Watch it!: Temper Trap's "Love Lost"

this has absolutely got to be my new favorite music video of all time. The Temper Trap's is an aussie band who released their first album Conditions in june 2009.  "Love Lost" is the opening track of the cd.  the music video for this song was released may 2010. it features a troupe of nerdy school boys doing laps for gym class whilst lip-syncing the song and executing complex choreography.  not only is the song fantastic (upbeat, hopefully, catchy) but there is just something about watching nerds dance which warms my heart.  the part that always makes me smile is near the end when the explosions are going off; you can see the excitement in the little boys face to the farthest left. hilarious. watch it!

- J

Brunch!

this sunday i woke up at a reasonable hour (something that lately is becoming increasingly more difficult to do) and went for brunch with some friends. i think brunch is a meal which doesn't get quite enough credit. because really, it allows you to sleep in just a little bit more than is acceptable on a regular day and still get up in time to have a meal, you get to sit down and chat with really lovely people (barring that you invite only really lovely people as one should do at a brunch), and you get to choose between breakfast or lunch-type foods; savory or sweet. and who really doesn't love a little something sweet around 11:00am? anyways, a new crêpe place called Geneva Crêpe Café opened about a year ago now near my house, and i`ve always been looking for an excuse to go. so finally myself and two of my very lovely friends decided to try it out. it`s been so long since i`ve had a crêpe, i forgot how delicious they can be.  i ordered an apple cinnamon crêpe (pictured above) and it was absolutely fantastic! if you live in kingston, and get a chance to go, i very highly recommend it. i know we will be going back again soon to try some of the others because everything sounded amazing.

end of story...add more brunches and crêpes to your life. you will not be disappointed.

coffee is necessary every day

- J

No Sleeping After Noon

this is a picture mitch took of me when i was refusing to get out of bed one day. i sleep too much

- J

Listen Up!: Jónsi

i was so excited to here that Jónsi, the front man of one of my all time favorite bands Sigur Rós was coming out with a solo album.  i've always been fascinated by the way Sigur Rós was able to capture the essence of Iceland through their expasive chords and Jónsi's soaring vocals.  however while Sigur Rós's music comes across as being very meloncholy and thoughtful, Jónsi amps up this same musical style with youthful insight. the music is still wonderfully epic in it's nature, but is approached from a completely new angle filled with hope and eager anticipation.  i've always admired him for his focus on the musical construction itself over everything else. in a world were the majority of artists fall back on the simple Pachelbel's Canon chord progression, it's so nice to see someone pushing the compositional boudaries of what pop music can actually sound like and experimenting with an array of instruments.  His solo album entitled Go is absolutely necessary for every music lover to here. You will not be disappointed.

You will like him if you like: Radiohead, Bjork, Frakkur, Mogwai

Why his is important: Jónsi is pushing the boundaries of what pop music is.  He explores the importance of musical composition over lyrics in communicating a message. He's infusing an already important band's style with more youthful energy making it relevant again for our generation of listeners.

Songs to listen to: "Go Do", "Animal Arithmetic", "Boy Lilikoi", "Sinking Friendships"

- J

Coffee Date

went for a coffee this afternoon with my lovely friend Thea.  if i've learned anything this year it's that as busy as i think i am, i will always have time to sit down with a friend and actually talk to them, as opposed to the usual quick passing by and "hello, how are you?" without waiting for an answer which typically seems to be the case...run on sentence.  i am lucky enough to have some very lovely people in my life and i plan on keeping them in it. therefore, viva la coffee date

my wonderous Thea

- J

Listen Up!: Laura Marling

Laura Marling is an incredible young artist from Hampshire, England.  While her roots stand strongly in folk music, she tours with various Alternative artists, and you can see the influence in her work.  A talented guitar player and wonderful lyricist, her music is soulful and poetic.  Her debut album Alas, I Cannot Swim released in Feburary 2008 was nominated for the Mercury Prize (a prize awarded to the best album in United Kingdom and Ireland).  She followed this with her album I Speak Because I Can in March 2010, which was also nominated for the Mercury Music Award and entered the UK album charts at Number 4.

You will like her if you like: Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale, Florence + the Machine, The Avett Brothers, Joni Mitchell

Why she is important: Her mature, poetic lyrics well preceed her age.  Her angelic voice is powerful and melodic without overpowering the music.  A perfectly simple voice to overlay complex lyrics

Songs to listen to: "New Romantic", "Ghosts", "Rambling Man", "I Speak Because I Can", "Devil's Spoke"

- J

Friend Love

i have to say this is one of my favorite photos. my friends are so lovely and wonderful
-J

Benny

this is one of the loves of my life.  my parents dog benny.  he always gives me more love than i know what to do with. simply the best

Toronto Fall

Favorite Things: Music

My newest discovery in music is not a particular artist or a rediscovery of genre, it's online radio.  I know I may be a little bit behind the times on this one but I was extremely excited the other day when I stumbled across http://www.sky.fm/. 

It's a free online radio website that allows you to choose a channel based on genre.  I've really been into the Indie Rock channel, however they have everything from Smooth Jazz to Classical Guitar to Urban Jamz, even a Beatles Tribute channel...literally any genre of music you are in the mood for.  I love it so much because while it gives you the option to upgrade to get some better features, it doesn't cheap out on the free version.  No time limits or restricted genres.  So if you're getting bored of listening to your own iTunes and want to open your mind to discovering some new music, seriously give it a try.  You may discover a new found love for Bossa Nova Jazz

The Perfect Bag?

As my sister can confirm I've been looking now for awhile for a new bag.  But I don't want just any bag. I want the perfect, within budget, carry-all-of-my-crap-but-doesn't-look-like-a-suitcase bag. Sadly, I have yet to find said bag. However I am inspired not to give up the search by these beauties, even if some of them are a touch out of reach. 



Alexander McQueen Faithful Medium Satchel



Coach New Madison Gathered Leather Sophia Satchel

MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca Hobo (love!!)



Urban Outfitter Cooperative Spectator Bag



Forever 21Verstile Briefcase Bag

I love the slightly masculine feel of these last two bags.  Makes me think of my dad's old briefcases.