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these, these, these are the words

Hard to believe it’s already June. Well, technically almost July. Perfect time for me to do a mid year song list.

Let’s be honest, this year started off smashingly, music wise. Yet, it’s kind of plateaued. I say that hoping that as soon as I hit publish I’ll be flooded with new music. I mean, there’s still a Beirut album in the wings.

One band and album I don’t think is getting enough press this year;  Crystal Stilts - In Love with Oblivion. Brilliant album. Really. If you like shoegaze, dream/noise pop, this one is made for you. I’m still bummed I missed their gig here. Anyway, shall we get to it? Here are my Top 15 songs of the year so far…in order. Kind of predictable, I must admit. Not going into full detail, save that for the year-end list. Shall be interesting to see how this list changes in the next few months.

15. Foster the People – Pumped Up Kicks

14. Adele - Someone Like You

13. Radiohead – Morning Mr. Magpie 

12. RAA – Tornado ’87

11. Smith Westerns – The Weekend

10. The Naked and Famous – All of This

9. Joy Formidable - Whirring

8. Crystal Stilts – Through the Floor

7. Mountain Goats - Estate Sale Sign

6. PJ Harvey – The Words That Maketh Murder

5. Fleet Foxes – Grown Ocean

4. Cave Singers – Swim Club

3. Timber Timbre – Woman

2. Handsome Furs - Repatriated

1. Papercuts - Do What You Will/Marie Says You’ve changed

What are your favourite songs so far this year?

the owls are gathering

Everyone was talking owls to me this morning, which I found a bit peculiar. Yet I always welcome such talk, and was wearing my favourite owl tee from my lovely friend Fleur, plus we are in the midst of a postal strike, so I just brushed it off. Then I realized it was because JK Rowling is about to make some kind of announcement on a project called Pottermore and there is a site with dozens of animated owls on it to go along with it. From what I read, it seems to have to do with an e-book.  Less exciting than owl post.

If you could have any creature deliver your mail (besides owls and speed wasn’t an issue), what animal would you like to greet you each day?

soundclouds

I am supposed to be holding a sledgehammer and tearing apart shelving at the museum today. Instead I am editing a display, and creating agendas and tasks for the students for this week. Clearly, not as fun.

Foolish of me to think our cabinets would be arriving on time.

It’s also 13C (55F) outside, and although I am definitely not a fan of the hot heat, I do like a little warmth to get the digits moving. Something just isn’t right about warming your hands over the space heater at the end of June.

Still, the weather hasn’t deterred me from getting out this weekend. “Vancouver Sunny” as I like to call it, works for patios and libations. Our restaurant patios have heaters too, so that helps. Over the last few days I’ve managed to have two great nights out with friends whom I hadn’t seen in a while, plus connecting with another two friends via Skype. I don’t think I could have lasted in this nomadic lifestyle without video Skype.

In addition to thought provoking conversations, I’ve been taking it a lot of films lately, both at the cinema and on the home front. Perhaps the biggest surprise was my enjoyment over the popcorn flick X Men: First Class.  Not usually one I typically would enjoy,  but it really surprised me. I think this prequel was far better than the others in the series. I’m even going back to see it again when the Boy visits next week. This was my compromise so I didn’t have to watch Green Lantern, which frankly looks like rubbish.

What films are you looking forward to this summer? What ones have you enjoyed recently?

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straight from the airport, cut through the customs line

I’m alive.

No more bruised than usual.

Don’t you hate it when real life gets in the way of blogging. Geez. Alas, I’m here, just been feeling ill lately. In addition to what happened in Vancouver that is.

Much like how things took hold of me in December, although it happened in reverse order this time. Started when I went to see Super 8 last Saturday, the camera motion did not agree with me; enter projectile vomiting. I really must stop being ill in public places, eh? The nausea was just a catalyst for the migraine and dizziness to set back in. Couldn’t have picked a worse week (or best?) I had specialist appointments with my Neurologist, followed by an afternoon long diagnostic test, or tests rather, to deal with the inner ear problems. I felt as though I was in an episode of House mixed in with a few hours in Dr. Bishops’ lab on Fringe. Electrodes placed everywhere! Odd goggles and hot water shot into my ears for various intervals. During which I could not close my eyes, because the purpose was to measure my eye movement during these induced dizzy spells. That my friends, was hard.

I doubt very much I’ll hear back about the tests anytime soon. However, on the migraine front they have one more drug to try on me, and then the next alternative…botox. Apparently this is a common treatment for migraines. Did you know this? I didn’t. I’m not exactly thrilled at the prospect, and still have a lot of questions, but if I don’t try that the next alternative is really more invasive. With the botox they’d inject a non cosmetic dose into the base of my neck, and then the temples and across the brow. My biggest concern is still being able to do “blue steel” – so we’ll see.

Still those are not the main reasons for my lack of posting.

I have been putting in a lot more time on Skype these days with the parentals. My mom has recently been diagnosed with a condition that has forced her into early retirement, and shortly will have to undergo spinal surgery, which will very much impact the quality of her life; for the better or worse is yet to be determined. She is still a bit uncertain about the surgery, as along with the risks, it’s not a permanent solution. Right now she has no feeling, and only slight mobility on her right side, and this is just the start. Basically, her spinal column is narrowing and the nerve endings are getting cut off. It’s as painful as it sounds.

So that’s where my head has been lately; worrying about her and wishing there was something more I could do.

Since there’s not, here’s a funny picture. Couldn’t think of a song.

things that baffle

When I see people parked like this it makes me want to kick something.

I wish I had business sized cards that I could place on the windshield that read:

Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to use the word wankjacket today.

i hate people when they’re not polite

I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t been listening to copious amounts of music these days, so the turn over is a bit slow, but I’ve found songs are just sticking in my head lately. The good and the bad; playing on a continuous loop.

One of these is the song below, and every time I listen almost immediately after I’m singing “Psycho Killer, Qu’est-ce que c’est” – the two share similarities don’t you think? I don’t mind humming the words to any Talking Heads song mind you, but it’s always funny how certain songs wedge their way into your cerebral cortex and set up camp.

Do you find certain songs remind you of other songs? For other reasons besides musical similarities?

currently…

Happily searching through this vintage ad browser I found online. Perfect for adding some humour to my current display.

Laughing at the article that finally came across my desk for that curator piece I was interviewed for. I looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Sorry, no link.

Have the new Beirut track on high rotation. Contemplating listening to those new Coldplay tracks but more than a little leery. What’s your favourite track as of late?

Starting to countdown until my holidays next month. There are a lot of things going on with the family at the moment that make me wish I wasn’t so far away.

Wondering about this “rotating postal strike” – do you think it’s still safe to send mail?

Still thinking about these amazing chickpea fries I had on Friday.

Will be happy when all this hockey business is over.

Just stumbled upon this humourous video guide to dating in the 1940s.

Currently…you are?

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