Archive for July, 2007
LTTGOE: Caspian
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
Caspian
It’s time for me to once again implore you to Listen To These Guys Or Else (LTTGOE).
Let’s be honest: Godspeed You! Black Emperor are on permanent hiatus, and you’re not really a huge fan of any of their myriad side projects (sometimes Fly Pan Am or Set Fire To Flames are OK, and A Silver Mt. Zion WERE good at one point, but none of them really approach GY!BE status).
And while you may love Explosions In The Sky (who, btw, are going to tear it up at Virgin Fest on September 8 & 9, in case you forgot), everybody knows about them by now, and you want to be a discoverer of new stuff, don’t you? Plus, you want songs that are a tad more digestible (under ten minutes).
May I present your new favourite post-rock instrumental band: Caspian. Luscious, layered guitars…ups and downs…total outbursts of guitary goodness that’ll make you want to tear off your own skin. OK, I’m no music theorist so I can’t really describe the glory of what I’m hearing in my headphones right now except to say it gives me goosebumps and I don’t want it to end.
Just when you think “wow, I love this song so much” it takes another turn, sending you deeper and deeper in love with it. Further Up, which is featured on their MySpace page and is taken from their 2005 EP You Are the Conductor is a must-listen. I swear I’ve had it on repeat for a week now. At the 2:35 mark it sets up a build that’s urgent and totally commands your attention, and then again 3:35 mark it outright hits and your brain pretty much ERUPTS. That good.
Really though, my friend Paul (who introduced me to Caspian) said it best: “If you cream your pants at the mere mention of Explosions In The Sky, then Caspian is the band for you.” Their live show last Friday put EITS to shame - it was dangerously good. Even their official bio describes their live sets as “blistering”. Earplugs should be handed out at the door, cause no matter how badass you are, you’ll need them. It was an hour long blast of non-stop, bombastic guitars that would put most live shows to shame.
Go have a listen to their music and tell me you don’t agree!
Posted in MuchRadar | 3 Comments »
Keane - The Theft Of Octo
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
Earlier today I came across a collection of Keane songs online that’s being touted as a ‘fan’s compilation of b-sides and covers’. It’s called The Theft Of Octo and it has stunning artwork (above) not unlike Keane’s latest album, Under The Iron Sea, which I love.
The b-sides are taken from the band’s debut album Hopes And Fears as well as Under The Iron Sea. Plus, there is a luscious cover of U2’s With Or Without You - a cover whose enjoyment I guarantee. Most of the songs are quintessential Keane…simple songs with beautiful, haunting vocals from Tom Chaplin and piano accompaniments from Tim Rice-Oxley.
Tracklisting:
1. The Iron Sea [Magic Shop]
2. New One
3. Maybe I Can Change
4. Thin Air
5. Untitled II
6. He Used To Be A Lovely Boy
7. Let It Slide
8. The Theft Of Octo
9. Call Me What You Like
10. Wolf At The Door
11. Tyderian
12. On A Day Like Today
13. With Or Without You [orig. U2]
14. Closer Now
Posted in Music & Videos | 5 Comments »
Interviewing Tegan And Sara
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007Yesterday morning I interviewed Tegan and Sara about their new album The Con, which if you read my previous blog, you will know I am obsessed with.
To my surprise we spent most of the time chatting about love. How love is rarely forever and how falling out of love is treated as a criminal act. The sisters have such different sensibilities when it comes to relationships. Tegan is a love addict. Sara is a serial relationship girl. We spoke about the lies they tell to the people they are in love with and how healing your first dose of rejection is. By the end of the half hour we had officially replaced Dr. Phil as a trio of modern day love/ relationship experts.
So if you need a little insight and advice, burn your Dr. Phil self-help books and pick up The Con and have a listen. It will be infinitely more helpful. I promise.
FYI - for more information read Rolling Stone’s interview on Tegan and Sara where they declare themselves “doctors of love.” And of course stay tuned to The NewMusic and MuchNews Weekly for my interview.
hxo
Posted in The NewMusic | 6 Comments »
America’s Next Top Conan O’Brien
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
As we all may or may not know, in 2009 Conan O’Brien is moving to a sweeter, more accessible timeslot, wherein we can see his brand of hilarity without staying up late. (I’m an old lady. 12:30am is past bedtime). But when Leno steps down and Conan takes the Tonight Show’s seat, who’s gonna replace ol’ Hair Floof? Someone else with floofy hair, of course. Someone known for pawing aside his uncontrollable mane and passing it off with a goofy grin. Someone who I’m not sure can handle the responsibility…yep, Jimmy Fallon is apparently NBC’s top choice. I dunno - all I can picture is him gingerly burbling out jokes and then making that self-conscious face like he’s not sure if it’s a good joke or not. And then laughing uncontrollably through everything. He’s got approximately 1.5-2 years to tame the giggles. He should start now!
Posted in Celebrities & Pop Culture | 2 Comments »
The Boy Who Reads
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
Daniel Radcliffe gives the book two thumbs up?
You think waiting to find out what happens to Harry Potter was stressful for you? Try being Daniel Radcliffe…the guy who probably has the most invested in the outcome of these books.
Turns out he was just as anxious to read the book as everyone else…and finished it before the end of last week (although apparently he’s got a life or something because he didn’t manage to beat my 6 hour record).
Entertainment Weekly has a fabulous interview with Daniel where reveals his thoughts about Deathly Hallows, including what shocked him, what he was glad to see, and how he felt when he finished it. Definitely required reading for any HP fan…although since he is talking about the book itself, if you haven’t read it yet, bookmark it and go back and read it when you’re done!
For those who have devoured Harry’s final adventure in its entirety, what did you think? Did you like it? What were your favourite parts? Anything really drive you loony or did you finish it with a giant smile on your face and tears in your eyes?
Photograph courtesy Getty Images
Posted in Celebrities & Pop Culture | 3 Comments »
Enrique Makes My Heart…
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007Go Boom Boom! Well, not really, but he certainly made a bunch of girls squeal for joy when he dropped by the Much environment. Lucky for you, we were able to capture the Latin Heartthrob in all of his glory…Sigh…
Posted in MuchMusic Guests | 1 Comment »
Super Can’t Wait Anymore
Monday, July 30th, 2007The moment I saw George Michael (the kid from Arrested Development, not the singer/songwriter) in a movie trailer - an HILARIOUS movie trailer at that - I knew I had my choice of must see summer movie. It’s called SuperBad (see the trailer), and it’s gonna be a-super HILARIOUS. It better be, anyway. I’ve got high stakes in this thing. And a stylish dancing screen saver.
Anyway, I just saw this preview clip from the movie, and so far I think it looks like it won’t let me down in the stupid-funny department (FYI: I’ve got my intellectual high brow snobberish wit side to me, and I’ve got my Sideshow Bob stepping on a rake 100 times stupid funny side to me as well). Watch McLovin’ in action!
PS: All hail Mr. Manager!
Posted in Celebrities & Pop Culture | 1 Comment »
Wakestock 07 - Viva La Wakestock
Monday, July 30th, 2007Being a Wakestock rookie I had no idea what to expect as I doused myself in sunscreen early Saturday morning and headed out the door, Centre Island bound. Having heard mixed reviews on the event I went in with an open mind and was completely and utterly blown away.
Not only does it pull together some of the top athletes from literally around the world it acts as a perfect mid-summer getaway from a city obsessed with routine. With around 30 bands I assumed I would be glued to the stage for the entire weekend, instead I found myself “course side” and completely in awe.
Before I divulge how Rusty Malinoski completely stole my heart, let me just say wakeskateing…insane. The dudes aren’t even attached to the boards and they make it seem like friggin’ walk in the park. Back to the cutie that is pro Canadian wakeboarder Rusty Malinoski, if you are not already familiar with him, Google that shit up folks, his 1080s…holy hell. He threw down seamless 900’s and was clearly a crowd fav. I can say with confidence that the entire beach was little upset not to see him take the first or second positions.
The 10th anniversary of Wakestock was a complete success. Tons of vendors were on sight to meet your every consuming desire. The island was alive with boarding bands and bikinis. What more could an adrenaline junkie ask for really?
The ferry ride back to reality…talk about buzzkill. I was bummed by the harsh reality that the next morning it would be back to business as usual. 1080s and slamming bodies will be replaced with Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and all the other celebrity bullshit society craves.
As I sit here at my desk, the smell of sunscreen still fresh on my skin, face tight from a raging sunburn (note the importance of re-application), I realized maybe it’s not only Rusty that won me over, but rather the event itself. I’m hooked…viva la Wakestock.
Seriously guys - google Rusty, it’ll blow your mind.
Posted in Concerts & Events | 1 Comment »
Wakestock 07 - Best Ever?
Saturday, July 28th, 2007Let’s just start this off with saying Wakestock is amazing!
This year has been so much fun it might be safe to say it’s one of the best. I’m excited to see all the bands, especially Goldfinger and Deftones. Ten Second Epic did a great job and it’s always fun seeing them. I have to go but if any of you guys can make it down I really recommend you do. Story Of The Year and illScarlett will be here too.
Later guys!
Posted in Concerts & Events | 2 Comments »
Wakestock 07 - Die Mannequin
Saturday, July 28th, 2007
Care Failure of Die Mannequin performing @ Wakestock
The lead singer of Die Mannequin is absolutely insane.
I was royally impressed by their short but sweet set! She totally reminds me of a younger and somewhat cleaner Brody Dalle.
If you guys have a chance to ever see them in concert then I highly suggest it!
Posted in Concerts & Events | 4 Comments »
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