wore black not just for one cause, but for all of the causes. For the "poor" and "hungry", or "those who have been betrayed by age or drugs." Cash admits that he knows there are "things that never will be right" but pledges that "til things are brighter, I'm the Man in Black." I agree with Cash that nothing will every be perfect, but there is definitely things we can each do to make things "brighter", and volunteering is one of those things.
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black, Why you never see bright colors on my back, And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone. Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, But is there because he's a victim of the times.
I wear the black for those who never read, Or listened to the words that Jesus said, About the road to happiness through love and charity, Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.
Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose, In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes, But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back, Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.
I wear it for the sick and lonely old, For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold, I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been, Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
And, I wear it for the thousands who have died, Believen' that the Lord was on their side, I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died, Believen' that we all were on their side.
Well, there's things that never will be right I know, And things need changin' everywhere you go, But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right, You'll never see me wear a suit of white.
Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day, And tell the world that everything's OK, But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back, 'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.
Something that I missed out on growing up in a small town was concerts. Obviously Nipigon wasn't big enough to host a movie theater, let alone a proper stadium. Thunder Bay wasn't much better when I was living there. Nickelbackwas the first live, fairly large concert that I ever saw. Please note this was when Nickelback was considered popular (yes, there was a time), and "How You Remind Me", was the number one single...well pretty much everywhere. When I moved out to Manitoba I was thrilled at the opportunity to attend not only Nickelback concerts...but good concerts as well! The first concert I remember attending at the MTS Centre was Tom Cochrane. I don't remember much else about that night as Winnipeg was hosting Grey Cup that same weekend - but I do remember falling a little bit in love with Mr. Cochrane.
He's gonna ride it all night long
If you don''t know who Tom Cochrane is you will if I mention just one song, "Life is a Highway". It's been covered by approx. 834 people. Besides "Life is a Highway", Tom Cochrane has produced a number of hits such as, "Good Time", "Big Leagues", and "Wish you Well". Born in Lynne Lake, Manitoba, Cochrane is an amazing artist that tends to fly under the radar. He's recieved an Order of Canada for his charity work and patriotism, an Honorary Doctorate and a spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
I wouldn't say that "White Hot" is my favorite Tom Cochrane song, but it's a great one, with an even greater story behind it. Cochrane explained that he wrote the song after reading "White Heat/Time of the Assassins", by Henry Miller, an essay which details the life of 1800's French poet, Arthur Rimbaud.
Arthur Rimbaud
Cole's notes on Arthur Rimbaud,
French poet, most well known for his work "Season of Hell"
Was gay, his family didn't approve
Quit writing when he was 21, went to Africa and became a Gun Runner, many of his Gun Running routes are still in use today.
In "White Hot", Cochrane embodies Rimbaud and his time in Africa, "I'm white hot, by the Somalian Shore". He sings of Rimbaud missing his lover, Paul Verlaine, "I need you to come see me", and of Rimbaud getting caught selling weapons, "Cast out from the jungle, with no rations or canteen. For selling faulty rifles, to the thieves in Tanzania." "Exhibit A" on why Tom Cochrane is truly one of rock's legends. He took a little known story from history and turned it into a mainstream hit.
Waiting by the shoreline In somalia for your reply I need you to come see me That's no lie The guns are getting closer The sweat pours like dew That fell from the trees in Tripoli In the spring
I'm white hot I can't take it anymore I'm white hot By the somalian shore Yes i'm burning to the core I need rain
Cast out from the jungle With no rations or canteen For selling faulty riffles To the thieves in tanzania
Adventures and misfortune Nothing wagered, nothing gained I have wandered through the desert Found the ocean not the rain
I can remember the nights by the strand in Tripoli We were so much cooler then I had you and my poetry to protect me We were so much younger then I need rain
I'm white hot I can't take it anymore I'm white hot By the somalian shore
I'm white hot Yes i'm burning to the core I need rain, I need rain, I need rain
I can remember the nights by the sea in Tripoli Were were so much colder then I had you and my poetry to protect me We were both soldiers then Bolder then, colder then I need rain, I need rain, I need rain White hot White hot... Water
OK then, it has been MUCH too long since I've posted a sappy love song. Sorry - had to do it. I have had "Someone Like You" by Adele on repeat for the last 3 weeks, so I feel like a bit of a traitor if I don't write about it. Like It's a secret love affair that no one can know about, and as a new rule I'm trying quite hard to cut down on those.
Adele
I first heard a sample of Adele's "Hometown Glory" in "My Hometown" by Jordan Burnell - a song I've previously blogged about. This led me to download the full song as well as a few of her other songs. I liked her work and then pretty much forgot about her. Now it seems like everyone has jumped on the Adele bandwagon. I can't blame them - she has incredible pipes, charming British wit, and looks a bit like a delicate little china doll. At only 23 years old she's had huge commercial and critical success in the UK and North America, receiving a handful of Grammy awards, BRIT awards and countless other industry nods. Everyone seems to have a bit of a crush on Adele, from British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who wrote her a thank you letter swooning, "with the troubles that the country's in financially, you're a light at the end of the tunnel", to music site, AllMusic who wrote, "Adele is simply too magical to compare her to anyone."
Adele's vocals are earthy, deep, mature and every so often you hear the slightest hint of her British accent. Adele has referred to her music style as "heartbroken soul", and this is definetly the genre I'd attach to "Someone Like You." The song strikes me as a "nice breakup song", (a contradiction in itself I know.) At the beginning of the song she about discovers that her ex has "settled down", "found a girl", "married now." She realizes that he has moved on with his life while she hasn't, "hoped you'd see my face, And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over." I actually believe that the worst part of a breakup is not the actual "break-up" process, but seeing your ex move on before you.
Every time she scratches her nail..
"Someone Like You" is different from your typical tragic/bitter breakup songs because the protagonist of the song chooses to move on with her life and not dwell on circumstances she can't change. She doesn't pull a Carrie Underwood and dig the "key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive", or an Alanis Morrisette and wish "every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back I hope you feel it." She realizes that life will go on and that she will find happiness too, "Nevermind I'll find someone like you." With an attitude that speaks volumes about her maturity and character she seems generally resigned to being happy that her ex is happy, and wishing him well. I think that�s how you know you really care about someone. Being happy that they are happy, even if you are no longer a part of their life. "I wish nothing but the best for you."
I heard That you're settled down That you Found a girl And you're Married now
I heard That your dreams came true. Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you Old friend Why are you so shy? Ain't like you to hold back Or hide from the light
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded That for me it isn't over Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said "Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead." Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead, Yeah. You know how the time flies Only yesterday It was the time of our lives We were born and raised In a summer haze Bound by the surprise Of our glory days
I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded That for me it isn't over. Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said
"Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead." Nothing compares No worries or cares Regrets and mistakes They are memories made. Who would have known How bittersweet this would taste? Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said "Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead" Never mind I'll find someone like you I wish nothing but the best for you too "Don't forget me," I begged "I'll remember," you said
"Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead" Sometimes it lasts in love But sometimes it hurts instead
Our monthly Chartshow (r3mixed) from Lazy Records NET. Enjoy!
01 Adele - Someone Like You (eSQUIRE vs OFFBeat Remix) 02 Nicole Scherzinger - Don't Hold Your Breath (The Alias Club Mix) 03 Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough (Damon Paul Remix) 04 The Wanted - Gold Forever (Steve Smart & Westfunk Club) 05 Jessie J - Price Tag (Doman & Gooding RMX) 06 Rihanna - S & M (Sidney Samson Club Mix) 07 Wiz Khalifa - Black Yellow (DJ Kue Remix) 08 Dr. Dre - I Need A Doctor (Bugout & Carcione Remix) 09 Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Take Jay Amato & DJ Franko Over Control Mix 2011) 10 Lady Gaga - Born This Way (DrewG & Brian Cua Dirty Pop Full Vocal Mix) 11 (not available) * 12 Snoop Dogg - Wet (David Guetta Extended Mix) 13 Chris Brown - Yeah 3X (Abe Clements Club Mix DRM) 14 Noah And The Whale - Life Goes On (Fake Blood Remix) 15 Mann - Buzzin - Electro Remix (DJ Kaybul) 16 Tiesto & Diplo - C'Mon (DJ Amor Remix) 17 Bruno Mars - Grenade (Funk3d Pop Club Mix) 18 Alexis Jordan - Good Girl (Freemasons Club Mix) 19 Kanye West - All Of The Lights (Aylen's 'DutchStep' Remix) 20 Chipmunk Ft. Chris Brown - Champion (MyToyBox & Dave Silcox Extended Mix) 21 Tinie Tempah - Wonderman (Dirty Duvall Club Mix)
* Unfortunately for number 11 there isnt a remix available as of yet. So we included 21 in this weeks mix to make up for it. Performed live on Lazy Radio from TopFloorDjs Top 20 UK Singles (Remixes) 28/03/2011 www.lazyrecords.net
BRAND NEW MIX CD BY ONE OF OUR OLD RESIDENDS :) LINK
1. Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough (Damon Paul Remix) 2. Nadia Ali - Rapture (Avicii New Generation Extended Mix) 3. Nicole Scherzinger - Dont Hold Your Breath (Cahill Remix) 4. Jay Sean - Hit The Lights ft Lil Wayne (7th Heaven Clean Club Mix) 5. Pitbull (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer) - Give Me Everything (Mikael Wills & Justin Sane Remix) 6. Nicki Minaj (feat Drake) - Moment 4 Life (DJ Kue Explicit Remix) 7. Pink - Heartbreak Down (Funk3d Club Mix) 8. Chris Brown ft Benny Benassi - Beautiful People (Extended Mix) 9. Michael Buble - Just Haven't Met You Yet (Cutmore Club Mix) 10. Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette vs. Alphabeat - Hello DJ [DJ Clive$ter Mix] 11. Avicii & Sebastien Drums - My Feelings For You (Treasure Fingers Remix) 12. Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight (DJ Chuckie Remix) 13. LMFAO & Lauren Bennett - Party Rock Anthem ( US Version) 14. J. LO/Pitbull/Edward Maya - STEREO LOVE ON THE FLOOR (PEAK HOUR SEGWAY)
So what happened toSka? Anyone? Doesn't a trumpet make anything sound good! I actually forgot about Ska until my recent vacation with an old friend, (clarification: old as in long-time-childhood friend, not old as in wrinkles and liver spots.)
Childhood friends are a funny type of friend - especially if you live in completely different places. It's hard to keep in constant touch with them about everyday events of your life because they don't know any of the people, places, or things you want to reference. One of my childhood best friends and I connect maybe once a month or so - and give each other highlights of the past few weeks of our lives in a basic, generalized way, ( i.e. got a new job, went on a date with a new boy etc.). I wouldn't name the company, or the boy for that matter. I'd refer to the new job as something like, "new marketing job", and I'd assign the boy a demeaning nickname based on a defining characteristic (i.e. "Firefighter Boy", "Cop-portunity", "Snake Kisser", etc.)
My friend that I just vacationed with, I'll refer to her as "Giraffe Face" from here on out (she knows why), actually only talks to me about once or twice a year. We've fallen into the creepy routine of having nothing to do with each other until about March, at which point we decide to go on a random vacation together. We meet up and it feels like nothing has ever changed. We fall back into a comfortable friendship like we still see each other everyday in Gr.11 English class. As the old, lame, Girl Scouts saying goes, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver, the other is gold." Laugh it up blog readers but there is truth to this ridiculous saying. I like to think of my old friends as "gold", because even though gold is something you don't wear everyday, and mostly keep locked up in your jewelery box - it's something that you treasure, and something you will never get rid of.
This is me in the mornings
Now Giraffe Face is a morning person. It should be mentioned that I am most certainly NOT a morning person. I rarely utter a word or crack a smile before 10am on any given day. Needless to say mornings were always a bit challenging for us. Giraffe Face would spring out of bed with the enthusiasm of a baby deer, bouncing around the room opening the blinds, singing, humming, and all around enjoying her life. If you are also a "un-morning person", you will know that the only thing more annoying than having to wake up before noon, is waking up to happiness. Morning misery loves company, and I find I can only enjoy my day if I have a considerable amount of time in the morning to sulk and scowl in peace. Most mornings Giraffe Face would wake up and put on her Ipod speakers and blare something by Kanye West orSnoop Dogg, (neither of those things goes well with coffee.) but one morning in particular she put on "Beer" by Reel Big Fish. Immediately I remembered this song and was reminded of back home. More specifically partying back home.
Reel Big Fish
There's nothing especially thrilling or unusual about Reel Big Fish, or this song. The band received their first mainstream success in the 90's with their album, "Turn the Radio Off", and were featured in the movie BASEketball. I won't get into the lyrics because they are pretty self explanatory. They remind me of high school (and let's be honest my early twenties as well), when all there was to do was get drunk and make bad decision. Ah the good old days.
She called me late last night, to say she loved me so It didn't matter anymore, I say she never cared And that she never will, I'd do it all again I guess I'll have to wait until then
[chorus] And if i get drunk well, I'll pass out On the floor now baby You won't bother me no more And if you're drinkin' well, you know That you're my friend and I say I think I'll have myself a beer
[verse] She called me late last night, to say she loved me so but I guess he changed her mind. Well I should have known, it wouldn't be all right, but I can't live without her So I won't even try...
[chorus] And if I get drunk well, I'll pass out On the floor now baby You won't bother me no more And if you're drinkin' well, you know That you're my friend and I say I think I'll have myself a beer
[interlude]
Maybe some day, I'll think of what to say Maybe next time I'll remember what to do She looks like heaven, maybe this is hell Said she'd do it all again, she'd promise not to tell!
[chorus] And if I get drunk well, I'll pass out On the floor now baby You won't bother me no more she said, it's okay boy cause you know we'll be good friends and I say I think I'll have myself a beer I think I'll have myself a beer
After my Grammy rant, I know I promised you a blog on Mumford & Sons, so here it is my dears. This year has definetly been my year for music. I am typically a Classic Rock gal, but this year I found myself getting into every type of genre - from folk to hip hop. I've had alot of influence from some very music savvy friends - but now that I'm a "blogger" I find myself discovering new music everywhere. I find songs in movies, TV shows, other blogs, and even in stores. In a particularly creepy move, I heard a song that I liked so much while in a store the other day, that I asked to speak with the manager to find out the artist, (for those of you who are curious - it wasMazzy Starry - "Fade Into You").
Mumford & Sons
Now it might be my perspective but I feel like folk & indie music is making a HUGE comeback. Or maybe just becoming more mainstream? I can't even recall the last time a non traditional band like, Mumford & Sons or The Avett Brothers were given a chance to perform at the Grammy's. Or the last time a band like Arcade Fire received proper recognition at such a huge, commercialized, mainstream event. Mumford & Sons released their first album, "Sigh No More", in 2009 and have since received huge critical acclaim from various critics in the UK and North America.
I'm someone that is far more impressed with intelligence than looks. Beauty will always fade before intelligence. Through my research I discovered that Mumford & Sons is much more than just a pretty face. Their lyrics are complex, insightful and draw reference from works by Shakespeare, John Steinbeck, and The Bible.
The dreamboat himself, Plato
Many fans have cited that "The Cave" seems to reference Greek Philosopher, Plato's, "Allegory of the Cave". Plato's work suggests that underneath the underlying surface of things, there are truths that only the "enlightened" can discover. Coincidentally I think Plato's theory applies to the song itself, as the lyrics of "The Cave" allude to deeper meanings and thoughts not apparent at first glance. Here is a short summary of "Allegory of the Cave"
"Plato describes a group of people who have lived chained to the wall of a cave all of their lives, facing a blank wall. The people watch shadows projected on the wall by things passing in front of a fire behind them, and begin to ascribe forms to these shadows. According to Socrates, the shadows are as close as the prisoners get to viewing reality. He then explains how the philosopher is like a prisoner who is freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall do not constitute reality at all, as he can perceive the true form of reality rather than the mere shadows seen by the prisoners. In addition, the Allegory of the Cave is an attempt to explain the philosopher's place in society: to attempt to enlighten the "prisoners."
Sexy Sirens Seducing Odysseus
Mumford & Sons make a very concise reference in this lyric particularly, "So come out of the cave walking on your hands, And see the world hanging upside down, You can understand dependence, When you know the maker's land." He also references the mythological, seductive "Sirens" fromHomer's poem "The Odyssey.""So make your siren's call, And sing all you want, I will not hear what you have to say." There are also at least half a dozen biblical/Christian references that I can spot, "Widows & Orphan's", "The Maker's Land", the list goes on. Overall the band has done a fantastic job of creating an addictive, haunting song that incorporates profound ideas and works.
It's empty in the valley of your heart The sun, it rises slowly as you walk Away from all the fears And all the faults you've left behind
The harvest left no food for you to eat You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see But I have seen the same I know the shame in your defeat
But I will hold on hope And I won't let you choke On the noose around your neck
And I'll find strength in pain And I will change my ways I'll know my name as it's called again
Because I have other things to fill my time You take what is yours and I'll take mine Now let me at the truth Which will refresh my broken mind
So tie me to a post and block my ears I can see widows and orphans through my tears I know my call despite my faults And despite my growing fears
But I will hold on hope And I won't let you choke On the noose around your neck
And I'll find strength in pain And I will change my ways I'll know my name as it's called again
So come out of your cave walking on your hands And see the world hanging upside down You can understand dependence When you know the maker's land
So make your siren's call And sing all you want I will not hear what you have to say
Because I need freedom now And I need to know how To live my life as it's meant to be
And I will hold on hope And I won't let you choke On the noose around your neck
And I'll find strength in pain And I will change my ways I'll know my name as it's called again
