METZ Live in Edmonton Jan.20th 2018

After seeing Pal Joey in the afternoon it was time for a nap before heading to the Starlite Room to see METZ in concert.

I got to the Starlite Room in time to catch the first band of the triple bill. The first band of the evening was a local band called The Dead Fibres. I wasn't expecting much as I had never heard of them before, but much to my surprise they were really good. The room was far from full but still a decent crowd to catch the openers. The Dead Fibres are a three piece band that play a grunge/psychedelic/punk mix of music and were loud and noisy and on the chaotic side. Dead Fibres consist of drummer Brandon de Gans, guitarist Zach Mouallem, and vocalist and bassist Kennedy Pawluk. While I didn't know the songs at all and found it hard to understand most of the vocals, I was still very impressed, especially with guitarist Zach, he really left it all out on the stage. All three musicians are top notch. They made a good impression on me.

Dead Fibres at the Starlite Room.

Next up was another local band the Slates. This was my fourth time seeing the Slates in concert. By the time they hit the stage the club was filling up nicely. With the Slates I could at least understand the vocals and lyrics from lead singer/songwriter James Stewart whom also plays guitar. Helps when you have a few of their albums and have listened to the band for a few years. The band played a good selection of songs from their latest release Summery, songs such as "Coyotes" and "Yellowknife". Another local band well worth looking in to if you haven't already.

The Slates at the Starlite Room.

Headliner of the evening was the Ottawa band now based in Toronto the METZ. This trio are touring in support of their third album Strange Peace. This was my first time seeing METZ in concert, and wow, they were amazing. Another chaotic trio of musicians consisting of Alex Edkins on guitar and vocals, bassist Chris Slorach and rounded out by drummer Hayden Menzies. I'm betting these guys lose 5-10lbs playing the way they do. They certainly don't lack in energy that's for sure, these guys don't slow down one bit during the hour long show. Their music is loud, aggressive with lots of distortion. They opened the show with the song "Swimmer" from their second album simply called II. One of the older songs I recognized was "Headache" from the first album. I don't know the titles of the songs but can say everything I heard was excellent. A very impressive loud show. I forgot to bring ear plugs and got caught up in the show and didn't buy any at the venue, so needless to say my ears were a ringing on Sunday. It was worth it though. Good times!!!

METZ at the Starlite Room.

T-shirt.

Pal Joey at The Empress Ale House Jan.20th 2018

On Saturday afternoon I made my way to the Empress Ale House here in Edmonton to catch local act Pal Joey. This was my fourth time seeing them play live. Pal Joey don't play a lot of shows, maybe four a year if that, so it's a rare occasion to see them.

I got to the bar just before show time and the place was packed, which was good to see. This time around Pal Joey performed as just a four piece band, as the previous times I had seen them, they had a horn section. I have to say I enjoy them much more without the horns. Just felt more rocking and fun. The band led by Trent Buhler on vocals and guitar sounded really good. Their sound is a little bit country punk, with a little Elvis Costello mixed in. The band still has two original members Trent Buhler and bassist Tom Murray who plays amazing. Cliff Culbert is the second guitarist and is damn good as is the drummer Scott Lingley.

The band played a good mix of songs from their three albums. Songs like "A Little Less Wasteful" from their 1999 album The New Dance. Some songs from their 1995 debut album Tennessee Angels, which is really good. "Down On Me" was played as was "Last Chance for Food and Drink", "Waiting For Lefty" and "Act of God" at least I am pretty sure these were all played. And of course there were some songs from their latest album Lucky Pennies which came out in 2015. I know they played "Five and Dimin'" and "Heartbreak Station" from said album. All and all it was a great way to spend an afternoon listening and watching a great band. Good times!!!

Pal Joey at The Empress Ale House.

Danny Michel Live in Edmonton Jan.12th 2018

Last Friday Janis and my buddy Buzzard went to the Danny Michel concert at the Myer Horowitz Theatre here in Edmonton. This was my fifth time seeing Danny in concert. We missed the opening act local artist Erin Kay as we were out having a few beers before the show. I heard she was quite good, it's too bad we missed her set.

As for Danny Michel, once again he put on a very fun and entertaining show, playing for about an hour and a half. Danny played solo, no back up band. Danny mixed up the set with material from most of his career, playing some oldies like "Tennessee Tobacco" from his 2006 album Valhalla, "Feather, Fur & Fin" from his 2008 album by the same title. Also played were "Wish Willy" and "Who's Gonna Miss You?" from the album Sunset Sea. And of course between almost every song Danny has a story to tell, and these stories most times are fuckin' hilarious. I have heard most of these stories a few times already, but he tells them with such enthusiasm you can't help but be engaged and laugh your ass off. One of the stories he told on this night was one I had never heard before, a story about meeting Paul Simon backstage at a show in Toronto. Another great story full of laughs, if you should ever get the chance, ask Danny about his Paul Simon apple tree. he had the audience in stitches at times with the stories. But it's not the stories that your there for, it's the music, and Danny does an awesome job on those as well.

The subjects of Danny's songs are so full of adventures he has been on, including his latest big adventure on the Russian icebreaker ship Khlebnikov. Danny was invited on this 18 day adventure by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield as it went through the Arctic Ocean. Danny was the music guest among as already said astronaut Chris Hadfield, scientists, filmographer and photographers. The album Khlebnizov is very Russian music influenced as you would imagine after recording this album on the ship. He then brought the recording to a studio and added orchestral arrangements to make a very cool album. Danny did a couple of songs from the album including the song "24,000 Horses". And because the venue had a huge screen behind him on stage, Danny showed some really cool film footage from the adventure. Also on stage with Danny this time was a grand piano in which he did a few songs on, something I had never seen him play before, that was cool.

Danny also did some songs from the recording he did in Belize with The Garifuna Collective, a very Graceland like album called Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me. Songs from that album he did were "What Colour Are You?" and "Sad and Beautiful World".

All and all this was a really great show by Danny Michel, I love how Danny just comes across as a very genuine man and really seems like someone that wants to make the world a better place. Kudos to you Danny Michel! Good times!!!

Danny Michel at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.

My Top Ten Albums of 2017

New year already, I better get on my top ten list for 2017. Lots of decent albums came out in 2017, and these ten are the ones that got the most spins between the turntable at home and on my phone.

1. The Bronx - V

A full on catchy punk rock album. Love this band and album.

2. Worst Days Down - Elsewhere

An awesome catchy melodic punk album from this Edmonton band fronted by Ben Sir. Reminds me of a mix of Gaslight Anthem and Social D.

3. Dave Hause - Bury Me In Philly

A melodic personal album from this veteran punk rocker. Little bit punk, Americana and a bit Bon Jovi-ish, but so good!

4. Gregg Allman - Southern Blood

The final album from the late great Gregg Allman. Not a bad song on this classic.

5. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound

The sixth solo album by one time member of the Drive-By Truckers. Jason's song writing is strong yet again on this album.

6. Leeroy Stagger - Love Versus

Leeroy just keeps getting stronger with each release. A great roots rocker of an album with great lyrics and musicianship.

7. Bash & Pop - Anything Could Happen

Tommy Stinson fronts this band, he also at one time played bass for both bass The Replacements and Guns N' Roses released this album early in the year. A fun rock n' roll album with attitude.

8. Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series Vol.13: Trouble No More 1979-1981

An interesting era of Bob Dylan music. The live recordings are amazing.

9. Napalmpom - The Core Competencies Of Napalmpom

The second album from this Calgary band. Not quite as riff heavy as their first album, but after a few listens this album has it all. Mix all the classic 70's rock bands into one and that is Napalmpom. A very fun record.

10. Beck - Colors

Beck gets back to doing what he does best. A fun upbeat record mixing hip-hop, alt rock and pop music. Another album that grew on me after a couple of spins.

Honourable mentions...Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Lowest Of The Low, Father John Misty and Elliott BROOD also put out great music in 2017. Some tough choices to make, but I went with what got the most spins.

Top Ten Concerts of 2017

Well it's that time of year again to list my top 10 concerts of the year. I got out to a lot of shows this year which is making it tough to make a top ten list. I've been thinking of this list for a while now and have decided I can't list them in order of best, instead will just list my favorites in order of date. All shows were in Edmonton unless otherwise noted.

* January 23rd Joel Plaskett with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra @ The Winspear Centre.
Wasn't sure how this show was going to be but Joel pulled it off incredibly well.

* April 6th The Bronx with opener Dave Hause & The Mermaid @ The Brixx.
An awesome double bill. The Bronx killed it and Dave Hause was really good too.

* June 23rd Bash & Pop @ The Brixx.
This show was a last minute decision. Rushed out to this show right after seeing Ryan Adams in concert. I am so glad I decided to go. This show was everything I like about live performances. Intense, loud, sweaty, full of attitude, drama and most of all great rock n' roll. Tommy Stinson ex of The Replacements was in fine form, or maybe not fine form, depending how you look at it, as he was obviously tipsy yet still put on a great show.

* August 17th Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in Vancouver, B.C. @ Rogers Arena.
This show was incredible. Petty on his 40th Anniversary Tour. So full of energy, great setlist, sounded great. And then six weeks later Tom Petty is gone. RIP Tom Petty! So glad I got to see him one last time.

* August 22nd Beck @ The Jubilee Auditorium.
An artist I have had on my bucket list for many years. And he didn't disappoint. A wicked show.

* August 30th Guns N' Roses @ Commonwealth Stadium
This show was so much fun and reminded me of my teenage years. A three and half hour party, with the venue selling beers through out the entire concert. The show started on time, Axl and the band sounded amazing. Just a fun, fun show.

* September 23rd Gene Simmons Band @ The Expo Centre.
Being a huge KISS fan this was a once in a lifetime chance to see Gene Simmons play a solo show with the rest of KISS. Great song selection, Gene was in fine form and best of all myself, my Cuz and my buddy RCD managed to score backstage passes and meet Gene Simmons. An incredible night that I will never forget.

* September 27th Lowest Of The Low with openers Jr. Gone Wild @ The Needle Vinyl Tavern.
A great double bill of two awesome Canadian bands. Wicked show.

* October 24th Roger Waters @ Rogers Arena.
An amazing show as usual from Roger Waters. Classic Pink Floyd songs mixed with new material that worked really well. Worth every penny.

* December 10th Mike Plume @ The Almanac.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters ever in a small intimate venue and a local artist at that. Mike's shows are always so much fun, full of great songs and lots of laughs. I never tire of seeing Mike Plume in concert.

So hard to pick my favorite shows this year as there were others that could have made this list, but I wanted to keep it to my top ten. Honourable mentions go to Leeroy Stagger, Blitzen Trapper, Diamond Head, Elliott BROOD, Nik Turner of Hawkwind and Parker Millsap.

Looking forward to a busy 2018 concert schedule. Good times!!!

Mike Plume Live at The Almanac Dec.10th 2017

Last Sunday night my buddy Buzzard, Char, Cuz, Janis and I went to the Mike Plume show at The Almanac. The Almanac is nice small intimate venue and a great place to see a show. This was my 13th time seeing Mike in concert, and again, it was awesome.

It was a solo show, with no opener, just Mike playing for two and a half hours. One great song after another, it was a great selection of songs with some requests thrown in as well. Mike also broke out a few Christmas songs from his Back Home For Christmas album (available here, as his whole catalog of music). These aren't your traditional kind of Xmas songs, as you can tell from the title of this song that he did "Merry Xmas (To My Ex Miss)", there were sure to be a few laughs during this one, another Christmas song he did that was full of laughs as well was "Gather Round The Christmas Tree".

Other songs played during the show were, fan favourites, "830 Newfoundland", "More Than A Game", "So Long Stompin' Tom", "Dimaggio" and "Hey Hey What D'Ya Say (Coming Home Again)". Then there were some songs that don't always get played unless of course it's a two plus hour show like this one. Songs such as "Life Is Funny", "Half Full Is The Cup", "Live It up Until They Lower Me Down", "Like a Bullet From a Gun", "Make It up as We Go" and "Straight Back Home" amongst many others. There was even an impromptu sing along of "California Dreamin'", Mike had the whole audience singing along to this one. Mike also brought out his wife Jenny for a couple of songs, she too has an awesome voice. The show closed out with Mike covering the Fred Eaglesmith song "Alcohol and Pills". This show was so much fun, so many great songs, lots of laughs and a great way to cap off another year of concerts and this one rates up with ne of the best I saw all year. Good times!!!

Mike Plume at The Almanac.

In concert news...After a successful Western Canadian Tour opening for Corb Lund, Mike will be joining Corb again in February for a southern Ontario tour. Also, watch for a new Mike Plume album coming in the spring of 2018. Can't wait to hear more great songs by an amazing singer/songwriter.