Painting Over Silence - A Winnipeg Music Blog

11 Questions With...You Say Party! We Say Die!

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:10:00 +0000

The exclamation-loving dance-punk troupe You Say Party! We Say Die! will be at the Albert on Wednesday night promoting their latest stunner XXXX. Little Girls kicks off the party.

I’ve got a pair of YSP!WSD!’s latest disc for giveaway to anyone interested. Entering is business as usual: flip me an email (on the side) by Friday @ noon with “You Say Party! We Say Die! CD Giveaway” in the subject line, your name in the body, and I’ll draw the winner randomly. As a nice little bonus, the disc also comes with a 14-song Paper Bag Records Sampler download card featuring Slim Twig, Sally Shapiro, The Acorn, Montag, Little Girls, Laura Barrett and a whole bunch of other wickedly talented folks.

In addition, I scored an 11 Questions interview with YSP! WSD!’s guitarist Derek Adam. Topics discussed included: Simpsons v. Family Guy v. South Park; Adam’s pick for album-of-the-year (so far); and the one piece of equipment absolutely invaluable to their live show.

1. Where are you right now?

in my bedroom.

2. Where is your favourite place in Canada to play a gig?

probably the royal albert, winnipeg. cobalt east!

3. What’s one piece of equipment absolutely essential to your live show?

becky's voice!

4. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

ramones "leave home", sonic youth "daydream nation", SNFU "if you swear, you'll catch no fish"

5. What’s your pick for album-of-the-year so far?

"still night, still light" by au revoir simone, or "pale blue dot" by vicious cycle

6. What was the last great concert you saw?

youth brigade/bouncing souls at the rickshaw, vancouver. shawn stern for president of the world!!!

7. Who is one producer, alive or dead, that you’d just love to work with?

steve albini.

8. Simpsons, South Park, or Family Guy?

all-time? simpsons. currently? south park. family guy doesn't do it for me.

9. What is your favourite “Flight of the Conchords” song?

i haven't watched it enough to know... it was an ok show. don't really like musicals though, and it's kind of a musical.

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

the internet!

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

donnie for sure! or mike. raph and leo were too high strung. casey jones was pretty cool..

Infinite Playlist: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

You Can Be My Bonaparte

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:17:00 +0000

The good and generous folk over at Vapor Records/1888 Media sent along some solid Jets Overhead and Vic Chesnutt merchandise for giveaway exclusively to readers of Painting Over Silence.

Jets Overhead are Juno-nominated indie-rockers from Victoria who’ll be in Winnipeg tomorrow night as the opening act for synthpopper Lights at the Garrick.

The ragged-voiced, treasured singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt drops by the West End Friday night and will be joined onstage by his all-star band: Guy Picciotto from Fugazi, and members of Thee Silver Mount Zion, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Witchies. Plus, Winnipeg’s favourite roots-rockers Nathan open!

Jets Overhead Giveaway:

#1 A copy of Jets Overhead’s latest cd, No Nations + a black t-shirt (small)
#2 A copy of Jets Overhead’s latest cd, No Nations

Vic Chesnutt Giveaway:

#3 A copy of Vic Chesnutt's brand new disc, Skitter on Take-off
#4 Same as #3

To enter, flip me an email (on the side) by Monday @ noon with “Jets Overhead/Vic Chesnutt Giveaway” in the subject line and please include you name in the body of the email. Also, be sure to indicate which giveaways you’re entering (all, #s 2-4, etc.). You can win one giveaway from each artist, so ideally two prizes can be won here if you're lucky. I’ll draw the winners randomly.

Infinite Playlist: Phoenix - It's Never Been Like That

The First Time I Sang Out Loud All Through The Night

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:29:00 +0000

The highly productive Hawksley Workman will be out-and-about promoting two new records in the new year. His extensive cross-Canada jaunt includes a pit stop at the Burt on March 20th and presale is currently underway for this show. I think the code is workman.

The lovely and talented Basia Bulat will also be round these fine parts in the new year – she’ll be at the incomparable West End on February 25th. I’ll definitely hit this unless, natch, there is a men’s Olympic hockey game that night.

Also at the West End in the new year is Geoff Berner and Rae Spoon on January 30th.

And C.R. Avery drops by the WECC on February 15th.

Sunparlour Players play the Folk Exchange on December 6th.

Motley Crue return to the MTS Centre on January 29th.

Behemoth will blow the freshly minted roof off the West End on January 24th; Shining and Septic Flesh will aid and abet.

Veteran pop-rockers Sloan swing by the Pyramid on December 9th.

And finally, ex-Eric’s-Tripper Julie Doiron is at the Albert on January 18th.

Infinite Playlist: Silence

Ohbijou - Live At The Lo Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:43:00 +0000

I'm in the middle of a whole slew of pressing things, so this'll be a quickie.

Swung by the friendly neighbourhood Lo Pub on Friday to catch twee pop treasures, Ohbijou. The place was packed to the rafters and the band didn't disappoint, busting through an hour long set of winsome and winning tunes. I will definitely check out the talented sextet again next time they roll through town.

Sammy Bananas is at the Pyramid on December 11th.

Swollen Members drop by the same joint on November 21st.

John Mayer is at the MTS Centre on April 7th w/ Michael Franti.

Infinite Playlist: Delorean - Ayrton Senna EP

Like A Balloon With A Grenade In It

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Delectable popsters Ohbijou (who, as Tracy Jordan would say, are "blowing up like a balloon with a grenade in it") are at the Lo tomorrow night for what should be a tuneful evening in the Peg.

Songstresses DALA stop by the West End on January 21st.

Local pop-rockers The Perms play the Cavern on December 11th.

Ottawa's Silver Creek swing by the Standard on November 27th.

Jon and Roy are booked as the opening act for Cat Empire's November 24th gig at the Garrick.

The 5th annual Quinzmas, featuring resident favs Quinzy, of course, takes place on December 11th and 12th at the WECC.

Singer-songwriter James Keelaghan is there on January 29th.

David Francey pops by the WECC on February 23rd.

Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood will materialize April 21st at the WECC.

John Mann's November 21st show at the WECC has been canceled.

And finally, the delightful Amelia Curran kick-starts both Skydiggers' shows this weekend at the WECC.

Infinite Playlist: Stars - Heart

11 Questions With...Matthew de Zoete

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:18:00 +0000

Rising folk-pop star Matthew de Zoete is paying a visit to our mighty fine city on Sunday, November 15th. Performing at the Edge Gallery with localite Katie Murphy, de Zoete will showcase his warm and breezy and very alluring tunes off Bottom of the World, his second Long Player.

I asked 11 Qs to de Zoete and he cheerfully provided 11 A’s. Topics mentioned: his pick for album-of-the-year (Al Tuck’s Food for the Moon); the instrumental essential to his live show (a Rickenbacker 360V64) and the team he thinks is going to take home Lord Stanley’s Cup this year (Detroit Red Wings).

After losing handily to the Leafs on national tv Saturday night (the Leafs!), I’m not so sure the Wings’ll make it to the big dance this year. But it’s a loooong season…

1. Where are you right now?

At the computer in the living room of my house. There's a fire in the wood stove, and a cat sleeping on the chair - so i can't complain.

2. Where is your favourite place in Canada to play a gig?

I'd have to say Halifax as the drive out there is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the shows are always good.

3. What’s one piece of equipment absolutely essential to your live show?

My Rickenbacker 360V64. I like that guitar.

4. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

The Kinks - The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
Otis Redding - The Immortal Otis Redding
The Who - Live at Leeds

5. What’s your pick for album-of-the-year so far?

Al Tuck Food for the Moon

6. What was the last great concert you saw?

Bidiniband (Dave Bidini), June 11, 2009, at the Casbah Lounge in Hamilton, ON.

7. Who is one producer, alive or dead, that you’d just love to work with?

David Bowie. Oh man, the aforementioned cat just barfed on the chair and the floor. Maybe she doesn't like Bowie.

8. Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart?

Jon Stewart

9. Which team is going to win the Stanley Cup this year?

The Detroit Red Wings. I've been a fan since my Dad immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1957 and picked them as his team, so I don't have much choice.

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

The Wayfinders by Wade Davis and Wild Blue by Dan Bortolotti (a natural history of blue whales).

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

Michelangelo. When we'd play with our actions figures, I was always Michelangelo while my older brother was always Leonardo.

***

Infinite Playlist: Julie Doiron - I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day

Watch Things on VCRs, With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:40:00 +0000

As noted many many weeks back, Champion (aka DJ Champion) & His G-Strings are rolling through these unseasonably warm parts on Saturday for a gig at the Pyramid. The good folk over at Maple Music have sent along some cds for giveaway plus a spot on the guest list (+1) for Saturday night’s sure-to-be-killer performance.

Prize #1 – A copy of Champion’s Resistance cd AND a spot on the guest list (+1)

Prize #2 – A copy of Champion’s Resistance cd

To enter, shoot me a quick email (on the right) by noon Friday with “Champion Giveaway” in the subject line and your name in the body of the email. I’ll draw the winners shortly after. Oh and the show is 18+, so if your not of legal age yet, let me know and I'll enter you for the second prize only.

Oh, and congrats to Amy and Holly on winning the Rutledge/McClelland prizes. I'll get those out to you asap.

Infinite Playlist: The xx - S/T

Quantum Physics

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:21:00 +0000

The Santa-Claus-like generous folks over at Six Shooter and the WECC are giving away some awesome Justin Rutledge/Melissa McClelland-related schwag exclusively to readers of Painting Over Silence!

Giveaway #1

1. Two guest-list spots for the Justin Rutledge/Melissa McClelland show @ the WECC on Tuesday, November 10th.
2. Justin Rutledge – Man Descending cd
3. Melissa McClelland - Victoria Day cd
4. A silk-screen poster (see above photo)

Giveaway #2

1. Justin Rutledge – Man Descending cd
2. Melissa McClelland - Victoria Day cd

To enter, fire me an email by noon on Monday, November 9th (address on the side) with the subject line "Rutledge/McClelland Give Away", include your full name in the body of the email, and just for fun answer this question:

What's your favourite album of 2009 so far?

A couple other things:
1. Winners will be drawn randomly by me and then notified on Monday at around 12:30. You can only win once.
2. One entry per person.
3. I have four contests lined up for November, and it’s possible a few may overlap. Feel free to enter all of them, but please adhere to condition #2 per contest.

Good luck!

***
Whilst on the subject of favourite albums of 2009 so far, I’m planning on running a 2009 version of the Painting Over Silence blog readers’ pool, so start brainstorming your favourite records! More details to come.

Personally, I think Phoenix will secure the top spot on my list. Or maybe Volcano Choir. Wait, no, Phoenix. Then again, maybe the xx will. Argh!

***

Whilst on the subject of lists…for the second year in a row, Matthew over at i(heart) music kindly invited me to take part in his annual “hottest bands in Canada” poll and has recently posted the results. There are some fantastic acts on the list that I shamefully haven’t heard yet, but have since fallen for (like Dan Mangan and Handsome Furs). Check it out if you have time!

***
And finally, some show happenin’s:

Jets Overhead are the opening act for Lights’ November 19th show at the Garrick.

Greg Crowe & The Scarlett Union, the Stiff Bishops and the Johnstones’s will be at the Park Theatre on November 28th.

The annual JP Hoe Holiday Show at the Park Theatre has been booked for the 18th and 19th of December. I went last year and it was a bona fide blast. Fred Penner read Harry & The Hendersons between songs in his alluring storyteller voice, which was 31 flavours of awesome.

Royal Wood hits the Park Theatre on November 25th w/ Rose Cousins.

Blue Rodeo has booked an evening’s sojourn at the MTS Centre on January 17th.

Illscarlett rock the Garrick on December 11th. USS will help out.

Joe Pug drops by the Park Theatre on January 23rd.

Infinite Playlist: Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice

múm - Live At The Pyramid

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:11:00 +0000

It’s not everyday the band holding a commanding first place lead on your personal last.fm page comes to town, so, naturally, múm’s first-ever appearance in the Peg instilled in me enormously high expectations. Fortunately, the show matched my lofty designs. Almost.

My only complaint was the set list leaning too heavily on new material - it would’ve been great to hear more of the spacious, ethereal tunes from past-singer Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir's era (incl. ‘02’s Finally We Are No One and ‘04’s Summer Make Good). The new female singers certainly have the golden pipes for that stuff.

One unanticipated bonus from the post-Kristin-era-heavy set was watching/hearing the band reconstruct the meticulous sonic detail of the two most recent records (‘07’s Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy and August’s Sing Along To Songs You Don’t Know). Mournful cellos, wheezing melodicas, skittish drumming, guitars, bountiful boy-girl harmonies, and even cue cards were expressively deployed. It was mesmerizingly textured.

The highlight for me, though, came during the single-song encore when the band played the stunning moodscaper “Green Grass of Tunnel,” one of only two songs not off Go Go… and Sing Along…. It would’ve been great to hear more past staples like “We Have a Map of the Piano,” “I’m 9 Today” or “Slow Bicycle”, but there’s always next time. After all, co-founder Orvar (middle photo) did say, “We are very happy to be in Winnipeg for the first time. Hopefully it isn’t our last” And, well, I believe him.

Set List (to the best of my knowledge) -
1. Illuminated
2. If I Were A Fish
3. Marmalade Fires
4. A Little Bit Sometimes
5. (Unsure)
6. Hullaballabalu
7. The Smell Of Today Is Like Sweet Breast Milk
8. Show Me
9. Nightly Cares
10. Blessed Brambles
11. Dancing Behind My Eyelids
12. They Made Frogs Smoke ‘Til They Explode
13. Prophecies Reverse Memories
14. Sing Along

Encore
1. Green Grass Of Tunnel

Sin Fang Bous, also from Iceland, was one of two openers. Their short set was enjoyable: sleek and squeaky clean indie-pop. Prior to them classically-trained cellist Hildur Gudnadottir performed several intense cello pieces. Loved that too (sorry, no photos).

Infinite Playlist: My Morning Jacket - Z

In These Words We Drown

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy pays a visit to the Burt on April 12th w/ Jonny Lang.

Hamilton-based singer-songwriter Matthew de Zoete is playing the Edge Gallery on November 15 w/ Katie Murphy.

Tiësto (formerly known as DJ Tiësto) is laying down some tracks off his latest longplayer Kaleidoscope at the U of W's Duckworth centre on Remembrance Day. Zounds! I just learned Jonsi from Sigur Ros guests on Kaleidoscope. Bloc Party Captain Kele Okereke, too. I highly doubt they'll be with him, though.

Speaking of Iceland...a reminder to those attending múm on Friday night at the Pyramid: the gig is an early one. Doors @ 7; Show @ 8; Over by 10:30. This is, of course, unprecedented for the Pyramid, especially on a weekend.

See you there!

Infinite Playlist: múm - Sing Along To Songs You Don't Know

11 Questions With...Todd Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

With his devastatingly personal debut solo cd Star earning rave reviews – the Winnipeg Sun recently awarded it four stars – and national university radio stations inserting the highly cathartic record into their rotation, local singer-songwriter Todd Hunter easily qualifies as “one to watch.” The accolades are well-deserved. Star is intimate, wholly realized and smartly produced (by both Todd and ’09 Western Canadian Music Awards Nominee Mike Petkau).

I recently had the pleasure of firing 11 questions at Todd. His responses are fun and thoughtful: he gives a shout out to Winnipeg fav Greg MacPherson, notes why the West End is the premier venue in the Peg, and admits to be a bit obsessed with Evil Dead: 2 at one point in his life.

1. Where are you right now?

In front of a computer, thinking of answers.

2. Where is the best venue in Winnipeg to play a gig?

There are several, but I’ve always enjoyed playing at the West End Cultural Centre the most – great stage, great sound, great audience.

3. What is the worst bus route in the city?

I haven’t taken that many, but I remember loathing the bus I had to transfer to from the Transcona (47?) route to get to the U of M. I think it was route 75? The wait always seemed interminable, and the ride seemed to take even longer…

4. Who is your favourite local band/musician?

Greg MacPherson. Besides being a great guy and a good friend, he’s got more raw talent and conviction in his bones than anyone else.

5. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

I’m going to cheat by choosing compilations: THE STORY OF SLADE, 50000 FALL FANS CAN’T BE WRONG, and ROLLING STONES: THE LONDON YEARS.

6. Who is one producer, alive or dead, that you’d just love to work with?

John Leckie. He’s produced more music I fell in love with than any other producer. Through a music forum, I was fortunate enough recently to have him respond to a query I sent him regarding Cowboy Junkies’ Miles From Our Home.

7. Of the albums you own, which has the best cover art?

TOOL’s Aenima.

8. If Winnipeg were awarded an NHL team, what name would you propose?

The Winnipeg Supercuddlysnugglebumpkins. THEN hockey will be great family entertainment!

9. PC or Mac?
Gentlemen prefer Mac (and so do I).

10. What’s one film you watch over and over again?

I used to watch Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn over and over again, but after about 30 viewings or so, I think I’ve finally outgrown it.

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael)?

Raphael.

Infinite Playlist: Flight of the Conchords - I Told You I Was Freaky

He Came To Life. Good For Him.

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Long time no update. Been a bit hectic and stressful around these parts lately what with looming school assignments/busyness at work/girlfriend’s birthday/extensive hockey watching (Oilers are 5-2-1 to start the season…unreal!).

Fortunately, the tumult has lessened significantly, so there shouldn’t be extended gaps between posts anymore.

Rock ‘n Roll Ain’t Dead. Just ask Guns N’ Roses who’ll proudly blow the roof off the MTS Centre on January 13th. My buddy went last time and said it was “fucking loud and awesome.”

dd/mm/yyyy will be at Mondragon on 24/10/2009.

Stereos, The Midway State, Artist Life, and The Envy are at the Garrick on December 1st.

Affable popsters Mother Mother have landed the opening spot for Matthew Good’s November 21st show at the Burt.

“11 Questions” alumni / fiddling sensation Sierra Noble opens for George Canyon on November 4th and 5th at Club Regent.

Death By Stereo rock the Albert on November 14th w/ Nations Afire and Chaser.

Alexisonfire (are still active?) and are playing the MTS Centre on March 20th with headliner Billy Talent and co-opener Against Me.

And finally, I read earlier who the opener for Steve Earle is. I have characteristically forgotten. Help anyone?

Infinite Playlist: Times New Viking – Born Again Revisited

Faraway Swimmingpool

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:49:00 +0000

Couple of quickies...

Due to mega demand, those delectable pop-making twins Tegan and Sara have added a January 15th show at the Burt.

We Are The City's gig tomorrow night at Sam's has been moved to the friendly neighbourhood Lo Pub.

Oh, and speaking of We Are The City, the winners of the "In A Quiet Place cd giveaway extravaganza" were Sarah and Rick. I'll get those off to you asap.

Infinite Playlist: Mum - Finally We Are No One

This Love Is Unbearably Harmful Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:01:00 +0000

The hardcore troubadour Steve Earle returns to the Burton Cummings Theatre on January 29th. Tickets this Friday.

MAdM (aka ex-Hole/Pumpkin bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur) is part of this year’s Jingle Bell Rock bill at the Convention Centre w/ the previously mentioned AFI and Cage The Elephant. The wholly festive event goes down December 15th.

Torngat are at the Lo on the 23rd of October w/ Soholyheadcase and Mike Petkau.

Whilst on the topic of upcoming shows at the Lo, Halloween Eve (aka gate night…is that still ‘celebrated’?) sees Haunter, The Playing Cards and Victoria's Fuji Hakayito rock the joint.

Jumping over to the Pyramid, local fav Matt Epp is releasing his latest disc Safe or Free there on November 3rd w/ resident hip-hoppers The Lytics.

Sunparlour Players are at the Park Theatre on November 21st.

Infinite Playlist: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

11 Questions With...We Are The City

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:18:00 +0000

We Are The City are a young and up-and-coming experimental indie-rock trio from Kelowna who, back in May, dropped their debut disc In A Quiet Place, an album earning the unaffected guys some serious praise. The band is currently in the midst of a cross country swoop across this geographically vast nation, which naturally includes a pip-stop in Peg City on October 15th. So on Wednesday the guys’ll be playing twice around town. First, a short in-store gig at Music Trader (@ 3) followed by a lenghtier evening show at Sam’s Place.

I’ve got two copies of the sprawling and instantly engaging In A Quiet Place available for give away to anyone intrigued. Simply fire me an email (on the side) by 4 p.m. Tuesday with the subject line “We Are The City – Giveaway” and I’ll select the winner out of a hat (or more likely a touque). Include your name in the body of the email.

Plus, the promising lads all took part in my 11 question schtick. In doing so, they revealed their effusive love for all things Radiohead, their dislike of South Park and the Family Guy, and their deep interest in one day recording an album with famed producer Brian Eno.

1. Where are you right now?

All: Ontario

2. Who is the best Kelowna-based band (other than your own, of course)?

All: We're not going to pick one. Fields of Green, Kingdom Cloud, Secret & Whisper, Treelines, & Split The Silence to name a few. And Treelight Room & Yukon Blonde who recently moved from Kelowna to Vancouver are also very awesome.

3. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

Cayne: Coldplay’s "A Rush of Blood to the Head", Pink Floyd’s "Wish You Were Here", and Radiohead’s "OK Computer"
David: Paul Simon’s "Graceland", Norah Jones’ "Come Away With Me", and Radiohead’s "OK Computer"
Andy: MeWithoutYou’s "Brother Sister", U2’s "Joshua Tree", and Radiohead’s "In Rainbows"

4. What’s one song you love, but regularly dismiss as a “guilty pleasure”?

Cayne: My Chemical Romance’s "Helena"
David: Fall Out Boy’s "Sugar We're Going Down"
Andy: Natasha Bedingfield’s "These Words"

5. What was the last great concert you saw?

All: Radiohead at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver

6. Who is one producer, alive or dead, that you’d just love to work with?

David: Rick Rubin, just for the fun of it.
Andy: Brian Eno
Cayne: Brian Eno

7. Simpsons, South Park, or Family Guy?

All: Simpsons
Andy: I can't stand the other two.

8. What is your favourite “Flight of the Conchords” song?

Cayne: Most Beautiful Girl In the Room
Andy: The one where Jemaine talks about dressing up Brett in a wig and stuff.
David: I don't know any. The only one I've heard is that one about sex and I don't know if I like it.

9. Would you rather have invisibility or flight?

All: Flight

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

Cayne : Started Life of Pi three weeks ago because I was bored. Read 2 pages of it, and haven't read it anymore since.
David: Tried to get through a book called Deadline, couldn't handle it and threw it to the ground in 2007.
Andy: Star Wars Tales from Mos Eisley Cantina

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

Cayne: Donatello. Although, I don't care for his purple headband.
David: Can I do Power Rangers instead? If so, the red one.
Andy: My parents never let me watch that show.

Infinite Playlist: The Beatles - Abbey Road

A Drop Of Blood On A Sugarcube - A 10,000th Day Playlist

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:20:00 +0000

So last month I celebrated a unique sorta birthday - I lauded the day I turned the big 10,000. Days old, that is. This monumental date happened to fall on Wednesday, September 16th, so I threw a bash on the 19th and subsequently shattered the old record for most people in my apartment (whilst drinking one, maybe two, too many brews).

I intended on making a 10,000th day playlist for my party, a definitive, 27-song set of indispensable songs in my life (27 was chosen since it's how many years old I was at the time of turning 10,000 days). The list did not happen in time for my party since constructing it proved painfully difficult, incredibly time-consuming, and frequently futile. Finally, I've settled on the 27 tunes below, although I should qualify my selections by stating these are my choices at this exact moment in time. I'll probably change them tomorrow. A couple times.

It's been a great 10,000 days for my ears.

Postal Service - 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight'
Yo La Tengo - 'Sugarcube'
My Bloody Valentine - 'I Only Said'
Radiohead - 'Fake Plastic Trees'
Erasure - 'A Little Respect'
The Smashing Pumpkins - 'Glynis' (video below)
Portishead - 'Wandering Star'
Pinback - 'Loro'
New Order - 'Temptation'
Kings of Convenience - 'Winning A Battle, Losing A War' (video below)
The Chemical Brothers - 'Where Do I Begin?'
Sigur Rós - '1' aka 'Vaka'
Interpol - 'Obstacle 1'
M83 - 'Run Into Flowers' (video below)
Califone - 'Trick Bird'
Jenny Lewis - 'Acid Tongue'
Nick Drake - 'One of these Things First'
Stereolab - 'Tomorrow Is Already Here'
Beck - 'Que Onda Guero'
Manitoba - 'Brandon'
The Cure - 'Pictures of You'
Iron & Wine - 'Naked As We Came'
Mum - 'I'm 9 Today'
Depeche Mode - 'Blasphemous Rumours'
Goldfrapp - 'A & E'
Peter Bjorn and John - 'Up Against The Wall'
Sufjan Stevens - 'In The Devil's Territory'

Infinite Playlist - The above playlist

"I'm Gonna Play A Bunch Of New Songs. Sorry!" Final Fantasy - Live At The West End

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Did the back-to-back-Final-Fantasy-shows-at-the-West-End thing this weekend, and after a string of disappointing concerts, seeing Owen Pallet live cured what ailed me both figuratively and literally (I had an unshakable, at-times-immobilizing cold all week which finally improved on Friday and was nearly gone by Saturday night). Coincidence? I think not.

Pallett continued his remarkable streak of bringing along ridiculously great opening acts with him, this time touring with Polaris long-lister Timber Timbre (previous evening starters included the endlessly entertaining Bob Wiseman and the lovely and talented Basia Bulat). Timber Timbre's stark, intimate, and kinda creepy chamber folk record is one of my favourite albums of 2009, and his live performance reinforced this. Timber Timbre, aka Taylor Kirk, has this big and arresting ghost-storyteller voice that is equally enchanting and menacing. What an experience.

Friday night was the third time I've seen the wiry, violin-wielding Mr. Pallett live at the West End, and this was probably the best set I've seen. I qualify that statement with "probably" since I'm still kinda high on the whole FF live experience and need a few days to calm down before I can honestly compare it with past performances.

Gone: The Dungeons & Dragons overhead projector show & assistant.
In: A band member!

Joining Pallett onstage was a guitarist/drummer who added some much-needed texture to the live show and the new material. The majority of the set was comprised of new entries to Pallett's Palette (sorry, couldn't resist), so Friday night quite possibly marked the first time in music history that an audience didn't care about an artist playing mostly green stuff.

Unfortunately, Timber Timbre was only around for the Friday show, so that was a bit of a bummer on Saturday, but local and eclectic singer-songwriter Ingrid Gatin opened up, and I thought she was pretty great. Certainly one to have on the radar. Final Fantasy's set on Saturday was shorter than Friday's and changed up a bit. He removed a few numbers from Has A Good Home and inserted a delectable cover of Lykke Li's "Dance Dance Dance", which was almost as fun as his take on Mariah Carey's "Sweet Fantasy."

Truth be told, I was perfectly okay with the slightly shorter set length, since I desperately wanted to check out this year's Edmonton Oilers squad for the first time on HNIC. They ended up losing in the final minute. The lone glitch of the weekend.

Infinite Playlist: Volcano Choir - Unmap

11 Questions With...ARCTIC

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:07:00 +0000

A band that has buzz trailing behind them like a, well, persistent swarm of bees, Vancouver’s ARCTIC (that’s all caps, folks) paint lush sonic backdrops that are austere, dreamy and more than a little chilling. Pretty much what one would expect of a band named after the Great White North. The up-and-coming trio is currently in the middle of a criss-cross jaunt of Canada, and is stopping by town on October 8th to play a intimate show at the Standard Tavern (formerly known as Hooligan’s).

I asked 11 questions to the band – frontman/guitarist Marcus Martin, bassist/keyboardist Kirsten Starcher, and drummer Rob Sheldrick – and judging by their playful and thoughtful answers, they had some fun with it. Those mentioned include: William Gibson, Rush, Beast, and the inimitable Master Splinter.

1. Where are you right now?

Windsor. We've just pulled into a hotel after a relatively short drive from Guelph and have a little time to kill before playing the Phog Lounge tonight. The decor here is a little trippy.

2. Who is the best Vancouver-based band (other than your own, of course)?

Marcus: Mongoose.
Rob: Three Inches of Blood.
Kirsten: Adaline.

3. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

Marcus: Gabor Szabo, "The Sorceror".
Rob: Rush, "Grace Under Pressure".
Kirsten: Bjork, "Post".

4. What’s one song you love, but regularly dismiss as a “guilty pleasure”?

Rob: Anything off Rush's "Grace Under Pressure".
Marcus: Club hits.
Kirsten: It's got to be some 80s hit. Something like "Take On Me" or "Tainted Love"... you kind of can't help singing along even if you never owned the album.

5. What was the last great concert you saw?

Marcus: ZZ Top.
Kirsten: I was absolutely floored by Beast last year. Wow.
Rob: Kool Keith. With a K.

6. Of the albums you own, which has the best cover art?

Marcus: I don't know. That's a good one. I really like the Roxy Music one... Avalon.
Kirsten: Pink Floyd had the best ones.
Rob: Hum, "Downward is Heavenward". Sweetest record jacket ever.

7. PC or Mac?

Kirsten: Two of us on Mac, one PC.
Rob: Actually, I'd convert to Mac if I could.

8. Simpsons, South Park, or Family Guy?

Rob: Family Guy.
Marcus: Simpsons.
Kirsten: I suppose I should pick South Park just to keep things balanced. I think it depends on the day, though, and your state of mind. I'd watch any of 'em if I still had a TV.

9. Would you rather have invisibility or flight?

Marcus: Invisibility.
Kirsten: Would you just spy on girls?
Marcus: I would spy on the G8 summit. See what's going on there.
Rob: Flight. I would frequent the moon often.
Kirsten: Yeah, but you couldn't breathe there.
Rob: Shhhhh.
Marcus: Let the boy dream.
Kirsten: I gotta go with flight. I feel invisible enough days, I think I get the idea.

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

Marcus: "Art and Physics" by Leonard Shlain.
Rob: "Modern Drummer". Lots and lots of "Modern Drummer."
Kirsten: I finished Kurt Vonnegut "Breakfast of Champions" before we left on tour and haven't really gotten started on another one. I've got a William Gibson book waiting for me when I'm ready though.

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

Kirsten: I got nothing.
Rob: I'm more of a Master Splinter fan.
Marcus: Rob IS Master Splinter and he can't pick favourites because they might try to kill each other. End of question.

Infinite Playlist: mum - Sing Along To Songs You Don't Know

We Were Unlucky In Love

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:31:00 +0000

The twin sisters' Quin - aka Tegan and Sara - will bring their elegantly shorn haircuts and thoughtful, celebrated pop music to the Burt in the new year, playing a gig there on January 14th. Pre-sale starts Wednesday. No code yet. I'll see what I can uncover (thanks to Aaron for the heads up).

Afi and Cage The Elephant are two acts comprising Jingle Bell Rock 2009. The event takes place December 15th at the Convention Centre.

Vancouver's Said The Whale hit the Pyramid on November 3rd w/ Hannah Gorgas.

The Maroons are there on December 12th w/ Atomic Blondie.

Infinite Playlist: Volcano Chair - Unmap

The Hold Steady - Live At The West End

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:31:00 +0000

Ok.

So, I wasn’t exactly enamored with Thursday night’s Hold Steady show, which was easily the marquee event in Winnipeg two nights back (fuck half-speed NHL hockey). Sold out. Lots of people looking for tickets.

And I wanted to love it. I wanted it to be the best show I’ve seen all year. I wanted my Facebook status to feature some seriously impassioned hyperbole. Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel that oh-so-wonderful connection the entire time, like I did during, say, TV on the Radio.

Part of the problem for me was the main set’s length. It felt too long and peppered with too many slow-to-mid tempo, spoken-poetry meanders that invariably caused me to drift off. I did, however, perk up instantly whenever Finn & The Boys tore into one of their 70s-rock-leaning assaults like “Party Pit” or “Stuck Between Stations.” Or during one of their big-ass, brilliantly realized singles “Sequestered in Memphis.”

But for what it’s worth, I suspect I am in the minority here. Most of the 400 strong at the West End seemed enthralled with the Hold Steady and charmed to bits by the surprisingly animated Craig Finn. He’s a helluva crowd worker and, well, pretty damn cool.

The evening’s highlight for me was the encore – it was saturated with upbeat, raucous tunes. It is the huge, anthemic stuff I feel “America’s Best Bar Band” do, well, best.

Oh, and I thought opener Still Life Still were pretty great and reminded me of early Broken Social Scene machinations. I was impressed so much that I’m gonna go seek out SLS’s record.

***

New rumblings at the Pyramid:

First up, a very very tempting show: Young Galaxy is at the Pyramid on October 18th w/ Bend Sinister, trEas, and Royal Canoe.

The Mahones perform there on October 6th w/ the Popes.

October 23rd sees Grady play there.

On November 9th, Mad Caddies play a gig w/ The Johnstones.

Trivium rock the joint on November 19th w/ Chimaria, Whitechapel, and Dirge Within.

One Hundred Dollars swing through town on October 29th.

Elsewhere:

Kelowna rockers We Are The City land at Sam’s Place on October 15th.

Moneen drop by the West End on November 30th.

Winter Gloves are at the Lo Pub on November 27th.

Infinite Playlist: Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence

The Girl From Back Then

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Shout out to the 80s! Def Leppard return to the MTS Centre on November 4th with Cheap Trick and Man Raze.

Digression: I wonder if Bun E. Carlos will be behind the kit for Cheap Trick. Last I checked he was kicking it powerpop-style with the awardwinningly bizarre supergroup Tinted Windows (feat. Taylor Hanson of, um, Hanson; James Iha of, well, the Pumpkins; and Adam Schlesinger of, er, Fountains of Wayne).

Shout out to the 90s! Stone Temple Pilots evidently still exist and are also playing the MTS Centre but on November 15th. Used to go mental for "Vaseline."

Shout out to guilty pleasures! Unabashed synth-popper Lights is at The Garrick on November 19th. Get out your headbands!

Oh, and congrats to Robin and Geoff for winning the Patrick Brealey discs. Will get those out to you asap.

Infinite Playlist: Kings of Convenience - Versus (New Album soon!)

11 Questions With...Patrick Brealey

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

For a good time call: folk singer-songwriter Patrick Brealey. Or better yet, head down to the Albert on September 23rd to see/hear the engaging performer live and in the flesh. Be sure to sample some of his homemade pickles while you’re there – reports say the vinegary snacks really add to the overall charm of his show (and that the pickles are very tasty).

I’ve got two copies of his well-received, folk/country/blues/cabaret-pureeing cd, Mercury In Songbirds, for give away. Simply flip me an email by 4 p.m. Tuesday with “Patrick Brealey: Giveaway” in the subject line, your name in the body, and I’ll draw winners randomly.

Plus, the charismatic Mr. Brealey answered 11 Qs for yours truly.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have an all-time favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, but makes up for this serious transgression by giving a shout out to Virginia Woolf and linking a pretty great Family Guy clip for your viewing pleasure.

1.Where are you right now?

I'm in my little rundown shack on stilts in the Little Portugal neighbourhood of Toronto.

2. Who is the best Toronto-based band (other than your own, of course)?

There are too many incredible bands in Toronto to pick just one. So it's a four-way tie for me.
a) The Beauties -- I feel as though these guys are like The Band. They've honed their chops as an awesome bar band that can back up any singer on the spot, they can get a whole room up and dancing, they're tighter than a hipster's custom, screen-printed t-shirt, yet they haven't even started recording their first album yet. The whole is a sum of the parts -- every member is awesome.
b) The Good Lovelies -- The Andrews Sisters meets AbFab with this giggle-fueled trio who can charm the socks off any disgruntled Bay Street lawyer.
c) The Foggy Hogtown Boys -- Best bluegrass band in Canada, no contest.
d) Christine Bougie and Dafydd Hughes -- Who can make ambient, soundtracky, instrumental jazz cool? These guys can. I believe Christine is one of the best and most sensitive musicians I have ever heard -- and she played on my new album!

3. What are your top three, all-time, desert-island records?

a) Stardust by Willie Nelson
b) Blue Train by John Coltrane
c) Sun, Sand & Surf -- Desert Island Classics Vol. 3 (various artists)

4.What’s one song you love, but regularly dismiss as a “guilty pleasure”?

Other than Locomotion, I like pretty much every single Kylie Minogue puts out, namely Can't Get You Out of My Head, Come into My World, and Slow. In theory, these should be guilty pleasures but the fact remains that I don't actually feel guilty liking these songs, I simply like them. So I think I'll go for Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks & Dunn. Time to linedance!

5. What was the last great concert you saw?

Seeing Tom Waits at the Commodore in Vancouver in 2004 may remain the greatest concert I have ever seen or will ever see. But as for a more recent nod, I saw Joel Plaskett for the first time in February, playing solo to about 15 people in a hotel room in Memphis and he absolutely blew me away. His song "Beyond, Beyond, Beyond" made me cry a little.

6. Who is one producer, alive or dead, that you’d just love to work with?

I'd love to work with Daniel Lanois. He brings such a unique, signature sound to the table while getting the best from the artists he works with. His work with Bob Dylan (Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind), Willie Nelson (Teatro) and Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball) shone new light on those already established artists and allowed them to cast new shadows with it. Same kind of reverence goes to T-Bone Burnett -- brilliance wrapped in a tall-framed weirdo.

7. Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert?

Jon Colbert.

8. Simpsons, South Park, or Family Guy?

Family Guy. It's all about Stewie and Brian. Oh, and this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3yIq4qD31E

9. Would you rather have invisibility or flight?

Flight, hands down. Invisibility is for creeps and kleptomaniacs.

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

I'm in over my head in books right now. First is the Neil Young autobiography by Jimmy McDonough -- I'd been told by many people that I needed to read this one and so far it's proving to be an enlightening look into Young's world, his personality, his stubbornness and ultimately the fact that he was just a guy who wanted to play music for a living. I'm also reading Bottomfeeder by Taras Grescoe, a non-fictional look at the state of the world's fisheries and how we can continue to eat seafood in an ethical way -- it's educational without being preachy. Last but not least, I've delved back into the classics with Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. I was skeptical about picking it up again (I was supposed to read it in university, yet only mimed my way through it) but I'm glad I was talked into reading it as Woolf wrote herself an incredibly interesting and evocative novel. A more enjoyable and far less nerdy version of James Joyce's Ulysses. Kudos, Ms, Woolf!

11. And finally…who’s your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael?

I don't have a particular affinity to one Turtle. In fact, they all look the same to me. But when it comes to talking animals I like this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THrpJSstWZ8

***

(UPDATE: This ticket is now sold). I’ve got an extra ticket for The Hold Steady’s sold-out show for sale, so shoot me an email if you're interested in this smokin' hot ticket. My cost was $27 and that’s what I want for it.

Speaking of sold-out gigs, Final Fantasy's October 2nd show at the WECC is now sold out. Tickets for his October 3rd performance are still available.

Oh, and Alana Levandoski's October 24th show at the WECC has been canceled.

Infinite Playlist: The xx - xx

10,000 Days Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:13:00 +0000

This post is significant for two very good reasons:

1. IT’S MY 400th POST! Hooray!
2. Today, I am… *drumroll*…10, 000 Days Old! Double hooray!

In celebration of the latter historical event, I was planning on making a definitive “10,000 Days Playlist”, an extensive set of tunes comprising some of my favourite songs of the past 10K days (like Iron & Wine's "Naked As We Came" and The Smashing Pumpkins' "Glynis"). Sadly, I have about 80 jungle-thick pages of 18th Century Literary Theory to hack my through for tomorrow, and it’s likely gonna take all night (and a flood of frustrated tears) for me to read. Rain check on the 10K playlist, ok?

Before I bury myself alive in the cement-heavy philosophical worlds of Voltaire, Hume, and Rousseau, here are some important shows of note:

Matthew Good returns to town on November 21st at the Burt. Presale is underway and the code is Hollywood (thanks to Julie and Andrew for the heads up/code).

Promising indie-rockers Rah Rah return to the Lo Pub on September 24th w/ We Were Lovers.

The Trews play an acoustic gig at the West End on November 18th.

Little Girls open for You Say Party! We Say Die! at the Albert on November 25th.

Final Thought is at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church this Sunday (the 20th) w/ Crisis Jane and Everyone Everywhere.

Infinite Playlist: Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

Lisztomania

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

KISS are still alive and kicking and touring and wearing dollops of make-up! Catch 'em live at the MTS Centre on November 9th.

On Halloween, catch Nomeansno at the Albert.

Speaking of holidays, Winnipeg Chantal Kreviazuk is at Pantages Playhouse on Remembrance Day.

Justin Rutledge is at the West End the day before w/ Melissa McClelland.

Jesse Denatale is at the Park Theatre on October 2nd w/ Scott Nolan.

"11 Questions" Christeners Library Voices return to the Lo on October 9th w/ In Flight Safety.

Speaking of "11 Questions" alumni, The Wooden Sky open for Elliott Brood on September 30th at the West End.

Infinite Playlist: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

A Volley Of F-Bombs: Japandroids - Live At The Lo Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Mykael) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:34:00 +0000

(Thanks to Sarah for sending along the top photo)

Friday night’s Japandroids show at the Lo Pub confirmed that I am irrevocably getting older and crankier.

Drats.

See, because all of the reasons why I disliked their set were what I used to love about a stupendously chaotic rock show. These include:

1. 100 people crammed into a 30 person area (now: incipient Claustrophobia).
2. Excitable indie-rock fans slam-dancing in this area (full-on Claustrophobia now + flying elbows).
3. Crowd surfing (flying elbows + kicking feet at the tiny Lo Pub? Not quite the sprawling space of Edgefest ’98).
4. Lead singer/guitarist Brian King’s volley of f-bombs (someone buy him a swearing Thesaurus)
5. Amps cranked past 11 (Vegas is giving 3 to 2 odds on me being full-on deaf by 35)
6. Lots of sophomoric song-dedications (reminded me of seeing friends’ bands in High School... “This song goes out to my best pal, The Maestro”). Plus, this badly hurt the set’s momentum. .

So yeah, even though I love/heart/adore Post-Nothing to an almost unhealthy degree, the Japandroids’ concert experience just didn’t work for me. I’m sure many of you loved it for the same reasons I didn’t. And it was Franz-Ferdinand-show hot in there. Yuck. By the time I bailed (just past 1), I noticed the crowd had thinned considerably and overheard a few people complaining about the heat, volume, and space.

On a positive note, I absolutely loved second-opener Mt St. Helens Vietnam Band. They were like a faster-paced Sunset Rubdown…who put on a stellar concert a couple months back.

Up next: The Hold Steady on September 24th.

Infinite Playlist: Junior Boys - Begone Dull Care