Songs Of The Day ~ The Arcs

by Carmen Cruz

 

Dan Auerbach is most well known as the lead singer for the Black Keys, but in reality, the uber-talented musician has tons of projects on the go.

The latest one is called 'The Arcs' which is an assortment of some of the musicians Dan likes to jam with.

Earlier this month, they released their debut album, 'Yours, Dreamily'.

It's quirky, it's psychedelic and unbelievably cool.

Here are 2 tracks I currently have on repeat.

Enjoy.

Besos,

CC*

 

New Beginnings

by Carmen Cruz

After a much needed getaway to Europe and a brutal battle with a cold (the battle continues) my hiatus is finally over... kinda.
I'm in the process of completely overhauling my site, designing a new logo, and adding a bunch of new bells, whistles and features.
Before the end of the year, I'm hoping to launch a new, more dynamic and interesting weblog (dare to dream).
The frustrations of learning new programs (even something as simple as garageband) can leave you feeling like a senior citizen looking at a remote control... lost, confused and squint-y. But alas, the squinting continues.

So look for something new and awesome on this site before the end of the year.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures from my trip to France & Italy. The itinerary went as follows: Paris, France - Rome, Italy - Florence, Italy - Venice, Italy - Monte San Martino, Italy
My favourite was... well it's a tie. Paris & Florence were unreal.































 
 
Here are a few things I learned on my trip:

1) I have brutal navigation skills
2) French people are surprisingly nice
3) Italian men reeeeeally love their sweatpants. It's an intense love affair that I just don't understand
4) Bread + Cheese + Wine = Something you'll consume AT LEAST once a day
5) There are an unbelievable number of scam artists 'workin' it' outside the Vatican City
6) The supply of incredible art, architecture and history is truly endless
7) EVERYONE must go to Italy & France at least once in their lifetime

 And so now, I return to my hunched position, staring a computer screen...squinting.

Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
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Back For More

by Carmen Cruz

After a summer filled with exciting getaways to exotic destinations like *said in a whisper* 'Edmonton', I'm back.
I know, I know, you've missed me right? Yes loyal readers (aka: Mom and sometimes, if I'm really lucky, Dad), the slacking has come to an end. 

With fall (my absolute favourite season) just around the corner, you can almost smell the change in the air, and you know what that means...
It's time to stop procrastinating on the hundreds of projects that have been sitting there... waiting... waiting... AND it's finally time to revamp the ol' website (tech stuff = eyes glazing over).

Yes friends, change is coming soon.

Until then, here are a few things to make your Monday fly by a bit quicker.

Cool sites to check out:


Awkward Family Photos - Because you'll never get sick of this website. Hilarity always ensues.


Internet Fart - Probably one of the best gif sites ever. It's an experimental digital arts project that will kinda blow your mind. Sit. Watch. Enjoy.




Fashion Grandpas (Instagram) - You'll want to adopt each and every last one of them... or have the itch to run out and buy a bow tie.





Aaaand why not finish off by watching topless people get Tasered, all in the name of art. (Don't worry, it's totally safe for work).




Enjoy.

Besos,

CC. 

Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) Kicks Off TOMORROW!

by Carmen Cruz

It's a week long celebration of hop-y goodness!
From May 30th (tomorrow) to June 7th, beer aficionados can celebrate the almighty brew at over 20 events with over 60 breweries on board.
Feel that bubble in your tummy? It's not a beer burp, it's excitement.
This year's theme revolves around hip-hop.

Check out the ridiculously awesome promo video below:

IT'S A RAP! from Vancouver Craft Beer Week on Vimeo.

For more info on what's happening, click HERE. Tickets tend to sell out fast so... you know what to do.

Enjoy!

Besos,

CC.
*


Songs Of The Week: Gyptian, Phantogram, Pearl Jam, Mr. Little Jeans, Sylvan Esso

by Carmen Cruz

It's a mixed bag. 

Gyptian ~ Turn Me On - The perfect summer song.


Phantogram ~ Fall In Love - In a word, Brilliant.


Pearl Jam ~ Sirens - You know the type of song that just stirs something in your heart? Yeah. This is one of those.


Mr. Little Jeans ~ Suburbs (Arcade Fire Cover)- The Arcade Fire has been 'Sexified'. Uh huh, that's a word now.


Sylvan Esso ~ Coffee


Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
*

Stream Robyn's New EP Now *LISTEN*

by Carmen Cruz

This little Scandinavian minx has collaborated with the kick ass duo of Röyksopp to release a 5 track EP (mini-album) called 'Do It Again'. You can listen to the record in it's entirety (ahead of it's May 27th release date) through NPR's site. CLICK HERE and prepare to have your mind blown **insert explosion sound**.
Here's the lyric video for their title track. 


 Enjoy.

 Besos, 

 CC.
*

Songs Of The Week (All Covers): John Butler Trio, Arctic Monkeys, London Grammar, Glass Animals, Childish Gambino

by Carmen Cruz

Amazing Covers.

John Butler Trio covering Pharrell Williams' 'Happy'. Super fun version of a super fun song.


Arctic Monkeys covering Tame Impala's 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards'. Heartbreaking and awesome.


London Grammar covering Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game'.


Glass Animals covering Kanye West's 'Love Lockdown'. They're a wicked new band from the UK. Their debut album comes out in June. Check them out.


Childish Gambino covering PM Dawn's 'I'd Die Without You'. Pretty spot on.


Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
*

*Awesome Nerd Alert* J.J. Abrams Wants You To Be in 'Star Wars: Episode VII

by Carmen Cruz

A donation to charity puts you in the running for a free trip to London, England to mingle with celebrities,
check out what it's like behind the scenes of a major motion film and, most importantly, have an actual role in the newest Star Wars movie *nerd swoon*.

Check out the video below for more.



Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
*

Stream The Black Keys New Album 'Turn Blue' *LISTEN*

by Carmen Cruz

It doesn't come out till next Tuesday, but you can listen to The Black Keys' trippy new album in its entirety NOW courtesy iTunes Radio. Click HERE to have a listen.


Rolling Stone Magazine gives the album 4.5 stars outta 5. Check out the review Here.

Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
*