Regina Riffing

alcohol delivery

2011-05-10T20:12:00.001-07:00

By ANDREW MATTE

REGINA — This darkened bungalow was hidden by a massive, overgrown tree. The tiny house numbers didn’t help. But the rumble from inside was the giveaway — a muffled version of “Honky Tonk Woman” could be heard through an open window, so I was confident I was delivering a 12-pack of Pilsner and a 750ml bottle of Smirnoff to the correct address.
I followed a crumbling sidewalk, noted a tipped-over tricycle and other toys in the front yard and rang the bell. I rang it again and knocked loudly before I called the customer from my cell phone.
A pleasant woman in her 50s wearing a nightgown finally came to the door. She paid me cash for the beer and vodka, the $8.40 delivery charge and an extra toonie for my trouble, which, wasn’t enough for the extra work it took to find her hidden house and roust her from whatever she was doing.
But this was a typical delivery on a Saturday evening working for John Murray, Regina’s first entrepreneur to be licensed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to deliver alcohol. This spring, “dial-a-bottle” was introduced by the Saskatchewan government, allowing imbibers to order a bottle like they would pizza. It also opened a market to anyone to apply to the commission for a Home Delivery Permit and begin a business where none existed before.
For the six companies operating across the province, the work is simple — take an order over the phone, drive to a liquor store or offsale to buy items on the customer’s behalf and deliver it to their doorstep for a fee.
The rules aren’t different from bars or offsales — customers who appear drunk or are younger than 19 must be refused. Delivery companies can charge whatever they like for their service, but they aren’t allow to inventory their own alcohol, nor are they allowed to put a mark-up on what they buy.
I went to work for John as a casual driver this summer in hopes of making extra money when I wasn’t at my full-time job as a copy editor at the Leader-Post.
I like the money, but I am also drawn to this late-night adventure and the surprise that comes with every delivery.
Some customers are 20-somethings enjoying an evening with a house full of other young people, some are affluent party hosts treating their guests to drinks and others live in unfortunate circumstances: Some count their nickels to pay for a 1 a.m. delivery of a case of high-alcohol beer as toddlers scurry about the house.
As the Yuletide season approaches, alcohol delivery companies are anticipating an upswing in business due to demand from Christmas parties, family dinners and New Year’s Eve bashes.

n n n

John Murray opened his business, aptly named 775-BEER, after receiving his Home Delivery Permit from the authority in April. He and his wife Angela Markel had returned to their hometown of Regina about three years ago after going to school in Edmonton.
Murray had been working as a courier delivering building materials to Regina construction sites when he learned of Saskatchewan’s changing liquor laws. He saw an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new industry.
“I wanted to be first through the gate. And I was,” Murray says.
With the help of his wife and other family members who sometimes take a turn answering phones and making deliveries, Murray proved to himself that there’s potential for growth. He believes that with more advertising and as more residents know of the service, expansion in Regina and beyond is likely. He already accepts orders from Moose Jaw and hopes to someday serve imbibers province wide.
“The growth rate has been steady. I’ve been pleased with it,” Murray says.
“This isn’t a self-employment venture, nor is it a get-rich scheme. This is a fun project. This is something I want to build into something more. That is why I got Moose Jaw on the go. This is where it can be cost effective, which is to have a single call centre for multiple cities,” he says.
“I would love to see it go province-wide. To see it grow into a provincial brand would be just great. I would have a lot of fun building it.”
He said it was important for him to pay his own start-up costs and avoid going into debt. He’s not sure, however, whether spending more on advertising at the beginning would have let him grow faster.
“Sometimes I wonder whether I should have borrowed and done some more aggressive advertising, but I guess I can’t say I’m displeased either,” says Murray, adding he’s avoided borrowing money to launch the business.
Before Murray delivered his first case of beer, he sought advice from the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre. Since Murray was born without a left hand, he qualified for advice from centre, which helped him fine-tune his business plan.

n n n

There was a young mother who, while holding her infant son in her arms, proudly showed me her driver’s licence that proved she had been 19 years-old for three weeks as she accepted two, 2-litre bottles of wine coolers. I also remember a man in his 30s who was standing on his front lawn wearing a bathing suit when I arrived at 2:30 a.m. — he was dripping wet after emerging from his backyard hot tub. I also remember delivering a case of beer well after midnight to a Winnipeg Street house where the front yard was crammed with people, many of whom were huddled around a fire, including pre-schoolers in diapers and children in strollers.

n n n

Regina’s second company to receive its permit is Bottle Runners, a business launched by the Denouden brothers, Kevin and Curtis. Kevin had recently returned from Alberta where he worked as an alcohol delivery driver in Calgary and Curtis had returned from China. Like Murray, the Denoudens saw potential in the new service. Also like Murray, they’re seeing a steady growth as word spreads of their business, as well as a wide variety of customers.
“We probably get calls from three new customers a day. And least one of them will call again. Over 50 per cent of our customers have called more than once,” says Kevin, whose company was granted a delivery permit after 775-BEER because it was forced to appeal after it was turned down in April.
“We deliver in Wascana Estates and in the Core every day.”
But the Denoudens hope to lobby the authority in hopes of loosening the rules, to allow them to take orders until 3 a.m. rather than be forced to refuse calls after 2 a.m. Kevin says they’re missing out on business and he argues the rule is unfair since offsales can stay open until 3 a.m.
“A lot of the times, we’ll answer the phone after 2 a.m. and we’ll educate them a little bit and tell them ‘hey buddy, get your call in before 2 a.m.,” Kevin says.
“The main aspect of the business is to keep drunk drivers off the street. So if you take away that hour, between 2 and 3 a.m., then it sort of defeats the purpose.”
James Rolston hopes to do some lobbying of his own. Rolston operates Living Skies Alcohol Delivery in Saskatoon and believes the authority should be doing more to tell the public that his service, and others, are an option.
“I have had people call me at 6 a.m. ... people think I have better prices than the liquor board stores ... there has been no public education... it’s very frustrating,” says Rolston, who unlike 775-BEER and Bottlerunners, takes orders and makes deliveries himself.
Rolston, who also operates a limousine service in Saskatoon, said he was surprised that so many of his customers want their orders to arrive quickly. He had hoped his customers would order several hours, or even days, in advance.
“I didn’t realize it was going to be as on-call as it is. I was hoping to do more of the business through the website. But how it works is that people don’t order until they’re down to their last beer, and then they want it right now. So that tended to be problematic,” says Rolston.
His website has helped him attract some business, however, including one customer from Taiwan who arranged to have a case of beer delivered to his father in Saskatoon, as well as a company in Toronto that ordered a bottle to an actor debuting at the Persephone Theatre.

n n n

Permission was granted to delivery companies after the authority’s review of Saskatchewan liquor laws, which prompted changes in other areas, including allowing customers to brew beer and wine at businesses that sell equipment and offer advice. Other changes including allowing restaurant-goers take to home a bottle of wine they didn’t finish, as well as increased fines for those who serve alcohol to minors to $10,000 from $2,500.
Authority spokesman David Morris says alcohol delivery was granted because residents of Saskatchewan wanted it. Also, the province had been in the alcohol delivery business itself for the past 25 years, offering services from liquor stores in Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. Available to seniors and others with mobility issues, local courier and cab companies were contracted to deliver alcohol, but usually just once per day.
“What we heard from residents that they wanted an improved delivery service, an on-demand service,” says Morris.
Morris defends charges from detractors who argue the service puts booze in the hands of those who shouldn’t have it or allows minors greater access to alcohol.
“Residents of Saskatchewan already have many outlets available to them where they can purchase beverage alcohol. Home delivery is aimed at customers who maybe can’t get to an SLGA liquor store or offsale,” Morris says.
“A delivery service isn’t an inducement to drink more. This is just another way for people who maybe can’t get to those outlets to buy beverage alcohol.”
The authority isn’t done granting delivery permits. So far, there are six in Saskatchewan — two in Regina, two in Saskatoon, one in Swift Current and another in Lampman. There are three more applications before the authority — one in Regina, another in Saskatoon and another in Melfort.
Morris says there have been no complaints since the permits were issued, and delivery companies say they have only positive reports from customers.
The services also legitimize other firms that could have operated under the law. There is plenty of folklore in the industry that includes stories of companies that operated under the law prior to 2009, delivering marked-up alcohol and even illegal drugs to customers.
Bob Bymoen, president of the Saskatchewan Government Employees’ Union, is among those who think private alcohol delivery is a bad idea, especially since it takes the work out of the hands of union workers at government-run liquor outlets.
“They are all trained in a store. And there is no money incentive when it comes to refusing someone alcohol. They are more likely to keep their job by refusing alcohol than by selling it,” says Bymoen.
Bymoen believes having private companies deliver alcohol makes it more likely for minors or the intoxicated to be served.
“If you are standing on somebody’s doorstep with a bottle, the only way you are going to recoup the price of the bottle and the delivery is to give them the bottle,” says Bymoen.
“If you’re too drunk to get into your car and get a bottle yourself, is it any more responsible to have someone get the bottle for you?”
For others, getting into the business of alcohol delivery remains tempting. It could make sense for offsales that already operate a busy food delivery service to simply add alcohol to the menu.
Kevin Kasha, part owner of the Last Straw Brew Pub on Albert Street, said he and his partners are still studying the issue.
Larry Krulak, owner of the Empire Hotel on McIntyre Street, operates the only offsale in Regina that stays open until 3 a.m., 365 days a year. He considered adding delivery to his business but decided against it out of fear of dealing with headaches.
“It’s too much hassle. There will be problems at the door ... your drivers can get ripped off. And when you get to the door, you will have problems finding someone old enough to accept it,” adding he might have considered it if a delivery permit allowed him to deliver to downtown business and hotel guests.

n n n

Back at 775-BEER, Murray still goes out on delivery but relies on growing number of drivers. He also shares that uneasy feeling of delivering alcohol to heavy users of alcohol, but says his job is to make sure the laws are followed.
“I am regulated when it comes to the morality of it. I can’t sell to minors, I can’t sell to people who appear intoxicated,” he says.
“The people who I deliver to used to get their alcohol otherwise, like taking a cab or driving themselves to the offsale.”

Home-made background and stand

2010-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

It began with a wedding job - the client wanted simple pictures, all taken indoors in a living room. I had plans to rent a backdrop and stand but decided to make my own. I found designs online, fiddled with them a little and came up with this.

The first thing I did was use 1 1/2 inch and 2 inch plumbing pipe rather than PVC pipe I found on other sites. A little more expensive but more sturdy and durable.

The feet were the easy part. The vertical lengths are two sections that slide into each other -- two 6-foot sections mean it's expandable to 12-feet. I drilled holes in both and used a 50-cent bracket-pin frmo Princess Auto to hold it in place.

The horizontal sections are two 1 1/2 inch sections with a 2-inch section that holds them in place. Similar holes and bracket-pins hold it all in place.

The elbows - where the vertical section meets the post took a little plumbing. I originally had the 1 1/2 inch secton jammed into the elbow piece. But it wasn't as stable as I wanted. So I plumbed a short 1 1/2 section into the elbow, then added a step-up joiner and then a short 2-inch section thas was long enough to accept a couple of holes. The bracket-pins make it all nice and secure.

The stand cost me about $85 including the pipes and pins.

As for the backdrop, I started with a $35 painter's drop cloth -- it has a seam in it, but you can't see it in any of the pictures I took. A made a second one, ordering a 12'-15' section of muslin from an online fabric place in New England. That cost me about $50. I tie-dyed both backdrops, using ritt dye I found at Michaels. The grey backdrop, which is the painter's drop cloth, is quite a bit heavier. I had my sister-in-law sew a loop in it so the horizontal piece slides right inside of it.

So, this is cheap, sturdy and very portable. It sets up in a snap and it's easy to do for one person. It's expandable to 12-feet high and 15-feet wide.

2003 Toyota Corolla - LE - sport package

2010-09-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Journal de Montreal

2010-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it could be a train that hits hard and very, very hard.

Quebecor filed a settlement proposal to end the labor dispute at the Journal de Montreal that lasts and lasts from January 24, 2009. The CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau in person, announced this big surprise last week. The mediation process is continuing for a month.

Nothing official filter of this arbitration. Representatives of both sides of this interminable trench warfare respect a total camera. The content of the employer's offer remains as recent secret.

Patience, then. Meanwhile, to better understand the painful exercise that takes place behind lock tight, we can fall back on the proposed regulation that was filed by the owner, an open secret discussed all sides in the media world, but never broadcast date.

According to the preliminary settlement plan, Quebecor would have retained 17 journalists in its new newsroom. Repeat: 17 out of the approximately 66 reporters locked out, making one in four, roughly. In addition, according to this perspective, management would select them one by one, without regard to seniority.

At the start of the lockout, the union representing 253 members multisectoral. The preliminary proposal only saved a total of five, fifty what. In this small lot, there would be twenty clerks, including a dozen positions to classified ads and even then they may decrease in number at the discretion of management, depending on the workload. The new hall would therefore maintain a thirty posts, no cartoonist or editor, but four photographers, a handful of graphic artists and heads of desk, and then the 17 journalists.

These figures are not conditional on confirmed and will not, both parties respecting the lockout informational. The proposals can be changed upward or downward in the proposal filed last week. Maybe or maybe not. In any case, employees may find themselves much less likely to leave the underground where they eke out a living for about 20 months.

This is another very serious potential adverse effect of conflict. A few dozen executives realize Le Journal de Montreal, which sells and distributes as much for some 600 days. The boss seems tempted to reduce its "human resources" accordingly. After all, according to this logic managerial, why hire 253 people for the job if a quarter or half the number do the trick?

The stalemate in the conflict and this proposal (not confirmed) claiming a sort of collective hara-kiri explain the forces of this flagship of the fleet of Quebecor into the water one by one to save their skins ... before they are almost all scales simultaneously overboard.

Former colleagues of the Journal de Montreal now working in the communications department of a city, relations with the media of a school board, etc.. Many are active for the excellent site RueFrontenac.com, a creature of locked. Some have managed to put in another medium.

This is the case Fabrice de Pierrebourg, one of the best journalists and investigators today. His recruitment by La Presse was announced in July, barely a year after the company had claimed its employees major concessions. This good watchdog was all the more reason to breed also was among the nine 'Leaders' union dismissed after a court decision finding them guilty of contempt of court for having entered the Local JDEM a year earlier, with more than 100 other employees.

At the same time as the hiring of this big keyboard, the daily also announced that regularized the status of supernumerary illico transformed into permanent employees. As luck, providence of unbelievers, makes funny links, the measure has positively contributed 17 journalists, 17 ...

The spokesman Gesca owned by Power Corporation, owner of La Presse, denies a connection between this and that. The spokesman for the union establishes a quite the contrary, since, according to union claims, he must first resolve the fate of supernumerary (some waiting in the wings for four years), before hiring the recruit selection. In short, Mr. de Pierrebourg would shield a little help from 17 posts to qualify for the 18th ... which is better than being in the face.

There is barely a year, La Presse claimed his employees major concessions to save the company. Approximately 17,000 employees of U.S. media have lost their jobs in 2009, a year lockout at Le Journal de Montréal. The deep crisis, and that newspapers in particular, increases the bad and the amazing surprises ...

pix

2009-09-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

ssa

Kiss

2009-04-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello fans....

Well, there's lots of rumours about concerts in Regina this week, huh? I won't tip my hand -- I'm not in a position to tell anybody anything because, well, I just don't know. But the good thing is that it appears we'll be blessed with some good concerts this summer.

Now, do you think Kiss could come to Regina? Anything is possible -- when I was told a couple of years ago that the Rolling Stones would perform at Taylor Field, I didn't believe it. But look at what happened.

Kiss has an interesting campaign to book concerts in cities where fans contribute to a campaign to get the band to include you on its upcoming tour. There's also talk of a new Kiss album.

To read more, here's a a link ...

http://eventful.com/performers/kiss-/P0-001-000062428-9/competitions

I am a huge Kiss fan -- when I was a kid, I had Kiss posters plastered all over my bedroom walls, and I was such a fan that I didn't understand how any band would dare go on stage without makeup.

Luckily, Kiss reunited, put the makeup on and toured like crazy - and I got to see the whole extravaganza - once in Ottawa in the mid-90s and again in 2000 in Toronto. They were great shows, especially since Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were on board.

It appears the current Kiss lineup features Tommy Thayer in Ace's role, and Eric Singer back where Peter ought to be. Thayer and Singer are great musicians, but still.

I'm sure this modern-day version of Kiss puts on a fine show -- but, unfortunately, since I can head to the afterlife knowing I've seen the original Kiss, I will likely pass on an opportunity to see the current lineup (pictured).

However, for those who want to see "the greatest band in the world," or at least half of the band, here's your chance.

See you later.

A

I've had it with Ticketmaster

2009-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello friends...

I apologize for taking too long to get this blog rolling again.

If you hadn't heard about Joel Plaskett's show at The Distrikt next month, consider yourself told - one of Canada's best singer-songwriters is performing May 8. I am still listening to his new three-CD offering, so stay tuned to Saturday's Leader-Post for my review.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that I officially think that Ticketmaster sucks. First, I had a helluva time with the site - it kept crashing and/or refusing to accept my credit card information when I tried to buy a couple of Plaskett tickets this week.

So I called the 1-800 number, and was given a couple of different stories about whether I could actually buy them over the phone. One fella gave me another number to call so I could buy them over the phone -- but when I called it, I was told that I could only buy them online. Sure seemed like a lot of trouble.

Anyway, I re-booted my computer and that seemed to do the trick. However, I was stunned at all the charges. We expect a "fee" of some sort, but what I paid seemed outrageous.

I got two tickets at $15 each, and I was charged $4.50 for each ticket for a handling fee. Then, I was charged another $3 delivery fee, even though I chose to pick up the tickets. I'll let you do the math, but the notion that only a portion of what I'm paying is winding up in Plastkett's pocket is a sad thing indeed.

I don't have any grand ideas about loosening Ticketmaster's grip on the ticket industry, but I'd like to hear them - and I'd be happy to support competition to Ticketmaster.

That's it for now -- I need to get to work on reasearching the next Matte's Metal Minute. If you haven't heard, my contribution to Grindhouse, the heavy metal show on The Wolf is becoming more and more fun since it began a few months ago. Last Friday's metal newscast was as close to flawless as I'll ever get. Stay stuned to the upcoming Friday night show (11 p.m.) ... and I may even have an interview or two share in the coming weeks.

Stay real.

A.

concert listings

2009-03-17T12:44:00.001-07:00

Reply Reply Reply to all Reply to all Forward Forward Move Copy Delete Previous Item Next Item Close Help
From: Dunn, Jessica [JessicaDunn@LiveNation.com] Sent: Tue 17/03/2009 14:25
To:
Cc:
Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS
Attachments:
View As Web Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 17, 2009

SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS

Most tickets available through www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster Or Charge by Phone:

Saskatoon 306-938-7800, rest of Saskatchewan 1-800-970-7328
Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and facility fees

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAR 27 / BEYONCÈ – NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS RELEASED

*March 27, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $115.00, $89.00, $59.00 & $25.00 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

APR 20 / GAVIN ROSSDALE – NEW SUPPORT ADDED

With special guest Suzie McNeil

*April 20, Odeon Events Centre Saskatoon / Doors 7:00pm/ Show 8:00pm

Tickets $30.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

CONCERT LISTINGS

MAR 20 / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – SOLD OUT

With special guests Dope and Archer

*March 20, The Odeon, Saskatoon/ Doors 8:00pm / Shows 9:15pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+

MAR 24 / SERENA RYDER – SOLD OUT

With special guest Royal Wood

*March 24, Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION SEATED

APR 4 / NICKELBACK

With special guests Seether and Saving Abel

*April 4, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm
Tickets $65.50, $49.50 & $39.50/ RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

APR 11 / NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

With special guests Jabbawockeez

*April 11, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon/ Doors 6:30pm / Shows 7:30pm

Tickets $75.00, $55.00 & $39.50 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

APR 12 / NO FEAR ENERGY MUSIC TOUR

FEATURING LAMB OF GOD

With special guests Children Of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, Municipal Waste and God Forbid

*April 12, Saskatoon Prairieland Park, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm

Tickets $39.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

APR 20 / NEIL YOUNG

With special guests Everest

*April 20, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $175.00, $89.50, $75.00 & $55.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR / RESERVED STANDS / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

APR 23 / SUGARLAND

With special guests Billy Currington

*April 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $69.50 & $45.50/ RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

MAY 14 / THE STILLS

With special guests Gentleman Reg

*May 14, Louis’ Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $18.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

MAY 23 / AN EVENING WITH IL DIVO

*May 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $127.05, $91.55 & $57.05 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

MAY 29 / TV ON THE RADIO

With special guests Dirty Projectors

*May 29, Louis’, Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $28.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

***A LIVE NATION & SEALED WITH A KISS CO-PRODUCTION***

NEW SHOWS BEING ADDED WEEKLY

WWW.LIVENATION.COM

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com/investors.

Best Regards,
Jessica Dunn| Media Relations / Western Canada(:: 604.683.4233 / 604.683.4298 fx
8::Jessicadunn@livenation.com
*:: 5th Floor 56 East 2nd Ave, | Vancouver, BC, Canada | V5T 1B1
www.LiveNation.com

Miss ya pal.

2009-03-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite guitarists is actually a better photographer than he is an axeman.

Tom Hanson was one of this country's best photographers. But, for me, he was good friend and among group of journalist buddies to attend Friday night poker games at the Ottawa Press Club held on the third Friday of the month. This was a few years ago now -- 1995-97.

I admired him for his creative approach to life - I was jealous of his job - he had one of the best jobs in journalism, helping record the comings and goings of the prime minister of the day for the Canadian Press. I can guarentee you've seen his pictures in newspapers. He's been published regularly in Canadian newspaper for the past two decades.

The last time I saw Tom we were on a plane carrying Jean Chretien -- I was assigned to cover the federal election campaign in 2001 and he was there, as always, to take pictures. We shared some old stories, and he shared some of his wife's baking.

I bring this up because Tom died on Tuesday night -- at 41, Tom collapsed while playing hockey in Ottawa. Needless to say, as a 41-year-old, out-of-shape hockey-playing journalist, this puts an interesting perspective on things.

At any rate, Tom loved the blues - he was a member of an all-media band in Ottawa and he played a smooth Fender Strat. I doubt he liked metal.

But I will always remember his photos, showing up to press conferences on his Harley Davidson and introducing me to fancy scotch over a late night, but spirited, game of cards.

I have been on antibiotics for a couple of weeks, but when they are done, I am going to have a glass, or two, of the Macallan in Tom's honour.

Here's a little more about Tom and his work.

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/thelens/archive/2009/03/11/a-tribute-to-cp-photojournalist-tom-hanson.aspx

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hGVoyKXFQxS8V0OixzHJjgnK5H7A

You too can miss U2

2009-03-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hello fans....

Mondays are great, aren't they? My Monday was made extra grim by the news that U2 has announced plans to play shows in Canada. And, of course, on Toronto and Vancouver are on the list. In the story below, the Toronto Sun's Jane Stevenson suggests more Canadian dates could added. Don't hold your breath. There are bigger U2 fans than me, but you won't find me at any of the U2 shows already booked.

Anyway, bigger bands have played here -- so you never know.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/U/U2/2009/03/09/8676421-sun.html

Candy, radio and a fundraiser

2009-03-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hello fans....

The weekend is officially upon us -- and that means it's time to let down our hair, enjoy a bunch of adult beverages and head to the clubs. If you need some ideas, see the previous post. My advice is to stay out of the movie theatres -- seeing the movies when they come out on DVD is cheaper anyway. Plus, you can have a beer and enjoy some popcorn that's not overpriced.

It seems the Thursday night show at the MacKenzie Art Gallery was nothing short of awesome. I wasn't there -- I was stuck at work until late, but I was told by an enthusiastic music lover that the concert was everything it was supposed to be, and then some. The free event featured music from Library Voices (pictured) Rah Rah and We Were Lovers. The evening was catered by Dessart, which meant free candy for the crowd. So, not only was the evening the perfect opportunity to see three good bands for free, the audience was also treated to complimentary Pixie Stix, Razzles, Bottle Caps, Nerds, Tootsie Rolls, Sweet Tarts and Jelly Bellies.

I'll be certain to let you know when the gallery hosts another Thursday evening show.

For those who will be listening to the radio tonight should turn the dial to 106.9 The Wolf. Grindhouse, the station's hour-long show dedicated to heavy metal, will feature another Matte's Metal Minute. I am in full radio mode, which means I think I'm getting better at my delivery and production. I am already working on upcoming Metal Minutes. Tonight's Matte Metal Minute puts a spotlight on the return of the awesome Toronto metal band Piledriver. So, listen in, it only takes a minute. Actually, listen to the whole show. It's great.

And finally, local music fans can help Library Voices make some money to help recoup their losses suffered when some thieves broke into their van in Vancouver and made off with thousands of dollars worth of gear. The fundraising gig is on March 27 at The Exchange. Other performers include Volcanoless In Canada, Andy Shauf and Matt Goud (formerly of Means). Tickets are $15 at the door.

So, there are two reasons to see this spirited group -- they're terrific live and they need our help. They are also accepting donations of music equipment.

Here's a copy of an email I received today. Have a great weekend. See you here on Monday.

A

Library Voices, a ten piece indie pop band from Regina, had their van robbed while on tour in Vancouver last week. The group lost over $10,000 worth of equipment.

After a long winter drive through the mountains and headlining a capacity concert @ The Media Club in Vancouver the band parked the van on a well lit street and headed in for some much needed sleep. The next morning (literally only a few hours later) they discovered that thieves had taken bolt cutters and chopped away all of the metal on their trailer that secured their "unbreakable" padlock. Instruments stolen included a saxophone, a guitar, heads and speaker cabinets, a vintage tom drum, an accordion, about a dozen pieces of percussion, and countless cables, effects pedals, and microphones. In the spirit of rock and roll, the group has rented/borrowed enough equipment to continue touring but the incident has proved to be a giant setback and are hoping the community pulls together to support an evening of live music - which in turn will help them replace a portion of what was stolen.

Library Voices has curated a diverse evening of music, pooling musicians from all over Saskatchewan to join the festivities. Estevan, Carlyle, Yorkton, Balgonie, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon will be represented on stage.

The band prides itself on it's unique and diverse instrumentation - and so at this time they are also bowing their heads, with their tails between their legs and announcing that they will graciously accept any donations of old and unused instruments you may have cluttering up your garage or storage rooms. They solemnly swear that every donation will make an appearance on an upcoming recording. (contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com)

Library Voices was recently featured in Spin Magazine as an "unheard band you NEED to hear now". Since forming in spring of 2008 the band has also toured the country twice, performed at the Western Canadian Music Award, Regina Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Ness Creek, and Calgary's Sled Island Festival. They have also received airplay in the UK on the BBC, won an award from CBC Radio 3, and their debut EP, Hunting Ghosts, charted nationally on college radio and CBC. The group recently wrapped up a full length album to be released in the summer of 2009.

Friday March 27
@ The Exchange (2431 8th ave, Regina, Sk)

A special fundraiser concert featuring:
Library Voices
Volcanoless In Canada
Andy Shauf
Matt Goud (formerly of Means)

Doors at 8:00 PM

Tickets are available at the door for only $15.00

contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com

CBC Radio 3 posted a plea by the band to the thieves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWQDgEm4RMA

Stories regarding the robbery can be viewed here:

http://exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=129&csid2=844&fid1=36794

This weekend in music

2009-03-04T14:57:00.001-08:00

Hello fans...

For those of you who think there's never any decent live music in Regina, I present this weekend in the Queen City. If you can't find anything that interests you this weekend, then I might suggest that you're off your knob.

I picked a great weekend to resume my weekend music rundown duties. I am sorry for missing the last couple of weeks.

My pick for the weekend is the Thursday night show featuring Library Voices, Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. This is part of the gallery's new occasional Thursday night music series. And the best thing is that it's free. Three excellent local bands - for free. You can't beat that.

THURSDAY:
- Library Voices performs with Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event.
- Chris Henderson plays the first of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Kory Istace vs. the Time Pirates and Tabby Grass and the Down Home Boys perform at The Lazy Owl, University of Regina.
- Textbook Tragedy performs with The Holly Springs and Disaster at Centennial Hall in Lumsden.

FRIDAY:
- Arkells and The Walking Eyes perform at The Drink.
- Chris Henderson plays the second of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Women with The Harmoniums perform at The Club. 7:30 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- Rehashed, Blacklisted, Kleins96, Life in Hand, Urindump. - 8 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- God Made Me Funky at The Distrikt. Doors open at 9 p.m. $8 cover.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- We Were Lovers and Sylvie perform at at O’Hanlons
- Country singers Gord Bamford and Jessie Farrell perform at the Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Jordan Cook performs the first of two nights at McNally’s.

SATURDAY:
- Num performs at The Drink.
- Sisters for Sisters, a benefit concert for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, featuring Brittany Kraus, Louisiana Jane and the Zydeco Hurricane, Bev Zizzy, Little Miss Higgins at Regina Performing Arts Centre. Advanced tickets available through Performing Arts Centre box office.
- Big Nothing performs at the Gaslight Saloon.
- Chris Henderson plays the third of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Jordan Cook performs the second of two nights at McNally’s.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Regina Symphony Orchestra’s Mosaic Masterworks Concert Series presents: Tickling the Ivories - with guest artist Angela Cheng (piano) at Conexus Arts Centre, 8 p.m.

Create your own band

2009-03-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hello there fans....

I totally had fun with this today while I watched TSN's hockey trade coverage. And I also stole this from Regina's Skip Taylor. I am certain he won't mind me spreading this fun little project.

You will see that I am excited about Capra's debut album "In Honour of a Critic."

Here's how you do it... with thanks to Skip.

I urge you to email me your projects. If you need some Photoshop help, please send me your details and if I have time, I'll put together what I can.

HERE'S WATCHA DO!

And seriously.. Don't cheat.. that's what makes this so dope!!

1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to "Random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.

CD releases today

2009-03-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hey fans...

I read somewhere that the temperature in Regina was going to rise above the freezing mark today, which cetainly is enough to give all Reginans a reminder that winter doesn't last forever. Anything to hang on to is a blessed thing -- we'll be basking in the sun and mowing our lawns in no time.

Today marks the long-awaited release of "No Line On the Horizon" from U2. I've always thought U2 was overrated, but I usually lose any sort of argument I have with serious fans of Bono and The Edge, so I won't bother mount a similar argument here. The band is playing every night on the Letterman show this week. I caught Monday night's show and the song and performance were a tad yawn-inducing. We'll see of they pick things up later in the week.

And it seems even the rock Gods that make up U2 understand that adding value to their product is the best weapon in the battle of cyber-pirating. Fans can buy a plain CD release of "No Line on the Horizon" or they can get one of the other four packages. There's the limited box set that includes a DVD and hardcover book, the "digipack" edition with a fold-out poster and rights to download a U2 film, the 60-page magazine version and the limited-issue vinyl double LP.

U2, "No Line On the Horizon", (Interscope)

Various artists"Watchmen: Music From the Motion Picture", (Reprise)

Neko Case, "Middle Cyclone", (Anti)

Raul Malo, "Lucky One",(Fantasy)

Rush, "Retrospective 3",(Atlantic)

Boston Spaceships, "Planets Are Blasted" (Guided by Voices)

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, "The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem In Person at Carnegie Hall: The Complete 1963 Concert" (Sony)

Justin Townes Earle, "Midnight at the Movies" (Bloodshot)

Bela Fleck, "Throw Down Your Heart, Tales from the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3: Africa Sessions" (Rounder)

Ian McLagan and Bump Band, "Never Say Never" (R.E.D.)

Buddy and Julie Miller, "Written in Chalk" (New West)

Nashville Pussy, "From Hell to Texas" (Steamhammer)

Alan Parsons Project, "Vulture Culture: Original Recording Remastered" (Sony)

Arvo Part, "In Principio" (ECM)

Prodigy, "Invaders Must Die" (R.E.D.)

Tierney Sutton, "Desire" (Telarc)

Thin Lizzy, "Still Dangerous: Live at the Tower Theater Philadelphia" (VH1)

Various Artists, "The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 11B: 1971" (Hip-O)

Soundtracks and scores:

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" (Lakeshore)

"Watchmen: Original Motion Picture Score" (Reprise)

Video Killed The Radio Star

2009-03-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hello friends.....

Well, I won't say that I'm exactly surprised, but I'm pleased to learn that so many people listen to The Wolf. It makes sense that the station does pretty well in the ratings, but it would be interesting to learn how many people listen to The Grindhouse, the station's hour-long show dedicated to heavy metal.

The show's host, Evan Baran, has been great to work with -- Matte's Metal Minute was christened a few weeks ago and it's been really fun contributing to the show. On Friday, I urged listeners to call local movie theatres in hopes they might host the April premiere of Flight 666, the Iron Maiden documentary produced my Sam Dunn. I did some calling around and learned there are no plans afoot to show the film, so perhaps they could be enoucouraged if they knew there was a demand. So, consider yourself similarly encouraged.

This week is a good one for metal fans. At the Exchange on Friday night, Rehashed, Blacklisted, Kleins96, Life in Hand and Urindump share the stage in what will be a very loud evening.

That's it for now - check back tomorrow, will ya?

A

BNL turns the Page

2009-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

So, Steven Page is out as a member of the Barenaked Ladies. I'm not sure what the band's chances are without him, but we wish everyone the best of luck. From what the band has posted on its website, there is plenty to read between the lines.

http://www.bnlmusic.com/

Not that we need another reason to hate thieves, but...

2009-02-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hello all....

Well, I was about to start sending all the Regina Riffing readers subscripition rebate cheques, but then I figured: `What the hell. Let`s keeping this damn thing going.

So, after some personal challenges this month, I`m back. I hope to be back at my desk at work on Tuesday, and The Wolf listeners will be interested to know that Matte`s Metal Minute will return this Friday during Grindhouse a 11 p.m. As always, stay tuned here for interesting Regina music tidbits, like this one, which appeared in a recent Chart Attack. In the meantime, I`m off to enjoy some beets and another nap.

On Sunday February 15, Library Voices played to a capacity crowd at The
Media Club in Vancouver. The 10 piece pop collective are on a national
tour in support of their debut EP, Hunting Ghosts (& Other Collected
Shorts).

That night their trailer was robbed while they slept. Left unattended for
less than 3 hours in the wee hours of the morning their trailer was hacked
apart with bolt cutters and thieves made away with approximately $10000
worth of gear. Items stolen include an accordion, a saxophone, a guitar,
cabinet, head, countless pedals and cables, & misc. percussion.

In the true spirit of rock and roll the band rented and borrowed enough
gear to finish the western leg of their tour. The band is at home for a
week now to look into insurance options, replace their instruments, and
start demoing material for a fourth coming 7" before heading back out on
the road at the start of March.

March 5 - Regina, Sk - MacKenzie Art Gallery w/ Rah Rah
March 6 - Calgary, Ab - Palamino w/ Summerlad
March 7 - Winnipeg, Mb - Lo Pub w/ WOMEN
March 8 - Thunder Bay, On - The Apollo
March 9 - Sault St. Marie, On - TBA
March 10 - Sudbury, On - The Garage
March 11 - Guelph, On - EBAR
March 14 - Toronto, On - El Macambo - CMW Showcase
March 15 - Windsor, On - Phog Lounge
April 3 - Saskatoon, Sk - TBA w/ Azeda Booth

A minute with Matte? No thanks!

2009-02-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hello friends...

It sure is funny, this crazy blue marble we live on, huh?

One minute, you're 10-feet tall and bullet-proof. Next minute, you're pissed off at the world and thinking more about how life sucks instead of about how fabulous it is.

It's been a wacky week. First, my dad gets sick. Really sick. Secondly, my career as a mediocre radio contributor has been resserected.

Firstly, my dad is resting comfortably at a hospital in Ottawa. His spirits are up and his family is spending lots of time cracking jokes at the foot of his bed. I am not sure whether the nurses and other hospital staff read Regina Riffing, but I apologize for anything me and my brothers might have said during our visits there. One of us might have propositioned the nice lady who came to hook up the TV in his hospital room, so that requires an extra sincere apology.

This week sucked, but all was not lost. This is the week Regina Riffing hit the airwaves.

A few weeks back when I was listening to Evan Baran's Grindhouse, I felt especially melancholy about the hours and hours I spent listening to metal shows on radio stations in Montreal and Ottawa when I was in my teens.

The Wolf's Grindhouse is Saskatchewan's only radio show dedicated to heavy metal. And it's a great show. Honest. I am officially a fan of radio in all of its incarnations -- radio is great, even though I like to complain about stations appealing to the masses at the risk of watering themselves down -- so contributing to it seemed like a natural to me.

I listen to the radio a lot. I listen to CJME sometimes, and to CBC. But when I need some music, then I listen to the Wolf. And since Grindhouse started, it's been my favourite thing on Regina radio.

Back before Christmas, I thought about my days as host of "Matte on Metal," an hour-long radio show I did on CKDJ, a show that aired on Friday nights at the rarely-listened-to radio station at Algonquin College in Ottawa. I chatted about metal and played the best of what the station had to offer. I remember fondly spinning old Saxon and Queensryche while inviting friends in for guest spots to read the news or ramble on about the latest Triumph concert.

Nobody listened, but I was ok with it.

It wasn't much different than when I was in elementary school. I would put a casette player up to a record player and play song after song, filling the time it took to change records to "rap" like a DJ. Then I'd play back my "show" when I went to bed at night.

Fast forward a few years -- I was flattered that Baran invited me to contribute to his show. We tossed some ideas back and forth, and we thought that a weekly update on metal was in order. It gives me a new voice in Regina, and gives the show an added element. I promise not to take up too much time -- the music and Baran are the reasons we all listen -- but I hope to improve on Friday night's debut.

I chatted a little about metal's history and introduced the song "Stone Cold Crazy" by Queen. It was loads of fun. But I need to get better. And I shall. I will research more and I'll work on my delivery -- on Friday's show, I sounded like a drunk person who had consumed a gallon of Nyquil.

I thank Evan for the opportunity and guidance.

I'm also happy that my bosses at the Leader-Post didn't object when I told them about my new radio gig.

But Evan deserves the biggest kudos for coming up with a name for my "bit."

Matte's Metal Minute is a quality name. I promise to work hard at living up to it.

So one other thing is happening this week - just as I did when I was in Grade 8, I put a tape recorder near a speaker and recorded Friday's show. I'll play it back for my dad tomorrow.

To me, the Wolf does, indeed, rock.

A.M.

Junos misplaced

2009-02-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

The fabulous fellas from Nickelback have taken their lumps over the years from critics who complain about how their cheesy sound, grand melodies and in-the-box approach to rock has watered down an otherwise wonderful genre.
The dudes are talented. And they can rock. But the trouble is that they always seem to apply a musical cookie-cutter to their sound, a tool they stumbled on when lovable Chad Kroeger first put pen to paper, and pick to string. Gooey lyrics about loneliness and oral sex ooze over pop-metal have made them millions and spawned what has become a yawn-inducing genre of Canadian cheese rock. They aren’t doing anything different than what Bad Company did in 1973 or what Foreigner did in 1984, other than contemporize the sound and add a nice thick layer of camembert.
In fact, the state of Canadian rock is at its worst right now, and least inventive. So many bands are trying to follow Nickelback’s fan-friendly, mediocre rock — hello Staind, Creed, Three Days Grace, Seether and Theory of a Deadman. Aside for the odd exception, listening to Regina radio is a frustrating pursuit for anyone who prefers quality over what’s popular. There’s nothing evil, however, about wanting to hear what’s hip.
That being said, we can all appreciate anyone who manages to sell tickets, CDs and other merchandise regardless of how they approach the music. The marketplace dictate matters of commercial success. And there’s nothing wrong with that. If you adore Nickelback, then God bless you. We can also agree that music quality doesn’t exactly guarantee commercial success. Talent often takes a back seat to marketing, which obviously plays a huge role in all of this — hello Girlicious, Jonas Brothers and anyone who’s appeared on an Idol show.
There are lots of bands that aren’t exactly known for uniqueness but take special places in my music collection. But I also don’t expect them to be nominated for a Juno. I’d be stunned if Toronto’s Piledriver was nominated for a Juno, but they’re still my favourite band this week.
Presumably, a Juno award is given to an artist who produces music of exceptional quality. And with today’s announcement that Nickelback is nominated for a bunch of them, it appears whoever decides this Juno award stuff is just as vulnerable to advertising and peer pressure as those who buy tickets to see the Pussycat Dolls or Miley Cyrus.
Nickelback was nominated for Album of the Year, Single of the Year for “Gotta Be Somebody,” and Group of the Year. How they missed out on a Rock Album of the Year, I really don’t get, assuming the judges follow their own rules.
The only Nickelback nomination I can see fly is the one they received for fan choice award.
The reality is that there are so many Canadian artists who produce award-worthy music but didn’t catch the interest of the Juno people. They missed out on an opportunity to shine a light on singers and bands who don’t already sell CDs and concert tickets like Nickelback does.
Maybe the Juno people didn’t read the latest issue of SPIN Magazine, which gave a nod to Library Voices, a band from Regina that’s quickly winning fans and praise from critics. Their album Hunting Ghosts & Other Collected Shorts is a much better album that Nickelback’s Dark Horse, in my view anyway. I wasn’t asked for my opinion, but my vote would have gotten lost among all the Nickelback ballots.
What about Ontario’s Great Lake Swimmers? Other bands whose music is more Juno-worthy include The Dears, Final Fantasy, The Stills, Plants and Animals and Destroyer.
Thankfully, some envelope-pushing Canadian artists caught the eye of the Juno people, including Feist, Kardinal Offishall, Sarah Slean, Cancer Bats, Serena Ryder, Dallas Green, The Trews, Tokyo Police Club, Kathleen Edwards and Lights.
It seems to me that if bands worthy of a Juno are only those who sell the most CDs, then we really don’t need an awards show — or the expense. It makes more sense to give all the money to school music programs and mail the statues to the best-selling acts.
And on the night of the Junos is supposed to air, we can prepare for our own nod to high quality Canadian music and listen to Joel Plaskett, Rush, Gordon Lightfoot, Diana Krall, Jason Plumb and many, many others.

The glorious return of Piledriver

2009-01-30T07:13:00.001-08:00

If there was ever a reason to be excited about heavy metal in Canada, now is the time thanks to a cherubic fellow named Gord Kirchin.

As the leader of Piledriver, Kirchin was a hero to thousands of young metal fans who crammed arenas and older folks who similarly filled smoky metal cubs in the 1980s. While Van Halen and Twisted Sister attracted the big crowds, Piledriver had its own fans, particularly in Europe, where right-thinking headbangers loved Kirchin’s fresh, wild approach to the genre.

Kirchin strapped on a leather mask with spikes, recorded sounds of saws and made sure plenty of blood was spilled. The cartoon approach was fabulously funny, and Kirchin and his fans appreciated the melding of comedy and ultra heavy metal. Thankfully, while the song titles and lyrics were deliberately mind-boggling, the music was mind bending. Kirchin and his recruited bandmates had the chops, and the sounds helped usher in a new era of new metal, popularized by the likes of Merciful Fate, Venom and Metallica.

But unlike their contemporaries, Piledriver figured it was okay to make fun of yourself and your music along the way. So on Piledriver’s 1983 debut album in Metal Inquisition, there’s Kirchin in full garb holding an upside flying V and using it to jackhammer a youngster’s head. But the best thing was that the music was as good as the cover was ridiculous. The popularity of the band escalated and the band played all over the world and a second record was released.

However, as things like this usually go, the band died and Kirchin essentially dropped off the musical map before 1990. He recorded a similarly excellent metal record under a new band Dogs with Jobs, but Kirchin wasn’t heard from again -- until now.

Kirchin has quit his day job, cashed in some RRSPs and is giving the metal world a whirl again.

Renamed The Exalted Piledriver – seems there are many Piledrivers throughout the world – Kirchin recruited some new members and has already played a number of gigs in and around Ontario and more gigs are planned. Just like in the old days, there’s interest in Europe, and the band was recently added to the Open Air Festival in Germany in July.

And the band's new CD Metal Manifesto is available through the band's website.

The coolest thing about Piledriver’s second life is that young metal fans have the opportunity to hear an excellent blend of classic hardcore and contemporary sounds.

Bands like Lamb of God, Coal Chamber and even Regina’s own Into Eternity are doing special things with the metal genre, but I urge you to give Piledriver a whirl, and enjoy the heavy hilarity.

Here they are on the web...

http://www.sofa-q.com/

A.M.

The weekend in music

2009-01-29T14:11:00.001-08:00

THURSDAY:
— Regina Folk Festival presents: Mighty Po Po (pictured) — The Exchange
January 29, 7:30 —11:30 p.m., Tickets $14 in advance, $18 at the door. Advance tickets available from Vintage Vinyl, Bird Films and the SCES.
— Grassroots Regina presents: Nathan Rogers — The Club at The Exchange. 8 — 11:30 p.m., $12 at the door.
— Steve Arsenault performs at The Pump Roadhouse. Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.
— Jack Semple performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina — Coffee Shop Series).

FRIDAY:
— Bastards, Knuckles Up, Amour Fou & Urindump perform at The Distrikt. Doors open at 9 p.m.
— Live Heavy Metal Karaoke - The Exchange. 8 — 11:30 p.m.
— Steve Arsenault performs at The Pump Roadhouse. Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.
— Chris Matchett & John Bjerke at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).

SATURDAY:
— Steve Arsenault performs at The Pump Roadhouse. Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.
— Honeymoon Suite & Headpins at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
— Third Degree Birnz performs at The Drink. Show’s at 8 p.m. Cover is $5.
— Bob Evans performs at The Exchange, 8 p.m. — midnight. Tickers are $15, $20 at the door, tickets are also available at Bach and Beyond, Cobb Swanson Music and B-Sharp Music. www.bobevansguitar.com.
— RSO Mosaic Masterworks Concert Series presents: Three’s Company — with guest artist Trio Frontenac at Conexus Arts Centre, 8 p.m.
— Jeffery Straker performs at Holy Rosery Cathedral Hall.
— Chris Matchett & John Bjerke at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).

CDs out Tuesday

2009-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Bruce Springsteen "Working on a Dream."
Franz Ferdinand "Tonight" (Sony)
Renee Olstead "Skylark" (Reprise)
"2009 Grammy Nominees" (Rhino)
"The Empyrean" (Adrenaline)
The Bird and the Bee, "Ray Guns are Not Just the Future" (Blue Note)
Pat Green, "What I'm For" (RCA)
Hoobastank, "For(n)ever" (Island)
Keith Jarrett, "Yesterdays" (ECM)
Dean Martin, "Amore" (Capitol)
Steve Martin, "The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo" (40 Productions)
Paul McCartney, "Amoeba's Secret" (EP) (Hear Music)
Kylie Minogue, "Boombox" (Astralwerks)
Mark Olson, Gary Louris, "Ready for the Flood" (New West)
Enrico Rava, "New York Days" (ECM)
Duncan Sheik, "Whisper House" (RCA)
Various Artists, "Wow Gospel 2009" (Verity)
Various Artists, "WWE: The Music, Vol. 9" (Sony)

Soundtracks and scores:
"World's Fair: To Broadway with Love" (DRG)

Lamb of God concert announcement

2009-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

NO FEAR ENERGY MUSIC TOUR FEATURING
LAMB OF GOD
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
CHILDREN OF BODOM
AS I LAY DYING
MUNICIPAL WASTE
AND
GOD FORBID

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2009
SASKATOON PRAIRIE LAND PARK – SASKATOON, SK
DOORS 6:00PM SHOW 7:00PM
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY JANUARY 31ST @ 10AM

Tickets available at Ticketmaster Or Charge by Phone 306-938-7800 &
1-800-970-7328
Tickets (incl. GST) $39.50
(Plus FMF & Service charges)
**GENERAL ADMISSION**

Fresh off of their west coast run with Metallica and upcoming visits to Finland, UK, Ireland, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia, Lamb of God have teamed up with No Fear Energy for the North American tour in support of their fifth studio album “Wrath” which will be released by Epic Records February 24th. The tour commences in Phoenix, Arizona on April 2nd and covers 35 markets in the US and Canada, ending in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina May 15th.

“No Fear Energy is excited to be working with Lamb of God, Live Nation and the solid line-up of support bands for this upcoming tour,” said No Fear’s Vice President Of Marketing, Britt Galland. “The music on this Tour fits perfectly into the no-holds-barred lifestyle of those who buy No Fear Energy drinks and gravitate toward the action- sports properties associated with the No Fear brand image. We’re anticipating another popular metal tour, along with some unique product promotions and contests.”

Tickets and more information are available at www.livenation.com , www.ticketmaster.com and www.Nofear.com . Check local listings for additional information.

Lamb of God has put together one of the strongest bills to come out of the metal community in recent times. As I Lay Dying and Children of Bodom are the main support acts on the tour, with the opening slot rotating between Municipal Waste and God Forbid. Lamb of God drummer, Chris Adler, commented “I cannot wait to begin the first North American run of the ‘Wrath’ world tour. The package we have lined up is guaranteed to leave sore necks and broken eardrums across the country. If you are into metal, there is something here for everyone, this is not a tour to miss. We are working up one hell of a show and can't wait to play the new material. See you there! “

Don’t miss Lamb Of God with special guests Children Of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, Municipal Waste and God Forbid at Saskatoon Prairie land Park on April 12th 2009.

ABOUT LIVE NATION
Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience for artists, fans and sponsors. Our core business is buying and producing artist rights and monetizing those rights via our global distribution pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live music concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to livenation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into direct concert ticketing and building the industry's only artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV."

Miss out on Eagles tickets?

2009-01-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hey friends...

I had heard a rumour this might happen, and it was confirmed today when a third Eagles show was added in Saskatoon. For details, read today's leaderpost.com.

http://www.leaderpost.com/Entertainment/Eagles+landing+again/1219252/story.html

Good news from Regina's metal community

2009-01-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all....

Well, for metal fans, this will be old news. But Tim Roth from Into Eternity posted a very cool message on the band's website that details the reasons for his mysterious absence from the fall tour.

I'll let Tim's words -- and the pictures -- do the talking. What a lucky dude.

http://www.intoeternity.net/news.php

A.M.

Studio clips from long ago

2009-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hello friends...

I friend of mine passed this link onto me this morning, so I figured I'd share it with all of you. This is the sort of thing that the Internet was made for. I will be using this primarily for my prank phone call business, so feel free to call your friends and relatives, put your phone up to your computer speaker and let Dave do the talking.

http://www.thetyser.com/

Enjoy your weekend. See you here on Monday.

A

The weekend in music

2009-01-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY:
- Theory of a Deadman, with Rev and 10 Second Epic, Conexus Arts Centre
- Donny Parenteau (pictured), the Pump Roadhouse.
- Whiteboy Slim at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series)

FRIDAY:
- Vom performs at the Plains.
- The Buzz Trouts performs at O'Hanlons.
- Donny Parenteau, the Pump Roadhouse.
- Whiteboy Slim at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).

SATURDAY:
- Kevin Costner and Modern West Casino Regina Show Lounge. (sold out)
- Slow Motion Water at The Drink. $5 cover.
- Regina Musical Club Stars for Saskatchewan presents Bellows & Brass,
7:30 pm, Riddell Centre, University of Regina.
- Whiteboy Slim at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series

Will Eddie return ?

2009-01-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be cool to see Iron Maiden again in Regina? Well, it could be true. Thanks to metal fan, academic and documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn, Iron Maiden: Flight 666 - The Movie
is set to be released in theatres in April.

Dunn, already a hero among metal eggheads after his documentary Metal: A Headbangers Journey, followed Maiden on its recent Somewhere Back in Time tour, which included a stop at the Brandt Centre. I thought the show was great — after Rush, I've seen Iron Maiden more than any other band — but I was sad when I learned the Iron Maiden plane didn't make it to Regina. I visited the airport and was given some story about the airport not having the facilities to accommodate Maiden's big plane. The poor blokes had to buy a plane ticket from Edmonton, and then to Winnipeg, like regular folks.

Anyway, here's a story about the film — and if any of you have any sway at local theatres, then I urge you to pull in some favours. Seeing Maiden on the big screen would be a treat.

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i8a272e828df3eab10583e51c067c4e42

Speaking out for Library Voices

2009-01-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

The smooth, modest musicianship and geek-hip lyrics of Regina's Library Voices has raised some important eyebrows in the music world. And fans and the band itself are all pretty pleased.

Spin Mazagine went out of its way to mention the band in its current issue -- sure, it might not have been 12-page cover story, but the reality of a few words in one of North America's most influencial music magazines is a big deal for a little (sort of) band that came together in Regina not that long ago.

Under its "Three Undiscovered Bands You Need To Hear Now" feature, Spin's Peter Gaston writes: "Make room for another massive collective: This born-in-'08 Canadian posse boasts more than 10 members. Thankfully, the sound isn't convoluted at all, leaning on well-edited art school essentials, from restrained flourishes of unadorned guitars to playful keyboards and cutesy boy-girl vocals. Self-referential lyrics? Check. Tales of young, drunken romance? You betcha."

If you missed it, here's a link....

http://www.spin.com/articles/three-undiscovered-bands-you-need-hear-now

Gaston said that he found the band thanks to the website Sonicbids.com, an industry site that lets bands network with booking agents, venues and other industry folks. Spin and Sonicbids have been involved in a cross-promotion, and the site has been a nice way for Spin staff to research new acts, he said.

"I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them live, should the opportunity arise," Gaston said.

Library Voices member Darcy McIntyre said the mention has pleased him and his bandmates, even though he concedes Regina's long winter is taking its toll.

"Yeah, it is kind of a big deal, I think anyways. Although the winter is dulling my excitement," McIntyre said in a Facebook message.

For those who haven't heard of them, Library Voices began in 2008 as a project by 10 Regina musicians to create spirited, modern pop.

Here's what they say about themselves on their MySpace page: Library Voices is a ten piece pop collective from Regina, Saskatchewan. Blending tremolo soaked guitars with analog synths, vintage organs, circuit bent electronics, accordion, saxophone, and glockenspiel, their songs play out like an AM radio jingle; mixing the best of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and today.

Looks like they're about to warm some hearts in the coming weeks over a 10-show tour that starts in Saskatoon on Friday and takes them throughout Alberta and B.C. in February.

I'll let you know when I learn about another Regina gig.

You, too can write for the Times

2009-01-14T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hello friends....

Well, now that the holidays are over, and my illness solidly in the rear-view mirror, I will do my best to blog like the old days.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to me in the world of music this week also happened in the publishing world. Bono published his debut column in the New York Times. And it's pretty good. Nice timing, too, given that everyone is talking about how the looming U2 album, calling it revolutionary and all that.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/opinion/11bono.html

Stay real.

A

We're back in business !

2009-01-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Along with the rest of Regina, I’ve heard plenty about challenges in health care - there are too few nurses, not enough infrastructure and not enough money. I didn’t think much of the issue until I was hospitalized last week and learned lots about our health-care system shortcomings.

After my whirlwind tour of the General Hospital’s emergency ward, I was given bad news. Sure, I was told I’d be admitted for a few days, but the news got worse when I was told there was no bed for me. Instead, I would spend a few nights recovering from asthma complications at Code Burgundy, a large main-floor ward also used by patients who come for a few hours of treatment or assessment during the day.

Code Burgundy was established, I was told by hospital staff, because of the nursing shortage — elsewhere, there are nicely-decorated rooms and soft beds, but not enough nurses to care for patients. Others told me “there are just no beds.” Instead, this makeshift room, which is also referred to “patient overflow,” collects patients the hospital can’t normally handle and the remaining available nurses are assigned to patients like me. Until last week, I assumed patient overflow was something easily remedied by a bedpan and a little privacy.

The number of patients this ward accommodates varies from night to night — some get released, some find that coveted bed “upstairs,” and one nice lady during my stay was transferred by ambulance to the Pasqua Hospital where a regular bed had become available. Members of the unfortunate group that remained, which fluctuated last week between 12 and 20, were left to convalesce in make-do circumstances.

Mind you, this is no African refugee field hospital. But my bed was little more than a narrow cart on wheels, and the reassuring gurgle from my intravenous pump was interrupted at night by noises expected at a big room full of sick people and those who care for them. You’d be surprised how often — and how loudly — patients are coaxed from the their sleep at 4 a.m. for a some sort of test or treatment, or how often patients call out for help long after the lights are out. And never did I miss my own bed more than when I was handed a half-sized rubber pillow squished flat by a thousand heads before me.

I tried to treat this as an adventure. After all, my health was improving and I took solace in the notion I’d be home soon while other patients might not have similar prospects.

On the other hand, I was disappointed my tax money wasn’t working harder for me. I figured this room full of mostly-senior taxpayers who were spending their days and nights on stretchers deserved better. There was also fabulous irony in how I looked forward to leaving the hospital so I could catch-up on my rest. I’m 41 and I was at Code Burgundy for only a few days, so I felt bad for older people whose stays were longer than mine.

Others deserve better, too, including the patients who were scheduled for day procedures but received pre-dawn phone calls telling them not to come in because new patients like me were using their space.

The nurses and doctors are owed more, too — I felt let down by the system, but I was treated well by the men and women who cared for me, all of them energetic and positive despite the conditions. It must frustrate doctors and nurses to see the care of their patients compromised.
I wonder what Tommy Douglas would think if he were a hospital patient today. My guess is that he’d be dazzled by the care but then turn burgundy with frustration over the notion of patient overflow in a booming Saskatchewan in 2009.

I don’t know why this problem exists, so I have no advice for the politicians and health administrators who should fix it. During my hospital stint, I was reminded of all that I have read about nurse recruitment and the Saskatchewan Party’s boasting about what it spends on health-care, neither of which comforted me last week.

But I suspect that if the right people spent a night or two at Code Burgundy, I bet they’d start to work as hard as nurses to figure out a way for all hospital patients to have a bed.

And then all of us would sleep a little better.

CDs out today

2008-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Fall Out Boy, "Folie u Deux" (Island)
Keyshia Cole, "A Different Me," (Geffen)
Dave Matthews Band, "Live at Mile High Music Festival" (RCA)
Jamie Foxx, Intuition, J Records
All American Rejects, When the World Comes Down, Geffen
Bob Dylan, "Playlist: The Very Best of Bob Dylan 1960s" (Sony)
Brooks & Dunn, "Playlist: The Very Best of Brooks & Dunn" (Sony)
Led Zeppelin, "Complete Studio Recordings" (Warner Bros.)
Madonna, "Miles Away (Remix EP)" (Warner Bros.)
Martina McBride, "Playlist: The Very Best of Martina McBride" (Sony)
Dave Matthews Band, "Live at Mile High Music Festival" (RCA)
Dave Matthews Band, "Live Trax Vol. 13" (RCA)
Plies, "Da Realist" (Atlantic)
Saliva, "Cinco Diablo" (Island)
Santana, "The Best of the Fillmore Years" (Cleopatra)

Concert announcement

2008-12-15T10:12:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BRYAN ADAMS
A VERY SPECIAL SOLO ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009
CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE THEATRE – REGINA
Doors: 7:00PM Show: 8:00PM

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 @ 10AM

Conexus Arts Centre Box Office, Charge By Phone 1-800-667-8497, 306-525-9999

Or online at www.conexusartscentre.ca

Tickets (incl. GST) $89.50 & $69.50
(Plus FMF and service charges)

TICKET LIMIT OF 4 PER PERSON

***RESERVED SEATING***

Bryan Adams will bring his highly successful solo-acoustic show to Regina this winter! The intimate concert will take place at Conexus Arts Centre Theatre.

The singer/songwriter has been touring the world in support of his new album 11, and is currently on tour south of the border. As Canada's best-known ambassador, Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. With hits like, "Cuts Like A Knife", "Summer of '69", "Kids Wanna Rock", "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started", "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", "Open Road" and most recently "Thought I'd Seen Everything", Adams status as one of the great songwriter's of our time, has been solidified.

He has been awarded the Order of Canada and in 2006, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards in Halifax. He has been nominated for Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy's and last year his handprint was added to the Wembley Square of Fame in celebration of his 25th show at the famed stadium. Bryan's outstanding live concerts have established him as one of the world's best rock singers, performing over 120 concerts a year.

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience for artists, fans and sponsors. Our core business is buying and producing artist rights and monetizing those rights via our global distribution pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live music concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to livenation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into direct concert ticketing and building the industry's only artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV."

Live Nation – Canada

For more show information please contact:

Ryan Balaski – 604-683-4233

RyanBalaski@livenation.com

For press accreditations please email

Jessica Dunn– 604-683-4233

JessicaDunn@livenation.com

For interview requests please email

Marlene Palmer – Bruce Allen Management

marlenepalmer@shaw.ca

Best Regards,
Jessica Dunn| Media Relations / Western Canada(:: 604.683.4233 / 604.683.4298 fx
8::Jessicadunn@livenation.com
*:: 5th Floor 56 East 2nd Ave, | Vancouver, BC, Canada | V5T 1B1
www.LiveNation.com

The weekend in music

2008-12-11T14:05:00.001-08:00

Hello friends....

Well, I am almost recovered from the flu, so I’m back at a computer and able to bring you my favourite part of my little blog — a rundown of live music events in the Queen City, the little task that got me started on this thing in the first place.

I apologize for the lack of posts this week — I was busy studying the inside of my eyelids.

For those of us who are metal fans, we’re in for a treat this weekend. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at the Exchange, metal is on the agenda. Perhaps the biggest name is Black Dahlia Murder (pictured), a Michigan outfit that’s in the middle of a Canadian tour. Poison they are not.

So here we are....

THURSDAY:- Faster Gun plays at The Pump.
- Brittany Kraus and the Misters at The Crushed Grape, 8 pm.
- Sylvie and The War Doves at O’Hanlons.
- Surreal Concerts presents: Black Dahlia Murder and Soilent Green at The Exchange. $16 advance.

FRIDAY:
- Faster Gun plays at The Pump
- Nachtterror, Omen, and Kinedyne at The Exchange.
- Chad Kitchula at O’Hanlons.
- The Liverpool Invasion at Casino Regina Show Lounge.

SATURDAY:
- Faster Gun plays at The Pump.
- The Liverpool Invasion at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Alley 14 at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- Gallowgist and Chemical Horizon at The Exchange.
- Regina Madolin Orchestra's Christmas concert at The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, 7pm. $8 adults and $6 students/seniors. Tickets are available through orchestra members or at the door.
- New West Concert Series presents: Architects & Builders (CD release)and Marshall Burns at The Club.

Another (Saskatoon) show

2008-12-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hello friends - guitar god Zakk Wylde is returning to Saskatchewan. Remember he was came to Saskatoon last year and bought a young musician a guitar at a Saskatoon music store?

It sure seems crazy that Saskatoon is getting all of these concerts and skipping Regina. What's up with that? I'd investigate further, but I am out of my mind with the flu at the moment, so I must lie down and wonder why I bothered gettign a flu shot.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
DOPE
AND
ARCHER
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
THE ODEON – SASKATOON
Doors: 8:00PM Show: 9:15PM

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 @ 10AM
Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone 306-938-7800

Tickets (incl. GST) $32.50
(Plus Service charges)

***GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+***

Shot to Hell, Black Label Society’s 2006 album, gave the band’s fans more of what they were waiting for—guitarist Zakk Wylde’s incredible fretwork, his brutal songwriting and the ferocious hard rock of Wylde and his band-mates. The album followed six previous albums, and can take its place alongside classics like 1919 Eternal, Blessed Hellride and Mafia.

In the more than two decades since Ozzy Osbourne plucked him from obscurity (at a gas station job in New Jersey) and hired him to be his new guitarist, Zakk has established himself as a guitar icon on the same level as Rhoads, Page and Eddie Van Halen, thanks to the impressive work he's done with Ozzy, as a solo artist, and as the leader of Pride & Glory and BLS. He's won practically every guitar magazine award there is, and he's regularly cited as a major influence by the latest wave of metal guitarists. For Zakk, such recognition is humbling and gratifying, especially since he and his late pal Dimebag Darrell were about the only guitarists still flying the flag for seriously shredding solos during the nu-metal ’90s. Though Wylde’s disagreements with mentor Ozzy are well documented, the two have been working together on songs, and met earlier this year to discuss a new album together. In November, the Wylde bunch heads to Europe and Scandinavia for a tour, culminating in an appearance at the Metal Hammer Hard Rock Hellfire Festival in December. Then, in 2009, these Ozzfest vets will release a new BLS album and launch a massive headlining tour. And, in perhaps the strangest development in the BLS camp, Zakk is recording a version of the Stevie Nicks/Don Henley ballad “Leather and Lace” with country star Gretchen “Redneck Woman” Wilson for a country music compilation.

Don’t miss Black Label Society with special guests Dope and Archer at The Odeon on March 20th 2009.

Eagles coming to Saskatchewan

2008-12-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Good Monday to all...

We have yet another concert announcement - sadly, it's for Saskatoon, and yet again, Regina misses out. It sure does help bolster the argument for a bigger indoor facility similar to the Credit Union Centre. Domed football arena anyone?

The EAGLES Will be playing TWO NIGHTS at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon:

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 @ 8:00 PM
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 8:00 PM

Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

The weekend in music

2008-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY:Priestess (pictured), The Drink
- Tara Lee at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Mr. Something Something- Exchange, 9 p.m., Tickets, $12 at the door
- 40 Thieves and Eamon McGrath at O'Hanlons.
- The Regina Jazz Society Jazz Masters Series - The Music of Count Basie - directed by Carlo Petrovitch at the Regina Inn, 8:30 pm. $15 members/ $20 non-members/students half-price.
- Corb Lund at Convention Hall - Conexus Arts Centre. $34. All ages show.
- Mobadass at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- John Berry's Christmas Tour at Casino Regina Show Lounge.

SATURDAY:
- Tara Lee at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Mobadass at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- John Berry's Christmas Tour at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Brandy Moore at Chapters Book Store, 1pm. Free.
- Matrimony-N-Cheese: Billy Idol meets Michael Jackson mixed with the Flashdance and Top Gun soundtracks, blended with the movie "The Wedding Singer" and smothered in cheese!

Youth rules

2008-12-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

So Kiss founder Gene Simmons was in Canada recently on a hunt for acts to sign to his label, and among the typically outrageous things he said were some smart things that made sense to me.

He was talking about what makes an artist great, and what it takes for a band to become a success. He said he wasn't a fan of shows like Canadian Idol and American Idol because they do little more than entertain a TV audience with a contest among singers rather than help find and encourage young artists who have a shot at having a long future in the music business.

He was quite correct to suggest that he would have crashed and burned if he had become an American Idol contestant when he was starting out in the '70s. He couldn't sing well at all, he said, and he and his band rose to fame and still enjoy success decades later because he and his bandmates had moxy, offered something different to the music landscape and worked hard at it. They also had an attitude and personalities that don't exactly get rewarded on the Idol shows.

He's right, isn't he? Most of the winners are clean cut, rosy-cheeked men and woman who the show's makers figure have a chance of appealing to the masses.

Simmons said the Rolling Stones's Mick Jagger wouldn't have done well on American Idol either -- what Jagger lacks in vocal talent he makes up for in stage presence and energy alone. That's why he's regarded as one of the best rock frontmen, ever, because of who he is rather than how well he can hold a note.

One of the reasons that gets me excited about a singer or a band is how they started. I'm impressed by a band that starts out in a garage, earns a modest living playing the music they love and then become popular after struggling and winning audiences on their own terms.

For instance, Regina's favourite sons Into Eternity travel the world quite regularly after years of struggle and hard work. I don't think people like David Cook or Ryan Malcolm know much about eating peanut butter sandwiches in the back of van on their way to a show Sudbury, Ont. where a crowd of 80 are waiting for them. My guess is that they wouldn't bother.

An Into Eternity CD has a value that no CD made by an Idol winner will ever have. Same goes for all rags-to-riches (or rags-to-rags-to-rags) bands.

I bring this up for a couple of reasons.

Some time ago, I was passing the time and looking up some old Iron Maiden videos on youtube, and I stumbled across these three brothers from Argentina who had posted their own version of Maiden's "Trooper." I liked it, a lot, because these really young dudes were taking this very seriously and having a blast.

The Gaucho brothers (pictured) are all really young, and the video was shot in a bedroom - you can see part of what appears to be a bunk bed. Their niece, holding a muted microphone and dressed in a flowing dark wig, presumably to look like a Maiden member, or one of her uncles, dances as her young uncles wail away on their instruments.

Here it is.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_4aGXTHo7w

If you search youtube, you'll find lots more -- the Gaucho brothers do versions of many songs, most of them old, great rock songs. I gather they became Internet darlings, and even appeared on Argentina's version of American Idol and their spirited performance seemed to impress.

In this clip, they're a little older and better at their instruments. And their parents go nuts out of view from the audience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y4vKQytOU4&feature=related

I hadn't given much thought about the Gouchos until a couple of weeks back when I spotted this cell phone ad where subtitles allow the TV viewer to understand what they're singing about. It's a neat ad, and their niece returns to her rightful spot up front. Here it is - I'm sure you've seen it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfPSkyd-9UM

I hope that I am able someday to buy a Goucho Brothers CD, because I will. And I'll buy a few copies as gifts, and give them to friends and family who are fans of winners of TV contest shows.

Here's an Esquire article on the brothers...

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/gauchos022307

So why do I bother bringing all of this up? Well, Regina music fans are in for a treat tonight (Wednesday) when three really young local bands share the stage at The Exchange.

Purple Funk headlines a bill that includes fellow young rockers The Flaming Pendejos & Noah's Electric Arc. The show is from 8 to 11 p.m. and tickets are $8. Without doing a Google search, I can say with reasonable certainty that none of these bands or their members have done well on Canadian Idol, and are performing tonight because they like hanging out with their friends, love playing rock music and just want to have fun.

Here's a taste of what you'll expect - this is The Flaming Pendejos, who I think played on the Scarth Street Mall this summer. Like all bands on this list tonight, they play rock music -- no dancing, no choreography. In this clip, the young fellas pay tribute to Pink Floyd and perform an imperfect but neat version of "Wish You Were Here."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDmjLjIuEy4

My guess is that most of tonight's audience will be made up of giddy parents, but this show is perfect if you're like me, and interested in real musicians playing music for the simple pleasure of the art.

Cheers!

This week's CD releases

2008-12-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

Akon - "Freedom"
Dimmu Borgir - The Invaluable Darkness"
The Fireman - "Electric Arguments"
Josh Groban - "A Collection"
Keri Hilson - "In a Perfect World"
Jadakiss - "Block Homicide"
The Kinks - "Picture Book"
R.E.M. - "Murmur" (Deluxe Edition)
Britney Spears - "Circus"
Twisted Sister - "Live at Astoria"
White Zombie - "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie 1985-1996"
Neil Young - "Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968"
Zac Brown Band - "The Foundation"
Zebrahead - "Phoeni

New tickets released for Carrie Underwood tonight

2008-12-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

TONIGHT @ BRANDT CENTRE!

**** Great seats just released! ****

Best way to get your tickets is online at www.ticketmaster.ca
or you can charge-by-phone at 543-7800.

Nickelback to play Saskatoon

2008-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST AFTER 7:30AM

ROCK 102, C95 AND THE SASKATOON STAR PHOENIX PRESENT

NICKELBACK
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

SEETHER

AND

SAVING ABEL

SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH, 2009

CREDIT UNION CENTRE - SASKATOON, SK

Doors: 6:00PM Show: 7:00PM

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH @ 10AM

Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets

Charge by Phone 306-938-7800

Tickets (incl. GST) $65.50, $49.50 & $39.50
(Plus FMF and Service charges)

**GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR / RESERVED STANDS **

NICKELBACK ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new album Dark Horse, released on EMI Music Canada on November 18th. The Live Nation produced tour, which kicks off on February 25th in Nashville, TN, hits major arenas in over 30 cities across the continent. Seether and Saving Abel have signed on as support acts.

Nickelback tickets go on sale beginning December 5th at www.LiveNation.com. This is Nickelback’s first tour under their Live Nation Artist Nation deal which was announced earlier this year.

Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus far and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All The Right Reasons, released in 2005. In support of the album, the band has recently appeared on, MuchMusic, Entertainment Tonight Canada, eTalk, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The American Music Awards. Critics and fans alike are praising Dark Horse. The New York Times raved, "Nickelback… has been responsible for some of the heaviest pop hits of this decade and more notably, it has almost single handedly preserved the idea of the arena-rock ballad." Entertainment Weekly declared, “The only sure thing in the music business in 2008.”

The album, Dark Horse, debuted #1 on the Canadian charts and the first single, “Gotta Be Somebody,” is the #1 single in Canada. At press time, the track has an estimated North American audience of over 60 million.

Nickelback re-launched their official fan club website on November 13th where members can gain exclusive access to advance concert tickets, limited edition merchandise, candid photos, audio and video. The site offers members exclusives, including special contests for merchandise, tickets and meet and greets with the band. There’s also a new social platform enabling members to network and chat with other members via message boards, a live chat room, blogs and many other interactive features. Members will have access to pre-sale ticketing beginning November 25th. To become a member go to www.Nickelbackfanclub.com or CLICK HERE to join.

Nickelback VIP packages are also available at www.NickelbackFanClub.com which include a combination of VIP concert tickets, early entry into the venue, a personal photo opportunity with the band, an exclusive concert t-shirt, collectible tour poster (limited edition and numbered), and official commemorative VIP laminate and a set of official Nickelback guitar picks.

NICKELBACK TOUR DATES – 2009

DATE CITY VENUE ON-SALE

Wed/Feb-25 Nashville, TN Sommet Center Sat/Dec 13

Fri/Feb-27 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena Sat/Dec 13

Sat/Feb-28 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena Sat/Dec 13

Mon/Mar-02 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre Fri/Dec 5

Tue/Mar-03 Hamilton, ON Copps Coliseum Fri/Dec 5

Thu/Mar-05 Worcester, MA DSU Center Sat/Dec 13

Fri/Mar-06 East Rutherford, NJ IZOD Center Sat/Dec 13

Sun/Mar-08 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena Sat/Dec13

Mon/Mar-09 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center Sat/Dec 13

Wed/Mar-11 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena Sat/Dec 13

Thu/Mar-12 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena Sat/Dec 13

Sat/Mar-14 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center Sat/Dec 13

Sun/Mar-15 Moline, IL i Wireless Center Sat/Dec 13

Tue/Mar-17 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Sat/Dec 13

Wed/Mar-18 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena Sat/Dec 13

Wed/Apr-01 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place Fri/Dec 5

Thu/Apr-02 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome Fri/Dec 5

Sat/Apr-04 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre Fri/Dec 5

Sun/Apr-05 Winnipeg, MB` MTS Centre Fri/Dec 5

Tue/Apr-07 Minneapolis, MN Target Center Sat/Dec 13

Wed/Apr-08 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center Sat/Dec 13

Fri/Apr-10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center Sat/Dec 6

Mon/Apr-13 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center Sat/Dec 13

Tue/Apr-14 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center Sat/Dec 6

Thu/Apr-16 Houston Toyota Center Sat/Dec 6

Fri/Apr-17 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena Sat/Dec 13

Sun/Apr-19 Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena Sat/Dec 13

Wed/Apr-22 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena Sat/Dec 13

Thu/Apr-23 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena Sat/Dec 13

#####

About Live Nation:

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience for artists, fans and sponsors. Our core business is buying and producing artist rights and monetizing those rights via our global distribution pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live music concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to livenation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into direct concert ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional Information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com/investors.

For show information, please contact

Geoff Robins

604-683-4233

GeoffRobins@livenation.com

For Media accreditation, please contact

Jessica Dunn,

604-683-4233,

Jessicadunn@livenation.com

For interview requests for Nickelback & Saving Abel, please contact

Ron Harwood – EMI Music Canada

780-418-4160

Ron.Harwood@emimusic.ca

Dawn Dwyer – EMI Music Canada

416-583-5019

dawn.dwyer@emimusic.ca

For interview requests for Seether, please contact:

Shawn Sommers – Warner Music Canada

204-783-2346

Shawn.Sommers@warnermusic.com

Yet another concert announcement

2008-11-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

One of your more high profile country singers has plans to visit the Queen City - here's a short piece that appears in today's Leader-Post about Brad Paisley. With all the recent concert announcements, you'd have to wonder whether this economic downtown is real.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/movies/story.html?id=0e8e94ed-9dc5-40f4-808b-b80ff36c6a31

Breaking news - concert announcement

2008-11-27T17:01:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE WOLF PRESENTS
THEORY OF A DEADMAN
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

REV THEORY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009
CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE CONVENTION HALL – REGINA

Doors: 7:00PM Show: 8:00PM

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST @ 10AM

,
Conexus Arts Centre Box Office, Charge By Phone 1-800-667-8497
Or WWW.CONEXUSARTSCENTRE.CA

Tickets (incl. GST) $29.50
(Plus FMF and Service charges)
***GENERAL ADMISSION ***

Scars & Souvenirs marks a new level of accomplishment for Canadian hard rock outfit Theory of a Dead Man. A polished and passionate testament to seven years of hard work, heavy touring and diligent attention to the Delta band’s craft, the disc swings from the swirling grind of “By the Way” to the nasty snarl of “Crutch” to the soaring melodicism of “Not Meant to Be” and “Wait for Me”. The broad-reaching effort is also rife with studly rockers like “Sacrifice”, which bristles with the kind of primal, super-charged defiance that has long defined the best hard rock, “Got it Made” and “Bad Girlfriend”. The new single “So Happy” is already taking rock radio by storm, and was featured as #10 on the rock page of ClearChannel’s New! Program’s Top 20 songs playlist.

Achieving creative growth without sacrificing the power that got the band where it is today, Scars & Souvenirs follows 2005’s Gasoline. That hugely successful sophomore disc which launched the hits “No Surprise”, “Say Goodbye”, “Santa Monica” and “Hello Lonely (Walk Away From This)”. The band, which jumpstarted its career when singer Tyler Connolly gave Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger a demo tape of early Theory sessions, first leapt to public attention with its 2002 self-titled debut, and the singles “Nothing Could Come Between Us” and “Make Up Your Mind”. The album helped the band score a 2003 Juno Award for New Group of the Year.

Theory Of A Deadman recently performed with Suzie McNeil at the half time show during the 2008 Grey Cup in Montreal.

Don’t miss Theory Of A Deadman with special guests at the Conexus Arts Centre Convention Hall on January 22nd 2009.

The weekend in music

2008-11-26T23:08:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY:
Hotel California, an Eagles tribute begins its first of three sold out shows at the Casino Regina Show Lounge.
Kathy Stochmal at Casino Regina Coffee Shop, 8pm. Free.
FOXX Worthee & Craig Moritz at The Pump Roadhouse.

FRIDAY
Richard Groulx and The Co-Accused CD release - The Exchange
Skratch Bastid with Def 3 and The Gaff at The Distrikt.
Comedy Night at The Club at The Exchange.
Hotel California at the Casino Regina Show Lounge. Sold Out.
Kal Hourd at the Canadian Western Agribition Rodeo Caberet, Regina Exhibition Park.
Alex TNT at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
FOXX Worthee & Craig Moritz at The Pump Roadhouse.

SATURDAY:
The Frayme at The Drink
Jack Semple at The Exchange (workshop and concert).
Living in the Boom Times CD release - The Club at The Exchange.
Hotel California at the Casino Regina Show Lounge. Sold Out.
Alex TNT at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.

Top releases

2008-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello friends....

Here's a list of the top 20 CDs sold in Regina last week -- and below that is the list of CDs that being released today.

1 FEARLESS TAYLOR SWIFT (pictured) ( MMR )
2 BLACK ICE AC/DC ( COL )
3 WINTER CAME ENYA ( WUK )
4 MUCHDANCE 2009/DANSEPLUS 2009 VARIOUS ARTISTS ( UNI )
5 SOUNDTRACK, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR ( DIS )
6 FUNHOUSE P!NK ( ZOMB )
7 PAPER TRAIL T.I. ( ATL )
8 KEEPS GETTIN' BETTER: A D CHRISTINA AGUILERA ( RCA )
9 MY LOVE-ESSENTIAL COLLECTION CELINE DION ( COL )
10 SOUNDTRACK MAMMA MIA ( POL )
11 CLOSER: BEST SARAH SARAH MCLACHLAN ( NTW )
12 TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT HINDER ( UNI )
13 ANNE MURRAY'S CHRISTMAS ALBUM ANNE MURRAY ( EMI )
14 BIG SHINY TUNES 13 VARIOUS ARTISTS ( EMI )
15 IS IT O.K. SERENA RYDER ( EMI )
16 VOL. 1-GREATEST HITS RASCAL FLATTS ( HOL )
17 THR33 RINGZ T-PAIN ( ZOMB )
18 ONLY BY THE NIGHT KINGS OF LEON ( RCA )
19 SOUNDTRACK TWILIGHT ( ATL )
20 DEATH MAGNETIC METALLICA ( WBR )

CDs out today

Kanye West "808s & Heartbreak" (Island Def Jam)
The Killers "Day & Age"(Island Def Jam)
Barry Manilow "The Greatest Songs of the Eighties" (Arista)
Ludacris "Theater of the Mind"(Island Def Jam)
Jon Anderson, "3 Ships: 22nd Anniversary Edition" (Opio)
Jeff Beck, "Performing this Week...Live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club" (Eagle)
Rivers Cuomo, "Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo" (Geffen)
Doris Day, "Christmas" (Collector's Choice)
Fireman, "Electric Arguments" (ATO)
Hall & Oates, "Live at the Troubadour" (Shout)
Linkin Park, "Road to Revolution: Live at Milton Keynes" (Warner Bros.)
Liza Minnelli, "The Complete A&M Recordings" (Collector's Choice)
Paramore, "The Final Riot!" (Fueled by Ramen)
R.E.M., "Murmur: Deluxe Edition" (A&M)
Return to Forever, "Returns" (Eagle)
White Zombie, "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie" (Geffen)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Gears of War 2" (Sumthing Else)
"13" (Ghostlight)

Another concert announcement

2008-11-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009
BRANDT CENTRE – REGINA, SK
DOORS 6:30PM SHOW 7:30PM
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY DECEMBER 1ST @ 10AM
Tickets available at Ticketmaster Outlets Or
Charge by Phone 306-938-7800 Or 1-800-970-7328
Tickets (incl. GST) $127.05, $91.55 & $57.05
(Plus FMF and Service charges)
**RESERVED SEATING **

CANADIAN TOUR 2009
IL DIVO CONFIRM PERFORMANCES IN 13 CITIES ACROSS CANADA

IL DIVO – Since coming together in 2004, four of the greatest voices in the world, David Miller, Carlos Marín, Urs Buhler & Sébastien Izambard have spearheaded an entire musical genre by bringing the sound of opera to the world of popular music.

As part of their massive touring plans for 2009, Il Divo launched their Canadian tour and fifth album The Promise with an exclusive performance in Toronto today. Giving fans and media a taste of what’s to come, Il Divo’s renditions of “Amazing Grace”; “Power of Love”, “Hallelujah” and “Adagio” left the intimate audience breathless. With over 1.5 million albums sold to date, Canada remains one of Il Divo’s most successful markets in the world.

The Canadian tour will begin April 28th in Halifax and visit a total of thirteen Canadian cities including Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, London, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.

The 2009 tour, An Evening with Il Divo will kick off February 21st in Manchester with a schedule including eight performances in the UK, followed by concerts in Ireland, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy, Austria, Serbia, Slovenia, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and France. The tour will then head to North America and cross six continents before closing the year in Australia, Japan and South East Asia.

The new show will be staged and choreographed by William Baker (Kylie, Jamiroquai) on a state of the art set, with a tour wardrobe designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring outfits from Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Collezioni collections.The show will feature repertoire from their five albums and several new songs, with Il Divo onstage the entire evening. They will perform for approximately 90 minutes with a 20 minute intermission integrated into the set (there will be no support).

The Il Divo world tour is produced by Live Nation Global Touring and by arrangement with Octagon Music and Syco Music.

CANADIAN TOUR ITINERARY 2009

28-April Halifax, NS Metro Centre On sale Nov. 29 (9am)
30-April Montreal, QC Bell Centre On sale Nov. 29 (noon)
02-May Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
03-May Kingston, ON K-Rock Centre On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
05-May Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
06-May London, ON John Labatt Centre On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
22-May Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
23-May Regina, SK Brandt Centre On sale Dec. 01(10am)
25-May Edmonton, AB Rexall Place On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
26-May Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
28-May Kelowna, BC Prospera Place On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
30-May Vancouver, BC General Motors Place On sale Dec. 01 (10am)
31-May Victoria, BC Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre On sale Dec. 01 (10am

Concert announcement

2008-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

SAM ROBERTS BAND
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
THE STILLS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009
CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE CONVENTION HALL – REGINA
Doors: 7:00PM Show: 8:00PM
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH @ 10AM
Tickets available at Conexus Arts Centre Box Office Or
Charge By Phone 1-800-667-8497 Or www.conexusartscentre.ca
Tickets (incl. GST) $34.5 (Plus FMF and Service charges)

Sam Roberts is used to being pegged with a different tag for each album. From the indie rock of “The Inhuman Condition,” to the more complex rhythmic tones of “Love At The End Of The World,” Roberts says he just tries to ignore the attempts people make to categorize the music he makes. Regardless of the name one puts on it, Roberts continues to be one of Canada’s most exciting rock acts, embraced throughout the country, with pockets of substantial support around the world. “Love At The End Of The World,” is already shaping up to be Roberts’ most successful album to date, entering at No. 1 in Canada, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

The walloping kick of drums and bass makes the music very immediate, and can be heard clearly on the first single, “Them Kids.” The video for the single was nominated for two MuchMusic Video Awards, taking home one. The song’s key hook -- the lyric “I just don’t understand why the kids don’t know how to dance to rock’n roll” -- has become a call to arms that proves the continued vitality of rock music. The pulsating beat is also key to the title track; with its slap-reverb guitar eventually giving way to stomping drums with a ‘50s rockabilly feel.

Even seemingly mellow tracks like “Oh Maria,” start with quiet introspection, eventually evolving into a chorus that is highlighted with sharp drums, chunky guitars and celebratory harmonies. Along with band members Dave Nugent (lead guitar), Eric Fares (keyboard, guitar), James Hall (bass) and Josh Trager (drums) – Sam set out to create an album that had a deeper groove than anything they’d done before.

Aside from this heavier rhythmic foundation, Roberts sees the album as a natural successor to his earlier works, including his Universal Music debut, “We Were Born In Flame,” and its much-lauded 2 follow-up, “Chemical City.” The albums all have the same organic approach to creating rock music, with strong melody being an important cornerstone of every song.

“In my mind Love At The End Of The World is a steady continuation of what I’ve done in the past,” he says, “Only write music that comes from an honest place and put as much fire and grit into recording it as possible. Creating music for me is like needing water. It is built into who I am.”

A very special partner on this tour will be the "Raise-A-Reader" campaign, who will benefit from every ticket sold. The "Raise-A-Reader" campaign is the brainchild of Canwest and has raised almost $13M for literary beneficiaries across Canada since its inception in 2002.

Don’t miss Sam Roberts Band with special guests The Stills at Conexus Arts Centre Convention Hall on January 21st 2009.

This show's no Bull

2008-11-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hello friends...

If you're into heavy rock, or even if you aren't, I recommend the Bison show at the Exchange on Monday. This Vancouver band plays a really cool brand of metal -- they blend the ultra-heavy metal enjoyed by the kids today with old school rock. And their performances are pretty ... uhm, spirited.

I'm stuck at work while they're on stage, but otherwise I'd be there. Here's a story from Abort Magazine...

http://abortmag.com/?p=1553

And here's some footage from a Bison show...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6PIMUmbiuA

And for those a little more country and than rock n' roll, then Maritime country crooner George Canyon will be more to your liking. He will take to the stage at Casino Regina's showlounge tonight. I'm a big fan of his cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," and of course, the song "Drinkin' Thinkin." The video for the song features Bubbles from The Trailer Park Boys...see it here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEPC6D75d1A&feature=related

Weekend frenzy

2008-11-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well, Regina is officially buzzing thanks to this weekend's release of Chinese Democracy, the album by Guns n' Roses frontman Axl Rose that now has a reputation as one of the best rock albums of the year, as well taking the longest time to make.

I got my hands on a copy of it on Thursday, and I've listened to it about five times. I wrote a review of it, which is to be published in Saturday's Leader-Post. The review will also be online at www.leaderpost.com.

I won't scoop myself here, but I will say that it's very, very good. As I posted on Thursday, it's available for online streaming on the band's Myspace page.

So I did some old fashioned investigative journalism and I learned the following.....

The CD is available on Sunday in Regina at BestBuy and HMV, but Zeus at Victoria Square Mall will be open at midnight to sell the thing to eager fans at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. The Wolf radio station is giving away copies of the CD to listeners today (Friday.)

I called over to HMV at the Cornwall Centre and they said they have about 600 copies ready for buyers, and while the nice fellow who answered the phone said he wasn't sure how much the CD would sell for, he expects it to be between $12-$15. It seems 600 copies are how many they have for a CD they expect to sell well. For instance, that's how many that arrived before Nickelback's Dark Horse went on sale earlier this month.

HMV and Best Buy were in a dispute in recent weeks over exclusivity, so it appears Best Buy isn't the only place you can buy it. Competition is (almost) always a good thing.

If you buy it from Best Buy, you get a pair of Guns 'n Roses coasters.

For fun, I called over the helpful people at XRay Records on 11th Avenue, and was told that the CD won't be sold by them (they're not open on Sundays anyway) but they will be selling the vinyl version. He was unsure as to when it would be available, but he was certain that it would get shipped to him in the coming weeks, and most certainly before Christmas, which I hear is a popular holiday celebrated here in the Queen City.

I think that just about covers it. Email me and tell me what you think of it.

A.M.

Guns are drawn

2008-11-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well, the excitement over the release of Chinese Democracy by Guns and Roses and Axl Rose has hit a fever pitch. It should be in stores on Sunday, and hundreds of critics and insiders have heard it and have had their say. Seems that it's a very good record, but not without its issues. And it's impossible to live up to the hype created by an album a decade in the making.

Anyway, we got word that, beginning Sunday, the album will be available for live streaming at the band's Myspace page -- www.myspace.com/gunsnroses.

I may get a copy of it today (Thurs.) and if it surfaces, I'll make sure you have access to my review. It will likely be in Saturday's Leader-Post, and at leaderpost.com.

In the meantime, here are a few of reviews that I've read.....

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1818247,00.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/24024297/review/24161281/chinese_democracy

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/10/chinese-democra.html

Let the weekend begin.....

2008-11-19T21:18:00.001-08:00

Here's where to go to see music this weekend....

THURSDAY:
- David Clayton Thomas at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Radio For Help (pictured), guests - The Exchange

FRIDAY:
- The Herbaliser with Grand Analog at The Distrikt.
- The Art of Dying at The Drink.
- Orbital express, Vos, Nick Faye - The Club.
- Red Beard presents: Shade of Blue Showcase - The Exchange.
- Nick Faye Vos (CD Release Show) Orbital Express at The Club, 8 pm. $5.
Regina Jazz Society presents: Dan Sillijer at Le Bistro, 8:30 pm. $10 members/ $15 non-members/ students half-price.
- Two Hours Traffic with The Danks at O'Hanlons.
- Cadilac Rags at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.

SATURDAY:
- Cadilac Rags at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- The Bicycles, Andrew Ens - The Club
- RSO Mosaic Materworks Concert Series presents: Motzart, Mahler, Magic! - with guest artist Cécile Denis (Harp) and Marie-Noelle Berthelet (Flute) at the Conexus Arts Centre, 8 pm.

Christmas colours

2008-11-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

How can you tell that Christmas is coming? Well, record companies are beginning to talk up their new releases, special CDs, concert DVDs and other "products" they hope will wind up in Christmas stockings all across the land. If you read my Monday post, you'll remember me talking about the new Rush Retrospective III. I'm not an expert, but we can all agree that the pre-Christmas timing of all of this sure is suspicious.

Anyway, I got an email today from the folks at Listen Harder (see below) that talks about a special issue of Dallas Green's Bring Me Your Love, which was released earlier this year to rave reviews. It's a really neat, moody record with some well-written songs. The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie appears as a guest.

Green has a high profile here in Regina - his Friday night after-hours show at the Regina Folk Festival a couple of years ago was a big hit. I remember interviewing him a couple of years back when we chatted about his other job as lead singer of Canadian punkers Alexisonfire. I liked that his enthusiasm for music and performing seemed really genuine. "I get to get up on stage, scream and jump around like an idiot. What better way to learn a living is that?" he told me before a Buffalo Days show a couple of years back.

Anyway, here are the details about the new release.... Sounds like it's a little much for your average fan, so maybe the original version might make a better gift.

Platinum-selling City and Colour is set to release a limited edition version of the sophomore album "Bring Me Your Love" on Dine Alone Records, December 2, 2008.

The Special Limited Edition of "Bring Me Your Love" features revamped album artwork, all new packaging, and includes two discs. Disc one will include the original Gold-certified album "Bring Me Your Love", plus two unreleased tracks. Disc two includes demos of all the BMYL album tracks, including demos of the two unreleased songs from disc one. The demos are especially unique as they are a collection recorded over a year during the writing process of BMYL. All of the demos were recorded personally by Dallas Green, whether on the road in venue dressing rooms, on the back of a tour bus, in friends' basements, and at his home. Guest appearances by friends Dan Romano (Attack in Black) and Dan Smith (Dear and Departed) are featured. The demo version of Constant Knot also features Dan Stoppelman from Big D and the Kids Table on horns. A beautifully handwritten 28 panel booklet with behind-the-scenes photos captured by photographer Vanessa Heins rounds out the package.

A special digital bundle package of both discs will be made available through all of the usual digital outlets, and for those fans who already own "Bring Me Your Love" , the bonus demo CD will be available as a stand-alone digital bundle. Only 5000 copies will be manufactured and available to fans in North America, with an additional 1000 available on Dine Alone/Shock in Australia and its territories.

Tracklisting | Disc 1 | Studio Recordings

1. forgive me
2. confessions
3. the death of me
4. body in a box
5. sleeping sickness
6. what makes a man?
7. waiting...
8. constant knot
9. against the grain
10. the girl
11. sensible heart
12. as much as I ever could
13. faithless (previously unreleased)
14. I don't need to know (previously unreleased)

Tracklisting | Disc 2 | Demo Recordings

1. forgive me (demo)
2. confessions (demo)
3. the death of me (demo)
4. body in a box (demo)
5. sleeping sickness (demo)
6. what makes a man? (demo)
7. waiting...(demo)
8. constant knot (quiet demo)
9. constant knot (horns demo)
10. against the grain (demo)
11. sensible heart (demo)
12. as much as I ever could (demo)
13. faithless (previously unreleased demo)
14. I don't need to know (previously unreleased demo)

For more information on City and Colour,
visit: www.cityandcolour.ca | www.myspace.com/dallasgreen

Tuesday releases ....

2008-11-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Hello friends...

Here is what's released today.....

Beyonce, "I am ... Sasha Fierce",(Columbia)
Nickelback, "Dark Horse",(Roadrunner)
David Cook, "David Cook",(RCA)
Il Divo, "The Promise", (Sony)
Dido, "Safe Trip Home",(Arista)
Above & Beyond, "Anjunabeats Vol. 6" (Ultra)
Ricardo Arjona, "Quinto Piso" (Warner Bros.)
Belle & Sebastian, "The BBC Sessions" (Matador)
Zac Brown, "The Foundation" (Atlantic)
Miley Cyrus, "Breakout Platinum Edition" (Hollywood)
The Doors, "Live at The Matrix" (Rhino)
Sammy Hagar, "Cosmic Universal Fashion" (Roadrunner)
Randy Houser, "Anything Goes" (Universal)
Ricky Martin, "17" (Epic)
Mudvayne, "The New Game" (Epic)
Laura Pausini, "Primavera Anticipada" (Warner Bros.)
The Priests, "The Priests" (RCA)
Blake Shelton, "Startin' Fires" (Reprise)
Rod Stewart, "The Definitive Rod Stewart" (Rhino)

Monday's missive

2008-11-16T23:16:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things rock nerds Rush do well, and among them is selling CDs, concert DVDs and other stuff. So there's no surprise that there's new "product" about to be released. Retrospective III is a sort of best of the last few albums, and is presumably the last of three similar releases. There's also a DVD that's part of the package that is made up of performances from the recent tour and videos made while Rush was with Atlantic. There's very little that's new here, save for a remix of a couple of songs. While Rush has released two studio albums since 2001, there have been at three concert DVDs, archive collections and a CD of covers.

I bring all of this up is that there is interesting, simmering news in Rushland. There is chatter that Rush may tour, again, in 2009. They toured lots in 2008 and 2007 in support of Snakes and Arrows, including a great show at the Brandt Centre in Regina. The scuttlebutt comes with speculation over what Rush will do now that it has left Atlantic and has plans to begin anew with Rounder. A statement made to an interviewer last year by guitarist Alex Lifeson has fan sites buzzing over whether the band will release songs as they record them and then offer them for sale only online.

I really don't know anything else other than what I've read online, but it is all interesting -- of course, if you're a Rush nerd.

The weekend in music

2008-11-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hey there music lovers - lots happening in the Queen city this weekend....

THURSDAY:
- One Bad Son with Stone Grove, 8 pm at McNally's. $5.
- Matthew Barber (pictured) & The Spades - The Club, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY:
- Wardoves, with special guests: The Polymaths and Devon Floyd, The Distrikt.
- One Bad Son all ages show with Big Nothing. 10pm at The Exchange.
- Regina Folk Festival Concert Series presents: Carolyn Mark and Dave Lang at The Exchange.
- Sonic Orchid at The Gaslight.
- The League of One at Charlie's Pub.
- The Wax Poets and Bend Sinisters at O'Hanlons.
- Regina Jazz Society presents: Lyndon Bray at Le Bistro, 8:30 pm. $10 members/ $15 non-members/ students half-price.
- Method 2 Madness at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- New West Concert Series and Regina Folk Fest Presents: Carolyn Mark, Dave Lang - The Club
- One Bad Son, Big Nothing, David J Taylor - The Exchange, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY:
- Sonic Orchid at The Drink.
- Method 2 Madness at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.
- Regina Delta Blues Association presents: South Thunderbird - The Exchange
- Living with Lions, Carpenter, Aspirations - The Club, 8 p.m.
- Band of Brothers Benefit 2008 - focus is families of cancer patients, as Sask Health does not cover costs to families dealing with a loved one in hospital or in treatment. Costs such as travel, hotel, meals, childcare etc. rests upon the family. Unfortuately with lost wages and the costs of living this can be very difficult. The money that Band of Brothers generates from all fundraisers goes back to these families. The Riddell Center & Lazy Owl, U of R. Contact 306-525-1942. Tickets are $10 and will be available at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes, Zeus, CD Plus.
- Benefit organized by Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies’ Auxiliary: "Emily Asiniwasis raises her 3 grandchildren, watches over her sick husband, and all on a teacher’s assistant salary. Her grandson, Nicholas, has recently been diagnosed with cancer and has lost his leg. Please join us at a Jam Session Benefit for Nicholas and his family at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall (1600 Halifax St) doors open at 4pm." They are also looking for donations for silent auction and raffles. Please contact Tami Running, 501-2574 or Jean Cowie, 359-7550.

Who's the mumbling guy on the lawn?

2008-11-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

I suppose that if you live in a house once occupied by a rock star, you're bound to have the odd nutcase drop by for a look. This story says it all.....

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/11/11/bob-dylan-makes-pilgrimage-to-neil-youngs-childhood-home/

Odd Osmonds

2008-11-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, I liked the old Donny and Marie show. And I thought the "I'm a Little Bit Country, I'm a Little Rock and Roll," song was pretty cool. However, when I was a kid, I thought a lot of strange things were cool, like Fonzie t-shirts, white socks that I was able to pull up as far as my knee, this weird guy at school whose mother made him sandwiches made of only white bread, mustard and little bits of cold hot dog.

At any rate, I'm an adult, and I'm not a fan of any of those things, except maybe the Fonz. So I'm not sure why an otherwise sane person would spend $80 on a ticket to see a modern-day Donny and Marie in Las Vegas, weight loss successes or not. I can think of other cool stuff to do in Vegas, but then I'm married, so I can only dream.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/533819

Me Out !

Science isn't just for nerds

2008-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of months, I have been reading a cool book that examines the relationship between science and music. It's really neat how the two come together. Sadly, my short attention span and the long passages of stuff that's either dry or stuff I already know has kept me from finishing this otherwise cool book -- This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession.

The book was recommended to me by my close personal friend, Neil Peart, the drummer from Rush. (Ok, he includes this book on his list of suggested readings, but you get my point.)

Anyway, I stumbled on this link and an explanation of how math was used to determine how the beginning to Hard Days Night was played. I won't explain it here, but if you read the link, it's kinda neat.

http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/10/how-a-professor.html

Have a good weekend. Go Riders.

Weekend listings

2008-11-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

My pick for this week is Friday's Earl Scruggs show at the casino. Regina is lucky to have this banjo legend in Regina. Any friend of Steve Martin's is a friend of mine.

THURSDAY:
- Chris Henderson performs at the Pump (CD release party).
- The Provincial Archive, Whitecaps - The Club at the Exchange.

FRIDAY:
- Earl Scruggs with The Good Brothers at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Chris Henderson performs at the Pump (CD release party).
- Def 3 with Oye! at The Mackenzie Art Gallery.
- Brandy Moore and The Project Band at McNally's.
- Earl Scruggs with The Good Brothers at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- One Eleven Archer at O'Hanlons.
- Jazz Night, the Exchange.

SATURDAY:
- 54-40 performs as part of the 'Mother of All Parties' at the Agribition Building at IPSCO Place.
- Edmonton's QED performs at The Drink.
- Chris Henderson performs at the Pump (CD release party).
- Richie Pollack at McNally's, 10 pm.
- Felix Cavaliere's Rascals at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Library Voices, Woodpigeon, Andy Shauf - The Exchange

Kravitz cancels

2008-11-05T12:47:00.001-08:00

Kravitz cancels remaining Canadian tour dates
Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Lenny Kravitz has cancelled the remainder of his Canadian tour, including his Wednesday night concert at GM Place and his Thursday appearance in Victoria.

Kravitz is suffering from severe throat problems that have resulted in him not being able to sing or even talk, promoter Live Nation announced in a press release.

"Lenny looks forward to seeing all of his Canadian fans again at this time and once again apologizes for the very unforeseen cancellation," the release said.

Ticket holders that purchased tickets on their credit card will be automatically refunded. All others can receive a full refund at point of purchase.

Girl Power hits the Queen City

2008-11-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hello friends...

I received some information about American girl group Girlicious enjoying some beverages and snacks at Earl's on Albert Street on Monday night. They are, of course, in town to perform Tuesday night at the Drink. Here's another challenge to you readers -- anyone who emails me a picture of the ladies, perhaps snapped from a cell phone, will receive a special prize from me. Email me your pictures to andrewmmatte@hotmail.com

Here's a list of CDs that are out on Tuesday....

Brad Paisley, "Play"
Harry Connick Jr., "What a Night! A Christmas Album"
Hinder "Take It to the Limit"
Andrea Bocelli "Incanto"
Sarah Brightman "A Winter Symphony"
Deadmau5, "Random Album Title" (Ultra)
Hilary Duff, "Best Of" (Hollywood)
Jeff Dunham, "Don't Come Home for Christmas" (Image)
Gamma Ray, "Hell Yeah!!! The Awesome Foursome: Live in Montreal" (Steamhammer)
OhGr, "Devils in My Details" (SPV)
Randy Owen, "One on One" (Broken Bow)
Axel Rudi Pell, "Tales of the Crown" (Steamhammer)
Q-Tip, "The Renaissance" (Universal)
Lou Reed, "Berlin: Live at St. Ann's Warehouse" (Matador)
Shiny Toy Guns, "Season of Poison" (Universal)
Mavis Staples, "Live" (Anti)
Cat Stevens, "Tea for the Tillerman" (A&M)
Cat Stevens, "Teaser and the Firecat" (A&M)
Pastor Hezekiah Walker, "Souled Out" (Verity)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Twilight" (Atlantic)

54-40 on the move

2008-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

The 54-40 show slated for The Distrikt on Saturday has been moved. The show will now be held at the Agribition building at IPSCO Place. Doors open at 6 p.m. And stubs for the Distrikt show will be honoured.

It's unclear as to why the change was made -- I understand there's a football game happening in Regina on that day, so everything is gone screwy. The Distrikt website makes mention of a football-related party, so perhaps they wanted to take advantage of idea the Distrikt is a fine place for a victory party. If I hear anything, I'll post it.

A.M.

Metal on Monday

2008-11-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...

Firstly, I need to know what happened at Saturday's Into Eternity show. I wanted to attend, but wasn't able to get there. So, if you're reading this, send me an email at andrewmmatte@hotmail.com -- I'd like to know about what happened. It was supposed to be Tim's Roth's return to the lineup after his hiatus. He's being going through the issues, including the fabulous news that he's about to become a dad.

Rolling Stone has a neat review from the first AC/DC show - I read somewhere that just two songs from Black Ice were in the setlist, but this review suggests otherwise. Interesting to read about the fans' reaction to those songs.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/29/acdc-return-to-the-road-with-same-old-awesome-song-and-dance/

And there's some new news for fans of the drama darlings Lamb of God. The fellas over at Blabbermouth report that the band has picked a name for its fifth studio album. There's even a songlist for the much anticipated Wrath. "The album is going to surprise a lot of people," said drummer Chris Adler.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=108149

Music this weekend in Regina

2008-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY:
- Lenny Kravitz with Thornley at the Brandt Centre.
- Matt Mays and El Torpedo at The Pump
- HollowHolla at The Exchange.
- Slow Down, Molasses, Dumb Angel, The Lazy MKs - The Club

FRIDAY:
- Slow Down, Molasses, Dumb Angel, The Lazy MKs - The Club
- Ghosts of Modern Man and The War Doves at O'hanlons.
- Lifehouse with Absentstar at Casino Regina Show Lounge.

SATURDAY:
- Bob Dylan at The Brandt Centre
- Tequila Mockingbird performs at The Drink
- Aaron Lines at Casino Regina Show Lounge
- Into Eternity, Agonal, Symbiote, Omen - The Exchange. Advance Tickets $15 @ CBO Outlets, order online @ www.admission.com or charge by phone 525.9999.
- Boneshake '08 Halloween Bash at Selam Nite Spot. Featuring: CoelacanthDance, InterGalactic Virgin, Simon Moccasin/Performance & MC (downstairs). Also featuring: DJ Kracka Jack (upstairs). $5.00 at door. Costumes are encouraged.
Aaron Lines at Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Round midnight (or 23:59) at Alzheimer's Society Fall Gala,
www.alzheimer.sk.ca/english/special_events/fall-gala.shtml

SUNDAY:
- Bob Moyer Big Band at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, 2 pm. Tickets $20 (includes Shepherd's Pie made by Joe's Deli). Advance tickets available at RSM gift shop or by calling 781-5951.

Turning the Page

2008-10-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Lots is being made about Steven Page and Tuesday's news that he's admitted to his wrongdoing after getting hit with drug charges stemming from an incident in which he was spotted snorting cocaine with his "girlfriend" in New York State.

I feel for the guy — we all have our issues, and my hunch is that a guy like Page has loads of pressure, not the least of which he puts on himself as the leader of one of Canada's best and most clean cut musical acts. I also have a hunch he was "suffering" through some issues at home — separating from his wife and handling all of what goes with that with regard to his three kids is a pressure all on its own. (Moving out of your family home while your kids still need you is a greater error than snorting cocaine, but that's a debate for another day.)

The thing with drugs and harmful behaviour is that it's a slippery slope — one night you're out with the boys, next you're guzzling whiskey alone in your car, then you're breaking apart your family, smoking hash with people with questionable backgrounds and then all of a sudden you're arrested doing cocaine in New York State with some single ladies. The little steps toward Page's proverbial bottom aren't that big a deal — but it's how they're all added up here is where it hurts. And nobody is naive enough to wonder whether this is Page's first experiment with a nefarious substance.

An interesting thing here is that he's done a fine PR job — I'm glad he's apologized, admitted to his misdeeds and plans to move on. Making denials and waging a battle in the courts would only keep the story in the news longer and affect him and his bandmates even more. Learning from it and avoiding a similar arrest is now an important goal indeed. He's lucky his lawyers were able to settle it in the way they have — there's no jail time and Page can still be a "Lady" and travel the U.S. as a member of the Barenakeds.

Obviously, Page's brush with the law has made headlines all over the place because of his clean-cut, playful image. None of the members of this smarmy, short pants-wearing sometimes comedy troupe that recorded an album just for kids wouldn't dare jaywalk, would they?

Who are they going to arrest next, Pee Wee Herman? (Never mind)

At any rate, Page's image is tarnished — but I suspect that things will return to normal in the Barenaked camp over time. And I hope this is the last arrest of a Barenaked Lady.

While not all of us have snorted cocaine or fell to a bottom as low as Page's, I think that every person can relate, and that celebrity is the only difference between Page's story and our own.

-------------------------

CD releases for the week of Oct. 28:

50 Cent - "This is 50 Cent"
Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - "Cardinology"
Eva Avila - "Give Me the Music"
Bloc Party - "Intimacy"
Blue Rodeo - "Blue Road"
Stompin' Tom Connors - "The Ballad of Stompin' Tom"
Cradle of Filth - "Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder"
The Cure - "4:13 Dream"
Cynic - "Traced in Air" (Limited Edition)
Celine Dion - "My Love: Essential Collection"
Dragonforce - "Ultra Beatdown"
E-40 - "Ball Street Journal"
Eagles of Death Metal - "Heart On"
Exodus - "Let There Be Blood"
K.Maro - "Perfect Strangers"
The Kaiser Chiefs - "Off with Their Heads"
Toby Keith - "That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy"
John Legend - "Evolver"
Lenka - "Lenka"
Lil Wayne - "Young Money Millionaire Part 4"
Lordi - "Deadache"
Reba McEntire - "50 Greatest Hits"
Loreena McKennitt - "A Midwinter Night's Dream"
Moka Only - "Carrots and Eggs"
Newsboys - "Live: Houston We Are Go"
Pink - "Funhouse"
Queen + Paul Rodgers - "The Cosmos Rocks"
Rush of Fools - "Wonder of the World"
Buffy Sainte-Marie - "Running for the Drum"
Boz Scaggs - "Speak Low"
Michael W. Smith - "A New Hallelujah"
Snow Patrol - "A Hundred Million Suns"
Squarepusher - "Just a Souvenir"
Susan Tedeschi - "Back to the River"
Trick Trick - "The Villain"
Various Artists - "Big Shiny Tunes 13"
Various Artists - "Celtic Women: Essential Collection"
Various Artists - "James Bond 007: The Best of Bond"
Various Artists - "Quantum of Solace" Soundtrack
Hank Wimmiams - "The Unreleased Recordings"

TOP CDS SOLD IN REGINA

1 KICKING STONES JOHNNY REID ( MMR )
2 DEATH MAGNETIC METALLICA ( WBR )
3 APPEAL TO REASON RISE AGAINST ( GEF )
4 PAPER TRAIL T.I. ( ATL )
5 CLOSER: BEST SARAH SARAH MCLACHLAN ( NTW )
6 TREES & SHADE ARE OUR ONLY FE, SYLVIE ( SMR )
7 LITTLE HONEY LUCINDA WILLIAMS ( LOS )
8 DOLL DOMINATION PUSSYCAT DOLLS ( INT )
9 ROCK N ROLL JESUS KID ROCK ( ATL )
10 SCARS AND SOUVENIRS THEORY OF A DEADMAN ( 604 )
11 NOW! 13 VARIOUS ARTISTS ( N13 )
12 LAX (DELUXE EDITION) THE GAME ( GEF )
13 LOVE ON THE INSIDE SUGARLAND ( MER )
14 BLACK BUTTERFLY BUCKCHERRY ( ESR )
15 NEVER ODD OR EVEN THESET ( UMR )
16 SOUNDTRACK MAMMA MIA ( POL )
17 RED, WHITE AND BROWN (CD/DVD) RUSSELL PETERS ( RWB )
18 ALL HOPE IS GONE SLIPKNOT ( RDN )
19 FAME, THE LADY GAGA ( INT )
20 PERFECT SYMMETRY KEANE ( INT )

** Thanks to Nielson

Lenny's back on track

2008-10-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

For those of us looking forward to Thursday's Lenny Kravitz show at the Brandt Centre have nothing to worry about -- I hope.

The first part of his Canadian tour in the Maritimes was messed up due to travel issues and shows had to be rescheduled, and another concert in London, Ont. was on the bubble until Kravitz saw a doctor for some sort of throat ailment. But his ailment forced him to move a separate show in Kitchener slated for last week until next month.

The good news is that Lenny's Sunday night show in Montreal received a rave review....

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/arts/story.html?id=8ca20199-98e2-43cc-9e4d-6742bd71e8e5

Kravitz plays at Winnipeg's MTS Centre on Wednesday before coming to the Queen City on Thursday. Judging from the Gazette review and the last Lenny album It's Time For a Love Revolution, the show should be a good one.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Tuesday night at the Distrikt, Tanya Tagaq is slated to perform. She's the Aboriginal singer who melds contemporary folk sounds with traditional native throat singing. It's a little out there, but it's also kinda neat. Should make for an interesting evening -- she does some really creative things.

There's a nice background piece on Tagaq on the Distrikt's website ....

http://www.thedistriktonline.com/concertsandevents2.php?id=00244

Fabulous Fafard

2008-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Review
Tales From The Gap
Joel Fafard
Thursday
Globe Theatre (Sandbox Series)

He made us laugh, he made us cry and he dazzled us with speedy, soulful acoustic guitar playing.
Pense-raised guitarist Joel Fafard opened his run at the Globe Theatre Thursday to a packed Sandbox Series house, telling folksy, Prairie-style stories and playing the mostly-instrumental numbers that have made him a staple at folk festivals in Canada and beyond.
“My staring woke her,” Fafard told the packed crowd as he explained the first night his soon-to-be-wife spent at his apartment in Calgary.
“The first thing she said when she got up was ‘when was the last time you washed this comforter?’ I replied: ‘You can wash this thing?’”
Charming stories provided an appropriate backdrop to Fafard’s music performance that allowed the 30-something guitarist to tell stories without words on his guitar, named after his friends, wife and sons. As he tuned his guitar for the next number, he told us about Morley the Lumsden barber, how his bed would rattle each time a train roared past his childhood home and the generosity of a motorist in New Zealand who gave him four-and-a-half hour ride to Auckland, even though his boots reeked of pig poo.
Fafard’s show, which was created with Stefan Riches, doesn’t exactly conform to the Shumiatcher Sandbox Series mandate of being “theatre without a safety net.” Given Fafard’s local reputation, booking him was most certainly a safe bet. And this quite excellent coffee house-style show may not qualify as “theatre.”
But such suggestions are moot since Fafard managed to share anecdotes from his life as a dad and husband, as well as show-off his ability to nimbly speed through acoustic numbers in a style of Don Ross, Bella Fleck or Leo Kottke while managing to retain some soul.
But it was his stories that made the show, given the audience (Joel’s dad, famed artist Joe Fafard was in the front row) giggled, clapped and even cried at all the right spots.
He told the story of the time his young son had learned how to ride a two-wheeler and signed up to participate in the Lumsden parade – assuming it was a race, he sped past all other participants and assumed he was victorious after overtaking the police escort.
“He doesn’t like it when we tell the story,” Fafard said.
Earlier in the night, he explained how his son wanted to play hockey, and after his dad signed him up in the local novice league, he said the first game was a road game, to which his son replied: “Aw, dad, I wanted you to sign me up because I didn’t want to play on the road anymore.”
But the best story was the most difficult story for Fafard to tell – the family’s golden retriever had been diagnosed with cancer, and on its dying day, his sons wrapped their arms around his neck as she passed away.
With his eyes tearing and his voice cracking, Fafard said: “Whenever we go walking in the Qu’Appelle Valley, it’s as if she’s there with us.”

(Tales from The Gap continues Friday and Saturday, and next week on Oct. 29,30,21 and Nov. 1. For ticket information, visit http://www.globetheatrelive.com/20082009season/Sandbox%20Series/0809%20Playbill.html

Weekend listings

2008-10-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hey now.....

I already think too much is being made of Chinese Democracy, the new album
by Guns N' Roses, which appears it will actually be released in late
November. I heard the first single that was sent to radio this week -- I like
it.

The reality is that it's impossible for poor Axl to live up to the hype he's
created by waiting five centuries and spending more than $10 to finally
release 15 songs. Even if it were another Appetite for Destruction, it's
unlikely to meet even some of its expectations. And to do it without Slash
makes it seem less likely.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in Regina.......

Here's a rundown of what's happening in our clubs this weekend.....

THURSDAY:
- Country artist Willie Mack performs at the Pump Roadhouse.
- SNFU performs at the Distrikt with Mr. Plow and Amour Fou.
- Rae Spoon performs at the Club at the Exchange.

FRIDAY:
- Lukas Rossi, the smarmy fella who fronted the now-dissolved Supernova fronts a
new band called Stars Down, which plays at The Distrikt.
- Country singer Shelia Deck performs at the Pump Roadhouse.
- The Fembots perform at the Club at the Exchange.
- The Canadian Chamber Choir and Juventus choir of Regina perform "From Sea to
Sea" at Westminster United Church in Regina. (3025 - 13th Ave.)

SATURDAY:
- Country singer Shelia Deck performs at the Pump Roadhouse.
- Ariel Mura and Jodi King perform The Exchange
- Guest pianist Ian Park performs "A Musical Canvas" with the Regina Symphony
Orchestra at the Conexus Arts Centre. Victor Sawa conducts. 8 p.m.

SUNDAY:
- Jason Collett, Rock Plaza Central play at The Exchange.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things that make you go ... Axl.

2008-10-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hey now......

Okay, so I stole the "Axl" line from the hilarious editors at Metal Sludge — the best and only true bible for those interested in hard rock, in particular old-school hair metal.

It appears today is the day when the first song(s) from the century-in-the-making Chinese Democracy from the remnants of Guns & Roses is being given to radio stations to play. According to the piece I just read (see link below), there is mention of Nov. 24 being the release date for the album, but given a link at rollingstone.com that mentioned it was quickly removed, this gives us yet another start-stop-start for this silly album.

http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1636&Itemid=42

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Back in Regina, I got an email on Tuesday that said Sloan had been dropped as the opening act for next Thursday's Lenny Kravitz show at the Brandt Centre. In their place is Thornley. I'm disappointed by that — I've never seen Sloan, and I was hoping to. It's not enough to ask for my money back, but still......

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight (Wednesday) is a big night for metal fans in Regina — Three Inches of Blood plays at The Distrikt. The opening band is England's Evile. The only bad thing is that I can't go — I'm stuck behind a desk at work. And the last few times I've tried to race out to a club show at midnight, I get there just in time to hear the words "good night!"

Despite their crazy name, Vancouver's Three Inches of Blood plays a really accessible brand of power metal — and vocalists Cam Pipes (Rob Halford anyone?) and Jamie Hopper are among the best in the metal game these days.

Maybe I'll call in sick.....hhmmm....

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For those with a different taste, Brock Deman plays at the Exchange on Wednesday night. This 27-year-old folky from the Ottawa area is touring Western Canada, bringing his clever lyrics and snappy melodies to small rooms. I know very little about him, so if you happen to check it out, drop me a line and let me know how it was.

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Buffy Saint Marie had a show with Ritchie Havens in Saskatoon at TCU Place slated for Nov. 10 — but it's cancelled.

Flu away !

2008-10-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hey now....

Today's missive will be a tad short - I am officially suffering from the flu. Not sure how or why I have it, but my brain isn't firing electrodes the way it should.

My favourite entertainment editor -- the Leader-Post's Jeff Dedekker -- gave me Black Ice, ACDC's newest CD that was released yesterday. You'll have to wait until Saturday when my review will appear in the newspaper -- and at www.leaderpost.com -- but I can say that it's, well, ordinary.

Here's a list of the CDs that are out today.........

Various artists
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
(Disney)

KISS
"Ikons"
(Mercury)

Hank Williams III
"Damn Right, Rebel Proud"
(Curb)

Lee Ann Womack|
"Call Me Crazy"
(MCA)

Of Montreal
"Skeletal Lamping"
(Polyvinyl)

And the rest........

Brett Dennen, "Hope for the Hopeless" (Dualtone)
The Doors, "Perception" (Rhino)
Electric Six, "Flashy" (Epitaph)
Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, "Evening Star" (DGM)
Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, "No Pussyfooting" (DGM)
Escape the Fate, "This War is Ours" (Epitaph)
Sara Groves, "O Holy Night" (Dedicated)
Jimmy Herring, "Lifeboat" (Abstract Logix)
Jazzanova, "Of All the Things" (Verve)
Waylon Jennings, "Waylon Forever" (Vagrant)
Labelle, "Back to Now" (Verve)
Craig Morgan, "That's Why" (UBEU)
The Nields, "Rock All Day Rock All Night" (Nields)
OhGr, "Devils in My Details" (SPV)

Honey, I'm home!

2008-10-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hey now — If you're reading this, then you might
be (slightly) interested to learn that I didn't contribute to the world in any special way during the last couple of weeks. I spent 15 days with my lovely wife overseas, vacationing in the United Arab Emirates, Amsterdam and Prague. Three different places with varying attractions.

I hate to think of my carbon footprint, what with all the flying.

In terms of live music, I saw or heard little. The only licensed established I visited that had music performance was a bar in Dubai that had a questionable mandate, given all the provocatively dressed women mingling around seeking the company of men, presumably in exchange for monetary consideration. The entertainment included a fine, young female singer performing songs from the likes of Celine Dion and Cher. She was backed up by a young fellow on guitar who stood behind a keyboard and computer full of programmed sounds. Cheesy, but it was appropriate for the environment.

Later, in Amsterdam, I dropped a coin into a hat belonging to a Spanish guitarist, who, along with his partner who played the flute and other like instruments, entertained about a dozen people seated at an outdoor eatery. A giant leap from the previous bar singer, so I made sure to take a picture. They did a fine job singing sparse-sounding Spanish folk music to a crowd that didn't appear that interested. Oddly enough, I spotted them a day later at a music shop.

Okay, enough about me and my trip — onto some interesting stuff........

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Check out October Sky at The Club at The Exchange tonight. These dudes from Montreal have a really neat punchy rock sound. It's fresh and full of neat hooks. And having some Quebec influence in Regina is a good thing, if you ask me. I listened to a CD of theirs a year ago, and really liked it. I'm puzzled as to why they aren't better known. Tres bien indeed.

www.octobersky.ca

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There's been lots of excitement over the new AC/DC CD, Black Ice, which is out today. I keep reading that it's available only at Wal-Marts, but I'm not sure whether that applies only to the U.S. The reviews I've read say that the band has served-up more of the same, which is certainly a good thing. I am a big fan, but the band's best music is behind them. I've never been a fan of "Thunderstruck" from The Razor's Edge and the albums that came after it. Albums like Fly on the Wall, Flick of the Switch are really underrated. As much as I like Brian Johnson, I'll likely remain in the Bon Scott camp.

I'll post a comment or two in the coming days after giving Black Rain a listen. However, I worry that it will be a tad polished for my liking. I'd like to be wrong.

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While we're on the subject of CD releases, Regina's Sylvie has a new CD coming out on Tuesday. They have been getting some serious consideration from radio stations and clubs from across North America of late — they are currently in the middle of a tour that's taking them across Canada and into the eastern United States. They played in Regina most recently when they opened for Vancouver's Said The Whale this month.

Today, however, is your lucky day. Check out details on this link for information on how to check out the album Trees and Shade are Our Only Fences online before the actual disc comes out. Last opportunity is today.

http://www.sylviemusic.com/

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The fabulous men that make up Into Eternity, Regina's best metal band, is worthy of another mention.

Time is ticking toward the band's Nov. 1 gig at The Exchange -- it will be a reunion of sorts since axeman Tim Roth will return for the show, even though he stayed in Regina to tend to some personal things while the rest of the band is touring across North America with sub guitar player Sean Maier. It might be interesting if Sean and Tim perform together. Anyway, Into Eternity singer Stu Block gives us a nice update from the road on the band's site......

http://www.intoeternity.net/news.php

Also, have a gander at this — a publication called The Hawk talks about Into Eternity's participation in the Iced Earth tour, and makes mention of band's difficulties and how it's been affected by cancer......

http://media.www.sjuhawknews.com/media/storage/paper763/news/2008/10/01/Entertainment/Iced-Earth.Reunite.With.Former.Vocalist.For.Current.Tour-3463787.shtml

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For those who might be interested, here's a list of the big winners of the Western Canadian Music Awards announced Sunday night.....

Outstanding Aboriginal Recording: Tracy Bone, No Lies.

Outstanding Blues Recording: Little Miss Higgins, Junction City.

Outstanding Children's Recording (Tie): Googol Power, Crazy 4 Math. The Kerplunks, The Kerplunks.

Outstanding Contemporary Christian/Gospel Recording: Steve Bell, The Symphony Sessions.

Outstanding Classical Composition: Elizabeth Raum, Dark Thoughts (How Bodies Make Ecstatic Marks).

Outstanding Classical Recording: Jasper Wood, A Child's Cry from Izieu.

Outstanding Country Recording: Paul Brandt, Risk.

Outstanding Francophone Recording: Ariane Mahryke Lemire, Double Entendre.

Outstanding Instrumental Recording: Bob Evans, 4 on 6.

Outstanding Jazz Recording: Altered Laws, Metaphora.

Outstanding Pop Recording: The Liptonians, Self-Titled.

Outstanding Rock Recording: State of Shock, Life, Love & Lies.

Outstanding Roots Recording - Duo/Group: Twilight Hotel, Highway Prayer.

Outstanding Roots Recording - Solo: Corb Lund, Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!.

Outstanding Urban Recording: Souljah Fyah, Truth Will Reveal.

Outstanding World Recording: Alex Cuba, Agua Del Pozo.

Outstanding Independent Album: The Weakerthans, Reunion Tour.

Songwriter(s) of the Year: The Weakerthans, Reunion Tour.

Video of the Year: The Weakerthans, Civil Twilight.

Hall of Fame: Senator Tommy Banks, Spirit of the West.

International Achievement Award: Feist, k.d. lang, Nickelback

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Kudos to the author of the first (publishable) comment to Regina Riffing.....Here's what Henri Fondula said in response to my blog about Grind House, the new Friday night metal show on The Wolf.....

Why isn't there a metal STATION in Regina? Regina has a big metal community, and these people spend MONEY.... on shows, t-shirts and gear... heck, a lot of them are still buying CDs. But in general they're turning the radio off. There's an untapped market there. But we have MULTIPLE country stations (I know... this is Saskatchewan, but still.... ), two "hard rock" stations that miss the point, and of course Pop and Pop Lite. CBC and the community station are the only things different on the air, but neither is tapping the untapped metal market during the times of day that people actually listen to the radio. I know plenty of blue-collar types who love their metal, are stuck with only a radio at work, and thirst for something different than what the "hard rock" stations are offering.

You make some fine points — and I'm not just saying that because you're the first to post a comment to my little blog here. You are correct on all points, especially with regard to the issue that the local metal market has little representation on radio. I suspect that if a radio station played "all-metal, all the time," it would go out of business in short order. The metal community is a big one here in Regina, and a passionate one, but the numbers wouldn't sustain a listenership that would be attractive to advertisers.

I think in the case of the Wolf, whether we like what they do or not, we need to encourage and otherwise patronize the stuff we do like. The Wolf just might be barking up the right tree here — the station will soon learn about the local metalheads, what they like and what they don't. They will also see how advertisers take to this show. I suspect that the best we can hope for is to help keep the show alive by listening to it, and helping spread the word to friends, family, and better yet — anyone wanting to buy an ad.

Remember, there are many option on satellite radio — I'm a big fan of Nair Nation, the 80s rock show on Sirius. There are several other hard rock stations that will appease most listeners while waiting for their Friday nights to roll around again. These shows are short on context and they aren't exactly local, but there's enough variety to appease most of us.

Back in Regina, it's silly to criticize the Wolf's new show — it's a step in the right direction, and one that no other station is willing to take.

Sadly, I haven't heard the show. I've seen most of the song lists, and it's a real mishmash of stuff, which is likely the best way to go. Here's hoping it evolves.

In the meantime, if you're reading this Henri Fondula - drop me an email at andrewmmatte@hotmail.com — and I'll send you a prize for being the first-ever comment-poster to Regina Riffing.

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That's all for now — see you here tomorrow.

A.M.

New metal show comes to Regina

2008-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

The folks at the Wolf radio station have some great news for metal fans — a new show dedicated to heavy metal is underway. It's called Grind House and airs on Fridays at 11 p.m. According to a post on the radio station's website and playlist from the first couple of shows, the program is highlighting local bands and the opinions of local fans, and encourages submissions.

I won't comment on the writing prowess of DJ Evan Baran — he's the dude to called himself The Pig before he left for a station in Calgary, but dropped it after he returned to his old job — but I offer my kudos to the station for stepping forward with a new original show. And kudos to Baran if it's his initiative.

I'm not sure about the name Grind House, however — there's at least one band who's already using the name, the most high profile of which is the hardcore band The Grindhouse from Vancouver. A quick Google search reveals two others.

Hey Evan — how about a fan contest to help come up with a new name? I'll even contribute to a prize package for the winner.

It's also not clear as to how the show will be programmed over time — there's lots of nuances to the heavy metal genre, so we'll see whether Baran spins as much Twisted Sister as he does Lamb of God. So far, it looks like a nice mix of contemporary hardcore and classic metal. And he's already played some Into Eternity. A no-brainer, but a fine choice nonetheless. My suggestion would to ease off on the ACDC and Airbourne, which get enough airtime elsewhere during the week.

I got really frustrated with The Wolf a year or so ago — one of the DJs on a Friday night went out of his way to talk about a punk show that was happening at the University of Regina that featured a couple of lesser-known bands from Western Canada. He spent some time encouraging listeners to support local music and argued that it was important to attend shows and buy CDs from local bands.

I was pleased to hear that, especially since The Wolf plays too much of the same thing, and most of it not-at-all-local.

However, my optimism quickly soured when the DJ ended his pro-local chat with "Coming up next, Collective Soul!" I assumed the DJ was talking from the heart, but then was forced to drop the proverbial needle on whatever his bosses ordered.

The irony was funny, and sad. I don't understand the inner-workings of a radio station — I just assume they all run like WKRP — so I can't complain about something I don't understand.

Anyway, back to Grind House — I will listen to a couple of shows and give a more thorough review in later posts. I wonder what happened to House of Hair, the 90-minute syndicated show host by Dee Snider. I gather they dropped it, but I really liked it. If it weren't the middle of the night, I'd make a call to find out.

However, I have an affinity for radio shows — in my teen years, I'd often lie awake at night listening to the Metal File on CHOM-FM that I was able to connect to from my house in Ottawa using the TV cable. I was also a fan of Power Chords, the Friday night metal show hosted by Jim Hurcomb of Ottawa radio station CHEZ 106.

And on a final note......

I'm sad that it will take a couple of weeks for me to be able to hear the show — I'm off for a big trip overseas for a couple of weeks (I'm going to Dubai!), so I won't get back until the middle of October. So, for the seven of you who regularly check this blog are off the hook. No need to check for updates until Oct. 20, which is when I expect to get the gears running again.

Stay real.

A

New albums out today

2008-09-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Releases for Tuesday, September 30th

Anberlin - New Surrender
Ani Difranco - Red Letter Year
Ben Folds - Way to Normal
Dream Theatre - Chaos In Motion (CD/DVD)
Echo & The Bunnymen - Songs to Learn and Sing
Enigma - Seven Lives Many Faces (2 CDs)
Faith Hill - Joy To The World
Gemma Hayes - The Hollow of Morning
Grateful Dead - Live Egypt 1978 (CD/DVD)
Jack’s Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
James Morrison - Songs for You, Truths for Me
James Taylor - Covers
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight
Jesus & The Mary Chain - Rarities (4 CD Boxed Set)
Joseph Arthur - Temporary People
Joshua Radin - Simple Times
Kellie Pickler - Kellie Pickler
Laura Fygi - Rendez-Vous
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs Christmas
Matt Belsante - White Christmas
Melissa Etheridge - A New Thought For Christmas
Robin Thicke - Something Else
T.I. - Paper Trail
Taj Mahal - Maestro
Tom Morello - The Fabled CityTravis - Ode to J. Smith
U2 - Red Rocks (DVD)

Guitarist breaks from Into Eternity

2008-09-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

The shocking news that Into Eternity founder and guitarist Tim Roth has dropped out of the band's current tour is generating lots of buzz in Regina's metal community.

For those who aren't aware of the band, Into Eternity is a rare Regina success story -- they've toured the world many times over and are touring to this month and next to promote their latest disc Incurable Tragedy. They've been around since 1997 and remain one of the hardest working working bands in the world.

Anyway, they are in the beginnings of a tour of about 30 shows across the U.S. and Canada opening for the metal band Iced Earth. (They play Regina at the Exchange on Nov. 1.

It turns out that Roth, a man with rare musical ability who can play the guitar as good as any axeman out there, announced that he couldn't venture on the tour due to personal reasons. Tim emailed me over the weekend, and said he wouldn't be doing formal interviews, so I can't offer anything much more than what's been circulating here and there.

I can say that it appears Tim's issues will be resolved, and that he hopes to make his reasons for his dropping off the tour public when he's able to return. He fully expects to return, mind you, and he'll be in the lineup for the Nov. 1 show.

In the meantime, American musician Sean Maier, a fine guitarist himself, has taken on the difficult task of trying to fill Tim's shoes. Here's his myspace page, complete with some youtube video of him playing, or, as the kids say, "shredding."

http://www.myspace.com/guitarsfrommarz

For those who want to know who said what, Tim, Into Eternity singer Stu Block and others have various postings at .....

http://www.intoeternity.net/news.php

For those who like heavy metal, then Incurable Tragedy comes very highly recommended by me.

A.M.

Grady

2008-09-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hey there...

Well, I had a great chat with Gordie Johnson this morning - Grady performs in a couple of Fridays from now with Nashville Pussy, so we chatted about what he's been up to. I won't scoop myself -- there'll be a story in an upcoming edition of the Leader-Post, but I will share this fabulous news. He said that he's in the middle of mixing the new Joel Plaskett CD. That's good news for Plaskett fans. And if you aren't a Plaskett fan, then you should be. Johnson is as busy as a producer as he is a leadman for one of Canada's coolest bands, even though Johnson lives in Texas. And no, we didn't chat about the American economy or hurricanes.

Just for fun, here's a cool, but technically-challenged video of Johnson doing an acoustic gig in Edmonton last year.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGYMRfdEWHE

While we're thinking about Canadian bands, Nickelback is about to release their new CD. Check out the link below -- on Tuesday at 4 a.m. Regina time, we can all go online to download the band's latest single. It's called "Gotta Be Somebody," and it's free.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/nickelback.html

Have a great weekend.

A

This weekend in music

2008-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY:
-- Zimmers Hole, Agonal, Cupcake - The Exchange, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
-- Shifty Morgan plays at the Pump.

FRIDAY:
-- Elliott Brood, Andy Shauf - The Exchange, 8:00pm - 11:30pm
-- Alistair Christl with The Queen City Three and Guests, The Distrikt
-- Bill Anderson plays The Casino Regina Show Lounge, 8 p.m.
-- Shifty Morgan plays at the Pump.

SATURDAY:
-- New West Concert Series Presents: Novillero, The Details, Hot Panda, Doug Hoyer - The Exchange
7:30pm - 11:30pm
-- John Reischmen and The Jaybirds - The Exchange, September 27, 8:30pm - 11:30pm, Tickets $15 adv. or $20 at the door, Tickets available at Bach & Beyond, X-Ray Records and Cobb Swanson Music.
-- The Frayme - The Drink, 8 p.m.
-- Shifty Morgan plays at the Pump.

SUNDAY:
Sheryl Crow with Jim Cuddy; Brandt Centre,

Regina buys in

2008-09-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the fine people at Neilson, here are the top 20 CDs selling in Regina for last week.

DEATH MAGNETIC-- METALLICA ( WBR )
BLACK BUTTERFLY -- BUCKCHERRY ( ESR )
ALL HOPE IS GONESLIPKNOT ( RDN )
SOUNDTRACK -- MAMMA MIA ( POL )
NOW! 13 -- VARIOUS ARTISTS ( N13 )
DO YOU KNOW - JESSICA SIMPSON ( EPCI )
ROCK N ROLL JESUS -- KID ROCK ( ATL )
FAME, THELADY GAGA ( INT )
LOVE ON THE INSIDE -- SUGARLAND ( MER )
VIVA LA VIDA -- COLDPLAY ( EMI )
KICKING STONES -- JOHNNY REID ( MMR )
NOT 4 SALEKARDINAL OFFISHALL ( GEF )
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE -- THE CREEPSHOW ( ULG )
EXISTENCE - RIDES AGAIN ( LST )
LAX (DELUXE EDITION) -- THE GAME ( GEF )
INDESTRUCTIBLE -- DISTURBED ( WBR )
BLOCK-- NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK ( INT )
ONE OF THE BOYS-- KATY PERRY ( EMI )
THA CARTER III-- LIL WAYNE ( UNI )
SCARS AND SOUVENIR-- STHEORY OF A DEADMAN ( 604 )

Mish mash

2008-09-24T02:54:00.000-07:00

I have many favourite drummers -- and Travis Barker is one of them. Let's hope he's behind a kit soon....

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2008/09/23/6857221-ap.html

Clay Aiken stuns the world, kind of .....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_en_tv/people_clay_aiken_12

And here is what's new this week in music....

CD releases for the week of Sept. 23:
33Miles - "One Life"
A Flock of Seagulls - "Space Age Love Songs"
Ace Hood - "Gutta"
Laura Barrett - "Victory Garden"
Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
Wayne Brady - "Long Time Coming"
G. Brown - "GCode"
Jackson Browne - "Time the Conqueror"
Cold War Kids - "Loyalty to Loyalty"
Cutting Crew - "Grinning Souls"
Hilary Duff - "The Best of Hilary Duff"
Matt Duke - "Kingdom Underground"
Rick Ernst - "Get Thrashed"
Evergrey - "Torn"
David Gilmour - "Live in Gdansk"
Gucci Mane - "Hood Classics"
Herbie Hancock - "Then and Now: The Definitve Herbie Hancock"
Lily Holbrook - "Wicked Ways"
Honeymoon Suite - "Clifton Hill"
Hal Ketchum - "Father Time"
Kings of Leon - "Only By Night"
Ledisi - "It's Christmas"
Jenny Lewis - "Acid Tongue"
Joe - "Joe Thomas, New Man"
Little Jackie - "The Stoop"
Demi Lovato - "Don't Forget"
Maino - "If Tomorrow Comes"
Mogwai - "The Hawk is Howling"
Old Crow Medicine Show - "Tennessee Pusher"
Plain White T's - "Big Bad World"
Pretty Ricky - "Eighties Babies"
Pussycat Dolls - "Doll Domination"
Vonda Shepard - "From the Sun"
Seam Simmonds - "It's Over"
Jazmine Sullivan - "Fearless"
Taj Mahal - "Maestro"
Take 6 - "The Standard"
Thievery Corporation - "Radio Retaliation"
TV on the Radio - "Dear Science"
David Usher - "Wake Up and Say Goodbye"
Various Artists - "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" Soundtrack
Various Artists - "Sex and the City" Soundtrack Volume 2
Various Artists - "We Wish You A Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year"
Ying Yang Twins - "The Official Work

A Plumb idea

2008-09-22T21:20:00.001-07:00

Hello folks...

Sorry for the delay — I had a weekend that was busy, only because I've been suffering from a back injury. How laziness and lack of exercise can be so debilitating is beyond me.

I heard that Regina's favourite son performed Saturday at the Riders' game — he had plans to, but whether he actually did, isn't known to me.

I bring this up because Plumb had a neat idea to distribute cards at the game that allowed fans special web access to songs that he had re-recorded.

The best news, however, is that Plumb and his band "The Willing" have plans for a "fall tour" across Western Canada. I'd look forward to a night of Jason Plumb performing songs from the old days, as well as the new stuff he's been working on. Needless to say, stay turned here for any news in that regard.

In the meantime, here's a bit that I stole from his site.....

Jason and the guys are gearing up for a busy fall with a number of shows on the calendar, as well as showcases at Popkomm (Berlin, DE), the Western Canadian Music Awards (Edmonton, AB) and the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference (Ottawa, ON). Plans are currently being made for a western Canadian tour in November, so keep your eyes peeled to the tourdates to see if they'll be hitting your town.

Onwards and upwards everyone!

What's happening this weekend.

2008-09-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hello friends...

This is a great weekend for local shows -- so we'll start off a little bit ahead of ourselves with the Ghosts of a Modern Man gig on Friday night at the Distrikt. I always get excited to see shows at the former State, because it's a great venue that doesn't seem to get used as much as it should. Anyway, Wardoves opens. Ghosts is a great Regina rock band -- check them out. You will be glad you did.

As for Thursday tonight, here are some ideas......

-- Latefallen with special guests Jar, The Distrikt.
-- Over at the Exchange. Eleye de Cuba Farewell Fiesta, potluck and music, admission $10.00 at the door with hurricane donations graciously accepted.
-- Stephanie Thomson begins a three-night run at The Punp.
-- Matrimony -N- Cheese at McNally's. $5.

On Friday....

-- Amnesty International Small Places "Open Mic Night" - The Club, 7:00pm - 11:30pm, admission by donation, www.smallplaces.ca.
-- Stephanie Thomson plays night two of a three-night run at The Pump.
-- Bel Riose at O'Hanlons.
-- Autism Fundraiser featuring performances by Valdy, Ben Winoski, Rene Dumont, Brandi Young, and more at The Hungarian Club. Cocktails start at 6:30pm; Dinner will be at 7:00pm. $30. For tickets call Kevin at 565-3515 or email info@TheCaseyFoundation.org.
-- Bonnie Tyler at Casino Regina Show Lounge, 8 pm.

On Saturday....

-- Rah Rah CD release - The Exchange, 8:00pm - 11:45pm. www.myspace.com/rahrahband. Three Hoolies perform too.
-- Stephanie Thomson finishes her three-night run at The Pump.
-- The Magic of Ireland at Casino Regina Show Lounge, 8 pm.

On Sunday....

-- Zandra Productions presents: Cryptopsy, Origin, The Last Felony, The Fifth Dawn - The Exchange, 6:30pm - 11:30pm, Tickets $15 in advance at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes, Gil-Tee's, Planet Caravan, CD Plus, Zeus
-- Brandy Moore at the Wascana Park Outdoor Bandshell.
-- Withdrawal, guests - The Club, 7:30pm - 11:30pm

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A night at the theatre

2008-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard about this concert-at-a-theatre deal, you have now.

My afternoon started by channel surfing in my car. I stumbled across the awesome Joel Plaskett song "Nowhere With You" on Z99. Believe me, I only visited the station because I was searching for something to listen to.

Anyway, I poked around and tried what was new with the Maritime's favourite son. He always puts on such great shows, has been to Regina a few times and he's a really underrated artist. I hadn't heard anything from him in some time.

I learned that the Galaxy Cinema in Regina is hosting a bunch of concerts on film, featuring, of course, Joel Plaskett, as well as bands like Great Lake Swimmers, Alex Cuba and Royal Wood, Thom Yorke, The White Stripes, Beck, Jarvis Cocker, Sonic Youth Jose Gonzalez, Radiohead, PJ Harvey and Super Furry Animals.

It appears the shows are in HD and dolby sound.

Here's the press release from the folks at Odeon, and a list of concerts and dates.

TORONTO - Cineplex Entertainment is inviting you to rock on at The Fall Concert Series presented on the big screen in High Definition (HD) and digital surround sound exclusively at participating Cineplex Entertainment theatres.

Beginning Wednesday October 1st through Wednesday November 19th, guests can enjoy five fantastic and unique concerts featuring many of the hottest bands and artists in music today.

"We are excited to present our first-ever Fall Concert Series exclusively to our guests across the country," said Pat Marshall, Vice-President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. "Watching the great line-up of bands and artists perform on the big screen in HD and digital surround sound will be an experience like no other. We are also offering our guests the opportunity to purchase individual tickets or in packages and either choice can be purchased in advance ensuring guests get the concerts they want."

Beginning Friday September 19th, individual tickets are available online at www.cineplex.com as well as at participating theatre box offices. General Admission is $10.95 + tax. Guests can purchase tickets to all five concerts for $39.95 + tax or any three concerts for the package price of $24.95 + tax. Concert ticket packages can be purchased in person only at any of the participating theatres and cannot be purchased online at this time.

From the Basement, the first three concerts in the series, features 17 different bands shot without an audience in a private setting to capture them at their most relaxed. These engaging performances from Radiohead, The White Stripes, Beck and more give you all-access to the private recording session experience.

inDef Sessions, the remaining two concerts in the five concert series, is the first-ever Canadian Independent Concert Series produced in HD and features Great Lake Swimmers, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Alex Cuba and Royal Wood. Each date features two one-hour concerts.

Beginning October 1st, Cineplex Entertainment theatres throughout Canada will show the following five concerts:

Wednesday October 1, 2008
9:30 PM (Local Time)
From the Basement: Thom Yorke, The White Stripes, The Envelopes & The Shins

Wednesday October 8, 2008
9:30 PM (Local Time)
From the Basement: Beck, Jarvis Cocker, Sonic Youth & Jose Gonzalez

Wednesday October 22, 2008
9:30 PM (Local Time)
From the Basement: Special One Hour Radiohead Performance as well as PJ Harvey & Super Furry Animals

Wednesday November 5, 2008
9:30 PM (Local Time)
inDEF Sessions: Great Lake Swimmers & Joel Plaskett Emergency

Wednesday November 19, 2008
9:30 PM (Local Time)
inDEF Sessions: Alex Cuba & Royal Wood

Coney Hatch fundraiser in Toronto

2008-09-17T05:34:00.001-07:00

When I was a teenager growing up in Winnipeg, one of my favourite Canadian bands was Coneyhatch. I really liked their straight-ahead rock, and a couple of buddies of mine thought we were on the ground floor of something special when I came home with Coneyhatch's first record in 1981, which featured Canadian rock staples of the day like "Devil's Deck," "Hey Operator," and "Monkey Bars."

Over the years, my affinity for the band and its members continued -- I was lucky enough to meet Andy Curran a few times and see him perform as a solo artist and as a member of SoHo 69. Anyone like "No Tattoos?" He also wrote a bunch of lyrics for songs that appeared on Kim Mitchell's solo album Kimosabe, which I always thought was underrated. Curran's name pops up here and there because he now works with Rush and their record company.

I also chatted once over the phone with Carl Dixon -- he went on to play with April Wine and the Guess Who. He performed as a solo artist too, releasing a couple of CDs that didn't exactly put him on the proverbial rock map. But he continued to be a busy musician -- he often played an acoustic set and opened for other bands, April Wine included. I saw him open for the Killer Dwarfs at a club in 2001, and his version of "Pinball Wizard" was really good.

I was stunned to learn of a fundraiser happening at the Phoenix in Toronto -- seems Dixon was in a car accident in Australia. I really don't know any details, but it's cool that a bunch of Dixon's old friends from the '80s have stepped forward here. With Curran performing with Helix, Brighton Rock, Russell Graham from the Killer Dwarfs, it should be an interesting show for those of us to still sometimes pine for Canadian rock from the 1980s.

Here are a couple of links that will tell you more.......

Stay tuned for tomorrow's posting and the regular Thursday rundown of what's happing in the clubs in the Queen City this weekend......

http://www.topix.com/forum/ca/toronto-on/THJP0VJEC9V259HK6

http://www.bravewords.com/news/95683

This week's CD releases

2008-09-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a list of some new CD releases for the week of Sept. 16:

All That Remains - "Overcome"

Avenged Sevenfold - "Live in the LBC and Diamonds in the Rough"

Patricia Barber - "The Cole Porter Mix"

Mark Berube and The Patriotic Few - "What the Boat Gave the River"

Marc Broussard - "Keep Coming Back"

Lindsey Buckingham - "Gift of Screws"

George Clinton - "George Clinton amd His Gangsters of Love"

Kristy Lee Cook - "Why Wait"

The Cure - "Hynogogic States"

Eli Young Band - "Jet Black and Jealous"

Mark Erelli - "Delivered"

Elise Estrada - "Elise Estrada"

DJ Khaled's - "We Global"

FemBots - "Calling Out"

Hey Ocean - "It's Easier to be Somebody Else"

Jem - "Down to Earth"

Dave Koz - "Greatest Hits"

Little Feat - "Join the Band"

Martina McBride - "Collector's Edition"

Loreena McKennitt - "The Journey Begins"

Meiko - "Meiko"

Leona Naess - "Thirteens"

Colby O'Donis - "Colby O"

Amanda Palmer - "Who Killed Amanda Palmer?"

John Pizzarelli - "With a Song in My Heart"

Ne-Yo - "Year of the Gentleman"

Nelly - "Brass Knuckles"

Anita Perras - "Those Classic Country Songs"

Darius Rucker - "Learn to Live"

Raphael Saadiq - "The Way I See It"

Salvador Santana - "SSB"

Sissy Spacek - "Hangin' Up My Heart"

Static Lullaby - "Rattlesnake"

Taproot - "Our Long Road Home"

Tesla - "Gold"

Various Artists - "The Imus Ranch Record"

The Veronicas - "Hook Me Up"

War Root - "War Root"

Matt Wertz - "Under the Sun"

More tickets on sale

2008-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sir ELTON JOHN at the Brandt Centre, IPSCO Place

Event Information: September 16 & 17, 2008

Just Released - Great tickets available for Elton John!!

Make sure to get them fast as there are limited quantities for both nights!
Please keep trying as tickets are likely to be released throughout the day.

Ticket website: Click here to get your tickets or charge by phone at 306-543-7800

(Box Office opens at 10am)

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When I was in Cuba this February, my fabulous wife and I took a fancy boat to an island where we enjoyed lobster and an afternoon on an amazing beach. Anyway, one of the highlights was chatting briefly with a nice Cuban bartender -- he was wearing a Cancer Bats t-shirt. I thought this was neat, that a fella from Cuba was helping spread the word about a Canadian band. As is the case with many locals, particularly those involved in the service industry, they are often seen wearing hats and t-shirts given to them by tourists.

I tell this story because I had forgotten to share it with Scott Middleton, Cancer Bats guitarist and owner of a new guitar. If you missed my interview with him, see the link below. And if seeing Elton John isn't your thing, then tonight's gig at The Exchange might be -- Cancer Bats headline while Black Lung and Johnny Truant open up.

Tickets are cheaper, and it'll be louder. Sounds like a nice idea to me.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/whats_on/story.html?id=8f3e8fac-5fac-435d-87b5-806b36255f10

A.M.

Elton is coming.

2008-09-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hey there.....

Well, lots of people are talking about Elton John - the nutty fella is in Saskatchewan. He performs tonight in Saskatoon before coming to Regina for two shows on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of his tour of Western Canada. I gather from the reviews I've read -- okay, I've only read two -- is that the show is a little on the short side, but is jam-packed with his old stuff.

Here's what the Calgary Herald said after he performed in Calgary on Friday.....

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=48e30278-258f-4779-828b-fe49aac85e9c

Regina does, indeed, rock

2008-09-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello friends...

In keeping with my regular Thursday promise to run down all the cool music stuff happening for the weekend, here we go.....

Thursday - Brian Kelly begins his three-night run at the Pump Roadhouse.

Friday - Library Voices and Painted Birds at O'Hanlons.
Friday and Saturday - Brandy Moore at the Casino Regina Coffee Shop.
Friday and Saturday - Souls in Rhythm at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.

Saturday - Glenn Sutter CD Release Party at The Club on 8th Ave. Doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm. $5 at the door, or in advance at the Royal Sask Museum Gift Shop. Guest performances by Lyn McGinnis and Ray Whitton.
Saturday - The Wilkinsons at Casino Regina Show Lounge, 8 pm.
Saturday - Tequilla Mockingbird, The Drink

Sunday - Left Spine Down, The Rabid Whole - The Exchange, 6:30pm - 11:30pm

NOTE: Did I miss something? Email me already!

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Here are a couple of previews for the big metal show happening at the Exchange on Tuesday, featuring the Cancer Bats and Black Lung....so, yes, there's something else to do other than heading to the big Elton John shows on Tuesday and Wednesday.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/whats_on/story.html?id=8f3e8fac-5fac-435d-87b5-806b36255f10

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/whats_on/story.html?id=812d8f15-0fc7-4085-a219-23aa6569d31e

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Bad news - I'm taking my first day off since this little blog began. I'll be out of town, but I'll be back with a fresh post on Monday.

See ya!
A

Even more Metallica

2008-09-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, but I have zero time today -- well, not zero, but you know how it goes. Anyway, the news I have for today is that I got my paws on Death Magnetic yesterday. My quick review is that it's really, really good. However, we expect that from Metallica. Anyway, I'll have an official review of it in Saturday's Leader-Post.

There are many people talking about the CD, which hits stores on Friday. One of my favourite Canadian music writers is Mike Devlin of the Victoria Times-Colonist. He calls it "remarkable. You can read his review here.....

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/arts/story.html?id=e76db144-5fe3-4606-82f8-3831fc63eeab

Terrific Tuesday

2008-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

Here are the CDs out in Canada this week.......

Joan Baez - "Day After Tomorrow"

Eric Benet - "Love and Life"

Brittini Black - "Good Happens"

The Blind Boys of Alabama - "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

Jim Brickman - "Unspoken"

Broken West - "Now or Heaven"

Buckcherry - "Black Butterfly

Calexico - "Carried to Dust"

Greg Camp - "Defektor"

Jarvis Church - "Long Way Home"

Natalie Cole - "Still Unforgettable"

Julian Cope - "Black Sheep"

Daughtry - "Daughtry" (Deluxe Edition)

Kimya Dawson - "Alphabutt"

John Denver - "Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits"

D.O.A. - "Northern Avenger"

Dora the Explorer - "Party Favorites"

Michael Feinstein - "Sinatra Project"

Fool - "Fool"

Michael Franti and Spearhead - "All Rebel Rockers"

Gym Class Heroes - "The Quilt"

Dietrick Haddon - "Revealed"

Daryl Hall and John Oates - "The Very Best of"

Josh Hoge - "Everything She Was"

Hollywood Undead - "Swan Song"

Jan and Dean - "The Complete Liberty Singles"

Damien Jurado - "Caught in the Trees"

Kardinal Offishall - "Not 4 Sale"

Kenny Lattimore - "Timeless"

Lil Ed and The Imperials - "Full Tilt"

LL Cool J - "Exit 13"

Lonesome River Band - "No Turning Back"

Patty Loveless - "Sleepness Night"

Magic Slim and The Teardrops - "Midnight Blues"

Meshuggah - "Contradictions Collapse: Relaoded"

Metallica - "Death Magnetic"

John Michael Montgomery - "Time Flies"

Mos Def - "Audio 3"

Okkervil River - "The Stand-Ins"

Joan Osborne - "Little Wild One"

People in Planes - "Beyond the Horizon"

Portastatic - "Some Small History"

Prima Donna - "After Hours"

Aaron Pritchett - "Thankful"

Rahim - "Laughter"

John Rouse - "The Best of the Rykodisc Years"

The Saint Alvia Cartel - "Between the Lines"

Shaggy - "Best of - The Boombastic Collection"

Jules Shear - "More"

Jessica Simpson - "Do You Know?"

Sonicflood - "A Heart Like Yours"

Static Major - "Suppertime"

T Rex - "The Best of the BBC Recordings"

Terror - "Forever Crossing the Line"

Tricky - "Knowle West Boy"

Chad VanGaalen - "Soft Airplane"

Various Artists - "Hereos" Soundtrack (Deluxe Edition)

Brian Welch - "Save Me From Myself"

Matt White - "Best Days"

Dar Williams - "Promised Land"

Ayiesha Woods - "Love Like This"

The Youngers - "Heritage" (online only - CD to be released in Oct.)

Zebrahead - "Phoenix"

ZZ Top - Eliminator (Collector's Edition)

Monday madness

2008-09-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello friends....

Well, I got off to a late start today -- lots of family in on the weekend, so things have been busy.

I am looking forward to SIR (Souls in Rhythm) at McNally's this weekend -- they play Friday and Saturday night. This Alberta band has some cool funky grooves. I doubt you will hear a lot about them, but they are worth checking out......here's their myspace page....

http://www.myspace.com/soulsinrhythm2

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Some idiot on Sunday night thought it was a great idea to storm the stage during Oasis's show in Toronto. This moron, according to reports, actually hid under the stage before the show and after 45 minutes into the set, jumped on stage and plowed into Noel. The dude was escorted off and after a short break, the band returned to finish the show.

Naturally, someone has video of it, and posted it to youtube.....you can see a full account over on Chart Attack here...

http://www.chartattack.com/news/60007/oasis-just-the-photo

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And, just for fun, thanks to the fine people at Neilson, here are the top CDs sold in Regina -- for the week ending Sept. 4

National	Last Week	This Week	Title Artist ( Label )
1	---	1	ALL HOPE IS GONE SLIPKNOT ( RDN )
2	---	2	LAX (DELUXE EDITION) THE GAME ( INT )
6	1	3	NOW! 13 VARIOUS ARTISTS ( RHC )
3	3	4	SOUNDTRACK MAMMA MIA ( POL )
9	5	5	GIRLICIOUS GIRLICIOUS ( GEF )
5	8	6	VIVA LA VIDA COLDPLAY ( EMI )
---	---	7	MAKE YOUR MARK LIVING WITH LIONS ( FNN )
19	4	8	LOVE ON THE INSIDE SUGARLAND ( MER )
7	2	9	ROCK N ROLL JESUS KID ROCK ( ATL )
8	6	10	BREAKOUT MILEY CYRUS ( HOL )
4	7	11	LITTLE BIT LONGER JONAS BROTHERS ( HOL )
27	11	12	SCARS AND SOUVENIRS THEORY OF A DEADMAN ( 604 )
10	9	13	FAME, THE LADY GAGA ( INT )
21	13	14	RAW FOOTAGE ICE CUBE ( EMI )
15	---	15	ULTRA BEATDOWN DRAGONFORCE ( RDN )
18	17	15	ONE OF THE BOYS KATY PERRY ( EMI )
14	12	15	THA CARTER III LIL WAYNE ( UNI )
28	13	18	ILLUSION OF PROGRESS STAIND ( ATL )
13	10	18	GOOD GIRL GONE BAD RIHANNA ( DEF )
72	---	20	KICKING STONES JOHNNY REID ( MMR )

More Metallica

2008-09-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

I was in my car on Thursday night and listened to members of the Foo Fighters interview Metallica about Death Magnetic. Not sure I learned anything -- there was too much joking around and talking over each other. They did, however, play a bunch of songs from the new CD, which is out on Sept. 12. So for, I'm enthusiastic about what I've heard -- I'm not sure it will be as good as the Load-Relead era, but I am glad James and the boys have done better than St. Anger.

On this site, there are a half-dozen songs available for streaming.....

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104111

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I had no idea Creepshow was part of the AntiFlag show that hits Regina tonight - I am a big fan of "horrorbilly." This isn't good for lying down with the headphones, but Creepshow is great played loud. They have some really neat energy, and it's different enough from the pop, punk and rock worlds they borrow from to make it worth checking out. For Creepshow, every day is Halloween. I just got the new CD the other day, and I feel silly for not listening to it just yet......Here's a Chart Attack story about them....

http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2008/08/2803.cfm

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Every time I listen to the Wolf, which is about four minutes a day, they play the new ACDC song "Runaway Train." And they almost always talk about how neat it would be for the band to play in Regina when they hit the road in support of their new CD Black Ice, due out in October. Hey, the Rolling Stones played Regina - twice! - so anything is possible. However, I am growing tired of hearing from people about what they have heard with regard to post-Stones gigs at Taylor Field. This year, friends and colleagues have told me about rumours that half the rock, pop, country and metal world have plans for a massive outdoor festival at Mosaic Stadium. So, until I have stub in my hand, I won't get too excited.

Anyway, here's Rolling Stone piece on ACDC...... I hear they're playing on Taylor Field next fall.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/22828684/let_there_be_rock_acdc_plan_big_comeback

A.M.

Weekend approaches

2008-09-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, in keeping with my promise to myself to list all the weekend events in Regina every Thursday, here's what I know about what's happening in the city with regard to live music....

At the Pump, the Cadillac Rags take to the stage tonight and begin a three-night run. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the cover is $5.

Vic's Lounge at the Regina Inn has jazz every Friday night. I should check that out some night.

On Friday night, The Cowsills play at the casino, and Anti Flag plays the Riddell Centre at the U of R.

Rev Theory plays The Drink on Friday night, and Shaken and Stirred plays on Saturday night.

Also on Friday, local singer-songwriter Brandy Moore plays at the MEOW MIX fundraising event, open to women only (gay & gay-friendly). $15 at the door, Eureka Club (1165 Pasqua St.). Doors open at 9 pm.

On Friday and Saturday -- McCuaig plays at McNally's, 10 pm. $5.

And on Saturday at Bushwakkers --- there's the "Back to the Grind" Acoustic Showcase at Bushwakkers hosted by Jeff "Redbeard" Corbett, 1-6 pm with Brandy Moore at 5 pm.

And the weekend caps off with a non-music event, Andrew Dice Clay performs at the Conexus Arts Centre on Sunday night. I'll report on the evening on Monday.

There you have it - if I missed something, lemme know.

A

Twisted indeed

2008-09-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider says he's off to Broadway -- seems the last Sister record included a bunch of Christmas songs. I can't even imagine what that would be about. Anyway, here's a link to the Blabbermouth site where I spotted this, and some footage from a Sister show the other day.

Snider's very cool 80s hair metal show can be heard locally in Regina on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on the Wolf. Anyone know whether this show is still airing? I haven't heard it in a while.

I think Twisted Sister bass player Mark Mendoza is wearing sweat pants in these clips....

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=103978

New Metallica

2008-09-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today is when Metallica released, an online streaming version anyway, of the song "The Day That Never Comes," from the new album Death Magnetic, which is out on Sept. 12. Bits and pieces of the album have been popping up here and there, including YouTube.com. Judging from about four songs I've been able to hear online so far, the album should be a good one, or at least better than the previous St. Anger, which in my view is the weakest Metallica effort. You can tell there are contemporary elements, but also an old school feel. There some nice melodies and some nice grinders too. I'm not sure I like Lars's new drum sound, however.

In the coming days, you can judge for yourself. Also, a couple of the new songs are available via iTunes. When I get my hands on the CD, I'll give it a full review and post the link here.

Here's the best link to the song and video on "The Day That Never Comes," which was posted this morning on Metallica.com. The fellas sure have embraced the whole Internet thing since Napster, huh?

Check this out...

http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601171

A.M.

Grady's good again

2008-09-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Good news for Grady fans. The band, fronted by former Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson, is returning to Regina for a show at The Distrikt on Friday, Oct. 17. Grady played a couple of years ago at the Pump - it was a good, loud show. They were set to perform last fall in support of the new record Y U So Shady, but drummer Billy Maddox fell ill and the Canadian tour had to be cancelled. I heard he had health issues, but then a stroke before the tour essentially made it impossible for him to continue. He's not a fancy drummer, but he sure was smooth.

At any rate, Grady is back with lady drummer Nina Singh from Austin.

Grady is actually opening for Nashville Pussy -- they too were in Regina in the last year or two for a show at the Gaslight Saloon.

Should be a great night for heavy rock - with some good representation from the ladies.

Anyway, here's a bit from the Grady website.

See ya!

Hey All: Well Grady is back in action with a new drummer and new tourdates. We found our new drummer, Nina Singh in Austin. She rocks. We've also rebooked half of the Canadian tour that we had to
postpone. So all the dates on our showpage are now happening.

Further info coming soon!!!

September 6, 2007

Toronto, ON – Fontana North and Talk’s Cheap Management regret to announce the cancellation of Grady’s Canadian tour and are supportive of their decision to cancel the tour dates during this difficult time.

Drummer Billy “Thunderball” Maddox leaves Grady due to a pre-existing health condition, which has culminated in his decision to avoid further stresses gained from life on the road. Due to the overwhelming care and respect Gordie Johnson and Big Ben Richardson have for their fans, and the love and admiration they have for Billy; Grady have decided to take the time to find a drummer who can invoke the same intensity and “giv’r attitude” that Billy gave day in and day out. “To find a drummer that can dance on the double kick pedal and sweat blood for us 90 minutes a night, night after night like Billy did, is going to be a tall order, he will be sorely missed on the road, but he remains part of the Grady Family” states Gordie.

Backstreet bonanza

2008-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the story - my wife always wanted to see the Backstreet Boys, so I tricked her -- I "took her out for coffee," but instead made our way over the Brandt Centre and told her in the parking lot we were going to see the big Saturday night show.

We both had a good time - and the show was pretty good.

For the review, see here...

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=c22005e4-78a8-4cac-8519-7025220f61fe

Labouring on Labour Day weekend

2008-08-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Consider this a free post. I woke rather late, but not too late to miss my 11 a.m. interview with Scott Middleton from the Cancer Bats -- they play at the Exchange in Regina on Sept. 12...

Surreal Concerts presents: Cancer Bats, Black Lungs, Johnny Truant - The Exchange, September 16, 7:00pm - 11:45pm, www.myspace.com/cancerbats

When I first heard of the band not long after they formed, I thought the name was kinda stupid - but after listening to their first CD, I was less putt off - and with the release of Hail Destroyer earlier this year, I became an official fan. They have a really nice contemporary sound that pays pretty close attention to old-school riffs and melody. Heavy, but not too heavy, if that makes sense.

I'd heard that Scott had used First Act guitars -- and we chatted more about why he likes them and how his relationship with the Boston-based company came about. I won't get into the details here - it will spoil my story slated for the What's On section on Sept. 11 - but he told me the custom-made guitar axe they made for him was the first-ever new guitar he's owned. Check First Act out here.....

http://www.firstact.com/

This show should be a good one for metal fans. For fans of 80's metal, the Cancer Bats are a great band to help get introduced to contemporary metal.

As for shows tonight, the big one is the Backstreet Boys at the Brandt Centre, JJ Voss continues his weekend run at the Pump and there's something called a Hot Pants Party at the Distrikt - no live music at the city's best live music venue. Boo.

Check back on Sunday with a surprise story. It will be worth the visit.

A.M.

Airbourne

2008-08-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

It makes perfect for my first post on my first-ever blog about the Regina music scene to be about ... Saskatoon.

But the City of Bridges hosted Airbourne on Thursday night, a sold-out show at the Odeon I'd waited for months to see after listen to and loving the CD Runnin' Wild. I felt weird about the music at first -- it sounds like an ACDC tribute band. But even though the band sounds suspiciously similar to their fellow Aussies, I decided that if I liked it, then I need not debate about whether the similarities should take away from my enjoyment.

Anyway, the show was really, really good. Well worth the drive and well worth the price of the ticket, and the night's stay at the Senator Hotel in downtown Saskatoon. (See, I'm already fishing for advertisers.)

The band plowed through most of Runnin' Wild the crowd, a pleasant mix of young and old, male and female. It was also the loudest concert I'd seen in years -- Ace Frehley at Barrymore's in Ottawa and Motorhead at the Chaudiere Club in Aylmer, Que. Joel O'Keefe sings with a confident growl. It sounds great when he sings, but when he chatted with the crowd between songs and swills from a bottle of Jack Daniels, it was tricky to figure out what he was mumbling about.

The evening began with sets from Parlour Mob (a modern take on Led Zeppelin, but too meandering for me) and Sound and Fury, a Toronto-band with an old-school rock sound and a really neat energy.

Check back here on Sunday - I'll have a neat little story about a surprise gig.

Have a suggestion? See a typo? Write me.

A.M.

What's all this about?

2008-08-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I used to dial up the Chez 106 nightlife line, which was essentially a phone recording produced by the fine people at this fine Ottawa radio station. It was free to call, and it provided the music fans with a simple rundown of the concert and club listings for that day. I called it all the time, just out of curiosity and also when I wanted to see some live music in the Nation's Capital. I remember when an Iron Maiden concert was announced, and I called the nightlife line many times just to hear the news again.

When I moved to Saskatchewan's capital back in October of 2004, I was disappointed that a similar thing didn't exist here. I had trouble learning about the venues, the clubs and what sort of music was playing where. I had to call over the Pump or the old State and hope that someone answered the phone to see if there was a band slated to perform.

Now that I am veteran Regina resident, I still pine for the old nightlife line, a sort of lifeline to local music. I have come to really, really like Regina, especially as a live music city. Sure, we've enjoyed some great shows in recent years -- Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden and the growing popularity of the Craven jamboree and Regina Folk Festival. But I also like the small clubs where local kids get sweaty on metal nights at the Exchange, or country fans enjoy a few amber beverages and some music at the Pump.

I also felt there was something missing. And I'm still not exactly sure what that is. But this little blog is my attempt at filling this personal void of mine. Since there isn't a suitable link between the Regina fan and this city's music, I figured I'd make one, even if it were just to satisfy - and perhaps even entertain - myself with my own thoughts, advice and criticism.

I work full-time as a copy editor at the Leader-Post, a job that I enjoy a great deal. I also contribute to the newspaper's What's On and Arts&Life sections as a freelance arts writer, usually interviewing and writing about concerts that are coming to Regina. I enjoy that work, too -- it keeps me up-to-date with what's happening in the clubs, but it also helps satisfy the so-called "frustrated writer's syndrome," a term journalists use for editors who are former reporters deemed to be heavy-handed with other writers' material. After more than 15 years as a newspaper reporter, I feel great about keeping my hand in the ink, as it were.

An expert? Not me. I like music, and I feel passionate about what I like, or dislike. I'm a hard rock fan, a metalhead since I was a pre-teen, but I like most music and most genres, as long as it's good. For instance, I'm not a fan of Massachusetts rockers Staind, but I do really like the Dixie Chicks. So, whenever someone suggests that my taste in music sucks, I can at least say that I'm inconsistent.

My latest iPOD addition is Abigail Washburn, my second favourite banjo player after Steve Martin. If you're interested in Washburn's stuff -- check this out....

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/whats_on/story.html?id=0e3ff353-3e2b-48db-a46b-78896e29d65b

I really don't know what this blog will be tomorrow, or the next day, or beyond -- but I hope to update it regularly, and chat about music, most of it about local and all of it stuff that is of interest to me and of interest to others.

I won't ever be mean, or defamatory. I'll just be fair and see what happens.

If you have a comment, question, complaint, idea or criticism, lemme have it. Write me at andrewmmatte@hotmail.com, or visit me on Facebook. The kids really like Facebook.

Rock always,
A.M.