Friday, November 26, 2010
90's kids
A reminder that Fine Mist finally celebrates the release of Public Domain tomorrow night at Glory Days at the Biltmore. No Gold also plays and doors are at 10pm instead of the usual 11pm, so get there early.
Megan and Jay will be performing the whole record with a full band.
Also, check out their BandCamp page, where any aspiring producers (or people who just really like Megan's singing) can download just the vocal tracks from the record for easy remixing.
Last night, I made it down to the Biltmore for most of the CiTR Fundrive finale. There were a few people taking videos, so I'll keep it quick and dirty by singling out that Beekeeper's rendition of Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead," Leah Abramson covering Concrete Blonde's "Joey," and Rick White's Hair (feat. Adrian from Apollo Ghosts on vocals) doing Weezer's "El Scorcho" were the highlights for the part I was there for.
This question was bandied about quite a bit last night, so I thought I'd pose it here too: if you were going to cover two 90s songs, what would they be?
Friday, October 22, 2010
o wake
There are a lot of things I could say about a given band, but one of the strongest statements you can make about anything is to put your money where your mouth is. So, while I've sung the praises of Fine Mist on many occasions, this time my opinion comes backed by sizable chunk of my expendable income. Quite a few months ago now, I was drunkenly (the state when all of my best/worst music related ideas are formed) chatting with Megan about the album that she and Jay were putting the finishing touches on. As my state of mind at the time was fairly one track, namely, "when in the Hell can I get this record," when she told me they were having trouble finding a label, I immediately slurred, "I want to put it out."
There's two things to note here. One, thankfully, she didn't hold me exactly to my word, because putting out an LP (on 180g vinyl, no less) is way more expensive than I naively thought, so there's no way I could afford the entire thing. And two, while that story makes it sound like a combination of my big mouth and a few too many roped me into this, I couldn't be prouder to be a part of Public Domain.
I could go on about the music, but I'm obviously biased, so I'll leave you with the Straight, who called the record "ludicrously fun" and Exclaim! who deemed it "one of the best records to come out of the West Coast this year". Honestly though, what do critics know? So, head over to the CBC Radio 3 website, where you can stream the whole thing.
You can order Public Domain online by following the directions here, pick it up at one of the bands shows (their next one is this Saturday at the China Cloud), or buy it from Red Cat, Scratch, Zoo Zhop, or Zulu. Or, if you really want, and you live in Mt. Pleasant/Fairview or are at UBC during the day, I'll bring one to you for $12 (how's that for service?).
Megan and Jay play tomorrow night at the China Cloud with Lakefield and PaperSailBoat and they'll be having an official-a-few-months-late release party on November 27th at Glory Days with No Gold.
now playing: Fine Mist - Palm Trees
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, January 11, 2010
in the morning
The DJ-night-with-band weeklies are always a bit weird, since the audience is sort of captive (I mean, you can go outside for a breather/smoke or move back, but you're probably not going to walk out completely), but there's a decent chance they didn't show up just to see the band perform. With that in mind, it's always interesting to see how many people who clearly didn't come for the live portion of the evening that a band can draw towards the stage and engage. And on Friday and Saturday, both bands did a pretty good job of that.
Regulars: January 11th-17th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Ex-Friends
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Tight Solid and Peace
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on January 20th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: World Club, Peace, and Witch Water
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Good Burger @ Babar: ?
First Friday @ the Eldorado: ironically, back on January 22nd
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Channels 3x4
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on January 30th
now playing: LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
Monday, May 18, 2009
i never know how these things are supposed to go
Contest: Sled Island Pass Giveaway
This Friday marks the second edition of Damaged Goods where I got to pick the bands, and I'm psyched to announce that two of my local favourites, Fine Mist and Candles, are both going to perform.
To add to the excitement, the fine folks at Sled Island have offered up a pair of festival passes to give out. You'll have to find your own way to Calgary for June 24th-27th, but I assure you, it's well worth it (even if you don't win freebies, it's worth buying a couple of passes and taking a road trip to Cowtown). I had a blast last year and judging by the initial line-up,this year should be the same. Also, in all honesty, I went purely for the music last year, and wasn't expecting much out of the city itself, but Calgary was a blast. We met a bunch of rad locals and also hooked up with friends from Vancouver. Speaking of the latter, Fine Mist, along with a bunch of other bands, will lead a strong Vancouver presence again this year.
So, since it's a tie-in with a show (and also because the prize is so sweet), this contest's going to run a little differently. You have to be in attendance on Friday to win (we'll pick the winner between Candles' and Fine Mist's sets). But, you can potentially enter twice. Anyone who pays cover on Friday will get an entry into the contest, but you can also email me (at quinn.omori AT gmail.com with the subject line "Sled Island Contest") anytime between now and 4:00pm on Friday the 22nd, and you'll get an additional entry into the draw. Make sense? Good.
And for a taste of Friday, click through to Popsheep to check out Fine Mist's "Stop or Start."
Regulars: May 18th-24th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: Girl Goes Electric, Falcao & Monashee, and Stefan Fratila
Again, not a live music night, but Ice Cream Social kicks off at its new location, Honey, tonight.
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: MJ's birthday show with Needles & Pins and it's a fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Vancouver
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: Leviathans, Diadem, ATTN: Diamond Shoppers, Sara Good, with Andy Dixon DJing between sets.
Inept Wednesdays @ the Astoria: no live act
The Beehive @ Honey: back on May 27th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Osk, Dichotomy, and War Hero
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Fine Mist and Candles
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Harlem Shakes
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Timecopz and Mode Moderne
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: the SSRIs and Nihilist Party
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
we got an amplifier
On Friday, I was down at the Commodore to cover the Weakerthans/Constantines co-headlining tour for Discorder
The Cons are one of my favourite live acts and they certainly didn't disappoint during their latest visit (although, I was a little bummed that they didn't play "On to You"). I was at Sled Island when they last rolled through town, almost a year ago, so this was the first time I'd heard the Kensington Heights stuff live since that record came out. The new(ish) stuff stands up well to the back catalogue, but "Young Offenders" and "Young Lions" were still the highlights. John K. Samson taking vocals on "Little Instrument" was a nice treat too.
I haven't been terribly excited by the Weakerthans since Left and Leaving, but I do still enjoy their live show, and I was really into the first two records when they came out, so, if nothing else, it's a big nostalgia kick. That's probably selling them a little short, although I've always thought that they were infinitely more enjoyable if you were already familiar with their music, especially since the lyrics are such an important component.
Speaking of lyrics, someone told me the band stopped playing "One Great City," because they didn't like how non-Winnipeg crowds took the song's double sided refrain ("I hate Winnipeg") and turned it on it's head, shouting it back in a sincere way, that sort of misses the point of the song. Well, they played it, and the crowd gleefully shouted, which is ironic, considering it could just as easily be about Vancouver (or Toronto or wherever). But I digress...
Last Thursday, Brasstronaut played their homecoming show after a few months in Banff for an artist's residency. They were joined by a rotating cast of guests that helped fill out their sound, but the thing that really jumped out at me was how tight the band's become since they left. It's not that they were sloppy to begin with, but their playing is extra impressive now.
I got to the Biltmore just as Fine Mist. I know some people aren't into their limited instrumentation live (backing tracks and a synth), but I'm into seeing them whenever I can.
Seven Nines & Tens play with My Mom's a Werewolf on May 14th at Pat's.
The Dreadnoughts are at Pat's the next night with Mexican Drug Patrol.
Hercules & Love Affair are doing a DJ set (do these guys ever actually perform their songs?) at Celebs on May 17th. Locals Jason Lev supports.
Deastro is at the Media Club on June 21st.
The Rural Alberta Advantage, who actually hail from TO, are at the Media Club on July 5th.
Eagles of Death Metal play the Commodore on July 20th and 21st. Flash Lightnin' support.
Maximo Park is at Richard's on September 7th.
now playing: Big Black - the Model
90's kids
A reminder that Fine Mist finally celebrates the release of Public Domain tomorrow night at Glory Days at the Biltmore. No Gold also plays and doors are at 10pm instead of the usual 11pm, so get there early.
Megan and Jay will be performing the whole record with a full band.
Also, check out their BandCamp page, where any aspiring producers (or people who just really like Megan's singing) can download just the vocal tracks from the record for easy remixing.
Last night, I made it down to the Biltmore for most of the CiTR Fundrive finale. There were a few people taking videos, so I'll keep it quick and dirty by singling out that Beekeeper's rendition of Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead," Leah Abramson covering Concrete Blonde's "Joey," and Rick White's Hair (feat. Adrian from Apollo Ghosts on vocals) doing Weezer's "El Scorcho" were the highlights for the part I was there for.
This question was bandied about quite a bit last night, so I thought I'd pose it here too: if you were going to cover two 90s songs, what would they be?
Labels: apollo ghosts, beekeeper, citr, fine mist, leah abramson, show recaps
Friday, October 22, 2010
o wake
There are a lot of things I could say about a given band, but one of the strongest statements you can make about anything is to put your money where your mouth is. So, while I've sung the praises of Fine Mist on many occasions, this time my opinion comes backed by sizable chunk of my expendable income. Quite a few months ago now, I was drunkenly (the state when all of my best/worst music related ideas are formed) chatting with Megan about the album that she and Jay were putting the finishing touches on. As my state of mind at the time was fairly one track, namely, "when in the Hell can I get this record," when she told me they were having trouble finding a label, I immediately slurred, "I want to put it out."
There's two things to note here. One, thankfully, she didn't hold me exactly to my word, because putting out an LP (on 180g vinyl, no less) is way more expensive than I naively thought, so there's no way I could afford the entire thing. And two, while that story makes it sound like a combination of my big mouth and a few too many roped me into this, I couldn't be prouder to be a part of Public Domain.
I could go on about the music, but I'm obviously biased, so I'll leave you with the Straight, who called the record "ludicrously fun" and Exclaim! who deemed it "one of the best records to come out of the West Coast this year". Honestly though, what do critics know? So, head over to the CBC Radio 3 website, where you can stream the whole thing.
You can order Public Domain online by following the directions here, pick it up at one of the bands shows (their next one is this Saturday at the China Cloud), or buy it from Red Cat, Scratch, Zoo Zhop, or Zulu. Or, if you really want, and you live in Mt. Pleasant/Fairview or are at UBC during the day, I'll bring one to you for $12 (how's that for service?).
Megan and Jay play tomorrow night at the China Cloud with Lakefield and PaperSailBoat and they'll be having an official-a-few-months-late release party on November 27th at Glory Days with No Gold.
now playing: Fine Mist - Palm Trees
Labels: fine mist, show announcements
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
Labels: damaged goods, fine mist, show announcements, weekly listings
Monday, January 11, 2010
in the morning
This weekend, I managed to catch both Timecopz, who rocked Damaged Goods and one of my favourite bands, Fine Mist, at Glory Days.
The DJ-night-with-band weeklies are always a bit weird, since the audience is sort of captive (I mean, you can go outside for a breather/smoke or move back, but you're probably not going to walk out completely), but there's a decent chance they didn't show up just to see the band perform. With that in mind, it's always interesting to see how many people who clearly didn't come for the live portion of the evening that a band can draw towards the stage and engage. And on Friday and Saturday, both bands did a pretty good job of that.
Regulars: January 11th-17th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Ex-Friends
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Tight Solid and Peace
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on January 20th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: World Club, Peace, and Witch Water
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Good Burger @ Babar: ?
First Friday @ the Eldorado: ironically, back on January 22nd
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Channels 3x4
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on January 30th
now playing: LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
Labels: fine mist, show announcements, show recaps, timecopz, weekly listings
Monday, May 18, 2009
i never know how these things are supposed to go
Contest: Sled Island Pass Giveaway
This Friday marks the second edition of Damaged Goods where I got to pick the bands, and I'm psyched to announce that two of my local favourites, Fine Mist and Candles, are both going to perform.
To add to the excitement, the fine folks at Sled Island have offered up a pair of festival passes to give out. You'll have to find your own way to Calgary for June 24th-27th, but I assure you, it's well worth it (even if you don't win freebies, it's worth buying a couple of passes and taking a road trip to Cowtown). I had a blast last year and judging by the initial line-up,this year should be the same. Also, in all honesty, I went purely for the music last year, and wasn't expecting much out of the city itself, but Calgary was a blast. We met a bunch of rad locals and also hooked up with friends from Vancouver. Speaking of the latter, Fine Mist, along with a bunch of other bands, will lead a strong Vancouver presence again this year.
So, since it's a tie-in with a show (and also because the prize is so sweet), this contest's going to run a little differently. You have to be in attendance on Friday to win (we'll pick the winner between Candles' and Fine Mist's sets). But, you can potentially enter twice. Anyone who pays cover on Friday will get an entry into the contest, but you can also email me (at quinn.omori AT gmail.com with the subject line "Sled Island Contest") anytime between now and 4:00pm on Friday the 22nd, and you'll get an additional entry into the draw. Make sense? Good.
And for a taste of Friday, click through to Popsheep to check out Fine Mist's "Stop or Start."
Regulars: May 18th-24th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: Girl Goes Electric, Falcao & Monashee, and Stefan Fratila
Again, not a live music night, but Ice Cream Social kicks off at its new location, Honey, tonight.
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: MJ's birthday show with Needles & Pins and it's a fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Vancouver
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: Leviathans, Diadem, ATTN: Diamond Shoppers, Sara Good, with Andy Dixon DJing between sets.
Inept Wednesdays @ the Astoria: no live act
The Beehive @ Honey: back on May 27th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Osk, Dichotomy, and War Hero
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Fine Mist and Candles
Far Away @ the Media Club: unknown
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Harlem Shakes
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Timecopz and Mode Moderne
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: the SSRIs and Nihilist Party
Labels: candles, contests, fine mist, sled island, weekly listings
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
we got an amplifier
On Friday, I was down at the Commodore to cover the Weakerthans/Constantines co-headlining tour for Discorder
The Cons are one of my favourite live acts and they certainly didn't disappoint during their latest visit (although, I was a little bummed that they didn't play "On to You"). I was at Sled Island when they last rolled through town, almost a year ago, so this was the first time I'd heard the Kensington Heights stuff live since that record came out. The new(ish) stuff stands up well to the back catalogue, but "Young Offenders" and "Young Lions" were still the highlights. John K. Samson taking vocals on "Little Instrument" was a nice treat too.
I haven't been terribly excited by the Weakerthans since Left and Leaving, but I do still enjoy their live show, and I was really into the first two records when they came out, so, if nothing else, it's a big nostalgia kick. That's probably selling them a little short, although I've always thought that they were infinitely more enjoyable if you were already familiar with their music, especially since the lyrics are such an important component.
Speaking of lyrics, someone told me the band stopped playing "One Great City," because they didn't like how non-Winnipeg crowds took the song's double sided refrain ("I hate Winnipeg") and turned it on it's head, shouting it back in a sincere way, that sort of misses the point of the song. Well, they played it, and the crowd gleefully shouted, which is ironic, considering it could just as easily be about Vancouver (or Toronto or wherever). But I digress...
Last Thursday, Brasstronaut played their homecoming show after a few months in Banff for an artist's residency. They were joined by a rotating cast of guests that helped fill out their sound, but the thing that really jumped out at me was how tight the band's become since they left. It's not that they were sloppy to begin with, but their playing is extra impressive now.
I got to the Biltmore just as Fine Mist. I know some people aren't into their limited instrumentation live (backing tracks and a synth), but I'm into seeing them whenever I can.
Seven Nines & Tens play with My Mom's a Werewolf on May 14th at Pat's.
The Dreadnoughts are at Pat's the next night with Mexican Drug Patrol.
Hercules & Love Affair are doing a DJ set (do these guys ever actually perform their songs?) at Celebs on May 17th. Locals Jason Lev supports.
Deastro is at the Media Club on June 21st.
The Rural Alberta Advantage, who actually hail from TO, are at the Media Club on July 5th.
Eagles of Death Metal play the Commodore on July 20th and 21st. Flash Lightnin' support.
Maximo Park is at Richard's on September 7th.
now playing: Big Black - the Model
Labels: brasstronaut, constantines, fine mist, show announcements, show recaps, the weakerthans
