CJSW Radio!

The Ostrich and CJSW DJs @ The Ideal Art Space

2008-05-13T13:27:00.004-06:00

The Ostrich along with CJSW DJs Sonja Bloomer
and Spencer Brown will be playing at the
Ideal Art Space 202 17th Avenue Southwest
in Calgary Alberta on Thursday May 15th.

The party begins at 9 p.m.

19+

Hosted by Zune & VICE Magazine

You must RSVP @ comingzuneCAL@viceland.com

Fairy Tales X Film Festival Launch

2008-05-02T00:51:00.004-06:00

The launch of the 10th annual Fairy Tales International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival took place on May 1st as part of First Thursdays events at Art Central in downtown Calgary.

With candy kabobs and fruit loops as appetizers, guests were invited to take a peek at a couple of films that will be showcased from May 27th to June 5th.

Here is a brief description:

Were The World Mine (2008)
Director: Tom Gustafson

Shot on 16 mm film, this is a high school musical starring all-American boy Timothy as Puck in A Midsummer’s Night Dream. With his friends Max and Frankie, he tries to endure life in a close-minded small town until something magic happens.

Mulligans (2008)
Director: Chip Hales

Mulligans is a family drama about the relationship one man has with his best friend’s father and the impact it has on other family members. It delves into the reasons for some families to form and the emotional highs and lows that arise from it.

Check out the website http://www.fairytalesfilmfest.com/2008/ for more information

And

Tune in to CJSW 90.9 FM or access live-streaming on this website in the coming weeks for updates and interviews with festival organizers and filmmakers.

Sled Island reveals entire roster

2008-05-01T11:54:00.004-06:00

YO LA TENGO

Who needs to fly to another city to participate in a cool music festival... unless you aren't from Calgary and you want to fly to our pretty city and see some amazing bands this summer. Sincerely, Calgary is at her finest during the summer months. The weather is perfect, the lush city parks are bustling with paddle boats and fun activities, the evening thunderstorms are some of the most dramatic and there are tons of amazing restaurants popping up everywhere. We're home to the world's finest chocolatier -- don't worry, his stores are everywhere, you'll be able to find one. Hidden away in the charming community of Inglewood lies one of the most incredible record stores with a jaw-dropping vinyl collection. Our city receives more hours of sunshine than nearly any other Canadian city. We're a short road trip away from beautiful Banff (plan a quick trip to see the mountains and visit a few outrageously fun candy and souvenir shops) and scenic Drumheller (go visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the world's best dinosaur museum). Last year, Calgary was ranked as the world's cleanest city in a survey published in Forbes magazine. We have an intense rodeo in July when nearly the entire city embraces our western culture, wears old western shirts and hangs out in saloons for 10 days straight. So book your flight and come say hello, okay?

Reason #503 to pay us a visit this summer: the Sled Island Festival (June 25th-28th). The rest of the line-up was revealed today. Joining the likes of Wire, Jonathan Richman, Mogwai, The Gutter Twins, Deerhunter, Of Montreal, No Age and others are the equally amazing bands:

Yo La Tengo, Okkervil River, Blitzen Trapper, Broken Social Scene, Tegan and Sara, Grizzly Bear, Fucked Up, Secret Machines, Chixdiggit, Dan Deacon, The Unwanted, BBQ, The Cops, Enablers, Qui.

For tickets and more information, pull on your toque and aim your toboggans toward http://www.sledisland.com/. For more information on our beloved city of Calgary, please head over to http://www.tourismcalgary.com/.

Virgin Festival Calgary's line-up is announced... and The Flaming Lips are finally coming to town.

2008-04-08T10:04:00.012-06:00

We at CJSW love a funny spectacle and the folks at Virgin Mobile gladly delivered. At a press conference this morning, the Calgary Police escorted a procession of Mini Coopers into Fort Calgary. The little red and white cars emptied cheerleaders and British bobbies onto a red carpet where the 'bobbies' unlocked a briefcase containing the line-up for the inaugural Virgin Festival Calgary.

Scheduled to perform Vfest Calgary (June 21st-22nd) are the Flaming Lips, Stone Temple Pilots (headlining day one), Tragically Hip (headlining day two), Three Days Grace, Corb Lund, Face to Face, The Dudes, Pride Tiger, Crash Parallel, Matthew Good, City & Colour, Stars, Constantines, The New Pornographers, Attack in Black, Ten Second Epic, The Spades, The Whitsundays and Said the Whale. A one-day pass is priced at $75.50 and a two-day pass is priced at $125. A limited amount of advance tickets will be available at the Future Shop on April 9th at 10am. General ticket sales commence April 12th at 10am through Future Shop and Ticketmaster.

Andrew Bridge, Director of Virgin Festivals, described how the acts were selected from random suggestions in thousands of e-mails sent to Virgin upon the announcement of the Calgary festival. Bridge said that the main headliners are included in this announced roster, but there may be some smaller additions. Let's hope so. Aside from the Flaming Lips, Calgary has already had the pleasure of seeing these musicians a few times over.

The Virgin Fest is a carbon neutral event and Bridge pledged that Virgin will leave Fort Calgary in a better condition than they found it. For more information, head to http://www.virginfestival.ca/.

Sled Island 2008 Roster Revealed

2008-03-25T15:46:00.006-06:00

Sled Island Press Conference. Beth Gignac (City of Calgary), Zak Pashak (Sled Island Festival Director), Wayne Baerwaldt (Sled Island 2008 Visual Art Curator), Scott Kannberg (Sled Island 2008 Music Curator, Preston School of Industry, Pavement).

It looks like another banner year for Sled Island, one of western Canada's brightest music festivals. SI '08 will be taking place between June 25th-28th at some of Calgary's finest venues.

At a press conference this afternoon, festival director Zak Pashak, guest music curator Scott Kannberg (Preston School of Industry, Pavement) and other festival participants revealed a glimpse at the initial line-up. It's going to be a white hot June, gang.

Confirmed acts include seminal British punk rockers Wire, Jonathan Richman, The Gutter Twins, Of Montreal, American Music Club, Jose Gonzales, RZA (Bobby Digital), Mogwai, Scott Kannberg a.k.a. Spiral Stairs, No Age, Deerhunter, The Dodos, Drive By Truckers, Extra Golden, Miss Murgatroid & Petra Haden, Woodpigeon, Beans, Hot Little Rocket, The Broken West, Cave Singers, Wet Secrets, Pride Tiger, Portastatic, Headlights, Ramblin' Ambassadors, Bison, Mother Mother, Elizabeth, Modern Man, Luther Wright, The Whitsundays, Elliott Brood and Carolyn Mark.

The full line-up will be announced on May 1st.

Sled Island's 2008 visual art curator, Wayne Baerwaldt (IKG) spoke about a few exciting exhibitions which will be unveiled to Calgarians during the festival. Works include Peaches' Pit (an installation featuring a walk-through cave lined with hundreds of items that have been thrown to the singer onstage), a series by Wil Murray (featuring works by former Calgarians) and a narrative but abstract series by surf aficionado and Brazilian artist Paulo Whitaker.

Early bird festival passes will soon be available at SledIsland.com. Stay tuned to CJSW for insider information on all things Sled Island 2008!

2008-03-23T23:28:00.009-06:00

Postcards from Austin: South by Southwest 2008
Photos & words by Aubrey McInnis

J. MASCIS

There's something totally enchanting about warm southern air and getting caught in an enormous sea of people whose hearts beat in time to the exact same thing - good music. For a week in Austin, crunchy noise beckons audiences from every corner of the downtown core. Like going to any amusement park, the biggest thrills accumulate the longest line-ups.

The occasion was South by Southwest (SXSW) 2008. Each year, the interactive, film and music festival and conference takes over downtown Austin, Texas. Austin is a cosy city populated by over 700,000 impeccably mannered residents who call the live music capital of the world home. For four days, the music industry lovingly burned out their ears and feet to bring home to our respective corners of the world the inside scoop on all the best music to watch out for this year.

The SXSW experience is divided into two parts. First, the official SXSW experience which consists of the meticulously organized interactive, film and music conference and festival. The SXSW conference headquarters are located in the Austin Convention Center, where the trade show occurs and where a handful of live performances are broadcast on satellite TV. The big draw to the ACC is the annual Flatstock (poster art) exhibition featuring folks like Calgary's Clay Hayes of GigPosters.com. Official band showcases begin each night at 8pm and last until 2am.

The second part of the SXSW experience includes unofficial day parties which usually start at noon and go until 6pm. Dependably a spectacle with plenty of annoying party photographers, day parties are highly sponsored affairs consisting of six to a dozen bands, free food, drinks and swag. Since bands usually have quick 30 minute sets, it's a good time to revisit bands or scout out acts you're curious about, but don't want to see during longer evening showcases.

This year, one emerging trend included aggressive experimental music set to steady, tribal percussion. The more melodic trend was white hot duos led by a gal and a guy. Titans of indie rock making official appearances included J. Mascis, Thurston Moore, Lou Reed, Yo La Tengo and X. Talented acts representing Team Calgary included Lorrie Matheson, the Smalltown DJs, Hot Little Rocket and Woodpigeon.

Alright, gang. Four days, 49 acts. Here are the highlights.

THE RAVEONETTES

The Raveonettes put on the most sonically heady sets of the week chock full of rave-ups and slow ' n' sultry dance numbers mostly taken from their fourth pristine long-player, Lust Lust Lust. Performed live, the songs made a damn fool out of my home stereo (your tinny days are numbered, junior). The endlessly cool duo of guitarists Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo were backed by the fantastic percussionist, Leah Shapiro, who pounded a tom and snare with primal gusto. With dreamy harmonies, whitewash guitar noise and songs befitting full moon gazing, The Raveonettes were understandably in hot demand, making a dozen appearances in four days. We were treated to a similar batch of winsome songs during The Raveonettes' appearance in Calgary last autumn, but not with bass as delectably interactive as during their Vice showcase (my clothes were vibrating). The talented and beautiful Sharin Foo graciously lingered to take pictures with all the star-struck girls and boys after the shows. People were star-struck for a good reason - this band is amazing.

THE KILLS

Another wildly impressive duo was Alison 'VV' Mosshart and Jamie 'Hotel' Hince, who both owned the stage with confrontational sexiness during their smouldering set. Imagine Boss Hog (during the juicy part of their career), but more electrifying and modern. Both playing guitar, Hince kicked his amp with his pointy boot for added noise while Mosshart coolly worked the stage. Together, they put on one of the most compelling and chic rock performances of the week. Gal/guy duos with a cheeky rock swagger was a winning combo at SXSW. The Kills' electric new album, Midnight Boom, is out now.

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS

Brooklyn's A Place to Bury Strangers continued transforming uppity music nerds into rabid fans at SXSW. The trio's SXSW appearances felt like consecutive teasers for the highly anticipated live album due this year. As you can estimate from the live action photograph, Oliver Ackermann nearly strangled his guitar to death on a few occasions last week. He's the master of guitar pedals (see: DeathByAudio.com) and concocted the most enthralling mixture of white noise and sombre vocal melodies while the rhythm section of bassist Jono Mofo and drummer Jay Space held down the fort. This trio is officially unstoppable. Their noise is enough to renew shivers and giddiness to those of us going to bed each night hugging our Jesus & Mary Chain and Cure records.

YO LA TENGO

Along with the eternally boyish Thurston Moore, the unchanging look of Yo La Tengo proves that rock'n'roll keeps you young. Barely chatting with the audience, Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew put on a calm and serene performance until Kaplan started swingin' his guitar around for a refreshing (albeit too brief) spell of noise. It would have been better to hear a longer and less mellow set, but it was still magic to hear Yo La Tengo pull out the classic "Tom Courtenay" and their rocker "Watch Out for Me Ronnie."

SHE & HIM

Merge Records' latest gem includes the talent of actress/singer Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Appearing on the same bill as Portastatic (the earnest voiced Mac McCaughan), the Radar Brothers and the Shout Out Louds, She & Him were the warmest of the bunch. All eyes were locked on vocalist/pianist Deschanel, who along with Ward, put on a delightful performance similar to the twang-laced tunes of fellow actress/singer, Jenny Lewis. While Deschanel and Ward seemed to be working out a few kinks during the week, overall, they're a charming addition to the music scene. Extra points awarded for having a cool guitarist/producer/engineer in the band, Mike Coykendall, who donned the brilliant "London, Paris, Rome, Portland" t-shirt. Bang on the money, mister.

HEALTH

It's one of the most unsexy band names ever, but Health is the sound of the future and you'll need industrial strength earplugs to retain your hearing while worshipping them. Loud bands with abrasive noise set to a tribal beat sounded off all the right bells to gig-goers this year. Those of us waiting for other gigs to begin eagerly exchanged notes and enthusiastic queries of "have you seen Health yet?" Expectedly, the LA band developed a white hot buzz as did electronic duo Fuck Buttons, No Age and riled-up Toronto punk rockers, Fucked Up. All of it proved to be fascinating, explosive and best suited for ornery tailgaters or anyone craving music they can sink their teeth into.

THE SADIES

Since Calgary is lucky to have The Sadies kindly pay us a visit nearly once each year, we're fondly acquainted with their musical dexterity and legendary bag of tricks. Year after year, we keep flocking back for more with friends and family in tow. Our American pals seem to be at the beginning of their courtship with The Sadies and less familiar with the boys' onstage prowess and genius musical aptitude. When brothers Dallas and Travis Good executed their tricky fret board exchange, audience members visibly lost composure. It was fun to watch others experience one of Canada's greatest bands for the first time. The Sadies are nominated for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year By a Group for the 2008 Juno Awards. If they don't win, there'll be a riot and I'll be leading it.

AKRON/FAMILY

While I'm not a member of the Akron/Family church, there's no doubt about it, the band puts on sonically interesting performances. The band is devoted to making meaningful connections with their audience... which often included their number one fan and CJSW's music director, Myke Atkinson. Their final SXSW set concluded with the band leading their entire audience from Emo's onto the streets of Austin, where they embraced each other in a circle singing about geometric shapes. Hmm. Everyone was hugging at the end. Hmm. If this was any other band, I probably would have rolled my eyes. Since Akron/Family had already proved their musical sincerity, any gut instinct to mock the geometric shapes sing-along was (reluctantly) abandoned.

THE DONNAS

After The Donnas released their most lascivious love letter to hard rock, Bitchin' (on their new imprint Purple Feather Records, 2007), it was clear that the quartet was reborn with unbridled energy. After seeing them first at CMJ in 1999 and then in years since, I was curious to see how their independence and second wind would translate live. They had just finished a big tour with The Hives and their SXSW showcase was the last gig of the tour. They should have been dog-tired and dragging their butts. Not a chance. Brett Anderson was jumping around and cheekily working the audience like it was the opening night of a fresh tour. Allison Robertson's souped-up guitar moves were actually jaw-dropping. I might have squealed when the two rockers engaged in synchronized hair helicopters, but I also have a hard time keeping Rock Goddess and Girlschool off my turntable. The Donnas put on one hell of a party to end one noisy, insane week.

RACHAEL RAY's FEEDBACK BBQ

File under: Sorta Random. If anyone has ever been a fan of Rachael Ray, you know that the 39 year-old television personality/author loves live music. So fittingly, the queen foodie threw a cool day party at SXSW featuring hot bands and hot food. A catering company dished out the eats so Ray could enjoy all of the bands from the front row. The venue was one of Austin's coolest - the Beauty Bar. Looking like a '60s salon, the Beauty Bar is comprised of a front patio, a mid-sized inside room and a large backyard. Ray's BBQ was set up in the patio (beside a gaggle of Rachael Ray look-alikes), DJs spun in the inside room and bands played in the backyard. The line-up to get into her party was down the block and I had to cough up my media credentials to get in. While I was finishing up at another party and negotiating the crowds, I had missed her lawyer-husband's band, The Cringe, who was joined by ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons (mistakenly called Billy Simmons on her official website... meep). I caught San Francisco's Scissors for Lefty, who put on an infectiously energetic set. Before departing for the next gig, I took a few bites of one of Ray's 7 Layer Sliders (verdict: best little burger ever!) and saw The Stills, who debuted a ton of huge-sounding material from their forthcoming album. Only at SXSW, gang.

For photographs of other gigs attended (Kimya Dawson, Thurston Moore, Film School, Times New Viking, My Morning Jacket and more) head on over to the full SXSW 2008 album at: www.flickr.com/photos/teamrocknroll

For the review of SXSW 2007, click on April 2007 in the Archives menu to your right and please scroll down.

The Vagina Monologues are back to celebrate their 10 Year Anniversary!

2008-03-20T17:42:00.005-06:00

Ten years young, the Vagina Monologues return to Calgary for another stellar 3-night long engagement. Marsha Ellen Meidow has been involved in organizing Calgary's Vagina Monologues since the inception. Every year brings a different experience as new volunteers take on the roles of women telling stories about sexuality, violence, embarrassment and discovery related to women and, of course, their vaginas.

This year's edition includes a special addition by a local femme who has prepared her own piece for the night. There will also be an interpretive dance of My Vagina Was My Village and many more surprises and treats for you, your vagina and your friends including three beautiful chair and ottoman sets (donated by Urban Barn) to be auctioned off at the end of each show.

Eve Ensler wrote the play, The Vagina Monologues, in 1996. It is now available in over 45 different languages and has been performed in over 119 countries. The play is both powerful and funny, thought-provoking and motivating. Ensler's recognition includes Obie Award for Best New Play (1996), the Guggenheim Fellowship Award in Playwriting (1999), the Berrilla-Kerr Award for Playwriting, the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Solo Performance and the Jury Award for Theater at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. Her play has touched the lives of many in the world and if you haven't seen the Vagina Monologues yet, this weekend brings your chance.

All the money raised supports Calgary's YWCA Safe Haven Program: Getting young girls off the streets and back into their lives.

The Vagina Monologues:
March 20th-22nd at EPCOR Centre's Martha Cohen Theatre.
Tickets are $25 - available at ticketmaster locations or by calling 777-0000

Sequins and Spandex, a CJSW Fundraiser

2008-03-17T17:22:00.002-06:00

Photobucket Album

International Women's Day 2008

2008-02-27T23:34:00.005-07:00

Since 1977 Canada has officially celebrated International Women's Day each year on the eighth of March. We celebrate international Women's Day to recognize the progress women have made in regards to equality, rights, and full participation in society. We also use the day to reflect on the challenges and barriers that women still face including violence against women, sexual assault, economic inequality, and much more.
Canada's theme for International Women's Day 2008 is Strong Women, Strong World. The theme conveys a message that by empowering women, we create a better environment for everyone: women, men and children.
Strong Women, Strong World also emphasizes the important role that women play in our world as leaders, policy-makers, caregivers, educators, and international peacemakers.
CJSW is proud to celebrate International Women's Day on Saturday March 8. Make sure you celebrate too by giving props to the ladies in your life on this very special day.

Events in Calgary for International Women's Day:

Event: Calgary Public Library celebrates International Women's Day
Date: March 7, 2008
Time: 12:00 onwards
About: In celebration of International Women's Day, a panel of successful women will discuss the women who inspire them and how they maintain their own work/life balance. Lunch will be served at 13:00.
Venue: John Dutton Theatre, Second Floor, Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, T2G 2M2
Organization: Calgary Public Library
Info: www.calgarypubliclibrary.com

Event: The Calgary Women's Centre celebrates International Women's Day
Date: March 6 [fixed!], 2008
Time: 5:30 - 9:00pm
About: Join the Calgary Women's Centre for an evening of celebration with a potluck dinner, singing and dancing
Venue: The Carpenter's Hall : 301 - 10th Street NW (Sunnyside C-Train Station, Wheelchair Accessible)
Organization: Calgary Women's Centre
Info: You can download the flyer here. If you would like to make a donation of food, door prizes, volunteer and/or need more information call 264-1155

From the ladies of Yeah, What She Said

Express Your Freedom to Read

2008-02-18T21:16:00.003-07:00

CJSW may be a radio station, but that doesn't mean we don't pick up a book every now and again. In fact, we are proud to support Freedom to Read Week. This annual week supporting intellectual freedom has run annually for more than twenty years. The reason? Every year books are removed from the libraries in schools, books are held at the border, internet sites are forced to remove content and journalists' stories are rejected by editors for being too controversial.

Calgary independent booksellers celebrate this week with special events that give special focus to banned and controversial books. The University of Calgary bookstore displays controversial books for the month of February. McNally Robinson (120 8th Avenue SW) has a Freedom to Read Week 24-hour Marathon. For an entire day excerpts will be read from books that have been banned from Canadian bookshelves including a reading from this years choice of challenged book: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

So, what can you do to support your freedom to read? There are several suggestions on the Freedom to Read website including "freeing a banned book." It's simple, and anyone can do it. Check your bookshelf for any books that have been banned like Mordecai Richler's The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, J.D. Salinger's Catcher In The Rye, Philip Pullman's The Golden Campus and many more that you can find listed online. Go to BookCrossing.com, print off a book-sticker and register your banned book. Now free your book into the community! Drop it off at a charity or used-book
store. Now more people can enjoy literature that has been censored.

You could also pick up one of Calgary's numerous independent publications. In Calgary we are fortunate to have both FFWD magazine, Calgary's popular News and Entertainment weekly, and the University of Calgary's Gauntlet. These two publications highlight alternative opinions on current events that affect our community. Alberta wide you can also pick up Alberta Views for political, social and cultural debate. Another great source of arts, culture, media and activism is Eleventh Transmission, an online publication based on Calgary's issues.

Finally, make sure to tune into CJSW's book and writing focused programming Off The Page, The Gauntlet's radio show airs Tuesdays at 6pm and Writer's Block is Thursdays at 6pm.

Turing Radio Top Ten

2008-02-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

#1 Justice - Cross (Wea)
#2 Andrew W.K. - Close Calls With Brick Walls (Universal)
#3 Simian Mobile Disco - Attack Decay Sustain Release (Interscope)
#4 Fridge - The Sun (Temporary Residence)
#5 Apparat - Walls (Shitkatapult)
#6 RJD2 - The Third Hand (XL Recordings)
#7 Wax Mannequin - Orchard & Ire (Infinite Heat)
#8 Music for Animals - Music for Animals (Three Ring Records)
#9 Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha (Fat Possum Records)
#10 Motor - Unhuman (Mute U.S.)

Get more, including the top 20 and album reviews, over at the Turing Radio blog.

-Kat, Turing Radio (alternating Wednesdays 10-11pm)

JP's Top 5 x2 for 2007

2008-02-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

JP, in case you're wondering, is one half of the team that brings you Megawatt Mayhem every Saturday night.

JP's Top 5 Easy-Listenin' Golden Oldies for 2007

1. MANOWAR-Gods of War
2. W.A.S.P.- Dominator
3. SCORPIONS- Humanity: Hour One
4. TED NUGENT- Love Grenade
5. OZZY OSBOURNE-Black Rain

JP Top 5 Young 'n' Hungry, New Gods of Metal

1. EMERALD SUN-Escape From Twilight
2. RAINTIME-Flies 'n' Lies
3. KELIDAN-Heaven's Gate
4. CRESCENT SHEILD-The Last Of My Kind
5. WUTHERING HEIGHTS-The Shadow Cabinet

The Music Directors 90.9 BEST ALBUMS OF 2007

2008-02-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

2007 was a great year for music. A really really really great year. Below is a list of 90.9 of Myke Atkinson, CJSW's Music Director's favourite releases that came out this year.

A couple notes: It's in alphabetical order because when music is this good, you can't say that a record is better than another because they're just too darn amazing. Also, there's no local releases on it, not because I don't love me some Calgary discs, but because a quarter of my list would have ended up being local since I'm so close to it. So, in the same way that people make lists minus what they're pimping, I'll remove local from the score. I know I probably forgot like a hundred records, but that's the nature of the game, right?

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Akron/Family - Love Is Simple (Young God)
Angels Of Light - We Are Him (Young God)
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam (Domino)
Antelope - Reflector (Dischord)
Battles - Mirrored (Warp)
Big A Little A - GAame (Gigantic)
Black Diamond Heavies - Every Damn Time (Alive)
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Dandelion Gum (Graveface)
Blankket - Be Your Own Boss (Blocks)
Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation (Lidkercow)
Brad Laner - Neighbor Singing (Hometapes)
Brother Ali - Undisputed Truth Tour (Rhymesayers)
Burning Star Core - Operator Dead... Post Abandoned (No Quarter)
Caribou - Andorra (Merge)
Cars And Trains - Rusty String (Circle Into Square)
Cassette - Beautiful California (Atomisk)
Castanets - In the Vines (Asthmatic Kitty)
Cave Singers - Invitation Songs (Matador)
Chris Garneau - Music For Tourists (Absolutely Kosher)
Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur (Domino)
Colleen - Les Ondes Silencieuses (Leaf)
Copy - Hair Guitar (Audio Dregs)
Daniel A.I.U. Higgs - Atomic Yggdrasil Tarot (Thrill Jockey)
David Vandervelde - The Moonstation House Band (Secretly Canadian)
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity (Kill Rock Stars)
Dizzee Rascal - Maths And English (XL)
Do Make Say Think - You, You're A History In Rust (Constellation)
Dungen - Tio Bitar (Kemado)
Earthless - Rhythms From a Cosmic Sky (Tee Pee)
El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead (Definitive Jux)
Eluvium - Copia (Temporary Residence)
Fridge - The Sun (Temporary Residence)
Frog Eyes - Tears of the Valedictorian (Absolutely Kosher)
Galactic - From the Corner to the Block (Anti)
Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara (Nettwerk)
Health - Health (Love Pump United)
Holy Fuck - LP (Turks)
Huxtables - A Touch Of Wonder (Famous Class)
Intercom - AAAAAAA (Le Son 666)
J Dilla - Ruff Draft (Stones Throw)
Jesu - Conqueror (Hydra Head)
Justice - Cross (Ed Banger)
Kids On TV - Mixing Business With Pleasure (Blocks)
Last Days - Sea (N5MD)
LCD Soundsystem - Of Silver (DFA)
Le Loup - The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations Millennium General Assembly (Hardly Art)
Lewis & Clarke - Blasts of Holy Birth (La Societe Expeditionnaire)
Low - Drums and Guns (Sub Pop)
M.I.A. - Kala (Interscope)
Macromantics - Moments In Movement (Kill Rockstars)
Magik Markers - Boss (Ecstatic Peace!)
Marissa Nadler - Songs III: Bird on the Water (Peacefrog)
Mark Templeton - Standing On A Hummingbird (Anticipate)
Meg Baird - Dear Companion (Drag City)
Menomena - Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
Mice Parade - Mice Parade (Fatcat)
Nadja - Touched (Alien 8)
Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators - Keep Reachin' Up (Light In The Attic)
No Age - Weirdo Rippers (Fat Cat)
Om - Pilgrimage (Southern Lord)
Oxbow - The Narcotic Story (Hydra Head)
Panda Bear - Person Pitch (Paw Tracks)
Pelican - City Of Echoes (Daymare)
Percee P - Perseverance (Stones Throw)
Phonemes - There's Something We've Been Meaning to Do (Blocks)
Prefuse 73 - Preparations (Warp)
Prints - Prints (Temporary Residence)
Pterodactyl - Pterodactyl (Brah)
Radical Face - Ghost (Morr)
Sandro Perri - Tiny Mirrors (Constellation)
Secret Mommy - Plays (Ache)
Silver Daggers - New High & Ord (Load)
Six Organs Of Admittance - Shelter From The Ash (Drag City)
Six Parts Seven - Casually Smashed To Pieces (Suicide Squeeze)
Small Sails - Similar Anniversaries (Other Electricities)
Stars Of The Lid - And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky)
Subjects - With The Ease, Grace, Precision And Cleverness Of Human Beings (Pretty Activity)
Taken By Trees - Open Field (Rough Trade)
These Are Powers - Terrific Seasons (Hoss)
Torngat - You Could Be (Alien 8)
Touch And Nato - The Representatives in Intelligent Design (Up In Arms)
Trans Am - Sex Change (Thrill Jockey)
Turbo Fruits - Turbo Fruits (Ecstatic Peace)
We Were Wolves - Total Magique (Dare To Care)
Wooden Wand - James & the Quiet (Ecstatic Peace)
Xasthur - Defective Epitaph (Hydra Head)
Zozobra - Harmonic Tremors (Hydra Head)
ZS - Arms (Planaria)
Various Artists - Rythmo Tropicale Noises Da Isla De Montreal (Le Son 666)
Various Artists - Imagine The Shapes (What's Your Rupture)

Peter Jay Maitland's Top 10

2008-02-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Peter trades off with CP on Bikesheviks every 2nd Saturday from 2:30 - 4pm

Albums
Dr Dog - "We all Belong" - almost like a cross between Beach Boys & The Band, while that may sound like a recipe for disaster for some, this album has a timeless quality that rewards repeat listening in spades.

Kings of Leon - "Because the Times" - while I miss some of the ass- shakin' rave ups of their previous albums, this one is a bold move into several new sonic adventures for the band.

Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" - perhaps their best record yet, which is a big complement considering the strength of their last 3 records. This album is the AC/DC of indie rock due to its proof that simplicity is often better than a bunch of musical 'bells and whistles'.

Two most enjoyable disappointments
New Pornographers - "Challengers" & Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
While both these albums fell short of most previous works by each artist, they still proved to be very listenable and worthwhile in their own laid back way.

Live Performances

In Cowtown
There were several great performances and events in Calgary during 2007, these 5 events prove we are just getting better and better when it comes to attracting great talent and having several decent options of places to play. The below list is limited to artists I had never seen before (although I should note that 3rd time proved to be the charm for catching Joel Plaskett & The New Pornographers in 2007 - as each put on their best performance yet during my third time catching each artist)

Antibalas - June 24, 2007 (SAIT's Gateway Lounge) - amazing rhythmic masterminds that dared you not to bust a move

Old 97's - July 6, 2007 (Flames Central) - front row for this event probably snuck into my top 5 shows of all time - Texas rock & twangers were phenomenal live

Les Breastfeeders - Sept. 30, 2007 (Broken City) - I did not understand any of the Quebecois lyrics but it did not matter given their consistent garage rock onslaught

The Thermals - Oct. 18, 2007 (Broken City) - a set that flew by the pure virtue of this trio not letting anyone the chance to catch their breath - packed with witty punk rock gems

The Blood Lines - Dec. 15, 2007 (CJSW studios in afternoon, Marquee Room later on) - a new up and coming group from Saskatoon whose live show is already excellent with a consistent energy and freewheeling fun stage presence.

Out of Town
Bonnaroo - June 14 - 17th (Manchester Tennessee) - Although due to scheduling conflicts, I missed some key acts. I caught many excellent sets (or portions of sets) including the Decemberists, Spoon, Marvis Staples, Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog, Gov't Mule & many others. My faves included The Hold Steady, Tool, Wilco and the almighty White Stripes (who sounded 10 times better here than at the Saddledome!), who caused me to rock out like Freddy with such force that my disposable camera was lost forever within the pulsating crowd.

Gilles' Top Ten Mixed Bag for 2007

2008-02-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Gilles, host of French Transe en Danse gives us:
Gilles' Top Ten Mixed Bag for 2007 (not in order of importance):

1) June Hiking Week-End in Waterton;

2) The Fiddle and the Drum, the Joni Mitchell-inspired Alberta Ballet performance at the Jubilee Auditorium - with Balanchine's amazing Serenade as 1st part: What I don't get, though, is Corporate Calgary giving Joni Mitchell a standing ovation... Did they not understand, amongst quite a few other things, that the condemnation "paving paradise and putting up a parking lot" was directed at them...?;

3) French Cds:
- Un Japonais à Paris by Tomuya (nothing revolutionary here, just a bunch of classic French tunes revisited by a Japanese artist living in Paris, but with quite amazing results, in my mind...),
- Les Chansons perdues by Mick est tout seul. Mickey 3D's front man solo effort, in the same dark vein, but ditties of a more personal nature,
- New YorCœur, latest release by Charlélie Couture (French visual artist/musician now living in New York and howing his own poetical/political row for over 30 years),
- Variéty by Les Rita Mitsouko - In Memoriam Fred Chichin who passed away "suddenly" in November 2007;

4) Montréal instrumental Trio Torngat's concert at Broken City at the end of November;

5) The New Calgary Jazz Fest Concert of François Carrier, Michel Lambert and French bassist Jean Jacques Avenel at Cantos;

6) While waiting for Todd Haynes' movie I'm not There (which will definitely make my Top Ten List the minute it comes out, buzz, buzzz), I will include the 2 Cd "soundtrack";

7) Das Leben Anderes (The Life of Others): Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's movie;

8) Spending yet another wonderful Reading Week at Brem's;

9) 8th Calgary Pétanque (French "bocce") Tournament (September CJSW Fundraiser);

10) http://www.radiofrance.fr/chaines/france-inter01/emissions/lenoir: Anna Ternheim "Black Session" on France-Inter radio station; and The National, Elvis Perkins and Art Brut's concerts at La Route du Rock Festival in Saint-Malo (France);

Evan Dean's Top 10 of 2007

2008-02-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

The CJSW Librarian sees a lot of records in given year. It's an amazing show of will that he kept the list to only 10. here it is

It's been a busy year for the station and myself, and I extend kudos to our Music Director Myke Atkinson who has done an absolutely rad job of providing all of us programmers at the station with a consistently diverse smear of new music week in week out. It's been hard to keep up with all the new music that's been released this year, and picking 10 favourites was even harder! But that said, here are a few of the albums that totally made my musical year, complete with overwrought mini reviews!

1. Shellac - Excellent Italian Greyhound
This was the only album of the year I was actually long awaiting. I thought it would be good, and I was completely wrong. It was something far better than "good". The noisy, minimal arrangements consisting of Albini's caustic vox and razor sharp guitar, Weston's pounding bass and Trainer's off kilter drumming offer us a familiar experience. But what can I say? There's no such thing as "too much" Shellac in my books. Double bonus on the fantastic vinyl packaging and the quality of recording that both Albini and Weston are appropriately renowned for.

2. Snake Mountain - Snakebeard EP
My favourite local release this year. These guys came out of nowhere and along with numerous other releases this year reminded me that the local scene keeps getting better. Only 4 tracks on the EP and they still managed to cram all that one could hope for from (mostly) instrumental rock; Crushing walls of guitar, plangent melodies, pounding bass and crashing drums. I was lucky enough to snag these guys for a live performance on my funding drive show, and I must say, it was truly superb. I can't wait to hear more from these guys in the future.

3. Earthless - Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky
If Sabbath and Hawkwind made a 3 track epic that was pretty much just one extended guitar solo, I bet it'd sound a lot like this Earthless record. I don't think I heard a single release from this year rock out in a traditional 70s guitar-wank sense of the term than Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky. Congrats to Earthless for proving that there's still a place for wicked, overblown, face melting 20 minute solos once and a while. OK, anytime really.

4. Chris Garneau - Music For Tourists
The first album of 2007 that really caught my ear, I heard Garneau's dulcet, feminine vocals drifting out of Myke's office and fell in love with the simple, passionate melancholy of Music For Tourists. The delicate harps and gentle piano compliment Garneau's angelic voice in an ultimately satisfying fashion. He managed to lay claim to the only cover of Elliot Smith's "Between the Bars" that managed to convey an that sense of sensitivity and fragility a Smith song demands.

5. Mutators - Paper Words 7"
Not an album, but the Mutators probably won't ever release a true album, so I see it fit to include this very aggressive release from my new favourite Vancouver experimental hardcore kids. The second I heard that shrill, piercing scream on the A-side, the world dropped away and I was completely transfixed with the absolute mayhem that ensued.

6. Various Artists - New Folk: Saskatoon and Osaka
I didn't see this album until months after its release, but I fell in love with it right away. A compilation of styles and artists from, you guessed it, Saskatoon and Osaka. Ranging from psychedelic folk, hardcore breaks, pop, hip-hop and noise. I haven't heard a more cohesive comp of such disparate stylings in a long time.

7. Secret Mommy - Plays
Myke handed this album to me one day and told me to listen to it. I'm glad he did, because it made me completely reconsider what electronic music was to me. Consisting entirely of analog samples ranging from traditional acoustic instruments, to more creative sources such as bicycle wheels being hit with sticks, all cut up and reworked into what I would describe as glitch folk. It completely blew me away.

8. Boredoms - Super Roots 9
Super Roots have established a long tradition of some of Boredoms most interesting, creative and experimental work to day, and Super Roots 9 was certainly no exception. The 40 minute live drum-fest drones along as one would expect from a Boredoms performance of recent memory. Total bonus points for the best show in Calgary I've seen all year.

9. Black Diamond Heavies - Every Damn Time
This was a filthy, raunchy, smokey, blues-soaked 40 minute trainwreck of emotion. John Welsey Myers reminds us that the blues are still alive and kicking, and those kicks can fucking hurt. From his husky bark and roaring keys to Van Campbell's pounding rhythm, the duo managed to provide a stunningly raw and genuine sounding debut. It lacks the taint of slick, stiff overproduction that plagues so many records of more recent years, and that is something to cheer about.

10. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Dandelion Gum
From the backwoods of Pennsylvania. Who would've guess? I first heard Black Moth Super Rainbow near the tail end of 2006 with their Octopus Project collaboration, so when I saw Dandelion Gum on the playlist months later, I thought I knew what I was in for, but apparently even that wasn't enough to prepare me for how awesome this record was.

Special mention:
Angels of Light - We Are Him
Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation
Azeda Booth - Mysterious Body EP
Akron\Family - Love Is Simple
The Black Coffee Cowboys - Hot Like Fire
Dethklok - The Dethalbum
The Grandfather Fire and the Holy Morning - Self Titled
El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead
The Consonant C - Capes and Crowns

Nat Kaos' Top 13 "Weapons of Annihilation" of 2007!!!

2008-02-05T12:43:00.001-07:00

'Twas another big year for metal! In terms of live shows, there were quite a few big ones, including Dimmu Borgir, Metalblade's 25th Anniversary (with Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore, Black Dhalia Murder), Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Amon Amarth, Dying Fetus, and the biggies of the year being Heaven and Hell (with the mighty Sabbath and Dio!), along with Megadeth! Furthermore, you people have shown your metal-pride big time with your pledge during our annual CJSW funding drive, where all 3 metal shows have broke their all-time record! During my Rage Cage alone, $1260 were raised! You made yourselves heard LOUDER than ever before: you WANT more metal, you NEED more metal! Well, MORE is what you shall receive. I, the Caged Warrior, promise you that 500%!!! Thank you for supporting the only community radio that matters: CJSW, your ONLY voice for METAL!!!

Now, as for the albums, I wanted to keep it simple, keeping the magical number of 13 (just like last year), but since (as usual) there were so many good releases, of course, so some had to be tied.

Nat Kaos' Top 13 "Weapons of Annihilation" of 2007!!!

13) Darkthrone: F.O.A.D. (Peaceville)
On this release, these Norwegian black-metallers pay homage to some of their influences, thus resembling styles of those ranging from Celtic Frost, Motorhead, Venom, and Sabbath. And they do a good job of it, with Nocturnal Culto even doing a few Lemmy- ish vocals here and there. Overall, pretty descent heavy metal release, and if you're were just expecting another Transylvannian Hunger, FUCK OFF AND DIE!

12) Tie:
Sulphur: Cursed Madness (Osmosis)
After 2 demos since forming in 2000, these Norwegian black- metallers have finally been signed to one of the genres big label, Osmosis, and released a debut. Some members of the band have previous experiences with other known bands, such as Enslaved, Aetenus, and Gorgoroth. Atmospheric, dark, epic, evil, I say the band is off to a good start!

Sigh: Hangman's Hymn (the End Records)
Meanwhile, across the Pacific, is Japan's own black-metal/ avant-garde metal, Sigh. They, just like the aforementioned band, have put their anger and hatred of humanity into a beautiful work of art, adding in little bit more dark symphonic sounds, accompanied by amazing guitar-work.

11) Tie:
Dimmu Borgir: In Sorte Diaboli (Nuclear Blast)
Four years have passed since their last studio release, "Death Cult Armeggedon", followed by re-recording of Stormblast 2 years later. Now, they are finally back with their new material, and there were many speculations as to whether the band still have it. With the addition of Hellhammer (from Mayhem) on drums, the expectations were much higher. While I could honestly say that I was expecting little bit more, it's still a fine release.

Devin Townsend: Ziltoid the Omniscient (Inside Out Music America)
From the dark, satanic theme of Dimmu Borgir, to the dark, black COFFEE that our outer-space friend, Ziltoid, loves! He loves them so much, he plans to take over our planet! Does he succeed? Just listen to Canada's own metal icon, Mr. Townsend, to find out. It's simply OUT OF THIS WORLD!

10) Megadeth: United Abominations (Roadrunner)
With this release, it's apparent that Dave is NOT retiring afterall. It's business as usual, ... and the business is GOOD!

9) Godless Rising: Battle Lords (Moribound Cult)
This latest offering from former Vital Remains' vocalist, Jeff Gruslin, spells out the word, v-i-s-c-i-o-u-s! Plenty of bone- crushing, ear-splitting death-riffs, and INSANE blastbeats all over!

8) Saxon: The Inner Sanctum (SPV)
Veteran in the NWOBHM scene for 30+ years (!), there's just no signs of slowing down! Biff and the boys continue to rock hard, proving they are still the "strong arm of the law"!

7) Nominon: Terra Necrosis (Deathgasm Records)
If you're fan of classic Swedish death-metal like Entombed and Dismember, you'll dig these guys, who are also from Sweden! Just pure, buzz-saw-like guitar riffs that spells blasphemy!

6) Vomitory: Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize (Metal Blade)
Gotta love that title of their 6th release! What you'll get on the inside is, as usual, over 40 minutes of pure, fast and heavy grinding treats of GORE metal, in the veins of Exhumed and Impaled. If you love blood, you'll get plenty of it here!

5) Arch Enemy: Rise of a Tyrant (Century Media)
With guitarist Michael Amott's brother, Christopher, back in the fold, and already touring in support of this release (including their show in Calgary last October), they are back in full swing! The band is sounding tighter than ever, with Amott brothers' guitar work complimenting each other nicely, Angela sounding more aggressive, and in my opinion, I'd say this album pretty much rivals "Wages of Sin".

4) Evile: Enter the Grave (Earache)
This British quartet is one of many new wave of old-school- style thrashers out there, along with Fueled By Fire, Municipal Waste, and Violator. This debut from former Metallica tribute band (known as Metal Militia) is produced by none other than fthe former Met's producer himself, Flemming Rasmussen! If you dig the sounds of Death Angel, Exodus, Testament, and Sodom, do yourself a favour, and pick this up, turn the volume up to a maximum, and THRASH HARD!!!

3) Tie:
King Diamond: Give Me Your Soul ... Please! (Metal Blade) Oh yeah, the MERCYFUL one is back with another scary tale to chill our bones! This time, he sings to us of a mansion haunted by children murdered by their father. I think I hear Stephen King calling, wanting his old ideas back! Who cares, King Diamond is about music, a serious kick-ass HEAVY music! Once again, he delivers, along with his partner in crime, guitarist Andy Laroque! For maximum effects, listen to it in the dark, if you dare!

Nightwish: Dark Passion Play (Spinefarm Records)
The long-awaited release from Finland's Nightwish, with the new vocalist, Annette Olzon. No, she's not like Tarja, and I didn't expect her to be, because usually when a band switches a singer, Ithe new one to be more original as opposed to being a clone of the former singer. That being said, Olzon is also a great singer who fits in the band perfectly, and little bit more vocal contributions from bassist Marco Hietala also works nicely as well. This album turned out to be heavier than I expected to be, and the musical arrangements are just AMAZING. I suggest a limited edition of this album, for the bonus disc of the orchestral version of all the songs!

2) Helloween: Gambling With The Devil (SPV)
If I am to teach E.T. what heavy metal is, I'd let him listen to Helloween! After what seems like a lifetime of following them, in my mind, they are indeed THE BEST HEAVY METAL BAND EVER!!! With these guys, you're ALWAYS guaranteed plenty of jaw-dropping guitar- riffs and solos, and their epic tunes! Here's to another great decade with Helloween, and hopefully, for many MANY more!

1) Behemoth: The Apostasy (Century Media)
All hail, the leader of Polish death metal alongside Vader! These guys have come a long way, starting from their roots in underground black metal,in the 90s, and progressing into technical blackened-death by the turn of the century, constantly pushing their boundaries with more varied structures, adding more elements (such as haunting choirs and pianos), while at the same time, maintaining their usual brutal riffs and insane drums. Furthermore, Nergal's vocal sounds darker and evil as ever! I could assure you that this album will take you on one HELL of a thrill-ride!

Join Nat Kaos in the RAGE CAGE for your lethal doses of metal, every Thursday night/Friday morning, at 2:00am. Also, checkout my website for your updates on weekly carnage from my arsenal: www.myspace.com/caged_warrior

Mark Shields' Top 9 (ish) list for 2007

2008-02-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the list from our News Director, Mark.

I've been really considering the rule of three recently and I wonder if it's more appropriate for me to create a list of nine rather than ten (or if its appropriate for a non-dj to make a list at all for that matter). In keeping with the theme of three I thought it would be fun to include haikus with my descriptions, its at your discretion whether they should be included or not, I'm indifferent (although I'll admit to a little pride in the calvin harris one!). So here are my picks:

1. Dan Deacon - Spiderman of the Rings
Arriving where you should be
relief abound
grace leaves through your speakers
It was early in the year but Dan Deacon invaded my heart and wouldn't relinquish it. This music restores in me a belief that intelligence and aesthetic compliment each other in epic proportions. Listen to 'wham city' and you will understand what I mean.

2. Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid - Tongues
intuitive relations
create harmony
two musicians and ten bursts
I really liked this album when I first heard it but when I saw these two at Broken City in early july it solidified it as one of the best albums (and best shows) I've experienced in a very long time.

3. Calvin Harris - I Created Disco
consoled by bright lights
bringing enjoyment
more substance variety
Calvin undeniably knows how to keep people and minds moving. I can dance to this album and listen quietly at the same time. Why so few singles and remixes (at least to my knowledge)?

4. Health - Health

intelligence provides stability
dissonance provides wonder

I don't tend to listen to a lot of groups like Health but when this was introduced to me recently it really stood out as a proverbial

breath of fresh music.

5. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Dandelion Gum
dynamic emotion
today, tomorrow,
when the sun grows on my tongue
I simply love this album from start to finish. There isn't a lot of what I'd call variety but that must be because what's here is so enjoyable.

6.Felix Da Housecat - Virgo Blacktro & The Movie Disco
moving heads and hands
hear with consideration
disregarding time
This was an unexpectedly comprehensive effort on the part of Felix. It's my first album of his but the diversity and transition from one song to the next make the whole thing quite listenable. In fact you'll find yourself perpetually wanting to hear 'just one more'.

7. Muscles - Guns Babes Lemonade
focus muscles directly on happiness
song and dance may follow
A late release date does not exclude an album from favoritism. I have been listening to 'Guns Babes Lemonade' quite consistently since I aquired it, a fact that demonstrates its stature as one of the years best, in my opinion.

8. Fridge - The Sun
through time
one emerges twice
brightening darkened ears
Another new entry to my musical repertoire, Fridge blew me away, specifically with the song comets. The whole album is beautiful but that song is like getting high without necessarily getting high.

9. Wolfgang - The Wicked Truth About Loving A Man
language in sound
sounds of timbre
robotic reconciliation
Creativity is an essential element of a great album and I can't think of a better example than New York's Wolfgang. Check online for the story to accompany this album and you can't help but fall in love, though it may be hard to determine who, or what, that affection is for.

(And in case a tenth is necessary)

10. Apparat - Walls
staccato voice
a listener's composure
while composer listens
This midsummer release kept me going through july and august. A complete effort from yet another group I was unaware of prior to 2007.

Top Ten Live Shows of 2007 - Charles Gunn (The Chit Chat)

2008-02-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Criteria:
- Must be concerts witnessed by me.
- Festivals count as one show. Otherwise, I think it's unfair for all the smaller shows that are deserving of praise. I didn't want to take festivals out of contention though, because they ended up being some of the most momentous occasions of the year.

1. Daft Punk - Arrow Centre (Toronto, ON)

This may have been the best show ever! I know everyone who saw them in the past couple years says that, but it's really true. It was part dance-a-thon, part robot fantasy, part frenzy, part musical theatre. It had all of the energy of a spectacular rock show - with no interruptions. The Rapture and Kavinsky primed the audience properly as openers, followed by a seamless set of catalogue-spanning mash-ups. It shed new light on the largely dismissed Human After All (2005) album. If you've only heard the Alive 2007 live disc, you only know the half of it.

2. Of Montreal/Bjork/Cornelius/Andrew Bird/Richie Hawtin - Coachella (Indio, CA)

Although none of the shows peaked quite as high as #1, Coachella wins for best party of 2007. Remember the mayhem we reported back in May? Even if the lineup is half as good next year, I urge every hipster to check it out - at least once in their lifetime. Oh yeah, and make sure to camp. It's not worth the hassle of commuting each day to some nearby hotel. You certainly wouldn't want to miss campsite breakfast parties consisting of burritos and bloody marys.

3. Deerhoof - Richard's on Richards (Vancouver, BC)

A spontaneous road trip, coupled with a good crew, tripled with good music, and quadrupled with my first "major" music interview. This show was incredible. Especially on the heels of the stunning Friend Opportunity release. Greg Saunier and I spoke for about an hour in a dank room backstage at Richard's on Richards. His love of music, and his laugh, were equally infectious.

4. Les Savy Fav/Spoon/The Boredoms/Destroyer/C'Mon - Sled Island Festival (Calgary, AB)

No one, except the organizers involved of course, could have guessed how awesome this festival was going to be. Seeing any one of the dozen or so headliners on any given night would have been a treat. Seeing them all over the course of a four days was mind-boggling.

5. Frog Eyes/Himalayan Bear/Azeda Booth - Marquee Room (Calgary, AB)

Carey Mercer's on-stage persona has very little in common with his affable, off-stage self. Before the show we chatted about all sorts of things, including: his day job at a thrift store in Victoria, BC, his fascination with old Dairy Queen commercials, and how his latest album, Tears of the Valedictorian, owes a debt to old Neil Young records like Everybody Knows This is Nowhere. But, in truth, Himalayan Bear's cover of "Thunder Road" stole the show.

6. White Stripes - TCU Place (Saskatoon, SK)

There is no better way to celebrate Canada Day than to drive to a city in a province you've never visited before, to then watch a band play in patriotic red and white attire. They blew through tons of hits and new material off of Icky Thump. Definitely worth the drive. And, you know what? Saskatoon was a good city to party in. Believe me.

7. Caribou - The Warehouse (Calgary, AB)

Despite technical issues (due in no small part to Daylight Savings Time issues on Dan Snaith's computer's firmware, one must assume), the psychedelic pop band delivered. But, rumour has it, he's so upset with the quality of the performance that he's planning to come back very soon to make things right. Either way, it was a fun time.

8. Zappa Plays Zappa - Jubilee Auditorium (Calgary, AB)

Dweezil Zappa may not have inherited his dad's offbeat charisma, but he has been fortunate enough to get his pa's chops on the guitar. Dweezil can noodle like the best of them. Zappa Plays Zappa was undoubtedly the most technically accomplished band I saw this year. I'm still not sure how I feel about the pre-recorded video material that they splice in with the show - it was cool, but it pulled away from the spontaneity that we would've expected from a real Frank concert.

9. Ted Leo + Pharmacists - Liberty Lounge (Calgary, AB)

Rock solid rock show. No gimmicks. Raw energy. My favourite part was his solo encore.

10. Final Fantasy/Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings - Calgary Folk Music Festival (Calgary, AB)

Folk Fest frolicking with four Final Fantasy sets. Those were the most memorable for me. Especially his version of "Paris 1919" by John Cale. I had been hoping to see Sharon Jones and her band for a while now, and they did not disappoint. Lots of other great surprises too - like seeing PF Sloan. The weather and lighting was great for taking photos.

Strangest show of the year: The Robot Ate Me/Run Chico Run - Hifi Club (Calgary, AB)

Can you say trainwreck? Believe it or not, Ryland Bouchard ceased to perform as The Robot Ate Me a couple months after the show.

What a wonderful year for concerts!

Catch The Chit Chat. Every Sunday at 9PM.

Failed Pilot Top 10 of 2007

2008-02-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here's Adam's aka The Colonel's (of ~~Pillage the Village~~ Failed Pilot) Top Ten:

1. Fucked Up - Year Of The Pig 12" - It's hard to fathom that after a godhead album like "Hidden World", Fucked Up still had gas in the tank left to produce a truly mind and genre-bending single like Year Of The Pig. Seldom in any age has a band been able to synthesize so many genres and moods so successfully in one song, and it clocks in at over 18 minutes no less. Sure, I like the Justice album too, but years from now when I recall 2007, Year Of The Pig will be chiming in first

2. Demon's Claw - Satan's Little Pet Pig - Where to start on this one? Well, I guess I can say that Demon's Claw haven't suffered from a sophomore jinx at all. Montreal's bad beat boys bring forth another full-length slab of barn-burning stomp that is an excellent companion to their nearly-impossible-too-find debut.

3. Jackson Phibes - Lillydale Orphanage - This single came off a Kaiser Records compilation a few months prior to Forbidden Dimension's (Phibes' infernal/eternal rock project) excellent "A Cool Sound Out Of Hell" LP. In a perfect world, Lillydale Orphange would be the anthem of The United Brotherhood of Freaked Out Biker Pirates of the Future. A stone-cold classic serving of fuzzed-out Phibes.

4. The Black Lips - Los Valientes Del Mondo Nuevo - One of the best shows of 2006 and maybe ever was The Black Lips playing with The Dirtbombs at The Broken City. If you missed that show, fear not, The Black Lips have made an excellent live album so you can experience their fury in the raw. I think that's what makes this album work: LVDMN perfectly captures the essence of The Black Lips - fast, loose, eminently memorable garage punk played by hooligans for hooligans. However, the Black Lips' new studio album "Good Bad Not Evil" left me cold.

5. Pissed Jeans - Hope For Men - Pissed Jeans have never been known for subtlety. They hit you over the head, drag you into the street bleeding and proceed to pummel you with a bag full nickles. The heaviness of this album is noteworthy alone, but when the sludge meets the lyrical acid bath, watch the fuck out! You don't need a good time to enjoy Pissed Jeans.

6. Mark Sultan - The Sultanic Verses - Mark Sultan (aka BBQ) has been on the rock and roll scene for years. Most recently his collaborations with fellow Montreal ex-pat King Khan have been affairs to remember. With The Sultanic Verses, Mark Sultan has expanded his song-writing palette with spectacular results.

7. Calgary's Rock Gods: The Ex-Boyfriends, Sudden Infant Dance Syndrome, The Ostrich, Cripple Creek Fairies, The Cryptomaniacs - All the above bands dropped excellent releases this year that have in one way or another blown my mind. The Ex-Boyfriends delivered the Coming Before The Next One, which was most welcome after years of waiting for a long-player from these local vets. SIDS's 2 Many Babes is a perfect document of a band that evidently takes great care in song construction and an equal amount of attention in how its presented in the recording. Calgary's hardest working band, The Ostrich put out a 4 song 7" that is worthy tribute to their amazing live show. I hope to hear more from them soon. Lastly, The Cripple Creek Fairies are Calgary's most underrated band and Cam Hayden, one of the most underrated songwriters. Curl Up And Die is trademark CCF, but as per usual, I'm continually impressed by the originality of this band with every release. The dirt-napping Cryptomaniacs prove why they are already a missed band in this lonesome city with a terrific 7" EP.

8. The Fiery Furnaces - Widow City - After their last two releases, the fume-sucking Bitter Tea and the equally crappy Rehearsing My Choir, I had all but written off this band that has brought me such glee in the past. Widow City is a total return to former greatness for The Fiery Furnaces.

9. Haunted George - Pile Of Meat - Steve Pallow of The Necessary Evils has channeled some of his abundant misanthropy into Haunted George - a bonafide lo-fi, low-brow side project that conjures up the spirits of Screaming Jay Hawkins, Eddie Novak and Lux Interior. If you like music that drags you across a cold and open desert of broken glass, check out Pile Of Meat.

10. Amy Winehouse - Back To Black - I know, I know - this was released in the late fall of 2006, but I really didn't hear Back To Black until SXSW 2007. What can I say - I generally loathe contemporary R&B, but I really like this. I hope the present tabloid infatuation with Winehouse won't overshadow her art, because she's a talent that ought to be recognized and remembered
for all the right reasons.

Honorable Mentions:
Miss Alex White and The Red Orchestra
The Tranzmitors
Om
Stars Of The Lid
Starving Hungry
Final Solutions
Jay Reatard
Justice
The Red Dons
The Brutal Knights
Loser Life

Kallen's Top 10 of 2007

2008-01-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Arbouretum - Rites of Uncovering
Fucked Up - Year of the Pig (best live show this year as well nextto the Boredoms)
The Intelligence - Deuteronomy
Panda Bear - Person Pitch
Pantha du Prince - This Bliss
Stars of the Lid - And Their Refinement of the Decline
Mark Sultan - The Sultanic Verses
sunn o))) - Oracle (token sunn appearance!)
Tyvek - Fast Metabolism
UGK - Underground Kingz (token rap record!)

- Kallen Law, The Audible Smile

Top Five Rainy Days in Vancouver

2008-01-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

1. Aug 28
2. Sept 3
3. December 1-31
4. January 1-30
5. February 19

- Joe Chan

Pandemik's Top Picks of '07

2008-01-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Top Album Picks
10. Skinny Puppy _ Mythmaker (SPV)
This album makes up for the disappointment of their previous; "The Greater Wrong of the Right"
9. Dream Theater _ Systematic Chaos (Roadrunner)
With so many copy-cat prog-metal bands out, DT still prove that they are the real thing.
8. Nightwish _ Dark Passion Play (Roadrunner)
With this album, Nightwish have proven that there is more to their band than just their original singer, Tarja.
7. John 5 _ The Devil Knows My Name (60 Cycle Hum Records)
Like "Vertigo" and "Songs for Sanity", if you listen to this album, you'd think John 5 is wasting his talent playing for Manson and Zombie
6. After Forever _ S/T (Nuclear Blast)
A great Dutch metal band with a nice blend of operatic and guttural vocals, well orchestrated keyboards and overall technical musicianship. Within Temptation, step aside.
5. Epica _ The Divine Conspiracy (Nuclear Blast)
Ditto
4. Arch Enemy _ Rise of the Tyrant (Century Media)
Arch Enemy never fail to apply traditional thrash elements to modern Swedish melodic death metal
3. Deadlock _ Wolves (Lifeforce)
Germany's self proclaimed "vegan-straightedge" melodic death metal quintet for out an album that's much tighter than their previous, "Earth.Revolt"
2. Soilwork _ Sworn to the Great Divide (Nuclear Blast)
"Stabbing the Drama" was a real disappointing album. "Sworn to the Great Divide" brings back some of the intricacy and melody found in "Predator's" "Natural Born" and "Figure"
1. Devin Townsend presents "Ziltoid the Omniscient" (HevyDevy)
This concept parody album of cheesy sci-fi flicks puts together a nice blend of the elements from both Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Band

Honourable Mentions:
Far to many

Concert Picks
Arch Enemy w/ Unearth @ Mac Hall Ballroom
Dimmu Borgir w/ DevilDriver and Katakalism @ Mac Hall Ballroom
Frontline Assembly w/ Zombie Girl @ The Warehouse

What to look for in '08
The new Mercenary album and possibly a new album by Darkane and Hocico. Also to see Nightwish come to Calgary for the first time in May

- Pandemik, Bassackwards, Monday Night (Tuesday Morning) 12-2am

Katharsis Kevin's Best of '07

2008-01-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Noteworthy 2007 releases from artists currently at (or near) the top of their game that caught my attention. Maybe not their career-defining release yet solid none-the-less and definitely worth a listen:

A Northern Chorus - Millions Too Many (Sonic Unyon) Possibly their most succinct understated and accessible songs to date.
Akron Family - Love is Simple (Young God) Named by Michael Gira (Swans, Angels of Light, Young God Records) as one of the best bands on the planet; so good that he has used them as his backing band for Angels of Light
Amon Tobin - Foley Room (Ninja Tune) Tobin continues to expand the frontiers of avant garde electronic music this time eschewing record samples for field and live recordings that he sourced himself.
Azeda Booth - Mysterious Body (Indie) A striking debut, but the band has evolved significantly since this recording and only those who have heard them live (with the full line-up) truly understand what these guys are capable of. 2008 will be their year…
Bill Callahan - Woke on a Whaleheart (Drag City) (Lovely ‘solo’ record from Mr. Smog)
Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (Temporary Residence) The bonus remix disc was the real highlight for me.
Feist - The Reminder (Arts and Crafts) Deserving of every Grammy it is nominated for.
Film School - Hideout (Beggars Banquet) Driving, propulsive, shoegazey rock.
Fridge - The Sun (Temporary Residence) A long awaited return that takes some time to get into but buries into your consciousness after repeated listens.
Grinderman - S/T (Anti) Nick Cave and some of his fellow Bad Seeds rock out in a way that belies their age.
Guitar - Dealin' With Signal & Noise (Onitor) Lovely shoegazer electronica.
Harris Newman - Decorated (Strange Attractions Audio House) Takoma-ish ‘american primitive’ solo acoustic guitar instrumentals for fans of Fahey, et al.
Inhabitants - The Furniture Moves Underneath (Drip Audio) My kind of jazz.
Jesu - Conqueror (Hyrdahead) & Pale Sketches (Avalanche) Jesu’s split EP with Eluvium on Temporary Residence was wonderful as well.
Low - Drums and Guns (Sub Pop) A return to their more musically stark and challenging roots.
Lucid 44 - and God Gave Me Legs (Tonto is Jesus) Awesome voice; “sad bastard death folk”.
Maserati - Inventions for the New Season (I Have a Dagger) Post-
rock lives.
Max Richter - Songs From Before (FatCat)More brilliant post-
classical from this ambient electronica-influenced composer.
Mice Parade - S/T (Fatcat) More fantastic electronic post-rock from Adam Pierce's Mice Parade, featuring contributions from members of Mum & Stereolab (among others).
Mick Turner/Tren Brothers - Blue Trees (Drag City) Beautiful captivating work from the Dirty Three's Mick Turner and Jim White.
Mono - Gone: A Collection of Ep's 2000-2007 (Temporary Residence) A stunning collection of some of Mono's best rarities.
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - You Follow Me (Fat Cat) Nina Nastasia's exceptional songs are almost eclipsed by Jim White's brilliant drumming, expertly recorded by Steve Albini.
Off the Sky - Form Creek (12k)One of several 2007 releases for the very prolific Jason Corder; fantastic experimental ambient electronic.
Piano Magic - Part Monster (Important) Latest impeccable work from Glen Johnson's Piano Magic produced by Guy Fixsen (Laika). Rock reminiscent of Kraftwerk and New Order that beautifully expresses the frustration of modern urban living.
Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs (Touch and Go)When does Rob Crow sleep?
Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim (XL)The acoustic renderings of some of their favourites, stripped of their signature guitar sound are strikingly beautiful and really show the strength of the underlying song writing.
Vic Chesnutt - North Star Deserter (Constellation) Recorded at Hotel 2 Tango in Montreal with A Silver Mt. Zion (!!!)

2007 releases by artists that I discovered this year, was fairly impressed by and hope to hear more of in the future:

Doveman - With My Left Hand I Raise The Dead (Brassland) The more I hear, the more I like….
Howard Hello/Greenness - S/T (Sickroom) Howard Hello were brilliant and criminally overlooked.
Michael Harrison - Revelation (Cantaloupe) Hypnotic kaleidoscopic solo piano played on a uniquely tuned piano that evokes Indian ragas.
Seaworthy - Map In Hand (12k) Beautiful ambient instrumental post rock from down under, in the same vein as the Dirty 3.
Slaraffenland - Private Cinema (Hometapes)Dynamic, experimental, post rock from the Danes' answer to Sonic Youth.
The Bird Ensemble - Migration (Indie) Beautiful exuberant post rock in the vein of Explosions in the Sky.
Tobias Lilja - Time is on My Side (N5MD) Dark brooding experimental post-Talk Talk music reminiscent of David Sylvian's recent work with Fennesz

Mind-blowing Albums that are the best thing that I have heard from these artists yet. Some are brand new artists and some are artists that have been putting out great music for years that I am just catching on to. These albums will be hard for these artists to follow up. Highly recommended:

Angels of Light - We Are Him (Young God)Backed up by the Akron Family, Michael Gira picks up where 16 Horsepower and
Lullaby for the Working Class left off and the results are captivating.
Apparat - Walls (ShitKatapult) Sascha Ring's (co-founder of the iconic Berlin techno label Shitkatapult) strongest and most accessible album yet. Kinetic and invigorating.
Bracken - We Know About the Need (Anticon)Stunning debut album from Chris Adams (Hood). Highly recommended for fans of The Books and Bark Psychosis.
Colleen - Les Ondes Silencieuses (Leaf)Brilliant. Stunning. Beautiful.
Deerhunter - Cryptograms (Kranky) & Fluorescent Grey EP (Kranky)Noisy & chaotic yet hypnotic and affecting. Hopefully these guys don't self destruct.
Do Make Say Think - You, You're A History In Rust (Constellation) Their best album yet (and that's saying a lot).
Efterklang - Parades (Leaf)Epic, bombastic, sweeping, ethereal, jubilant and much more organic/less electronic than their previous work.
Grandfather Fire and the Holy Morning - S/T (Indie) The core of this band used to call themselves Red Not Evil, but they evolved so significantly that it was felt that a name change was required. A bass/drums/multi-guitar feast recorded live at a cabin in the woods by the band that oozes chemistry and soars to new heights.
Hammock - Raising Your Voice Trying to Stop and Echo (Darla) Ethereal uplifting shimmering guitar-based shoegaze.
James Blackshaw - The Cloud of Unknowing (Tompkins Square) & O True Believers (Important) Lush, hypnotic, eastern-inflected, instrumental 12 string acoustic guitar bliss.
Klimek - Dedications (Anticipate) Sebastian Meissner is an experimental ambient master in the vein of Tim Hecker and Stars of the Lid (his aptly-titled previous album was called Music to Fall Asleep). This release sees him paying tribute in song to people that have inspired him (from Michael Gira to Mark Hollis to Steven Spielberg to Marvin Gaye...) yet sounding only like Klimek.
Mark Templeton - Standing On A Hummingbird (Anticipate) A huge step forward for Edmonton (soon Montreal) based Mark Templeton that has been earning him widespread acclaim in the experimental electronic world; right up there with the work of Tim Hecker, et al.
Marsen Jules - Golden (Genesungswerk) After Last.fm kept feeding me Marsen Jules tracks and loving everything I heard, I was so impressed that I had to get all of his solo albums to date, including this masterpiece. Stunningly beautiful experimental ambient.
Miracle Fortress - Five Roses (Secret City) (Maybe) like what Brian Wilson fronting My Bloody Valentine would sound like. I could not get enough of this cd last ear. Of the many strong records nominated for the Polaris Prize this one would have been my pick.
Murcof - Cosmos (Leaf) Cosmic, celestial, deeply moving work from Fernando Corona, an electronic artist light years ahead of almost everyone else in his genre.
Nadja - Touched (Alien 8) Dense, dark, soul-destroying ambient doom.
RF & Lili De La Mora - Eleven Continents (Time Release)Dreamy, delicate, ethereal, melodic, blissful pop.
Ral Partha Vogelbacher - Shrill Falcons (Monotreme)Sinewy, seething, tension-filled indie rock.
Slow Six - Private Times in Public Places & Nor'easter (Western Vinyl)Slow Six are carrying on where the Rachels appear to have left off.
Stars of the Lid - And Their Refinement of the Decline (Kranky)Another 2 disc ambient opus from SOTL.
Tarentel - Ghetto Beats on the Surface of the Sun (Music Fellowship/ Temporary Residence) This was originally released as 4 LP's on The Music Fellowship that were so mind-blowing I had to play them uninterrupted in their entirety on my show. Now released on 2 CD's by Temporary Residence this is a sprawling 2-1/2 hr. journey to musical regions previously unexplored.
Twilight Sad - 14 Autumns & 15 Winters (Fat Cat) I'm a sucker for the well-crafted, cathartic, Scottish quiet-loud rock that these guys deliver.

Special Mention:
Various - (CJSW Live Sessions) A Sound ExperimentIncredibly strong collection of Calgary artists recorded live on various programs on cjsw (Katharsis included). Awesome!

Best new music festival:
Sled Island. Finally Calgary gets a musical fiesta of big-name international ‘underground’/indie/cutting edge/rock/pop/whatever augmented by some of the best bands in the country/region. The success of the event may have enticed Richard Branson to bring his Virginfest to Calgary this year, but I expect Sled Island 2008 will still provide a more musically enriching experience. Now if we could only get something akin to The Wordless Music Series or Mutek it would be heavenly…

- Kevin, Katharsis