From: owner-canadian-music-digest@smoe.org (canadian-music-digest) To: canadian-music-digest@smoe.org Subject: canadian-music-digest V1 #66 Reply-To: canadian-music@smoe.org Sender: owner-canadian-music-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-canadian-music-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk canadian-music-digest Monday, September 7 1998 Volume 01 : Number 066 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: BeachesFest [Paul Schreiber ] Emm in Hamilton [+ Public review] [Paul Schreiber ] Re: Big Sugar ["Tabassum Siddiqui" ] Re: Emm @ Guelph - some ramblings ["Tabassum Siddiqui" ] Stuff I found on DejaNews [Paul Schreiber ] Re: BOUNCE canadian-music@smoe.org: Admin request of type /^\s*help\s*$/i at line 5 ["Andrea ] Burton Cummings ["Wayne Mahoney" ] OAC: Zoebliss, Wild Strawbs, K's Choice 9/4 ["Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: BeachesFest >Oh and the Waltons are playing in the 1 pm slot after Emm Gryner Eeek. Sorry to any Waltons fans, but I saw Sarah open for them and was not impressed. Not my style of music, that's all. Who is Colin James, anyway? (Who are The Hurtin Units?) I've heard _of_ 54-40 and Blue Rodeo though. Paul shad 96c / 3A CS / mac activist / eda / fumbler fan of / montreal canadiens / jewel / sophie b. hawkins / sarah slean / / x-files / buffy / dawson's creek / bills / 49ers / t h i n k d i f f e r e n t. we used to have hope / now we've got soap on a rope / we used to have dreams / now we've got overpaid ... baseball teams / we've got grocery baggers / graffiti taggers / golf ball shaggers / - --Steve Poltz and Jewel Kilcher, "Silver Lining" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 15:29:54 -0400 From: Paul Schreiber Subject: Emm in Hamilton [+ Public review] I *finally* saw Emm on Friday. Damn, is she good live. So my friend Steve and I show up around 10:20-something, and Emm's already into her set. Stupid La Luna people had said she wasn't *starting* until 10:30. Anyway, Gian's already posted the setlist, but I really liked Summerlong (duh). It was very cool seeing her do piano, guitar and an a capella pieces. I was one of the significant number of people who coerced :) her into doing an encore by refusing to stop clapping. She noted she hadn't done one in a while and was very gracious. The last time I was at La Luna, it was to see Steve Poltz (who kicked ass, btw). Now, the place was reasonably full -- all the seats were taken. But tonight, man, was it ever *packed.* You seriously could not get more people in if you tried. The only place I've ever seen remotely similarly full is C'est What during Canadian Music Week with Steve Poltz and Roger Hodgson (ex-SuperTramp). That was standing-room-only. This made that look comfortable. I didn't get a chance to talk to her, but I did manage to compliment her on her performance. Hopefully next time. I had picked up a copy of Imprint (the UW student paper) because I had written a couple of articles. So, I'm flipping through the arts section, and -- boom -- there's a review of "Public." And it's a really good one, too. Frank knows his shit, did some good research. And he liked the CD. :) I'm not sure if the latest issue is online (not the July 31 one): http://imprint.uwaterloo.ca Paul shad 96c / 3A CS / mac activist / eda / fumbler fan of / montreal canadiens / jewel / sophie b. hawkins / sarah slean / / x-files / buffy / dawson's creek / bills / 49ers / t h i n k d i f f e r e n t. I'm still recalling the thing you said to make me feel alright I carried them with me today - -- Sophie B. Hawkins, "As I Lay Me Down" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 12:28:53 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: Emm Gryner Colleen wrote: >For the record, there was so much on this list about Emm Gryner that, >having not heard a note of her music, I picked up a tape--and have >been very impressed. Is _Public_ her only work? After a while, I >gave up on reading all the stuff about her (since I couldn't relate) >that I just deleted the messages, so don't assume I know anything >about her, just because it's already been said here. *smile* As yer resident CrazedEmmFan , I figured I had to fill you in. Good work getting "Public" - isn't it a *great* album? Anyhow, her prior work is few and far between, but it does exist. Before "Public", Emm studied record production at college, then moved to Toronto to try her hand at becoming a professional musician. She set up her own label, Dead Daisy Records, and gigged constantly in all the local clubs on her own and with other musician friends, such as Sarah Slean. She put out a demo CD, "And Distrust It", in '95, when she was only 19-20 (it wasn't really readily available in stores or anything, but you could get it at her shows, and at some stores that carried indie product - apparently there were very few ever produced, and you can't get it anywhere now. But I have one - yay! ;)), followed by 2 very short EPs - one of cover songs called "Girl Versions", and one with songs by Emm and 3 local artists called "The Sodium Rainbow". [these aren't really available now] Then in '96 she released her debut full-length album called "The Original Leap Year", on her own label. That album contained many of the songs that were later re-worked for "Public", and was a concept album of sorts, with 12 songs, one for each month of the year. This album attracted the attention of many in the industry and led to her eventual signing with Mercury. [You can still get 'Leap Year' by ordering it from some HMVs, specifically the one in Toronto, and some online places list it as well] Personally, I'm amazed at how well 'Leap Year' stands up to 'Public'. Emm has said she recorded 'Leap Year' on a shoestring, but it compares so well to the big-budget major-label 'Public' that you can barely tell. There's a bit of an additional sheen, or lushness to the production on 'Public', but it's basically Emm's incredible musicianship and songwriting skills that make her music stand out. Looking forward to (maybe) seeing Emm at Beachfest tomorrow, Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 13:14:14 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: Big Sugar James wrote: >it was tangentially related, Big Sugar are Canadian and they do do >music, notably a Sarah McLachlan cover (Possession)... ...ok back to Big Sugar do a cover of "Possession"?! What *is* the world coming to - first Gordie records songs in *French*, now this! That must be very, very bizarre... but kinda cool. I'd die to hear that - anyone have any Big Sugar boots? ;-P - - Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 13:29:17 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: Emm @ Guelph - some ramblings James wrote a wonderful review of Emm's show w/ Rufus Wainwright in Guelph... Unfortunately, she was *supposed* to open for him here in Toronto as well, but Lenni Jabour (she's great, too, but no Emm ;)) was substituted at the last minute, infortunately. Darn. :( Hoping to maybe get down to Beachfest to see Emm tommorrow, Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 13:32:29 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: Summerlong vid... James wrote: >I meant to mention also, Emm's video for Summerlong is now at Much, >call, request it. I wanna _see_ it! Argh! FINALLY! Anyone see it yet? They'd *better* put it into some kind of decent rotation. I mean, I see that vastly overhyped Joydrop on like five times a day, for cryin' out loud! - - Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 16:42:30 -0400 From: Paul Schreiber Subject: Stuff I found on DejaNews Subject: A couple things I learned in T.O. From: cricket5@hotmail.com Date: 1998/08/18 Message-ID: <6rcher$o9v$1@nnrp1.dejanews.com> Newsgroups: alt.music.moxy-fruvous Hey y'all. I was in Canada for so long that I can't possibly post a review, but I'll just give you all some little facts and tidbits that I learned while I was up there. 1. Rosemary is definitely the best hostess ever. Which isn't really news, but is definitely worth mentioning. She also has the 3 best kids in the whole world. 2. Sarah Slean is amazing. Watch for her cd to be released in the next couple months. She's a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who can transport you to another dimension with her music. Somewhat similar to Tory Amos, but better. Much better. 3. Tory Cassis. People in Toronto, people visiting Toronto, people in nearby states and towns....GO SEE TORY! He plays a lot in town. I was lucky enough to see him TWICE last week. But he doesn't seem to realize what a hit he was among the Fruheads. Check him out most Saturdays with his band at the Reservoir Lounge. Tory also plays trumpet with the Swing Gang at Barcode (on College Ave. No name on the sign, just a barcode. It's really easy to miss, but a really, really fun place) on most Wednesdays. Call the clubs or check NOW magazine (http://www.now.com/) for show info. 4. Nickle Creek...American teenagers who were one of the big hits of Summerfolk (sold out of cds by noon on Saturday). They play violin, mandolin and guitar and are just great. Look for them. 5. And finally, Fruvous put on a great show at the main stage. Sorta typical, but excellently performed. Not much time for them to mess around. BUT, their workshop with the Arrogant Worms and the Sirens (amusing female group) was appropriately titled "Pity the Sirens." Much fun for all with a great song by Jian..."The Arrogant Worms hate Summerfolk, buy our disks instead." Thanks to all who made it a perfect 10 days. Mary cricket5@hotmail.com - -----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==----- http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum Subject: Re: Random Thoughts and Questions From: bobby@DIESPAMDIEbarnworth.com (bobby) Date: 1998/08/21 Message-ID: <35ddb601.2916509@news.alterdial.uu.net> Newsgroups: alt.music.s-mclachlan [More Headers] On 21 Aug 1998 17:25:04 GMT, babeybear@aol.com (Babeybear) wrote: >>>And finally 4. Why is Sarah always compared to Tori Amos?? I'm just not >seeing >>is not what real Sarah is. > >Wow, ya know, I've *never* heard Sarah and Tori compared....that's weird.... >And, I don't think I'd compare the two...other than the fact that they're both >wome and musicians...but, that'd be like comparing Mozart and Garth Brooks, >because they're both men and musicians... I guess they're both compared because they are both pretty sucessful female artists and they both play the piano. I don't think they sound the same at all though. On a related note, I just got a Sarah Slean cd (candian indie) and thought, gee, she sounds like a blending of Sarah and Tori! Am I dreaming? :) If you're interested, www.ubl.com has her listed. - -bobby - ----------------- End Forwarded Message ----------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 13:42:10 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: OAC: Esthero (WAS: Re: edgefest) pixiegirl1@juno.com wrote: >with a fellow fumbler (hi nicole!!!). i got the chance to see esthero >too. if anyone has heard of her e-mail me. if you haven't i suggest >you buy her cd. she is so incredibly good live and on the cd. the cd >is called "breath from another." definitely check it out if you're >in the mood for new music. well that's enough rambling for now. Sorry for the crosspost, folks, but I've wanted to bring up Esthero for some time now, so... ;) Anyhow, yeah, Esthero is basically this 19-year-old singer, Esthero, and her DJ partner, Doc. Based in Toronto, they were hailed as "The Next Big Thing" all last year, but their album, "Breath From Another", has come and gone without too much of an impact. They've *finally* broken through at MuchMusic and alt-radio with the single "Heaven Sent". If you like the trip-hop thing a la Mono, Portishead, Sneaker Pmips, et al, you'll probably like Esthero. But their CD is a little harder and louder than those bands', and they can pump the decibel level live. To me, I think Esthero (the singer ) sounds a *lot* like Bjork, and while she does have an impressive voice, she doesn't really *do* a whole lot with it, especially on the album. There's an, uh, *interesting* interview with her in the recent issue of Melody Maker, if anyone is interested in finding out more about the band. MM, or the writer, at least, seems to love their album, so I guess it's good that they're getting some international exposure, especially from the normally vicious British press. - - Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 13:56:37 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: Re: Directions to Beachfest Gian wrote: >here's the lineup as stated in the Beachfest booklet i got from >Blockbuster video: > >11:00am - The Hurtin Units > >12:00pm - Emm Gryner > >1:00pm - TBA I think that's going to be The Waltons. Check 'em out if you go, they sound really great and re-energized these days. >2:00pm - 54-40 > >3:00pm - Philosopher Kings > >4:00pm - Jim Cuddy (of blue rodeo) > >5:00pm - MIX-tery Headliner That would be Colin James and the Little Big Band. :) Anyone know exaclty how accurate this sked is going to be for tomorrow's show? I'd hate to get there and have missed Emm, and I'm only going to see her, if I do end up going... - - Tab :) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 20:52:25 -0400 From: "Andrea " Subject: Re: BOUNCE canadian-music@smoe.org: Admin request of type /^\s*help\s*$/i at line 5 Speaking of BeachFest, has anyone noticed that the mix.istar.ca / mix999.com site has been slightly updated, etc...but they took away the real audio so we can't listen to the station on it...anywhere I can find it? Help ~Andrea! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ICQ: 10294764 AOL IM: TheAndyC "So I keep walking so I keep walking singing sometimes Feeling like a shit 'cause I know what's happening Investing like a rich girl, gambling like a Vegas idiot Putting out where I haven't much before" - -Emm Gryner ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 18:41:14 PDT From: "Wayne Mahoney" Subject: Burton Cummings Does anyone know of any Ontario dates for BC besides 09/18 St. Catherines, 09/22 Brantford, and 09/23 Windsor? Thanks Wayne ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 20:39:25 PDT From: "Tabassum Siddiqui" Subject: OAC: Zoebliss, Wild Strawbs, K's Choice 9/4 Hey, all... Went to see the Wild Strawberries/K's Choice gig at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition, a.k.a. The End of Summer Fair ;)) Friday night, and 'twas a very cool show indeed. I was surprised to find that the CNE Bandshell, the stage where the show was held, was so big! I hadn't been to see a show at the Bandshell in years, so... Another surprise was that yet another band, locals Zoebliss, opened the show. I'd been wanting to see/hear them for some time after hearing their song played on local alt.station Edge 102. Despite some sound problems, they were quite good, turning in a short but solid set. Very cool sound. It's a bit along the lines of the female-signer triphop thing, but mixed with conventional pop-rock, a la the Wild Strawberries' latest album, "Quiver". I didn't catch any of the players' names, unfortunately, but the lead singer has a great voice and presence to burn. Only complaint was that the songs sounded a lot alike after awhile, and they use an awful lot of uneccessary sampling. The Wild Strawberries followed with one of their tightest, noisiest, most rockin' sets in some time. I don't know if this was due to Ken's cool new synthesizer that sounded a bit clearer and funkier than the one he'd be using on tour thus far, or the rather energetic bassist (a different guy than the rest of the tour - who *was* that?), but they rocked, fer sure. And it seemed most of the crowd had actually turned out to see *them*, which was kinda cool! I mean, they're locals, and they always get a great reception here, but I always feel that their fanbase isn't all that huge. Maybe it *is*, and I just haven't noticed... ;-) Finally, K's Choice sound a lot better live than on their albums. Singer Sarah has a strong, strident voice that really comes across well live, and the songs just rock a little harder than on record. Unfortunately I couldn't stick around for their entire set, but what I heard sounded great. It was a really, really symbiotic lineup, though, in terms of sound. All three bands are quite different, but have a very similar *type* of sound in some respects, which was kinda cool. And like Roberta of the Strawbs remarked, "Hey, it's like being on Lilith Fair yet again - there's girls in all the bands!" :) Yep, another show Lilith hath wrought... Cool bands, cool show, great night, and best of all, it was free! Ya just gotta love Toronto. Cheers, Tab :) P.S. Anyone know anything about Zoebliss? Do they have an album out? I know they play a lot locally, but that's all I've heard, really. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 00:04:38 -0400 (EDT) From: James McGarry Subject: Re: OAC: Zoebliss, Wild Strawbs, K's Choice 9/4 On Sun, 6 Sep 1998, Tabassum Siddiqui wrote: > P.S. Anyone know anything about Zoebliss? Do they have an album out? > I know they play a lot locally, but that's all I've heard, really. Yes, and yes. Ya missed them open for Red Autumn Fall and Hennessy a month and a bit ago at the RAF CD release party (July 25 @ the Rivoli). I found Zoebliss to be a cross between funky-trash-hop and occasionally mellow pop with a bit of world beat thrown into the mix. I really only wished they'd lose their heavy reliance on sampling. They did make some interesting choices in their backing percussion which really seemed to intrigue me. The vocalist stood out, she has some similiarities vocally at least to Natalie Merchant circa '86 or so. Now, if you had gone to that particular gig, you'd've got a free CFNY sampler with the electronic press kits for the bands on the sampler (including the above three) [Not to mention meeting myself, Steve Ito and Gianfranco Covello]. :-) :-) The main proponents of the Zoebliss experience are Brenley MacEachern (vocals, tenor guitar (it _is_ a cool geetar folx)) and Adrian Lawryshyn. Their CD, 13april, has contributions by a number of fairly well known musicians: Sheila Gruner (Black Cabbage, Crowsfeet), Kurt Swinghammer, Andy Stochansky (Ani Difranco). Its fairly well distributed. You can also get all this and more from their website: http://www.zoebliss.com James. ========================================================================== James McGarry | jmcgarry@UoGuelph.CA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- An artist should be fit for the best society and keep out of it. - - John Ruskin ========================================================================== ------------------------------ End of canadian-music-digest V1 #66 ***********************************