The Ripperz - You Are the Moon

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.c​om/