pix

ssa

Kiss

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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 !

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.