Monday, January 25, 2010
why do i keep holding on?
This week for Damaged Goods, I invited one of my favourite bands back to play, because if I don't get a Fine Mist fix about once every three weeks, I just don't feel right.
Afterwards (and yes, you can do both since they go late), my friend Aisha is teaming up with Lief from Myths to start a new Friday at Roy G. Biv, which they've christened Deadbeatz. Scroll down for the inaugural line-up, which looks pretty good, below.
Regulars: January 25th-31st
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Hospital Blonde
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back in February
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Lownote and the Barcelona Chair
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Fine Mist
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: Mattress, Modern Creatures, and Animal Bodies
Good Burger @ 415 Abbott St.: unknown
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back on February 5th
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: The Manvils
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: World Club, Peace, and Charger Clime
now playing: Jay Arner - Creative Art
Monday, November 30, 2009
easy bake oven
Thanks to Manta Ray-Gun for playing Damaged Goods on Friday. These two are becoming one of my favourite local bands (which is why we had them back, of course), so if you couldn't make it down this past weekend and haven't checked them out yet, do yourself a favour and go see them next time they play.
In the meantime, you can check out their set on Thunderbird Radio Hell here.
Thanks also go out to Horsefly, who Manta Ray-Gun brough along with them this time out (not only do they rock, but they consistently bring awesome opening bands with them when they play). It's fitting that Ian's rocking a Dinosaur Jr. tee in that photo, because that influence is easy to hear in the band's music, right down to being epically loud. Keep your eye out for them.
Heads up: No More Strangers is at the Balmoral this week.
Regulars: November 30th-December 6th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Bleating Hearts, Pro Nails, and Hidden Towers
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: back on December 23rd(?)
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on December 16th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Makeout Videotape and Machu Picchu
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Modern Creatures, Twin Crystals, Pompoir, Tight Solid
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Born Lovers
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: the Good News and the WZRDZ
Good Burger @ Babar: unknown
First Friday @ the Eldorado: Black Wizard, Stryker, Merciless Onslaught, and Slaughter Hollow
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Blue Violets
Night Shift @ the Astoria: ?
No More Strangers @ the Balmoral: Little Girls, Walter TV, and Cat Attack
now playing: Jim James & Calexico - Goin' to Acapulco (Bob Dylan Cover)
Monday, November 23, 2009
mr. lightning
Manta Ray-Gun were so great last time they played Damaged Goods that we decided it would be rad if they played again. Also, last time they brought one of the bands they're friends with (the wonderful Cat Attack) that I hadn't heard, and they've graciously offered to do that again. This time with their buddies in Horsefly.
Manta Ray-Gun's also playing Shindig tomorrow, so if you can get out to the Railway, go and cheer them on, then come down to the Astoria on Friday to help celebrate what's hopefully a trip to the Shindig finals in December.
There's always a ton of great stuff to talk about in the weekly listings, but I thought I'd also note the White Lung and Womankind show at Honey on Thursday, which should be all kinds of awesome.
Check back later tonight for a sweet contest and in a few days for a ton more show announcements... and maybe another contest too.
Regulars: November 23rd-29th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Kidnap Kids, Manta Ray-Gun, Lengthy List of Lovers
Sailing @ the Astoria: Telephone Girls
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Little Sister & the Time Machine and Dylan Thomas & Your Vancouver Vipers
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on December 16th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back at the beginning on December 2nd
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: ?
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: White Lung and Womankind
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Mt. Royal
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Manta Ray-Gun and Horsefly
Good Burger @ Babar: unknown
First Friday @ the Eldorado: back on December 4th
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Myths
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back in December
No More Strangers @ Smiley's: Sean Nicholas Savage, Jasper Baydala, and Makeout Videotape
now playing: X - Poor Girl
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
bottom line
This week at Damaged Goods, I have the extreme pleasure of welcoming one of my favourite local live acts, MT-40 as well as a band I haven't heard live, No L.A. Kill (what's the best way to finally see a band you've been meaning to see for awhile? Book them).
Regulars: September 28th-October 4th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Jody Glenham, Lengthy List of Lovers, and Tigerhead
Boosh Tuesdays @ ?:
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ ?:
The Beehive @ Honey: back on October 21st
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Boogie Monster, Walter TV, and World Club
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: The Parallels, Hard Feelings, and Plus Perfect
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Congress
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: MT-40 and No L.A. Kill
Far Away @ the Media Club: Fine Mist
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: unknown
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: The Racoons
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on the 17th?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Basketball, Gang Violence, Babe Rainbow, and Boogie Monster
now playing: the Gaslight Anthem - Great Expectations
Thursday, September 24, 2009
motorcycle emptiness
I've been out a lot in the last week, which means that while I have a lot that I could have blogged about, blogging has been low on the priority list. But here's a quick and dirty recap...
I booked it, so I'm biased, but Techromancer kicked ass at Damaged Goods on Friday. Thanks to Calli and Andrew for playing.
On Saturday, I caught one of my favourite bands, the Hold Steady, at the Vogue. It wasn't really the best venue for the band, but I guess it was the best suitable all-ager they could find (though it didn't look like there were too many kids in attendance). The band played a nice mix from their whole catalogue, also throwing in a handful of new songs, including one that was performed for the first time. I've seen them quite a few times and it was the first time they've played "Positive Jam," so that was nice to hear, but the highlights were a pair of b-sides: "Girls Like Status" and "212 Margarita."
Exactly 10 years ago, Tuesday, I tried (and failed - it was sold out and I was underage) to see the Manic Street Preachers. So, this Tuesday at the Commodore was a long time coming. They played pretty much exactly what you'd expect a band that hasn't been on the continent in a decade to play: a smattering from the new record mixed into what was largely a greatest hits set... which was fine with me. I've been waiting to hear "Faster" live forever, but "Motorcycle Emptiness" and "Design for Life" were pretty epic ways of opening and closing (respectively) a show.
And, last night, I caught Brasstronaut, who were their usual charming selves, at the Biltmore. The opening band, whose name currently escapes me, sort of sounded like Tegan & Sara (minus one female harmony and plus a male one), which is fitting, as Tegan apparently produced their record.
Tomorrow, Slaves and Cloaks play at Solder & Sons.
Wooden Shjips, Von Bingen, and Solars play the ANZA on Sunday.
Jeffrey Lewis plays the Rickshaw with Ora Corgan on September 28th.
City Center, Tigerhead, and Haunted Beard play Little Mountain on October 1st.
Kidnap Kids, Fine Mist, Candles, Magician & the Gates of Love, and Half Chinese play Goonies on October 3rd.
Nadja, Empty Love & Scantintone, Ahna play the Rickshaw the same night.
Adjective, Fake Shark Real Zombie, and Hard Feelings play the Media Club on October 5th.
now playing: Fine Mist - When No One's Home
Monday, September 14, 2009
epic battle
"Spoiler Alert" is competing with Fine Mist's "Stop or Start" for dance jam of the Summer, so if for nothing else, show up to shake it to that.
Regulars: September 14th-20th
Monday
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: Joel and the Last of the Neighbours, Plus Perfect, and Safety Show
Sailing @ the Astoria: Peace
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: David Slave, Stefana Fratila, Wundershnausen, the Sorrow & the Pity
The Beehive @ Honey: back on September 30th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the first week of October
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back at the end of September
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Manta Ray-Gun, Cat Attack, Student Teacher
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Techromancer
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Good Burger @ Babar: B-Lines
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Ninjasonik, Totally Michael, and Mad Rad (and it's Jason's birthday)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on the 26th. Astoria Soul Club is on this week.
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Half Chinese and Student Teacher
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
pennies
Why don't we start this catch up post with pics (and a video that I didn't take) from the Clips last show at Olio a few weeks back. Hopefully, you made it out to bid adieu to one of Vancouver's finest (though, if you didn't, they'll be back with new songs, and a slightly new line up).
And now a fast forward recap of other notable stuff:
- I caught Walter TV, Makeout Videotape, and Recreation last Thursday. I'd seen Make out Videotape before, but the sound was sort of abysmal at the show I caught. This time around was much better. Walter TV and Recreation were great as well. Apparently this was an all-White Rock (or White Rock-ex-pats) show.
- A big, big thanks to Manta Ray-Gun and Cat Attack who were both awesome on Friday at Damaged Goods. I booked both bands after only hearing their recorded stuff, but was totally blown away by how good they sounded live. It was only Cat Attack's second show, so look for big things from them in the future. I loved Manta Ray-Gun so much, I bought one of their tapes (if you see them, you should too).
- I was at Glory Days on Saturday for a friend's going away party. They don't do in-and-outs now. I can't remember any legal, non-Granville Strip bar doing that in this city.
One Cool Word is celebrating the release of their latest issue tomorrow at the Biltmore with World Club, Maria in the Shower, and Spoon River.
Justice Rocks (check the link for the full line-up) takes place on Saturday afternoon for free in Strathcona Park.
Also on Saturday, is the Bicycle Music Festival (once again check the link for the line up), which starts at New Brighton Park at 10am before moving throughout the city. The full route and schedule will go up here in a few days.
The Rain & the Sidewalk celebrate the release of their latest CD on September 5th with Role Mach and Collapsing Opposites.
Katasroyka, Girlfriends & Boyfriends, and the Ludvico Treatment play the Media Club the same night.
Hope Sandoval once again ignores her apparently crippling stage fright to play the Red Room on September 22nd.
Junior Boys are at Venue on October 8th.
Vic Chesnutt plays the Red Room on November 26th. He'll be backed by a band that features Guy from Fugazi and members of A Silver Mt. Zion.
Maximo Park, which was originally scheduled for September 7th at Venue, is canceled.A lot A handfulA couple of people are really bummed about that one.
And, last, but certainly not least, happy birthday to Megan from Fine Mist and Andy Dixon!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
brace yourself for the end
First things first, this week From Blown Speakers (hey, that's me) and Damaged Goods present two bands that I've never heard live before at the Astoria: Manta Raygun and Cat Attack. The easiest thing to do when two bands have recorded music that piques your interest is to book them to play... and I'm pretty lazy. Seriously though, their studio (or more likely, makeshift studio) stuff sounds great, and Cat Attack features one half of MT-40 (who know how to bring it live), so come down for good times (as per usual) at Damaged Goods.
Speaking of being lazy, this was supposed to go up on Tuesday, but I've been slacking when it comes to internerding. Sorry, Boosh/Sailing.
Speaking of Tuesdays, they're about to get a lot radder in September (and they're pretty good already), because Shindig is back soon! And because someone at CiTR is very kind, here's the list of bands to whet your appetite before the schedule is released in a week or so (if I were good at the internet it would say "FROM BLOWN SPEAKERS EXCLUSIVE" and there would be buttons for retweeting or something):
Aunts & Uncles, Bad Fate, Bench/Dawn Optimist, Blank Cinema, Bleating Hearts, Catamaran, Half Chinese, Hidden Towers, Humans, Jody Glenham, Kidnap Kids!, Lengthy List of Lovers, Machu Picchu, Manta Raygun, Modern Lakes, Move on Citizen, MT-40, No Time, Pro Nails, Search Parties, Seven Nines and Tens, The Living Deadbeats,The Receptionists, Thee AHs, Tigerhead, Weathered Pines, Witch Water
It's going to be a good year.
Regulars: August 179th-21st
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: Eugene Chadbourne, Ora Corgan, and Yellowthief
The Beehive @ Honey: Dead Ghosts, Manic Attracts, Indian Wars
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on August 26th.
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: back on August 27th
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Manta Raygun and Cat Attack
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Phantom Islands @ Hoko's: back at the end of August
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Old Money
Night Shift @ the Astoria: no Night Shift. Astoria Soul Club is on instead.
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Greenbelt Collective, Witch Water, and Adam Carter & Teal Booth
now playing: Manta Raygun - Melatonin
Monday, July 20, 2009
neon eyelids lift me up to the sky
The Clips haven't played in Vancouver since November of last year, so I'm really excited that they agreed to play Damaged Goods this coming Friday. If you've heard their record or seen them live, I probably don't need to say much more than that.
I'm going to optimistically suggest that you should get there early, because this really should be a packed show.
Regulars: July 20th - July 26th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: unknown (looking for a new venue?)
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: the Falklands, Plus Perfect, What's Wrong With Tohei?
Sailing @ the Astoria: Half Chinese
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: The Two Dads, Feral Children, Mind Kontrol Ultra, Human Shield, Knots
The Beehive @ Honey: back on July 29th
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on July 29th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Stamina Mantis, Nihilist Party, and Role Mach
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: the Clips
Far Away @ the Media Club: MT-40
Phantom Islands @ Hoko's: Stamina Mantis, Payday Millionaire, Air Castle, and Sajia Sultana
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Hard Drugs and Adelaide
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on August 8th
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: the Magician and Girlfriends & Boyfriends
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
we'll find a little place by the water/worry all our friends back home
That's a paper mache pinata representation of my friend Neil and I. The guy's been one of my best friends for the last few years and during that time he's always talked about ditching Vancouver to get out and see the world. Today he's finally leaving to do it.
I was going to post this song with a different write up, but, especially with the weather, it seems most appropriate now.
Travel safe, buddy.
download: Japandroids - "Sovereignty" (zshare)
Speaking of Japandroids, Brian did a "Guest List" for Pfork that ran today.
I'm a little behind, but thanks to Healthy Students and Shove for totally slaying at Damaged Goods last Friday.
Tomorrow, Zaimph, Pete Swanson (ex-Yellow Swans), Magneticring, and Solars are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, World Club, Sharp Ends, Stamina Mantis, and Endangered Ape are at the Rickshaw on July 4th.
Watercolour Paintings, Iji, Rose Melberg, Bleating Hearts, and Collapsing Opposites play the Shed (815 E. 10th) on July 6th. Unthank Cinema is screening Macunaima and Klink Versus Superman before and after (respectively) the music.
Frog Eyes are at the Media Club on July 11th.
Silversun Pickups play August 18th and 19th at the Commodore.
Fruit Bats and Johnny & the Moon play the Media Club on August 19th.
Pissed Jeans are at the Media Club on August 22nd.
Sea Wolf play the Media Club on September 11th.
John Vanderslice are at the Media Club on September 16th.
Sunny Day Real Estate reunite for a tour that hits the Commodore on September 17th.
The Hold Steady play an all-ager at the Vogue on September 19th.
There's a second Girl Talk show at the Commodore the same night since the first one sold out so fast.
Thanks to White Whale for letting me giveaway a pair of tickets to their anniversary show tomorrow and a bunch of CDs. I'll be in Calgary for Sled Island, but if you're in town, go welcome those guys back into town.
Speaking of Sled, since I'll be there, I'll only update if I can find internet in the morning before the music starts.
now playing: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
why do i keep holding on?
This week for Damaged Goods, I invited one of my favourite bands back to play, because if I don't get a Fine Mist fix about once every three weeks, I just don't feel right.
Afterwards (and yes, you can do both since they go late), my friend Aisha is teaming up with Lief from Myths to start a new Friday at Roy G. Biv, which they've christened Deadbeatz. Scroll down for the inaugural line-up, which looks pretty good, below.
Regulars: January 25th-31st
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Hospital Blonde
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back in February
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Lownote and the Barcelona Chair
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Fine Mist
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: Mattress, Modern Creatures, and Animal Bodies
Good Burger @ 415 Abbott St.: unknown
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back on February 5th
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: The Manvils
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: World Club, Peace, and Charger Clime
now playing: Jay Arner - Creative Art
Labels: damaged goods, fine mist, show announcements, weekly listings
Monday, November 30, 2009
easy bake oven
Thanks to Manta Ray-Gun for playing Damaged Goods on Friday. These two are becoming one of my favourite local bands (which is why we had them back, of course), so if you couldn't make it down this past weekend and haven't checked them out yet, do yourself a favour and go see them next time they play.
In the meantime, you can check out their set on Thunderbird Radio Hell here.
Thanks also go out to Horsefly, who Manta Ray-Gun brough along with them this time out (not only do they rock, but they consistently bring awesome opening bands with them when they play). It's fitting that Ian's rocking a Dinosaur Jr. tee in that photo, because that influence is easy to hear in the band's music, right down to being epically loud. Keep your eye out for them.
Heads up: No More Strangers is at the Balmoral this week.
Regulars: November 30th-December 6th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Bleating Hearts, Pro Nails, and Hidden Towers
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: back on December 23rd(?)
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on December 16th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Makeout Videotape and Machu Picchu
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Modern Creatures, Twin Crystals, Pompoir, Tight Solid
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Born Lovers
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: the Good News and the WZRDZ
Good Burger @ Babar: unknown
First Friday @ the Eldorado: Black Wizard, Stryker, Merciless Onslaught, and Slaughter Hollow
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Blue Violets
Night Shift @ the Astoria: ?
No More Strangers @ the Balmoral: Little Girls, Walter TV, and Cat Attack
now playing: Jim James & Calexico - Goin' to Acapulco (Bob Dylan Cover)
Labels: damaged goods, horsefly, manta ray-gun, show announcements, weekly listings
Monday, November 23, 2009
mr. lightning
Manta Ray-Gun were so great last time they played Damaged Goods that we decided it would be rad if they played again. Also, last time they brought one of the bands they're friends with (the wonderful Cat Attack) that I hadn't heard, and they've graciously offered to do that again. This time with their buddies in Horsefly.
Manta Ray-Gun's also playing Shindig tomorrow, so if you can get out to the Railway, go and cheer them on, then come down to the Astoria on Friday to help celebrate what's hopefully a trip to the Shindig finals in December.
There's always a ton of great stuff to talk about in the weekly listings, but I thought I'd also note the White Lung and Womankind show at Honey on Thursday, which should be all kinds of awesome.
Check back later tonight for a sweet contest and in a few days for a ton more show announcements... and maybe another contest too.
Regulars: November 23rd-29th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Kidnap Kids, Manta Ray-Gun, Lengthy List of Lovers
Sailing @ the Astoria: Telephone Girls
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Little Sister & the Time Machine and Dylan Thomas & Your Vancouver Vipers
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on December 16th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back at the beginning on December 2nd
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: ?
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: White Lung and Womankind
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Mt. Royal
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Manta Ray-Gun and Horsefly
Good Burger @ Babar: unknown
First Friday @ the Eldorado: back on December 4th
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Myths
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back in December
No More Strangers @ Smiley's: Sean Nicholas Savage, Jasper Baydala, and Makeout Videotape
now playing: X - Poor Girl
Labels: damaged goods, show announcements, weekly listings
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
bottom line
This week at Damaged Goods, I have the extreme pleasure of welcoming one of my favourite local live acts, MT-40 as well as a band I haven't heard live, No L.A. Kill (what's the best way to finally see a band you've been meaning to see for awhile? Book them).
Regulars: September 28th-October 4th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Jody Glenham, Lengthy List of Lovers, and Tigerhead
Boosh Tuesdays @ ?:
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ ?:
The Beehive @ Honey: back on October 21st
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Boogie Monster, Walter TV, and World Club
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: The Parallels, Hard Feelings, and Plus Perfect
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: Congress
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: MT-40 and No L.A. Kill
Far Away @ the Media Club: Fine Mist
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: unknown
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: The Racoons
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on the 17th?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Basketball, Gang Violence, Babe Rainbow, and Boogie Monster
now playing: the Gaslight Anthem - Great Expectations
Labels: damaged goods, show announcements, weekly listings
Thursday, September 24, 2009
motorcycle emptiness
I've been out a lot in the last week, which means that while I have a lot that I could have blogged about, blogging has been low on the priority list. But here's a quick and dirty recap...
I booked it, so I'm biased, but Techromancer kicked ass at Damaged Goods on Friday. Thanks to Calli and Andrew for playing.
On Saturday, I caught one of my favourite bands, the Hold Steady, at the Vogue. It wasn't really the best venue for the band, but I guess it was the best suitable all-ager they could find (though it didn't look like there were too many kids in attendance). The band played a nice mix from their whole catalogue, also throwing in a handful of new songs, including one that was performed for the first time. I've seen them quite a few times and it was the first time they've played "Positive Jam," so that was nice to hear, but the highlights were a pair of b-sides: "Girls Like Status" and "212 Margarita."
Exactly 10 years ago, Tuesday, I tried (and failed - it was sold out and I was underage) to see the Manic Street Preachers. So, this Tuesday at the Commodore was a long time coming. They played pretty much exactly what you'd expect a band that hasn't been on the continent in a decade to play: a smattering from the new record mixed into what was largely a greatest hits set... which was fine with me. I've been waiting to hear "Faster" live forever, but "Motorcycle Emptiness" and "Design for Life" were pretty epic ways of opening and closing (respectively) a show.
And, last night, I caught Brasstronaut, who were their usual charming selves, at the Biltmore. The opening band, whose name currently escapes me, sort of sounded like Tegan & Sara (minus one female harmony and plus a male one), which is fitting, as Tegan apparently produced their record.
Tomorrow, Slaves and Cloaks play at Solder & Sons.
Wooden Shjips, Von Bingen, and Solars play the ANZA on Sunday.
Jeffrey Lewis plays the Rickshaw with Ora Corgan on September 28th.
City Center, Tigerhead, and Haunted Beard play Little Mountain on October 1st.
Kidnap Kids, Fine Mist, Candles, Magician & the Gates of Love, and Half Chinese play Goonies on October 3rd.
Nadja, Empty Love & Scantintone, Ahna play the Rickshaw the same night.
Adjective, Fake Shark Real Zombie, and Hard Feelings play the Media Club on October 5th.
now playing: Fine Mist - When No One's Home
Labels: brasstronaut, damaged goods, manic street preachers, show announcements, show recaps, techromancer, the hold steady
Monday, September 14, 2009
epic battle
This week at Damaged Goods, I have the distinct pleasure of helping welcome Victoria's Techromancer back to Vancouver. They were awesome at Music Waste, but went on at an all-too-un-rock'n'roll hour and suffered through some technical glitches at No More Strangers last month, so we're bringing them to town to show off their stuff at a more party friendly time with (cross your fingers) all the sound sorted out.
"Spoiler Alert" is competing with Fine Mist's "Stop or Start" for dance jam of the Summer, so if for nothing else, show up to shake it to that.
Regulars: September 14th-20th
Monday
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: Joel and the Last of the Neighbours, Plus Perfect, and Safety Show
Sailing @ the Astoria: Peace
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: David Slave, Stefana Fratila, Wundershnausen, the Sorrow & the Pity
The Beehive @ Honey: back on September 30th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the first week of October
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back at the end of September
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Manta Ray-Gun, Cat Attack, Student Teacher
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Techromancer
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Good Burger @ Babar: B-Lines
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Ninjasonik, Totally Michael, and Mad Rad (and it's Jason's birthday)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on the 26th. Astoria Soul Club is on this week.
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Half Chinese and Student Teacher
Labels: damaged goods, show announcements, techromancer, weekly listings
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
pennies
Why don't we start this catch up post with pics (and a video that I didn't take) from the Clips last show at Olio a few weeks back. Hopefully, you made it out to bid adieu to one of Vancouver's finest (though, if you didn't, they'll be back with new songs, and a slightly new line up).
And now a fast forward recap of other notable stuff:
- I caught Walter TV, Makeout Videotape, and Recreation last Thursday. I'd seen Make out Videotape before, but the sound was sort of abysmal at the show I caught. This time around was much better. Walter TV and Recreation were great as well. Apparently this was an all-White Rock (or White Rock-ex-pats) show.
- A big, big thanks to Manta Ray-Gun and Cat Attack who were both awesome on Friday at Damaged Goods. I booked both bands after only hearing their recorded stuff, but was totally blown away by how good they sounded live. It was only Cat Attack's second show, so look for big things from them in the future. I loved Manta Ray-Gun so much, I bought one of their tapes (if you see them, you should too).
- I was at Glory Days on Saturday for a friend's going away party. They don't do in-and-outs now. I can't remember any legal, non-Granville Strip bar doing that in this city.
One Cool Word is celebrating the release of their latest issue tomorrow at the Biltmore with World Club, Maria in the Shower, and Spoon River.
Justice Rocks (check the link for the full line-up) takes place on Saturday afternoon for free in Strathcona Park.
Also on Saturday, is the Bicycle Music Festival (once again check the link for the line up), which starts at New Brighton Park at 10am before moving throughout the city. The full route and schedule will go up here in a few days.
The Rain & the Sidewalk celebrate the release of their latest CD on September 5th with Role Mach and Collapsing Opposites.
Katasroyka, Girlfriends & Boyfriends, and the Ludvico Treatment play the Media Club the same night.
Hope Sandoval once again ignores her apparently crippling stage fright to play the Red Room on September 22nd.
Junior Boys are at Venue on October 8th.
Vic Chesnutt plays the Red Room on November 26th. He'll be backed by a band that features Guy from Fugazi and members of A Silver Mt. Zion.
Maximo Park, which was originally scheduled for September 7th at Venue, is canceled.
And, last, but certainly not least, happy birthday to Megan from Fine Mist and Andy Dixon!
Labels: birthdays, cat attack, damaged goods, lazy show recaps, makeout videotape, manta ray-gun, recreation, show announcements, the clips, walter tv
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
brace yourself for the end
First things first, this week From Blown Speakers (hey, that's me) and Damaged Goods present two bands that I've never heard live before at the Astoria: Manta Raygun and Cat Attack. The easiest thing to do when two bands have recorded music that piques your interest is to book them to play... and I'm pretty lazy. Seriously though, their studio (or more likely, makeshift studio) stuff sounds great, and Cat Attack features one half of MT-40 (who know how to bring it live), so come down for good times (as per usual) at Damaged Goods.
Speaking of being lazy, this was supposed to go up on Tuesday, but I've been slacking when it comes to internerding. Sorry, Boosh/Sailing.
Speaking of Tuesdays, they're about to get a lot radder in September (and they're pretty good already), because Shindig is back soon! And because someone at CiTR is very kind, here's the list of bands to whet your appetite before the schedule is released in a week or so (if I were good at the internet it would say "FROM BLOWN SPEAKERS EXCLUSIVE" and there would be buttons for retweeting or something):
Aunts & Uncles, Bad Fate, Bench/Dawn Optimist, Blank Cinema, Bleating Hearts, Catamaran, Half Chinese, Hidden Towers, Humans, Jody Glenham, Kidnap Kids!, Lengthy List of Lovers, Machu Picchu, Manta Raygun, Modern Lakes, Move on Citizen, MT-40, No Time, Pro Nails, Search Parties, Seven Nines and Tens, The Living Deadbeats,The Receptionists, Thee AHs, Tigerhead, Weathered Pines, Witch Water
It's going to be a good year.
Regulars: August 1
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: Eugene Chadbourne, Ora Corgan, and Yellowthief
The Beehive @ Honey: Dead Ghosts, Manic Attracts, Indian Wars
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on August 26th.
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: back on August 27th
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Manta Raygun and Cat Attack
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Phantom Islands @ Hoko's: back at the end of August
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Old Money
Night Shift @ the Astoria: no Night Shift. Astoria Soul Club is on instead.
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Greenbelt Collective, Witch Water, and Adam Carter & Teal Booth
now playing: Manta Raygun - Melatonin
Labels: damaged goods, shindig, weekly listings
Monday, July 20, 2009
neon eyelids lift me up to the sky
The Clips haven't played in Vancouver since November of last year, so I'm really excited that they agreed to play Damaged Goods this coming Friday. If you've heard their record or seen them live, I probably don't need to say much more than that.
I'm going to optimistically suggest that you should get there early, because this really should be a packed show.
Regulars: July 20th - July 26th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: unknown (looking for a new venue?)
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: the Falklands, Plus Perfect, What's Wrong With Tohei?
Sailing @ the Astoria: Half Chinese
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: The Two Dads, Feral Children, Mind Kontrol Ultra, Human Shield, Knots
The Beehive @ Honey: back on July 29th
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on July 29th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Stamina Mantis, Nihilist Party, and Role Mach
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: the Clips
Far Away @ the Media Club: MT-40
Phantom Islands @ Hoko's: Stamina Mantis, Payday Millionaire, Air Castle, and Sajia Sultana
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Hard Drugs and Adelaide
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back on August 8th
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: the Magician and Girlfriends & Boyfriends
Labels: damaged goods, the clips, weekly listings
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
we'll find a little place by the water/worry all our friends back home
That's a paper mache pinata representation of my friend Neil and I. The guy's been one of my best friends for the last few years and during that time he's always talked about ditching Vancouver to get out and see the world. Today he's finally leaving to do it.
I was going to post this song with a different write up, but, especially with the weather, it seems most appropriate now.
Travel safe, buddy.
download: Japandroids - "Sovereignty" (zshare)
Speaking of Japandroids, Brian did a "Guest List" for Pfork that ran today.
I'm a little behind, but thanks to Healthy Students and Shove for totally slaying at Damaged Goods last Friday.
Tomorrow, Zaimph, Pete Swanson (ex-Yellow Swans), Magneticring, and Solars are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, World Club, Sharp Ends, Stamina Mantis, and Endangered Ape are at the Rickshaw on July 4th.
Watercolour Paintings, Iji, Rose Melberg, Bleating Hearts, and Collapsing Opposites play the Shed (815 E. 10th) on July 6th. Unthank Cinema is screening Macunaima and Klink Versus Superman before and after (respectively) the music.
Frog Eyes are at the Media Club on July 11th.
Silversun Pickups play August 18th and 19th at the Commodore.
Fruit Bats and Johnny & the Moon play the Media Club on August 19th.
Pissed Jeans are at the Media Club on August 22nd.
Sea Wolf play the Media Club on September 11th.
John Vanderslice are at the Media Club on September 16th.
Sunny Day Real Estate reunite for a tour that hits the Commodore on September 17th.
The Hold Steady play an all-ager at the Vogue on September 19th.
There's a second Girl Talk show at the Commodore the same night since the first one sold out so fast.
Thanks to White Whale for letting me giveaway a pair of tickets to their anniversary show tomorrow and a bunch of CDs. I'll be in Calgary for Sled Island, but if you're in town, go welcome those guys back into town.
Speaking of Sled, since I'll be there, I'll only update if I can find internet in the morning before the music starts.
now playing: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
Labels: damaged goods, healthy students, mp3, shove, show announcements, show recaps
