Time again for our resident reviewer to come in from frolicking in the snow and receive his treat, in the form of a selected disc from this week’s crop of new releases. This week, though Alicia Keys’ new album inspired mild tail-wagging, Snorri has opted to immerse himself in the oh-so-extravagant deluxe edition of XX, a box set celebrating the anniversary of Rage Against the Machine’s arrival. Yes, it’s been 20 years since Zach, Tom and the boys entered our lives, and about 15 since we last gave them a moment’s thought. XX takes us back once more via two CDs, two DVDs and an all-important vinyl edition of a landmark album. So, Snorrs, I know this is music from before your time (well, not in dog years), but are you feeling the Rage?
Snorri’s album reviews
Filed under Snorri's Album Reviews
this is not a concert review
In rock and roll there are certain elephants one is not permitted to acknowledge. Any recounting of The Clash, for example, is not to include the execrable Cut the Crap album. Van Morrison, despite barely showing up for his last dozen or so albums, continues to craft masterpieces. And Neil Young, one of the most gifted and influential artists this nation has given to the world, should never be dismissed as a self-indulgent old curmudgeon. Continue reading
Filed under Music
I survived Black Friday
Today, our American cousins celebrate Black Friday, a day that as far as I can tell commemorates the time the Pilgrims first headed to the outlet malls to purchase blankets, probably to replace the disease-ridden ones they’d given away the day before.
Here in Canada, of course, Black Friday is meaningless. Not that retailers let that stop them from declaring its arrival north of the border. No need to cross-border shop, bargain hunters, even if the Harper Government went out of its way earlier this year to encourage the practice. You can find deals here at home. Deals. Deals. And more deals. Stores here may not open at midnight, as many do Stateside, but, oh, let’s say 7 a.m. Will that work for you? I mean, Thursday is a school night. Continue reading
Filed under Ottawa
Snorri’s album reviews
Once again, Snorri sniffs out a new CD release and lets you know whether you should lick it, eat it or pee on it. This week, it’s the new Rolling Stones retrospective, Grrr! Wait, that can’t be the title. It is? OK, Grrr! it is. And did you know The Rolling Stones are celebrating their 50th… oh, right. But did you know they are also celebrating 30 years of releasing pure shit? You knew that too? Well then, what’s the verdict, Snorri?
Filed under Snorri's Album Reviews
the rapper
Burton Cummings, never noted for his shyness, has been everywhere lately, promoting yet another collection of new live recordings of old favourites. Haven’t heard enough versions of American Woman, Canadian radio listeners? Here’s another for you to enjoy.
This week, on the heels of much positive press, Cummings’ comeback hit a small snag in the form of founding Guess Who bassist Jim Kale’s acidic comments, published in the Winnipeg Free Press. Burton, it seems, has been critical of Kale’s steadfast refusal to relinquish possession of the Guess Who name. For 35 years, many a Cummings/Bachman-less tour and a few best-forgotten albums of new material, Kale and drummer Gary Peterson have, to all intents and purposes, been The Guess Who. As you read this, the pair (and whatever hired-hands are available) are likely preparing to take to the stage of a casino not near you. Continue reading
Filed under Music
Wig Bubbles 