The Cliks: Online Interview with Singer/Songwriter, Lucas Silveira By: Christine Albrecht

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The Cliks were kind enough to respond to an online interview with Swanktrendz. I have to say, this interview is definitely up there amongst my ‘favourites’, despite not getting a chance to meet them and my naivety showing in some of my questions. I think Lucas’ personality shines through in his answers. As well, we’d like to remind our readers that The Cliks’ debut CD, Snakehouse is on sale now!

Swanktrendz: Your debut cd, Snakehouse has been a huge hit with the media. You also have various celebrities praising your sound, including a quote of appreciation from Cyndi Lauper. ("...new and exciting acts. A band like The Cliks are all that and more. They are a force to be reckoned with and I am really excited to be sharing the stage with them." ) What was your reaction to Cyndi's endorsement (and were you familiar with Lauper's prior popularity)?

The Cliks: We’re just beyond flattered. I mean, it’s Cyndi Lauper. I used to listen to her music when I was a kid and dance around my basement singing, ‘Girls just wanna have fun’; so yeah, I’d say I’m pretty familiar with her prior popularity. She was a very impactful artist of my youth.

Swanktrendz: I want to thank you giving Canada yet another thing to be proud of - The Cliks' musical talent.' Complicated' and 'Back in Style' are my (Christine's) personal favourites that I repeatedly play while driving. While listening to the entire cd, I've notice a continuous theme of alienation, betrayal and pain throughout the songs. What was the impetus behind the lyrics to Snakehouse? Were these songs written over a short period of time or is this years in the making?

The Cliks: You hit it on the nose. Yes, this album is very much about all of those things. I started writing the material for this album after the end of a 6 1/2 year relationship. And the end was ugly. Along through a whirlwind of bad luck, having both original band members quit, my father had a stroke, my best friend rediagnosed with cancer... it was just insane. And through all of this, I finally realize that I’ve been in years of denial and that I was transgendered. It was a tough time but I did the only thing I knew I could do to get me out of it. I wrote songs. The material took me about 10 - 12 months to write, so no, not years in the making.

Swanktrendz: What made you choose to cover Justin Timberlake's 'Cry me a River' song? Have you received any feedback from Justin in response to your cover?

The Cliks: I connected to the lyrics because I had my own ‘Britney’. I just loved the song as well and really, more than anything, used it as a therapeutic way of lashing out my anger. It’s cheaper than therapy (ha ha).

Swanktrendz: What was your and Clint McLean's (photographer) thinking, conceptual approach, behind the album's photo shoot? What is the 'story' behind the photos?

The Cliks: The album cover concept was Morgan’s. We all really loved it because it left a sense of mystery. With Clint, the rest of the photos are just him and his madness and his love for funny expressions. He likes the look of ‘surprise’. I think he did a great job and I’m not just saying that because we’ve become good friends.

Swanktrendz: How did you come across (or did he come across you) Moe Berg?

The Cliks: He came to one of our shows, bought the first CD and contacted me right away. He expressed interest right from the get go, but we had just recorded an indie release and I had no funding to go forward at that point. We kept in touch and when I was ready, I contacted him and next thing you know, we had a great record on our hands.

Swanktrendz: What exposure did you previously have to The Pursuit of Happiness band?

The Cliks: When I was a kid, they were a pretty big band in Canada so I knew all bout the music and him.

Swanktrendz: How much trust does a singer/songwriter have to offer up to a producer while making a cd.? Was it an equal collaboration, or did you completely trust his prior experience, and therefore his decisions, for the direction of the band's/cd's sound?

The Cliks: It was extremely difficult for me to give up the so-called ‘control’ of my songs, but after one session with Moe, I was so impressed that it actually became extremely liberating to have someone do the work and have an outside perspective. I wrote all of the songs so I guess you could say it was partially collaborative in production, but really, Moe is the one who made the songs come together the best they could. He has an amazing knack for taking something good and making it better. I loved working with him and I look forward to working with him again.

Swanktrendz: I've noticed you have four members listed on the Snakehouse CD that make up The Cliks. The CD’s pictures and notes show Jordan B. Wright as The Cliks' bassist, yet the band's myspace.com site makes no mention of her as a member. Could you please provide us with The Cliks 'official' lineup?.

The Cliks: This is the confusing part. The original line up for the band in 2004 was Ezri Kaysen and Heidi Chan. They both left for different reasons - actually, when I was in the middle of my entire life crumbling. I then met Jordan, the bassist on the album, and Morgan Doctor who is in The Cliks now. When we started to plan to tour, we added Nina Martinez to fill out our live sound, and then loved her so much that she is now an official member of the band. Soon after the album release, Jordan decided to leave the band to pursue her own projects. That is when Jen Benton came on board as our newly beloved bassist.

Swanktrendz: How does it feel to be playing to your old stomping grounds (Toronto) in light of your new popularity? Has Toronto's media been responsive to your CD's positive reviews? Was the media supportive of your music prior to the release of Snakehouse?

The Cliks: We haven’t really been playing Toronto lately as we are touring outside of home, but I’m really looking forward to it. We have a show at Lee’s Palace in May. The media, overall, has been very positive and has been really supportive, outside of a bizarre review we received in Xtra! magazine which insinuated we were sell outs because we worked with Moe Berg and Jake Gold, but then went on to say that the album was still good. Huh? It’s kind of funny that the dude’s perception was so completely off as Jake Gold only started to manage us after the album was completed and had nothing to do with the process. But I guess that’s what happens when you don’t do your research and it was a great lesson to learn that everyone’s perception is different based on personal bias.

Swanktrendz: Will you continue signing your name as Lucas or will you eventually return to Lilia? Or is Lucas the 'real' you, as opposed to your given birth name? (I love both names - perhaps a marriage of the two ie: Lucas Lilia? )

The Cliks: I’m transgendered and this isn’t a name game I’m playing. I changed my name as I identify as a transgendered male and I loved the name Lucas as it was my uncle’s name who has passed on. There will be no marriages of names. The real me... is who I am.(Editor’s note - it was a stupid question I asked in that I phrased it totally wrong - email questions are hard to phrase as the intent can become muddied. I did not mean to imply that being transgendered is a passing phase - I meant that Lucas’ original name sounded good with Lucas and did he intend to ever use it again. I assumed an ‘attachment’ to the first name which was unrealistic on my part. Again, my question is stemmed in ignorance, As for the: ‘the real you?’ statement ... duh, is there any other way to be.? (Rap on the knuckles for yours truly.) Hopefully, Lucas won’t hold the inane questions against me. I almost didn’t include the questions in my final copy because of my embarrassment, but that would have been misleading. So now the world can view my ignorance.)

Swanktrendz: Do you see your band progressing to an arena-style rock feature, or would you prefer a smaller, solid and loyal group of fans?

The Cliks: Never really though about it, but really, if want to marry anything - it would be a solid,loyal group of fans that fill arenas.

Swanktrendz: Fame is notorious for bringing/attracting fairweather friends or hangers-on. Since your entrance into the fame arena, have you found your circle of friends changing/evolving, or have you found yourself questioning the motives behind some friendships?

The Cliks: Darlin’, I’m not that famous and really, I have good friends and am glad to say that I haven’t encountered any negativity, thus far.

Swanktrendz: There appears to be a lot of interest in the band's, especially Lucas' sexuality. Does the media's interest in the band's sexuality hamper the band's progress, or does it provide a platform (or segueway) for personal and political beliefs?

The Cliks: It hasn’t, so far, (hampered our progress) and as far as it being a platform, well the media will take any story to create a platform and we really have no control over that. I think the fact that I’m transgendered and out is something people are interested in because it’s unusual, but really, I think after all the talking is done and people hear the music, they will come to the conclusion that these songs have a universal theme about them and we have no boundaries or boxes in the studio.

Swanktrendz: Could you please provide a brief musical experience background for each of the band members.

The Cliks: Everyone is a trained musician with the exception of me, I’m self taught.

Swanktrendz I've noticed that Morgan Doctor is also with Aporta Records. Does this present any problems when touring or recording? How does Morgan attempt to appease all those involved in her recording career?

The Cliks: It’s Aporia Records, BTW, and no, no problems whatsoever. We have a really well oiled machine here and we all work together in everyone's’ best interests.

Swanktrendz: Swanktrendz has a tradition of asking interviewees to give publicity to some lesser known musical acts whom they appreciate. Could you please name some bands whom you feel deserve more public (and media) acknowledgement. Swanktrendz will provide links to their websites.

The Cliks: : Great bands... Well... I don’t think she is that well unknown, but I have been tripping out to (Amy Winehouse) and can’t stop listening to it.

We also played with this amazing band at SXSW called, ‘The Breastfeeders’ or (Les Breastfeeders) as they are known in Montreal. There are also some amazing bands in Toronto... (Scandalnavia), (Dance Yourself to Death) ... Uhm... (The Smears) from Vancouver. I think that’s it for now.

Swanktrendz: We at Swanktrendz wish you great success with the release of Snakehouse, as well as an endless supply of material for your next chart-topping album. And thank you, in advance, for taking the time to answer these questions.

The Cliks: Thank you as well!

image 1: ladyfestottawa.com

image 2: uniter.ca

image 3: tmarkiewicz.com

image 4: Xtra archives

Mute Math Self-Titled CD Review Christine Albrecht

I find myself feeling like an observer during a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde play. The reason being, I am reviewing the CD of a band that recently wowed me during their April 20th concert at Richard’s on Richards. I anticipated Mute Math’s self titled debut CD to be a raucous, keenly produced, wall of frenetic sound.

I definitely received a keenly produced, wall of sound (not a frenetic note to be heard) that was self produced with guidance from Tedd T. However, Mute Math’s energetic and animated Dr. Jekyll performance, had been replaced by a melodic, attention-to-detail, layered upon electronic layer, luscious Mr. Hyde.

This is not a complaint. It is an observation and I almost wish I hadn’t seen the band live as my expectations were completely misguided. If I had been expecting a U2 meets Coldplay meets The Police type of sound, then I would have been prepared.

After my initial consternation, I settled into the sound of Mute Math. The New Orleans band (consisting of: Paul Meany, Darren King, Greg Hill, and Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas) brings an explosion of atmospheric riffs. Paul Meany created Mute Math in 2003 after leaving the ‘Christian’ pigeonholing of his former band Earthsuit. Not that Paul is no longer Christian; he was tired of his faith being one of the main adjectives describing his music.

If you prefer the jauntier, livelier version of Mute Math, stick with their 2004 Reset Ep (9/10). If you want to evolve and mature alongside Mute Math, then their self titled CD is the one for you. 8.5/10

image: purevolume.com

Ache Brasil By Lezah Williamson

Today I attended a performance of the locally based group Ache Brasil. They are a performance group originally from Brazil who do a fusion of Brazilian music, dance and capoeira (a combination of Brazilian martial arts and acrobatics).

The performers explained a bit about the origins of their music, which started in the slave fields; the guards were afraid to allow the slaves to do any form of martial arts or fighting, for fear that it would give them enough practice that they could use these skills to escape. Instead, the slaves ended up incorporating their fighting moves into a dance which they would practice in full view of the unsuspecting guards.

But it was the music which really intrigued me. Dave's been listening to a lot of Brazilian music over the last five or ten years, acts like Os Mutantes and Gaetano Veloso. The influence of the traditional Brazilian music as played by Ache Brasil is readily apparent in the more contemporary Brazilian acts.

Ache Brasil was up for a Juno for best live act; they also have a cd out called Ecosda Mangue. And if you're into doing something a bit more physical than just listening to music, maybe you can try out some capoeira - in Vancouver, it's taught at the Capoeira Ache Brasil Academy.

Go to www.achebrasil.com for more details.

The Cliks - Snakehouse Christine Albrecht’s CD Review

Just as the now defunct television series, Queer as Folk used to introduce us to original, cutting-edge, alternative music, The L Word appears to be providing the same. As with movies, the soundtracks to television series are becoming equally as important as the series’ plotlines. I was introduced to The Cliks after reading the media buzz fuelled by the song, Complicated. Thanks to The L Word, The Cliks’ CD, Snakehouse, has been added to my daily listening regimen.

Lead singer Lucas Silerira has been compared to a young Chrissie Hynde mixed with Leisha Hailey, but I don’t hear it. When I listen to Lucas I hear... and I am not being sarcastic nor critical when I say this... I hear Wayne Newton. I have played this CD countless times, only to arrive at the same conclusion each time; Lucas channels a gritty, hard rocking Newton and I love it. I heard strains of Newton from the first song, Complicated through to the last track, Back in Style (These two are also amongst my favourite tracks with Oh Yeah rounding out the top three).

Lyrically, the opening lines of ‘Complicated’ are like a bucket of ice water being thrown in one’s face - It’s definitely an attention grabber. The Cliks also perform a cover of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me a River’ . With its beat slowed down considerably, the vocals come across as soothing, melodic and heartfelt, but the track remains my least favourite song on the CD.

The themes of alienation, betrayal, and confusion run throughout Snakehouse. Similar in its raw emotions as Alanis Morissette’s debut, Jagged Little Pill, The Cliks are sure to attract a huge following with this well produced (thanks to Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness) offering. Snakehouse is definitely the perfect soundtrack for many listeners’ angst filled lives.

8.5/10

images from xtra.com archives and amazon.com

Mute Math - Impressive Vancouver Gig Wows Audience! Christine Albrecht

Mute Math April 20, 2007

Richard’s on Richards

Full Capacity

...because they are one of the greatest live bands touring the club circuit these days. Their experimental ... sound good on disc, but phenomenal when brought to life... (By Jen Cray @ ink19.com - December/06)

I republished the above excerpt after coming across it on Saturday. It summed up perfectly what I felt after leaving Mute Math’s concert.

Mute Math (Darren King - drums, Greg Hill - guitar vocals, Paul Meany - guitar/vocals, and Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas - Bass) played Richard’s on Richards Friday, April 20th. The venue was close to being sold out - if not already sold out. This was a good sign considering another cult fan favourite, Blonde Redhead was simultaneously playing at The Commodore. (Personally, I’d rather have three hours of dental work than bear witness to BR’s caterwauling again.)

Swank’s superficial crowd observations: this was a young crowd aged approximately 19 - 25. The male to female ratio was 5 to 1, which I have come to realize is a good sign for a band’s staying power. Plaid shirts, Royal Air Force tees and various grunge getups were the outfits du jour. Mute Math’s appearance on stage had me scratching my head and double checking the CD pictures. Not that they’re an unattractive lot - far from it - but they are also not the ‘eye candy’ they appear to be in the CD’s photos. I want their photographer to snap some pictures of me.

After a bland 2nd (Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) opening act, Mute Math singer, Greg Hill, took the stage drumming, banging a gong and making a huge entrance. Drummer, Darren King, is a force to be reckoned with. He is mesmerizing on his own - laying down the huge sound that has made Mute Math so popular in the indie scene. King also had headphones taped on (listening to a click track?) The tape came in handy given the amount of energy Darren pours into his playing, frenzied and fabulous. Hill could have used some headphones as well, just to tone down his occasional screams blasting through such an acoustically challenged venue.

Kudos to Mute Math’s sound and lighting technical crew. The band focuses on giving an exciting show no matter how small the booking. The lighting was impressive - floor to ceiling neon, often triggering the crowd into an anticipatory frenzy. The sound highlighted MM’s attention to song endings. The sound was crisp - with songs ending perfectly, swift and concise and no over the top, solo, trailing guitars/ drums. Again, with Richard’s on Richards being known for its poor acoustics, sounding this good was an achievement in itself.

Mute Math has around eight songs that, after the first three chords are played, send the crowd into blissful ecstasy. Bands usually have around three to four songs (unless, of course, they’re a band with 5 albums under their belts) that draw the, ‘Ohh! I looovve this song!’ response. Mute Math has released an (2004) EP and in 2006, their debut CD. Given this stat, eight songs is a huge percentage. This band is here to stay.

A marketing aside - Mute Math’s CD reminds me that all the downloads in the world cannot replace good CD liner notes/ inserts. Mute Math is obviously aware of this and gives their fans a portable, in-your-hand publicity prompt. As well, their clothing/merchandise line has a simplistic, catchy design and all merchandise was selling at a quick pace.

Mute Math is selling out venues all across Canada and the USA for their North American tour.

4/24/2007 - Virgin Megastore, 6:00 PM, San Francisco, CA

4/24/2007 - Slim's, San Francisco, CA

4/25/2007 - House of Blues Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, CA

4/26/2007 - M-Theory Music, 6:30 PM, San Diego, CA

4/26/2007 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA

4/29/2007 - The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ

5/1/2007 - Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, NM

5/3/2007 - La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX

5/4/2007 - Granada Theater, Dallas, TX

5/6/2007 - The Meridian, Houston, TX

5/7/2007 - House of Blues, New Orleans, LA

Images from Joy and others at Mute Math’s Myspace.com page

www.mutemath.com/

www.myspace.com/mutemath

CD Review: Jesse Malin Glitter in the Gutter By christine Albrecht

http://www.myspace.com/jessemalin

I immediately declared heresy on Jesse Malin’s Glitter in the Gutter(March, 2007) after spying on the cover, a remake of The Replacements’ timeless ‘Bastards of Young’. However, after a couple of listens, Malin’s acoustic, world weary, slowed-down version of Paul Westerberg’s lost generational anthem, gradually grew on me until it inched its way to the top of my daily ‘must listen’ cd shuffle. No easy feat, me being, Miss Morning-Misery, here. Then again, that’s not to say I prefer it to the original - not a chance.

Jesse has been making music for over 27 years, starting at the age of 12 with punk/rock bands. His third solo album, Glitter In The Gutter was not what I expected. I was hoping Malin's album would invoke the same jaded rocker angst as The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction.

This album has everyone noteworthy on it, to the point where I wonder if ‘solo’ release is truly accurate. The album features appearances from Ryan Adams, Chris Shifflett of Foo Fighters, Josh Homme, Jakob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen who contributes his vocals to 'Broken Radio'. While Springsteen’s vocals flavour ‘Broken Radio’ in a very “Boss’ way, the result is that the tune becomes both predictable and, for some, comfortable.

In listening to the cd several times to and from work, I was struck with the fact that the songs are well written from a technical/business point of view. There are the prerequisite hooks, fun and interesting lyrics (gotta love, ‘you know I can’t resist, my little anarchist’ on Black Haired Girl) and good melodies. Listen to the music and turn down Jesse’s vocals; you can almost hear The Gin Blossoms or Toad & the Wet Sprocket. Turn up the vocals and you have the same well written tunes, fronted by a chain smoking, hard-livin’ voice that was predominate on the airwaves before the studios’ advent of autotune (not to say that Jesse smokes, drinks, etc - he just has that hard voice.)

Let’s just say that Jesse Malin is an acquired taste. This CD is good, but I would recommend buying his CD, The Fine Art Of Self-Destruction prior to this venture. Call it an ice-breaker, if you will. 7/10

I have starred the songs worth a download purchase

1. Don't Let Them Take You Down*

2. In The Modern World - featuring Ryan Adams

3. Tomorrow Tonight - featuring Josh Homme

4. Broken Radio - featuring Bruce Springsteen & Ryan Adams

5. Prisoners Of Paradise - featuring Chris Shiflett [Foo Fighters]

6. Black Haired Girl - featuring Jakob Dylan [Wallflowers]

7. Lucinda*

8. Love Streams

9. Little Star - featuring Ryan Adams

10. Bastards Of Young - The Replacements cover written by Paul Westerberg.*

11. Happy Ever After (Since You're In Love 2007)

12. NY Nights

13. Aftermath - featuring Ryan Adams*

Warner’s New Release Dates as of April 4/07 By Christine Albrecht

APRIL 10

GUSTER Satellite (EP)

JARRE, JEAN MICHEL Teo & Tea

MANX, HARRY & K. BREIT In Good We Trust

PANTHERS The Trick

VEIRS, LAURA Saltbreakers

APRIL 17

SHY'M Mes Fantaisies

APRIL 24

CLIKS, THE The Cliks

FERRER, IBRAHIM Mi Sueno

HALLYDAY, JOHNNY Flashback Tour Palais Des Sports 2006 (2 CD
Set)

LIL' FLIP I Need Mine

ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST Evil Dead: The Musical

REDMAN, JOSHUA Back East

STARS OF TRACK AND FIELD TBD

VARIOUS ARTISTS A Tribute to Joni Mitchell

MAY 1

ACADEMY IS..., THE Almost Here

BUBLE, MICHAEL Call Me Irresponsible (CD, Special
Edition)

COLD WAR KIDS Robbers and Cowards

GENESIS Studio Albums 1976 - 1982

GYM CLASS HEROES The Papercut Chronicles

MITSOUKO, RITA Variety

OST Spider-Man 3: Music From And
Inspired By

PARAMORE All We Know Is Falling

SHELTON, BLAKE Pure BS

SPILL CANVAS, THE Denial Feels So Good (EP)

PORCUPINE TREE Fear Of A Blank Planet

VARIOUS ARTISTS World Circuit Presents

MAY 8

ADAMS, YOLANDA Greatest Hits

BJORK Volta

FIELDS Everything Last Winter

VARIOUS ARTISTS Aubade: Sensualidad

MAY 15

ANDERSON, JOHN Easy Money

LINKIN PARK Minutes To Midnight (CD, CD/DVD)

VARIOUS Atlantic Records: The House That
Ahmet Built

WILCO Sky Blue Sky (CD, CD/DVD)

MAY 22

HILL, FAITH The Hits (CD, DVD)

USED, THE Lies For The Liars

VARIOUS ARTISTS Atlantic Standards 2

MAY 29

VARIOUS ARTISTS In The Name Of Pride

WILEY, NATHAN The City Destroyed Me

JUNE 5

BIG & RICH Between Rising Hell And Amazing
Grace

COWBOY TROY TBD

DEEMI Soundtrack Of My Life

LARRY THE CABLE GUY Morning Constitutions (DVD)

MEG & DIA Something Real (CD, CD/DVD)

PETTY, TOM Highway Companion (Special Edition)

JUNE 12

BOYZ N DA HOOD TBD

PARAMORE TBD

STRATA TBD

TRAVELING WILBURYS Traveling Wilburys

TREY SONGZ Trey Day

VARIOUS ARTISTS Instant Karma: The Campaign To Save
Darfur

JUNE 19

WHITE STRIPES, THE Icky Thump

JUNE 26

CLICK 5, THE Modern Sounds in Power and Pop

ELEPHANT MAN Let's Get Physical

JUNE

ARMOR FOR SLEEP TBD

AVENGED SEVENFOLD In The Beginning (CD+DVD)

CINCOTTI, PETER East Of Angel Town

HIGGINS, MISSY On a Clear Night

OST Entourage Soundtrack

SLAYER Unholy Alliance (CD/DVD)

TWISTA TBD

YOUNG, PEGI TBD

JULY 10

CRIBBS, THE Men's Needs, Women's Needs,
Whatever

HIM TBD

SMASHING PUMPKINS TBD

YUNG JOC Hustlenomics

JULY 17

KWELI, TALIB Ear Drum

T.I. T.I. vs T.I.P.

JULY

AGAINST ME New Wave (CD, CD/DVD)

DANGEROUS MUSE TBD

MICHAEL, KEVIN TBD

AUGUST 14

MCKENNA, LORI Unglamorous

SEPTEMBER 4

HOT HOT HEAT Happiness Ltd (CD, CD/DVD)

images from amazon.com

And the Winner is ... By Christine Albrecht

Results of the 2006 International Songwriting Competition

Back in September and October I wrote an article encouraging submissions to the International Songwriting Competition (Deadline was October 16, 2006). The ISC judges included such notables as: Brian Wilson; Tom Waits; Rosanne Cash; Sean Paul; Mark Chesnutt; Jerry Lee Lewis; Frank Black (Pixies); Robert Smith (The Cure), etc.

Almost 15,000 songs by amateur and professional songwriters from 88 countries were submitted to the 2006 competition, confirming ISC's status as the world's leading global songwriting event. Entries were received from faraway countries such as Rwanda, Uzbekistan and Hungary, to the more common countries such as Canada, The USA, and the UK.

More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 56 winners, including an overall Grand Prize of $25,000 (US) cash - the largest cash grand prize of any songwriting competition in the world.

This year's Grand Prize Winner is Scott Leger of Austin, TX, USA for his song "Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow."

(Image from wideawake.com)

Scott wrote the song after a personal friend’s disclosure of a cancer diagnosis. The song was meant both as a personal coping mechanism and as a tribute to cancer survivors across the world. Leger’s hope is that the song will encourage people everywhere to live life to its fullest, whether they're dealing with cancer or any other challenge. In addition to its lyrical content, the song's memorable chorus and strong pop sensibility resonated with the ISC judges, culminating in it being awarded this year's Grand Prize.

Leger’ is also the lead singer and main songwriter of the award-winning band, Wideawake. Wideawake's two releases, ‘Bigger than Ourselves’, and ‘Not So Far Away’ have sold well, and they have shared a stage with Switchfoot, Blue October, Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel, Sheryl Crow, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Tears for Fears.

The other 18 categories in the competition provided a list full of winners. To see the complete list of all of the winners (and to hear their songs) go to www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm.

You can also browse other music making information on the site, especially information/promotion of a DVD that records a seminar on the music industry. The DVD covers beginner questions such as: Things to say (and not say) when an A&R person contacts you; What makes an Artist/Band signable, and How to improve your songwriting talent.

Swanktrendz would like to extend our congratulations to Leger as well as all of the entrants in the International Songwriting Competition

Blue October April 6/07 Concert Review Christine Albrecht

Blue October Commodore Ballroom

800+ Capacity April 6, 2007

The 800 or so crowd and I saw one of two things: a seminal emo/punk band that will hone its chops and end up another arena-rock-act, or a band that will consistently fill smaller venues with faithful fans.

Formed in 1995, Blue October established a solid fan base with the 2nd release of their Calling You single, which was included in the American Wedding movie soundtrack. Their recent chart topping Hate Me and Into the Ocean songs were released (April, 2006) on their fourth album, Foiled, and welcomed a new audience into their steadily growing numbers.

Blue October’s 18 song set began with a rockin’ HRSA and ended with the favourite, Hate Me. The band's sound is hard to pin down. At times there was the Terence Trent D’Arby poppy synth sound; the snarling punk infused Hate Me, or the addition of a violin to an already moody love song. So, which direction does Blue October prefer -the biting hard emo/punk, or the melancholic mood crooning? Either way frontman, Justin Furstenfeld, clearly enjoys his job and plays the audience like a well-seasoned pro.

Although Blue October have clearly played enough gigs, they don’t have confidence in their ability to keep their fans interested. This was evidenced in their play list. They threw their fans a ‘bone’, Calling You, 5 songs into an 18 song set. However, Into the Ocean was played at the ‘end’ of their set, which was clearly counting on an encore to bring the anticipated Hate Me to the audience. I do not like having my encore be manipulated. I would hope the band consider receiving an encore after all their charted songs have been played. That’s like wondering if 1000 fans clapping with one hand is better than 500 using both? One handed clapping is both absurd and orchestrated - so was the encore.

I came to the Commodore expecting to dismiss the band as a one (three?) hit wonder, destined to fade away to expired chartland, but instead found that I truly enjoyed the gig and the band’s charisma. Go figure. Perhaps with less polish and more spit, this band could pull off big venue future gigs (sans the song manipulation).

Blue October is scheduled to appear on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on April 25, 2007. Check them out.

first pix from justinstickets.com

in studio pix from blacktopguerillas.com

violin from epochstrings.com

www.myspace.com/blueoctober

A long-winded “Woe is I” Post That Eventually Gets to the Point

Or... An Update on Andrew Hoshkiw

By Christine Albrecht

Swank Home

I have spent literally hours trying to find articles that I have posted on Swanktrendz between September 2006 and January, 2007. Why am I choosing to peruse old articles rather than have a life? It appears... (appears as no official statement or explanation has been offered) our website server/host suspended our account after mistakenly determining Swanktrendz was delinquent in its monthly payments.

These activities (searching for past articles and the suspension of Swanktrendz) brought to mind two questions: a) Do real ‘live’ human beings actually work at website server/host sites (or any internet sites for that matter.)? and, b) Can one actually ‘spend’ time? Obviously one can spend money, but is ‘spending time’ an accurate statement? Would my English Professor deduct marks for my use of slang/ colloquialism? Where did the expression originate? (Hell, if my English professor saw this website and my contributions, he’d probably remove his name from my transcripts, thus obliterating any trace of his involvement in my education.)

Now, back to the server... After the mistake was found (again, not publicly acknowledged by the company), my website was restored to its former glory - not! The server somehow managed to post my main page, period. The page led to nowhere. Not a single link was ‘live’, in working condition. After repeated attempts to contact the ‘live help desk’ (refer back to question a), I sent several responses to the host’s email determining the Swanktrendz website looked ‘fine’ from the host’s perspective and to ‘please tell us exactly what the problem appears to be”. After a day or so, I managed to secure the rest of Swanktrendz’s links/pages. Then came the next (current) problem.

Most of Swanktrendz’s articles are intact, however, there is a period of time (September/06 to January/07), in which very few articles survived. These, par usual, eloquent posts have been expelled to cyberspace’s Immense Black Hole of WWW Despair’; destined to forever float about in Internet Purgatory. This being the very same intangible home for our so-called ‘deleted’ emails (because nothing is ever truly deleted and some people have an odd, technological knack for recovering these “Dear Aunt Mae, my boil is growing rapidly’ trashed correspondence) which can be restored and reposted for all the world to enjoy. Except, of course, Swanktrendz’s posts for the block of time mentioned.

I could have just accepted the mishap, posted a notice saying, Whoops - we lost a whack of articles. Quite a shame as they were extremely well written with riveting topics.’ But, nooo. I am obsessed with recordingkeeping. I record everything, be it the weather, books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen, people’s birthdays (even people I am not close to!), etc. So, not only could I not let the lost articles fade off into the IBHofWD (see above for definition), but I also abhor the dreaded Error 404 - Page not Found directive. (If you ever want to be rid of email pen-pals, send them a dead link.) Every lost article link on Swanktrendz’s site gets a 404 message. There goes Swanktrendz’s immense audience! (I believe it was six at last count). So, I have set about searching my casual blog entries, (thank you tblog!) hoping to come across my milk-carton, missing ‘babies’. (And NO, I don’t have a back-up as that was the allure/drawing card of my host server.

As I was reading through old articles, I came across a former Swanktrendz contributor, Andrew Hoshkiw. Andrew is a fabulous writer, and an actual columnist for a newspaper up North (in the Yukon). However, (I’ m not sure how he will respond to this declaration), his photography skills surpass his written. This fellow takes pictures that I would be(more than),willing to shell out my hard-earned cash for. He has an incredible eye for his subjects and their surroundings. To appreciate his talent, you must visit the working link below, and share with me your opinion of this man’s photographs. I simply wanted to say that Andrew is still writing, away up North, and still producing fabulous art.

Image from www.hoshq.com/

http://www.hoshq.com/

The Payola$ Reunite By Christine Albrecht

Bob Rock and Paul Hyde Reunite

After close to 20 years of working with other artists (Metallica, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, The Tragically Hip & Offspring) and various solo projects, accomplished producer and recent inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Bob Rock has reunited with Paul Hyde under the Payola$ banner.

"I miss the egos, the fighting and the constant attacks on my guitar playing. I miss the tension. I miss the stress," laughs Rock about working with Hyde again. "But seriously there is nothing better to do on a Friday night then hang out with Paul and turn up our guitars way too loud and bang out the music that we love."

The result is a new 5-track EP entitled Langford (Part 1) due out on June 19, 2007 via EMI Music Canada, and its first single "Bomb".

"We've been messing around with songs for the past two or three years and have written far more than we need," says Hyde. "Consequently I think the quality is very high and it's time to finally get on with it and put out a CD"

"Bomb" pulls no punches and delivers a musical message that is timely and provocative.

Although there was several lineup changes and name changes in the band's history, The Payola$ at their core remained Bob Rock and Paul Hyde, who (together) wrote all of the band's songs. As well, Bob Rock engineered and mixed every Payola$ recording.

image from answer.com

Scentsational April Birthday Recommendation By: Lisa Brown

image from urbanbotanic.

If you know someone celebrating an April birthday, here's a fantastic gift to give them. I've been in contact with a person who runs remarkable site, and she's putting together a great deal for my readers. And my, does this ever sound like the perfect gift to highlight that fabulous friend‘s and/or loved one’s unique personality and charisma. Truly, a one of a kind gift that will be cherished forever.

You know how it seems like every celebrity has their own signature scent? Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears, J.Lo; they've all got one. Now you have the opportunity to create your own scent, too. UrbanBotanic creates custom scented bath sets.

How it works is... you take a Scent Personality Test. I took one, and mine was pretty accurate. Despite all the kinds of scented oils I love, all seemed to fall in line with my end result - my own ‘Intricate girl’ fragrance.

Then UrbanBotanic mixes unscented bath products with your ‘perfect concoction’ of scented oils to create your personally scented bath and body products. In other words, NOBODY in the world is likely to have the same fragrance as you do!

Better yet, if you enter UrbanBotanic’s site through Intricate Girl’s blog and hook up with UrbanBotanic’s spokesperson, Shawna, you might be able to get a further discount of 15% (more explained below!)

I know, you're probably wondering how you could arrange a gift as intimate as a personal scent? But when I spoke with Shawna, she said that anyone clicking through the Intricate Girl site can take their own tests!Just contact Shawna when you enter UrbanBotanic's site and let her know that you entered through the Intricate Girl link and you are trying to create the perfect gift, for a perfect friend.

In addition to the normal MyScents collection, Shawna is putting together special packages of lotion, shower gel, and parfum spray for all who take advantage of this offer. And, as was noted before, it definitely appears that Shawna plans upon giving a 15% discount to those who enter using Intricate Girl’s site link. How generous of Shawna, and how exciting for us to create an ‘identity fragrance’ by exploring and blending aromatic oils!

Remember, the products are custom made; the prices are excellent, and there's a 15% discount on top of it. Thanks to Intricate Girl for sharing this find and leading us cyberspace world ‘could-smell-a-lot-better readers’ to an excellent gift idea.

Now get going and order for that loved one! Intricate Girl has told us it was great - let’s go and find out just how great.

WHERE THERE’S A WILBURY, THERE’S A WAY

Traveling Wilburys Music Available for the First Time in a Decade

Christine Albrecht

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Remastered and Expanded Collectible Packages Feature

Unreleased Bonus Tracks and DVD

Release Date June 12, 2007

Nearly twenty years after the creation of the band, and over a decade since the music was last available to fans, the music of The Traveling Wilburys will be reissued on June 12, 2007. Rhino Entertainment announced the project today and will distribute the package from the Wilbury Records label.

The previously released albums Traveling Wilburys Volume 1 and Traveling Wilburys Volume 3 feature inarguably some of music’s greatest singer-songwriters—George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan—as the iconic band The Traveling Wilburys. Both CDs will be combined into one release, The Traveling Wilburys Collection, and will feature bonus tracks of rare and newly mixed previously unreleased music along with a bonus DVD featuring a 24-minute documentary showing unseen footage of the Wilburys and their five video clips.

The Traveling Wilburys collectible packages will be available in four configurations. Each configuration is a remarkable commemoration of this unique group.

• Standard Package – Features 2 CDs (Volumes 1 and 3) with bonus tracks, bonus DVD of content and a 16-page collectible book.

• Deluxe Edition Set – Linen bound deluxe edition features 2 CDs (Volumes 1 and 3) with bonus tracks, bonus DVD, and a 40-page collectible book with photos, original liner notes, new liner notes and a uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity.

• Vinyl Edition – Features 2 vinyl releases of Volumes 1 and 3 with an additional 12-inch featuring bonus tracks, a collectible album-sized book, plus additional postcards/posters.

• Digital Edition Bundle – Features downloadable editions of both CDs (Volumes 1 and 3) with bonus tracks, video content and an interactive booklet.

The Traveling Wilburys release marks the first time in ten years the product has been issued. Marking the occasion, Rhino Entertainment President Scott Pascucci commented, “We’re honoured to be involved with making the music of this extraordinary group available again.”

In trying to explain how the Wilburys originally came together, George Harrison once said, “The thing about the Wilburys for me is—if we’d tried to plan it, or if anybody had said, let’s form this band and get these people in it—it would never happen, it’s impossible. It happened completely, just by magic, just by circumstance. Maybe there was a full moon that night or something like that. It was quite a magical little thing really.”

The Traveling Wilburys BACKGROUND

The Traveling Wilburys was not a carefully planned band, not formed from deep premeditation. Rather, the band was created in a casual blending of genuine friends one ordinary afternoon, which turned out to be anything but ordinary.

George Harrison needed a B-side song to accompany a European single release from his widely regarded Cloud Nine album. While in Los Angeles, George approached Jeff Lynne for help with the B-side, since he had co-produced the album. It happened that Jeff was working with Roy Orbison on the upcoming Mystery Girl album. Roy readily agreed to lend a hand in the musical effort. As fate would luckily dictate, George’s guitar was at Tom Petty’s house, and he too offered to join in and make some music. When the group showed up to record, Dylan also lent a hand to help complete the half-finished song George had written. George has often been quoted as saying, “And so everybody was there and I thought, I’m not gonna just sing it myself, I’ve got Roy Orbison standing there. I’m gonna write a bit for Roy to sing. And then, as it progressed, then I started doing the vocals and I just thought I might as well push it a bit and get Tom and Bob to sing the bridge” The final result was a song called “Handle With Care.” George later said, “I liked the song and the way that it turned out with all these people on it so much that I just carried it around in my pocket for ages thinking, Well what can I do with this thing? And the only thing to do I could think of was do another nine. Make an album.”

The album they created was called the Traveling Wilburys Volume 1—a playful nod to the reality that subsequent volumes were unlikely. Volume 1 was released in October 1988 preceded by the single “Handle With Care.” The album achieved wide critical acclaim, and most critics agreed that the music was so extraordinary because of the modest ambitions of the band, which translated to a fresh and relaxing sound. Rolling Stone Magazine instantly called it one of the Top 100 Albums of all time. The album also saw commercial success; it reached #3 on the Album charts, garnered double-platinum status and earned the group a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.

In 1990, following the unexpected death of Roy Orbison in December 1988, the remaining members reconvened to record Traveling Wilburys Volume 3, dedicating the album to Lefty (Roy) Wilbury. With Harrison and Lynne producing again, both “She’s My Baby” and “Wilbury Twist” became radio hits as the album reached #11 in the U.S. and achieved Platinum success.

Track Listings:

Disc One TRAVELING WILBURYS VOL. 1

1. Handle With Care

2. Dirty World

3. Rattled

4. Last Night

5. Not Alone Any More

6. Congratulations

7. Heading For The Light

8. Margarita

9. Tweeter And The Monkey Man

10. End Of The Line

Bonus Tracks:

11. Maxine*

12. Like A Ship*

Disc Two DVD - The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys

Music Videos:

1. Handle With Care

2. End Of The Line

3. Inside Out

4. She’s My Baby

5. Wilbury Twist

Disc Three TRAVELING WILBURYS VOL. 3

1. She’s My Baby

2. Inside Out

3. If You Belonged To Me

4. The Devil’s Been Busy

5. 7 Deadly Sins

6. Poor House

7. Where Were You Last Night?

8. Cool Dry Place

9. New Blue Moon

10. You Took My Breath Away

11. Wilbury Twist

Bonus Tracks:

12. Runaway (B-side to “She’s My Baby” UK CD and 12?)

13. Nobody’s Child (previously released on Nobody’s Child: Romanian Angel Appeal)

*previously unreleased

Image from roy.orbison.dk

My Luminaries are Ready to Release

Dust off your wallets

Christine Albrecht

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Dust out your wallets - My Luminaries' CD release is in 21 days. The full length cd is set for an April 16th release. This cd will be the buzz of 2007!

Wondering what My Luminaries sound like? Here are some comparisons:

Twin Peaks with guitars...

In places it's like The Arcade Fire if they’d been inspired by a series of weddings rather than funerals. Elsewhere, Pavement on amphetamines...

The Knack being produced by Brian Eno...

The anthemic moroseness of Radiohead, blended with The Libertines' ragged urchin spirit and a dash of Arcade Fire quirkiness. The results are powerful and uplifting, but also, crucially, original and a little different to anything else out there at the moment...

To Purchase The Outsider Steps Inside

Feeling a bit progressive? Book My Luminaries by contacting NatashaBent@TheAgencyGroup.com

(ML Photographer Chris Owens)

Poster pix from myspace.com

Eric Clapton, Guitar Hero - Mar 27, 2007 @ GM Place

By: Terry Lowe

Eric Clapton is a living legend, and that is reason enough to go and see him, even if his work has been a bit lacklustre in recent years. Christine told me that the show was sold out (15,000 people, I was told later), but a ticket had been set aside for a SwankTrendz reviewer. I claimed that ticket and found my way inside with 10 minutes to spare.

I knew the show was to start at 8:30 PM, and was being presented by House Of Blues. The place was jammed with people, some of whom were young classic rock fans, but most middle-aged (with kids). I saw a brisk trade in $60 T-shirts at the concession stands. “Okay, it's going to one of those shows,” I thought: one that begins exactly on time – which I like – and ends exactly on time, and will probably be a tightly scripted crowd-pleaser.

I was right about that, but enjoyed it nevertheless. Good band, and a good seat, on the aisle 16 rows up from the front left corner of the stage. And very close to a big video projection screen, which came in handy for those close-up details.

Mr Clapton and the band appeared on stage at 8:35, picked up their guitars and launched into a succession of 1970s Derek and the Dominoes hits: “Tell The Truth”, “Key To The Highway”, and “Got To Get Better In a Little While.” EC appeared relaxed and casual, wearing a dark grey short-sleeved shirt, jeans, suede deck shoes, and a few days’ worth of grey stubble. He played his signature black Stratocaster throughout.

The band included a solid rhythm guitarist, a rocking bass / drum team, one organist and one electric pianist, and two lovely buxom backup singers who swayed in unison, and who were given chairs so they could rest during the “Shut up and play yer guitar” bits, of which there were many.

The sound quality was surprisingly good, given that the venue is a small stadium designed to host hockey games. I could hear everything clearly, and the mix was excellent.

When they launched into “Little Wing,” out came the cigarette lighters, held up aflame. Certainly not as many as there would have thirty years ago, but it certainly took me back. There was a lot of smoke in the air, and the noticeable smell of marijuana now and then.

That piece drew a semi-standing ovation; this crowd was clearly there to be pleased. “I Shot The Sheriff” drew another one, but what I noticed during EC’s extended improvised solo was that he still has it: his playing is astonishingly good, and very fluid. The camera operators gave us many close-up of the legendary Slowhand bending strings and dancing across the frets. He’s a magician with that guitar.

A refreshing sit-down acoustic set followed, with EC playing a solo six-string first, then joined by the remainder of the band, with the drummer playing a box that he was sitting on. This set included some songs unknown to me, although if the set list from last night's show in Seattle that I found on whereseric.com matches tonight’s (and so far, it has), those would be “Driftin” and “Outside Woman Blues” by blues legend Robert Johnson. Followed by “Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out” and “Running On Faith,” during which the rhythm guitarist picked up his Strat, and the volume was turned up, and the stools cleared away.

A blazing version of “Motherless Children” followed, and to me, that was the highlight of the night. Inspired playing; and from there on it was just Greatest Hits to the end.

First, though, they had to play an extended blues-based piece, to showcase the solo abilities of the two keyboard players, the bass player, and, yes, the drummer. Playing blues-based rock, especially in stadiums, is risky. There's always the danger of slipping into formulaic or, worse, bombastic cliches. Clapton’s band was never bombastic, but there were formulaic here: all of your favourite “big rock stunts” delivered in one piece. My attention wandered. I noticed on the close-up video screen that EC's wristwatch was set an hour ahead. I admired the swaying backup singers.

The crowd ate it up, though, and wanted more. He could do no wrong, in their view. Proof of this came next: “Wonderful Tonight,” a song I've always found maudlin and tiresome. But out came the lighters again, almost as if on cue.

And then they played “Layla.”

And the crowd went nuts. They roared and stomped. I was curious to see if they’d play the extended version, with the duelling lead guitars. They did, but first had to wait for a standing ovation to settle down halfway through. And when they finally finished, the crowd gave them another ovation.

When the stage lights died thereafter, the crowd responded by making more noise than the band had all night. They wanted that encore, and of course, they got it. The time now was 10:10 PM, and I figured it was probably going to be “Cocaine,” and I was right again. They turned that into another Big Stadium Rock number (extended version), EC playing a white Strat this time. I figured that was probably it, so grabbed my coat and took off. Never could stand that song.

It’s a curious phenomenom, this adulation of 1970s music, often by people who weren't even born when it was originally released (and who thus cannot possibly appreciate its original context). Eric Clapton is known as a shy man, at times bewildered by and uncomfortable with the success his talent has brought him. Perhaps, then, he is content to deliver the seamless Greatest Hits package we saw there. The fans are certainly happy to get it.

Overall, I was glad to see him, and the band more often than not kept my interest. But that was due more to EC’s amazing playing than anything else; it would be wonderful to see him in a more relaxed setting, where he could bend our ears like he bends those strings.

First Amendment and School News By: The Political Heretic

image from oldchesterpa.com

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Visit The Political Heretic’s Site

1. First, this story of three sixteen year old students who were suspended for saying "vagina" during a "Vagina Monologues" reading at a school forum. High school teachers told them not to air the word since younger people might be in the audience.

Whatever merit the teachers had (and the Political Heretic doesn't believe the First Amendment's free speech clause bolsters their argument) was lost the moment they allowed a reading of the "Vagina Monologues." The word is only as inappropriate as the topic which the teachers believed fit for reading.

2. The jury is still out on this one. Was the teacher fired because she (it is alleged) exposed her students to witchcraft beliefs and was the school district, for its part, exposing its school students to Christian beliefs? The school district's lawyer denies her allegations.

3. and then the story of Visit Matthew LaClair, who tape recorded a teacher who told his students they were going to hell if they did not believe in Jesus Christ.

image By: bestwebbuys.com

So Much for Digital Whiteboards

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Visit Mark’s Site

Via Mike KuniavskyFirst Amendment and School News , here's an interesting toy which allows you to interactively project drawings in real-time. I know the intended audience is for kids, but this is a very cool way to make a big drawing in real-time when you don't have a whiteboard available. Just project on the wall.

This very much reminds me of a play of a Neil Gaiman book called "The Wolves in the Walls" which my wife did some digital compositing and projection work on where an After Effects animation was composited and projected onto the stage using Watchout software. The effect was to enable the actress to "draw" on the stage in real-time. Depending on the artistic skills of the actress, this toy would have been a simple replacement for this one effect. Scientific Progress does not always go "Boink", to misquote Calvin and Hobbes.

Things I Would Maybe Think to Myself While Brushing my Teeth With a Live Jellyfish Instead of a Toothbrush, if I had to do that for Some Reason By: M

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Image from www.aloha.com

- Up yours, Colgate!

- I bet I could floss with the tentacles. I can't believe I didn't think of that until just now.

- Ahh... sweet hydrozoan.

- I wonder if Sandra ever thinks about me.

- What the fuck am I doing?!!

- I wonder if this jellyfish has reached adulthood; or if it'll maybe grow larger and more aware if I stop using it to brush my teeth. Also, is this jellyfish a dude or a chick?

- Mmmmmmm..... harbor fresh.

- I hope Pam and Jim can work something out. They're so good for each other.

- Ahhh!! Oh Jesus!!! Oh shit!! This would feel awesome if these poison tentacles weren't so stingy!!

- Vertebrates just don't get my teeth their whitest.

- Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down and I'd like to take a minute. Just sit right there. I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air.

- I wonder which part is the butt.

23% Stupid by: Sashi

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Not a bad IQ test, as these stuff go - kinda fun, and not too much of a time-waster.

Take the test here!

image from stupid.com

Will Wheaton on William F***ing Shatner by Sashi

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I’m a Star Trek fan. Not a hard-core Trekkie, mind you - I certainly wouldn’t be the type of guy who would redecorate his apartment to look like the interior of a Starfleet ship, like this guy did.

But I did enjoy the franchise very much. Although if pressed, I’d say I enjoyed ST:TNG way more than the original series and all the other spin-offs since.

Fans of ST:TNG will of course remember Ensign Wesley Crusher. Fans have long been divided over this character - you either hate him, or put up with him. But whatever you may think of the character, there is a general consensus regarding the man (or boy back then) who played him - Will Wheaton,Arguably the geek’s Celebrity Geek.

His book, Just a Geek, is to geekdom what Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch is to football-fandom.

He is also known these days as one of the blogosphere’s top uber-bloggers, who regularly writes on a variety of topics on a variety of websites, including his own at WWdN.

One recent article, posted on the SuicideGirls website, is titled “William F***ing Shatner, Part 1“. (Don’t worry, the link’s safe for work.)

“Well?” He asked.

Oh no. He’d asked me a question, and I’d missed it.

“Excuse me?” I replied.

“I said, what do you do over there?” he asked. There was a challenge in his voice.

“Oh, uh, well, I’m an acting ensign, and I sometimes pilot the ship.” Maybe he’d be impressed that I’d already logged several hours at the helm of the Enterprise D, all before the age of 16.

“Well, I’d never let a kid come onto my bridge.” He said, and walked away.

Captain James Tiberius Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise 1701, and Enterprise 1701-A, the only person in Starfleet to ever defeat the Kobiyashi Maru, the man behind the Corbomite Maneuver, the man who took the Enterprise to the Genesis planet to return Spock’s katra, the man who I had admired since I was eight years old, was immediately transformed into WILLIAM F***ING SHATNER.

I eagerly await Part 2.

image from wikimedia.org

A Dream, a 38-word Story, and an Idol Spoiler By: Sashi

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image from petrix.com
A Dream

I think I had the best dream ever last night/this morning. It had a guy who could control minds ala Prof. X, an ordinary Joe who becomes an unlikely hero when he finds he could block out the guy’s mind control attempts, and a cute girl-next-door damsel-in-distress chick.

The problem is that the more I try to remember the details of the dream, the more I’m forgetting it. By the end of the day, it will be nothing but a vague recollection of some fire and explosions.

Which is sad, cos really, I think it was the best dream I ever had.

A 38-word storyimage from homepage.mac.com/jpietry

I read Sharon’s post on short stories, and since I like that genre, I tried to write a 50-word story.

The crying child opened the door and ushered me in. She held the knife doused in her father’s blood. I walked into the room, witnessed the carnage. Too late, I heard the swish of the blade behind me.

Yeah, only made it up to 38 words. I think I have a short attention sp…. ooh, look, butterflies!!

An Idol upset

I like Wordpress.com, (http://wordpress.com/)but I hate the Dashboard look once I’ve logged in. All those latest blog posts listed on the side, yeah, I’m sure some people would be interested in those. But I’d prefer it if it was customisable so that I won’t accidentally see information that could be regarded as spoilers and such, like who got eliminated in American Idol today!

Six Weird Things About Myself By: Sashi

Six Weird Things About Myself By: Sashi

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RULES: People who are tagged should write a blog post of 6 weird things about them as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I keep confusing my left with my right.

When I was but a wee grasshopper, I got my my right hand scarred a little thanks to a combination of some hot cooking oil and irrepressible childish curiosity. Ever since then, I’ve used that mark on my hand to remind me of my right-hand side. This doesn’t happen as much as it did when I was younger, since instinct generally automatically guides me to the right or left as when is necessary, but if I have to consciously identify my right side or left side e.g. if someone asks me to point to the right, or to hold up my left hand, etc, there will always be a moment of hesitation while I quickly glance at my hands to see where the scar is.

2. I’m very wary of being photographed.

No, not because I’m wanted by the cops or Interpol or anything. I can’t even explain it, really. I just really, really, really, hate how I look in pictures. It’s not the looks specifically, it’s just how i appear in them. I especially hate having to wait those eternity-long seconds stuck in a pose while the camera-person is going “Ok, everyone ready? Smile, say cheese, here we go in 1… 2.. oh shoot, forgot the flash, hang on….” I can only hold a fake smile for no more than a second or 2, so by the time the camera takes the picture, what you get is a picture of me looking pissed off while trying to pretend I’m not.

3. When I go to bed, I need to be on the left.

Left, as in not only sleeping on my left side, but also on the left side of the bed. Eventually after I nod off into slumberland, I might shift unconsciously onto my right side or elsewhere, but when I get into bed, I go straight to the left corner. Otherwise, the world will stop turning and we will all be sucked into the horrendous inferno of the sun.

4. I don’t wear watches. Well, not anymore.

And nowadays, with the all-in-one cellphone models, who needs a watch? As a kid, I’ve lost quite a few watches in school or in the bus etc. I once even lost my dad’s expensive watch which he had bought in Singapore and which I had borrowed to use during an exam. That was the last time I ever wore a genuine, brand-name watch. I did wear a knock-off Tag Heuer during my college years, but when that died, I gave up wearing watches altogether. And it doesn’t help that I have small wrists either, I guess…

5. I must wash my feet before I go to sleep. MUST.

I don’t care if I’ve had my feet wrapped in waterproof, fireproof, dust-proof, germ-proof, whatever-proof material for donkey’s years - when I go to bed, my feet MUST be washed. Else, I just cannot fall asleep. Also, cue the horrendous inferno of the sun thing too.

6. I’m a non-believer who wants to believe.

For most people, believing in God is a matter of faith. You either do, or don’t. I can’t do that. I cannot simply believe… I need to know. I’ve tried to believe, really. I don’t actually go around telling people I’m an atheist or agnostic, because truth be told, I’m not really all that proud of it. I completely understand religion’s place in the human psyche, how we all need something to believe in. Most times, I do wish I could believe in an Almighty God who looks after us with paternal love and care. But, I’ve not been able to do that. Perhaps, deep down, I’m afraid that we really are, all of us, quite alone. And that our collective beliefs, in the end, amount to nothing more than wishful thinking. And if so, believing in a higher power would be considered an escape route, a way to pretend that every hardship we suffer, every heartbreak we bear, every pain we embrace, has some meaning behind it.

Ok, that last bit got very rambly. Sorry.

Now I’m supposed to tag 6 people, eh? Time to round up the usual suspects then… (assuming they haven’t done it already).

1. Idlan?

2. Norzu?

3. Ash?

4. Eyeris?

5. Simon?

6. Pick Yin?

Personally, I don’t care whether you guys/gals take it up, although you probably should know that if you don’t do this meme, a pale Oriental kid with jet-black eyes is going to be following you around all day and night for weeks to come…

image from chanwear.com

A Day in the Life - Educator/ pop culture writer / Concert reviewer/musician interviewer

I am an educator in my 'real world'. It's funny, but I take great pains to keep my two (or three) lives separate. When I am at work, I am a totally different person - however, bits of me will slip through.

For example, I had a 12 year old boy say something offhand that had me laughing for quite awhile. Re-writing it here will not do it justice as you'd 'had to have been there'.

There is a show on called "Pimp My Ride' about redoing vehicles so they are 'pimped out' - or, in short - fabulous!

I had given an assignment (we are writing our life stories) and I was struggling on ways they could 'jazz' up their hard covers, (real books here!) ie: "... Add some 3-D designs, glue on some expressions you use, do something funky; make someone want to pick it up and read it...", I say in my ever so authoritarian voice.

"Oh, ... says B,you mean... like... Pimp my Autobiography'?

Well, I had to bend over, I was laughing so hard, and he says (with shock) You know that show?

'Yeah, sort of...' I mumble.

I think that was a great quip from a newly 12 year old, and it had me giggling for the rest of the day.

Now wait until I hear from parents saying... You want my child to pimp what...?'

Love those moments - love those kids!

image 1 by image from epguides.com

image 2 by profile.myspace.com/ index.cfm?f

Delayed Appreciation Or.... How I came to admire Opus Hotel, years after all others By Christine Albrecht

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Visit Opus Hotel

I was watching a locally produced television show at some ungodly hour in the morning (cursing my insomnia) when I happened upon a Vancouver gem. After the commentator's opening introduction (detailing a hotel designed with mock personalities in mind) I immediately sat up and thought, what rock have I been living under? Why did I not know about this hotel, when it clearly has had the world’s attention?

The hotel I am referring to is the pet friendly, 96 roomed, Opus Hotel at 322 Davie Street, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

While watching the show (I can’t, for the life of me, remember its name) I was intrigued and impressed with the style concept of the hotel. The architect/designers (owner John deC. Evans, general manager Daniel Craig and former general manager David Curell) decided upon a ‘themed’ hotel where guests could adopt one of five personas while selecting the persona’s ‘lifestyle-inspired’ room.

For example, if you are an extremely chic, well-read, solidly ‘coupled’ pair, then Bob and Carol’s room would be a wonderful getaway/ 2nd honeymoon for you. Perhaps you are a magazine editor, impeccably, yet funkily attired and in town for a concert? Well, welcome to Opus Hotel, Susan. Feeling a bit exhibitionistic, sexual and playful? Well, Billy - here’s the room for you. Then again, you may be feeling like the urban, metrosexual, extremely fit, Mike - in town for a physician’s convention. There appears to be a lifestyle suite for everyone’s fantasy alter ego. By far, the favourite ‘personality’ room is the luxurious penthouse, Dede. Regularly scooped by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba, Dede offers the ultimate in decadent pampering.

Each of Opus’ rooms stray from the typical bed and bathroom hotel format by having decorative touches/ props to match the themed life-style. Small flourishes such as Bob Marley cds, a 42” wide-screened tv, Japanese Shoji screens, to intimacy kits make the Opus Hotel an ‘experience’ rather than an accommodation.

Upon booking your room, you will receive an email detailing which events are occurring in Vancouver that your room’s ‘personality’ would be inclined to attend. This painstaking attention to detail has created a Vancouver buzz amongst the world’s top hotels, and various media continue promoting Opus, thus prolonging the ‘buzz’. (Check out the impressive list of magazines that Opus Hotel has been featured in.)

The ‘experience’ of staying at Opus Hotel is so memorable that it has been included in Oscar presenters’ goodie bags for the last few years.

Way to go, Vancouver. Opus Hotel make all creative Canadians proud.

Voted 'Best of the Best' One of the World's Top 100 Hotels- Condé Nast Traveler 2005 Magazine

Voted one of the Best 500 Hotels in the World- Travel and Leisure Magazine 2006

One of Vancouver's coolest hangouts.- Wallpaper* Magazine

images from www.opushotel.com

Opus Hotel - 322 Davie Street Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 5Z6

Tel 604 642 6787 Fax 604 642 6780 Toll Free 1 866 642 6787 Email: info@opushotel.com

New release from My Luminaries By: Christine Albrecht

April 2, 2007 scheduled release

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What do you get when you combine The Icicle Works, 54-40 and U2? You get the Reading, Manchester band, My Luminaries.

I know the band’s comparison I’ve listed sounds like an odd mix, but I could hear all sorts of interesting band ‘sounds’ while listening to the track,The Outsider Steps Inside.

I enjoyed the song with one listen. I don’t know if I happened to be in the right mood for a new song, or if the song is simply that good/catchy, so you will have to judge for yourself. (And I have to admit, I was impressed with the band’s musical tastes as listed on their buzznet blog. Can’t think of a band they listed that I didn’t like.)

My Luminaries cd will be released on April 2/2007. Go to their site on myspace; download some music, and don’t forget to buy (and spread the word) as well.

image from myluminaries.buzznet.com

Amazing Grace By: Lezah Williamson

image from satucket.com

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me...

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

Did you know that the song 'Amazing Grace' is the most recorded song in history, with over 3200 different recordings? It also happens to be the anthem of the Cherokee Nation, as it was the song that was sung on the Trail of Tears (1838-1839).

But what's the story behind the song? Why is it so powerful?

Well, you can find out all about it this week, when 'Amazing Grace: the William Wilberforce Story', opens in theatres. William Wilberforce was the man behind the anti-slave movement in Britain which, in turn, served as model for the US anti-slave movement.

Wilberforce was mentored by John Newton (1725-1807), the British son of a commander in the British merchant marine. Newton first went to sea at age 11, only to desert the service, get captured and be sold into slavery himself. Newton started as a servant to a slave-trader working out of Sierra Leone, and eventually worked his way up to become a partner in the business. One night during a great storm, Newton experienced a conversion, which lead to him writing the song 'Amazing Grace'.

And everything thing after that, as they say, is history.

Deborah Ellis By: Lezah Williamson

image from umanitoba.ca

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a reading by Deborah Ellis. Ellis is best known as a writer of teen fiction. Her book, 'The Breadwinner', has been recommended to me a number of times, although I'm ashamed to admit that I have yet to read it.

Ellis started off her talk with a reading from one of her more recent books, 'I Am a Taxi'. The protagonist of the novel is a Bolivian child whose parents have been imprisoned. He lives in jail with his mother and works as a 'taxi', or go-for, for other prisoners. He ends up owing someone money, and in order to get out of debt, allows himself to be taken to the jungle where he is forced to work for long hours in the cocaine trade. The children of Bolivia who work breaking down coco leaf for the cocaine industry are exposed to many chemicals, including sulphuric acid. Many become permanently disabled due to their exposure.

Ellis went on to discuss her book 'The Breadwinner', which was shortlisted for the Trillium Award in 2000, and later became the first in a trilogy, including the highly acclaimed 'Parvana's Journey', which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award (2002). This series deals with the plight of young women in Afghanistan.

Ellis has a new book coming out soon, one that deals with children from New York City whose mothers are imprisoned in upstate New York. In order to see their mothers, these young children must endure an arduous 12 hour bus trip.

One of Ellis's earliest works, 'Looking For X', was a Governor General's Award winner.

During her talk, Ellis fielded a number of questions from the audience, and her responses were quite enlightening. She started writing at 12, but did not get published until she was 39. She is now 46, and it has just been in the last year that she was able to give up her day job as a women's shelter counsellor in Toronto, as she now makes enough money from her writing.

'The Breadwinner' is her best seller, and has been published in 19 different languages. She talked about how she still writes 'bad' books, citing the example of the novel she wrote last summer that was rejected by her publisher, in spite of her recent success.

Thematically, Ellis writes about youth who are victims of circumstance. One young man in the audience made everyone laugh by asking, "Do you ever write about anything happy?" Ellis just smiled.

I think it was as interesting listening to Ellis talk about the writing process as it was listening to her actual reading. She does a lot of research for each novel, and travels to all the different locations herself. Many of the countries that she finds herself in are ones in which she doesn't speak the language, nor is she familiar with the culture. She spoke about having to hire interpreters and guides in order to get all her information. Most of her books are fictionalized accounts that are based on real people or actual events. With that in mind, Ellis tries to be very respectful to each character.

Altogether, it was a very different kind of reading than I've been to before, and was almost more about the process than the actual works. But that, in itself, was quite fascinating.

I've added her books to my list of 'must reads'.

Ryan Larkin Dies by Lezah Williamson

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Former National Film Board animator Ryan Larkin died of lung cancer on Feb. 14, 2007.

Larkin's work included the Academy Award nominated short 'Walking' (1969) and the acclaimed 'Street Musique' (1972).

Larkin quit the NFB in the late 1970s as his life spiralled out of control due to drug and alcohol abuse. He became homeless and supported himself by panhandling. He later was the subject of Chris Landreth's Academy Award winning short 'Ryan'.

More recently Larkin had been back at work, first on the 2005 piece 'Spare Change', and in December of 2006 on three 5 second bumpers he did for MTV.

See Terry's piece on the film 'Ryan' for more information.
Link:

Ryan

Fruitful Finds by Christine

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The internet has been a source of ongoing frustration for me, especially when it comes to researching an article. I find I am faced with pages and pages of useless urls, and after the 14th attempt at word monopoly, and by the 20th page of a ‘fruitful’ topic search, I may be fortunate enough to have gathered a couple of factual notes.

Despite my annoyance, the internet also allows me the odd plum now and again. For instance, while searching information for ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, I inadvertently stumbled across these gems:

Dumbfoundry

woods lot

Take a look. If you enjoy poetic blog entries and websites, this is the url for you.

Wolfmother February 22, 2007 By: Christine Albrecht

PNE Forum Sold Out

PNE Forum Sold Out

Thanks to Kelli at House Of Blues, I finally got to see Wolfmother and without paying scalper’s fees.

Was my third time trying the charm? Most definitely!

As Jeff O’Neill from CFOX radio station informed us, this was the largest crowd Wolfmother had played to; the first stop on their North American Tour, and the largest crowd the 75 year old PNE Forum has experienced in over a decade. Wolfmother has visited Vancouver three times in the last year, having sold out each venue.

For anyone who knows my musical tastes, Wolfmother’s self titled cd was selected as my number one pick for 2006 (although actually released in October of 2005). After the opening act, The Icarus Line , finished their set, I was concerned about the acoustics in the Forum as I found most of Icarus’ set was sound like one song blended into another. However, their theatrical showmanship made up for the poor sound. The singer strutted, full scarf ensemble a la Steve Tyler, and did the hands on hips swagger channelling Mick Jagger. As well, there is nothing more humbling than having to be your own roadies at a big gig. I think Wolfmother chose well for their opening act as The Icarus Line definitely warmed up the crowd with their antics. (As well, the crowd seemed familiar with their songs Up Against the Wall, and Party the Baby Off.)

The energy in the room prior to Wolfmother taking the stage was palatable. The bass sound system was turned up to the point where I could feel it in my throat as if eating it. Then when the three unassuming men took the stage, the audience lost it. Body/crowd surfing ensued, and I was crushed to the front (which reminds me - the blue stage lighting/smoke has got to go as none of my pictures turned out!). Kudos to security who only got physical with one clearly out of control fellow - they put up with spilled drinks, tossed water bottles, thrown clothing and helped each of the crowd-surfing kids down at front and off into the crowd again.

The audience was an eclectic mix, with mostly younger fans attending as this was an all ages show. I even managed to glimpse some white unicorn getups and full afro wigs in honour of singer, 31 year old Andrew Stockdale. (I swear, I have never seen a hairier band than this - when the lead singer would smile, all you saw were white chiclets amidst wild hair.) Chris Ross was clearing favouring one leg and I was curious what injury he had experienced. (Later found out that While playing a gig in Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb. 17/07, he injured his foot.) He limped over to his keyboards and had a seat - playing both bass and keyboards (although he semi stomped on his bass when it was not performing as he wished - roadies quickly fixed the situation). He is also very physical with his keyboard, often playing it on a slant or in some distorted fashion. Myles Heskett on drums is mesmerising to watch, whether he waves a Canadian flag or not. These three Australians have clearly been adopted by Canada and I believe the feeling is mutual.

The fact that the band plays a Led Zeppelin tribute was not lost on me as they are so similar to Led Zeppelin, it is almost too comfortable (for me) - ha, intimating my age range here.

All the songs , White Unicorn, Mind’s eye, Dimension, Woman, Love Train, and Joker & the Thief draw huge audience approval, and Andrew kept thanking the crowd, almost self-consciously, for the adulation. He also strutted and stomped across the stage during songs - almost a dual personality - arrogant rock star during songs, humble musician between songs.

This is what surprised me - despite the Forum being horrible for live acts - Wolfmother’s set was seamless. The vocals were crisp and I could hear every word. It was a terrific gig, one that I will remember, and the audiences’ enthusiasm for this young trio will stay with me. I have to laugh when I think about Faith No More’s producer going on about how much Wolfmother ‘suck’, well, Matt Wallace, if only your band had ‘sucked’ this much...

Wolfmother continues rocking its way across Canada, selling out venues in the first four provinces. Don’t be surprised if their next tour involves larger and more crowded venues.

The first image is from Wikipedia and the latter is from my sad set. Ah well...

XXL Featured, iTunes Listed, Record Label Dynamo By: Baba Brinkman

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Heads or Tales,

For those of you who take an interest in my activities because of their literary pedigree, consider this the hip-hop issue. It's 2007 and I'm on the same grind that I've been percolating for the past four years, travelling around rapping the Canterbury Tales and other stories, taking my message of poetical and cultural evolution to the world. It stays fresh because I keep pushing it into new frontiers, new incarnations. I will briefly tell you about some of them.

I just got home from Project Blowed, a weekly open-mic night near Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles. I got to perform directly after rap veteran and underground legend Aceyalone, who came with some of the livest live hip-hop I've ever heard. I freestyled with back-packin' L.A. rappers and performed my song "Symptom", and made some good connections with with the help of a magazine article.

Which article? XXL is either the top rap magazine or one of the top two, depending on who you ask, and the April issue currently on shelves features platinum N'awlins rapper Lil Wayne on the cover proclaiming "I Am Hip-Hop", and me on page forty four proclaiming that rap is poetry. I don't claim to be hip-hop in the article, (hardly an original statement from a rapper), but the author does describe my latest album as "straight hip-hop", saving me the trouble. This full page spread with photos in the top rap mag was my ghetto pass in L.A. tonight, not that the cypher was a hostile environment, and not that my lyrics weren't pass enough; it just made a hell of an ice-breaker. If you're interested in mainstream hip-hop's take on me, you can find XXL on any magazine stand in the industrialized world.

The other new development that has given me a boost recently is the appearance of all three of my albums on the iTunes Music Store, including The Rap Canterbury Tales and the recently pre-released "straight hip-hop" LP entitled "Lit-Hop". This gives anyone anywhere with an internet connection the ability to get my music instantly, but only if they already have an interest in it. The problem of accessibility is now elegantly solved, and all that remains is to spark everyone's interest everywhere. I'm working on it.

So go ahead, treat yourself to some passionately intricate lyricism, guaranteed to make you smarter while you listen. Be my viruses, write reviews, tell your friends: I've got mad style disease, infectin' a thousand MCs like spirochetes; I've got a sonically-transmitted disorder of rhyme all of the time.

Here's the link to iTunes: itunes Site

Next week I head up to Fresno for the Rogue Festival, then back to Vancouver to work on the first major release from my newly-founded record company, Lit Fuse Records Inc. Yes, on top of all this, I now own a limited corporation as well. And the beat goes on. The first release will not even be from me; it will be from a certain singer and next-big-thinger named Aaron Ross, with production by none other than Simon Kendall. If you want to hear Aaron's chops, check out the song "Oh No!" on my myspace page:Visit Baba’s Site

In April I'm returning to the UK for two months of touring and recording, including a stint in Canterbury, followed by the Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto Fringe Festivals in June/July, followed by... something impressive-sounding, you can be sure of that. But I'll save it.

Spreading love and roguish behaviour,

baba

image from www.mcnallyrobinson.com

Tribute to Joni Mitchell to be released on April 24/07

April 24th Release Set For A Tribute To Joni Mitchell

The First Major Album Honouring the Artist

’A Tribute to Joni Mitchell', the first major tribute album to the legendary artist, is set for release on Nonesuch Records / Warner Music Canada April 24th. Musicians from many genres are represented on the 12 tracks of both rare and quintessential songs from the revered and influential singer/songwriter's expansive career.

Each performer's distinct takes on 'A Tribute to Joni Mitchell' are true to their own artistry, proving Mitchell's universal appeal and versatility as a songwriter. Mitchell becomes the thread linking together these otherwise very different musical styles into a cohesive and brilliant creation.

Executive producer and Nonesuch Records President Bob Hurwitz, a longtime admirer of Joni Mitchell, came across the project upon Nonesuch's move to Warner Brothers in 2004. It was started in the late '90s, but never completed. He says:

"I loved much of what I heard from the first group of recordings; the best of the tracks, at least to me, sounded like these artists were singing for an audience of one: Joni Mitchell. They knew she would hear their recording of her song, which has to be one of the most daunting tasks any musician can face.

In moving forward, I thought that there should be a purpose to every track: each should be a reinvention or an homage, or be performed by an artist who was a part of Joni's life or whom I knew she admired, or whose life was changed by Joni. Listening to them all, one can only be struck by the incredible craft she brought to these songs, all written as intensely personal statements, yet having the expressive resilience that allows other great artists to find part of their own musical life in her creations."

A TRIBUTE TO JONI MITCHELL' TRACK LIST:

1. Free Man in Paris Sufjan Stevens

2. Boho Dance Björk

3. Dreamland Caetano Veloso

4. Don't Interrupt The Sorrow Brad Mehldau

5. For The Roses Cassandra Wilson

6. A Case Of You Prince

7. Blue Sarah McLachlan

8. Ladies Of The Canyon Annie Lennox

9. Magdalena Laundries Emmylou Harris

10. Edith And The Kingpin Elvis Costello

11. Help Me k.d. lang

12. River James Taylor

Concert Review: The Furios (Cadaver Dogs, et el) Feb 16, 2007

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By: Ashley Harder

The Anza Club

I arrived at the Anza CLub too early - My mistake as it was to be a long night. After spending an hour with relatives, I headed back to the club to view a four band lineup. Anyone who has been to the Anza Club (8th and Ontario) knows that it is a very small venue with not the best acoustic offering. I was willing to give a little with regards to sound, but the first two acts (I Braineater and the Heart breakers, and Tony Baloney and the Rubes) were awful. Sorry gang, but bad sound or not, the sets were indecipherable.

My interest picked up with the Cadaver Dogs. They were definitely better, and the singer was a stand out based on voice alone, but they were not showcased well at this club. This is a band I would considering seeing a second time, albeit at a larger venue.

By 1:00 a.m. I was impatient, tired and annoyed with some of the crowd. The audience had been fairly listless up to this point save for a few diehard fans of the earlier acts. I was not in a generous mood for The Furios, which makes this review all the more interesting. When The Furios hit the stage, crowd apathy dissipated and you could feel the energy of the room pick up. With trumpet, saxophone and three guitars, the set was tight, fast and lengthy. Thirteen songs, a few encore tunes and no breaks. They finished at around 2:30. Quite an impressive set.

Overall, I find ska/punk/reggae bands to sound the same; songs seem to blend into one another - none standing out. So here is a ‘first’ for me. I liked three songs, and remembered the song titles:

Together as One

Riot

Walking On

I also enjoyed Ghost Town - to which Christine asked, is that the Specials’ song? Hey - that’s way before my time, so I have no idea. I just know I really enjoyed the tune. As well, given my general dislike for ska/punk, the fact that any song stood out is impressive.

Safe to say, The Furios blew everyone out of the water and are definitely an act to follow. I would suggest that lovers of ska/punk take in one of their gigs, and after visiting their site (see links) I gather they are a ‘live’ act to follow, so I am sure they have had similar accolades.

Well done Furios - we thought your late start may have doomed the set, but that was not to be.

BTW - Happy birthday Stefan (new guitarist).

http://www.myspace.com/thefurios

http://www.thefurios.com/