Welcome to 2010, everyone!

Following in the footsteps of my inaugural wrap-up one year ago, I present for you my 2009 Wrap Up!

When I turned 33 on the 3rd of December in 2008, I felt that the coming year was going to be important; transformative.
That it was. 2009 was a massively important year for me:

• For the 1st time in my life, I lived alone. Just me, in my sprawling East Van bachelor's, no roommates, no family, no partner. Being alone allows for some pretty serious self-exploration.
• I took my spirituality seriously and went on a retreat.

• I took major steps in becoming the artist I need to be. I drew more. I took loads of pictures.
  For too many years, I neglected my creative desires. I built up a lack of confidence - when I didn't pick up a pencil for a year, it only took a few strokes before I was convinced that it was the worst shit I'd ever seen.
  Now I'm drawing, taking pics, writing, and it'll all be revealed soon...

• I met the loveliest girl ever, my island darling, Bex. Multitalented beautiful brainiac who cares for me like no one ever has. Too many wonderful times together to mention; a deeply amazing connection that is deepening and expanding. So I'll just say: I love my island girl.

Now, on to my 2009 Wrap Up!!!

2009

BEST ALBUMS

BEST FILMS

PLANS & GOALS

(Please note: I am the proud photographer of ALL of the pics on this page (other than the album covers & movie posters).

Barack Obama sworn in as president on January 20 2009. A hugely important moment in American AND world history. How his presidency is playing out is, of course, loaded with perspectives, but the point here is how moving and momumental his inauguration was.

Yoga (and the amazing instructors at Open Door) continue to be a hugely beneficial aspect of my life. On January 24 I did an inversion (shoulder/head/handstand) workshop with Randy.

Big transition month. Lots of overtime. Got up the mountain as much as possible.

Boreta (of The Glitch Mob) came out and totally destroyed everyone at the Dollhouse. Even better than the full Glitch Mob was later in July, imho.

Tricky came to The Vogue on March 30. Now, this guy was a pretty important artist in the 90's, but he hasn't exactly taken the new millenium by storm.

His newest album, Knowle West Boy, isn't his strongest, but when he came to Vancouver in support of that album, he totally, utterly, completelly surpassed all expectations I had of him.

His live presence was raw and loud and hypnotic. While he may mumble in a deep growl on albums, he prefers to yell when singing live, pounding his chest and holding the mic to the sky like his beacon to the gods.

He did not conclude with a cursory "Thank You and Good Night," instead, he jumped down into the crowd, and while the band kept playing, he went from person to person, hugging every single person in the crowd. Big smile, sincere heart. By the time the band finished, Tricky had made his way to the rear of the hall, hugging, shaking hands, posing with fans for pics. If the difficult 2000's did anything to this man, it didn't taint him; it brought him closer to us all.

Disassembled Emma's sound studio. Our destructive noises were recorded through mini-mics on our hats - I know something cool is going to come from those recordings! (btw: Congrats to Emma and Julie and your healthy baby boy!)

Blown away by Atmosphere for the 2nd time in less than a year. Slug bears his soul and delivers it with raw unparalleled charismatic energy. Wicked.

Bloc Party at the Commodore - solid. Worth it just to see the best rock drummer in the world pour it on for a solid 2 hours.

Went mountain biking for the 1st time in my life with serious bikers up the Sunshine Coast. Thanks to Neil, Sandra, and Dave for hooking me up with a bike and Beast Gear. Except for planting my hip directly on the sharp end of a rock, I emerged psyched and unscathed. Wicked.

Started getting inked - yes, finally! Hurt so good.

Doves on May 21.

The show was solid and tight, leaving typical Britrock posturing to lesser bands. Loved when the drummer got up to the mic with a harmonica and the bassist played drums - what a fresh switch! The drummer might be the most natural frontman in the band, and the bassist is a great drummer! Switch it up more often, boys! And come back to Van soon.

It's true: Tinseltown IS mostly a cavernous waste of space. But there are a couple diamonds in the rough: Ayden Gallery is is one of them. At my first opening at the Ayden, I saw Mike Kammerer's work - truly unique stuff (dinosaur furniture!).

A great Publishing reunion on May 23 in the hot summer's sun. Wonderful day, fantastic people.

TV On The Radio at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Great show. Too bad, though, that outdoor venues seem notorious for shoddy sound (guess there's no walls for the music to bounce off of! Damn outdoors).

My first ever Critical Mass.

While I've been a cycling communter for most of my years in Vancouver, I'd never been on a Critical Mass ride. While May's was well organized and enjoyable and epic (over 3 hours!), June's was heavily populated but not tightly organized, and some minor conflicts with drivers occured.

I've become critical of Critical Mass. Is it accomplishing alternative transportation awareness or is it just heightening aggravation amongst impatient drivers?

The Aggrolites at Richard's on Richards (Aww, Richards, R.I.P.) on June 1 - thanks to Geoff my tattoo artist for the recommendation!

5 Day meditation retreat on Denman Island June 5-9.

I've thought of going to a retreat since beginning meditation many years ago. A 5 day retreat is considered lightweight by most meditators, but I found it extremely difficult. This was paradise prison - a beautiful, quiet, peaceful time away from everything: news, traffic, phones, internet, etc. But the feeling of not being able to leave really tortured me. I like choice. I realized how powerful choice is; how we should be conscious of and honour our ability to make choices, big and small.

The hosts were lovely. The vegetarian food was delicious. And the experience changed me in many beneficial ways. I may never shave my head and rush off to become a monk, but I continue to meditate and can see myself attending more retreats in the future.

I learned what alpacas are! Never knew that they were camel sheep from Star Wars and that they existed on the island!

I was invited to the Apostoli farm in Duncan after completing my retreat. It provided a beautiful transition between Denman island meditation and the return to Vancouver reality. These weeks in June were a definite highlight of my summer.

The Commercial Dr Car Free Festival - fun as always.

In 2009, Vancouver city council started more regular car free days throughout the summer!

Gift of Gab at The Biltmore. The 1st of 2 disappointing outings this year (He returned with a star-studded lineup in November, including Chali 2na (who's always excellent and energetic) and Lyrics Born). While I really like Gift of Gab's 1st solo album, and the brilliance of his work with Blackalicious can't be argued, it seems this MC has lost steam. In both shows, he seemed out of breath, unable to keep up to the beat.

Was very excited to see Jose Gonzalez in June, but he cancelled "due to a family emergency." I hope his family is alright. But this seemed to have birthed a theme, because the 2nd half of 2009 was plagued with cancellations:

• Rock the Bells in August was meant to have Pete Rock, K’Naan, and KRS-ONE but didn't.
• Passion Pit cancelled TWICE - Oct & Dec.
• And then in early November P.O.S. and Eyedea & Abilities cancelled. This was a real kick to the teeth - this show coulda been the best show of the year (I'm VERY stoked to say that both acts are coming to The Biltmore in February 2010!).

Drove up to the 1st Uprising Festival with Geordie on the 1st weekend in July. The highlight for me was taking a Saturday morning swim in a sun-drenched lake with a huge crowd from the party.

Bex moved to Ucluelet for the summer; on one visit we volunteered with Ukee Days, Ucluelet's community summer festival. Logger sports, live music, face painting, BBQ's, and costume-themed teams racing in a wheelbarrow race! Lots of fun!

One of best camping trips of my life with Kirby in mid-July. Breath-takingly beautiful location, a satisfying all-day hike to a raised glacial lake, and a visit from two spirit horses late in the night.

Saw Bonobo with my good friend of many years, Tracey, on July 20. This was a fantastic live show. I love when a live band learns the electronic artist's music and translates it into an engaging show.

Wed July 22 eve - fell off my bike & busted up ankle - nasty !!!

Rock the Bells in Deer Lake Park - it had a lot to live up to after the serious lineup and stunning location (The Gorge) last year. But it pulled off alright. This is mostly due to astounding headliners Nas and Damian Marley. When it comes to their recordings, I'm not a big fan of either artist. But together live they were a serious force to be reckoned with. And they had a stellar super-android flag waver!!! (Holy shit he HAD to be an android to have that kind of stamina!!!)

Other highlights: Chali 2na and a very brief set by Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek).

Mid-August my Mom, Darren, and Koko came for a visit from Alberta. A really nice treat for everyone; they so rarely come to Van. The weather was perfect, we walked all over the city, checking out festivals in Kits and Trout Lake.

Bex and I camped in Hope with a bunch of friends including future mommy & daddy Sarita & David. Congrats you two!

Beginning of Sept was Datarock!! Awesome and high-energy (live sax kicked it up a dozen notches!) but underlength show.

That night, I learned that a coat check is called a "coat check" because they check coats. Nothing else. Coats Only. OK, Gossip nightclub, no prob. I'll always take the opportunity to dance with stillettos in my hands. Gangsters whuuuut.

In mid-Sept = 2 SOLID nights of music through New Forms Festival. Was introduced to new favs N-Type, Eskmo, Kush Arora, and more! Cory, Dan, Bex and I danced our asses off.

Everyone at my favourite former home at Glen Drive (in Strathcona) got renovicted. Even though I haven't lived there for years, I will always hold a bond to that home. A sad day.

In mid-October I did an eye exam to see if I'm eligible for laser eye surgery. See my Plans & Goals for 2010.

Kirby and I took advanced swim lessons at the Aquatic Centre. Unfortunately, the instructor was quite basic, but it was a good kick start to swim more often.

Since Hallowe'en '08 (in which I dressed as Owen Wilson's character from The Darjeeling Limited), I've decided to take on the persona of a film/literary character for the night.

In '09, I went as Raoul Duke, Hunter S. Thompson's alter ego in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas - it was the most fun I've ever had on Hallowe'en.

In early November the H1N1 sucked the life outta me. Never been so sick in my life. Beat it, though. Now I'm just waiting for my super powers to appear (I should be rewarded; it's like surviving a radioactive spiderbite, no?).

Helios at Radha. Very lovely, very chill music in a chill venue.

Evolution of Inspiration show at Gallery Atsui, an ambitious little gallery on E. Hastings just east of Main. Todd Nickel, you rock!!

My Dad and his wife Dianne came for a rare visit to BC. It was a fantastic visit - we drove the rental car all over the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. This is when it was flooding there!

Thurs Nov 26 - possibly the best live show of the year goes to Friendly Fires - what performers!!! Exactly what you want to see - a band enjoying themselves, and not just the hip-swaggering lead singer! Every single member was into it, from the amazing backup singer drummer to the horn section to the guitarist playing the encore with a kettle!

Their recorded stuff is good, their live show is stellar. Go see them, whenever you can.

Bex introduced me to steampunk - a very cool aesthetic.
We went to a VSteam-hosted night at Sin CIty; unfortunately, it seems people are too comfortable with their typical fetish wear and steampunk kids were the minority. Didn't stop us from having a blast or deciding to walk half-way across the city, hell no :)

A beautifully sunny birthday on December 3rd. I spent the day off cycling around the city, stopping at The Irish Heather for steak pie and a Guinness. (The new location isn't nearly as dope as the old place, but they still pour the best Guinness in the city!)
Bought a Cohiba, cycled home, and was greeted warmly by Bex who proceeded to spoil me, with dinner, a cheesecake made from scratch, and more...

Califone Dec 4th.

Never thought I'd get a chance to see this uniquely brilliant band, since they insist on hanging to the outskirts of full-blown popularity. Yet with the release of their new album and accompanying film, Califone is on tour and treated Vancouverites to a lovely performance at The Rickshaw.

A side note: I know that you're in the ghetto, Rickshaw. I also know that heat costs money. But for the love of (deity here), could you PLEASE sort out the cold!!

Birthday drinks with friends at a new favourite Gastown drinkin' spot - The Greedy Pig! An appropriate venue to cheers the defeated swine flu!
Then we checked out the booty-shakin' sounds at the Low Indigo night at The Astoria.

Zero 7 came to town! Thanks for the ticket, Dan!

Went to Edmonton for Xmas. Good time spent with family, both Mom's and Dad's.

I dug up the few pieces of old art of mine that survived the flood my Mom had years ago. Very revealing and satisfying to see this old work.

P.O.S.

Never Better

Artist of the year, in my opinion. Not only is this album an onslaught of perfection, bringing a freshness to both the lyricism and the beats, P.O.S. is also a founding member of Doomtree, a hiphop collective who are impressive in their own right.

Listen to track 2: "Drumroll (We're All Thirsty)"

Madlib

Beat Konducta Vol. 5: Dil Cosby Suite

I freakin love Madlib. The guy is a machine - a prolific creator of amazing, funky music. And he brings the best out of those he collaborates with (most notably Madvillainy with MF Doom and Liberation with Talib Kweli - some of the best work either of these MC's have EVER done).

Listen to track 18: "The Get Over (Move)"

Handsome Furs

Face Control

Face Control exceeded the awesomeness of their debut, Plague Park, somehow. Incredible. I definitely shouldn't have missed their gig at Richard's.

Listen to track 9: "Officer of Hearts"

Doves

Kingdom of Rust

Doves deliver rock from an underwater space fantasy world.

Listen to track 12: "Ship of Fools"

Califone

All Our Friends Are Funeral Singers

Califone doesn't know how to make crappy songs.

Listen to track 4: "Funeral Singers"

Bex

The Honesty EP

A serious talent, Bex has everything that makes a folk musician great: the ability to tell stories that directly strike the heart, accompanied by lovely rhythm and melodies; a deeply soulful voice, natural and effortless in delivery.

Listen to track 4: "Kimberly"

TV On The Radio

Dear Science

For the first half of 2009, TV On The Radio's entire library was on repeat. Multifaceted poets.

Listen to track 10: "DLZ"

Joe Pug

Nation of Heat EP

Joe Pug released another EP in 2009, but Hymn #101 is such a deeply important song it must be honoured here.

Listen to track 1: "Hymn #101"

Fuck Buttons

Street Horrrsing

I saw this duo open for Caribou in '08. I didn't think their sonic onslaught would translate to an album as hypnotically as it does. Love these guys - can't wait to check out the new album.

Listen to track 1: "Sweet Love for Planet Earth"

Santogold

Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub

I quite like most of Santigold's stuff, but this mix by Diplo really takes it all to another level. He rips up and enhances Santi's tracks, plus he throws in a well-selected grabbag of goodies along the way (incl. Nora Dean, Aretha Franklin, Devo, and The Clash) - now go write in your gurnal.

Listen to track 30: "Creator (Mumdance Mix)"

Thom Yorke

The Eraser Rmxs

A truly solid remix album. Applause especially for The Bug, Modeselektor, and Cristian Vogel for their visionary contributions.

Listen to track 3: "Harrowdown Hill (The Bug Remix)"

Bon Iver

MySpace Transmissions

Dreamy.

Listen to track 1: "For Emma"

Pretty Lights

Filling Up The City Skies

This guy is amazing. A little DJ Shadow, a little Bonobo, a little Glitch Mob... he definitely doesn't want to be pegged down! Plus he offers his entire albums for donation on his site http://www.prettylightsmusic.com/
Big up to my Colorado connection, Dwight, for the excellent recommendation!

Listen to disc 2 track 3: "Who Loves Me"

Avatar

First, this is a fantastically refreshing new vision of otherworldly existence. The animation is seamless, lush, beautiful. Absolutely visually enthralling.

Second (and for me, most importantly), this is a slap-in-the-face call to arms about the state of our poor raped planet. While we may not have hair that connects to everything, we don't have to be as disconnected from Mother Earth as we are. Is it too late to save our planet? Or are we going to wiped out in order to restore balance to Earth...?

Paranormal Activity

This movie really got under my skin. Part-way through, I began to think that watching it the night before Hallowe'en was a terrible idea.

But it ended up being a terribly wicked idea. This is actually an excellent horror flick. I love horrors that are less about gore and more about building tension and thrill (Like The Ring, for example).

District 9

Not unlike Avatar, this film is more than a cool sci-fi flick.

The down-in-the-dirt documentary style direction combined with believable animation pulls us into this near-future city; it tackles the ridiculousness of racism to keep us there.

Zombieland

Pure fun. This movie helped me feel less like death when I was dying from the flu (at least I wasn't bein' eaten by zombies). A surprisingly effective movie. Not a moment's dullness through an hour and a half. Overall great acting, especially Woody Harrelson and the main kid. Exciting. Funny. Amazing animated text throughout. Great music, too: Doves, Black Keys, etc.

The Hangover

Not the funniest film I've ever seen, but there are two aspects I admire:

1. There is nary a character without serious flaws (as opposed to the typical comedy lead character who is always lovable)
2. The entire movie is a tease. By beginning with the call to the would-be bride to tell her that her groom is lost, we join the bumbling boys for the ride. Nothing is given away too quickly; the viewer is held captive until the shocking and amusing end credits.

Cloverfield

Really glad that this movie was less about the cause of the attack and more about pulling the viewer into the traumatic experience these characters are thrust into.

Man On Wire

Absolutely marvellous. Fascinating characters that seem to live outside of "typical" existence, completely committed to their dream.

JCVD

This film is eerily raw and honest. It's not that Jean-Claude Van Damme reinvents himself in this film, it's that he uninvents himself.

A must-see, especially if you've never liked his movies.

In last year's wrap up, I made some resolutions for 2009.
Let's see how I did...

1. Get really freakin' good at snowboarding:
   
   
   Yes, that happened!
   I rode A LOT last season, at least once or twice a week. What really kicked me from novice to intermediate was riding Red Mountain in Rossland with Neil. That mountain is almost purely black & double black diamond. So it was ride or die. I'm still tickin' - Not Dead Yet.

2. Get tattoo sleeve:
   
   
   Yes, that happened!
   In January, I finalized the design I was working on.
   Then I researched Vancouver artists and picked Geoff at Sacred Heart (Davie St), and began in May. My tattoo was completed late summer, after 5 sessions. Thanks Geoff - I love it! And hanging in the studio was a blast, listenin to music, chattin with Geoff & Andy, checkin out other tats in process...
   Now for my next one...... (for my back: antlers/tree roots..)

3. Redesign formatnoauto.com:
   No, that did not happen.
   But this 2009 Wrap Up is a little tease for my soon-to-be-launched NEW formatnoauto.com! Things have a way of working out, and I know that I wasn't meant to build a site last year. I know now what I want my site to be, how I want it to look, and I'm on the cusp...!
   So please keep your eyes and ears attentive - I am working on my site & will launch it this month (January 2010)! W00T!!
4. Continue drawing & taking pics and have a show of my work:
   That happened and did not happen.
   I dove into my drawing and photos like I haven't since Grant MacEwan days.
   But I did not have a show.
   This year, though, great things are on the way. After the launch of my new site, I am going to bust into high gear with my drawing and photography.
5. Learn to whistle:
   That kinda happened. While I wouldn't want to serenade a newly wedded couple, I've been practicing. When no one's listening. (Remember, I live alone!)
6. Turn 34 with a group of friends on a weekend out of town:
   Yes, that happened! I turned 34 with some of my favourite people, but I chose not to head out of town. As my birthday approached, I realized what I wanted most was to stay in Vancouver. This is what I wanted, and a birthday boy should always get what he wants.

• Laser Eyes
  I've worn glasses since I was very little; contact lenses since I was 15. It's time to turn these -5.50 eyes into supersight wicked robot eyes (or 20/20 human eyes, whichever is on special that day)!
  This Spring, I'm going to London Eye Centre in New West for the operation! (One of my co-workers as well as a friend of mine highly recommend London Eye Centre. They have both had their eyes corrected there with excellent results)
• Learn Piano
  Listening to music is the most consistent source of inspiration for me. But I've never learned an instrument. This year, I'm going to release my hidden piano virtuosity! (thank you so so much: Geordie for the keys and Bex for the amp)
• Home Stereo System
  Considering my love for music, considering that I ALWAYS have music on, it's pretty bizarrely funny that I listen to everything through laptop speakers. So I'm gonna do the overdue and set my place up to run music thru speakers, maybe with the help of Airport Express for wireless accessibility to my library.
  If anyone has a stereo they don't need, please let me know.
• Summer Music Festival Tour
  Searching out new music has become especially fun since meeting the lovely Rebecca Apostoli, as she is a wonderful musician herself as well as being voracious with her music searching and a wide range of taste. So this summer, Bex and I are going on a massive music festival tour in Europe! If you have any recommended festivals, let me know!
• Travel to Australia
  My Mom, Darren, and I haven't seen my brother, his wife, or their son since they moved to Australia almost 2 years ago. That's a little too long to go without seeing family. We plan to be there for my nephew's 3rd birthday.
  If I can, I intend to see them at least once a year. Though that might entail stowing away on an international freighter or marrying an aging billionaire.
  Think I'll give the frieghter a spin first.
• Push My Art Out
  Like beautiful bouncing babies. Some of them I'll never understand, some will make me shine with joy.
• Redesign and launch the new formatnoauto.com
  I actually like working with HTML & CSS. After working with it for a few years, though, I realize good sites are NOT about the flash (nor the Flash), nor fancy layouts. A good site is simple, approachable, and easy to navigate. Expect these qualities in my new site.
  The focus is not on building an award-winning site, the focus is on building a simple site that will highlight my thoughts (writing) and my visions (drawing & photography). The new formatnoauto.com will be focused on ART in all it's many forms. Specifically my output, my creations, with a dose of reviews, quotes, and recommendations (such as great sites for Photoshop techniques, for example).

Happy New Year 2010 to my friends and family!
Much love from me with wishes for your happiness, good health, and success in your endeavors.

- Ashley

"This goes to the people/ Who know better than to give up and die"
("A Teddy Bear and a Tazer" - by P.O.S.)