Tornado '87 is the latest release from a great band that's finally gaining momentum, Rural Alberta Advantage. They formed in 2005, and released their first album "Hometowns" in 2008.
This new single is about the devasting tornado that tore through eastern Edmonton in 1987. I never had to experience the effects of what is sometimes called "Black Friday" first hand, luckily, but this song seriously tugs at any and every emotional part of you. The sound and emotion that the song puts your mind through is unmistakeable sadness.
The song's hauntingly simple yet powerful lyrics, I'll be honest, somehow take me to a place where I can just imagine the helplessness of people living in and around the tornado's path on that day. But lead singer Nils
Edenloff even mentions that the song was "like therapy in a way".
Tornado '87 is from the bands second album, "Departing", which came out in March.
I don't know how RAA did it, but they got me hooked, with one of the few events I never thought I'd personally be able to feel for.
Click here to read a bit more about what the band has to say about the song, see some of the storm footage from over 20 years ago, and there's also an extra link to the song on the same page if you didn't already click the one above.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Pearl Jam Concert Announcement
Hey there grunge fans it's your lucky day! Or...September 23 will be anyway...
Pearl Jam is celebrating their 20th Anniversary and wants to spend their special night(s) with you!
They'll be bring Rexall Place to it's knees this fall, and if you're aching to go don't be afraid to sit in front of your computer next Friday (May 27) morning eagerly refreshing your internet just to get the first-ish tickets! Don't worry, we've all been there! I won't judge you (out loud...)!
:)
Happy spending!
Pearl Jam is celebrating their 20th Anniversary and wants to spend their special night(s) with you!
They'll be bring Rexall Place to it's knees this fall, and if you're aching to go don't be afraid to sit in front of your computer next Friday (May 27) morning eagerly refreshing your internet just to get the first-ish tickets! Don't worry, we've all been there! I won't judge you (out loud...)!
:)
Happy spending!
Keep Full Ambitious, Maybe We Could Be Holy
Here's a show I almost didn't go to. Luckily I did go and get to take in not only The Crackling for the second time (playing a full set), The Provincial Archives but also Cygnets (again! I know. Right!).
This show was at the Pawn Shop on Whyte, and was a mere $10. I couldn't believe it, but am not one to argue with a good thing. Ok, so I am, but thats besides the point...
The doors opened at 9, and well the Cygnets were definitely playing to a semi-empty house. I feel like that might be the reason why they seemed to be playing at half-best. I know the energy they can put into a performace and this one seemed half-assed. The crowd was scarce, yet the boys started just after doors opened (I'm sure that it was scheduled, but it definitely took away from their set). Lead singer, Logan Turner, still gave a great performance, but it obviously did not compare to when they "headlined" their own showcase for Sonic's Band of the Month in April. It was great to see them opening for other local artists that are getting to be indie-household names.
Just before the Provincial Archive took to the stage, The Crackling performed basically a full set. I first saw the Crackling open for Dan Mangan in November; that performance was short and didn't seem as solid and put-together as this one. The acoustics in The Pawn Shop were surprisingly perfect for Kenton Loewen's growl-ey, yet fine-tuned vocals. The accordion and upright bass used in their songs add a great side to the band, that brings their sound back to what I can only describe as "natural folk". The entire band played well together, but their interaction with the audience was heavily lacking. Unfortunately it seemed like they were just there to play for the sake of playing. Since this was how the show seemed, I didn't get the impression that the band would talk to the crowd after the set as most bands do at The Pawn Shop. However I definitely stood corrected when Kenton Loewen was sitting at the bands merch table for what seemed like the better part of the night. He's a guy that really knows music, and not just one type...it seems like he likes to experience different sounds. After buying the CD and talking to Loewen for only a few seconds/a minute I was really impressed that he actually remembered the three of our names when we were leaving at the very end of the night! See the NB at the bottom of the post to find out why I was so excited about that.
I had heard of the Provincial Archive before the show, but hadn't actually had the chance to listen to them. This show would be the first and most important impression of them. And of course they hit, smashed and hammered the nail on the head. They were so smooth, mellow and "catchy" at the same time (I don't like to use the word catchy, since it's not a "Top 40" song...but I can't think of another word with the same meaning - one of those songs you feel like you've known forever, even after only having heard it for the first time...).
The band had a range of instruments including the almost obvious drums, guitar, bass...but also the upright bass, talk box, banjo, keyboards...and one smaller set of high-toned keys that I don't even know the name of! (I'm not sure if I have said this before but it can never be said enough, the world needs more banjo!) No, there weren't 9+ members in the band; band members of course changed instruments during the set seamlessly. The band kept a constant communication with the sound technician - they knew what they wanted everyone to hear. It's important to me when bands do this because it means that they're not there just to get some money in their pocket, and they're actually determined and devoted to their art. The singer's voice was crystal clear and I was so impressed that not only were they multi-talented but also so personable, manning their own merch table and actually taking time to chat with us after the show. The Pawn Shop was a great venue for both main acts of this concert; it was able to maintain the intimacy of each bands set, deliver the acoustics just right, while still allowing a good-sized crowd!
The not-surprising-but-surprising show made me even more dissapointed that I missed them when they performed with Rural Alberta Advantage (another GREAT homegrown band) in April. Oh well, I know they'll have to come home sometime ;)
In case you're wondering where the name of this post came from look no further than the debut album by The Crackling - Keep Full Ambitious, and the sophomore release (meaning second...not to be patronizing, but I know what it's like to NOT know what that means...) from The Provincial Archive - Maybe We Could Be Holy. Take a listen, and tune in for the next time all the lovely lads return to Edmonton!
NB: Kenton Loewen, lead vocalist of the Crackling, is a former member of Mother Mother (contributed to the first album), and is the drummer for Dan Mangan - I just love indie-band trivia.
P.S. There are a few things that I think you'd find entertaining but really don't have anything to do with the music...so...you can skip this if you're in a rush:
- Older drunk women at concerts are hilarious. Especially when they clear a section at the front of the floor because people are afraid that their flailing, sorry, "dancing" will injure them, when they yell to the crowd, "Why aren't you guys dancing!? It's just like Weezer!!", and most importantly when they start heavy-metal-like whipping their hair around and a cigarette flies out. What an experience indeed. (To be fair, I suppose the lead singer of the PA did have Rivers Cuomo-ish glasses...I guess...)
- Local artists can be a bit confused when selling merch. But they make up for it in apologies and good intentions and shirt trading. I bought a shirt at the show, but when I unrolled the tape the next morning it turned out to be the wrong one! Heartbroken I emailed the band, and got the quickest response on the same day saying that they would set one aside for me and I would get it in about a month! Now that's service (with a smile, I hope). Just...great! :)
This show was at the Pawn Shop on Whyte, and was a mere $10. I couldn't believe it, but am not one to argue with a good thing. Ok, so I am, but thats besides the point...
The doors opened at 9, and well the Cygnets were definitely playing to a semi-empty house. I feel like that might be the reason why they seemed to be playing at half-best. I know the energy they can put into a performace and this one seemed half-assed. The crowd was scarce, yet the boys started just after doors opened (I'm sure that it was scheduled, but it definitely took away from their set). Lead singer, Logan Turner, still gave a great performance, but it obviously did not compare to when they "headlined" their own showcase for Sonic's Band of the Month in April. It was great to see them opening for other local artists that are getting to be indie-household names.
Just before the Provincial Archive took to the stage, The Crackling performed basically a full set. I first saw the Crackling open for Dan Mangan in November; that performance was short and didn't seem as solid and put-together as this one. The acoustics in The Pawn Shop were surprisingly perfect for Kenton Loewen's growl-ey, yet fine-tuned vocals. The accordion and upright bass used in their songs add a great side to the band, that brings their sound back to what I can only describe as "natural folk". The entire band played well together, but their interaction with the audience was heavily lacking. Unfortunately it seemed like they were just there to play for the sake of playing. Since this was how the show seemed, I didn't get the impression that the band would talk to the crowd after the set as most bands do at The Pawn Shop. However I definitely stood corrected when Kenton Loewen was sitting at the bands merch table for what seemed like the better part of the night. He's a guy that really knows music, and not just one type...it seems like he likes to experience different sounds. After buying the CD and talking to Loewen for only a few seconds/a minute I was really impressed that he actually remembered the three of our names when we were leaving at the very end of the night! See the NB at the bottom of the post to find out why I was so excited about that.
I had heard of the Provincial Archive before the show, but hadn't actually had the chance to listen to them. This show would be the first and most important impression of them. And of course they hit, smashed and hammered the nail on the head. They were so smooth, mellow and "catchy" at the same time (I don't like to use the word catchy, since it's not a "Top 40" song...but I can't think of another word with the same meaning - one of those songs you feel like you've known forever, even after only having heard it for the first time...).
The band had a range of instruments including the almost obvious drums, guitar, bass...but also the upright bass, talk box, banjo, keyboards...and one smaller set of high-toned keys that I don't even know the name of! (I'm not sure if I have said this before but it can never be said enough, the world needs more banjo!) No, there weren't 9+ members in the band; band members of course changed instruments during the set seamlessly. The band kept a constant communication with the sound technician - they knew what they wanted everyone to hear. It's important to me when bands do this because it means that they're not there just to get some money in their pocket, and they're actually determined and devoted to their art. The singer's voice was crystal clear and I was so impressed that not only were they multi-talented but also so personable, manning their own merch table and actually taking time to chat with us after the show. The Pawn Shop was a great venue for both main acts of this concert; it was able to maintain the intimacy of each bands set, deliver the acoustics just right, while still allowing a good-sized crowd!
The not-surprising-but-surprising show made me even more dissapointed that I missed them when they performed with Rural Alberta Advantage (another GREAT homegrown band) in April. Oh well, I know they'll have to come home sometime ;)
In case you're wondering where the name of this post came from look no further than the debut album by The Crackling - Keep Full Ambitious, and the sophomore release (meaning second...not to be patronizing, but I know what it's like to NOT know what that means...) from The Provincial Archive - Maybe We Could Be Holy. Take a listen, and tune in for the next time all the lovely lads return to Edmonton!
NB: Kenton Loewen, lead vocalist of the Crackling, is a former member of Mother Mother (contributed to the first album), and is the drummer for Dan Mangan - I just love indie-band trivia.
P.S. There are a few things that I think you'd find entertaining but really don't have anything to do with the music...so...you can skip this if you're in a rush:
- Older drunk women at concerts are hilarious. Especially when they clear a section at the front of the floor because people are afraid that their flailing, sorry, "dancing" will injure them, when they yell to the crowd, "Why aren't you guys dancing!? It's just like Weezer!!", and most importantly when they start heavy-metal-like whipping their hair around and a cigarette flies out. What an experience indeed. (To be fair, I suppose the lead singer of the PA did have Rivers Cuomo-ish glasses...I guess...)
- Local artists can be a bit confused when selling merch. But they make up for it in apologies and good intentions and shirt trading. I bought a shirt at the show, but when I unrolled the tape the next morning it turned out to be the wrong one! Heartbroken I emailed the band, and got the quickest response on the same day saying that they would set one aside for me and I would get it in about a month! Now that's service (with a smile, I hope). Just...great! :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Boygroove Make My Hips Buck, and Cygnets have a not-so Bleak Decade
So, you came in looking for a post about this band or that concert. Well, come on in, settle down and take advantage of the special deal of the day, a two-for-one special!
Thursday was not quite a concert, but a play; a mockumentary musical about a 4-member boyband, Boygroove. Now these boys have some talent, but that's not why they're chosen to become a part of the hysteria, and the pheomenon that is a boyband (or that was a boyband, in the 1990's). Made of up "leader"-business-minded Kevin, bad boy Jon, activist and sensitive soul Andrew, and very religious with a big secret Lance. The play takes place at a time when boy bands (though one of the guys prefers the term "group", since no one plays instruments...) were all the rage, ruled the air waves, and toyed with girls hearts.
It was only $15 and was at the Catalyst Theatre just off of Whyte Ave. There was only about 1/4-1/2 of the theatre with seats filled, but the show did run throughout the entire week, so it made sense that a small production wouldn't be a full house all of the time. I heard of the event(s) in one of the free local newspapers; the article and front cover was done in such a way that it first made you think that they were a real boyband, on the rise to stardom, touring Canada to dance their hearts out.
There were only four actors, each playing one member of the band, as well as playing secondary characters. The difference was clear when the spotlights were on them, by changing/disguising their voices, and quick turn-arounds; there were no costume changes. It was really great to see a play done so well, with limited props (i.e none), and such a well written script. The fellas all danced to on-par choreography, and sang much better than was expected (...actually sounded like a boyband). A few of their satirical "songs" include "Actually Hurt", "Pushin' and Rockin'", and their "hit" "You Make My Hips Buck". The dance moves were slightly off, but were great to watch and made you start to believe they were a real band (I may have started to want an actual album...). Each actor made you believe their persona, and kudos to the writers that made the script so believable! Apparently the play is a revamping of a production that had been put on during the actual boyband surge, way back when. But I had to say by the end I already had a favourite boy that I'm sure would've been up on a poster in my room 10 years ago.
What's the second part of this super deal you ask? Well look no further than the previous-post mentioned Sonic Band of the Month, Cygnets. New Wave 80's synth in an small-time Albertan bar? Yes, please.
Cygnets suprisingly had not one, or two but three opening bands! I didn't quite get the name of the first band, who were great, but would've probably sounded better on an album...The lead singer also looked like he was wearing his big brothers giant, plain black t shirt and backwards baseball hat, instead of the front man of a band. The second group was a drum/DJ combination "band", called Summer Games. They really impressed me with their simplicity but highly addictive beats. Surprise, surprise the drummer was the same drummer from Shout Out Out Out Out who was into doing a sideproject. I love sideprojects.
The last opening band was former band of the month, Sister Grey, made up of two sisters (I assume) and two other backup instrument guys. The only song I knew was their featured Sonic song, but they were highly danceable and fun.
Cygnets put on a great show, with high energy, but in the end were a slight dissapoint. Don't get me wrong about their talent, I'm sure it was just a personal standard I had since I'd been waiting for the show for 1 month. There was also a part of the company I was with that made it less than stellar, you know how it is.
Cygnets is a great band that is completely dedicated to their work and art, so much so that they don't even sell anything. Not even their album. As I said in a previous post you can pick up a free album at Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and they were also giving away free copies at their show (along with pins, stickers, music download cards, and cupcakes! I know right, what could be better?).
It was a packed house, full of people that I wasn't expecting. But sometimes that can make the experience that much more memorable. Each time I go to the Pawn Shop (...ok, fine this is the only 2nd time), I like it more; the stage is a few feet off the ground so you don't crane your neck, yet you can still see the band even if there are a few taller people at the front. It's big enough to hold a good-sized audience, but not so big that you loose the intimacy of the artists. I wish that they'd start to host more great music.
PS. The Trews were also playing on April 29, doors opening at 6pm. I worked until 6, so no dice. Right? Well once we paid our $5 cover for the band of the month, I was wondering why the venue was already so crowded at 9.15 (when doors opened at 9). And then....I wondered why the band was already playing...and eventually realized it was the Trews! Pure luck to see the end of their show even when we couldn't make it.
Thursday was not quite a concert, but a play; a mockumentary musical about a 4-member boyband, Boygroove. Now these boys have some talent, but that's not why they're chosen to become a part of the hysteria, and the pheomenon that is a boyband (or that was a boyband, in the 1990's). Made of up "leader"-business-minded Kevin, bad boy Jon, activist and sensitive soul Andrew, and very religious with a big secret Lance. The play takes place at a time when boy bands (though one of the guys prefers the term "group", since no one plays instruments...) were all the rage, ruled the air waves, and toyed with girls hearts.
It was only $15 and was at the Catalyst Theatre just off of Whyte Ave. There was only about 1/4-1/2 of the theatre with seats filled, but the show did run throughout the entire week, so it made sense that a small production wouldn't be a full house all of the time. I heard of the event(s) in one of the free local newspapers; the article and front cover was done in such a way that it first made you think that they were a real boyband, on the rise to stardom, touring Canada to dance their hearts out.
There were only four actors, each playing one member of the band, as well as playing secondary characters. The difference was clear when the spotlights were on them, by changing/disguising their voices, and quick turn-arounds; there were no costume changes. It was really great to see a play done so well, with limited props (i.e none), and such a well written script. The fellas all danced to on-par choreography, and sang much better than was expected (...actually sounded like a boyband). A few of their satirical "songs" include "Actually Hurt", "Pushin' and Rockin'", and their "hit" "You Make My Hips Buck". The dance moves were slightly off, but were great to watch and made you start to believe they were a real band (I may have started to want an actual album...). Each actor made you believe their persona, and kudos to the writers that made the script so believable! Apparently the play is a revamping of a production that had been put on during the actual boyband surge, way back when. But I had to say by the end I already had a favourite boy that I'm sure would've been up on a poster in my room 10 years ago.
What's the second part of this super deal you ask? Well look no further than the previous-post mentioned Sonic Band of the Month, Cygnets. New Wave 80's synth in an small-time Albertan bar? Yes, please.
Cygnets suprisingly had not one, or two but three opening bands! I didn't quite get the name of the first band, who were great, but would've probably sounded better on an album...The lead singer also looked like he was wearing his big brothers giant, plain black t shirt and backwards baseball hat, instead of the front man of a band. The second group was a drum/DJ combination "band", called Summer Games. They really impressed me with their simplicity but highly addictive beats. Surprise, surprise the drummer was the same drummer from Shout Out Out Out Out who was into doing a sideproject. I love sideprojects.
The last opening band was former band of the month, Sister Grey, made up of two sisters (I assume) and two other backup instrument guys. The only song I knew was their featured Sonic song, but they were highly danceable and fun.
Cygnets put on a great show, with high energy, but in the end were a slight dissapoint. Don't get me wrong about their talent, I'm sure it was just a personal standard I had since I'd been waiting for the show for 1 month. There was also a part of the company I was with that made it less than stellar, you know how it is.
Cygnets is a great band that is completely dedicated to their work and art, so much so that they don't even sell anything. Not even their album. As I said in a previous post you can pick up a free album at Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and they were also giving away free copies at their show (along with pins, stickers, music download cards, and cupcakes! I know right, what could be better?).
It was a packed house, full of people that I wasn't expecting. But sometimes that can make the experience that much more memorable. Each time I go to the Pawn Shop (...ok, fine this is the only 2nd time), I like it more; the stage is a few feet off the ground so you don't crane your neck, yet you can still see the band even if there are a few taller people at the front. It's big enough to hold a good-sized audience, but not so big that you loose the intimacy of the artists. I wish that they'd start to host more great music.
PS. The Trews were also playing on April 29, doors opening at 6pm. I worked until 6, so no dice. Right? Well once we paid our $5 cover for the band of the month, I was wondering why the venue was already so crowded at 9.15 (when doors opened at 9). And then....I wondered why the band was already playing...and eventually realized it was the Trews! Pure luck to see the end of their show even when we couldn't make it.
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