Thursday, August 18, 2011
nikki don't
So, I know Obits (with the always awesome locals, Hard Feelings) is also tonight. And, I'm not going to lie, that show will slay pretty hard. Also, I haven't seen Royal Baths live, but the local support for this show is on par, it's outdoors (and there's only so much summer left), and you can saunter over to C86 Night in the Tiki Room afterwards, which is what sold me on a tough decision.
This also helped...
download: Bummer High - Cough Syrup
Dave from Bummer High was nice enough to send over three unreleased songs. They're all great, but this one grabbed me the hardest. Enjoy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
basement mold
I'm only about four songs into my first listen (though at about 1-minute a piece, it'll be done by the time I finish writing this), so I can't give you any sort of in-depth review, but if you're into no-nonsense punk that's decorated with some awesome, not-stereotypically hardcore vocals, you should give this a listen... right now.
Stream it or download right up there or via Keep Tidy's BandCamp.
now playing: Keep Tidy - Kill Whitey
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
this will be our year, took a long time to come
I was going to post a big rambling thing about how this song is near and dear to my heart. Instead, I think I'll keep it brief. I thought about this song a lot this past year, and I can't think of a better way to usher in the new year than with Rose's cover of it.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
highschool tattoo
Tight Solid are offering their new record, Walk it Off as a free download. Stream it above or click through to download the tracks.
I actually haven't had a chance to listen to it myself yet (though that's going to change at work tomorrow), but when you can grab the whole thing, you don't need my opinion.
now playing: White Lung - Atlanta
Friday, November 05, 2010
buttons
Jody Glenham's new video for "Buttons"
And, on a slightly different musical wavelength, an entire EP from Crystal Swells, just in time for their show tonight.
now playing: The Knocks - Dancing with the DJ
Thursday, October 28, 2010
die, die my darling
Friday:
A new My!Gay!Husband! weekly XO christens the brand new Waldorf one day ahead of the official grand opening. Black Wizard, Heavy Chains, and War Baby play live early (8pm-midnight) and there's DJs in all three rooms until 2am. Check the Facebook event page (which, appropriately, currently boasts 666 "attending") for all the details.
Mode Moderne, Dead Ghosts, Cowards, Modern Creatures, Manic Atracts play an all covers show at the Astoria.
Fortune hosts the Team Canada DJ's Happy Ending Halloween. No live acts, but you can get the whole DJ line up here.
The Commercial Drive legion hosts the Witches and Warlocks Ball with BlackBerry Wood, Creaking Planks, and Timothy Wisdom.
Saturday:
The big one is the Waldorf's official grand opening. It's free, Rodney Graham, Animal Bodies, and Joyce Collingwood all play live, and you can expect that it'll be packed... so get their early if you want to get in.
Glory Days celebrates All Hallows Eve with Neverland, a Michael Jackson cover band, and Bogus Tokus performing all punk covers as Harsh Tokes.
The Chapel hosts the Heebeegeebees Finale Party with Love & Electrik and Peter Breeze.
And, Head Hits Concrete, State of Minefield, Sick, and Hand of the Horsewitch play Funky Winkerbean's.
Let Me Buy U, Anne Drank Vol. 2 (Halloween Edition) by Babe Rainbow
If you need a Halloween soundtrack, and aren't using this weekend as an excuse to play the Misfits for 48-hours straight, Babe Rainbow has 45-minutes of spooky chopped and screwed goodness via the second installment of the Let Me Buy U, Anne Drank mixtape series. Click the link above to download it.
now playing: Misfits - Skulls
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Suspiros de Chile from basketball on Vimeo.
New stuff from Basketball. "Suspiros de Chile" is another insane, electro banger from the worldly (now) quartet. A new song from Basketball is always good news in my books, but this one is extra special, because it's the first release from their forthcoming full-length.
Check the video above and download the mp3 here.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
nightclubs
Let's start with some free music.
Jay Arner (from Fine Mist, International Falls, Poison Dart, and probably some other things I'm missing) had a few extra songs that didn't become Fine Mist material that he recorded solo, and he's giving the resulting four song EP away for free. Jay Ferguson from Sloan guests on one track and Dave from Japandroids sort of guests on another (Jay sampled his drumming) and like his last solo EP (that you can still get here), it's pretty great.
Download it in mp3 or Apple Lossless on his tumblr.
Also worth noting, is an unprecedented tie at Shindig yesterday between Hidden Towers (sweet, instrumental metal) and Pro Nails (sweet, spazzy, synth punk), which means there's going to be four bands for the finals on Tuesday... so get their early (or plan to stay late--I'd imagine the former though).
Prairie Cat plays Little Mountain on December tonight.
No LA Kill, Boogie Monster, and Shipyards are at Zoo Shop (223 Main St.) on Friday.
Luke Top plays the Media Club with Sun Wizard and the Shilohs on December 7th.
Parlour Steps and Aidan Knight play the Biltmore on December 14th. It's $10 to get in, but if you bring a donation of new underwear or socks (that the DTES Women's Centre and the Salvation Army will later give out to Vancouver's homeless), you get in for free.
Congress, Bogus Tokus, and Dead Meat play the Biltmore on December 21st.
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone are at the Biltmore on January 8th.
Frog Eyes, Apollo Ghosts, and Tyranahorse are at the Biltmore on January 22nd.
White Denim is at the Media Club on January 23rd.
Bowerbirds and Julie Doiron are at the Biltmore on January 23rd.
St. Vincent and Wildbirds & Peacedrums play Venue on February 4th.
Four Tet is at the Biltmore on February 24th.
now playing: the Abramson Singers - Take a Camera
Monday, November 02, 2009
you know i need pills when you say 'i love you'
First Friday goes down, fittingly, on the first Friday of every month at the Eldorado (Nanaimo & Kingsway) and it kicks off this week with Needles & Pins, Unfun, Detention, and Born to Run, three bands that I haven't heard and one that I haven't had a chance to catch live yet.
But, while I haven't caught Needles & Pins in the flesh, Tony was nice enough to send over some recordings. The whole set is pretty awesome, but this one definitely sticks out as the highlight...
download: Needles & Pins - Pills
Oh, and I haven't got around to drawing No Gold contest winners, so if you entered, you still might hear from me soon!
Regulars: November 2nd-8th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Bleating Hearts, Search Parties, and Sevens, Nines, & Tens
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: back on November 25th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Search Parties, Tyranahorse, and Death from Above 1985/86
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back at the end of November
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: 99 Problems and Shove
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Far Away @ the Media Club: RIP
Good Burger @ Babar: Timecopz
First Friday @ the Eldorado: Needles & Pins, Unfun, Detention, and Born to Run
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: no live act (11pm doors - Land of Talk is the early show)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: unknown
No More Strangers @ Smiley's: Modern Creatures and Tight Solid
now playing: Needles & Pins - Pills
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
Friday, November 07, 2008
undiscovered sun
download: Jay Arner - Jay Division
If you like what you hear, you can support Jay when plays with Fine Mist at Hoko's on December613th with Apollo Ghosts (it's their 12" release party), Role Mach, and Ben and Gorodetsky.
Tonight at the Western Front, Isolated Now Waves and Thankless Records are doing a showcase, featuring Shearing Pinx, Nu Sensae, Reflektionss, Aja Rose Bond, A/D, Aerosol Constellations, and Japanese Graffiti.
Ladyhawk are at the Biltmore on December 3rd for an eclectic, but awesome bill that also features Twin Crystals and Said the Whale.
Discorder is having a birthday party (their 25th) at Hoko's on December 5th.
Mint is having their annual "Ridiculously Early Xmas Party" on December 6th at the Cambrian Hall (17th, just East of Main)
The same night, the Great Outdoors play the Biltmore with Eldorado, Weathered Pines, and D. Trevlon.
Fake Shark-Real Zombie are at the Biltmore on December 10th with Jakalope, 16mm, and Artisan Kane.
And, also at the Biltmore for a two night stand December 22nd and 23rd are Kid Koala, Kutapira, and Afronaut.
now playing: Jay Arner - Creative Art
Monday, June 02, 2008
who do you love?
In the meantime, RIP Bo Diddley.
Perhaps you never listened to the man himself. I can't say that I did all that often. But if you enjoy anything that falls under the wide umbrella of "rock n roll" you owe him a debt of gratitude.
In times like these, it's always a good idea to defer to the experts...
download: the Jesus and Mary Chain - Bo Diddley is Jesus
now playing: the Jesus and Mary Chain - Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
Friday, May 23, 2008
you set me on fire
While I'm gone, why not give this track a spin? I've listened to it about 50 times in the last week. You can drop her some money for the single via MySpace, but I'd imagine that a good old fashioned record is in the works soon.
download: Ladyhawke (not Ladyhawk, obviously) - Back of the Van
Have a good weekend.
now playing: the Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Monday, May 05, 2008
let the iron in your heart's blood ring
Also on sale Friday (but with no presale and definitely not all-ages) are tickets for Boris at Richard's on July 30th. Torche supports. Smile isn't as good as Pink, but this news still brings to mind the words "fuck" and "yes."
Tilly and the Wall are at Richard's on July 4th.
The Dodos are at the Bourbon on June 26th... but if you're not in Calgary that day like me and apparently half the bands in this city, you should really go see the Cons.
The Awkward Stage is at the Biltmore on June 13th to celebrate the release of their next record, Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights. Mint's got an mp3 for you:
download: the Awkward Stage - Anime Eyes (via Mint)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
whispering into the other
I rather adore the Weakerthans (spotty last two records and all), but the thing that makes there live show isn't really their performance - which is usually pretty competent - but that everyone in the audience knows (and loves) every single word coming out of John K. Samson's mouth. It's some weird celebration of dorky fandom, and if you aren't already one of the converted, it's probably not going to change your mind.
And that's more or less how I felt yesterday. I probably should have started listening to their records sooner than the day before the show, but my attendance was sort of a spur of the moment thing.
Brasstronaut, who I was already rather fond of, opened the show. It was a bit too... full for them. That's probably counter-intuitive, since bands generally want to play for as many people as possible, but I find there music conducive to sitting, chilling out, and not shuffling amongst a full room.
CSS is as the Commodore on September 17th.
Venetian Snares are at the Fall (644 Seymour) on June 6th. (thanks Simon)
Islands are at the Plaza on June 10th.
Stars are at Malkin Bowl on June 21st. (thanks to Jessica for the last two)
It's probably redundant to post something that 20 Jazz Funk Greats already has, but my girlfriend sent me this song and I've listened to it about 20 times in the last two days...
download: Mi Ami - African Rhythms (via White Denim)
Ordering information at the label's site (though you'll have to email to order from Canada).
Finally, if anybody out there has roughtly $70, and was thinking, "man, I'd like to buy Quinn a present that he will appreciate forever," this is calling my name.
now playing: Sun City Girls - Mr. Lonely Viola
Friday, March 28, 2008
step out into the light
download: Queen - Another One Bites the Dustonly kidding.
download: Spiritualized - True Love Will Find You in the End (Daniel Johnston Cover)
Congratulations, buddy.
now playing: Sonic Youth - the Diamond Sea
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
i only did it 'cause i felt so lonely
On Monday, the Biltmore re-opened after renovations and under new management, celebrating with a free show with the Choir Practice and the Buttless Chaps. I snapped some pics, but they're still stuck on my camera, so you'll have to trust me when I say that I'd never though that I'd describe the Biltmore as looking "classy," but it does.
I'm interviewing Zak, who's handling all the booking for the venue, for Tooth and Dagger tomorrow night, but before speaking a word to him (at least in person), I can tell you that you should be excited about hearing that, because he also does the booking for Broken City in Calgary and he was one of the minds behind Sled Island (that featured the Boredoms last year).
SWAK finally announced some shows for the New Year...
Baby Dee is at the Media Club on February 10th.
Pinback is at Richard's on February 15th.
And they're bringing the Mountain Goats back to Richard's on February 22nd.
and Petroleum By-Products and Suspiria are at the Balmoral on December 22nd.
Wintersleep is at the Commodore on February 16th.
I wrote something on Gob for Chart that I thought they canned, since it was due months ago, but apparently it's in the new issue. No, seriously.
I wrote about AIDS Wolf for Chalked Up... check Gordon's sweet photos. If you have photos or video from their stop here (or anywhere else), the band wants 'em: aidswolf [AT] aidswolf.net. Don't forget to wish Chloe a speedy recovery from her broken foot while you're at it.
And last, but most certainly not least, it's my sister's birthday today. Happy birthday, kid... see you in a week.
download: Voxtrot - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Wives
It's the only song with "sister" in the title that I could think of, save for an Air track from the Virgin Suicides soundtrack (too morbid) or "Oh, Sister" by Dylan (which is either about jesus, wanting to get with a lady and calling her "sister" in that hippy way, or both - regardless, also not good).
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
waiting 4 u
Thunderheist is at the Royal Unicorn tomorrow night. Thanks to my friend Indy for asking me about this show, which reminded me that I should probably try to go.
Head over to the SLU Records website. They've got the mp3s from the 7" lathe cut of Channels 3x4 jams that they put out about a year ago up for free download.
Random quasi-music related thought of the day: Did anyone else see Rescue Dawn and think "(slightly) emaciated Devendra Banhart" when Jeremy Davies comes on screen the first time?
now playing: the Fiery Furnaces - Cabaret of the Seven Devils
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
boys of summer
There's video of Craig in the studio recording the vocals on MTV's site, but you can only watch it if you're in the US (or alternately routed through an American proxy server). Wack.
That being said, because my location thwarted me, I headed over to YouTube, and while I couldn't find an illicit copy of the aforementioned clip, I did stumble upon two videos of the unreleased track, "212-MARGARITA." One was filmed for Studio UGO and the other was filmed in Brooklyn and features Craig giving some insight into the song's title.
download: the Hold Steady - 212-MARGARITA(live on Studio UGO)
While we're at it, here's the boys' take on the Violent Femmes' "American Music." Craig characteristically half-sings and half-talks his way through things, which you've probably heard, and probably love or hate. Either way, you've got to admit that there's something rather fitting about a band whose lyrics chronicle teenage debauchery in all it's glory covering a song that boasts the lines, "Did you do too many drugs? I did too many drugs." This is from the Australian version of Boys and Girls in America, so if you happen to be Australian, hopefully you've actually purchased this. The rest of us can be left to wonder why North Americans who legally buy the album get screwed out of extra tracks.
download: the Hold Steady - American Music (Violent Femmes Cover)
now playing: Stars - Your Ex-Lover is Dead (Final Fantasy Remix)
Monday, March 12, 2007
kill the tv screens
download: Ex-Dead Teenager - It's Only a Three (unmastered)
Both the Ex-Dead Teenager CD and the upcoming Anemones EP, Special Times, should be available at Zulu (and possibly Chroma Books) at the end of the month.
Fluo Kids has two exclusives from the forthcoming Ratatat Remixes, Vol. 2. After (sort of) reading the post and eagerly devouring the mp3s, I was startled by how little of my terrible French I can remember, and also left with two questions. Are London hipster night clubs populated solely by jetsetting fashion model types (see: the header pic from every second post)? And why is it that I find the beats that Ratatat makes to put behind other people rhymes so much more interesting than the beats that they leave as instrumentals on their records?
Honestly, I gave Classics quite a few spins before getting bored with it, and I swear I don't remember hearing anything as good as either of the two songs that Fluo Kids posted. I'm tempted to chalk up my appreciation for the raps over top, but I don't even like that Young Buck track.
Model Citizen... Zero Discipline traces the path from Slow to Copyright, providing almost every single song that the band(s) put out in mp3 format, including a Slow Christmas number that I'd never even heard of before.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is at Richard's on May 12th.
El-P is at Richard's on May 15th. Stereogum chronicles the saga that was sparked when some guys (who clearly keep it real with their backpacks slung low) failed to see how hilariously awesome it was that El Producto got Diddy to pose for a pic with his whole crew.
Ladyhawk is tipped to open for Tapes and Tapes.
Oh No! Oh My! open for Mew.
now playing: Slow - Black is Black
nikki don't
So, I know Obits (with the always awesome locals, Hard Feelings) is also tonight. And, I'm not going to lie, that show will slay pretty hard. Also, I haven't seen Royal Baths live, but the local support for this show is on par, it's outdoors (and there's only so much summer left), and you can saunter over to C86 Night in the Tiki Room afterwards, which is what sold me on a tough decision.
This also helped...
download: Bummer High - Cough Syrup
Dave from Bummer High was nice enough to send over three unreleased songs. They're all great, but this one grabbed me the hardest. Enjoy.
Labels: bummer high, mp3, royal baths, timecopz
Monday, February 21, 2011
basement mold
I'm only about four songs into my first listen (though at about 1-minute a piece, it'll be done by the time I finish writing this), so I can't give you any sort of in-depth review, but if you're into no-nonsense punk that's decorated with some awesome, not-stereotypically hardcore vocals, you should give this a listen... right now.
Stream it or download right up there or via Keep Tidy's BandCamp.
now playing: Keep Tidy - Kill Whitey
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
this will be our year, took a long time to come
Rose Melberg (feat. her mom) - "This Will Be Our Year (Zombies Cover)"
I was going to post a big rambling thing about how this song is near and dear to my heart. Instead, I think I'll keep it brief. I thought about this song a lot this past year, and I can't think of a better way to usher in the new year than with Rose's cover of it.
Labels: 2011, mp3, rose melberg
Thursday, November 11, 2010
highschool tattoo
Tight Solid are offering their new record, Walk it Off as a free download. Stream it above or click through to download the tracks.
I actually haven't had a chance to listen to it myself yet (though that's going to change at work tomorrow), but when you can grab the whole thing, you don't need my opinion.
now playing: White Lung - Atlanta
Labels: mp3, tight solid
Friday, November 05, 2010
buttons
It's Friday, here's some new(ish) and free music:
Jody Glenham's new video for "Buttons"
And, on a slightly different musical wavelength, an entire EP from Crystal Swells, just in time for their show tonight.
now playing: The Knocks - Dancing with the DJ
Labels: crystal swells, jody glenham, mp3, video
Thursday, October 28, 2010
die, die my darling
In case you forgot, Halloween's right around the corner. Here's (most) of what's going down...
Friday:
A new My!Gay!Husband! weekly XO christens the brand new Waldorf one day ahead of the official grand opening. Black Wizard, Heavy Chains, and War Baby play live early (8pm-midnight) and there's DJs in all three rooms until 2am. Check the Facebook event page (which, appropriately, currently boasts 666 "attending") for all the details.
Mode Moderne, Dead Ghosts, Cowards, Modern Creatures, Manic Atracts play an all covers show at the Astoria.
Fortune hosts the Team Canada DJ's Happy Ending Halloween. No live acts, but you can get the whole DJ line up here.
The Commercial Drive legion hosts the Witches and Warlocks Ball with BlackBerry Wood, Creaking Planks, and Timothy Wisdom.
Saturday:
The big one is the Waldorf's official grand opening. It's free, Rodney Graham, Animal Bodies, and Joyce Collingwood all play live, and you can expect that it'll be packed... so get their early if you want to get in.
Glory Days celebrates All Hallows Eve with Neverland, a Michael Jackson cover band, and Bogus Tokus performing all punk covers as Harsh Tokes.
The Chapel hosts the Heebeegeebees Finale Party with Love & Electrik and Peter Breeze.
And, Head Hits Concrete, State of Minefield, Sick, and Hand of the Horsewitch play Funky Winkerbean's.
Let Me Buy U, Anne Drank Vol. 2 (Halloween Edition) by Babe Rainbow
If you need a Halloween soundtrack, and aren't using this weekend as an excuse to play the Misfits for 48-hours straight, Babe Rainbow has 45-minutes of spooky chopped and screwed goodness via the second installment of the Let Me Buy U, Anne Drank mixtape series. Click the link above to download it.
now playing: Misfits - Skulls
Labels: mp3, show announcements
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Suspiros de Chile from basketball on Vimeo.
New stuff from Basketball. "Suspiros de Chile" is another insane, electro banger from the worldly (now) quartet. A new song from Basketball is always good news in my books, but this one is extra special, because it's the first release from their forthcoming full-length.
Check the video above and download the mp3 here.
Labels: basketball, mp3, video
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
nightclubs
Let's start with some free music.
Jay Arner (from Fine Mist, International Falls, Poison Dart, and probably some other things I'm missing) had a few extra songs that didn't become Fine Mist material that he recorded solo, and he's giving the resulting four song EP away for free. Jay Ferguson from Sloan guests on one track and Dave from Japandroids sort of guests on another (Jay sampled his drumming) and like his last solo EP (that you can still get here), it's pretty great.
Download it in mp3 or Apple Lossless on his tumblr.
Also worth noting, is an unprecedented tie at Shindig yesterday between Hidden Towers (sweet, instrumental metal) and Pro Nails (sweet, spazzy, synth punk), which means there's going to be four bands for the finals on Tuesday... so get their early (or plan to stay late--I'd imagine the former though).
Prairie Cat plays Little Mountain on December tonight.
No LA Kill, Boogie Monster, and Shipyards are at Zoo Shop (223 Main St.) on Friday.
Luke Top plays the Media Club with Sun Wizard and the Shilohs on December 7th.
Parlour Steps and Aidan Knight play the Biltmore on December 14th. It's $10 to get in, but if you bring a donation of new underwear or socks (that the DTES Women's Centre and the Salvation Army will later give out to Vancouver's homeless), you get in for free.
Congress, Bogus Tokus, and Dead Meat play the Biltmore on December 21st.
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone are at the Biltmore on January 8th.
Frog Eyes, Apollo Ghosts, and Tyranahorse are at the Biltmore on January 22nd.
White Denim is at the Media Club on January 23rd.
Bowerbirds and Julie Doiron are at the Biltmore on January 23rd.
St. Vincent and Wildbirds & Peacedrums play Venue on February 4th.
Four Tet is at the Biltmore on February 24th.
now playing: the Abramson Singers - Take a Camera
Labels: jay arner, mp3, shindig, show announcements
Monday, November 02, 2009
you know i need pills when you say 'i love you'
With the Cobalt shutting its doors and Far Away ending things off one a super bad ass note with the Misfits Halloween Party last Friday, Vancouver's down a few regular nights that hosted live acts, so it's good when I can talk about a new one for a change.
First Friday goes down, fittingly, on the first Friday of every month at the Eldorado (Nanaimo & Kingsway) and it kicks off this week with Needles & Pins, Unfun, Detention, and Born to Run, three bands that I haven't heard and one that I haven't had a chance to catch live yet.
But, while I haven't caught Needles & Pins in the flesh, Tony was nice enough to send over some recordings. The whole set is pretty awesome, but this one definitely sticks out as the highlight...
download: Needles & Pins - Pills
Oh, and I haven't got around to drawing No Gold contest winners, so if you entered, you still might hear from me soon!
Regulars: November 2nd-8th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Bleating Hearts, Search Parties, and Sevens, Nines, & Tens
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: back on November 25th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: Search Parties, Tyranahorse, and Death from Above 1985/86
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back at the end of November
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: 99 Problems and Shove
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Far Away @ the Media Club: RIP
Good Burger @ Babar: Timecopz
First Friday @ the Eldorado: Needles & Pins, Unfun, Detention, and Born to Run
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: no live act (11pm doors - Land of Talk is the early show)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: unknown
No More Strangers @ Smiley's: Modern Creatures and Tight Solid
now playing: Needles & Pins - Pills
Labels: mp3, needles and pins, show announcements, 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
Friday, November 07, 2008
undiscovered sun
Jay from International Falls (and Fine Mist and Poison Dart) sent along a link to this free 4-song solo EP. In addition to having a rad name, it's full of sunshiney pop that might help you forget about how crappy the weather has been and will be for the next 4 months. It reminds me of old Of Montreal. And hey, the price is right.
download: Jay Arner - Jay Division
If you like what you hear, you can support Jay when plays with Fine Mist at Hoko's on December
Tonight at the Western Front, Isolated Now Waves and Thankless Records are doing a showcase, featuring Shearing Pinx, Nu Sensae, Reflektionss, Aja Rose Bond, A/D, Aerosol Constellations, and Japanese Graffiti.
Ladyhawk are at the Biltmore on December 3rd for an eclectic, but awesome bill that also features Twin Crystals and Said the Whale.
Discorder is having a birthday party (their 25th) at Hoko's on December 5th.
Mint is having their annual "Ridiculously Early Xmas Party" on December 6th at the Cambrian Hall (17th, just East of Main)
The same night, the Great Outdoors play the Biltmore with Eldorado, Weathered Pines, and D. Trevlon.
Fake Shark-Real Zombie are at the Biltmore on December 10th with Jakalope, 16mm, and Artisan Kane.
And, also at the Biltmore for a two night stand December 22nd and 23rd are Kid Koala, Kutapira, and Afronaut.
now playing: Jay Arner - Creative Art
Labels: jay arner, mp3, show announcements
Monday, June 02, 2008
who do you love?
I was a bit under the weather today, but you can expect a real post tomorrow.
In the meantime, RIP Bo Diddley.
Perhaps you never listened to the man himself. I can't say that I did all that often. But if you enjoy anything that falls under the wide umbrella of "rock n roll" you owe him a debt of gratitude.
In times like these, it's always a good idea to defer to the experts...
download: the Jesus and Mary Chain - Bo Diddley is Jesus
now playing: the Jesus and Mary Chain - Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
Labels: mp3
Friday, May 23, 2008
you set me on fire
I'm off to Sasquatch and I won't be back until Tuesday.
While I'm gone, why not give this track a spin? I've listened to it about 50 times in the last week. You can drop her some money for the single via MySpace, but I'd imagine that a good old fashioned record is in the works soon.
download: Ladyhawke (not Ladyhawk, obviously) - Back of the Van
Have a good weekend.
now playing: the Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Monday, May 05, 2008
let the iron in your heart's blood ring
So, as a few people have kindly mentioned in the comments, Wolf Parade is at the Commodore on July 12th. As Camillia kindly mentioned, you can grab pre-sale tix right here: http://wolfparade.ducatking.com. Alternately, SWAK points out that you can get them at Zulu and Ticketmaster on Friday morning. The odd thing is that the pre-sale link says that the show is all-ages... which, as far as I know, would be a first for an evening show at the Ballroom.
Also on sale Friday (but with no presale and definitely not all-ages) are tickets for Boris at Richard's on July 30th. Torche supports. Smile isn't as good as Pink, but this news still brings to mind the words "fuck" and "yes."
Tilly and the Wall are at Richard's on July 4th.
The Dodos are at the Bourbon on June 26th... but if you're not in Calgary that day like me and apparently half the bands in this city, you should really go see the Cons.
The Awkward Stage is at the Biltmore on June 13th to celebrate the release of their next record, Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights. Mint's got an mp3 for you:
download: the Awkward Stage - Anime Eyes (via Mint)
Labels: mp3, show announcements
Thursday, April 17, 2008
whispering into the other
I went to Why? last night, mostly on the recommendation of numerous friends. I bailed early, because I wasn't really feeling it, but I got the impression that my friend Shea was spot on when he noted that it was "kind of like the Weakerthans," even though the two bands don't sound anything alike.
I rather adore the Weakerthans (spotty last two records and all), but the thing that makes there live show isn't really their performance - which is usually pretty competent - but that everyone in the audience knows (and loves) every single word coming out of John K. Samson's mouth. It's some weird celebration of dorky fandom, and if you aren't already one of the converted, it's probably not going to change your mind.
And that's more or less how I felt yesterday. I probably should have started listening to their records sooner than the day before the show, but my attendance was sort of a spur of the moment thing.
Brasstronaut, who I was already rather fond of, opened the show. It was a bit too... full for them. That's probably counter-intuitive, since bands generally want to play for as many people as possible, but I find there music conducive to sitting, chilling out, and not shuffling amongst a full room.
CSS is as the Commodore on September 17th.
Venetian Snares are at the Fall (644 Seymour) on June 6th. (thanks Simon)
Islands are at the Plaza on June 10th.
Stars are at Malkin Bowl on June 21st. (thanks to Jessica for the last two)
It's probably redundant to post something that 20 Jazz Funk Greats already has, but my girlfriend sent me this song and I've listened to it about 20 times in the last two days...
download: Mi Ami - African Rhythms (via White Denim)
Ordering information at the label's site (though you'll have to email to order from Canada).
Finally, if anybody out there has roughtly $70, and was thinking, "man, I'd like to buy Quinn a present that he will appreciate forever," this is calling my name.
now playing: Sun City Girls - Mr. Lonely Viola
Labels: brasstronaut, half serious jokes begging for expensive records, mi ami, mp3, show announcements, show recaps, why
Friday, March 28, 2008
step out into the light
My best friend just got engaged...
download: Spiritualized - True Love Will Find You in the End (Daniel Johnston Cover)
Congratulations, buddy.
now playing: Sonic Youth - the Diamond Sea
Labels: mp3
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
i only did it 'cause i felt so lonely
Actually, I did it because it was free and also right by my new place.
On Monday, the Biltmore re-opened after renovations and under new management, celebrating with a free show with the Choir Practice and the Buttless Chaps. I snapped some pics, but they're still stuck on my camera, so you'll have to trust me when I say that I'd never though that I'd describe the Biltmore as looking "classy," but it does.
I'm interviewing Zak, who's handling all the booking for the venue, for Tooth and Dagger tomorrow night, but before speaking a word to him (at least in person), I can tell you that you should be excited about hearing that, because he also does the booking for Broken City in Calgary and he was one of the minds behind Sled Island (that featured the Boredoms last year).
SWAK finally announced some shows for the New Year...
Baby Dee is at the Media Club on February 10th.
Pinback is at Richard's on February 15th.
And they're bringing the Mountain Goats back to Richard's on February 22nd.
and Petroleum By-Products and Suspiria are at the Balmoral on December 22nd.
Wintersleep is at the Commodore on February 16th.
I wrote something on Gob for Chart that I thought they canned, since it was due months ago, but apparently it's in the new issue. No, seriously.
I wrote about AIDS Wolf for Chalked Up... check Gordon's sweet photos. If you have photos or video from their stop here (or anywhere else), the band wants 'em: aidswolf [AT] aidswolf.net. Don't forget to wish Chloe a speedy recovery from her broken foot while you're at it.
And last, but most certainly not least, it's my sister's birthday today. Happy birthday, kid... see you in a week.
download: Voxtrot - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Wives
It's the only song with "sister" in the title that I could think of, save for an Air track from the Virgin Suicides soundtrack (too morbid) or "Oh, Sister" by Dylan (which is either about jesus, wanting to get with a lady and calling her "sister" in that hippy way, or both - regardless, also not good).
Labels: biltmore, happy birthday darcie, mp3, self-aggrandizing, show announcements, show recaps, the buttless chaps, the choir practice, voxtrot
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
waiting 4 u
Chromeo is canceled, because Dave 1 has visa issues. Yeah, on the surface, it makes no sense that a Canadian would have border troubles when he's supposed to play in Canada, but these things generally have to do with re-entry into the US after he touches native soil... so blame Homeland Security. Thursday isn't a total bust though. Pee Thug (the other half of Chromeo), Flosstradamus, and Small Town DJs are doing a bit of a make up gig at the Bourbon.
Thunderheist is at the Royal Unicorn tomorrow night. Thanks to my friend Indy for asking me about this show, which reminded me that I should probably try to go.
Head over to the SLU Records website. They've got the mp3s from the 7" lathe cut of Channels 3x4 jams that they put out about a year ago up for free download.
Random quasi-music related thought of the day: Did anyone else see Rescue Dawn and think "(slightly) emaciated Devendra Banhart" when Jeremy Davies comes on screen the first time?
now playing: the Fiery Furnaces - Cabaret of the Seven Devils
Labels: mp3, show announcements
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
boys of summer
I'm not much of a baseball fan, but I'll take any excuse to post something about the Hold Steady. It's with great pleasure then, that I point you to their MySpace, where you can download the band's Minnesota Twins inspired rewrite of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Happy day after opening day.
There's video of Craig in the studio recording the vocals on MTV's site, but you can only watch it if you're in the US (or alternately routed through an American proxy server). Wack.
That being said, because my location thwarted me, I headed over to YouTube, and while I couldn't find an illicit copy of the aforementioned clip, I did stumble upon two videos of the unreleased track, "212-MARGARITA." One was filmed for Studio UGO and the other was filmed in Brooklyn and features Craig giving some insight into the song's title.
download: the Hold Steady - 212-MARGARITA(live on Studio UGO)
While we're at it, here's the boys' take on the Violent Femmes' "American Music." Craig characteristically half-sings and half-talks his way through things, which you've probably heard, and probably love or hate. Either way, you've got to admit that there's something rather fitting about a band whose lyrics chronicle teenage debauchery in all it's glory covering a song that boasts the lines, "Did you do too many drugs? I did too many drugs." This is from the Australian version of Boys and Girls in America, so if you happen to be Australian, hopefully you've actually purchased this. The rest of us can be left to wonder why North Americans who legally buy the album get screwed out of extra tracks.
download: the Hold Steady - American Music (Violent Femmes Cover)
now playing: Stars - Your Ex-Lover is Dead (Final Fantasy Remix)
Labels: mp3, the hold steady
Monday, March 12, 2007
kill the tv screens
1777Rex just posted an Ex-Dead Teenager song in their MySpace player. "Cowboys in the Rain" is from the long lost, but soon to be released, album from the punk/no-wave band that Steve McBean fronted before the release of the first Jerk with a Bomb record. You can read more about this fabulous record (and the associated fabulous record label) in an article I penned for this month's Discorder. And to make up for that shameless self-promotion, here's another track from the record for your listening pleasure. You can hear shades of "It's Only a Three" in countless Vancouver bands that came after, including one of my favourite local acts, the now defunct Red Light Sting. Keep in mind that this .mp3 is unmastered, while the 1777rex release was remastered by McBean himself. Needless to say, I'm pretty psyched about getting my hands on a copy.
download: Ex-Dead Teenager - It's Only a Three (unmastered)
Both the Ex-Dead Teenager CD and the upcoming Anemones EP, Special Times, should be available at Zulu (and possibly Chroma Books) at the end of the month.
Fluo Kids has two exclusives from the forthcoming Ratatat Remixes, Vol. 2. After (sort of) reading the post and eagerly devouring the mp3s, I was startled by how little of my terrible French I can remember, and also left with two questions. Are London hipster night clubs populated solely by jetsetting fashion model types (see: the header pic from every second post)? And why is it that I find the beats that Ratatat makes to put behind other people rhymes so much more interesting than the beats that they leave as instrumentals on their records?
Honestly, I gave Classics quite a few spins before getting bored with it, and I swear I don't remember hearing anything as good as either of the two songs that Fluo Kids posted. I'm tempted to chalk up my appreciation for the raps over top, but I don't even like that Young Buck track.
Model Citizen... Zero Discipline traces the path from Slow to Copyright, providing almost every single song that the band(s) put out in mp3 format, including a Slow Christmas number that I'd never even heard of before.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is at Richard's on May 12th.
El-P is at Richard's on May 15th. Stereogum chronicles the saga that was sparked when some guys (who clearly keep it real with their backpacks slung low) failed to see how hilariously awesome it was that El Producto got Diddy to pose for a pic with his whole crew.
Ladyhawk is tipped to open for Tapes and Tapes.
Oh No! Oh My! open for Mew.
now playing: Slow - Black is Black
Labels: mp3, show announcements
