the national shield.

my dear friend C.L. MCLAUGHLIN has a really great band called the National Shield. i've known chris since i was nineteen and first getting settled into living on the west coast, he's really one of my favourite people. i have so many good memories of all the ridiculous mischief we used to get up to, like the time we were walking home from a night out and went swimming in a fountain in downtown vancouver, or when there was a small fire that erupted and nearly burnt down his apartment due to completely irresponsible behaviour on both of our parts. i miss hanging out in his apartment with his two cats!

he recently moved to toronto, and i think he's doing well. he sent me the download link to his latest album today, and i've been listening all day and really enjoying every single thing about it. the songs are beautifully arranged and sweet. DOWNLOAD THE FULL ALBUM HERE.

ps. the first photo i posted is from his facebook page and i have no idea where it came from. the second was taken the last time i was in vancouver, when he & his little friends played at hokos. that night made me feel like i was at prom.