Entropy Tomorrow!

▬▬▬ MUSE ▬▬▬ 

٩(̾●̮̮̃̾•̃̾)۶

The 2nd Law comes out in Canada tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! 

Here is one of the few decent live snippets on YouTube that hasn't been taken down due to copyright infringement. It's a live steaming uploaded yesterday:

iTunes Festival 2012

*Just as a heads up, nothing happens till after 10:00 ;)

Set List:
1. Supremacy
2. Map of the Problematique
3. Panic Station
4. Resistance
5. Supermassive Black Hole
6. Animals
7. Time is Running Out
8. Save Me
9. Madness
10. Uprising
11. Follow Me
12. Plug In Baby
13. Knights of Cydonia
Encore:
14. New Born
15. Starlight
16. Survival

I'm diggin' Supremacy, Animals, Save Me, Follow Me, Survival and Madness so far! And it's always a treat to hear the Muse-classics like Plug In Baby, New Born, Knights of Cydonia and Starlight *heart*


I have to wait until next week for my CD/DVD copy to ship from Amazon T_T

(Custom made for this blog post B)

Here's another clip!
Bliss @ Reading Festival 


The 360 camera angle is a bit bizarre, but I don't care 'cuz I LOVE this song!!

Must stop writing before I create an exclamation-mark monstrosity of a post,
iKaria

"What the Heck Is Gangnam Style?"

Owning that dance like it's nobody's business

Who hasn't seen this music video?



... now you have. 
(I can see the potential for this video to become the new Rickroll)


My curiosity was piqued by this article on Racialicious, a blog about "the intersection of race and culture." It noticed it on my facebook newsfeed, and the title caught my eye.

So what IS Psy singing about?
To summarize the article, Gangnam is a city district within Seoul, the capital of South Korea, but it's claim to fame is a result of 1970s urban development. "Designated for commercial and residential development" the growth "kicked into high gear in the 80’s" with the result that the top schools relocated there, the real-estate values sky-rocketed, upscale stores and restaurants opened up, and the district became well-known for its nightlife.

"PSY’s 'Gangnam Style' is a satire about the Gangnam life itself which is nothing but materialistic and about people who are chasing rainbows, dreaming of becoming a Gangnam resident someday."

Just to think - Psy intended for the song to be a clever social commentary, but all we were interested in was his silly dance.

Photo from the Ottawa Citizen

Cheers!
iKaria

Asteroids Galaxy Tour Part II: Out of Frequency

Ms. Mette the Gorgeous  

Alright, it's retro night folks!
Described as "stoner jamz" (I thought it was a good descriptor, thanks hon x)

Check out this interview on Buzzine:

My top tracks from the album:

Heart Attack

Major

Cloak and Dagger

Suburban Space Invader

Check out the official website

http://www.theasteroidsgalaxytour.com/row/

Cheers!
iKaria

Purity Ring

Shrines

Hey!

Today was my first day back in classes, and as much as I love summertime, it feels good to get back into the swing of things - including blogging! I'm happy to kick things off with a post about Purity Ring, an electronic music duo from Montreal. Being the responsible student that I am, I went to see their concert yesterday ... at 11:30pm. It's a looong story. 

Their debut album Shrines has only been out since July 24, 2012, but they have a strong presence on Youtube with nearly 10 million views on one video alone (granted, I'm not sure how much it has to do with their music, and how much has to do with the picture... see for yourself, Lofticries)

At least he's honest

Even though I first heard "Lofticries" many many months ago, it wasn't until recently that I discovered I liked their music. Here are my favorite tracks: 

Fineshrine



Obedear



Lofticries



Live:
The appeal of their sound for me is that the electronic is more ethereal and less dance. It's different. But put them into an intimate club venue and all of a sudden the walls can barely contain the vibrations from all the wub-wubs xD It was RIDICULOUS - cups were being rattled right off counters and you could feel your hairs vibrating. I've never been to a concert in a club before, but Purity Ring was a new experience for me in more ways than one. They combined sound and light in a way that enhanced the music, added a unique touch, and captivated your curiosity. 

Even with the awesome 8-megapixed double LED flash camera on my new phone I couldn't really get any good shots because I was just too darn far away :( That's why I'm using these great photos from The Snipe News!

Singer Megan James

The brightness of the lanterns followed the beat of the music

Corrin Roddick is controlling the lighting and sound with that light bulb-looking contraption - which he custom-built  himself!

Photo from ATS

Website
http://thepurityring.tumblr.com/

Cheers!
iKaria

Musetta

The cat reminds me of an Emily the Strange/Hello Kitty hybrid

I discovered this band last Tuesday, and within 10 seconds they became one of my favorite bands. How?
1. "MUSEtta" ... what can I say? Guess I've still got Muse on my mind
2. Ophelia's Song: just watch/listen and you will understand (hopefully!)
3. Musetta cat! 

Ophelia's Song



Red Star

Nicotine



Another Glimpse of Sun



Ophelia's Song (DNA Remix)



This band has been remixed many times by many different DJ's - a DJ's paradise I guess
The DNA remix adds a spooky, almost steampunk feel to the song!

The band was founded in Milan, Italy in 2006 by Matteo Curcio (bass player/DJ) and singer Marinella Mastrosimone. Musetta's image and mood is "inspired by early 20th century arts, film-noir and science fiction - a retro feel with a futuristic edge (last.fm)." Mice to Meet You is their debut album and they due are currently working on their forthcoming album!

Check out their website - it's one of the coolest I've ever seen for a band!

http://www.musetta.co.uk/

The Hollies

Talk about a blast from the past - I remember listening to The Hollies and the Gypsy Kings as my mom and I went on road trips through the Rocky Mountains. I'd look at the little waterfalls running down the sides of the mountains as my mom drove along the winding curves of the roads. I was listening to The Hollies on YouTube a while back and as "Dear Eloise" came up on my playlist today, I thought I should share my first favorite band!


The Hollies are an English pop/rock band from the 1960s and their music, for me, is synonymous with childhood. I remember telling my grandpa to listen to "Dear Eloise" - apparently my habit of sharing my favorite music started young! 


Dear Eloise

It feels odd to watch the music video and see their interpretation of the song after all this time x) Kinda neat to put a face to the voice though :) 


He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

I've always loved the message in this song - even before I had a brother! And now that I do, I can easily tear-up to this song if I really get into the lyrics. 


The Air that I Breathe

Just imagine: driving down the highway as the summer sun is setting and not worrying (as only a kid can) that you might never return to the places you're leaving, and unsure of where you're heading, but loving every minute of the journey. I had NO idea what this song was about ( ie. "making love to you"...) but I knew it was about happiness and simplicity ^^


Bus Stop

Haha, even little me knew this song was about love lost. Ahh, summer romance...
(I also find it amusing how I can only hear the singing from my left speaker. Yup, definitely grateful for stereo recordings ^^)


Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress

Mmm, I can just imagine setting out on our trip with this song. A nice foot-tapping, head-nodding song about some sexy vixen in a LBD (little black dress)... LOL

****

Aha, oh stop it YouTube, always leading me on and on with your recommendations...


I definitely remember listening to Dusty Springfield at some point - just as an aside, I love the name "Dusty"! I'm pretty sure I remember seeing the Pulp Fiction soundtrack cover. Dayum... my mom was/is cool B) 

Son of a Preacher Man

Banksy
And thus my fascination with urban street art began...
You can expect a post about Banksy soon!

Cherio,
iKaria

Battle of the Music Videos!

Nothing to do with the band, just a wicked ring from mylavaliere on etsy!

A most interesting scenario has arisen involving a homemade wedding trailer being better suited to a song than it's own music video! Reading the comments for the bird and the bee's "My Love" it seems that vloger sisters Leyla and Mimi (you can follow their channel at EverythingLuxy) have created a better alternative :D ... I think I agree! 


The original:
My Love - the bird and the bee



The winner (IMHO :P)
Alex and Mimi Wedding Trailer 



This comment sums up my reaction:

Grinning like a photoshopped hyena,
iKaria

Lhasa - Rising

Earlier this evening my mom was playing "Rising" on a playlist and she called me over to interpret the music video... I haven't stopped listening to the song since. 


Rising



The song meanders around and through you, winding around your arms and legs like a smoke snake. The sound of her voice is comforting, like a foggy memory from childhood. The harp reminds me of mourning - I can imagine standing inside beside a window, looking out through the pouring rain and feeling alone. But the idea of "rising up" seems like a salvation, someone is coming to save you and take you away to a better place. Someplace sunny and warm, grass swaying in a soft breeze. Listening to this, my mind can't help but drift off with every passing thought. I thoroughly enjoy this song and I was saddened to learn that Lhasa passed away in 2010 after a battle with breast cancer.

Such beautiful lyrics!

I got caught in a stormand carried away   
I got turned, turned around 

I got caught in a storm
that's what happened to me
so I didn't call
and you didn't see me for a while 

I was rising uphitting the groundand breaking and breakingand windows were breaking 

I couldn't hear what you were sayingI was caught in a storm
things were flying around
and doors were slamming
and I couldn't hear what you were saying
I couldn't hear what you were saying

    I was rising up
    hitting the ground
    and breaking and breaking

Rising up
Rising up

Lhasa de Sela
1972- 2010

Contemplatively, 
iKaria

Spring & Summer Shenanigans 2012

My prized Raveonettes poster signed by Sharin Foo!!

As a winter storm blows in from the north, my mind is miles away in the hot and languorous days of summer. Sipping on Iced Caramel Macchiatos as I furiously try to collect stars and earn a Gold Card at Starbucks. Running to concerts after work, or reliving my childhood at playgrounds and parks. All that being said, seems like there's also a lot of new music to look forward to as well!

Sharin and I at the Sled Island Music Festival June 2011
Fuzzy photo courtesy of my 2-megapixel not-smart phone...

The Raveonettes are releasing their 4-song Into the Night EP on April 24th! The band is set to release their 6th full-length album later this year. Here's a link to a sample track:

Night Comes Out

Sune and Sharin from my "too-far-to-the-right-side" vantage point

I went to see their show on June 26, 2011 and for some reason I now associate them with summer and summer with them! My ultimate summer song: Dead Sound. Going to see them was an amazing experience! They had two drummers, one behind Sharin and the other behind Sune, and the way they synchronized to "Apparitions" made me realize that even a concert in a smaller venue with not much in the way of lights/smoke/props can still visually stun. It's been nearly a year and I still haven't stopped gushing about them! :D 


Dead Sound 

... Oh. Umm, this was actually the first time I ever watched the music video. It's not exactly what I imagined when I listen to it, but I guess the "dead" sound makes more sense now :x


Apparitions 



****


Here's an interview with LIGHTS in Variance Magazine, check it out! When you click Expand, scroll to page 12-13 and you'll have to zoom in to read it :P 


Cheers,
iKaria

Living Up to the Stereotype: A (Bad) Student's Life

It's Friday. I'm sitting in front of my laptop (see below).  This is what I do.

 

 me (but with more hair...)

click the picture for a link to Dan's Awesome Ragemaker!

I hope something on this page makes you chuckle! :)

Cyber Conductor WIN - from FailBlog


Oh! 

Before I forget, here's a preemptive disclaimer: 

.

I like Rage Comics.

.

But I know that some people don't :( 
This post is a fairly good indication, but I often use them in my blog as pictorial representations of feelings that would otherwise take too long to describe in writing. Actually, this should be considered a practice in efficiency! According to the old adage, I save myself a thousand words every time I use a rage comic. This logic = WINNING


I also quite enjoy reading them. No joke, the Rage Comic app on my iPod is like a friggin' black hole. There is never "just one more page", nuh-uhh. It's more like "awwww maaaaaan, it's been 3 hours!?!?" According to Reddit, I'm what's known as a "lurker": I read, I lol and I leave - don't upvote, don't downvote, and therefore am a terrible person.

(sorry guys)

Either way, this post is all about the funnies that I run across. It's mostly an attempt to make myself feel better. If "laughter is the best medicine", then I just spent 4 hours finding the pharmacy...

Failbook: Your Move, Drunky - from FailBlog

Facebook at its finest.

Music Fails: Playing in F Major, Singing in F-sharp - from FailBlog





I just stumbled accross this on YouTube:
My name is Boxxy

If your brain is doing something like this ---> "?????????", then I would like to direct your attention to this amazing website: Know Your Meme DOT com
(meme is pronounced as "mee-m" according to my friends in the English department)
They have an entry on every Internet Meme you ever scratched your head to.

Here's their video for Boxxy's entry:


I saved the best for last...... *drrrrrruuuummmm rollllll*

Rage Comics - In Real Life

I 'd 

I want a cup of hot chocolate,
iKaria


P.S. (and by post, I mean it's been another 4 hours since I originally posted this):
Just saw The Artist - best movie I've seen in a LOOOOOONG time!
I highly recommend it!! Great for kids of all ages and all movie aficionados. Wiki  describes it as a: "romantic comedy drama in the style of a black-and-white silent film". Really, it has action, romance, comedy, dancing, drama, an historical element, silent film, and talking :D And it's won a whole slew of awards.
Here's the IMDb link

Happy Saturday!

Lana Del Rey

This pic looks like it should be from Vampire Diaries!

Whoa... how did I miss Lana Del Rey? What kind of rock was I living under???

Quick-bio: a "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" American singer-songwriter often described as being noirish, a femme fatale, and retro. Born to Die (2012) is her first studio album. 

Born to Die

As dark and romantic as it seems in this music video, I hope I never have to see the day when Distracted Driving Legislation has to add 'making out' to it's list of driving no-no's.

...

LOLOL, I just checked, and it's NOT on the list! (I do not endorse kissing dangerously while driving) heh, and I always wondered how it was possible to drive while putting on mascara or texting or... reading a book??? For the love of all things literary, whyyy?


Video Games

This is the big "hit" of the album. I'm not sure, but I think she pieces these music videos together herself!


Blue Jeans

Fabadabadosy video if I do say so myself!


Interview


Remember kids: 

from Dan's Awesome Rage Maker

I've read a lot of online criticisms about Lana, and all I have to say is, that unlike product reviews for makeup or electronics, I don't usually like reading opinions about music because it's such a deeply personal thing. If I listen to a song and I like it, then I'm a happy music junkie! When I do research for my blog and a lot of the articles I read are negative and opinionated, it taints my opinion too. And yes, I could choose to not to read these articles, but I like to get a sense for what other people have to say. So to all you music lovers out there - keep listening to the musician for their music, and read for objectivity. 

Check out Lana's official website at www.lanadelrey.com

Cheers from your music blogger who is trying to budget her dolla-dolla-billz, but has been dropping big bucks on iTunes (but the music is soooo good),

iKaria


*** UPDATE Feb.24:
Okay, I think I understand where the controversy came from now. Here's an article from Billboard.com that gives a comprehensive and objective account (in my opinion) of her rise: www.billboard.com  

Die Antwoord Part II: TEN$ION

TEN$ION

Hello folks,

Well, it's that time of year again, winter Reading Break, which means two things:
1. I have no classes for the next week (w00t) and,
2. it's the 2nd anniversary of this blog (bigger w00t).

To celebrate, I've put together another post on everyone's favorite foul-mouthed South African rap-rave group, Die Antwoord. Their second studio album, Ten$ion, hit stores on February 7th, and the gossip surrounding this album is that they left Interscope records and released Ten$ion under their own record label, Zef Recordz.

Reception has been lukewarm from what I can tell, most reviewers commenting on their extreme persona, language and content, but I think they missed the boat on this band. The #1 mistake? First impressions. Like I said in my earlier post, it took me quite a few months to "get" them. They're an acquired taste, to be sure, but I think the most important thing is to listen to their music for what it is. It does them an injustice to be compared to other bands. The other thing is that coming from North America, I have no idea what South African culture is like. Their music probably speaks to the local audiences far better than it would half-way across the world.

But you didn't come here to read an essay - you came to see some fre$ and futuristik music...

a gif from Fok Julle Naiiers - tumblr

What do you think: can Die Antwoord break into the North American market? (The product endorsement of Dr. Dre Beats headphones has been noted) I'm not sure if North America can handle their Zef Fre$...

Die Antwoord on David Letterman (Feb.6.12)

Not the best example of their music, but I suppose if you have to censor 75% of the song lyrics (not that most of us can understand Afrikaans anyways) then you're going to end up with a different song. It feels unnatural for them.

Heads up: the rest of this post contains language not suitable for all readers.
Viewer discretion is advised. 

Across the Universe with Fiona Apple

Hi! *waves*

I'm still alive. Here's a music video.

Fiona Apple - Across the Universe

Love the song. Love the movie (Pleasantville).

Keepin it short 'n sweet cuz I'm about to topple off my computer chair I'm so tired so why am I even on the computer I have no idea I've been asking myself the same question for a while oh but before I was on the computer I was reading the stupid rage comics app on my iPod oh and my Otterbox Defender came today yay I have a safe iPod,

Ikaria

... 

I forgot to add a tile before I hit "publish"

....

I forgot how to blog