Birthday Boy

Another trip around the sun and I am now 23 years old! I received this awesome video today from a friend and thought you should see the big performance this dashing young lady put on for my birthday. Thanks sweetheart!

BOOZE AND SMOKES

The City of Hamilton recently opened it's second skateboard park and it wouldn't have been possible without the grind of everyday skaters like the ones in this video. The second installment by Hamilton's own ISAL Productions is titled Booze and Smokes and features local skaters enjoying the fruits of their labour. Skateboarding has found the hearts of many and I'm sure there will be more ISAL videos like this in the future. You can catch more great videos at http://www.isalproductions.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the ride!

Passion Pit

Cambridge, Massachusetts Passion Pit are an electro-pop band with an interesting story behind their ep release Chunk Of Change. According to my sources, the set of six songs was originally a Valentine's Day gift from one of the band members to his girlfriend and the music then became popular throughout the college he was attending. After having played only a handful of shows, the band was voted Best New Act in The Boston Phoenix's- Best Music Poll and recently signed to New York City's Frenchkiss Records. With experience now under their belts, the band is set to release their first full-length album entitled Manners on May 26th. Being the kind gent that I am, I've included some samples from the album for your listening pleasure. With a truely unique sound, expect the album to rank as one of the year's best.

MP3: Passion Pit-Little Secret -->http://www8.zippyshare.com/v/14528558/file.html

MP3: Passion Pit-Moths Wings -->http://www8.zippyshare.com/v/51897087/file.html

MP3: Passion Pit-Sleepyhead -->http://www15.zippyshare.com/v/77387287/file.html

Locked In

Donhale Jr.'s take on Pdiddy's Locked In Movement. Just a reminder to all of you to stay locked in this summer!

Bill Callahan

Josh Ritter once said that "the days are nights and the nights are long" and I commend him for saying so. After a night of moving and shaking at the casbah for Hot Flashes, I've set aside a little down time for myself and you're all very welcome to join me. I'm keeping this short and sweet. Bill Callahan has carried me through this scorcher of a day and well into the shitstorm that appears to have taken life this evening. His song The Breeze/My Baby Cries follows simple, repetitive structure, consisting of a simple chord progression repeated for the duration of the song. His singing is strikingly characterized by his baritone voice and a style of delivery without being over-emotional. The song was written for a tribute album titled Loving takes It's Course celebrating the work of Kath Bloom. This wonderful piece of music should find a wider audience for the over-looked american folk-singer. I'm sure you'll enjoy this tune in or out of the rain tonight.

SHITSTORM BREAK!

MP3: Bill Callahan-The Breeze/My Baby Cries -->http://www.zippyshare.com/v/29019953/file.html

HOT FLASHES

Tonight we're blessed with the Hot Flashes Party Series which conveniently falls on the last friday of every month. Some like to call it "bad decision fridays" others may have no idea what I'm talking about. Hamilton's craziest party features the hottest DJ's in southern Ontario and brings some seriously rowdy crowds. Every party you can expect the best in electro/punk/hiphop/mashup/house and all parties happen at The Casbah, Hamilton's premier concert venue.

This month's special guest is VIOLCA from Toronto's MANSION. She's been rocking clubs in her hometown and abroad with band mate Dj Barletta and will surely receive a warm welcome this evening. Check this video clip of their show at Circa in January for a little taster. I've also included a few tracks to get you in the mood. Enjoy!

MP3: Thunderheist- Sweet 16 (MANSION RMX) http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/20305485/file.html

MP3: Mansion-Elevator http://www5.zippyshare.com/v/63865039/file.html

MP3: The Stills-Being Here (MANSION RMX) http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/94986286/file.html

*Drink specials and $3 jager shots all night long--Check these websites for more information!*

http://www.mansiondj.com/

http://www.youneedtoparty.com/

The Water

The Water is a short film directed by Kevin Drew and stars Cillian Murphy, David Fox and Drew's Broken Social Scene bandmate Leslie Feist.

The Water is a film that explores the past, present, and future of a family over 24 hours. Set in the middle of a cold beautiful winter it explores the complex and intimate dynamic between loved ones and loss with regret and anticipation. The Water's story, told like a visual poem unfolds in silence, in the faces of the characters and in the beauty of music, leaving questions about death, life and love. I hope you take the time to watch and enjoy this special presentation.

Common

The Light is the Grammy-nominated second single off Common's 2000 album Like Water for Chocolate. It is produced by Jay Dee and features keyboards by James Poyser. Framed as a love letter, it is a confession of Common's love for a woman whom many believe to have been his girlfriend at the time, Erykah Badu. Notice the "recognizable sensual delights" including a homemade Minnie Ripperton cassette, a mango, a pink lava lamp and a deeply green water-beaded leaf. Always a great track for any mood!

Down By The Point Records

Every once in a while you get lucky and come across a new band or a new sound that you really love. Every once in a while you get even luckier and you don't have to look very far for that love.

Down By The Point Records is a Canadian independent DIY record label/management company based in Hamilton & Toronto, Ontario and they make your searching a no-brainer! DBTP Records is a collective of musicians, artists, and photographers who formed in 2008 and I'm happy to suggest you lend your ears and eyes to all their wonderful work. They can be found performing on canada soil, as well as abroad.

Team Roster:

CAM MALCOLM & THE OWLS
GREG PRESTON
COWLICK
MATT PAXTON
THE ABBREVIATIONS

DBTP Associates:
VIBEWRANGLER RECORDS
DARK MEAN

Be sure to check their myspace for some sweet tunes and show listings!

www.myspace.com/downbythepointrecords

M.Ward

Do your remember your...

First kiss, first drink, first dance, first wink, first smoke, first touch, first apple, first crush, first smile, first night, first dream, ,first right, first team, first band, first rain, first snow, first cake, first bike, first game, first nike, first skates, first kite, first hat, first glove, first show, first love, first kick, first slip, first lick, first punch, first drop, first try, first mix, first floor, first car, first birthday, first message, first headache, first heartbreak, first steak, first fight, first time?

Well this ones going out to beginners, all those starting a new. Nothing makes your heart beat like a first time and with that in mind, I've come through with a diddy by M. Ward. The first track on his latest album Hold Time is an indie-folk rock adventure, to say the least. For Beginners is exactly what I want to hear when I wake up and once again when I go to bed at night. Hell, I've been playing it over and over again. You should too! His latest album is currently at the 19th spot on the Exclaim Magazine's- Earshot Top 50 which is the National Campus & Community Radio Report. This one will surely have you coming back for more. So remember "When you're absolute beginners, Its a panoramic view". Peep the bonus track from his album as well as a great video for his track Chinese Translation.

MP3: M.Ward-For Beginners-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/30054670/file.html

MP3: M.Ward-Shangri-La-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/72281930/file.html

Trashy Tuesdays

I woke up today feeling rather trashy. I'm not sure if it's the freezing rain or all the dope sticks I ingested lastnight but I thought it would be cool to roll with it. Data Rock are a Norwegian band who describe their sound as "a mixture of musical styles [they] like".

The band has released three EP's and their debut album, Datarock Datarock, was released in 2005 in 10 countries on the band's own label, YAP (Young Aspiring Professionals), receiving favourable reviews, especially in the UK. This remix of their track 'Fa Fa Fa' is partied up by Aussie producer, Miami Horror. Miami is part of the Sidekick Posse, home to Young & Restless, Gameboy/Gamegirl, Flamingo Crash, kick ass artists in general. I've also included a personal favourite of his for your dancing pleasure. Grab these tracks and get trashy with me!

MP3: Data Rock-Fa Fa Fa (Miami Horror Rmx)--

>http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/19842161/file.html

MP3: Miami Horror-Make You Mine-->http://www1.zippyshare.com/v/33434761/file.html

Background Props

This is a quick post to show all those grabbing some background props, the love you truly deserve. Notice the handsome fella in the back. Handsome B. Wonderful: 1 Bikini Girls: 0

In this Japanese gang photograph, you can't help but notice the old guy in the back standing shirtless like a champion. Mr.Miyagi : 1 Japanese Girl Gang : 0

This butt's for you! These young ladies had such radiant smiles, the glass in the background..cracked? Buttweiser: 1 Church Girls: 0

This guy must have stubbed his toe because he's really got a genuine look on his face. Maybe it's just the rush that comes with ruining a coveted shot like this. Background props is and always will be a popular prank. Sorry ladies! Big Toe: 1 Blondies: 0

Yes We Can

After nearly a decade in the game of smoke, this rainy April day seems like just another day in the week to be quite honest. That being said, it is the most recognised day of marijuana love worldwide and it deserves a righteous blog applause. So I'm going to roll it out to you plain and simple. All these songs can be enjoyed while thinking of weed, dreaming of weed, looking for weed, smelling weed or even just straight up smokin' that green spinach. So grab your bong, pipe, ziggies and your twiggies because this counter culture holiday starts at 4:20 and ends when you can't find the door. Yes we can!

Van She, Australian electro-pop sensations, can be best desbribed by their record label as a "new band from Sydney fresh on ideas, fresher than Flavor Flav, fresh like coriander, fresher than the Fresh Prince". With strong influences from Sepultura, Entombed, Black Skull and Phil Collins, it's no surprise their 80's synth- style is a crowd pleaser and a refreshing start to our smokey day. So High is from their debut album V released in 2008. Tune in and enjoy the ride!

MP3: Van She-So High -->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/71256744/file.html

Jim Guthrie is a Canadian singer-songwriter born and raised in Guelph, Ontario. He has played both as a solo artist and as a member of the bands Islands and Royal City. His outstanding work was praised and he was nominated for a Juno Award for his album Now, More Than Ever which was released in 2003. This thought provoking and deep rooted instrumental is a sure hit. Voila!

MP3: Jim Guthrie-Now, More Than Ever -->http://www17.zippyshare.com/v/97139707/file.html

And to finish it all off, a little Joe Cocker from one of my all time favourite tv shows The Wonder Years. The song was originally done by The beatles but was dramatically re-done by Mr.Cocker in 1968. I get high with a little help from my friends, do you? Bon nuit from Hearts of Gold.

MP3: Joe Cocker-With a Little Help From My Friends -->http://www17.zippyshare.com/v/5283771/file.html

Dark Mean

Local talent Dark Mean really do work with their new ep 'franken cottage' and would love to have it in your stereos and tape decks this summer. Produced at Vibewrangler Recording Studios under the guidance of Glen Marshall and Michael Keire, the ep extends beyond the boundaries of traditional pop music. The three piece indie-folk band from Hamilton, Ontario are happy to offer your ears their magic. Check them out online at http://www.darkmean.com/ for a free download today!

Bonus: Bloc Party-Sunday-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/29953899/file.html

Phoenix Desires

Now that we've got the ball rolling, it's time to get down to business. Friday's always been my girl and I know alot of people out there would agree when I say there's no better way to kick off a weekend than with a little sunshine and some great tunes. Phoenix just recently released their fourth-coming album entitled 'Wolfgang Amedeus' and I must say, the album is pure bliss! Hailing from Versailles, France, the band started during their childhood and blossomed in a culture that gave life to bands such as Air and Daft Punk. The album was recorded in Paris by Cassius's Philippe Zdar who co-produced and mixed the album. Go out and pick this one up folks! The start to finish freshness will get you on the right path this weekend. I promise!

MP3: Phoenix-Girlfriend-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/23947212/file.html

MP3: Phoenix-Love like a sunset-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/25343954/file.html

Johnny Jewel, who is the instrument-playing part of Glass Candy, has been getting some serious blog love with his new ep and I'm sure a little taste will have you hooked on Desire. His outstanding talent for making beats and grooves really shine through on his new project and I think it's a nice change of pace from 'Beatbox'-Glass Candy's most recognized album to date. Italo disco-noir at it's finest perhaps? You be the judge!

MP3: Desire-If I Can't Hold You-->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/96721231/file.html

Does it Offend You, Yeah?

Does it Offend You, Yeah? is a dandy electro-punk band from Reading, Berkshire who's past year on the charts has been triumphant, to say the least. They were the ninth most listened to new band of 2008 on last.fm. and have worked alongside the likes of Pharell Williams, Santogold, Sebastien Grainger, MGMT and many more. Their debut album 'You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into' is a hard-hitting party packed selection that you won't want to miss. The name says it all on this one folks. Here's a couple heaters for when being bad just feels so good. Get drunk to this, you'll thank me!

MP3: Does it Offend You, Yeah?-Being Bad Feels Pretty Good -->http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/79109919/file.html

MP3: Does it Offend You, Yeah?- We Are Rockstars --> http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/34582724/file.html

NEW KID IN TOWN

It's always a treat to be the new kid in town. With that in mind, I'd like to share a few treats of my own that I've picked up along the way. Eagles have had a profound impact on my life and I thought it would be fitting that they be the first to kick off our new adventures here at Hearts of Gold.
New Kid in Town is a song from their 1976 album Hotel California and the first to feature guitarist Joe Walsh. Wood panel Pontiac station wagons never saw it coming! Thanks mom and dad for this great hit. Enjoy!

MP3: Eagles- New Kid in Town--> http://www15.zippyshare.com/v/18727989/file.html
Bonus: Eagles- Take it to the Limit--> http://www15.zippyshare.com/v/25776095/file.html