REVIEW: Def Leppard past its prime
It was a tough night on the entertainment front Thursday night in Edmonton. Leadership debate, or Def Leppard concert. Some choice. More than 12,000 Edmontonians paid good money not to sit at home and watch the carnage on TV, instead plunking their patooties on hard plastic to hear the British band take a run through […]
Sister Gray: Tell me what I’m supposed to be
Welcome to another music interview where promising new artists are told what famous bands they sound like, and then asked to respond. Edmonton’s own Sister Gray can be compared to Blondie or Joan Jett or the Bangles, almost any female rock band of yore, most especially Heart, because Sister Gray is fronted by two sisters, […]
REVIEW: Future is grim for Marilyn Manson
For those mystified why Marilyn Manson is still doing his shtick after all these years, it’s not that difficult to understand. Just imagine April Wine, oh, about 20 odd years ago, trying desperately to stay relevant, but needing to trade on past glories to pay the bills, while playing for long time fans in their […]
Alberta punks gone country in Pal Joey
Trent Buhler has fond memories of playing bars in the crumbling 100-year-old downtown building that houses The Artery – soon to be torn down for the LRT – and it is at The Artery where his band Pal Joey stages its stealth comeback with a CD release show Saturday night. For the record: This popular […]
REVIEW: Tragically Hip fully, completely Canadian rock
Thirty years into their career, the Tragically Hip have managed to turn Canada into their own personal niche market. Their modus operandi continued to be in fine working order for a packed house at Rexall Place in Edmonton Thursday night. Early on in the band’s career, they wrote some songs that referenced America – Last […]
AC/DC to Rock or Bust in Edmonton
The last time AC/DC came to town – at the Commonwealth Stadium on Aug. 27, 2009 – a terrible thunderstorm broke out in the middle of their show. More than 50,000 fans got completely drenched, along with the band on stage and all their equipment. We learned later authorities had come within a hair’s breadth […]
Local folkies aim for Kansas City
It is an old folk proverb: When in need of funds, have a musical pot luck. On Sunday, Jan. 25, The Last Call Garage Bar will host a gaggle of folkies who are hoping to raise some funds. The event is presented by The Bow Valley Music Club in hopes to get YEG musicians to […]
Nashville, Times, Gates and terrible nicknames
And then they take Nashville The Dungarees are heading down to Nashville to network and write with some of Country music’s finest. According to James ‘Howling Happy’ Murdoch, this is an excellent opportunity for the crew from Edmonton. “We’ve also been approached by a few producers interested in working with us,” Murdoch said. “Ray Kennedy, […]
Music Preview: Death & Mayhem bookends
The Canadian music scene, and beyond, has been buzzing with frenzied delight ever since it was announced that not only was Death From Above 1979 reuniting, but they would be putting out a new album. That album came out last September, and now the band has set about touring North America, with an Edmonton stop […]
BAND PHOTOS: Who dares say cheese?
In these dark times, would it kill you to smile? Yes, we’re talking to you: Gangsta rappers, heavy metal dudes and other serious musicians whose artistic expression is so important that only scowls can possibly do it justice. As for you, Bono, wipe that smirk off your face! You can’t win. Taking your band photo […]
Top 14 nostalgia shows of 2014
Excluding Bro Country for Young Men – Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Dirk Gently – and Trix for Little Girls – P!nk, Gaga, Lady Perry – which will always be with us, an astounding trend emerges from the 2014 concert season: People sure love nostalgia. Stop whatever has replaced presses! Septuagenarians had a field day. […]
INTERVIEW: Tea Party returns with integrity
The Tea Party decided not to sell its Internet domain to the American political movement after all. The band members won’t say how much they were offered (and were reportedly considering), but rumour has it in the $1 million range. Two reasons: 1. They still need the website, because the Tea Party has reformed after […]
