Toronto Music Scene Article

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Incredible - Listen

Polaris Prize Music Awards - Sept 21st 2009

I unexpectedly was able to attend the Polaris Music Prize Gala last evening, where I got to see 10 amazing Canadian bands do a two song set. The goal was to woo the panel of judges into believing they were worthy of the 20,000 dollar prize, as well as the honor of being a Polaris Prize winner.

It started off with a tamed acoustic set by Metric. Metric, although capable of playing well acoustically seemed a little too reserved and with only one guitar playing it was obvious there was something missing.

I happened to stumble upon the Great Lake Swimmers practicing before their set in the stairwell. The acoustics sounded incredible. I would have been more than happy to watch their entire performace there, but the show had to go on. As the second performance GLS wowed the crowed with there mellow but somehow enchanting folk sound.

The French-Canadian band Malajube was next, their interesting sound was easy to set apart from the other bands. When accepting their nominee poster, they had very little to say, well in english anyway!

Patrick Watson and his strange band of unique instruments played next. They weaved in and out of the crowd with giant lights on their back. One member was playing a saw! Their eccentricities added to the over-all strangeness of the sound. But what an incredible sound it was. Patrick Watson is obviously underrated.

K'naan gave me chills with his moving performance of Take a Minute. I had my money on him taking the prize.

Joel Plaskett and his father did a beautiful folk tune. My respect grew for Plaskett when I became aware that his favorite band was Zeppelin ! He knows what he is doing when it comes to music. And it showed, the guitar was seemingly an extension of his body. The music came so naturally, you can tell he had been doing it for years.

Elliot Brood wouldn't have been that memorable if they hadn't handed out cookie sheets and wooden spoons to the audience to keep the beat for their second song in the set. It was neat to have the audience interaction, but it is debatable that was the best part of their performance.

Chad Vangaalen, who could also be a stand-up comic, showed us all a good time with his unusual sound. At one point I was a little perplexed by the “music” as it sounded like the speakers in a car had blown and no one knew how to fix it. But the vocals were powerful and his talent warranted his odd musical interlude.

Hey Rosetta! completely stole to show. They began with only vocals and a soft keyboard and gradually built to a full band, one instrument at a time. The crescendo was deeply emotive, especially the violins mixed with outstanding vocals of Tim Baker. If I were able to chose the winner, it would have been these guys, hands down.

Last but evidently not least, Fucked Up took the show from a low key setting to a high energy punk show. Even the audience drew off their energy as a massive alcohol throwing fight commenced after their first song. Fucked Up had 3 vocalist screaming, one of which was a girl. The lead singer decided to remove almost all his clothing, it was pretty obvious they wanted the audience to think “ wow, this is Fucked up”. And indeed it was. They went on to WIN the Polaris Music Prize, which was equally fucked up.
Thankfully each band got recognition for the work they are doing as Canadian artists. It was important to all of them that the uniqueness of Canadian music thrives, and as Patrick Watson said, we need more than this “run of the mill” kind of music. So lets continue to support our bands like Hey Rossetta! and Malajube. To the world they define Canadians as more than just radio artists, but truly talented musicians capable of being known universally.

http://www.torontomusicscene.ca/live-show-reviews/taking-back-sunday-everlea-and-moneen-rock-kool-haus-a.html

Everlea, Moneen and Taking Back Sunday - Aug 19th - Koolhaus

Prepared to see a high school favourite of mine, Anberlin, I was a little shocked to see Everlea on stage when the concert finally began. The four-man band from Kingston pleasantly surprised me. After seeing the lead singer handing out stickers in the line before the show, I wasn't sure what to expect. But the vocals were clear and flawlessly reached heights other boy bands dream about. They sounded seemingly similar to The Rocket Summer, but a bit more masculine and mellowed. Aesthetically resembled The All American rejects with a similar demeanor, but less pop. The tunes were catchy and memorable, but likely what you would expect from looking at them. Although enjoyable to watch, Everlea is quite a few shows away from being a worthy headliner, but it's definitely within reach.

After Everlea, we waited with anticipation to see who would grace the stage with there presence next. Would it be Anberlin? Taking Back Sunday? Nope it was a little Brampton based band called Moneen. I had heard Moneen prior, but never gave them the recognition they deserved. The moment they played the first note you could tell Moneen were seasoned performers. The melodic rock with heavy bass and incendiary vocals was a deeply emotive combination. They seemed to exude every ounce of physical energy that was humanly safe while they performed with unique showmanship. The lead singer, Kenny Bridges wooed the crowd by saying they wanted to play some older stuff. When the crowd went crazy he replied with “ Not that old”. Moneen's new album “ The world I want to leave behind” is set to debut Sept 15th. That night they are also playing a free show at The Horseshoe. If their performance as openers is any indication of what they are capable of as headliners (and it is), the free show is not something I would want to miss out on.

Finally at 9:30 after much time spent waiting between sets, Taking Back Sunday teased us no further and exploded on to stage with an epic entrance. Sporting a more mature appearance, TBS started their set with: What's it feel like to be a ghost? Off their 2006 album “Louder Now”. Afterwards they explained and apologized for canceling the June 23rd show that this was in lieu of - the lead singer Adam Lazzara had been hospitalized for an illness that incapacitated him. At that point no one seemed to care, we just wanted to hear more TBS! Each song was booming with energy from the performers and the rowdy crowd. Everyone knew the words and didn't hesitate to scream at the top of their lungs. This really got Lazzara jazzed up. At one point he voiced his dismay for canceling this show out of all the shows on the “New Again” Tour, because it was obvious what avid fans we were. They made mention of the guitarist/back-up vocalist, Matthew Fazzi playing with a broken foot. It hardly hindered his performance, which is impressive considering the work-out he was getting on stage. Lazzara almost compulsively swung his mic around his arm and in to the crowd, very entertaining. And no TBS concert would be complete without the infamous mic-neck wrap Lazzara's fans know all too well. Their four song encore ended with Make Damn Sure, quite the crowd pleaser. TBS made damn sure all their fans were satisfied with their larger than life performance. Thank-you, Taking Back Sunday for being as incredible as we remembered, and exactly what we had hoped for. All in all, great show from all three bands.

Strange Video - incredible song

Death threats for bashing Zeppelin... Sounds about right.

Jack Bruce, the 66 year-old bassist from Cream, is asking to die young. Bruce recently received several death threats for making false claims about Led Zeppelin. He claimed that Zeppelin was crap and their last performance was lame. He also had the audacity to say that Cream was far better. Lets be real here. Cream was a phenomenal band, Clapton knows what he is doing. But it isn't comparable to the likes of Zeppelin.

So maybe threatening to kill Jack Bruce is a little intense a punishment for his public blasphemy. But what does he expect? It's like saying your band is bigger than Jesus Christ. It just doesn't fly with the general public.

More Offspring love. No not the band Offspring. They deserve no love.

Sean Lennon. Typo? no. Sean is John and Yoko's Son. Eerily familiar in appearance and vocal tone. John lives musically through his son. I am surprised there is not more controversy surrounding Sean's Music. You think being the son of John Lennon people would watch your every move, and certainly publicize your albums with overwhelming expectation. Regardless I will do a little publicizing myself, this song is awesome. Its dark subject matter makes it intriguing. As does Sean's uncanny resemblance.

This boy can stiiing!!

Fiction Plane isn't a brand new band, but I was recently introduced to them. I instantly liked them but sensed a strange familiarity. I placed it as sounding very similar to The Police. Vocally similar, as well as in style. Upon further research I discovered the lead singer is Sting's Son! This being said, I think I love them even more. Although its arguable they should sound different and find there own vibe, it can also be said that quite obviously The Police are one of there biggest influences. If my father was Sting I am sure I would sound like him too. This song is stellar, giver' a listen. Next Stop, Lennon's Son.

Current Repeat Song

Portugal.The Man's New Single

Clearly I would have to write something about the phenomenal new single by Portugal. The Man. At first I wasn't totally amused by the new song. It seems a bit toned down from the regular stuff. Almost as though they are looking for radio play. But I can't refute its obvious genius. I love Portugal.The Man. I love John, the lead singer. I love this song. You should listen... and love.

Paul, Bob...and Ringo!

It is news to me that Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan have decided to pair up to make sweet sweet music. Now Ringo Starr has decided to make it a trio of musical legends. Starr will be playing drums on a few tracks when McCartney and Dylan link up in California and start putting tracks together. No details on the type of music to be made or when it will be released, but we can all sleep a little better at night knowing we will soon be graced with some high high ...high caliber music! ( oh and I guess it is worthy of entering my blogisphere... The Beatles Rock Band edition was released yesterday I believe. I am sure it made many nerdish Beatles fans very very happy)

I just love it

I'm Looking Through You Lyrics

(Lennon/McCartney)

I'm looking through you, where did you go?
I thought I knew you, what did I know?
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same

Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game

full lyrics

more The Beatles lyrics

mmm bop and Cheap trick = Tinted Windows??

The Tinted Windows is a strange collaboration of debatable has-beens. The lead singer, you may have heard of. Taylor Hanson, mmm bop anyone? The guitarist is James Iha, an origianl member of the Smashing Pumpkins and a member of Perfect Circle. The bassist is Adam Schlesinger from the band Fountains of Wayne, who I am less familiar with. The final member and easily the most perplexing is Bun E. Carlos. Yes, it's true. I am referring to the drummer from the legendary band Cheap Trick.

With the exception of FOW and Hanson both being pop bands, they all come from an assortment of different genres (and even decades). In fact Hanson and The Smashing Pumpkins or even Cheap Trick are on totally different ends of the musical spectrum. That means there is two ways the band could go: The random assortment could provide a unique style and sound, by pooling together their taste and experience to make something magnificent. Or... The band could be too horribly different to unify its sound to make something that resembles music.

Upon listening to a few songs, almost all the members previous influence is apparent. (with the exception of Iha) The songs are kind of catchy, but border on pop. Taylor Hanson's voice, despite obvious efforts to sound more manly, still sounds like he is 12 years old.

I am unable at this point to make a complete judgment on the band in its entirety . The only judging I am doing is that of Bun E. Carlos. Come on Carlos... you wailed out some serious rock music in the 70's and 80's surely this is not what you are reduced to.

Counting on Music

I was watching TV last night, and a commercial I saw actually made an impact on me. It was about how music programs are slowly dissipating from our schools because funding is drastically diminishing. It noted the importance of musical programs within a child's upbringing and schooling. Like how it teaches discipline, encourages teamwork and extra circular activities and deters students from getting in to trouble. With all the programs that remain funded within the Canadian school board I struggle to understand why one as important as music is the one to take the economic fall.

This website http://www.musicounts.ca/ encourages people to get help and help out. If you ever have any extra cash,( I know it seldom occurs, but just on the off chance)give some money to something truly worthy! Music really does count. Who will be the next Neil Young or Burton Cummings if we deprive Canadian children of something so essential?

Here are some Album/Singles Released this week!

Albums released this week:
Iron Maiden - 'Flight 666'
Gary Go - 'Gary Go'
Marilyn Manson - 'High End Of Low'
Grizzly Bear - 'Veckatimest'
Phoenix - 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'
Fink - 'Sort Of Revolution'
Iggy Pop - 'Preliminaires'
Tinchy Stryder - 'Cloud 9'
Toddla T - 'Skanky Skanky'

Singles released this week:

Crystal Stilts - 'Love Is A Wave'
Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - 'Young Adult Friction'
Cornershop - 'Roll Off Characteristics (Of History In The Makin)'
Howling Bells - 'Digital Hearts'
You Me At Six - 'Finders Keepers'
Little Boots - 'New In Town'

Some of this stuff may not sound familiar. But check them out!

Who can resist Muse's new album?

Muse have released the title of their fifth album, it's set to release this August titled “ The Resistance”.

The information was given to fans via Twitter ( I know what a strange communication phenomenon).

The band produced the album with help mixing from Mark Stent, who's worked with Radiohead and Oasis, the album is said to be nearing completion.

Muse's is known for there intense instrumental backing to their equally profound lyrics. Frontman Matt Bellamy said this album has the most orchestral work to date.

It has taken a bit of time to get the album out there because, as you can imagine writing music for a whole orchestra is fairly time consuming. But very impressive.

Bellamy is putting the finishing touches on a 3 part song, where he is arranging all the orchestra's music himself. It has been in the works for several years and will make its debut on this album!

Blinks Back :(

Well Blink 182 are officially back in the swing of things, but it's beginning to look like the reunion may not have been the best idea. Blinks performance on The tonight show with Jay Leno, left much to be desired as the original sound was no where to be found. Sure they were performing one of their classics, but Tom Delongs voice hardly resembled what it had when “ All the small things” was recorded and Angels and Airwave's style was blantantly present within the Blink song.

It has been some time, so it's completely understandable that it wouldn't sound identical. But Blink fans are going to be expecting the comforting familiarity of “What's my age again?”, to sound the same as on their Enema of the State album, they've been overplaying in preparation for their return.

This only being their second performance back together, there is room for improvement. Starting July 24th Blink will be touring with Fall Out Boy and or Weezer depending on the date and location. I have high hopes for Blink, here is their performance:

Follow up to "In Rainbows" - In Progress!

Radiohead is back in the studio to create magic for their follow up to 2007's In Rainbows. With such outstanding success as there last album there may be a bit of pressure to make something equally as phenomenal. But the album is in the early writing stages, they have joined up again with long time producer Nigel Godrich and have high hopes with him on board.

In recent reports, it was rumored that the band was encouraged to break up. But this puts a halt to the erroneous rumors as thus far all has run smoothly and we can expect a new album...eventually!

The Modest Shins

The Shins are shuffling their band mates about and welcoming drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse.
Shins main man James Mercer decided it was time for a change, Marty Crandall, the keyboardist is also no longer with the band while Ron Lewis from Fruit Bats takes his place.
Mercer, the primary song-writer, singer and guitarist for The Shins, wants to take the music in a bit of a different direction. In doing so he believes it is necessary to change the dynamic of the band. There are no hard feelings with the leaving members, Mercer said he would work with them again, but this is an aesthetic decision.
The Shins and Modest Mouse being two of my favourite Indie Rock Bands, I couldn’t be more pleased with the collaboration. The new members of The Shins will be working on the album set to release next year!

The Third times a Charm?

Jack White is at it again! Yes it's true,even though he helped perfect the girl/guy rock duet the White Strips, annnnd is said to be the man behind the successful American rock band The Raconteurs, (formed prior to the White Stripes) it wasn’t enough. Jack’s new band Dead Weather is nothing like his two previous bands but is shaping up to be just as good. With lead vocalist Alison Mosshart from The Kills , Dead Weather has a smoky dark rock sound that makes you want to take female rock singers more seriously. The lyrics are intense and serious, so are the static buzzed guitar riffs and loose drum solos played by Jack. The over all effect is almost eery or fantastical.

Dead Weather is completely formed from other well known bands, with Mosshart (Kills), Jack Lawrence, the bassist from the Raconteurs, and guitarist Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stoneage. The band performs like true veterans who look like they’ve been together for years.

I have yet to make a complete judgement on Jack’s new project. Truthfully I wouldn’t mind him spending some time making music with Meg White again. Thus far I would have to say that was his best. I enjoy what Dead Weather has going for them, all members as separate entities are truly talented, so together I can only imagine the music they will produce. We will have to wait and see when the entire album comes out in June. Until then here is the first single “ Hang you from the Heavens” ssssing it Mosshart.

One is the loneliest number? Not for Corgan!

Billy Corgan is all that is left of what once was “ The Smashing Pumpkins”. Although completely by his lonesome he insists the music he is creating is still the Pumpkins. He released a very long, well-written message to his fans yesterday explaining his reasonings.

When Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Corgan toured using the name The Smashing Pumpkins I couldn't help but be skeptical. If a band is not united in its entirety, can they still be considered that band?Can half the members still be considered a whole? It's different when a member dies and has to be replaced, but the majority of the members are still the originals. But when a band dismembers for creative differences it's likely the authenticity of the band's original sound will no longer exist.

Now completely alone, Billy Corgan is continuing to use the Smashing Pumpkins name. Opposed to using a different name to start an independent solo career he is hanging on to SP. But with that comes a great deal of expectations. Fans who worshiped their unique goth rock, dream pop and often psychedelic sound will expect just that, to pick up where Machina left off. But how can one hope for such greatness as: 1979 , Ava adore, or Disarm, with only one great mind behind it all?

Billy hopes to have 44 songs written to release over the next 3 years. Songs rumored to be released from the archives (when the band was really still a band) is all tied up in legal hullabaloo because there is an obscene amount of suing going on between EMI and various former band members.

We'll have to wait and see if Corgan can carry the immense weight that is the awesomeness of The Smashing Pumpkins.

Really Canada? Nickelback?

I am sure you all have heard, and sadly it's true. Not only was Nickelback (not sure if it is two words or one, nor do I care) nominated for FIVE Junos, they proceeded to win THREE. Really? Is this what the Canadian Music industry has succumbed to ? I know I am not alone in my outrage. Many Canadians feel the pain that is the commercialized portion of the Canadian music scene. But I wonder, if so many of us are aware, how did they get an outrageous amount of nominations? I am particularly perplexed by The Fan's Choice Award. WHAT FANS? Please God point me in the direction of these fans, they need a swift kick in the ear.

THE Claw?? are U(2) serrrrious??

Amidst our economic turmoil’s U2 has decided to put on the most expensive concert to date.

For their tour beginning June 30th in n Barcelona they have constructed a massive "Claw" like stage. The monstrosity of a structure has speakers on either side and a space in the middle where they will perform. Apparently this allows the audience to be more interactive.

The stage is so huge it requires 120 trucks just to transport it. That's not economically friendly. And I can only imagine the costliness of this endeavour. Why U2? Why? has your performance dwindled so much that there needs to be overcompensation of gargantuan proportions?

I heart The Kooks!

As the Kooks prepare for the festivals to come, they've announced they will be playing a one-off show next month. The intimate performance will take place at the Leamington Spa Assembly on April 23rd.

Their summer will be spent playing European festival dates, including the Jersey Live festival on Sept 6th and The Eden Project on June 18th in Cornwall.

EW - What Creed and Led Zeppelin have in common

There is a lot going on here so read carefully:

"Alter Bridge" is a band formed with three members who were formally in the band "Creed". The lead singer is Myles Kennedy, he has never been in Creed.

Myles Kennedy is in the running to take Robert Plant's spot in a Led Zeppelin reunion.

Because Myles Kennedy would be leaving his lame Alter Bridge band-mates they figure they should start up Creed again.

There is an obscene amount of things wrong with this whole situation.

Robert Plant-less Led Zeppelin Reunion? That doesn't make sense. There would only be two of the original band members. How can it even be called Led Zeppelin? No one can sing like Plant, certainly not someone who associates with the likes of Creed.

Creed should no longer be allowed to make music. And Led Zeppelin should only reunite with its original singer. If there was a reunion, I would be torn. Of course I would love to see all those Zeppelin songs live. But would they be ruined with an imposture lead singer trying to fill the incredibly large shoes of Plant?

I am deeply and profoundly saddened by the mere mention of Creed alongside Led Zeppelin.

Happy Birthday Pete Seeger!

Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, and Tom Morello are just a few amongst the dozens of artist who will help American Folk singer, Pete Seeger celebrate his 90th Birthday.

The Concert is set for May 3rd at Madison Square Gardens. Seeger will be doing songs with other Folk icons as well. Warren Haynes, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie and Kris Kristofferson are just a few artisits on set to perform. The concert is a benefit concert for the Clearwater organization.

Seeger will be united with Baez and Springsteen who were both performers at Barak Obama's inauguration ceremony.

Worth Listening to!

listen and love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_27Aig4kD4

Hollowpoint Sniper Hyperbole by: Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker

Fuck ya!

Saturday June 20th marks the day for the annual EDGEFEST extravaganza! The line up is amazing:

Billy Talent, AFI, Alexisonfire, The Stills, Metric, K-OS, Arkells, The Midway State and many more.

It's being held at Downsview park! Buy your tickets early for a discounted price of $39.50. (Regular price $49.50)!!

Page, Slash, Bruce, Burdon - what do they have in common???

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Slash of Guns and Roses, Jack Bruce of Cream and Eric Burdon of War are all selling signed guitars on Ebay.

The Cause: Task Brasil = http://www.taskbrasil.org.uk/
A charity commited in helping Brazilian teens surpass the hardships of living on the street.

Jimmy Page is closely related to this charity as they attribute their success to his generous donation in 1997.

The auction is set to finish this Sunday so get your bids in and fingers crossed you'll be playing on a piece of history!

Maximo Park giving away the tunes!

Tomorrow Maximo Park will be giving away a free download from their most recent album: Quicken the Heart. The track is titled "Wraithlike" and is meant to give fans a taste of what's to come.

You'll have two weeks to download it, just go to maximopark.com

They recorded "Quicken the Heart" with " Yeah Yeah Yeahs" producer Nick Launay in L.A. It's set to be fully released this May!

James Hetfield from Metallica, Hospitalized

Metallica had to cancel their show last evening after singer James Hetfield was rushed to the hospital for an apparent " Stomach bug and dehydration" situation.

16,000 fans had already settled in to the Globe Arena in Stokholm eagerly awaiting the performance. Whaaaat a let down !

If we hold our breath..we may die...

We all have our favourite Rock bands that tragically broke up or ended their musical career, leaving us fans pining over their loss. Bands such as: G & R, Zeppelin and The Talking heads. All with their extenuating circumstances, may it be a lost band member or inner band differences. But regardless the reason we’d all love to see some of those classics back together and touring.
Sadly Rolling Stone magazine recently released a list explaining why we shouldn’t hold our breath for the reunion of some of our loved and mourned over bands.
Here it is:
Band: Guns n’ Roses‘ original lineup
Date last seen: July 17, 1993 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: The bad blood between Axl and Slash seems to have only deepened over time, with Rose telling Billboard recently, “What’s clear is that one of the two of us will die before a reunion and however sad, ugly or unfortunate anyone views it, it is how it is.”

Band: Led Zeppelin
Date last seen: December 10, 2007 in London
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Frontman Robert Plant said that the band’s surviving members explored a reunion after their one-off tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, but ultimately decided they couldn’t do it without late drummer John Bonham. “We were incomplete, and we’ve been incomplete now for 29 years,” Plant told Absolute Radio.

Band: The Smiths
Date last seen: December 12, 1986 in London
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Despite seven-figure offers to bury the hatchet, guitarist Johnny Marr and cheerless frontman Morrissey insist it’ll never happen, with the singer telling BBC Radio 2 as recently as this month, “People always ask me about reunions and I can’t imagine why… The past seems like a distant place, and I’m pleased with that.”

Band: Pavement
Date last seen: November 20, 1999 in London
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: While guitarist Scott Kannberg and bassist Mark Ibold have publicly expressed interest in reviving the band, Stephen Malkmus told NME recently that he’d be interested in doing “Something small in 10 years, like the Zeppelin thing sounds good to me.” However, the latest rumors suggest the band has retained a booking agent, so who knows?

Band: Soundgarden
Date last seen: February 9, 1997 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: While there doesn’t seem to be any animosity amongst the band’s members, frontman Chris Cornell told MTV News in 2007 that the band was “happy with how it ended. There was no unfinished business. Soundgarden wasn’t a band where we broke up and everyone was like, ‘I’m never fucking talking to you again.’ It’s something we don’t feel we need to do.”

Band: System of a Down
Date last seen: August 13, 2006 in West Palm Beach, Florida
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: The band’s self-imposed “indefinite hiatus” was upgraded by frontman Serj Tankian recently to “permanent,” and he told New Zealand’s Stuff that “every few months, I am honored to hear interesting rumors about whether the band is going to tour or break up permanently. I find them all to be very entertaining.” Meanwhile, guitarist Daron Malakian told MTV News last year, “If anyone’s holding their breath for a System record, they’re going to turn blue and pass out.”

Band: Talking Heads
Date last seen: March 18, 2002 in New York City
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Reunion talk caught fire soon after Talking Heads performed at 2002’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, but leader David Byrne later told Australia’s The Age that the split was too vicious for absolution. “Another [reason] is that musically, we’re just miles apart.”

Band: The Kinks
Date last seen: June 15, 1996 in Oslo, Norway
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Lead singer Ray Davies has said he thinks the seminal English rockers could reform, but for new music only. A tour, he told BBC Radio last fall, would be too difficult on his brother, guitarist Dave Davies, who suffered a stroke in 2004.

Band: Stone Roses
Date last seen: August 29, 1996 in Reading, England
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Both Ian Brown and John Squire have continually dispelled reunion rumors over the years, and neither has spoken a word to the other since Squire jumped ship in 1995. But last month, a spokesperson for Squire said he “has no plans to return to music.”

Band: Minor Threat
Date last seen: September 23, 1983 in Washington, D.C.
Why you shouldn’t hold your breath: Frontman Ian MacKaye would never sell out that hard, and said as much during a recent lecture at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, last November. “Why would you ever want that to happen?,” he said, later explaining that the band’s music was a reflection of the times, and that it wouldn’t be right to play those songs again.

It's too bad. Lets hope they are wrong. But like they said. I wouldn't hold my breath

NO DOUBT!!!

The loooong awaited No Doubt Reunion tour dates have been announced! Tickets go on sale Saturday March 7th. Tour Club pre-sales begin Thursday, February 26 at 4:00 PM.

No Doubt has been around for a long time. Since before I was born actually, 1986. Sprouting from California, Strong Leading Lady Gwen Stefani moved No Doubt in a Ska-pop motion. At the time Grunge seemed to be all the rage making it hard for a female fronting ska band to gather a strong following.

But their talent couldn't be hidden any longer when Tragic Kingdom surfaced. With that album No Doubt would make their mark in musical history. "Don't Speak" spent 16 weeks at the top of the Chart.

Sadly by 2004 No Doubt had fallen off the map with the launch of Stefani's solo career.They went out with a bang with their incredible "The Singles" Cd listing their stellar line-up of hits from 1992-2003. (Easily takes the cake for number one Cd I own being played in its entirety on repeat. Every song is outstanding)

No one was certain, but we all hoped Stefani would realize she had nothing without the band. The tour is promised to be sell-out show(not to mention Paramore is supposed to be the opening act)

Here are the Canadian Tour Dates:

6/16/2009 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
6/17/2009 Montreal, QC - Centre Bell
7/13/2009 Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
7/15/2009 Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
7/16/2009 Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
7/18/2009 Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place

Kind of hurting, but we'll take what we can get!!

Spiderman and Bono??? What do they have in common???

Well for good reason the respectable Spiderman and U2 had nothing in common until recently. It's officially been announced, Bono and the Edge(David Howell Evans, guitarist, keyboardist and back up vocalist of U2) are teaming up to create the music for the highly anticipated Broadway debut of " Spiderman".

Yes I am serious. It is set to debut in a year from now, the full title being: Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. It's debatable whether or not U2 will be a good fit for so many of our favourite comic book hero Spiderman. Only time will tell

Goooone to Cuba!!!

Over the next week I will be unable to blog. But when I return I will being updating my site daily with the most interesting Rock and Music news! Be sure to check it out again Wed.Feb 25th.

I will try to not have toooo much fun in Cuba!

BONNAROO JUNE 11-14th 2009

Bonnaroo looks like it is going to be mind-blowing good. The line-up is unreal. Just to mention a few:

PORTUGAL.THE MAN, Beastie Boys ,Nine Inch Nails,Wilco,Snoop Dogg,Elvis Costello,Ben Harper and the Relentless7,The Mars Volta,TV on the Radio,Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT,Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, The Decemberists,Girl Talk, of Montreal,Coheed & Cambria, The Ting Tings, Brett Dennen and there are still more Artists to Be Announced!

That's phenomenal. Tickets aren't cheap, however, when you really think about the cost,each concert separately would cost a great deal more than this. The only thing to do now is get a group,an RV and your $224.50 together and start preparing for what's sure to be a outrageously amazing musical experience!!!

http://www.bonnaroo.com/artists.aspx

Word of the Day - Auspicious

Auspicious means to be favored by fortune! prosperous, successful and fortunate.

"Offspring, are you doing OK?"

The answer is No. The Offspring are not doing ok, they have been much better in the past.The Offspring have been making decent rock music since the 80's. Yup they've been around since 84 and have since made quite a few good albums!They had huge success with 1994's album "Smash". But they didn't quite hit it with their most recent album. "Rise and Fall, Age and Grace", just isn't measuring up to past albums, in regards to almost all aspects. It's mediocre at best. What really made me write this post was the song I have most recently heard on the radio, "Kristy, are you doing OK". It sounds like newish not- so-good Greenday.In no way does it have the Offspring feel to it. Other songs off the album aren't as bad,but certainly aren't as good as Offspring could be.

Rolling Stone magazine recently released a list of the 100 Greatest singers from the rock era!

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/24161972/page/103

They asked a stellar group of musicians to make a list of their favorite rock vocalists in order of importance. Rolling Stone also asked journalists, and various important people of the music industry.

The results were than weighted accordingly and tabulated for the magazine.It Was quite interesting to see who got a spot on the list, and what great musicians were picked by other great musicians!

Grammys? Robert Plant? Zeppppelin????

There are a few things in news as of late that are pretty phenomenal,
For instance:

Did anyone watch the Grammys? If so you must have been pleased to see the amount of awards Robert Plant took home. Plant received 5 Grammys in total for his duet work with Alison Krauss. Well to be fair they earned them together.

Krauss with the voice of an angel, and Plant whos voice is equally as angelic collaborated on the “Raising Sand” album. The album generated a substantial buzz and ended up taking home the following awards: Album of the year for the Rounder project "Raising Sand," record of the year for "Please Read The Letter," pop collaboration with vocals for "Rich Woman," best country collaboration with vocals for "Killing the Blues," and best contemporary folk/Americana Album.

The performance was beautiful, but sadly Plants vocals didn't project the insatiable Zeppelin tone I am sure so many were looking forward to seeing on stage again. However, the duets vocal chemistry was blatant, the calming sound, although bordering on country was enjoyable and showed Plants diverse vocal ability.

After the stirs (and immence let down) of a Zeppelin reunion in the recent months I was just pleased to see Plant on stage again, even if he wasn’t accompanied by his fellow Rock Gods, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham (R.I.P). Fingers crossed that one day in the near future Plant will be taking home Grammys for the mind blowing come back tour of Zeppelin.

The only thing that I am slightly perturbed by is this quote from Plant:"In the old days we would have called this selling out -- but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."
Not that I would speak ill of Plant, but it makes me wonder. It's not as though he bailed on Led Zeppelin to find himself in country music. But is it still selling out? Now a days should be more like the old days. So what does it all mean?

Oh well, It's Robert Plant. He can do no wrong.

Beautiful: Physically and Musically - Portugal. The Man

FEATURE BAND OF THE WEEK(possibly the decade): PORTUGAL.THE MAN

Since 2005 Portugal. The Man have been gracing music lovers with their unique, yet comfortably familiar incendiary sound. Originally from Alaska the eccentric group of four young men used their interesting surroundings and creative up-bringing to write deeply profound music. Lyrically mature beyond their age and vocally mature beyond this decade Portugal. The Man is the first band I’ve dared to say is comparable to Led Zeppelin. Yes, I’m serious. Lead man John Baldwin Gourley’s voice is as incredibly mesmerizing as Robert Plant himself.
Since first coming out with an album PTM have yet to make their fan base wait longer than a year before releasing their next master piece, but anticipation builds for the next as soon as the final track is heard on the most recent album. Censored Colors is their last album which came out last September. All though every song is notable, singles include “The Pines, The Devil” from their 2006 album and “My Mind” from their 2007 album. The first song I had the pleasure of hearing was “Waiter”. Upon first listening, the sex of the singer is hard to decipher. The range in which Gourley can perform is truly astonishing. To really understand you must listen. Songs to listen to first are:
Created ( youtube version) and Shade.
Their website is filled with an array of unusual videos, songs and articles. Check them out, Portugal.The Man will blow you away: http://portugaltheman.net/
Listen and Love:

IDIOSYNCRATIC

Today’s Word of the Day, and my favourite word is: IDIOSYNCRATIC
Idiosyncratic means something peculiar to a specific individual, something that makes you eccentric.
We all have idiosyncratic tendencies and traits.