A Sad Anniversary

I was perusing ONTD earlier today, when I came across a post reminding me that 14 years ago today, actor River Phoenix died from a drug overdose. He collapsed on the sidewalk outside LA's Viper Room (then co-owned by Johnny Depp) and was taken to hospital were he was pronounced dead. He was 23 years old.

I still remember hearing the news on the radio just as I awoke in my university residence room. I was so stunned by the announcement that I could not get out of bed - I just lay there for another hour until the news came on again so that I could be sure it was true and wasn't an awful dream.

Going back the ONTD post, I also learned of the number of tribute songs dedicated to Phoenix. One song is Matinee Idol by Rufus Wainwright.




I had no idea this song was about River which is odd since I adore Rufus and this song is one of my favourites. I guess, from now on, it will have even more meaning for me.

On the other hand, I don't think I've ever previously heard the song Halloween by Grant Lee Buffalo, even though I like their music as well.

I think it just became one my favourites.

Excuse me while I curl up in a corner to weep silently over my River Phoenix commemorative issue of BOP! magazine.

Threella! Threella! Threella! Threella!

This video made the rounds on the interweb a few months ago but I couldn't resist posting it again, especially considering how appropriate it would be for today.

It's the Bollywood version of the Michael Jackson classic Thriller.





You're welcome.

Lily Employs Husband Of Fellow Brit Diva

I've seen version 2 of the video for the Lily Allen single LDN a couple of times now and I've noticed one of the extras in the clip - the one acting as the flower vendor at about the 1:29 make - seems very familiar.




After doing a bit of digging (translation: looking it up on Wikipedia) I discovered that the bit player in question is none other than Blake Civil-Fielder, better known as Mr. Amy Winehouse.

I must say, he cleans up pretty good In fact, I'm quite surprised I recognized him at all since I'm more used to seeing him (and his bride) looking like this:

It was probably his hat that tipped me off.

Finally, here's the new video for Drivin' Me Wild by Common featuring Lily Allen. (See what I've done there - see how I came full circle?)

It's this thing now

That's drivin' me wild

I gotta see what's up before it gets me down.

Love's not a mystery, it's everything.

Dannii Drops The Beats

It's always "Kylie, Kylie, Kylie" but little sister Dannii Minogue has had a pretty respectable music career in her own right for the past 15 plus years.

Here's the video for her most recent single (with Jason Nevins), Touch Me Like That, off her upcoming album Unleashed, a collection of previously unreleased material.




I really like the song - probably due, in no small part, to the sample of the 70s disco classic You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - but the video is just OK. The choice of colour palette is...unfortunate. I'm sure they were probably going for bright and happy but it kind of comes of as gauche and clashing.

Also, while Dannii manages to pull off the big haired, overly made up, disco-fied look pretty well through most of the clip, there's one shot where the light hits her a certain way and she's a dead ringer for Amanda Lepore. Though, maybe that's what she was going for.

I much prefer the clip for You Won't Forget About Me.



Yes, even with the totally not played out "spontaneously dancing around your posh apartment, in your underwear, with your not quite as attractive girlfriends, as you get ready for your big date" concept. I can't hate - it worked for me.


I totally heart you, Dannii. Keep bringing it.

Late Night TV Preview: October 29 - November 3, 2007

Here are some of the musical artists scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.


MONDAY

• Justice - Jimmy Kimmel Live* (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Paolo Nutini - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

TUESDAY

• The Sex Pistols - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Nicole Atkins - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Ron Wood (panel guest), Zappa Plays Zappa (musical performer) - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

Nicole Atkins Neptune City

WEDNESDAY

• The Sex Pistols - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, E!)
• Manchester Orchestra - Conan
  
• Regina Spektor - Carson

THURSDAY

• Ryan Adams - Letterman
• Thurston Moore - Kimmel
• Slash - Conan

FRIDAY

• Backstreet Boys - Leno
• Jay-Z - Letterman
• Talib Kweli - Carson

Talib Kweli Hot Thing/In The Mood

SATURDAY

• Feist - Saturday Night Live (11:30pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• Ben Folds - Henry Rollins Show (9:30pm & 4:05am - IFC Canada)

Dsquared2 Divas Rock The Runway

I just caught the a bit of the video for the latest Fergie single Clumsy and I noticed that part of the concept has Miss Fergalicious walking in a fashion show for the Milan-based clothing line DSquared2. Dan and Dean Caten, the Canadian twin designers of the line, are also featured in the clip.




It's no surprise that the Catens decided to help out Fergie Ferg. Many DSquared2 collections have been rock and roll inspired and the designers are known to be supportive fanboys to many a pop diva.

Though they'd been designing menswear for many years, Dean and Dan eventually made the desired transition into womenswear and gained notoriety with the help of famous fan Madonna, who wore their clothes in her Don't Tell Me video and had them design wardrobe for her 2001 Drowned World tour.





Their runway show for the spring/summer 2008 womenswear collection featured an appearance from the music industry's current It-girl Rihanna.



In my opinion though, not one of these ladies could out-fierce Dirrrty Girl, Christina Aguilera, who strut her stuff for DSquared2 in the finale of one of their menswear shows in 2004.

Downloads Aplenty

I'm pretty old school (or, just plain old) so I'm still buying music on CD rather doing that download thing that all the kids seem to be so keen on. However, I'm also quite the bargain hunter so if said downloads are offered at little or no cost I'm much more inclined to see what the fuss is all about. I seem to recall Radiohead somehow getting in on this phenomenon recently but I didn't really pay that much attention - I'll have to take some time to investigate further.



I do know that the NME has had some cool free download offers as of late. Aside from new music by The Verve, the UK weekly is also offering an entire album of free material (actually, the second half of a double album*) in support of Love Music Hate Racism. The LMHR download includes rare, exclusive and remixed tracks by the likes of Biffy Clyro, Noisettes, Billy Bragg, Fionn Regan and Maximo Park.








Also, in advance of the November 12 release date of her brand new single 2 Hearts, Kylie Minogue is whetting the appetite of her faithful fans with a free download of a mixtape/sampler which previews a few of the tracks on her upcoming album X. The album is due out November 26 in the UK and Europe, February 8 (2008) in North America.















*Disc 1 of the double CD (which features artists like Dirty Pretty Things, Babyshambles and M.I.A.) is included with the accompanying issue of NME which came out last week in the UK and hits stands this week in North America. To those on my side of the pond: beware if you don't see the disc attached to the mag - there are a variety of reasons it might be missing. Due to pesky issues involving imported media, some stores received the magazine from their suppliers without the disc. Other stores simply remove the disc and store it for safekeeping from sticky fingers before putting the mag on the racks - you have to ask when you're checking out so an employee can retrieve the disc for you. In any case, make sure you check to see what's what before you make your purchase. I do know that, in Toronto, the World's Biggest Book Store does not carry the disc for this issue while the Indigo in the Eaton Centre does (and it should still be attached to the magazine).

Cavalli Collection Now Online

The full range of menswear, womenswear and accessories for Roberto Cavalli at H&M is now available online.

As I've said before, I'm not terribly excited about this latest retail chain/high fashion designer collaboration but it's really just a personal thing. Cavalli likes his animal prints and that style doesn't suit me in the least - I always end up looking like I'm auditioning for a live action version of The Flintstones.

Anyway, for the most part the pieces look pretty good, at least from what I can tell. For some reason, the mostly dark-hued collection has been shot against a black background, making it difficult to appreciate any detailing even with the magnify and rotate image options. Best to go to the campaign photos or even the Cavalli/H&M blog post of the launch party to get a better idea of what everything looks like.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm, there are a few pieces that I think might work for me. I like the slim fit trousers and jeans as well as the tunic dress and the gold shimmer shift dress with the ruffle collar.

Budget-minded Cavalli enthusiasts will have just under two weeks to fantasize about the collection and work out a shopping strategy - the line hits selected H&M stores worldwide on November 8.

J Spaceman Returns To Toronto

Saturday, November 17, 2007.

That's all.

It's Tony Almeida, Beeyotch!

Rock Progeny Models For Cavalli

Designer Roberto Cavalli has always catered to rock and roll clientele so it's no surprise that the ad campaign for his upcoming H&M collection includes the spawn of some of the industry's finest. Sean Lennon (son of Beatle John Lennon and Yoko Ono) as well as Theodora Richards (daughter of Rolling Stone Keith Richards and Patti Hansen) join models like Jessica Stam and Erin Wasson in the ads.

Sean Lennon gets fitted for some Cavalli at H&M menswear.

Theodora Richards (right) in a Cavalli at H&M print ad.

Plus, here's a look at the new TV spot for the same campaign.

Rowling Responds

[source]

In Toronto today for a reading (as part of the International Festival of Authors) at the Elgin Theatre, Harry Potter scribe JK Rowling also participated in a press conference in which she responded to the immense reaction of her comments about the sexual orientation of beloved Potter character Albus Dumbledore.

As if you haven't all already heard by now, at a similar reading this past Friday (October 19) at Carnegie Hall in NYC, Rowling was asked by a fan whether Dumbledore had ever had a great love, to which Rowling replied that he was gay and had indeed fallen in love with his one-time childhood friend and later nemesis, Gellert Grindewald.

The subsequent four days has seen any and every media outlet imaginable (whether Harry Potter -related or not) abuzz with the news. Most reaction has been positive though there has been some nasty homophobic griping as well as accusations of the outing being nothing more than a politically correct publicity stunt.

Anyway, at the press conference today Rowling refused to get too embroiled in the controversy but did state that "As my character, I have the right to know what I know about [Dumbledore] and say what I say about him," and "It certainly would never be news to me that a brave and brilliant man could love other men." Hear, hear!

Click here for more on Rowling's Toronto visit including some video footage.

Personally, I don't see what the big deal is. OK, I guess I sort of do but I think people are completely over-reacting to what is, essentially, a bit of additional character detail.

As I mentioned previously, I totally did not see this revelation coming but it definitely provides insight into Dumbledore's relationship with fellow wizard Grindewald. I, heretofore, could not understand how such an otherwise sensible man such as D could be drawn in by the utter ravings of this Grindy fellow. Alas, it is true that love can blind us to even the ugliest of truths.

Also, I don't believe, as many have alleged, that Rowling outed Dumbledore as a means to draw more attention to herself and the book/film series. Seriously?!? Harry Potter is a pop culture phenomenon the likes of which has never been seen before nor will likely be again. Rowling has more money than Donald Trump, the Vatican and the Queen combined so, cynical as I am, I really don't think she's looking to line her coffers any further.

The simple truth is that Rowling was asked a point-blank question by a fan which she answered, plainly and honestly, as she always does. I think the reason that she didn't make the true nature of the Dumbledore/Grindewald relationship more apparent in the books (I say "more apparent" because, clearly, more astute readers than I were able to pick up on the subtext) is because that knowledge was not intrinsic to the overall plot like say the Snape/Lily relationship was.

Further, the stories are told in third-person, predominantly through the eyes of young Harry himself who, though good-hearted and well-meaning he may be, is shown throughout the series to be not particularly intuitive in many aspects. Close as he may have been to his beloved headmaster, I doubt Harry (or his peers) gave much thought to his sex life or, for that matter, that of any of the other faculty at Hogwarts.

BTW I still don't understand the accusations that Dumbledore was "made gay" as part of some politically correct agenda. Someone please explain.

Whew! That was a long one. To cap of this post on a lighter note, let's take at look at this video of Tom Felton (who plays Potter character Draco Malfoy in the films) as, apparently, the first castmember of note to provide (awkward and unintentionally amusing) reaction to the big gay news.

New Music From The Verve. Yes, Really.

No fooling.

Click here to download the first new material in a decade from Wigan's finest.

Late Night TV Preview: October 22 - 27, 2007

Here are some of the musical artists scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode (which, this week, seems to be everyone but Kimmel).



Interpol No I in Threesome




Flight of the Conchords If You're Into It



MONDAY

• Bright Eyes - Tonight Show with Jay Leno* (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Andrew Bird - Late Night with Conan O'Brien* (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Ben Kweller - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

TUESDAY

• Editors - Leno*
• James Morrison - Carson*
• Zap Mama - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson* (12:35am - CBS, E!)
  

WEDNESDAY

• Paolo Nutini - Leno
• Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals - Late Show with David Letterman* (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Ben Harper - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Flight of the Conchords - Conan*
• Jamie T - Carson*

THURSDAY

• Chris Cornell - Leno*
• Interpol - Kimmel
• The Mooney Suzuki - Conan*
• Peter Bjorn & John - Carson*

FRIDAY

• Rooney - Conan*
• Ingrid Michaelson - Carson*

SATURDAY

• Spoon - Saturday Night Live* (11:30pm - NBC, GlobalTV)

Yeah, My Gayday Totally Needs A Tune-Up

JK Rowling outs Dumbledore as gay.



I have to admit, I didn't see that little revelation coming at all. I always thought he and McGonagall had a little "undercover lover" thing going on.

For some reason this new found knowledge makes me quite happy though I wish Rowling had made it more apparent throughout the Harry Potter series if only to give the religious fundamentalist whackjobs even more of a reason to get their knickers in a twist.

Sir Tom Brings The Craptastic

This video comes from the Princess Diana tribute concert that took place over the summer but I only just happened across it today. It's Welsh crooner Tom Jones - accompanied by Aerosmith's Joe Perry on guitar - doing a cover of the Arctic Monkeys' I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.

Yeah, that's right.




It really is just all kinds of wrong piled on top of way more wrong.

And yet, somehow...I... like... it?

At Least He's Honest

From left to right: random dude, random dude, Kiefer Sutherland [source]

Scratch Your Name

Here's another totally random post about a new-ish band I'm digging that maybe you will too - up this time are Noisettes.

Even tough this UK act had to cancel their fall North American tour (Boo! I had tickets to the Toronto gig) they will still be performing this Friday (October 19) at the CMJ Music Marathon as part of the Afro-punk showcase along with Spank Rock and Earl Greyhound among others (still "Boo!" - I don't live in NYC).

Anyway...listen, discover, enjoy.






Count of Monte Christo



Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit)

Win, Régine & The Boss

Man, the kids are really crazy for that Bruce Springsteen fella. Why, just this past weekend I was at The Raveonettes concert and (bassist/singer) Sharin Foo mentioned how excited she and (guitarist/singer) Sune Rose Wagner were to be attending Springsteen's Toronto concert on Monday (October 15).



I, myself, like a few of his songs but I wouldn't call myself a fan. Certainly not like Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire fame who recently got a chance to perform with Springsteen at his concert in Ottawa this past Sunday (October 14).


State Trooper


Keep The Car Running



Such a lovely moment. Win and Régine are obviously thrilled at having the opportunity to perform with one of their musical idols and Springsteen definitely seems pleased by all the love coming his way. Brilliant!

Jason Schwartzman To Appear On MTV Live (Canada) - 18/10/07

I repeat (Stephanie) - actor Jason Schwartzman, along with director Wes Anderson, will appear on MTV Live to promote their new movie The Darjeeling Limited this Thursday, October 18 at 6pm. Click here (Stephanie) for details on how to be a member of the live studio audience.

Strangest. BFFs. Ever.

Below from left to right is Alison "VV" Mosshart (The Kills), Kylie Minogue and Mary-Kate Olsen walking arm-in-arm in London this past Saturday (October 13).

[source & details]

Actually, I think they look pretty cute together. I kind of want to be their friend, too. I believe my first duty upon breaching this inner circle of hipster-sweet would be to inform VV and MK that it's really not kosher to be lighting up in the vicinity of a cancer survivor (that would be Kylie). Just saying.

Listen To Iman

I finally got around to watching the first episode of Project Runway Canada this weekend and, I have to say, I was quite impressed. The crop of competitors going for the top prize in this incarnation of the wildly popular series certainly seem like they're ready to bring the fierce.

One thing I thought was interesting is that it seemed, unlike Project Catwalk (the British version, I've never seen the US version), that the competitors had quite a bit of practical experience in the in the fashion industry. I even recognized some as having fairly established collections including Shernett Swaby, Lucian Matis and, one of the premiere episode's bottom two, Stephen Wong.

It's also interesting to note that though the series has barely just kicked off, in real time it's quite close to wrapping up. It's clear from the scenery and the way participants are dressed that the series was, at least primarily, shot over the summer. Also, it was mentioned several times throughout the episode that the final three competitors would stage runway presentations during Toronto's L'Oreal Fashion Week which begins next Monday (October 22). The Project Runway Canada presentaion is even listed on the schedule though it's "By invitation only" which leads me to believe there will be a media blackout on the ultimate winner of the competition.

If you missed the first episode of PRC, you can click the screen below to catch a snippet or go to the official website to watch full episodes.






Episode 2 of PRC airs tonight at 10pm on Slice once again featuring supermodel/host Iman, mentor (and Canadian fashion mainstay) Brian Bailey and joined this week by guest judges Richie Rich and Traver Rains of NYC label Heatherette.

Late Night TV Preview: October 15 - 20, 2007

Here are some of the musical artists scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.


Angie Stone Baby


MONDAY

• 50 Cent - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Fionn Regan - Late NIght with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

TUESDAY

• PJ Harvey - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Sondre Lerche - Letterman
• Angie Stone - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Ghostland Observatory - Conan

WEDNESDAY

• Chromeo - Kimmel
• Mute Math - Conan
• A Fine Frenzy - Last Call with Carson Daly* (1:35am - NBC)

THURSDAY

• Band of Horses - Letterman
• Talib Kweli - Kimmel
• Spoon - Conan
• They Might Be Giants - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, E!)
• Teddybears - Carson*

FRIDAY

• Brother Ali - Conan
• The Tender Box - Carson*

SATURDAY

• Kanye West - Saturday Night Live* (11:35pm - NBC, GlobalTV)

Stripes Become Shutterbugs

So the White Stripes had to cancel their U.S. tour because of Meg's mystery illness leaving them with a lot of extra time on their hands which, naturally, they've decided to fill by selling cameras.

Yeah, that's right.

I'm so confused.

Still kind of want one though.

The Blogger Hand-Off

So, here's what's going to be happening today kids. I will be forwarding you to the blog of my friend Sharelle who will, in turn, make reference and then forward you on to the blog of Kanye West. I believe this phenomenon is referred to as "meta blogging". Or "being lazy". Six of one...



Really, though, Sharelle, at least, put quite a bit of effort into her post which is part of the reason I'm not bothering to attempt my own review of Kanye's latest offering to the world. Also, I'm tired. Try not to hate too much.

M.I.A. Does The Hour

I totally forgot she was supposed to be on this week. Thank goodness for YouTube.




I'm still conflicted about host George S. since he left MuchMusic - it seems like he's gotten even more twitchy - but he does get some interesting people in that interview chair.

Cavalli Goes Wild For H&M

Mega retailer H&M this week began releasing tidbits of information about their collaboration with Italian designer Roberto Cavalli.

A short video done in black & white 60's style leads you to a home page featuring Canadian supermodel Jessica Stam draped in a full-length, animal-print, spaghetti-strap dress (pictured). From there, you can link to a blog which fills in a few more details about the much anticipated collection. Surprise, surprise the aforementioned animal prints (a Cavalli staple) will be a dominant theme and, like previous H&M/designer collabos (Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf respectively), the collection will be available only in selected store locations around the world.

Cavalli totally isn't my style so, since it seems like he's going with his standard animal prints, I think I will definitely be skipping this particular fashion frenzy. However, I know his clothes are very sought after so I hope all you Cavalli-worshippers out there are able to snag some good deals.

A full preview of Roberto Cavalli at H&M will be available online on October 26 - the collection hits select stores on November 8, 2007.

All Hail The Return Of The MILF Weed

Finally!

It seems like ages since Showcase aired the season 2 finale of Weeds but tonight, at long last, sees the glorious return of this brilliant and surprisingly sophisticates "tokes'n'jokes" series.

Nancy "the Suburban Baroness of Bud" Botwin returns along with the rest of her dysfunctional family, friends, neighbours and, um, business associates in the deceptively quiet community of Agrestic. Moving into the area this year is a mega-church which will bring in new characters played by Matthew Modine and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Click below for a behind the scenes look at the upcoming season.




You can also see full episodes of the first two seasons of Weeds via the Showcase website.

Straight From My Inbox

THE KYLIE COUNTDOWN BEGINS RIGHT HERE!

You can listen to Kylie's new single 2 Hearts, without doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated songs of the year, all over UK radio tomorrow (Wed 10th Oct) at 7.50am! And if that is not enough to raise your excitement levels to fever pitch, you can also watch the video premiere of 2 Hearts on GMTV at the same time! The video finds Kylie performing the single with her band and looking more fabulous than ever. It is sure to be dominating all the music channels over the coming weeks so it will be hard to miss! You will also be able to catch the video online and at Kylie's official site Kylie.com

WHITE DIAMOND SCREENING IN LEICESTER SQUARE

Tickets are now on sale for the public premiere screening of White Diamond at the Vue West End in Leicester Square on October 16th! The exclusive world premiere, attended by Kylie herself, will take place that evening and give fans the chance to see her in the flesh on the red carpet before experiencing her stunning new film in the cinema.

Vue will be showing the film in 38 cinemas across the country in High Definition and Dolby 5:1 digital surround sound.

Tickets can be purchased now online from www.myvue.com or by phone via 08712 240 240 or directly from box offices at participating cinemas.

Fans who have already purchased tickets to see White Diamond at other participating Vue Cinemas are able to transfer their tickets for the Leicester Square screening, subject to availability. Please contact Vue Customer Services for further information on 08712 240 240. Select the cinema you have already booked and press 0.

Click the links below to watch the trailer for White Diamond:

Real Hi

Windows Hi

Talking about White Diamond Kylie said:

"When William Baker and I started working on White Diamond more than a year ago we had little idea that it would develop into such an epic project; one that would cover the entire period leading up to and continuing throughout the Showgirl Homecoming tour. It was a very personal journey preparing for this tour and only someone as close to me as William could have captured it in such a unique and enjoyable way.

I am very excited that my fans will have an opportunity to see the movie throughout Vue Cinemas and I am looking forward to the premiere in Leicester Square on 16th October 2007."

THINK PINK!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so it's time to start Thinking Pink. For everyone getting involved in fundraising activities we'd like to wish you well in your efforts.

Remember to be vigilant with your self examinations and lots of information can be found on the following sites:

Breast Cancer Care UK

Cancer Research UK

Breakthrough UK

AND FINALLY...

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the November edition of Glamour magazine featuring Kylie as cover girl. As well as an exclusive interview there's loads of stunning new pictures! Kylie says the month of October is a great reminder to everyone to take care. Also, thanks to everyone supporting the cause and have fun in all your 'pink' events.

Thank Q

Yes, I know, it's totally lame-ass title but it's Thanksgiving Day and part of what I'm thankful for is the fact that I'm not required to use all my brain function today. Like, even less than the the 10% I would normally use.

Along those lines, I'll just guide you directly to the Q Awards 2007 page where you can get the scoop on all the goings on from the ceremony that took place earlier today in London.

Though, so you won't have to strain your brain too much on this holiday, I'll give you my brief review of the event.

• Kylie showed up.
• Winehouse did not.
• Dame Shirley Bassey presented the Arctics with their award. Sorry, I guess that's only surreal to me.
• Macca is a fun name to read/write/say.
• I still don't get Muse.
• Ian Brown is still alive.

You're welcome.

Late Night TV Preview: October 8 - 13, 2007

Datarock Fa Fa Fa



Justice We Are Your Friends


Here are some of the musical artists schedules to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.

MONDAY

• The Shins - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Modest Mouse - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
  
• Shout Out Louds - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, E!)

TUESDAY

• Justice - Kimmel
• Black Lips - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)

WEDNESDAY

• Queens of the Stone Age - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, OMNI)
• Datarock - Kimmel
• Modest Mouse - Ferguson

THURSDAY

• José Gonzales - Kimmel
• Klaxons - Conan
• Tori Amos - Ferguson

FRIDAY

• Alicia Keys - Leno
• Q-Tip - Kimmel
• Fionn Regan - Conan
• They Might Be Giants - Ferguson
• Morrissey - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

SATURDAY

• Foo Fighters - Saturday Night Live (11:30pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• The Rollins Band - Henry Rollins Show (9:30pm & 3:15am - IFC Canada)

The Eyes Have It? - Update

Seeing as it is fairly late in the day, I figure most of you already have the 4-1-1 on this little musical treasure hunt but, if not, here you go.

You're welcome.

Health Updates

As we move into Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to post some hopeful news about two musicians - Haydain Neale (Jacksoul) and Isaac Hanson (Hanson) respectively - who've come up against some pretty serious health issues recently. I won't dwell too much on the obvious but, in light of these examples, it's definitely a time to reflect and be grateful for the good in your life.

Haydain Neale

Oct 1, 2007
A Spokesperson for the family is happy to report that Haydain Neale has made some significant improvement over the past month and is showing positive signs of recovery. The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors along with all of the hospital staff for their kindness and dedication. They also wish to thank the amazing outpouring of generous support from the music industry and fans. The emails and cards have provided tremendous strength and are being read to Haydain daily.



There have been some inaccuracies reported in the media over the past few weeks regarding Haydain’s condition and the family asks that anyone wishing to inquire or report on his status please refer to the statements released via the spokesperson for the family, Daniel Mekinda, and posted on the Jacksoul website (www.jacksoul.com). Please continue to send words of encouragement to Haydain at getwellhaydain@gmail.com or through the mail at 17 Stephanie St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1B1. [source]

Isaac Hanson

Isaac Hanson Recovering From Surgery
Band's "Walk" tour likely to resume next week

The Latest
Official Press Release

Guitarist Isaac Hanson of the rock group Hanson who was hospitalized following a show in Dallas, TX Tuesday night, underwent successful surgery today at Baylor University Medical Center for a form of pulmonary embolism known as venous thorasic outlet syndrome or "Paget-Schroeder Syndrome." The disease normally affects athletes whose upper body muscle development constricts the arteries from the heart and causes potentially fatal blood clots in the lungs.

The life-saving surgery was performed by Dr. Bradley Grimsley who was extremely satisfied with the results and expects Isaac to make a full and swift recovery.
Pending doctors final approval, Isaac is due to be released from the hospital tomorrow (Friday) and Hanson's North American "Walk Tour" in support of their new album of the same name will resume on October 8th in Knoxville, TN.

The band's agents and promoters are working on rescheduling the canceled dates in Tulsa, St. Louis and Kansas City and further announcements regarding possible make-up dates will be made as soon as possible. [

source]

Finally, because I'm totally kind of perverse like that, I'm going to include this video for The Operation by Charlotte Gainsbourg, who also suffered a recent health scare.

It Got Champagne In It!

If you, like me, are one of the remaining 10 people on the planet who hasn't yet seen this clip of Kanye West poking fun at his own infamous legacy of tantrums on this past weekend's season premiere of Saturday Night Live, do yourself a favour and take a moment to drink it in. Truly priceless.



In my opinion, the best part of this skit is that it provides visual proof of the return of SNL castmember Maya Rudolph, who'd been causing much stress to fans like myself with her crazy "I quit/No, wait, I'm coming back" flip-flopping pretty much right up until the taping of this episode.



While we're at it, we might as well have a gander at two other skits from the same episode - a High School Musical spoof starring guest host Lebron James and another digital short from Andy Samberg featuring Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and a cameo by Jake Gyllenhaal.

Bat Of An Eye

See what I've done there? See how I've tied two, seemingly unrelated, posts together with these clever titles?

Right - moving on.

By no means do I think I'm up on the cutting edge of any music scene, however, even when in conversation with friends of similar tastes, I do increasingly find myself confronted with a sea of blank stares as I'm babbling on excitedly about an artist that I've recently gotten into.

Thus in order to musically pay it forward and, perhaps, simultaneously decrease the trend of attending concerts on my own, I've decided to randomly post content by artists I'm currently digging. No commentary, no background info (you've all heard of Google and Wikipedia) - just the straight goods.

First up: Bat For Lashes. Had I been really organized, I would have posted these videos before she played the El Mocambo in Toronto last Friday. It was an amazing show - sorry if you missed it.




What's A Girl To Do



Prescilla









Hope this helps - stay tuned for more.

The Eyes Have It?

Not really sure what's going on at the Arcade Fire website but, according to the blinking eye, it looks like there's going to be some sort of big announcement on October 6.

I didn't really bother to investigate further because the multiple eyes were totally starting to freak me out. I will try to remember to head back on Saturday to scoop the deal-y-o.

Nuit Blah

OK, so while I don't think the second annual Toronto Nuit Blanche was a complete disappointment, I certainly don't think it lived up to the expectations set by last year's inaugural event. It was really good to see so many more people out this year though I don't know if that was due to the buzz generated from last year's event or just the unseasonably mild weather.


I'm not sure if it's because the selection criteria was different or if there just wasn't a lot of variety in the submissions this year so I don't want to randomly point fingers. However, overall, it just seemed to me (and the friends I went with) that there were an inordinate amount of exhibits/installations that were nothing more than things projected onto other things. Also, quite a few displays involved randomly strung up LED lights.

Still, there were a few cool things. I liked quite a bit of the stuff at U of T including the "mini-bar", UFO crash site, faculty's choice slow-dance and, especially, the kaleidoscope. In other areas I liked the "apartment contents" on display, the mountain of balloons at the Eaton Centre and the exhibits at the Gladstone Hotel. I also really liked whatever the frick the Science & Sons* installation was supposed to be - I didn't get it (and the write up just made it way more confusing) but I thought it was pretty cool.

We never made it to the Bloor/Yorkville area or, unfortunately, out to the parkour demonstrations at Queen & Dufferin. If anyone would like to provide reviews of those aspects of Nuit Blanche, or anything (good or bad) about NB in general, please feel free to do so in the comments section.


*My friend and fellow blogger Sharelle recently did a post about S&S.

Late Night TV Preview: October 1 - 6, 2007

Bloc Party The Prayer


Here are some of the musical artists scheduled to appear on late night TV in the coming week. Note: * indicates an encore episode.


MONDAY

• Tori Amos - Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35pm - NBC, A-Channel)
• Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals - Late Show with David Letterman (11:35pm - CBS, ONMI)
• VHS or Beta - Late Night with Conan O'Brien (12:35am - NBC, A-Channel)
• Juliette & the Licks - Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35am - CBS, E!)

TUESDAY

• Mark Ronson - Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05am - ABC, CityTV)
• Paolo Nutini - Last Call with Carson Daly (1:35am - NBC)

WEDNESDAY

• Robbie Nelson w/ Willie Nelson - Leno
• Nick Lowe - Kimmel
• Ani Difranco - Conan

THURSDAY

• Rihanna - Letterman
• Bloc Party - Conan

FRIDAY

• Annie Lennox - Leno
• Iron & Wine - Letterman
• Animal Collective - Conan
• Diana Krall - Ferguson

SATURDAY

• Spoon - Saturday Night Live (11:30pm - NBC, GlobalTV)
• Ani Difranco - Henry Rollins Show (9:30pm & 4am - IFC Canada)