I know I said I was going on hiatus, but I just found the video for Rihanna's new single, We Found Love. Although I tend to shy away from pop music, I have to comment on this music video. Never, never, have I seen a better music video than this one. It tells the story of two lovers against the backdrop of the drug scene, following their romance as it slowly deteriorates from one drug-fuelled haze to the next.

The video begins with Rihanna's character and her lover in varying states of withdrawal, as she narrates how she almost wishes she could have her whole relationship back, the bad and the good, just to relive it. Then the music starts, and the audience watches as the two lovers meet, fall in love, and take drugs.

The intensity of their relationship is mirrored by an ascending synth loop, and accompanied by interspersed shots of fireworks, cascading pills, and dilating pupils. We get a peek at their relationship in happier times: dancing at raves, spinning a car in dangerous (but fun) circles- and then, later, these same scenes revisited with a dark undertone. Rihanna's character slams the door of the car and storms off, her lover is seen shotgunning beers, she begins to faint as she dances, the same shots of pills pouring out and pupils dilating and contracting are now mixed with scenes of buildings collapsing onto themselves. The images intensify in speed and brutality: Rihanna's lover screams in her face, he grabs her chin and seems to hit her, she passes out on the street and is taken away in a whirl of ambulance lights, we see her submerge herself in a bath.

The film ends with Rihanna packing up her bag and leaving her lover, kicking his arms away as he attempts to restrain her. The video offers unique insight into the drug culture and its effects on the people who participate in it: while the portrayal of drugs seems negative, Rihanna doesn't shy away from showing the couple getting high and enjoying it; indeed, that's how their love is accelerated. This leaves the viewer to question the situation: although it was drugs that ultimately led to the couples demise, it was drugs that brought them together in the first place. The video for "We Found Love" is an interesting social commentary, and still incredibly enjoyable to watch.

"We found love in a hopeless place," Rihanna croons, mournfully, and she did- but she found a whole lot of beauty there, too.

Rihanna on WhoSay

Hey guys! I'm sorry I've been so MIA recently, it's exam time up here in Montreal. I'll be taking about a week long hiatus from posting the Daily Earworm, but I promise to get you some good reviews at least. I'm probably seeing a concert at some point this week, so I'll keep you updated.
 much love xx

Today's Daily Earworm is I'm On Fire by Paper Lions. Just discovered these guys, their songs are sweet and catchy.

Today's Daily Earworm, on the recommendation the cute drummer I met today, is Fish by Hey Ocean! The video is great too.

Hello, everyone! So in lieu of today's Daily Earworm, I've decided to talk a little about my friends The Ruby Spirit. The Ruby Spirit are natives of my beloved Toronto, but that's pretty much all that's familiar about them. They have such a unique energy and style that I'm at a loss for words. Frontwoman Paige Boy has a sultry, smoke voice that at times sounds like Cheri Currie and at other times Liza Minelli. Their songs vary from powerful anthems that could easily be belted out across stadiums to slower, softer songs like "For You It's True". Great things are in store for this band, so if you don't listen to them, start now.

They've just released a double-stop motion film for their song Caligari, and it's quriky, eerie and fun. Check it out and tell me what you think!

Today's Daily Earworm: Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch.

Today's Daily Earworm: No Cars Go by Maxence Cyrin. It's an instrumental version of the Arcade Fire song and it's absolutely beautiful.

Today's Daily Earworm, recommended by the lovely Megs, is Very Loud by Shout Out Louds.

I wanna build buildings high for you, but the costs, like other costs, I can't afford you

Today's Daily Earworm: Little Secrets by Passion Pit. Tell me it doesn't make you want to dance.

Today's Daily Earworm: Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke.

Today's belated Daily Earworm: Skinny Love by Birdy. I usually don't do covers, but Birdy takes Bon Iver's song and tweaks it into something completely different, but equally beautiful. All artists who record covers should strive for Birdy's expertise.

Today's Daily Earworm: Toes by Lights. It's so addictive I don't even know what to say.

So on Wednesday I saw Cherry Chapstick, at Montreal's Cabaret Playhouse while I worked at PopMontreal. If I wasn't a Cherry Chapstick fan before, I sure as hell am now. They were so excited to be playing- they were all dancing with their instruments- and these kids sure can play. For those of you who don't know Cherry Chapstick I suggest you check out The Line and Silencer. Their music is smooth and calm, yet somehow it makes you want to dance. Keep an eye out for these kids- I'll definitely be mentioning them again.

It's blurry, but it's them.

Today's Daily Earworm: Voice On Tape, by Jenny Owens Young, ft Regina Spektor. Both intimate, sweet, and sad, you'll want to imprint this song in your skin.

I've got your voice on tape, I've got your words in me.

Today's Daily Earworm: When I Grow Up by Fever Ray. I always feel like I'm being put under a spell when I listen to this song.

Today's Daily Earworm: Heart Skipped a Beat by The xx.

The Daily Earworm of today: Slow Life by Grizzly Bear.

Today's Daily Earworm goes to 1901 by Phoenix. To be honest, it's hard to choose just one Phoenix song- they're just all amazing and catchy and fun.

Today's Daily Earworm is Crowd Surf Off a Cliff by Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton. It's long been one of my favorite songs, and possibly the most personal of Haine's solo album, Knives Don't Have Your Back. There is crushing intimacy in her quiet voice, and you almost feel as though she is singing to you and you alone. "If I'm sorry you lost me you'd better make it quick/ Cause this call costs a fortune and it's late where you live."

The Daily Earworm is: You Were The Last High by The Dandy Warhols.

Today's Daily Earworm is: Feel It All Around by Washed Out. It pretty much puts you on a different plane- it makes your head go all funny in the best of ways.

Today's Daily Earworm: My Girl The Horse by Fences, ft. Sara Quin.

The Daily Earworm is: Cue the Sun by Daphne Loves Derby.

The Daily Earworm of today is: Billy Holiday by Warpaint. Similar in sound to Cat Power, but a little more folksy. I am obsessed.

I have been slacking on the Daily Earworm lately, and I apologize! I'll try to be more consistent from now on.

Today's Daily Earworm: Like Swimming by Foals

The Daily Earworm goes to: Take Over Control by Afrojack ft. Eva Simons. I cannot get this out of my head. It's fantastic for running, clubbing, and anything else. It doesn't matter. You'll sing it anyway.

The Daily Earworm of today is: Dancing On My Own by Robyn. I can't dance at all, but the beat to this song makes it impossible not to.

The Daily Earworm: In The Dark by DEV. Listen to this song and you'll need no explanation, I promise. The video is pretty amazing too.

Daily Earworm: Animal by Neon Trees. Such a pump up song, gets stuck in your head for hours.

The Daily Earworm: Starstruck by Santogold. It's good. It's sexy. You'll like it.

Sorry sorry sorry this is late again! I've only heard a bit of today's Daily Earworm band: It's Hayloft by Mother Mother. Think White Stripes mixed with a bit of Vivek Shraya and Tegan and Sara. I'm undecided on the band as a whole, but I like this song.

I missed yesterday's Daily Earworm, I apologize, but I moved to Montreal! And in honour of this lovely city, today's Daily Earworm goes to The Suburbs, by Montreal-based Arcade Fire.

Daily Earworm of today: Fool by Cat Power. Simple lyrics, beautifully haunting voice. Never loses its strength, no matter how many times you hear it.

Just to change up the pace a bit, today's Daily Earworm is Andare by Ludovico Einaudi. It's long: seven minutes and two seconds, and it's also completely instrumental. But it's so beautiful that it's worth it.

Daily Earworm: It's Okay by Land of Talk, off the album Some Are Lakes. It's mellow and sad, but has beautiful lyrics. My favorite: "Maybe when I die I get to be a car/Driving in the night, lighting up the dark".

The (belated) Daily Earworm of today is: What The Water Gave Me by Florence and the Machine. New release of the new album, which is set to be released in November. Although very different from her previous work, it's still quite ethereal and her voice is as gorgeously rich as ever. I'm loving it.

The Daily Earworm of today is: Sheets by Tegan and Sara. Its on the B-side of their record Sainthood. I don't know why it wasn't included on the main disc- it's one of my all time favorite T&S songs. Like the lyrics say, "it's a heart attack that you feel".

Daily Earworm for this stormy day: Some Boys by Death Cab For Cutie off their new album, Codes and Keys. Vocalist Ben Gibbard has found his groove- the song is repetitive yet thoughtful, and incredibly catchy.

And the Daily Earworm of today goes to: Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine. The cadence of Samuel Beam's voice is almost hypnotic, as he sings "Have I found you/ Flightless bird, jealous, weeping/Or lost you?" This is one of my all-time favorite Iron & Wine songs.

Today's Daily Earworm: Lover's Spit by Broken Social Scene (the Leslie Feist version). While not anywhere near the traditional love song, this song is both quirky and romantic. There are two versions, one with Kevin Drew on vocals, and one with Leslie Feist. I find the Feist version to be more heartfelt, her voice is rich and slow, as if she's savouring the lyrics. If someone serenaded me with this song, I'm not sure I could say no.

Daily Earworm: Calendar Girl by Stars. Suffice to say this song has been stuck in my head for the past three and a half years. Enough said.

So I downloaded the Audio Blood Media mixtape today. It was a compilation of 22 songs by 22 new artists. Here are my favorites:

The Keeper by Emma Hill and Her Gentleman Callers

Hush by Jenn Mireau

Through the Winter by Make Your Exit

Tiger Hugs byThe Archives*

Ritual Union by Little Dragon

*absolute favorite.

Download the mixtape and leave me your thoughts.

Catching Up With Dinosaur Bones

So I had the good fortune of interviewing Toronto-based alt-rock band Dinosaur Bones. You might have heard their song "N.Y.E" on the radio, or seen them live at Edgefest or SXSW. Let me just say that this band has got talent. If you haven't heard them, their style is kinda like Foster the People mixed with Blind Pilot. Their songs are mellow, they're great in concert, and they were nice enough to let me interview them! Here's what I found out in my email interview with Ben Fox.

Tell us a bit about the band- origins, inspirations, interesting facts?

We're from Toronto, Ontario. We're inspired by the success of Canadian artists. And fun fact: D-Bones keyboard player Dave Wickland is an accomplished flutist.

Where did the name "Dinosaur Bones" originate?

I saw it in a dream in bright shining lights. Sort of like that scene in Boogie Nights.

You recently performed at Edgefest, along with the Arkells and Tokyo Police Club. What kind of experience was that for you?

That was an incredibly fun day. The Arkells and TPC are two bands we've gotten to tour with and become friends, as well as The Reason and Hollerado. So it was really great for all of us to be playing the same festival. It was like a family reunion. And with all of us crashing eachother's sets throughout the day, shaking tambourines and singing along, I have a feeling it was pretty obvious we were all having the best time. And to top it off, I'm pretty sure that was the biggest crowd we've played for thus far. Pretty bonkers.

What's been your all-time favorite venue to play?

Well, the Horseshoe Tavern has become sort of our home base, so I definitely have to show them some love. But I think the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver may take the cake. Such an incredible venue, we're really lucky to have gotten the chance to play there. The Phoenix in Toronto is really fun to play as well. It's always exciting when you get to play some of the bigger venues in your home town.

Do people recognize you on the streets?

Haha, occasionally when we're out at other shows, but its not like we have people running up and asking for autographs. We're not exactly the Jonas Brothers (remember them??).

I've been hearing your song "N.Y.E" on the radio all summer. Can you tell me a bit about the song (the writing process, inspiration, etc).

I wrote that song shortly after moving back to Toronto from Montreal where I was going to school. It centers around the cause-and-effect of making that move and choosing to leave important things behind. It's kind of funny having our radio single turn out to to be the song that's closest to my heart.

Who would your dream collaborator be, living or dead?

John Lennon.

The artist/band you dream of being compared to is:

John Lennon. I realize that makes no sense considering our music, but I'd probably put him down as the greatest songwriter of all time.

What's the best part of being in a band? The worst?

Best: Quitting your day job. Worst: Realizing that was dumb and getting a new day job.

Any parting wisdom?
Eat your veggies. And support the bands you love!

The Daily Earworm is: Left Brain Blues by Fish & Bird. I must admit I have a soft spot for folk music, but Fish & Bird is my absolute favorite. They're like a Canadian hybrid of Mumford & Sons and Iron & Wine (what is it with folk bands and their ampersands?!). This song is sure to make you want to dance, and yet there is an unmistakably mellow vibe to Taylor Ashton's voice. After you listen to this I swear you will never get the line "My right brain has got the left brain blues" out of your head- but why would you want to?

Today's Daily Earworm goes to: If You Would Come Back Home by William Fitzsimmons. Off his third album The Sparrow and the Crow, this song should be the anthem of anyone who's experienced heartbreak or longing. Fitzsimmons' soft croon heightens the despair that is plain in the chorus: "If you would come back home/We could start all over/If you would come back home/I swear it would be better". But be warned, dear readers, this song may drive you to tears.

The Daily Earworm: Fragile Bird by City and Colour, off the new album Little Hell. It is definitely the strongest song off the record: frontman Dallas Green has expanded his vocal textures, giving the song a layered quality that reminds listeners of the transition between dreams and reality. This is underscored by the lyrics: Green has explained that the song is about his wife's night terrors. Both haunting and somewhat sexy, you'll want to listen to this song on repeat for hours.

Earworm of the day: Soft Rock Star by Metric, off the album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? I have long nursed a soft spot for frontwoman Emily Haines, but this song is especially good. Haines capitalizes on both her uncannily sweet voice and her powerful lyrics to swing together an unforgettable tune.The carefree, haunting chorus, "Choose the highest bidder, was my answer when they told me I was up for sale", stays in my head for hours, if not days.

The Daily Earworm

My new feature, and just what it sounds like- every day, a song I can't get out of my head.

Today's earworm is Michicant by Bon Iver, off the new self-titled album. Which I would buy, if I were you.

A Belated Dance Party with Ellie Goulding and the Bag Raiders

Dear readers, I apologize for the time that has elapsed between my seeing Ellie Goulding live and my report on it. I usually try to write these immediately after the concert, so the memory is still fresh, but let me say that in the week that has passed the experience has not faded.

I saw Goulding at Toronto's Kool Haus venue, and because I got there more than two hours early I managed to get a spot up close. Goulding's style seemed to be as addictive as her music- I saw several young Ellie Goulding lookalikes.Her opener, Australian duo Bag Raiders, got the crowd dancing with their electro-pop remixes, and their adorably bearded Chris Stracey won some hearts with his sweet accent and jokey demeanour. For those of you who don't know them (I didn't!) I'll post a link to some of my favorites.

Goulding came on around 9 (the doors opened at 7) with the crowd favourite "Under the Sheets". Everyone in the crowd knew the words, and was singing their heart out, which seemed to delight her. The British singer has shot up in popularity since the American video version of "Starry Eyed" was released in July this year, and has been compared to Kate Nash and Lykke Li. Going in, I have to say I was skeptical- though I've long been a fan of Goulding's music, I've found that most artists who rely heavily on electronic sound don't pack a punch in concert- but I was wrong about Ellie Goulding. Not only can she sing, but she also is quick to remix her own songs, using her considerable vocal talents to hold notes for so long that the audience stopped singing along and applauded in wonder and making slower songs more danceable. Her rendition of Elton John's classic "Your Song", which has won her awards in her home country, was sweet and soulful, one of the only quiet songs of the night. Though at first she seemed a bit crowd shy, going straight from one song to another, she warmed up to us, regaling us with the stories behind the songs. "The next time you think you've made a mistake, well, I made a bigger one, so I win," she told us, giggling, before launching into "Your Biggest Mistake".

Although the concert was short (including the encore, we got out at 10:15), Goulding packed a punch- the crowd was cheering even as it streamed out of Kool Haus. Keep an eye on Goulding- I have a feeling she'll be making a lot more critics go "Starry Eyed" in the future.

photo credit: Rachel Gould

A Reckless Evening

On Saturday night, I saw The Pretty Reckless live at Toronto's Tattoo Rock Parlour. For those of you who don't know The Pretty Reckless, they are Taylor Momsen (also known as Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl)'s rock band. Taylor Momsen has sparked controversy with every step she's taken, from openly discussing her penchant for corsets and support of underage sex in Revolver magazine to flashing fans at one of her concerts. Many members of the press, including Perez Hilton, have raised eyebrows at Momsen's racy behavior and hypersexualized style. Perhaps it is because of this that Momsen is rarely recognized for her musical achievements.

The doors to the venue opened at six thirty, and when I arrived at seven it was still relatively empty, so I was able to snag a spot pretty close to stage. Momsen's band came on after two openers who weren't terrible but were nothing to write home about. Momsen, true to her reputation, was clad in leather panties, fishnets, and a low-cut shirt that read, "I fuck for Satan". However, her talent soon eclipsed her attire: her voice is sultry and rich, and her range is impressive. She seamlessly hit the high notes in songs like "Make Me Wanna Die" and "My Medicine". While her lyrics seem a bit too mature for a girl of seventeen, her skill is undeniable. She improvised a mashup of Muse and Oasis, and managed to give it her own unique spin. Momsen is also a natural stage presence: she seemed comfortable with her fans, inviting up two girls to dance with her on stage and seeming to siphon energy off the crowd. She made a few well placed drama-stirring comments, such as "I don't touch boys, I'm a ladies girl", and "Anyone drinking tonight? Good, okay, that's what this song's about." Momsen was flippant of her extreme eroticism, which allowed us in the audience to feel like children in on a naughty secret and added a spark to the crowd. While she self-promoted during the break between her songs, she wasn't obnoxious about it and seemed genuinely pleased to be performing in Toronto.

While it is safe to say Little J has grown up, I think Taylor Momsen has a long career ahead of her. One that may or may not include pants.