Stones in Exile is brand new documentary all about the recording of their album Exile on Main St. It chronicles their insane drug use and exile from England due to the fact that they couldn’t afford their taxes. It features some never-before-seen video footage and photographs of the band, as well as the other key people involved with the making of Exile (the album, that is).

The Good Stuff:

I love that the movie was produced and narrated by the Stones, themselves and wasn’t made with a bunch of half-true facts told by third-party sources. Since I hate most documentary-biographical films, this was a nice change. It also came out while they’re all still alive, and doesn’t include any soundbites. When I say it was narrated by the band, I mean they were involved from start to finish.

The Bad Stuff:

Honestly, I don’t really have anything bad to say about the film. I think it was well-made, nicely put together and had great footage and photos from a period we don’t see many from.

I highly recommend this film to any Stones buff. Just remember, it’s not a general doc on the band, but strictly about their experiences recording An Exile On Main Street. 5/5!

Day 5 of NXNE promised to be a massive fun night at the Sound Academy with Key ‘n Krates, Kidstreet, and headliner Girl Talk.

Gregg Gillis (stage name Girl Talk) is a laptop artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who specializes in sample based remixes, by using at least a dozen elements from any song you can think of, to create a new one. I got to speak with Gregg before his show about his music and his not so new obsession with collecting Air Jordans. You can find my interview on Embrace’s site coming soon.

Keys ‘n Krates:

Kidstreet:

After a quick introduction and Girl Talk chanting, in a grey hoodie and sweatband Gregg steered away from the chit chat and let his mashups do the talking. Gregg plunges right away into a various selection of cuts from “Night Ripper” and “Feed the Animals” and getting people to come on stage to party with him and his toilet paper throwing sidekicks. There was plenty of new samples thrown into the mix to keep his mashups fresh, hearing songs from the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Major Lazer, Phoenix etc.

The night was sweaty, dance-filled and very exhausting. I think I was a little bit over dressed for that night and decided to wear the most uncomfortable (but cute) heels ever. I’ve never been to a Girl Talk show before and didn’t know what to expect. I chose style before comfort and it was clearly a big no-no. While I was at the side of the stage complaining about how much my feet hurt, I watched the crowds jammed right into each other, elbows flying, and the temperature go sky high as the Sound Academy got ridiculously sweaty. Everything looked so much fun as there were big beach balls bouncing around, confetti everywhere and people crowd surfing etc I was kicking myself for the stupid heels decision.

A Gun to the Head is a super-indie Canadian film which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. The entire movie takes place over a span of one night when Trevor leaves a lame house party his wife is throwing, to hang out with his drug-dealer/addict cousin, Darren. He ends up meeting a slew of strange and zany characters while being re-introduced to the bad ass life he’d thought he’d life behind before his marriage to wife, Grace.

I went into this thinking it was going to be kind of lame because, honestly, the trailer does not do it justice at all. So here’s my review.

The Good Stuff:

Well, to start it’s an indie movie, so kudos to the fact that you’re most likely the only one who’s seen it. Congratulations! You’re now the coolest movie-goer you know. No, seriously, this movie was pretty chill. It jumps right into the drama within the first five minutes, and it keeps a steady pace of it throughout the hour and half it takes before it finishes. The lead actor, Tygh Runyan, is friggin hot as are most of the male characters in the movie, actually, most of the women are hot, too, so gays, straights, everyone can enjoy the eye candy! And ps, the actor who plays Sam, Hrothgar Mathews, reminds me SO much of John Dunsworth from Trailer Park Boys during certain parts of the film. Please tell me if anyone else feels the same way!

The Bad Stuff:

Alright, so I found Sarah Lind to be insanely annoying in this movie. At the dinner party, Grace pretty well gets verbally sexually assaulted by her boss and his wife who want to have an orgy of sorts with her and Trevor. Sarah, who plays his wife Audrey, is supposed to be a complete bimbo, which she played well, but she also came off as possibly the most annoying thing I have ever laid eyes on in a movie. I haven’t seen her in anything else, but she’s appeared on The L Word, amongst other things, so I’m sure she’s a great actress, and I hope it was just this role that made me want to drill screws into my eyes.

Overall, I’d probably give this movie a 4/5. It was really good, but I can’t see it as being something that would appeal to everyone. I liked it a lot, and if you’re into independent film, or just a film-buff in general, I think it might appeal to you, too. Enjoy!

FOR MORE ON WHAT’S PLAYING AT NXNE, CLICK HERE.

TUNE YARDS SUNDAY JUNE 13, 20101 @ THE SHOE

If you are a Dirty Projectors fan and saw tUnE-yArDs‘ show last November, you may remember them blowing the Opera House away. Most likely, if you saw them that night last year, you were there with me on Sunday.

However, if you aren’t familiar with the jill-of-all-trades wonder-woman, Merrill Garbus, aka tUnE-yArDs, GET familiar. I have never seen such energy at the Horsehoe before. Garbus was the main attraction, but with the help of her backing band (including her there were three drummers on stage) I felt transported to another world of music I have never experienced before.

Bottom Line: If you love seeing a front-woman absolutely tear apart a crowd with top-of-her-lungs singing to the beat of tribal percussion, and have a human pulse, go see them every chance you can get!

Words and Photo: Courtney-Lee Yip

THE BALCONIES, HOLLERADO, MELIGROVE BAND AT THE CN TOWER: NXNE OPENING NIGHT JUNE 16, 2010

“I kind of just felt like going by my real name.” Crystal clear and glimmering with self-content, Sally Seltmann is back with a valiant and charming new record from down under. Warming the pop waters as the classically inspired New Buffalo, “Heart That’s Pounding” is the third album from this delicate songwriter. And with the same cascading organs and sweeping winsome as before, Sally is stronger, wiser and in a place of her own.

“ I was hiding behind a name before and now I’m comfortable with where I am in my life. It feels like New Buffalo was a just one of my musical projects.”

Hailing from the most tropical of the commonwealth nations, Sally is beach blonde as Regina is metropolized. “I think its pretty engrained in me to think more about classically arranged music, but I still play around with some electronics and things.”

Orchestral and fringing upon waltz, “Set Me Free” is a colloquial ballad of independence. Shaping the voice that sets this project apart from her previous work, while opening track and first single “Harmony To My Heartbeat” and danceable “Dreaming About Change” weep with pop maturity and are catchy as hell.

“I’m quite interested in women being seen as strong and powerful without trying to be like men. I would hope that comes across a little bit in my music.”

Whether a motion of solidarity, romantic devotion or other, Sally’s name change brings to light the relationship with her husband, Avalanches guitarist Darren Seltmann. Currently playing drums on her North American tour, the two continue to sculp their musical parallels and look forward to co-production in the future.

“I used to try to be really musically independent from Darren, but now I just really enjoy working with him. We both love music and we’re both really creative with other sorts of things in our life too, so why not.”

To date, and beguiling commonality, Sally is the brain behind Feist’s 2007 award winning anthem, “1,2,3,4″. At a time in her career when songs were plentifully scripted, Sally thought it was a song  “that she might like to sing, it was a time when I was writing a lot, and it wasn’t very hard for me to let it go. I feel really lucky that she liked it.”

A chivalrous approach to the gleaming fixtures of contemporary pop music,  “Heart That’s Pounding” is a Joni Mitchell pop fusion and behind this awe inspiring folkloress, is a classical persuasion of challenging and tasteful arrangements that damsels the world’s most fruitful distresses.

Catch Sally this Friday at Supermarket as a part of The Agency Group NXNE Showcase. And follow @pinkmafia4life this week for a chance to win a copy of “Heart That’s Pounding” available now through itunes and at the online Arts & Crafts store.

Words Katherine Alicia Snack

NXNE is in town and not only does the festival promise hotshot bands from all over the world but it also mans extended serving hours! In honor of keeping the party going we’ve compiled the PinkMafia Best of 4am Guide for NXNE.

Wednesday June 16

If your weekend warrior status starts on a Wednesday, the Bovine Sex Cub is starting off the after hour splendor at 2AM on Wednesday with performances by Victim Party, The Decay, The Cavaliers and DIY it up. We can’t make any promises but there’s a good chance that Eagles of Death Metal are going to make an appearance after they hit Cherry Cola’s of course.

Thursday June 17

For a big night of electro-disco fun check out Junior Boys at The Social, “In the Morning” was the blitzed to the point of swaying  summer song for ’09 so be ready to hear even more body bashing beats (FYI, they are supposed to go on at 12:30AM, so this is technically NOT a 2-4 but still pretty dope). Toronto’s own TAPEDECKBROS will bet at El Mocambo. Let the ass shaking commence.

Friday June 18

Friday night is big jam night so should plan on hitting as many spots as you can. Duo Torro Torro are hitting up Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (3AM).

Dakota Tavern is featuring a “special guest” which in my books usually means something rad and too big too announce because it’ll screw up their much bigger show wink wink.  HUORATRON  will be at Wrongbar late night for the Last Gang showcase. Choosing your venue is just a matter of personal taste.

If there’s one piece of news that has blown my mind it’s ED effing LOVER at The Drake along with DJ Fase and 84.85. If you’re unfamiliar with Ed Lover, he is the king of 90′s hip hop (he hosted Yo! MTV Raps) and scroll down for his recent Youtube fame.

Wherever you end up going throughout the night, a good bet is to do last call at the Bovine, the guest hasn’t been listed as of yet but every year they have the best mix of well-mannered city (read: not morons from out of town or the dreaded suburbs) and local as well as bigger out of town artists co-existing/mingling in boozy bliss.

Saturday June 19

For final wrap up we’re giving you two pieces of advice: One: Don’t start too early, this is an endurance sport not a relay. Two: check out one of these two for guaranteed satisfaction.  Classixx (LA) + Hatchmatik at the Drake.

Bassilicious PARTY LIKE US RECORDS are throwing AC Slater, B. Rich, and Udachi all under one roof at The Social. It’s sure to be one of the biggest events of NXNE

If you make it til Tuesday without a 3 day hangover. Gold star.

Click on the image below for the downloadable version:

Search & Destroy: Iggy & The Stooges Raw Power is a documentary debuting at NxNE as part of this year’s film festival. The doc is based around the Stooges’ third album and total flop, Raw Power. And when I say flop, I mean it didn’t do well commercially, but man did it influence a lot of musicians. Henry Rollins, Johnny Marr, Clem Burke (Blondie) and Chrissie Hynd all weigh in on Raw Power in between interviews with band members Scott Asheton (drums) and James Williamson (guitarist) and of course the beef jerkey’d one, Iggy Pop himself.

This documentary has it all: history, excitement, funny quips, commentary by music lengends and above all it’s got balls. In fact, it’s got the kind of balls that make you want to immediately start a band and take over the world. To say it’s been a long time since I felt anything like that would be a gross understatement. I had all but forgotten that a band could make me feel that kind of unbridled mix of destruction and hope that is pure, unfiltered rock and fucking roll.

From the opening quote from famed rock critic, Lester Bangs, “You may find yourself repulsed by them, you may not be able to abide a single note of their music, but they are undeniably the sound and look of the future” right through to Iggy’s comments on his use of tambourine in tracks to keep the swamp sound of the other instruments from competing, I was captured entirely.

The Good:

Iggy Pop is really smart. Like scary smart. It was an honor and a pleasure to watch him and band mates Asheton and Williamson listen to the original Raw Power tapes in a studio and pick apart every riff, ever drum beat, ever ounce of production good and bad that went into it. Everyone gave an honest opinion about the music and the time without blowing too much smoke up anyone’s arse. The editing with old photos and footage gave an accurate and apt portrayal of the times and where the band had struggled from to get to this moment, which thoroughly succeeded at transposing the viewer so that I felt like I was right there with them.

The Bad:

Honestly, the only shit thing about this doc was that it began and ended with Raw Power. I wanted more (a lot more) when all was said and done. I wasn’t satisfied with a few moments of footage of a recent performance in Brazil to what looked like  thirty thousand people. Also, there wasn’t enough titles and I often got lost in the band faces that seemed to all blend together after a time. And finally that watch that James Williamson was wearing throughout was the worst piece of accountant pension garbage I’ve ever seen. Someone should burn that thing.

Out of 5 stars, I give it a whopping 5. I watched it twice in a row, and I came away excited, and morose and filled with questions, most namely, “will I ever in this lifetime be lucky enough to get even a glimpse at that kind of action?”

For more on movies playing at NXNE, CLICK HERE Also, just FYI, Iggy Pop and the Stooges will be performing at Nathan Phillips Square on June 19th as part of NXNE. You gotta see the sinewy one in the flesh to believe it. Trust me on that one.

Sounds Like a Revolution is a documentary based on the newest generation of activist musicians. Erykah Badu narrates the film which features artists ranging from Anti-Flag to Michael Franti, with interviews from The Dixie Chicks, Steve Earle, Ani DiFranco and a bunch of other artists who have faced persecution for their views and political voice. One of the main issues addressed in the film is how the Corporate idealism of the music industry today has made it nearly impossible for main stream musicians to have any views and beliefs other than sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Indie labels have become the only way for any artists to have real creative freedom, and with this, the political activism of these artists is finally spreading to today’s youth.

I watched the movie with my boyfriend, Mike, who isn’t quite as politically active as I am, but isn’t completely ignorant to what’s going on in our world either. We didn’t completely agree on all of the aspects touched upon throughout the movie so here’s what we both thought:

The Good Stuff:

I thought that the movie was well-made and did address the larger issues of today’s politics within North America, and mostly within the United States. Another aspect that I liked about it was that the film was based around more unknown artists and discussed, with complete frankness, the issue of corporate idealism and how it has effected all aspects of free speech within the music industry.

The Bad Stuff:

Well, Mike didn’t think that the artists were doing enough, and although I don’t think that violence is the answer (as we can see with Iraq, Afghanistan, etc, etc, etc) I did have to agree in this respect. I don’t think that playing a few songs can really make a difference, and although Fat Mike from NOFX made a point of saying that he and his band were solely responsible for convincing their apathetic punk fans to go out and vote during the last election, I have to disagree. I mean, sure, they probably convinced a good portion of their fan-base to go out and do so, but I attribute most of it to the PSAs put out by people like Leonardo DiCaprio, and other more well-known celebrities, as well as the fact that there was actually someone worth voting for this time around (The Obamanator).

Now, I don’t want to step on anyone’s politically-sensitive toes while writing this review, so I’m not going to express my personal views on anything, but I do recommend this movie for someone who actually cares about politics more than the average-Joe. No, it doesn’t touch on the Bob Dylans or the John Lennons of the past, so don’t go in expecting that; the movie is strictly about the modern-day musician-activists. I don’t think that the average person would really find this movie interesting or worth watching, and neither did Michael. I liked it, and even though I watched it at 1am on a week-night, it kept me up and interested the entire time.

Watch the trailer here: Sounds Like a Revolution

FOR MORE ON WHAT’S PLAYING AT NXNE, CLICK HERE.

Johnny Cash’s America takes us on a journey from his beginning as an American Country-Folk musician, to his death in 2003. The film touches upon the lesser-known aspects of his life, such as his fight for Native American rights in the mid-1960s, to his involvement with Billy Graham, and his strong Christian faith. Throughout the movie, we’re also given a close-up view on Johnny’s long-time speed addiction and the effect it had on his life, both emotionally and physically.

So I didn’t end up watching the movie with any people that were huge Johnny Cash fans, and I was probably the only one who had any knowledge of his awesomeness. I went into watching this with the more well-known Johnny Cash facts; his first marriage, his drug addiction, his eventual marriage to June Carter Cash, etc, but there were definitely some interesting tid-bits that I wasn’t aware of at the same time, such as his near-obsession with Native American culture. So I give you my likes and dis-likes on the documentary.

The Good

First and foremost, my two biggest pet peeves when it comes to documentaries on anyone is when they’re either too long or too short; Johnny Cash’s America was juuust right. It touched on all the most crucial aspects of his life, the ones that had the biggest impact on him as a man and the ones that had the most impact on his family, friends and fans. It started during his childhood with the loss of his older brother in a sawmill accident (which was touched upon in Walk the Line… I know, I know. It’s a glammed up Hollywood version of the man’s life, but it’s still an awesome movie full of the sex god that is Joaquin Pheonix. Mmm mm.) and ends up with his death in September of 2003, less then 5 months after his wife of 35 years, June, passed away due to complications following heart surgery. Some of the clips that they movie showed were never-before-seen (of course!) and totally awesome. I especially loved the clips of him with all of the U.S. presidents (up to Reagan) and how he basically gave Richard Nixon a big ‘eff you’ by refusing a song request when he played for him at the White House.

The Bad

Really though, I loved the movie. I didn’t think there were any bad aspects, but you have to be a Johnny Cash fan to appreciate the doc. It was well-made and to the point, without beating around the bush with filler information like so many other documentaries have in the past.

I love Johnny Cash. The man was a sheer genius and produced some of music’s biggest classics. I give the movie 5/5 stars if you can appreciate the man and enjoy a good musical documentary, if not, check out some of the other movies playing at NXNE this year!

Trailer – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XNQyxtrZuE

FOR MORE ON WHAT’S PLAYING AT NXNE, CLICK HERE.

As all of you know probably know, CMF is vastly approaching and we are all EXTREMELY excited for it.  For those of you who don’t know what CMF is, it is a music festival, conference, and exhibition with thousands of music industry participants from around the world. 350 bands in 35 clubs over three nights.

Because we care, we compiled a must see guide for this festivals live events for you.

Wednesday March 10th:

To kick off this outrageous event, we recommend you see Zeus perform at Lee’s Palace first at 8pm.

After you’ve seen Zeus, you’ll have enough time to head over to Wrongbar that night to catch Vivian Girls perform at 12am.

Thursday March 11:

There will be a busy night. To start it off, Magneta Lane will be performing at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern at 8pm.

If you’re feeling for more of a larger enviornment, Misstress Barbara and Beast will be performing at the Guvernment starting at 9pm.

Woodhands and K-OS will be at the Opera House, and Paul from Woodhands has answered these questions to share with us for our guide:

Of all the festivals you’ve played, which one was your favourite and why?

I really, really loved Sled Island last year… but honestly, there’s so
many great multi-venue festivals in Canada – Pop Montreal let Woodhands
program our own showcase which was the best. Halifax Pop Explosion feels
like a big hug. CMW and NXNE are hometown parties, so they’re always really
fun. In short, my answer is a cop out.

Who  are you looking forward to seeing at this year’s Canadian Music Fest the most?
The Constantines… I’ve never seen them live before. And Woodhands is
opening for K-OS which is crazy, and I’m really excited about seeing him.

Craft Economy will be at the Gladstone at 10pm.

We interviewed the Craft Economy for Dose.ca – check it out by CLICKING HERE

Timber Timbre will also be playing at the Great Hall, doors at 8pm.

Friday March 12:

Friday will be another jam packed night. At 9pm, Bedouin Soundclash and Simian Mobile Disco will be performing at the Mod Club.

At Lee’s Palace, Winter Gloves and the Acorn will be performing, starting at 9pm. Winter Gloves had this to share with us for our guide:

Of all the festivals you’ve played, which one was your favourite and why?
Osheaga pops in my mind right away. It happens in our home town, so
there is always a lot of people we know. They have a friendly
organization, good food, great artist lounge and restaurant where you
can easily happen to bump into bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs or The Roots. But…… also SXSW in Austin. That’s probably the most impressive- A huge chaotic gathering of bands and industry people.It’s really like Spring Break!

Who are you looking forward to seeing at this year’s Canadian Music Fest most?
Handsome Furs for sure. This is a project I’ve wanted to see for a
long time. We’re playing the Sirius showcase at El Mocambo together so
I’m really looking forward to that show.

The Horseshoe will be having a crazy line up this day.  Starting the show will be Jets Overhead, and then Melissa Auf Der Maur,  and then Hot Hot Heat all beginning at 9pm.

In case you missed Winter Gloves the first  time, they’ll be playing again at El Mocambo at 12am, with Handsome Furs following them at 1am.

Saturday March 13:

Starting the night off is our favourite soul master Ben Stevenson @ Lee’s Palace and 9PM

Then shimmy over to see  The Trews at the Opera House at 9:30pm.

A really exciting show will be over at the Horseshoe, featuring Two Hours Traffic at 12:10, and the Junction at 1:20.

Rural Alberta Advantage will be at Fairmont Royal York, and they had this to add to our guide:

Of all the festivals you’ve played, which one was your favourite and why?
I think we can all agree that our experience at SXSW in 2009 was
definitely one of the high points of our lives, there were way too
many amazing moments during our week in Austin for it not to be at the top of the list.

Who are you looking forward to seeing at this year’s Canadian Music Fest most?
I’m personally looking forward to seeing Plants and Animals, who we’re fortunate to be playing with at the Indies on March 13.  I loved their
last record “Parc Avenue” and have heard really good things about the
new album, so I’m super excited to see it live.

Sunday March 14:

The big show happening this day will be happening at the Pheonix. Parlovr will be opening at 8pm, and then Born Ruffians will take the stage. Of course, we got Born Ruffians to answer this especially for our guide:

Of all the festivals you’ve played, which one was your favourite and why?

My favourite festival we’ve played was All Tomorrow’s Parties at Camber

Sands in 2008. It was set up motel-style with bands and fans all mixed
together with a come as you go type feel to the shows. People started
parties in their rooms and on the grounds within the complex of the network
of buildings – an old family resort from the 60′s. There was also a great
beach near by with lots of naked people.

Who are you looking forward to seeing at this year’s Canadian Music Fest most?
Always looking forward to a Constantines show. Also Young Rival, Plants &
Animals and Russian Futurists.

Stay tuned for our Guide to 4AM and the clubs tomorrow on Knee Socks Beat Cleavage

Everyone is talking about the last 10 years like it’s 2011. But it’s only been 9 people. Way to jump that gun. We decided to just do a year end review and save the decade junk till we get into another one. Like for next year.

Here’s our illustrious panel:

BEST ALBUM:

The only commonality we have is that no one thought there was a best album this year, however no one had a hard time coming up with a collection. And based on a lot of math equations, here’s what was good in 2009.

Jay-Z:  The BluePrint 3 + Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

We agree unanimously that Jay deserves a spot, but that this album is our least favourite in the epic saga that is the Jiggaman’s career, and we think Phoenix’s latest is the best of theirs. Phoenix may be the only group in the world that you can’t put on a mixtape since one track seems to never be quite enough.

Others we loved: It’s Blitz: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Fame Monster: Lady Gaga, Animal Collective: Merriweather Post-Pavillion, Major Lazer: Guns Don’t Kill People, Lazers Do, Gossip: Music For Men, one half of Sasha Fierce only, and Judy Garland: Live At Carnegie Hall.

BEST TRACK:

We’re all feeling pop music for this one. Major Lazer, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas got top ranks. I’m gonna have to break this three way and say “I Got A Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas is the top track, love it or hate, we all turned that shit up when it came one the radio.

Others we loved: When I Grow Up–Fever Ray, Gimme Sympathy-Metric, Sweet Disposition-The Temper Trap, Islands (Nosaj Thing Remix)-The xx, Drumming Song-Florence + The Machine, Bulletproof–La Roux, and a little tranny we all know and love named Beyonce for Single Ladies.

BEST PARTY (THIS IS A TORONTO CATEGORY)

I have to say, I’m a little disappointed in the bloggers for picking a lot of obvious and shit choices. Our parties aside, the best that this group of jerks could come up with was Drake 5th Anniversary (easy kill), Vice Magazine’s 15th Anniversary (easiest kill) and that dreadful Aoki party in the Bay Station Underground.

So here it is: The best parties of 2009 were: DJ AM @ This Is London, It was a great night with all the right people enjoying a beautiful space usually crawling with brawlers and skanks. Everyone danced until 2AM and AM really truly set that place a flame. Fake Blood (with our boy Barletta) @ Wrongbar: It was the best show of NxNE and even the owner had to sneak his own friends in the back door. And finally, RIP Randomland, you were fun while you lasted.

BEST CONCERT:

Not one of us over lapped in this category. So the best of’s are: Dead Weather secret show @ The Hoseshoe, Gossip & MEN @ The Opera House, Peaches & Amanda Blank @ The Phoenix, Fritz Helder & The Phantoms Platinum edition party @ Redbull HQ, Steam Whistle’s Unigned @ Sound Academy with Goldengirls, Creature, The Carps, and Woodhands, Bif Naked @ Mod Club, and The Hostage Life CD Release Party/Final Show Ever @ Sneaky Dee’s.

But the absolute best concert moment goes to Siobhan who saw GZA play with King Khan @ Dundas Square during NXNE. She watched from the media pit and shook his hand after.

BEST FASHION STATEMENTS:

2009 was a year of gothic black, big shoulders and impossibly skinny jeans paired with some serious heels. Shoes got good this year. They’re investment pieces after all. Not for nothing, but I predicted it all in my 2009 Prediction piece last lear. The standouts for our crew of not-exactly-fashion-bloggers were: Zooey Deschanel for Oliver Peoples, men’s ankle high tailored dress pants and dress shoes, they can be worn with or without socks and they’re still genius. A certain someone from Winnipeg voted that Canada’s Next Top Model, Meaghan Waller (a Winnipeg native) was the best thing and Vanessa V who has been chatting our faces off about Top Shop for months, is happy that that shit is finally here in North America (she went to NYC for the opening, she’s that crasssy).

We are making one mention of WORST IN FASHION Siobhan is so truly disgusted with Jeggings, that she insisted on a category just for them. Using my Beyonce tranny metre for all things trendy I rate them a like. Here’s my theory: if Beyonce’s wearing it, the rend is ovah, BUT if she looks good in it, then I know I’ll look better. Beyonce looks good in jeggings, which means this trend is gone and if you’re smaller than a size 14 it is guaranteed to look better on you.

BEST MOVIE

Apparently there are only 4 movies we all agree on: Coco: Avant Chanel, UP, The Hangover and 500 Days of Summer. Honourable mentions: The Carter Documentary and The Cove.

BEST SHOW

Since there were only four TV shows on the TV this year, all four take the cake: Mad Men, Modern Family, Glee and True Blood. Personally, I like Law & Order re-runs, but no one wants my opinion!