MUSIC PREVIEW: It’s a Barbie World!
If anyone’s looking for a blast from the past this weekend – in the opposite direction of the typical classic rock gig, look no further than the Rewind Tour at River Cree Casino on Friday night.
Aqua will be performing.
Yes, that’s right, the Norwegian Eurodance group that burst onto the scene with their 1997 hit Barbie Girl. Also on the bill is Prozzak, the Canadian pop band with all the animated videos that were ubiquitous in CanCon culture around the turn of the millennium, with singles like Sucks To Be You, and Strange Disease. Last but not least is Whigfield, the Danish singer best known for her 1994 hit Saturday Night. “I feel the air is getting hot, like you, baby.” Classic.
Oh, c’mon, just admit it, as soon as you saw the song titles the songs jumped immediately into your head, and will likely be there the rest of the day. It’s okay. Enjoy the earworms, and the Friday show, if you have tickets (it’s sold out). You deserve it.
Thursday 13
Proclaimers – This Scottish folk rock duo featuring identical twins is best known for their song I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles). Well, in many cases, only known for it. But they had some other singles that stuck to people’s souls as well, over the years, and the band has continued to release new albums, including this year’s Angry Cyclist. River Cree, 8 pm, $47 and up. BUY
Friday 14
Coheed & Cambria – This progressive rock band out of New York is based around lead vocalist Claudio Sanchez and guitarist Travis Stever, who have been the core of the group since its start in the mid-1990’s. Their latest album Vaxis: Act I – The Unheavenly Creatures, which will be released next month, continues to build upon their epic multi-album science fiction saga called the Armory Wars. Ever the multi-genre artists, the box set for the album included a novella penned by Sanchez, and his wife Chondra Echert, who is fairly well-known herself in the comic book world. Shaw Conference Centre, 6:30 pm, $56 and up. BUY
Dual Nature – This local noise rock project releases their four-song EP A Desperate Plea this evening. It’s equal parts mental health struggles and modern political discussion, and all parts raucous and righteous guitar. sKiN and Branchoff support. Sewing Machine Factory, 8:30 pm, $10.
Kaleido Family Arts Festival – Friday is also the start of the this annual festival, which takes place along 118th Avenue, and runs through Sunday evening. A number of venues and stages will host local musical acts of all sorts of genres throughout the weekend, including singer-songstress Rebecca Lappa, alt-folkers Hail Taxi, and alternative rock project Good Nature. Check out their website for full details and schedule.
Saturday 15
Great Lake Swimmers – This folk rock group hailing from the Toronto region are extraordinary songwriters. Every song they pen, it seems, is melodic, and catchy, but with just enough angst and rawness to leave your heart on your sleeve. Damned good people, damned good musicians, and a damned good live show to boot. Their most recent album, The Waves the Wake, was released in August. Festival Place, Sherwood Park. 7:30 pm, $34 and up. BUY
Tuesday 18
Blitzen Trapper – Somewhat in the vein of Great Lake Swimmers, this Oregon folk rock group that has perhaps a bit more experimental style. And of course, more of a northwestern US vibe than a Canadian vibe. But still, a great group of guys that are incredible musicians that make very good music. You can never go wrong with buying one of their albums, including of course, last November’s Wild And Reckless. Several of its songs originated from a play that was verging on a rock opera about heroin abuse and love. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $20, BUY.
