Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Like Chewing Sand
Sometimes, words are simply not necessary. What I will say, however, is that the first time I saw this on Monday morning, I thought Mrs. Curmudgeon had slipped a fistfull of hallucinogens into my coffee. Enjoy, my friends, enjoy.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Turtles in Molasses at the Frontier
Don't know about you, but I simply can't keep up with music or musical trends anymore. I once had to for the sake of my work, so whenever anyone asked me if I'd heard this or that, whether or not I liked it the chances were good that I had. Now, it's possible-to-probable that I haven't.
I was concerned about falling behind for a time, but now I couldn't care less. There's just so much music now available from so many sources that I'm well out of touch, but happily accept being out of the loop. Nonetheless, I still read around twenty music blogs each morning before starting work and between them learn of ten or so new bands or artists every day. How can a mere mortal remain up to speed in the face of such an onslaught?
I've no need of the apparent cool associated with being down with everything that's going on, like, God help us, chillwave, and find much more joy in simply stumbling into bands and investigating the hyped ones in my own sweet time. This means I'm enjoying music so much more these days, as I don't put pressure on myself to know everything's that's happening. Besides, if the ilk of Wavves and Diamond Rings represent the height of hipness, I'd rather not.
Anyway, I thought I'd use Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository to occasionally talk about music I like, simply because I like it. Old or new, hip or otherwise, it matters not. If you already know the bands or artists I mention, splendid. If you already like them as much as I do, all the better. If you don't know them, perhaps my prodding will prompt you to look into what they do?
First today, from Duluth, Minnesota - home of such genii as Low and Charlie Parr - I present the wonderful TRAMPLED BY TURTLES. Despite the band forming in 2003 and that I had seen their name around for a while (perhaps having subconsciously dismissed it as novelty), I only really caught onto TBT last year. It was this song and blistering performance video that did it:
If, like me, you have a bent for the folky and the bluegrassy, played masterfully, but also with an attitude rooted in punk rock - like The Hackensaw Boys, for example - then you will probably have lost your mind watching that video. I did. And still do. Man, is that fast! Between first watching it months back and today I snapped up Palomino, the album from which Wait So Long is taken, then snaffled tickets to see the boys at The Media Club in Vancouver on May 14th. I don't get terribly excited about too many gigs these days, but I'm all aquiver for this one. Here's another reason why, with another track from Palomino and a great video to boot:
Holy, and indeed, moly. TBT are touring North America from February 18th, so if you live in a town they're visiting I'd say the party is most emphatically on if you care to join them on the night. Europe, you'll have to be patient.
Next, SLOW DOWN, MOLASSES. This 7-piece hails from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city I regard as a hub for Canadian indie talent. The excellent (and in some ways, similar) Carbon Dating Service hail from here, as do the sublime The Deep Dark Woods and Canada's beautiful take on Red House Painters' songs for blue guitars, Dumb Angel. That's for starters.
Susan (Mrs. Curmudgeon) and I first encountered SD, M (with, as they have overlapping personnel, the latter opening), a couple of years back at the (putting it mildly) idiosyncratic Duncan Garage Showroom. There were, I think, about four others in attendance. We'd checked them out online in advance simply because we get so little indie talent aligned to our tastes visiting Nanaimo, or even Vancouver Island, and liked what we heard. The fact that they cover Will Oldham's New Partner naturally sealed the deal. Anyway, we fell in love with SD, M (and Dumb Angel) that night, picking up their debut album and an EP, all they had recorded at that time.
It's been a long time coming, but the second SD, M album is about to drop. Entitled Walk Into the Sea, it's an absolute dream of an album that, if there is any justice in the world (there isn't; I checked), will cause quite a fuss across Canada and far beyond. Courtesy of Tyson McShane of the band, I first heard it just this morning, and by the fourth track was an emotional wreck. It's so powerful and epic that at times I thought my heart would burst as I was carried along by the surging orchestral swells and aching beauty of material performed by a young band at the top of their game. Really, wherever you live, order this stunning piece of art when it's released on March 15th. You won't regret it, I promise. Details of the outlets carrying it can be found on the band's website-blogspot thingy; we favour CD Baby.
Finally today, the gorgeous FRONTIER RUCKUS, seen above coolly posing behind some stringy plant stuff. This Detroit band is a case in point when I speak of encountering music by chance. I was larking aimlessly about online a few months back, as I am wont to do far more regularly than is healthy, and up popped their name somewhere, though I can't recall where. Intrigued, I wandered over to their website to find the band generously offering no less than thirty-six demos available for free download. Considering, in the main, that these renditions of Frontier Ruckus songs are superior to tons of official finished product by other bands I've heard down the years, I would suggest if you fetishize on creaky, rustic indie folk music bearing echoes of Neutral Milk Hotel (how could you not?), that you get yourself over to their website sharpish. The demos stand up on their own, serving as the perfect introduction to the beautiful songs of Matthew Milia. Get on it, friends, then pick up their CDs so the guys can eat.
That's all the gubbins for today. Captain Curmudgeon will return forthwith to ramble on about a couple of books he finds rather jolly.
I was concerned about falling behind for a time, but now I couldn't care less. There's just so much music now available from so many sources that I'm well out of touch, but happily accept being out of the loop. Nonetheless, I still read around twenty music blogs each morning before starting work and between them learn of ten or so new bands or artists every day. How can a mere mortal remain up to speed in the face of such an onslaught?
I've no need of the apparent cool associated with being down with everything that's going on, like, God help us, chillwave, and find much more joy in simply stumbling into bands and investigating the hyped ones in my own sweet time. This means I'm enjoying music so much more these days, as I don't put pressure on myself to know everything's that's happening. Besides, if the ilk of Wavves and Diamond Rings represent the height of hipness, I'd rather not.
Anyway, I thought I'd use Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository to occasionally talk about music I like, simply because I like it. Old or new, hip or otherwise, it matters not. If you already know the bands or artists I mention, splendid. If you already like them as much as I do, all the better. If you don't know them, perhaps my prodding will prompt you to look into what they do?
First today, from Duluth, Minnesota - home of such genii as Low and Charlie Parr - I present the wonderful TRAMPLED BY TURTLES. Despite the band forming in 2003 and that I had seen their name around for a while (perhaps having subconsciously dismissed it as novelty), I only really caught onto TBT last year. It was this song and blistering performance video that did it:
If, like me, you have a bent for the folky and the bluegrassy, played masterfully, but also with an attitude rooted in punk rock - like The Hackensaw Boys, for example - then you will probably have lost your mind watching that video. I did. And still do. Man, is that fast! Between first watching it months back and today I snapped up Palomino, the album from which Wait So Long is taken, then snaffled tickets to see the boys at The Media Club in Vancouver on May 14th. I don't get terribly excited about too many gigs these days, but I'm all aquiver for this one. Here's another reason why, with another track from Palomino and a great video to boot:
Holy, and indeed, moly. TBT are touring North America from February 18th, so if you live in a town they're visiting I'd say the party is most emphatically on if you care to join them on the night. Europe, you'll have to be patient.
Next, SLOW DOWN, MOLASSES. This 7-piece hails from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city I regard as a hub for Canadian indie talent. The excellent (and in some ways, similar) Carbon Dating Service hail from here, as do the sublime The Deep Dark Woods and Canada's beautiful take on Red House Painters' songs for blue guitars, Dumb Angel. That's for starters.
Susan (Mrs. Curmudgeon) and I first encountered SD, M (with, as they have overlapping personnel, the latter opening), a couple of years back at the (putting it mildly) idiosyncratic Duncan Garage Showroom. There were, I think, about four others in attendance. We'd checked them out online in advance simply because we get so little indie talent aligned to our tastes visiting Nanaimo, or even Vancouver Island, and liked what we heard. The fact that they cover Will Oldham's New Partner naturally sealed the deal. Anyway, we fell in love with SD, M (and Dumb Angel) that night, picking up their debut album and an EP, all they had recorded at that time.
It's been a long time coming, but the second SD, M album is about to drop. Entitled Walk Into the Sea, it's an absolute dream of an album that, if there is any justice in the world (there isn't; I checked), will cause quite a fuss across Canada and far beyond. Courtesy of Tyson McShane of the band, I first heard it just this morning, and by the fourth track was an emotional wreck. It's so powerful and epic that at times I thought my heart would burst as I was carried along by the surging orchestral swells and aching beauty of material performed by a young band at the top of their game. Really, wherever you live, order this stunning piece of art when it's released on March 15th. You won't regret it, I promise. Details of the outlets carrying it can be found on the band's website-blogspot thingy; we favour CD Baby.
Finally today, the gorgeous FRONTIER RUCKUS, seen above coolly posing behind some stringy plant stuff. This Detroit band is a case in point when I speak of encountering music by chance. I was larking aimlessly about online a few months back, as I am wont to do far more regularly than is healthy, and up popped their name somewhere, though I can't recall where. Intrigued, I wandered over to their website to find the band generously offering no less than thirty-six demos available for free download. Considering, in the main, that these renditions of Frontier Ruckus songs are superior to tons of official finished product by other bands I've heard down the years, I would suggest if you fetishize on creaky, rustic indie folk music bearing echoes of Neutral Milk Hotel (how could you not?), that you get yourself over to their website sharpish. The demos stand up on their own, serving as the perfect introduction to the beautiful songs of Matthew Milia. Get on it, friends, then pick up their CDs so the guys can eat.
That's all the gubbins for today. Captain Curmudgeon will return forthwith to ramble on about a couple of books he finds rather jolly.
Friday, January 28, 2011
I Love a Happy Ending...
After being alerted to its existence by Boing Boing this morning, I just couldn't resist posting this, the climax to the 2010 Indian sci-fi movie, Enthiran (The Robot). Utterly demented and awe-inspiring at once, I think it's safe to say it could be a while before the world sees a more over-the-top movie ending. Truly, it makes the Matrix series look like it was made with stickmen. Quite why it's dubbed in Russian, however, is anyone's guess. Enjoy!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Font Fun (aka 'Funt')
See that jaunty font up there, spelling out the overblown title of this blog? Have you seen it before? Do you know what it's called? Until designing Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository I had never seen it, at least offered as a choice in those drop-down thingies where fonts live. Do you like it? Having chosen it, it stands to reason that I really do. It's comfortingly familiar, lively, cheeky and full of beans. Its name, on the other hand, is surely the work of a lunatic.
I imagine most anyone who has ever used a word processing program on a PC will have encountered, and could consequently recognize, '"household" fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana and so forth. But unless you work in or have a worrying fetish for design, I think it unlikely you'll have tripped over Mountains of Christmas before. Yes, that's what this font is called: Mountains of Christmas. How silly is that? It's so silly, in fact, that I feel the need to repeat it once more: Mountains. Of. Christmas.
How did it get its name? I see it now, actually...
A couple of designer types, Nigel and Sebastian, are hunched over a monitor at T.P.W.F.A.N. (The Place Where Fonts Are Named) HQ, staring at the character map of their breezy new font, straining their brains to come up with a moniker perfectly reflecting its personality.
"How about Meadowscript?" says Sebastian.
"Nah, far too rural and wet," replies Nigel. "I think we should go with ThunderScrawl. It's vital and urgent and urban and, like, funky, yeah?"
"Simply pathetic," scowls Seb, with a dismissive tut. "You listen to way too much Level 42."
Then the door bursts open and in staggers their boss, clearly worse for wear after a liquid lunch. Rattled, his underlings try to look industrious for a moment, then invite him into the discussion. "Sigmund, we've been trying to nail it, but it's just out of our grasp. Any ideas?" asks Nigel.
"Hmmm... what about... ooh, erm... (hiccup)... I know, yes... Loads of Lent?! No, that's not it. Damn. Ooh, oh, erm... yes, it's (belch) gotta be Heaps of Hogmanay!"
Nigel and Sebastian exchange surreptitious worried glances.
"Wait a minute! Wait. A. Minute! Mountains of Christmas! That's it! MOUNTAINS OF CHRISTMAS!" screams Sigmund, just before collapsing.
"Yes! Yes! Mountains of Christmas! Sigmund, you are a genius!" chirp Nigel and Sebastian, sycophants both, as their disgrace of an immediate superior crumples to the floor.
Sad to say, it is not true that the Mountains of Christmas font was named by a drunk computer typographer called Sigmund. I wish it was, but cannot lie. My not terribly deep research reveals that it actually seems to have been developed by a lady from Minneapolis called Crystal Kluge, who co-helms a company called, ahem, Tart Workshop. It's a new font, trademarked by Font Diner, Inc. (whose Stuart Sandler is the other tart) in 2010.
So, there you have it, the story of a font in forms both true and utter cobblers. But Crystal, Stuart, what's with the name? Did it swirl from the smoke of a crack pipe? Was it spelled out by chance in the fallen crumbs of a hash cookie? Was it born in the bubbles of a brewski? Captain Curmudgeon needs to know!
I imagine most anyone who has ever used a word processing program on a PC will have encountered, and could consequently recognize, '"household" fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana and so forth. But unless you work in or have a worrying fetish for design, I think it unlikely you'll have tripped over Mountains of Christmas before. Yes, that's what this font is called: Mountains of Christmas. How silly is that? It's so silly, in fact, that I feel the need to repeat it once more: Mountains. Of. Christmas.
How did it get its name? I see it now, actually...
A couple of designer types, Nigel and Sebastian, are hunched over a monitor at T.P.W.F.A.N. (The Place Where Fonts Are Named) HQ, staring at the character map of their breezy new font, straining their brains to come up with a moniker perfectly reflecting its personality.
"How about Meadowscript?" says Sebastian.
"Nah, far too rural and wet," replies Nigel. "I think we should go with ThunderScrawl. It's vital and urgent and urban and, like, funky, yeah?"
"Simply pathetic," scowls Seb, with a dismissive tut. "You listen to way too much Level 42."
Then the door bursts open and in staggers their boss, clearly worse for wear after a liquid lunch. Rattled, his underlings try to look industrious for a moment, then invite him into the discussion. "Sigmund, we've been trying to nail it, but it's just out of our grasp. Any ideas?" asks Nigel.
"Hmmm... what about... ooh, erm... (hiccup)... I know, yes... Loads of Lent?! No, that's not it. Damn. Ooh, oh, erm... yes, it's (belch) gotta be Heaps of Hogmanay!"
Nigel and Sebastian exchange surreptitious worried glances.
"Wait a minute! Wait. A. Minute! Mountains of Christmas! That's it! MOUNTAINS OF CHRISTMAS!" screams Sigmund, just before collapsing.
"Yes! Yes! Mountains of Christmas! Sigmund, you are a genius!" chirp Nigel and Sebastian, sycophants both, as their disgrace of an immediate superior crumples to the floor.
Sad to say, it is not true that the Mountains of Christmas font was named by a drunk computer typographer called Sigmund. I wish it was, but cannot lie. My not terribly deep research reveals that it actually seems to have been developed by a lady from Minneapolis called Crystal Kluge, who co-helms a company called, ahem, Tart Workshop. It's a new font, trademarked by Font Diner, Inc. (whose Stuart Sandler is the other tart) in 2010.
So, there you have it, the story of a font in forms both true and utter cobblers. But Crystal, Stuart, what's with the name? Did it swirl from the smoke of a crack pipe? Was it spelled out by chance in the fallen crumbs of a hash cookie? Was it born in the bubbles of a brewski? Captain Curmudgeon needs to know!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Drivel & Gubbins
I, Captain Curmudgeon, welcome you to Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository. I hope you're going to like it here. Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. I'll go put the kettle on.
I used to blog on MySpace under the rather unimaginative name of Blog Cabin, and it seems something like twelve people on this earth really liked it. Seventeen on good days. It was originally specifically aimed at relating aspects of my (now far from) new life in Canada for the benefit of some friends that don't live here. But that was then, and just like MySpace, it died. Anyway, in my quest to continue amusing that loyal dozen, perhaps in the process enticing a few others into my lair of self-indulgent claptrap, I thought it worth returning with a new coat of paint.
Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository will bring much more than musings on life in this vast land, though. The world is bigger than that. It is natural that my immediate surroundings and everything that Canada is and isn't will provoke the odd posting, but this blog will be far wider in scope - because it also has to be fun for me. I'll therefore talk generally about things I like (e.g. amusing animal behaviour, lemon meringue pie, banjoes); things I don't like (e.g. insects with hundreds of legs, Westboro Baptist Church, jazz fusion); music, books, movies and the miscellany of everyday life. In other words, expect drivel and gubbins as the fancy takes me. Whether Canadian-themed or otherwise, if my scribblings help to lighten your day, make you think, or pursue something that may enhance your existence, all the better.
Thank you, now and always. Have a splendid day.
I used to blog on MySpace under the rather unimaginative name of Blog Cabin, and it seems something like twelve people on this earth really liked it. Seventeen on good days. It was originally specifically aimed at relating aspects of my (now far from) new life in Canada for the benefit of some friends that don't live here. But that was then, and just like MySpace, it died. Anyway, in my quest to continue amusing that loyal dozen, perhaps in the process enticing a few others into my lair of self-indulgent claptrap, I thought it worth returning with a new coat of paint.
Morrison's Nifty Drivelarium & Gubbins Repository will bring much more than musings on life in this vast land, though. The world is bigger than that. It is natural that my immediate surroundings and everything that Canada is and isn't will provoke the odd posting, but this blog will be far wider in scope - because it also has to be fun for me. I'll therefore talk generally about things I like (e.g. amusing animal behaviour, lemon meringue pie, banjoes); things I don't like (e.g. insects with hundreds of legs, Westboro Baptist Church, jazz fusion); music, books, movies and the miscellany of everyday life. In other words, expect drivel and gubbins as the fancy takes me. Whether Canadian-themed or otherwise, if my scribblings help to lighten your day, make you think, or pursue something that may enhance your existence, all the better.
Thank you, now and always. Have a splendid day.
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