Fun With Stereolab

A few years back I had the pleasure of seeing French space-age post-rockers Stereolab perform live in Minneapolis, and I was playing around on YouTube looking for songs from that show when I came across this surprising video. It's the leaders of the band, Tim Gane and Laetitia Sadier, appearing in a segment on some ridiculous program called "The Joe and Adam Show".

It's not so much funny as it is bad. Fortunately, Gane and Sadier were good sports or else this would have been even worse. On that note...enjoy!



Also, Crystal Castles is at the Pyramid on February 29th (it's a leap year!!), along with Health.

Current rotation: Portishead - Dummy / LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

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He Came To Life. Good For Him.

Arts & Crafts recording artist Jason Collett plays the Park Theatre on March 27. I think it's great that Park Theatre stepped up and is now a reputable venue in the city. A replacement for the now defunct Collective was much needed. Tix $15 @ Folk Fest Store and Ticketmaster.

Holy Fuck also plays there on February 20th w/ A Place To Bury Strangers. Tickets $15 at Ticketmaster, Music Trader.

Current rotation: Stereolab - Fab Four Suture / Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

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At Last! My Favourite Tracks Of 2007

At some point over the past year, each one of these songs was played in a continuous loop in my player. There was something distinguishable about each track that made me want to play them over and over until I figured out what it was that affected me so viscerally.

I realized though, that I’ll never know the answer. These songs just do.

If you can, seek them out and hopefully, if you’re lucky, they’ll affect you similarly.

It’s a wonderful high.

Painting Over Silence – My Favourite Tracks of 2007 (the order was meticulously arranged for the cd I made)

1. LCD Soundsystem – Someone Great
2. Stars – The Ghost of Genova Heights
3. Iron and Wine – Innocent Bones
4. Wilco – You Are My Face
5. Mum – Blessed Brambles
6. Bloc Party – Kreuzberg
7. The Shins – Sleeping Lessons
8. The Weakerthans – Night Windows
9. LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends
10. Nathan – Terrible Way to See Omaha
11. Peter Bjorn and John – Up Against The Wall
12. The National – Start a War
13. Modest Mouse – Missed The Boat
14. The Clientele – The Queen of Seville
15. Mum – Marmalade Fires
16. Amiina – Rugla

Note: If I was forced to pick a single song that was my favourite of the year, it'd be Mum’s ‘Marmalade Fires’. According to my last.fm stats, I played it 88 times. That doesn’t include my car or my ipod or anywhere else I may have listened to it.

You can hear the song on their horribly cluttered myspace page.

Current rotation: The above list!

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Merry Christmas!

For some reason that I can't quite explain, I always put on The Cure's Trilogy DVD on Christmas Day and always, always watch "Pictures of You". Today was no exception. Perhaps it's because I dislike most Christmas music...I'm not sure.

Merry Christmas Folks!

Current rotation: The Cure - Trilogy DVD

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1 Bourbon, 1 Scotch, And 1 Beer Would Make Me Sick

Blues-rocker George Thorogood is hitting town next year, playing a date at the MTS Centre. The show takes place on May 23rd, but ticket information hasn't been released yet. Will keep ya updated.

Current rotation: The Clientele - God Save The Clientele

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My Top 10 Records of 2007

One of the consequences of leading a mostly hedonistic lifestyle is that when Christmas rolls around, I tend to buy too many gifts for myself. Sure I have my typical list of family members, friends, co-workers (and bosses) to buy presents for, but in the process I tend to purchase gift-after-gift for myself. One of the best gifts I've given myself lately arrived in the mail today, and I am still beaming with happiness. It is absolutely gorgeous! My Sigur Ros Art Print by James Jean is hands down the most beautiful thing I own, and each time I look at it I'm transfixed with awe.

Without further ado, I give you my illustrious, self-aggrandizing "Best Albums of 2007 List":

1. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
2. Iron and Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
3. Mum – Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy
4. Stars – In Our Bedroom After The War
5. The Clientele – God Save The Clientele
6. Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City
7. Feist – The Reminder
8. Radiohead – In Rainbows
9. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
10. Nathan – Key Principles

Current rotation: The Clientele - God Save The Clientele

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Presale Password for Henry Rollins at the Burton Cummings Theatre

Ahoy Land Lubbers!

Thy noblest of presale passwords for Sir Rollins be VIDEO.

Current rotation: The Clientele - God Save The Clientele

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Seven Days Until The Religious Neutral Holiday...er Christmas

Henry Rollins will be bringing his spoken word tour back to the Peg March 16th at the Burton Cummings Theatre. Ticket sales start Friday ranging from $19.50 to $28.50. Apparently this is his fifth time stopping by in a decade - he must like us! Unlike Wilco and The New Pornographers (who still owe us a show)...


Current rotation: The Clientele - God Save The Clientele

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New Year's Eve in Winnipeg

So there are these highly evocative ads for the company American Apparel permeating Pitchforkmedia's main page . These banners, well, in all honesty, complement the fun of visiting Pitchfork for the latest music news.

Anyways, I was busing by the remnants of The Collective earlier and was astounded to learn that the same company with these enticing ads on Pitchfork (the models aren't naked or anything...that'd be inappropriate...they're just kinda revealing) is the same company that gutted The Collective and opened shop. Today's coincidence quota was met earlier that usual.

R.I.P. Collective Cabaret. I enjoyed every show I saw there.

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I figured I'd discuss New Year's Eve happenin's at some of the local clubs, so here goes:

1. The Pyramid - NEW YEARS IN CANDYLAND. Sponsered by Sugar Mountain, the Pyramid will be decorated with all sorts of candy-ish novelties from "mountains of smarties" to "giant Pez dispensers. Spinning records during all this sugary fun will be DJ Co-op & Hunnicut, DJ RPG ( Grant from Moses Mayes) and all the way from Minneapolis DJ Mike The 2600 King. Tickets are $20ish at Into The Music, Kustom Kulture, The Pyramid, City Haul, and Ticketmaster.

2. Times Change(d) - New Year's Eve with The D Rangers, Andrew Neville & the Poor Choice. Tix TBA.

3. The Zoo - ZOO YEAR'S EVE with Xplicit, Still Village, and Lucid. Tix are $15 @ The Osborne Village Inn.

4. The Albert - NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT with American Flamewhip, The Geek Street Band, Big Trouble in Little China. Tix are $8 at Into The Music, Music Trader, and Ticket Workshop.

5. The King's Head - KING'S HEAD PUB NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY featuring The Braggarts, The Windups. Tickets $10 at the King's Head.

6. The Collective - See above.

Current rotation: Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha

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Regifting Is Not Only Less Wasteful - It's Also Very Funny

I'm currently deep in thought trying to decide which tracks will make the final cut for the highly coveted "Painting Over Silence" best-songs-of-the-year-2007 cd. I've narrowed it down to 24 tracks and need to trim about 8-9.

Expect the winners to be announced sometime next week.

Astounding show news:

The Free Press reported Friday that progressive rockers Rush will be playing their first gig in Winnipeg since October 5, 1982. Zounds! I was only a few months old then. Ticket information will be released sometime in January.

Fly by Night!

Current rotation: The Beatles - White Album

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Los Lobos

Los Lobos are hitting town on March 25th. Tix for this show (at The Burt) range from $42.50 to $47.75.

Current rotation: Electric President - S/T

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Presales

Q. What is the presale password for Steve Earle's upcoming show at The Burton Cummings Theatre? What about Matt Costa's at The Garrick?

A. video (for each)

Current rotation: The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America

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Down Copperhead Road

Genre transcender Steve Earle is playing a solo acoustic set at the Burt on March 10th. Tickets go on sale this Friday for $27.50 or $39.50 at Ticketmaster; gosh darn-it, I don't have a presale password (yet), although tickets go on sale through TheSteveEarlestore.com starting tomorrow. I must admit ever since I read Nick Hornby's impassioned essay "Alternative Earle" a personal fascination with Earle's music/life has developed. Earle's wife Alison Moore will open. I like that.

Also, Californian Matt Costa (who opened for Bedouin Soundclash last week) will be the main draw for a show at The Garrick on February 16th. Tickets this Friday at Ticketmaster for around 20 bones. Delta Spirit is the opener.

Hilarious show news-of-the-week-that-I-just-had-to-mention: David Cassidy, former star of the 1970s sitcom The Partridge Family, is at Club Regent Casino February 14th. Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day" like David Cassidy belting out ballad after ballad.

Current rotation: Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

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Daft Punk Is Playing In My House

Arguably the most in-demand concert in history took place earlier in London and according to the CBC, fans were "treated to a good time". The question now is: Do Led Zeppelin satiate fans further and launch a massive worldwide tour after 20 million (!!!) people tried getting tickets for their first show in 19 years? Stay tuned.

Choking on your own vomit...what a way to go.

In other interesting news, Wilco are planning on playing "The Complete Wilco" over five days in Chicago. I say forget that. Jeff Tweedy & Co. get your butts back here, you still owe Winnipegers a make-up date after canceling your August 15th show at The Burt.

Come to think of it, The New Pornographers still owe us a show too! Is there any justice out there for Winnipeg concert fans? Grrr.

Flushing out some shows...

Blunderspublik is the opening act for Greg MacPherson's show next week at the WECC.

Jenn Grant is the opening for Hayden's February show at the WECC. She's a cutie (but more importantly, her songs are good).

Current rotation: Wilco - Sky Blue Sky / LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

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Posting While Listless

My brain is operating at 2/3s normal processing speed today, so this update'll be brief.

Finnish metal act Nightwish is at the Garrick on May 14th. Tix are available at Music Trader and Ticketmaster for around $32.50.

Notorious late 80s rap group 2 Live Crew play 2 dates at the Zoo on March 21st and 22nd w/ X-Rated Rydas. Expect profanity and sexual imagery. Tix are $10 in advance at the Zoo.

Current rotation: M83 - Before The Dawn Heals Us

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Are We To Believe This Is Some Sort Of Magical Xylophone?

A conundrum: when I hyperlink band names, do I link to the band's website or their myspace page?

The facts:

The band's website often features an elaborate design, a biographical write-up, a complete list of tour dates, news, discography, and (sometimes) free downloads.

Myspace, while undeniably cluttered (read: euphemism for ugly), allows users to sample several tracks from the band in question, read some blog entries and seems, in general, more up-to-date than the band's website.

Hmm. Strong arguments from both sides. For now, I'll stick with the band's official site. Unless of course that's non-existent.
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Not once, not twice, but Thrice is at The Burt on Feb 12th. Tickets go on sale Friday (sorry folks, I don't have a presale password).

Current rotation: Electric President S/T / Radiohead In Rainbows

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Sigur Ros Art

I was googling Sigur Ros just now when I came across this absolutely stunning illustration of the band by artist James Jean. I love it so much I'm about to order a print. This is going to look incredible on the wall behind my computer.

I wonder what the original sold for?

NECRO is at the Pyramid on January 16th with Psycho Realm, Danny Diablo, Boondox, and Riviera Regime. Warning: visiting some of these websites scared me.

Current rotation: Electric President S/T / Sigur Ros ()

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Marmalade Fires

Maybe it's the near-absolute zero weather outside or perhaps it's just that I haven't been out of town for awhile, but I have this irrepressible urge to travel and catch a show. This, of course, typically means a road trip to Minneapolis to see a celebrated artist who, for some reason, never graces our humble city with their presence (high entertainment taxes is the rumour). Anyways, I also felt like making a list today, so this effectively met my today's list quota.

Top 5 bands I'd skip school and work and birthdays and anniversaries and funerals (ok, maybe not funerals. Although...) to go see in Minny:

1. Iron and Wine
2. Sigur Ros*
3. Kings of Convenience
4. Mum
5. Peter Bjorn and John

*They are the only entry from this illustrious list that I've already seen. I loved their show so much, I'll gladly travel to Minny and see it again.

You Say Party! We Say Die! hit the Albert on December 13th with The Gorgon. Tix $12 @ Into The Music, Music Trader, and Ticket Workshop.

Tele play the Park Theatre on December 14th. Tix $10 @ Park Theatre.

Sonata Arctica are at the West End on February 8th with Visions of Atlantis. Tix $25 @ Ticket Workshop.

Current rotation: The Twilight Sad - Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters / Radiohead - In Rainbows

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Minor Update

Folk artist James Keelaghan and Latin guitarist Oscar Lopez stop by Pantages Playhouse on February 8th. Presale password is Compadres.

Current rotation: Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim

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Raise Your Hands As High As You Can...And The Whole Universe Will Glow

Is anyone else as excited as me that legendary shoegazers My Bloody Valentine are releasing a new record next year? When this was first announced on PF, I did an Irish jig in front of my computer (my neighbours below probably thought WTF?) then played Loveless over and over on my stereo until my speakers blew from the excessive fuzz. AND MBV are doing a tour...c'mon Minneapolis date. It's gonna be a sweet new year.

Collective Soul are at the Burt on February 9th. Tickets go on sale this Friday, unless you have the presale password (psst. It's GUITAR).

Oysterband are at the WECC on April 15th.

Current rotation: M83 - Don't Save Us From The Flames / My Bloody Valentine - Loveless

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Where Are Your Friends Tonight?

I apologize for my hasty, relatively short post about Stars' Saturday evening show. I spent most of yesterday franticly and painstakingly working on a paper that was already past due, and decided, for once, to prioritize. The paper trumped everything, including innocuous blog posts.

Anyways...more thoughts on the show.

Profound realization #1: There were approximately 80x more people at Stars' show Saturday night than there were the first time I saw them at The Pyramid many moons ago(this is assuming Sat's show was sold out - it seemed near capacity at least). While Stars are certainly a band who deserves their success and I'm glad to see their fan base rapidly expanding (they're spreading the love after all), for the record, seeing them on that memorable night four years ago with about 20 others kicked ass. I still have the poster from that show in my hallway.

Profound realization #2: For probably the first time ever, I was above the median age of fellow concert attendees. 25 isn't that old, is it? When I mentioned this to a slightly older audiophile yesterday, he simply replied, "Get used to it". I will! I plan on rockin' until I'm in my mid 50s...at least.

Profound realization #3: I enjoy opening act Miracle Fortress a lot better at home, blasting through my speakers. Their live show just didn't cut it for me.

No show news lately...strange.

Current rotation: LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

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Twinkling Stars

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Canada's most romantic pop band Stars at the Burt.

While the band played a healthy mix of songs from Heart, Set Yourself on Fire, and recent release In Our Bedroom After The War, they completely ignored all tracks from their debut Nightsongs. But that's a minor complaint. Overall, the set was pretty solid and featured most of their best work: the funky, get-off-your-butt-and-dance-to 'The Ghost of Genova Heights' as well as two tracks in which Torq and Amy's charming boy/girl vocal exchanges work perfectly: 'Elevator Love Letter' and 'Your Ex-Lover is Dead''.

Current rotation: The Grey Cup.

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How Many Air Miles Do You Need To Get To The Moon?

Ok, so admittedly I've been a bit obsessed with youtube lately. It's such a deep well of video awesomeness (that's the best I can come up with right now. I'm, well, tipsy).

I've caught so many of my favourite bands performing many of my favourite songs live on this fruitful site. Recently, I've been watching, over and over, a video from 2003 of Icelandic band Mum performing 'We Have a Map of the Piano', a track I didn't really think was a standout from their absolutely gorgeous 2002 release Finally We Are No One. For those unfamiliar with Mum's musical style, it touches on the alien atmospherics of Sigur Ros, but cranks the melody up to 11. Anyways, the track in question performed live is incredible. When the lead singer assuredly approaches the mike and takes over, I can't help but be impressed with her and the band's confidence in their live show. They must know it just doesn't, and never will, translate properly to a record.

From now on, when I revisit this song on the album, I hear something completely different. This is what I love about live performances - hearing a song then listening to the recording again and reliving that emotional connection you had while watching the band perform it.

I can only imagine what I’d feel if I had been there in person.

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Sigur Ros...Acoustic?

Earlier today I picked up Sigur Ros's double cd Hvarf/Heim and am currently enjoying my initial listen. Essentially a collection of rarities, the first disc Hvarf contains previously unreleased studio songs while disc two, Heim, is composed entirely of acoustic versions of select songs(including one of my favs vaka off the () album).

Now I don't really like to mention this on here, since, for the most part it's shameless ego-boosting; however, this time I figure it's relevant. For those who don't know, I write a monthly column "Sounding Icelandic" for a local Icelandic newspaper called The Logberg that covers anything falling within the vast range of "Icelandic" and "Music". This means I discuss /review /interview /briefly mention any artists from Iceland as well as any musicians with Icelandic backgrounds (The Weakerthans, for example). Anyways, I must confess I am less than impressed with Sigur Ros's North American record label xl recordings, since we (the editor and I) tried repeatedly to get an advance copy of this album so I could include it in my column. Now I'm not against buying it, I just wanted the freakin' thing early in order to include it in my latest column (it's monthly, after all and must be submitted early). But all attempts to contact them were miserable failures - emails bounced back, phone calls went nowhere. Oh well. It'll have to wait until THE JANUARY issue. This record will be old then!

A tad frustrated.

Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans are at The Burt on March 2nd. Special guest is Hayes Carll. It's country, but good.

Silverstein plays The Garrick on February 4th w/ guests Protest The Hero, Ill Scarlett, and The Devil Wears Prada (isn't that a movie?). Tickets go on sale this Friday.

Current rotation: Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim

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Who Is Breathing On The Nape Of My Neck?

Presale password for the Foo Fighters show at the MTS Center is GUITAR.

Current rotation: Josh Ritter - Girl In The War

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When They're Not Busy Rockin', They're Out Fightin' Foo

Over the summer, I caught the Foo Fighters' set during Live Earth and, much to my surprise, it was really entertaining. For those wishing to see Dave Grohl & co.'s live show in the flesh, they will be hitting the MTS Centre on March 25th, touring in support of their sixth release Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. Tix go on sale Friday for $34.50, $45.50, or $59.50 plus exorbitant processing fees (of course). Unfortunately, I don't have a presale password for this.

A show I do have a presale password for is singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman's March 29th date at the Burt. The password for this concert is beautiful with the presale starting today at 10 AM and ending Friday at 10 PM. Tickets go for $25 or $30 plus the astronomical surcharges.

Current rotation: Josh Ritter (Hello Starling)

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Sleeping Lessons

Brief Show newz...

A Heartwell Ending play The Pyramid December 5th. I'm unfamiliar with them, but judging by their myspace page, they desperately need clothing. Poor fellas.

Some hometown action at the Pyramid: The New Meanies are there on December 28th, and funk-fusion-dancesters Moses Mayes stop by on the 29th.

I'm currently listening (and dancing around my apartment) to 'Sleeping Lessons' by The Shins off their latest release Wincing The Night Away. This brilliant song will be on my inaugural best-tracks-of-the-year cd. Guaranteed.

If you're up for joining in on my fun, here's the video for it. **Disclaimer** This track causes even the most rhythmically challenged to break out in rapturous dance.

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Exit Fall, Enter Winter

I just got in from grocery shopping and boy, is it a mess out there. It took me twice as long to get home than it did to get to the store. I'm always amazed by how volatile weather can be.

So last night a non-televised edition of SNL was staged in spite of the writer's strike (rumour has it, it still wasn't funny). Unfortunately, the musical guest was Yo La Tengo, and that alone would have enticed me enough to tune in (for once). Sure missed out there. Lousy writer's strike.


Rory Block is at the WECC on March 4th.

Danny Michel stops by the WECC on April 2nd as well.


Current rotation: Valgeir Sigurdsson - Ekvilibrium

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All We Are Is Our Memories

I'd say, oh I don't know, maybe twice a year I have what I deem to be a "great idea". I'm hard pressed to recall if I've even had my first one yet this year, and if I have, well, it couldn't have been that great since I don't remember it.

That being said, last week I had my first grand-slam thought of the year (I was due). An inkling so profound and exciting, I've been thinking about it non-stop ever since. I decided that, starting at the end of this year, I'm going to make a yearly cd composed entirely of my favourite tracks from the year. These will be tracks that affected me viscerally over the year; ones that I listened to over and over; songs that reminded me why I love music so much; music that, hopefully, withstands time's trying tests when I sit down in the future and revisit the cd.

And the plan is, to repeat this until I’m old enough that I don’t take music as seriously (I dread that day).

Stay tuned for this illustrious list.

Let’s hope I have another brilliant idea this year. Only 1.5 months left.

Current rotation: M83 (Don't Save Us From The Flames) / Sigur Ros (Takk)

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Hayden - Live at The West End

Hayden will be at the West End on February 7th, touring in support of his fifth album In Field & Town. Tickets go on sale this Friday at Ticketmaster and at the West End. My advice: buy tickets in advance since Hayden's shows always sell out. Last time I saw him (I think 2004) I completely loved the show - it was one of the better concerts I saw that year.

Josh Ritter (whom I'm unfamiliar with, but swear someone recommended him this week...curse this memory) will also be at the West End on March 1st with special guest Emm Gryner. Tickets are already on sale for this show at WECC and ticketmaster, and I suspect, just like with Hayden, this show will sell out too.

Singer-songwriter Kim Barlow plays there on January 29th.

Ndidi Onukwulu is there on January 26th.

The Gift of the Bobs (Bob Wiseman / Bob Snyder) will play there on March 4th. Seeing Bob Wiseman is always a treat.

Things are really happening at The West End.

Current rotation: Sigur Ros () / Sigur Ros Agaetis Byrjun

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They Put a Parking Lot on a Piece of Land

So.

I was analyzing my last.fm stats the other day and was surprised to learn I had surpassed the 30,000 tracks listened to mark.

For those unfamiliar with last.fm, it's a site that registers music you've been listening to on your computer through a plug-in you install in a media player. The plug-in is available on their site. I must admit, it's kinda cool analyzing music listening statistics and learning which tracks and bands I listen to most.

Who cares about this? Well, me for starters.

As of this week, the band I've listened to most is Mum, at a whopping 1, 868 tracks played. Zounds! That's 600 more than silver medalist Yo La Tengo.

As for overall tracks, Iron and Wine's "Naked As We Came" recently took over top spot after an epic battle with Mum's "Don't Be Afraid, You Have Just Got Your Eyes Closed." Both parties fought bravely, but in the end, we could only have one winner.

Of course, this site only monitors what I've been listening to on my computer - not on my home stereo, ipod, cd player alarm clock, nor in my car. For the record, I don't normally listen to Iron and Wine nor Mum in my car nor at the gym.

A statistical analysis of music habits...what great fun.

Current rotation: Peter Bjorn and John (Writer's Block) / Kings of Convenience (Riot on an Empty Street)

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Travel Far Enough, You Meet Yourself

Some new shows have been added to the left. Most aren't new news, so I figured I wouldn't mention them specifically in this post (I'm still getting caught up).

I also found out Miracle Fortress is opening for Stars' November 24th show at The Burt. Hear four of their tunes by clicking on Miracle Fortress. I particularly liked 'Hold Your Secrets To Your Heart'. They seem like an appropriate opening act for Stars.

Also, below is Stars' brand new video for 'The Night Starts Here', the second track off their fourth release In Our Bedroom After The War. The more I listen to the record, the more I enjoy it. The video is interesting, and I mean this unequivocally (the good way). For fun I just stared at some photos I have around here, hoping they'd come alive, but, alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Enjoy!



Current rotation: Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War

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The Most Serene Republic Live At The Pyramid

So I hit the Most Serene Republic show at The Pyramid last night, and, well, it wasn't that great. I'm glad I finally saw MSR in an intimate setting, but, unfortunately The Pyramid was The Pyramid so the sound was terrible. I couldn't hear the female singer's vocals clearly, and there was way too much bass during all three bands' sets.

The opening act was Mother Mother, a band with many innovative ideas who need to settle on a definite sound instead of trying way too many different styles (twangy country, straightforward pop, a near-rap number...to name a few). Plus, two females who strictly sing is one too many, especially considering there's also a male lead singer in the band.

The next band was Dragonette who are best described through this exchange of dialogue that took place last night between me and a friend:

Me: They sound like Metric.
Him: Yup.
Me: I don't really like Metric.
Him: Me either.

I assure you, my friend's vocabulary is a lot deeper than portrayed in the above lines - he just didn't need to say anything more.

Finally, MSR hit the stage and, due to sound problems, I had a hard time distinguishing one song from another. While I'm still not (yet) enthralled by their latest release Population, I was hoping perhaps their live show would help me fall in love with it. But, the sound quality was so poor that didn't happen. Hard to fault the band there - although, perhaps the new material really isn't that good and hearing it clearly wouldn't have helped anyways. Tough call.

I definitely need to give these folks another chance, preferably at another venue.

Current rotation: The Shins - Wincing The Night Away

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One Will Spread Our Ashes Around The Yard

I love Iron and Wine. 'nuff said. The next time he announces a Minneapolis concert date, I am there.

Check out this incredible performance (I believe the lady on the left is his sister).



Off to Serene Republic. Will post my thoughts on the show tomorrow.

Current rotation: Iron and Wine (Endless)

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You LOOK like an indie music fan

More musings from last night's show:

1. While in line, waiting for the doors to open, three affable teenagers starting talking to me about music and shared more personal information with me than I cared to know. At one point, their leader declared to me, "You LOOK like an indie music fan", as though he were the arbiter of Indie Music Fashion. I thought this was really funny since, according to him, it was the scarf I was wearing that sang "Indie Music Fan". Honestly, it's a pretty plain scarf that I bought at The Bay...lol

2. Issac Brock, lead singer of Modest Mouse, is temperamental. While talking to the crowd about the process behind selecting songs for a set, someone threw an object on stage and he stopped abruptly and said, "end of conversation". Almost no crowd interaction after that.

3. Seeing Johnny Marr, from The Smiths, on stage with Modest Mouse was kinda surreal.

Brief show news...

John "sure to attract the Cougars" Mellancamp is playing The MTS Centre on February 11th. Tickets go on sale Sat, but if you have the presale password you can get them now (it's GUITAR).

Most Serene Republic tomorrow night at the Pyramid! Be there!

Current rotation: Love is All (Nine Times The Same Song) / Beth Orton (Daybreaker)

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The Modest Mouse Experience

And so, I left my apartment at 6:30 and didn't get home until 12:30; therefore, I am really tired so this'll be brief.

Overall, the show was great.

The first band was decent (I can't remember their name) but the second band, Man Man, was exceptional. The five guys treated the crowd to about a 40 minute long set of energetic tunes, heavy on the percussion. They had four small sets of drums, keyboards, a glockenspiel, a xylophone, and everyday kitchen pots (yes, pots). Truly dynamic stuff - reminded me of Animal Collective.

Modest Mouse proved to be quite the entertainers too. Their set was around two hours long, including the encore, and I was deeply impressed by lead singer Isaac Brock's endless energy - perhaps he fed off Man Man's set. They played a lot of my favourites including: "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes", "Paper Thin Walls", and "Float On". Unfortunately, they didn't play my favourite track off their recent release: "Missed The Boat". Oh well. I really wish I brought my camera (I took the warning on my ticket way too seriously - everyone had cameras!). Double oh well.

I'm tired. This post is likely laden with errors, so I'll fix them tomorrow.

Current rotation: Mum (Finally)

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The G Mac Attack Is Back, Jack!

Every Winnipegers' favourite singer-songwriter Greg MacPherson (pronounced Mac FUR son) is at the West End Cultural Centre on December 19th.

Also...

Blue Rodeo is playing the MTS Centre on January 26th. Tix go on sale through ticketmaster tomorrow at 10 if you know the presale password (it's guitar).

Xavier Rudd is playing The Burt on Wednesday, February 13th with special guest Mishka. Ticket info is exactly the same as Blue Rodeo's (including the presale password). Go figure.

The Weakerthans are playing The Burt on December 22nd. While this isn't close to being recent news, I just resurrected this blog, so give a fella a break. Ok?

Modest Mouse tomorrow!

That's all for now. Until next time, keep fit and have fun.

Current rotation: Peter Bjorn and John (Writer's) and Final Fantasy (Good Home)

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I wish I were on a beach watching the Kings of Convenience play

Things are starting to shape up around here. I've added a series of shows to the left and am currently scouring the Net for more.

In other news...I love youtube. After discovering The Kings of Convenience had videos (now that I think about it, why wouldn't they?), I spent a solid hour or so last night watching various videos from this folky-pop duo from Norway. They're in my Top 5 List of Bands I Want To See (I'm still working on this list and will publish it very soon).

The video I've posted below is mega-cool. It's them sitting on a beach playing a few songs for the crowd, and the quality is surprisingly good. The shirtless dudes standing in the background look confused, as though they've just heard music for the first time - it's hilarious. Enjoy!

Current rotation: Kings of Convenience (Quiet & Riot)

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Brief Update

Phew! Busy day today so the super-update I had planned did not happen.

A few shows have been added to the right, but that's about all I currently have the energy for. It feels like it should be an hour later...j/k

Super-update tomorrow night.


Current rotation: Broken Social Scene (People) /Radiohead (Pablo)

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My apologizes...

So.

I decided, earlier today, that I miss this blog too much and I should make a point of regularly updating it again.

And I will.

Regular updates to start tomorrow. My apologizes for the unexplained disappearance.

Current rotation: Death Cab For Cutie

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More on the White Stripes MTS Centre show

Tickets for this show went on sale today via the band's website, and I managed to snag some. If you don't want to wait until Friday's public sale, visit their site here and try your luck. You have to sign up for their fanclub.

Current rotation: Sufjan Stevens

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White Stripes Update

Just a quick note today. Tickets for The White Stripes show at the MTS Centre go on sale Friday, but if you're a member of their fanclub you can buy them earlier.

Current rotation: Bloc Party

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WOW - White Stripes at the MTS Centre on July 2nd

The White Stripes announced a massive North American tour and there are - count 'em - 18 Canadian dates! That has to be some sort of a record. If anything, they have to be the biggest band ever to play Nunavut, NWT, Yukon, and PEI.

Nunavut? How many people will possibly show up? Wait. I should rephrase that. How many poeple CAN possibly show up? I am intrigued by this.

The tour, of course, includes a stop in the 'Peg on July 2nd. No ticket information is available yet, but if you're a member of their fan club I think you get first dibs. I've yet to attend a show at the MTS Centre so I figure I'll pop my cherry and try to get tix for this event.

Other news...

Frank Zappa's son Dweezil (Dweezil?) is playing songs from his father's catalogue at the Centennial Concert Hall on July 18th. His group is called Zappa Plays Zappa, which pretty much explains their schtick. Tix for this event go on sale May 4th and start at $45.50. Zounds!

Weird Al Yankovic is paying a visit to our fair city on June 20th in support of his latest record Straight Outta Lynwood. The show is at the MTS Centre and tix go on sale tomorrow. I used to love when Weird Al would take over MuchMusic for the day. Hilarious times!

Classic Pop star Josh Groban is also playing the MTS Centre on August 12th. Tix max out at $125. Double Zounds!


Current rotation: Ottawa/NJ

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More on the Moody Blues

The Moody Blues presale password is MOODYBLUES.

Clever.

Current rotation: LCD Soundsystem

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Moody Blues

British group The Moody Blues will be at the MTS Centre on July 13th. Tix go on sale Monday at Ticketmaster.


Current rotation: LCD Soundsystem

Special note - if you haven't heard LCD's latest, you're really missing out! Seek it out!

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Saving the world one square at a time

Earlier today I read an article about pop chanteuse Sheryl Crow's 'innovative' environmental saving ideas. She suggests using only one square of toilet paper per bathroom use and developing a clothing line with a detachable "dining sleeve" that may be used as a serviette.

I'm tempted to make some bathroom jokes, but I run a clean blog so I'll let you decide for yourself if the bathroom idea is a good one. As for the napkin laced clothing line, I don't even know what to say.

Anyways...

Frog Eyes are at the Collective on May 30th w/ Himalayan Bear and All of Your Friends. Tix are $10 at Into the Music, Music Trader, or ticketworkshop.com.

You Say Party! We Say Die! are at the Albert on May 26th! w/ Ladyhawk! Tix are only $10! At Into the Music! Music Trader! or ticketworkshop.com!

Dying Fetus, whom I've never heard of but figure probably aren't an emo band, are at the Zoo on June 15th w/ Bloodshoteye, Convenance, Dissolution, and Besieged. Tix are $10 at Osborne Village Inn or ticketworkshop.com.

Fucked Up (so much for running a clean blog) are at the Collective on July 10th w/ Under Pressure. Tix are $8 at SK8, Into the Music, Music Trader, or ticketworkshop.com.

Wow! Tix for all four of the above shows were printed by ticketworkshop.com. Take that ticketmaster!

Current rotation - LCD Soundsystem / Hockey

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Interpol - Live at the same venue I saw Home Alone!

As previously noted, I hit Interpol's sold out show at the Garrick last night.

The band took the stage early, around 8:50, and ended right at 10, making this the earliest show I've ever attended (note: Sigur Ros' show ended just after 10, so the boys from Iceland have been demoted to the illustrious "second earliest" spot). The band played a lot of tracks off their debut Turn Out the Bright Lights including crowd favourites Stella and PDA - both tracks coming out during the encore. Some new material was showcased and most of it sounded great, certainly a lot better than anything off 2004's Antics. All in all, I was engaged throughout the show, and I am glad I went. Why they played such a small venue remains a mystery.

One last thing - I am suprised by how young the members of Interpol are, especially the singer. They must have been in their low 20s when Turn Out The Bright Lights came out in 2002, which makes me put my life accomplishments into perspective. I'm 24 and essentially have nothing noteable to show for my life. Oh well. At least I saw Interpol! That's something...isn't it?

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Interpol Tonight!!

I just woke up and realized the Interpol show is tonight.

I am so pumped to see these lads from NYC that I feel a great day coming on workwise.

Oh and if you don't have tickets, tough luck since this event is completely sold out!


Current rotation: Interpol / The Hold Steady

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John Fogerty Info

Just a quick note tonight...

Tickets for John Fogerty's show at the MTS Centre go on sale tomorrow at Ticketmaster.


Current rotation: Hockey but I listened to The Hold Steady today!

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Forthcoming shows at the West End Cultural Centre

Part of the Icelandic festival Nuna (Icelandic for now) includes a show at the WECC on Friday, April 27th. Ragga Grondal and Fabula, two award winning artists from Iceland, will be performing this evening as will local alumni The D. Rangers. Being of Icelandic heritage, I'll likely show up for this. Perhaps I'm biased a little, but Iceland kicks ass!

Fred Eaglesmith is also at the WECC on Tuesday June 26th. Tix are $20 plus fees.

Founding member of Eric's Trip Julie Dorion stops by the night after. Accompanying Dorion on her tour is Calvin Johnson, who has worked with Modest Mouse, Beck and even Kurt Cobain! Zounds! What an impressive resume! I'll likely hit this one too...

Current rotation: Hockey (yes, still). Go Sens!

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Justin Timberlake Adds Second Show at MTS Centre

Tickets for the August 25th show at the MTS Centre apparently sold out in mere minutes and (surprisingly) another show has been added on the 26th! I've heard there are still tickets available for the additional show at ticketmaster.ca.

Current rotation: NHL Hockey (still)

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The Winnipeg Folk Festival

I must admit I am quite impressed by this year's Folk Festival lineup.

While there are a ton of bands I've never heard of and, as a music fan, should probably be familiar with, there are also many acts that I have ACTUALLY heard of AND LIKE playing the festival. These include: Final Fantasy, Amy Millan, Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans, Nathan, Los Lobos, and The Duhks. I'd also like to see Randy Newman (why not?) and the Indigo girls.

Should I go?

Click here for the full lineup.

Current rotation: nothing - it is NHL playoff time

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Timberlake Ticket Info

Tickets for JT's August 25th show at the MTS Centre go on sale THIS SATURDAY at Ticketmaster. Tix range from $59.50 to $99 so be prepared to dish out some of that hard earned dough.

Current roation: The Awkward Stage

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Rollin' down the Red River - John Fogerty to play MTS Centre

John Fogerty, former chief songwriter/frontman of legendary group CCR, will be playing The MTS Centre on July 26th. No ticket information is available as of yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Riders of the Storm featuring Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, half of the original Doors lineup, are playing the Burton Cummings Theatre on May 9th. Ex-Fuel singer Brett Scallions will be handling Jim Morrison's vocal duties.

Also, Chad VanGaalen will be the opening act for Feist on May 23rd. I'm really excited about seeing him, but I have class so I might have to miss his set. What to do? What to do?

A friend saw Justin Timberlake in Toronto recently and infomed me he did not perform "Dick in a Box", meaning he likely won't play it during his stop off in Winnipeg. Bummer.

I wonder how that Snow Patrol show will be this weekend...

Current rotation: Snow Patrol / Stars

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Showz

Wow. I am bit behind in my show announcements. Chalk that up to laziness.

Some notables:

Bobnoxious is at the Albert on May 5th.

The Kate Hammett-Vaughan Trio is at the West End on April 19th.

The Barrymores are at the Garrick on May 4th.

Mark Robertson is at the Collective on April 29th w/Roz Bell.

Drowning Pool is at the Zoo w/ Nonpoint, Amongst The Filth, and Putrescence on May 19th.


Current rotation: LCD Soundsystem / Modest Mouse

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Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

I've been playing the latest Modest Mouse record throughout this evening, and it is quite good. There are some really infectious numbers 'Missed The Boat' as well as some melancholy ones 'Little Motel' making this, so far, their best effort since the classic Moon and Antarctica.

I've forgotten how much fun listening to Modest Mouse's brand of pop can be.

Current rotation: Modest Mouse

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Justin Timberlake to play MTS Centre in August

A few weeks back I posted a hilarious video featuring Justin Timberlake and Andy from SNL singing 'Dick In a Box', and now that I hear he is coming to Winnipeg on August 25th, I am tempted to buy a ticket just in case he performs it. I've heard it is a rarity on his tour though, so I'll likely save my money. For those still interested, there is no ticket information available yet, just a date and a venue.

Also, Winnipeg's The Weakerthans are hitting The Garrick on April 28th as part of Nuna, a nine day Icelandic celebration taking place from April 22-30. Also on the bill is Icelandic band Fabula. I know nothing about them. Tickets are $24.50 and go on sale Friday.

Lucinda Williams will be playing her first ever show here on June 17th at the Burt. Tickets are $39.

Current rotation: Field Music

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Field Music - Tones of Town

I've been listening to UK's Field Music latest release Tones of Town for the most part of my day, and it is arguably the reason I'm in such a great mood (the alcoholic beverages I've consumed have also helped). The songs on this record are catchy but at the same time feature unusual arrangements - testing your patience at times, but ultimately rewarding any time spent giving them a chance. I just love this disc.

Their myspace page is here. Give their songs a shot, especially 'A House is not a Home' and 'Working to Work'.


Current rotation: Field Music

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Willie Nelson is coming! Willie Nelson is coming!

Well I'll be damned. Country legend Willie Nelson is stopping by our great city for a show at the MTS Centre on June 22nd. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning and slated to be $65/$55/$45. That's not toooo bad, I guess.

Other show news...

Conflict are at the Albert on June 5th w/ Ab Irato. Tix are $15 at Into the Music and Music Trader.

The Robot Ate Me (great name!) are also at the Albert on April 13th w/ Run Chico Run and Kram Ran. Tickets are $10 in advance at Music Trader, Into the Music, and Kustom Kulture.

Reverend Horton Heat play the Zoo on May 12th. Opening acts are Aggrolites and Murder by Death. Tickets are $15 at the Osborne Village Inn.

I also learned earlier Memphis will be the opening act for Apostle of Hustle when they play the Collective on May 15th. For Stars' fans out there, Memphis is Torquil Campbell's other band.

Oh, and Anthem Red play the Collective on April 14th. Their record was one of the few local releases to receive the prestigious "A" grade from Uptown.


Current rotation: Stars

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Winnipeg Concert Announcements - Finger 11 + Nelson

Finger 11 will be at the Burt on May 7th. Opening acts are slated to be San Francisco's Strata and Winnipeg's own Inward Eye. Tickets are on sale Saturday at ticketgouger..er.. master for $32.50.

This Finger 11 announcement has enticed me to consider a list of my top five WORST shows of all time since, to this day, the Finger 11/I Mother Earth sans Edwin concert at Le Rendezvous was the most godawful excuse for a rock event I've ever seen. This occurred AT LEAST seven years ago and still makes me mad (on top of it all, my jacket got stolen and there was $5 in the pocket...just thinking about what I could do with that $5 makes me even madder). I'll get back to you on the other four WORST shows of all time - I need to do some serious thinking first.

In other news, Nelson (they're still around?) are at the MTS Centre on June 19th (a Tuesday). Tickets go on sale Friday.

Current rotation: Stars / Interpol

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Thinking in Lists - Revisiting my top 5 shows of all time

Over the weekend I read High Fidelity by Nick Hornby and have been thinking in lists ever since. I've subsequently decided to compose some music-related lists on my blog but remembered I had already posted a top 5 shows of all time list a week and a half ago. Oops. So much for my original idea.

For now, I thought I'd revisit that list and post the actual dates the shows occurred. After all - as pointed out by a friend of mine - the Smashing Pumpkins have come here twice. Wilco too (AT LEAST twice).

So, here is my top 5 shows of all time list with dates:

1. Sigur Ros in Minneapolis on September 24, 2005
This was unreal. If you haven't seen them, I suggest you make a point of doing so.

2. Wilco in Winnipeg on July 1, 2006
Jeff Tweedy is surreptitiously emerging as one of the best contemporary performers and songwriters.

3. Final Fantasy in Winnipeg on September 13, 2006
I wasn't really a big fan before attending this show. Boy, did that change after seeing Owen Pallett (FF) live.

4. Radiohead in Vancouver on August 30, 2003
There is a reason Radiohead is considered a modern version of the Beatles.

5. The Smashing Pumpkins in Winnipeg on September 24, 1996
This was the first real concert I've attended, and as far as my memory stretches, I loved every minute of it.

More lists to come...

Current rotation: Interpol/Imitation Electric Piano

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Winnipeg concert news: Interpol & more!

Earlier today I scored a couple Interpol tickets through ticketmaster online, and - out of sheer curiousity - checked back about an hour later only to discover they're sold out. So, if you didn't manage to secure tickets for this potentially dynamite show, then you're out of luck. Although, they could always end up at a bigger venue if demand is high enough. I wonder if the Burt is booked that night...

Oh, and just like with my Feist tickets, I paid nearly 33% extra in fees and taxes. Why is it our government is concerned about banks gouging consumers at instant tellers but not interested in ticketmaster's monopoly over ticket sales? Curious.

It is frustrating having no choice but to pay these astronomical ticket fees. Arghhh.

Other concert news:

Due to high demand, Social Distortion has added an additional show at the Burt. They'll be here on the 27th and 28th of April.

Apostle of Hustle stop by the Collective on May 15th. Tickets are $15 at Into the Music and Music Trader. Pitchfork gave their latest release a 7.0, which, according to their standards, isn't too bad.

Rise Against, Silverstein, and Comeback Kid play the Convention Centre on July 16th.

Oysterband hit the West End on April 15th. Tickets are $22.

Bouncing Souls are at the Pyramid on May 1st (my birthday!) w/ Strike Anywhere, Static Radio NJ. Tickets are $18 at Soul Survivors and Music Trader.



Current rotation: Interpol / Sigur Ros

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