Today is the day. Today, the anxiously awaited Arcade Fire’s Reflektor hits stores and the virtual world alike. And hits it hard. Snorri’s been maintaining a low profile lately, granted, but the Giorgio-Moroder-in-Haiti grooves of the band sometimes known as The Reflektors’ advance single laid a few new tricks on our old dog. So how’s the full album sounding so far, Snorrs? Continue reading
Loooooooooooooooo
He liked to watch things on TV.
Every tribute to Lou Reed I’ve heard or seen these past 24 hours has seemingly been as much about the person paying tribute as it has been about the late artist. Is that the point? Are they trying to tell us this is the great Lou Reed’s true legacy? An alumnus of Andy Warhol’s notorious Factory, the man undoubtedly learned much about taking narcissism to previously unimagined levels. Perhaps, then, in an existentialist sort of way, the ideal celebration of Lou Reed’s life is to talk about yourself.
I like to think not. And to demonstrate, please allow me to talk about myself. Continue reading
Filed under Music
neighbourhood watch
A few days ago while returning home from our neighbourhood library (Support your local library, people!) I was pleasantly surprised to discover evidence of a renowned area that has successfully maintained a surprisingly low profile here in Capital City for eons. Hyde Park Way, the street sign proudly proclaimed. Suitably awed, I spent several minutes combing nearby greenspace in search of Hyde Park. After all, here in the Commonwealth perhaps no park is better known. And here is was, hiding in the west end of Canada’s capital.
Funny thing, though. No sign of said park. Indeed the only park in the vicinity is the considerably less historic Centrepointe Park. True, Centrepointe was once home to Nepean’s City Hall, which ain’t nothing (but it’s close). Surely Hyde Park Way requires a Hyde Park, no?
Safely home again in Old Ottawa (i.e., north of Baseline Road) I wasted little time in delving into this nominal mystery in the manner that befits the intrepid reporter of today: by prostrating myself before the Google. Again, nothing. Or, should I say, something, in the form of a Hyde Park in Richmond. That Hyde Park, however, is under construction — not a phrase one normally associates with city parks, but there you are. Also, there appears to be no Buckingham Palace in Richmond; though, there may be ducks. Which is nice, as in this case Hyde Park is in effect a seniors’ residence. Not unlike Buckingham Palace, some might note.
Still, the fact remains that tourists in search of Hyde Park need not venture across the pond to the UK. Only to the exotic land that is Richmond, Ont. Continue reading
Filed under Ottawa
the art of the 45 rpm afterthought
Lately, I’ve rediscovered my collection of seven-inch singles and EPs. It’s a too-often neglected compact format that is admittedly less conducive to getting a party going than the LP. Playing one song at a time makes it rather a challenge to establish much in the way of flow, doncha know. Yet, thanks to a pair of recent DJ gigs for which I brought only 45s, I’ve gained a new appreciation for platters that would seem to be ideal for today’s short-attention-span music scene. In the era of the download, the 45 could well rule again. Continue reading
Filed under Music, Visual Art
sounds from the street
He appears to be neither hungry nor homeless. Some have claimed he is a music student. His playing suggests otherwise.
And the fact that he has chosen to inflict his lack of performing skill on people outside the LCBO store at Shoppers City — sorry, College Square — also points to an acceptance that he is not yet ready for bigtime busking.
Yet, in recent weeks as the sometimes-shirtless young busker has put his heart into his erratic live performances, I have become a fan. There is something compelling about an individual willing to learn an instrument — several instruments, even — in public. But hey, it worked for George Harrison. Scotty Moore, too. Hence, I say we thirsty westenders owe it to this budding musician to play the waiting game. And, I suspect, we’re in for a long wait. Continue reading
Wig Bubbles 