// Music Monday (on a Tuesday): Rural Alberta Advantage

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a fabulous long weekend? Get up to anything fun?
It's taking me a while to get back into the swing of work today after four glorious days off...

M periodically makes me *spectacular* mix tapes... well, technically they're zip folders, but you get the idea. This morning, while listening to "Music for S #7", I rediscovered the incredible music prowess of the Rural Alberta Advantage. Perfect soundtrack to ease into the new week! Check them out here... I don't think you'll be disappointed :)

[photo credit]

// Music Monday

For some reason the Breeders (90's Breeders -- not 2010 Breeders) always make me think of the summer. Hearing Cannonball can bring me right back to being 16, driving to the beach with the music loud in my old convertible Chrystler Lebaron. Those were good times.

Joel Plaskett is my new Breeders. My new summer band. He's fun, light & upbeat -- perfect for lazy days at the beach, BBQs, beers on the porch... Now if only I had my old Lebaron.

Check him out here.

// Music Monday: Coeur de Pirate & Ben Sollee

Todays Music Monday musicians are guaranteed to make you smile...

French Canadian Coeur de Pirate is the kind of music you want to wake up to and will keep you smiling all day :) I can only describe her music as folky-gay-paris (to be said with a French accent ;) .... and how fabulous are her tattoos??
// Songs to check out: Comme des Enfants & Printemps
// Check her out on myspace here, or on CBC radio 3 here.

As an introduction to my next artist... please go directly over to HearYa (my fave music blog), click the little arrow on the bottom left, hit play and continue on with your day. Now, if you're not sold on Ben Sollee after listening to this, nothing I can say will change your mind.
// Song to check out: Something, Somewhere, Sometime & Exraordinary Machine (Fiona Apple cover)
// Check him out on myspace here.

// Music Monday: Music to get you through the week

Happy Music Monday! Today's three bands all have a bit of a country vibe to them... without being "country" -- I think you will like them :)

We had the pleasure of seeing, Canadian band, the Deep Dark Woods last summer in a tiny bar on one of the hottest days of the year. It was excruciating -- but so worth it... They really are an incredible band.

Deer Tick is a staple band around our place. Their album "Born on Flag Day" is flawless & flows perfectly from beginning to end. We've seen them a couple times and have always been blown away. They're on tour right now -- try to catch them in your town, you won't be disappointed.

Old Man Luedecke can put a smile on my face within the first few twangy notes of his banjo. Perfect soundtrack for those days when you need a little pick-me-up! Fun fact: Luedecke bought his very first banjo here in Vancouver!

// Everyday dress-up

If I keep posting about kids gear, my friends are going to think I've got babies on the brain. Rest assured, this is not the case...

M & I bought the cute grey bonnet above for our little nephew a few months ago. We were really impressed with the quality and the motto behind all Patouche items -- clothes kids can get excited about, made as sustainably as possible. I've got my eye on the little red riding hood cape for our new niece...

Check out Patouche online here.