a hodge podge blog of music, travel and news.
I guess I have no real idea what to expect when viewing Johannesburg, but this image is not what I expected. It looks right out of a sci-fi movie. Ships are destined to land of the flat straps of land any moment.
The image is from the September issue of National Geographic.[via binary bonsai]
I’m just getting down now.
The Trews. These guys kick my ass, each and every time I see them. I’m rocked full force by their albums, and ceremoniously knocked to the floor by their live show. Wow. Is it possible that The Trews get better and better with every passing moment? If you get the chance, go see the guys play. Trust me. I don’t care if you have started down the path of new rock with the likes of Shins, Super Furry Animals, Stars and Jason Collett; you can’t deny the past. We all love good ol’ fashioned Rock N’ Roll, and The Trews do both. When they took that stage at Fed Hall the crowd erupted in a furry of screams and applause. From the first notes to the last harmony I was locked in complete musical bliss. Don’t ask me what songs they played, because I would not be able to tell you. I took the show as one; experienced it as a single entity. It started at 10:30pm and never stopped. It was one prolonged euphoric experience that vibrated through my entire being; erupting through my fierce air guitar, and escaping in the breath that sang every lyric and hook . The venue was packed, and the entire crowd was into the show, rocking and rolling with every song and every cover (most notably the Queen medley). The Trews were on, and enjoying the show almost as much as the crowd — feeding off the raw energy being focused toward the stage.
Having just released a new album, The Trews are sure to be embarking on a true tour (this being a one off show for Molson Canadian Rocks Concert Series). Do yourself a favour, buy their first album, then buy their second album. Queue up the tracks and crank the speakers, being sure to leave some money by the front door to pay the by-law officer when they inevitably come by. They’ll love the music too, but will still have to write you a ticket, mostly out of spite for your superior taste.
The Trews. Get on board.
Last night K-OS played an Edge free show at the Opera House. I was lucky enough to score some tickets through the Inside Edge. I’ve won tickets from them before, but it has always been for some no name band that wasn’t very good. What a treat to have the opportunity to see K-OS — and for free to boot.
I believe I’ve seen K-OS on 3 previous occasions. The first time was when he was touring his first album. He played the Bombshelter Pub, and a bunch of us stumbled into the Friday night show after a keg party. He was on stage with an acoustic guitar. The 2nd time was at an Olympic Island show with Sam Roberts and Sloan. K-OS was hanging around and came out to play with Sam. They did Brother down, and K-OS frestyled. The 3rd time was at a United Way charity show over the Christmas holidays. I’m pretty sure Sam and K-OS performed Dirty Water.
What impresses me about K-OS is that all his music can be played live. He uses real instruments. He uses a real band. And they can wail. The drummer was a star of playing the un-beat beat. It didn’t follow a pattern, but some how it was still cool. The live show isn’t quite as polished as the album, but that is what makes his show great. It’s raw. He freestyles. It could have used with a little more vocal heavy mix, but overall a phenomenal show.
last.fm events
Hope may rise from the cinders
I’m not one for posting my feelings on world events and catastrophes, but I came across this article from The Seattle Times, posted by Rooney, and was pretty moved by it. By now most people are aware of the horrific scenes unfolding in New Orleans. Civility has been conquered, people have lost their minds, and animal instinct has gripped the populous, overflowing into the already flooded streets. Bodies lay trapped in submerged buildings, while others are still perched on balcony’s waiting for rescue. Those lucky enough (if that can really be said) live in conditions unfathomable to the western world.
They sleep in their own feces, and wade through puddles of urine. Neighbours have become enemies, while people are being shot, not over food and water, but DVD players, stereos and cell phones. Continue reading ‘Hope may rise from the cinders’