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Archive for the ‘Capital Rock City’ Category

Photo credit – Todd Weaver

The Killers have been smashing out modern rock hits for two decades now and on December 8th they’ll put a bow on it with the career spanning hits collection, Rebel Diamonds.

The Las Vegas, Nevada bands has 7 studio albums and the collection will feature at least one track from each album, the recent single “Your Side of Town,” plus the new song “Spirit.”

The press release shares a little of the “why” behind this project:

The collection is made up of songs that embody who The Killers are as a band, in addition to including some favorites of theirs that have resonated over the years – tracks like “Be Still,” from 2012’s album Battle Born or “Dying Breed” from 2020’s album Imploding The Mirage or “A Dustland Fairytale” from 2008’s Day & Age, which the band recently re-recorded and performed with Bruce Springsteen.   

In the teaser video, lead singer Brandon Flowers says, “see it’s been said that what’s remembered lives and we’ve racked up stadiums full of memories the past twenty years, enough to fill lifetimes. Twenty songs for twenty years – Rebel Diamonds.”

I wonder if the time I interviewed The Killers in Victoria, British Columbia back in 2009 will make it on the album? Maybe just a shoutout buried in the liner notes?

Brandon, record rep, Me being a creeper, Ronnie, DJ Boitano
& Dave Sawchuk – Victoria 2009

Go with yourself.

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My friend Jason Lamb wrote a book about the legendary Canadian punk rockers NoMeansNo. He has a kickstarter up right now for pre-sales and your chance at some exclusive NoMeansNo merch.

Here’s a basic synopsis on the book:

Diverging from the conventional punk landscape they called home, NoMeansNo emerged uniquely in 1979 within the confines of brothers Rob and John Wright’s familial basement. Over the ensuing three decades, the band navigated a dynamic lineup, inked a record deal with Alternative Tentacles, and embarked on a global tour. A steadfast commitment to integrity led them to rebuff numerous mainstream opportunities, ensuring they remained intentionally obscure but garnered the admiration and devotion of a global fanbase, including some who rose to rock stardom.

NoMeansNo: From Obscurity to Oblivion presents the fully authorized oral and visual chronicle of this profoundly influential and enigmatic band, a narrative never before unveiled. Author Jason Lamb secured exclusive access to all four original members, conducting interviews with a myriad of individuals in their orbit, spanning managers, roadies, fellow musicians, friends, and family. The outcome is an exhaustive account, encapsulating the band’s journey from its genesis in 1979 to its retirement in 2016. Complemented by a wealth of previously unreleased photos, posters, and memorabilia, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the band’s legacy.

For devoted fans, this book is a heartfelt homage to their cherished group, uncovering previously undisclosed details. Meanwhile, for those intrigued by the narrative and impact of NoMeansNo, it unveils a captivating saga of how a punk ensemble achieved musical excellence while steadfastly adhering to a DIY ethos. The band’s influence and significance are immeasurable, and NoMeansNo: From Obscurity to Oblivion stands as the quintessential archive of their indelible mark on the music scene.

Go with yourself.

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Nova Scotia-based singer-songwriter Lawrence Curry has recently unveiled his debut album, “I Sail To Thee,” which is now available. Demonstrating a full-bodied voice and expert guitar skills, Curry’s album is elevated by his exceptional storytelling ability—a tribute to his Celtic heritage.

Throughout the LP, Curry draws inspiration from real-life narratives and personal experiences, weaving unique and compelling stories track by track. Influenced by his journeys through Scotland, Curry showcases his storytelling prowess in the atmospheric closing track and first single, “Of Which Mortals Only Dream.” The song recounts the rescue of a shipwrecked mariner, with its melody intricately mirroring the story’s progression. Starting with enigmatic guitar picking, the listener is drawn into the sensation of being lost at sea, and as the narrative unfolds to reveal a rescue, the music transforms with steady strumming, percussion, and a gentle groove, creating a sense of safety and discovery.

The genesis of “Of Which Mortals Only Dream” occurred during Curry’s travels but found its way onto paper during the pandemic. A seasoned musician who began playing the guitar and crafting folk songs at the age of fourteen, Curry’s musical journey has evolved over the years. After a brief hiatus, he returned as a semi-professional composer and sound designer, but his intrinsic desire to write music and share stories never waned. The pandemic became a catalyst for creativity, giving rise to most of the tracks on “I Sail To Thee.”

Reflecting on this period of self-reflection, Curry shares, “I realized during the pandemic, with all that time for self-reflection, that life is too short and fragile not to do what you love and be who you are.” This realization fueled his dedication to his craft. The 9-track album is a tribute to his identity and those who have shaped him. Woven with elements of his personal journey, Celtic heritage, experiences in Ireland and Scotland, and love for his wife, the album encapsulates the history of his home province. It seamlessly intertwines the past and present through tales of yearning, resulting in a musical journey that transcends both oceans and time.

Curry’s aspiration is for each song to linger in the listener’s memory long after the music ceases—a testament to the enduring power of his storytelling and musical artistry.

“Of Which Mortals Only Dream” YouTube and Spotify

Website

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no liars

Victoria punk No Liars will release their first full-length album in early 2018. The record will be called The Cause & The Cure. The album was recorded by Jesse Gander of Rain City Recorders (Japandroids, White Lung,) and mastered by Joao Carvalho (Alexisonfire, Arkells, Silverstein, Protest the Hero). OK, resumes check out….lets have a listen.

Noah Edwards talks about the music video;  “‘Animal’ is about struggling with inner turmoil and recognizing the darkest parts of ourselves.  We wanted the video to portray the terror of losing touch with reality when facing one’s inner demons.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW274mCAYLO/?taken-by=noliarsbc

***

Long weekend was fun times!

My daughter spent her time out in Langley with Nana… that left Coral and I with the boys. Saturday we did a tourist day downtown.

On Sunday, me and Madelyn went for a walk in the POURING rain at Campbell Valley Park. Real nice park…would go for a easy hike around there again for sure.

Monday night… Nana came to watch the kids so Coral and I could go out. Checked out some stand up comedy at the Starlight Casino with Alex Carr and Meredith.

Go with yourself.

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band of rascals

Band of Rascals sent over their new music video for the bluesy rocker, “Holler.”

The song is off the new ep Tempest.

Malcom Owen-Flood says “We recorded the song, and rest of the unreleased album, with Juno awarded producer Eric Ratz (Arkells, Billy Talent, Monster Truck, Big Wreck) at the Warehouse Recording Studio – over in your city (Vancouver)!” Real good.

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We went and got some family photos done with the incredible Brittany Menze earlier in the month. We went up to Buntzen Lake. Good times.

If you care, here are a couple.

Go with yourself.

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jon and roy

Folksy Victoria due (power trio?) Jon & Roy have a new record out called The Road Ahead is Golden. The band sent over a music video for their feature song “Runner.”

The band says: It’s a song about running away from things you shouldn’t be running from. In doing so, you’re not being honest with yourself and those around you. To be specific – it’s about deadbeat dads.

That’s a sad tale…being a Dad, growing up with a good man as a father…I feel for those that were let down by someone who was supposed to be there for them. Maybe this a timely tune for some with “Father’s Day” coming up.

Jon & Roy have been putting out music for years and The Road Ahead is Golden is their 7th LP!

The music video has a Wes Anderson vibe, showing some bro running around a beautifully framed Victoria; while the band performs in the back of a pick-up truck slowing winding through the Vancouver Island country side. You don’t have to like folk to love the look of this music video.

Look for Jon & Roy this summer at the Tall Tree Music festival!

June 24th  Tall Tree Music Festival – Port Renfrew, BC

Go with yourself.

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current

Vancouver Island roots-rockers Current Swell have a new album out on May 12th called When To Talk and When To Listen.

The band shared a couple more songs form the album including “Use Me Like You Do” and the title track.

About a month ago I had the chance to interview Scott Stanton from the band….we shared some times.

***

In other radio news…. Meredith mocked up a Vancouver Crow Attack Season PSA!

Fun times!

Happy Friday. Go with yourself.

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Scott Stanton from the Vancouver Island band Current Swell stopped by CFOX in Vancouver to talk their new album, When To Talk and When To Listen. The album is out on May 12th on Nettwerk Records. Their 6th album comes off the heels of 2014’s most excellent Ulysses.

The band mostly in Nashville with Jacquire King. Scott talked about the vibes of Nashville and how that filtered into the record. He talked about writing collaboratively with Dave Lang. Scott also explained the genesis of the first single “It Ain’t Right.” I asked him about some other songs on the record we can look forward to. One song is the title track which he said has line like, “the woman is in the garden again.” That woman is their neighbour, who likes to garden. And he said we can get excited for side one, track one, “Marsha.”

Current Swell will have some shows and festivals going down this summer. Including a trip over to Europe and some US dates in May.

05/03 San Diego, CA – Casbah
05/04 Los Angeles, CA – Hotel Café
05/05 San Francisco, Ca – Hotel Utah
05/07 Santa Cruz, CA – Catalyst Atrium
05/11 Spokane, WA – The Big Dipper
05/12 Portland, OR – Star
05/13 Seattle, WA – Tractor

current_2

1. Marsha
2. You Got It Easy
3. It Ain’t Right
4. When to Talk and When to Listen
5. Woman in White
6. Staying Up All Night
7. Use Me Like You Do
8. Thief of Joy
9. Like I Fight for You
10. The Time and the Weight
11. Marsha Reprise

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vince-1

Text to 2-80-CFOX yesterday, a listener wanted us to have a listen to Vince Vaccaro.

Vaccaro is a singer-songwriter from Vancouver Island. I’ve personally known Vince for a bunch of years. His style tends to be rooted in guitar rock. But he filters that through a west coast, beach living vibe.

Over the years Vince Vaccaro has had a few songs reach the radio FM airwaves in Victoria and Vancouver. His new song is called “Siren.” A moody slow burn with jangly guitars and female backing vocals from Kaitlin Jasmine.

Recently Vince Vaccaro performed at the Legends Valley Music Festival and Rifflandia.

Go with yourself.

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ellice blackout

I get asked a lot, “where are all the new rock bands?”

Here you go.

Victoria’s Ellice Blackout have been working hard on their debut record Villains. The record which comes out on September 10th, is 12 wailing guitar driven shredders.

Lead singer David Fraelic matches the fierce energy of the guitars and is able to punch through on songs like “Duct Tape,” “Blue Ribbon” and single “Dead Radio.”

It’s fists up and everyone singing along on “Give Up The Ghost.”

The record marches at a fairly consistent high intensity for most it’s run but for me, the stand out moments are when it backs off the throttle a bit like on “Weightless.”

Fraelic says that a lot of the lyrics are “quite personal.” Which reminds me, next time I see him, I’ll have to ask about the story behind “Bad Tattoo.”

His favourite song on the record is side one, track one, “I personally love ‘Duct Tape’ because it’s the perfect combination of pop and hooks but still coming across very hard. It’s got all my influences in one song.”

The band does a fun modern spin on a classic hard rock sound.

Ellice Blackout’s record release party is going down September 10th in Victoria at Sugar Nightclub.

Go with yourself.

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