Caterwaul & Doggerel
Borealis Records
An exceptional songwriter and performer, Bob Snider has released several albums. This 1995 recording produced by Don Kerr was originally released by EMI and reveals Snider's warmth, cleverly stated politics and observant wit with just the right dash of off-beat humour. What a master! Parkette is a list of beautiful images that by the end of the song are paved over, while others, even after repeated listens, still make you laugh. From heartbreaking to hilarious, from the streets of Kensington, to the concert hall, Snider sings ideas that should be sung. New National Anthem anyone? Snider is just the man to pen a song to define our identity, and this is an album to listen to in the meantime.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Justin Rutledge
The Devil On A Bench in Stanley Park
Six Shooter Records
This is a collection of songs that lyrically address life’s dark corners, while the musicality provides a subtle-but-catchy ray of cheer. Rutledge’s voice shines, as evocative and captivating as the content of the songs themselves, while he plays guitars, banjo and harmonica. Also featured are pedal steel & dobro from Burke Carroll and support from Blue Rodeo, including some cutting Keelor electric guitar. Ten strong Canadian Americana songs recorded in ten winter days at Woodshed studios in Toronto, invite listeners to embrace a journey where quiet men make their stands and highways speak their minds.
Six Shooter Records
This is a collection of songs that lyrically address life’s dark corners, while the musicality provides a subtle-but-catchy ray of cheer. Rutledge’s voice shines, as evocative and captivating as the content of the songs themselves, while he plays guitars, banjo and harmonica. Also featured are pedal steel & dobro from Burke Carroll and support from Blue Rodeo, including some cutting Keelor electric guitar. Ten strong Canadian Americana songs recorded in ten winter days at Woodshed studios in Toronto, invite listeners to embrace a journey where quiet men make their stands and highways speak their minds.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Blackie and The Rodeo Kings
Let’s Frolic
True North Records
This is a release that is a sheer pleasure to listen to, and you can actually hear the pleasure these musicians find in playing with one another. There is a sense of mutual appreciation, encouragement and camaraderie, which lends well to the musical chemistry surrounding their technical proficiency. In trademark BARK style, this is a freewheeling collection of roots-groovy, bluesy, alt-country surf-jazz songs that defy categorization. Great playing and appealing vocals make repeated listening a delight to the synergistic fourth album from the legendary award winning Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, as BARK.
True North Records
This is a release that is a sheer pleasure to listen to, and you can actually hear the pleasure these musicians find in playing with one another. There is a sense of mutual appreciation, encouragement and camaraderie, which lends well to the musical chemistry surrounding their technical proficiency. In trademark BARK style, this is a freewheeling collection of roots-groovy, bluesy, alt-country surf-jazz songs that defy categorization. Great playing and appealing vocals make repeated listening a delight to the synergistic fourth album from the legendary award winning Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, as BARK.
name dropping
so, its always bothered me that there are so many wrecking ball songs. neil young has one and emmy had one and bob egan said last night that he wrote his after a conversation with emmy. so, now it doesn't bother me so much.
and duncan just read at the eden mills writers festival
and i met a guy who learned to like tom petty at the same replacements concert i went to (in the OLDEN OLDEN days). now then, when do i get to go to the starlight?
and duncan just read at the eden mills writers festival
and i met a guy who learned to like tom petty at the same replacements concert i went to (in the OLDEN OLDEN days). now then, when do i get to go to the starlight?
Friday, September 15, 2006
Doyle Dykes
(as sent to Guelph Tribune)
Doyle Dykes Awes at Folkway Music
Thursday, September 14
Like a number of great guitarists, Doyle Dykes, seems blessed with a natural affinity for playing, which he has developed into virtuosic technique through years of hard work and dedication. He recently demonstrated his skills at Folkway Music, and also told some interesting stories to about 70 people seated inside the guitar covered walls of Guelph's revered music shop.
He mentioned appearances he'd enjoyed making on the Opry, and while demonstrating an ability to emulate the double melody playing style of Chet Atkins, he explained that when Atkins passed, the Opry asked him to close a special tribute show in honor of the late guitar legend. Doyle treated listeners at Folkway to banjo runs, Beatles medlies and other unique and varied arrangements. His talent goes well beyond the kind of technical prowess that comes with practice and repetition, because his breathtaking speed and dazzling dynamics transformed the guitars he was demonstrating into emotionally powerful tools for communication.
Eventually he invited his beautiful mandolin playing, sweet voiced daughter on stage to sing for a couple numbers, and together they created even more magic. There were prizes for trivia questions to close out the night, and it was easy to see why Doyle is a guitar hero to thousands of players -- he communicates so much personal sheer guitar enthusiasm! He quoted Doc Watson saying he probably would have been an Engineer, but for his blindness - making the point that it was such hardship that shaped such awesome ability. Doyle relished the example that sometimes life has plans for you that you may not understand, suggesting you must trust you will come to see the blessing. Talk about inspiration! Folkway Music delighted the community by hosting yet another wonderful workshop.
Doyle Dykes Awes at Folkway Music
Thursday, September 14
Like a number of great guitarists, Doyle Dykes, seems blessed with a natural affinity for playing, which he has developed into virtuosic technique through years of hard work and dedication. He recently demonstrated his skills at Folkway Music, and also told some interesting stories to about 70 people seated inside the guitar covered walls of Guelph's revered music shop.
He mentioned appearances he'd enjoyed making on the Opry, and while demonstrating an ability to emulate the double melody playing style of Chet Atkins, he explained that when Atkins passed, the Opry asked him to close a special tribute show in honor of the late guitar legend. Doyle treated listeners at Folkway to banjo runs, Beatles medlies and other unique and varied arrangements. His talent goes well beyond the kind of technical prowess that comes with practice and repetition, because his breathtaking speed and dazzling dynamics transformed the guitars he was demonstrating into emotionally powerful tools for communication.
Eventually he invited his beautiful mandolin playing, sweet voiced daughter on stage to sing for a couple numbers, and together they created even more magic. There were prizes for trivia questions to close out the night, and it was easy to see why Doyle is a guitar hero to thousands of players -- he communicates so much personal sheer guitar enthusiasm! He quoted Doc Watson saying he probably would have been an Engineer, but for his blindness - making the point that it was such hardship that shaped such awesome ability. Doyle relished the example that sometimes life has plans for you that you may not understand, suggesting you must trust you will come to see the blessing. Talk about inspiration! Folkway Music delighted the community by hosting yet another wonderful workshop.
Great Big Sea - Edited/Published Version
Great Big Sea is a modern traditional band, a Newfoundland folk-rock band that performs original material and is appreciated for their mixture of traditional and popular music. Performing ballads, jigs and reels, they create a spirited sound -- whether classical standards or local songs they are transformed, but with the original appeal kept intact. Based in St. John's, this Juno nominated band possesses a crowd pleasing formula that is both heartfelt and vital.
Originally, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett played with the successful group, Rankin Street. In 1991, they met Alan Doyle and Darrell Power and formed GBS. The band played its first official gig on March 11, 1993, opening for the Irish Descendants. That year they recorded their first ever album, an independent self-titled release that included classics like "I’se the B’y" and "Drunken Sailor." This record has since been re-released by Warner Music Canada.
GBS's follow-up album, Up, went platinum in Canada, selling more than 100,000 copies and introducing their kitchen party style to a wider audience with lyrics like “So, pile your boots up in the corner/Hang your jacket from the door/There’s thirty people in the kitchen/And there’s always room for more.”
After the band won at the East Coast Music Awards in the “Entertainer of the Year” category, their third release Play, went platinum in just three months. Released in 1997, this album features new material such as "Ordinary Day," "End of The World," "My Apology" and more.
In 1998, Great Big Sea released Rant & Roar, a collection of their biggest hits. Within the first week of its release, it hit #3 on the Soundscan album charts, making it the fastest debut album rising of the week. This was also the year the band was nominated for several Juno Awards, including Group of the Year.
1999's Turn featured the hit single, "Consequence Free," traditional French songs and seven originals. A video was also released where Sean was bullied by a female wrestler!
Road Rage, released in 2000, cemented GBS's stature as one of Canada's most exciting live acts. Road Rage was recorded totally live on their Turn tour between October 14 and December 31, 1999. .Two new songs, "Everything Shines" and "Hangin Johnny," are added to this compilation of GBS favourites
Having won the "Entertainer of the Year" award at the East Coast Music Awards for four years in a row, in 2001, they decided not to submit their name for nomination in order to allow other bands to compete. In 2002, Power retired from Great Big Sea to spend more time with his family.
In February 2002, their sixth studio album -- Sea of No Cares was released in North America. Alan Doyle felt that it was their best album to date. Then, 2003 saw a Great Big DVD.
In 2004, the band released their seventh full-length album Something Beautiful. It was their fifth consecutive album to debut in the Top 10 on Canadian sales charts. In a podcast it was suggested that the complexity of the material on the album contributed to the fact that "it was not fun to make" to which a bandmade joked “so it's US, you don’t like then?”
The Hard and The Easy, released the following year, spans the spectrum of the Newfoundland songbook. It is a solid and straightforward acoustic album of traditional and local songs, and a first for singers and multi-instrumentalists Sean McCann, Alan Doyle and Bob Hallett. This album showed that tracing the evolution of Newfoundland folk music clearly remains a passion for Great Big Sea. Each of the twelve songs found on the album was selected for what it says, how it speaks of Newfoundland, history, labour and love, and how it fits into the local musical canon.
This eighth release is like a pure force of nature — Great Big Sea's blend of instruments like mandolin, bodhran, fiddle, and concertina, along with their vocal harmonies, revels in the melodies they create, and their sound bellows joy. It reached gold status in its second week. "The hard and the easy, we take as they come — that's it. That encapsulates the Newfoundland spirit," said Alan. It also includes "River Driver", which the band performs acapella; the band members apparently long to make an album someday of just singing!
In late 2005, GBS released their first podcast, containing audio of the band bantering back and forth in the studio mixed with various songs by them and other artists. They have since released several podcasts, which are interesting and informative but casual and full of foolish fun, covering a range of topics from "all beers with animals on it is good beer" to whose turn it is to have long hair and resolutions like “dirt is the new clean.”
Recently, the band drove six hours to Lexington to play "Wood Songs," a wonderful old time radio show that happens in the town's public library. And Bob has been writing for the website about his personal soundtrack as he loads tunes into his iPod. From Bay City Rollers tunes with "Heys" perfect for audience sing-a-longs to "There She Goes," one of his favourite lovesongs - "I don't suppose everyone can identify with the narrator, building a fantasy around a girl who he doesn't even have the courage to talk to, but I certainly can."
GBS makes great music with great heart, and in short, has become one of Canada's most popular bands.
Originally, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett played with the successful group, Rankin Street. In 1991, they met Alan Doyle and Darrell Power and formed GBS. The band played its first official gig on March 11, 1993, opening for the Irish Descendants. That year they recorded their first ever album, an independent self-titled release that included classics like "I’se the B’y" and "Drunken Sailor." This record has since been re-released by Warner Music Canada.
GBS's follow-up album, Up, went platinum in Canada, selling more than 100,000 copies and introducing their kitchen party style to a wider audience with lyrics like “So, pile your boots up in the corner/Hang your jacket from the door/There’s thirty people in the kitchen/And there’s always room for more.”
After the band won at the East Coast Music Awards in the “Entertainer of the Year” category, their third release Play, went platinum in just three months. Released in 1997, this album features new material such as "Ordinary Day," "End of The World," "My Apology" and more.
In 1998, Great Big Sea released Rant & Roar, a collection of their biggest hits. Within the first week of its release, it hit #3 on the Soundscan album charts, making it the fastest debut album rising of the week. This was also the year the band was nominated for several Juno Awards, including Group of the Year.
1999's Turn featured the hit single, "Consequence Free," traditional French songs and seven originals. A video was also released where Sean was bullied by a female wrestler!
Road Rage, released in 2000, cemented GBS's stature as one of Canada's most exciting live acts. Road Rage was recorded totally live on their Turn tour between October 14 and December 31, 1999. .Two new songs, "Everything Shines" and "Hangin Johnny," are added to this compilation of GBS favourites
Having won the "Entertainer of the Year" award at the East Coast Music Awards for four years in a row, in 2001, they decided not to submit their name for nomination in order to allow other bands to compete. In 2002, Power retired from Great Big Sea to spend more time with his family.
In February 2002, their sixth studio album -- Sea of No Cares was released in North America. Alan Doyle felt that it was their best album to date. Then, 2003 saw a Great Big DVD.
In 2004, the band released their seventh full-length album Something Beautiful. It was their fifth consecutive album to debut in the Top 10 on Canadian sales charts. In a podcast it was suggested that the complexity of the material on the album contributed to the fact that "it was not fun to make" to which a bandmade joked “so it's US, you don’t like then?”
The Hard and The Easy, released the following year, spans the spectrum of the Newfoundland songbook. It is a solid and straightforward acoustic album of traditional and local songs, and a first for singers and multi-instrumentalists Sean McCann, Alan Doyle and Bob Hallett. This album showed that tracing the evolution of Newfoundland folk music clearly remains a passion for Great Big Sea. Each of the twelve songs found on the album was selected for what it says, how it speaks of Newfoundland, history, labour and love, and how it fits into the local musical canon.
This eighth release is like a pure force of nature — Great Big Sea's blend of instruments like mandolin, bodhran, fiddle, and concertina, along with their vocal harmonies, revels in the melodies they create, and their sound bellows joy. It reached gold status in its second week. "The hard and the easy, we take as they come — that's it. That encapsulates the Newfoundland spirit," said Alan. It also includes "River Driver", which the band performs acapella; the band members apparently long to make an album someday of just singing!
In late 2005, GBS released their first podcast, containing audio of the band bantering back and forth in the studio mixed with various songs by them and other artists. They have since released several podcasts, which are interesting and informative but casual and full of foolish fun, covering a range of topics from "all beers with animals on it is good beer" to whose turn it is to have long hair and resolutions like “dirt is the new clean.”
Recently, the band drove six hours to Lexington to play "Wood Songs," a wonderful old time radio show that happens in the town's public library. And Bob has been writing for the website about his personal soundtrack as he loads tunes into his iPod. From Bay City Rollers tunes with "Heys" perfect for audience sing-a-longs to "There She Goes," one of his favourite lovesongs - "I don't suppose everyone can identify with the narrator, building a fantasy around a girl who he doesn't even have the courage to talk to, but I certainly can."
GBS makes great music with great heart, and in short, has become one of Canada's most popular bands.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Bob Egan - The Glorious Decline
When Bob Egan (of Blue Rodeo, fomerly of Wilco) played with Shannon Lyon this summer in Guelph he played less than 10 songs, but what great songs they were! With a surprisingly wide variety of instrumentation -- long, atmospheric musical composites accompany his accomplished and versatile vocals, in unique and intriguing song constructions. From the steel guitar and the drum machine, to experimental pedal weirdness, a slide, an acoustic and a National Steel guitar, Egan held the full audience's rapt attention. What great music.
His latest album, The Glorious Decline, has just been released, and it is well worth buying! You can hear samples at www.bobegan.com, but suffice to say it is a another powerful work from a master musician and songwriter, with a pleasing voice and way with a melody. But it is an album full of sad, sad songs -- both subject matter wise and in the way it sounds, because of the instrumentation. He said "I really don't know how to describe my music......folk pop with country and rock influences?" also mentioning the genre of "Sad" appealled "because I've always written sad songs and been drawn to sad songs. Sadness would allow me a mood to work within and set a theme for the record." Bob Egan has succeeded once again -- the recent sorrowful release certainly makes good listening!
His latest album, The Glorious Decline, has just been released, and it is well worth buying! You can hear samples at www.bobegan.com, but suffice to say it is a another powerful work from a master musician and songwriter, with a pleasing voice and way with a melody. But it is an album full of sad, sad songs -- both subject matter wise and in the way it sounds, because of the instrumentation. He said "I really don't know how to describe my music......folk pop with country and rock influences?" also mentioning the genre of "Sad" appealled "because I've always written sad songs and been drawn to sad songs. Sadness would allow me a mood to work within and set a theme for the record." Bob Egan has succeeded once again -- the recent sorrowful release certainly makes good listening!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Support Independent Music
DAYDREAM Nation said "not too many people know about that. and then the rat HAD it so i bought a(nother) record i can NOT afford." The scoundrel that has Fox Confessor out of the library is overdue, but there are clips on zunior. maple music has nothing.
echo needs writers.
marketing happens BEFOREHAND. how can i earn my way in, and then get paid for the review after the fact? the ontarion only wants reviews and they want it coordinated thru cfru.
ricky's shift just switch to the 7-8 and will soon meet the cult member 6-7 i mentioned.
echo needs writers.
marketing happens BEFOREHAND. how can i earn my way in, and then get paid for the review after the fact? the ontarion only wants reviews and they want it coordinated thru cfru.
ricky's shift just switch to the 7-8 and will soon meet the cult member 6-7 i mentioned.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Neko Case
Starting out in music as drummer and teaching herself to sing after that, to great critical acclaim, she is now being recognized as songwriter.
An honourary musical Canadian, she is Chicago-based. Born September 8, 1970 in Alexandria, Virginia, Case is of Ukranian descent. She grew up around horses, cows, goats, and chickens staying close to grandparents that were farmers - she got out into the world early though, leaving home at 15. While attending school she played in several local bands, including the Del Logs, the Propanes, the Weasles, most cub -- punk groups, but some with a country bent.
In 1994, when she joined the all girl, punk band Maow in Vancouver and taught herself to sing by "paying close attention to what other people do." While there she attended the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, and in 1998, earned a BFA; By the time her student visa ran out, she had received six award nominations, two from the British Columbia Country Music Association and four from the Georgia Straight.
In 1997, Case recorded her solo debut, The Virginian, a traditional country album that revealed a rough, vulnerable voice of strength and range that caused critics and her growing legion of loyal fans to swoon. John Doe of X, decribed her voice as one with a lot of heartache… "like something out of the past.” Multifaceted, Neko also taught herself to play guitar and other instruments, and is an accomplished visual artist as well.
Recalling November 1999, Bob Egan reported “I was in Toronto working on Oh Susanna's record and I heard that Neko was in town recording at the Gas Station. I called Don, co-owner of the studio and offered my services. He invited me by when I got a day off. To Neko I said "Hey, I'm Bob and I want to play steel on your record." She was cool with that. He refers to her second album as a classic. Furnace Room Lullaby, released in 2000 garnered countless accolades in publications like The New York Times, GQ, Esquire, Interview, People, and Time.
Neko continued to tour in the United States and Canada, both on her own and with acts including Blue Rodeo and Great Big Sea. In addition, Neko formed The Corn Sisters, a duo with Carolyn Mark, to sing old-time country music. One of their performances, at Seattle's Hattie's Hat restaurant in 1998 was recorded and released as an album, The Other Women in 2000.
Neko's personality is far from predictable. She's outspoken, independent and indifferent to what others may think of her. Her work has earned her a Canadian Juno music award as a member of The New Pornographers, in 2000 for Best Alternative Album.
Canadian Amp was a home-recorded EP that featured covers of songs by Canadian songwriters Sook Yin Lee, Mike O’Neill and Neil Young. Case made time to go back into the studio at the end of 2001 and recorded and co-produced Blacklisted (2002).For the first time, Case wrote most of the songs and played a wide variety of the instruments including guitar, piano, saw and drums.. She "twangs like Patsy Cline and croons like Loretta Lynn," according to Rolling Stone "so Neko's just as easy on the ears as she is on the eyes."
In April 2004, Neko played two shows in Toronto with The Sadies, an indie rock/alternative country band she had often collaborated with in the past. The live album of the shows, entitled The Tigers Have Spoken, was released in October of that year. Largely recorded at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, it includes an Buffy Ste Marie cover since she’s one of the first recording artist Case remembers “I loved her so much that I named my first dog after her.”
Next, Neko went back into the studio with The New Pornographers to record their third album, Twin Cinema, which was released in August 2005. In February 2006, Neko was named Female Artist of the Year at the Plug Independent Music Awards, right before the release of her fourth solo album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Mostly recorded in Tucson Arizona, The Sadies again participated as the backing band, and this time co-writing some tracks. She is secretive about the inspiration behind her material, except to explain that most of her songs are not autobiographical. But open enough to offer that “Music might be the one thing that gets you through the really hard times."
sources: http://www.nekocase.com/.http://www.mintrecs.com/. Zunior.com, bobegan.com, http://www.avclub.com/content/node/48266http://www.darrylneudorf.com http://ca.askmen.com/women/singer_200/214_neko_case.html SOCAN magazine http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325695 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Case
* * *
remember when she appeared at Harbourfront?
$20 TO Twang, Summer 2005
"brings her uninhibited style to Toronto"
*
high mark, NOW
carolyn mark with the prscillas at the horseshoe, 250 in attendance $8
"while Neko Case toodles around with her Boyfriends, Mark is backed by her New Best Friends (formerly known as the Roommates), an apropos name for the wildly talented band of boys with who she has a awesome rapport.
* * *
"Given a choice of options, Neko Case will inevitably take the most difficult path and stubbornly pursue it to the bitter end, whatever the cost.
Even when it appears Case is doing something the easy way, she has a knack for turning a potentially simple task into a five-alarm ordeal. Murphy has nothing on her."
logistical challenge posed by her plan to record the tigers have spoken on stage at three venues in different countries, non-road tested songs
"i enjoy when things sound orchestrated and large, but i'm trying to create a little more space and dynamics this time. i'd like the new ablum to be not quite as thick-sounding as Blacklisted. And maybe a little more upbeat"
An honourary musical Canadian, she is Chicago-based. Born September 8, 1970 in Alexandria, Virginia, Case is of Ukranian descent. She grew up around horses, cows, goats, and chickens staying close to grandparents that were farmers - she got out into the world early though, leaving home at 15. While attending school she played in several local bands, including the Del Logs, the Propanes, the Weasles, most cub -- punk groups, but some with a country bent.
In 1994, when she joined the all girl, punk band Maow in Vancouver and taught herself to sing by "paying close attention to what other people do." While there she attended the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, and in 1998, earned a BFA; By the time her student visa ran out, she had received six award nominations, two from the British Columbia Country Music Association and four from the Georgia Straight.
In 1997, Case recorded her solo debut, The Virginian, a traditional country album that revealed a rough, vulnerable voice of strength and range that caused critics and her growing legion of loyal fans to swoon. John Doe of X, decribed her voice as one with a lot of heartache… "like something out of the past.” Multifaceted, Neko also taught herself to play guitar and other instruments, and is an accomplished visual artist as well.
Recalling November 1999, Bob Egan reported “I was in Toronto working on Oh Susanna's record and I heard that Neko was in town recording at the Gas Station. I called Don, co-owner of the studio and offered my services. He invited me by when I got a day off. To Neko I said "Hey, I'm Bob and I want to play steel on your record." She was cool with that. He refers to her second album as a classic. Furnace Room Lullaby, released in 2000 garnered countless accolades in publications like The New York Times, GQ, Esquire, Interview, People, and Time.
Neko continued to tour in the United States and Canada, both on her own and with acts including Blue Rodeo and Great Big Sea. In addition, Neko formed The Corn Sisters, a duo with Carolyn Mark, to sing old-time country music. One of their performances, at Seattle's Hattie's Hat restaurant in 1998 was recorded and released as an album, The Other Women in 2000.
Neko's personality is far from predictable. She's outspoken, independent and indifferent to what others may think of her. Her work has earned her a Canadian Juno music award as a member of The New Pornographers, in 2000 for Best Alternative Album.
Canadian Amp was a home-recorded EP that featured covers of songs by Canadian songwriters Sook Yin Lee, Mike O’Neill and Neil Young. Case made time to go back into the studio at the end of 2001 and recorded and co-produced Blacklisted (2002).For the first time, Case wrote most of the songs and played a wide variety of the instruments including guitar, piano, saw and drums.. She "twangs like Patsy Cline and croons like Loretta Lynn," according to Rolling Stone "so Neko's just as easy on the ears as she is on the eyes."
In April 2004, Neko played two shows in Toronto with The Sadies, an indie rock/alternative country band she had often collaborated with in the past. The live album of the shows, entitled The Tigers Have Spoken, was released in October of that year. Largely recorded at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, it includes an Buffy Ste Marie cover since she’s one of the first recording artist Case remembers “I loved her so much that I named my first dog after her.”
Next, Neko went back into the studio with The New Pornographers to record their third album, Twin Cinema, which was released in August 2005. In February 2006, Neko was named Female Artist of the Year at the Plug Independent Music Awards, right before the release of her fourth solo album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Mostly recorded in Tucson Arizona, The Sadies again participated as the backing band, and this time co-writing some tracks. She is secretive about the inspiration behind her material, except to explain that most of her songs are not autobiographical. But open enough to offer that “Music might be the one thing that gets you through the really hard times."
sources: http://www.nekocase.com/.http://www.mintrecs.com/. Zunior.com, bobegan.com, http://www.avclub.com/content/node/48266http://www.darrylneudorf.com http://ca.askmen.com/women/singer_200/214_neko_case.html SOCAN magazine http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325695 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Case
* * *
remember when she appeared at Harbourfront?
$20 TO Twang, Summer 2005
"brings her uninhibited style to Toronto"
*
high mark, NOW
carolyn mark with the prscillas at the horseshoe, 250 in attendance $8
"while Neko Case toodles around with her Boyfriends, Mark is backed by her New Best Friends (formerly known as the Roommates), an apropos name for the wildly talented band of boys with who she has a awesome rapport.
* * *
"Given a choice of options, Neko Case will inevitably take the most difficult path and stubbornly pursue it to the bitter end, whatever the cost.
Even when it appears Case is doing something the easy way, she has a knack for turning a potentially simple task into a five-alarm ordeal. Murphy has nothing on her."
logistical challenge posed by her plan to record the tigers have spoken on stage at three venues in different countries, non-road tested songs
"i enjoy when things sound orchestrated and large, but i'm trying to create a little more space and dynamics this time. i'd like the new ablum to be not quite as thick-sounding as Blacklisted. And maybe a little more upbeat"
Friday, September 08, 2006
q. for mr. bob
Q. you have so many instruments! do you wish for more, or are you satisfied with your collection?
Q. that is such a great story on your website about joining wilco. what can you tell us about the moment you joined blue rodeo?
Q. i also enjoy your journal entries. you are such a good writer. have you ever thought of producing a book?
Q. what was your business in chicago? do you know of many businesses of a comparable nature?
Q. did harmony trowbridge take you up on your offer to do anything it takes to help her get a record out?
Q. that is such a great story on your website about joining wilco. what can you tell us about the moment you joined blue rodeo?
Q. i also enjoy your journal entries. you are such a good writer. have you ever thought of producing a book?
Q. what was your business in chicago? do you know of many businesses of a comparable nature?
Q. did harmony trowbridge take you up on your offer to do anything it takes to help her get a record out?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
looks like dylan
is too busy being #1 on the billboard charts this week to approve the pending myspace friends request i sent.
Bob Dylan
Modern Times
Bob Dylan
Modern Times
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
shirt of the week
since nov '01 nathan has been wearing a new shirt every day with a different phrase. the hub publishes one shirt each week. want more? www.iwanttofitin.com
nathan is a former graduate student from the university of illonois and is currently making art and living in chicago.
* * *
do you attend regional "arts" events in the east central illonois area? interesting in writing about them for The Hub? please state your interests and provide writing samples to lisa@thehubweekly.com
nathan is a former graduate student from the university of illonois and is currently making art and living in chicago.
* * *
do you attend regional "arts" events in the east central illonois area? interesting in writing about them for The Hub? please state your interests and provide writing samples to lisa@thehubweekly.com
Decalmando (and other traditions)
In some areas it was common for the singer to hold the hand of the person next to him, swinging arms to the time of the music.
A particular performance convention associated with the Irish singing tradition, noted in several parts of Newfoundland, is the speaking of the final line of a song.
A particular performance convention associated with the Irish singing tradition, noted in several parts of Newfoundland, is the speaking of the final line of a song.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
success without college
When I met Laurie Brown at the KM Hunter Awards I cut right to the chase, “Okay, basically, I want to be you. Could you tell me how to get there from here? And please do not tell me to go back to school, and do not tell me I could intern. Because I do not have time for that.”After getting a guitar at age 13, being in a band at age 26, Laurie Brown earned famed in 1984 as the girl in Corey Hart’s sunglasses-at-night video. She went on to break ground for women in Rock ‘n Roll as the co host and associate producer of the New Music (a syndicated TV show, esteemed by a generation), and then acted as a pioneer Much Music VJ. She spent her 30’s and early 40’s as a CBC writer-broadcaster and, first with a radio program called The Beat and then as a television presence during prime time news on the National – covering arts and culture. An award-winning journalist, since her CBC departure in 2001, she has added many more freelance Creative Producer credits (Public Service Announcements for Harbourfront Centre for example) to her credentials list, while also acting as an advocate for new media, and freelancing more and more as a Creative Director.WE’VE COME A LONG WAY BABYIf the first thing you say to a musician is “about the music,” you will be taken seriously. So assures Laurie Brown, about the most effective way to interview rock stars. I’d asked how to overcome the dismissive and unsupportive attitude toward female music critics. When pressed about how to handle the implicit sexual assumption that one wants to sleep with one’s favourite musicians, she said, “Maybe I’m naive, but I never really noticed it” revealing the credibility of her sincere interest in music itself, as well as the power of her ability to focus on an artist’s creativity. She suggests, on further consideration, that perhaps to avoid such an assumption, she has actually erred on the side of professionalism a time or two. And implies that her personal life could have been a few meaningful relationship richer, if she had protected her professional reputation a little less and followed her heart a little more. “You know, I had friends who accepted invitations to go on a few tour dates, but I never did.” she adds with a little regret and a great deal of forthright honesty. It’s part of her character.Many adventures she did experience are hilariously recorded in her book “Success Without College – Days and Nights in Rock “N Roll TV.” A compelling and enjoyable read to prove a great method to establish new feminist territory in a predominantly male scene like the music industry, is to brandish a sense of humour. A strong sense of self, intelligence, beautiful brown eyes and a great work ethic don’t hurt either. I caught up with her after applause for her contribution to the ‘50 Songs of the Decade’ a CBC broadcast that also featured Jeff Healy and Colin Linden. She had prepared in advance and was appreciated for it, and seems to be the kind of person who puts a great deal of thought and energy into whatever she does.For such a feminist “rock ‘n roll” forerunner, I was surprised to learn of her seemingly respectable personal life -- married at age 19. She is recently separated from her husband, and shares custody of the kids, aged 15 and 12. I like to picture her dancing around in the living room of her new home, enjoying solitude previously rare. She has just bought herself an iPod and is busy downloading music like a modern techno mama. She intends to get back to the piano and creating music herself one of these days, since generally she craves new music more than she ever wants to replay old tunes. She didn’t take much of the substantial shared record collection with her when she moved, though she admits it was frantically rooting through that very library helped confirm for her how to move out of the relationship. After she (finally) found herself grooving to Dr. Buzzards Original Savannah Band, she realized she’d need to embrace her prior moments of freedom. Like seeking the music she was into before she met her husband to recreate a time when her life was hers alone.There are other ways we can also admire her bravery. Recently, she told filmmaker Ron Mann on her native east coast, that she didn’t like his latest flick, Go Further, because it didn’t go far enough. When I said I was thinking about "turning Vegan" after what I had learned at the Vegetarian Food Fair when I worked the Studio Theatre? That the milk and dairy industry are even worse than meat industries where they slaughter 'em, because the conditions and treatment while they keep them alive and productive are even more cruel? She shrugged "Find the milk from Happy Cows."She is most passionate about seeing the execution of her own creative vision. Its apparent in listening to her is that one of the reasons she enjoys having creative input is that’s how you get to delve into what interests you. Take for instance the television show she so enjoyed creating, called IDEAS that aired for 20 episodes on ichannel, last year. Wanting to know more about technology, at that time, she was able to invite and interview guests that she sincerely wanted to learn from. “Technology is going to be the tool that turns us into better human beings.” she states emphatically, “or, it will be the house in which that happens.” She’s convincing, and predicts that the future of the arts is currently in the hands of technology as well, since art gets less and less publicity and media every day. This is why she supports interesting new media concept called “ARTSPOST” which is being piloted through three major art centres across the country, by Marble Media. It acts as technological tool to provide background information and insightful support material for art shows and performances, to enhance their impact. Just like her continual ability to enhance a local scene with her insightful focus. I suggest we stay tuned, for on this very note a new phase begins for the continually cutting edge, Laurie Brown.What is your most memorable dream? I don’t think I have a one most memorable. But I do pay attention to them. And I dream almost every night.Do you have a pet peeve? The TV industry calling itself an industryWhat is your secret indulgence? Avocado and raw almonds. I am learning to be good to me.When do you know it’s time to move on to a new job? When I feel frustrated at the people around me all the time. I work well with people. Generally, I enjoy them you know? So when I find that’s not the case anymore, I know its time to move on.What do you do too much of? Driving. You know with the kids and their stuff and the back and forth and the traffic... ug. Driving. I do too much driving.What kind of car? Honda CivicWhat part of your work are you most passionate about? (Your creativity, and the expression of it, from the sounds of it). YES, for sure. But also, is a passion for other people’s creativity. That’s what I have enjoyed so much about my work -- the part that is about exposing their (the guest’s) creativity
u of t beauty...
since its creation in 1919 hart house has been a home to creative expression in all its dimensions.
"no one does it alone -- you need to be taught and encouraged and nudged and corrected and challenged and then maybe something remarkable can happen. becoming good at something is a long slow process and it all begins with an interest and a little spark of encouragement. i got that spark backstage at hart house theatre."
-- lorne michales, exec producer SNL
"it's a theatre. it smells it hears it sings. with arms that embrace you comfort you push you applaud you. it gives birth to people..."
-- donald sutherland
"no one does it alone -- you need to be taught and encouraged and nudged and corrected and challenged and then maybe something remarkable can happen. becoming good at something is a long slow process and it all begins with an interest and a little spark of encouragement. i got that spark backstage at hart house theatre."
-- lorne michales, exec producer SNL
"it's a theatre. it smells it hears it sings. with arms that embrace you comfort you push you applaud you. it gives birth to people..."
-- donald sutherland
Monday, September 04, 2006
news of blue rodeos' friends:
Shannon Lyon's Summer Blonde [which was released in 2000 and has been out of print for 3 or more years] is being re-released in Canada on Busted Flat Records. He said "We're sifting through old demos and recordings - to be released bonus tracks. We're also considering adding old video footage from our Canadian Blue Rodeo Tour back in 2000"
Live Shows Soon =
Sept 11 - Blue Mondays @ Cest What - Toronto - w/ Kat Goldman ( 9pm to 12am )
Sept 14 - Kitchener, Ontario - Jacks - 'Acoustic-Series' . 10pm
Sept 17 - Fergus, Ontario - Brew House - (afternoon show 2pm-6pm) info
* * *
And, in other one degree artist news Great Big Sea will be performing at this year's CCMA's in Saint John, NB on September 11, 2006! The awards show will be broadcast on CBC TV, Great American Country channel in the US, and Country Music Channel in Oz.
(i will also add that their podcasts, available ANYTIME from their website, are delightful and hilarious, not to mention replete with some pretty good music!!!)
Live Shows Soon =
Sept 11 - Blue Mondays @ Cest What - Toronto - w/ Kat Goldman ( 9pm to 12am )
Sept 14 - Kitchener, Ontario - Jacks - 'Acoustic-Series' . 10pm
Sept 17 - Fergus, Ontario - Brew House - (afternoon show 2pm-6pm) info
* * *
And, in other one degree artist news Great Big Sea will be performing at this year's CCMA's in Saint John, NB on September 11, 2006! The awards show will be broadcast on CBC TV, Great American Country channel in the US, and Country Music Channel in Oz.
(i will also add that their podcasts, available ANYTIME from their website, are delightful and hilarious, not to mention replete with some pretty good music!!!)
sounds like canada
i must have forgotten to click post at the end of my diggers board comments about the truth about us. music fans buy song by song nowadays right?
i think a sounds like canada mp3 campaign is exactly what this country needs. especially with SUCH a timely song as a feature!
don't you agree?
i think a sounds like canada mp3 campaign is exactly what this country needs. especially with SUCH a timely song as a feature!
don't you agree?
Friday, September 01, 2006
Chris LeDrew
(an update on content on the one degree page, bluerodeo.com)
Chris LeDrew is a dynamic singer/songwriter from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, who plays more than 7 instruments. He names Bob Dylan as his idol, and has drawn inspiration from other such classic influences as Buffalo Springfield, Gram Parsons, The Byrds and the Beatles. If he could go back in time to meet someone, it would be the revered songwriter Townes Van Zant, Chris says “I stood next to him once in an art gallery in Ottawa, but never had the courage to say hi.”
A seasoned writer in his own right, he describes his preferred method: “Let the Muse take the lead – don’t force it. Song writing is not exercise – don’t get on a routine.” And thus he crafts a uniquely original sound, creating songs as sonic portraits of some of life's emotionally resonant moments.
Chris released Too Commercial, his independent debut, to critical acclaim in 1997. The recording included collaborations with Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor. Chris has also worked with noted Canadian artists Lennie Gallant, Celtic/Rock group the Punters and Ron Hynes.
In the years that followed his solo album, Chris LeDrew teamed up with his brother Andrew to form a pop/rock/roots duo called Brothers In Stereo (B.I.S.). A self-titled full-length CD was released in June 2003 and a video for the single "The Worst Crowd" followed. Brothers In Stereo feature the songwriting talents of both Chris and Andrew. The band toured extensively, the influence of which can be heard in their lyrics. B.I.S. were nominated for two awards at the ECMAs and took the Rising Star award at Newfoundland's Music Industry Association award gala in 2003, and were pictured again at EMCA 2004.
In Sept 2005, B.I.S. got a surprise call one afternoon to open for Our Lady Peace that night in Mount Pearl (after K-OS were a no-show). This concert turned out to be the biggest and best yet for B.I.S., with over 10,000 people in attendance. Lighters were burning for "Your Voice", and the crowd were singing along with the band on familiar radio songs. Chris said “We had no time to worry about the size of the show, so we were really laid-back and able to enjoy it completely."
Brothers in Stereo's debut CD is available at http://www.notlame.com/, a great site featuring many power pop bands from all over the world, and through which B.I.S. are enjoying a raft of attention from new fans south of the border who describe the music as reminiscent of the Odds, classic Squeeze or Tom Petty. Brothers In Stereo make power pop that is rich and textured with jangly layers of ringing guitar, and warm vocals with wistful harmonies, and Chris LeDrew continues to thrive on writing/performing his own distinctive and magical brand of rock and roll, and triumphant, driven songs.
"Whenever Blue Rodeo were in town, I would go see them…they'd let me hang out backstage. I'd always pester Greg to let me play his vintage guitars. They were really supportive!"
- Chris LeDrew
Chris LeDrew is a dynamic singer/songwriter from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, who plays more than 7 instruments. He names Bob Dylan as his idol, and has drawn inspiration from other such classic influences as Buffalo Springfield, Gram Parsons, The Byrds and the Beatles. If he could go back in time to meet someone, it would be the revered songwriter Townes Van Zant, Chris says “I stood next to him once in an art gallery in Ottawa, but never had the courage to say hi.”
A seasoned writer in his own right, he describes his preferred method: “Let the Muse take the lead – don’t force it. Song writing is not exercise – don’t get on a routine.” And thus he crafts a uniquely original sound, creating songs as sonic portraits of some of life's emotionally resonant moments.
Chris released Too Commercial, his independent debut, to critical acclaim in 1997. The recording included collaborations with Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor. Chris has also worked with noted Canadian artists Lennie Gallant, Celtic/Rock group the Punters and Ron Hynes.
In the years that followed his solo album, Chris LeDrew teamed up with his brother Andrew to form a pop/rock/roots duo called Brothers In Stereo (B.I.S.). A self-titled full-length CD was released in June 2003 and a video for the single "The Worst Crowd" followed. Brothers In Stereo feature the songwriting talents of both Chris and Andrew. The band toured extensively, the influence of which can be heard in their lyrics. B.I.S. were nominated for two awards at the ECMAs and took the Rising Star award at Newfoundland's Music Industry Association award gala in 2003, and were pictured again at EMCA 2004.
In Sept 2005, B.I.S. got a surprise call one afternoon to open for Our Lady Peace that night in Mount Pearl (after K-OS were a no-show). This concert turned out to be the biggest and best yet for B.I.S., with over 10,000 people in attendance. Lighters were burning for "Your Voice", and the crowd were singing along with the band on familiar radio songs. Chris said “We had no time to worry about the size of the show, so we were really laid-back and able to enjoy it completely."
Brothers in Stereo's debut CD is available at http://www.notlame.com/, a great site featuring many power pop bands from all over the world, and through which B.I.S. are enjoying a raft of attention from new fans south of the border who describe the music as reminiscent of the Odds, classic Squeeze or Tom Petty. Brothers In Stereo make power pop that is rich and textured with jangly layers of ringing guitar, and warm vocals with wistful harmonies, and Chris LeDrew continues to thrive on writing/performing his own distinctive and magical brand of rock and roll, and triumphant, driven songs.
Relationship to Blue Rodeo
-- In March 1989, Newfoundland rock group The Brats opened for Blue Rodeo in St. John's. Chris LeDrew happened to be lead guitarist with that band. Years passed and the friendship remained, with Chris usually meeting up with Blue Rodeo whenever they played St. John's.
-- In 1997, Chris LeDrew was recording his debut independent CD, when he ran into Greg Keelor at a bar in Halifax. Greg was on his "birth journey" at the time. The two struck up a conversation, which eventually led to Greg agreeing to come to the studio and lend his voice to Chris' recordings. Greg showed up during a raging snowstorm to do just that.
-- March 2000, Chris warmed up the sold-out Blue Rodeo audience for two shows at the Delta Hotel in St. John's as an opening act.
"Whenever Blue Rodeo were in town, I would go see them…they'd let me hang out backstage. I'd always pester Greg to let me play his vintage guitars. They were really supportive!"
- Chris LeDrew
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