Category Archives: Music

Some years ago, during a visit to Phoenix, I happened upon a sight that has remained with me.

Strolling down a sun-baked Arizona street came a pair of goths. Clad head-to-toe in not-very-breathable black, with appropriate accessories to complete the outfit, they stood out in the midday sun. The temperature that afternoon topped 100°F. (For you Canadians, that’s near enough to 40°C.)

Yet, the pair seemed unfazed by the sweltering heat. If they were melting inside, they hid it well.

Now, that, thought I, is commitment.

I’ve never been a goth, here or elsewhere; though, I enjoy a jolly Nick Cave tune. I’ve also never been mistaken for an industrial music aficionado; though, I occasionally dust off my old Throbbing Gristle and Killing Joke LPs. (Does Killing Joke qualify? I would have said Front Line Assembly, but I don’t have any on LP.)

Much of what I do know of the more intense side of the musical spectrum, I owe to stalwart industrial engineer DJ Leslie. And when I think of Leslie, again the word commitment comes to mind. Continue reading →

Today, June 15, marks the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Perhaps you’d heard.

(You can view a copy of said document at the Canadian Uncivilized Museum, doncha know. Just across the river.)

The days leading up to Magna Carta‘s octocentennial have given many a scribe an excuse to ponder the document’s significance. Depending on whom you trust, it is either a blueprint for democracy, a feminist manifesto, or an outdated and overrated scrap of paper. (After all, you’re only as good as your last charter.)

Scholars prefer to think of it as an item of great influence on our society. Members of Canada’s Senate, perhaps not so much. Continue reading →

A century ago, I sat next to one Kim Clarke Champniss as a panelist at the ‘first annual’ Capital Music Conference. I believe we were there to discuss music, or the music industry, or media, or something.

What I do recall is the cynic in me — i.e., me — being skeptical of the value of staging an ambitious conference and series of musical showcases in Ottawa, in the hope of inspiring jaded industry types from Toronto to take notice of what was then a particularly strong local and diverse music scene. Industry types from Toronto, it seemed to me, know all too well the ambitious Ottawa-based artist will inevitably come to them. Travelling to Ottawa need not figure into it.

Little about that reality has changed. Yet, this weekend, Ottawa will play host to its third series of music-industry-inspired showcase performances, seminars and discussions in less than 12 months. The Capital Music Conference is set to present live bands and DJs at a variety of venues, and to offer advice and a sympathetic ear to aspiring artists and presenters during two days of talks at Maker Space North. It is not being billed as the “first annual” OIMC, which is wise. (One should never refer to an event as annual until at least its second year. Just ask Ottawa Freshfest organizers… though, their Bluesfest seems to be doing fine.) Clearly, though, organizers see this as something worth repeating. Continue reading →

Last night in Vancouver U2 found a way to keep its live show fresh.

The Edge fell off the stage.

He was not hurt, so we can laugh about it.

A lot.

(If it bends, it’s funny. If it breaks, it isn’t.)

And while I may not be laughing as such, I have to admit I wish I’d been at that show.

Not that I wish any misfortune to Mr. Edge (The, to friends). Nor do I have anything against U2 as a person or Bono as a thing or whatever it is.

I give U2 credit for a fine debut album (Boy), a decent mid-period album (Achtung Baby) and, in One, a contender for one of the best pop songs ever transmitted to the masses. I’ve seen the band a time or two and enjoyed the show or shows. (Okay, I’ve seen two shows.) But I’m in no hurry to see U2 again.

Unless, that is, I can be assured one of the band members will fall off the stage. Perhaps they can agree to have a different aging rocker tumble from the platform each night. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. will have the toughest time making it look accidental, but I’m sure he can pull it off. After all, not for nothing is the quartet known as The Larry Mullen Band. Continue reading →