Ming Wu

Poll: Best of 2009 Albums - Readers Picks

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:28 GMT

http://mwmusic.wordpress.com/best-of-2009/#pd_a_2203325
If any of the album is not listed, there is a others section and write down your favorite album of 2009.

New blog

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:35:34 GMT

Deciding of moving to http://blurasis.wordpress.com/ this for now.
I find Wordpress has more to give.
So go and check it out sometimes.

My New Year's Resolution for 2009

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:24:52 GMT

Its almost NYE and ringing in 2009
I should put down a list for my New Year's Resolution
Maybe harsh but who is going to read what I have to say

My resolution:
Try to move on and stop focusing on the past.
Too many blogs and I should focus on this blog and that blog
Stop hanging around people who are no good for myself, like to cause drama, think highly of them and play mind games.
Be more healthy and try to take up yoga (if OC Transpo workers stop striking)
I should let people go up to me if they want to talk then myself going up to them and talk like crazy.
Stop jumping the gun/saying yes for comittments too early.
Accept for who I am, if your friends can't accept them then tough.
Remind myself that I can't please everyone.
Hopefully try to write a novel or short story.

I think that is it for my New Year's Resolution.

Best of 2008 and other postings

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:19:48 GMT

I'm just going to plug about my other blog :P
I did a Best of 2008
One for music and the other non-music
Go check it out.

I did a thing about the song Hallelujah and the UK Christmas #1

Merry Christmas!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:05:10 GMT

Its Christmas Eve.
Just want to wish everyone "who is reading this" a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If I didn't send you a card due probably to the weather or the bus strike or lazyness.
I just send you this holiday greetings!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Christmas cards 2008

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:31:19 GMT

Who wants a Christmas card from me this year??

Stars signed postcard to giveaway

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:57:28 GMT

I put it on here in case someone notices it.
I am giving away 1 signed Stars "Sad Robots" postcard.
Its basically the EP cover.

Its signed by all the members except Chris Seligman.
So you have Torq, Amy, Evan and Pat's autograph.
To get it just simply e-mail to mw.music@live.com
Subject line be "Stars postcard".
Type down your name and address.
A lucky person will get this postcard.
So any big Stars fan want this badly

Deadline is Dec 8th.

Weekend of music

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:46:17 GMT

The Balconies at the Rainbow Bistro
Basement show with Hmmm, Adam Saikaley and Europe In Colour plus a photo of this girl dancing crazy.
Winter Gloves at Cafe Dekcuf

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:39:47 GMT

Surprised I am getting alot of views from the Zombie walk than the usual stuff I upload on Flickr.
Why is that? :P

Thanksgiving '08

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:41:12 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving in Canada!!

Anyone eat alot of turkey?
I did :P

http://mwmusic.wordpress.com

How I rarely use you

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:08:26 GMT

Oh LJ!
How I rarely use you.

I've alot of blogs that I've use.

Please check out my other blog which is mostly focused on music
Its http://mwmusic.wordpress.com

Hope you like it.

Plants and Animals @ Black Sheep Inn

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:26:31 GMT

Plants and Animals @ Black Sheep Inn, originally uploaded by blurasis.

Went to Black Sheep Inn on Thursday night and I was happy to see Plants and Animals for like the 5th time. *Ya I know I am die hard fan*
It was a packed show at the Black Sheep Inn.
Probably because Parc Avenue is an amazing album and also they are shortlisted for the Polaris Prize happening this Monday.

Here is the setlist they sang on Thursday night
Good Friend
Feedback In The Field
New Kind Of Love
A L'Oree des bois
Lola Who?
Mercy
Faerie Dance
Bye Bye Bye

ENCORE:
Guru/Sinnerman *Surprised that they sang it*

Oh Andrea if you need my album with all three member's autograph just tell me. I bought the vinyl version.
I hope they win the Polaris Prize on Monday
Or Basia Bulat
Or Holy F**k
Or Stars *highly doubtful*

Sept 28th at Babylon

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:22:37 GMT

I am not affiliated with this show or their manager.
Just a big fan of these 2 bands.

Both will be in Ottawa on Sept 28 at Babylon
Winter Gloves are a great band from Montreal. I've seen them three times so far. And they have this energy and excitement while performing.
I have to buy their debut album About A Girl very soon or at their show.
They remind me of Bloc Party
Winter Glove's Myspace

You Say Party! You Say Die! are a crazy band.
Their music is dancey punkish.

Spreading the word out about this show.
Facebook event section

Who is going faceless for the arts??

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:40:15 GMT

We are living in a crazy time with Hurricane Ike and the Canadian and US elections,
I was checking this Facebook group click here about the arts fund cutback.
Noticing why some people on Facebook are going faceless.
I am sometimes clueless on politics but I think arts is what makes Canadians so good.
Without this funding how will be creative in our process of the arts?
I feel like the Conservative government is screwing up Canada.
We are fighting a pointless war and half the money is being spent on it.
Its a worthless war.
It should concern me since if I want to do some artistic in my photography work.
Would be good to get some government grants or funds to support my work.
So what do you think? (if anyone reads this?)
Pros and cons?
Ya or nay??
I am going to be on the bandwagon to be faceless.

The D'Urbervilles

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:56:30 GMT

I forgot how great their album "We are the Hunters" is.
I saw them for the 2nd time on Saturday.
Kind of redeemed myself from their first show which I enjoyed until "this friend" told me he didn't like because its "not" his kind of music.
Rather listen to crappy dance music IE Tiesto and whoever DJ I can't think of.

But anyways go get the album "We are the Hunters"

Here is their official site http://www.shakeitdown.org/
Or their Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/thedurbervilles

They will be back in Ottawa on Sept 18th at Zaphods.
Opening up for Land Of Talk.

Forest City Lovers on the last Fuse show.

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:56:26 GMT

Tonight I went to the final taping of CBC Radio 1's show FUSE.
Where 2 different artist/bands make a mash up of their songs.

It was Forest City Lovers and Finest Kind.

This is my 2nd time seeing them play live.
They are such a great band, they are indie-folk-pop.

FIrst time I saw them was on April 1, 2008 at Mavericks.
They are amazing live and I didn't get to talk to them because "this friend" didn't like it and prefers listening to "dance music".

Anyways go to their Myspace page and listen to their song "Don't Go"
Simply catchy and soft.

Feeling kind of sad that CBC decided to cancel this lovely radio show.
Its great to listen to new artist/bands and its free to see/listen them live in a nice studio.

I guess I have to look into different ventures to find free shows in Ottawa.
But CBC still rocks, I still listen to CBC Radio 3 to check out all my indie-ness

Maybe its me...

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:19:02 GMT

Sorry if I say this and get in trouble for this.
Heck I am Canadian :P

Maybe its me, but I find Micheal Phelps full of himself and very cocky.

But its interesting that people in China is still talking about the little chinese girl lip synching to the Opening Ceremonies.
Talk about travesty and free speech in China!

Canada sucks at the Olympics

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:09:51 GMT

I haven't paid any attention to the Olympics besides the lavish and maybe "fake" opening ceremonies.
Heck it was directed by Zhang Yimou and I don't blame them for it :P

I know I will be in trouble for saying this
But I still find we suck at the games.
I don't really care for sports.

I find we are more into the arts and culture.
Look at the artist and bands that we are more focused.
Fesit (well she is getting really overrated)
Basia Bulat
Holy Fuck
Stars
Metric
Plants and Animals
Two Hours Traffic
Broken Social Scene
The New Pornographers
The Acorn
Wintersleep
Tokyo Police Club

And it goes on and on

Its hard to explain on here but I find the music scene in Canada is more respected and recognized
Well this got me interested
http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=124&csid2=844&fid1=32865

I love Holy F**k!

08-08-08 (2)

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:15:08 GMT

I really want to do tai-chi
Or maybe yoga too

Makes me wonder why can't Canada spend alot on lavish fireworks that I am seeing from the Olympics.

08-08-08

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:11:21 GMT

Forgot today is Aug 8, 2008
Has some significant meaning if you are chinese.

Since I won't be seeing alot of the coverage of the Olympics.
Seeing the opening ceremonies was spectacular and jaw dropping.
It would have been nice to see a famous singer IE Andy Lau, Faye Wong, Leon Lai (He was born in Beijing) and whoever recognizable.
I forgot the whole thing was directed by Zhang Yimou. He directed such films as Raise The Red Lantern, Hero and House Of Flying Daggers.
Glad that Steven Speilberg didn't help out and it would have been bad.

Besides the whole hoopla of China's human rights crap.
I am like C'mon its a sporting event not the G8 summit.
Sports and Politics don't mix.
If you want to bitch about China's bad doings than do it somewhere else.

People just want attention.

I was listening to CBC's Q and they were saying how people only watch the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
No one is going to watch the events anyways well maybe some.

I rather see the opening and closing ceremonies anyways because its more entertaining.

Now I can't wait to see the Closing Ceremonies.

My 4 days of Music Mayhem

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:32:31 GMT

I should do my review on where I've been for the past 4 days

On Sunday and Monday I've decided to go to Montreal and attend Osheaga Festival.
It was my first time there and I was GLAD that I went.
I missed last year's event and they had such a great line-up.

The first day I was late because the hostel I was staying didn't do reservation until 2pm.
So I missed out Louis XIV, Sleepercar, Wooden Sky and N*E*R*D.
I got there at 3:30pm and waited in line to buy my ticket.
I ran my butt off to get to this stage because Plants and Animals were playing
I get there and they were singing Lola Who? and it was like deja vu for me since the stage looked alot like Black Sheep Stage at Bluesfest and almost wearing the same clothes too.
I hope they win the Polaris Prize this year. I just missed Tom Fun Orchestra since they played the same time.

After P&A I ran over to another stage which is the big stage to see Metric.
Apparently they were not able to play at 5pm because the stage beside it had Spiritualized and they didn't end until like 5:15-5:25pm
Their set was really short because of it but at least they played their popular songs.
But didn't sing Combat Baby.
After that I waited for Cat Power, the stage beside it was Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings.
I was listening to them and they were amazing, I could have went to that stage and see them but I didn't want to lose my spot for Cat Power.
After they finished Cat Power went on stage.
She didn't sing The Greatest which I was disappointed, she sang alot of songs I didn't know but she had alot of emotion when she sang. It was interesting to see Emily Haines and Plants and Animals backstage/vip area watching Cat Power play live.
Kind of pissed that I should have seen Devotchka instead since I haven't heard of them but I know that Basia Bulat opened up for them when she did her US tour.
Walked around and got food.
I've decided to check out The Killers and man was it crowded.
They put a great show considering I was abit skeptical since a friend told me when they played in Ottawa before they got really big, they sucked badly and another friend who saw them in Toronto were amazing when they were big.
I was glad to see them and I left after they sang Mr.Brightside.
I went to another stage to check out The National Parc and they were fun to dance to
End of Day 1

The second day, I first act I saw was Jamie Lidell and he always put on a great show.
I was suppose to see Matt Costa but I decided to go get CSS's autograph instead.
When will I get a chance to get an band/artist's autograph and it was a good opportunity.
They were laid back people and funny too.
Saw abit of The Kills and they were interesting live.
I did glance The Weakerthans and it seemed like deja vu again beside John K Samson wearing the same t-shirt from Bluesfest. And the performance was the same from Bluesfest.
I was going to check out MGMT but they were taking a long time with the sound check and decided the hell with it because I wanted to get Matt Costa's autograph.
I lied to him that I loved his set but I did hear him during my wait for CSS's autograph.
I went to the main stage and went to see Duffy.
I was like being nice to people since everyone wanted to see Jack Johnson and they were fine about it since I said I didn't really want to see him.
When she came on I was like wow and she was soo amazing live.
Love her song Warwick Avenue. She was the only artist I wanted to see badly :P.
After that checked out Broken Social Scene. I almost had a heart attack because Amy Millan was there but no Emily Haines or Feist. The last BSS show I went it was all the guys and it was great to see a female on the stage with them.
Great rocking show they did.
Went to see CSS and I was there for like 5 songs
They did sing Music Is My Hot Hot Sex. It was a fun show they put on.
I went to see Bonjour Brumaire and me being clueless in french really like the show and decided to support them since they did come to Ottawa to a less than stellar show.
I did see Chromeo and I just got there when they played Tendoroni.
After that it was my end for my fun at Osheaga.
I would have thought of meeting Montreal people but I met alot of Ottawa people.
It seems alot of people that went were from Ottawa. Guessing Ottawa definitely needs alot of good bands/artist to come to Ottawa.

On Tuesday I went to see Matt Costa again.
Well technically I got to finally see him play live since I lied to him about his set :P
It was a really great show. Crazy some times because people are drunk.
Incident happened when he sang Mr.Pitiful, he fell off the stage. I guess he got too intense when he played the keyboards.
I like the intimate show he put on in Ottawa.

Last night I went to Zaphods to check out Bruce Peninsula, Poorfolk and The Got To Get Got.
Bruce Peninsula I saw them back in November where they opened up for The Acorn at Barrymores.
They put a great show and they were missing 2 people in the group which were Katie Stelmanis since she is touring with her stuff and Casey from Ohbijou.
I finally talked to them because I was too shy and nervous last time. They are really nice people and they seemed kind of surprised that I wanted their autograph :P
Poorfolk is great and they are nice lads.
Go get their album from this Ottawa band.
The Get To Get Got was great and they played a energetic set.
The crowd was small considering many people were at Radiohead in Montreal.
Well doesn't matter it was a great show.

I am going to be on a music burnt out soon

Miracle Fortress at Babylon

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:46:17 GMT

Last night I went to see Miracle Fortress play at Babylon.
I wanted to see them since they were nominated for a Polaris Prize in 2007.

Four bands played which were Adam and the Amethysts, My Dad Vs Yours and Think About Life.

Adam and the Amethysts:

My Dad Vs Yours:

Miracle Fortress:

Think About Life:

Golden Girls

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:55:43 GMT

Read the news of Estelle Getty's passing away.
Very sad to hear.
I remember watching the Golden Girls on TV as a kid
It didn't make much sense when watching the show as a kid.
Sophia was the best character and also the funniest with her sharp tongue.

Thank goodness for Youtube.
They have some of the episodes online.
Watched the pilot and besides the set and clothing being dated.
The dialogue can never been so relevant in today's society.
Watch the pilot and you will find out. Not just the sex talk but society in general.

Watching it now, I never thought the show was that risque
RIP Estelle.

Bluesfest FULL REVIEW pt 2

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:30:22 GMT

Day 5:
Didn't go, I already seen The D'urbervilles before.

Day 6:
Happened to be my favorite and insane one.
Only bad side was I missed out abit of Born Ruffians and I missed Tokyo Police Club.
It was the Arts & Crafts family minus Feist.
Besides deal with territorial teenagers who have no manners and only cared for seeing Stars.
It was very crazy.
Before Jason went on the stage I saw him standing around and I almost had a heart attack and got him to sign my photo pass since I don't have CD nor want to buy his album.
Jason Collett was iffy for me until he sang Fire and I started singing that song
Andrea kind of saw me singing it :P
Ran over to see Born Ruffians and I bought their album and got all 3 signatures.
Kind of sucks I missed their whole set.

The Most Serene Republic was amazing as always and I think the lead singer was alot crazier than the show they did at Zaphods.

When Stars went stage I was happy to see them again but I didn't want to go back in the crowds.
So I decided to hang backstage and I was worried about getting caught until I was talking to this girl and she happened to have a extra sticker pass and I was relieved.
That got some people who saw me at the backstage envious or jealous :P

It was the best night for Bluesfest.
F**k Fergie as Torq will say.
Stars, Jason Collett and Most Serene Republic = YES!!!!!!!!

Bluesfest FULL REVIEW pt 1

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:13:27 GMT

OK I've been in and out using this and recovered from my Bluesfest fun.
But my Flickr site has alot of photos

I should give out my FULL REVIEW. Highs and Lows of this year's festival
Just to let you know, I am grateful this year I got a photo pass thanks to WGTS Magazine which I took some photos and special access to meet the artists.

Here is my long full review, if I can remember.

Day 1:
Matt Mays and El Torpedo was totally amazing and I rocked out
Jose Gonzalez was great as always and glad to see him play in Ottawa again. Ya boo to Andrea for missing him for the 2nd time, she must have this Jose curse :P
Cassandra Wilson was great but at that time I was getting tired and hungry.
I never thought the Hip would have alot of fans, it took me like 20 mins to get thru to crowds to buy something to eat.
Matt Mays = Yes
Jose Gonzalez = Yes

Day 2:
I actually ran around to like every stage to get shot of whoever was playing.
Also the first day of trying to score autographs.
I already seen Royal Wood like 2 weeks before when he played at Black Sheep Inn.
Wintersleep was amazing but I missed their song Weighty Ghost since I got to take photos of Feist. I did hear Archaeologist.
Lucky enough to get the lead singer of Wintersleep's autograph.
Feist kind of annoyed me because she had low lighting and trying to be a "imitate show" MY ASS!. I did get to hear Mushaboom, My Moon My Man and So Sorry.
Wintersleep = Yes
Feist = No

Day 3:
I felt it was a mix bag of different genre of music.
Black Sheep Stage was all Six Shooters artist playing the stage.
First I heard Christine Fellows and she was great.
Then Justin Ruteledge and I was getting abit mellowed out besides the sun and heat.
At that point I wasn't getting into the music.
I saw abit of Jenn Grant which was good but I had to run over to see Ladytron who were playing in 15 mins that day.
Saw Andrea and co there.
First time hearing them I was amazed by their sound and after my "3 song" set of taking their photo. I hung with Andrea and co.
I was like I need to loosen up and dance big time. I knew I missed Luke Doucet, I was whatever, he comes to Ottawa like 2-3 times. Ladytron doesn't.
Ladytron made my day.
After Ladytron I went back to Black Sheep Stage to cover Elliott Brood since I heard good things about them.
Also I met this other photographer and he got me backstage.
My brother told me that the lady with the red and white dress is Melissa McClelland.
She was backstage and I said to her "I missed you and your husband's set because I was at Ladytron and I wanted to shake my err butt". She was nice and funny because I wanted to say ass but I wanted to be polite and she said "You can say ass". I got her autograph on my photo pass.
Elliott Brood was great live and I got their autograph.
I never expected alot of people to see them
Then it was the Six Shooter Finale and it was bang on amazing.
It was like a mini party on the stage.
It wasn't boring as I expected from early in the day.
Ladytron = YES!

Day 4:
It was another mixed bag.
Apparently I kind of gotten special pass because I knew this band called Poorfolk.
I took their photos awhile ago when they opened up for Plants and Animals at Zaphods.
I was happy to take photos.
They are interesting people and their music good.
Justin Nozuka I only hung for like 1 and half song because it wasn't my thing and alot of screaming girls.
United Steel Workers of Montreal was great and I didn't stay long because I had to run to Rogers Stage to cover Hollerado using my "pass".
Then Ania called me to meet up so we walked around and checked out the last 2 songs of That 1 Guy.
It was intersting, funny and cool.
Then we went to Rogers Stage and waited for Infected Mushroom.
Alot of people that Ania and I knew was there.
I had to leave Ania so I can take photos of IM.
It was crazy, I decided to go back to the crowds and just say there was some people I didn't want to see and I had to do my fake hello.
After that I ran over to check out The Acorn (must been my 5th time seeing them)
Catherine Russell was great
When Weakerthans came up, I seem really out of it.
I guess later on it just gotten mellow.
Poorfolk = Yes
Hollerado = Yes
USWM = Yes
IM = Yes
The Acorns = Yes
Catherine Russell = Yes
Weakerthan = So-so

TBC