Science isn't just for nerds

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

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

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

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

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

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