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Archive for the ‘music’ Category

My friend Jason Lamb wrote a book about the legendary Canadian punk rockers NoMeansNo

Posted in Capital Rock City, music, The Zone @ 91-3, tagged , , on October 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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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Checking out the new song from Lenny Kravitz and his spicy new music video

Posted in music, tagged , , , on October 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Lenny Kravitz is back with his latest single and a provocative music video titled “TK421.” This release marks Kravitz’s 12th full-length album, his first in five years, and a groundbreaking first-ever double LP titled “Blue Electric Light,” set to drop on March 15, 2024, under Roxie Records/BMG.

“TK421” takes listeners on a sonic journey. The track showcases Kravitz’s signature style with ecstatic funk guitars, robotic analog synths, a talkbox, a dancefloor beat, a fiery saxophone solo, and clever references to both Boogie Nights and Star Wars. The accompanying music video adds another layer to the song’s free spirit, revealing a side of Kravitz never seen before. Like mostly being naked and smoking a blunt.

“TK-421” is a reference to a Stormtrooper designation in the Star Wars universe. In “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” the character Luke Skywalker, disguised as a Stormtrooper, uses the code “TK-421” to communicate with Imperial officers. The phrase gained pop culture significance and recognition among Star Wars fans. In the context of Lenny Kravitz’s single titled “TK421,” it appears to be a playful nod to the iconic Star Wars reference.

Described in the press release as timeless, explosive, romantic, and inspiring, “Blue Electric Light” is a testament to Kravitz’s enduring artistry. The album was written and recorded in his Bahamas studio, showcasing his mastery of deep-soul rock ‘n roll. “Blue Electric Light” is a passionate collection of songs that not only solidifies his legacy as a genre-breaking trailblazer but also resonates with the energy of the 21st century and beyond.

Kravitz’s versatility shines through on the album, where he wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments himself, alongside longtime guitarist Craig Ross. The result is a compelling 12-track offering that captures the essence of his groundbreaking career while embracing the spirit of contemporary music.

Lenny Kravitz has consistently soared to chart summits, establishing himself as a musical powerhouse with enduring chart success. His ability to seamlessly blend rock, funk, and soul has resonated globally, earning him an impressive array of chart-topping hits. From the infectious grooves of “Are You Gonna Go My Way” to the soulful anthem “Fly Away,” Kravitz’s chart trajectory reflects not only his artistic versatility but also an unwavering connection with audiences. With multiple Grammy Awards under his belt and a string of Billboard chart triumphs, Kravitz’s chart success is a testament to his timeless sound and enduring influence in the music industry.

As Kravitz unveils more from the luminous world of “Blue Electric Light” in the coming weeks, fans can anticipate a continued exploration of his unparalleled contribution to music, art, and culture.

Go with yourself.

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Lawrence Curry’s Debut LP ‘I Sail To Thee’: A Soulful Ode to Celtic Roots

Posted in Capital Rock City, music on October 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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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Thrice re-record their classic ‘The Artist in the Ambulance’

Posted in music, tagged , , on February 2, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Thrice’s classic, The Artist in the Ambulance came out back in 2003 and is custom, the band will be touring the 20th anniversary. They also re-recorded the record featuring a buffet of guest vocals.

“The question has to be asked: Why would we re-record a 20 year old album, let alone one that is widely beloved and arguably our most well-known. I think the core of the answer is that it simply sounded fun and we were curious,” shares Thrice vocalist Dustin Kensrue. “We know that playing the revisionist is a dangerous game, so we were always a little uneasy about trying to go back and mess with something that people loved, people who had none of the hangups about the record that we did. But, since we decided to do this anyway, we tried to let that wariness guide us in how we approached the record, and in the end we decided to make very minimal structural changes.

“At the end of the day, what we wanted the record to sound like for fans is that somehow one of their old favorite records got a new lease on life, but that it hadn’t lost its soul or turned into something else. We hope you enjoy revisiting The Artist In the Ambulance.”

That’s nice. As a recovering hipster myself, I enjoy the aged up vocals.

The band is touring, but no Vancouver show. C’est dommage. I’d have to brave the I-5 and hit Seattle.

You can still find a few vinyl copies of the record on their website. The Galaxy Blue one is still in stock and a splatter platter? Sure.

Back from a family trip to Whistler to celebrate my wife’s 40th birthday! Fun times. We didn’t have Thrice banging on the stereo on the drive up. It was enough to keep the kids from dominating the playlist with songs heard in Roblox YouTube videos.

Go with yourself.

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My Minor Obsession: Dayglow – “Then It All Goes Away”

Posted in music, tagged , , , , on January 27, 2023| Leave a Comment »

My brother and sister-in-law are moving to Austin, Texas. I think I better get familiar with some bands (and the BBQ…is that y’all eat down there or Tex-Mex like Taco Bell?).

Dayglow was called “one of the greatest success stories in Austin music in recent years” by the Austin American-Statesman. Dayglow is the stage name of Sloan Struble. When I was on the radio, we used to play a song called “Can I Call You Tonight?” It was a nice song, one of those jams on the radio that didn’t light my fire, but I also didn’t turn it down.

I cam across one of his newer songs, “Then It All Goes Away” from People In Motion, and I have it on heavy rotation when driving around. I love it so much.

I thought if Dayglow tours, I’d come see him Vancouver. But no shows up this way. I’ll have to crash on my brother’s couch in Austin.

Sloan was going to tour Europe, but it seems he was struck by what infecting many touring musicians right now, logistical problems. Lame. Looks like the UK tour won’t be going down at this time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4vrrPrfN4/

Go with yourself.

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Taking the ride with Story of The Year

Posted in music, tagged , , on January 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Saw an email in the inbox that Story of the Year is putting out a new record on March 10th called Tear Me To Pieces. Can you believe Page Avenue came out in 2003! Time man, it flies.

I still fire up “Until The Day I Die” and “Anthem Of Our Dying Day” to this day.

They’ve been sharing a few songs off the upcoming album. We’ve already heard the title track, “Tear Me To Pieces,” along with “Take The Ride” and “Real Life.” Last week they shared a cut called “War.”

“I think this album will be a defining moment in our career,” says guitarist Ryan Phillips. “When our fans hear it, they’ll be like, ‘Oh, shit, these dudes are ready to go!’ This is the sound of a band putting everything into it. If a new band came out with this album, I’d be texting everyone in my band about it.”

Dig it SOTY. Taking me right back to my 2000s youth.

Feels good to be blogging again. Music blogs died a long time ago (I think? did they? mine did). I think I’ll bring mine back for a bit. The Morning After rides again.

Go with yourself.

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Some red wine and Sir Sly cuts to the truth with new single “Loverboy”

Posted in music, tagged on February 13, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Sir Sly will deliver their third album, The Rise & Fall Of Loverboy, on April 23rd. The So-Cal group have shared a few songs off the upcoming record including “Material Boy,” “Little Deaths” and “Citizen.”

Lead singer and guitarist Landon Jacobs says, “The Rise & Fall Of Loverboyis an album about falling in love with someone new, and the magic that brought into my world. It’s also about slowly eating away at that magic through drinking and self-medicating, and my journey into early sobriety and reckoning with my past.” 

I *feel* like Sir Sly came to play Victoria a bunch of years ago….but I think I missed that show (if it’s the one I remember). Dang. Was always down with these guys, even back when they had that weird little ghost mascot and had songs like “Gold” bouncing around soundcloud. Ah, that’s my mistake. I should have went. Just too many shows you know…then there’s a pandemic and regrets of shows missed.



Go with yourself.

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Flora Cash share new single “Feeling So Down”

Posted in music, tagged on February 13, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Flora Cash is a duo I’ve been listening to for years. I think like a lot of people, I loved “You’re Somebody Else.” That song was first released in 2017. I don’t know when I found it, but it went into heavy rotation. Followed up with “They Own This Town” and I also enjoyed “Missing Home.” That filous remix is thumbs up emoticon.

Flora Cash is Sweden-based Shpresa Lleshaj and Minneapolis raised Cole Randall. The two connected over music in 2012 and their relationship accelerated to marriage from there.

Let’s have a listen to “Feeling So Down.”

“lay your hoodie to bed at night.” I don’t know, that’s what the lyric sounds like to me.

Oh sad songs hit hard sometimes. “Feeling So Down” is a song for our times right now. Maybe a song about a breakup but maybe also just a song about distance and missing someone. Being apart? I’m banging out blog post while sitting at the computer in the kitchen looking at the snow fall in my suburban town. This song is a nice accompaniment while drinking my coffee and eating some toast.

Go with yourself.

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Obsessed with Saudi Arabia’s Mishaal “Peddle Bike”

Posted in music, tagged , on February 8, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Been listening to a ton of Mishaal lately. His song “Peddle Bike” seems to be in heavy rotation on SiriusXM’s Alt Nation… and it has migrated onto my playlists. I also love his remix of “Friends.”

Mishaal is originally from Saudi Arabia but now lives in New York City where hs is going to college. He started creating music a young kid in Saudi but he was saying on AltNation the other day that he started recording in NYC after some youtube videos went viral. He found a studio, paid the $30 an hour rent and put down some songs.

There are a couple articles I came across…here’s one from 2018 and another in Cosmo from the summer.

My favourite takeaway is that his fave throwback is Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Alright my young Saudi friend, you have a new fan in this old Dad guy.

Go with yourself.

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I got this feeling I can’t sleep without you… Listening to Yaeow – “Stuck Here Without You”

Posted in music, tagged , , , on February 6, 2021| Leave a Comment »


Don’t know much about Yaoew. Discovered the song “Stuck Here Without You” and now I’m a fan.

Dude has social media but mostly hypes his tunes. He keeps the vibes pretty chill with this feather light song about yearning or longing.

Go with yourself.

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