LP // Long Playing

I'm not entirely sure when our ability to digest an entire album faded and our attention span shortened to extend solely to that of a 'single'. However, it's a stark departure from such a holistic way of enjoying music.

How odd would it be to stab at a chapter of a book, read it, and decide whether or not the book was worth reading. So, how do we see it suitable to dissect an album by the judgement of one song?

It dawned on me when I played my first vinyl record. As I listened to Lykke Li's // Youth Novels, I not only heard, but felt the soft introduction of the spoken-word 'melodies & desires' moving to the heartbroken rising action of 'i'm good, i'm gone" finally to find it's climax through 'little bit', then rest in the falling action of 'complaint department' and find it's soft settled denoument in the slow 'time flies' and then coyly leave you wanting more in 'window blues.'

You might find the parts of the story to key in on different songs, but on the whole, the record spins a telling tale.

I would encourage anyone, the next time you acquire a full record, listen to it in it's entirety. Don't be rushed, don't skip, if you dislike something, figure out why, and come to terms with it. It's all part of a story.

// move your feet

Recently the weather has been far too nice for me not to get my running shoes on and head out to the pavement.

This brought about a problem though. The problem of my outdated running playlist. There are some golden gems on it that will never be removed, but I was faced with a whole bunch of overplayed summer tracks from previous summers that no longer motivated me to break a sweat.

So, I put the call out to some of my active, music savvy Twitter friends, and what I ended up with was a playlist to last me an IronMan race.

I think the best part about getting music suggestions from friends was seeing their running personality, everyone has a different motivator in terms of melodies and beats, it's what makes them all unique. So, thank you Twitter friends.

For all of your running/work out playlist pleasure, here is what I ended up with, now not all of it might be your jam, but try it out, and see what works for you.

Nil By Mouth (Knightlife Remix) by Bag Raiders
I Need A Hero by Bonnie Tyler
Carby (ft. Ezra Koenig) by Discovery
I Crave Paris by Aeroplane vs. Friendly Fire vs. Flight Facilities
All of the Lights by Pretty Lights (Kanye West Remix)
When You Where Young (The Soundmen Remix) by The Killers
Still Dre (Hype Jones Love Pussy Kush Mix) by Dr. Dre vs. JJ
Islands is the Limit (The Notorious B.I.G. vs. The X.X.) by Wait What
Finally Moving by Pretty Lights
Everywhere by Paul Devro
The High Road by Broken Bells

Triple Double by Girl Talk

Cut Me Out by MNDR

Derezzed by Daft Punk

Dancing on My Own by Robyn (Chew Fu Remix)

Raise Your Weapon by Deadmau5

Some Chords by Deadmau5 (this track melds seamlessly into Ghosts n' Stuff)

Ghosts N' Stuff by Deadmau5

I Remember by Deadmau5

Move For Me by Deadmau5

Living In Danger by Ace Of Base

Make It Take It by Amanda Blank

Boom by Anjulie

I Don't Like Your Band by Annie

Heartbeat by MSTRKRFT

Ring the Alarm by Beyoncé

Crazy In Love by Beyoncé

Earth Intruders (Spank Rock Remix) by Björk

Radar by Britney Spears

Break the Ice by Britney Spears

Salt Air by Chew Lips

Oh (feat. Ludacris) by Ciara

Gangsta's Paradise (Amended LP Version) by Coolio

Around the World / Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk

Face to Face / Short Circuit by Daft Punk

All I Do Is Win (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross & Snoop Dogg)

Marvellous by Dragonette

Stupid Grin by Dragonette

Up All Night (Prod. by Boi-1da) by Drake

Drumming by Florence And The Machine

Boys Wanna Fight by Garbage

Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

The Wrath Of Marcie by The Go! Team

Bottle Rocket by The Go! Team

Rock And Roll by (Could Never Hip Hop Liike This) Handsome Boy Modeling School

99 Problems by Jay-Z

D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune) by Jay-Z

On To The Next One (Feat. Swizz Beats) by Jay-Z

Off That (Feat. Drake) by Jay-Z

Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West) by Jay-Z

Phantom by Justice

Tthhee Ppaarrttyy by Justice

DVNO by Justice

Stronger (Feat. Daft Punk) by Kanye West

Monster by Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver

Bossy (sebastian Remix) by Kelis

Trick Me by Kelis

Telephone ft. Beyonce by Lady GaGa

Love Me Or Hate Remix (Ft. Missy Elliott) by Lady Sovereign

Meddle (Toddla T Remix) by Little Boots

My Chick Bad by RCL 3 Main Ludacris 7 Nicki Minaj

Boom! I Got Your Boyfriend by M.C. Luscious

Bamboo Banga by M.I.A.

Jimmy by M.I.A.

Kids by MGMT

We Run This by Missy Elliott

It Ain't Love by MSTRKRFT

Bounce by MSTRKRFT

Heartbreaker by MSTRKRFT

street justice by MSTRKRFT

Hero (feat. Keri Hilson) by Nas

Roman's Revenge (feat. Eminem) by Nicki Minaj

B.O.B. by OutKast

Unfaithful (Tony Moran Mix) by Rihanna

Raining Men (featuring Nicki Minaj) by Rihanna

Hard (featuring Jeezy) by Rihanna

None Of Dem (ft. Royksopp) by Robyn

The Girl And The Robot by Robyn

Konichiwa Bitches by Robyn

Cobrastyle by Robyn

Roxanne's Revenge (Re-Recorded / Remastered) by Roxanne Shanté

Clap Your Hands by Sia

Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna) by T.I.

That's All She Wrote (feat. Eminem) T.I.

Big Sh**t Poppin' (Do It) by T.I.

My Swag (feat. Wyclef Jean) by T.I.

Jerk It by Thunderheist

Cold War by Janelle Monae

The Stand by Mother Mother

Lemonade by Braids

Need You Now by Cut Copy

Helena Beat by Foster The People

Houdini by Foster The People

Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

Honest Mistake by The Bravery
Minding My Own Business by Coconut Records

Riverside (Lets Go) by Sidney Sampson Feat. Wizzard Sleeve

Love & good running sessions,

Brieanne

a man & his guitar

When lights dim, there's an inkling sense of anticipation. Just like at the movies, you're entire body vibrates with a sense of excitement and eagerness for what's to come.

The lights dimmed at Knox United Church. The sun had finally set and had slowly faded from illuminating the stained glass windows. Once again, the vaulted ceilings held secrets of voices carried and amplified and knew the work in front of them tonight.

The Tallest Man stood on stage in a humble pose with his hands together near his heart. Outstretched his arms and moved towards his acoustic guitar as if it was a lifeline. He snugged the strap on his shoulder and between his shoulder blades. The stage offered no support but one single amplifier, a microphone stand and the treasure trove of guitars.

A lo-fi recording cannot hold the soul, passion, heart, pain and strength that this man possesses in his voice. Pacing somewhat frantically while playing, almost indecisive to which angle of the crowd he wanted to focus on, he was always brought back magnetically to the single microphone where he projected his stories. His trained fingers glided effortlessly across strings, plucking away notes as he simultaneously plucked at hundreds of willing hearts in the crowd. Pouring out stories that needed no words to explain their plot or intent. He drew as much power from his six-string companions as he did his own voice, often losing himself in the melancholy of heartbreak and hope. Pressing his lips to his microphone as he would a comforting lover; his voice shook, screamed, croaked, rose, fell and swept through the brick and mortar of the church. People of every age sitting in the pews needed no religion to sense the transcendence of his voice into their heart. A faith of music and communal awe bonded together over 300 people.

Nervous & genuine laughter was exchanged throughout the night from one man to an entire city. At one time, jumping from the stage to run the length of the pews in the church to see 'just how far back they went' to get a grasp of how many people were listening, ears and hearts open. His stage banter was at times mumbled, but always understood through the reciprocity of love. He would alternate between facing every single row of pews and resting for but a moment on a single metal chair before being pulled towards the microphone again. At times losing select words from a song written long ago, or accidentally finding his guitar no longer attached to the vein of noise to his amp, the simple mistakes only added to his effortless humility and charm.

Clapping and shouts of encouragement crescendoed at any moment of prolonged silence in a minute attempt to express how grateful we were for his honesty and pure love for music. A throng of local Calgarians gathered just outside the doors of Knox United Church, connecting in the community of music and amazement. Someone could say that we had all just exited a sermon of sorts, all having experienced personal revelations which we found almost impossible to vocalize. The groups thinned as friends left arm in arm, or setting feet in the trusted pedals of their bikes. Traveling away into the night, hearts full and open to simple beauties, or dreaming of being the King of Spain.

{Brieanne Elise}

french kiss

Running away to a foreign city to surprise a friend certainly doesn't get your blood pumping. Nor, does it require the upmost secrecy. showing up on a friend's door step will certainly not result in a friend crying & hyperventilating for two minutes. None of these things took place this past

weekend.

Montreal is not one of the most romantic cities in Canada, every street and alleyway isn't filled with beautiful heritage buildings, iron spiral staircases and stunning bay windows. Students and locals alike rarely whiz past you on bicycles with fresh bread under their arms and smiles on their faces. The corner stores aren't generally filled with fresh flowers and local produce.

alright, alright. enough with the false negatives.

Montreal is honestly my second favorite city in all of Canada. I've been incredibly lucky enough to see most of the large cities in our beautiful country, and in my humble opinion, Montreal ranks right up there.

I chose to {surprise} a dear friend who lives in Montreal. After a short flight to snowy Winnipeg, I boarded my connecting flight to MTL. A twenty minute cab ride took me to the

Montgomery Building with it's strong wooden french doors.

After a quick & sneaky phone call to Catherine's roommate/ my surprise accomplice - Olivia, standing behind those stunning double doors was a bewildered Catherine. Crying & hyperventilating ensued briefly, smiles and laughs lasted all night.

Buildings that have history are innately romantic. Anything with age always makes me wonder what stories have already unfurled within it's walls. The Montgomery building boasts its

beautiful mosaic crest as you enter through it's doors.

The inner courtyard is reminiscent of a scene from a Shakespearian play - with sandstone lining window sills, and an iron spiral staircase.

The weekend consisted of amazing coffee shops, gazing and wandering down streets like St. Laurent, St. Viateur & St. Catherine's. Eating the best bagels, Montreal smoked meat, poutine and amazing vegetarian food at Lola Rosa.

// The amazing thing about Lola Rosa wasn't only the incredible squash soup, tofu curry (photographed above) or the mouth watering ginger & balsamic creme brulee. But each vintage, heavy wood table had little drawers, and when opened revealed a mass of handwritten notes, stories, quotes & drawings from previous diners. I'm officially in love.

Lastly on the culinary tour of Montreal, we delighted in the expertly crafted cocktails at Baldwin's Barmacie {This also included swooning over the design and type of their menu. wow.}

You really didn't think that I didn't go shopping did you? St. Laurent is home to stunning independent boutiques and Friperies alike {Free - pur - ri} // also known as vintage stores //

If beautifully crafted clothing is your vice, I would certainly recommend either Les Etoffes and Unicorn Boutique. Or if searching endlessly through vintage gems is more your thing, make sure to make a stop at Kitsch n' Swell.

Any trip to Montreal can't be complete without visiting Old Port. Also known as Old Montreal. The cobble stone streets, heritage buildings, art galleries & boutique hotels all had my heart jumping. Once there, make sure to visit Boutique Rooney.

The store's floor lay out is simple and elegant. The racks display beautiful clothing designed by talent's such as Ella Moss. While the raw wooden tables display gorgeous biannual magazines

like the gentlewoman {with the incredible Adele gracing the most recent cover.} Or stunning crafted leather bags by Heritage Leather.

Old Montreal also allowed me to take out, re-spool {in complete darkness. I would be lying if I said it took anything less than 20 minutes} and shoot with my beloved 620 Kodak Vigilant. This black beauty has been waiting patiently on my dresser for the moment it would be filled with 120 film, and cracked open to capture memories again.

In time, the film will tell back the story of smiles, laughter, wonder, adventure and love.

Paix & L'amour,

Brie

typelove

it's been a while since I played in this sandbox. it seems as though when my writing is my homework, it drains all creativity and drive from me to explore other forms of expression.

however, I recieved a Moleskin notebook for my 21st birthday from a dear friend and since have been moved to scrawl words on the pages.

this entry was from March 14, 2011.

Typeography is the most incredible art form. each type with a personality and voice of it's own. as simple as a persons' handwriting. something that evolves over a lifetime, but is as distinctive as a fingerprint. maybe her hand instinctively links together her 'h' and 'e', like the two have been married, never to be seperated. or he might vary his 'a' depending on the word he uses.

a lifetime is wrapped up in the etchings we put on paper.

does your handwriting say you rush when you write? or does it illustrate your patience? do your hands concern themselves with the space of the page? maybe your handwriting enjoys spreading itself across the page, completely relaxed.

so much pleasure can be found from the fluid movements which direct a pen put to paper. I suggest you give your fingers a break from the incessant clacking of computer keys, and grip a pen.

{yes, I realize the irony and hypocracy in this statement, but it was initially written in a notebook}

peace, love & handwriting.

Brie

wait, mr. postman

today I received a long awaited 'letter' from my best friend in Montreal. it was a belated birthday gift, and it was more than anything I could have asked for. it was a mini scrapbook of sorts, with mementos from her life in the french speaking city. every other page had either poetry, photographs or handwritten love filling it's pages.

i am a sucker for nostalgia. whatever form it takes, whether it's a smell, a feel, a voice, a laugh, a photograph or a place. her beautiful gift to me was one of memories.

because she isn't in my vicinity, city or even my province. i'll take these memories and think of them until she returns to make new ones.

peas & luhv,

Brie

hearts don't break , people do

they say that it's your heart that hurts,

when it lacks the love, to make it work.

your blood will boil, your chest will burst.

your foolish pride is at its worst.

and if you're blood's not scalding hot, it's freezing cold

your veins they clot, or scab.

like an electric chair, you know it's ending quick, and painful

with lonely hearts and foolish pride

it makes no difference, to be defined.

it's just the way we talk about,

when love runs out, when love runs out.

you'd think a heart thats broken, would just shrivel and compact.

the valves they'd shut, the pressure build,

the seams and sinews warp and crack.

i know that's quite poetic, you know that doesn't make it true.

in fact the brain does much more suffering, than a muscle like the heart will ever do

your minds a fragile thing, romance just wrecks its wiring

your senses dull, your logic's gone

and you can't even see or talk to anyone.

and if everything, just stays the same,

expands and then contracts.

and symbolism won't line up with scientific fact.

and when you say your heart's decaying, i know that's your way of saying,

you just don't know how to be on your own, you just don't know how to be on your own.

with lonely hearts, and foolish pride,

it makes no difference to be defined.

it's just the way we talk about,

when love runs out, when love runs out.

with lonely hearts, and foolish pride,

it makes no difference to be defined.

it's just the way we talk about,

when love runs out, when love runs out.

hearts don't break, people do

{david vertesi}

&.&.&.

Ray Lamontagne once said something along the lines of "just because I write sad songs, doesn't mean I experience them all the time. I simply find so much beauty in sadness"

as do i. this song, although i am not currently experiencing these emotions, resonates with me.

twenty-one

I feel the need to start this post with an apology for leaving you so long without any form of reading material flowing from my fingertips. But, that apology would insinuate that there is a large following that relies on my frequent posting. & I am not diluted enough to believe that. Either way, it hasn't been due to a lack of inspiration, but a mere lack of action.

&.&.&

Life makes me laugh more often than not. Serendipity, fate, coincidence or kismet - whatever word you choose to label the instances of a perfect falling into place of your thoughts and the everyday moments of life is your choice.

I bring this up because my most recent vessel of inspiration to write came in the form of Adele's newest album, 21. As I clicked to life the first track - Rumor Has It, I felt a flow of descriptive adjectives bubbling behind my lips. The part of this inspiration that brings me to laugh is that in five days I will be celebrating being alive for twenty-one years. Pretty fitting right?

My twentieth year on this lovely planet has brought me some completely amazing experiences, new relationships, blissful discoveries and endless lessons and growth. I think a great way to summarize my twentieth year is the word love.

I have fallen in love with music more than I ever thought possible thanks to :

Aidan Knight

David Vertesi

Amy Seeley

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald

The Black Keys

We Are The City

Dan Mangan

Yukon Blonde

Any artist who was part of The SHOT AT THE DARK series.

I have opened my heart to the beauty of my lovely hometown - Calgary, through some incredible grass roots initiatives, such as :

{yyc coffee disloyalty program} // {market collective} // {WeLikeWeLove}

My mind has expanded with the growth of my love for my future profession :

Public Relations.

And most importantly, my hearts introduction to the new relationships I have formed with friends & loved ones {which are in fact, the same thing}. The people I have met in my 20th year have inspired, excited, motivated & challenged me. Listing these people would take a significant amount of battery life, but i sincerely hope these people know who they are. If you are reading this, you are more than likely one of them.

So, this post might not have turned into an album review but more of a life review. & I'm alright with that.

Peas & Luhv,

Brie

{a note to a friend}

my dear friend,

Oh, if the world only knew then. How bright this girls smile is, how deep her lovely pondering eyes have penetrated the globe's soul. Or, how her words add unmeasurable beauty to this world.

It's your birthday today.

I hope you wake up knowing how much the world loves you. You have given so much to the people who walk this planet, & you deserve any and all good things that make their way to you.

Throughout the day, I hope memories both good and bad knock on your door and visit. They will tell you their stories of how they have shaped the woman you are today.

And in the evening, let the serene darkness show you how endless your future will be. You have the power to de-rail your train and lay new tracks wherever necessary. Live in the present of the moment you are in. Unwrap it's delicate ribbon and smile from the heart at whatever is inside.

It's your birthday today.