mountains beyond mountains

Last week the new Arcade Fire record The Suburbs leaked.

I’ve been steadily listening to it over the last 7 days, and have determined it is a definite multiple listen album. Upon first spin, I only throughly enjoyed about half of the 16 song tracklist; the last half of the record didn’t do much for me.

In part I think this has to do with Régine’s voice – the only song I truly love that she leads is Sprawl II. However, over multiple listens I have decided this record is best equipped for car rides, preferably away from urban centres, which is perfect for me when I drive away from the city and nestle back into my forest-life. Or long walks. This is not too surprising given the title, subject matter and even the artwork for the record.

As I was talking about a few weeks ago, this year really has me digesting music fully. Leaving records in my stereo for weeks, months, having the lyrics percolate and the melody ring in my head even when I’m not listening.

While I was out walking tonight, in between getting eaten by mosquitoes, I was listening to the record on my ipod. I almost wished I had the music on tape and was listening on my old walkman though. There was something about counting the clicks to fast-forward, or rewind that really made you feel like as though you were part of the music, or at least more connected to it. Does that make sense? Maybe it had to do with the waiting, everything wasn’t so immediate.

I really miss my record player too. I was contemplating having it shipped out, but it’s going to cost more than it would be to buy one second-hand. So that’s my new goal for the month; hunt for used record player. I have far too much vinyl collecting dust.

Device from your past that you miss?

egg cup ready

What will they think of next?

Egg toaster.

What appliance can you not live without?

I wish I had one of these. I’m forever shooting ice cubes across the kitchen.

goldberg

Have you seen the new OK Go video? If not, it’s below.

When I was in elementary school we made rube goldberg machines, I think I was in grade seven. It was fun, and there were some very interesting and elaborate inventions. My partner and I’s wasn’t show stopping, but we enjoyed making it, which is really all that matters. We fashioned a hair brushing/hair drying machine (headpiece), which to this day I still wish I had. I hate having to blow dry my hair. It wasn’t that portable though. C’est la vie.

If you had to invent a goldberg machine what would it be for?

iwhatever

*UPDATE*: It has been released…iPad. Read more here. Looks exactly like the leaked photos, and I lost my price guess…however all prices are in US dollars and you know they’ll up the price here, like the iPhone.

It starts at $499 for 16GB, 32GB for $599, and $699 64GB. Adding 3G costs a $130 per model, so the most expensive model (64GB / 3G) is $829. The WiFi-only model will ship in 60 days, and the 3G models will come in 90.

If you’ve followed any kind of tech news lately you’ll know that Apple is releasing a new tablet tomorrow. Rumours have been circulating whether it will be called an “iSlate” or “iPad”, etc, and you can read more about its alleged features here.

The Boy and I were discussing price points for this new product, based on what we’ve read; He thinks $699, I say $899. He is not an Apple fan. Or rather, not a fan of how the products/parts are grossly overpriced, and we have the Mac vs. Other debate a lot. He builds his own computers so he normally wins the argument.

Anyway, as we were discussing this new product, and even as an Apple fan I’m struggling to see the market for it.

The Boy: Don’t worry, in a couple months they’ll introduce the iStrap to go along with the “iSlate” and it will all make sense.

Me: What?

Boy: The iStrap:

A wrist/arm band attachment for the iSlate. Made with velcro so you can wear it like a portable computer pad, on your wrist, arm or even leg. It also comes with the iShield; made of a hard plastic protective case that when added to the iStrap forms a cool shield to deflect Mac haters.

Me: (laughing) That would make a good comic; you should draw this out.

Boy: You know something like that’s coming. Apple can do its thing, I’m waiting for this.

Any piece of technology that has your fancy lately?

I tore the dreams from my head and tossed them in the flames and the smoke smelled like my past

Until a few weeks ago I was under the impression that my cell phone could only hold 25 text messages. I believed this because whenever it would reach 25 it would flash that it was out of memory, and since I was worried I wouldn’t be able to receive anymore texts I would just be in a constant state of deletion, which is a good and bad thing. 25 texts go by in a few days for me, as that is how everyone makes plans, etc. Then a few weeks ago I just stopped deleting messages and before I knew it I was up to 250, so clearly, my phone is a liar.

Now there are a few messages I have kept on my recent phone for months and months, ones that I just couldn’t bring myself to delete, because they were so funny, or because, well I just couldn’t delete them. Still, today I cleaned house I gathered my phones from the past year and discovered a few random gems.

I have been taken hostage in Urban Planet. They have gold pleather boots in here. Help.

Beer is patient.

Yeah, I’m alive and grumpy. Fucking airports.

Hey. Miss you.

I hope he gets attacked by a purple inflatable cow while he’s there.

Hey, do you fancy the gym? Actually, lets go drinking instead.

p.s. The door business sucks. Put that in your paper as well.

After the door slammed this morning I had to suppress the urge to open it and scream after him “It’s a hooka!”

I’m at subway “making” dinner.

It is his daughter.

You better be getting really drunk, I want funny stories tomorrow!

I’m feeling pretty tired, but I might last the whole film. I must sound so rock and roll to you.

Hey, hey I just found you some microwave popcorn!

I want to hit him in the face with my shoe.

Haha! Yeah, I may be a lgitule drunk…the sides says hi! I’ll call you in the tomorrow. Love you!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Kisses. Boo-ya!

Hey, do you know what the code for the door is? I hate numbers. Why can’t they just scan our eyes instead.

This is why you should keep your keys, cash, cards and other personal effects in your pockets. Wallets are for suckers.

Hope you packed your sleep suit!

Hey kid, smile.

***

I can only imagine what I sent in return. Thankfully, my phone doesn’t save sent messages.

EDIT: I’ve been forwarded a few messages that I have sent to Ali in an attempt to remind me I’m just as guilty.

I love that you have whole carrots in your fridge. Oh, and bananas work best on the counter.

I’m cooking dinner in a dress and boots. Who would have thought this day would come?

37 C is 98.6 F. What are you fact checking her?

At least you can take small joy in that you left him with an addiction.

Why are you texting me? Clearly you should be fucking him already.

Any hilarity lurking on your phone? Or is there anything on your phone that you wouldn’t want someone to uncover? Or how about your computer?

I was just having this conversation with a friend and there definitely would have to be some cleaning up if I was passing my computer around. Or perhaps I’m just really territorial.