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April 23, 2007
A Back In Tha Day Tale By: Lydia
Punk Rock Tears Up the North!
The fact that it was March break didn't even dawn on me until Monday morning. Everyone went somewhere this weekend. Sobriety's Rejects traveled. Sab traveled. Ben snapped photos of the Family Band bus as it passed him on the way to Timmins. Somewhere a band was loading their SPACIAL bus and heading North-East.
Dedication to friends, Sobriety's Rejects and a bizarre love of road trips had four of us braving high gas prices and the threat of freezing rain to get to Timmins. Guys in rental trucks with less horsepower than ours whipped past only to eat at the same grill thirty minutes later. Donna was hitch hiking and made better time than anyone driving. Somewhere the Bella Bombs and Four-Stroke were traveling west to play North Bay the following day. People were heading east to catch bands in Ottawa. Everyone was on the move Friday.
We got into town early enough to catch a bite to eat but first decided to cruise by the venue and get oriented. "Oooh noooes", was my first comment seeing the GV looking like a legion hall. I reminded myself that Friendly Fire assured me the Timmins scene was "kickin'", and, reasoning that the venue hosted the Casualties, Fuck the Facts and the Bouncing Souls... it couldn't be all bad. Secretly, I was steeled for a 20 person turnout and 55 year-old hecklers turning the jukebox volume up to compete with the "kids and their music." Looks can be deceiving. Thank fuck. It had been a long day.
After a pit stop for food, we showed up in time to grab a beer right before sound check. The sound was superb at the GV. Huge monitors, high ceilings and wood paneling had the place sounding like a hall with twice the admittance price. No wonder the scene in Timmins is kicking. While waiting for the show to actually start, I perused the GFK (Government's Fury Kills) merch table - very good prices and they had a lot of selection. For less than the price of a drink, I picked up the 'Killed by Canada' compilation. I was too tired to chat or be social and I felt I was missing out since the crowd seemed pretty cool, and friendly enough.
This was a three band gig at the GV Hotel. On the bill, hosted by Pink Bomb Productions, was Sobriety's Rejects from North Bay; The Duffs, Timmins local; and GFK from Quebec City. The Reject boys had seen GFK earlier in London and were looking forward to a show with the metal act.
"Just don't be dicks," quipped Russ Collins in good humor. "It's all I ask - don't be fucking dicks." It was time for the good natured and crowd-pleasing Sobriety's Rejects. They tore up the stage having fun and firing up the crowd. I was pleased to see what looked like a split eyebrow leave the mosh for a few minutes to recuperate. Ben Dick garnered crowd participation with chants during "Cheers!" and "GOMD" and riled up an otherwise virgin crowd. One enthusiastic gal had hitched up from North Bay to Kirkland with a friend, and then hopped a ride north to catch the show. When not in the pit or singing along, she was brazenly screeching, "play some fuckin' Ramones!!" Obviously, everyone was having too much fun.
From outside I had heard The Hillary Duffs taking the stage. Napping seemed like a good idea when the truck was warm. The cold began to creep in... someone pissed on the tailgate... the band sounded good enough that I almost felt I had missed out. Sleep just would not come no matter how I tried. If there had been a girl band on tour I would have asked to sleep for a bit in their bus.
By midnight the relentless GFK began taking the stage - and being loud. And being fast. And being hardcore. And being metal. The "punk" song they played was actually loud, fast, hardcore metal. To my delight, I could pick out more than two languages in the barrage of lyrics. Since I sat behind their merch for the show, what I should have done was read some lyrics. Obviously there is a distinct message with titles such as "If Liberty Isn't Given, It Should Be Taken" and "Rethinking Basic Anti Racism". The former being the latest release, the latter a tune included on the Killed by Canada compilation. Most bands have myspace.com entries. Their impressive website more than makes up for the lack of a myspace site, but for some reason the use of myspacemusic has become a proxy in marketing analysis.
Next Night:
Saturday evening, back in North Bay, everyone was tired. Alex of Non-Partisan Records had contracted flu-like symptoms and took a needed break. Manning the NPR merch booth became a group effort all night so I pitched in. Sobriety's Rejects managed to do good business through the night at Evolution compared to Timmins. The sound tech did not have the problems that plagued the last Evo show I attended. Everything was smoothed for Four-Stroke and Bella Bombs annual invasion. Last year, dear reader, I was far too broken-headed with Fireball to remember much of their show. This year - I stuck to Tim Horton's. Besides, the drive home in the wee hours and loads of snow had me content to sip coffee indoors all night. As long as I didn't have to drive anywhere, I was fine.
Two of us were not kidding when we said, "wow! I feel like I can go home now!" It was really refreshing to want a band to play another set the minute they unplugged. Pardon the People surprised the hell out of me by being kick ass. Kevin of PTP announced his dad was in attendance and if that doesn't make a singer pull punches, nothing will. This Ska Punk/Street Punk fusion reminded me of Day-Glo Abortions with "Holy Shit" coming on like a Day-Glo missing track, except better. North Bay bands have a bad habit of spreading themselves too thin. Should PTP remain as in your face and tight as their performance this is one guaranteed crowd pleaser. Bass driven tunes and vocal talent kept me interested at times I am normally studying the ceiling or what shoes a band prefers. I have no idea what shoes any of these guys wore.
Noting that everyone, with the exception of Non-Partisan Records, who had attended the Timmins show was here made me feel at home again. Apparently, hitchhiking does not keep you from having fun as Donna was up in the pit area, fist in the air, feisty as ever. There was absolutely no indication that we were tired. I digress; this is actually where I ducked out for yet another coffee; only because I was thirsty, dig Road weary? Not a chance. I wondered briefly where Sab had been playing and if GFK had had a back to back booking as well. I also wondered what time I would be able to get to sleep. Coffee could only do so much to keep me from my bed which was only a few kilometers away this time... and not hundreds.
Four Stroke ripped into a powerful punk act everyone had been jonesing for. This had me wishing for the sound quality of the GV all over again. If only we could arrange a transplant. The singer mentioned his mic being too quiet, but I could hear him fine at the back. Others could hear just fine up at the front too. The sound was light years better than the Friendly Fire/Zuku show. People packed the front of the stage, fists in the air. The air was fired up along with the band. If actual fun was permitted at this bar, there would have been a circle pit crammed up there too! The Bella Bombs proved as hardcore and photogenic as ever with Suspect Device exploding the drum kit. Honey Bombs ferocious vocals inspire while clean punk rock backs their cut-and-thrust show.
Bella shirts and quite a few CD's, their new 'Liquid Explosion' namely, left the bar that night. Ottawa acts always draw a crowd as there seems some affinity with the larger city. Sadly, the crowd did not seem as large as last year, but they certainly made up for lack of numbers.
Sobriety's Rejects closed the night with an oft-interrupted but surprisingly not quite sabotaged set. Beer breaks and set-list votes slightly interrupted the fun. The crowd was ebbing; all four bands were having a great time regardless. Of course my favorite song was played from beginning to end, not before Ben and Paul Rothwell had fun with 'I Must Confess'. Friends and fans sang the bulk of that song for sure.
Entertaining, loud and just plain fun, the boys tore through a set of first old and then newer songs. Ken Vermin of Four-Stroke had to belt out 'No! Only Old Songs! You can ONLY play OLD songs!" How laughingly sad, yet startlingly true this is. A comment, while apt, that likely refers more to fans of Moral Hazard. The memorable 'Fuck You' began and incited more hands in the air than any band that night had. This tour worthy threesome played on until the lights were on and the drinks were done.
Reality settled back in where people scattered for food, after parties and to pack up merch. Gear was loaded as many re-grouped outside. Someone mused offering a place to stay for the Ottawa acts. A pretty serious weekend of northern punk rock came to a close. Then, I realized, in a few days there is a show at the Zoo of all places. I have to find some cash in the couch cushions. Saint Patrick's Day promises even more music. Road trips are always worth it in the end, but man, it is a whole different world once you are home.
Posted by i220 at 08:01 AM | Comments (4)
April 20, 2007
Friendly Establishments in Saskatoon, SK, CAN.
A list of establishments and their website addresses (where applicable) that support independent music.
Amigos - http://www.amigoscantina.com/
Lydia's Pub - http://lydiaspub.com/, Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/lydiaspub
Spadina Free House - http://www.thefreehouse.com/Page.asp?pageid=7
Note: This list is subject to change. Due to the nature of the hospitality industry this list can serve only as a guide. New information on the status of any of the following establishments is more than welcome: info@themusicalrevolution.com
Posted by i220 at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2007
Freestyle by: MC Free
ThIs,
Is a freestyle.
All the while schoolin',
Foolin',
Re-toolin' your consciousness.
Non-justice.
Just must confess,
That lesser rhymes,
Outta times,
Can't climb this mountain -
Fountain of truth,
That I spill.
Ruthless.
The best is back!
Attacking all the weaker thans,
Lacking the ability to speak,
to (wo)man's sense.
So.
Sit on the fence,
While I lay waste to the suspense -
While I own this present tense.
Look through this lens,
And learn something more dense,
Than reality TV.
Free your mind.
Remove your behind from the psychiatrist's couch.
Improve,
Your intellectual slouch.
I can't vouch for you,
Unless you step up and deliver,
A sliver.
What are you gonna do???
Free.
Posted by i220 at 11:01 AM | Comments (4)
April 08, 2007
Canada: Bands
Outbred Inlaws, Famous Monsters, Fresh Meat, Hollywood Swank & the New Effector
Tue.Apr.10/07[20:00] @ The Kathedral, Toronto. *Tina's Birthday Bash!*
Posted by i220 at 03:48 PM | Comments (1)
April 02, 2007
Top 10 All Time Most Inflential Albums
Apr. Newsletter [Ed.31] - PROMOTING YOU TO YOU!
REPPIN' OVER 70 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE - 10,000+ HITS MONTHLY!
PROMO: Canadian Dates: FREE MUSIC: [http://www.themusicalrevolution.com/i220.php]
The Flat Planets
Tue.Apr.03/07[20:00] @ Clinton's Tavern, Toronto, Canada.
YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAtmYgT3SNw - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7wrD6fPM0
Canadian Bands:
MUSICIANS - Send your promoteables (concert dates, merchandise, website info, etc...) to: info@themusicalrevolution.com
MUSIC NEWS (in this issue):
1. DAMON ALBARN PROTESTS NUCLEAR WEAPONS
2. ICE CUBE SCOLARSHIP FOSTERS NEW MUSIC
3. U2 AUCTION GEAR FOR CHARITY
4. JESSICA SIMPSON DONATES MINIVAN TO MEXICAN ORPHANAGE
5. GIFTED/TALENTED YOUTH PREFER HEAVY METAL
6. GRAND MASTER FLASH AND THE FURIOUS FIVE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 
7. CYNDI LAUPER SUPPORTS GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS
8. WHO CARES?: Michael in Disneyland, my name is Kiiiiiiiiiiiddddd.., desecrating Jim Morrison, Eminem's tabloid career, "Found my way downstairs and drank a cup..." of Starbuck's Coffee and all other things shameless...
THEMUSICALREVOLUTION.COM THIS MONTH: Big RevoWelcome to Danielle (my lovely COUSIN). Check this out: This past month saw myself and my lovely wife to be (I hate the werd "fiance") in Ghana, West Africa. Subsequently, the pages of this fine revolution did suffer quite a bit. Much apologies. But, I'm back for April and am looking to forge ahead in the upcoming months so keep an eye out for some big changes *Da da daaaaaaaaaa............ LOL!
EDITORIAL:
The Top 10 all time most influential albums are as follows:
1. THE BEATLES - "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967)
2. PINK FLOYD - "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973)
3. MICHAEL JACKSON - "Thriller" (1982)
4. LED ZEPPELIN - "Led Zepplin IV" (1971)
5. U2 - "Joshua Tree" (1987)
6. THE ROLLING STONES - "Exile on Main Street" (1972)
7. CAROLE KING - "Tapestry" (1971)
8. BOB DYLAN - Highway '61 Revisited" (1965)
9. BEACH BOYS - "Pet Sounds" (1966)
10. NIRVANA - "Nevermind" (1991)
A list of the top 200 albums has been made public by the U.S. National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM). Representatives from music retailers and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were given the responsibility of nominating the entries.
Now, I thoroughly enjoy these lists. I think every musical organization in the world should come up with an extensive list of their faves. Award shows are payed for advertising. Major Magazine reviews could be influenced by the companies that contribute the most advertising dollars *wink wink*. But, these lists really reflect the "feelings" of those involved in compiling them.
I love that 8 out of 10 of the above albums are in the rock genre and that the number one selling album of all time is number 3! I love the fact that it is a list of the most "influential" albums and that actual artists weren't consulted. I love the fact that the folks involved CARED enough to rig this thing. Maybe we need to care as much :)
Love,
Mattyy
MUSIC NEWS:
1. DAMON ALBARN PROTESTS NUCLEAR WEAPONS: The Blur frontman and solo artist performed at a Greenpeace anti-nuclear rally in London, England this past month.
2. ICE CUBE SCOLARSHIP FOSTERS NEW MUSIC: The McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota in partnership with the former NWA frontman have issued the "Ice Cube Challenge". Those vyiing for the monies need to demonstrate their skills in creating a song.
3. U2 AUCTION GEAR FOR CHARITY: Last bids will be taken on April 21 for a guitar, bass, set of toms or pair of sunglasses, all offered up by members of rock's greatest band in support of New Orleans musicians. For more details: http://www.musicrising.org/
4. JESSICA SIMPSON DONATES MINIVAN TO MEXICAN ORPHANAGE: The vehicle, won at an awards show, was presented to the Nuevo, Laredo children in March.
5. GIFTED/TALENTED YOUTH PREFER HEAVY METAL: A study conducted by Stuart Cadwallader and Jim Campbell of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England has discovered that the brainy prefer to mosh. Low self esteem, the stress of being more intelligent and the more compex nature of the music genre have all been cited as reasons.
6. GRAND MASTER FLASH AND THE FURIOUS FIVE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: The Hip Hop artists are finally acknowleged by the Hall. This is a first for the 30 plus year old genre.
7. CYNDI LAUPER SUPPORTS GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS: One dollar from every ticket sold for the pop singer's upcoming tour will be contributed to a human rights campaign for the homosexual community. Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls and Erasure will all be on the bill.
8. WHO CARES?: MJ takes 3 kids to Disneyland? The only joke in that is the parenting skills involved... Lindsay Lohan and her father have finally reunited. Awwwwww.. That should bring a tear to the eye of deadbeat/jailbird dads and corporate whores everywhere. I can see the next BK comercial now.. Outside the jail.. Running into one another's arms... Kid Rock is back in the news. Kid who?.. Tenessee government officials have denied honouring home town boy Justin Timberlake. Good taste has been cited for the snub... The Doors have finally found their frontman after auditioning (a staggering) 3 contenders. Fuel frontman, Brett Scallions, beat out Ray Manzarek's manicurist and the pizza delivery guy... And in other rediculous Doors news.. A Door's fanclub is trying to clear Jim Morrison's good name in Florida (dude has a criminal record there). Never mind a little thing called the law man - this is the lizard king!.. A Detroit court has ordered Eminem and his wife to shut the hell up. I say lets get out the pay per view channels. Where's Vince McMahon when you need him?.. Snoop Dogg.. Snoop Dogg.. Snoop... In a galliant bid to foster new music, the new Starbuck's Record label has signed.. *drumroll*.. Sir Paul McCartney. The good news is that the money's good and if the record sells well the bonus will be 7 lattes, 14 grande chai teas and a tall vanilla creme... Man do I love Kanye West! On the weekend, cat ordered takeout.. from the other side of the world. Finally, something newsworthy - LOL!..
*Collected from a variety of online NEWS sources and summed up here for your enjoyment/enlightenment.*
Until next month: http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Your daily musical revolution. Share it with others.
http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com/Weblog/index.html - Read/Write about your music.
Info@TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Most importantly: Send us your musical ideas, concert dates, website, music or product information.
YOU are the revolution. Share.
Posted by i220 at 12:22 PM | Comments (2)