Playlists and Podcasts

During my last 2 weeks of vacation, I realized how nice it is to have music around during the downtime of travel. I realized this because I had no music with me and almost went insane. I was subjected to airline playlists which were of purely sociological interest. It got me thinking about playlists in general and this is what came out.

While I have a deep affection for the random shuffle button in iTunes (perhaps more aptly called, DJ Random), nothing gets me going like a good ol' fashion playlist. While it used to be that only radio and club DJ's could provide us with playlists, the invention of the mix tape and the surge in digital music have made playlist creators of us all.

A properly programmed playlist can help us work out, make out or freak out. It can ease the tensions of a hard day, provide the life of the party and possibly bring about world peace and an end to global warming. Such an ultimate playlist should be the goal of scientists, researchers and musicologists everywhere. It is the holy grail of our times.

The point is, there's something magical that happens when the right songs are lined up in the right order. Stars collide. The sun starts to snow. The ultimate playlist might just bring world peace and an end to global warming. With that said, I've started to put together a weekly podcast/playlist for another blog that I contribute to. It promises to do none of the above.

It is however a recap of the best music hitting the Montreal clubs. With the help of John MacFarlane I compile about 45 minutes of music, with the only qualification being that the bands have to be playing in Montreal during the week we are creating the show. At best, it will steer you towards new music, on a weekly basis that you can plug into whatever playlists you are in the midst of creating. At worst it will cause heated debates over taste, genre and aesthetics and may bring an end to world peace, exacerbating global warming.

Take a listen and enjoy.

Trick Shots

Continuing on the video front, I'm posting one of the better videos I've seen in the last few weeks.
With YouTube, Google Video and Blip TV there's no shortage of videos posted each day of people doing wonderful, scary, intelligent and inane things. I'm not sure which category this one falls under, but it should definitely be shared with others. Although this whole notion of "participatory media" or "me media" is overhyped, there is something great about the fact that it's easier than ever to make and (crucially) spread decent quality video and audio treats like this one.

Remember the game H-O-R-S-E, that you used to play on the basketball court? The game revolved around making a crazy shot and then forcing your opponent to imitate that shot. All I can say is, don't play with these guys.

The video is provided by Zak, and features Zak and Scotty.
I imagine they did the music as well, since it is dope.
It's Zak's birthday today, so wish him a happy one by commenting on the video or sharing it with friends.

Lucky number 4.