Second Chances

Funny how life continues to surprise you with even the little things. For example, I absolutely despise seafood, however I've discovered through grease-sopping cafeteria food that if you have fish sticks that are more batter than aquatic vertebrate, the meal is actually amazing. Disgustingly greasy but none-the-less, amazing. Perhaps this is appropriate for my opinion about Ani DiFranco. (Wait. No I was not implying that she is greasy....) I was introduced to her a bit over a year ago and I thought I could enjoy the soothingness of her guitar, but somehow we just could not click. Maybe it was her slightly unorganized lyrics, but whatever it was I didn't like, I suppose I'm musically prepared to thoroughly enjoy her now. It's been an odd and rapid transformation over the past few days, but I'm pleased I've finally been able to appreciate her.

Ani DiFranco was born to two folkish musicians which would explain how she adopted her own folk/rock style of music and passion for the industry. She has released over 20 albums, and even began her own record company called Righteous Records. Most of her songs deal with all of those delightful topics such as religion, politics, racism and sexuality. A risky move I'd say because you will either love her or hate her for it, but I'm actually gaining quite a bit of respect for her boldness. I don't think I could incorporate such disputed topics in my own songs. So as mentioned before, she does have over 20 albums, and I obviously haven't been able to listen (or find) them all, so I'm limited to only what I've listened to, but her most recent album, Canon, has been most enchanting. Joyful Girl, and 32 Flavors would have to be my preferred songs. Joyful Girl is my typical quiescent taste so it's a bit of a given for me. 32 Flavors would also be another one that stands out in my mind. Easy listening, almost an Alannis Morrissette sound to it as well. So if you'd like to check her out, try any of these, but remember if you don't like them then try another song of her's because you're bound to come across something of her's that you'll like. I'm determined that you like her!!!! Or at least give her a second chance :]

On an ending comical note, I heard the most retarded cover of Paper Planes today by The Da Vincis. You listen to it and you're like wow these men are wasting their time, but half-way through you realize how funny it is. I love it and can't get enough of it now as it is most definitely better than the original. :P

A final note: Happy New Years! May the coming year be filled with more jams! And my motivation stay will the blog!
Cheers,
S.

What's Overhead?

What is better than a good band? This is no trick question; it's obviously a good Canadian band! The up-and-coming ambient rock band from Victoria BC, Jets Overhead, is slowly appearing more frequently on the radio with their new album No Nations. This five piece group started out in 2006 with Bridges, they made the album available for free downloads because, hey, everyone illegally downloads anyways, so why not start something new? ( a year later Radiohead adopted the idea and received much more publicity for it).


What does Jets Overhead offer to music aficionados? Jets not only uses your tradish rock instruments like their soft lead guitar, but incorporates piano/syths to offset the percussion and bass. They also use effective harmonies between male/female lead singers, providing the correct amount of transtastical resonance.

Jets Overhead have been on tour with Lights over the last few months, and I was fortunate enough to have seen them about a month ago (don't ask why I don't update after actually going to shows. I have no reasonable answer). They preform a good live show, and lead singer Adam Kittredge keeps the energy coming, overall they definitely sold me after the first two songs they played. Headed For Nowhere is probably their current most recognizable song, but Sun Sun Sun is the most played of their's on my iTunes as that was their opening song that I most enjoyed.

I've really enjoyed listening to their music, and that's not only because they are Canadian and also watch Flight Of The Conchords :P I do hope you enjoy them, because it looks like we shall get more of them in the future! Or so I'm hoping....

Hasta Luego,
S.

P.S. I want to apologize for my ridiculous spelling errors. I was rereading the last two and I was horrified, and when I tried to correct myself I happened upon more technical difficulties with editing posts. Grah. So now I have to look like an imbecile for those posts. In my pathetic defence, these usually are written when I'm half asleep. Lamesauce answer, I know I know.

Best For Last?

I cannot believe my screen. I cannot believe that I have posted nothing, indeed, nothing about Apostle Of Hustle. For shame woman! AoH has only been one of my consistent-listenings for the past to years, the least I can do is give them a paragraph or two (Especially seeing as I was able two go to their gig in Kingston :3). The Toronto based band has a (wait for it) indie (you could have guessed)/rock/alt sound and was formed by Andrew Whiteman. Whiteman was also asked to be a full time member of Broken Social Scene and is their lead guitarist. However, lets not limit the man to only a guitar; he does all of AoH's vocals, and can been surprisingly impressive at times, and also preforms some spanish verse as well.

Late in November they preformed in Kingston and that was one of the highlights of the month! aha. Only Whiteman and Dean Stone the drummer were there, but to hear a slightly more acoustic version of their latest album Eats Darkness was just as amazing as the album if not even better. The encore involved Whiteman coming back on stage with a sort of tribal mask, and it's a wonder he could still invoke any vocal sound at all. The evening closes with a friend helping me to meet the band. Can you say I've got a signed poster and got a hug with Andrew Whiteman?? Well I'm guilty! I don't care who knows it! Good gig, great night. I'd recommend them, so if you are just starting out, I would say beginning with their album Folkoric Feel, the 'My Sword Hand's Anger' (best song in personal opinions), and then to their new release.

That's AoH! Feeling a little better knowing that I've done them a bit of justice. Afterall, I got to love-huddle with Whiteman ;)
Cheers,
S.

Indie Fever

So it's been a while. How you doing? Seriously, sincere apologies for under abandonment. On the bright side there's only so much more to share with you! Let's get down to bees-nass fellows.

Utter indie obsession as of late, and I can't get tired of off-beat percussion, nonsensical lyrics and muted wailing vocals. ...Maybe that's not the greatest description. Banda numero uno del dia (that was to satisfy all my latin american followers): The Ting Tings. British duo with a bold sound made with simple effects and mastered with intricate timing and multiple,

multiple over-dubs. Warning! Traces of lead singer Katie White's accent is noted to be found in their tracks (which should be reason enough to give them a listen). While clean-cut harmonies, and rounds are added byother band

member and songwriter Jules De Martino. Together these guys have everything to make a good indie/alt-pop sound, as may be noted from all of the TV series that their songs have appeared on. That's Not My Name being the most popular, although I personally really enjoy Great DJ.

Here's another quicky just because I've been so lazy. Although this one is much more well know, and should be if you know your Mac iPod commercials (oh Mac, you know how to do

everything right<3).>The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Danish-band-with-horns-says-what?! Yes, who'd think horns could be so catchy (Sorry folks I'm defs not a windwoods person), but this band is a huge exception to my usual horn-criticism! Around The Bend was used for one of the international iPod commercials last year which helped to send this upcoming band into the spotlight. They describe their style as psychedelic pop, but whatever it is, this is the perfect beat to walk down the street and pretend you own the city with. I recommend it (not just the song, but the walking/pretend-your-important thing too). Aha.

Okies so if anyone is still with me on this, I hope this is satisfactory!

As for me, I am going to procrastinate study for Spanish test more.

Nighty!

Yours, S.

Indie Fever

So it's been a while. How you doing? Seriously, sincere apologies for utter abandonment. On the bright side there's only so much more to share with you! Let's get down to bees-nass fellows.

Utter indie obsession as of late, and I can't get tired of off-beat percussion, nonsensical lyrics and muted wailing vocals. ...Maybe that's not the greatest description. Banda numero uno del dia (that was to satisfy all my latin american followers): The Ting Tings. British duo with a bold sound made with simple effects and mastered with intricate timing and multiple,

multiple over-dubs. Warning! Traces of lead singer Katie White's accent is noted to be found in their tracks (which should be reason enough to give them a listen). While clean-cut harmonies, and rounds are added byother band

member and songwriter Jules De Martino. Together these guys have everything to make a good indie/alt-pop sound, as may be noted from all of the TV series that their songs have appeared on. That's Not My Name being the most popular, although I personally really enjoy Great DJ.

Here's another quicky just because I've been so lazy. Although this one is much more well know, and should be if you know your Mac iPod commercials (oh Mac, you know how to do

everything right<3).>The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Danish-band-with-horns-says-what?! Yes, who'd think horns could be so catchy (Sorry folks I'm defs not a windwoods person), but this band is a huge exception to my usual horn-criticism! Around The Bend was used for one of the international iPod commercials last year which helped to send this upcoming band into the spotlight. They describe their style as psychedelic pop, but whatever it is, this is the perfect beat to walk down the street and pretend you own the city with. I recommend it (not just the song, but the walking/pretend-your-important thing too). Aha.

Okies so if anyone is still with me on this, I hope this is satisfactory!

As for me, I am going to procrastinate study for Spanish test more.

Nighty!

Yours, S.

British Invasion?!?

As those loyal readers may have noticed (or not-whatevs), I've assumed the saying 'out with the old, in with the new!' After learning that the playlist may have actually been listened to once or twice I thought it was about time to mix it up a bit! I was going to keep some of my favourite older songs but the playlist took much too long to load so I figure I'd hit The Easy Button this time (aka deletage). Here we have some of the more recent songs and artists I've talked about and a few that I hope to write about in the future. A bit more of an indie/folktronic/rock thing going on so stay tuned!

Who I'd really like to talk about for today is another UK group who I've just discovered! "Tunng" is an experimental folk band who released their first album (of a total of three) back in 2004. Tunng seems to use many unusual instruments and they definitely have an original sound because of it. Their vocals seem quite unprofessional, I think it also has a boldness to it which gives them more character. What I especially love about this group is their attention to the finer details of sound. They're one of those bands whose songs you can constantly listen to and you'll always pick up new tracks and sounds in the background. It keeps them interesting. However, their song on the playlist is one I've had on repeat for the last ... oh does time really matter? haha So! The Pioneer be the song, and it is a cover of Bloc Party (who I believe also did it as a cover...), and you may recognize it since it was played in the third season of The OC (I knew it was uber familiar). I love the guitar, I love that the tempo is so fast but it's a soft sound and I love the lyrics! So even though this isn't actually an original of theirs and you don't quite hear all the crazy-awesome instruments they use, you get a sampling with this one. Check out their other stuff!

Enjoy! Sampanthera

Bone Marrow

Artist Worthy of Mention: Jesca Hoop
Origin: Southern Cali-Forn-I-A
Song: Intelligentactile 101

Is it just me, or does folk-experimental music never get old? Jesca Hoop came into the music scene in 2007, with her biggest songs Money and Seed Of Wonder. Most of her songs consist of low and monotonous sounds with unique rhythms all of which are combined with stacked tracks of vocals. The song I would most recommend is the one mentioned at the top since it has a bit of an upbeat indie-pop spin to it. With slightly bizarre lyrics "Can i borrow your bones and marrow till i get my own..." she definitely has her own style of expressing words, although I'm not condemning her for it. Contrarily I find her lyrics inspiringly original. As described by Tom Waits, "Her music is like going swimming in a lake at night," and I think I'd agree.

This one is a keeper so enjoy her! (Especially while painting)

Yours, Sampanthera

Imports!

All day I have been mentally going through songs and bands that I haven't yet mentioned and that are note-worthy of bloggage, and it occurred to me that I haven't rambled about this underground British band whose album in only available in the US of A and the great UK herself: I give you Passenger! This folk/rock/acoustic/other band is [slightly] new in the music scene and hasen't really made it anywhere big yet. I'm actually hoping they don't make it too 'big' because inevitably their sound would change and I like it just the way it is. :] Their most popular song is probably Night Vision Binoculars, which is pretty fun and somehow always manages to put a smile on my face, although it's a huge creeper song and since I already have a creeper post I figured that's enough. The song I am currently listening to is called Four Horses, and even though the beginning is pretty slow, I love this song for sentimental reasons because at times his voice reminds me of James Taylor (which reminds me of childhood). Other favs are Wicked Man's Rest and Do What You Like. So I've really enjoyed their stuff (a thank you to Scorchy for the special delivered Christmas gift :) So they're worth giving a try. They can be tricky to find but you can find most of their music at their website: http://www.passengerofficial.com/ The picture is the lead singer and founder Mike Rosenberg, which I had to add because he's got that cute British thing going on. *this is me not oogling over pretty British musician*

Chip chip cheerio mates!
Sampanthera

Muh-Muh-Muh-Moosic

I've no true desire to write at the moment but I have to waste time somehow right? Band: Sea Wolf Songs: You're a Wolf, Leaves in the River, Middle Distance Runner. Nice couple indie songs here. I like that they aren't over-complicated and are easy to sing-along with.

Late Slip

So my faithful writings have lately become unfaithful. I would apologize but I've been legit-busy (supposedly). So the whole inspiration with the documentary isn't as empowering as it was but I'm still in search of a soundtrack!

Lately I've encountered a lot of great crazy-indie music and of course the good 'ole fashioned folk stuff. One song I went through a huge faze of was (ready? It's a mouthful) For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless in Ypsilanti by Sufjan Stevens. It sounds like a horrible banjo-country song to begin with, but honestly the susurrus coo's of his voice make it relax-a-tastic! (btw for those readers who don't understand the complex word: susurrus, it signifies whispering/murmurs. And for those who know how to pronounce it, it is a wonderful word to use! ...and if you can-fill me in eh?)

Another really nice acoustic song is Blankets by the Ottawa based band The Acorn (pretty sure I've previously written about them, but they're Canadian and I get bragging rights to mention them again). Composed of mellowness and an up-beat chorus, I warn you it is catchy.

With this small contribution of today's music, I am leaving you with this!
Not guaranteeing, but trying to faithfully commit to writing,
Yours Sampanthera

Sup DOC?

So I have been thinking lately (as in the last 6 hours) that it has been long enough since I've made my last film. Therefore, after watching a documentary about liars in my psych course today (wonder where I got the idea?), I have decided that I will make one as well. Although it's not going to be a public one. (Which makes it very interesting for the rest of the public reading this-NOT). I figure I can use it as a remind of where I am and trying to go through life, and maybe one day I'll help me out if I get stuck along life's journeysome road.

Seeing as I am keeping this a private viewing (first I should start with making it eh? -I HAVE TO STOP THESE BRACKETS!), this makes for very boring posts. However! Music is a huge component of film, and sounds can either make or break it. Therefore, I have mentally been going through a concert contest of which songs will have the honour of appearing in my pathetic little shpeel.

Today I'm thinking of Laura Veirs opening it with Gallaxies.
Although...I have recently discovered Rain by Priscilla Ahn and it is tempting as well....
There will be more! And desicions will be tough! But this is one of the best parts about
movie magic!

For now the soundtrack contest is still open and I shall keep you updated!

Yours truely,
Sampanthera

My Worst Creeper Moment...Ever!

So here's a chance where I could share a bit about my own music. Unfortunately the story that goes along with it is slight (Edit-scratch: A lot) creepery. I happened to write a song a while ago inspired by a certain boy I might fancy, and I have finally recorded it last night. And what do you know while on the bus I have a perfect view of him waiting outside. As I turn on my music, how ironic that was the last song I was listening to. Perfect cinematography moment though!: Soppy teenage girl sitting on the bus while her crush waits in the snowy coldness, only some headphones and glass window separate her creepiness from the creepee. ...that's not a word... Anyway lets save the personal stories!

Song of the day is inspired by last nights Oscars! Slumdog Millionaire. The little, low budget movie that could! Really good movie if you do get a chance to see it. It deserved all the awards it received! O Saya from the soundtrack would be todays song. Featuring MIA and AR Rahman, it's upbeat and has an action energy to it. While listening to it I can envision James Bond running around India though haha. Although random verse of Spanish in the middle of it-? No clue! So there's our culture song for the next bit!

Sorry I've been unfaithful in the updates! Online courses are a pain to catch up on.
Yours, Sampanthera

Count Sickula

So being sick is all nice an fun for a day of sitting on your butt and watching Jim Henson DVDs, but there comes a time when the maddness simply must stop! Missing the basketball game because of a virus? *gasp* :O Terrible I know, and now I must get better!

To do that, I have been constantly listening to todays song: Funeral Dress by William Fitzsimmons. Slightly morbid name, and it's not the most upbeat song either, but it's just what you need when your feeling a bit under the weather! Mr. Fitzsimmons was born to two blind parents (and I thought I had it bad) and therefore grew up to a wide assortment of different musical sounds. If you are a fan of Death Cab For Cutie or Iron & Wine I strongly suggest giving this man a try. If you do, I know you'll be grateful because his unique melodies, soothing voice and emotional lyrics are just what a person needs for a pick-me (you?)-up sometimes! So give him a chance!

That's it for now as I am going to hopefully make a nice chai tea and take another 18 hour nap.

Cheers fellows!
Yours, Sampanthera

SV11B

Like my nice attempt at Roman numerals in the title? Oh so classy.

So todays song is one I've been listening to for a while now! School of Seven Bells is a band from New York with the vocals by twins sisters whose names I cannot remember! However I do know they are playing in Detroit on Feb. 13th and you can go see them for only $12! :O I know! But I can't go because of other obligations and also the minor transportation issue. But my favourite song of theirs Half Asleep is added on the playlist so you can listen to it here; it is numero 10 ! I know there are some technical difficulties with this thing (it may glitch a bit at first but be patient with it, it only needs some love). I also got bored one day while listening to it, so I painted some lyrics in my journal (Sorry for the low quality picture from my phone-this is sort of for the artist who gave my the paints since she requested some pictures :). It's a bit more techno/electronic/synth-pop or whatever people call it these days, but I've really enjoyed it!

Word for today? Rancor, meaning hate. Just like how I hate my poor moral choices.

This should be enough rambling for one day! Enjoy the snow folks, and go out sledding and maybe I'll see you there.

Faithfully yours, Sampanthera

The Playlist

I've tried a little update on the blog. Surprise surprise it's a playlist! Forgive me the layout and placement bluntly sucks. It's not actually supposed to go in there, but all the other playlist gadgets weren't working either and I figure this is better than nothing.

So this makes talking about music MUCH easier. Now you can check out Kaki King right here! Sorry I won't be able update all the time and some bands are practically nonexistent and I can't find their music on the playlist site, but put up with it.

Sooo enjoy these couple tracks. There's some good stuff on here!

Yours, Sampanthera

Tex-Mex Night

For starters I've been in a really quiescent mood for the last couple days. The rents are trying to paint my room, however as I share that with a younger sister colours are not easily agreed upon. Stress is high and my room is a disaster so I'm trying my best not to freak out (have I been successful? probably not haha).

But music is the key here! For starters lets begin with Kaki King's song 2 O'clock. Amazing guitarist here, and her vocals aren't too bad. The really captivating thing about her music is her mellifluous unique guitar sounds. If you listen you may recognize her work from the movie August Rush (with Freddie Highmore!!!! :) she actually doubled in for him during the crazy guitar scenes (I thought it was Don Ross, but nope, believe it or not those were girl hands).

Since I haven't written in a while I'll also throw out the song Colleei by Skallander. As I've been feeling pretty mellow lately this song has been mirroring my mood, but it's very worth listening to if you have a second! Just a little tim-bit (why should Canadians say tid-bit when we can say tim-bit?) Skallander is a duo from New Zealand who have been playing together in various bands since high school. So check them out too if you can!

That should be all for now! And for those of us who don't know what mellifuous is, it means smooth and sweet sounding. :) I like it!

Until the next!
Yours, Sampanthera

P.S. Just watch X3 last night and I haven't seen it in a while and I am sooo pumped for the Wolverine movie coming out in MAY! Just to let you know ;)

Les Artists

Current song obsession: Les Artists by Santogold

Not normally my favourite type of music in comparison to the usually mellow guitar melodies, but this one's got a bit of spunk and edge to it. It's sort of a nice break. There's a pop/indie sound in it, that separates it from mainstream which is always a bonus. Check it out! :D

As for other news! I just learned a new word yesterday: wanton! I always thought it was just a name for some Chinese soup or something, but apparently it exists, meaning reckless or without morals! So today I have not participated in any wanton-foolery. Hope that makes sense! ;)

Until our next chat!
Yours, Sampanthera

Soooo Blogging eh?

I surrender. I am now entering the forces of "the blog."
It seems utterly ridiculous for various reasons:
a) I am terrible at following through with things like this and wonder if a second post will exist in the near (or distant) future.
b) I'm bound to forget my password.
c) My spelling is hideous.
d) Who cares what I have to say? :O

Oh well we shall see what the future holds in store! Until the next mysterious day I update!
Faithfully yours,
Sampanthera