6. Vauxhall and I - Morrissey
At a family reunion one summer, my cousin made me come and listen to this Morrissey album with him. I had listened to The Smiths a bit, but had never heard any of Morrissey's solo work. ( Remember, in the early 90's, I was still fairly young!)
I was hooked. Since then, Morrissey has been a staple in my life, especially when I am feeling down. Anyone who has dated me knows, that if they walk into my house, and I'm laying on the bed listening to a Morrissey album, there is something wrong with me in the head.
7. Add It Up - The Violent Femmes
I didn't realize it until just now, but the same cousin as mentioned above, got me hooked on the Violent Femmes. I love "Add it Up", well, because it's a compilation of "hits". From the second you hit play, you know you're in for a punk rock/rockabilly/gospel/pop music roller coaster ride of fun.
8. Nevermind - Nirvana
I know, it sounds cliche. Didn't this album "just totally change the lives" (sarcasm) of everyone in my age group? Well, let's me honest. It did, to many. Unlike many other grunge bands that I was into back in the day, when I hear Nevermind, or any Nirvana album, I still get excited. It was nice to be an angst ridden teenager, and have someone out there with power and fame, that felt just the same way as I did.
Kurt Cobain would have been 42 this year. His birthday is over now, but for all you die-hard fans out there who celebrate his birthday, you may want to check out this link, just for kicks : http://www.ehow.com/how_13459_celebrate-kurt-cobains.html
9. Phantom Power - The Tragically Hip
This album came out the summer that I ran away from home, to Vancouver. Every time I hear a song from it, I get a sick feeling at first....remembering how badly I scared and pissed off family and friends.
But, I still have it in heavy rotation after all these years. Gord Downie let the other members of the band write songs for this album, and I think that what makes it so different from some of the other Hip albums. All the songs are beautifully written, and tell stories that are uniquely Canadian.
On a side note, when I was walking down the train tracks in Thompson, Manitoba a few years back, with Mr. Henry, I couldn't help but start humming "Thompson Girl". now that song will forever be ingrained in my memory. Thanks, Das Hips.
10. Mellow Gold - Beck
I'll never forget it. One day, a bunch of us went to a friends house to chill out at lunch time. We were hanging out in her basement, when the video for "Loser" came on. It was brand spankin' new at the time, and I had never seen it, being stuck with Farm TV, and all.
My girlfriends who had seen it already, started complaining about how stupid it was, and what horrible music, and going on about "oh-my-god-he-dresses-so-weird", and so on.
Meanwhile, I was on my knees in front of the television, thinking " Oh my god, there's someone else in the world that dresses as weird as I do." And I totally dug the music.
It wasn't long after that, that I had a fall-out with the popular girls I had known and been friends with since kindergarten, and my life was never the same.
And I thank Beck for that.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Mar 27, 2009
Mar 4, 2009
25 Albums - Part One
Ah, Crackbook. I've been getting tagged for meme's left right and centre, and have been ignoring every single one of them. And then the 25 Albums meme came along. I just cannot turn down anything music, and to get a chance to relive some musical memories while drinking coffee and Bailey's for breakfast? Hells yes, I'll take it. The hardest part was narrowing the list down to 25. I could EASILY pick 125 albums that rocked my world.
The rules are:
Think of 25 albums that had such a profound effect on you and how they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions, etc. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. No being cool, which albums have you actually listened to thousands of times?
The only problem I had with it, is that I wanted to explain my list. So, Crackbook got the short version, and the blog is getting a five part series.
1. Micheal Jackson- Thriller
I don't care what anyone says about MJ, this album is a fucking classic. I never actually owned it, but when I was little, a friend of my parents dubbed a copy on cassette for us. Me and my friend Chad, had a game we would play, while our parents were downstairs playing board games and getting slammered. We would sit in my room, in the dark, and play Thriller (the song). The person who could sit through Vincent Price's voice the longest, won bragging rights. Usually, it was both of us, running screaming down the stairs to our parents.
I did not listen to this album, and somewhat forgot about it, until I became bar age, and was going out dancing every weekend with my friends. When any one of the songs on this album get played at the bar, or at a party, I just cannot help myself...I have to get up and shake my money-maker. I hope that Smyrish is going to be okay with a bunch of Micheal Jackson being played at the wedding reception....if not, we're going to have words. :)
2. A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles
Before any hardcore Beatles fans start going on about how The White Album changed their lives, or Revolver was the most under-rated Beatles album, let me explain myself.
When I was growing up, all we had was a record player, and an 8-track player. Later on, we acquired a cassette adapter that could be played via the 8-track, but it wasn't until I was 17 or 18 that we even had a CD player in the house.
This meant, that my parents vinyl collection, Video Hits, and the radio, was about all the music we had. This album was the first Beatles album I actually took a listen to on my own. Sure, I had heard their music, and liked it, thanks to my mom and dad, but I was young, and not yet at an age where I really paid any attention. Still, when I see the album cover, it reminds me of the day that I taught myself how to use the record player, without scratching the vinyl...and deciding that, without a doubt, hands down, George Harrison was the cutest Beatle.
3. Saturday Night Fever - The Soundtrack
I listened to this 8-track for years, before I had even seen the movie. By the time I did watch the movie, I knew all the songs by heart, and to this day, I can recite all the dialogue and sing and dance along with the characters in the movie, from start to finish. I was born the year disco died...but in me, it lives on. ;)
4. Pinkerton - Weezer
Best Weezer album ever. Hands down.
I actually haven't listened to this album in years, but I think of it often. My high school sweetheart, J, bought it for me for Xmas one year, and later that year, when he went away on a school trip to Greece, I listened to it over and over...and over. I missed him so much, and this album's lyrics really helped me make it through that week. ( Oh, how things are so much more tragic when you're in high school!) Listening to sad, heart-wrenching, angsty music always makes me feel better when I'm down, and this album has it all.
Rivers Cuomo, I beg of you. PLEASE, go out and get yourself laid. Enough of this abstinence shit. Screw some dirty whores, get your heart broken...and write us something better than "Pork and Beans". The world could use another Pinkerton.
5. Ten - Pearl Jam
Although Eddie Vedder has a habit of getting on my ever-lovin' last nerve at times ( not as much as Bono and Bob Geldof, mind you), I am a huge Pearl Jam fan. When "Ten" came in the mail with all the other cassettes from The Columbia House Record and Tape Company, I was hooked from the first listen. I don't even remember the other albums that came with it. I overplayed this album to death for years...until my brother "borrowed" it, and I never saw it again.
The rules are:
Think of 25 albums that had such a profound effect on you and how they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions, etc. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. No being cool, which albums have you actually listened to thousands of times?
The only problem I had with it, is that I wanted to explain my list. So, Crackbook got the short version, and the blog is getting a five part series.
1. Micheal Jackson- Thriller
I don't care what anyone says about MJ, this album is a fucking classic. I never actually owned it, but when I was little, a friend of my parents dubbed a copy on cassette for us. Me and my friend Chad, had a game we would play, while our parents were downstairs playing board games and getting slammered. We would sit in my room, in the dark, and play Thriller (the song). The person who could sit through Vincent Price's voice the longest, won bragging rights. Usually, it was both of us, running screaming down the stairs to our parents.
I did not listen to this album, and somewhat forgot about it, until I became bar age, and was going out dancing every weekend with my friends. When any one of the songs on this album get played at the bar, or at a party, I just cannot help myself...I have to get up and shake my money-maker. I hope that Smyrish is going to be okay with a bunch of Micheal Jackson being played at the wedding reception....if not, we're going to have words. :)
2. A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles
Before any hardcore Beatles fans start going on about how The White Album changed their lives, or Revolver was the most under-rated Beatles album, let me explain myself.
When I was growing up, all we had was a record player, and an 8-track player. Later on, we acquired a cassette adapter that could be played via the 8-track, but it wasn't until I was 17 or 18 that we even had a CD player in the house.
This meant, that my parents vinyl collection, Video Hits, and the radio, was about all the music we had. This album was the first Beatles album I actually took a listen to on my own. Sure, I had heard their music, and liked it, thanks to my mom and dad, but I was young, and not yet at an age where I really paid any attention. Still, when I see the album cover, it reminds me of the day that I taught myself how to use the record player, without scratching the vinyl...and deciding that, without a doubt, hands down, George Harrison was the cutest Beatle.
3. Saturday Night Fever - The Soundtrack
I listened to this 8-track for years, before I had even seen the movie. By the time I did watch the movie, I knew all the songs by heart, and to this day, I can recite all the dialogue and sing and dance along with the characters in the movie, from start to finish. I was born the year disco died...but in me, it lives on. ;)
4. Pinkerton - Weezer
Best Weezer album ever. Hands down.
I actually haven't listened to this album in years, but I think of it often. My high school sweetheart, J, bought it for me for Xmas one year, and later that year, when he went away on a school trip to Greece, I listened to it over and over...and over. I missed him so much, and this album's lyrics really helped me make it through that week. ( Oh, how things are so much more tragic when you're in high school!) Listening to sad, heart-wrenching, angsty music always makes me feel better when I'm down, and this album has it all.
Rivers Cuomo, I beg of you. PLEASE, go out and get yourself laid. Enough of this abstinence shit. Screw some dirty whores, get your heart broken...and write us something better than "Pork and Beans". The world could use another Pinkerton.
5. Ten - Pearl Jam
Although Eddie Vedder has a habit of getting on my ever-lovin' last nerve at times ( not as much as Bono and Bob Geldof, mind you), I am a huge Pearl Jam fan. When "Ten" came in the mail with all the other cassettes from The Columbia House Record and Tape Company, I was hooked from the first listen. I don't even remember the other albums that came with it. I overplayed this album to death for years...until my brother "borrowed" it, and I never saw it again.
Feb 4, 2009
Hi There!
Sorry, I know I've been missing. Smyrish bought me http://abigailroad.ca for my birthday, and it took a few days to get all set up. Thanks to all who noticed the blog was missing, and sent me messages and Twits! It feels nice to be missed!
It's been a busy week so far.
We replaced our two roommates who moved out on the weekend, with a dog named Patches, and an upright piano.
The piano is lovely, and I'm slowly getting back all my piano-playing knowledge. It amazes me how much I have forgotten, considering all the years of lessons I took. Thankfully though, my brain hasn't totally turned to mush, and I figure with a few weeks of practice, I should be back on track, playing Beethoven and the "Cheers" theme song.
Patches had been offered to us to take in a couple times in the past few months, but it just was never the right time for us, or his original owners. He has been a bit of a handful, as he gets used to his new home.
He attached himself to me right away, which was cute at first, but now I think it may be a bit unhealthy. I'm not sure if he wants me to be his mommy, or his girlfriend. However, I learned today, that if I want him to give me some personal space, I should just bring out the camera. I got these two shots, after a half hour of chasing him around the apartment, as well as about 15 pictures of my slippers and the walls.
He's a cute little bugger though, and once he gets used to the place and doesn't bark continuously when we leave him alone, we should all get along famously. It will take time, and training, but we can do it.
And on that note, I'm going to interrupt his snoring and puppy dreams, and get out for a walk before Mother Nature decides to make it cold outside again.
It's been a busy week so far.
We replaced our two roommates who moved out on the weekend, with a dog named Patches, and an upright piano.
The piano is lovely, and I'm slowly getting back all my piano-playing knowledge. It amazes me how much I have forgotten, considering all the years of lessons I took. Thankfully though, my brain hasn't totally turned to mush, and I figure with a few weeks of practice, I should be back on track, playing Beethoven and the "Cheers" theme song.
Patches had been offered to us to take in a couple times in the past few months, but it just was never the right time for us, or his original owners. He has been a bit of a handful, as he gets used to his new home.
He attached himself to me right away, which was cute at first, but now I think it may be a bit unhealthy. I'm not sure if he wants me to be his mommy, or his girlfriend. However, I learned today, that if I want him to give me some personal space, I should just bring out the camera. I got these two shots, after a half hour of chasing him around the apartment, as well as about 15 pictures of my slippers and the walls.
He's a cute little bugger though, and once he gets used to the place and doesn't bark continuously when we leave him alone, we should all get along famously. It will take time, and training, but we can do it.
And on that note, I'm going to interrupt his snoring and puppy dreams, and get out for a walk before Mother Nature decides to make it cold outside again.
Mar 31, 2008
It's a Bit Early, but I was Just Thinking of You...
I will never forget the day Kurt Cobain died.
I was walking out of the house, to see what my dad was doing in the yard. It must have been really warm, I was only wearing grubby jeans and my Jesus and Mary Chain t-shirt. I do remember the sun shining, and the snow was almost gone. I couldn't see dad, but CBC radio was blaring from the radio in the garage, so he had to be within ear shot.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" started to play, and I heard the DJ say, "Stay tuned to CBC news on the hour for more information on Kurt Cobain's tragic death".
A few seconds later, the on-the-hour CBC "beep, beeeeep, BEEEEEP" came, and I don't remember much after that, other than standing in the middle of the garage, dumbfounded, trying not to drop to my knees.
I cried a lot the next couple days, alone in my room. I still cry at times, when I think of how sad I was at that time, and how music made me feel like I wasn't alone.
A couple years later, I watched my brother become a fan of Nirvana, and I watched him feel the way I had felt. People worried about the sad Kurt Cobain posters on his bedroom wall, and worried that he was just as sad. I'm sure he was.
One night, as my parents were busy worrying about him, and the cops were worrying about his Nirvana posters, I locked my bedroom door, and pretended that nothing was going on. I smoked a few cigarettes, had a hoot, and cranked up some John Lennon on my stereo.
I was hoping to send a subtle message. I don't think it got through.
But music saved him too.
Our artists suffer, so we don't have to.
Mar 18, 2008
Nov 3, 2007
Musicology Meme
I "borrowed" this meme from Madame Diva, because I find it incredibly hard not to put my two cents in about anything related to music, and answering some questions on the subject is right up my alley.
The Questions:
What is the first music album you remember owning? If not the same, what is the first music album you purchased for yourself?
There was so much music in my house, I don't really remember the first album that was actually mine. However, I can remember having to make the gruelling decision as to either purchase DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's first album, or Guns 'n' Roses, Appetite for Destruction. My mom gave me the money to pick out one cassette. I think that in the end I chose Guns 'n' Roses, but made sure to get the other soon after. Or maybe it was the other way around. Hey people, it was 20 years ago, and I don't have much of a memory.
What artist currently occupies the most space either in terms of shelf space or megabytes on your hard drive?
In terms of shelf space, it's a tie between Beck, and The Tragically Hip. Hard drive? That's hard to say. At the moment, it's probably a 3-way tie between Serena Ryder, Cat Power and AC/DC.
How many different types of music media (vinyl, cassette, CD, etc) have you owned in your lifetime?
All of them. I have 8-tracks, cassettes, LP's, 45's and compact discs.
Who or what has had the biggest effect on your music taste?
Growing up with no FM radio or MuchMusic/MTV, I basically had to go out and experiment with what I purchased. I'd usually pick whatever seemed "alternative" in the Columbia House Record and Tape catalogue. Friends suggestions were always given a listen. Mom and Dad's record collection has always had a big influence, as with the Oldies station that doesn't exist anymore, that we had to listen to as we drove around as teenagers.
How do you currently prefer to listen to music?
Ummmm...on a stereo? My car stereo definitely rocks the casbah.
In terms of music memorabilia, what is your most prized possession?
I like to keep all my concert T-shirts, whether I wear them or not, as well as my concert tickets.
Have you ever "swapped headsets" with a complete stranger (meaning have you ever unplugged the earphones from your listening device and plugged them into someone else's player and had them do the same)? If yes, what did they play for you?
This usually happens while travelling, on the train/bus or in a hostel. The only person that sticks out in my mind, is a hippie named James, who I met on a train on the way back from Halifax. He got me into The Grateful Dead and The Roots, and I got him into Blind Melon and Morrissey.
Have you ever been completely obsessed with a particular artist? Who and to what level did your fandom go?
Not yet, but if Morrissey ever comes near here, I'll do anything to see him. Anything.
What is the farthest you've ever traveled for a concert?
When I lived in SmallTown, five hours. Living here in The City, no more than 2-3 hours.
Who have you seen in concert the most?
Hmmmm. The Hip, 4 times. Sam Roberts Band, 4 times. Hawksley Workman, 4 or 5. I think Hawksley wins it.
The Questions:
What is the first music album you remember owning? If not the same, what is the first music album you purchased for yourself?
There was so much music in my house, I don't really remember the first album that was actually mine. However, I can remember having to make the gruelling decision as to either purchase DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's first album, or Guns 'n' Roses, Appetite for Destruction. My mom gave me the money to pick out one cassette. I think that in the end I chose Guns 'n' Roses, but made sure to get the other soon after. Or maybe it was the other way around. Hey people, it was 20 years ago, and I don't have much of a memory.
What artist currently occupies the most space either in terms of shelf space or megabytes on your hard drive?
In terms of shelf space, it's a tie between Beck, and The Tragically Hip. Hard drive? That's hard to say. At the moment, it's probably a 3-way tie between Serena Ryder, Cat Power and AC/DC.
How many different types of music media (vinyl, cassette, CD, etc) have you owned in your lifetime?
All of them. I have 8-tracks, cassettes, LP's, 45's and compact discs.
Who or what has had the biggest effect on your music taste?
Growing up with no FM radio or MuchMusic/MTV, I basically had to go out and experiment with what I purchased. I'd usually pick whatever seemed "alternative" in the Columbia House Record and Tape catalogue. Friends suggestions were always given a listen. Mom and Dad's record collection has always had a big influence, as with the Oldies station that doesn't exist anymore, that we had to listen to as we drove around as teenagers.
How do you currently prefer to listen to music?
Ummmm...on a stereo? My car stereo definitely rocks the casbah.
In terms of music memorabilia, what is your most prized possession?
I like to keep all my concert T-shirts, whether I wear them or not, as well as my concert tickets.
Have you ever "swapped headsets" with a complete stranger (meaning have you ever unplugged the earphones from your listening device and plugged them into someone else's player and had them do the same)? If yes, what did they play for you?
This usually happens while travelling, on the train/bus or in a hostel. The only person that sticks out in my mind, is a hippie named James, who I met on a train on the way back from Halifax. He got me into The Grateful Dead and The Roots, and I got him into Blind Melon and Morrissey.
Have you ever been completely obsessed with a particular artist? Who and to what level did your fandom go?
Not yet, but if Morrissey ever comes near here, I'll do anything to see him. Anything.
What is the farthest you've ever traveled for a concert?
When I lived in SmallTown, five hours. Living here in The City, no more than 2-3 hours.
Who have you seen in concert the most?
Hmmmm. The Hip, 4 times. Sam Roberts Band, 4 times. Hawksley Workman, 4 or 5. I think Hawksley wins it.
Sep 16, 2007
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