SPUN

Nickelback: the Whipping Boys of Rock 'n' Roll

2012-01-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

Nickelback are simultaneously the most loved and the most reviled band on the music scene. They are one of the few "rock" bands that are fortunate enough to sell shitloads of albums nowadays, so they deserve some respect for that feat. There is the stereotype that commercially successful artists must, by nature, be ravaged by the critics while obscure artists get rave reviews. For the most part, this has been the case throughout the years. For every Beatles who the critics and the masses universally adore, there are twenty MC Hammers who sell millions of albums and twenty Nick Drakes who merely sell thousands.

It's pretty obvious where Nickelback sits on the musical spectrum. The boys from Hanna, Alberta have been the favourite whipping boys of critics, bloggers and fellow musicians across the world for the last few years. Perhaps it's the power of the internet, but I've never seen such an outrageous amount of HATE expressed towards one band or artist. The only case that might be comparable would be the brief backlash against the Beatles after John Lennon said they were bigger than Jesus. But it's safe to say that their reputation sufficiently recovered after that.

So why do people hate Nickelback so much? Before the NFL Thanksgiving game in Detroit, there was an online petition to get Nickelback NOT to play. And this attracted a shitload of people. A similar situation occurred when it was announced that Nickelback would play the half time show at the Grey Cup. To the band's credit, they've had a sense of humour about it. This is especially evident in a pretty clever bit they filmed for Funny or Die.

The level of hate has grown to almost comical proportions. But for a band that everyone seems to hate so much, they sell millions of albums in an age where no one buys albums. They also sell out arenas across the world at the drop of a hat. So who exactly buys Nickelback albums? It seems like the "cool" thing to do nowadays is to hate Nickelback. I'm sure that since so many people claim to hate Nickelback that there are people in the hipster contingent who like Nickelback now... but strictly in a post-modern, ironic kind of way. Regardless, Nickelback get the most publicity of any rock band on the planet. But why?

Before I continue, I may as well let the cat out of the bag. I don't like Nickelback's music. Since the day I first heard of them, I thought they were just watered down post-grunge music. "Leader of Men" was an ok song, but it was so... bland. And since then, they've only gotten worse. However, I must note that I do respect Chad Kroeger and company for making a damn good living doing something they love. They're talented musicians so I have to give them credit for that. It takes balls to go onstage and set yourself up for judgement. And they seem okay with the fact that people like myself really don't like their music. Plus, Chad and company seem like genuinely nice guys. So kudos to them for making money playing music.

So why do people hate their music? I can't speak for everyone, but here is why I cringe whenever I hear a Nickelback tune. I mentioned before that I find their music so watered down. In 1996, I thought Bush were a watered down version of Nirvana. Well, Nickelback are a watered down version of Bush. They make Bush seem like Iggy & the Stooges or the Sex Pistols by comparison. They may play guitars, bass and drums... but any trace of rock 'n' roll has been completely sapped out of their music. They are the worst thing that a rock 'n' roll band can be:

They're safe.

The cinematic equivalent of Nickelback would be a Happy Madison production starring Kevin James, and would feature talking animals, plenty of fat jokes... and at least ten scenes of guys getting hit in the nut sack. If they were a talk show host they'd be Jay Leno. If they were a beer they'd be Molson Canadian. If they were a burger they'd be a Big Mac. Nickelback is the soundtrack for people who buy their music from Walmart.

But why do they sell so many albums and sell out so many shows? See above.

The majority of the population don't want to be even remotely challenged when it comes to entertainment. With Nickelback, people can just turn their brains off and sing along. To Chad Kroeger's credit, he's found a formula that works very well commercially. In a nutshell, Nickelback are a (shitty) country band with cranked up guitars. If you combined country music with hair metal, you would have Nickelback. Chad Kroeger doesn't write metaphors. He just lays everything out for the listener. No one will listen to a Nickelback song and wonder, "I wonder what he means by that?" "I like your pants around your feet" means exactly that. They pick the standard country and rock 'n' roll subject matters: sex, booze, fights, sex and booze... with the obligatory ballad and "socially responsible" song to sway the chicks. Their music is ideal for guys getting off a 12 hour shift on the rigs. This type of listener doesn't want to hear the latest Arcade Fire or Radiohead tune. They want to get shitfaced, watch some UFC and crank up some AC/DC.

In commercial terms, Chad Kroeger's formula is brilliant. They found what sells and they stick to it. AC/DC had their formula and they stuck to it. The Ramones had a formula and they didn't change. I guess I just have a problem with Nickelback's formula because it comes across to me as pandering. I love lots of mindless rock and pop tunes. I even find LMFAO somewhat brilliant. They're dumb... but they know it. They're smart about being dumb. But Nickelback? I just don't get how people can just flock to their tunes. Yet, so many people gladly lap it up. And so many people rail against it. But they have people talking so I guess they're doing something right. In a recent Spin magazine, The Roots' ?uestlove said that he only differentiates music between being "effective and ineffective." I guess Nickelback's music is effective to lots of people.

But as I said before, despite the fact that I think their music is pure drivel and that a kid in Grade 4 could write better lyrics, I do respect the guys for actually writing and performing their own songs... and being able to perform live. In an age where every pop song seems to have autotune and people pay outrageous money to see Britney Spears lip synch onstage, it is nice to see people succeed by playing a (bastardized) version of rock 'n' roll. As Sloan once sang, "It's not the band I hate, it's their fans." I guess I don't hate Nickelback. I just hate that so many people have unquestioningly accepted that mediocrity rules. And I find that very sad.

Van Halen or Van Hagar? The Eternal Question

2012-01-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

Most of my friends tend to be obsessive music geeks like myself so the usual music debates always tend to pop up in conversation: the Beatles vs. the Stones, the Ramones vs. the Sex Pistols vs. the Clash, 70's Aerosmith vs. 80's/90's/00's Aerosmith, why Rush do/don't suck, U2 vs. Queen, etc. Well, now that David Lee Roth has reunited with Eddie and Alex Van Halen for a successful comeback tour and now have a new studio album set to be released next month I figure now is a good time to weigh in on the Eternal Musical Question:

Diamond Dave or Sammy? Van Halen or Van Hagar?

To me, it's a no brainer. I'm a David Lee Roth fan all the way. It goes without saying that Sammy Hagar is/was a far superior singer. The dude has an amazing set of pipes. "Dreams" has to be one of the best male vocal performances in the history of 'rock n' roll... and it might even be my favourite Van Halen tune. So for pure vocal ability, Sammy wins in a landslide. It's no contest. However, rock n' roll isn't strictly about technical ability. If that were true, then Emerson, Lake and Palmer would be gods. David Lee Roth was never the best technical singer, but he made it work. He played to his strengths. But mostly, he had fun and he GOT IT.

DLR understood that a band like Van Halen should put on a a helluva show and HAVE FUN. The Roth version of the band wasn't trying to change the world. They were simply trying to provide the soundtrack to people having a good time. By combining the proto-heavy metal of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin with shades of glam rock and punk rock, Van Halen emerged from the L.A. club scene to gradually become arguably the biggest band in the world in 1984. For better or worse, Van Halen helped spawn all the hair metal bands of the mid-late 80's. Before Motley Crue could "Shout at the Devil", Van Halen were "Runnin' with the Devil." With Diamond Dave at the mic, the band understood that rock n' roll should be ridiculous at times. Most importantly, they never took themselves seriously as Artistes. Roth wasn't trying to be Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan. The lyric sheets for "Hot For Teacher" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" couldn't be mistaken for long lost Elvis Costello songs. With Diamond Dave, Van Halen were a party band with the best guitar player on the planet. And DLR was one of the best frontmen. He had a charisma and swagger that few possess. But ultimately, it's the songs that matter. "Runnin' with the Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Panama", "Jump", etc, etc, etc. These songs still sound amazing today.

When Sammy Hagar joined the band, they pretty much became a new band. Diamond Dave probably left at a good time because it would be pretty hard to maintain that "party band" ethos for much longer before the schtick got old. With Sammy, Van Halen tried their best to be a Serious Rock Band. There's no way they could've done this this with DLR. I will admit that Van Halen had a few great tunes with Sammy ("Dreams", "Poundcake" and "Best of Both Worlds", for instance). However, I think Van Halen lost the plot when they decided to focus so much attention on power ballads. If you saw the song titles "Love Walks In", "When It's Love", "Why Can't This Be Love" and "Can't Stop Loving You" on a set list you'd think it was for an Air Supply concert... not a hard rock band. When Sammy joined the band, they went from "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" to songs that Dianne Warren could have written. In trying to be a Serious Rock Band, Sammy Hagar once referred to his lyrics as poetry. It's safe to say that Diamond Dave never made this claim. It's pretty obvious that DLR had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he wrote most of his lyrics. On the other hand, Sammy reaches beyond his capabilities in the lyric writing department. As much as I love "Dreams", the lyrics are pretty cliche and would be perfect for a Tony Robbins infomercial.

Diamond Dave left the band when they reached a commercial peak with "Jump". So when Sammy joined the band it was kind of like a free agent signing with the New York Yankees after winning the World Series. So unless your name was Gary Cherone, it was a pretty sweet gig. The band went on to have more commercial success with Sammy Hagar because their music headed into a far more MOR direction. But just because they appealed to more soccer moms doesn't make Van Hagar a better band.

Sammy Hagar seems like a really cool, laid back guy. He just seems like a normal guy. I would much rather sit down and go for a beer with Sammy than Dave because, quite frankly, Dave seems like a bit of a douchebag. However, if I ever listen to Van Halen I always tend to skip over the Sammy songs... and I would much prefer to see the DLR version of the band than the Sammy version. For me, a band like Van Halen should be all about turning your brain off, letting loose and having fun. When Sammy joined the band they lost that key ingredient.

And as for Van Halen's new single "Tattoo" with Diamond Dave? Well... at least he has a cool hat. Unfortunately, the new single doesn't exactly help my case. But at least they'll play "Panama" in concert. You can check out the video below.

So who do you prefer? Van Halen or Van Hagar? Or do you actually think Gary Cherone was the best singer in Van Halen? Or do you not even care? Feel free to post your comments below.

Cheers!

JJ Ramone's Top 40 Fave Albums of 2011

2011-12-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

At long last, the moment you have waited for all year long has finally arrived. Justin Bieber hit puberty! Just kidding. Give it a year. Ahem, it's time to reveal my list of favourite albums of the last 12 months. I know you've been losing sleep the last couple weeks, wondering which albums will crack my coveted list. Well, my children... you can finally rest easy. The moment is here. And this year, I've expanded it to a whopping 40 albums. What can I say? 2011 was such a great year for music. Last time I counted, I bought 60 or so albums (... which basically means I didn't watch too many movies or get laid much.) Of course, there are a handful of albums that I haven't picked up yet that would likely make the list (Fucked Up, Deep Dark Woods, etc). So this is by no means a definitive list... just one humble scribe's opinion.

So without further ado, here is my recap of the Year in Music: 2011 Edition. And like my fellow blogger Kent, I will try not to make this a novel.

The Regina Scene

For a small market, Regina has nothing to be ashamed of in terms of talent. In fact, I am confident enough to say that a lot of our musicians can hold their own with the best in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Over the last 12 months I've been lucky to see incredible performances by a host of great artists and bands, including Library Voices, Rah Rah, JJ Voss, The Bystanders, Chad Kichula, The Dustin Ritter Band, Indigo Joseph, BT Judd, Johnny Hatch, Amy Nelson, Megan Nash, Alex Runions Band, Dan Silljer, Ralph Ell and the Hardcore Troubadours, Sonic Orchid, Jack Semple, Foxx Worthee, etc. And of course, if you ever want to just have fun rocking out to familiar tunes, Regina has a plethora of fun cover bands like Leather Cobra, Dangerous Cheese, Wonderland, Whatever, Method 2 Madness, Mascara/Wildfire, Carli's Angels, the Pink Slips, etc.

Most Disappointing Albums

Sometimes a friend can be a dick to you. Sometimes your girlfriend can be a bitch. Sometimes you can make a dumb comment on Twitter that gets overblown. We're human and we're not perfect. The following albums are by artists/bands whom I normally love... but they kind of stumbled a bit this go around. I'll forgive them. I'm sure their next albums will be great.

Feist - Metals

Radiohead - The King of Limbs

The Strokes - Angles

Best Reissues/Compilations/Live Albums/etc

2011 was officially the year where I felt OLD. 1991 was 20 years ago. Oy. You know you're getting up there in age when your favourite bands reissue their classic albums and some of them get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Oh well, at least Michael Stipe or Bono never used auto tune.

R.E.M. - Lifes Rich Pageant

U2 - Achtung Baby

Nirvana - Nevermind

The Rolling Stones - Some Girls

Iggy Pop - Roadkill Rising... The Bootleg Collection: 1977-2009

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream

Various Artists - Rave On Buddy Holly

Green Day - Awesome As Fuck

Pearl Jam - Live on Ten Legs

JJ's 40 Fave Albums of 2011

40. Jenn Grant - Honeymoon Punch

39. Ron Sexsmith - Long Player Late Bloomer

38. Johnny Hatch - Happiness Instead

37. Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

36. Oh Land - Oh Land

35. Memphis - Here Comes a City

34. The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts

33. The Dears - Degeneration Street

32. Young Galaxy - Shapeshifting

31. Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know

30. Kalle Mattson - Anchors

29. Timber Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On

28. The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

27. The Horrors - Skying

26. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

25. The Royal Alberta Advantage - Departing

24. The War On Drugs - Slave Ambient

23. Sloan - The Double Cross

22. Handsome Furs - Sound Kapital

21. Chad Kichula - Killer

20. St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

19. Cage The Elephant - Thank You Happy Birthday

18. Lindi Ortega - Little Red Boots

17. The Cars - Move Like This

16. Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive

15. The Pack A.D. - Unpersons

14. Telekinesis - 12 Desperate Straight Lines

13. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong

12. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

11. Wild Flag - Wild Flag

10. The Black Keys - El Camino

The Black Keys have firmly distinguished themselves from the White Stripes comparisons with this album. Every song on this album would fit perfectly on a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. You can't ask for much better praise than that.

9. Library Voices - Summer of Lust

Just a year after the stellar Denim On Denim, Regina's own resident indie power-popsters put out a lean and mean collection of instantly infectious tunes. As usual, they have songs that make you want to peruse your bookshelf and get down with your bad self at the same time. These guys and gal just keep getting better and better.

8. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

20 years after drumming on Nevermind, Dave Grohl reunites with producer Butch Vig and Nirvana bass player Krist Noveselic, welcomes Pat Smear back into the fold, and lets Bob Mould join in on the party for a song. The result is a rejuvenated Foo Fighters. This is easily the band's best album since The Colour And The Shape. The Foos are BACK.

7. Social Distortion - Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes

Mike Ness and company stick to the formula, mixing the Ramones with Johnny Cash and the Rolling Stones. With a formula like that, why the hell would they mess with it? This album sure isn't reinventing the wheel; it's just one of Social D's better albums. It's simply a great rock and roll record by a legendary band. Nothing more, nothing less.

6. The Kills - Blood Pressures

Alison Mosshart returns from her side gig with Jack White in The Dead Weather to her day job with this album. And the results are stunning. Mosshart just oozes sexiness. They've toned down the dance beats a wee bit and have focused more on stripped down, fun, bluesy rock tunes. Brilliant.

5. Elliott Brood - Days Into Years

It's hard to believe there are only three guys in this band. They sound HUGE. Combining folk, some crunching guitars and sublime harmonies, Elliott Brood are a force. I bought this album the same day as the new Feist album, almost as an afterthought. Clearly, my money was better spent here. I expected this album to be good... but not this good!

4. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

PJ Harvey is an artist who doesn't rest on her laurels. She definitely keeps her audience guessing. Here, she abandons her trademark bluesy wail in favour of a childlike voice. Yet, when she sings bluntly of the brutality of war ("I've seen soldiers fall like lumps of meat", "Arms and legs were in the trees"), the results are chilling.

3. The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

After flirting with prog rock, Colin Meloy and company strip things down and take notes from the R.E.M. and Tom Petty songbooks. They even get Peter Buck to bring his trademark jangle to a couple tunes. However, the secret weapon here is Gillian Welch who harmonizes on most of the tunes. This is simply a flawless album from start to finish.

2. Tom Waits - Bad As Me

I don't know how he does it, but Tom Waits keeps getting better and cooler with age. After (finally) getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mr. Waits releases one of his best albums. Here, he strips things down and focuses on rollicking bluesy stompers and a handful of wistful ballads for good measure. Even the bonus tracks aren't throwaways. Tom Waits is the man.

1. R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now

Over the course of 31 years, R.E.M. rose from being college rock heroes to one of the biggest bands on the planet to being the elder statesmen of indie/alt rock. And with their 15th album, they decided to call it a day. After regaining their mojo with 2008's Accelerate, Collapse Into Now is one hell of a way to call it a career. Here, the "little band that could" from Athens, GA give a perfect sampler of most of what they do best: rockers, power pop, soul balladry, folk... and the prerequisite weird, art-rock tune. It's their best batch of tunes since New Adventures in Hi-Fi. With this album, they sound like a band that's confident and triumphant. Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe... it's been a slice!

Well, that's it! Feel free to post comments and tell me what albums you've really dug this year. The best part of being a music fan/geek/snob is hearing about bands from friends, magazines, blogs, etc. There are so many ugly things in this world but music seems to make the world make sense most days.

Cheers!

Kent Rocks - Top 15 of 2011

2011-12-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

So this year rather than write up a novel about the entire year I decided to do things a little different. I decided that I would post a live video of each of the top ten. Yes a real LIVE clip! Some clips are great quality and others are very handy cam. You already know that these are may favourites, so rather than do a write up I decided to let the artists speak for themselves. Granted these aren't the best selling records and in most cases nor are they some of the most critically acclaimed. They are simply the records I liked best. That being said, I once again did not include compilation or tributes. Had I done so both Buddy Holly tributes 'Listen to Me' and 'Rave On' probably would have made the top five but I am a little biased. Eddie Spaghetti put out a great record this year entitled 'Sundowner' but being it had three originals on it and was seventy percent covers it also for this reason didn't make the list.

Albums I thought I thought were good but didn't impress me as much as I thought might were The Kills 'Blood Pressures', Electric 6's 'Heartbeats and Brainwaves' and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Most disappointing was Civet's 'Love & War'. I love this band. Live they rule, their first record ruled but 'Love & War' just seemed not up to the girls talent or ability. It felt like they just punched it in.

A handful of mentions incude: Alison Krauss and Union Station's 'Paper Airplane', The Cars 'Move Like This', Emmylou Harris' 'Hard Bargain' and Those Darlins 'Screws Get Loose'. These were all great records that just barely fell short of the top 15.

Best shows of they year were from acts such as the Arkells, the Darlings of Chelsea and Civet.

So without further ado. Here are my top fifteen of 2011:So this year rather than write up a novel about the entire year I decided to do things a little different. I decided that I would post a live video of each of the top ten. You already know that these are may favourites, so rather than do a write up I decided to let the artists speak for themselves. Granted these aren't the best selling records and in most cases nor are they some of the most critically acclaimed. They are simply the records I liked best. That being said, I once again did not include compilation or tributes. Had I done so both Buddy Holly tributes 'Listen to Me' and 'Rave On' probably would have made the top five but I am a little biased. Eddie Spaghetti put out a great record this year entitled 'Sundowner' but being it had three originals on it and was seventy percent covers it also for this reason didn't make the list.

Albums I thought I thought were good but didn't impress me as much as I thought might were The Kills 'Blood Pressures', Electric 6's 'Heartbeats and Brainwaves' and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Most disappointing was Civet's 'Love & War'. I love this band. Live they rule, their first record ruled but 'Love & War' just seemed not up to the girls talent or ability. It felt like they just punched it in.

A handful of mentions include: Alison Krauss and Union Station's 'Paper Airplane', The Cars 'Move Like This', Emmylou Harris' 'Hard Bargain' and Those Darlins 'Screws Get Loose'. These were all great records that just barely fell short of the top 15.

Best shows of they year were from acts such as the Arkells, the Darlings of Chelsea and Civet.

So without further ado. Here are my top fifteen of 2011:

15. Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive
14. City and Colour - Little Hell
13. The Black Keys - El Camino
12. Fred Eaglesmith - 6 Volts
11. Sixx:A.M. - This Is Gonna Hurt

10 Jack's Mannequin - People and Things
The more adult version of Something Corporate

9. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Not as good as 'The Colour and the Shape' but damn close!

8. Billy the Kid and the Southside Boys - Ours
Beautifully written singer/songwriter tunes

7. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie
Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem does not disappoint!

6. The Arkells - Michigan Left
One of the most talented bands of my list and probably the closest thing to "hipster" I listen to.

5. Butch Walker - The Spade
If you know who he is, I don't need to tell you anything else.

4. Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes
They have put out better records but this record still kicks 95% of it's competition's ass.

3. The Ripperz - You Are the Moon
Such a diverse, honest, real band.

2. The Darlings of Chelsea - Panic Is Worse Than the Emergency
Saving Rock N Roll!

1. Jim Jones Revue - Burning Your House Down
Resurrecting 1957 but louder.

The Ripperz - You Are the Moon

2011-11-23T20:07:00.001-08:00

For many “live” bands it can be tough to translate the energy and emotion of being at a show to digital medium. The first time I heard anything about or by this band was at a show I witnessed by accident when looking for something to do out of boredom. I was enthralled with their live show and their self titled record I picked up that night was just as stunning. They instantaneously became one of my favorite bands.

I have waited since 2009 for a follow-up of their 2008 record. Finally in November of 2011 I received the second installment of Ripperz goodness entitled ‘You Are the Moon’. From what I can tell ‘You Are the Moon’ is like the first record in where each song was recorded as a band together at once instead of the drum track, bass track, guitar track, vocal track etc. etc. process (live but in a controlled studio environment.) One can only presume this is how they get their raw/authentic sound that evokes so much emotion. There are no surprises on this record.

At first I was almost scared to open the packing of the new record. You are never sure if a band you enjoy so much is going to disappoint on their sophomore effort. I was able to rest easy when I realized The Ripperz have not strayed far from what I can only assume was their original vision of a indie/rock/roots band that gives it 120% at everything they do. Some bands need a reworking of style or image or need new inspiration for writing. The Ripperz don’t. ‘You Are the Moon’ is just as fresh and hip as their first effort. There is nothing tired about this record.

The first track on the docket is the sequel to the first record’s ‘Tonight’ cleverly entitled ‘Tonight Pt II’. It’s a rocked up ditty that, like Travis Warkentin said about ‘Fly’ on the first record, I feel about with this song. It gives you the same feeling as leaving work on a Friday. If it’s a good song for me, usually I am singing along before the end of the first listen. This record is full of them. They are fun, full of emotion and, most importantly, real songs. There are no pretentious attitudes. Some of the songs are good-time type songs like ‘Just a Boy’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Fall’ and some just plain earnest or plaintive type songs like ‘Dancing on the Weekend’ and ‘Arena’. If I have to pick two highlights on ‘You Are the Moon’ for me, it would be the last two tracks. The first song being the up tempo ‘Moon and Stars’ and the second being the dramatic musically and lyrically final track 'Blood Orange’. All ten songs are really top game excellent though. Which are your two favorite?

Please support independent Canadian musicians. By 'You Are The Moon' here: http://www.thenewformlabel.bigcartel.com/product/the-ripperz-you-are-the-moon

Cheers rockers,

Here is a really raw live clip of 'Moon and Stars' that captures the band:

REMembering R.E.M.

2011-09-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today, after 31 years, R.E.M. have decided to call it quits. For me, it's kind of like losing a close friend or family member. To call R.E.M.'s music the soundtrack to my life probably sounds pretty corny and cliche, but it's definitely true. I remember watching MuchMusic as a kid in the 80's seeing these kind of weird, low budget music videos by this seemingly faceless band next to these huge productions by the Michael Jacksons, Madonnas and hair metal bands of the day. But I always really enjoyed the tunes. Even as a kid, songs like "Fall On Me," "So. Central Rain" and "Can't Get There From Here" really made a lasting impact on me. When I saw them in interviews, they just seemed like normal, yet quirky, kind of guys. They definitely stood out from the Tommy Lees and Dee Sniders of the world. In other words, they didn't look like rock stars. However, I was still just a kid so my cassette collection consisted of Poison, Skid Row and such.

By Grade 9, I kind of hit rock bottom with my music collection when I bought Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer albums. Yeah, things got pretty rough. But one day, all this would change. My days of listening to shitty music were over. On a whim, I decided to peruse the local record store with no set plan. I just wanted to find something a bit different. After scouring the store, I ended up buying Spirit of the West's Go Figure and R.E.M.'s Out of Time. Upon first listen, I thought SOTW's album was brilliant* and Out of Time was pure shite. But after a second listen, I was hooked. It seemed like a whole new world opened up to me. In particular, "Half a World Away," "Country Feedback" and "Me In Honey" absolutely flattened me. Grade 9 is a pretty pivotal year for the development of most people so I count myself pretty lucky to be exposed to R.E.M. that year. Within a few months, Nirvana and Pearl Jam broke and the rest is history.

After absorbing Out of Time, I went through R.E.M.'s back catalogue and saw how the band transformed from an underground "college rock" band to become one of the biggest bands on the planet. And looking back, it still seems kind of like a fluke. They've always had great songs, but "Losing My Religion" became the biggest song in the world... a song with no chorus and a mandolin is the main instrument. A fricking mandolin! Very bizarre. U2 have always strived to be the biggest band in the world. The "little band that could" from Athens seemed to accidentally stumble into the position of World's Biggest Band. And then it seemed like they did everything in their power to get out of that position. Eddie Vedder definitely took notes.

Since Out of Time, I have been to the record store the day each new album has come out, from 1992's Automatic For The People to this year's Collapse Into Now. And now I guess those days are over. But I am really grateful to have been exposed to such a vast, rich and diverse catalogue of music. They are the only band I can listen to, regardless of my mood. If I'm in a mellow mood, there's Out of Time. If I want to get pumped up for a run, there's always Monster. Over 31 years, they have dabbled with folk, rock, punk, glam rock, pop, soul, country, funk, ambient and electronica. Yet, it always had that distinct R.E.M. sound: Michael Stipe's unique nasal baritone, Peter Buck's jangly Byrdsy guitars, Mike Mill's melodic bass lines and backing vocals and Bill Berry's rock solid drumming. They were a band in the truest sense of the term, where the whole was greater than the sum of the parts.

Without R.E.M., I wouldn't have been exposed at such a young age to the bands that inspired them: The Velvet Underground, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Iggy and the Stooges, Patti Smith, Television. I also got acquainted with their peers: The Replacements, Husker Du, The Minutemen, Black Flag. Even though their sound wasn't abrasive, they took that whole punk DIY aesthetic and paved the way for the alternative bands of the 90's and today's indie bands. They helped create an alternate version of a "rock star" that people like Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Thom Yorke and Win Butler could relate to. Basically, they showed that you didn't have to dress in leather pants and act like an asshole to be onstage.

It can be argued that R.E.M. should've called it a day when their drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997. It really can't be disputed that their post-Berry work has been their weakest. They really did lose a bit of confidence after he left. However, the work still holds up. Up and Reveal are still pretty great albums. They hit a low with 2004's Around The Sun, but I would rank their last two albums Accelerate and Collapse Into Now right up there with the likes of Murmur and Lifes Rich Pageant. Both albums have deservedly earned heaps of critical praise as a "return to form" and re-established R.E.M. as a relevant force again. They were even deemed "hip" enough to be on the cover of SPIN for the first time in years and be the first band to play The Colbert Report. So if the boys from Athens want to call it a day, they might as well end on a high note.

So today is a sad day for me, but they left 15 albums and 31 years of musical memories to tide me over. R.E.M., ya done good.

"Radio Free Europe"

"Begin The Begin"

"What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"

"Mine Smell Like Honey"

- JJ REMone

*In retrospect, Spirit of the West's Go Figure stands up as a pretty damn fine album, although the production is pretty dated and tinny.

The Darlings Of Chelsea's: Panic Is Worse Than The Emergency

2011-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Remember when people said rock’n’roll was dead? It wasn’t. It still isn’t. You may have to search though ninety percent of all the “rock’n’roll…ick” that is commercially available but it is there. You can stop looking though, I have found it. It was hiding… hiding in the minds and fingertips of the anthemic soulful Toronto rockers the Darlings of Chelsea.

In mid-2009 the Darlings of Chelsea released their debut record ‘The Mimico Sessions’. This record was a six song ep that featured then vocalist Sean Robertson. I remember at the time thinking this band was going to take over the world. It was THAT great. When Robertson departed from the band, the remaining four went on to form the power quartet you now know. Lead guitarist Paul Thompson stepped into the front man and vocal duties naturally and with the greatest of ease. Thompson along with his rock’n’roll terrorist friends/brothers/band mates, bassist Robbie Ruckus, guitar player Jay Millette and drummer Chris Nova have now put out a back to basics, balls to the wall AUTHENTIC rock record with ‘Panic Is Worse Than The Emergency’ last Tuesday.

Although this is the Darlings first full length piece, these gentlemen are no amateurs. Know this; these four men have rocked the independent and mainstream circuit for some time now. They have toured the globe with their previous bands like Robin Black, The Black Halos, CJ Sleeze, Kill Cheerleader and Scratching Post. They know exactly how to do this. The Darlings are already garnering attention nationally as well as in the US getting attention from the CBC, SXSW and countless articles and interviews.

This record is classic rock but still fresh all at the same time. It’s not that tired ass shit you hear at your local state fair. Sometimes when you’re working for the weekend you wonder how the singer still fits in those red leather pants. Not these guys. No stale hoagie poggie crap here. ‘Panic Is Worse Than The Emergency’ is volatile, freewheeling aggressive yet fun eleven songs in thirty four minutes.

From the steady chug-a-long fist pump ‘Lucky Ones’ which opens the record to high octane high energy ‘No Rescue’ to an almost power-pop song like ‘Call To Arms.’ This album is everything it should be. It’s loaded with killer background vocals, sing-along gang vocals, ripping guitars, machine gun drums, solo’s that will blow your doors off and bass lines that will knock your fun parts to the floor. ‘Panic Is Worse Than The Emergency’ is an honest rock record that you, the kids, will cry for. I am going on four days straight of non-stop listening myself. If you think anything less of the product than I do then we can’t be friends… but you won’t, I guarantee it.

Cheers Rockers.

Stream the entire album below courtesy of your friendly neighborhood Darlings. If you like what you here please do go to itunes and pick it up and please don’t miss out on their cross-Canada tour which starts Sept 23. Oh, and I am telling you now you will dig this!

Panic is Worse than the Emergency - FREE FULL ALBUM STREAM !!! by Darlings Of Chelsea

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/panic-is-worse-than-emergency/id459752992

2011 Regina Folk Festival

2011-08-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

So the 2011 Regina Folk Festival came and went and my body has FINALLY adjusted back to some semblance of normality again. The Folk Festival is hands down my favourite time of the year here in Regina... and this year was definitely one of the most solid top-to-bottom lineups in recent memory. Plus, I was lucky enough to have the privelege of cohosting one of the daytime side stages, so I had a pretty cool perspective compared to previous years. I have to give some major kudos to Sandra Butel and company for putting together such an incredible lineup. It was definitely tons of fun!

So without further ado, here are some of the highlights for me this year...

FRIDAY

The day began with an hour set during the lunch hour by e.s.l. These ladies put on a really solid set of cabaret and chamber pop tunes. Leader singer Marta Jacukieck-McKeever has a stunning voice. Plus their version of the Beastie Boys' "Girls" (sung by Cris Derksen) was a really fun way to get the ball rolling.

Grant Lawrence was once again the consummate entertainer, MCing the main stage again on Friday. I think it's safe to say that the former Smuggler is one of the coolest people in Canada. The guy is just effortlessy charismatic. And he's a heck of a nice guy to boot.

Fred Penner transported me back to my childhood with his mainstage kickoff set. You'd have to be pretty hardened not to get a kick out of his rendition of "The Cat Came Back." And the dude hasn't aged much since I was just a wee lad. Definitely an impressive set.

Shotgun Jimmie only had a teaser set, but he made the most of his 15 minutes. He's a natural storyteller and incredible songwriter. I'll definitely check out his full show next time he swings through town.

Braids' brand of dream pop sounded pretty phenomenal. The emphasis with this Quebec is definitely on experimental atmospherics. If you imagined the most mellow tunes from Stars combined with some Bjorkesque vocals, you'd have a rough idea of what this band's all about. They're definitely a band you have to take the time to absorb.

Andrew Bird put on an absolutely captivating performance. Using a loop pedal, Bird created some ethereal soundscapes with his violin and guitar. He definitely had the crowd transfixed.

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald only had a teaser set, but he certainly won over the crowd with his witty banter, soulful voice and mellow tunes. He would definitely be worth shelling out some hard earned moolah next time he hits town.

KT Tunstall absolutely blew me away. Obviously she is famous for her huge pop hits "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," "Other Side of the World" and "Suddenly I See," but she put on a consistently thrilling and energetic set. Joined only by a bass player and a drummer, Tunstall wowed the crowd with her raspy voice, showmanship and solid musicianship. I was expecting a good show, but she definitely surpassed my expectations. She was one of the highlights of my weekend and a great way to close out Friday night.

SATURDAY

During the daytime, I got to catch some pretty cool performances and workshops. Zachary Lucky kicked things off with a solid set of Townes Van Zandt-esque tunes. This was followed by an amazing workshop hosted by Marshall Burns of Rah Rah and also featured the insanely talented (and fellow Tom Waits geek) Jeffrey Straker, Shotgun Jimmie and Grant Lawrence (who read excerpts from his book Adventures in Solitude). I can't lie... getting the chance to share the mic with Mr. Lawrence made me pretty giddy.

Shotgun Jimmie did a fantastic job of MCing the mainstage Saturday night. He's totally a natural for such a job. I think he could have a job with the CBC some day down the road.

Dan Mangan put on a phenomenal show, kicking things off in a perfect way. Getting the crowd to sing along to "Robots" in the pouring rain was quite the feat. But when a song is that good, it was pretty easy for the crowd to handle the downpour.

Jeffrey Straker put on a really entertaining show during a teaser set. His brand of cabaret pop went over really well with the crowd. He's another act I'll have to see when he's in town to do a full show. But anyone who digs Tom Waits can't be that bad, right?

Marco Calliari was quite possibly my favourite artist of the weekend. If you imagined a somewhat more subdued, yet more uplifting Gogol Bordello then you'd have a rough idea of Calliari and his band. Him and his tight band had the crowd in the palm of their hands. I think the entire crowd had perma-grin during the whole set. I know I did. Every year there is one artist I've never heard of who comes out of nowhere and captures the Festival flag. For 2011, it was definitely Marco Calliari. I really hope he hits The Exchange sometime soon. Wowza.

Hey Ocean! put on a brief teaser set (which I missed), but I got to see them put on a full show on Sunday during the day. This band has tons of fun, uptempo pop tunes and put on a great show. (And the lead singer isn't exactly too hard on the eyes.)

I'm not the biggest blues fan out there, but I was definitely taken to school by Taj Mahal. The guy is a legend and just has the indescribable IT that the greats possess. Mahal absolutely wails on the guitar and his passion and energy just resonates with people. I was completely blown away by his performance. This was a performer who I wasn't too interested in seeing at first... but he totally won me over. That's the beauty of a festival like this one.

k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang finished off the night. To be honest, I wasn't overly impressed. It goes without saying that lang has one of the finest voices out there. And her version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" was transcendent. In fact, the hairs on the back of my neck were on end for that song. However, I found the rest of her set to be full of subpar, midtempo material. Perhaps it was just my fatigue kicking in, but her set definitely didn't fit my mood. I think some of my disappointment came from me expecting her to throw in a couple of her Reclines era country rave-ups. Oh well, you can't win 'em all I guess.

SUNDAY

The daytime consisted of an amazing set of performances and workshops. The highlights for me consisted of Hawksley Workman (who was joined by Indigo Joseph and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald) jamming out during a workshop on a packed Scarth Street. As one of the MCs, I was dumbstruck after the performance, struggling to find the right words to describe what just transpired. I think I said something to the effect of "Wow... that was so cool." Not the most eloquent description, but I think it suited the mood. It was quite the jam to say the least. Sometimes all you can say is "wow." Hawksley has that effect on people. There was also another incredible workshop consisting of Library Voices, Rah Rah and Indigo Joseph. It was pretty awesome seeing some of Regina's best bands getting together and jamming together.

Fred Penner did a great job of MCing the main stage. The guy is definitely a pro. The Hard Ramblers put on a short but sweet teaser set of their fun "outlaw bluegrass." Library Voices are used to playing dark club shows, but they absolutely owned the big outdoor stage. Playing some selections from their upcoming album Summer of Lust along with earlier favourites like "Step Off the Map and Float," this Regina band once again showed that they can proudly stand side by side any band out there. They've got an endless supply of incredibly well written tunes, and tons of energy and charisma. It's pretty cool to see a local band become one of the highlights of the festival.

Coeur de pirate put on a fun show of cute, keyboard driven, happy-go-lucky pop tunes. She is so bubbly that I just had this urge to pinch her cheeks afterwards. After a teaser set by Fred Penner, Hawksley Workman closed things out with a stunning set. Joined only by a keyboard player, Workman showed why he's without a doubt one of Canada's most talented musicians. Since he didn't have a full band, Workman was free to tell bardic tales and rework some of his better known tunes like "Jealous of Your Cigarette." I would seriously pay good money just to see him tell stories and banter with the crowd. The guy just oozes talent and charisma. He's like the Prince of Canada.

From top to bottom, the 2011 edition was easily one of the best lineups of the Folk Festival in recent years. Once again, there was an incredibly positive vibe that emanated from the performers and the crowd. It's definitely money well spent for a pass. 2012 can't come soon enough! And maybe, just maybe, they'll book Tom Waits to perform. :-)

T.B. Judd - Hometown Bar

2011-08-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

T.B. Judd is a side project of multi-instrumentalist Judd Stachoski (Bystanders/Dustin Ritter Band/Black Drink Crier). Hometown Bar is a six song EP in which Stachoski wrote entirely himeself. He shows his talent and versatilty by recording all the instruments himself on the record. Hometown Bar is a fine record that was produced and engineered by Orion Paradis at SoulSound studios here in Regina.

The ever eclectic songwriter known simply as Judd on posters around town has blended his natuaral songwriting abilites with demostrating a great amount of respect for one of his influences, Tom Waits. The record starts with a storytelling song 'Hometown Bar,' which is a great example of this brand of bluesy singer/songwriter stylings. In 'Hometown Bar' I picture everything the vocalist is saying, just as I do when I here 'A Boy Named Sue'. That's true talent. Next on the docket is the eerie accordian number 'The Baiton House'. I think I'd be looking behind me if I was listening to this on a dark walk home. I've heard Judd perform songs before that are similar to the next folky ditty entitled 'Roots'. Those songs are a real treat and this one is as well. It's nice break about home and the land we live in before going into the next number. 'Cant' Do This Anymore' goes back to a more theatrical sound. The last two tracks have a more stripped down feel. The first being a story song 'Forest Groans' followed by 'High On The Mountains' which is a bare bones banjo number.

Hometown Bar is a fresh 6 song EP with strong, well written songs. If you are are a fan of roots, folk, blues, singer/songwriter or just great handcrafted songs then this records is for you. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy.

http://www.myspace.com/tbjudd

Cheers Rockers,

WINNING AMERICA - The Story of a Canadian Band Trying To Make It In The States.

2011-07-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here at SPUN, we write about many bands that peak our interests (and the odd one that doesn't. We're looking at you Nickelback...) However, the main goal has always been to promote bands (typically Canadian and from the 'Vag) that some of us may know about but deserve much more exposure. Well, Vancouver's Said The Whale is attempting to break the potentially huge American market at one of the biggest and most iconic music cities in the world: Austin, Texas at SXSW. The CBC decided to document the process of this amazing band trying to make their name south of the border...

Here is what CBC had to say about the documentary:

WINNING AMERICA

The Story of A Canadian Band. Trying To Make It In The States.

This CBC Documentary follows Vancouver band Said The Whale to South by South West Festival (SxSW) in Austin, Texas. It’s a true story about the hardships and successes of a touring band trying to make it at the biggest music festival in North America.

Produced by Jon Siddall (CBC Radio 2) & Brent Hodge (CBC Radio3)

Directed by Brent Hodge (CBC Radio 3) & Thomas Buchan (Battle Of The Bagpipes,Hope)"

Please do yourself a favour and check out the trailer and live clip below.

Said the Whale Live Performance Video:

Cheers!

Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols - Wastedland

2011-07-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's no secret I dig Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols. I have been following this kick ass rock 'n' roll band since March of 2008 when I was Myspace surfing for new bands to check out. I stumbled across them and I really dug what they were doing right away; a blend of the old and the new. Fast-forward to 2011 and I am still checking out the new updates of FWDI.

Frankie and her Canadian merchants of noise recorded and put out a solid self titled EP back in '08. That record got a lot of play around my place. However, it was only to be the start. The band has really hit their stride in the last couple years. It started with 'Bullets' and 'Right There' and I didn't think they could top 'Right There'. That being said, they knocked it out of the park with their first official video for 'Keep on Walkin''. When I thought that was going to be the pinnacle, they prove me wrong with their latest cunning stunt: their brand spanking new single for 'Wastedland'. 'Keep on Walkin' was/is a killer anthemic rock 'n' roll song and so is 'Wastedland'. Written by FW, Simon Wilcox and Aaron Kamin (The Calling) and shot in June of this year, one should note that 'Wastedland' takes their sound, songwriting skills and musicianship to the next level. It's this kind of effort that will be the key that should lead them to being arena rock sensations. This heavy pop 'n' roll song has hooks left and right that will be stuck in your head for days. You know it's a good song when it becomes an instant sing-a-long. Wastedland is tough and graceful, has rippin' riffs, a pretty melody with a big chorus.

FWDI seem to up the ante each time they lift a finger. I don't know what will be on a full length record when it comes out but one has to know at this pace, it's got to be a sure fire hit.

Check it below. I have had it on repeat for over a week.

Cheers Rockers,

Free Download (valid until July 21) http://wastedland.viinyl.com/

Lindi Ortega - Little Red Boots

2011-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

10 years after her debut album, Toronto's Lindi Ortega seems ready to finally break through and gain the commercial attention she deserves. I stumbled upon her music on MySpace (remember MySpace?) three or four years ago and was instantly taken in by her stunning voice. This woman could sing the phone book and the crowd would be transfixed. I hate to make comparisons, but Ortega's pipes are a beautiful blend of Dolly Parton, Jeff Buckley and Emmylou Harris.

Aside from her mesmerizing voice, Ortega proves that she is one helluva songwriter with Little Red Boots. From start to finish, this album is pretty much flawless. The predominant feel is rootsy alt-country, with a bit of bluegrass, folk and blues thrown in for good measure. You can tell that Ortega's record collection includes plenty of old school country artists like Dolly, Waylon, Willie, Johnny and Merle. (It's sad that real country nowadays is referred to as "alt-country" while Taylor Swift and Shania Twain are "country." But I digress.)

Album opener "Little Lies" is an uptempo country stomper, complete with some killer stand up bass. "Blue Bird" is a fun, rollicking 2 minute bluegrass number with some impressive banjo picking throughout. "Angels" is a breezy, midtempo, rootsy tune that'll stick in your head for days, much like the rest of the album. "I'm No Elvis Presley" is a firecracker of a tune that is self-deprecating, yet manages to raise the middle finger to her detractors ("I'm no Elvis Presley, so who the hell are you?"). I'm pretty sure anyone who has stepped onstage can appreciate this song.

Ortega's 12 original tunes would make an incredible album by itself. However, she closes the album with an absolutely transcendent version of my favourite Bruce Springsteen song, "I'm On Fire." If your heart doesn't melt and the hairs on the back of your neck don't stand after hearing this version, then we can never be friends. This is hands down one of the finest recordings I've heard in years. Period. What a perfect closer to a pretty perfect album. This is easily one of the top 5 best albums of the year so far. And in a year that's seen releases by PJ Harvey, R.E.M., The Strokes, Steve Earle, etc, that's saying a LOT.

You can check out her video for "Angels" and a live version of "I'm On Fire" below.

No Fly List – Blaze On

2011-06-14T19:49:00.001-07:00

I recently acquired a No Fly List record called ‘Blaze On’. It’s a rock’n’roll record that was released by the Ottawa trio this past April. Originally starting as a jam band, the No Fly List quickly had momentum building around their area. They have been playing local venues, which originally consisted of showing up for open mic nights. It quickly turned into a serious band selling out Irene’s Pub in Ottawa for the release of their debut record.

Blaze On is a rock’n’roll record, and a solid one for sure. It opens with ‘4 Chords Away,’ which is a very Canadian song. Think 54-40 meets Blue Rodeo. It’s rockin’ and hooky with fun riffs all over the place. Next up is a really smooth transition into ‘A Secret Amongst Friends’. To me, it’s the mellower singer/songwriter sister of the first track. Next is ‘Shock Therapy’, and it’s the tastiest track on the record. It’s definitely the danciest. Almost at the midpoint of the record is ‘Up For Air’ which is an instrumental ditty reaching just over a minute in length. I would describe it as atmospheric, classical pop. Following this is ‘Ambush,’ an acoustic lament turned shoegaze-style song that is almost epic in quality. It’s nice how the clean guitars mesh with distorted guitars. It never gets out of control which is good. It’s not too much and stays within the realm of what it should be. The next three songs stay on the mellower side of things with ‘Blaze On’, ‘Upstate’ and ‘Ambush (Reprise) which are all good songs in their own right. ‘Self Discipline’ picks it up again with a fun feelin’ bass heavy rock track. Lastly is a track which showcases the band's musicianship and songwriting abilities.

Overall ‘Blaze On’ is a strong debut record from the No Fly List. I really think their strengths lie in their alternative rock’n’roll style of songs. That being said, the songs on the lighter side still hold their own. I can only imagine that the No Fly List puts on a hell of a show. One could expect that the rockin’ tracks are full of energy and the mellower ones are as captivating as all hell.

Highlights: 4 Chords Away, A Secret Amongst Friends, Shock Therapy and Self Disciplined

I look forward to seeing the boys in action. If you are in the Ottawa area you are in for a treat because you can do just that. The No Fly List play at the Elmdale Tavern on June 30th located @1084 Wellington St W in Ottawa with Life in 2D opening.

Cheers Rockers,

www.noflylistmusic.com
www.facebook.com/noflylist
*listen here: http://noflylist.bandcamp.com/album/blaze-on

The Criminal Kid: It Isn’t Enough

2011-06-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have known of The Criminal Kid for some time but just haven’t had the chance to see them. I have wanted to, it’s just one of those things. This past Saturday I went to the Artesian see a local band ‘Chad Kichula and the Douglas Avenue Garage Band.’ While Chad put on a good show, I was disappointed to find out the CK had opened and I had missed it. I was however fortunate to run into the bass player of The Criminal Kid, Jeremy Pilon and received my copy of the bands ep ‘It Isn’t Enough’.

The Criminal Kid I am told, have transformed into something different than what they originally set out to be. Having known a couple of the members previous projects, when I am told they used to be a band that was on the hard side and toned it down and become more a rock’n’roll band I knew exactly what they meant. The Criminal Kid can only be described as that band you never knew but saw at a festival like the 90’s Canadian touring Edgefest and were blown away. Sure there were bands that you have listened to for years, but pound for pound this band is the treat on the bill. They give me that kind of feeling. They are more than what I expected.

‘It Isn’t Enough’ opens with the title track of the record and if I have one objection to the record it’s minor things in this song. Personally I think that the opening guitars in this track and opening vocals should have both been double tracked. The singers (Allysia Kerney) vocals should be bigger and so should the opening guitars. Keep in mind those are just minor things. The record as a whole is very well done. Now that all that constructive criticism is out of the way, we can move on to the good stuff. Allysia’s vocal stylings really are perfect for the song. The song has a nice momentum to it that you can’t help groove to. Jeremy and drummer Mike Van Betuw really kill it on this track and Vic Roman has great stinging guitar solo that couldn’t be better suited for the song.

I love how this band pulls from what I can only imagine was a shit ton of influences. There is some 80’s and 90’s stuff in here but it still remains really modern. Keys open the second song ‘I Have a Beautiful Dream’. The vocals on this track are thick but sexy. The keys mixed with Vic’s clean sounding guitars create a crisp full sound. The track has an atmospheric sound with a steady rhythm that is full and gripping. It peaks just when it should. It’s a slow dancy number that the kids will cry for.

The last track on the record ‘You Are’ is probably me favourite. Kind of a Rainbow Butt Monkeys meets Holly McNarland kind of vibe. I broke two sticks playing air drums to this one. ‘You Are’ is an up tempo ditty made for the charts.

The Criminal Kid are a band that have discovered how to make their own sound that is that is likely to appeal to anyone. It’s pop, rock, dark and fun all at the same time. They have well written songs that are sure to hit homeruns with any listener. I wouldn’t change a thing about this band. I look forward to a full record from these talented Regina rockers. I can’t wait to see these guys live… can’t wait!

Below is a real treat, a scaled down acoustic of The Criminal Kid's new track 'Little Wind'.

http://www.thecriminalkid.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/TheCriminalKid

Cheers Rockers,

The Cars - Move Like This

2011-05-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Cars' catalogue has always remained current and fresh to me. They have never sounded liked dated 80’s music to me. So when I heard that Ric Ocasek and the band had reunited and were going to release a new record entitled ‘Move Like This’, I was unsure what to expect or what it was going to sound like. Were they going to sound tired or try to go in a new direction and be something they aren’t? Bands like BTO (now just Bachman and Turner) and Trooper just can’t seem to pull off relevance anymore. Maybe that’s a bad example since to me those bands were always just 3’s dressed up as 9’s. Nonetheless, when I think of those bands, the first thing that comes to mind is “Oh great, more rehashed, tired old crap”.

Not the case with the Cars, however. ‘Move Like This’ beams into 2011 as fresh and relevant as they ever were. The only difference is that now the artists that were inspired by the band that recorded albums such as their self-titled record and ‘Heartbeat City’ can now hope to share the stage with them. ‘Move Like This’ is the comeback that makes 1987’s ‘Door to Door’ album forgivable. They picked up were their peak left off and put out a modern new wave record that is worthy of any Cars fan. In the 70’s and 80’s, the Cars made really great complete songs and have done so again. This album could have come out in 1988, 1998, 2008 or as it has now. It doesn’t matter when it was released because the Cars have put out a fresh record that is not dated and is stylized in their classic sound. That is everything I would want in a new Cars record.

While the late Ben Orr’s physical contributions are not there, his spirit is definitely on the record. The song ‘Soon’ is very reminiscent of ‘Drive’ and ‘Sad Song’ let’s us know that this is still the band your best friend's girl listened to. That being said, ‘Keep On Knocking’, ‘Too Late’ and ‘Hit’s Me’ are my personal favourites. The record is an instant classic for any Cars fan (or for any rock’n’roll fan in general for that matter). If I had to pick one that I don’t dig as much as the rest, it would be ‘Blue Tip’. I like it, but it seems a little like an 80’s novelty song one would get sick of. A little too talky sounding in combination with the synth is what I think gives me that vibe. Again it’s still a great tune.

Minus Ben Orr, the original band is still intact with Ric Ocasek on rhythm guitar/vox, Elliot Easton on lead guitar, Greg Hawkes on keyboards/synth and David Robinson on drums. ‘Move Like This’ is simply a record you must pick up. Ric Ocasek has done what many bands have forgotten how to or never have known how to do, and that’s write great pop rock’n’roll songs where the songs themselves are the focus. There is not one bad cut on the record which is pretty impressive for a band in their late 50’s and early 60’s.

Cheers Rockers,

Kalle Mattson - Anchors

2011-04-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

Anchors is the second long-player from Ontario's up-and-coming Kalle Mattson, following 2009's Whisper Bee. The brainchild of singer/songwriter Kalle Wainio, Kalle and his band have constructed a fantastic batch of tunes with some diverse influences. I hate to make comparisons to other bands, but sometimes that's the easiest way to begin discussing a new artist. To me, Anchors sounds like a mix between The Weakerthans, Stars and Pavement with some folk and garage rock thrown in for good measure. But forget about trying to peg this band. They're just damn good. Each of the ten tracks are standouts, but my personal favourites are the rollicking "Thick As Thieves" and "Good Morning, Good Night." Featuring mixing by famed producer Howie Beck (Feist, Jason Collett, Jason Rouse), this album is a must for folkies, hipsters and rockers alike. Do yourself a favour and check it out!

You can stream the album here:

http://kallemattson.bandcamp.com/

As well, you check out the cool video for "Thick As Thieves" below:

Johnny Hatch - Happiness Instead

2011-04-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Regina's own Johnny Hatch is definitely a "glass half full" kind of guy. His new album Happiness Instead just oozes with positive energy. If you're not smiling by the time this album is over, you might as well just jump in front of a bus right now. There is no hope for you. Hatch's latest batch of tunes are full of uplifting, melodic folk, rock, pop and dance tunes that will stick in your head for days. As an original member of a little known band that would become The Waltons, Hatch's music is firmly entrenched in what many people (myself included... yes, I am getting old) would call the "golden age" of Can-Rock. If you love early 90's Canadian bands like The Lowest of the Low, Rheostatics, Barenaked Ladies, Odds, Grapes of Wrath (and yes... The Waltons), then you will really dig this album.

Hatch writes pop songs in the classic sense of the term. The emphasis is on melody, with a template based on mid-tempo folk/rock/pop tunes. However, he gives each song the appropriate treatment it deserves. The end result is a diverse, yet cohesive, album that flows naturally from one song to the next. Album opener "Echo" is a fantastic folk-rocker which blends nicely next to the dance-rock of "In L.A." I can't wait wait to see Hatch and his band play "In L.A." live. I guarantee that people will be shaking their butts to this killer tune. Other highlights include "Lucky Seven Yeah!" (which almost matches the number of "yeah's" found in Nirvana's "In Lithium" and R.E.M.'s "Man on the Moon"), the ska-induced "Precious Time" and the garage rocker "Find The Door." At only 9 songs, Hatch makes a bold, compact statement and leaves the listener wanting more... which is a good thing.

This album is definitely worth your time and hard earned moolah. Make sure to check him and his band out when they tour in the next few months! You can check out his music here.

Interview w/ Ripperz Drummer Travis Warkentin

2011-03-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Three of my favourite independent bands are bands that unless you follow the independent music scene you may not know of. Luckily the Hot Blood Bombers and the Bystanders are from Regina. However, one band you will want to see seven days from now is Winnipeg's rock n' roll specialists the Ripperz.

On August 22, 2009 I randomly walked into Regina's O'Hanlon's Irish Pub for a pint with a girl whose name escapes me at the moment. Her name is not important, what is important is that I saw one of best rocks bands western Canada has to offer. In fact, I thought they were so good that I nerded out and asked the singer to sign their record that I had just bought. He advised me that he'd love to but would prefer to sign his. Apparently we had missed the opening act Hard Feelings and the guy I bought record from was a Hard Feelings member... not the Ripperz roadie I thought he was. That's alright, that night I left with two really great records.

It will be nice to get some new and old friends out to see the Ripperz back at Ohan's this Thursday April 7th. It was a long year and a half wait but I suspect it will be worth it. Their self-titled record is flawless and their show is even better.

I have posted a couple examples of their work 'Elephant Blues' and my personal favourite...today: 'Baby, Let's Go Out'. Each of them are quite different so be be sure to check them both out. For more highlights like 'Fly' and 'Born Fighting' I will see you Thursday.

I am please to present to you my interview with the man behind the kit, Ripperz drummer Travis Warkentin.

Cheers Rockers.

SPUN: For someone just getting into your music how would you characterize your music, how would you describe it?
T.W: Generally, we are an indie rock band. We don't try to sound like anybody else so its hard to say what we sound like.

SPUN: Who is in the band? Who plays what?
T.W: Chris Sawatzky guitar and vocals. Mark Wiebe bass. Travis Warkentin drums.

SPUN: How long have you been a band? How did you come together to start playing?
T.W: We have been a band for around 10 years on and off, mostly on. We have been taking things seriously for about the past 4 or 5 years.

SPUN: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
T.W: For me, the band itself is an inspiration. I love watching it grow and develop. I like seeing how people react when they have never seen us play before. Getting a good reaction form a new fan is all the inspiration I need.

SPUN: Which one of your songs is your favourite?
T.W: 'Fly' is my favorite song to play. I would compare it to the same feeling you have when you are leaving work on a Friday.

SPUN: What do you want your fans to take away from your music?
T.W:I just want our fans to have a good time after a hard day at the office. I want our music to make people want to interact with someone they have never talked to before.

SPUN: I have wondered since I first heard the name, where did you come up with the name the Ripperz?
T.W: The name comes from the TV show Full House. The band on the show was Jesse and the Rippers. We had to tweak it slightly.

SPUN: Do you prefer to play at home or to play the road?
T.W: I love playing on the road most. I love catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Plus there is always a chance we might have to sleep in our astro van. We only did that once.

SPUN: There are a lot of great bands/songwriters in this country of ours. Why should I come see your band? What makes what you so special?
T.W: We have "it".

SPUN: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
T.W: Our biggest challenge so far has been making the band into a full-time job. We are always at war with this dragon and as of yet, Bard has not brought down Smaug.

SPUN: When you aren't playing or writing, what occupies your time?
T.W: We as a band will kick anyone's ass at street hockey.

SPUN: What was the first record you ever bought and do you still own it?
T.W: I can't remember the first record I bought. But It was probably Zao, Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest. I still listen to that album all the time. It's a classic.

SPUN: Is there anything the band listens to between cities that you may be embarrassed to mention?
T.W: Dan Hill 'Sometimes When We Touch', the Boney M Christmas album, and Yakety Sax (the theme from the Benny Hill show)

SPUN: Do you have any worst show stories? Trainwrecks or funny blunders?
T.W: We haven't really had any over-the-top mishaps onstage yet but I am sure one day a tossed beer bottle while find its place with one of our foreheads before our time is up.

SPUN: How many records have you put out? Do you have plans for more?
T.W: We have one record and about another album worth of poorly released material prior to that. We are planing on hitting the studio in June and by fall we should have something new out again.

SPUN: How can fans to be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with samples songs and/or where can they get a copy of music?
T.W: Fans can gain access to our music via our website www.theripperz.com or our myspace at www.myspace.com/theripperz , or via facebook, search the ripperz friendz.

SPUN: What is coming on the horizon for the Ripperz?
T.W: The open road.

SPUN: Lastly give me two words to end this interview.
T.W: Have fun!

Photo Credit: Jordana Meilleur

Elephant Blues

Baby, Let's Go Out

Civet: Love & War

2011-03-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sisters Liza Graves and Suzi Homewrecker have had a busy year. In a year of touring, replacing members and taking time for their fans, the girls managed to release their sophomore record on Hellcat Records just a couple weeks ago. Civet are a 4 piece punk-rock 'n' roll band based out of California. I am not going to tell you what 70’s girl group or 80’s punk band they have similar sounds of 'cause quite frankly I am getting tired of hearing it as I am sure they are. Civet is a balls-to-the-wall punk-rock 'n' roll band with the furious Suzi Homwrecker on lead guitar and the ferocious Liza Graves on lead vox and rhythm guitar.

I rated this record 3.5 out of 5, which I admit doesn’t sound great, but it’s really not a bad score. Here is why. It’s a really good record but I simply prefer their debut ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ marginally. ‘Love & War’ is better than most bands in their genre. I feel that as time goes on I will reach for HHNF more. That being said, one should not be afraid to pick up this record. In fact I encourage it.

I am a fan of vinyl and the way punk rocks bands in the 70’s did it. 5 tracks on each side and a running time of 35 minutes or so. If the girls had done a 10 song record of 3:30 min songs I think it would have packed a bigger punch.

I enjoy polished records that are well produced with bands that slay live. Remember Vancouver’s monochrome punks the Black Halos or Toronto’s Robin Black? Yeah, like that. HHNF nailed that idea and the girls almost did it again here. For the most part they still do on this one. The first song ‘Can’t Go Back,’ for example, is the perfect segway between records. The thunderous bass and ferocious guitar are really intense on this track. ‘Deadbeat’ is another speedy angst-filled little ditty, ‘I’m Not The One’ explodes in true punk rock fashion and ‘Go Underground’ could have been an ‘Out Come The Wolves’ era Rancid tune… if Billy Hopeless of the Halos got his hands on it.

One dimensional Civet are not. They try their hands at an almost punk country song with ‘It’s The Truth,’ which compliments their boot-in-the-face punk rock. Love & War is a great first effort as far as producing is concerned. I commend the girls for doing it on their own. Musically and live, their chops exceed the standard ten fold. Lyrically it has a lot more grown up feel than their previous effort. This record is really raw and honest so poseurs these girls are not. My only beef is that I would say it sometimes valley’s when it should be peaking. ‘Cryin Wolf’ could be shortened; the A Capella in my opinion could be dropped and 5 minute long songs for this style of music could be 2½ - 3½ minute songs.

On this 14 track record, I really dig 10 of them a lot. I cannot wait to see these girls again live. EVERY song is rad live. I am anxious to see what’s in store for their 3^rd album. If the girls in Civet continue to grow there is no doubt how great the accomplishments they will achieve in the future and the blistering records that will come out of it. If you get a chance to say hello, do so. Last fall when they were here in Regina with Nashville Pussy, the girls were super friendly and a lot of fun to chat and hang with. After meeting Liza you’ll wonder how that booming voice comes out of that little body.

Highlights: Can't Go Back, Deadbeat, Buy My Love, I'm Not The One and Go Underground

Civet - Buy My Love (Audio Only)

Cheers Rockers,

R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now

2011-03-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

After drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997, R.E.M. released three consecutive albums of mellow, quasi-experimental albums. Up and Reveal were solid efforts but they lost their footing a little bit with the spotty at times Around The Sun. After the negative reception of Around The Sun, the boys from Athens, GA felt they had something to prove with 2008's stunning return to form Accelerate, which primarily featured short, loud bursts of punky energy. The album served it's purpose, which was to regain their mojo. Well, R.E.M. have just released their 15th studio album Collapse Into Now, and it's safe to say that the band are once again at the peak of their formidable powers. While Accelerate was an exercise in rocking out, Collapse Into Now is just R.E.M. playing to their strengths and being themselves.

This is R.E.M.'s best album since 1996's New Adventures in Hi-Fi. Like that album, Collapse Into Now is pretty diverse, featuring ballsy rockers ("All The Best" and "Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter," which features Peaches on vocals and Lenny Kaye on guitar), ultra-catchy power pop ("Mine Smell Like Honey" and "That Someone is You"), psychedelic hard rock ("Discoverer") and acoustic balladry ("Oh My Heart" and "It Happened Today," which features Eddie Vedder on vocals). As well, the album features the Velvet Underground-esque "Every Day is Yours To Win" and "Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I," which is a tribute of sorts to Neil Young's "Pocahontas." Album closer "Blue," which features Patti Smith on vocals, recalls "E-Bow The Letter" (which also featured Smith) and "Country Feedback" with Michael Stipe's spoken word beat poetry over Peter Buck's acoustic guitars and feedback.

What really stands out with this album is the confidence that the band exudes. Musically, Peter Buck is a force on guitar and mandolin, Mike Mills' melodic bass and harmony vocals prove once again to be the band's secret weapon, and Michael Stipe's cryptic lyrics and distinct baritone have rarely sounded better. On album closer "Blue," Stipe declares "This is my time/ I'm thrilled to be alive." Well, the band certainly sounds alive and kicking on this album. It's a shame they're not going to tour behind this batch of tunes because there isn't a clunker in the bunch.

You can check out videos for two of the album's songs below...

"Mine Smell Like Honey"

"Oh My Heart"

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

2011-02-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

After flirting with 12 minute songs that verged into Jethro Tull territory on 2006's The Crane Wife, The Decemberists decided to dive headfirst into the pool of self-indulgent prog-rock with 2009's Hazards of Love. After getting that out of their system, Colin Meloy and company have thankfully decided to get back to basics with the loose and vibrant The King Is Dead. Meloy, always quite the literate wordsmith, even amusingly acknowledges the pretentiousness of their recent work in the rollicking "Calamity Song": "Hetty Green/ Queen of supply-side bonhomie bone-drab/ (Know what I mean?)." Uh.... suuuuure we know what you mean.

The band's trademark English folk influences are still the foundation, but this time they have added more American influences to their sound. In particular, there is a distinct American country/roots feel to this batch of songs. The opener "Don't Carry It All" would fit perfectly on Tom Petty's Wildflowers album while there are more than a few nods to R.E.M. throughout the album. Meloy openly admits that he had R.E.M. in mind when he wrote some of the songs for this album. He even went as far to get Peter Buck to play on three tracks: "Don't Carry It All," "Calamity Song" (which would fit nicely on Murmur or Fables of the Reconstruction) and first single "Down By The Water." However, the secret weapon on this album is Gillian Welch. Her sublime background harmony vocals launch seven of the ten tunes into the stratosphere. Her voice meshes perfectly with Meloy's. In particular, she helps make the chorus of the Celtic-tinged "Rox in the Box" soar.

It is early in the year but I have a hunch that this album will wind up in my Top 10 list by the end of the year. Every song is an absolute winner and the melodies will stick in your head days after you've last listened to this album. Highlights include "Calamity Song," "Rox in the Box," "January Hymn," "Don't Carry It All" and "Down By The Water." You can check out a video of the band performing "Down By The Water" with Gillian Welch on Conan below.

Toronto Band Getting Set To Rock With Bon Jovi

2011-02-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Bon Jovi will be tearing the lid off Toronto’s Air Canada Centre in just three days. I am pleased to tell you that hometown rockers Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols will be fueling the crowd up Tuesday night with their unique blend of 80’s metal and modern day rock’n’roll. It’s no accident they sound and look this way, their sound and look is something that melds together perfectly. The members of FWDI, Frankie, Danny, Monti and Steve obviously put a lot of time into their music.

Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols burst onto the scene in 2008 and are on of the hardest working bands going. They are no strangers to the big stage. FWDI did 4 nights with KISS across Canada in ’09 and have shared the stage with other acts such as LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Thornley, My Darkest Days, Econoline Crush and many more.

The band released their first ep ‘Hollywood Ending’ in June of ’09 which was produced by Duncan Coutts, the bassist for legendary Canadian band Our Lady Peace. They currently are working on a full length record with producer Brian Moncarz (Silverstien, Moneen). There is no set release date as of yet, however a sample, Keep Walkin' (see below) has been released as a free download for fans and friends on the bands site.

Frankie and the band along with her have spent most of the year writing songs, picked up cool festival dates and shows along the way, but focused primarily on writing and recording. While this keeps the band busy, they still make time for and are always accessible to their fans.

Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols are a high energy good time rock’n’roll band that makes them a perfect fit for Bon Jovi Tuesday night. Fans and soon to be fans will not be disappointed by either band. If Bon Jovi is your favourite band in the world FWDI are going to be the cherry on top.

Cheers Rockers,

JJ Ramone's Top 10 Fave Cover Songs

2011-02-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

After reading Kent Rock's list of his favourite cover albums, I got thinking about some of my favourite cover tunes. Cover bands and cover songs sometimes get derided, but there is definitely room for an artist/band to reinterpret a song. The Beatles and Rolling Stones started out as cover bands; R.E.M. covered everyone from Aerosmith to The Velvet Underground to Television to Syd Barrett; U2 began by covering Ramones songs... Well, you get the idea. Some of the greatest artists have had no qualms about paying tribute to some of their heroes. Johnny Cash's 90's comeback largely consisted of him taking others' songs and making them truly his own.

So without further ado, here are 10 cover tunes that make me smile.

10. Bruce Springsteen - "Jersey Girl" (Tom Waits)

Tom Waits is the living embodiment of the "cult artist" so his dalliances with the mainstream are largely due to other artists covering his tunes. Some are atrocious (Rod Stewart), some are interesting just for the curiosity factor (Scarlett Johansson), and some truly do justice to the original. The Boss' live rendition of this classic Waits tune is transcendent. In fact, it almost seems like Waits wrote this song specifically for Springsteen.

And no... this song is NOT about Snooki. Although, Wait's original line "Don't want no whores on 8th Avenue" could be interpreted as such.

9. The Beatles - "Money" (Barrett Strong)

While John Lennon and Paul McCartney were honing their songwriting chops, they did killer versions of Motown, Blues and girl-group songs. In the process, they made the songs their own. This version of Motown songwriter Barrett Strong's song is arguably one of the first proto-punk songs ever released.

8. Iggy Pop - "Louie Louie" (The Kingsmen)

Iggy takes this classic 60's garage rock party anthem and makes it into a social commentary on the end of the Cold War, AIDs and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. He probably figured that since there were really no real words to the original tune that he had to sing about something. But the main thing is that you can still shake your butt to it.

7. Tegan and Sara - "Dancing in the Dark" (Bruce Springsteen)

These two Canadian sisters take The Boss' biggest pop hit and strip it down, giving it a sense of yearning and soul that Springsteen only hinted at. On paper, this cover shouldn't work but I may actually prefer it to the original.

6. R.E.M. - "Pale Blue Eyes" (The Velvet Underground)

The "little band that could" from Athens, GA takes this sad, frail Lou Reed song and turns it into a sad, midtempo country song. The harmonies between Michael Stipe and Mike Mills really elevate this cover.

5. Johnny Cash - "Rusty Cage" (Soundgarden)

During his Rick Rubin assisted comeback, Cash covered many (then) contemporary artists like Beck, Nine Inch Nails and Danzing. However, my personal fave is his take on this Soundgarden tune. With Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as his backing band, Cash completely reinvents this song and OWNS it. Chris Cornell has even said that it's no longer their song anymore.

4. Ramones - "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" (Tom Waits)

The Ramones and Tom Waits seem to have nothing in common on the surface, but there was definitely a mutual respect between them. Joey and Johnny and the boys got their first major MTV airplay with this Waits cover from their final studio album. In turn, Waits covered two of their songs a few years later. I'm not sure if I like this version better than the original, but the Ramones definitely put their classic stamp on it. This is one of those songs that instantly puts me in a great mood when I've had a bad day. The world might suck that day, but I suddenly become okay with that. :-)

3. The White Stripes - "Stop Breaking Down" (Robert Johnson)

The Rolling Stones do a fantastic job of this Robert Johnson tune on Exile on Mainstreet. However, this version absolutely pummels Mick and Keef into the dirt. Jack White sounds like a man possessed on this track from The White Stripes' debut album. Reason #759 why Jack and Meg will be missed.

2. Joey Ramone - "What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong)

Joey Ramone recorded his first and only solo album while dying of cancer. I think it's pretty incredible that while he was facing mortality right in the face he decided to cover the most hopeful and uplifting song ever recorded. Joey definitely went out with a bang. RIP Joey.

1. Social Distortion - "Ring of Fire" (Johnny Cash)

It takes quite the feat to take perhaps the definitive song by the Man in Black and make it your own definitive song. But with "Ring of Fire" Mike Ness and company have done just that. Ness would likely get lynched if he ever decided not to include this tune in a Social D setlist. I love how they take the classic melody and slightly off-kilter time signature and put their own spin on it. It is still true enough to the original, yet it sounds like it could be penned by Ness. This is hands down my favourite cover song ever. Enjoy.

Cheers!

Kent Rocks' Top Five Cover Records

2011-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cover records are fun. You get to hear (or hair in some cases) a collection of songs that you love redone by a band you probably love. I mean people have made careers of it; look at Me First & the Gimme Gimmes for example. I realized recently I have a few of these albums and decided to make a top five. I did not count tribute records by one artist for one artist. I only included ones by one artist covering multiple artists.

Without further a do, prepare to disagree with me.

5. Poison ‘Poison’d!’ 2007

I have a love/hate thing with this band. I can help liking them as much as they can help being the talented players they are (please know what I did there). That fact is Poison was always a party band that played anthemetic party songs and tear jerking ballads. Some of the covers on this record are new and some are old. I usually don't look past the ‘Doin’ It For A Pay Cheque’ type record thing but I can’t help but really enjoy this one. On this one I think they do KISS better than KISS.

Anyways here are the highlights: Suffragette City (David Bowie), I Need To Know (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and Just What I Needed (Cars)

4. Wildhearts ‘Stop Us If You’ve Heard This One Before’ Vol 1 2008

The Wildhearts just might be front runner for my favourite band in the last few years. Styles from metal to hard rock to punk to power pop, the Hearts have the rock’n’roll bases covered. It’s probably oddest collection of covers. This record has the bands influences and those influences are probably the only common thing across the board. Switching it up all the time are the musical stylings of Fugazi, Descendents, Warren Zevon and many more

… like the Wildhearts needed to prove they could do it better than GG Allin… but they did.

Highlights: Understanding Jane (Icicle Works), Battleship Chains (Georgia Satellites) and Carmelita (Warren Zevon)

3. Mike Ness ‘Under The Influences’ 1999

Mike Ness is no stranger to covers. On ‘Under the Influences’ he carefully selects a string of country, rock and bluegrass wonders. It was a record that would be a little lighter after the heavy and dark ‘White Light, White Heat White Trash’ he released 3 years earlier. He even covers his own song from Social Distortion’s self titled album ‘Ball and Chain’ in a honky tonk fashion that deems it fit for a cover record.

Highlights: I Fought the Law (Sonny Curtis), All I Can Do Is Cry (Wayne Walker) and Wild Wood Flower (Carter Family)

2. Hellacopters ‘Head Off’ 2008

In 2008 just before parting ways, the Hellacopters of Sweden put out a record loaded with the best songs you’ve never heard. Seriously. Head Off was released to show their fans acts that the band felt their fans should know about and listen to. Much to the bands dismay, it had a similar reaction from their fans that Gun N Roses got after the ‘Spaghetti Incident?’ which was released 15 years earlier. They had fans not overly thrilled. They had fans that thought this record was too clean and too pop for the dirty rock’n’rollers the Hellacopters. I stand beside it as number two on the list

Highlights: Electrocute (Demons), Midnight Angels (Peep Shows) and Darling Darling (Royal Cream)

1. Guns N’ Roses ‘Spaghetti Incident?’ 1993

The title refers was an inside joke regarding a food fight between former drummer Steven Adler and Axl Rose. The record was a disappointment to fans of Gun N Roses and also to the fans of the 70’s and 80’s glam punk scene. Many questioned the authenticity of the record and didn’t believe it was angry or honest enough. I think it’s one of the best selections of covers ever put out. Even if I may be the only one. That being said, what record is complete without a hidden track written by wacko Charlie Manson entitled ‘Look At Your Game Girl’?

Highlights: Down On The Farm (U.K. Subs), Ain’t It Fun (Dead Boys) and I Don’t Care About You (Fear)

Cheers Rockers!!

Thanks for checking out the top five cover records as chosen by me.

The Bystanders - Self Titled Ep

2011-01-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

So there are many great talents in our city of Regina. One of the best is none other than pop/folk sensation the Bystanders. The Bystanders just celebrated their one year anniversary but I don’t know if they should be more proud of their year playing endless amounts of acclaimed shows or the product they have put out in the form of their 3 song ep this past November. It’s long overdue I write about it but their self titled ep but the ep itself is just getting started.

The Bystanders self titled ep is in high rotation at my place and for good reason. It’s one of the most well written ep’s I have ever heard. It’s produced my local songwriter JJ Voss. The Bystanders and Voss worked hard to put out a near perfect product.

I once cringed when Davin told me there was going to be trumpets on their ep’s first track ‘Listen Between Breaths’ during their cd release show. I told him I hated horns in music. That’s typically correct in most situations but Davin just chuckled and said he was interested to hear what I had to say once I’d heard it. I was pleasantly surprised when Cheney Lambert joined them on stage with his trumpet as it was a perfect accent to an already amazing song. Judd’s sincere vocals talk of the classic boy/girl push-pull situation. Who hasn’t had these lyrics run through their head even before hearing this song?

“If you ever choose, if you ever do decide, I’ll be waiting here in your rearview for your gaze to meet my eyes.”

The Bystanders join you in that feeling and we join them in the nicely added gang vocals at the end of the song.

Producer JJ Voss really does have a wonderful ear. He knows how to take something substantial a band has brought to the table and really bring out it's potential. He told me once over drinks that an instrument should always have it’s place and that an instrument should never get buried in the mix. This is apparent when Laura Roddick lends a hand on the piano in ‘Listen Between Breaths’ or with the according part in ‘Last One To Go’. Accordions are often overpowering and nauseating, let alone out of tune. How many family polka things have you been to when this apparent? The accordion on ‘Last One to Go’ done stunningly. Corey Rhiendel (bass) and Nathan Streiful (drums) are a smooth and eloquent rhythm section that keeps the song flowing while they almost hypnotize you.

On the last track of the record ‘Broken Highway’ Davin Stachoski takes over as lead vocalist with his calm cool vocal style in this fun jaunt paced song. Nathan steps up again and he punches in the drums with a march type feel. This song captivates me each time and leaves me day dreaming as it has very film drama kind feel. The kind of song that makes you think about life as Davin’s vocals draw pictures in your mind. It’s a fantastic ending a phenomenally done record on all accounts.

My only problem with it is that it leaves me wanting more. Damn you Bystanders, get on that full length record!

Cheers Rockers!

Be sure to listen below so you yourself can hear what I am talking about.

http://www.myspace.com/thebystanderscanada

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/thebystanders

Buy it here: http://thebystanders.bandcamp.com/album/the-bystanders-ep

Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes

2011-01-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

A week after its release date of January 18, 2011 I received my vinyl and cd copy of the Social Distortion record ‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes’. I have never been this antsy to get my hands on a record. After twenty five plus years in the music business putting out records, Mike Ness and crew still know how to make a great rock’n’roll record. They may not be the punk band that exploded into hardcore in ‘83 anymore but now a classic-roots/folk punkabilly band. It’s been a sound Mike has been crafting for years. This record should not come as a surprise to anyone that’s followed the last couple records by Social Distortion as well as Mike Ness’ solo career. This date in 1983 the radio was ruled by Men At Work’s ‘Down Under’. Mike Ness didn’t really follow the rules then and he still doesn’t now.

It’s been almost 7 years since 2004’s ‘Sex Love and Rock’n’Roll’ and as different as it is from the previous record and really all are their own records, ‘Sex Love and Rock’n’Roll’ was Mike’s way of dealing with the death of long time friend Dennis Danell. Danell who passed away of a brain aneurysm in ’01 was the last original Social D member. ‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes’ is more storyteller kind of record that still manages to keep the around the block honesty of the other records.

‘Road Zombie’ is an instrumental that opens the record with signature licks and solos start the record on a rocking note. ‘California (Hustle and Flow)’ is a southern rockified almost Springsteen-esque song with gospel singers that really bring the song in. ‘Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown’ is a goodtime head bobber. While ‘Diamond In The Rough’ almost has a ‘Sometimes I Do’ steady lament quality about it. Even if it’s a little cheesy lyrically, ‘Machine Gun Blues’ is a fun instant sing-a-long that proves it in the chorus. One of my favorites is a song I have been waiting to hear since I heard the boys play it in August of ’09 called ‘Bakersfield’. ‘Bakersfield’ is loaded with tasty licks and warm grooves. It’s a chill out kind of a song. Continuing on are songs ‘Far Side of Nowhere’ and ‘Writing on the Wall’ that are solidly crafted songs leaning on the more relaxed side of things. A country cover should not be a surprise at this point in the bands career when the band shows up and delivers Hank Sr’s ‘Alone and Forsaken’. It’s an excellent interpretation in the same way that ‘Ring of Fire’ was years earlier. Nearing the end of the record is a foot tapping number that is reminiscent of 90’s era Social D ‘Can’t Take It With You’. ‘Still Alive’ closes the record with a summer type song that keeps your attention with the buzzing guitars. Worth downloading are bonus tracks ‘Take Care of Yourself’, ‘I Won’t Run No More’ and a rootsy acoustic version of ’96’s of White Light, White Heat, White Trash’s ‘Down Here With The Rest Of Us’.

Mike Ness has etched his place in troubadour coolness while still able to rock out. Mike Ness is still the real deal. He’s not the modern punk he was in ’83 but really who really is the person they were in ’83. Even approaching 49 he’s still cool as !@#$. He's still the honest songwriter with longevity and grit to back up the roads he’s been down and lived to tell us all about.

‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes’ forty seven minutes running time before bonus tracks time seems to rip by. It’s not ‘Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell’ to me and it’s a far cry from my favourite Social D record ‘White Light, White Heat, White Trash’ … hell it’s not held even as high as ‘Sex Love and Rock’n’Roll’ in my eyes but that being said it’s still a four star fantastic record that’s going to be getting a lot of play from this guy. ‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes’ is another great addition to a test of time catalogue.

Highlights: 'California (Hustle and Flow)', 'Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown' and 'Bakersfield'

Cheers Rockers,

Chad Kichula - Killer

2010-12-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Regina singer/songwriter Chad Kichula has been honing his craft over the last few years, releasing two solid albums and an EP of rootsy Springsteen-inspired tunes. In the process, Kichula has played across the country, winning over people one venue at a time. As well, he has managed to get some steady radio airplay south of the border. With his profile growing, Kichula knew it was time to really step up to the plate and swing for the fences. Well, it's safe to say that he delivers the goods with Killer, his third full-length release.

In the past, Kichula found a nice niche with his no-frills, earnest rock tunes with the odd ballad thrown in. However, with Killer, he has thrown out the rule book and shook up his sonic palette. In the process, he has decided to let loose and have some fun with some of the songs. While he has always been a strong songwriter, Kichula has really developed an uncanny knack for writing some damn catchy melodies. The end result is a wonderfully conceived album in the classic sense of the word. It's obvious that plenty of thought went into the sequencing of the songs, where the ten tracks would fit perfectly on two sides of an LP.

The album kicks off with the menacing title track, which is constructed around a hypnotic, pulsating bassline, courtesy of Philip Legrand. As well, guitarist and coproducer Matt Kaip rips off a really cool, fuzzed-out guitar solo. The pace then abruptly picks up with the bouncy, ska-inflected "Still Around." Up next is the chugging rocker "Over Me," which features Kichula's rich, raspy baritone, and the wistful country ballad "Miner Road." "Miner's Road" features some beautiful violin, courtesy of Suzanne Pavrovsky, along with some smooth harmony vocals from Sheenah Ko. Keeping with the LP motif, Side A ends with the spare, acoustic folk of "Mothers Cry."

Side B kicks off with the album's standout track, "Bar Fly." This is an immediately infectious ska tune and features backing vocals from Thomas Roussin of the nancy ray-guns. This song is so much fun that I bet it could even make Bill O'Reilly or an English guard smile. Local CJTR radio personality (and all around nice guy) Redbeard has described this song as a "guilty pleasure" type of song. Well, I don't feel one ounce of guilt for liking this song... and neither do the people that shake their butts to it at O'Hanlon's and The Exchange during Kichula's shows. After the sugar rush of "Bar Fly," the album switches gears with the country ballad "King of Despair," which is a really nice reworking of a song from his first album. Here, Kichula steps out of his vocal comfort zone, singing with a soft falsetto at times. The album finishes strong with the uptempo country of "Listening," the country-rock of "Few Dollars More" and the waltzy, folk ballad "Miles and Miles."

At ten songs and only 35 minutes, the album leaves you wanting more, which is definitely a wise move... all Killer, no filler. Chad Kichula has definitely arrived.

You can get your hands on the album on January 15, when Chad will be playing at The Gaslight Saloon for his official CD Release Party. It'll definitely be money well spent. See ya there!

An Interview with The Villain Avian Symphony’s Denyss McKnight

2010-12-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

A while back I got to thinking that I need to write an article or do an interview on a genre that I am not as familiar with. I have written a lot about rock’n’roll, some punk, some country and a lot of pop, but virtually no metal.

So I decided to that I needed to interview someone with a fresh new project… baby fresh. It had to be someone in the metal scene. If I reviewed someone from this vast genre it may come off uneducated or even ignorant based on my lack on knowledge on the subject. The way I see it, what better way to familiarize myself with a genre that I am not as familiar with, than to do an interview?

I was fortunate enough that the first person I thought of was more than happy to let me pick his brain.

Denyss McKnight has played in various notable bands in the Vancouver area. Some of these bands are artists such as hardcore act Until We Have Faces, the monochrome glam-punks the Black Halos and industrial/cyberpunk band Left Spine Down.

I first ran across Denyss at a show here in Regina while he was playing with one of his previous bands. He instantly caught my eye and I knew there was something really special about this man. Last year I got to know Denyss better when he came through with another band. I enjoy talking music with someone who obviously has a lot of experience and diverse interests when it comes to his craft. One can learn a lot from him.

Without further ado here is an interview with my friend of The Villain Avian Symphony, Denyss McKnight.

SPUN: Do you remember what first sparked your passion for music? Did you grow up in a musical family?

DM: Ever since I’ve had any kind of sentient thought I’ve been a musician. I was playing two-handed scales before I could even properly ride a bike. My parents are still in a band and are a constant source of encouragement. Not that they ever really understood what I was into, I believe at one point they even confiscated my Nine Inch Nails and Slayer records. They couldn’t turn me onto Stevie Ray Vaughn to save their lives, but they did get me into Muddy Waters in a big way. So, go them.

SPUN: How would you describe your band’s sound to someone who hadn’t heard the music before?

DM: I can’t remember who, but someone described us as “metal songs written by punks who are way too into hardcore with a bunch of electronics on top of it.” I think I’m going to stick with that as far as general description.

SPUN: What is your local metal scene like and how are metal bands received in Vancouver in general?

DM: We are really blessed right now in Vancouver as far as the metal scene. There really isn’t any separation in the sub-cultures anymore. So much genre crossing has left everyone knowing each other and going to each other’s shows and just growing at a rapid pace. Vancouver is starting to become a metal city again. Devin Townsend’s solo show sold out beyond capacity. Over 300 showed up to a local metal festival. Production companies are putting on shows regularly and getting their numbers in. GOOD bands are starting up and playing out as often as they can. I could list off at least 15 bands that I see at every opportunity.

SPUN: There is a lot of metal bands out there. Why should someone come see your band?

DM: I don’t think it’s self-deprecating to say I often ask myself that question. Maybe that’s why I try to keep it interesting and as genuine as possible. This band is all about guts and effect. We’re not nearly as skilled as half of the bands out there so we make up for it in sincerity. Not saying that more well- crafted bands don’t have that quality either, but I think there really is something vicious and visceral about the VAS. There, that was almost alliteration.

SPUN: The name The Villain Avian Symphony really intrigues me. What was the thought process when naming the band and/or what inspired you in terms of the name?

DM: In reference to myself obsession with ravens and crows. Simple as that. Symphony in reference to well, I never actually thought that this would ever be a live band so I just laid down track after track after track etc. Making the wall of sound. Now, I have a new challenge.

No process, it just came to me before I went to sleep one night. I woke up and went “Fuck yeah” over my coffee.

The acronym sounds tough. Like a gang or an organized crime syndicate.

SPUN: I read in your Beatroute article that there will be a revolving door of band members? Tell me about this. Do you think that this will complicate the writing process or even planning tours and such?

DM: I really wish I hadn’t of made that comment truthfully. At the time I said it the intent was only ever to do a few shows here and there while everyone was in town. After rehearsals started I felt more and more like it was something I was actually into doing on at least a semi regular basis and I need a band to do that. So I’ve been headhunting people down and the process is actually quite easy. I found a drummer instantly and I’ve been speaking to a ton of guitarists who are interested in doing it. Picking the right people to work with will be hard, there are so many factors at play as far as what we want out of band-mates. I would like this thing to actually, pardon the pun, take flight.

SPUN: Where do you draw inspiration from?

DM: Everything really. Sometimes things just hit me the right way and I suddenly have a new take and perspective on them. The first batch of songs were written during a really…difficult period of my life so it’s a lot of internal struggle and reconciled notions were worked through during the process. Fear, depression and anger were at the forefront of my world for a solid year and it took a while to really pull out of it. Lyrically I can afford to be a little more free now that I’m not so inwardly turned. I have an elaborate belief structure as far as my politics, spirituality and personal stances, but I try to stay away from them as much as possible in order to not be pigeonholed as a “political hardcore” band or an “insert religion here” metal band. Some days I need to use a fictional character to get my idea across, some days I don’t mind displaying something of myself in order to really squeeze the intent out of the song. I draw inspiration from being alive and all that comes with it. Is that a cop-out answer?

SPUN: Has being in a wide variety of bands been beneficial to the new project? If so what did you learn from past projects?

DM: Oh bloody hell yes. Mostly? I’ve learned not to put the brakes on something because it doesn’t fit into the mold. I’ve never once scrapped an idea because it’s “too poppy” or “not VAS enough”. When I think back on how many songs I’ve written were shot down because they didn’t fit the appropriate pattern, it makes my nose bleed.

I learned how to be professional when it’s called for, how to let loose and be an asshole when it’s needed and mostly to be able to compromise while holding fast to your idea.

SPUN: What are The Villain Avian Symphony's plans for the upcoming new year?

DM: We are talking about recording at the moment, we have an EP that’s being mixed but that was only the efforts of myself and Justin and Shane(of 3 Inches of Blood). Now that I’ve got a band coming together, I’m more focused on actually writing as a unit. Telford(bass) and I have been writing a lot and working out some of my pre-written material. Offers have come in for shows and tours as far as Montreal so that’s something I’d like to look into when I feel that we’ve really nailed down what we’re doing and have a good chemistry on stage.

SPUN: What is your fondest career highlight so far? Anything you are itching to do that you haven't done yet?

DM: I’ve had the chance to meet, exchange ideas and share the stage with so many amazing musicians that I couldn’t even nail down one. I’ve been really fortunate to have done the things that I’ve done at my age and I’m really grateful for every opportunity I’ve had. I’ve accomplished more than I ever set out to do, so at this point I’m at a point where I’m kind of like, “Fuck it, let’s do it again!”.

SPUN: What has been your biggest challenge been? Have you been able to overcome that challenge?

DM: My biggest challenge so far has been learning to incorporate the live electronics into the set. The whole thing used to mystify me and I had to learn to do it efficiently and flawlessly. It’s more work than I thought it was going to be but now that the first show has come and gone without a single glitch, I feel that I’ve overcome it yes. My next challenge is being the best frontman I can be. That will just have to come with time and experience.

SPUN: Are there any plans for an upcoming full-length album or other releases? Videos?

DM: Full length, definitely. I’ve already named it, now it’s just a matter of writing it. I have dozens of half finished songs in the vault but when the time comes to actually put something out, I hope we have the chance to work with someone who actually understands what we’re doing and helps us really define our sound. I don’t have much in the way of artistic integrity but I do know what I want from this band and I would like to see it achieved. As far as videos? I couldn’t even tell you what I would look for visually. That’s Telford’s department.

SPUN: Where are your best crowds after countless tours to different countries/cities?

DM: Spain and Germany know how to throw down when it counts. You can’t fool the Germans, they know what they want and they’ll tell you if you didn’t deliver. Spaniards are just so…intense and open. But really, in the end, I love my homeland and my countrymen. The True North, Strong and Free.

Now for some general interest questions for Denyss McKnight:

SPUN: If you weren't a musician, what profession do you think you would have taken up?

DM: I’ve been delving into that as I get a bit older. I’m noticing things that I excel at and I hope I have the chance one day to explore them a bit more fully. At the moment I’m actually filling out applications to culinary institutes. Go figure.

SPUN: What bands and albums have you been listening to lately?

DM: I’ve really gone back into my hardcore days as of late. I’m spinning a lot of Converge, Curl Up and Die, Botch, old Zao, Shai Hulud etc. For the past year or so I’ve been really into Gallows. To me they’re the perfect marriage(or divorce depending on how you look at it) of hardcore, rock & roll and traditional punk rock.

To get ideas for electronic elements I’m still really digging on Meat Beat Manifesto and Clint Mansel. I would love it if I had people to throw me new music that they thought was cool. Or that they thought I would think is cool. My friends from Belgium Psy’Aviah always put me in a good mood and when I’m slightly enraged, there’s this great French project called Jabberwock that does the job.

SPUN: What's the most embarrassing record in your collection?

DM: Depends on your view of embarrassing. I listen to Neil Diamond and George Jones unabashedly. I really like Justin Timberlake. I even own records by My Chemical Romance.

I have all of my old Fat Wreckchords stuff in my iTunes.

I’m generally always shy about having my own records in my collection…?

SPUN: What was the first record you ever bought and do you still own it?

DM:> First record as an actual musical lover? Like, first cassette I ever bought with my own money? Pennywise ‘About Time’. And yes, I still do have it and revisit it from time to time.

If anyone says it’s not a good surf punk record, they’re obviously trying to be more punk rock than you. Poser.

Visit them on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thevillainaviansymphony
Visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/notifications.php#!/pages/The-Villain-Avian-Symphony/139932226032617

Cheers Rockers

Photo courtesy of Agata Majda

Kent Rocks' Top 15 Albums of 2010

2010-12-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

So it’s that time of year again, the end of it. I posted a ‘best of’ last year and decided to do so again this year. I could make the list that Rolling Stone or Spin would make as those lists ‘look’ correct but rather I am again going to give you MY best of list for this year. Some of the artists I will mention you may be quite familiar with, while others maybe not so much.

2010 had many a great live show put on by local artists here in Regina. The Hot Blood Bombers, Rah Rah, Library Voices, JJ Voss, Chad Kichula, The Bystanders, The Dustin Ritter Band and Rye n' The Vats are all acts that all blew audiences away. My favourite however was country/roots singer/songwriter Cam Wensel and his band Black Drink Crier.

I, like my co-blogger here at SPUN JJ Ramone also feel that live records, reissues and EP’s while had a great many spins in the cd player feel should be left off the main list. It would be incomplete not to mention them however. Here are some of the highlights of the year..

Best Live Record: The White Stripes – Under Great White Northern Lights

Best Music Film or Biopic: The Runaways.
Now I know it was completely based around Cherie Currie’s book ‘Neon Angel’ and thus the film focuses largely on the relationship between Cherie and Joan Jett. This is okay with me as though my eyes I see the Runaways as the Cherie and Joan band. Lita hit her stride as a solo artist later in her career.

Best EP: Vancouver Alt Rock band Red Vienna’s self titled release was perfect and addicting. Honorable mention goes to Regina’s own Bystanders with a brilliant EP as well.

Best Show: Grady. A Canadian self proclaimed cow metal outfit based out of Austin TX. Honorable mention goes to Motley Crue, Airbourne, Arkells & Huron, Lustkillers and Nashville Super Pussy & Civet.

As with any other year, there are rotten eggs or disappointments. Albums I looked forward to but was incredibly disappointed with are:

The Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Rest Of Us’
Hole – ‘Nobody’s Daughter’
The Hold Steady ‘Heaven Is Whenever’

And without any further ado here is my Top 15 of 2010

15. American Hi-Fi – Fight the Frequency
14. Airbourne – No Guts, No Glory
13. Gin Blossoms – No Chocolate Cake
12. Dustin Ritter Band – Dead Airwaves
11. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devils Tattoo

10. John Mellencamp – No Better Than This

After years of being a rock star Mellencamp says he has made the most American folk record he ever has. It was recorded with a 1955 Ampex portable recording machine while musicians gathered around the mic as a nod to the old school. It was recorded in mono to boot. Highlights include "Thinking About You," "No One Cares About Me" and "No Better Than This."

09. Black Keys – Brothers

A great psychedelic blues rock record done by the guitar-and-drum duo Black Keys. Brothers is a chill out listen kind of record that still really rocks. Highlights include "Next Girl," "Tighten Up" and "Everlasting Light."

08. American Bang – American Bang

Strutting hard out of Nashville TN these rockers put out a classic rock record that sounds like Buckcherry and Black Crowes spawned a love child. Highlights include "Whiskey Walk," "Wild and Young" and "Hurts Like Hell."

07. Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

Justin Townes Earle has a voice that sort of resembles his fathers slightly but other than that, if you are looking for another Steve Earle record… keep looking. Justin Townes offers a more traditionalist style country crooner rather than his father’s singer/songwriter alt-country. Harlem River Blues stands on its own and flows better than his last record. JTE is really maturing. Highlights include "Ain't Waitin'," "Rogers Park" and "Slippin' and Slidin'."

06. Against Me! – White Crosses

White Crosses is a high energy pop-rock record that has a huge sound. I refuse to call this a punk rock record but you can definitely hear the punk rock influence. I am willing to say I like ‘White Crosses’ better than ‘New Wave’… there, I said it! Highlights include "Rapid Decompression," "Spanish Moss" and "High Pressure Low."

05. Jesse Malin and the St. Marks Social – Love it to Life

Jesse Malin decided to switch from Adeline Records (Green Day) to Side One Dummy Records (Gaslight Anthem and Flogging Molly) and make a raw, loose fast record. He did that, and did it well. I still like ‘07’s ‘Glitter In The Gutter’ better but ‘Love it to Life’ is still worthy of its spot on this years list. Highlights include "Burning The Bridge," “All the Way from Moscow" and "Black Boombox."

04. Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

American Slang was a hit for me from the moment heard the opening to the title track on the radio… yes radio. Weird hey? It’s more of a Gaslight Anthem record than ‘The ’59 Sound’ was, which was more a tribute to influences and even more than ‘Sink or Swim’ which was a “Let’s throw it all against the wall and see what sticks”. The Gaslight Anthem finally seem comfortable being the Gaslight Anthem. I don’t know they will ever shake the Springsteen comparison… but it could be far worse like Fall Out Bore or some shit. Highlights include "Stay Lucky," "Boxer" and "Orphans."

03. Huron – Huron

Some days this quartet from Hamilton ON could take the number one spot. I was pleasantly surprised when I witnessed this band open for the Arkells this year. A riff rock band that sounds like you melded the Odd’s, Blue Rodeo and some really good pot. Did I mention the Gretsch, SG and Telecaster guitars blended with pedal steel and distortion... interested yet? Highlights include "Chicken Wing," "Living and Dead" and "Could Not Understand."

02. Butch Walker - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

To me every Butch Walker record is brilliant. He never disappoints and seems to get better and better the more he ages. The man writes great songs period. ‘I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart’ has a healthy mix of songs and is quite exquisite. Highlights include “Don’t You Think Someone Should Take You Home," “Trash Day" and” She Likes Hair Bands."

01. The Biters EP’s – Self Titled & “It’s Ok to Like Biters”

This is an exception to the no EP rule for my list. Instead of putting out one full length record for their debut, the Biters have put out two stunning 5 song EP’s. The end of March the band released the first self titled EP and followed it up with another called “It’s Ok to Like Biters”. This quartet are good-time rock’n’roll revivalists that touch heavily on bubble gum pop and 70’s glam. This is my kind of music. Highlights include "Hang Around," "Melody For Lovers" and "Beat Me Baby."

I really hope Amanda Marshall and the Ripperz put out the records I expected to hear this year. Also I am really excited for Civet’s ‘Love and War’ and Social Distortion’s ‘Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes’ both due out January 18 as well as Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols upcoming release.

I'm saying my prayers at night that bands I wish to see in the new year come through such as Vancouver’s ‘Red Vienna’ and Toronto’s ‘Darlings of Chelsea’ as well as ‘Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols’.

Cheers Rockers

JJ Ramone's Top 25 Albums of 2010

2010-12-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's that time of year again. I can't believe December has already arrived, but here we are. Are you as sick of crappy holiday mall music as I am? Does Jessica Simpson REALLY need to release a Christmas album? At any rate, the year is almost over and now everyone's "best of" lists are starting to trickle out. So this is your humble scribe's favourite 25 albums of the year. I've been doing this for a few years now and I must say that this has to be one of the best and deepest years in music in a long, long time. I don't ever recall a year where I've bought (yes, bought... imagine that!) so many albums. It just seemed like every week there was at least one or two albums that caught my attention. And there are plenty albums that I still have to pick up at some point.

Internationally, the world has been dominated by the aural atrocities of Biebermania, Black Eyed Peas and Ke$ha. (And if I hear one more fricking song that uses autotune I am going to snap. Just because Cher thought it was a good idea in 1998 doesn't mean it's a good idea in 2010!) However, as is always the case, there are lots of amazing bands and artists out there... if you decide to look a little harder for good music instead of willingly being force-fed the next autotuned flavour of the month. Most of these great bands just happen to be from Canada... and some might even be playing at your local pub or bar.

I think it's safe to say that 2010 has been an incredible year for Canadian bands. This year saw fantastic albums by the likes of Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Stars, The New Pornographers, Sarah Harmer, Great Lake Swimmers, Zeus, Wolf Parade, Plants and Animals, Hannah Georgas... well, you get the idea. I remember when I was growing up that it was almost embarrassing to say that you liked a Canadian band. Well, things have definitely changed. Nowadays, the Great White North has a bottomless well of talented bands and artists. I think we are definitely in the Golden Age of Canadian music. This ain't the land of Anne Murray and Gino Vanelli anymore. Although I do think Kish and Harem Scarem were ahead of their time. ;-)

In terms of local Regina bands, the year was dominated by Library Voices and Rah Rah. Both put out amazing indie albums that can stand side-by-side any band in the world... and both have a plethora of rave reviews across the country to prove it. Rah Rah also got some steady rotation of their video for "Henry"on MuchMusic... during those rare times when MuchMusic actually plays music videos, that is.

While these two bands got the most press, lots of other bands have released albums and EPs, got radio play and/or put on some kick-ass live shows. So I'd just like to give a big shout-out to The Bystanders, Chad Kichula, JJ Voss, The Dustin Ritter Band, The League of One, The Rabid Whole, Black Drink Crier, Dan Silljer, Dangerous Cheese, The Real Canadian Threetles, Wonderland, Sonic Orchid, Melissa Mannett, Kerri Senkow, Into Eternity, Lest We Fail, Dirtbred, Cherrybomb, Hot Blood Bombers, Amy Nelson, Carli's Angels, Rye n' the Vats, SheKillsMe, etc etc etc. This list is just the tip of the iceberg, so don't ever say there's nothing to do in Regina!

For my list, I only included studio albums released this year. So no best-of's or live albums. There are so many other great albums that could have easily cracked the list on any other given day. As well, there were also some classic reissues that I have listened to a lot: Iggy and The Stooges' Raw Power, R.E.M.'s Fables of The Reconstruction, The Rolling Stones' Exile On Mainstreet, and Weezer's Pinkerton, to name a few. As well, I still have to pick up that impressive Bruce Springsteen Darkness On The Edge Of Town deluxe boxed set. So much music out there but so little time... and money.

So without further ado, here my Top 25 Albums of 2010... just in time for you to do your Xmas shopping. Enjoy.

25. Semi Precious Weapons - Semi Precious Weapons

24. Zeus - Say Us

23. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

22. Vampire Weekend - Contra

21. Tired Pony - The Place We Ran From

20. M.I.A. - MAYA

19. Rah Rah - Breaking Hearts

18. Gogol Bordello - Trans-Continental Hustle

17. Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social - Love It To Life

16. Sleigh Bells - Treats

15. Robyn - Body Talk

14. Hollerado - Record In A Bag

13. The Black Keys - Brothers

12. Grinderman - Grinderman 2

11. Sarah Harmer - Oh Little Fire

10. The National - High Violet

If you want a fun, uplifting album then avoid this album like the plague. However, if you want the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day, getting dumped, or the morning after, then this album is perfect for you. Brooding never sounded so good. Highlights include ""Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Terrible Love," and the sublime "Runaway."

9. Against Me! - White Crosses

I am a huge sucker for melody and big, crunching choruses and this band has them in spades. This is perfect music to run to. These former anarchist punks have delivered a stunning followup to New Wave, again with help from producer Butch Vig. I was fortunate to see these guys at the Riddell Centre and was really impressed... lots of energy, great vocals, and a genuine sense that they were having fun... although I did feel a little old. Highlights include "High Pressure Low," "Teenage Anarchist," "Suffocation" and the Springsteen-esque "Because of the Shame."

8. Jenny and Johnny - We're Having Fun Now

Jenny Lewis has to be my favourite female singer right now. After her inward-looking Acid Tongue, Lewis has teamed up with her longtime boyfriend Johnathan Rice to release a rollicking collection of songs. The lyrics still contain Lewis' acerbic wit and bite, but the songs are sugarcoated with sunny California harmonies to help ease the sting a bit. Highlights include "Big Wave," "Scissor Runner" and album closer "Committed."

7. Library Voices - Denim On Denim

Regina's own Library Voices deliver a near perfect collection of "pop" songs... in the classic Beatles, XTC, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads sense of the word. This is a band that is becoming legendary for their live show. However, the reason they have developed such a rabid following is because because their songs are so damn good and catchy. In a perfect world, songs like "Haunt This House," "Drinking Games," "Bookish,"and "Bodies of Fiction" would be as huge as Biebermania.

6. Pete Yorn - Pete Yorn

Pete Yorn just made his best album since his classic debut Music For The Morning After. With producer Frank Black at the helm, Yorn has released his most loose and fun set of tunes. There are some definite nods to the Pixies here, but this is still definitely a Pete Yorn album... albeit more of an amped up, garage rock version of Yorn. Highlights include "The Chase," "Rock Crowd" and "Precious Stone."

5. The New Pornographers - Together

On their fifth album, this Canadian "supergroup" find a happy balance between their recent mellow Challengers album, and the super charged power pop that they're famous for. Carl "A.C." Neuman's British Invasion-esque songs + Neko Case and Kathryn Calder's dreamy vocals = power pop heaven. And if that's not enough, former Reginan (and formerly of Age of Electric/Limblifter) Kurt Dahle holds down the fort with his rocksteady drumming. Highlights include " Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk," "Crash Years," and "Moves."

4. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

It's amazing how an album can grow on you over time. I was initially really disappointed with The Gaslight Anthem's third album, largely because my expectations were so high after The '59 Sound. Some critics slag them off as merely being revivalists and rehashing Springsteen and The Clash, but I am willing to forgive them since they bring the goods with killer songs. It's pretty hard to be original nowadays with a guitar-bass-drums setup so you may as well emulate the best. Highlights include "Stay Lucky," "Boxer," "Bring It On" and "The Spirit of Jazz."

3. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

After surviving internal tension, solo albums and seeing several of their satellite band members see success in their other "day jobs" (Metric, Feist, Stars, Jason Collett, Apostle of Hustle, etc), Kevin Drew and company have put together their best batch of tunes, keeping their self-indulgence to a minimum. This album is a total experience from start to finish. Highlights include "All To All," "Forced To Love," "Sentimental X's," and "Texico Bitches."

2. Stars - The Five Ghosts

This album has definitely received mixed reviews, but I have pretty much listened to this album nonstop since I first picked it up in June. This album is a bit more surface-level than these indie dream-poppers classic Set Yourself On Fire, but I think this stands up to Stars' best work. The focus this time around is on the electro-pop of their early records instead of the chamber pop of their last two albums. I would argue that the opening 1-2-3-4 punch of "Dead Hearts," "Wasted Daylight," "I Died So I Could Haunt You" and "Fixed" is the best string of songs on any album this year.

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

This is probably the "No shit, Sherlock" pick of the year and no doubt it'll wind up in the top 5 lists of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Spin, ChartAttack, NME, etc, but there is just no denying how utterly incredible this album is. After the somewhat disappointing Neon Bible, Montreal's Arcade Fire deliver an undisputed masterpiece. This album may not zap you right from the first listen, but give it a bit of time and you'll be hooked. I am seriously kicking myself for not making the trek to Saskatoon for the concert because I heard it was transcendent. Highlights include "Ready To Start," "Empty Room," "Month of May" and "The Suburbs." However, "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" is hands down the best song of the year. Who knew Win Butler could write a Blondie song?

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Well, there you have it kids. It has definitely been a helluva year for music. Like I mentioned earlier, there are tons of albums I never had the chance to pick up so this list is only the tip of the iceberg for great music that was released this year. I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with my picks. The fun thing about music is debating lists like these. If I were to draft up this list next week, I am positive it would be quite different. Even though I do have impeccable tastes, they are just MY tastes. :-)

Cheers!

Dustin Ritter Band – Dead Airwaves

2010-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Dustin Ritter Band or the DRB as most fans have shortened are a three piece rock band based out of Regina. DRB was formed in 2009 by frontman guitarist/songwriter Dustin Ritter, bassist Chicken Fingers Travis Reshaur and Judd Stachoski.

The band put out a three song demo featuring songs “Broke Feet”, “LTD” and “Swing for the Fence” in 2009. It was apparent that this was a band to take notice of. Their versatility as a band lends them to play with anyone and anywhere in the province. They come by it honestly with the three members all being Saskatchewan boys and supporting our eclectic live music community.

Just recently the band put out their debut release. I was excited for this as I enjoy the band very much live and thought their ep/demo had great songs that could make a great record. I wondered if those songs would make the cut on the new record. They did. They sound bigger, better and fuller on the finished product, Dead Airwaves. They are accompanied by ten other equally great songs. The band is hard to describe. They take from all sorts of influences. This is apparent in their record, but if I had to describe DRB I would say they are a Headstones kind band with more folk, more pop and more funk sounds.

The record is great for all ages. It really has something for everyone. While it is probably best described as folk-rock record, some songs rock harder than others. Songs such as ‘Do This Thing’ which is reminiscent of 90’s grunge with killer backing vocals that make it my favourite “rock” song on the record and ‘The Most Annoying Thing’ which really picks up at the end making surprisingly better than it already is. Others walk the fine line of almost being country such as ‘Stuck in the Psych Ward’. The song never quite falls there, rather the song just takes guitar elements of the country genre all while Dustin’s vocals keeps it the steady at the folk-rock wheel.

‘No Avoiding This’ is an anthemetic sing-a-long that Travis shines on seamlessly. ‘Broke Feet’ and ‘Echo When I’m Gone’ are campfire-esque songs that make my shoulders sway while listening to them. I can picture the smiles and good time fun that the DRB bring to every show in these two. ‘Let’s Pretend’ is a relaxed reflective piece about life that Judd’s larger than life sound is apparent on.

‘Into Steam’ almost has a Goo Goo Dolls like feel to it. That being said Dustin is sure to make it his own with distinct vocals. Dustin chooses some unique vocal phrasing on my favourite track on the record ‘Swing for the Fence’, however it also makes the song. It’s still is a dancey sing-a-long that I have had on repeat for entire afternoons.

I can’t help hear an almost Sesame St melody in ‘Backup Plan’. I know it was completely unintentional but it makes me smile. The record ends with the title track that I could lay on the couch and listen to for hours. It’s a relaxing therapeutic song to me that is complimented with the nice addition of Donnie Johnson’s violin.

There are no blistering solos on the record. No songs about strip clubs or heroin. It’s just a great folk-rock record in which all the songs meld together nicely.

But don’t take my world for it… buy the record.

Cheers Rockers.

http://www.myspace.com/dustinritterband

Album Artwork by: Evgenia Mikhaylova
Evgenia Mikhaylova: Dustin Ritter Band New Album Coming Soon!!!!!!!!!guess....with my cover!!!!!

Band photo courtesy of Kim Jay photography

It's Ok To Like Biters!!

2010-10-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Lately I find the only way to find great music in today’s saturated culture is browsing my facebook news feeds to see the bands friends are posting. Luckily I have few with good taste in major centres. So I was browsing the feed the other day and came across a post with text that read “I love good time rock’n’roll. This Biters band is winning me over.” I naturally clicked the link and was more than pleasantly surprised.

Singer/Guitar player Tuk is from a couple bands that you probably have never heard (the Heart Attacks as well as the Poison Arrows). He hopes to make a go with this bubble-glam-punk quartet the Biters.

The Biters first two releases have both been stunning 5 song ep’s. The end of March the band released the first self titled ep and followed it up with another called “It’s Ok to Like Biters”.

Sometimes doing the revival of a genre thing sinks fast, but from the few bands I have heard doing this type of music the Biters may just do it the best. I may even like them better than the Pink Spiders. Its close I am not sure yet, but I will get back to you on that.

Highlights off the first ep are songs like “Hang Around” which bangs it out with lots tambourine, hooks and fun guitar licks. It’s an Exploding Hearts type song that has you singing along before you hardly know the words. Another one from the first ep that I really liked was a song called “So Cheap So Deadly”. This song sounds like it’s the grandchild of Bowie in the early 70’s.

On the second ep “It’s Ok to Like Biters” is from start to finish is catchy, fun and confident. The standout track on this record called “Melody For Lovers”. Come on who doesn't like hand claps and fun strut pop. “How could I know that lovin’ you was suicide? That’s how it goes when you’re standing on the landmine. Oh baby you move over but so do I. We’ll keep on walking till we make to the other side. Take me to the other side” Tuk sings. Watch the video below and try not to have smile on your face… I dare you.

All of the songs on both ep’s really strive to be hits. That being said I don’t know why any of them couldn’t. The Biters are four young men in skinny jeans, leather jackets and the raddest mullets you have ever seen. All they while they are slinging freewheeling, energetic good-time rock’n’roll songs at you.

If you like anything from Cheap Trick and the Only Ones to the Pink Spiders and the Stokes then this band is for you. If not I have to wonder, were you allowed to have fun as a kid... or now for that. The Biters won't save rock'n'roll but maybe they aren't trying to save it. By the looks of things they just like a good time like you and I and I am more than glad that it's apparent in their music.

Cheers Rockers!!

Pete Yorn - Pete Yorn

2010-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Almost ten years ago Pete Yorn stormed out of the gates with his brilliant debut album Music For The Morning After, which is still one of my favorite albums of the last decade. That album had hints of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska with its melancholic tone and spare song structures. However, his output since then has been a little spotty, culminating in last year's collaboration with Scarlett Johansson. But hey, I'll forgive him since he recorded an album with Scarlett freakin' Johansson.

Well, now Yorn is back with his self-titled fifth album. And he's back in a big way. This time Yorn has brought in Frank Black (aka Black Francis) from the legendary Pixies to produce. This collaboration has definitely jolted some new life into Yorn. The end result is a great batch of tunes with more of a raw edge compared to Yorn's earlier work. Yorn hasn't sounded this loose and lively since his cover of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" a few years ago.

The album opens with the garage rocker "Precious Stone," which begins with some haunting background vocals vaguely reminiscent of "Where Is My Mind." With Black on hand behind the booth, there are definitely more than a few nods to the Pixies. For instance, Yorn attempts a few Frank Black yelps on occasion and alternates between spoken word verses and quasi-screaming choruses on the furious "Badman." Black's production has the feel of a band playing live off the floor.

While Black's influence is evident (and more than welcome), this is still definitely a Pete Yorn album. Lyrically, he doesn't sing about slicing up eyeballs or monkeys going to heaven. Instead, with his everyman voice, Yorn focuses on love, lust and... um... velcro shoes. I think it's safe to say that Yorn is the first artist in history to record a song called "Velcro Shoes."

The standout track of the album is "The Chase," which features the lines "I can see you anytime/ That's why I don't care/ I want what isn't there." It's a little harsh but I'm sure a lot of people can relate to this sentiment. Another highlight is "Rock Crowd," which is essentially an ode to his fans, dealing with the "shared experience" of a performer and audience at a show. A song like this has the potential of verging on Nickelback territory. However, this sounds like it could've been a lost Springsteen track.

This album is being hailed as Yorn's "return to form" album and rightfully so. It's definitely worth checking out. You can check out his performance of "Velcro Shoes" on Jimmy Fallon below...

Grinderman - Grinderman 2

2010-10-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Very few people in the world of rock 'n' roll get cooler with age. Nick Cave, along with the likes of Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen, is definitely one of these rare people. Over the course of thirty plus years (through his work with The Birthday Party, The Bad Seeds, and now Grinderman), Cave has defied the odds and has arguably become as relevant as ever with his recent string of releases.

Grinderman is basically The Bad Seeds pared down to a core of four members. The end result is a a raw, stripped down band that specialize in a "seedy" and explosive brand of blues-based rock. Grinderman 2, the band's unoriginally titled second album, is a natural progression from their debut. The guitars screech and rip, the bass and drums shake the earth's foundation, while Cave howls and hollers at times like a man possessed.

Some albums come straight from the heart. Well, this is not one of those albums. This one comes straight from the crotch. Case in point: "Well my baby calls me the Loch Ness Monster/ Two great big humps and then I'm gone." It's safe to say that Cave isn't as concerned with subtlety here as he has been with The Bad Seeds. Grinderman provide an outlet for Cave and his cohorts to get their ya-ya's out and have some good old fashioned fun. Well... that is if your idea of fun includes stories of heathen children, the Big Bad Wolf and children who cry like demons.

Standout songs include "Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man," "Heathen Child," and "Worm Tamer." However, the album's highlight is the one song that strays from the central feel of the album. The gospel tinged "Palaces of Montezuma" sounds like The Bad Seeds covering a U2 outtake from The Joshua Tree. On paper it doesn't sound like it should work. However, Cave and company have instead given the album a semblance of heart... instead of just a hard on.

You can check out the band's NSFW video for "Heathen Child" below. I can't lie, it's pretty bizarre but really entertaining.

Grinderman - "Heathen Child"
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Sharing the Love Rock Revolution, Scatterheart to the Rescue: Second Interview with Vancouver Love Rockers Scatterheart

2010-09-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

Scatterheart, a Theatrical Love Rock band from Vancouver are playing an all ages show in Regina at the Exchange tonight September 9th.

With a new western Canadian tour under way in support their Love Rock Revolution, I recently had a chance to ask the boys of Canadian glam/punk-rock outfit Scatterheart a few questions. They are on their way to your town to dazzle you with their Love Rock Spectacle.

"The flavour is reminiscent of the '70's and '80's. Think Platinum Blonde meets Freddie Mercury with a little Bowie tossed in for good measure." - Camrose Canadian writer Kelly Barrett had this to say about Vancouver based band Scatterheart.

Handstands, guitar solos, sing-alongs, dance contests, catchy songs - and above all... an amazing live experience!

Here is what the fantastic Scatterheart had to say:

SPUN: How would you describe the sound of your music and what makes you feel that your album is different from other artists in your genre?

Scatterheart: Our overall goal is to create music that is uplifting AND powerful. There’s a lot of softer music that is uplifting and a lot of heavier music that is dark and intense. Both are cool, but we’re trying to take elements from each and create a two headed super music. Like if Zeus and Cupid had an illegitimate child.

SPUN: Have you written or created a song that didn’t make the album cut that you wished would have?

Scatterheart: Yes and no. There are times where you write what seems like a great song and you want the whole world to hear it but at the same time when we are working on a full album, it’s the full album that we’re creating, if that particular song doesn’t fit then it’ll have it’s place elsewhere. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

SPUN: Do you have any musical pet peeves?

Scatterheart: We tried to keep a few pet peeves, but we found it cost too much to feed them. Also, they wouldn’t let us take our peeves on the airplane with us. Oh - and they weren’t very musical. We tried to teach one to play keyboards and sing background vocals for us but he just hit all the keys at once and yelled. We gave them away to a nice family in Delaware who takes care of them for us, but there isn’t a day we don’t think about them... Oh peeves...

SPUN: Besides music, what are your favorite things to do? What keeps you grounded?

Scatterheart: Wes likes Hockey, Jesse likes Yoga and Mike and Doug like long walks on the beach. Together. Yes, you heard us.

SPUN: What would you say is your favorite song on the album and why?

Scatterheart: Those are our babies you can’t make us pick one over the other, but if we had to it would easily be Beautiful, it’s such a feel good song, or maybe The Free, love the energy of it, or no, wait, Take A Look Around.... uhm, ya, we can’t pick.

SPUN: What do you miss most, besides family and friends, while you are out traveling and touring?

Scatterheart: Sleeping in our own beds, making food on a stove and doing laundry (all at the same time). Jesse misses his hyperbaric chamber and pet monkeys.

SPUN: When not on stage you and your bandmates can often be found around the merch table? How important is it to be available to your fans?

Scatterheart: It’s the most important thing we do, without the fans we wouldn’t have anywhere to tour. And we have such awesome loving fans that it’s a pleasure to get to meet them all. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of great people because of it. “Hi everyone!”

SPUN: What kinds of comments do you get?

Scatterheart: I love the wings, can I wear them? I love the hat can I have it? I love your jacket, where’d you get it? I love your drummer, can I kiss keep him?

SPUN: What’s the secret to living on the road?

Scatterheart: A 12” color TV with a collection of Steve Martin movies.

SPUN: What phrase do you never want to hear again?

Scatterheart: Hit me baby one more time!

SPUN: This is where it gets random!!

Scatterheart: Yes. Yes it is. Good question, by the way.

SPUN: If you could pick which character from the wizard of Oz you are like, who would it be? The Lion, The Tinman, The Scarecrow, Dorothy or the Wizard?

Scatterheart: The Lion, because he had the most heart - plus I think he’d look good in feathered shoulder pads.

SPUN: Have you ever shaved any part of your body other than your face?

Scatterheart: Do eyebrows count?

SPUN: How come rappers never smile in photo's?

Scatterheart: Because they are afraid of letting people know that they are beautiful inside. (And maybe they can’t afford to go to the dentist.)

SPUN: Amanda wants to know who does your hair?

Scatterheart: All hair is done within the band, colorings, cuts, the whole she-bang! You need to when you’re on the road, we can’t bring a stylist with us yet so we’ve learn to be crafty with the scissors.

SPUN: Rick Wants to know if you could live out one movie what would it be?

Scatterheart: 1984, it was such a great year for music, oh wait....

SPUN: Kim wants to know if the moon is in the 7th house and Jupiter aligns with Mars... do you really believe that peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars? If you don't know just smile and nod like I do to her.

Scatterheart: *Smiling and nodding :) Jesse agrees though.

Scatterheart Loves You!! :)

http://scatterheart.ca
http://facebook.com/loverockrevolution
http://youtube.com/loverockrevolution
http://myspace.com/scatterheartband
http://twitter.com/scttrhrt

Scatterheart - The Masterplan

2010-08-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

I first saw Scatterheart well over a year ago at The Distrikt when they opened for Bif Naked. Right from the start, this was a band that commanded your attention. Even before the opening notes, the band just looked like they had IT. The band dressed sharp and their charismatic singer, Jesse Enright, was wearing his now trademark football shoulder pads adorned with feathers. Right away it was obvious that this wasn't going to be shoe-gazing music. That night they definitely won over the Bif crowd, who no doubt recognized guitarist Doug Fury from his decade-long tenure with Ms. Naked.

Since then, I've had the pleasure of seeing them two or three more times while they've toured the hell out of their debut album, The Masterplan. These guys are definitely road warriors! Since they are an independent band, they are building their audience one show at a time. And what a show they put on... feathers, yoga headstands, bubble machines, dance contests and covers of Rush, Queen and U2 thrown in for good measure. Simply put, Scatterheart are just tons of fun. They combine the dumb fun of hair metal, the energy of punk rock and the artsiness of 7o's glam rock. With his stage get-up and piercing voice, Jesse Enright reminds me of what would happen if Perry Farrell, Dee Snider and David Bowie had an orgy. These guys are the most fun Canadian rock band since Robin Black decided to focus on MMA.

As good as their live show is, it would all mean nothing if their songs were shite. Luckily, The Masterplan is a stellar batch of tunes. Aside from one or two forgettable songs, their debut is loaded with instantly memorable melodies, crunching guitars and a tight rhythm section. These are unabashed pop songs brimming with positive energy. It's so easy to be cynical and negative in today's world. In particular, it's easier to write songs filled with angst and negative energy. So it's refreshing every now and then for a rock band to have the balls to promote potentially hokey and cheesy themes as love and positivity. Thankfully, they pull it off just fine. Standout songs include "Beautiful," "More Man Than A Man," "The Free" and "We Are Stars."

Make sure to check them out when they spread their "love rock revolution" at The Exchange September 9! You can check out a great live clip of their performance of "The Free" at the Busan International Rock Festival. (I don't think The Exchange can fit this many people...)

American Hi-Fi: 'Fight the Frequency'

2010-08-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

To say that ‘Fight the Frequency’ is a lot different from American Hi-Fi’s previous efforts would be a lie. However after taking a break to be Miley Cyrus’ back up band (yeah I know… *scoff*) and label issues the band is able to put their latest effort’ Fight the Frequency’ was supposed to be out in ’07 to follow up ‘05’s ‘Hearts On Parade’.

The record is strong and to me has a ‘Lit’ meets ‘Something Corporate’ feel. They don’t follow regular mainstream formula's where ballads are ballads and rock songs are rock songs. Instead they kind of meld the two ideas’ on most. That being said they still generally lean on way or another. There are some balls out rock tunes on the record such as ‘Fight the Frequency, ‘Frat Clump’ and ‘Bullet. The only ballady one is “Where Love is a Lie” but even that is a stretch and ‘Tiny Spark’ has elements of a ballad, however I would hardly consider it a ballad. The other eight are a meld of the two, straight up great song pop’n’roll songs like ‘Acetate’ and ‘Lost’.

I believe they have taken some tips from their friend Butch Walker in making sure this record was polished and produced well. Lead singer Stacy Jones is no slouch as a producer as well. Where this record beats the previous ones is that I would have taken some tracks of previous records. This one I wouldn’t. A couple tracks may get played less but they stay. The sound quality is here. If you like well written pop songs and their previous efforts, give it a spin. I love it but always have liked this band. I would say it’s their best record to date, just edging out ‘03’s ‘Art of Losing’…just barely. American Hi-Fi is definitely a consistent band.

As much as I love their first single ‘Lost’, I probably would have picked something with a little more punch. It’s a great record with a lot of swagger and riffing energy. ‘Fight the Frequency’ is great… not superb or excellent and far from classic… just great. I am looking forward to the bands next record that will be a lot similar to this one and the one before and the one before.

My favourite on the record is ‘Keep It Like a Secret’

“I don't know how you love
With that smile on your face
It's all take and no give
You're an amazing disgrace

Hide the lies between the bloodshot eyes
Keep it close to me
I'll never let it show

You got your army but they're my spies
Keep it like a secret man
I just cant let it go
Let it go”

3.5/5

The first single 'Lost' has embedding disabled by the users request. Check out the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA5k_VCDJkI&feature=search

Cheers Rockers!!

Liz Phair - Funstyle

2010-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Liz, Liz, Liz. We had such a good thing going. Ever since 1994 when I immersed myself in Whip-smart and Exile in Guyville. To this day I still rate Exile as one of the top 5 best albums ever made. Since then, I've been extremely patient with your sporadic release dates. However, each time I've been rewarded for the most part with some great music. I even let slide your blatant attempt at going from an indie critics' darling to a MILF version of Avril Lavigne. I understood this because you once sang "It's nice to be liked, but it's better by far to be paid" on "Shitloads of Money." Hell, I even really enjoyed the much maligned MOR adult-alternative of Somebody's Miracle.

But now you've gone and done THIS.

Please tell me this is a joke. Funstyle? More like Exile From Tuneville. One of the first lines of the opener "Satisfied" is "It's nice to take a detour sometimes." Well, this is one helluva detour Liz! I hope you're satisfied because my ears sure aren't! So I really hope you are taking the piss out all of us and just releasing this unannounced album as a joke.

Let's start with the album "artwork." Really? A half-assed screensaver? I know you're not on a major label anymore since your attempt at being a mainstream pop star failed, but really? You couldn't spend an extra fifteen minutes to make something more presentable? Hell, I have a few friends that could've whipped up something nice for you in 30 minutes or less. You could've just called.

And what about the "songs"? This collection of songs (I won't even call it an album) sound like they were just thrown together. "Satisfied" has a nice enough melody, but a line like "I came, I saw, I kicked it's ass" makes Chad Kroeger sound like Bob Frickin' Dylan. And I know M.I.A. is all the rage with the indie hipster kids out there, but "Bollywood" is just downright embarrassing. You have a couple songs that sound like typical Liz Phair songs, but they sound like you just punched in and punched out. Other tracks sound like they could be the backing tracks for Randy "Macho Man" Savage's "rap" album.

Seriously Liz... this is a joke, right? You're just pulling an Andy Kaufman on us, like that time where he read the The Great Gatsby from start to finish in front of the university crowd that were expecting Latka. That's what's going on here, right? If so, I get it. I really do. It's bad on purpose. You're just making this detour before hitting us with a classic album, right? Okay then. Whew. I'll just wait for the next album and laugh at this "effort." You really had me going there. Whew.

Stars - The Five Ghosts

2010-07-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

With The Five Ghosts, Stars return with their fifth full length album of sublime dream pop. After going for a more mellow chamber pop sound on the classic Set Yourself On Fire and In Our Bedroom After The War, the band has gone for a more electronic sound this time around. As the title suggests, the majority of the songs here deal with ghosts. Appropriately, the electronic soundscapes that dominate this album are perfect for this subject. Sonically and thematically, the songs have a light, airy, ethereal feel.

This is by far the most concise album Stars have released to date, clocking in at approximately 37 minutes and consisting of just 11 songs. The emphasis here is uptempo songs in the vein of "The Night Starts Here," "Ageless Beauty," and "Elevator Love Letter." Fans of slower earlier songs like "Personal" and "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" may be slightly disappointed, but The Five Ghosts has lots for a Stars fan to love.

The trademark male-female vocal interplay between Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan is still evident, particularly in the stunning album opener "Dead Hearts." However, Millan simply DOMINATES this album. "Wasted Daylight" and first single "Fixed" are hands down two of my favourite songs of the year. That being said, Campbell doesn't exactly punch it in for this record. He shines on the atmospheric, pulsating album focal point "He Dreams He's Awake."

Despite dealing with grave subject matter like death and ghosts, Stars manage to make the songs light and fun. This album is not as strong as their masterpiece Set Yourself On Fire (what albums are?), but it's definitely worthy of a spot in their stellar catalogue. This is definitely one of my favourite albums of the year so far.

You can check out their video for "Fixed" below.

The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (both Kent Rocks & JJ Ramone thoughts)

2010-06-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here is what Kent Rocks had to say:

After two records of figuring themselves out I think the Jersey boys of The Gaslight Anthem have really come into their own. Where the first two records are very aimed at educating on their influences (primarily Springsteen), this is the first Gaslight Anthem record in many ways.

The Gaslight Anthem deserve commercial stardom and I am amazed this band hasn’t reached that level. They should be everyone’s new favorite band. This record is a healthy blend of old school tradition done in their own way mixed with pop sensibilities of the 21st century. Brian Fallon and band seem to be done being the flag runners for the bands that have inspired them and have come to the conclusion that many bands have, which is “Fuck it! We are gonna do this our way.”

The musicianship of this record is a lot tighter than the first. There is something going on ALL the time. Killer riffs and more intricate guitar parts than that last record are peppered throughout the record that work perfectly. Open chords and campfire songs seem to be leaving the band. Sure there are Against Me comparisons, however, I will say this: The Gaslight Anthem writes way better songs than Against Me! This record is more rock and less sing-along which is the Gaslight Anthem’s strong suit. I am sure I will get crucified for this but “Sink or Swim was in my eyes a better, raw, “knock your dick in the dirt” kind of record, where as “The ‘59 Sound” was all like “come sing with us”. Now that being said I feel their two best songs are on “The ‘59 Sound” but “Sink or Swim” was a better record. This is because it was their first record. Most bands do this. Throw it all against the wall and see what sticks. The thing about “American Slang” is that they took all the best attributes of the first two records and expanded and made it more beautiful.

These four young cats approached this record aggressively and made a gorgeous record. The Gaslight Anthem seem focused on great records. They are paying dues and doing it the meat and potatoes way. I am scared to think how phenomenal the fourth record could be. Brian Fallon can write a fricken song. Can Justin Beiber?

Highlights? For me it’s definitely the most pop friendly song on the record “Stay Lucky” and “Boxer” which the cadence of Brian’s voice mixed with the fact that it’s a superbly well written song really hit home runs with me. All around stunning record. HMV is selling it at a price of $9.99 so be sure to pick it up.

Cheers Rockers!!

... and now for JJ Ramone's thoughts

After showing potential on their debut, The Gaslight Anthem struck gold with 2008's The '59 Sound. Hailing from New Jersey, Brian Fallon and company wore their influences (namely Jersey's golden boy Bruce Springsteen) proudly on their sleeve. Not shying away from his idol, Fallon even referenced several Springsteen lyrics on their last album ("Bobby Jean," "No Surrender" etc). However, if you are going to emulate your heroes you can do far worse than Mr. Springsteen!

With American Slang, the Springsteen influence is still readily apparent. Fallon still writes arena friendly songs with lyrics that hearken back to nostalgic 1950's cinema and Jack Kerouac... classic cars, girls and rebels without causes. The danger with writing songs with these grand, sweeping themes is that the lyrics can often wind up sounding trite, cliched and hokey (see Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and most mainstream country music.) When done well, the results can be exhilarating (see Tom Petty, The Killers circa Sam's Town and The Arcade Fire.) Luckily, Fallon hits the mark most of the time.

This time around, the band also brings another influence to the forefront, The Clash. This is particularly evident in the reggae tinged "The Queen of Lower Chelsea." As well, Fallon specifically references The Clash's "Tommy Gun" later in the album. (In a related note, Fallon appears in Springsteen's new concert DVD... entitled London Calling, where Springsteen indeed covers The Clash.)

The Gaslight Anthem are definitely not the most original band out there, but they do what they do extremely well. American Slang is an energetic album of punked up Springsteen anthems with a couple slower tunes thrown in to showcase Fallon's soulful rasp. Album closer (without counting the iTunes bonus track "She Loves You") "We Did It When We Were Young" is the perfect way to end the album. The song gradually gains momentum with stripped down, echoing guitars and Fallon's double-tracked vocals that sound like they were sung underwater.

If you didn't like The '59 Sound, this album probably won't convert you. However, if you did like their last album, this definitely won't disappoint. It's definitely worth $10. Highlights include "American Slang," "Boxer," "Stay Lucky" and "Bring It On."

The New Pornographers - Together

2010-06-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

For their fifth album, indie supergroup The New Pornographers find a happy medium between the pure power pop of their first three albums and the lush, restrained sounds of their last album Challengers. Carl (A.C.) Newman and his troupe of indie rock darlings have yet again put together a stellar batch of well executed pop tunes that will linger in your head long after the album is over.

Once again, the incomparable Neko Case is their self-described "secret weapon." Her powerful, sultry vocals are perfect for Newman-penned tunes like the insanely catchy "Crash Years" and the crunching "Your Hands (Together)." "Crash Years" also features a wacky hook consisting of whistles... human whistles. I was really impressed when they actually pulled this feat off live on David Letterman a few weeks ago.

One of the many highlights of this album is "Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk," which features Kathyrn Calder (of Immaculate Machine) on lead vocals for the first time on record. Initially, Calder was brought into the band to fill in for Neko Case while on tour but is now a full-time member. Her voice is a little more thin than Case's, and not as distinct (but whose voice is?), but it is pleasant nonetheless. She definitely holds her own on this tune, which sounds like it could be an outtake from The Beatles' Revolver or Rubber Soul.

As always, Dan Bejar (of Destroyer) contributes some songs. I haven't been the biggest fan of his songs on earlier New Pornographers albums but he really steps up to the plate for this go around. In particular, "Silver Jenny Dollar" really fits in with the feel of the rest of the album. Normally, his tunes sound like quirky diversions from Newman's pop masterpieces.

The New Pornographers can really do no wrong. They are one of the most consistent bands out there right now. You can check out their video for "Crash Years" (whistles included) below.

Butch Walker - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

2010-06-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Butch Walker is a pop genius that has once again truly outdone himself with "I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart". The follow-up to 2008’s heartache born nostalgic autobiographical "Sycamore Meadows" is loaded with crafty pop hooks and his smashing songwriting ability is as always very apparent.

The record starts strong with “Trash Day” which is much like the stylings of legend Tom Petty and ends just as well with his classic smile and wink wit in “Days/Month/Years”. That being said the going gets great at about the middle of the record.

It’s hard to believe that this artist that is doing very much something similar to the California country thing of the 70’s that was made famous by the Eagles and Jackson Browne was once in a hair band from Georgia “South Gang”. “I was in one, so it's a little too close to home." Walker explains in “She Likes Hair Bands”. This track is a witty gem about a smutty girl. It has probably my favourite lyrics from the record such as the following:

“She likes Mary Jane

But she says she doesn't like the smell

And She's got a baby

And by the way she walks I can't tell

She's got a birthmark

On the inside of her thigh

Ask me how I know (Ha)

About the inside of her thigh

She knows the Japanese alphabet

But She don't know me-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e

Yeah”

Going the piano-ballad route is that classic Walker Ballad in “Canadian Ten” that doesn’t disappoint. Also a nice bonus if the record was purchased in store is a download card comes included for a superb cover or Taylor Swift‘s “You Belong With Me”. You can't help but smile at the thought of this.

This record has everything that makes a record great. Great la-la-la-la-la’s, great hand claps and great influences such as the glorious pop track that reeks of Phil Spector “Pretty Melody”. It’s the song that’s going to make me a Beatles fan…

In a time where contemporary music is loaded with bands making folk/indie records that fall short, Butch is making great records from start to finish. Most artists can’t make a record this fresh, modern and relevant and still make every song count...but then again most artists aren't Butch Walker.

"I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart" is power pop soaked and folk/indie infused. I don’t think this is going to be the record that defines his career or catapults him to stardom but it’s going to keep his extremely loyal fan base extremely happy… at least till the next record.

The National - High Violet

2010-06-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

I had huge expectations for The National's latest album since their last full-length, Boxer, remains one of my favourite albums of the last few years. As well, I was fortunate enough to see them live when they opened up for R.E.M. and Modest Mouse a couple years ago. When I picked up this album almost a month ago I was initially disappointed. However, over the last couple weeks it has REALLY grown on me. I think part of the reason is that The National released the album when the weather here in Regina was prematurely Summer-like. Since this band's music combines elements of Nick Cave, The Velvet Underground, Joy Division and Leonard Cohen, it's not ideally suited for bright sunny days. Jimmy Buffett this ain't.

So maybe it's the turn in weather that has made me appreciate this album that much more. Since it's been raining almost non-stop I've had a chance to really absorb this album. High Violet demands your attention. With each successive listen, this album's charms trickle out until it finally becomes mesmerizing and stunning. It's pretty much a flawless album. Each of the 11 songs (plus iTunes bonus track "Walk Off") blends seamlessly into the next, creating a moody atmosphere which is perfect for late nights or early mornings. Singer Matt Berninger, with his rich, deep baritone, and his band create the perfect soundtrack for people in their late 20's and early 30's. Their songs aren't sad or gloomy... they're just realistic. For instance, every adult can relate to lines like "I still owe money to the money I owe." This is guaranteed to be on my shortlist for album for the year.

You can check out the video for their excellent first single "Bloodbuzz Ohio" below.

Stone Temple Pilots - Stone Temple Piiots

2010-06-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Stone Temple Pilots are a band that has taken me a long time to respect. They have always had great, catchy songs which were, and still are, great for rock radio. However, like a lot of detractors back in the day, I thought they were pretty derivative. I still remember David Spade on Saturday Night Live talking about STP: "I liked them better the first time... when they were called Pearl Jam." That pretty much summed up my opinion of the band for their first couple of albums. Even though I thought their songs were decent, I never really gave them a chance. For me, they would always be a "plush" version of Pearl Jam.

Gradually, I started to actually gain some respect for the band. I think what did it for me was the "Big Bang Baby" video, which was more influenced by 70's glam than Eddie Vedder. From this point on they actually released music that sounded a bit different from their alt-rock contemporaries. As well, I really started to notice Scott Weiland coming into his own as a frontman. He's not the best singer or lyricist, but he has become one of the most charismatic frontmen of the last couple decades. As well, Dean DeLeo is just a monster on guitar. Sometimes if a band slugs it out long enough, you have no choice but to respect them on some level. (However, this theory definitely has not worked for Nickelback.)

Now, after breaking up, Weiland's stint in Velvet Revolver, and a successful reunion tour (including a stop here in Regina), STP are back with a solid self-titled album. This album won't set the world on fire, but it's a fine comeback nonetheless. First track and single "Between The Lines" is a catchy, energetic tune that sets the tone perfectly. And judging by their appearances on David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, this song rips live. This won't be a contender for album of the year, but it'll sound pretty great cranked up on a nice summer day. It's definitely worth checking out.

You can see their video for "Between The Lines" below.

Jesse Malin & the St. Marks Socials - Love it to Life

2010-05-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

“To me rock’n’roll is an exorcism that begins every night when the sun goes down, the music starts playing , and the spirits start flowing. It helps to say things to the public over dirty micro phones. It’s a way to spit out the poison.” – Jesse Malin

On his fourth studio record of new material since his days of fronting the New York glam-punk outfit D Generation, Jesse Malin has proved himself to be a rock’n’roll poet. Jesse Malin & the St. Marks Socials “Love it to Life” has more of a rock’n’roll groove rather than the straight up folk or straight pop records he has put out in the past.

The core of the band ended up on the record rather than just Jesse. Jesse Malin states he made a fast and cheap record in true punk rock style that has no fat on it. Back to the idea of five songs per side, the forty four minutes of music cuts right to the chase is a style that is very reminiscent of the Ramones.

It’s just as it sounds, a rock’n’roll social club. “Love it to Life” is not a punk rock record per say but definitely has more rhythmic rocking style. It manages to encompass all elements of the crooning poets past whether it be hardcore, punk rock or singer songwriter.

“Love it to Life” makes big songs important again. Songs are fun, yet real and shoot from the heart. They aren’t arty and weird for the sake of being arty and weird. It’s a fast and loose raw record that is charming from start to finish. Stinging guitars start the record off with the first single “Burning the Bowery” where Jesse talks about burning things down in effort to make them beautiful again. “All the Way From Moscow” is a fast paced catchy sing-a-long and “The Archer” is more reminiscent of something out of the songwriters past. “The Archer” and the fun grooved “Disco Ghetto” are both made great with the assistance of long time friend Ryan Adams and his knack of guitar, piano and fantastic background vocals. D Generation friends Danny Sage and Howie Pyro both lend hands to the record. Sage lends some background on “St. Mark’s Sunset” and “Burn the Bridge”. Where Pyro thumps away on his bass to “All the Way From Moscow”. What kind of came as a surprise where the guest background vocals on “Lowlife in a Highrise” and “Lonely at Heart” come from none other than Mandy Moore. My personal favourite on the record is the fist pumping “Black Boombox”.

I still feel that Malins all time best tracks are on other records. However this record as a whole is the most complete and still a must own.

Looks like Malin moving from Adeline records where Green Day is appreciated but much to busy, to Side One Dummy records that puts out Warp tour compilations, Flogging Molly and The Gaslight Anthem was a great idea.

Do yourself a favour and pick it up.

Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

2010-05-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

It's been five years since Broken Social Scene's last album came out. However, they definitely haven't been slacking. During that time, key members Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning put out solo albums under the Broken Social Scene Presents banner, auxiliary members continued to dominate the indie rock world in their respective bands (Stars, Metric, Jason Collett, etc) and Feist made an appearance on a little show you may heard of called Sesame Street.

More importantly, the morale amongst the core members of this collective was at an all-time low due to reported friction and in-fighting. So there was a time when the prospect of a new BSS was looking pretty slim.

Well now they're back with the fittingly titled Forgiveness Rock Record. Judging from this triumphant return, it appears that all is now well in the BSS camp. This album is easily the most consistent of the BSS releases, which is largely due to the fact that the collective have pared their core membership down to "only" seven members. However, this IS BSS so over twenty "additional members" and "guests" appear on the album, including Feist, Emily Haines, Amy Millan and Pavement's Spiral Stairs.

"World Sick" opens the album with the lush movie soundtrack atmospherics that BSS have become known for. However, the album is loaded with great SONGS... not just sound snippets that have dominated in the past. What is most evident with Forgiveness is the focus on melody. These songs are definitely busy with layered instrumental backdrops but a dominant melodic line keeps the songs from drifting into self-indulgence. As a result, this is definitely their most accessible album to date.

It is really hard to narrow down just three or four highlights from this album since it is great from start to finish. However, my personal faves are the rocking "Forced To Love," the ambient "All to All," the soulful "Sweetest Kill" and "Sentimental X's," which features Haines, Millan and Feist. This is definitely a strong contender for album of the year so far.

You can check out their performance of "Forced To Love" on The Late Show with David Letterman below.

Hannah Georgas - This Is Good

2010-04-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

More like This is Frickin Great. The debut full length album from Vancouver singer/songwriter Hannah Georgas is a stunning collection of songs, showcasing a vast array of styles. To say this album is eclectic is the understatement of the decade. According to her myspace page, she is classified as indie/pop/alternative. These descriptions are definitely valid, but they only are only the tip of the iceberg.

Georgas has quirky indie pop/rock songs like "Bang Bang You're Dead," (which is the free iTunes download of the week) mixed with acoustic folk/pop songs like "Lovesick." She even throws the jazz-induced "Something For You" in for good measure. However, the most extreme switching of gears occurs when the electro pop/new wave "Dancefloor" is followed by the "The Deep End," which features the banjo as its main instrument.

Georgas, who happens to be on the cover of this month's Exclaim magazine, reminds me of what would happen if you made a musical Frankenstein monster out of Beth Orton, Goldfrapp and Sarah Slean. And for only $6.99 on iTunes. A helluva deal I say!

You can check out her video for "Thick Skin" (which shows lots of um... skin) below.

You can also see her in action at O'Hanlon's May 13.

Gogol Bordello - Trans-Continental Hustle

2010-04-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Gogol Bordello are notorious for their wildly chaotic live shows. I never had a chance to see their show in Saskatoon a few months ago, but a few people have told me it was the sweatiest and most fun show they have ever been to. Judging by their Live From Axis Mundi DVD, which was released last year, these accounts seem pretty accurate.

Somehow, the raucous energy of Eugene Hutz and his rowdy crew of gypsy punks has translated fairly well to the studio, resulting in party-ready albums like Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike and Super Taranta! And no matter how much I play these albums, "Start Wearing Purple" still remains one of my favourite songs ever. (And it's perfect for a wedding!)

On their fifth album, Trans-Continental Hustle, the band have hooked up with producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty). Wisely, Rubin hasn't tampered much with the Gogol Bordello formula (or lack thereof). Instead, he has simply tightened the reins a little bit and given the songs a little more structure. What is most surprising is the subtlety that is evident on a handful of tunes. In particular, "When Universes Collide" is primarily a fairly pretty folk song that gradually builds up momentum. Judging from their past, this song should not work. Yet, songs like this add a nice diversity to a band primarily known for going full tilt all the time.

Having been signed to Rubin's American Recordings label and attaining Madonna's seal of approval, the days of seeing this band in sweaty clubs may be nearly over. However, these guys would be absolutely insane in a festival environment.

You can check out their performance "Pala Tute" from Live With Jools Holland below:

More Than Just Men: An Interview with Vancouver Love Rockers Scatterheart

2010-04-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

With a new western Canadian tour under way in support their Love Rock Revolution, I recently had a chance to ask the boys of Canadian glam/punk-rock outfit Scatterheart a few questions. They are on their way to your town to dazzle you with their Love Rock Spectacle. These are shows you won’t want to miss.

Without further ado, here is what Scatterheart had to say.

SPUN: When did Scatterheart get together as a band? What inspired you to make music together?

Scatterheart: Scatterheart is about 3 years old now. We decided to create it because we wanted to see a rock band that was positive, fun and wore feathers.

SPUN: For someone who may not know, what genre of music do you consider Scatterheart to be? Who are your major influences?

Scatterheart: Our genre is 'Love Rock'! We have quite varied influences in the band, but the main ones that are the same for all of us are Queen, The Police, David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Jones.

SPUN: While packing your sets full of your original music, you still have fun with a couple covers here and there. If you had to pick between U2’s “Pride (In The Name of Love)” and Rush’s “Closer To The Heart” which song would make the cut?

Scatterheart: Pride (In The Name of Love) is a great song and a lot of fun to play live, but Closer To The Heart has become such a signature that we have trouble not playing it. We've taken it out of the set a couple of times and it just doesn't feel right. Plus, people love it so much that I think we'd disappoint our fans by not doing it. ;)

SPUN: Doug, as once the guitar player for Bif Naked, was it a big change to rock with the Scatterheart boys?

Doug Fury: Nope! It reminds me of the early days touring with Bif playing smaller rooms, we were on a mission! I feel that same thing with Scatterheart, I Love It!

SPUN: If you were not making music, what is it you suspect you'd be occupying your time with?

Scatterheart: Listening to music and hugging.

SPUN: Other than the Vitamix blender top fiasco back in July of last year, what has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Scatterheart: We haven't had too many big challenges, every day is just a great experience, meeting new people and playing lots of fun show!

SPUN: You will be doing a show Dirtbred here in Regina soon. Dirtbred is a little harder of band. Have you done shows as unique as this one? What are your thoughts the show as it gets closer?

Scatterheart: Yes we have! We've played with metal bands, shoegazers and country and even hip hop and it always turns out to be a great night. Put the love out to the room and everyone has fun. Just be yourself. We're looking forward to playing with Dirtbred, a good friend of ours Roque plays in the band and they are awesome!

SPUN: What would you consider the highlight of your career so far and why?

Scatterheart: There are so many, but to name a few: Playing in Korea to 25,000 people, headlining the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver and the 2009 Scatterheart Septathalon in Regina!!!

SPUN: What was the first record you ever bought and do you still own it?

Mike Southworth: I'm too ashamed to write it so I'll post the youtube video (and no, I don't still own it...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUxhNWDlGts

SPUN: 3 videos have now been released for our viewing pleasure (all available on youtube for viewing), do you have a favourite?

Scatterheart: I think the newest is always the favorite, so right now we'd have to say 'The Free'. We still have a soft spot for 'Beautiful' and 'More Than A Man' though. They're all our children - don't make us choose!! :)

SPUN: Is there a follow up record planned for “The Masterplan”? Can you tell us anything about it if so?

Scatterheart: There most certainly is, it's in the very early stages, we just started throwing a few ideas around. The plan is to put work into it more in the fall, we have 1 more summer of touring to go before we retire to the studio for another album.

SPUN: You guys get a booming response the feather people, why do you think that is?

Scatterheart: It's the love we give and the love we get. It's a shared emotion with everyone in the crowd. We just try to be ourselves and have a good time and hopefully it shows and the feather people feed off that and we feed off them.

SPUN: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Scatterheart: iTunes, Scatterheart.ca, call the local radio station and ask them to play it, or watch some videos on YouTube.

SPUN: Tell us about your next shows and why we the feather people should be there.

Scatterheart: We've got a nice western Canada tour that we're doing here and it's going to be a lot of fun, we haven't been out since last fall, spring is in the air, the birds are out singing, it's a great time to be travelling in this beautiful country, the only way it could get better is if we get to see the wonderful feather people out in full effect. That's what makes the shows. We love to see our fans dressed up in their feathers with their big smiles. That's what we do all this for.

SPUN: Lastly just give me two words to end this interview.

Scatterheart: Scatterheart Loves.... (you).

--
Scatterheart Loves You!

http://scatterheart.ca
http://facebook.com/loverockrevolution
http://youtube.com/loverockrevolution
http://myspace.com/scatterheartband
http://twitter.com/scttrhrt

Dates
04/25/10 Scatterheart in Edmonton, AB @ On The Rocks
04/28/10 Scatterheart in Leduc, AB @ Burnsy O’Flanagan’stickets
04/29/10 Scatterheart in Calgary, AB @ Rusty Cage
05/01/10 Scatterheart in Lethbridge, AB @ Henotic Lounge
05/02/10 Scatterheart in Medicine Hat, AB @ Ottoman Lounge
05/06/10 Scatterheart in Red Deer, AB @ Cheers North
05/07/10 Scatterheart in Saskatoon, SK @ Roxy’s on Broadway
05/08/10 Scatterheart in Regina, SK @ The Exchange

Red Vienna: Walking Through The Cracks Of Endless Time

2010-04-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Red Vienna is a band based out Vancouver BC; Vancouver is a hotbed for rock’n’roll in this country of ours that is matched only by Toronto. In the 80’s you had Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. In the 90’s you had Gob, Sarah McLachlan, Age of Electric and The Black Halos.

Soon everywhere the kids will cry for Red Vienna. This is much different in the sense intelligent kids cry because of Nickelback. Red Vienna is a good thing… a great thing.

On Saturday March 26th 2010 Adam Becvare’s Chicago based rock band the LustKillers were in Saskatoon. Bass player Denyss McKnight and vocalist Becvare both previously of The Black Halo’s advised me that old band mates Jahmeel Russell and Robbie Zgaljic had a new project on the go called Red Vienna. This excited me, perhaps more than it should have. The next afternoon when I arrived back in Regina I checked to see if it was online yet. It wasn’t. The Sunday after LK’s Regina show however, I had facebook and myspace requests. It seemed to be timed perfectly. See I am as you may or may not know a huge fan of The Black Halo’s. A HUGE part of that is Zgaljic. See Robbie Z has always been one of my favourite drummers. He is the only drummer I like to watch as much is Shannon Larkin of Godsmack. Most drummers are just there. Not Rob. He is an incredible player that hit’s extremely hard, his machine gun snare rolls are out of this world and he carries himself very well. He drives the band and keeps your attention all at the same time. He still manages to stay grounded and is one of the kindest people ever.

Jahmeel is no slouch himself. The bass lines Jahmeel punches out on the record are solid as !@#$. While he is not only a talented bass player he is also the vocalist for this new sensation. The songs that Rob and Jam Master Jahmeel (that’s what I will call him from now on) have written for their self titled EP are sick! It’s hard to describe the sound because it’s really fresh, fun and rockin’ yet it has an earthy, atmospheric kind of contemplative sound that is still very familiar to the listener. From a thought Rob and Jahmeel had in the fall of ’08 to working on the first song “Reprise” in mid ’09, it was well worth the wait. The boys were accompanied by Devin Boquist and Mark Perry on guitars that solidify the bands line up. Red Vienna has definitely created a unique record that they can call their own. You will find yourself very comfortable quickly with it. The first two days after buying the record online at http://redvienna.bandcamp.com on April 6th were spent with the album on repeat, and really listening to it.

Photo by Gucio Photography

The first track “The Best Words” Jahmeel owns from the start really ripping on the bass. With his gentle sounding voice backed by a tight rhythm section “The Best Words” is an excellent start to the record. Again the second song on the record “Low Lights” gets thumping right away. The band is definitely defining their sound early and it works for them. “Low Lights” has a bang on chorus that I am sure to be the early single. I predict this to be the crowd favourite as far as pop goes on the record. The ringing guitars and radio friendly melodies appease the ears that put you in a state of complete peace and bliss. The epic anthemic rock song entitled “Victoria Victoria” crushes from start to finish with it’s guitar buzz and steady drum. I can only picture a gang of young men steadily approaching on this number. Run they look serious! The band leads you back to their gentle atmospheric sound by track four. “The Long Walk” is that song that when you hear live will be the song the band captivates you with. Wait and see, it will be that powerful live. It’s powerful enough on it’s own but wait and see live… mark my words. This song is going to be “the moment” you fell in love with the band live. Lastly “Reprise” is a brooding/melancholy song that Jahmeel wrote reflecting a friend who had recently passed away. “We don’t think about death except for inside jokes we know. With our arms around each other, playing songs we know from show to show. Our glass eyes are cracked and the tears begin to flow. Goodbye to our snowman friend, goodbye to the winter cold. I see my friend at funeral, he’s someone I used to know” laments Russell. The crescendo that is built by about half way through will make your heart stop. It’s a hard song to listen to in that Jahmeel’s heart felt thoughts for his friend vividly come across in the song.

This is the best thing I have heard in recent memory. Red Vienna probably the best thing I have heard since Winnipeg’s “Ripperz” a couple years back.

Stunning effort fellas!

Cheers Rockers!

http://redvienna.bandcamp.com
http://www.myspace.com/redvienna

Library Voices - Denim On Denim

2010-04-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

The wait is over. After months of promising to release a followup to 2008's Hunting Ghosts & Other Collected Shorts EP, Regina's own Library Voices have finally shared their debut full-length album with the world. And trust me, it is definitely worth the wait. Denim On Denim more than delivers on the promise shown on their six song EP. While there is nothing quite as instantly memorable as "Step Off The Map & Float," Library Voices come pretty damn close a few times. In particular, "Insider Trading (On Outsider Art)," "Bookish" and "Family Night" are all potential singles.

Denim on Denim is a natural progression for the band, while keeping the core strengths of the group intact. Like Elvis Costello, the band's songwriting consists of a wordiness that by all accounts should not fit into a pop hook. Yet, Carl Johnson and company have an uncanny knack for compacting an obscene amount of literate words into lines that are so hummable. For instance, try rattling off these tongue twisting lines from "Bookish," a song about online personas:

"Somebody's little starlet strapped in a strapless garment/ Pouts and poses for a pinhole/ Struts her stuff in megapixels/ Boasts her bands and interests/ Call it digital confidence/ But she looks so bookish when I pass her on the street."

There are also elements of the soft/loud dynamic made famous by the Pixies. This is really evident in opening track, and first single "Drinking Games." The song opens very softly, with only members of the band singing the chorus a cappella. As the song builds up, there are a few instances where the song just erupts out of the speakers. I must say, it's nice to hear this kind of dynamics on an album in today's age of digital compression.

The band and producer Orion Paradis have done a spectacular job in making the album sound crisp, lush and lively. The band's live energy is still evident in the final mixes, while their signature Beatle-esque multi-part harmonies are prominently featured.

It's only April, but Denim and Denim will definitely be a contender for album of the year.

You can check out their video for "Drinking Games" below.

Library Voices - Drinking Games (music video) from Young Soul on Vimeo.

After Black Halos Burn Out They Often Burn Brighter

2010-04-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

In the April 2010 Spin magazine article in which Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) meets with Stooges legend Iggy Pop, Iggy says the following:

“There are people who live rock’n’roll all the time, but those people don’t last long. After I finish with you guys I am going to feed a cat.”

This has a lot to do with countless bands, but it was probably the greatest downfall of one of my favourite bands in the world.

Some people live it and some people fake it; either way this is detrimental to the people portraying this as well as the bands that back these types of people. Being rock’n’roll all the time was definitely a hardship that Vancouver’s monochrome glam punk-rock’n’rollers felt on a regular basis.

The Black Halos were a band in which though hard work, relentless dedication to their craft, a “DYI” attitude and solid songwriting produced four records fans could rave about with famed producer Jack Endino (Nirvana Soundgarden).

The Black Halo’s were a punk band that formed in 1993 by vocalist Billy Hopeless, guitarists Rich Jones and Jay Millette, bass player Matt Camirand and drummer Robbie Zgaljic. The band’s self-titled debut record was released in 1999 and by 2001 the band’s sophomore smash ‘The Violent Years’ was released.

It was on the Canadian tour for the Violent Years that I was introduced to this band. A couple friends and I went to the show at The State, which is now the Distrikt. This venue has a balcony upstairs with a view that allows you to watch the band from three sides of the stage. The room was pretty full so we went to the balcony and watched the show close to stage left. The band was likely very good. However, whoever hired the sound guy obviously hired Helen Keller because the sound was awful. I wasn’t entirely sold on this band as of yet… their sound anyway. That being said, the show was fantastic. The stage presence was amazing and the band banged it out. One member caught my eye specifically. That member was drummer Robbie Zgaljic. The man was intense from the first second right up until the last. He pounded the kit and had boat loads of charisma just in playing. You got this feeling that he was leading the whole band from the back. I left that night impressed with the stage show and the people but wanted to actually “hear” it. Soon after, my friend played me the Violent Years and I was sold. I was like “This is what I was supposed to hear!?” I played that record nonstop while I thought the band had called it quits for the next few years.

Although a lot of people love the Violent Years and the Rich Jones era Black Halos (so do I), it was the band’s third record ‘Alive Without Control’ that sealed them as one of the best bands in Canada for me. It was during this time that the best Halos line up would come together for me. This line up would consist of Billy, Robbie and Jay. However, after going through several guitarists and bass players, Denyss McKnight would join on bass and Adam Becvare would enter as the lead guitar player. Becvare was asked to do a US tour but was unable to partake due to his obligations to his own band the Lustkillers and the Halos would struggle. In Aug ’04 Becvare would fire his drummer and hop on board with the Black Halos for a tour with American hardcore band Zeke.

Shortly after this tour, AWC would take shape in 2005. It was already half written when the Adam joined. The band finished it after the Zeke tour. The band got everything they could onto that record, including organ, keys, pianos, hand claps, guest gang vocals, tambourine and even a guest solo from Rontrose of the Supersuckers on “Last Call At The Toothless Saloon.” Jay, Denyss, Adam and Rob really went to town writing on that record.

This would be the last we would see of Jay. The ups and downs of the Halos would prove to be something he didn’t want anymore and it was time to pursue other music ventures. Denyss would write for the next record but we would not see him live in this formation again either. Hired guns would enter as replacements: Johnny Stewart on rhythm guitar and Jahmeel Russell on bass.

‘We Are Not Alone,’ the band’s last record came out in 2008. For seven days straight Denyss, Adam, and Rob would work from noon till 6pm writing songs. Rob, a drummer once featured in Modern Drummer magazine, hits so hard that it forced the band to play loud just to get over it. This comes across crushingly beautiful live. Unfortunately, Adam states that is when he lost some hearing. Denyss, the youngest member of the bunch, has the ability to make new rock songs while Adam would make them more Halos’ type songs, Clash-like if you will.

The second time Rob asked Adam to join the band he told Adam that if he didn’t join then the Halo’s were over. Adam knew what the band needed. He had the contacts and experience, but most importantly he had a fan’s view. Adam had followed the band since 1999. That being said, Rob would not only be the backbone of the songs but of the band as well. Rob drove, booked, took on all the finances, all the debt and rehearsal space. It seems to me that Robbie Z was the heart of the Black Halos. I remember one show here in Regina where the turnout was poor and I apologized that our city sucked so badly. Rob just replied “I am just glad you guys showed up.” He seemed happy to just be doing it. Rob seems to be a real genuine, sincere and excellent human being.

On St. Patrick’s Day of ’08 in Montreal, thieves would break into the band’s trailer and steal all their gear and merchandise: records,shirts… everything. Immediately after this there was a tour that Adam prearranged for Europe. The band rented gear, a van and driver there and it was good timing to focus efforts on digging them out of a hole. The final show would be in Spain in June of ’08. Two weeks later Adam was back home in Chicago playing with his other band, the Lustkillers. Billy Hopeless didn’t go to the press to make it official until September of ’09.

Egos, infighting and pissy attitudes of some members would ultimately be the bands demise. Regardless, this band made some of the greatest records Canada has ever seen, with some of the most talent members and staff in the world.

I was really sad that this band that I loved so much had disbanded when I heard the news in September of ’09 but had known for some time in my heart. That being said, the Halos are shining brighter than ever in new bands. Jay Millette is writing, recording and touring with a new band called the Darlings Of Chelsea that will save Canadian Rock N Roll. I just spent a weekend hanging with Adam and the Lustkillers while on their tour though Canada. This included a guest appearance from the one and only Denyss Mcknight on bass. Denyss has a new project in the works that we will have to stay tuned for. Robbie has an alternative/indie rock band Red Vienna that has just released brand new songs on iTunes this month. I can tell you that the Red Vienna tunes are so great that I listened to them for two days straight with no breaks. AMAZING.

This article is dedicated to the band, as they gave us a decade of music though their blood,sweat and tears: especially Robbie for his dedication. If it were not for him we likely would only have two records to play over and over instead of four. Rob, I am so relieved to hear you are back behind that kit.

Black Halos - Three Sheets To The Wind

http://www.myspace.com/darlingsofchelsea
http://www.myspace.com/lustkillers
http://www.myspace.com/redvienna

A Spun Time Machine

2010-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

We here at Spun have been a little quiet lately. This is largely due to the fact that this is generally a time of year where there is a bit of a lull in music releases. However, this lull is about to end pretty quickly with an impressive list of Spring and Summer album releases on the horizon. I, for one, am pretty stoked about upcoming albums by local acts such as Library Voices and Rah Rah. In terms of national and international releases, there is a plethora of prominent albums coming down the pike: Broken Social Scene, Stars, The Dead Weather, Against Me!, The Arcade Fire, The New Pornographers, MGMT, Radiohead, The National, and The Dears, to name a few.

While it may have been slim pickings in discovering new music the last couple of months, these dry spells allow me to go back in time and discover and rediscover important bands and albums that I never got around to appreciating. As much as I love contemporary music, it's nice to go back and take time to dig in to the artists that paved the way for the artists I love. So here are a handful of the influential bands that have been whetting my musical thirst the last couple of months...

1) The Beatles

This should probably be filed under "No shit Sherlock!" However, The Beatles are a band I've always respected but never really took the time to sit down and really digest. For most of my life their songs were more or less just elevator music. (Although, watching Ferris Bueller mime "Twist and Shout" was one of my favourite childhood memories.) I was lucky enough to get their boxed set for Christmas and have been listening to their discography on repeat ever since. Don't get me wrong, there are other bands that mean more to me, but I have to say that The Beatles were the BEST band that have ever existed. Their quality of songwriting and vocal harmonies are still unprecedented.

Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly may have been two of the essential pioneers of rock n' roll, but The Beatles made rock n' roll an art form. They essentially created the concept of THE ALBUM. They obviously had fantastic early singles, but they evolved into "artists" (in the truest sense of the word) by releasing such classic albums as Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. To this day, these albums remain the benchmark for which all other albums are compared.

Whether you like them or not, The Beatles are right at the top of the rock n' roll family tree. "Helter Skelter" is an early prototype for heavy metal. "Nowhere Man" and "Blackbird" are early sign posts for the 70's singer/songwriter movement. Bands like Oasis and Sloan admittedly owe their careers to the Fab Four.

So it took me long enough to finally "get" The Beatles, but I'm glad I finally did. And so should you... but I'm pretty sure you've beaten me to the punch already.

2) X

I'm a huge fan of the 70's punk explosion (Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Patti Smith, etc) but have been a little slow in getting up to speed in the second wave of punk bands during the early 80's. One such band is X. I finally picked up their debut album Los Angeles and it definitely earns it's legendary status. Led by John Doe and Exene Cervenka, X took the energy of punk and fused it with rockabilly and country, with a healthy dose of guy/girl vocal interplay for good measure. And for people who like truly useless trivia, John Doe had a role in the Patrick Swayze "classic" movie Roadhouse.

3) Joan Jett

Before I begin, I must preface this by saying how truly sick I am of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll." After hosting karaoke for the better part of four years, I have heard this song more often than "Friends in Low Places" and "Love Shack." In essence, this song has become my soundtrack to my personal hell. Most artists have a song or two that is played to death; for Joan Jett, this is that song. So I will forgive her for that. It's not her fault that ditzy, slutty blonde chicks sing Britney Spears' version of the tune. But I digress.

What piqued my interest in Joan Jett was the recent Runaways movie, based on the the band that spawned the careers of Jett and Lita Ford. (Well, I'm not sure Lita Ford had a "career" per se, but "Kiss Me Deadly" was a pretty fun hair metal tune.) During her promotion for the movie and her new Greatest Hits album, she performed a balls-to-the-wall version of "Cherry Bomb." After that I was sold. I picked up her Greatest Hits album and it's been on heavy rotation at home and on my iPod.

Building upon the foundations that Patti Smith and Debbie Harry built, Jett proved that chicks could "rawk" just as hard as dudes. Without Joan Jett there would be no Brody Dalle or Courtney Love.

Jett wrote some great tunes, including "Cherry Bomb" and "Bad Reputation," but she is generally more famous for her covers, particularly that one dreaded karaoke song. However, she has at least shown good taste in covering "Crimson and Clover," Bruce Springsteen's "Light of Day" and The Replacements' "Androgynous."

Alright, it's time to head back to 2010. See ya there!

Die Mannequin - Fino + Bleed

2010-03-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

This past Friday I had the chance to be an extra in Hard Core Logo 2, Bruce McDonald's sequel to his 1996 cult classic. I'll be the first to admit that the idea of tampering with such a seminal Canadian movie is a bit questionable. In particular, it is next to impossible to find a front person of a band that can match the natural charisma that Hugh Dillon exudes, both as Joe Dick and as the former lead singer of The Headstones. However, McDonald chose Care Failure and her band Die Mannequin to take a stab at carrying on the Hard Core Logo legacy. Judging by the concert performance scene that was shot at The Distrikt, McDonald made a perfect choice.

Care Failure simply oozes rock n' roll. She is chock full of attitude, swagger, piss and vinegar. While she was "acting," it was pretty obvious that what she was doing on camera was not too far removed from what a typical Die Mannequin club show must be like. However, what impressed me the most were the handful of songs that blasted from the amps during the band's mimed performances. With crunching guitars and nonstop hooks, I HAD to download this band's tunes when I got home from the shoot. And now I'm hooked. They mix the dumb fun of hair metal with the dirty, sleazy punk rock of the 70's.

Fino + Bleed is still relatively new, having been released in September of last year. With the buzz that is generating from this movie, Die Mannequin are in an enviable position to make a commercial breakthrough. Comparisons to artists like The Distillers, Hole, L7 and Bif Naked are inevitable, but Failure and company can stand on their own feet thanks to their incredible songs. Of the 12 songs, there isn't a single clunker in the bunch. Highlights include "Suffer," Bad Medicine," "Miss Americvnt," and "Dead Honey."

You can check out the video for "Bad Medicine" below.

Black Drink Crier (Cameron Wensel)

2010-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

In a metal dominated town it’s great to see an emerging roots music scene. Cam Wensel and his recently formed band Black Drink Crier should be dominant in it. With the company of Judd Stachoski of the Bystander’s (another fantastic roots band in town) on the drums, Black Drink Crier are three talented young men that will in the words of the Supersuckers Rock Your Ass!

With only recently forming Cam has a full set of predominantly self written originals that are accompanied by a couple blistering covers; covers such as Steve Earle’s “Johnny Come Lately” and Warren Zevon’s “Carmelita”. Cam’s originals seem to be fired right out of his soul and with honest songs he really seems to have a handle on lyrics and melody. Such is shown in my personal favourite song he played last night “Porch Fire” and others like “December Georgia”. Cam’s music doesn’t have shiny clothes or trendy hair cuts. It is nothing more than superbly well written roots music.

With an album on the way we can expect a fairly versatile record. One with relaxed thoughtful laments and also some foot stomping guitar wanks. A song that really ripped it up for me I believe is called “Hell’s Café” which highlights Cam’s ability to be a guitar picking man that with all his other talents help keep him heads and shoulders above most of the other songwriters in town. This man is the complete package.

Not only is Cam a talented songwriter and musician he doesn’t lack as a performer either. As if songwriting and music aren’t enough to draw you in, Cam keeps the mood light with his dry one line humour and funny quips thrown in between songs. When he was about to perform a song from his old band the West Port Murders “Upperhand”, Cam quipped “This is a song I used to do with my old band the West Port Murders I was in up until a week ago.” As the crowd chuckles in between sets always entertained either by song or a story, Cam is choosing his acoustic or electric guitar and selecting the song that best fits the show.

A song I really enjoyed was a song called “The Jet’s” which is fun hockey song about how he misses the Jets of Winnipeg and how they really can’t play hockey down in Phoenix. While I am still partial to “Porch Fire” as my favourite, a new song I didn’t get the name of in which Black Drink Crier closed their set was superb. I could have a new favourite on the horizon.

Next time you see Cam’s name in an invitation or on a poster come see this stripped-down neo-traditionalist and let him blow your mind with raw talent and story songs.

Come see for yourself…

Cheers Rockers!

Listen at ReverbNation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/cameronwensel#

Florence + the Machine - Lungs

2010-02-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Florence + the Machine is the brainchild of British singer/songwriter Florence Welch. Florence has made quite the splash in the U.K. and has garnered rave reviews over here in North America but I haven't had a chance to give her music a good listen until the last couple of days. And now I'm hooked. Lungs, which was released last summer, definitely deserves your attention.

Florence possesses a strong, soaring voice which she surrounds with an assortment of musical styles. This album is extremely eclectic, combining garage rock with soul, electronic pop, new age and indie rock, among other things. Despite all these disparate influences, the album holds together as a cohesive unit surprisingly well. At times, I can hear elements of The White Stripes, PJ Harvey, Bat For Lashes and Loreena McKennitt in the mix. In particular, "Kiss With A Fist" sounds like it could be a Jack White production with it's raw, blistering guitars.

Below is a video of her performing "Kiss With A Fist" on The Late Show with David Letterman... which Dave says is very "spirited." Indeed.

Owen Pallett - Heartland

2010-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

For his third album, Owen Pallett has released an album under his own name for the first time, ditching the Final Fantasy moniker due to legal issues. Heartland is his first album since his Polaris-winning He Poos Clouds. In large part due to his previous album, as well his high profile collaborations with the likes of The Arcade Fire and Mark Ronson, this album has been generating an insane amount of buzz and rave reviews. Of all the reviews I've read, they have all ranged from 4 to 5 stars. So in other words, not too shabby.

I had a chance to see Own Pallett/Final Fantasy at the Regina Folk Festival a couple years ago and was completely mesmerized by his performance. A guy with a violin and a voice definitely doesn't sound that promising on paper but he definitely delivered the goods by creating lush soundscapes with a loop petal. He effectively became a one-man-band in the process and captivated the crowd.

So with all of these things in mind, I was pretty excited when Heartland finally came out a couple weeks ago. After listening to it for the first time, my initial reaction was "This is it???" Aside from "Lewis Takes Off His Shirt," no songs leap out at you. So I was pretty disappointed at the start. This is definitely an album you have to take the time to sit down and sink your teeth into. Pallett obviously spent a LOT of time constructing this album, which is primarily built around a series of intertwining, layered orchestral arrangements.

Despite my initial disappointment, I have come to really admire this album. It truly is an album that grows on you. I've listened to it about ten times so far and it keeps getting better and better. Because it is so layered, I hear new things with each new listen. I would recommend listening to this album with headphones because there are some dense sounds that kind of get lost in conventional speakers. So I'm glad I waited on reviewing this album because this album is definitely a case of not trusting first impressions.

Below is a great live clip of "Lewis Takes Off His Shirt."

RIP Geoff Lloyd (Matthew Good Band)

2010-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's a sad day for Canadian music as the co founder and original bassist for the Matthew Good Band has passed away. No word on how this happened yet but people say Geoff Lloyd was battling personal demons.

Lloyd was the bassist for the Matthew Good Band's 1995 "Last Of The Ghetto Astronauts" debut album and their 1997 breakout smash "Underdogs".

For me Lloyd was in a group of musicians that made music great for Canada in the late '90's. I remember vividly watching bands like Econoline Crush, Matthew Good Band and Bif Naked rock the shit out of Edgefest.

Geoff is off to the the big stage in the sky. Rest In Peace.

Matthew Good Band - Everything is Automatic

Billy the Kid - The Lost Cause

2010-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Recently my friends Crystal and Nathan told me in passing that I should check out their friend Billy the Kid as she was coming to town soon. I actually forgot that she was coming to play here as I had other things on my mind and the CRUE was the night prior. However my night fell ass backwards into place I ended up at O’hanlons where I had been lucky enough to check out original talent that far exceeded my expectations on more than one occasion.

This night was no different. I walked in just having missed the Lazy MK’s which is another band on my “to see” list just in time for Billy’s set. I wasn’t prepared to see Billy as like I said I totally had forgotten and was out with the guys. That is until I saw Crystal and Nathan; at that moment I knew that while I stumbled in there by accident I was in for a treat remembering that this was who Crystal told me to come see. You see, I can generally trust Crystal and Nathan as we have watched many a band together and more times than not we agree.

It was really busy in O’hanlons so went to upstairs where I could look down on the stage to get a better view. I was floored. She was playing a stripped down brand of singer/songwriter set that she alternated between keys and guitar. I have to say I was impressed before I heard a note though. Here I was watching a cute songstress who is littered in great tattoos, sharp glasses finished a clash shirt. This all topped off with a piercing smile that you can't help but just stop and stare.

If that’s not enough, this talented musician has the songs to back it up. I have bought her EP entitled “The Lost Cause” and I can tell you she sounds just as amazing live as she does on cd. I find in today’s music world where anyone can put out a record it’s harder and harder to find a new record that you can listen to all the way through let alone be enthralled with as I was with on this EP. I think the secret is female songstresses and OLP producers. See Frankie Whyte and Duncan Coutts and here with Billy Pettinger and Raine Maida. Billy has a booming voice that will pull you in. Enjoy a reflective number about love like “These City Nights”, a beautiful song like “Drown” which is an amazing piece or catchy ditty like “The Drugs”.

Please do yourself a favour and buy this record. You can find it on itunes. Thank you Crystal and Nathan for introducing me and lastly thank you Billy for doing your thing.

http://www.billythekidonline.com
On iTunes: http://www.itunes.com/billythekid
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/billythekid
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/billypettinger
Store: http://www.lost.bigcartel.com
Blog: http://www.billythekidblog.com

Cheers Rockers.

Basia Bulat - Heart Of My Own

2010-02-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

This past summer I had the pleasure of seeing Basia Bulat at the Regina Folk Festival and thought she was easily one of the highlights of the weekend. At the time, Bulat was still supporting her fantastic debut album Oh, My Darling, which was nominated for the prestigious Polaris award.

With her second album, she has definitely laid to rest any worries she might hit the dreaded sophomore jinx. All the elements that made her debut so appealing are still in full force here: namely, her soulful, vibrant voice and breezy melodies. But while she still sticks to acoustic guitar and ukulele as her primary instruments of choice, Bulat kicks the tempos into high gear with more of an emphasis on percussion. The end result is a more rollicking set of tunes that will likely end up in my top ten albums of 2010.

Album opener "Go On" sets the tone with swarms of strings over top of marching band style drums. And if you don't get shivers down your spine when she croons "How I've done myself in" during "Sugar and Spice" then you must be made of stone. This album is an absolute delight and definitely worth your time and money.

You can check out a version of "Gold Rush" from her album below.

Still Twisting - Chubby Checker & the Wildcats

2010-01-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

In 1959 Hank Ballard and the Midnighters released a twelve bar blues song called the “The Twist”. It peaked at 28 with a moderate success. One year later in September of ’60 the song would rocket to the top of the charts and claim the number one spot when covered by an up-and-coming rock n roll sensation Chubby Checker. The song was so popular that it would show up again and top the charts in January of ’62.

The Twist was a hit song that would go on to be recorded under multiple different titles such as 1982’s T-82 and be recorded in different variations such as "Let's Twist Again (Like We Did Last Summer)" which is arguably more popular than the original.

I jumped at the chance to go to this show when I was given the opportunity. I love this golden age of rock n roll. I have often found myself telling people I wish I was in my early 20’s during the late 50’s or early 60’s. Music was racy, fun, new and it was an product of a simpler time. As a young boy I was fascinated by this style of music… the blueprint of rock n roll. Dad always had 620 oldies radio on when ever there was a radio in use, so I was quite familiar. I have always enjoyed watching that old footage of those days. Often times I felt as though that the footage and music was as close as I was ever going to get to it. Buddy Holly is my all time hero and I love early Elvis Presley. This is why I didn’t blink when the opportunity arose. This is as close as I am ever probably going to get to see that generation live. Although I would love to see Chuck Berry, he’s 83 years young and I may not ever get to live that dream. I remember wearing out Mom and Dad’s Chubby Checker cassette, so last night I was ready. Bring on Chubby!! This is funny for more than one reason.

JJ Ramone, his folks and I got to Casino Regina early so we could have a bite to eat before the show. I could only try to keep the excitement in as my thoughts ran rampant of what to expect out of last nights show. All day I had had three words in my head "Come on everybody!" and it was starting to drive me crazy as the anticipation was killing me. A little after 7pm they opened the doors and we got settled at our front row table and had a couple drinks before the 8pm show time. As the show started, there was a large screen showing a video of 19yr old Chubby Checker doing his twist. When this was done that Wildcats would hit the stage and directly after a 68 years young Chubby Checker. He and the band wasted no time getting to it with opening song "Good Lovin'". The band sounded huge as did Chubby’s voice. What I did not understand was how this man could be in such great shape. He could really move.

About three songs in he began to tell us how he loves coming to The Great White North. Chubby advised that he noticed a couple years ago that when ever he plays here us Canadians take 15% of everything he makes while here. He chuckled and mentioned that it was okay as long as he got to spend his time with us people. You could tell he was really appreciative and loved doing this. He’d also shared stories about a simpler time on his parent’s tobacco/sugar cane farm and that he could make syrup. He said it was around this time when he was young that his mother took him to see Ernest Tubb and that was when he turned to his mother with a smile on his face and said “I want to do that!”

The show would go on and when he got to his song “The Fly” he asked all the ladies to come up on stage. I have never seen so much blue hair in my life. These ladies were having a wonderful time to doing the Fly with Chubby Checker.

Shortly after Chubby would explain how that in the 60’s you could only do the dance “The Hucklebuck” in your bedroom to the radio as it was too nasty. Well now it’s 2010 he said and everything is nasty, so we are going to do the Hucklebuck to the song of the same name. People are smiling everywhere when Chubby does his hip gyrating ass shaking hucklebuck.

When it was time to do the twist and all the gentlemen in the crowd got up on stage to do the dance with the legend. JJ got up with about fifteen other men and twisted it up! I couldn’t as I probably would have fainted. This for me was the equivalent of my hockey addicted brother scrimmaging with Gordie Howe. It was insane I could not believe I was there.

Chubby would also do an Elvis impersonation and tell stories of hanging out with the King, Linda Lovelace and Liza Minnelli. How he had wanted to ask Linda how she “did her thing” and while Elvis would try and discourage him, he asked Linda how she “did her thing” anyway.

Chubby’s band the Wildcats were exceptional the whole time. Jerry Cherry the young guitar player was awesome and so were his background vocals. Saxophone player and band leader Tommy C was brilliant and really kept both the crowd and band on their toes. The band was very reminiscent of the E Street Band, they had that vibe of camaraderie. The hour and ½ set was full of Chubby Checker hits like “The Fly”, “The Hucklebuck” and “The Twist” as well as hits by other icons of the time. We heard covers like “Blueberry Hill”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and “My Girl. We also got to hear medleys of “Rock Around The Clock” and “Blue Suede Shoes”. The show ended with an electric "Let's Twist Again" encore and electric it was!

On two separate occasions Chubby was mingling with the crowd, very exciting! He wandered through the crowd, singing and shaking hands. When he got to me he did put out his hand and then smiled and pulled it away and bumped my knee with his. Chubby Checker just more or less joked with me in a way. This was great.

By the end of the night my cheeks hurt from smiling. At times my eyes started to well up as I was that excited to be there. Lastly, the next time someone asks my about my skinny jeans, don’t be shocked if my response is “!@#$ you, Chubby Checker wears skinny jeans!”

This was the show of my life. Thank you Chubby!

Cheers Rockers!!

Home - Neil Leyton

2010-01-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Cover photo by Ana Isa.

In September of last year Neil Leyton released "Home", ten tracks for digital download made available via his website http://neilleyton.com/. Without waiting a second I paid the $8.58 Canadian without previewing it to get the record. You can pay what you like but there is a minimum of ₤5. I should have paid more. The reason so is because I should have known I would like it. I love Neil's old band The Conscience Pilate (of which I would love to know how to pronounce). See I found them when I got interested in Canadian glam rockers Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rockstars. Two members of The Conscience Pilate helped form Robin. I have spent countless hours listening to “Living in a Movie Scene” (1996) and “Sunday Refugees” (1998). While Robin has produced probably my favorite band/personalities and records to ever come out of Canada, The Conscience Pilate easily produced the best songs to come out of Canada.

Anyway Neil Leyton is a Canadian singer and guitarist that has worked with several bands in and out of the studio as well as his own projects and bands. He has kept himself busy releasing solo records and writing for the last fifteen years or so.

His newest record "Home" is for me, a stripped down version of The Conscience Pilate. It's less glam and more singer/song writer. Neil’s voice has still has that neo-glam yet wistful sound. It's catchy and seductive like The Manics meet Seude.

The record starts off with the super catchy "God Speed to You". "Slow To Dark" is okay but seems to grow on me the more I listen to it. On "The World" I am kind of distracted by the production quality but am drawn right back in with "I Don’t Want to Fear the Future". What I like about this song is the how the guitar reminds me of 1980's country like Alabama's "Dixieland Delight" but still has an eloquent voice. "Second" takes me right back to C.P. which again I adore. Euthanasia (Our Love) is a relaxing lament, while I get lost on "To Have To Be" and "Sorrow Is Not The Answer". "Ordinary Matter" is a damaged art sing a long. It sputters along in an indie rock tone that once again has catchy hooks. Blossom is not only the final track on the record but it's your last chance to slow dance. This is by far the best slower track on the record.

Overall I really enjoy this record. Maybe I expected too much from ten tracks that are admittedly a home recorded collection. Although it cannot compete with the Neil's old band as I don’t know that anything ever will this is not a slight as it is a really great listen in its own right. They are definitely enjoyable well written songs that are way better than 90% of the music on the radio.

If I rated this record it would be 3.5 stars out of 5, almost 4. But don't take my word for it buy the record.

Preview the album here: http://neilleyton.bandcamp.com/album/home

NOT from this record but I always like to include a video for those who are visually stimulated.

Here his Neil Leyton from 2001 "My New Soul"

Cheers Rockers!!

Best of 2009

2009-12-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

This year saw many fantastic records. I have done up my favourites list and there may be some that surprise you, while others you may be able to read my mind on.

Without further ado, here are the BEST records of 2009.

10.
Artist: Tinted Windows
Album: Tinted Windows
Release Date: Apr 21, 2009

9.
Artist: The Dead Weather
Album: Horehound
Release Date: July 14, 2009

8.
Artist: Steve Earle
Album: Townes
Release Date: May 12, 2009

7.
Artist: The Black Crowes
Album: Before the Frost...Until the Freeze
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009

6.
Artist: Justin Townes Earle
Album: Midnight at the Movies
Release Date: Mar 3, 2009

5.
Artist: Scatterheart
Album: The Masterplan
Release Date: Mar 10, 2009

4.
Artist: Tegan & Sara
Album: Sainthood
Release Date: Oct 27, 2009

3.
Artist: The Wildhearts
Album: Chutzpah!
Release Date: Aug 31, 2009

2.
Artist: Manic Street Preachers
Album: Journal for Plague Lovers
Release Date: May 18, 2009

1.
Artist: Placebo
Album: Battle for the Sun
Release Date: June 08, 2009

Great records that did not make the top ten but are worth checking out are:
The Bravery - Stir The Blood
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young
Kiss - Sonic Boom
Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Wolfmother - Cosmic Egg
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!

Records that came out prior to 2009 that were played a thousand times are:
Civet - Hell Hath No Fury
The Ripperz - The Ripperz
Jesse Malin - Glitter in the Gutter
Pink - Funhouse
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound.

Two records that I am looking forward to are Hole and Amanda Marshall.

Best EP of the year is:
The Darlings of Chelsea - The Mimico Sessions EP

Best purchase:
Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd (1975) and Sweeney Todd - If Wishes Were Horses (1977) on vinyl.

Best Concert:
Social Distortion with special guests Civet and The Strangers

Anvil: The Story of Anvil

2009-12-14T18:21:00.001-08:00

Anvil: The Story of Anvil is a documentary of the Toronto based band Anvil whom formed in the 80’s. They pushed the envelope of the trash metal underground which derived from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal sound and style.

In 1984 at Super Rock Fest in Japan, Anvil played with many bands that went on to sell millions and while Anvil would go on to struggle to be heard. Some of the bands they played with in Japan are the likes of the Scorpions, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi. Anvil was far heavier than the likes of these bands but also far more unkown.

The documentary starts with very successful artists such as Slash of Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver, Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, Lars Ulrich of Metallica and Scott Ian of Anthrax singing the praises of Anvil by advising the viewers that Anvil was the “real deal”, “had and amazing live performances” and that it was “complete insanity”. Vibrators and bondage harnesses aside, the members of Anvil were also all excellent musicians in their own right. Some say Robb Reiner was one of the best drummers in music. We are reminded by Kerry King of Slayer that this was a year before the big four “Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth”. Slash states that he believes that other artists ripped them off and left them for dead.

We first see Steve “Lips” Kudlow the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band as he is delivering for his day job “Choice Children’s Catering”. Lips explains that he does it so that he can play in Anvil as that is where he gets his joy and pleasure in life. His optimism is apparent when he states that he believes that it can never get worse than it already is and that it can only get better. If it does get worse at least you can say all is said and done. People can really learn from this man.

While Lips is delivering food, Robb Reiner the drummer from origins of the band to present is making his living in construction. It is obvious that he too does this for his band Anvil. He mentions he would much rather be at a party with a beer than doing what he is doing during the day. Don’t we all?

What seems like that same evening we are taken to a celebration for Lips’ 50th birthday where Anvil is playing live. They are playing their hearts out to dozens of screaming fans at Etobicoke’s Heads or Tails Restaurant & Banquet Hall. At this time we meet some of the long time Anvil fans such as Mad Dawg and Cut Loose. They are EXACTLY as you picture them, middle aged blue collar workers with Anvil ball caps hollering while drinking beer through their noses and missing teeth.

We find out Lips had quit school when he was young when he and Robb decided to form Anvil and live the dream if you will. The boys were 14 or 15 at the time. We hear of songs that were never written such as “Thumb Hang” which is about… yes you guessed it the Spanish Inquisition and how they would hang people by their thumbs if they didn't take on Catholicism. You probably have a pretty good picture of this band by this point.

It is at this point that we learn that many people know of the first three records and not their other ten the band has in their discography. This is a pretty impressive feat for guys whom still manage to plan time to be Dad’s and husbands with day jobs. Yet it is something that has lasted for decades.

It is at this point in the documentary that we meet Tiziana Arrigoni the bands manager who books a tour that encompasses Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, England, and France. The band is told they will get 1500 Euros per show and it is set to be Anvil’s biggest show in over twenty years. Yet no one at Choice Children’s Catering knows who Anvil or Steve “Lips” Kudlow is oddly enough.

The band starts off in Sweden doing the Sweden Rock Festival with optimism. The band is stunned by the people they have long been influenced by and others they simply are overjoyed to meet such as the likes of Thin Lizzy, Motorhead and the Scorpions. The band members are like kids at Christmas time. The band continues to be on what seems to be a successful start while they tour though Finland, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and Poland.

Day 28 of the tour and the band runs into a small hiccup when they get lost in Prague and are two hours late for their show. However the band plays their set and signs autographs after the show. Unfortunately the bands dedication comes with continuous work as while the show seemed successful they are still their own roadies. Everyone seems tired but all things considered it goes well. That is until the bar owner they are playing for refuses to pay the band and Lips almost gets into the physical altercation with the owner. By “physical altercation” I mean Lips almost kicks the owner’s bitchy little ass! The owner states that he shouldn’t have to pay the band as they were two hours late and no one called to say they would be late. Lips argues that he still played their set and would not have done so if he had they known they were not going to get paid. The band doesn’t.

At this point they are headed to Munich and after missed trains, the altercation in Prague and stressed nerves the band members seem exhausted. Munich is yet another disaster for the band as there is no promo, Robb and Lips get into an argument and Robb threatens to sue the band. They band finally agrees to play the show to what seems like eight people which includes one person of which that is sitting in a recliner head banging. It seems morale can get no lower at this point.

Finally the band sees light in what seems like it’s been an eternity for them when they are asked to play “Monsters of Rock” in Transylvania. The promoter expects five to ten thousand people. Crowd = 174.

So while the band finishes up a five week tour with not a penny earned in their pocket and no label rep showing up to talk to the band, Lips is still grateful for Tiziana and the experience.

The support of some family members is apparent and lacks in others. Lips’ mother is disappointed while his brother Gary seems to understand. We learn more of his mother’s lack of support while Robb’s family is very supportive.

The band decides to send a demo to producer Chris Tsangarides (Black Sabbath and Judas Priest) to see if he likes what he hears and if he remembers the band from back in ’82 when he worked with Anvil previously. Chris likes what hears and after teary ups and downs in the studio, rejections from labels many hours of hard work spent, with Lips’ loving sister Rhonda’s financial support the band put out their 13th record “This is Thirteen” on their own.

Throughout this documentary we see the bands passion, heart, incredible desire and no quit in them while the families and wives remain supportive under the strains of work and running families.

I found myself rooting for these men though their tearful struggle that has been going on for 30 years. Just as it gets more depressing and harder to have hope for this band, something makes you smile like Robb’s bullet belt fanny pack combo.

Near the end of the documentary the band finally sees the success they have yearned for. Lips states he would play to no one but it’s apparent that what he desires the most is to please many fans such as the ones that rock out with him at a Tokyo Japan show. Worried that no one is going to be there, he is gladly mistaken and rocks like a star at 11:35am. By the time you hear the Metal on Metal riff you are quite familiar with it if you weren’t already and you can’t help but smile as you see the smiles on the bands face and the crowd rocking horns in air and all.

Anvil is a band that dealt with hardships and appreciated every little moment of success they earned. This band definitely loves doing what they do and deserved all much more rewards than they received.

At the end we find out that 34 years later Anvil will finally release “Thumb Hang” on their fourteenth record “Juggernaut”.

Lips tells us that he and Robb started this band at 14 or 15 years old and said they would do it until they were old men. I think that the band accomplished everything they set out to do. I am not so much a fan of their music but this was one of the best things I have ever seen. I was definitely a fan of the people in it. It is a remarkable documentary; a must for any music lover with a dream.

Slash reminds us to end it off that there are only a couple bands that have stayed together for 30+ years, The Rolling Stones, The Who and … ANVIL!

Cheers Rockers!