2/17/11
2/15/11
Music Awards Shows
Hi there.
So, like many of you out there, I watched the Grammys on Sunday night. I really did enjoy it. I'm a huge fan of live music in general, so I appreciate how the Grammys has become about showcasing some of the best musical talent of the last year. I genuinely enjoyed ALL of the performances. I know that's a very broad statement to make, and my 15-year-old classic rock-loving self would be wide-eyed at my appreciation of Eminem and Lady Gaga, but it's true. Obviously, I had my favourite performances.
I loved the opening number, a tribute to Aretha Franklin, featuring Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera and Yolanda Adams. I really liked that they took artists from so many different genres who were all inspired by the Queen of Soul. Xtina was a little much for me, but I loved Florence's take on 'Think' and oh man— that Yolanda Adams can wail! I didn't really know who she was before this performance, but I've since done a little research on her. She's a very well-known Gospel singer. She was great.
Another of my favourite performances was the collaboration between BOB, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae. First of all, these are the artists that brought us 'Just the Way You Are', 'Marry You', and 'Beautiful Girls'… well… atleast BOB and Mars did. To be honest, I also had not heard of Monae until the Grammys, but she was pretty great too. I liked her confident, yet slightly jerky stage presence. And her music is soulful. My favourite part of this performance was Bruno Mars' doo-wop version of 'Grenade'— which was 100 times better than the original.
Anyway… there was an award show happening tonight in London, England that is much more interesting to me… only because, as you all know, I am slightly obsessed with British music and I listen to BBC Radio 1 every day. Unfortunately, the Brits don't air on any of the channels provided by our tv package, so I am stuck experiencing the Brits via video clips after the fact. I have already had a peek at a few of my favourite artist's performances.
Adele was stunning. Even though she stood on the stage with only a piano and some falling glitter, she just commanded the attention of the whole room. She just puts so much emotion into her music. If I could sing like anyone, I tell ya.
Mumford & Sons, who played at the Grammys, also had a beautiful, slightly more intimate performance at the Brits. I missed seeing the drummer and bass player go insane on the chorus, but the vocal harmonies we just gorgeous. I couldn't find the code to embed the video on my blog, but you can see it here. You can also see Plan B, Jessie J (which is pretty impressive), and Ellie Goulding and Tinie Tempah.
…and apparently the Brits are going to air on Much Music on Wednesday night at 8. Be there.
So, like many of you out there, I watched the Grammys on Sunday night. I really did enjoy it. I'm a huge fan of live music in general, so I appreciate how the Grammys has become about showcasing some of the best musical talent of the last year. I genuinely enjoyed ALL of the performances. I know that's a very broad statement to make, and my 15-year-old classic rock-loving self would be wide-eyed at my appreciation of Eminem and Lady Gaga, but it's true. Obviously, I had my favourite performances.
I loved the opening number, a tribute to Aretha Franklin, featuring Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera and Yolanda Adams. I really liked that they took artists from so many different genres who were all inspired by the Queen of Soul. Xtina was a little much for me, but I loved Florence's take on 'Think' and oh man— that Yolanda Adams can wail! I didn't really know who she was before this performance, but I've since done a little research on her. She's a very well-known Gospel singer. She was great.
Another of my favourite performances was the collaboration between BOB, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae. First of all, these are the artists that brought us 'Just the Way You Are', 'Marry You', and 'Beautiful Girls'… well… atleast BOB and Mars did. To be honest, I also had not heard of Monae until the Grammys, but she was pretty great too. I liked her confident, yet slightly jerky stage presence. And her music is soulful. My favourite part of this performance was Bruno Mars' doo-wop version of 'Grenade'— which was 100 times better than the original.
Anyway… there was an award show happening tonight in London, England that is much more interesting to me… only because, as you all know, I am slightly obsessed with British music and I listen to BBC Radio 1 every day. Unfortunately, the Brits don't air on any of the channels provided by our tv package, so I am stuck experiencing the Brits via video clips after the fact. I have already had a peek at a few of my favourite artist's performances.
Adele was stunning. Even though she stood on the stage with only a piano and some falling glitter, she just commanded the attention of the whole room. She just puts so much emotion into her music. If I could sing like anyone, I tell ya.
Mumford & Sons, who played at the Grammys, also had a beautiful, slightly more intimate performance at the Brits. I missed seeing the drummer and bass player go insane on the chorus, but the vocal harmonies we just gorgeous. I couldn't find the code to embed the video on my blog, but you can see it here. You can also see Plan B, Jessie J (which is pretty impressive), and Ellie Goulding and Tinie Tempah.
…and apparently the Brits are going to air on Much Music on Wednesday night at 8. Be there.
Thoughts on Feb 14
Yesterday, as I made my way to work, I was bracing myself for the flurry of lovey-dovey activity that would no doubt present itself among my dating and soon-to-be and recently-married co-workers. I was expecting deliveries of flowers, loudly-shared plans of lunch-dates, etc. etc. blah blah blah. But actually, there was none of that. Instead, there was this:
You see, at work, we have 'secret stalkers'. In December, we all filled in a little questionnaire about ourselves. The questionnaires were all mixed up in a hat and we all picked out our targets. We're meant to do nice little things for our targets, like make screen savers for them or give them little gifts. So, my lovely stalker decided to shower my desk with fake rose petals! My stalker also gave me a massive card! It was a very nice surprise. Although… the card was a bit creepy, as it has to very large eyes on the inside as well as a tiny picture of the cast of Jersey Shore…
Anyway… Fearne Cotton, whose BBC Radio 1 show I listen to almost daily, has chosen a beautiful 'Record of the Week'. It's a song by 'Fleet Foxes' called 'Helplessness Blues'.
I love the opening lyrics:
'I was raised up believing
I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes
Unique in each way you can see
And now after some thinking
I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great machinery
Serving something beyond me
But I don't, I don't know what that will be
I'll get back to you someday soon you will see…'
Beautiful.
I think this is kind of an ideological struggle that we all have to some extent. How do we reconcile the idea that we are all different and special and unique with our need to be a part of something? From the time we are very young, our parents and teachers tell us that we are special, and that we can be whatever we want in life. We are encouraged to follow our dreams and pursue individuality, which has become one of the most important values of post-modern Western culture. We grow up using the word 'I' more than any other in our vocabulary. But certainly, there is 'something beyond me'.
You see, at work, we have 'secret stalkers'. In December, we all filled in a little questionnaire about ourselves. The questionnaires were all mixed up in a hat and we all picked out our targets. We're meant to do nice little things for our targets, like make screen savers for them or give them little gifts. So, my lovely stalker decided to shower my desk with fake rose petals! My stalker also gave me a massive card! It was a very nice surprise. Although… the card was a bit creepy, as it has to very large eyes on the inside as well as a tiny picture of the cast of Jersey Shore…
Anyway… Fearne Cotton, whose BBC Radio 1 show I listen to almost daily, has chosen a beautiful 'Record of the Week'. It's a song by 'Fleet Foxes' called 'Helplessness Blues'.
I love the opening lyrics:
'I was raised up believing
I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes
Unique in each way you can see
And now after some thinking
I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great machinery
Serving something beyond me
But I don't, I don't know what that will be
I'll get back to you someday soon you will see…'
Beautiful.
I think this is kind of an ideological struggle that we all have to some extent. How do we reconcile the idea that we are all different and special and unique with our need to be a part of something? From the time we are very young, our parents and teachers tell us that we are special, and that we can be whatever we want in life. We are encouraged to follow our dreams and pursue individuality, which has become one of the most important values of post-modern Western culture. We grow up using the word 'I' more than any other in our vocabulary. But certainly, there is 'something beyond me'.
2/13/11
I almost forgot…
Have you heard of 'The Naked and Famous'?
Please love this band as much as I do:
P.S. They're coming to Toronto April 30th!
Please love this band as much as I do:
P.S. They're coming to Toronto April 30th!
Napanee
This weekend, I took a little drive to see my cousin Pete and his lovely fiancée and my dear friend, Mallory. Mal and Pete are getting married in June and have asked me to sing at during their ceremony-- how could I turn down such an honour?!
It was my first visit to their darling little house in the heart of Avril Lavigne country. On Friday night, I spent some time with Mal and her sister, Kristen, and Kristen's two little boys. After breakfast-for-dinner at Denny's (where Pete works), Mal and I flipped through her massive pile of Bridal magazines while watching 'Say Yes to the Dress' and 'Four Weddings' on TLC. It was the perfect girly night-in. I also got a little sneak peak at her wedding dress! Mal also asked me who I am bringing as my date… I hadn't thought of that, actually…
On Saturday we met up with three of Mallory's four bridesmaids to check out some potential bridesmaids dresses. Unfortunately, we were out of luck. I guess the spring and summer collections haven't made their way to Belleville yet. Hopefully they'll be able to find something soon— the wedding's in less than 4 months! It was really nice to have a girls day and hang out with this great bunch of ladies!
Later on, Mal's maid of honour, Jen, joined us back at Mal and Pete's for some homemade pizza, a couple rounds of 'Bananagrams' and this sweet game that they have for their wii called 'Just Dance'. I'm not really a fan of DDR or dance battling in general, but I had so much fun with this game! Later, we got to try out our moves at the local bar, 'The Queens'. There was a live band playing, but while the band had all the high tech gear, like wireless amps and headphones for their monitors… they left a little bit to be desired. But we still had a good time rockin' out… even though I didn't recognize any of the country tunes.
This morning, Mal made some delicious crepes for breakfast, complete with fresh kiwis, bananas and strawberries. Unfortunately, I had to say 'goodbye' because it was about a 3-hour drive back to Newmarket. Can't wait to see them at their 'Jack and Jill' in June!
--ooh, gotta go, the Grammys are on! I'm excited to see 'Mumford & Sons'!
It was my first visit to their darling little house in the heart of Avril Lavigne country. On Friday night, I spent some time with Mal and her sister, Kristen, and Kristen's two little boys. After breakfast-for-dinner at Denny's (where Pete works), Mal and I flipped through her massive pile of Bridal magazines while watching 'Say Yes to the Dress' and 'Four Weddings' on TLC. It was the perfect girly night-in. I also got a little sneak peak at her wedding dress! Mal also asked me who I am bringing as my date… I hadn't thought of that, actually…
On Saturday we met up with three of Mallory's four bridesmaids to check out some potential bridesmaids dresses. Unfortunately, we were out of luck. I guess the spring and summer collections haven't made their way to Belleville yet. Hopefully they'll be able to find something soon— the wedding's in less than 4 months! It was really nice to have a girls day and hang out with this great bunch of ladies!
Later on, Mal's maid of honour, Jen, joined us back at Mal and Pete's for some homemade pizza, a couple rounds of 'Bananagrams' and this sweet game that they have for their wii called 'Just Dance'. I'm not really a fan of DDR or dance battling in general, but I had so much fun with this game! Later, we got to try out our moves at the local bar, 'The Queens'. There was a live band playing, but while the band had all the high tech gear, like wireless amps and headphones for their monitors… they left a little bit to be desired. But we still had a good time rockin' out… even though I didn't recognize any of the country tunes.
This morning, Mal made some delicious crepes for breakfast, complete with fresh kiwis, bananas and strawberries. Unfortunately, I had to say 'goodbye' because it was about a 3-hour drive back to Newmarket. Can't wait to see them at their 'Jack and Jill' in June!
--ooh, gotta go, the Grammys are on! I'm excited to see 'Mumford & Sons'!
2/9/11
2/8/11
Date Night
So it's Tuesday today— cheap night at the movies. I meant to go to my small group tonight… but I went to run a couple errands and I didn't get there. I took myself on a date instead.
First, I went glasses shopping and I settled on a great pair of thick-rimmed tortoise-shell Ray-Bans with a sliver of blue.
Next, I headed to the cinema to see 'The Fighter' and I picked up one of those movie-theatre magazines and a coffee on the way. I really enjoyed the movie… but there was too much punching. I was expecting it, as the film is about two brothers who are boxers. Christian Bale definitely deserves all the hype he's getting over this role— he is fantastically jittery and aggressive as crack-addict, Dicky Eklund. Mark Whalberg's performance was pretty good, too. I liked this movie because the characters are easy to relate to; each character has loyalties to the people they love and they care deeply about not upsetting their families. But there was a lot of punching.
The trailers were pretty good, too. One called 'I Am Number Four' is some kind of sci-fi story where these superheroes are getting killed off in sequence by some dude with a tattooed head. Might be a good one. I don't really remember much about the others, though.
I heard another beautiful song on Fearne Cotton's show today. I hope you LOVE this:
First, I went glasses shopping and I settled on a great pair of thick-rimmed tortoise-shell Ray-Bans with a sliver of blue.
Next, I headed to the cinema to see 'The Fighter' and I picked up one of those movie-theatre magazines and a coffee on the way. I really enjoyed the movie… but there was too much punching. I was expecting it, as the film is about two brothers who are boxers. Christian Bale definitely deserves all the hype he's getting over this role— he is fantastically jittery and aggressive as crack-addict, Dicky Eklund. Mark Whalberg's performance was pretty good, too. I liked this movie because the characters are easy to relate to; each character has loyalties to the people they love and they care deeply about not upsetting their families. But there was a lot of punching.
The trailers were pretty good, too. One called 'I Am Number Four' is some kind of sci-fi story where these superheroes are getting killed off in sequence by some dude with a tattooed head. Might be a good one. I don't really remember much about the others, though.
I heard another beautiful song on Fearne Cotton's show today. I hope you LOVE this:
2/7/11
What the heck is 'Bunco'?
K, so tonight, my Mom hosted her Bunco group at our house? What's Bunco? Well, it's a dice-rolling game… so it's a game that's all luck and requires no skill… but it's pretty fun! I've tried typing out my own instructions and… I'm not very good at explaining it, so I'll let you check out this wikipedia link. These ladies are hardcore— and they even have prizes! It was my Mom's turn to do prizes this month and she got some great stuff at the Body Shop. It was a fun night!
Also, I heard some AMAZING music on BBC Radio 1 today. Check out:
Crystal Fighters:
Fleet Foxes This one also has a wonderful stop-motion video):
and something very special from Dry the River:
Also, I heard some AMAZING music on BBC Radio 1 today. Check out:
Crystal Fighters:
Fleet Foxes This one also has a wonderful stop-motion video):
and something very special from Dry the River:
What a Week
My week didn't begin very nicely last week. Since I started at my current job, I have experienced some disconcerting mood swings at the beginning of each month. Since the end of the month is so busy and hectic, I find it a bit difficult to readjust when I suddenly have a whole bunch of free time to myself. I was feeling pretty low. So I did some prayin'.
And God comforted me! On Wednesday, He reminded me how much I actually do love designing and drawing and making things. Just for fun, I spent the whole day designing some books covers for 'Anne of Green Gables', which, after reading for the first time last year in England, has become one of my favourite books. I think they're pretty great. What do you think? (these are just the front covers)
Then, on Thursday, I was further comforted and encouraged while enjoying a delicious dinner with my dear friend Laura. We donned our most jewel-toned dresses and red lipstick for a fancy meal at Sassafraz— it was Winterlicious, so the restaurant was offering a three-course supper for a great fixed price.
Friday, I drove up to Lindsay to visit my friends Tom and Kyle of See Design at their new studio— which is beautiful! Kyle was very patient with me as he walked me through the set-up of my very own portfolio website. Check it out: www.sarahpatterson.ca. I always have such a great time with those boys. They have such great taste in music and we definitely laughed a lot. We also did a bit of brainstorming together and without giving it away, Tom and Kyle may have just invented the best designerd product since the 'KERN' zip-up hoodie. Brilliant. In the evening, we joined by Tom's lovely wife, Alanna, for a drive into Peterborough. We had a some delicious pasta, pizza and free salad and bread at East Side Mario's, where we were served by Jake (but Alanna and I agreed that he looked more like a 'Brad' or a 'Sean').
— Actually Jake was pretty funny… but not 'ha ha' funny. When we ordered drinks, Alanna and I ordered rootbeer and Tom had a Fresca, but when Jake looked at Kyle, he said 'Tequila?' And when Kyle finally decided on a Fresca and Gin (a drink suggested to him by the last server he'd had at East Side Mario's), Jake said that it would be a nice drink to 'romanticize' himself with. He was an interesting character.
Anyway, after dinner, we went to see '127 Hours' [SPOILER ALERT…even though it's been all over the news for years]— a film about Aron Ralston. Ralston went climbing on his own in Blue John canyon in Utah in 2003. At one point, he slipped and fell… and unfortunately, he was closely followed by a large rock, which pinned his arm against the wall of the canyon. He survived for 5 days, on very little food and not much water, before he cut off his own arm with a blunt multi-tool. James Franco, who portrays Ralston, has been nominated for this role— and in my opinion, he deserves it! For much of the film, it's just Franco and the camera, and it remains intensely compelling throughout. Franco was able to depict Ralston's change of character, as he slowly adjusts his attitude from lone-wolf thrill-seeker to a man who desires more of a connection to his friends and family. I would say Franco's the Best Actor Winner hands down… if it weren't for Colin Firth's flawless representation of stammering King George VI… it's gonna be a close one!
Friday was really great— thanks so much, Tom, Alanna and Kyle, for having me!
Saturday, I had a pretty relaxing day. Later on, Kayla and I headed down to the city for dinner at Meg and Jay's. It was pretty delicious, especially the salad: spinach, goat's cheese and pears! We had a great evening catching up and chatting. I think we all really savour the times we spend together— I know I do. I guess we're slowly reconciling ourselves to adulthood and getting used to only seeing eachother a couple times a month. It's a bit tricky, since we used to see eachother every day… maybe that's why we get along so much better now (just kidding).
Sunday was pretty good, too! I joined my co-worker and friend, Natalie, and her husband Jeff for a drive up to Barrie to another of my coworker/friend's church, Connexus. I really liked it! The message was pretty challenging. It was taken from the book of Jonah, specifically the point where Jonah is in the belly of the fish and cries out to God to save him. It's the point when he stops running from God. The speaker encouraged us to stop running from God, too— to stop putting things before God and to start doing what He would have us do.
Afterwards, Jeff, Nat and I had pizza at 'Pie', a wood-fired pizza joint. It was the best pizza I've had in a long time. I would go to Barrie just for that pizza.
When I got home, I was able to chat to Aussie online about our upcoming trip. We had originally decided to go to Egypt, but due to recent political situations, we have obviously changed our plans. Don't know where we're going yet, but it will probably be either Italy, Croatia or Turkey… I'll have to do some research!
Well, it's off to bed for me!
Then, on Thursday, I was further comforted and encouraged while enjoying a delicious dinner with my dear friend Laura. We donned our most jewel-toned dresses and red lipstick for a fancy meal at Sassafraz— it was Winterlicious, so the restaurant was offering a three-course supper for a great fixed price.
Friday, I drove up to Lindsay to visit my friends Tom and Kyle of See Design at their new studio— which is beautiful! Kyle was very patient with me as he walked me through the set-up of my very own portfolio website. Check it out: www.sarahpatterson.ca. I always have such a great time with those boys. They have such great taste in music and we definitely laughed a lot. We also did a bit of brainstorming together and without giving it away, Tom and Kyle may have just invented the best designerd product since the 'KERN' zip-up hoodie. Brilliant. In the evening, we joined by Tom's lovely wife, Alanna, for a drive into Peterborough. We had a some delicious pasta, pizza and free salad and bread at East Side Mario's, where we were served by Jake (but Alanna and I agreed that he looked more like a 'Brad' or a 'Sean').
— Actually Jake was pretty funny… but not 'ha ha' funny. When we ordered drinks, Alanna and I ordered rootbeer and Tom had a Fresca, but when Jake looked at Kyle, he said 'Tequila?' And when Kyle finally decided on a Fresca and Gin (a drink suggested to him by the last server he'd had at East Side Mario's), Jake said that it would be a nice drink to 'romanticize' himself with. He was an interesting character.
Anyway, after dinner, we went to see '127 Hours' [SPOILER ALERT…even though it's been all over the news for years]— a film about Aron Ralston. Ralston went climbing on his own in Blue John canyon in Utah in 2003. At one point, he slipped and fell… and unfortunately, he was closely followed by a large rock, which pinned his arm against the wall of the canyon. He survived for 5 days, on very little food and not much water, before he cut off his own arm with a blunt multi-tool. James Franco, who portrays Ralston, has been nominated for this role— and in my opinion, he deserves it! For much of the film, it's just Franco and the camera, and it remains intensely compelling throughout. Franco was able to depict Ralston's change of character, as he slowly adjusts his attitude from lone-wolf thrill-seeker to a man who desires more of a connection to his friends and family. I would say Franco's the Best Actor Winner hands down… if it weren't for Colin Firth's flawless representation of stammering King George VI… it's gonna be a close one!
Friday was really great— thanks so much, Tom, Alanna and Kyle, for having me!
Saturday, I had a pretty relaxing day. Later on, Kayla and I headed down to the city for dinner at Meg and Jay's. It was pretty delicious, especially the salad: spinach, goat's cheese and pears! We had a great evening catching up and chatting. I think we all really savour the times we spend together— I know I do. I guess we're slowly reconciling ourselves to adulthood and getting used to only seeing eachother a couple times a month. It's a bit tricky, since we used to see eachother every day… maybe that's why we get along so much better now (just kidding).
Sunday was pretty good, too! I joined my co-worker and friend, Natalie, and her husband Jeff for a drive up to Barrie to another of my coworker/friend's church, Connexus. I really liked it! The message was pretty challenging. It was taken from the book of Jonah, specifically the point where Jonah is in the belly of the fish and cries out to God to save him. It's the point when he stops running from God. The speaker encouraged us to stop running from God, too— to stop putting things before God and to start doing what He would have us do.
Afterwards, Jeff, Nat and I had pizza at 'Pie', a wood-fired pizza joint. It was the best pizza I've had in a long time. I would go to Barrie just for that pizza.
When I got home, I was able to chat to Aussie online about our upcoming trip. We had originally decided to go to Egypt, but due to recent political situations, we have obviously changed our plans. Don't know where we're going yet, but it will probably be either Italy, Croatia or Turkey… I'll have to do some research!
Well, it's off to bed for me!
2/6/11
Promise This
Okay, so I know my last post was a music post, but I just have to share this with you—
Lately I've been listening to a LOT of Adele. She has just released her second album, 21, in the UK, but it's not out in North America until February 22. I like Adele because her voice is so raw and powerful and completely untouched by digital enhancements that are so common in pop music today. Her lyrics are honest and personal and so poetic.
A couple of weeks ago, she did a Live Lounge special on BBC Radio 1-- she sang six tracks live on air. I listened to it twice, it was so good. Anyway, please enjoy the following tracks from Adele:
Lately I've been listening to a LOT of Adele. She has just released her second album, 21, in the UK, but it's not out in North America until February 22. I like Adele because her voice is so raw and powerful and completely untouched by digital enhancements that are so common in pop music today. Her lyrics are honest and personal and so poetic.
A couple of weeks ago, she did a Live Lounge special on BBC Radio 1-- she sang six tracks live on air. I listened to it twice, it was so good. Anyway, please enjoy the following tracks from Adele:
And here's a great cover she dod of Cheryl Cole's 'Promise This':
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)