7 CDs ÷ 3 Contests + 1 QBiM mix = 800th post

Early last week, when it came to my attention that I’d soon be reaching Quick Before it Melts‘ 800th post, I got to thinking about the past three years and what it’s all amounted to.  Judging from the posts I’ve logged on an (almost) daily basis it seems that I have an awful lot to say about, but oddly enough, faced with this milestone, I find myself oddly at a loss for words.

I’ve said it before, and I’ve said it this week already, that I love writing this blog.  I sometimes wonder what I’ll do with my time when this all comes to an end, and it occurs to me that I can’t even imagine not writing QBiM; it’s become a part of my life to such a great extent that it makes me a bit emotional and sentimental to think that it’s not going to go on forever.  There are days when it’s truly a stretch to try and find something to say, and I try to remind myself that it’s not a rule that I have to post every day.  I can take a day off once in a while.  Still, I’m compelled to not let a day go by without reaching out and saying something–anything.  I’m not into sports or politics, and even though I have a background in theatre, my heroes have always come from the field of music.  I love sharing my heroes with the readers of QBiM.

Ah, yes, the readers.  I know that in the past I have been a little defeatist and carry on as if there’s no one out there reading QBiM, but truly, and deeply in my heart, I thank you for all the kind words, support and encouragement you’ve offered.  I’m a numbers guy, I admit.  I look at my site stats several times a day, and though the may fluctuate and roll like sheet billowing in the breeze, there’s always a constant number of you who turn to me regularly for your music, and I am honoured to be one of your daily stops.  You’re all my heroes.

So speaking of heroes, I have some special offers for the readers from some of my newer musical heroes!

I appreciate the support of Marni and the good folks at Sneak Attack Media for providing me a pair of The Decemberists‘ latest, The Hazards of Love to give away to deserving QBiM readers.  Way back when, as the seeds of this blog were forming, this quirky little band from Portland, Oregon made me sit up and take notice that the U.S. was not totally devoid of new and original music.  Their blend of storytelling, pop, and now hard rock is endlessly entertaining.  So for the first of three (YES THREE!) contests in this one post, I’m offering one of two copies of The Hazards of Love to anyone who emails me at CONTESTS [at] QUICKBEFOREITMELTS [dot] COM with “Oh!  The Hazards of Love!” in the subject line and your full mailing address in the body.  Two winners will be randomly drawn from all entries on Saturday, May 16th at 11:59 p.m.

Video: The Decemberists on the Colbert Report
Facebook: The Decemberists
Myspace: The Decemberists
Buy: The Decemberists The Hazards of Love

I also need to thank Myles at Sneak Attack, who’s provided me a couple copies of Metric’s newest album, Fantasies, to give away.  Metric have been one of those bands that just blew me away the first time I heard them, because they sounded nothing like what Iv expected a Canadian, female-fronted band to sound like.  Emily Haines is one of the most intriguing women working in music today, and I love her soul, the depth of her songwriting, and her gorgeous voice.  If you’d like a chance to win a copy of Fantasies, drop me a line at CONTESTS [at] QUICKBEFOREITMELTS [dot] COM with “I heart Metric” in the subject line and your full mailing address in the body.  This contest closes Saturday, May 16th at 11:59 p.m. so enter soon.

MP3: Metric “Help I’m Alive (The Twelves remix)”
Facebook: Metric
Myspace: Metric
Buy: Metric Fantasies

I also have to thank Ben at Dangerbird Records for providing three copies of The Dears ’ latest, Missiles, to give away.  Much like Metric, The Dears caught me off guard by sounding like a cross between Blur and The Smiths while hailing from Montreal.  In Murray Lightburn, The Dears have one of indie music’s greatest visionary.  Lightburn isn’t interested in trends and fads, he’s all about truth and fearlessness.  Over time, those early comparisons to British indie pop have given way to the accepted truth that in Lightburn, The Dears have a frontman who marches to the beat of his own drum (and sometimes drumming).  For your chance to win a copy of Missiles, email CONTESTS [at] QUICKBEFOREITMELTS [dot] COM with “I heart The Dears” in the subject line and your full mailing address in the body.  This contest will also close on Saturday, May 16th at 11:59 p.m. so time is of the essence.

The Dears have been releasing a new b-side or previous unreleased version a week lately; two of the tracks are available below:

MP3: The Dears “Meltdown In A Major (OG Demo Version)”
MP3: The Dears “Halfmast”
Facebook: The Dears
Mysapce: The Dears

And last but not least, a very special thank you to my good friend Tara Smith–whom I’ve known since we were both six; who lived down the street from me until she moved away a few years later; whom I met up with again in high school when we used to hang out watching Twin Peaks and trading our latest cassettes (remember those?); and who, thanks to the wonders of modern social networking, I’ve reconnected with now in our 30s—for the awesome graphic work she’s done to celebrate QBiM’s 800th post.  She was also responsible for the equally impressive art way back on our 500th post.  Thanks, Tara, and to you and all the readers, I offer a special mix of some of QBiM’s heroes:

MP3: QBiM 800: A Hereos’ Mix
Zip: QBiM 800: A Hereos’ Mix

The full tracklisting for A Hereos’ Mix is here:
01 “Two weeks” Grizzly Bear
02 “Gentle sons” The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
03 “All we want, baby, is everything” Handsome Furs
04 “Method of modern love (Richard X join our clique mix)” Saint Etienne
05 “No one does it like you” Department of Eagles
06 “Heroes” TV On The Radio
07 “Scratch the surface” The Week That Was
08 “Unhurried hearts” Harlem Shakes
09 “Ladybug don’t smile” The Online Romance
10 “Okay” Venice Is Sinking
11 “Geraldine” Glasvegas
12 “Mona Lee” The Sweet Serenades
13 “At least I’m not as sad (as I used to be)” fun.

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