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George Gund Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1972

(John Andrews, Anderson, Baldwin)

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Hurrah for late season form!

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Tonight's fun times with the McGill crew.

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Censorship

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My friend Jacques shredding on his IF Planet X during what looks like the Montreal cyclocross urbain event.

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All hail Young Widows.

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My two entries to the Speed Metal Cycling podcast's MAKE THE LOTTO BELISOL JERSEY BETTER CONTEST. 

The first is an homage to Sky's new skinsuit, while the second one is a tribute to the late Barloworld Cycling team kit. You are correct if you guessed that the tying knot between both designs is Froome, ha.

My favorite of the contest is the "Otto" jersey, although they were all pretty excellent.

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Computrainer 20km hilly race with (against) my new teammates.

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Winter cycling in Montreal gives me mixed feelings.

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end-of-year list

Hey, 

I decided to pretend someone cared about my tastes in music and made a self-indulgent end-of-year list, huh. Also, this isn't Invisible Oranges so if you expect some good prose and journalistic talent head over to their blog and give me a break.

10. Iron Lung – White Glove Test (Iron Lung Records)

If you have been waiting for a follow-up to Iron Lung's 2007's Sexless//No Sex, then you would probably also mention this album in your stupid best-of 2013 list. Favorite track: the (Merged) combination of "Plasma Separatist" and "Stress Test".

9. Raspberry Bulbs – Deformed Worship (Blackest Ever Black)

You don't have to be a lo-fi black metal tape nerd to get into this Raspberry Bulbs album. If you already dig their previous LP release Nature Tries Again and are familiar with Bone Awl, then you will surely experience it differently than a newcomer. They venture deeper into punk territory and slightly away from their lo-fi black metal roots, but everyone can still agree to the greatness of this record. Besides, I absolutely don't want to get into genre semantics, especially when it comes to recent US black metal bands. People who post comments on youtube can take care of that. Favorite track: "By the Root".

8. Jesu – Everyday I Get Closer To The Light From Which I Came (Avalanche Recordings)

People who know me can attest that I am a big Godflesh fan, as I use Facebook for only two purposes: to post statuses about bike racing and to post Godflesh tracks uploaded on youtube. Broadrick, who has been showing off his dub, experimental power electronics and drone sides under the JK Flesh, Final or White Static Demon names since the hiatus of Godflesh, uses his Jesu project to produce heavy shoegaze and post-punk vibes that feature his signature guitar tone. This is however one of Jesu's more uplifting albums, so don't expect a pure Godflesh sound, in which case you should rather check this out instead.  Favorite track: "Homesick".

7. Unwound – Kid Is Gone (Numero Group)

OK this is not a new release but rather a reissue of Unwound's early recordings into an awesome box-set. Numero Group is hot at work compiling all of Unwound's records in 4 releases and this is part 1. Favorite track: "You Speak Jealousy".

6. Gnaw – Horrible Chamber (Seventh Rule)

Give a listen to this record if you are into Alan Dubin's vocals and Khanate. I like it, but I feel that some Khanate fans might be let down. This album is not reinventing the wheel and is more on the doom side of the spectrum. If you've never heard of Khanate before, Gnaw is probably more accessible to you than the latter. If you are not a stranger to these, it may or may not satisfy your doom and ambient-terror-noise tastes. Favorite track: "Of Embers".

5. SubRosa – More Constant Than The Gods (Profound Lore)

This women fronted catchy doom record is getting really good reviews in everyone's best-ofs. The first time I gave it a listen I was scared that their distorted violins would give them a folkish sound, but reassuringly it wasn't the case (I'm just not into that stuff). While less sludgy and catchier than SubRosa's previous releases, it's a humble and accessible doom album that I learned to love. The vocals are not overdone and are awesome. Favorite track: "Ghost of a Dead Empire".

4. The Body – Christs, Redeemers (Thrill Jockey)

I'm not going to pretend I was aware of this band prior to listening to this record. In short, they are a lo-fi-ish sludge/doom duo with high pitched screechy vocals that often collaborates with the Assembly of Light choir from Rhode Island. Chances are that if you are into Thou you will also like them. You should also check out their self-released material. Favorite track: "An Altar or a Grave".

3. The Impalers – s/t (540! Records/Todo Destrudio)

Chris Ulsh was a busy man this year, releasing records with Power Trip, Mammoth Grinder and Hatred Surge. All of them are great, but this self-titled release by his 4th band The Impalers is ridiculously good. Their demo from 2010 was more than noteworthy, and this LP is next level. A must if you enjoy hardcore, d-beat, crust and Motörhead. Ulsh is a master. Favorite track: "Procession".

2. Portal – Vexovoid (Profound Lore)

Vexovoid is a demented blackened death metal record that will be appreciated by lovers of challenging and unsettling metal. If you like innovation but are scared to venture into the progressive realm, check out Portal immediately. If you need more info, check out the thousands of positive reviews this Australian band is getting for this record. Favorite track: "Curtain".

1. Altar of Plagues – Teethed Glory & Injury (Profound Lore)

This Irish black metal band brought forward the most haunting and beautiful record of the year and then proceeded to go on hiatus. An abrasive and dreamy craft of nightmarish noise and mind-altering atmosphere. Favorite track: "God Alone".

Since this list is by no means set in stone and the order of interest more indicative of my present state of mind than a definitive synthesis of the year 2013, here are some other notable mentions in no particular order:

- Vhol – s/t (Profound Lore)

- Oranssi Pazuzu – Valonielu (20 Buck Spin)

- Gorguts – Colored Sands (Season of Mist)

- Big Business – Battlefields Forever (Gold Metal Records)

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MatBr's ideal bike quiver.

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Always a crowd favorite.

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Today's ride was more wintery than yesterday's.

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My 2013 cyclocross season in a nutshell - I started with mediocre results and finished with a second place at the Qc provincials in the 30-39 category. I only got to the peak of my form once the season was pretty much over. It's a shame that cross season in Quebec ends in mid-november aka way too early.

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The best part of racing in the dark.

photos by Paul Shwartz