Monday, 24 May, 2004
Request for assistance
On a much more serious note, Billy Corgan's blog has posted an alert for a missing Toronto girl (see the 05/07/04 message). Seems she was last seen in Chicago at one of his recent solo gigs. A picture is attached. As is information for the Chicago and Toronto police if you have any information.
On a much more serious note, Billy Corgan's blog has posted an alert for a missing Toronto girl (see the 05/07/04 message). Seems she was last seen in Chicago at one of his recent solo gigs. A picture is attached. As is information for the Chicago and Toronto police if you have any information.
// posted by Aaron @ 10:09:00 PM
Worst. Concert. Ever.
During a concert at the Hampton Beach Ballroom Casino, Jewel, reportedly, poked fun at fat people and those with no teeth, asked the audience to "shut the hell up," offered a ten minute discussion of Zoloft and Paxil, told people to stop looking at her teeth and start looking at her breasts, stopped in the middle of Who Will Save Your Soul because the audience was singing along, wouldn't allow smoking or drinking, and explained that all those who partake of such activities are sinners. Oh, and for the encore, she came out and yodelled for a minute and then left the stage.
Some fans, including a woman who drove down from Canada to hear the snaggle-toothed songbird, are pissed. Worst Jewel Concert Ever, say they.
Best Jewel Concert Ever, say the rest of us.
Anyway. Jewel is the new Courtney Love.
During a concert at the Hampton Beach Ballroom Casino, Jewel, reportedly, poked fun at fat people and those with no teeth, asked the audience to "shut the hell up," offered a ten minute discussion of Zoloft and Paxil, told people to stop looking at her teeth and start looking at her breasts, stopped in the middle of Who Will Save Your Soul because the audience was singing along, wouldn't allow smoking or drinking, and explained that all those who partake of such activities are sinners. Oh, and for the encore, she came out and yodelled for a minute and then left the stage.
Some fans, including a woman who drove down from Canada to hear the snaggle-toothed songbird, are pissed. Worst Jewel Concert Ever, say they.
Best Jewel Concert Ever, say the rest of us.
Anyway. Jewel is the new Courtney Love.
// posted by Aaron @ 5:32:00 PM
Eat like a rock star
Sure that Ibrahim Ferrer thing was pretty cool... but does any other blog have Billy Corgan's Russian Salad recipe?
Taken from a book I found called Food That Rocks.
Russian Salad
2 large potatoes, boiled, cooled, and chopped into small cubes
4 eggs, hard-boiled, cooled, and chopped into small cubes
3 scallions, chopped into small pieces
2 cucumbers, chopped into small cubes
4 sweet pickles, chopped into small cubes
One 8-ounce can sweet green peas
Salt to taste
Mayonnaise to taste
Prepare the potatoes and eggs. In a large bowl, "mix it all up" - the potatoes, eggs, scallions, cucumbers, and pickles. Then add the sweet green peas and mix again. Add salt and mayonnaise before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Enjoy.
Maybe later this week I'll post the recipes for Patti LaBelle's Potato Salad, David Coverdale's Soulful Shrimp Soup, Shania Twain's Potato Roast, Ted Nugent's Bubble Bean Piranha a la Colorado Moose, or Brian May's mum's Blackberry Puree.
Sure that Ibrahim Ferrer thing was pretty cool... but does any other blog have Billy Corgan's Russian Salad recipe?
Taken from a book I found called Food That Rocks.
Russian Salad
2 large potatoes, boiled, cooled, and chopped into small cubes
4 eggs, hard-boiled, cooled, and chopped into small cubes
3 scallions, chopped into small pieces
2 cucumbers, chopped into small cubes
4 sweet pickles, chopped into small cubes
One 8-ounce can sweet green peas
Salt to taste
Mayonnaise to taste
Prepare the potatoes and eggs. In a large bowl, "mix it all up" - the potatoes, eggs, scallions, cucumbers, and pickles. Then add the sweet green peas and mix again. Add salt and mayonnaise before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Enjoy.
Maybe later this week I'll post the recipes for Patti LaBelle's Potato Salad, David Coverdale's Soulful Shrimp Soup, Shania Twain's Potato Roast, Ted Nugent's Bubble Bean Piranha a la Colorado Moose, or Brian May's mum's Blackberry Puree.
// posted by Aaron @ 4:35:00 PM
Sunday, 23 May, 2004
Weekend Reading
New Music West seems to be in some trouble.
Morrissey announces his death to The New York Times.
Elsewhere the Times explores reggae's Real Rock.
Don't call it a gimmick: Jaime Cullum continues his "Look At Me! I Can Cover Cole Porter AND The Neptunes" tour.
Maroon 5's Adam Levine takes a stand: "Pop is beautiful. We're not afraid of that word."
Another Stephen Merritt feature, another interview in a seedy bar.
Chris Martin is already a shit father.
Ash was very nearly an Iron-Maiden influenced band called Vietnam.
Britney smokes pot. Almost falls down stairs.
There's a new music industry blog called Sellout Central (via Coolfer).
Stereogum has lots of good stuff.
David Enders, 23, decided to go to Baghdad a year ago and start a news magazine. Here's what he's learned (via A&LD).
Oh... by the way, Nick Hornby wrote a little piece about rock music. And somehow managed to piss off, like, everybody.
New Music West seems to be in some trouble.
Morrissey announces his death to The New York Times.
Elsewhere the Times explores reggae's Real Rock.
Don't call it a gimmick: Jaime Cullum continues his "Look At Me! I Can Cover Cole Porter AND The Neptunes" tour.
Maroon 5's Adam Levine takes a stand: "Pop is beautiful. We're not afraid of that word."
Another Stephen Merritt feature, another interview in a seedy bar.
Chris Martin is already a shit father.
Ash was very nearly an Iron-Maiden influenced band called Vietnam.
Britney smokes pot. Almost falls down stairs.
There's a new music industry blog called Sellout Central (via Coolfer).
Stereogum has lots of good stuff.
David Enders, 23, decided to go to Baghdad a year ago and start a news magazine. Here's what he's learned (via A&LD).
Oh... by the way, Nick Hornby wrote a little piece about rock music. And somehow managed to piss off, like, everybody.
// posted by Aaron @ 1:38:00 AM
Saturday, 22 May, 2004
Fuck the cottage, let's spend the long weekend in this hotel basement
The trucker hat must die. But we'll forgive Kevin Drew because he and his band sing songs that make people hug. And dance. Sometimes simultaneously. While crying.
Second of two semi-secret, sorta-invite-only Broken Social Scene shows this evening at The Drake. Found their sweet spot around the time Jason Collett stepped to the fore (ask him where to find the best horse steak - "like butter" - in the city). Little game of Name That Song. John Crossingham channeling Chris Murphy. Collett doing Glad Girls. A nouveau disco. And Amy Milan's head nearly exploded during Anthems (with Julie Penner on violin).
All while Red Dawn played on the big screen — Swayze, Sheen and Caroline in the City killing them some commies.
End of a metaphorical chapter perhaps? Could've sworn I heard the promise of something new by the fall.
Concluded the man doffing his Trucker Hat, "You were perfect. And we had our doubts... stick around for some great reggae."
***
Unanswered questions:
Has Sarah Slean dyed her hair black?
Was that Sook-Yin Lee down near the stage?
And was the girl from the cappuccino commercial begging Remedios for a guest spot on the next album?
The trucker hat must die. But we'll forgive Kevin Drew because he and his band sing songs that make people hug. And dance. Sometimes simultaneously. While crying.
Second of two semi-secret, sorta-invite-only Broken Social Scene shows this evening at The Drake. Found their sweet spot around the time Jason Collett stepped to the fore (ask him where to find the best horse steak - "like butter" - in the city). Little game of Name That Song. John Crossingham channeling Chris Murphy. Collett doing Glad Girls. A nouveau disco. And Amy Milan's head nearly exploded during Anthems (with Julie Penner on violin).
All while Red Dawn played on the big screen — Swayze, Sheen and Caroline in the City killing them some commies.
End of a metaphorical chapter perhaps? Could've sworn I heard the promise of something new by the fall.
Concluded the man doffing his Trucker Hat, "You were perfect. And we had our doubts... stick around for some great reggae."
***
Unanswered questions:
Has Sarah Slean dyed her hair black?
Was that Sook-Yin Lee down near the stage?
And was the girl from the cappuccino commercial begging Remedios for a guest spot on the next album?
// posted by Aaron @ 3:10:00 AM
Friday, 21 May, 2004
Sh-Boom
If only because I haven't seen them posted elsewhere and everyday a few souls arrive here in search of them, here are the lyrics for Feist's Mushaboom:
Mushaboom
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups
But in the meantime I've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
my dreams will match up with my pay
Old dirt road... knee deep snow
Watching the fire as we grow old
I want a man to stick it out and make a home from a rented house
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done
How many acres how much light tucked in the woods and out of sight
Talk to the neighbours and tip my cap on a little road barely on the map
Old dirt road... knee deep snow
Watching the fire as we grow old
Old dirt road... rambling rose
Watching the fire as we grow... well I'm sold
On a side note, maybe someone from the fan club can tell me why my advance copy of Let It Die differs from the final version. Tout Doucement is dropped, replaced by L'amour ne dure pas toujours which appears in the middle of the album. Pourquoi est-ce que c'est?
(Please limit responses to the English language.)
If only because I haven't seen them posted elsewhere and everyday a few souls arrive here in search of them, here are the lyrics for Feist's Mushaboom:
Mushaboom
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups
But in the meantime I've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
my dreams will match up with my pay
Old dirt road... knee deep snow
Watching the fire as we grow old
I want a man to stick it out and make a home from a rented house
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done
How many acres how much light tucked in the woods and out of sight
Talk to the neighbours and tip my cap on a little road barely on the map
Old dirt road... knee deep snow
Watching the fire as we grow old
Old dirt road... rambling rose
Watching the fire as we grow... well I'm sold
On a side note, maybe someone from the fan club can tell me why my advance copy of Let It Die differs from the final version. Tout Doucement is dropped, replaced by L'amour ne dure pas toujours which appears in the middle of the album. Pourquoi est-ce que c'est?
(Please limit responses to the English language.)
// posted by Aaron @ 4:41:00 PM
The Velvet Revolver Traveling Caravan of Rock Cliche
Notes from today's press conference with Slash, Duff, Scotty 2 Hotty and the boys...
-At first Scott Weiland wasn't sure "the world was ready for a rock n' roll band."
-But "music is the soundtrack of our lives."
-And "rock n' roll is the energy that fuels us."
-Says Weiland, "Music is my life."
-Plus, they "don't give a shit."
-When they perform together it's like "lightning in a bottle."
-When they decided to form a band they knew they had to "go for the jugular."
-Weiland came clad in hat, sunglasses and scarf and noted that he would not be speaking too much because he had to rest his voice
-He then chainsmoked like a 56-year-old granny in the middle of a particularly stressful round at the bingo hall.
-Question of the day: To guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner, "What is your guitar soloing philosophy?"
-When Duff went back to school a few years ago to get his degree (a four-year, he noted), all the kids would come up to him and tell him that their generation was lacking a great rock band. He suggested Queens of the Stone Age.
-Weiland is quite confident that Velvet Revolver can be the Pixies for the next Nirvana
-New bands that impress him: Jet, Loudermilk (now Gosling), and Pretty Girls Make Graves
-Weiland stands by his refusal to speak with the press. But he had already committed to today's conference and he is "a man of his word." Though if anyone were to dwell on his past, he would be forced to say "fuck you" and walk away.
-Finally, they don't come to Toronto for the pot, they come for "the pussy."
Everything else you could possibly ever want to know about these guys can be distilled from Elizabeth Bromstein's piece in the latest Now.
Says Duff: "Most of us have died at some point or another. Slash has died, like, four times. He's so hardcore, that guy."
Notes from today's press conference with Slash, Duff, Scotty 2 Hotty and the boys...
-At first Scott Weiland wasn't sure "the world was ready for a rock n' roll band."
-But "music is the soundtrack of our lives."
-And "rock n' roll is the energy that fuels us."
-Says Weiland, "Music is my life."
-Plus, they "don't give a shit."
-When they perform together it's like "lightning in a bottle."
-When they decided to form a band they knew they had to "go for the jugular."
-Weiland came clad in hat, sunglasses and scarf and noted that he would not be speaking too much because he had to rest his voice
-He then chainsmoked like a 56-year-old granny in the middle of a particularly stressful round at the bingo hall.
-Question of the day: To guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner, "What is your guitar soloing philosophy?"
-When Duff went back to school a few years ago to get his degree (a four-year, he noted), all the kids would come up to him and tell him that their generation was lacking a great rock band. He suggested Queens of the Stone Age.
-Weiland is quite confident that Velvet Revolver can be the Pixies for the next Nirvana
-New bands that impress him: Jet, Loudermilk (now Gosling), and Pretty Girls Make Graves
-Weiland stands by his refusal to speak with the press. But he had already committed to today's conference and he is "a man of his word." Though if anyone were to dwell on his past, he would be forced to say "fuck you" and walk away.
-Finally, they don't come to Toronto for the pot, they come for "the pussy."
Everything else you could possibly ever want to know about these guys can be distilled from Elizabeth Bromstein's piece in the latest Now.
Says Duff: "Most of us have died at some point or another. Slash has died, like, four times. He's so hardcore, that guy."
// posted by Aaron @ 4:06:00 PM
All caps...
Memorials for the legendary Elvin Jones from The Telegraph, National Public Radio, Reuters, Billboard, San Diego Union-Tribune, BBC, New York Times, AFP and Associated Press.
Some great stuff from the blogosphere:
Paul Wells
Jay Smooth w/Bill Cole
Jay Smooth w/Warren Smith
Jon Caramanica w/Adam Mansbach (via Chang)
And two threads from ilXor.
Memorials for the legendary Elvin Jones from The Telegraph, National Public Radio, Reuters, Billboard, San Diego Union-Tribune, BBC, New York Times, AFP and Associated Press.
Some great stuff from the blogosphere:
Paul Wells
Jay Smooth w/Bill Cole
Jay Smooth w/Warren Smith
Jon Caramanica w/Adam Mansbach (via Chang)
And two threads from ilXor.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:41:00 AM
Nellie McKay pays tribute to P. Diddy
Ye olde Mac seems to be choking on these for the moment. But I trust they are brilliant.
Ye olde Mac seems to be choking on these for the moment. But I trust they are brilliant.
// posted by Aaron @ 1:19:00 AM
Like a true natured child
This is new. A source close to Courtney Love (someone calling herself Bourtney Bove perhaps?) tells Fox News' Roger Friedman that Virgin is to blame for Love's latest troubles.
Take it away, Rawg...
... I am told that Virgin paid for Love's rehab last fall at Wavelength, a voluntary facility in Malibu, so they could bring her back and forth to the studio when needed during the re-recording of "America's Sweetheart."
I say "re-recording" because apparently the album was originally made in France, then offered to four different record companies. Virgin, according to my sources, bought it and then demanded that it be completely redone — and fast.
"That's what put Courtney over the edge," says a source. "The album should have been released now, in June. But they announced that it was coming out in February. Courtney had all kinds of issues she was dealing with last fall. This endangered her life."
What's more, according to a publicist who works with Love and to another source, Virgin suggested Love put her 11-year-old daughter Frances Bean Cobain in the first music video from the album for publicity purposes.
"They wanted her to be video star," says a source. "They thought this was a good idea." At the time, Frances Bean was the subject of a custody dispute.
This is new. A source close to Courtney Love (someone calling herself Bourtney Bove perhaps?) tells Fox News' Roger Friedman that Virgin is to blame for Love's latest troubles.
Take it away, Rawg...
... I am told that Virgin paid for Love's rehab last fall at Wavelength, a voluntary facility in Malibu, so they could bring her back and forth to the studio when needed during the re-recording of "America's Sweetheart."
I say "re-recording" because apparently the album was originally made in France, then offered to four different record companies. Virgin, according to my sources, bought it and then demanded that it be completely redone — and fast.
"That's what put Courtney over the edge," says a source. "The album should have been released now, in June. But they announced that it was coming out in February. Courtney had all kinds of issues she was dealing with last fall. This endangered her life."
What's more, according to a publicist who works with Love and to another source, Virgin suggested Love put her 11-year-old daughter Frances Bean Cobain in the first music video from the album for publicity purposes.
"They wanted her to be video star," says a source. "They thought this was a good idea." At the time, Frances Bean was the subject of a custody dispute.
// posted by Aaron @ 12:03:00 AM
Thursday, 20 May, 2004
Streets Dates
Announced today. The Streets is coming! The Streets is coming! And he's bring Dizzee.
June 11 Mountain View - Shoreline Amphitheater (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 12 Los Angeles - The Wiltern (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 15 Seattle - Nuemo's
June 18 Park City - Harry O's
June 19 Denver - Fox Theater
June 21 Minneapolis - Fine Line Music Café
June 23 Chicago - Metro
June 24 Detroit - St. Andrew's Hall
June 25 Toronto - Mod Club
June 26 Montreal - Club Soda
June 28 Boston - Avalon Ballroom (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 29 New York - Irving Plaza (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 30 New York - Irving Plaza (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
July 1 Washington DC - 9:30 Club (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
July 3 Atlanta - Earthlink Live
Announced today. The Streets is coming! The Streets is coming! And he's bring Dizzee.
June 11 Mountain View - Shoreline Amphitheater (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 12 Los Angeles - The Wiltern (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 15 Seattle - Nuemo's
June 18 Park City - Harry O's
June 19 Denver - Fox Theater
June 21 Minneapolis - Fine Line Music Café
June 23 Chicago - Metro
June 24 Detroit - St. Andrew's Hall
June 25 Toronto - Mod Club
June 26 Montreal - Club Soda
June 28 Boston - Avalon Ballroom (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 29 New York - Irving Plaza (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
June 30 New York - Irving Plaza (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
July 1 Washington DC - 9:30 Club (w/ Dizzee Rascal)
July 3 Atlanta - Earthlink Live
// posted by Aaron @ 11:31:00 PM
Wednesday, 19 May, 2004
EXCLUSIVE: In conversation with Ibrahim Ferrer
This will be a rather long post, but well worth it I think.
Here's the unedited transcript of a couple e-mails I traded with Ibrahim Ferrer, of Buena Vista Social Club fame. He speaks little English, so these answers come through a translator.
As discussed here before, he's currently barred from entering the United States as a result of the Bush administration's crackdown on Cuba. Full story in tomorrow's Post.
--------------------
1) When did you learn your Visa application for the United States had been denied? Had you ever before had any problems gaining the proper documentation to enter the United States? What reasons were you given for the denial?
A few days before the travel date. No, I have never had such kind of problems to travel to the USA. I have had the pleasure of getting together with my US many times and all of them have been unforgettable. I think my audience there really welcomes me and they have shown me their love many times. I hope I can meet it soon again. Regarding these bureaucracy matters, you know, I really don't understand these matters very well. But I can tell you we have always been treated most respectfully.
As far as I know, the reason was that our presence was supposed to be detrimental to the interest of the United States.. Well... what can I say? I am a 76 years old man, I have never done or wished anything bad to nobody...
2) There have been reports in the American media that United States government officials were concerned that any financial rewards or gains you received while in the United States might be end up in the hands of the Castro government. Do you have any response to that? Do you have any relationship with Castro? Do you contribute financially to his government (other than through taxes, of course)?
I just can say I don't understand it. We have been in the USA many times before, and always by reasons of cultural exchanges. A cultural exchange between two great cultures, so that we get to know each other’s music and culture, and get the audience to know our music and culture. This is the same thing in Cuba: many US musicians come to the Jazz Festival of La Habana, so that we can enjoy their music.
As for the Award I will just say I have a small room in my house which I call “my museum”, where I store all the Awards I keep dearly together with presents from my fans and I must say I think I have them all!
No, I have no relationship with Mr. Fidel Castro. You see, I would be surprised if, for example, you tell me you do have a relationship with the president of your country. Politicians are very busy people, and that applies to our president as well, like any other politician of any other country he doesn’t have much time left. I had the pleasure to meet him once however: I was invited to a reception together with other artists, and we shook hands. In my travels I also had the opportunity to meet the Finland president, and some others that wanted to meet me because of my work as an artist.
No I don't, and to be true I don't see how could I. I was never asked to anyway. I do pay my taxes, guess like any other citizen of any other country.
3) Do feel you've become the victim of a political campaign by the George W. Bush administration against Castro and Cuba?
No. I have felt like a victim in my life. I think music has no passport and no politics, it arrives to everyone and it always brings you something, may be love, maybe hope, strength... This is my political principles: my music and my wish is to bring music and my love message to all people and all around the world.
4) Is it frustrating that art and music can't rise above such political actions?
As I was saying, I think that all kind of art: music, painting, literature... art is above all. Art captivates and has the power to make you see life in another perspective. And I don't think this can be stopped by no means.
5) What are your feelings toward America? Its people. And its government.
I have many friends in US. Also from all over the world: Canada, Japan, Island, Spain... I love all of them and they love me and my music, as has been shown many times. All people are the same to me, no matter what country, race, religion, social class... The only important thing is hearth, all the rest we don't choose., When somebody asks me what country I like best I must say I love all countries, I don't use to distinguish.
And regarding the government, I could not say... I didn't have the chance to go to school as I started working when I was very young, so I must say, and makes me embarrassed to say it, that I don't really understand much about politics. The only thing I can say is that I think that each country's citizens are the ones in the position to express an opinion, as they are the only ones that can really do it.
6) Could you ever have imagined that a legendary 77-year-old musician would be treated like a terrorist threat?
Well, I never really felt I was treated like a terrorist, and I hope never to be treated like one.
I don't mind to be treated like an old man... but I must say that I feel more like a little boy rather than an old man. Bear in mind I was born again just seven years ago, so I am around 7-8 years old now.
7) In a way, for many Americans especially, you were something of a Cuban ambassador - do you think artists like yourself and the Buena Vista Social Club had the power to break down a lot of the stereotypes and misconceptions about life in Cuba?
That is how I feel, like a Cuban Culture ambassador, it makes me feel proud because I see that people from all over the world loves our music.
Regarding life in Cuba, I thing this is like everything, every one has a particular opinion. I can only say to any one who wants to know Cuba, and has the opportunity to travel, just come and see it with own eyes. Like you do when you go to a new country were you never went before.
8) Have you had any problems entering Canada? (On a side note, I know cities like Toronto have become almost secondary homes for a great number of young jazz musicians.)
As I told you, I never had problems to entry any country; well, except this time in the USA to pick up the Grammy award. I could tell you many anecdotes. In many countries, I would be asked for autographs as I was going through the customs, people took pictures with me and some went to see my concerts afterwards.
I always felt very welcomed in Canada, besides I have good friends there that I hope to see in my next trip to Toronto next month. I have a family of friends there and I am looking forward to see them all; this will be next June the 10th.
9) And aside from all this, let's talk about the music - does it still excite you like it always has? Maybe even more so? Do things like the above only motivate you, give you an added incentive to bring your art to the world? What are you working on currently?
Music is my passion, my life, it is what I like to do best. I feel lucky to receive this gift from life at my age... and I want to enjoy it as much as I can.
Yes, maybe even more, because I am now able to understand things better, I can provide my own ideas and this makes me feel fulfilled. You must remember I fought all my life for music, and I didn't get much. I finally gave up, I retired, and then it turns out to be that the best was still about to come into my life.
What really motivates me is do things with love, whatever it is. When you do things with love, everything turns out well.
Well, I am on tour now and this is something I really enjoy to do. Be in touch with the audience is an experience that never stops surprising me.
I do have a project in mind and I am really willing to go for it; I have talked about it with Nick Gold, the company's president, and I hope I can soon start to record, as soon as I have time. I am sorry but I cannot tell you more about it, as it is a surprise.
10) What new musicians are exciting you?
I am crazy about my dear friend’s Omara Portuondo new album. It is called "Flor de Amor" and it makes you dream... I don't know how to explain you, it has Brazilian influences, and I have always liked Brazilian music, I even dared to sing some Brazilian song when I was young.
Omara's voice really wins your hearth...
11) And have you had much time to reflect on your amazing travels and successes of the last few years?
I think life is to be lived... I prefer not to reflect, the past is the past. The important thing is to enjoy life like just as if each day was the last day of your life.
Thanks again for your time. It is very, very much appreciated. Please let me know if there's any trouble translating any of the above.
It was a pleasure to do this interview. Written interviews are easier for me , I have more time to answer all questions.
My management office sent the interview to me, I only speak Spanish and badly! I hope to see you this summer in your town. Please send many greetings to your fellow people in Canada, I will soon be there whit you!
Ibrahim Ferrer
-------------------
Mr. Ferrer,
Thanks very much for your responses. Glad to hear things are well in Cuba.
1) You said, "I have felt like a victim in my life." When was that? Or did you mean you "haven't" felt like a victim?
(Translator's answer): This was a translation error, we are sorry for that! Mr. Ferrer's answer to that question was he never felt like a victim.
2) You also mentioned being born again. Did you mean that in a religious sense? Tell me about that. What inspired that change?
During all these years working as a musician I had to cross many obstacles: I was always told that my voice was no good, my name doesn't appear in many albums I have recorded. I have always loved to sing boleros, I feel boleros always brings a message, and my orchestra directors used to tell me my voice was no good to sing boleros. This brought me down and I chose retirement as I was really disappointed .
So when I was invited to record on the Buena Vista Social Club project, I was about to say no, because I was afraid to have another disillusion.
Once I arrived at the studio I saw Ry Cooder and Nick Gold, of my record company, and as I began to sing, seems that they liked my voice. This was the beginning of a new life to me. Now I feel recognition to my work, I know people like my voice and my style, and this feels like I was born again. That's why I always say I am like a seven-years old boy... I mean it in the artistic sense, of course.
3) Have you yet received your Grammy award for this past year?
Yes I did! And I am proud to say that my orchestra guitar player, great friend and great musician Manuel Galban has also received his, for his album “Mambo Sinuendo”.
4) You said about music - "I finally gave up, I retired..." When you were shining shoes, had you really given up on music and lost all hope in its powers? Is it strange to have to fight again to perform in a place like the United States?
Ok let me explain you this, I used to clean shoes, but this was not to survive. I was on pension and I had enough money to me and my family, but at that time I use to have some little bad habits, like smoking or drinking having a run with friends every now and then . So I used to clean shoes to be able to afford this bad little habits, spend some money with my friends out of the pension .... Let me tell you that now I don't smoke anymore and I am happy for this! I still drink, but very little. But I really recommend all smokers to give it up ...
I must tell you I was disappointed , but not with music or its power. I was disappointed with the world of music, because they wouldn’t 't give me no opportunity during all these years. I had got used to the idea and I had lost my hope. That's why I retired myself.
I think that life is a strange thing, full of surprises... Once I thought I couldn't expect anything from life anymore, and life was about to give me something I could never imagine even in my best dreams: people's love and recognition. My audience demonstrates it to me all the time, and this makes me fell very happy. I wouldn't say I had to fight. What I do is to give myself over; I give all I have inside my hearth, and I think this is something that all audiences in the world can understand, no matter from which country.
Of course, I always try to do my best at work.
5) And, finally, how are things in Cuba?
I don't use to get out much, I like to stay at home with my family, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and with my friends. I love to get together with them and play domino at home. I also enjoy to spend time with my dogs, I have a soft spot for them... I have tree dogs: Principe, Rocco and Travi. I am always thinking about them when I am on tour, I cannot wait to see them again and play with them!
6) Do you perform regularly?
I always like to perform in Cuba because it's a very demanding audience who understands a lot of music. But I cannot perform there as much as I would like to, as I spend much time in my international tours. Me and my good friend Omara Portuondo did her new album’s ("Flor de Amor") presentation show at the National Theatre, which is an awesome theatre. I was invited to her new album presentation show and I enjoyed it very much.
7) Where are you currently living in Cuba exactly?
I am living in a very quiet zone with my family. I cannot tell you my address, otherwise I may be receiving many foreign visits at home within the next days...
8) And do you ever go and get your shoes shined?
I like shining shoes! I do it with much affection and, of course, I do shine my own shoes.
This will be a rather long post, but well worth it I think.
Here's the unedited transcript of a couple e-mails I traded with Ibrahim Ferrer, of Buena Vista Social Club fame. He speaks little English, so these answers come through a translator.
As discussed here before, he's currently barred from entering the United States as a result of the Bush administration's crackdown on Cuba. Full story in tomorrow's Post.
--------------------
1) When did you learn your Visa application for the United States had been denied? Had you ever before had any problems gaining the proper documentation to enter the United States? What reasons were you given for the denial?
A few days before the travel date. No, I have never had such kind of problems to travel to the USA. I have had the pleasure of getting together with my US many times and all of them have been unforgettable. I think my audience there really welcomes me and they have shown me their love many times. I hope I can meet it soon again. Regarding these bureaucracy matters, you know, I really don't understand these matters very well. But I can tell you we have always been treated most respectfully.
As far as I know, the reason was that our presence was supposed to be detrimental to the interest of the United States.. Well... what can I say? I am a 76 years old man, I have never done or wished anything bad to nobody...
2) There have been reports in the American media that United States government officials were concerned that any financial rewards or gains you received while in the United States might be end up in the hands of the Castro government. Do you have any response to that? Do you have any relationship with Castro? Do you contribute financially to his government (other than through taxes, of course)?
I just can say I don't understand it. We have been in the USA many times before, and always by reasons of cultural exchanges. A cultural exchange between two great cultures, so that we get to know each other’s music and culture, and get the audience to know our music and culture. This is the same thing in Cuba: many US musicians come to the Jazz Festival of La Habana, so that we can enjoy their music.
As for the Award I will just say I have a small room in my house which I call “my museum”, where I store all the Awards I keep dearly together with presents from my fans and I must say I think I have them all!
No, I have no relationship with Mr. Fidel Castro. You see, I would be surprised if, for example, you tell me you do have a relationship with the president of your country. Politicians are very busy people, and that applies to our president as well, like any other politician of any other country he doesn’t have much time left. I had the pleasure to meet him once however: I was invited to a reception together with other artists, and we shook hands. In my travels I also had the opportunity to meet the Finland president, and some others that wanted to meet me because of my work as an artist.
No I don't, and to be true I don't see how could I. I was never asked to anyway. I do pay my taxes, guess like any other citizen of any other country.
3) Do feel you've become the victim of a political campaign by the George W. Bush administration against Castro and Cuba?
No. I have felt like a victim in my life. I think music has no passport and no politics, it arrives to everyone and it always brings you something, may be love, maybe hope, strength... This is my political principles: my music and my wish is to bring music and my love message to all people and all around the world.
4) Is it frustrating that art and music can't rise above such political actions?
As I was saying, I think that all kind of art: music, painting, literature... art is above all. Art captivates and has the power to make you see life in another perspective. And I don't think this can be stopped by no means.
5) What are your feelings toward America? Its people. And its government.
I have many friends in US. Also from all over the world: Canada, Japan, Island, Spain... I love all of them and they love me and my music, as has been shown many times. All people are the same to me, no matter what country, race, religion, social class... The only important thing is hearth, all the rest we don't choose., When somebody asks me what country I like best I must say I love all countries, I don't use to distinguish.
And regarding the government, I could not say... I didn't have the chance to go to school as I started working when I was very young, so I must say, and makes me embarrassed to say it, that I don't really understand much about politics. The only thing I can say is that I think that each country's citizens are the ones in the position to express an opinion, as they are the only ones that can really do it.
6) Could you ever have imagined that a legendary 77-year-old musician would be treated like a terrorist threat?
Well, I never really felt I was treated like a terrorist, and I hope never to be treated like one.
I don't mind to be treated like an old man... but I must say that I feel more like a little boy rather than an old man. Bear in mind I was born again just seven years ago, so I am around 7-8 years old now.
7) In a way, for many Americans especially, you were something of a Cuban ambassador - do you think artists like yourself and the Buena Vista Social Club had the power to break down a lot of the stereotypes and misconceptions about life in Cuba?
That is how I feel, like a Cuban Culture ambassador, it makes me feel proud because I see that people from all over the world loves our music.
Regarding life in Cuba, I thing this is like everything, every one has a particular opinion. I can only say to any one who wants to know Cuba, and has the opportunity to travel, just come and see it with own eyes. Like you do when you go to a new country were you never went before.
8) Have you had any problems entering Canada? (On a side note, I know cities like Toronto have become almost secondary homes for a great number of young jazz musicians.)
As I told you, I never had problems to entry any country; well, except this time in the USA to pick up the Grammy award. I could tell you many anecdotes. In many countries, I would be asked for autographs as I was going through the customs, people took pictures with me and some went to see my concerts afterwards.
I always felt very welcomed in Canada, besides I have good friends there that I hope to see in my next trip to Toronto next month. I have a family of friends there and I am looking forward to see them all; this will be next June the 10th.
9) And aside from all this, let's talk about the music - does it still excite you like it always has? Maybe even more so? Do things like the above only motivate you, give you an added incentive to bring your art to the world? What are you working on currently?
Music is my passion, my life, it is what I like to do best. I feel lucky to receive this gift from life at my age... and I want to enjoy it as much as I can.
Yes, maybe even more, because I am now able to understand things better, I can provide my own ideas and this makes me feel fulfilled. You must remember I fought all my life for music, and I didn't get much. I finally gave up, I retired, and then it turns out to be that the best was still about to come into my life.
What really motivates me is do things with love, whatever it is. When you do things with love, everything turns out well.
Well, I am on tour now and this is something I really enjoy to do. Be in touch with the audience is an experience that never stops surprising me.
I do have a project in mind and I am really willing to go for it; I have talked about it with Nick Gold, the company's president, and I hope I can soon start to record, as soon as I have time. I am sorry but I cannot tell you more about it, as it is a surprise.
10) What new musicians are exciting you?
I am crazy about my dear friend’s Omara Portuondo new album. It is called "Flor de Amor" and it makes you dream... I don't know how to explain you, it has Brazilian influences, and I have always liked Brazilian music, I even dared to sing some Brazilian song when I was young.
Omara's voice really wins your hearth...
11) And have you had much time to reflect on your amazing travels and successes of the last few years?
I think life is to be lived... I prefer not to reflect, the past is the past. The important thing is to enjoy life like just as if each day was the last day of your life.
Thanks again for your time. It is very, very much appreciated. Please let me know if there's any trouble translating any of the above.
It was a pleasure to do this interview. Written interviews are easier for me , I have more time to answer all questions.
My management office sent the interview to me, I only speak Spanish and badly! I hope to see you this summer in your town. Please send many greetings to your fellow people in Canada, I will soon be there whit you!
Ibrahim Ferrer
-------------------
Mr. Ferrer,
Thanks very much for your responses. Glad to hear things are well in Cuba.
1) You said, "I have felt like a victim in my life." When was that? Or did you mean you "haven't" felt like a victim?
(Translator's answer): This was a translation error, we are sorry for that! Mr. Ferrer's answer to that question was he never felt like a victim.
2) You also mentioned being born again. Did you mean that in a religious sense? Tell me about that. What inspired that change?
During all these years working as a musician I had to cross many obstacles: I was always told that my voice was no good, my name doesn't appear in many albums I have recorded. I have always loved to sing boleros, I feel boleros always brings a message, and my orchestra directors used to tell me my voice was no good to sing boleros. This brought me down and I chose retirement as I was really disappointed .
So when I was invited to record on the Buena Vista Social Club project, I was about to say no, because I was afraid to have another disillusion.
Once I arrived at the studio I saw Ry Cooder and Nick Gold, of my record company, and as I began to sing, seems that they liked my voice. This was the beginning of a new life to me. Now I feel recognition to my work, I know people like my voice and my style, and this feels like I was born again. That's why I always say I am like a seven-years old boy... I mean it in the artistic sense, of course.
3) Have you yet received your Grammy award for this past year?
Yes I did! And I am proud to say that my orchestra guitar player, great friend and great musician Manuel Galban has also received his, for his album “Mambo Sinuendo”.
4) You said about music - "I finally gave up, I retired..." When you were shining shoes, had you really given up on music and lost all hope in its powers? Is it strange to have to fight again to perform in a place like the United States?
Ok let me explain you this, I used to clean shoes, but this was not to survive. I was on pension and I had enough money to me and my family, but at that time I use to have some little bad habits, like smoking or drinking having a run with friends every now and then . So I used to clean shoes to be able to afford this bad little habits, spend some money with my friends out of the pension .... Let me tell you that now I don't smoke anymore and I am happy for this! I still drink, but very little. But I really recommend all smokers to give it up ...
I must tell you I was disappointed , but not with music or its power. I was disappointed with the world of music, because they wouldn’t 't give me no opportunity during all these years. I had got used to the idea and I had lost my hope. That's why I retired myself.
I think that life is a strange thing, full of surprises... Once I thought I couldn't expect anything from life anymore, and life was about to give me something I could never imagine even in my best dreams: people's love and recognition. My audience demonstrates it to me all the time, and this makes me fell very happy. I wouldn't say I had to fight. What I do is to give myself over; I give all I have inside my hearth, and I think this is something that all audiences in the world can understand, no matter from which country.
Of course, I always try to do my best at work.
5) And, finally, how are things in Cuba?
I don't use to get out much, I like to stay at home with my family, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and with my friends. I love to get together with them and play domino at home. I also enjoy to spend time with my dogs, I have a soft spot for them... I have tree dogs: Principe, Rocco and Travi. I am always thinking about them when I am on tour, I cannot wait to see them again and play with them!
6) Do you perform regularly?
I always like to perform in Cuba because it's a very demanding audience who understands a lot of music. But I cannot perform there as much as I would like to, as I spend much time in my international tours. Me and my good friend Omara Portuondo did her new album’s ("Flor de Amor") presentation show at the National Theatre, which is an awesome theatre. I was invited to her new album presentation show and I enjoyed it very much.
7) Where are you currently living in Cuba exactly?
I am living in a very quiet zone with my family. I cannot tell you my address, otherwise I may be receiving many foreign visits at home within the next days...
8) And do you ever go and get your shoes shined?
I like shining shoes! I do it with much affection and, of course, I do shine my own shoes.
// posted by Aaron @ 6:17:00 PM
I know better
Clarification: When Avril Lavigne said Britney Spears dances "like a ho" she really meant "I just need to look after myself and everything will be cool. I am not going to start making comments that will start fights."
Says Avril now:
"Christina Aguilera and Britney do not bother me, I have no opinion on them. I have never evenmet themso how can I be expected to commentonwhat they do?"
Is Avril Lavigne slowly becoming the new Roseanne Barr (shrill, suffering from multiple personality disorder, etc)?
Clarification: When Avril Lavigne said Britney Spears dances "like a ho" she really meant "I just need to look after myself and everything will be cool. I am not going to start making comments that will start fights."
Says Avril now:
"Christina Aguilera and Britney do not bother me, I have no opinion on them. I have never evenmet themso how can I be expected to commentonwhat they do?"
Is Avril Lavigne slowly becoming the new Roseanne Barr (shrill, suffering from multiple personality disorder, etc)?
// posted by Aaron @ 1:22:00 AM
Tuesday, 18 May, 2004
What Would Courtney Do?
Probably buy this t-shirt. Then puke all over it. And, later, call it art.
Probably buy this t-shirt. Then puke all over it. And, later, call it art.
// posted by Aaron @ 11:58:00 PM
College
Enough of that nonsense. Promise never to speak of it again.
Cos I have (finally) heard the future. And it is Afroman's Afroholic... Even Better Times (samples courtesy of Aaron Brophy at the Cancrit board).
If you listen to one song today, let it be Whack Rappers in which the man who gave us Because I Got High picks a fight with just about every other rapper on the planet.
Sample rhymes:
I think you cra-zee
If you like Jay-Z
Don't change clothes
Change the CD
Afro motherfuckin' M-A-N
Can't stand no motherfuckin' Ying-Yang Twins
I think Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz
Is an irritating, ignorant bunch of noise
Fabolous?
What's fabolous about it?
I think you terrible
Music unbearable
Ripping off Mase
With that look on his face
Oh man, I rest my case
Kelis, this is what I want you to do
Get on your knees
Face me
I've got a milkshake for you
And its tasty
Just like your album
Puff Daddy, enough already
Now it's P.Diddy
Still sound shitty
How can your group be called Da Band?
Nobody plays an instrument man
Why is David Banner running from the Klan?
What happened to the bitches man?
Missy Elliott, thinks she looks like Halle Berry
That's scary
(sung to the tune of the chorus from Work It)
Her CD ain't worth it
Put your money in your pocket and reverse it
Missy Elliott makes a bunch of bullshit
Even with a weave
I can't stand Eve
I can't stand Eve, that's what I said
She got a pinhead
Later he mocks 50 Cent for rapping like Mike Tyson.
It's the new How to Rob. Only for slow kids.
Enough of that nonsense. Promise never to speak of it again.
Cos I have (finally) heard the future. And it is Afroman's Afroholic... Even Better Times (samples courtesy of Aaron Brophy at the Cancrit board).
If you listen to one song today, let it be Whack Rappers in which the man who gave us Because I Got High picks a fight with just about every other rapper on the planet.
Sample rhymes:
I think you cra-zee
If you like Jay-Z
Don't change clothes
Change the CD
Afro motherfuckin' M-A-N
Can't stand no motherfuckin' Ying-Yang Twins
I think Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz
Is an irritating, ignorant bunch of noise
Fabolous?
What's fabolous about it?
I think you terrible
Music unbearable
Ripping off Mase
With that look on his face
Oh man, I rest my case
Kelis, this is what I want you to do
Get on your knees
Face me
I've got a milkshake for you
And its tasty
Just like your album
Puff Daddy, enough already
Now it's P.Diddy
Still sound shitty
How can your group be called Da Band?
Nobody plays an instrument man
Why is David Banner running from the Klan?
What happened to the bitches man?
Missy Elliott, thinks she looks like Halle Berry
That's scary
(sung to the tune of the chorus from Work It)
Her CD ain't worth it
Put your money in your pocket and reverse it
Missy Elliott makes a bunch of bullshit
Even with a weave
I can't stand Eve
I can't stand Eve, that's what I said
She got a pinhead
Later he mocks 50 Cent for rapping like Mike Tyson.
It's the new How to Rob. Only for slow kids.
// posted by Aaron @ 11:33:00 PM
Comfortably numb
This rant from sometime ago is apparently making the rounds. Knickers everywhere twisting and such. Friends checking in to see if I've lost my marbles.
So let's clarify a few points:
First, there is little that condones illegal downloading of copyrighted material. As I've argued before though, the legality , for pro-downloaders at least, should be besides the point.
Despite the soon-to-be-tightened legal loopholes in Canada, both sides of the debate can generally agree that stealing material without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal. The real separation is this - pro-downloaders believe themselves to be freedom fighters for art, striking out against the record labels and corporations who control such things; record labels believe themselves to be fighting for control of the material they spend millions to produce and promote.
Of course, it's far more complicated than that. But that's the barebones basic of this squabble.
Anyway. In Canada, it's a little more complicated. And so, right now the recording industry is staging a two-headed campaign - arguing from one mouth that the government should continue to contribute tax dollars to support it; the other mouth asking the government to help the recording industry crackdown on downloaders (or freeloaders as my paper is fond of calling them).
The message to taxpayers: We need your money.
The message to downloaders: Stop stealing. We need your money.
The message to taxpaying downloaders: We need your money and while you're at it, stop downloading so you can gives us more money.
Oh, but lots of Canadian companies receive tax breaks and government funding and then charge us for their product, you say.
Sure. Fine. Can't dispute that. And if the consumer is satisfied with that set up, more power to them and the businesses they frequent.
But music consumers don't seem all that satisfied of late. In fact, they seem downright disgruntled. That's why they're going online and downloading to their cold, careless hearts' content completely free of guilt.
So here's several question that might be asked by all those music publications trotting out Save Factor editorials:
Nobody wants to see Jann Arden forced to work at McDonald's, but why should some night manager at McDonald's have to pay twice for his Jann Arden CD? What would the ramifications be of discounting in Canada those CDs from artists who have received government funding? What if we discounted all CanCon altogether?
Wouldn't downloaders be justified in saying to the recording industry - "We'll stop downloading your songs just as soon as you stop downloading our tax dollars?"
Why does the recording industry in this country feel such a sense of entitlement? Why do they feel they are owed both funding and changes to the federal copyright laws?
Has federal funding really produced a healthy national recording industry? Who has received funding? Who hasn't? Why? What exactly is this money used for? How often are loans not repaid? Why is it easier for some parties to receive loans and grants? And what exactly would happen if this funding was cut or cut-off entirely? Is it such that the recording industry has become dependent on federal funding? Is that really what the government and voters want?
And who is in control here? The industry? The government? Or the consumer?
***
Anyway. This all rather boring, no? That's probably why no one ever makes a fuss about much of the above or even asks the odd question. Set against health care funding or, say, Adscam, government money for the recording industry is rather insignificant. And most music writers would rather busy themselves with the minutiae of guitar solos and drum fills. Fair enough. So would we all.
***
An astute reader and industry expert notes that the Heritage Committee on Copyright may have offered their recommendations long before the Minister for that department rendered her verdict at the Junos. He may be right in this regard - I'm still trying to sort the whens and hows of that one out (this report for instance, backs up my original timing). But he knows far more of these dealings than I. Either way, there was no intention to suggest a conspiracy. Pandering to the record industry, maybe. But not quite Watergate.
***
P.S. I ask none of the above questions rhetorically.
***
P.P.S. Angry record industry types are invited to correct me on any and all points.
***
P.P.P.S. Until then, here is a Chart story with the record industry explanation of the Tragically Hip situation.
***
P.P.P.P.S. Another non-rhetorical question - is the real problem that kids these days, unable to find new music on the radio and tv, are turning to Kazaa and the like? Is that why they feel downloading should be free?
***
P.P.P.P.P.S. Realize that there are two major issues mixing here - the motivating forces/consequences of government funding for the arts and the motivating forces/consequences of downloading.
***
P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Colby Cosh with a long ago post on downloading.
***
P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Some numbers from Canadian Music Network magazine. Total music sales in Canada, according to Soundscan, are up 2.5% this year. Albums are up 3.3%. Singles are down 44.6%. The week ending May 9 saw a 12.5% increase over the same week last year.
This rant from sometime ago is apparently making the rounds. Knickers everywhere twisting and such. Friends checking in to see if I've lost my marbles.
So let's clarify a few points:
First, there is little that condones illegal downloading of copyrighted material. As I've argued before though, the legality , for pro-downloaders at least, should be besides the point.
Despite the soon-to-be-tightened legal loopholes in Canada, both sides of the debate can generally agree that stealing material without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal. The real separation is this - pro-downloaders believe themselves to be freedom fighters for art, striking out against the record labels and corporations who control such things; record labels believe themselves to be fighting for control of the material they spend millions to produce and promote.
Of course, it's far more complicated than that. But that's the barebones basic of this squabble.
Anyway. In Canada, it's a little more complicated. And so, right now the recording industry is staging a two-headed campaign - arguing from one mouth that the government should continue to contribute tax dollars to support it; the other mouth asking the government to help the recording industry crackdown on downloaders (or freeloaders as my paper is fond of calling them).
The message to taxpayers: We need your money.
The message to downloaders: Stop stealing. We need your money.
The message to taxpaying downloaders: We need your money and while you're at it, stop downloading so you can gives us more money.
Oh, but lots of Canadian companies receive tax breaks and government funding and then charge us for their product, you say.
Sure. Fine. Can't dispute that. And if the consumer is satisfied with that set up, more power to them and the businesses they frequent.
But music consumers don't seem all that satisfied of late. In fact, they seem downright disgruntled. That's why they're going online and downloading to their cold, careless hearts' content completely free of guilt.
So here's several question that might be asked by all those music publications trotting out Save Factor editorials:
Nobody wants to see Jann Arden forced to work at McDonald's, but why should some night manager at McDonald's have to pay twice for his Jann Arden CD? What would the ramifications be of discounting in Canada those CDs from artists who have received government funding? What if we discounted all CanCon altogether?
Wouldn't downloaders be justified in saying to the recording industry - "We'll stop downloading your songs just as soon as you stop downloading our tax dollars?"
Why does the recording industry in this country feel such a sense of entitlement? Why do they feel they are owed both funding and changes to the federal copyright laws?
Has federal funding really produced a healthy national recording industry? Who has received funding? Who hasn't? Why? What exactly is this money used for? How often are loans not repaid? Why is it easier for some parties to receive loans and grants? And what exactly would happen if this funding was cut or cut-off entirely? Is it such that the recording industry has become dependent on federal funding? Is that really what the government and voters want?
And who is in control here? The industry? The government? Or the consumer?
***
Anyway. This all rather boring, no? That's probably why no one ever makes a fuss about much of the above or even asks the odd question. Set against health care funding or, say, Adscam, government money for the recording industry is rather insignificant. And most music writers would rather busy themselves with the minutiae of guitar solos and drum fills. Fair enough. So would we all.
***
An astute reader and industry expert notes that the Heritage Committee on Copyright may have offered their recommendations long before the Minister for that department rendered her verdict at the Junos. He may be right in this regard - I'm still trying to sort the whens and hows of that one out (this report for instance, backs up my original timing). But he knows far more of these dealings than I. Either way, there was no intention to suggest a conspiracy. Pandering to the record industry, maybe. But not quite Watergate.
***
P.S. I ask none of the above questions rhetorically.
***
P.P.S. Angry record industry types are invited to correct me on any and all points.
***
P.P.P.S. Until then, here is a Chart story with the record industry explanation of the Tragically Hip situation.
***
P.P.P.P.S. Another non-rhetorical question - is the real problem that kids these days, unable to find new music on the radio and tv, are turning to Kazaa and the like? Is that why they feel downloading should be free?
***
P.P.P.P.P.S. Realize that there are two major issues mixing here - the motivating forces/consequences of government funding for the arts and the motivating forces/consequences of downloading.
***
P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Colby Cosh with a long ago post on downloading.
***
P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Some numbers from Canadian Music Network magazine. Total music sales in Canada, according to Soundscan, are up 2.5% this year. Albums are up 3.3%. Singles are down 44.6%. The week ending May 9 saw a 12.5% increase over the same week last year.
// posted by Aaron @ 4:54:00 PM
Viral Initiatives
Highlights of the Beastie Boys publicity campaign for To the 5 Boroughs (taken from recent promotional material)...
Radio/Video:
-Ch-Check It Out single debuted on episode of The O.C. and was the #1 Most Added at Rock and #2 Most Added Overall - Week of Release - April 28th
-Ch-Check It Out video directed by longtime collaborator Nathaniel Hornblower - Premiered on all video formates with Heavy rotations Out of the Box - April 29th
-Various multi formate mainstream and campus radio promotions - June
-Network radio specials - June
Street/Club:
-Major street marketing including club/skateboard/life style/culture outlets
-Various club vinyl, remixes including major re-mix DJ competitions and launch events
New Media:
-Extensive on-line/viral initatives May/June/July
-Major portal features - i.e. Yahoo etc - June/July
Advertising:
-Extensive TV/radio/print buys (music, lifestyle, street) - June/July/August
-Street snipes/postering/graffiti - June/July
-on-line
Retails:
-Extensive window/listening post campaigns - June/July
-Major New Release and Catalogue campaign - May/June/July
-Clean/Vinyl available on S.I.S.
Media/Press/Promotion:
-Confirmed covers and/or major features in Chart (July), Peace (June), Strut, Exclaim, Pound, Blender, Rolling Stone, Spin, The New Yorker, etc.
-Toronto in-market promotion - including special appearances - June 2004 - TBC
-Major US TV performances throughout the summer
Tour:
-World tour begins in August 2004
-Canadian dates to be announced soon!
... Catalogue will be available at 18% discount...
Highlights of the Beastie Boys publicity campaign for To the 5 Boroughs (taken from recent promotional material)...
Radio/Video:
-Ch-Check It Out single debuted on episode of The O.C. and was the #1 Most Added at Rock and #2 Most Added Overall - Week of Release - April 28th
-Ch-Check It Out video directed by longtime collaborator Nathaniel Hornblower - Premiered on all video formates with Heavy rotations Out of the Box - April 29th
-Various multi formate mainstream and campus radio promotions - June
-Network radio specials - June
Street/Club:
-Major street marketing including club/skateboard/life style/culture outlets
-Various club vinyl, remixes including major re-mix DJ competitions and launch events
New Media:
-Extensive on-line/viral initatives May/June/July
-Major portal features - i.e. Yahoo etc - June/July
Advertising:
-Extensive TV/radio/print buys (music, lifestyle, street) - June/July/August
-Street snipes/postering/graffiti - June/July
-on-line
Retails:
-Extensive window/listening post campaigns - June/July
-Major New Release and Catalogue campaign - May/June/July
-Clean/Vinyl available on S.I.S.
Media/Press/Promotion:
-Confirmed covers and/or major features in Chart (July), Peace (June), Strut, Exclaim, Pound, Blender, Rolling Stone, Spin, The New Yorker, etc.
-Toronto in-market promotion - including special appearances - June 2004 - TBC
-Major US TV performances throughout the summer
Tour:
-World tour begins in August 2004
-Canadian dates to be announced soon!
... Catalogue will be available at 18% discount...
// posted by Aaron @ 3:03:00 AM
Get this man in uniform
Kevin Garnett is an idiot. This is the NBA's Most Valuable Player pontificating on his preparations for this week's game seven between his Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings:
"This is it and for all the marbles. I'm sitting in the house loading up the pump, loading up the Uzi, I've got a couple of M-16s, a couple of 9s and a couple of joints with some silencers on them. I'm just loading up clips, a couple of grenades, a missile launcher with a couple of missiles. I'm ready for war."
Sounds like he's volunteering for duty Mr. Rumsfeld.
Kevin Garnett is an idiot. This is the NBA's Most Valuable Player pontificating on his preparations for this week's game seven between his Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings:
"This is it and for all the marbles. I'm sitting in the house loading up the pump, loading up the Uzi, I've got a couple of M-16s, a couple of 9s and a couple of joints with some silencers on them. I'm just loading up clips, a couple of grenades, a missile launcher with a couple of missiles. I'm ready for war."
Sounds like he's volunteering for duty Mr. Rumsfeld.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:49:00 AM
Monday, 17 May, 2004
The bloom is back
Last week I argued that guilt was the motivating force behind the current Loretta Lynn love-in. That column can be found here.
A taste:
If Loretta Lynn were to pen a song about the celebratory critical reception to her new record, Van Lear Rose, it might be entitled If You'd Loved Me Then Like You Love Me Now. Or maybe Your Kisses Came Too Late. Either way it would tell the tale of an unappreciative husband, so inattentive he drove his wife to distraction. Only after she came round with her new beau, a dashing, charismatic younger man, did that husband remember why he'd fallen for her so many years ago.
Last week I argued that guilt was the motivating force behind the current Loretta Lynn love-in. That column can be found here.
A taste:
If Loretta Lynn were to pen a song about the celebratory critical reception to her new record, Van Lear Rose, it might be entitled If You'd Loved Me Then Like You Love Me Now. Or maybe Your Kisses Came Too Late. Either way it would tell the tale of an unappreciative husband, so inattentive he drove his wife to distraction. Only after she came round with her new beau, a dashing, charismatic younger man, did that husband remember why he'd fallen for her so many years ago.
// posted by Aaron @ 10:53:00 PM
It comes naturally
Last week's profile of Leslie Feist can be found here.
An excerpt:
Leslie Feist is roaming the streets of Paris, talking on her cellphone about the wisdom of an American president. Lincoln, perhaps. Or maybe Roosevelt.
"This is pathetic that I don't know who said this, but on a wall I have this card that someone gave me for my birthday that says, 'Do what you can where you are with what you have,' " Feist says. "I think it's either Lincoln or Roosevelt that said that."
It was in fact the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who offered that wisdom, he of the equally Feistian notion that one should "speak softly and carry a big stick" (though apparently that one was actually a West African proverb).
"And I can add to that: Just go where you need to be," Feist says, getting back to her Roosevelt-inspired ethos. "Follow your nose. Stay liquid. And adaptable."
Last week's profile of Leslie Feist can be found here.
An excerpt:
Leslie Feist is roaming the streets of Paris, talking on her cellphone about the wisdom of an American president. Lincoln, perhaps. Or maybe Roosevelt.
"This is pathetic that I don't know who said this, but on a wall I have this card that someone gave me for my birthday that says, 'Do what you can where you are with what you have,' " Feist says. "I think it's either Lincoln or Roosevelt that said that."
It was in fact the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who offered that wisdom, he of the equally Feistian notion that one should "speak softly and carry a big stick" (though apparently that one was actually a West African proverb).
"And I can add to that: Just go where you need to be," Feist says, getting back to her Roosevelt-inspired ethos. "Follow your nose. Stay liquid. And adaptable."
// posted by Aaron @ 10:50:00 PM
You put the Uperstar in Superstar
So, despite all the disenfranchised voters, Fantasia's going to win American Idol right? To be honest I haven't watched the show much, but Chang convinced me to give it another shot. And I've come to really like that Fantasia. She might just save that franchise for me. It's produced one colossal bore after another. But this girl's got some personality. And a great name. And she just might be a wee bit crazy. Oh, and she can sing too.
Anyway. The WB's Superstar USA is so bloddy mean, it's genius. Mrs. PopWherry argues it's taking advantage of these poor souls, but let's not forget that all are willing participants. And all believe themselves to be truly talented.
Alright. Yeah, I'm not even convinced by that argument. But it's at least hysterical in its cruelty (unlike say The Swan - which is just gross). And it's brought Vitamin C back to our televisions. What more could you possibly ask of a two-bit faux-reality TV show?
Further reading:
USA Today: Can't sing or dance?
Los Angeles Times: Superstar turns an Idol idea on its ear
Associated Press: Superstar USA apologizes for Make-A-Wish remark
So, despite all the disenfranchised voters, Fantasia's going to win American Idol right? To be honest I haven't watched the show much, but Chang convinced me to give it another shot. And I've come to really like that Fantasia. She might just save that franchise for me. It's produced one colossal bore after another. But this girl's got some personality. And a great name. And she just might be a wee bit crazy. Oh, and she can sing too.
Anyway. The WB's Superstar USA is so bloddy mean, it's genius. Mrs. PopWherry argues it's taking advantage of these poor souls, but let's not forget that all are willing participants. And all believe themselves to be truly talented.
Alright. Yeah, I'm not even convinced by that argument. But it's at least hysterical in its cruelty (unlike say The Swan - which is just gross). And it's brought Vitamin C back to our televisions. What more could you possibly ask of a two-bit faux-reality TV show?
Further reading:
USA Today: Can't sing or dance?
Los Angeles Times: Superstar turns an Idol idea on its ear
Associated Press: Superstar USA apologizes for Make-A-Wish remark
// posted by Aaron @ 10:12:00 PM
Why'd you have to go and make things so carbohydrated?
Avril blames crap lyrics on crap food.
Also in that report, Avril on Marilyn:
“When we’re in the same city we get together and he’s so cool. One time, we hung out in his room and watched movies. I went to his show a couple of times and we hung out on the tour bus after. When we’re together it’s really cool because we just sit there and totally talk. It’s so healthy when I can sit down and talk to another artist who’s doing what I’m doing.”
Ah. But let's remember, for a moment, Marilyn on Avril:
"She came to one of my shows and we met backstage and I thought she was very, very strange, because she really doesn't have anyone babysitting her. There weren't any bodyguards and I don't know whether that was impressive because she was independent, or strange because she doesn't know that somebody might kidnap her, cut off her toes and sell them to someone like me on E-bay. I found her to be nice... but strange. And it's very impressive of her to hang out with me with dildocam around. No good can come of that, can it?"
Avril blames crap lyrics on crap food.
Also in that report, Avril on Marilyn:
“When we’re in the same city we get together and he’s so cool. One time, we hung out in his room and watched movies. I went to his show a couple of times and we hung out on the tour bus after. When we’re together it’s really cool because we just sit there and totally talk. It’s so healthy when I can sit down and talk to another artist who’s doing what I’m doing.”
Ah. But let's remember, for a moment, Marilyn on Avril:
"She came to one of my shows and we met backstage and I thought she was very, very strange, because she really doesn't have anyone babysitting her. There weren't any bodyguards and I don't know whether that was impressive because she was independent, or strange because she doesn't know that somebody might kidnap her, cut off her toes and sell them to someone like me on E-bay. I found her to be nice... but strange. And it's very impressive of her to hang out with me with dildocam around. No good can come of that, can it?"
// posted by Aaron @ 6:32:00 PM
Freedom
In response to popular demand, here's Guy Dixon's piece on Leslie Feist. On a side note, Guy, Carl and the rest of the Globe's Review staff are about to get a new editor. Good luck to all.
Singer finds she's a freer woman in Paris
At one point she shouts, "eh, Jean-Michel," and lets out a whistle. She's meeting friends in the city that she's beginning to consider home, and talking long distance on her cellphone about the circuitous route that brought her there in the first place. Sounds of birds and children from an ocean away are coming through the tinny reception. It seems so near and yet so subtly foreign, like her new music.
In response to popular demand, here's Guy Dixon's piece on Leslie Feist. On a side note, Guy, Carl and the rest of the Globe's Review staff are about to get a new editor. Good luck to all.
Singer finds she's a freer woman in Paris
At one point she shouts, "eh, Jean-Michel," and lets out a whistle. She's meeting friends in the city that she's beginning to consider home, and talking long distance on her cellphone about the circuitous route that brought her there in the first place. Sounds of birds and children from an ocean away are coming through the tinny reception. It seems so near and yet so subtly foreign, like her new music.
// posted by Aaron @ 6:07:00 PM
Fireworks
SFJ considers the infinite wonders of Nellie McKay:
Like Dylan, DJ Shadow, and Jack White, McKay draws from artists outside the present to set herself apart from the crowd—it’s a way of raising the bar, pushing herself toward better work.
SFJ considers the infinite wonders of Nellie McKay:
Like Dylan, DJ Shadow, and Jack White, McKay draws from artists outside the present to set herself apart from the crowd—it’s a way of raising the bar, pushing herself toward better work.
// posted by Aaron @ 6:02:00 PM
Friday, 14 May, 2004
Feist for sale
This Leslie Feist girl we keep talking about will be doing a solo in-store performance next Wednesday in Toronto.
The details:
Where: Soundscapes, 572 College St.
When: Wednesday, May 19 at 8pm.
This Leslie Feist girl we keep talking about will be doing a solo in-store performance next Wednesday in Toronto.
The details:
Where: Soundscapes, 572 College St.
When: Wednesday, May 19 at 8pm.
// posted by Aaron @ 6:28:00 PM
Desperate cries for attention
A compendium of Avril Lavigne's recent exploits:
May 2: Claims bar fighting prowess in interview with the London Times.
May 5: Bemoans punk label on Radio 1
May 6: Tells Capital FM she loves to get trashed.
May 7: Expresses wish to record with the Darkness.
May 8: Makes out with that short guy from Sum 41 who used to make out with Paris Hilton.
May 8: Tells CNN she's involved in a horror movie project.
May 9: Tells German TV she once kissed a girl.
May 10: Claims skateboard as dinner table.
May 12: Calls Britney Spears a "ho."
May 12: Dismisses autograph seeker with "No, you'll just fu**ing sell it on ebay!" Then flips off paparazzi.
May 12: Complains that bodyguards are chasing the boys away.
May 14: Claims Canada is "too cold."
A compendium of Avril Lavigne's recent exploits:
May 2: Claims bar fighting prowess in interview with the London Times.
May 5: Bemoans punk label on Radio 1
May 6: Tells Capital FM she loves to get trashed.
May 7: Expresses wish to record with the Darkness.
May 8: Makes out with that short guy from Sum 41 who used to make out with Paris Hilton.
May 8: Tells CNN she's involved in a horror movie project.
May 9: Tells German TV she once kissed a girl.
May 10: Claims skateboard as dinner table.
May 12: Calls Britney Spears a "ho."
May 12: Dismisses autograph seeker with "No, you'll just fu**ing sell it on ebay!" Then flips off paparazzi.
May 12: Complains that bodyguards are chasing the boys away.
May 14: Claims Canada is "too cold."
// posted by Aaron @ 5:07:00 PM
Get Your Hate On (II)
Gene Simmons on Islam:
In an interview with the Melbourne radio station 3AW on Thursday, he described Islam as a "vile culture" which he said treated women worse than dogs, forcing them to walk behind their men and forbidding them to be educated or to own property.
"Your dog, however, can walk side by side, your dog is allowed to have its own dog house...you can send your dog to school to learn tricks, sit, beg, do all that stuff," he said.
Gene Simmons on Islam:
In an interview with the Melbourne radio station 3AW on Thursday, he described Islam as a "vile culture" which he said treated women worse than dogs, forcing them to walk behind their men and forbidding them to be educated or to own property.
"Your dog, however, can walk side by side, your dog is allowed to have its own dog house...you can send your dog to school to learn tricks, sit, beg, do all that stuff," he said.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:17:00 PM
Get Your Hate On (I)
Morrissey on Bowie:
"(He is) not the person he was. He is no longer David Bowie at all. Now he gives people what he thinks will make them happy, and they're yawning their heads off. And by doing that, he is not relevant. He was only relevant by accident."
Morrissey on Bowie:
"(He is) not the person he was. He is no longer David Bowie at all. Now he gives people what he thinks will make them happy, and they're yawning their heads off. And by doing that, he is not relevant. He was only relevant by accident."
// posted by Aaron @ 3:05:00 PM
Lovin' It
A few of the first reviews for Leslie Feist's Let It Die to appear on this side of the Atlantic. More to follow, surely.
Now - Sarah Liss - 4/5
She interprets covers and originals with the emotional insight of a trained jazz singer, while producers Jason "Chilly Gonzales" Beck and Manu Chao's Renaud Lang frame Feist's dark bedroom tunes with delicately detailed arrangements – from the muttered background vocals, chimes and handclap percussion of lead single Mushaboom to the tiny gospel choir backing the buoyant take on Ron Sexsmith's Secret Heart. C'est formidable.
Eye - Stuart Berman - 4.5/5
The song forms she uses -- folk, bossa, disco -- may be traditional, even anachronistic, but she fills them with sultry shots of cigarette smoke that lend even the most familiar of settings an alluring mystique.
Chart - Lauren Ferranti
Elegance breathes amid sparse vocal and acoustic guitar arrangements, organ swells, happy hand claps and finger snaps.
And the only English-language review I've been able to find from the other side of the ocean:
The Observer - 3/5
A few of the first reviews for Leslie Feist's Let It Die to appear on this side of the Atlantic. More to follow, surely.
Now - Sarah Liss - 4/5
She interprets covers and originals with the emotional insight of a trained jazz singer, while producers Jason "Chilly Gonzales" Beck and Manu Chao's Renaud Lang frame Feist's dark bedroom tunes with delicately detailed arrangements – from the muttered background vocals, chimes and handclap percussion of lead single Mushaboom to the tiny gospel choir backing the buoyant take on Ron Sexsmith's Secret Heart. C'est formidable.
Eye - Stuart Berman - 4.5/5
The song forms she uses -- folk, bossa, disco -- may be traditional, even anachronistic, but she fills them with sultry shots of cigarette smoke that lend even the most familiar of settings an alluring mystique.
Chart - Lauren Ferranti
Elegance breathes amid sparse vocal and acoustic guitar arrangements, organ swells, happy hand claps and finger snaps.
And the only English-language review I've been able to find from the other side of the ocean:
The Observer - 3/5
// posted by Aaron @ 2:05:00 AM
Thursday, 13 May, 2004
Canada: Stamping out crap metal one long-haired skid at a time
So we're bringing in HIV-infected immigrants by the bus load (we're not really all that outraged, just in need of a ridiculous comparison), but we're calling in the Mounties at even the slightest indication of metal band migration. Yes, I'd say this nation's priorities are in order.
Earlier this week, Drowning Pool's Stevie Benton took to the band's message board to explain why the metalheads would not be able to delight audiences north of the 49th parallel this year.
"Why won't you let us in?" he pleaded. "It seems the people at the border don't like the looks of us. Perhaps they feel we would corrupt the Canadian youths. We were very much looking forward to doing just that. We promise to keep trying to get in. Maybe later this summer. We're very sorry to anyone we disappointed. Much love to all of you up there."
Much discussion of Canadian "suckage" ensued.
This comes shortly after those charged with defending our borders decided that Nikki Sixx and the rest of the boys in Brides of Destruction were equally unfit to enter our home and native land.
Frontman London LeGrand explains:
"I guess the Mounties are just a little too brainwashed to feel some compassion…but a person is only what they’ve been trained to be. We are all born un-judgmental, and we all prosper from everyone, whether it is from not wanting to be like someone in hopes to stop a cycle of narrow-mindedness, which is what I believe is the root of suppression, or wanting to be like someone in hopes tomorrow will be a better day for us all."
Er. Yeah. That clears things up.
Anyway. In Vancouver young metallers are being asked to explain where the mean police officers touched them when the band pretending to be Guns N Roses abruptly cancelled their gig there last year (something of a small riot ensued).
Apparently some of Vancouver's finest got a little carried away.
"I turned my head just in time to see a police officer strike me across the mouth," one fan testified before a formal inquiry. "I saw it, I felt it and I distinctly remember the sound of the metal object...hitting my teeth."
Like a man who had come across a bear in the woods, he played dead. And like baton-wielding bears, the police officers moved on to other prey.
"So I picked up my teeth and went to walk away."
The computer tech (hmm, rather unruly bunch those computer nerds) lost two teeth as a result and had to have six later removed. In total, he has spent "$25,000 having his teeth fixed, including bone graph procedures and implants." But he remains confident that Chinese Democracy will be released within the year and "like totally rock" making both the decade long wait and missing teeth all the more worth it.
So fans of both Drowning Pool and Brides of Destruction, best consider yourselves lucky. Cos even if your heroes had gotten past our crack border squad, our local constabulary would have been sure to greet you at the venue with a good ole fashioned teeth smashing.
Then again, you do like metal, so maybe you're into that sort of thing.
(We kid. Please spare us your reports of PopWherry's suckage. We are well aware of the problem and have attendants working day and night to rectify the matter.)
So we're bringing in HIV-infected immigrants by the bus load (we're not really all that outraged, just in need of a ridiculous comparison), but we're calling in the Mounties at even the slightest indication of metal band migration. Yes, I'd say this nation's priorities are in order.
Earlier this week, Drowning Pool's Stevie Benton took to the band's message board to explain why the metalheads would not be able to delight audiences north of the 49th parallel this year.
"Why won't you let us in?" he pleaded. "It seems the people at the border don't like the looks of us. Perhaps they feel we would corrupt the Canadian youths. We were very much looking forward to doing just that. We promise to keep trying to get in. Maybe later this summer. We're very sorry to anyone we disappointed. Much love to all of you up there."
Much discussion of Canadian "suckage" ensued.
This comes shortly after those charged with defending our borders decided that Nikki Sixx and the rest of the boys in Brides of Destruction were equally unfit to enter our home and native land.
Frontman London LeGrand explains:
"I guess the Mounties are just a little too brainwashed to feel some compassion…but a person is only what they’ve been trained to be. We are all born un-judgmental, and we all prosper from everyone, whether it is from not wanting to be like someone in hopes to stop a cycle of narrow-mindedness, which is what I believe is the root of suppression, or wanting to be like someone in hopes tomorrow will be a better day for us all."
Er. Yeah. That clears things up.
Anyway. In Vancouver young metallers are being asked to explain where the mean police officers touched them when the band pretending to be Guns N Roses abruptly cancelled their gig there last year (something of a small riot ensued).
Apparently some of Vancouver's finest got a little carried away.
"I turned my head just in time to see a police officer strike me across the mouth," one fan testified before a formal inquiry. "I saw it, I felt it and I distinctly remember the sound of the metal object...hitting my teeth."
Like a man who had come across a bear in the woods, he played dead. And like baton-wielding bears, the police officers moved on to other prey.
"So I picked up my teeth and went to walk away."
The computer tech (hmm, rather unruly bunch those computer nerds) lost two teeth as a result and had to have six later removed. In total, he has spent "$25,000 having his teeth fixed, including bone graph procedures and implants." But he remains confident that Chinese Democracy will be released within the year and "like totally rock" making both the decade long wait and missing teeth all the more worth it.
So fans of both Drowning Pool and Brides of Destruction, best consider yourselves lucky. Cos even if your heroes had gotten past our crack border squad, our local constabulary would have been sure to greet you at the venue with a good ole fashioned teeth smashing.
Then again, you do like metal, so maybe you're into that sort of thing.
(We kid. Please spare us your reports of PopWherry's suckage. We are well aware of the problem and have attendants working day and night to rectify the matter.)
// posted by Aaron @ 6:16:00 PM
fairplay but who can i rely on then?
Alright. Nuff of that nonsense.
Let's take a few minutes to consider what defines greatness in recorded sound these days. According to John Mayer (see below), "great albums give you something good to chew on while you're waiting for dinner to cook."
The Streets' A Grand Don't Come For Free certainly meets, if not exceeds, this requirement. And there is much chewing to be found here and here.
Plenty of reading there. Give yourself an hour or so. Use the preceding and subsequent hours to listen and re-listen to the record.
Feel free to cry at the end.
Alright. Nuff of that nonsense.
Let's take a few minutes to consider what defines greatness in recorded sound these days. According to John Mayer (see below), "great albums give you something good to chew on while you're waiting for dinner to cook."
The Streets' A Grand Don't Come For Free certainly meets, if not exceeds, this requirement. And there is much chewing to be found here and here.
Plenty of reading there. Give yourself an hour or so. Use the preceding and subsequent hours to listen and re-listen to the record.
Feel free to cry at the end.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:16:00 AM
When all else fails...
Why aren't we all, at this very moment, huddled around the nearest water cooler excitedly discussing the fact that, reportedly, Britney Spears is preparing to pose for Playboy?
Well the Fark guys (do any actual girls ever use Fark?) are talking. But about this fake (not work safe unless your occupation involves regular viewing of naked breasts) that's been circulating around the net as a possible Playboy leak.
Imagine what Avril's going to say when she hears about this.
Why aren't we all, at this very moment, huddled around the nearest water cooler excitedly discussing the fact that, reportedly, Britney Spears is preparing to pose for Playboy?
Well the Fark guys (do any actual girls ever use Fark?) are talking. But about this fake (not work safe unless your occupation involves regular viewing of naked breasts) that's been circulating around the net as a possible Playboy leak.
Imagine what Avril's going to say when she hears about this.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:05:00 AM
Anyone can play guitar
Esquire has given John Mayer his own monthly column. Seriously. Stop laughing (and/or crying).
It's not yet posted online (or wasn't last time I checked). So here, I retype the work of John Mayer.
PopWherry: Sacrificing all self-respect for you, dear reader.
(all spelling and/or grammar errors are mine, unless they're his)
The Resident Rock Star
Monthly musings from our cultural advisor
Esquire has given me a third of a page to write whatever I please. Evidently it's bad form to sell it for ad space (sorry, Jim Ellis Ford and Mercury Dealers). So this month, I thought I'd share with you a new musician whose music's got me seriously worked up. But first, to gain your trust, a sampling of things I think I believe.
The White Stripes: I like them, but I don't see how they're in any way a manifestation of the blues.
The Neptunes: I could use their touch on my next record.
N.E.R.D.: Could use my touch on their next record.
The Beatles: I've missed too many episodes to follow the plot.
Kanye West: At last, hip-hop turns the hazards off and gets the flat tire fixed.
Ryan Adams: Wants it so bad, he became it.
John Mayer, Heavier Things: B minus. Am I the only one who finds this record creepy to make out to?
Put this CD on: Good albums come with learning curves, and great albums give you something good to chew on while you're waiting for dinner to cook. I find myself chewing on another song off Nellie McKay's debut record, Get Away from Me, about once every two days. While Joss Stone is busy being minted Miss Power of Suggestion 2004, this 19-year-old has quietly released one of the best albums of the year. Get Away from Me is a breakthrough album. It's also the kind of eclectic album that record companies don't traditionally have a clue what to do with. Based in jazz and borrowing heavily from musical theater, the environments are elaborately painted set pieces. Every melody — every musical event — is fully realized. In fact, there's more music in McKay's head than she knows what to do with. The next Joshua Tree it ain't, but 18 tracks on two discs ensure that if you can get past the fact that she raps without flinching on several songs, someday you'll get to hearing them all.
Next month: Ways for lazy industry haters to get excited about the music again.
So. What do we make of this?
I find myself very conflicted. I can't possible overstate my distaste for anything and everything John Mayer-related. Yet, I have done little to understate my affection for Nellie McKay.
So shall I reconsider my hate of Mayer? Or rethink my love for McKay?
Or simply conclude that even jerk rock stars will eventually get something right?
Esquire has given John Mayer his own monthly column. Seriously. Stop laughing (and/or crying).
It's not yet posted online (or wasn't last time I checked). So here, I retype the work of John Mayer.
PopWherry: Sacrificing all self-respect for you, dear reader.
(all spelling and/or grammar errors are mine, unless they're his)
The Resident Rock Star
Monthly musings from our cultural advisor
Esquire has given me a third of a page to write whatever I please. Evidently it's bad form to sell it for ad space (sorry, Jim Ellis Ford and Mercury Dealers). So this month, I thought I'd share with you a new musician whose music's got me seriously worked up. But first, to gain your trust, a sampling of things I think I believe.
The White Stripes: I like them, but I don't see how they're in any way a manifestation of the blues.
The Neptunes: I could use their touch on my next record.
N.E.R.D.: Could use my touch on their next record.
The Beatles: I've missed too many episodes to follow the plot.
Kanye West: At last, hip-hop turns the hazards off and gets the flat tire fixed.
Ryan Adams: Wants it so bad, he became it.
John Mayer, Heavier Things: B minus. Am I the only one who finds this record creepy to make out to?
Put this CD on: Good albums come with learning curves, and great albums give you something good to chew on while you're waiting for dinner to cook. I find myself chewing on another song off Nellie McKay's debut record, Get Away from Me, about once every two days. While Joss Stone is busy being minted Miss Power of Suggestion 2004, this 19-year-old has quietly released one of the best albums of the year. Get Away from Me is a breakthrough album. It's also the kind of eclectic album that record companies don't traditionally have a clue what to do with. Based in jazz and borrowing heavily from musical theater, the environments are elaborately painted set pieces. Every melody — every musical event — is fully realized. In fact, there's more music in McKay's head than she knows what to do with. The next Joshua Tree it ain't, but 18 tracks on two discs ensure that if you can get past the fact that she raps without flinching on several songs, someday you'll get to hearing them all.
Next month: Ways for lazy industry haters to get excited about the music again.
So. What do we make of this?
I find myself very conflicted. I can't possible overstate my distaste for anything and everything John Mayer-related. Yet, I have done little to understate my affection for Nellie McKay.
So shall I reconsider my hate of Mayer? Or rethink my love for McKay?
Or simply conclude that even jerk rock stars will eventually get something right?
// posted by Aaron @ 12:46:00 AM
Wednesday, 12 May, 2004
The sky is falling. Wait, nevermind.
At 10:18am today the Canadian Recording Industry Association sent out an e-mail to report the imminent demise of one of "Canada's treasured cultural assets" - the Tragically Hip. It seemed the stuff of parody, but apparently they were quite serious.
Over the last five weeks, they report, there have been 500,000 attempts to illegally download the Tragically Hip's new single, Vaccination Scar. Over the same period, 1,000 copies of the song have been downloaded through legal means for the low-low price of 99 cents.
There is no indication as to how they determined the first number. We're just supposed to take their word for it, cos, you know, they're the record industry and they have no vested interest in the matter and would never even think of fibbing about such stuff.
This news was followed by several long testimonials from Jann Arden, Kathleen Edwards and the Hip's Gord Sinclair, among others, informing us of what a deep and troubling crisis this and how we're defaming their art and blah, blah, blah...
"Don't get me wrong. Anything that gets people into music is okay with me, but at some point people have to recognize their role in the creative process," Sinclair explains.
See you, the consumer, needn't feel like there is a wide chasm between you and the rock stars you love. Because you have a part in the creative process - specifically paying lots of money.
Better still was economic historian Jann Arden: "Unless these downloads are monitored and artists are compensated for their work, there will be NO work to download."
Yes, yes... if everyone keeps downloading, music will cease to exist as an art form. No one will ever tour again or perform in public or commit their art to tape of CD because it won't make them rich and famous and they'll all have to get jobs at the Gap.
Does anyone really believe that? Because if you really did get into music solely for the purpose of being rich and famous with so little passion for your work, well, you'll likely end up working at the Gap one way or another.
So anyway. For fun, go to the news section of the Tragically Hip's website. There you will find that those 1,000 legal downloads are cause for celebration - in fact, it made Vaccination Scar THE MOST DOWNLOADED SONG FROM PURETRACKS.COM!
So is it that people are a bunch of freeloading jerks looking to destroy the Tragically Hip, or is it rather a case of Pure Tracks not being all that popular a service just yet?
Nonetheless, the basic message remains the same - you, the Canadian consumer, need to start holding up your end of the bargain... erm, sorry, the "creative process." That is, you need to start paying for the creation of all those songs you keep downloading for free.
Thing is, YOU ALREADY DO because the Canadian music industry receives millions upon millions of your tax dollars each year - through funding programs like FACTOR and through those pesky little CD and tape levies (that were designed specifically to counter piracy, it's worth noting). Those would be the same tax grabs the music industry is currently fighting to save (see SaveCanadianMusic.com).
So in CRIA's utopia consumers should first hand over their tax dollars, then walk over to HMV or log on to PureTracks and cough up an additional $10-20 for the CD, THEY ALREADY PAID FOR. Brilliant that.
***
At 9:54pm, CRIA sent out another press release. This one celebrating a great victory - a Heritage committee's recommendations to change the copyright laws, as CRIA had requested.
“We commend Committee Chair Sam Bulte and the other Heritage Committee members on making decisions in a few weeks that the departments of Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada couldn’t make in several years,” remarked CRIA president Brian Robertson.
The legislation wouldn't be introduced to Parliament until November, meaning it remains very much in question with a federal election set to occur between now and then.
But it'd be interesting to hear Paul "Democratic Deficit" Martin explain how this committee was so quick to recommend changes. It surely wouldn't be because the Heritage Minister had already vowed to make said changes, rendering said committee rather moot, would it?
The Minister couldn't even be bothered to be diplomatic about it - funny considering that a committee of parliament was still considering the issue:
"As minister of Canadian Heritage, I will, as quickly as possible, make changes to our copyright law," she said during the Junos in Edmonton.
Well then. I'm sure the committee members were delighted to learn at that point that their further efforts would not be required.
***
And for the life of me I can't figure out why the average music-loving kid would be the least bit cynical about the adults who keep telling him to stop downloading...
At 10:18am today the Canadian Recording Industry Association sent out an e-mail to report the imminent demise of one of "Canada's treasured cultural assets" - the Tragically Hip. It seemed the stuff of parody, but apparently they were quite serious.
Over the last five weeks, they report, there have been 500,000 attempts to illegally download the Tragically Hip's new single, Vaccination Scar. Over the same period, 1,000 copies of the song have been downloaded through legal means for the low-low price of 99 cents.
There is no indication as to how they determined the first number. We're just supposed to take their word for it, cos, you know, they're the record industry and they have no vested interest in the matter and would never even think of fibbing about such stuff.
This news was followed by several long testimonials from Jann Arden, Kathleen Edwards and the Hip's Gord Sinclair, among others, informing us of what a deep and troubling crisis this and how we're defaming their art and blah, blah, blah...
"Don't get me wrong. Anything that gets people into music is okay with me, but at some point people have to recognize their role in the creative process," Sinclair explains.
See you, the consumer, needn't feel like there is a wide chasm between you and the rock stars you love. Because you have a part in the creative process - specifically paying lots of money.
Better still was economic historian Jann Arden: "Unless these downloads are monitored and artists are compensated for their work, there will be NO work to download."
Yes, yes... if everyone keeps downloading, music will cease to exist as an art form. No one will ever tour again or perform in public or commit their art to tape of CD because it won't make them rich and famous and they'll all have to get jobs at the Gap.
Does anyone really believe that? Because if you really did get into music solely for the purpose of being rich and famous with so little passion for your work, well, you'll likely end up working at the Gap one way or another.
So anyway. For fun, go to the news section of the Tragically Hip's website. There you will find that those 1,000 legal downloads are cause for celebration - in fact, it made Vaccination Scar THE MOST DOWNLOADED SONG FROM PURETRACKS.COM!
So is it that people are a bunch of freeloading jerks looking to destroy the Tragically Hip, or is it rather a case of Pure Tracks not being all that popular a service just yet?
Nonetheless, the basic message remains the same - you, the Canadian consumer, need to start holding up your end of the bargain... erm, sorry, the "creative process." That is, you need to start paying for the creation of all those songs you keep downloading for free.
Thing is, YOU ALREADY DO because the Canadian music industry receives millions upon millions of your tax dollars each year - through funding programs like FACTOR and through those pesky little CD and tape levies (that were designed specifically to counter piracy, it's worth noting). Those would be the same tax grabs the music industry is currently fighting to save (see SaveCanadianMusic.com).
So in CRIA's utopia consumers should first hand over their tax dollars, then walk over to HMV or log on to PureTracks and cough up an additional $10-20 for the CD, THEY ALREADY PAID FOR. Brilliant that.
***
At 9:54pm, CRIA sent out another press release. This one celebrating a great victory - a Heritage committee's recommendations to change the copyright laws, as CRIA had requested.
“We commend Committee Chair Sam Bulte and the other Heritage Committee members on making decisions in a few weeks that the departments of Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada couldn’t make in several years,” remarked CRIA president Brian Robertson.
The legislation wouldn't be introduced to Parliament until November, meaning it remains very much in question with a federal election set to occur between now and then.
But it'd be interesting to hear Paul "Democratic Deficit" Martin explain how this committee was so quick to recommend changes. It surely wouldn't be because the Heritage Minister had already vowed to make said changes, rendering said committee rather moot, would it?
The Minister couldn't even be bothered to be diplomatic about it - funny considering that a committee of parliament was still considering the issue:
"As minister of Canadian Heritage, I will, as quickly as possible, make changes to our copyright law," she said during the Junos in Edmonton.
Well then. I'm sure the committee members were delighted to learn at that point that their further efforts would not be required.
***
And for the life of me I can't figure out why the average music-loving kid would be the least bit cynical about the adults who keep telling him to stop downloading...
// posted by Aaron @ 10:12:00 PM
Like a fiddle
Avril Lavigne has an album to promote. And entertainment reporters of the world are always only too happy to help.
So when she says something sassy about Britney Spears, people like MSNBC's gossip columnist Jeanette Walls will get all giddy about it and report these comments like they're news. Oooh that Avril. She's so hard. So controversial. So sassy.
Her latest comments, as reported by Walls:
“’I mean, the way Britney dresses, would you walk round the street in a f------ bra? You won’t see me on stage in a sexy outfit or my hair in ribbons. If that’s what someone wants to do then so be it, but I wouldn’t be seen dead looking like that.”
She added that Britney dances "like a ho."
Oooh. So tough that Avril. This will no doubt be picked-up by other outlets and repeated in the days to come. Because, of course, it's important news of a timely nature. Especially because she's never said anything like this before...
Avril Lavigne to Chart Magazine, April 19, 2002:
"I mean, the way she dresses — would you walk around the street in a fuckin' bra? I'm not trying to dis anyone, but with me, the clothes I wear onstage are the clothes I would wear to school or go shopping. I'm not gonna go up onstage and dress different. Britney Spears goes up onstage and dresses like a showgirl. She's not being herself up there because she's dancing like a ho. Is she ho? She says she's a virgin. Y'know, it's just not clicking. She's doing one thing and saying another thing, y'know? It's definitely not what I'm going to do."
Avril Lavigne has an album to promote. And entertainment reporters of the world are always only too happy to help.
So when she says something sassy about Britney Spears, people like MSNBC's gossip columnist Jeanette Walls will get all giddy about it and report these comments like they're news. Oooh that Avril. She's so hard. So controversial. So sassy.
Her latest comments, as reported by Walls:
“’I mean, the way Britney dresses, would you walk round the street in a f------ bra? You won’t see me on stage in a sexy outfit or my hair in ribbons. If that’s what someone wants to do then so be it, but I wouldn’t be seen dead looking like that.”
She added that Britney dances "like a ho."
Oooh. So tough that Avril. This will no doubt be picked-up by other outlets and repeated in the days to come. Because, of course, it's important news of a timely nature. Especially because she's never said anything like this before...
Avril Lavigne to Chart Magazine, April 19, 2002:
"I mean, the way she dresses — would you walk around the street in a fuckin' bra? I'm not trying to dis anyone, but with me, the clothes I wear onstage are the clothes I would wear to school or go shopping. I'm not gonna go up onstage and dress different. Britney Spears goes up onstage and dresses like a showgirl. She's not being herself up there because she's dancing like a ho. Is she ho? She says she's a virgin. Y'know, it's just not clicking. She's doing one thing and saying another thing, y'know? It's definitely not what I'm going to do."
// posted by Aaron @ 2:43:00 PM
The Newsweek guide to Rock n' Roll
From a sidebar to Newsweek's piece on the rock revival:
If you love big, sweeping rockers like U2 and Coldplay... you should try Snow Patrol, Elbow, Death Cab for Cutie
If you love cerebral, expertly crafted pop like REM... you should try the Shins, Spoon, Pinback, Ambulance Ltd.
If you love wild, adventurous postpunk like the Pixies... you should try Modest Mouse, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, Jet.
If you love self-reflective, melancholia like Morrissey... you should try Bright Eyes, Iron & Wine, the Postal Service.
(Let this mark the first and last time Iron & Wine is likened to Morrissey and Jet is refered to as "adventurous")
From a sidebar to Newsweek's piece on the rock revival:
If you love big, sweeping rockers like U2 and Coldplay... you should try Snow Patrol, Elbow, Death Cab for Cutie
If you love cerebral, expertly crafted pop like REM... you should try the Shins, Spoon, Pinback, Ambulance Ltd.
If you love wild, adventurous postpunk like the Pixies... you should try Modest Mouse, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, Jet.
If you love self-reflective, melancholia like Morrissey... you should try Bright Eyes, Iron & Wine, the Postal Service.
(Let this mark the first and last time Iron & Wine is likened to Morrissey and Jet is refered to as "adventurous")
// posted by Aaron @ 2:59:00 AM
Get out of my house... yeah that's, er, what I, er, said...
Young hooligans arrested after kicking down the door at Avril Lavigne's family home.
Young hooligans arrested after kicking down the door at Avril Lavigne's family home.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:55:00 AM
Tuesday, 11 May, 2004
You call this love
This is what passes for a positive review of a Diana Krall concert these days by the suddenly jazzophile Canadian media:
"This demure, dry-witted and unassuming temptress from British Columbia lures unsuspecting fans of her unchallenging coffee-shop music...
... And while she's as competent a piano soloist as a gifted first-year Grant MacEwan student - her potential is currently hobbled by what seems to be a streak of self-consciousness...
... While the show was filled with songs she co-wrote with her Costello - a King Kong and Fay Wray sort of relationship in terms of their respective musical depth...
... And how do real jazz musicians thank Diana Krall for possibly creating new jazz fans? - by calling her a purveyor of unchallenging coffee-shop music. Well, I'm not actually sure they say that, but Krall - who once played Jazz City - has been dissed by Jazz City producer Marc Vasey. So there you have it...
... No, ma'am, no sexy attire tonight, though it has been said more than once that Krall wouldn't be as big a star as she is were it not for her sexy looks...
... The title track from the new album, though a co-write between Krall and Costello, likewise begged for something else: Elvis Costello singing it."
At what point did the cliched criticism of Diana Krall jump the shark?
This is what passes for a positive review of a Diana Krall concert these days by the suddenly jazzophile Canadian media:
"This demure, dry-witted and unassuming temptress from British Columbia lures unsuspecting fans of her unchallenging coffee-shop music...
... And while she's as competent a piano soloist as a gifted first-year Grant MacEwan student - her potential is currently hobbled by what seems to be a streak of self-consciousness...
... While the show was filled with songs she co-wrote with her Costello - a King Kong and Fay Wray sort of relationship in terms of their respective musical depth...
... And how do real jazz musicians thank Diana Krall for possibly creating new jazz fans? - by calling her a purveyor of unchallenging coffee-shop music. Well, I'm not actually sure they say that, but Krall - who once played Jazz City - has been dissed by Jazz City producer Marc Vasey. So there you have it...
... No, ma'am, no sexy attire tonight, though it has been said more than once that Krall wouldn't be as big a star as she is were it not for her sexy looks...
... The title track from the new album, though a co-write between Krall and Costello, likewise begged for something else: Elvis Costello singing it."
At what point did the cliched criticism of Diana Krall jump the shark?
// posted by Aaron @ 4:37:00 PM
Further Feist
New site is up at Universal France. And there you'll find some new tour dates. Including these for Canada:
June 9 - Waterloo
June 10 - Montreal
June 11 - Ottawa
June 12 - Toronto (NXNE)
June 15 - Winnipeg
June 16 - Regina
June 17 - Saskatoon
June 18 - Edmonton
June 19 - Calgary
June 22 - Victoria
June 23 - Vancouver
The Toronto performance (and maybe others) will feature the work of artist Shary Boyle.
Says Feist: "She came to France for my CD release party. She uses an overhead projector and does live drawings to the songs, relating to the lyrics. It's a collaboration we talked about for years and years."
Examples of Shary's work with Peaches can be found here, here and here.
New site is up at Universal France. And there you'll find some new tour dates. Including these for Canada:
June 9 - Waterloo
June 10 - Montreal
June 11 - Ottawa
June 12 - Toronto (NXNE)
June 15 - Winnipeg
June 16 - Regina
June 17 - Saskatoon
June 18 - Edmonton
June 19 - Calgary
June 22 - Victoria
June 23 - Vancouver
The Toronto performance (and maybe others) will feature the work of artist Shary Boyle.
Says Feist: "She came to France for my CD release party. She uses an overhead projector and does live drawings to the songs, relating to the lyrics. It's a collaboration we talked about for years and years."
Examples of Shary's work with Peaches can be found here, here and here.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:34:00 PM
Black as I wanna be
Ernest Hardy, in a piece for LA Weekly (via PopDirt), on the conveniently multi-racial Justin Timberlake:
Meanwhile, Jackson’s Super Bowl accomplice, young master Timberlake, has proven himself to be the bitch-made-pop-star you always knew he was. As though aiming to get his own chapter in Greg Tate’s book Everything but the Burden: What White People Are Taking From Black Culture, Timberlake shed all wigger affectations the moment he felt the heat of real controversy. He dropped the hip-hop gear, grabbed a suit and tie, and literally held his mommy’s hand as he strolled into this year’s Grammy Awards, where he all but burst into tears as he apologetically explained onstage how he’d been bamboozled into taking part in Janet’s shameful shenanigans. Poor thing.
Chris Rock made a similar observation at last year's MTV Music Awards about J.T.'s sudden whiteness on an episode of Punk'd.
Otherwise Hardy's piece is a spirited defence of Janet. But if you're looking for still more reasons to hate Justin Timberlake, might I suggest these.
Ernest Hardy, in a piece for LA Weekly (via PopDirt), on the conveniently multi-racial Justin Timberlake:
Meanwhile, Jackson’s Super Bowl accomplice, young master Timberlake, has proven himself to be the bitch-made-pop-star you always knew he was. As though aiming to get his own chapter in Greg Tate’s book Everything but the Burden: What White People Are Taking From Black Culture, Timberlake shed all wigger affectations the moment he felt the heat of real controversy. He dropped the hip-hop gear, grabbed a suit and tie, and literally held his mommy’s hand as he strolled into this year’s Grammy Awards, where he all but burst into tears as he apologetically explained onstage how he’d been bamboozled into taking part in Janet’s shameful shenanigans. Poor thing.
Chris Rock made a similar observation at last year's MTV Music Awards about J.T.'s sudden whiteness on an episode of Punk'd.
Otherwise Hardy's piece is a spirited defence of Janet. But if you're looking for still more reasons to hate Justin Timberlake, might I suggest these.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:06:00 AM
So no more songs about breaking stuff then?
Fred Durst - May 10, 2004 6:49pm
it is hard to except positive things in your life when your being thrives off of the sludge one's mind can create. getting past that place is very hard for some and quite natural for others. if you can't seem to reach that place then maybe it just isn't your time yet, but a lot of us are there and we are definitely making a difference no matter how much bullshit contaminates this world we live in. i have been through a very diverse journey of feelings, beliefs, and emotions in my lifetime to date and i actually feel like i am becoming a better person over all.
Fred Durst - May 10, 2004 6:49pm
it is hard to except positive things in your life when your being thrives off of the sludge one's mind can create. getting past that place is very hard for some and quite natural for others. if you can't seem to reach that place then maybe it just isn't your time yet, but a lot of us are there and we are definitely making a difference no matter how much bullshit contaminates this world we live in. i have been through a very diverse journey of feelings, beliefs, and emotions in my lifetime to date and i actually feel like i am becoming a better person over all.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:57:00 AM
Feistfest
Two weeks ago Exclaim's Michael Barclay chimed in first with a loving portrait of soon-to-be candidate for national treasurehood (sorry Danny Michel), Leslie Feist. This week Shanda Deziel at Maclean's takes a break from the sex toy beat just long enough to consider Feist's numerous charms. And tomorrow some jerk at the Post is expected to offer his own take on how Bitch Lap-Lap got here from there.
Don't be the last publication on your block to climb aboard the Let it Die bandwagon of love...
Two weeks ago Exclaim's Michael Barclay chimed in first with a loving portrait of soon-to-be candidate for national treasurehood (sorry Danny Michel), Leslie Feist. This week Shanda Deziel at Maclean's takes a break from the sex toy beat just long enough to consider Feist's numerous charms. And tomorrow some jerk at the Post is expected to offer his own take on how Bitch Lap-Lap got here from there.
Don't be the last publication on your block to climb aboard the Let it Die bandwagon of love...
// posted by Aaron @ 2:27:00 AM
Itwas enough to kill me dead.
Courtney Love takes to the Internet. Cryptic rambling ensues.
Courtney Love takes to the Internet. Cryptic rambling ensues.
// posted by Aaron @ 2:23:00 AM
It's astonishing how little exercise is available in this kind of life
Slate started today a potentially great week-long diary from Mission of Burma guitarist Roger Miller.
In the first episode we learn that Timeline is "a pretty good movie for a Hollywood flick" and being in a band involves lots of interviews and "sitting around" — sometimes simultaneously.
Slate started today a potentially great week-long diary from Mission of Burma guitarist Roger Miller.
In the first episode we learn that Timeline is "a pretty good movie for a Hollywood flick" and being in a band involves lots of interviews and "sitting around" — sometimes simultaneously.
// posted by Aaron @ 1:50:00 AM
Monday, 10 May, 2004
Jewish mothers get their groove on
Tall black man teaches middle-aged Jewish women to dance to hip-hop and rap. Hilarity and greater cultural understanding ensues:
Purists may say teaching a bunch of upper-middle-class white women hip-hop runs counter to origins; that the power of what was a uniquely African-American art form becomes diluted.
White, 29, doesn't see it that way. He says the message of the music transcends cultural differences. If a lyric talks about frustration or rage, that can just as easily apply to an unfulfilling 9-to-5 job or a marriage in trouble as it can police brutality or racism.
Tall black man teaches middle-aged Jewish women to dance to hip-hop and rap. Hilarity and greater cultural understanding ensues:
Purists may say teaching a bunch of upper-middle-class white women hip-hop runs counter to origins; that the power of what was a uniquely African-American art form becomes diluted.
White, 29, doesn't see it that way. He says the message of the music transcends cultural differences. If a lyric talks about frustration or rage, that can just as easily apply to an unfulfilling 9-to-5 job or a marriage in trouble as it can police brutality or racism.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:19:00 AM
Residents and traders alike heap scorn on the drummers, singers, sitarists, and fiddle players
The FCC's Pakistani bureau is getting uppity about some of the local musicians:
"These people are not artists. They are perverts, prostitutes,'' Zahir Shah, the bearded president of a new residents' group calling itself the Movement for Removal of Obscenity, told AFP...
... On April 11, the movement managed to force the artists to draw their lattice-worked shutters for the last time. Late in the evening, the organisation's followers blocked the road to prevent customers from meeting and hiring the singers.
They smashed the sound system of one musician when he refused to close his shop. Later shots were fired at another shop, panicking the performers who fled. Police arrested 13 persons, including the movement's president Shah. They were released two days later after both parties agreed to compromise...
... "There was no art here. They were promoting homosexuality and prostitution,'' alleged Murad Shinwari, the puritan movement's vice president and spokesman for the local branch of Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan's largest Islamic party.
"They teased girls and played music at prayer times.''
Aside from the moral indignation there's this tidbit about local business practices:
Housed in 56 hired quarters, hundreds of musicians waited for clients in the rooms, tuning their instruments in the window seats as they sought to catch the eyes of potential customers.
The FCC's Pakistani bureau is getting uppity about some of the local musicians:
"These people are not artists. They are perverts, prostitutes,'' Zahir Shah, the bearded president of a new residents' group calling itself the Movement for Removal of Obscenity, told AFP...
... On April 11, the movement managed to force the artists to draw their lattice-worked shutters for the last time. Late in the evening, the organisation's followers blocked the road to prevent customers from meeting and hiring the singers.
They smashed the sound system of one musician when he refused to close his shop. Later shots were fired at another shop, panicking the performers who fled. Police arrested 13 persons, including the movement's president Shah. They were released two days later after both parties agreed to compromise...
... "There was no art here. They were promoting homosexuality and prostitution,'' alleged Murad Shinwari, the puritan movement's vice president and spokesman for the local branch of Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan's largest Islamic party.
"They teased girls and played music at prayer times.''
Aside from the moral indignation there's this tidbit about local business practices:
Housed in 56 hired quarters, hundreds of musicians waited for clients in the rooms, tuning their instruments in the window seats as they sought to catch the eyes of potential customers.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:02:00 AM
Kids these days
Fighting at Irvin High School has cancelled a "ska/punk/rock" concert:
"I feel this a real blow to the music community and a lot of people wanted to come out here because there's not that much we can count on and this was a for sure thing," says one student.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Garrett Levey of Wayland, Massachusetts had but a simple ambition. "I really wanted to include my love of music with my interest in the Middle East."
So he decided to organize a benefit concert for "the 114-member Jewish-Arab Youth Orchestra of Jerusalem, a program that gives Jewish and Arab children a chance to make music together and work toward peace in the Middle East."
Fighting at Irvin High School has cancelled a "ska/punk/rock" concert:
"I feel this a real blow to the music community and a lot of people wanted to come out here because there's not that much we can count on and this was a for sure thing," says one student.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Garrett Levey of Wayland, Massachusetts had but a simple ambition. "I really wanted to include my love of music with my interest in the Middle East."
So he decided to organize a benefit concert for "the 114-member Jewish-Arab Youth Orchestra of Jerusalem, a program that gives Jewish and Arab children a chance to make music together and work toward peace in the Middle East."
// posted by Aaron @ 2:50:00 AM
Saturday, 8 May, 2004
Weekend Viewing
A new video from The Streets (Fit But You Know It) can be found here.
While the first video from Velvet Revolver (Slither) can be found at the following (tailored for your connection and software):
Windows: Fast, Medium, Slow
Quicktime: Fast, Medium, Slow
Real: Fast, Medium, Slow
A new video from The Streets (Fit But You Know It) can be found here.
While the first video from Velvet Revolver (Slither) can be found at the following (tailored for your connection and software):
Windows: Fast, Medium, Slow
Quicktime: Fast, Medium, Slow
Real: Fast, Medium, Slow
// posted by Aaron @ 11:41:00 PM
Weekend Reading
Jack and Loretta discuss that little album they made.
Can one pumping pelvis, sheathed in gold lamé, crack the pious foundations of the Eisenhower era?
John Rockwell contemplates the old words vs. music debate.
Local labels make good.
Local techno is bleeding.
Yes? Apparently.
XRRF sees Avril as a "not particularly gifted thirteen year old."
She also, apparently, kicked a guy in the nards.
The Hiss once wanted to be REO Speedwagon.
The Detroit Free Press' Erin Chan revives the debate over what William Hung's success says about race in America (Martin Turenne raised the same questions in Exclaim last month).
The Guardian's Sarah Dempster thanks Moz for the New York Dolls.
Her co-worker Dorian Lynskey takes a look at the age-old theory: "First is worst, second is best."
The Telegraph's Matthew Weiner considers the pop phenomenon known as Now That's What I Call Music.
Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins is a genius racked by doubt.
Morrissey's self-obsession has apparently lost its charm.
Kelis: Milkshakes and knitting.
And, finally, Lenny Kravitz: The last great rock star or monumental wanker?
MORE... In The Guardian, John Harris (author of The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock) writes:
Put bluntly, Anglo-American popular music is among globalisation's most useful props. Never mind the nitpicking fixations with interview rhetoric and stylistic nuance that concern its hardcore enthusiasts - away from its home turf, mainstream music, whether it's metal, rap, teen-pop or indie-rock, cannot help but stand for a depressingly conservative set of values: conspicuous consumption, the primacy of the English language, the implicit acknowledgement that America is probably best.
Interesting theory. Discussion here.
Jack and Loretta discuss that little album they made.
Can one pumping pelvis, sheathed in gold lamé, crack the pious foundations of the Eisenhower era?
John Rockwell contemplates the old words vs. music debate.
Local labels make good.
Local techno is bleeding.
Yes? Apparently.
XRRF sees Avril as a "not particularly gifted thirteen year old."
She also, apparently, kicked a guy in the nards.
The Hiss once wanted to be REO Speedwagon.
The Detroit Free Press' Erin Chan revives the debate over what William Hung's success says about race in America (Martin Turenne raised the same questions in Exclaim last month).
The Guardian's Sarah Dempster thanks Moz for the New York Dolls.
Her co-worker Dorian Lynskey takes a look at the age-old theory: "First is worst, second is best."
The Telegraph's Matthew Weiner considers the pop phenomenon known as Now That's What I Call Music.
Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins is a genius racked by doubt.
Morrissey's self-obsession has apparently lost its charm.
Kelis: Milkshakes and knitting.
And, finally, Lenny Kravitz: The last great rock star or monumental wanker?
MORE... In The Guardian, John Harris (author of The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock) writes:
Put bluntly, Anglo-American popular music is among globalisation's most useful props. Never mind the nitpicking fixations with interview rhetoric and stylistic nuance that concern its hardcore enthusiasts - away from its home turf, mainstream music, whether it's metal, rap, teen-pop or indie-rock, cannot help but stand for a depressingly conservative set of values: conspicuous consumption, the primacy of the English language, the implicit acknowledgement that America is probably best.
Interesting theory. Discussion here.
// posted by Aaron @ 7:01:00 PM
Joey is a punk
I wish I could link to the full text of Liisa Ladouceur's piece in the latest This Magazine, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be online. It deals, quite nicely at that, with "grown-up" punks and goths — and how one reconciles age and youthful rebellion, with special attention paid to DOA's Joe Keithley, aka Canadian punk legend Joey Shithead.
A few excerpts (any spelling mistakes are mine):
Joey is a punk. His hair is bleached white-blond and styled to spiky points. He wears a black leather jacket and ripped jeans; his wrists are ringed with leather cuffs... Joey is not unlike hundreds of thousands of kids who listen to punk and wear its signature look. Except this Joey is 47 years old...
...He's been called the godfather of punk, but his longevity makes Keithley a poster boy for all grown-ups who identify themselves with adolsecent-oriented subcultures, who refuse to abandon the ideals — and hairstyles — of their youth.
"I believe in what I do," explains Keithley, on a visit to Toronto for Canadian Music Week. "This is how I make a living and support my family, which is the number one thing in my life. But music is just part of it. When I started out, I wanted to change the world. I still do. That's why I haven't stopped."
... While copying older punks is a rite of passage for the young rebels, 50-year-old punks adopting new teen looks seems, well, slightly sad. And now that the first generation of punks is about to hit retirement age, you just know it's going to happen. Keithley says he won't be one of those guys, but just because he's giving up the look doesn't mean he plans to give up the lifestyle.
"People who are middle-aged like I am should not go around pretending they are teenagers," he says. "Lots of my friends are caught in a time warp of punk rock. But blind faith in anything, that's crazy. I'm way too old for that. To get along in this life you have to adapt. That's the prime reason humankind is at the top of the food chain. Still, I believe in my art, in music. When I get up there and play, I still get a similar charge I got when I was a teenager. I still want to drive the audience nuts and make them think. I may not always be in a punk band or dress like this, but I will always be an activist"...
I wish I could link to the full text of Liisa Ladouceur's piece in the latest This Magazine, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be online. It deals, quite nicely at that, with "grown-up" punks and goths — and how one reconciles age and youthful rebellion, with special attention paid to DOA's Joe Keithley, aka Canadian punk legend Joey Shithead.
A few excerpts (any spelling mistakes are mine):
Joey is a punk. His hair is bleached white-blond and styled to spiky points. He wears a black leather jacket and ripped jeans; his wrists are ringed with leather cuffs... Joey is not unlike hundreds of thousands of kids who listen to punk and wear its signature look. Except this Joey is 47 years old...
...He's been called the godfather of punk, but his longevity makes Keithley a poster boy for all grown-ups who identify themselves with adolsecent-oriented subcultures, who refuse to abandon the ideals — and hairstyles — of their youth.
"I believe in what I do," explains Keithley, on a visit to Toronto for Canadian Music Week. "This is how I make a living and support my family, which is the number one thing in my life. But music is just part of it. When I started out, I wanted to change the world. I still do. That's why I haven't stopped."
... While copying older punks is a rite of passage for the young rebels, 50-year-old punks adopting new teen looks seems, well, slightly sad. And now that the first generation of punks is about to hit retirement age, you just know it's going to happen. Keithley says he won't be one of those guys, but just because he's giving up the look doesn't mean he plans to give up the lifestyle.
"People who are middle-aged like I am should not go around pretending they are teenagers," he says. "Lots of my friends are caught in a time warp of punk rock. But blind faith in anything, that's crazy. I'm way too old for that. To get along in this life you have to adapt. That's the prime reason humankind is at the top of the food chain. Still, I believe in my art, in music. When I get up there and play, I still get a similar charge I got when I was a teenager. I still want to drive the audience nuts and make them think. I may not always be in a punk band or dress like this, but I will always be an activist"...
// posted by Aaron @ 3:23:00 AM
Friday, 7 May, 2004
Ex-Tears for Fears managers jailed
Only in rock n' roll:
The former manager of the band Tears for Fears was sentenced to three and a half years in jail Friday for defrauding investors in a purported cure for drunkenness made from volcanic rock...
... According to backers of the remedy, crushed volcanic rock, ingested as a powder, filters alcohol from the bloodstream. Marketing the product in Britain was the idea of two British rugby players who saw it for sale in South Africa in 1999.
Only in rock n' roll:
The former manager of the band Tears for Fears was sentenced to three and a half years in jail Friday for defrauding investors in a purported cure for drunkenness made from volcanic rock...
... According to backers of the remedy, crushed volcanic rock, ingested as a powder, filters alcohol from the bloodstream. Marketing the product in Britain was the idea of two British rugby players who saw it for sale in South Africa in 1999.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:53:00 PM
Greetings Beastie Boys fans
The information you're looking for is here.
The information you're looking for is here.
// posted by Aaron @ 11:53:00 AM
The two sides of Pfc. Lynndie R. England
Tough to believe two publications could travel to the exact same place in search of the exact same story and come away with two completely different perspectives.
First, The New York Times with "From a Picture of Pride to a Symbol of Abuse in Iraq"
"She is straight in your face, tells you how it is. That's why it shocked me. It's so not her. It's not in her nature to do something like that. There's not a malicious bone in her body."
... Her parents called her a tomboy, eager to prove that she was as tough and athletic as the guys. She played a mean center field in softball, her father, Kenneth, said on Wednesday in an interview. But she sometimes found it difficult to kill animals when they went hunting. "I don't think she ever got a deer," Mrs. England, 44, said. "I think she went just because she wanted to be outside, and wanted to be with me."
... Her parents say they had enough money to help her pay for college. But Private England, 21, insisted on doing it by herself. So she joined a local unit of the Army Reserve, the 372nd, in Cresaptown, Md., to obtain college benefits from the military.
Next, The Daily Telegraph with "Good ol' girl who enjoyed cruelty":
At the dingy Corner Club Saloon they think she has done nothing wrong.
"A lot of people here think they ought to just blow up the whole of Iraq," Colleen Kesner said. "To the country boys here, if you're a different nationality, a different race, you're sub-human. That's the way girls like Lynndie are raised. Tormenting Iraqis, in her mind, would be no different from shooting a turkey. Every season here you're hunting something. Over there, they're hunting Iraqis."
... Down a dirt track at the edge of town, in the trailer where England grew up, her mother Terrie dismissed the allegations against her daughter as unfair.
"They were just doing stupid kid things, pranks. And what the Iraqis do to our men and women are just? The rules of the Geneva Convention, do they apply to everybody or just us?" she asked.
"She told me nothing happened which wasn't ordered by higher up," she said. "They are trying to pin all of this on the lower ranks. My daughter was just following orders. I think there's a conspiracy. "
A colleague of Lynndie's father said people in Fort Ashby were sick of the whingeing.
"We just had an 18-year-old from round here killed by the Iraqis," he said. "We went there to help the jackasses and they started blowing us up. Lynndie didn't kill 'em, she didn't cut 'em up. She should have shot some of the suckers."
Tough to believe two publications could travel to the exact same place in search of the exact same story and come away with two completely different perspectives.
First, The New York Times with "From a Picture of Pride to a Symbol of Abuse in Iraq"
"She is straight in your face, tells you how it is. That's why it shocked me. It's so not her. It's not in her nature to do something like that. There's not a malicious bone in her body."
... Her parents called her a tomboy, eager to prove that she was as tough and athletic as the guys. She played a mean center field in softball, her father, Kenneth, said on Wednesday in an interview. But she sometimes found it difficult to kill animals when they went hunting. "I don't think she ever got a deer," Mrs. England, 44, said. "I think she went just because she wanted to be outside, and wanted to be with me."
... Her parents say they had enough money to help her pay for college. But Private England, 21, insisted on doing it by herself. So she joined a local unit of the Army Reserve, the 372nd, in Cresaptown, Md., to obtain college benefits from the military.
Next, The Daily Telegraph with "Good ol' girl who enjoyed cruelty":
At the dingy Corner Club Saloon they think she has done nothing wrong.
"A lot of people here think they ought to just blow up the whole of Iraq," Colleen Kesner said. "To the country boys here, if you're a different nationality, a different race, you're sub-human. That's the way girls like Lynndie are raised. Tormenting Iraqis, in her mind, would be no different from shooting a turkey. Every season here you're hunting something. Over there, they're hunting Iraqis."
... Down a dirt track at the edge of town, in the trailer where England grew up, her mother Terrie dismissed the allegations against her daughter as unfair.
"They were just doing stupid kid things, pranks. And what the Iraqis do to our men and women are just? The rules of the Geneva Convention, do they apply to everybody or just us?" she asked.
"She told me nothing happened which wasn't ordered by higher up," she said. "They are trying to pin all of this on the lower ranks. My daughter was just following orders. I think there's a conspiracy. "
A colleague of Lynndie's father said people in Fort Ashby were sick of the whingeing.
"We just had an 18-year-old from round here killed by the Iraqis," he said. "We went there to help the jackasses and they started blowing us up. Lynndie didn't kill 'em, she didn't cut 'em up. She should have shot some of the suckers."
// posted by Aaron @ 4:46:00 AM
Thursday, 6 May, 2004
Trouble on the line
I renew my questions about the over-the-top reaction to Loretta and Jack's Van Lear Rose. And I am somewhat heartened that others are equally puzzled.
I renew my questions about the over-the-top reaction to Loretta and Jack's Van Lear Rose. And I am somewhat heartened that others are equally puzzled.
// posted by Aaron @ 10:53:00 PM
Good, genuine feeling in the world
I sincerely hope Jeff Chang isn't being ironic here. Cos I dare say I was moved:
"At the risk of sounding crazy or duped, it feels like American Idol gives all of us what we need. No matter how we feel politically in this polarized time, it goes a little way toward restoring what Bush and Cheney and Rumsfeld have torn away from us in their plunge toward Middle East destabilization since January of 2001--the impulse toward connection and community, away from the gruesome crimes of competition and avarice, and the need to know that there is in fact good, genuine feeling in the world between people."
Footnote, 11:19pm EST...
In other Idol chatter (get it? oh, nevermind...), 155 lucky (?) souls will be in Toronto next week for "an intensive, four-day elimination round" to decide the final 32 who will make up the contestants for this year's Canadian Idol. The first episode, detailing the cross-country auditions, will air June 1 at 8pm on CTV. Maybe then they'll let us know whatever happened to Ryan Malcolm...
I sincerely hope Jeff Chang isn't being ironic here. Cos I dare say I was moved:
"At the risk of sounding crazy or duped, it feels like American Idol gives all of us what we need. No matter how we feel politically in this polarized time, it goes a little way toward restoring what Bush and Cheney and Rumsfeld have torn away from us in their plunge toward Middle East destabilization since January of 2001--the impulse toward connection and community, away from the gruesome crimes of competition and avarice, and the need to know that there is in fact good, genuine feeling in the world between people."
Footnote, 11:19pm EST...
In other Idol chatter (get it? oh, nevermind...), 155 lucky (?) souls will be in Toronto next week for "an intensive, four-day elimination round" to decide the final 32 who will make up the contestants for this year's Canadian Idol. The first episode, detailing the cross-country auditions, will air June 1 at 8pm on CTV. Maybe then they'll let us know whatever happened to Ryan Malcolm...
// posted by Aaron @ 7:05:00 PM
Touching me, touching you
Barbra, Neil, Bette Will Sing For Kerry
By contrast, our Jack seems all the cooler. Though, obviously also the poorer (finanicially speaking).
Barbra, Neil, Bette Will Sing For Kerry
By contrast, our Jack seems all the cooler. Though, obviously also the poorer (finanicially speaking).
// posted by Aaron @ 5:57:00 PM
Let he who is without sin...
Of all the surveys being done on attitudes toward downloading, I think this one is my favourite:
Christian teens see no wrong in music piracy
Of all the surveys being done on attitudes toward downloading, I think this one is my favourite:
Christian teens see no wrong in music piracy
// posted by Aaron @ 3:38:00 PM
Wednesday, 5 May, 2004
Another happy ending
Jeff from Arts & Crafts with his memories of Broken Social Scene's trip to the valley:
"bss played for 15 to 20,000.... johnny crossingham proposed to his girlfriend during their set..everyone crying..sold out of over 100 shirts in three hours...."
Said marriage proposal made MTV's roundup.
Jeff from Arts & Crafts with his memories of Broken Social Scene's trip to the valley:
"bss played for 15 to 20,000.... johnny crossingham proposed to his girlfriend during their set..everyone crying..sold out of over 100 shirts in three hours...."
Said marriage proposal made MTV's roundup.
// posted by Aaron @ 11:34:00 PM
Margaret Trudeau and Her Influence on Music
ilXor discussion found here.
Started in response to this.
ilXor discussion found here.
Started in response to this.
// posted by Aaron @ 11:31:00 PM
My grandma told me to stop so I stopped
The American recording industry couldn't find P. Diddy and David Bowie to give them the money they rightly deserve, but they were able to find this North Carolina grandmother and demand that she cough up $750 for EACH of the 520 songs her grandson downloaded.
Yeah, I dunno why people are so cynical about the music business either.
The American recording industry couldn't find P. Diddy and David Bowie to give them the money they rightly deserve, but they were able to find this North Carolina grandmother and demand that she cough up $750 for EACH of the 520 songs her grandson downloaded.
Yeah, I dunno why people are so cynical about the music business either.
// posted by Aaron @ 7:12:00 PM
Like an overprotective mother
The normally quite loyal Canadian media might be starting to turn on dear Diana. Two reviews of her first show in Calgary:
Timid with her own material
Stalls in opening night
CP's Judy Monchuk seems the more even-handed of the two. The Sun's Mike Bell sort of loses the plot, lumping Krall in with John Tesh early on and then referencing some unknown singer named Nora Jones.
The normally quite loyal Canadian media might be starting to turn on dear Diana. Two reviews of her first show in Calgary:
Timid with her own material
Stalls in opening night
CP's Judy Monchuk seems the more even-handed of the two. The Sun's Mike Bell sort of loses the plot, lumping Krall in with John Tesh early on and then referencing some unknown singer named Nora Jones.
// posted by Aaron @ 6:55:00 PM
Shine a light
Remember this? Well...
CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY MAY 8
JACK LAYTON & STEVEN PAGE co-host
LET’S JACK IT UP
An Evening of Passion, Pop & Politics
Palais Royale • Saturday May 22nd • 9:00PM
Jack Layton & Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) are co-hosting LET’S JACK IT UP, an evening of music and politics featuring Barlow, The Sadies, The Constantines, DJ Zahra, Martha Chaves, Jully Black, DJ Zahra and Steven Page. Other guests will be joining.
LET’S JACK IT UP producer Lorraine Segato, formerly of The Parachute Club, has assembled an impressive array of some of Canada’s leading new cultural voices, including:
Barlow: After four indie albums, Barlow’s self-titled debut album signed under Epic/Sony led to an impressive pair of Juno nominations under the Pop Album of the Year & New Artist of the Year categories. Barlow’s songs, like his latest hit “Married By Elvis,” evoke principles of equality and freedom.
The Sadies: Signed under Blood Shot Records, this Toronto based band combines surf music, traditional county and garage rock to create their own unique and eclectic sound. Integrating the deep rooted Canadian tradition of playing live, The Sadies’ music resonates with integrity.
The Constantines: Lyrically quoted as “Free from the postures of
politics,” this rock band released their second full-length album, Shine A Light, on local-indie Three Gut Records. Emerging as one of the “most spirited rock bands” in Canada, The Constantines are one of the best live experiences you can find in rock and truly are “among the shaking fists.”
DJ Zahra: Zahra is a fierce, flamboyant, stylish, spiritual, sexy
spin-sister on a mission to bring joy and justice to everything she does. Her passions include everything from social justice to finding the right shade of red lipstick. She has been producing culturally and politically exciting events for over twelve years, including the wildly successful Funk Asia Nights!
Martha Chaves: This comedienne’s candid and infectious style incorporates a unique and vast repertoire of multicultural nuances, which has led to numerous television, radio, festival and club appearances across both Canada and the United States. As producer and host of “Revolutionary Muses” Marta Chaves is forging her own path as a champion of women’s issues.
Jully Black: This Juno-nominated artist fuses R&B and Hip Hop with her gospel roots. Jully Black projects a deep, soulful and genuine sound that has earned this R&B dynamo her reputation as one of the hardest working women in Canada’s music industry, both as a songwriter and a performer.
Jack Layton & today’s NDP will build a green and prosperous Canada – where Canadian culture is supported and where no one is left behind. Today’s NDP is proposing practical and innovative solutions that will make a difference in peoples’ lives and is standing up for the issues that matter to Canadians and their families - like public health care, education, peace, the environment and Canada’s place in the world.
A 19+ licensed event, LET’S JACK IT UP begins at 9:00PM with doors opening at 8:00PM. The Palais Royale is located at 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West.
Tickets are available for purchase on Saturday May 8th, priced at $30. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by- calling Ticketmaster at 416.870.8000, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or by visiting Rotate This located at 620 Queen Street West, Sonic Temple located at 5165 Yonge Street, Soundscapes located at 572 College Street West, Women’s Bookstore located at 73 Harbord Street and Another Story located at 164 Danforth Ave.
Remember this? Well...
CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY MAY 8
JACK LAYTON & STEVEN PAGE co-host
LET’S JACK IT UP
An Evening of Passion, Pop & Politics
Palais Royale • Saturday May 22nd • 9:00PM
Jack Layton & Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) are co-hosting LET’S JACK IT UP, an evening of music and politics featuring Barlow, The Sadies, The Constantines, DJ Zahra, Martha Chaves, Jully Black, DJ Zahra and Steven Page. Other guests will be joining.
LET’S JACK IT UP producer Lorraine Segato, formerly of The Parachute Club, has assembled an impressive array of some of Canada’s leading new cultural voices, including:
Barlow: After four indie albums, Barlow’s self-titled debut album signed under Epic/Sony led to an impressive pair of Juno nominations under the Pop Album of the Year & New Artist of the Year categories. Barlow’s songs, like his latest hit “Married By Elvis,” evoke principles of equality and freedom.
The Sadies: Signed under Blood Shot Records, this Toronto based band combines surf music, traditional county and garage rock to create their own unique and eclectic sound. Integrating the deep rooted Canadian tradition of playing live, The Sadies’ music resonates with integrity.
The Constantines: Lyrically quoted as “Free from the postures of
politics,” this rock band released their second full-length album, Shine A Light, on local-indie Three Gut Records. Emerging as one of the “most spirited rock bands” in Canada, The Constantines are one of the best live experiences you can find in rock and truly are “among the shaking fists.”
DJ Zahra: Zahra is a fierce, flamboyant, stylish, spiritual, sexy
spin-sister on a mission to bring joy and justice to everything she does. Her passions include everything from social justice to finding the right shade of red lipstick. She has been producing culturally and politically exciting events for over twelve years, including the wildly successful Funk Asia Nights!
Martha Chaves: This comedienne’s candid and infectious style incorporates a unique and vast repertoire of multicultural nuances, which has led to numerous television, radio, festival and club appearances across both Canada and the United States. As producer and host of “Revolutionary Muses” Marta Chaves is forging her own path as a champion of women’s issues.
Jully Black: This Juno-nominated artist fuses R&B and Hip Hop with her gospel roots. Jully Black projects a deep, soulful and genuine sound that has earned this R&B dynamo her reputation as one of the hardest working women in Canada’s music industry, both as a songwriter and a performer.
Jack Layton & today’s NDP will build a green and prosperous Canada – where Canadian culture is supported and where no one is left behind. Today’s NDP is proposing practical and innovative solutions that will make a difference in peoples’ lives and is standing up for the issues that matter to Canadians and their families - like public health care, education, peace, the environment and Canada’s place in the world.
A 19+ licensed event, LET’S JACK IT UP begins at 9:00PM with doors opening at 8:00PM. The Palais Royale is located at 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West.
Tickets are available for purchase on Saturday May 8th, priced at $30. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by- calling Ticketmaster at 416.870.8000, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or by visiting Rotate This located at 620 Queen Street West, Sonic Temple located at 5165 Yonge Street, Soundscapes located at 572 College Street West, Women’s Bookstore located at 73 Harbord Street and Another Story located at 164 Danforth Ave.
// posted by Aaron @ 5:54:00 PM
You can pay your own way
According to this guy, Prince is requiring concert reviewers to pay for their tickets on his current tour. If true, me thinks he underestimates the epic frugality of both music writers and their employers.
According to this guy, Prince is requiring concert reviewers to pay for their tickets on his current tour. If true, me thinks he underestimates the epic frugality of both music writers and their employers.
// posted by Aaron @ 3:05:00 PM
When the completely obvious becomes news
Wow. Liam Gallagher was once found to be full of "substantial quantities of alcohol and drugs" and "it is possible he used cocaine?" Who knew...
As shocking as the notion of a rock star dabbling in narcotics may be, the real story here is that Liam, even all coked up, was beaten soundly by a bunch of 30-something real estate agents and computer salesmen.
Wow. Liam Gallagher was once found to be full of "substantial quantities of alcohol and drugs" and "it is possible he used cocaine?" Who knew...
As shocking as the notion of a rock star dabbling in narcotics may be, the real story here is that Liam, even all coked up, was beaten soundly by a bunch of 30-something real estate agents and computer salesmen.
// posted by Aaron @ 4:36:00 AM
Tuesday, 4 May, 2004
Lemon Chandeliers
With all the attention paid to this here Toronto scene of ours, why don't we know more about Chicklet?
Sarah Liss has heard of them. But she, like the rest of us, had to learn of their existence from a certain Los Angeles DJ.
A sampling:
Sleeptalking
Shark's Smile
Ripe
Subcelebrity
Threshold
With all the attention paid to this here Toronto scene of ours, why don't we know more about Chicklet?
Sarah Liss has heard of them. But she, like the rest of us, had to learn of their existence from a certain Los Angeles DJ.
A sampling:
Sleeptalking
Shark's Smile
Ripe
Subcelebrity
Threshold
// posted by Aaron @ 10:32:00 PM
