S03 E19: Gearing Up

Preparation is everything.

This week, in anticipation of a certain special guest visiting soon, we're actually taking on some more academic subjects, between regular segments on popular culture. It makes, we hope, for a well-rounded experience, especially with Alissa's musical interjections. Speaking of which, its also time to bring back a lovely segment idea.

*PLEASED TO MEET YOU
Back in the early 2000s I still sought out Much Music, specifically The New Music and The Wedge, as my primary source for new and exciting music. I looked forward to hearing George Strombo and Hannah Sung introduce bands I'd never heard of, but that I knew I should. The first time I heard Rilo Kiley was watching their music video for Portions for Foxes from the album More Adventurous released in 2004.

While the video's taxidermy metaphor was lost on me, it didn't matter; I was hooked. The close-ups of lead singer Jenny Lewis singing her naked-yet-commanding lyrics pulled me in instantly. From there, my former classmate and music pusher, Andrew Gulya, passed along a mix of music, including a few more tracks from More Adventurous. This only fuelled my fire. I began listening to their older albums (Take-Offs and Landings and The Execution of All Things) and became obsessed. It was the combination of catchy rock hooks and a strong frontwoman singing insightful and feminist lyrics that kept me coming back. But when Jenny Lewis released her first solo album, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat, in 2006, everything changed.

Jenny Lewis emerged as one of my favourite songwriters. Lewis has released three more albums since then: Under the Blacklight with Rilo Kiley, Acid Tongue (solo) and I'm Having Fun Now, her most recent release as Jenny & Johnny with her boyfriend Johnathan Rice. Her heartbreakingly beautiful lyrics continue to compel me.


PLAYLIST
Adele - Rumour Has It
Sam Roberts - The Canadian Dream
Feist - Graveyard
*Rilo Kiley - Portions for Foxes
Feist - A Commotion
Feist - Comfort Me
Heart - Alone

LINKS
TV's Best Worst Very Special Episodes
CBC TV Pilot - Cracked

S03 E18: Cultured

You might be excused for expecting some urban planning talk this week, given that we both studied in that field and pretty much are massive nerds. However, last week's ranting ignited something within us that hasn't quite burned away yet. So here's another hour or so of cultural analysis by a still sharp but slightly less incensed duo. Enjoy!

This episode is like to a jet of ranch dressing to the face.
In a good way.

PLAYLIST

Rilo Kiley - Spectacular Views

The Cure - Just Like Heaven

Cold War Kids - Relief

Jenny and Johnny - Animal

Sufjan Stevens - The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
Handsom Furs - No Feelings

LINKS

Mexico's toying with a temporary marriage license

Roger Ebert's review of 50/50