Miike Snow- Pop, Electro, Love Ballads, and More.
If you haven’t heard of Miike Snow, the band, it’s probably because they’ve invested as much time evading the media and paparazzi as they have writing and producing their music. Regardless of their limited profile, the group has enjoyed much success, having their songs featured on prime time television soundtracks for Gossip Girl, MTV’s The Buried Life, Courtney Cox’s Cougar Town, and that’s only to name a few. The three man group is well versed in the world of music and, despite having recorded only one album together in May 2009, their experience in the industry is far more compelling.
Consisting of three members, Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and lead singer/songwriter Andrew Wyatt, Miike Snow formed in 2007 out of Stockholm, Sweden. Each member is uniquely talented and brings with them a loaded resume to the table. When he was just18 years old, for example, frontman Wyatt was signed to the music label tycoon Columbia Records. He has also toured the U.K with several other bands, and has an education in Classical Music. Karlsson and Winnberg on the other hand, have been best friends since childhood. In more recent years, the dynamic song-writer/producer duo collaborated with A-List artists such as Madonna, and Kylie Manogue, and took home a Grammy award for their work on Britney Spears’ tune Toxic.
So what happens when you put them into studio? Recording, for them, has no shortage of instruments; their self titled debut album boasts electronic beats, strong percussion, clever lyrics, and catchy melodies. Their songs get stuck in your head like Top 40’s junk does, but Miike Snow tunes are far more original. Meanwhile, typecasting them as an Electronic art (such as that produced by DJs and mixers) wouldn’t do them justice; although they too rely on computer technology, the band refuses to use pre-recorded materials during live performance.
These self proclaimed “music nerds” have made their mark, and are, hopefully, here to stay. And although they have yet to spill their personal stories into the media, their talent speaks for itself. So keep your eyes and ears out, because this band is only headed one way-- up.
p.s., Miike Snow will be hitting Toronto on April 3rd, playing at The Phoenix Concert Theatre. Buy a ticket, check em out!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Are tou too PDA with your PDA?
Who remembers Emily Post? Anyone? Anyone? During the early 1900’s (think after the invention of the printing press. But before you were born, for sure) she authored a whole slew of books on social etiquette. She was an instant success, and built an empire on her expertise for manners and poise. Emily, however, lived in a time when women still went to finishing school, and where high tea parties, and ballroom dancing were “all the rage”. Unfortunately for us, her literature missed the technology boom by a few too many...er...decades. So although we know to say “please” and “thank you” after favours and requests, and sure, we’ve got to put the napkin on our laps, it seems we’re all just a tad lost when it comes to the other realm of social etiquette. I’m talking about cellular devices; we’re all addicted to our Smartphones, and none of us really know how to tame the cravings. We generation Ys are not just “morally bankrupt” (love hearing that stereotype), but we’re socially impolite to boot.
Now, from taking phone calls in waiting rooms, to text messaging at the dinner table, social skills are a limited resource -- the remainder of which are rapidly depleting. On that note, I offer you the following guide to Smartphone use... Let’s all try being a little more mindful!
Table Manners
Notice the word “table”. Dinner, might be the assumption, but brunch, coffee, dessert, even cigarette breaks with office colleagues are to be included here. In these circumstances put your phone away. The table should always be clear of electronics, says Linda Allen, Canadian corporate expert who specializes in etiquette and behaviours in business. “If [your device] is on the table and turned off, it’s on your mind as well” she explains, “You need to be mindful of the people in your immediate surrounding more than you need to worry about your Smartphone.
Formal affairs and intimate settings
Cocktails, galas, funerals, meetings; they all require that your phone be silenced. Please be absolutely sure to turn your phone off, as you will greatly offend the people around you if you don’t. If it must remain on, turn your profile to “silent” (not vibrate) and double check that there is no blinking light to keep you informed. Being preoccupied in these scenarios is a faux pas. “Most often” she says “people turn off the ring but it’s still on, and then there’s a little light that appears and [you] glance at it, which means you’re taking eyes and your attention off the person(s).” Consider, under these circumstances, leaving your device in your purse, back pocket, or car.
The office
Perk up here people, because the way you’ve been handling your phone in lecture isn’t going to fly when you graduate to office. If you’re in a professional setting, leave your phone behind. You are disrespecting your employers with it in hand, and potentially jeopardizing your job. When in a meeting, for example, you need to give the setting 100% of your concentration explains etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore. “And”, she continues “being fully engaged means not tapping away on your Smartphone”.
Public Settings
Being in your private space, at home, enables users to talk and text freely, with no restraint. In public places however, we tend to create a bubble around ourselves and forget that others often overhear phone conversations. “It’s human nature” Whitmore explains “to listen--whether we want to or not-- to other peoples’ conversations”. In this case Whitmore says “You should probably step away, where nobody can hear you talk about your lab results, or your torrid love affair”. Or, if you insist on having that conversation, avoid Cell-Yell, a term Whitmore uses to describe obnoxious volumes. Your manners reflect your mindfulness and how aware you are of your surrounding, ergo talking too loudly is one of many ways you’re violating that code-of-conduct. If all else fails, consider this rule-of-thumb: treat your Smartphone like you would a tampon-- Keep it concealed from the public; store it somewhere safe and easily accessible; and when your situation turns to "urgent" politely excuse yourself to the restroom, and finish your business quickly.
7 Ways to Know You’re Addicted to your Blackberry:
1) You walk around the city with your phone in hand- besides, it’s more convenient there, than having to dig through your bag every single time it rings.
2) You sneak the phone into your lap during important meetings or conversations
3) Your friends have to repeat sentences or parts of stories that you’ve missed, due to incessant phone activity.
4) You think about what kind of action your phone is getting while you’re sitting at the dinner table... Please god let my family finish eating now!
5) The very first thing you do in the mornings (before getting out of bed) is check your phone
6) You take your phone to bathroom with you, not out of secrecy, but because you’re mid conversation.
7) You stopped reading this list midway through to check your text messages.
Now, from taking phone calls in waiting rooms, to text messaging at the dinner table, social skills are a limited resource -- the remainder of which are rapidly depleting. On that note, I offer you the following guide to Smartphone use... Let’s all try being a little more mindful!
Table Manners
Notice the word “table”. Dinner, might be the assumption, but brunch, coffee, dessert, even cigarette breaks with office colleagues are to be included here. In these circumstances put your phone away. The table should always be clear of electronics, says Linda Allen, Canadian corporate expert who specializes in etiquette and behaviours in business. “If [your device] is on the table and turned off, it’s on your mind as well” she explains, “You need to be mindful of the people in your immediate surrounding more than you need to worry about your Smartphone.
Formal affairs and intimate settings
Cocktails, galas, funerals, meetings; they all require that your phone be silenced. Please be absolutely sure to turn your phone off, as you will greatly offend the people around you if you don’t. If it must remain on, turn your profile to “silent” (not vibrate) and double check that there is no blinking light to keep you informed. Being preoccupied in these scenarios is a faux pas. “Most often” she says “people turn off the ring but it’s still on, and then there’s a little light that appears and [you] glance at it, which means you’re taking eyes and your attention off the person(s).” Consider, under these circumstances, leaving your device in your purse, back pocket, or car.
The office
Perk up here people, because the way you’ve been handling your phone in lecture isn’t going to fly when you graduate to office. If you’re in a professional setting, leave your phone behind. You are disrespecting your employers with it in hand, and potentially jeopardizing your job. When in a meeting, for example, you need to give the setting 100% of your concentration explains etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore. “And”, she continues “being fully engaged means not tapping away on your Smartphone”.
Public Settings
Being in your private space, at home, enables users to talk and text freely, with no restraint. In public places however, we tend to create a bubble around ourselves and forget that others often overhear phone conversations. “It’s human nature” Whitmore explains “to listen--whether we want to or not-- to other peoples’ conversations”. In this case Whitmore says “You should probably step away, where nobody can hear you talk about your lab results, or your torrid love affair”. Or, if you insist on having that conversation, avoid Cell-Yell, a term Whitmore uses to describe obnoxious volumes. Your manners reflect your mindfulness and how aware you are of your surrounding, ergo talking too loudly is one of many ways you’re violating that code-of-conduct. If all else fails, consider this rule-of-thumb: treat your Smartphone like you would a tampon-- Keep it concealed from the public; store it somewhere safe and easily accessible; and when your situation turns to "urgent" politely excuse yourself to the restroom, and finish your business quickly.
7 Ways to Know You’re Addicted to your Blackberry:
1) You walk around the city with your phone in hand- besides, it’s more convenient there, than having to dig through your bag every single time it rings.
2) You sneak the phone into your lap during important meetings or conversations
3) Your friends have to repeat sentences or parts of stories that you’ve missed, due to incessant phone activity.
4) You think about what kind of action your phone is getting while you’re sitting at the dinner table... Please god let my family finish eating now!
5) The very first thing you do in the mornings (before getting out of bed) is check your phone
6) You take your phone to bathroom with you, not out of secrecy, but because you’re mid conversation.
7) You stopped reading this list midway through to check your text messages.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tasting Italy
Where to begin...
This first post, which should set the pace for those to come, is a review of my favourite Italian joint in town. Introduced to me by a now ex-boyfriend, I instantly fell in love with the cozy eatery. After a tumultous break up, and a fierce battle, I eventually won custody over this jazzy little spot. Lucky for him, there are two locations. Lucky for me, I have the one closer to my house. Happy Readings!
Seven Numbers:
This tiny restaurant entrance speaks nothing in the way of it’s food; big taste is what you’ll get when you walk into the Italian food haven, Seven Numbers. The restaurant, which originally opened at 343 Eglinton Avenue W., is now down the road at 516, and has a second location on the Danforth. Rosa “Mama” Marinuzzi, owner and chef extraordinaire, moves six days a week between the two locations, filling hungry Toronto bellies with her Italian treats. Today, unless you’ve got a reservation (which are only taken for parties of eight or more), trying to snag a spot on a Friday is a little like Christmas shopping; impossible.
As I step in through the front doors I am welcomed by Rosa herself, whose kitchen sits right beside the main entrance. Shocked by the size of her “office”, which is half that of a shoebox, I momentarily lower my otherwise high expectations. I am seated right away- surprise, surprise, given the usual 10 person line up (albeit it 20 minutes, it is a wait no less). Dimmed lights achieve a warm environment, while contemporary music adds a trendy twist. The tables, chairs, and cutlery are as mismatched as my sock collection, and while I can order a beverage off a printed menu, the food listings can be found only scribbled on the wall.
The bottle of wine is brought to me in an old tomato can stuffed with ice, and my waiter hustles over with bread and a smile. Since Seven Numbers is a tapas style restaurant I am prepared to order at least five items-- the more the merrier! To start I have the Caprese salad, and an order of Sirloin Wrapped Asparagus. The bocconcini atop my caprese is soft and savoury, and comes lightly drizzled with a rich green olive oil. The asparagus, which is grilled to a crispy, deep green, is smoky in flavour, and comes tightly wrapped in a thick slice of steak. Topping it is a generous portion of caramelized onions, adding sweetness, and rounding out the flavours of the dish. There is no need for sauce or dip; the items speak for themselves.
For the main course I order the Assobucco, which, literally translated means “beef on a bone" or “hole bone”. The beef comes swimming in Rosa’s tomato sauce, which is stocked with cooked vegetables and is sweet to the taste-- a clear difference from North American sauces which have as much salt per spoonful as a can of sardines. The beef itself is bursting with flavour and comes apart so easily in pieces to make me think it couldn’t possibly be cooked (alas, it is well done, and my preference for “medium- rare” is now in question).
Craving just a little more (and mercilessly ignoring inner-body signals that I’m stuffed) I order the Involtini (linguini with rapini), and a slice of Flourless Chocolate cake when I’ve finished. The pasta is topped with sautéed rapini and tomato caps. Unlike the previous dishes, this one seems a little careless, and lacking in taste. The dessert on the other hand, flourless chocolate cake, is the best I’ve had in Toronto to date. For those of you who prefer a more gentle taste, this dense slice of rich chocolate heaven isn’t for you. But for everyone else-- paired with a glass of wine, it is enough to fill your chocolate craving for the week.
For my final analysis I’ll give Seven Numbers 9/10; two-thumbs up; a gold star. It shall remain one point short because the service isn’t exactly “professional”. The waiters snatch plates off tables in passing, and patrons must awkwardly motion or glare in order to be tended to.
Full bellied and satisfied (would have unzipped my pants if I had a longer sweater) I walk by Rosa on my way out, and put on my best Italian accent to say “Grazie, grazie”. She throws me a smile that could make even the iciest of chips melt.
(Dinner for two: two appetizers, two main courses, dessert + bottle of wine = $90… A definite “bang-for-your-buck”)
This first post, which should set the pace for those to come, is a review of my favourite Italian joint in town. Introduced to me by a now ex-boyfriend, I instantly fell in love with the cozy eatery. After a tumultous break up, and a fierce battle, I eventually won custody over this jazzy little spot. Lucky for him, there are two locations. Lucky for me, I have the one closer to my house. Happy Readings!
Seven Numbers:
This tiny restaurant entrance speaks nothing in the way of it’s food; big taste is what you’ll get when you walk into the Italian food haven, Seven Numbers. The restaurant, which originally opened at 343 Eglinton Avenue W., is now down the road at 516, and has a second location on the Danforth. Rosa “Mama” Marinuzzi, owner and chef extraordinaire, moves six days a week between the two locations, filling hungry Toronto bellies with her Italian treats. Today, unless you’ve got a reservation (which are only taken for parties of eight or more), trying to snag a spot on a Friday is a little like Christmas shopping; impossible.
As I step in through the front doors I am welcomed by Rosa herself, whose kitchen sits right beside the main entrance. Shocked by the size of her “office”, which is half that of a shoebox, I momentarily lower my otherwise high expectations. I am seated right away- surprise, surprise, given the usual 10 person line up (albeit it 20 minutes, it is a wait no less). Dimmed lights achieve a warm environment, while contemporary music adds a trendy twist. The tables, chairs, and cutlery are as mismatched as my sock collection, and while I can order a beverage off a printed menu, the food listings can be found only scribbled on the wall.
The bottle of wine is brought to me in an old tomato can stuffed with ice, and my waiter hustles over with bread and a smile. Since Seven Numbers is a tapas style restaurant I am prepared to order at least five items-- the more the merrier! To start I have the Caprese salad, and an order of Sirloin Wrapped Asparagus. The bocconcini atop my caprese is soft and savoury, and comes lightly drizzled with a rich green olive oil. The asparagus, which is grilled to a crispy, deep green, is smoky in flavour, and comes tightly wrapped in a thick slice of steak. Topping it is a generous portion of caramelized onions, adding sweetness, and rounding out the flavours of the dish. There is no need for sauce or dip; the items speak for themselves.
For the main course I order the Assobucco, which, literally translated means “beef on a bone" or “hole bone”. The beef comes swimming in Rosa’s tomato sauce, which is stocked with cooked vegetables and is sweet to the taste-- a clear difference from North American sauces which have as much salt per spoonful as a can of sardines. The beef itself is bursting with flavour and comes apart so easily in pieces to make me think it couldn’t possibly be cooked (alas, it is well done, and my preference for “medium- rare” is now in question).
Craving just a little more (and mercilessly ignoring inner-body signals that I’m stuffed) I order the Involtini (linguini with rapini), and a slice of Flourless Chocolate cake when I’ve finished. The pasta is topped with sautéed rapini and tomato caps. Unlike the previous dishes, this one seems a little careless, and lacking in taste. The dessert on the other hand, flourless chocolate cake, is the best I’ve had in Toronto to date. For those of you who prefer a more gentle taste, this dense slice of rich chocolate heaven isn’t for you. But for everyone else-- paired with a glass of wine, it is enough to fill your chocolate craving for the week.
For my final analysis I’ll give Seven Numbers 9/10; two-thumbs up; a gold star. It shall remain one point short because the service isn’t exactly “professional”. The waiters snatch plates off tables in passing, and patrons must awkwardly motion or glare in order to be tended to.
Full bellied and satisfied (would have unzipped my pants if I had a longer sweater) I walk by Rosa on my way out, and put on my best Italian accent to say “Grazie, grazie”. She throws me a smile that could make even the iciest of chips melt.
(Dinner for two: two appetizers, two main courses, dessert + bottle of wine = $90… A definite “bang-for-your-buck”)
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