Video of the Day: Josh Ritter on Letterman

Not that I'm bragging or anything, but i will shortly be seeing him live. Oh yes.

Lyrix of the Day: Happiness by Built to Spill

Yo, check it:

Happiness by Built to Spill

Haven't had half a hand in half of what I am
Haven't heard of half the things that happened in the past
Haven't given half a time to half the people half the things I've planned
You don't have to be so cruel cause all I do is a little less than what I can

Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can

Haven't haven't the half of mind to stay and start to take a stand
Haven't held on half as long as I had hoped, as I had hoped and planned
Haven't missed half the shit they said I had to have to have a chance
You don't have to be so cruel cause all I do is a little less than what I can

Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can

The God Project

For those of you who don't know, I've recently had a slight existential crisis that started me on the search for God. I decided pretty quickly that the best way to make lemonade out of this situation would be to ask some musicians what their thoughts on God were and compile them for a super-cool project. So far, so good.

I set up a separate blog for The God Project (as it is tentatively called), as the tone is seriously different from the tone of Pretending to be Japanese (PTBJ = ridiculous, TGP = intense, sort of). So, guys, check it out!:

The God Project

-Jocelyn

Other Best Video Ever

Also,

Best Video Ever

I have no words for this:

Shit

I ask you this, gentle readers, how is anyone supposed to live in a world without Heath Ledger?

Video of the Day: Bob Wiseman and Feist - Who am I?

Guys, meet my new friend Bob.

Lyrics of the Day: By Your Side by CocoRosie

While listening to these lyrics, it's easy to see how Devendra Banhart and either Coco or Rosie dated/are dating (they really need to have Us Weekly for indie musicians so I can be up on the details).

"By Your Side" by CocoRosie

I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I just wanted to be your housewife

I'll iron your clothes
I'll shine your shoes
I'll make your bed
And cook your food
I'll never cheat
I'll be the best girl you'd ever meet
And for the diamond ring
I'll do these kinds of things
I'll scrub your floor
Never be a bore
I'd tuck you in
I do not snore
I'd wear your black eyes
Bake you apple pies
I won't ask why
And I try not to cry

I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out

And it's nearly midnight
And all I want with my life
Is to be a housewife
Is to be a housewife
'Cause it's nearly midnight
And all I want with my life
Is to die a housewife
Is to die a housewife

Songs That Make You Feel Better

It's hard sometimes, in the dead of winter, to find things that make you happy. This is particularly true in Vancouver, where the sun sets at 4:30 and it wasn't even really out to begin with because it's ALWAYS RAINING. Who chooses to live in a rainforest? Well, me apparently, but that's another story.

Anyway, Lately I've been coming home from work in progressively bad moods. To remedy this, I found several songs (available legally for free download. How delightful!) that lift my spirits, if only for a few minutes. Without further delay, here they are:

-Andrew Bird - "Plasticities" (Daytrotter session)
"Plasticities" (more commonly referred to as "my happy song") is just so simple and beautifully constructed. I find it hard to imagine that I'm the only one who finds it hard not to love.

-Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear" (Joanna Newsom cover)
Perhaps I shouldn't be talking about this song, what with my looming cover songs update that will undoubtedly mention it, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want. "Peach, Plum, Pear" is possibly one of the best songs ever written. The only thing that makes it better is the fact that Joanna Newsom isn't singing it. No offense to her, of course. Having to listen to her voice is, in my opinion, a small price to pay to get to listen to her music. It is a relief, however, to get to listen to her music beautifully arranged and sung by someone else. I'm just saying.

-Antony and the Johnsons - "Hope There's Someone"
No, it's not exactly a happy song, but listening to Antony sing is in itself a pleasure. That combined with the amazing and intense way this song ends makes it no less than a treat for the ears, tacky though it may sound.

-Band of Horses - "The Great Salt Lake"
It's a strange phenomenon, I suppose, that technically unhappy songs have the ability to make a person feel better. But for me, it's not about tone or lyrics so much as the beauty of the finished product. I love Ben Bridwell's voice and I adore the melodies he sings in this song. That plus envisioning the nerdy little smile he has on his face while performing, and how can you not feel good, really?

-Rogue Wave - "Eyes"
I can't find words to describe this song because I'm listening to it right now and I'd much rather do that than write. It's just lovely, that's all.

-Built to Spill - "Happiness"
(Ok, I lied about all of them being downloadable. Some jerks are signed to Warner. There's nothing I can do about it. That's what Limewire is for, not that I advocate illegal activity or anything.)
I forgot about this song for quite a while and rediscovered it today. I wasn't even really paying close attention but it pulled me in with the line "Happiness will only happen when it can." An important thing to remember, folks! And besides, winter will be over soon enough.

-Jocelyn

Lyrics of the Day: Lover by Devendra Banhart

Instead of a real update, I thought I'd entertain you with the lyrics to "Lover" by Devendra Banhart, because they're just so funny.

Well I, I wanna be your lover
I wanna be your man
I want you to understand

And I, I wanna open your door
And love you 'til you're sore
That works for - wait a minute, wait a minute
Yeah

I wanna be your thing, your anything, your everything, oh yeah

And I, I wanna fill your cup
Fill it up, fill it up to the brim with love
That works for - wait a minute, wait a minute

You'll never have to ask
I'll fill you my sweet glass
I'm gonna mesmerize your ass
Just give me my first chance, it's gonna be the last
I'm gonna make you wanna stay

I, I wanna be your cow
Give you all the milk around town
Let me see, let me see you drink it down
I, I wanna be the pear tree
I want you to climb all over me
Try my fruit and taste my seed

Climb right on me, lay it on me
C-c-climb right on me, l-l-lay it on me

Just let me do my thing
Until you start to sing
I'm going down you all night long
I'm gonna build a bond
I'm pulling out my wand
It feels so right it can't be wrong

Yeah

Well I, I wanna be your lover
I wanna be your man
I want you to understand

And I, I wanna be your lover baby
I wanna be your girl
Blow a kiss and change the world

We're gonna make it through
You got me and I got you
Your bleeding heart's at my command
If you don't love me too
Then being friends will do
Long as you let me in your bed



Oh, Devendra.

-Jocelyn

Boo Insound

So in case you haven't noticed, the albums on the side of the blog have been REMOVED because they linked to Insound, which used to be a really great/cool company and is now officially owned by Warner.

I hate it when that happens.

-Jocelyn

Artist Spotlight: Battles

Those of you who are avid readers of my blog (nerds + my mum) probably have guessed that there is no band I love more than Animal Collective. You also probably have noticed that i lament the fact that there isn't more music like what Animal Collective creates. In fact, there isn't any. Or at least, there wasn't until I discovered my favourite band of the week, Battles.

No, they're not really like Animal Collective, but they do have a similar alien quality about them. They're sort of like what would happen if Animal Collective and Explosions In The Sky had a really funky, electronic baby. A warning though, they're not for the faint of heart. Their music is structured a bit like techno, but their sound is almost like hardcore. It's a bit hard to describe, actually, without using the term "math rock," which I am reluctant to do. It sounds a bit too much like "psych folk" and all those other fake genres that artists (rightfully) hate.

Reguardless of what you call them, however, Battles are pretty great. The guys are extremely talented musicians who create something together that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's hard while listening to their music to imagine that it was created by humans, which is why the decision to put themselves performing in their music videos was such a good one. It gives the listener/watcher a frame of reference for how this music even exists.

So, without further delay, I present their 2007 release, Mirrored, in its entirety, along with two music videos for your viewing pleasure.

Continue if you dare.

-Jocelyn

"Atlas"


"Tonto"

A Christmas Present for You

In celebration of the birth of our Lord (AKA the Christian Church declaring the birth of Jesus on a day that coincided with the pagan festival of midwinter in order to take it over), I am gifting you, my precious readers, a "mixtape" filled with songs that make me very happy and thus will make you happy as well.

The list is as follows:
1. Comfy in Nautica by Panda Bear (my favourite song at the moment).
2. Lover by Devendra Banhart (listen to the lyrics. They're HILARIOUS).
3. Idle Songs by Frog Eyes (possibly the only song by Frog Eyes that's particularly good. Whatever).
4. The Ice Storm by The Go! Team (I can't describe to you how much I love this song).
5. Grounds for Divorce by Wolf Parade (a favourite of mine for some years now).
6. Unsolved Mysteries by Animal Collective (off their amazing new album that I've already talked up lots).
7. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk (duh. Best song ever).
8. Up on Your Leopard, Upon the End of Your Feral Days by Sunset Rubdown (Spencer Krug + Me = babies).
9. Galang by M.I.A. (hahahahaha).
10. Plasticities by Andrew Bird (there's no bad mood this song can't fix).

So, there you are, my loves. I suppose this is not really a real update, but you can expect a few in the coming week and a bit as I will be on vacation from my real job and thus will have lots of time for my fake job.

Happy Christmas!

(I mean that in the most secular way possible)

-Jocelyn

The End of The World

This technically qualifies as music, I guess. Really I just think it's very clever.



-Jocelyn

The Best and Worst of 2007

As 2007 grinds to a close, it's time to look back and reflect on the wonderful things/crimes against music that were committed this year. So, without further delay, the rundown is as follows:

Best Myspace Find:
Obviously, this award goes to The Last Dinosaur, who friended me on Myspace and quickly became my new favourite unsigned band from Cambridge. These lovely boys have amazing chemistry and impressive songwriting skills. I expect wonderful things from them in the future. Download there song "Home" here.

Worst Myspace Find:
The title of Worst Myspace Find goes to the most annoying band of all time, Science Ninja Team. I actually didn't make it through all four of their songs on Myspace, because they were so bad I was considering flushing my computer down the toilet. I can't even imagine why these guys think what they are doing is a good idea. It's not. Science Ninja Team, for the sake of the world, please stop.

Most Exciting Albums:
5. Kala - M.I.A.

I was surfing the two for $10 bin at HMV when this album came on and I ended up staying in the store just to hear the whole thing. I have been a mild fan of M.I.A. since "Galang" but her new album is really something to talk about. It's refreshing to see someone who is both commercially successful and really good. Keep it up, M.I.A.

4. Alive - Daft Punk

Oh man oh man oh man. I have not heard this entire album yet (come on, Mum! Christmas Present!!!), but what I have heard is enough to make me vomit happiness all over the place. It's pretty messy.

3. Person Pitch - Panda Bear

For those of you who do not know (that includes you, Panda Bear), Panda Bear and I are in love. I'm sure his wife and child will be upset to learn this, but hey, you can't stand in the way of soul mates. It's just not done. Anyway, Person Pitch is amazing. "Comfy in Nautica" is actually possibly the best song I've ever heard, outseating "We Tigers" by Animal Collective. Clearly I only like one kind of music.

2. Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon - Devendra Banhart

I bought Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon on a whim, and three songs in I was (no kidding) jumping up and down and screaming to my roommate that this album was "sooooooo good." It got panned by Pitchfork and was completely missing from their "Top 50 Albums of 2007" list, but they suck and I rule. This album is great. Seriously.

1. Strawberry Jam - Animal Collective

Strawberry Jam is by far Animal Collective's best album yet, which is saying a lot. It's super short, but makes up for it by not having one second of filler. Also, it features my boyfriend, Panda Bear, which is a major plus. I have yet to get tired of listening to this album over and over again. If I didn't have to listen to other music for research purposes, I'm not sure I would. It's just that awesome. Excellent Work, Animal Collective. I can't wait to see what you come up with in 2008.

Most Disappointing Albums:
(It speaks highly of 2007 that I could only come up with four.)
4. Night Falls Over Kortedala - Jens Lekman

Night Falls Over Kortedala is one of those albums that EVERYBODY talks about. Naturally, I assumed that they were talking about it for a reason, like maybe it was good. Not so. Sure, Jens Lekman is original, and his lyrics really are phenomenal. But I really do think he sounds like a bad lounge singer. I guess some people consider that a good thing. Those people are wrong.

3. New Magnetic Wonder - The Apples in Stereo

The Apples in Stereo had FIVE YEARS to come up with some good music and they blew it. Enough said.

2. Places Like This - Architecture in Helsinki

"Heart It Races" spent a whopping three weeks as my favourite song. Those three weeks ended when I went out and bought Places Like This only to discover the rest of the album was crap. Now I'm super pissed at Architecture in Helsinki and can't even listen to "Heart It Races" without hearing "Money You Wasted."

1. Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? - Of Montreal

Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?... Of Montreal was my favourite band until I heard this album and now I barely think about them. From what I've read, this ultra-poppy meaningless garbage with dark, miserable lyrics is the new direction they're going in now, so I doubt I'll be thinking about them much in the future. I don't think there could have been a worse follow-up to The Sunlandic Twins. Seriously, there is one good song ("Suffer for Fashion"). Pitchfork put this album at number five on their "Top Albums of 2007" list, right above Strawberry Jam. I'm not sure how anyone can rank Of Montreal's worst album above Animal Collective's best, but whatever. As I said before, Pitchfork sucks. So does Hissing Fauna.

Best Music Video:
"Heart It Races" by Architecture in Helsinki (misleading! Don't buy the album!)


Worst Music Video:
"Peacebone" by Animal Collective (misleading! Do buy the album!)


Best News:
Ike Turner dies. What an asshole. Have fun in Hell (I picture some Dante-style poetic justice with him getting the shit beaten out of him by Tina Turner. You go girl!).

Worst News:
The Blood Brothers break up. I talk about this in like every other update, that's how upset I am. It's only because I could have seen them this summer and I DIDN'T GO! I never dreamed I would NEVER have another chance. Tragic. Totally.

So that's it for now, I think. Here's to 2008!

-Jocelyn

Check it Out!

My new official BFF, Mike Ramsey, made the new heading for this page as well as the following images:

Pretty much Mike is the greatest person ever. Props to him.

Also, check out his blog here.

That is all.

-Jocelyn

Free Download: Golden Opportunities Mixtape by Okkervil River

Okkervil River is great. Don't take my word for it, Lou Reed Agrees. Don't just take Lou Reed's word for it, here is evidence: Okkervil River has decided that they would post an entire album online for FREE DOWNLOAD. Best Christmas present ever? Yes.

Anyway, the Golden Opportunities Mixtape is a very nice listen. Consisting of eight covers and one original tune ("Listening to Otis Redding at Home During Christmas"), it's mellow and cute, much like the boys of Okkervil River themselves.



Really, though, why would you sit here and listen to me talk about an album when you can go download it yourself for free? I mean, even if it sucked, it's free. Go download it! Seriously, go.

-Jocelyn

Christmas Wishlist

So I had this brilliant idea for an update.* I tell everybody what to get their friends and family for Christmas, in what may turn out to be shameless product plugs. So, thus ends the confusion of what to do for Christmas gifts, guys. Check it out:

Dads:

The White Stripes - Icky Thump
It is a commonly known fact that dads love Led Zeppelin. Most dads, however, have already listened to everything by Led Zeppelin so many times in their 50-odd years of existence that they're sick of it. Enter the White Stripes. While not nearly as epic, Jack White (the only member of the White Stripes who matters) has a vaguely Led Zeppelin-esque quality about him. His music is usually, if not always, a throw-back to the straight-up Rock and Roll of our dads' youth. Thus, dads love the White Stripes. Haven't you noticed?

Mums:

Antony & The Johnsons - I Am a Bird Now
I don't know about your mum, but my mum loves gay men and singing black women. Thus, I couldn't think of a better album to get my mum for Christmas than I Am a Bird Now by a singing gay man who sounds like a black woman (note to mum: I am not actually getting you this, as you asked for olives and coctail napkins). This album, I'm sure, would please mothers other than my own. I mean, mums love it when bluesy-sounding dudes sing bluesy-sounding songs. It touches their soul or something.

Geeks:

Daft Punk - Alive
Not that you have to be a geek to like Daft Punk, just that geeks almost definitely do like Daft Punk. Anyway, Alive is an absolutely incredible live (duh) album from these French agoraphobes that anyone who likes Daft Punk even a little bit would probably pee themselves listening to. I'm not a geek (duh), but I definitely want this one for Christmas. Hi Mum!

Really Really Pretentious People:

Sigur Ros - Heima
Really really pretentious people are more apt than the average bear to like Sigur Ros. One can conclude, then, that really really pretentious people are more apt than the average bear to want this super-special DVD recording of various free concerts Sigur Ros played in Iceland in 2006. Whatever floats your boat and finds your lost remote, guys.

Teenage Girls:

Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
Unfortunately for the world, the whole emo thing hasn't really gone out of style with the teenage girls yet. Fortunately for teenage girls, Band of Horses is still doing the whole emo thing. I chose 2006's Everything All the Time over 2007's Cease to Begin because Cease to Begin is like Everything All The Time only not as good. Plus I feel that all teenage girls really just want to subject horny teenage boys to "The Funeral" and then ask them how it makes them feel.**

Teenage Boys:

The Blood Brothers - Young Machetes
Point #1: Teenage boys have a higher tolerance for hardcore than the general population. The Blood Brothers are a way for them to piss off their parents while actually listening to good music.
Point #2: It may seem cruel to give these boys an album by a band that no longer exists, but if there's anybody who's going to go on to bigger and better things, it's the dudes from the Blood Brothers. And, as teenage boys sometimes grow into cool people, they will be better able to appreciate these bigger and better things if they know where they came from.

Emo Kids:

Rivers Cuomo - Alone
Sure, it'll be late (the release date is January 8th), but that will just give your beloved emo kid another reason to be emo. Emo kids love that stuff. They also love Weezer (though nearly always specify OLD Weezer). Thus, they will definitely love this undoubtedly super-emo release from the king of emo himself, Weezer front-man Rivers Cuomo. I mean really, what could be a more emo album title than "Alone?" Alone is what emo kids are (possibly because they're so infuriatingly emo), so they'll definitely love this album.

Hippies:

Bob Marley and the Wailers - Exodus (30th Anniversary Edition)
I'm not sure if you're familiar with the clothing store Roots, but up here in Canada, it's like the best store ever... for tourists (and expats). I used to work there. Anyway, the owners (who are American), spent some time dodging the Vietnam draft down in Jamaica before they came up to Canada instead (I think they heard the pot was better). As a result, the playlist in the stores consists of A LOT of reggae. As a result, I do now and forever will hate reggae. Sorry, reggae. I know it's not your fault, but I just can't listen to you ever again without getting irrationally angry. But there are people who can, and for those people this is a pretty great album.

People With No Taste In Music:

Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Possibly I'm going to be torn a new asshole for recommending Jens Lekman to people with no taste in music, but I just think his music sucks. His lyrics are great though. This album is definitely for people who are really into lyrics. That's my justification.


Children:

Sufjan Stevens - Songs for Christmas
I can't think of anyone making really good music today who is more kid-friendly than Sufjan Stevens. And really, there's no reason kids can't learn to love good music at an early age. You COULD get them the Spice Girls Greatest Hits album, but you'd be running the risk that they, like me, would still fall victim to the Spice Girls' brilliant marketing schemes at age 20. Don't be like me, kids! Like good music!

Collectors:

Pink Floyd - Oh, By The Way
You'd have to really love this person/be ridiculously wealthy/go in together on this gift with 19 of this person's closest friends to pay $270 for their Christmas gift, but I can't think of a music collector who wouldn't want a boxed set of ALL of Pink Floyd's albums ever, packaged as mini replicas of their records right down to the tiny album sleeves. That's just really cool.

People Whose Taste In Music Transcends What Others Tell Them Is Cool:

U2 - The Joshua Tree Deluxe Edition
For those people willing to admit that U2 was once a great band (despite the obvious fact that they no longer are), The Joshua Tree Deluxe edition is pretty much the best gift ever. Because (duh) The Joshua Tree is pretty much the best album ever. You can't say that in public without running a serious risk of being punched in the face. Anyway, this two disc edition of the BEST ALBUM EVER features all sorts of b-sides and liner notes and anything a fan of THE BEST ALBUM EVER could want. I'll be locking my doors tonight.***

So that's it, guys. Happy Shopping!

-Jocelyn

* - When I say I came up with this idea, what I mean is my mum emailed me to suggest I do a Christmas Wishlist for my blog.
** - Answer: horny. Everything makes teenage boys feel horny. This is a scientific fact.
*** - Yes, mum. I lock my doors EVERY night.

Interview: The Last Dinosaur (FEAT. CAPITAL LETTERS)

Welcome, friends, to a very special update of this very special blog. Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of Pretending to be Japanese. A very lovely couple of blokes, Jamie Cameron and Luke Hayden (better known as The Last Dinosaur), agreed to let me interview them, in what turned out to be an interview cherry-popping for all of us. Surprisingly, it went quite well.

So, without further delay, The Interview:

Jocelyn: It seems like you guys have a lot of projects going on musically. How did The Last Dinosaur start? What sets it apart from the other things you're doing?

Jamie: Basically, Luke and I met at college (when we were 17) and have been friends ever since. I'd been recording my own songs since i was 16 by myself. We got in a band together at college but didn't actually write or record together for a while.

I started another band called Since I Was A Little Girl which attracted a small label from the UK. We agreed to release a CD in 2003, but we were in a bad car accident and James (my friend, the other guy in the band) passed away. We still released the CD though and I had a good relationship with the guy who owned the label.

Luke and I were still friends throughout all of this and eventually we started to record a mix of guitar and piano with a friend rapping over the top and the same label wanted to release our EP. That band was called Lostboy, which sort of fizzled out and there was a while where I was just recording on my own, but randomly one day late last year we decided to record something together late at night. That became the beginning of "The First Last Dinosaur Song."

And then it seemed to fall into place, and we didn't understand why we hadn't recorded together properly before! So, we would meet up and stay up late into the night when the magic seemed to be there and just record whatever we came up with. It's different from the other things we do because of what inspires it and how we approach it I think.

Jocelyn: So is that what you mean when you call Luke your "musical life partner?"

Jamie: Yeah. That's because he's always been there throughout what I've been doing and now I can't imagine doing anything in the future without him being involved somehow.

Jocelyn: How did you come up with "The Last Dinosaur" as your name?

Luke: Luke.

Jamie: Which is sort of true. When we were coming up with a name Luke randomly said "The Last Dinosaur," which he decided would be better as "Our Last Dinosaur," which became "Your Last Dinosaur." This carried on for a while until I suggested the first idea was the best (which is usually the case).

We both loved Denver The Last Dinosaur when we were younger. I guess, strange as it might sound, the name reflects certain feelings I'd have when I was younger and trying to relive those feelings that have been lost due to age.

Jocelyn: When you were kids, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Luke: I wanted to be a Thundercat.

Jamie: Did you actually?

Luke: Yeah, I had the sword. But it turns out I'm actually He-Man.

Jamie: I wanted to be a musician, which is sort of painfully boring and obvious compared to Luke's answer.

Jocelyn: You've done a better job of realizing your goal though.

Jamie: Ahah! Yes!

Jocelyn: So where do you see yourselves in five years?

Luke: Uh... I dunno... I guess... 27.

Jamie: Five years? Wow that's so far away, I wouldn't even like to hazard a guess. But there will definitely be a lot of music involved. As long as I can carry on doing music and not have to work a job that makes me horribly depressed then I'll be happy.

Jocelyn: What's your favourite Last Dinosaur song?

Luke: I have a real problem picking favourites. I like "The Song Playing At The End Of The Film Of My Life." I've listened to that the most probably, but I'm too indecisive to pick!"

Jamie: It's really hard for me too, "Home" is such a personal subject for me, but then there's "The First Last Dinosaur Song," which has a sax solo by our friend James Slade which just blows me away every time I hear it.

They were each born from such different situations and thoughts that I guess it depends on the feeling I had at the time. I think perhaps if I had to choose it would be "Home" for me though, just because I put so much into it.

Jocelyn: When you're not playing music, what do you do?

Jamie: Luke works for his dad and gets paid a lot and I work for Blockbuster and get paid very little.

Luke: PS3. I skateboard. I love my movies too. I love Donnie Darko. Not the movie, just him. Although, I do love the movie.

Jocelyn: The movie would have been better if they'd use the original version of "Mad World" instead of that sappy cover. Imagine looking at Donnie's destroyed room/dead body while listening to straight up new wave.

Jamie: Yeah, we love Tears for Fears, so agreed. And the way they used "Head Over Heels" in that film is amazing. I used to listen to that song a lot when I was younger. On a stolen mix cassette that my dad made my sister for her 10th birthday.

Some 80's bands are amazing, despite the popular opinion that they are all rubbish (except from the hipsters). Talk Talk and The Blue Nile are two of my favourite bands. Talk Talk especially. For Me, no band inspires what The Last Dinosaur do as much as Talk Talk.

Jocelyn: How do you feel about Gwen Stefani covering "It's My Life?"

Jamie: I really ony listen to the latter three Talk Talk albums, so I never felt protective over the earlier stuff.

Jocelyn: Well, you already possibly said two of them, but I wanted to know what your top five favourite bands of all time are.

Luke: Inlets, Sparklehorse, The Constantines, Elliott Smith, Kidsaredead.

Jamie: I couldn't possibly pick a top five, because I'm a geek, but here are a few people I love: Inlets, Sparklehorse, The Constantines, Kidsaredead, Broken Social Scene, Karl Blau, Atronauti, The Tupolev Ghost, Jenny Hall, Animal Collective, The Delgados, Explosions in the Sky, David Crosby, Stina Nordenstam, Savath & Savalas, Jim O'Rourke...

I could go on forever probably, so it's better I stop now!

...Jeniferever! We forgot them! We love them!

Jocelyn: Well, I think that's it. Unless you guys have anything else you'd like to say.

Jamie: Yes! Please draw us a dinosaur, befriend us on Myspace, and watch our pretty video!



Thus ends our first interview. As a special gift to you, my loyal readers, Jamie sent me "Home" in mp3 form. Here it is, available for your listening/downloading pleasure.

Good luck with the dinosaur drawings!

-Jocelyn

RIP: bands who are no longer with us

i was going to do an update on deerhunter, but they decided to go on "hiatus" (sounds like a break-up to me). so in honour of their departure from the world (as of yesterday), i have decided to do a very special update on great bands who are no longer with us. starting, of course, with the offending party themselves.

for those of you who are familiar with deerhunter, the break-up (excuse me, "hiatus") can come as no surprise, seeing as they're all crazy. evidence follows:

1. they kicked out their first drummer, dan walton
2. their first bassist, justin bosworth, was a heroine addict, got clean, then promptly died of a head injury while skateboarding
3. at a recording session in new york, deerhunter actually managed to accomplish nothing due to their lead singer, Bradford Cox's "mental and physical state at the time" and disagreements with their engineer
4. in august of 2007, they parted ways with guitarist Colin Mee because he didn't show up to some shows
5. they like to post things like porn and descriptions of poop on their blog

despite this (or perhaps because of it), deerhunter was a pretty great band and they will be sorely missed. not that they won't be back, of course. i mean, it's just a "hiatus" after all.



next on the list is the blood brothers, whose death i am still mourning. the blood brothers, at least, had a legitimate reason to part ways. the band formed when the members were still in high school and stayed in existance for 10 years. while i am devastated at their departure, i think if they had stayed together any longer it would have been the equivalent of marrying your highschool sweetheart, which is just wrong. that said, they are sorely missed as they were possibly the only hardcore band i could ever have liked and they lent the genre some much-needed talent.



now for something a little older, my favourite no longer existant band, neutral milk hotel. formed in the early 90's, these guys are pretty much the reason the independent music scene is what it is today. they made it all the way to 1998 and then went on an indefinite "hiatus" (see what i mean?). to make matters worse, jeff magnum himself pretty much disappeared after doing his last live show in new zealand in 2001. he now lives in a cave or something with osama bin laden and doesn't see fit to grace the world with his presence. it's really too bad the great ones are all crazy.



and now for something completely different, let's talk about ugly casanova. no, they haven't officially broken up (although i'm not sure they ever officially existed either), but as they'll probably never make another record, i feel safe talking about them in this update. for those of you who don't know, ugly casanova features edgar graham (aka isaac brock from modest mouse pulling an andy kaufman). isaac brock, it seems, made up an alter-ego for himself, formed a side-project, signed a record contract (with sub-pop), released an album and promptly got in deep shit with the record company with which he was already signed (epic). thus the likelyhood of another album from these guys, who are like modest mouse only sillier, is slim to nil. i think we can safely say RIP, ugly casanova, you were highly entertaining while you lasted.



the unicorns. they were born unicorns and they died unicorns. this adorable band lead a short life (2000 to 2004), but what more can you expect from a band that is little more than a novelty act? they missed the ark, i suppose, which is really too bad because they were funny and cute in a way that nobody is anymore. the good news (sort of) is that the members are still active (sort of) in other projects (sort of). at least they haven't pulled a jeff magnum and dropped off the face of the earth. still, we can all mourn the death of this endangered species.

and that's it, i suppose. for your listening pleasure i have compiled a playlist featuring songs by these five bands. and try not to be too sad, guys. it's not like the death of these great bands means you can't listen to their music anymore. i mean, if that were true, classic rock fans would be super SOL.

-jocelyn