Van Morrison
I’ve been listening to Van Morrison for days now. He’s someone I had somehow ignored so far in my 25 years of listening and collecting music. In the 80s, when my listening habits were formed, Van was on a path … [read more]
Today’s desert island disc: Depeche Mode, Violator
A review of Depeche Mode’s Violator (1990) It’s hard to remember, from today’s perspective, just how powerful Depeche Mode’s Violator was when it came out in 1990. It neatly, elegantly bridged the gap between punk and mainstream pop while at … [read more]
Today’s desert island disc: David Bowie, Heathen
A review of David Bowie’s Heathen (2002) Released in 2002, this is – for me – Bowie’s most satisfying record of the 2000s so far. It demonstrates what rock can sound like today – well-produced, full, dense, interesting, full of … [read more]
Toronto Brickworks
The Don Valley Brick Works consists of 16 heritage buildings and an adjacent 16-hectaire public park that includes the Weston Quarry Garden, wetlands, hiking trails, and wildflower meadows. From 1889 to 1984, the site was one of Canada’s pre-eminent brickyards. … [read more]
The best bread in Toronto?
French-trained master baker Marc Thobor of Celestin fame has recently taken over the restaurant’s bakery counter and renamed it Thobors Boulangerie. It offers mostly beautiful standard French breads – baguettes, boules, fancy savoury or sweet variations, some croissants and a … [read more]
Today’s desert island disc: Simply Red, Stars
A review of Simply Red’s Stars (1991) British soul pop at its finest. Mick Hucknall came from a reggae and soul perspective, but was really always a crooner first. This is an incredibly strong collection of songs, and it’s still … [read more]
Listening to: Calexico, Carried to Dust
A review of Calexico’s Carried to Dust (2008) And while I’m busy clearing the backlog of “CDs I must mention on my blog,” here’s a definite contender for 2008 Record of the Year. Calexico is an Arizona-based outfit that makes … [read more]
Listening to: Lambchop, OH (Ohio)
A review of Lambchop’s OH (Ohio) (2008) Despite the recording industry’s continuing contraction (not unlike the financial system’s), the world is full of beautiful music that’s worth hearing. One result of the long tail economy has been that there’s so … [read more]