Matthew Good

I really dug it. Cherrie found it a bit short (but he missed the first 40 or so minutes). The crowd was a bit chatty. I missed the opening act, and then Matthew came on and opened acoustic with the band joining in and set a pretty cool tone. He only did one talk about the 1/2 way mark, a bit odd.... something about urinals..... Anyway, I loved it, did absolute justice to the album - which I think is one of the best I've heard this year - and threw in some of his more anthemic older songs. There were a couple musical blow outs, but they mostly stuck to the album, which is a pretty thoughtful one. Would love to hear him at a summer outdoor event, think it would suit his style. R

Matthew Good at Metropolis Thurs. Dec. 10th

For those of you not going to see Sydney Crosby annihilate les Canadiens, thought I would let you all know that there are still tickets for Matthew Good at the Metropolis this coming Thurs. - the opening act (forgot the name) starts at 8pm, or so they say, so Matthew and gang hopefully starts around 10:30 or so... Any takers? I am going and Cherrie hopes to meet me after the game.... nice way to kick off Christmas, Hannukah, upcoming winter solstice festivities.... Rosalie

Costi's 9th??? disc

The kids (and Cherrie and I)are loving it. The one that starts with Viva Las Vegas. We were in the Charlevoix area last week, and were rolling through the amazingly beautiful country side blaring that and a couple old ones away. Even Sacha is singing along. Jonah, 4 years old - by the way, has declared that "One TOke Over the LIne" is his new favourite song. Kent, perhaps you could get Tristan to learn the opening monologue and Lena and Jonah and Sacha will learn the song. It could be a great New Years Eve party trick. Kent - dig the new cd, dark and smoggish and wow what a great mix - when are you buying some turntables? Thanks all, keep the music coming! Rosalie

Looking forward to the discs Rosalie. VERY fun, informative post! Glad to hear Joel Plaskett was good (must have been great at such a small venue like the Casa) Hope to catch his Club Soda gig.

Also got Costi's discs in the mail....are they early???!!

Went to see Kings of Leon...very impressive that such a young group can produce such a big,unique sound at the Bell Centre. It was a great show. The song I enjoyed most live was "I want you"...which I hadn't really even noticed on the disc. I found the angst ridden, young rocker frontman "talk" hilarious. Especially when he addressed recent criticism of latest CD by saying they were just trying to get some of the shi***, Fu***** music off the radio and get some of their own stuff on! Totally get it....

Oct. 2009

HI -

Just getting the discs into the post this aft.. Have done our regular one full album - a guy from Cape Breton Cherrie and I heard play a couple years ago. Quite good, hope you like it, easy going.

I also did my first mix. Boy that was tough, my hats go off to you all for the great mixes we have received over the last few years. Truly, this sharing of music is inspired, thanks again Kent.

Info on the disc- well, tunes I like. Have a couple from this wacked out group I heard in NYC 3 years back - Semi-Precious Weapons- the lead singer is inspired, hysterical, and an artist in all senses, he even makes kick ass jewellery that fashionistas sport. Also a couple form Joel Plaskett Emergency - who I just found out used to be in Thrush Hermit - heard him back in May at Casa Popollo - great concert, great performer. A group - The Thermals - introduced to us by a nurse at the Jewish whom I would like to introduce to the group if we are taking new members - I almost wanted to just copy his mix and send it out as my own... would that be cheating? Let me know if we are indeed up to any new members.... One from John Mayer that I figured if all the masses are digging him he must be doing something right, and loved this song. Alex Lloyd from Australia. Others, mix from Mark Farina (San Fracisco dj - reminds me of that cool San Fran vibe, sooooo cool); followed by - dare you not to dance - Lady (not the Commodores); some new, some old - can Depeche Mode be inspirational? Working on that one but I think they might. Then a nod to my past with Prefab Sprout and finished up with Plaskett bringin'er home, as they say. It was tough to make it all swing, hope it works. Think that's about it.

Oh and I put in one by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 - which my children remind me now should really be called The Jackson 4 because Michael died - I'm not making this up, but it is true - anyway, I don't know who is the king in this song, Michael or the production, but sure dig him singing his heart out in this one. Alas.

By the way, sorry there is foul language on the mixed disc, sorry kids.

'TIl next year..... R & C

The lateness of August

Well guys, as steward captain of this ship, slow going as she might be, quite full of vim and purpose, I must honorably admit and acknowledge my neglect, herein of my responsibilities towards the production of auditory pleasures and otherwise fulfilling my purpose of completing my August submission of numerous musical excerpts, intended mainly to entertain but also to educate, while simultaneously questioning the utility of power, aural stimulation, lines and feel, amongst the power of the stars, wind and sea, to provide, to cherish and love, feel from within and know that the feeling of the beat, the never ending beat, of love and music is here for all to see, to taste, to hear, to taste, to see, to touch and forget.....until the next day when the sun rises and tells us that she is not yet finished with us....that she has other things for us to do, other days to love......other loves to day....days other loves to see........

All this to say....my disc is late, it is finished and simply requires burning, packaging and sending....you'll get it eventually....

Over, out and off to bed.......

Kento

Rising Sun

Yo. With my inaugural contribution to the collective I want to first say thanks for the cool euphonious surprises since joining you last year. Life happens and after 2 good moves under 12 months with 2 kids under 3, we're finally settled and starting to live normally once again and rising up in the sun. We're just a few clicks from the gates of the land of the money-sucking rodent so pay us a visit during your pilgrimage. Kento sent me the updated list so two CDs should be arriving at your door soon. Some favs and little art thrown in for good measure to make up for my absence past. Enjoy. Mutha is for a mood of vigor (or when treating penetrating trauma - Tarek, Kent and Cherrie), while Shading Lines eases in to get your groove on. Peace.

New discs

Its great to get all the new stuff this past month.
I have listened to Nod your Head a few times now and am totally diggin' the whole mix...it makes me very track 14!!
Lookin forward to working my way through the whole pile.

Driving Under the Influence

Okay everyone, all my discs have been shipped. Cherrie and Sonya, Kent has your copies. As mentioned, the Toronto boys' discs went to Ontario with Zimakas, who assured me he sees all of you regularly. The rest have been entrusted to Canada Post, so their fate is out of my hands now. Enjoy your driving tunes (meant to be played loud) but drive safely.

Henry

Sean's Disk

Initial impressions are that the disk is fantastic.

I don't know if my computer screwed up or not, but the songs and titles are messed up after Shamma Lamma Dingdong. I found 23 songs on the disk, with 22 named in the liner notes. Some investigating leads me to believe the extra song is "I wish I didn't miss you anymore" possibly by Angie stone but it sounds like a dude singing, so I can't be sure of that. The version of "Happy" is spread over two tracks, and the rest of the numbering after that is off by one (I'm just the type of person who needs to know what he's listening to).

I've just been listening to it for the last hour or so, but so far, the disk seems to be a great summer collection. Will comment more when I've had a bit more time with it. Thanks Sean.

Not About Music, But...

Stumbled across this storytelling tip....great for summer outings.

Someday I'll tell you how I scared the kids with the story of "Hateful Hannah" around a fire in NFLD last year.

Other parents didn't like me so much after that.

2 CD's Ship Today...

2 CD's ship today...

The first is a walk through the different facets of punk--past, present, and future. I've tried to include some classics, as well as newer emerging bands. Some cuts are just about anarchy, while others have a more focused political commentary.

Entitled "Mommy, What's Punk?", the disc was inspired by that very question from my kids when they were younger. Just a warning, parental guidance is suggested (i.e., not for kids ears).

The second is a themed CD based on the work of 2 great jazz drummers, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Tony Williams, and includes work they did with Branford Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis.

Only freaks like us would appreciate two such drastically different themes....

Enjoy

PS--My address has changed, and I've sent it to Kent.

Manoj

May Disc

Okay everyone. My May disc has actually been ready for at least a week, but I haven't had the chance to burn all the copies yet. However, the good doctor Zimakas has Mike's, Brian's, Costi's and Steve's copies in his hot little hands and should be getting them to you guys shortly. The rest of you will be getting your copies soon.
The disc is a mix of tunes I like to listen to in the car, some new, some old, just in time for the summer driving season. Some songs not suitable for sensitive young ears, so you may need to cover the kids ears on those long family drives.
Enjoy, and don't let the po-po's catch you ridin' dirty.
Henry

Faithful Participants and other less faithful

Please let the record stand that I specifically indicated to Sean that he should send a disc to BOTH Henry and Tarek and to NOT lump you guys in with "the others". It is because of my utmost faith and confidence in my old friends (....uuuhh......I mean friends from a.....while ago) that I do this. I of course would like nothing more than to see everyone involved from the get-go to be still involved and sending discs. If any of you have power to influence "the others", I would be forever indebted to see them reenter the fold.

And Henry, by the way...you were going to get my disc on the evening of France's 40th B'Day party chez-nous. I believe that at the last minute you guys were unable to make it, and I thus used the disc as party music for the evening, creating such havoc and pleasure amongst party goers that the disc became a love object for all in attendance that evening, and hence was forever rendered unusable. ;(

I am, however, quite sympathetic to your loss and as such will make an effort to bring you said disc when you invite me over to your shiny new and renovated back yard this summer for cocktails and a dip in the hot tub.

;)

This is fun....


Kento

Faithful participant

I resent being lumped in with the delinquents as, while I was late getting them out, I have sent all my 2007 and 2008 discs and have definitely mailed out more discs than I have received. I am only currently a couple of weeks late with my latest which is now in the compilation stage. I would also point out Kent that one of yours is among the discs I never got. That being said I appreciate the frank discussion about what to do with the absentee disc jockeys. As for me, being the optimist that I am, I will send my May 2009 disc to everyone on the list as soon as it's done, which should be by the end of this month.

As always, if any one didn't get any of the discs I sent, let me know via the blog.

As for the mailing list, I definitely would not post it on the blog, even if viewing is restricted. I think emailing the updated list to those who need it is the way to go.

Henry

View Settings for Welcome

Hey guys, Glad to see people are up and commenting. Need some feedback from y'all. In response to Sean's question, I can in fact put up a list of the addresses of everyone directly on the Blog page. This however, may not be desirable for some to have their address open for all to see. Why this is an issue is because the current Blog settings I have set allow others to see the Blog if they come across it. I can change this so that only people who have been invited can see the Blog, and in that way only the people involved will have access. Or I can just send out a Word format address list when asked by email to keep security for all as high as possible. I think this latter approach is better. Feedback?

Kent

Sean's May CD is finished

Oh yes, the summer 09 is finished and burned, twice over as one song dropped out the first go around....anyone want one of 15 useless CDs?

The songs are summer tunes ranging from a rare Dizzy Vinyl to a superfunky bubblegum rap that is soooo silky.

Hope everyone enjoys: The Disc, "Nod Your Head" should go out this weekend. Do we have an up to date mailing list?

We should post more

Thanks for getting the chatter going Henry. A lot of interesting comments. I'm with Rosalie, YUP, I think we should continue because even when the CDs are sporadic, it's great to get new and different music. Putting the discs together is actually quite a bit of fun! Generated a lot of laughs at my house!!! Unfortunately have only listened to Mike's CD once. We are painting and the case ran away from the disc...enjoyed the concept and look forward to the next listen when the dust settles. Thanks for your comments Mike. Finally the music gods were listening....Kings of Leon ARE coming to Mtl. Have super seats...am excited!

Well, May has come and gone, and just as the weather has left everyone wondering "When will summer get here?", so must everyone be wondering "When will Henry's disc get here?". The answer is the same in both cases - not yet. I haven't started compiling it yet, but haven't ruled out that it may arrive on the first warm breezes of summer. Or it may come with the first icy blast of winter. Either way I will deliver.
I have however noticed a distinct waning of enthusiasm for this project lately. Kudos to Mike and Sonya for being the only ones so far this year to get their discs out. Or at least those are the only ones I've received so far. Very imaginative selections. I still have both of them on rotation in the car. Is everyone still into the whole CD club thing? Let me know.
Henry

Quickie visit in PEI

Spent the last 24 hours in Charlottetown with Peter, Cindy and Kaycee (? sp.), enjoying Lobster, red wine and music. Last night listened to some great PEI music...John Connolly and Meaghan Blanchard. Also enjoyed the new Hip album from start to finish...very, very nice....but not before a good 45 minutes of Gram Parsons. All in all a great musical evening. Today took a walk on the Northern shore with Cindy and Kaycee throwing sticks in the ocean for the dogs to chase. Beats clinic anyday.  Kent

My March disc in the mail. It's a bit of everything and has a soft, gooey electronica core...my current phase.
I realized I never commented on Pat & Mel's disc which was GREAT. I am already a Karkwa fan but tho I had heard bits of Malajube and the others, I had never given them a good listen. I will try to catch some of them live at this years Francofolies. Thanks again!
Recent shows I have attended include Katy Perry (with my preteen and friends). They were ecstatic, especially when the GIANT inflatable strawberries floated out over the packed floor. A good fun show. Also went to see the Tragically Hip last Friday who stunned the crowd by coming out at 8 pm sharp and putting on two sets. Definately gave us our moneys worth. They are the same. The song coffee girl is now permanently etched in my brain. And Henry the place was full of old guys.

Finally if anybody goes to see The Kings of Leon in To....tell them to come to Mtl! I can't believe they are giving us a pass...again!

March '09 Mix/Requiem

Hey everyone.  My March disc is going in the mail tomorrow (Wednesday).  It's really two separate albums.  The first half is another mix of what I've liked lately (that was not from the group).  Quite a few covers ended up on the disc (by  M.Ward, Beck, Sublime, and AC Newman), along with tracks by The National, Beirut, and Brett Dennen (thanks to Laurie and Sean for the introduction to those artists).  A track from an album released today made it to the disc (from a well known Canadian band).  The mix ended up being pretty mellow save for a few obvious exceptions.   The second half includes selections from my favorite Requiem masses by Verdi, Brahms, Mozart, and Faure.  I hope people give it at least one listen.  You should  crank the volume for the first selection, which should appeal to fans of heavy music in general.  The rest is pretty melodic, especially the Verdi "Hostias" and the Faure "Pie Jesu".

Hi everyone. Just got back from Egypt last week so I haven't been active in the blog for a while. Hope everyone liked the disc. Thanks for the feedback to those who left comments. In answer to your question Kent this is what I was listening to before I made the disc and not back in June, but I wanted the cd to look like I sent it out back when I was supposed to. By the way I never got "Back to School" but I was really looking forward to hearing it after all the rave reviews. Any chance I can score a copy from you?
Henry

Well my March disc is definately going to be an April disc once it gets out. Big exam on the 30th that is consuming all my non-work, non-family time....I've compiled about 40 tracks (in my head) so early April....
Mike , where are you? The brain misses your comments. How's your disc coming along?
Really enjoyed your disc Henry. Have run many kms while playing it on my pod. Perfect tempo. I thought your cover was great...made me laugh.

HI, just got to listening to Pat and Mel's et merci beaucoup, first time I have heard Malajube!!! Lena loves the first singer (she has a pretty voice...). Also, dig the Feb.'08 we got (from ????) with Mika on it - never heard him before either - what a voice, merci all! And I did get to a concert last year, KD lang at this gorgeous old theatre on Ste. Cath Est???? Like buttah is an uderstatement, when an older Quebec (and obviously hetero) man screamed "we love you Kd!!!!" from the back after her first song, and she was momentarily speechless, the place erupted in such a wave of fanudulation and love and laughter, the night was set for such a high - I was definitely not in the older uncool territory that night. After C and I hung out in so many clubs with kids (and I mean kids - even our friends referred to us as "the old geezers") in NYC and SF when we were partying, I think I got over ever feeling old when good music is involved. Good music is a must or then the uncool feeling is overwhelming (as in what am I doing here....) Must go be a mother, great tunes all! Rosalie

June disc

Okay everybody. That overdue disc from last June is ready. They're going in the mail tomorrow. Sonya, I forgot to put the copy of Rammstein in with yours like I said I would. If you still want it I will send it with May's disc.

As for live shows, I stopped going to concerts when I realized I had become "that old guy who still thinks he's cool" we all used to see at shows when we were 18. Perhaps I'll start going again when I'm too old to care.

Henry

A few live shows.....

A live show forum is great, especially if there are shows that we might not think of going to otherwise...I am lamenting my lack of live show attendance in the last months but look forward to all the opportunities in Mtl this spring.


My number 1 show in the last year was definately Radiohead in the rain and mud on Ile Ste Helene. The whole nite was an event including the festive walk with a happy crowd (because the metro was just too full) back over the bridge. Radiohead was, as always, awesome!


The other big show that was fun for the whole family was the Foo Fighters. Great stadium rock.

Simple Plan also ranked high for their energy and bonding fun with my daughter. James Taylor and his Band of Legends put on a good show but I think I got a cavity it was soooooo sweet and feel good.

I would not recommend Alicia Keyes at a large venue. She is a talent but sounded hollow at the Bell Centre. I would have loved to hear her live at a small site with her sitting behind a piano.



Smaller shows that I loved....anything at the Montreal Jazz Fest. Really the city at its very best. If you get a chance to catch Karkwa ( I saw them on stage, together, with Patrick Watson) take it!



Sebastien Granger was not impressive. The first time he fell over backwards it was funny, but by the fourth time, less impressive. We realized he just couldn't stand up!



The Raconteurs were great. Jack White gives your moneys worth.

So much opportunity, so little time......

Nothing very specific to say

Hey guys, just posting for the sake of posting since I am lamenting the death of dialogue on Welcome to My Musical Brain. Thanks to those who continue from time to time to add their thoughts...I just always wished that with so many people on this Blog who have such great opinions as well as musical tastes, things would be fairly active. Anyway, we all have busy lives, very busy lives, with crazy daily commitments. I have been traveling a lot and have more coming up so haven't had nearly as much time to commit to music appreciation. Very few concerts....I would love to hear from people some of the best lives shows that they have been to in the last year or so.

Over and out...

Kento

 

Greetings all! The blog's been awfully quiet lately. Looks like I'm the first one to post in 2009. I'm not even sure anyone is going to see this. I hope everyone had fun over the holidays and is having a happy new year so far. Anyway, my disc from June 2008 is finally compiled. A lot mellower and poppier than Rammstein. I hope to burn, label and mail them over the next couple of weeks. Hard to believe, but at that point I will actually be up to date and will then have plenty of time to be late with my May 2009 cd.
So far, I'm loving the discs (those that I've received anyway). Keep 'em coming.
Henry