Friday, September 5, 2008

More Metallica

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.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Weekend approaches

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

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Twisted indeed

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

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

New Metallica

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.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Grady's good again

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.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Backstreet bonanza

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