“I wonder why I never wonder why, The easiest things are so hard”
-Unconditional, the Bravery

Last night was The Bravery and The Cinematics show at the Opera House…and also some other band that was a cross between Billy Talent and The Automatic who were of no consequence.

Eve and I primarily went to see The Cinematics, having seen The Bravery 2 years ago, but given my discovery of my newest Scottish heroes a week before they played here last, I was game to see them live. They put on a nice set, even if it meant skipping my favourite song “Rise & Fall.” They were fun to watch and jump around to the crowd seemed into them, even if it was just me, an old dude, a young dude, and a Spanish chick singing along.

And I declare Scotland the new Ireland in terms of hotness.

Franz Ferdinand-ish in looks- and sound- I heart them. Especially the bass player, who in all his hotness was sporting a wedding ring- pretty much the only line I wouldn’t cross.

And like a fool, I didn’t bring my camera, even though we were a foot from the stage.

“I'm accused, I'm an accuser, But nothing's unconditional”

I wasn’t pumped at all for The Bravery although they put on such a decent show in Summer o’ Aught 5, they were worth sticking around for for the $24 ticket price. Only being marginally familiar with their new single (although their new album has positive reviews), I was surprised they pulled off so many songs off their first album. Having 2 albums meant that there was no room for an “An Cat Dubh” cover, sadly. The lead singer lost weight, and, wait for it, is now quasi-hot. Looks aside, it was a good show, although I didn’t feel the energy in the room this time around. 2 years ago, again at the Opera House, the place was packed and sweaty, just the way I like concerts. Last night we had ample room and the crowd wasn’t fully enthused to freak-out potential until “An Honest Mistake” came on half-way through their set. I guess it’s not saying much for a band to return to Toronto two years later and not fill the same venue to sold out capacity again, but clearly Toronto must give them love since they’ll be back in August. Eve preferred them this time around, where I’ll take 2005.

“I've only got myself to blame”

Bottom line: a good show worth the price of admission. And I hope to catch The Cinematics again.

If only The Cinematics would play a show with Franz Ferdinand and The Fratellis, I’d be in Scottish heaven.

And thanks to some mad pulling posters off of lamp post skillz, I now have a lovely set of Kaiser Chiefs posters, which wholly influenced my semi-conscious dream state which involved both the Kaisers and the cat inviting me to an event on Facebook.

We also discovered new, cheap sushi on Yonge St which is tastefully delicious. And did I mention cheap?

"I just want, I just want love, I just want something”

“I'm not going to let stuff get me upset, and i wont let all the little things get me depressed”
-Generator, Holloways

“You, girl. What do you know about a videotape?”

An odd enough question perhaps, as I stepped out of the office this afternoon.

I work in a “colourful” neighbourhood, in between a courier company that some of my co-workers believe is front for a brothel, and a psychic. The question of the day came from said psychic as I was on my way out to Suspect Video (which deserves this delightful note: Just because I happen to be wearing a skirt and looking girly today, doesn’t mean I have wandered into your store by accident, am confused, and do not need to be pointed to your “new Hollywood releases” because I am perusing your shameful Criteron collection).

I digress…

The psychic, an odd Eastern European woman who often comes into my office to use the phone (I don’t ask), asked me to come look at her “videotape.” Normally, I wouldn’t go into someone’s house who so obviously looks like a prime candidate for stuffing me into her oven, but I had nothing better to do. The videotape in question was actually a DVD which wouldn’t play in the DVD player because it was plugged in wrong. As a psychic, I thought this was something she should have known. No problem, I fix it and am on my way. The psychic is obviously impressed with my mad skillz, takes my hand as I think she’s offering me a handshake of thanks, then proceeds to read my palm.

Really.
Having never been to a psychic before because I am cynical, stubborn, and fear that a psychic will try and read my mind to discover my vast vault of secrets, I am also surprisingly superstitious when it comes to tempting fate. She gave me a spontaneously quick palm reading before I even knew what was happening. The gems of wisdom she passed on to me for the summer:

-things will come out in the open and I will be relieved that reaction is not as bad as I expected (okay....)

-“No boyfriend? Good romance happen soon. Patience” (very Yoda)...she also said "Mr. Right in front of you," or "Mister [is] right in front of you."

-what I have been “waiting for” will finally happen (which given her odd English at first made it sound like “I’ll get what’s coming to me” a la comeuppance, karma, etc...but she assured me it was a good thing)

-financial upswing, a trip, and I will be directly involved in a friend’s serious decision (okay, which one of you…) but it will work out favourably

-“good season ahead”

And I am a "nice girl.” So she’s clearly not that good at her job.

Toss in the construction workers whistling at me and a man on the streetcar who offered me an apple, (no I didn’t take it. It was probably full of razorblades), its been an unusual day, leaving me oddly creeped out but upbeat. Still trying to wrap my mind around things and am kind of afriad to go back outside.


“I can get a record player, and a generator. Generate the music that makes you feel better”

“I’ll make it easier for you, what a disaster, maybe its better off this way”
-I Never Wanted Anything, Moving Units

Thank God it’s May 2-4 (or for Winnipegers, “May Long”).

I haven’t needed a day off as much as I need one now. I can hear my bed calling me. Between 5 concerts in 10 days, lack of sleep, and high stress situations at work I’m ready for a break.

Work is impossible. I’m often terrified when I step in the door because I never know if they day will bring screaming matches, an avalanche of paper work, or absolutely nothing at all. I dread the phrase, “Can you do me a favour?” which has resulted in everything from me incorrectly filling out forms, calling Denmark, designing DVD labels, making bank runs, searching for particular brands of tea, faxing irate jewellers in Los Angeles, and cries of "'Lust for Life' costs how much?"
So tempting was the random call I got from a company who saw my resume on Monster (apparently leftover from 10 months ago), that I actually paused to think for a minute…before deciding that I’d like to reap the benefits that will come when this mostly awesome documentary is finished in the Fall. I do have some loyalty to the film but I’ll just bide my time until something fun comes along. Something that doesn’t involve hearing far too descriptive accounts of murder cases from the police department to compare to old true crime TV shows my company produced.

“Cause its natural to feel unfaithful when you’re going to be anyway,
Was it worth all the fuss ‘cause I feel so seedy”

My long weekend will be mostly low key in the hanging out at my parents house tomorrow sun tanning and drinking gin with my nana before heading back to the city at the disgustingly early time of 730am on Sunday morning- a free ride to my front door with an armload of clean laundry I didn’t have to pay to wash is worth the early wake up call. Monday sees the possibility of Wonderland and funnel cakes. Low key is fine: I need to store up energy for next weekend’s impromptu Ottawa trip anyway.

“It was different then, you had expected…”

Wednesday was Tapes n’ Tapes, who were okay. It’s no fault of their own. I just think that seeing so many sweet concerts and having to top the previous night’s Arcade Fire show dampened my opinion of them. At least there were no sweaty dudes from the Arctic Monkeys show there. And now I have a break until my next show for the Cinematics on the deciding not to spend more than $20 on a Keane ticket.

Top 5 Songs Keeping Me Sane (and trying to stop me biting my nails):

Generator- The Holloways (which has been in my head for a week)
I Never Wanted Anything- Moving Units
I'm Not Down- The Clash
My Love- JT
Make this Go On Forever- Snow Patrol

Now back to slowly counting the minutes until I can get the hell out of the office…

“I know it’s difficult, so I will be patient”

“You've got your reasons, And me I've got mine”
-Ocean of Noise, Arcade Fire

I think Ryan summed the Arcade Fire show up well enough for me. And its safe to say that Eve, the brothers McNeil and I were all impressed.

Highlight song(s): Neighbourhood #2, In the Backseat, and if I have to pick something new, Windowsill.

And it must be said that they were a much more attractive collection in person.

It’s definitely in my top 10, which would go a little something like this:

U2 with Garbage in Montreal on the Elevation tour
Stars in Ottawa 2005
Franz Ferdinand at Fuji Rock
Arcade Fire
Kaiser Chiefs
Keane in Montreal 2005
Scissor Sisters at Fuji Rock
Moby
Duran Duran in 2000
It would be an even tie for last place between Oasis, REM, and The Rifles at Fuji Rock.

Tapes n’ Tapes tonight, and then I am done concerting for a week until The Cinematics…that is, of course, if I don’t land Keane tickets for Sunday.

“But all the reasons I gave, Were just lies to buy myself some time”

“Hey! Hey! You! You! I could be your girlfriend”
-Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne (HOW did this get in my head??!)

“I saw a book that you should read.”

Usually when someone says this, I’m intrigued as it’s usually about music, pop culture or some form of both.

Not this time.

This time its dating advice. Thanks. That’s what I get for strolling through High Park to Chapters. As if it weren’t bad enough that my parents and my Nana have finally starting prying into my love life (or lack thereof), now people that I only know casually through others and haven’t seen in months are giving me advice. The book in question is called “Sex with Your Ex” (and NO, that’s not why it was recommended to me). It’s a list of what not to do in a relationship or while looking for a man, or once you have found someone. Gee, thanks. Relationship lists? That’s not how I roll. Especially, when after a cursory glance, I have already broken most of the rules and disregarded the rest, less interesting ones. Some gems from this book o’ wonders included inclusions from Captain Obvious: never reveal your “number,” never go after a guy who is taken, don’t go home with a dude on the first date. Of course, I was fundamentally opposed to, “Never fall for a jerk, no matter how beautiful he is.” That’s totally what I look for in a man. Clearly relationship advice books are not for me. Instead, I picked up “The Boy Who Kicked Pigs” which is my new favourite book. AND it has pictures. Pictures of pigs. And crows. Very Burton-esque. AND it was written by 1970s Doctor Who.

“Don’t you know what I could do to make you feel alright?”

Going back to my parents meddling into my love life now (I guess I can’t complain too much as this is the first time it’s ever happened…I made it 25 years without their advice) it kind of makes me glad the traditional Mother’s Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake picnic/brunch was cancelled this year. There’s only so many times I can hear, “What about that Dan fellow? I always thought Dan was such a nice boy.” Yes. Clearly, we have been biding our time for the past 21 years as friends. Soon I will make my move. It should also be noted that my family refers to Dan as Danny. “What about that boy Mike?” First of all, I don’t know who “Mike” is. I told my parents he was gay, which is an excuse that’s wearing thin. They’re on to me.

Perhaps I shouldn’t tell them that Dan and I are proud owners of Wonderland seasons passes, and are on our way to scoring Keane tickets for Sunday for less than $12 each. Not like I need another concert, especially one at the Kool Haus, but I can’t turn down a concert or a good deal.

I’ve had something in my eye since Friday and I am going insane.

"I know that you like me, No way! No way! No it’s not a secret"

And I totally forgot about the Arctic Monkeys on Friday…
They’ve certainly gained more stage presence than the last time I saw them although you’d think it was a race to see how fast they could get through their songs. Be Your Own Pet is one of the worst bands I’ve ever seen. I didn’t take my camera out for fear of getting trampled at the show by jumpy boys. I haven’t been to a show with so much pushing since JET at Fuji Rock. That’s right, JET.

“I think we should get together now, And that’s what everyone’s talking about!”

"But you don't love me the way that, I love you"
-You Don't Love Me, The Kooks


Okay, where to begin…

The Kooks re-cap:

- worst opening band ever called Illinois. Like Dashboard Confessional/Third Eye Blind bad. Lots of Tim Robbins’ were dished out.
- The Kooks were good, although I can’t really recall the finer points. This picture probably illustrates why:
- That being said, it was a very short set with lots of songs neither Shane nor I recognized.
- The Kooks are ugly. And have some of the worst hair I have ever seen.
- The crowd wasn’t that into it. Or at least they weren’t as into it as we were.

And I had a really hard time keeping the camera steady...

I had a horrible day at work yesterday. I actually had to go for a walk to calm down in HMV. Upon said walk I met a dude. This happy fellow parked his bike in front of me with a “hey.” Since I don’t talk to strangers, I ignored him until he said, “hey, what are you up to?” The short of this unpleasant encounter was that after I denied him my phone number saying I did not own a phone and was from out of town, I looked down to see he wasn’t wearing any shoes. He was riding his bike barefoot in downtown Toronto. These are the men that I attract and also a testament to why I don’t like strangers.

"You killed my heart just to see if, I will rise"

The next bright spot in my day was of course the time I was bit by a dog. Co-workers were outside for a cigarette break, and me, having such a bad day, thought it would be a good idea just to step away from my desk and join them outside. They were petting a small dog when I went out there, and again, cutting to the chase, the “he’s friendly and doesn’t bite” never seems to apply to me. Nursing my wounds I retreated to play on the Book instead.

Of course, everything post-work was excellent, except for when I got lost in Honest Ed’s and couldn’t find an exit or the pack of gum that I had ventured in to buy. Other than all that, it was a delightful evening…except when I locked myself out of the house and had to wake Carri up to let me in around 130am.

And because I am crazy, I now have a ticket to the Arctic Monkeys on Friday. That’s right, I’m not seeing 6 concerts in May. Why spend my tax return on food, shelter and student loans, when I can spend it on booze, DVDs, and concert tickets?

"However much I love you this love, is getting bad"

My iPod spit out this random playlist this morning and I was impressed:

Party Girl-U2

Need You Tonight- INXS

Senorita- JT

Dancing in the Street- Mick & David

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow- Carole King

It knows what I likes.

"But you don't love me you don't care"

"How do you know that you're right? If you're not nervous anymore"
-Bling, The Killers

The Killers re-cap:

- somewhere between a “meh” and an “okay” on the ratings scale, with parts of the show scoring higher on my impressive meter than others
- the newer, Born to Run-ish songs fit better with the venue where the Hot Fusss songs seemed out of place for such a large space…
- …a cavernous space it seems the band was having a hard time filling due to lack of overall stage presence and witty banter…did Brandon Flowers even say anything or was it just that his moustache kept me from hearing him?
- The moustache. You all know I have hated it since day one. It was there, as was Western-themed attire sported only by Brandon. I guess he’s just the crazy one in the group that the rest of them have to indulge.
- Highlights were my mom’s fave, “All These Things That I’ve Done” and a Joy Division cover
- They played “Read My Mind” and “When You Were Young” twice. Only once was necessary. Its also entirely possible they played them more than that.
- Our seats were good- first row in the 300s
- Its been a long time since I went to an arena show (U2, Vertigo tour) and it takes some getting used to after so many shows at the Kool Haus as of late (and also later tonight and next week) and it took me a while to get into the set. And it was so freakin’ loud. I’m like an old woman, yelling at them to turn it down.
- Opening band, The Red Romance were good. I likes them. Although they’re pretty indistinguishable from other Brit-poppy sounding bands
- Old and new songs didn’t always fit together…it just kind of made me wish for the old, moustache-less, eyeliner wearing Duran Duran-lovin’ Killers back

"I feel my vision slipping in and out of focus"

We’ll see how The Kooks fare tonight.
I’ve uploaded a selection of videos (I don’t even know why I bother taking videos…I think it has to do with my unnecessary archiving of things…). I still have to upload Kaiser Chiefs and The Walkmen videos, but, I’m just so lazy since they’re not on my work computer.

"It ain't hard to hold, When it shines like gold, You'll remember me"

"It's Cinco De Mayo, Let's Party On The Patio! Like They Do In Mexico."

-I don't know this song but found these awesome lyrics here

Oh mi dios. Cinqo de Mayo is one for the books, offering the unexpected and lots of hilarity.

I’ve also come to realize that the more I drink, the longer it takes me to recover from the aftermath. Shouts of “I’m flexible” and contorted dance poses on Friday still have my thighs aching on Monday, not to mention the almost comatose state I was in yesterday due to less than 4 hours of sleep, a can of XL energy drink, G&Ts and brownies, and sips of tequilia, which saw me passing out mid-afternoon and waking up with my glasses crooked, the cat on my hip, and a piece of paper stuck to my face.

Friday turned out to be the crazier of the two evenings for me as Enzo was dressed in his pajamma clad best at the Cave.

Broken down into point form to better jog the memory, highlights include:

- Natalie smacking a dude’s bare chest with an open hand
- Being doused in beer from a fight that broke out on the dance floor (I have never been so grimy, filthy, hot, beer-soaked, and overall disgusting as I have been circa 7am after no sleep)
- Navigating between porn on TV and reruns of “Will & grace” which I am still confused over
- Finally meeting Nat’s friend Jolene who is clearly my twin in terms of her hatred for babies and people
- Dirk further cementing his status as both a babe and a catch
- Awesome karaoke renditions by the brothers McNeil an Lauren, and the off-key screaming that was Cassandra and I doing out best Bon Jovi impression complete with dance moves - The drinking of Carri’s pitcher of margarita at the Beast opening my vault of secrets. One sip equals one “you ugly!” - Being texted by a random dude to invite me over to, and I quote, “see his BBQ” at 230am. - Shane and his magic wand I found on the ground, which was then snapped into pieces by Dirk. - Dancing everywhere: from burrito joints and stores, to the Dance Cave and the Gladstone - My birthday gift to Shane, “The Way of the Cross” DVD…the gift that keeps on giving.
- Dozens of unflattering pictures of everyone

- Having all my hermanos and brosefs together for the first time in over a year: priceless.

Playlist o' the Day to recover from el weekend (and to kick off concert week):

If It Makes You Happy- Sheryl Crow

Recover- The Automatic

When You Were Young- The Killers

Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own- U2 (live on SNL)

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother- the Hollies

"Cinco De Mayo. Partido En El Patio!"

“I think about you and I think about leaving”
-Think About You (And Like It), Kaiser Chiefs

I did it. I’m over Facebook. Each time I logged in to begin a poke war with Shane or trade messages with Nat, I discovered things from my hometown I didn’t want to know. Namely, all the people who are engaged and working at the mall (suckers). There s very few of us who left and even fewer who want to go back. I’ve also become quite the multi-tasker carrying on conversation threads with the same people through MSN, the book, and email, each with a different topic.

I’ve roped 2 people into getting season’s passes to Wonderland. You know I’m only in it for funnel cake, burgers in the medieval land, and the greatest wooden rollercoaster of all time, the Wild Beast. Nothing beats a hot summer day fighting off kids in Spalshworks. Better than Sunnyside Pool which has more old men to gawk than it does urine-tainted water.

“Hold me down I'm so excited, Feeling good but slightly frightened too”

I’m getting my rest to prep for the big weekend with the Ottawa folk coming in to my humble abode tomorrow to co-incide with McNeil’s return. And I am super excited to see everyone and meet Nat’s friend Jolene who I have heard so much about and have been promised that she’s as crazy as we are (and she’s also in for the Cave Friday). I’m pretty much guaranteed to sing the White Stripes rendition of “Jolene” to her in the wee hours of Friday.

Playlist for a Sunny day when I’m stuck indoors (aka the “I Miss the Cemetery” mix):

Kids with Guns- Gorillaz
Superconnected- BSS
I Can Do It Without You- Kaiser Chiefs (still gushing over their show)
Touch the Sky- Kanye West
Wouldn’t It Be Nice- The Beach Boys

“Hold me back I'm so exhausted”