feeling peaky

Toronto Star reviews the Hillside Festival that happened in Guelph over the weekend. Did anyone go? I still haven't really heard anything about it or the Pitchfork Festival which also happened this past weekend in Chicago.

The final episode of Top Of The Pops aired last night. Louise Wener (Sleeper) writes for The Guardian about its end and Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) also had something to say.

Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) married his longtime girlfriend over the weekend.

Members of several hot young bands have signed up for a London FISHING competition.

The Pipettes have some harsh words for Pete Doherty, Dirty Pretty Things, Razorlight, The Kooks and The Horrors.

Bob Dylan and Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) helped Cerys Matthews kick heroin.

Lily Allen covering "Naive" by The Kooks = Not very good. But I guess it's hard to try to match the greatness of the original.

Traclisting announced for those Pulp reissues.

The official "Snakes On A Plane" music video. SERIOUSLY!?!?!

because weekends matter too

Five Random Things That Were Awesome About This Weekend.

1. Dogs That Appear To Drive Cars.

Fucking cute.

2. Don't Be Shy.
Drinking + dancing + Vincent Gallo softcore = a good Friday night.

3. Street performances gone awry.


4. Finding severed monkey arms in the street.


5. The Weakerthans.
I'd never heard their music in large doses or seen them live before and as a result I was TOTALLY and unexpectedly BLOWN AWAY by their show at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday night! I seriously feel like the biggest idiot for never having listened to them extensively before! Anyway, if you're slow to catch on (like I am) then go listen to "The Reasons" and "My Favourite Chords" because, quite simply, they're brilliant. Oooh and here's a teeny clip of the band performing "My Favourite Chords" that I tried to capture with my cell phone because it was so gorgeous.

Anyway, this list could easily go to 10 but the other 5 would likely relate to the company I kept so to save blushes/embarassment I'll stop here.

is it weekend yet?

Damon Albarn has formed another band with a silly name.

Beck is headlining the American version of the Download festival.

Bobby Gillespie pulls a Lily Allen - and gets away with it of course.

Mike Skinner's protegee has a dig at Lily Allen. It's fucking terrible.

If you like Serge Gainsbourg you're really going to like this Stereogum post.

From The Peg Festival at Harbourfront Centre this weekend = Free Weakerthans show tomorrow night!

Obviously I have to see this.

Lindsay Lohan's in trouble with her boss.

There are going to be new characters on Coronation Street based on Liam and Noel Gallagher!!! This excites me!

Dave Chappelle is coming.

Holy crap this is the best accessory I've seen all summer.

Oh and be sure to wish this kid a happy birthday if you see him at Don't Be Shy tonight!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Today's post will come around 4:00.
Wait for it.

i hate days like this

There is absolutely NOTHING worth repeating in the news today.
The big story is that that guy from N'SYNC is gay. Wow! What a shocker!!!

I have plans tomorrow so if I do post at all, it will be later in the afternoon...

how can you bring sexy back if it never left?

Pete Doherty says his diaries being published are full of "amazing nonsense". Doesn't really make me wanna rush out an buy it. Here's the cover of his mother's tell-all book.

Morrissey always has the last word. He can be so mean when he wants to be.

Pitchfork reviews The Pipettes album.

Here's a preview of The Killers new album which is of no interest to me whatsoever.

Charlotte Gainsbourg (Serge Gainsbourg's daughter) will release a track written by Jarvis Cocker as her new single.

I think I ALMOST might be starting to "not hate" Justin Timberlake.

"MySpace shut down by US heatwave" is now BBC newsworthy. Sigh.

Rolling Stones have announced new North American tour dates and Lily Allen has announced a UK tour.

The Futureheads (and Tapes 'N Tapes) play a show at the Phoenix tonight.

Does anybody know of any good places (i.e. hotels that aren't too expensive, nice hostels with private rooms, etc.) to stay in Montreal? I'm in need of a place to crash during Osheaga!

your ass looks fat in your trendy jeans

Oasis are releasing a 2-disc Greatest Hits collection in November. Noel Gallagher exposed as a dirty liar and hypocrite.

Lily Allen says sorry for encouraging drug use.

The Concretes lead singer has left the band.

In addition to making the cover of the latest issue of NME, Pete Doherty is working on a solo album, a new Babyshambles album, and getting clean.

I dont consider myself TOO critical but I'm not too keen on the new Kasabian single "Empire" and the new Scissor Sisters song is a bit, er, much.

The Raconteurs new video for "Hands". It's really cute.

CBC reflects on Britain’s 'Top of the Pops'.

This has just been kinda bugging me lately... I am of the opinion that skinny jeans don't look good on 95% of the women wearing them today (major exceptions being Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham and people who are stick-thin like them). Any woman with hips just ends up looking like an upside down triangle ("Mom jeans" style) and it's not pretty - Don't feel bad tho, even Mischa Barton can't pull it off!

Not everything in the news is bad. (Unless you're a bear I guess.)

OH and I GOT A JOB working in the marketing industry. I start in a few weeks and I'm really excited about it! I haven't quite figured out what I'm going to do with this blog (since my workdays will be like 11 hours long with the commute) but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!

the manic'est of mondays

The Streets will soon be breaking records after creating the longest music video.

Oh that Morrissey!

Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long lost sister. Must've been nice to learn that through the tabloids.

Pete Doherty's making a fifth attempt at rehab. Here's hopin' the fifth time's the charm!

I enjoyed this quote from Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys): “If Oasis can be summed up by ‘Tonight I’m a rock ’n’ roll star’ then for us it’s ‘Tonight I’ve got no idea how I ended up here.’”

Jamie T's video for Sheila is #5 on the The Anti-Hot List this week. More importantly, the video features monkeys.

Is Charlotte Church morphing into Britney Spears?

file all complaints about the current state of pop music here

So I was watching some popular music videos last night and I seriously couldn't determine which was the lesser of these two evils: Jessica Simpson or Fergie... I don't know whether to laugh or cry (or claw off my eyes and ears)!

That loveable weirdo Adam Green recently found himself hitchhiking across Europe in his pajamas.

The Automatic stripped down to their underpants and got a little rowdy on a British morning show today.

For those interested, the tracklisting for the new Killers album.

Kasabian talk about kicking one of their own outta the band.

The new Marks & Spencer Menswear campaign stars Brett Anderson (Suede) and Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music)!

Can anybody get me (+1) on the guestlist for the Futureheads show next week?

Stereogum got hacked. But at least its kinda funny.

This YouTube video is hilarious if only for the Pete Doherty bit.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody! If anyone knows of anything cheap and fun going on around town let me know!

a reconciliation

Former Libertines Pete Doherty and Carl Barat reunited at a London pub on Tuesday. Apparently we have Kate Moss and Lisa Moorish to thank.

The Guardian has a brilliant interview with Cerys Matthews today. The "Britpop legend" also announced a UK tour this fall.

Franz Ferdinand's video for "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" Oh they're so artsy. Hey has anyone else noticed that I've written about Franz like everyday for the past two weeks?

Culture Bully has the new Sloan single. I've always liked Sloan.

The new Outkast song sounds kinda familiar... Evidence?

Kabasian's cover art for the new album 'Empire' is, er, interesting.

Old pictures have turned up of Lily Allen flashing her boobs while on a bender IN REHAB a few years ago. That's badass.

Popjustice have announced their £20 Music Prize shortlist. Is it sad this list excites me more than the Mercury prize?

The only person I didn't want to win Canada's Next Top Model won the damn thing last night.

Very funny.

Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy) being punk'd. Wow. Whatta bitch.

Just a reminder that I'm still looking for a JOB! If you know of any Communications positions in non-profit, media/entertainment, or at any company that doesn't do evil things, please let me know! I've got marketing, PR, fundraising (non-profit), event planning and administrative experience. I'm a catch goddamnit!

ladies who lunch

Yeah, I slacked off today and went for a long lunch. Deal with it.

Primal Scream's new video for "Dolls". Not as good as "Country Girl" (too much Bobby, needs more T&A shots).

Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) upset TOTP bosses by wearing a "Franz Fucking Ferdinand" shirt during the band's recent performance.

The Rapture have released details of their new album 'Pieces Of People We Love' (out in September).

What do you think about the new McAlmont and Butler single? It's no "Yes" that's for sure!

Liam Gallagher makes fun of people.

Season finale of Canada's Next Top Model tonight... I stopped watching weeks ago but I have a feeling I'll tune in anyway (I'm cheering for Sisi simply because the other two are so terribly dull).

everything's just wonderful

The Mercury Music Prize shortlist has been announced. Arctic Monkeys and Thom Yorke are the favourites to win but Muse, Editors and Guillemots are also in the running... And I secretly hope Richard Hawley gets a surprise win. Oh and BBC looks at the highs and lows of the Mercury Music Prize.

Kasabian have kicked their guitarist/keyboardist Chris Karloff out of the band.

Arcade Fire are producing their new album by themselves.

The director himself sent me a link to the fantastic new Gnarls Barkley video for "Smiley Faces". It's absolutely brilliant!

Even Pitchfork likes Lily Allen.

Alan McGee says the single is dead. I wouldn't notice because people have never really bought "singles" here in Canada.

Art Brut and We Are Scientists have teamed up and recorded each others songs for a split single. We Are Scientists are covering "Bang Bang Rock & Roll" and Art Brut are doing a nine-minute version of "The Great Escape".

Soon you'll be hearing Franz Ferdinand's "Do You Want To" in Loreal commercials. Sigh.

Belle & Sebastian are curating an album of children's songs performed by the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, The Divine Comedy, The Kooks, The Flaming Lips and Belle & Sebastian (obvs). Proceeds go to charity.

The older I get the more I like Peaches. She's at the Kool Haus tonight.

i can't take the heat

Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) was beaten up in a bar in Madrid on Friday night. Two black eyes and a broken nose but he still performed the next day in Barcelona.

Ash are working on a new album. Without Charlotte Hatherley. :(

Metric's Dog Day Afternoon festival went down on Saturday. Here's accounts from the Toronto Star and Toronto Sun. Who went? How was it?

The Siren Music Festival went down in New York this weekend. Scissor Sisters, Art Brut, The Cribs, The Stills, Tapes N' Tapes, and She Wants Revenge were among the performers.

The Guardian has compiled a list of 50 albums that changed music. Check it out.

Pete Doherty used to enjoy dressing up in his sister's Brownie uniform as a child. Why am I not shocked.

"Lily Allen got together with her last boyfriend by pretending to lose her keys and then jumping on him when he offered her a place to stay." Smooth.

Some Canadian kids got married in California on Saturday.

My friend Tara got MARRIED on Friday to a wonderful man from Monterrey (Mexico) named Dave! The wedding was lovely and I had a great time dancing to songs like "Hips Don't Lie", "La Bamba" and "Conga" at the reception (despite all the hot young Mexicans in attendance showing me up on the dancefloor)! You can check out some of the pics I took with my phone here! Good times!

iTrips are going to become legal in the UK. I dont know how anyone can survive a long car ride without one!

YouTube is blowing up!

The heat is on so be sure to stay inside and bask in the glory of air-conditioning today!

pete's back!

Lily Allen's debut album got 5 stars (out of 5) in its review in The Guardian today. It's good but I dont know if it's THAT good.

Pete Doherty was back in court yesterday telling the judge he plans to get another anti-heroin implant. The judge said he's making progress (still hasn't had a negative drug test though) and that he's heading in the right direction. I like his new haircut.

The Who have announced their first world tour in 20 years. They're in Toronto on December 4th.

Glastonbury Festival has set up his own record label.

Franz Ferdinand will be making an appearance in the children's programme at Edinburgh International Book Festival next month. They'll be teaching the kiddies about writing lyrics.

Does anyone else thinks its weird that Ricky Wilson does karaoke to his own songs?

Hot lingerie + Kate Moss = something to look forward to.

My friend Tara's getting married today (cue girlish squealing) so I have no advice for what you should do with yourself tonight - I trust you'll find something entertaining!

just keep moving

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis is trying to trademark the name "Glastonbury" which has the locals all nervous.

The Killers new album will be called 'Sam's Town' after a song on the album named after a casino in Las Vegas. The album's due out in October and Tim Burton is rumoured to be directing one of the music videos.

The Kooks amazing debut album is getting an American release in October so hopefully that means we'll have a tour to look forward to.

The band Travis recently stuck a Post-It Note on their Prime Minister's door.

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody is feeling better and is ready to tour again.

Lily Allen may have gone too far by criticising Libertines fans...

Claire is awesome for directing me to this awesome Dirty Pretty Things interview in a gay magazine in which Carl Barat encourages slash fiction.

Bell Globemedia is buying out CHUM Ltd and a lot of people are losing jobs as a result. Plus now MTV Canada and Muchmusic have the same owner so who knows how that's gonna work.

No fucking kidding!

Alright, I gotta dash! Why is it that I'm umeployed but always in a rush this week?

gak

The big news today is that Weezer are on an indefinite hiatus.

Sean Lennon's made a new album. Check out the trailer with loads of celebrity cameos.

Everyone's covering The White Stripes these days - even the Rolling Stones.

Chart finally jumps on the bandwagon and interviews Lily Allen. Lily's been sharing her love of drugs with a lot of people lately.

Carl Barat's been giving the Arctic Monkeys fashion advice. They should take it.

Torr directed me to the new reworked "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" single from Franz Ferdinand.

Patsy Kensit blames rock'n'roll for Liam Gallagher's infidelity. Don't blame rock'n'roll, blame him and that darn Lisa Moorish.

"Control", the Ian Curtis biopic, started filming this week.

Sienna Miller and her mother visited one of Niagara Falls casinos recently and dressed up in ridiculous matching outfits for the occasion.

55 Ways to have Fun with Google.

screams calling London

Running a bit late today... Decided to swallow my pride and go out and apply for a crappy part-time job this morning... Followed by a brief emotional breakdown... I'm cool now.

Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett has died at the age of 60.

Noel Gallagher partied with the Italian team after their World Cup win and gave an impromptu performance. And it has also been announced Noel will be playing a benefit for a drug addiction charity in the fall.

Broken Social Scene are planning a hiatus after their fall tour.

The early bird tickets for next year's T In The Park have already sold out.

I checked out the preview of The Killers new single "When You Were Young" (also here) and I'm not impressed by what I hear at all :(

Download "Sheila" by Jamie T - it's the best thing I've heard in weeks and I feel bad for not sharing it sooner.

Tomorrow night Howie Beck, my favourite underrated Toronto singer/songwriter, is playing two rare solo shows (at 7pm and 10pm) at the Rivoli. Jason Collett's also on the bill.

Did anyone else see Amy Sedaris on The Colbert Report last night? The "tumbling" routine was AWESOME!

This Birthday Calculator is awesome if you're interested in knowing how many seconds you have been alive, when you were probably conceived and, more importantly, if you and your mate are compatible! I can't pretend I don't love this stuff!

back from the farm

Why Zizou? Why? Now that the World Cup is over I can get back to my life... so basically that means more time sitting in front of my computer (instead of the television).

T In The Park and the Oxygen festival both went down in the UK over the weekend. NME has good coverage for those interested in knowing what they missed out on.

Here's some pics from T in the Park that really made me feel like I've missed out!

Lily Allen is #1!

Here's Pete Doherty's interview with Johnathan Ross: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. I can't deny that I still adore him.

Arctic Monkeys give a lame excuse (if you can call it that) as to why ex-bass player Andy Nicholson left the band.

Alex from Arctic Monkeys shops at Primark which is apparently shocking and newsworthy. Whatever, I'm not ashamed to admit that I bought one of my favourite dresses from there.

For Franz Ferdinand fans, here's an interview (or "podcast" as they're calling it) to tide you over.

Kaiser Chiefs are hilarious.

CBGB is moving to Vegas. That can't be a good thing. When has anything good ever happened in Vegas?

Despite it being like the busiest weekend ever in Toronto, I ended taking a pass on everything and going on a roadtrip with some girlfriends to visit our friend in Tilbury. Here's some pics of us taking in the local scenery.

(Me in a wheatfield.)

(The ladies on the farm.)
Good times!

my heart hurts

I had such a bad dream last night that I woke up to the worst chest pains imaginable and they still haven't gone away. If I'm not back on Monday I've probobly had a heart attack. :)

T In The Park happens this weekend in Scotland. The killer bill just got even better with Kasabian and Larrikin Love being added to it at the last minute.

Interpol are working on a new album.

Paul Weller wants The Jam's "Going Underground" (which he wrote, duh) played at his own funeral.

Dirty Pretty Things debut album was frontman Carl Barat's first time writing music without being under the influence of cocaine. The good news is that the album still sounds sleazy so you can't really tell.

The Raconteurs filmed their new video for "Hands" at a school for deaf girls in Oslo.
Life-changing experience apparently.

Torr has the word about a new McAlmont & Butler single being released next month. WHAT? Where did this come from?

Is it odd that I'm terribly disappointed with the new Justin Timberlake single?

At least I'm not the only person in Canada who can't seem to find a job.

Lots of stuff happening in the city this weekend... Its the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival (no idea what it entails, but it's free) AND Summerlicious starts today which is good news for people who like eatin' fancy on the cheap!

Jamie Lidell is playing a free show at Harbourfront Centre (Concert Stage) at 8 o'clock tomorrow (Saturday) night if you're looking for a low-cost/high-entertainment option! Why does all the fun free stuff in the city always happen the one weekend I leave for the boonies? Have fun for me!

somethings gonna change

Massive Attack have announced a full North American tour.

Pete Doherty has given an interview with Johnathan Ross (to be aired tomorrow) in which he discusses Carl and being booted from The Libertines as well as his love for Kate Moss.

Lily Allen says her Dad's celebrity status didn't help her launch her career. Sure, but it didn't hurt it either.

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy is feeling better having kicked his addiction and taken up running.

The Pixies will never make another record says Frank Black.

Crappy YouTube footage of Dirty Pretty Things new video for "Deadwood". It's everything I hoped it could be.

'The Velvet Underground & Nico'has been voted the greatest debut album of all time in this month's issue of Uncut.

Emmy nominations have been announced. Grey's Anatomy (my new favourite show) picked up 11.

Someone has taken it upon themselves to teach people (by ticketing them) how to use a sidewalk! It's about time someone took action!

If someone's feeling generous you can feel free buy me all the new arrivals at Ben Sherman.

nothing in the news

I've seriously been all over the Interweb for the past hour trying to find something to write about... Turns out there's nothing going on! It's a very slow news day so I just did what I could!

Kasabian have some harsh words for Bloc Party, Pete Doherty, Test Icicles, and The Automatic in the new NME.

Alan from The Rakes had a naked encounter with riot police in Spain and gives a terribly boring interview to PETA2.

The 12 year old in me who had a massive crush on Jarvis Cocker for years kinda died a little yesterday.

It's a beautiful day. Get out by the pool/beach and listen to a good summer song (NSFW).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM who I'm sure has lurked me and my blog out over the Internet!

its back to work we go

The nominees for Canada's new Polaris Music Prize have been announced. It's a great list - so great that I think most of that list deserves to win!

I'm still not ready to talk about the World Cup upsets over the weekend but Lily Allen has a few things to say ... Speaking of, apparently our girl is headed for #1. Oh and she's sadly been dumped recently by what has to be THE DUMBEST MAN ever.

Jarvis Cocker has posted a new solo track on his MySpace site. It's good to have him back.

Snow Patrol have posted pictures of singer Gary Lightbody's damaged vocal chord on the internet. Geez, it's okay, we believe you!

After being dropped by their label, Babyshambles are releasing an independent single "Beg, Steal or Borrow". Hear it here (I'm not blown away).

Torr rules at life for directing me to this documentary clip with Brett Anderson and Justine Frischmann.

I forgot to tell everyone last week but I'm going to Osheaga in Montreal at the end of summer.

Pop Poet has written some new prose - I'm quite fond of "Justin's SexyBreakfast".

What happened to Keira Knightley?

Thierry wins the prize for finding the (his words) "Most. Mysogynistic. Product. Ever." on sale at Toronto's own Honest Ed's.

Happy Fourth of July to my American readers!

adventures in new technology

Hey, hope everyone had a great weekend! I did - and now I feel like showing off a bit about some of the things I did and took pictures of with my new cell phone (its a Nokia 6682).

I made it out to the final screening at The Revue on Friday night.It was a very popular and bittersweet event.
I enjoyed the film ("Lawrence of Arabia") very much despite my numerous complaints of its length and the initial anxiety caused by the wait in line, and after gaining admittance, the old bitches who were hatin’ on us for saving seats despite the occasion also marking my significant other's birthday celebrations. All in all, good times. Save the revue.

Oh and Saturday night I went and saw The Dears free Canada Day show at Harbourfront Centre. They played a good mix of the new and old (the new songs sound very very good) and put on a great show for an eclectic crowd.
Oh and just for fun, here's a picture of me watching the band and subsequently looking angry because I always look seriously pissed off when I concentrate. True story.I also tried out my new phone's multimedia capabilities but I’m still getting the hang of it… Here’s a short video of the band jamming and me trying to capture the pretty fireworks happening simultaneously. I want to get better at this newfangled technology stuff and be able to post more stuff for you kids.

Anyway, I just wanted to show off a bit. Thanks for indulging me.