Morning Headlines: Union Sound Hall books some intriguing acts

Some exciting doins a transpirin' at Union Sound Hall to report:

First up, local punk heroes Propagandhi are there on Saturday, March 15th.

Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra drop by the joint on Tuesday, May 6th.

And I can't remember if I mentioned this: The 1975 take the stage on my birthday: Thursday, May 1st.

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My Love I Am The Speed of Sound - Neko Case to play the Burt in May

Interesting concert note: Neko Case is bringing her ridiculously mammoth pipes to the Burt on Saturday, May 17th. Presale commences post-haste and tickets run $35 + taxes, etc.

As a spiffy little bonus, The Dodos kick off the show. 

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My Favourite Albums of 2013

Still unpacking away, but I've finally settled on my favourite albums of 2013 list. Here goes.

Regular updates to commence soon. 

1. Kanye West – Yeezus

2. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampire of the City

3. Volcano Choir – Repave

4. CHVRCHES – The Bones of What You Believe

5. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II

6. Young Galaxy – Ultramarine

7. The Courtneys – S/T

8. No Joy – Wait to Pleasure

9. Yo La Tengo – Fade

10. The National – Trouble Will Find Me

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Favourite Tracks of 2013

So the wife-to-be and I purchased our first home in early December and moved in late December, meaning the past few weeks have been beyond chaotic what with packing, the actual moving process (during a fucking blizzard!), and the unpacking, which is still ongoing. Oh, and I wrote a 20 page paper somehow in there as well.

Anyway... my apologizes for the blog neglect. Tonight is the first time I've been able to give my complete and undivided attention to the tunes of 2013. Without further preamble, here are my favourite tracks of 2013 in playlist order. (Yes, there are two Vampire Weekend songs because, well, that whole album is terrific with many outstanding earworms.)

1. Haim - The Wire
2. Kanye West - Black Skinhead
3. The Head and the Heart - Shake
4. Au Revoir Simone - Crazy
5. CHVRCHES - We Sink
6. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - No Need For A Leader
7. mum - Sweet Impressions
8. No Joy - Hare Tarot Lies
9. Phoenix - Entertainment
10. Tegan and Sara - Drove Me Wild
11. Vampire Weekend - Unbelievers
12. Young Galaxy - Pretty Boy
13. Yo La Tengo - Stupid Things
14. Volcano Choir - Dancepack
15. The National - Don't Swallow The Cap
16. The Courtneys - Manion
17. Vampire Weekend - Worship You
18. Dodos - Confidence

What say you, dear readers (if you're still out there): favourite tracks of 2013?

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Evening Headlines: Lots and lots of good concerts

First up, the venerable Neil Young has booked four benefit shows across Canada to support the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) Legal Defense Fund. This includes a stop at the Centennial Concert Hall on Thursday, January 16th. Diana Krall is also on the bill.

Hearing a lot of great things about this band: The Head and the Heart will be at Burt on Monday, April 7th w/ Basia Bulat.

Wake Owl will be at the WECC on Wednesday, March 5th w/ Lyon.

Local folk/country musician Kevin Roy is releasing his debut cd, Taller than the Trees, at the WECC on Friday, February 7th.

Speaking of local album releases...Greg Rekus is releasing his sophomore album, Punkoustic, at the Park Theatre on Wednesday, January 8th.

Speaking of local album releases...hip-hopper KayR is releasing his debut record, Skyline Mirages, at the Park Theatre on Tuesday, December 17th.

Kalle Mattson is at the Park Theatre on Wednesday, March 19th.

And finally...Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings returns to town for a performance at Burt on Tuesday, April 8th.

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Afternoon Headlines: GMac Album Release Party; A Tribe Called Red; The Pack A.D.

First up, local fave Greg MacPherson has announced the Fireball release show: the event goes down at Union Sound Hall on Sunday, December 22nd w/ Rob Crooks and DJ No Contact.

For a good time try The Pack A.D. at the Park Theatre on Tuesday, March 4th.

Check out the lovely and talented Lindi Ortega with the WSO February 7th - February 9th.

Waaaaay into the future: City and Colour is at the MTS Centre on Saturday, May 17th.

Black Sabbath is still touring (no kiddin') and will be at the MTS Centre on Wednesday, April 16th.

The Matinee will be at the Park Theatre on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Polaris short listers A Tribe Called Red will be at Union Sound Hall on Sunday, February 16th.

And finally, The 1975 will appear at Union Sound Hall on Thursday, May 1st (my birthday!).

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Afternoon Headline: Arcade Fire @ MTS Centre

Hot off the wire...

The ubiquitous Arcade Fire will bring the tunes of Reflektor (and others I'm sure) to the MTS Centre on Thursday, August 14th. Not completely sold on Reflektor yet, but I don't hate it. Just need more time with it.

Tickets on sale November 22nd.

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