WEEKENDGOGOGO!

*Downs a bottle of water, doubles over in an out-of-breath fashion*

Need to... slow.... down.... for a moment....

It's been one of those weekends a gal needs a break from. It's been hectic, but a whole lot of fun. And it's not even Sunday yet.

That's how I roll.

I imagine the exhaustion stems from what can only be described as "The Worst Night's Sleep in Existence." Picture it: One night-owl of a brother decides to pump up the bass to his music around midnight and then lets the shower run for forty minutes at around 3 AM. Did I mention the head of my bed is a thin wall away from the shower? Did I also mention I am a wretchedly light sleeper? I might have logged 3 hours of sleep last night. 4 would be generous.

And then I had to roll into Toronto for a volunteer meeting at the Harbourfront Centre.

I shouldn't berate the morning too much, though. After all, I am a morning person. I'm most with it between the hours of 9 AM and 11 AM. The GO train rolled me into Union Station about 45 minutes before the appointed gathering, so I took the time to loll about at the harbour and watch the planes land on a strip close by. It was still and crisp and all filled with affirmations. I highly recommend the experience.

The meeting itself was a decent one. Most of the events coming up for May are kid-oriented which, I admit, I am not so comfortable with. Yeah. Kids and I don't tend to mix well. Granted, there are some literary events targeted for children approaching and I am decidedly good with books. So, perhaps not all is lost. I've got my eyes set on the summer/autumn months where the Heavyweights of the Can. Lit. Scene will descend on the harbourfront and OWN IT. *Excitement abounds!*

I'm also checking out other Toronto-based literary events and comic cons to volunteer for. I'm embracing my inner cheap bastard and am trying to weasel ways to get into events for free. And, volunteering benefits everyone, so I redeem myself in the same stroke. Impressive.

Anyhow, the meeting let out late and I missed the 12:43 PM train and had to wait an additional hour for the next one. I staked out a corner, bought myself a Smarties Blizzard from DQ, and flipped through this week's edition of NOW Magazine. Discovered Evelyn Evelyn (a recent profile for Tunes for Tuesdays) is coming to town in June. Yes, that is correct. I might have the chance to see Amanda Fucking Palmer on stage. Wicked excited about this one, no doubt.

As I waited, The Sister texted me in reference to taking a hike (in the literal sense). I confirmed, despite my later arrival time from Toronto. We headed out to a nice creek-ish area with her basset hound, Ruby, and walked the trails for almost two hours. I know, we are just mental like that. Poor Ruby, she was so tuckered out. Bassets have short legs, it takes a lot out of them to leap through puddles and dash across hills. Ruby was also terrified of a sow that snorted at her from the farm area at the creek. It was hilarious.

And now, I have come off another well-deserved anime binge. Tonight, it was the later episodes of Shugo Chara (which, I can't believe I admit to watching), and I've started in on re-watching the Nana series because IT IS THE BEST MANGA/ANIME/LIVE-ACTION FILM EVER. People are crying over everything and there's inter- and intra-band tensions and everyone has such freakin' awesome clothing -- I love it. I love it to unhealthy levels. More on that with a later post, perhaps.

So yes, a lively day. I am all tuckered out, myself. And Sunday sounds like a rush, too. Since it's April, it's National Poetry Month and I'm headed out to a local cafe for a reading (and to also rub elbows with a prominent poet in the GTA, FYI). Then, if plans are still in place, I will be sippin' tea with The Advocate and Ship Sharp for the evening. I need lady time, for serious.

Hope you kids are having fun thus far and I will check in again before the weekend closes.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Evelyn Evelyn (and More!)

Evelyn Evelyn (L-R): Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley

Hmm, a concept album about conjoined twins touring with an early twentieth-century freak show? And all of it brimming with the vaudeville sass of Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley?

Tell me: why has it taken me almost twenty-four years to stumble across such an eclectic concoction of aural delights?

And the guest artists topping the bill are enough to make music aficionados tremble to their toes and back: Frances Bean Cobain, Tegan and Sara, Margaret Cho and Weird Al Yankovic, to name a few.

Their sound is fresh, impish, and rollicking fun even while their lyrics are biting at times. I get the impression listeners will either dive head-long into this album or bring the tents crashing down around it. In either case, I will expose you to the high-flying inventiveness of Evelyn Evelyn's self-titled debut.

The Internet brought me an unofficial (though professional-appearing) video for "Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?" from the duo's inaugural album.

Marvel at their harmonious hijkinks!

Dare to witness the birth of a new form of alternative music!

Crank those speakers and shock your siblings and/or parentals with Evelyn Evelyn's dazzling usage of cuss words!

To check out more of their daring, death-defying tracks, visit Evelyn Evelyn's sparkling new site right --> HERE.

***

As I stated in the title to the post, THERE IS MORE.

I could not focus on one artist for this Tunes for Tuesdays segment. A quick scan of this week's new releases renders the task impossible. There's a flood of new work from the titans of music themselves and, as a blogette, I must make their albums known.

It is my sworn duty here at Cute, Queer, Canadian.

LISTS! LISTS! LISTS:

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh (2010): Inventive, expressive, and defying genre. Ms. Badu never ceases to amaze with her audacious sound.

Joan Armatrading, This Charming Life (2010): A woman who can wield the blues is a welcome addition to the ol' music catalogue. Her first album, Whatever's For Us, came out in 1972. And yes, Ms. Armatrading has stood the test of time and continues to set audiences ablaze with her music.

Tegan and Sara, Alligator (2010): The adorable-meets-assertive Quin sisters return with an entire album of remixes based on their second single from Sainthood (2009), "Alligator." And no, I did not invent this.

Melissa Auf der Maur, Out of Our Minds (2010): I've been mixed about Ms. Auf der Maur since her self-titled solo debut in 2004. I loved (and still love) her first single, "Followed the Waves" and I am still holding out for her and her undeniable edge. Not to mention, she's a mad hottie and half Canadian to boot.

The Dead Weather, "Die By the Drop": Ooh, a new single from Alison Mosshart's latest project. It's just as chaotic and heavy-hitting as their first album and, goodness, I melt in the presence of Mosshart. *Sigh* The band's second album, Sea of Cowards, is due out on May 10/11.

Oh, I know I am missing a number of artists on this list. Had I more time this evening, I'd be writing out all the singles of interest. Sleep catches up with me at the moment. I came from another excellent night with Ladies in Writing, so the music selection schedule was pushed back. More updates to follow, ladies.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Amanda Palmer

Her voice kicks it like a boot to the jaw. She is bold, brash, and dominates the stage with a sinister sexiness and a glitzy swagger. With drummer Brian Viglione, the world was introduced to the intoxicating sound of Brechtian punk cabaret via The Dresden Dolls. And now, in her solo status, she is poised to own the world.

She is Amanda Fucking Palmer.

***

I cannot stop praising the wonder that is Amanda Palmer. Now, I'm sure the prologue up there hinted at that just a tad, but I needed to be clear. She is an explosive force when paired with a piano and I love the fact that she revels in the beautiful mess that is life. I swear, she thrives in the face of hardship and turns it into a punk-flavoured powerhouse of an album, every time.

Ms. Palmer launched her career as one half of the Boston-based duo, The Dresden Dolls. With her raw sound and razor-sharp lyrics, Amanda Palmer bridged the gap from indie band to established artist while still maintaining her electric and eclectic sense of style.

Palmer's first solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer? (2008), is a compelling release -- and I'm not just saying that because it's Amanda Palmer. It's an emotional tour-de-force and showcases an artist who is willing to pick at every metaphorical scab necessary to achieve an honest and sharp sound.

On this edition of Tunes for Tuesdays, I would like to draw your attention to the track "Guitar Hero" from Who Killed Amanda Palmer? -- Ms. Palmer taps into her glam rock alter-ego on this track and injects it with her fierce, uncompromising vocals. Crank those speakers and flip the eff' out:

LOVE IT. She is the embodiment of modern punk, that's all I'm gonna say.

Some other Palmer facts to swoon over:

• Published The Dresden Dolls Companion in 2006, that featured lyrics, an autobiography of the duo and of Ms. Palmer, sheet music, original artwork, and a 20-minute DVD showcasing the making of the book.
• In June 2007, The Dresden Dolls toured with Cyndi Lauper and numerous other artists for the True Colors Tour which included her debut at NYC's Radio City Music Hall.
• Conceived of at least two musicals, both performed in her home state of Massachusetts.
• Teamed up with photographer Kyle Cassidy and writer Neil Gaiman to produce the book version of Who Killed Amanda Palmer. The book is a series of short stories based on a portfolio of images shot for her solo album, all featuring the corpse of Amanda Palmer littered throughout various settings.

Umm, and speaking of Neil Gaiman -- the literary titan is now dating Ms. Palmer. It was confirmed during a press conference in July 2009. I mean, can you imagine the creative potential there? I know the ladies have lost out this time (Ms. Palmer is an out and proud bi girl, so yes, we DO have a chance), but the artistic projects that could stem from that pairing are mind-boggling.

Amanda Fucking Palmer will kick the ass out of any Tuesday, guaranteed. So strap on those combat boots and break out the glitter because Ms. Palmer is about to take over your iTunes, kids. 

Don't resist it.