MUSIC PREVIEW: Good times at the Arden
Matthew Good has been a fixture of Canadian alternative rock radio since there was such a thing. He’s the go-to handy modern rock Can-Con for a rainy day – and it was a rare day his music wasn’t heard several times on Edmonton’s own Sonic 102.9 radio. He was their poster boy.
Not so much anymore. Songs like Hello Time Bomb (1999) and In a World Called Catastrophe (2003) need a little more fine oaken aging on them before they get into regular rotation on classic rock stations. And remember it’s only been 16 years since the release of Good’s solo debut album, Avalanche – so he can’t yet do that “20th Anniversary Tour of Such-and-Such Iconic Album” thing that everybody does.
In any artist’s career there is invariably a lull between Hit Maker and Classic Rock Godhood. Not to say that Good isn’t still a relevant artist responsible for a wide swath of Canadian rock. He’s had health issues, both physical and mental. Good collapsed on stage in Edmonton last year during a show with Our Lady Peace at the Jubilee Auditorium. Turns out it was a bout of pneumonia; he’s feeling better now. But he’s released albums at a regular pace since the Matthew Good Band disbanded in 2001 and he became just Matthew Good, with band. The latest record is Something Like a Storm.
Good’s not playing the big buildings so much anymore, either – and that’s fine. In fact, he’s free to do something a little different: No band. He plays a “solo acoustic” show at the Arden Theatre on Friday night. It’s SOLD OUT, so that’s a good sign.
(Good also plays the Shell Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan on Friday, Feb. 22)
Thursday 14
Obsessions Octet – Here’s something a little different for the new Polar Park Brewing venue: An Edmonton eight-piece group that combines jazz with classical music, from the talented married team of Kent Sangster (jazz – he produces the Edmonton Jazz Festival and teaches composition at MacEwan) and his wife Joanna Ciapka-Sangster (classical – she’s a core member of the ESO). The result: romantic music evoking Argentina for Valentine’s Day. So now it makes sense. 7 pm, tickets from $25
READ: Interview with Kent Sangster
My Chemical Bromance – Normally we don’t plug tribute bands, but how can one resist a band name like this? Take a wild guess which iconic defunct emo band they’ll be covering for Valentine’s Day at the Buckingham. 8 pm, $10 advance
Friday 15
Mother Mother – It’s been a slow and steady climb up the ladder for this quirky Vancouver fivesome with the B-52s-from-Hell vibe – currently in the Hit Maker phase of their career. They’re known for such dark gems as O My Heart, Hayloft, The Drugs, and more. Their latest album, Dance and Cry, also yields the band’s first No. 1 hit (on the Canadian alternative charts), Get Up. The band plays the Jubilee Auditorium, biggest building in town for the band yet. Opening is Said the Whale. 8 pm, advance tickets from $41, only a few left.
Mercy Funk – Rule of (slap) thumb: Any band brave enough to put the word “funk” in its name is going to have a fun show -expected in this “Lovefest” at the Aviary. Of note is opening act King of Foxes, which just released its new album, Salt & Honey. Tessa & Wren is also on the bill. 8 pm, $15 advance
READ: Interview with King of Foxes
Jim and Penny Malmberg and Rugged Little Thing – Acoustic “back porch swing” of a style popular decades ago will take you back in time at the Riverdale Rink House (9231 100 Avenue). It’s a double bill of Edmonton’s Malmberg married folk duo, and their like-minded counterparts from Saskatoon, Ragged Little Thing. They’re on the Sweetheart of Mine Alberta Tour. Aww … 7:30 pm, $20 advance
Eamon McGrath – Oh, so they’re trying to make winter fun, are they? You know that “staying miserable” is an option in coping with winter, don’t you? No matter. Hardy folk can partake in an impressive line-up of live original music at the Silver Skate Festival in Hawrelak Park (inside the heated main tent) – including this formerly Edmonton singer-songwriter whose newest music is best described as “Maritime Gothic.” He plays Friday at 6 pm, and Monday the 18th at 3 pm. Other acts to see include Nadine Kellman (Friday, 5 pm), Rebecca Lappa (Sunday, 3:45 pm) and the Downtown Defrost DJ dance party Saturday from 4-9 pm. Admission to all shows is FREE.
READ: Interview with Eamon McGrath
Sunday 17
Wolfrik – This Edmonton speed metal band plays a vinyl release for its new album, at the Buckingham. We’re keeping an eye on this “vinyl coming back” thing. Also on the bill are Nicolas Rage, and Liandra. 8 pm, $10 advance
Monday 18
Shad – This Kenya-born Canadian rapper, broadcaster, and walking encyclopedia of hip hop has been working hard on his music since 2005, and has released six studio albums, the latest of which is called A Short Story About a War. Listen to find out which war he’s talking about – and/or attend his live show at the Starlite Room. Edmonton’s own Arlo Maverick opens. 8 pm, $15 advance
