Feature Song of the Day = 'Eliza Jane' by The Salvadors (2011)

Today's featured song is Eliza Jane by Adelaide based Australian indie-pop group The Salvadors. The Salvadors consist of first names only Tom ( vocals/guitar), Eddy (guitar), Jeff (bass guitar), Eugine (drums), and Cat (keyboards). The Salvadors certainly are making waves in Oz, and I recommend you check out this song as well as their others, which incidentally are available on ITunes and Amazon right now. Eliza Jane is a new single, which was just released in March 2011. If you like what you hear I would also recommend that you to go to their Unearthed Page HERE for more band info as well as the fact that there are still some free and legal MP3 downloads by The Salvadors available on that page as well. Also, be sure to check out their Myspace page HERE.

Feature Song of the Day = "Civilization' by Justice (2011)

Today's feature song is Civilization by French electro-house duo Justice. Justice has been active on the electronic music scene since 2003, and consists of Paris-based Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay who are also one of the most successful groups on the Ed Banger Records label. Civilization is a new single released, just out on March 28th, 2011 and it is likely to show up on their upcoming new album which is yet to be announced, so until then check this song out, it lives up to their older stuff for sure!

Now They Call Them Oldies = 'Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)' by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons (1965)

Another oldie here, this time the result was the 1965 hit Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye) by Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons. This song was originally written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio (a member of The Four Seasons) who sent it to #12 on the US Singles chart. The Four Seasons were an American pop-rock group from Newark, New Jersey and according to Wikipedia the Vocal Group Hall of Fame named them the most popular rock band before The Beatles. In 1975 this song was covered by a Scottish group called Bay City Rollers which sold over a million copies and clenched #1 on the UK Singles chart for six weeks. 
frankie valli & the four seasons-bye bye baby by _Fonzie_

Feature Song of the Day = 'Eyes' by Peter Bjorn and John (2011)

Today's feature song is Eyes by Swedish indie-rock band Peter, Bjorn, and John. Peter, Bjorn, and John have been active on the rock-music scene since 1999, they are based out of Stockholm, Sweden, and consist of members Peter Morén (vocals, guitar and harmonica), Björn Yttling (bass guitar, keyboards and vocals) and John Eriksson (drums, percussion and vocals). Eyes comes off of their new album titled Gimme Some, which was just released on March 28th, 2011. If you like what you hear then head over to their website HERE for more music and band info, Enjoy!

Feature Song of the Day = 'Can't Hear my Eyes' by Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (2010)

Today's feature song is Can't Hear My Eyes, by Los Angeles based recording artists/psychedlic-indie-pop collaboration Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. Ariel Pink (Ariel Marcus Rosenberg) is a recording artist who is the primary member of the band, which has had various other musicians and personnel do bits and pieces of work under the band name, and their are about 17 of them in total so I won't name them all here.  Rosenberg has been active on the music scene in L.A. since 1996. Can' Hear My Eyes comes off of the lastest album titled Before Today, which was released on June, 8th 2010. If you like what you hear you can find this album on ITunes, or you can head over Ariel Pink's website HERE.

A Brief TV-Series Review = 'Downton Abbey' (Season 1) (2010)

TV Series = Downton Abbey (2010)

Writer/Creator = Julian Fellowes

Rating = 5/5 Stars *****

This Masterpiece Classics production is excellent, and I would like to say that I recommend it to everyone. The first Season has been completed and aired, and the according to the Wikipedia page, the second season is currently being filmed as I write this, and is set to be aired in late 2011. The series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey in about 1912-1915 and revolves around the lives of the Earl of Grantham, his estate of Downton Abbey, and all of the relatives and workers who's lives twist and turn and revolve around this fictional estate in the years just pre-WW1. Also according to wikipedia it is currently the most expensive British television show ever produced. Don't miss this one if you have the chance to watch it.

Now They Call Them Oldies = 'Donna' by Ritchie Valens (1958)

Here's an oldie for the week...Donna by the late Mexican-American singer/songwriter/guitarist/legend Ritchie Valens. Ritchie Valens ( Ricardo Esteban Valenzuela Reyes), was born in 1941, and died tragically in 1959 at the young age of 17! But in those short 17 years he left us with some classics, and my shuffle results brought me to this Valens song. Now, obviously being a child of the 80's Valens was long gone before I was even a concept, but I still appreciate his contribution to American music and of course I remember watching the 1987 biographical movie La Bamba on HBO as a kid and being impacted by the music and story (you know, the one with Lou Diamond Phillips). So anyways, Donna is the oldie of the week, and it peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Wake Up' by Acid Girls (feat Frankmusik) (2009)

Today's feature song is Wake Up, by Los-Angeles-based DJ duo Acid Girls (feat. FRANKMUSIK). The duo started out as music bloggers, and moved up to dj'ing major parties the world-round and of course now they are producing their own music and remixes. Wake Up was released in 2009 on the French Music Label Kitsuné, and their Kitsuné X The Cobrasnake album. There isn't a whole lot of bio-information on these two, so you might head over to their MySpace page HERE if you are interested in checking out more of their work.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Can't Shake This Feeling' by Grum (2010)

Today's feature song is Can't Shake This Feeling, by UK electro-artist Grum. Grum (Graeme Shepard) has been active on the synth-electro music scene since 2007 and he originates out of Leeds, UK. Can't Shake This Feeling comes off of his May 2010 debut album titled Heartbeats, which I would highly recommend checking out if you are into the synth-electro scene and are fond of artists like Cut Copy, Van She, The Presets, Miami Horror, and Tesla Boy.  If you like what you hear be sure to visit his MySpace page HERE, and note that you can purchase this album now on ITunes or Amazon.

A Brief Movie Review for 'The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest' (2009)

Movie = The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (2009)

Director = Daniel Alfredson

Rating = 3/5 Stars *** 

This is the 3rd and final part of the now popular Stieg Larsson triology, and it continues directly from Part 2. While this film has a bit less violence and a bit more of the unfolding of the plot, it remains to be the least exciting and most anti-climactic of the triology (being the climax of course). Main character Lisbeth Salander and her deformed father Zalachenko are both hospitalized whilst Salander's giant and vengeful brother Niedermann remains on the loose. We discover more about the mysterious spy organization Zalachenko works for and journalist Michael Blomkvist gets himself and his co-writers in deep into the conflict. I still think that part 1 was the most interesting, but this concludes the trilology so naturally you will want to watch it as well.

Todays Feature Song = 'Jacksons Last Stand' by Ou Est Le Swimming Pool (2010)

Today' s feature song is Jackson's Last Stand by British synth-pop group Ou Est Le Swimming Pool. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool originate out of Camden, London UK and consisted of members Charles Haddon (ex-lead singer, is now deceased), Joe Hutchinson, and Caan Capan. This song was the 3rd single released by the group, and it was released on July 12th, 2010 which later also appeared on their debut album titled The Golden Year. The release of that album was delayed from its original release date when the lead vocalist Charles Haddon tragically committed suicide on August 20th, 2010  following a performance in Belgium, and so I will dedicate this post in honor of his memory as well as to honor his friends and family. R.I.P.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Vanished' by Crystal Castles (2008)

Today's feature song is Vanished by Toronto-based Canadian electronica-band Crystal Castles. Crystal Castles have been active on the electronica music scene since 2004 and consists of producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass. They have released 2 studio albums, and Vanished appears on their self-titled debut album which came out all the way back in 2008! Quite clearly the lyrics have been sampled off of the Van She 2005 hit single Sex City (Van She are an electro-pop band from Melbourne, Australia headlined by lead singer Matt Van Schie). Be sure to check out the Crystal Castles  website HERE, or their MySpace page HERE for more band and music information.

Now They Call Them Oldies = 'Caravan' by Van Morrison (1970)

This weeks oldie according to my shuffle-results comes from 1970 and is none-other than Caravan, by Northern-Irish singer/song-writer/musician Van Morrison. Caravan was released on Morrison's third solo-album titled Moondance. The Moondance album peaked at #29 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart that year. Check out his wikipedia page HERE for more info and history on the artist and music.

A Brief Movie Review for 'Yesterday' (2004)

Movie = Yesterday (2004)

Director = Darrell Roodt

Rating = 4.5/5 Stars

Yesterday (2004) is no doubt an educational drama about a young mother living in South Africa with her daughter and husband who works afar and is only home a few times during the year. Main character Tuesday (is her name) struggles with the discovery that she is HIV positive, poor, and must find a way to guarantee some sort of future for young daughter who faces losing both of her parents to AIDS. Not a lite-film, so if you are in a fragile mood don't watch, but it is something people should watch to raise awareness that AIDS hasn't gone anywhere. Too heavy for me to watch again, but don't let that keep you from watching it.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Scattered Diamonds' by Hungry Kids of Hungary (2011)

The song of the day is....Scattered Diamonds, by Australian four-piece indie-pop band Hungry Kids of Hungary. Hungry Kids of Hungary formed back in 2007, comes out of Brisbane, Australia, and consists of Dean McGrath (lead vocals, guitar), Kane Mazlin (vocals and keyboards), Ben Dalton (bass guitar and vocals) and Ryan Strathie (drums and vocals). Scattered Diamonds comes off of their Mega Mountain EP, which was released on March 7th, 2011. If you like what you hear be sure to check out their MySpace page HERE, and their Unearthed page HERE.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Hello, How Low Can You Go?' by Ross De Chene Hurricanes (2010)

Today's song is...Hello, How Low Can You Go?, by Australian indie-garage-rock band Ross de Chene Hurricanes. Ross de Chene Hurricanes originate out of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and consists of members Justin Kuchel (on Drums), and Mark Doman (on Vocals and Guitar). Hello, How Low Can You Go? comes off of their Kicking the Jams album which was released in October of 2010, and is available for free download at their website HERE. For any further info on this band check out their MySpace page HERE, or you can also check out their Unearthed page HERE. Good stuff!

Feature Song of the Day = 'The White Line' by Bonjah (2011)

Today's feature song is The White Line by New Zealand blues-roots-rock group Bonjah. Bonjah are a 5-piece Melbourne-based group (originally from New Zealand) consisting of members Glenn Mossop, Regan Lethbridge, Dave Morgan, Dan Chisholm, and James Majernik and active since 2007. The White Line is a 2011 single release. For more information check their website HERE, or their MySpace page HERE.

Today's Feature Song = 'Starlighter' by Jupiter (2009)

Today's feature song is Starlighter by French electro-disco-duo Jupiter. Jupiter are a boy/girl duo based out of Paris, France and there isn't really a whole lot of other info on them out there, unless of course it is in French somewhere that I haven't located. Starlighter comes off of their 2009 release EP of the same Title. If you like what you hear you can head over to their MySpace page HERE, or check out their Lastfm page HERE.

Now They Call Them Oldies: 'I Want You' by Bob Dylan (1966)

So much for just the relatively recent, I have to hit shuffle on my playlist and see what "oldies" song comes up and share it with the realm of vloggers! Holy crapola! I guess there's a place for the old after all! The first song to pop up on my shuffle is...I Want You (1966), by American singer/songwriter/musician Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, Minnesota USA in 1941, and his birth name is Robert Allen Zimmerman. I Want You appeared on Dylan's 1966 album Blonde On Blonde and actually appeared on the playlist for a recent wedding I DJ'ed for, good stuff! Now, there isn't possibly anything I could tell you about the Dylan that you don't already know (and I don't know much), so on to the song...Oh and BTW, I will be featuring older songs (that is pre-80's music) at least once a week or so from now on so hopefully I can make some ends meet with some of you out there.

Feature Song of The Day = 'Just For A Moment' by Mammoth Logic (2011)

Today's feature song is Just For A Moment, by South-Australian electro-pop-rock-duo Mammoth Logic. Mammoth Logic consists of duo Dave Crowe & Reid Jones, and they come out of the city of Adelaide, in South Australia. Just For A Moment is a new single released on February 10th, 2011 and is now available for purchase on ITunes, or a free and legal 128kbps mp3 version at their Unearthed Page HERE.

Fragrance Review for 'Angel Schlesser Essential' For Men (2006)

Fragrance = Essential for Men
Debut = 2006
Brand = Angel Schlesser (of Barcelona)
Rating = 5/5 Stars *****

Essential Men's Cologne was introduced in 2006 by Barcelona-based design house Angel Schlesser. Of course I highly recommend this cologne, however it is not for everyone. Most of the cologne's I review will be liked by most people (at least I think they would), but this one won't appeal to all, but those who do like it will like it a lot. The scent is harder to describe than most, as it has some darkish tones to it but also a sweetness (almost like candy which some might not like), but not too sweet, it has been described as having hints of bergamont, apple, coffee, cedar, cinnamon, leather, musk, violet leaves, and more. It is floral and fruity, but also masculine, so really you should just smell it for yourself, as a fragrance speaks a thousand words too.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Summer Song' by Sons Of Alamo (2010)

Today's feature song is Summer Song by Australian indie-rock group Sons of Alamo. Sons Of Alamo formed in 2009 consisting of Jordan Fleming (singer/guitar), Rohan Fleming (bass guitar), Bryce Gleeson (guitar), William Hunt (drums), and they come out of Central Coast, Australia. Summer Song is a single release, and might make it onto their second album, you can download a free and legal 128kbps mp3 of this song at their Unearthed page HERE, or you can always check out their MySpace page HERE.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Newtown' by The Art (2011)

Today's feature song is Newtown, by Sydney-based metal band The Art. The Art are based in Sydney (suburb of Newtown), Australia and consist of band members Steven Asbury (Drums), Jak (Guitar / Vocals),  Kara Jayne - Bass / Vocals, and Azaria (Vocals / Guitar). Newtown comes off of their debut album, which was just released on February 28th, 2011 titled Here Come The War. If you like what you hear then be sure to head over to their MySpace page HERE. In fact you will have to head over to either MySpace or ITunes to actually hear a clear version of the song as youtube only has the following, not so clear, live version. bleh!

A Brief Movie Review for 'The Girl In The Cafe' (2005)

Movie = The Girl In The Cafe (2005)

Director = David Yates

Rating = 5/5 Stars *****

Excellent film, and one that actually has an important message to it too! You think this is a love story for the first half of the film, only to realize that there is much more to it which directly addresses the issue of inequality and all of its effects on the human world. Also great acting by the whole cast, Bill Nighy is always great, and Kelly Macdonald does a great job....hint, you can catch them both on the British TV Drama State of Play which was also good.

Feature Song of the Day = 'One Way Driver' by Blame Ringo (2010)

Today's feature song is One Way Driver by Australian indie-pop band Blame Ringo. Blame Ringo consists of band members Pete Kilroy, Rosco Pearson, and Jessiah Cocks, and they are based out of Brisbane, Australia. One Way Driver comes off of their 2nd and lastest release album titled Too Strange For Avery, which can be found and purchased on ITunes and Amazon. If you like what you hear go check out their website HERE, or their Unearthed page HERE.

Today's Feature Song = 'I'll Get You (feat Jeppe)' by Classixx (2009)

Today's feature song is I'll Get You (feat. Jeppe) by Los-Angeles-based DJ/Producer-duo Classixx. The DJ/Production-duo, previously known as Young Americans, consists of Michael David and Tyler Blake. Their name comes from their mutual love for classic compilations of various music genres. I'll Get You (feat. Jeppe) was released in 2009 by Kitsune Records, and it can be purchased on Itunes or Amazon. I highly recommend checking out the various Kitsune compilations if you like this song as they are loaded with heaps of goodies like this, and also head over to the Classixx MySpace page HERE for more info on them.

A Brief Movie Review for 'Twentieth Century' (1934)

Movie = Twentieth Century (1934)

Director = Howard Hawks

Rating = 2.5/5 Stars **

Twentieth Century involves some crazy over-the-top acting, and is a comedy about stage-actors. John Barrymore reminds me a lot of Kevin Kline as well as Gene Wilder, and this part a few decades later would have no doubt been played by Wilder. Carole Lombard does a good job at playing the typical Carole Lombard role. Entertaining for a night in, but a little too long for my taste, could have been a bout 1/3rd shorter and had same effect. No trailer for this one folks.

Today's Feature Song = 'Second Chance' by Peter Bjorn and John (2011)

Today's feature song is Second Chance by by Swedish indie-rock band Peter, Bjorn, and John. Peter, Bjorn, and John have been active on the rock-music scene since 1999, they are based out of Stockholm, Sweden, and consist of members Peter Morén (vocals, guitar and harmonica), Björn Yttling (bass guitar, keyboards and vocals) and John Eriksson (drums, percussion and vocals). Second Chance is a single release from their new album titled Gimme Some, which is set for release on March 28th, 2011. If you like what you hear then head over to their website HERE for more music and band info, Enjoy!

Feature Song Of The Day = 'Weekend' by Smith Westerns (2010)

Today's feature song is Weekend by Chicago-based indie/glam-rock group Smith Westerns. Smith Westerns have been active on the rock-music scene since 2007 and the group consists of members Cullen Omori, Cameron Omori, Max Kakacek, and Colby Hewitt. For more information on the band you can check out the January 2011 Rolling Stone Magazine brief on them HERE, or you can head over to their MySpace page HERE. Weekend comes off of their 2nd studio album which was just released on January 18th, 2011 and is titled Dye It Blonde. Bleh!

A Brief Movie Review for 'Feed The Fish' (2009)

Movie = Feed The Fish (2009)

Director = Michael Matzdorff

Rating = 2.5/5 Stars **

This movie is about a children's books author who moves from Los Angeles to a rural and wintry Wisconsin to get inspired to write. During his trip he meets a new girl and starts to get to know a few of the locals in the small town. Not a new plot outline by any means, but the movie is entertaining and lacks any real acting quality (mostly amateur actors I would guess) by any of the actors/actresses, but its really just a feel-good flick anyways, and oh yes, I do review every movie I watch and I know...I know.......

Fragrance Review for 'Burberry Men's Cologne' (1995)

Cologne = Burberry Eu De Toilette Spray (For Men)

Brand = Burberry (London, 1995)

Rating = 5/5 Stars

Another great men's cologne, in fact I probably won't even rate ones I don't like so all the ones that appear on this vlog are likely to be winners. However, do note that I have a bit of a cologne addiction so I am always checking out new ones and comparing them, thus this section of the vlog. Burberry men's cologne has a brighter scent that could go either as sporty or dressy, thus its versatile. This fragrance was released in 1995 and its been described as a blend of cedar, sandalwood, mint, lavender, and amber (which I believe gives it its punch). This scent lasts all day long when I have worn it. I recommend.

Today's Feature Song = 'Come Around' by Tim & Jean (2010)

Today's Feature Song is Come Around, by Australian indie-electro-pop duo Tim & Jean. Tim and Jean are Tim Ayre and Jean Capotorto who come out of Perth, Western Australia. They started up a MySpace page and ended up entering Triple J's Unearthed High School competition for unsigned bands, in which they made it to the finals with the song Come Around. They were later then selected to by that radio station to play at the Parklife Festival. They have not yet released an official album or EP, but they have played internationally and in America when they were a supporting act for Moby. If you like what you hear on this post then go check out their MySpace page HERE for more songs and band info, or you can also check out their Unearthed page HERE which includes a free and legal 128kbps-mp3 download of this song Come Around (which is also available for purchase at HQ in the ITunes store. If you listen to a few of their songs you will come to realize that Tim & Jean are Australia's answer to Passion Pit. Check it!

Today's Feature Song = 'A Common Tale' by Radio Star (2011)

And the song of the day is...A Common Tale by Australian indie-rock-trash-pop group Radio Star. Radio Star originate out of Melbourne, Australia's Upper East Side and consists of members Zack, Will, Patty and Jake. A Common Tale is a new single released in February of 2011, and is currently available as a free mp3 download on their Unearthed page HERE, and also be sure to check out their MySpace Page HERE for more info and music.

Feature Song of the Day = 'Don't Wake The Dead' by Guards (2010)

Today's feature song is Don't Wake The Dead, by Anaheim-based lo-fi-rock artist Guards. Guards is actually the solo-project of The Willowz lead-vocalist/guitarist Richie James Follin. This track comes off of the debut self-titled EP, and the single was also released on ITunes in November 2010 on the Kitsuné Mason Compilation 10: The Fireworks Issue. This a great track, with some wonderful vocals and a very simple message...enjoy the moment, live in the now!

Today's Feature Song = 'Stay, Please Stay' by Oh Mercy (2011)

Today's Feature Song is Stay, Please Stay by Australian/Melbourne-based indie-rock-pop band Oh Mercy. Oh Mercy are a 4-piece from Melbourne consisting of members Alexander Gow (vocals and guitar) Thom Savage (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), Eliza Lam (bass, backing vocals),  and Angus Tarnawsky (drums). Stay, Please Stay comes off of their new album titled Great Barrier Grief which is set to be released on March 4th, 2011. Great Barrier Grief

A Brief Book Review for 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin (2007)

Book = The Art of Learning (2007)

Author = Josh Waitzkin

Rating = 5/5 Stars ****

I recommend that everyone read this book! Its a auto-biographical work about the author's life, and his approach to learning new skills and achieving excellence in his 2 primary fields of Chess and Tai Chi Chuan. Author Josh Waitzkin is not your average bear, he was a child-prodigy at chess (many time world champion and in various tournaments), as well as a world champion in the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan, and all of this before the age of 30! Whilst being a high-achiever is not for everyone, it is still inspiring to read this book because the author details his own personal experiences and how he worked through his various challenges, which is probably the most helpful way that a person can share an experience with others. I find this very approach to be important as it is the true-experience and method of a real person, and not just the common beliefs that society holds about how true learning and achievement of the highest order is actually attained. Thanks to the author we get a window into that world, which is no doubt a wonderful contribution. If you are striving for excellence or trying to learn new things (most of us are I would hope) then this book holds something for you, so check it out. For more info on the book the author has a website you can visit HERE.