by Miné Salkin | Apr 19, 2010 | news
Abbotsford-native post-punk rock group You Say Party! We Say Die! suffered a huge setback when their drummer, Devon Clifford, died this morning after suffering a collapse onstage Friday evening in Vancouver.
Clifford was only 30 years old.
The quintet were set to embark on a European tour this summer to showcase their latest album XXXX, which has been garnering much critical acclaim.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IQKsrXDHrg]
I’d like to express my deepest sympathies for the remaining band members.
by Miné Salkin | Apr 6, 2010 | news
Montreal trio Plants and Animals have released the first four tracks of their upcoming album La La Land which is set to be out on April 20 via Secret City Records.
The first track, “Tom Cruz,” sounds nothing like the Scientologist actor (thank God for that), but is aggressive, distorted and edgier than any of the tunes off their debut Parc Avenue. Evolving from their stripped down, bohemian-styled formula, the trio’s offering up some fuzzy guitars and groove-fused drums this time around.
You can listen to the songs here. Please do it.
by Miné Salkin | Mar 14, 2010 | news, television
In less than 12 hours after its world premier, the video for “Telephone” hit more than half a million views. A day in, and it’s looking like it will hit 15 mil.
The best part as it has attempted to debunk the myth that Lady Gaga has a dick—a humorous possibility that has reached the proportion of an urban legend. I’m still not completely convinced though. The collaboration with Beyonce, musically, is fruitful. The acting could use a bit of work.
The video was directed in the style of a Quentin Tarantino film, with a plot reminiscent of the Kill Bill films, and contemplative one-liners and non-sequiturs. Lesbian jail scene, you’ve got that too.
Watch the epic video here! Perhaps someone can explain the undeserved Americana dance in the diner.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY&feature=player_embedded#]
by Miné Salkin | Mar 2, 2010 | news
After suffering a near coronary reading a story from Exclaim saying that my all-time favourite electro-duo Thunderheist was planning on a break-up, I was disheartened to say the least.
Grahm Zilla is one of the main focal points of my upcoming documentary Remixing Culture, which looks at how technology and the digital format has changed cultural consumption, production and relationship to music.
Singer Isis Salam posted information about her own solo projects, while DJ/ producer Zilla’s been a little more secretive. After a brief Facebook chat session, Grahm relieved much of my anxieties and assured me that he’s been making music like crazy, and will make an official announcement about the status of Thunderheist in a few days. For Zilla fans, like myself, it’s come as a bit of a surprise, but rest assured. There are bigger and better things on the horizon for these talented musicians.
Check out the video of the first interview I did with Thunderheist last year for SPINearth.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehQWFdVtzhg]
by Miné Salkin | Feb 19, 2010 | albums, news
another seeming classic, complete with their collage-pastiche artwork aesthetic.
Arts & Crafts baroque rock legends Broken Social Scene unveiled a new single from their upcoming album Forgiveness Rock Record available here. It’s an epic, seven-minute montage of their greatest musical talents, and it foreshadows an even more epic album.
The band, a musical collective of some 19-members, has ties to Eastern Canadian bands such as Metric, Feist, Stars and Do Make Say Think to name a few. Their collaborative spirit embiggens every noble man and woman.
The full studio album will be released on May 4, which has been greatly awaited since their last, self-titled work from 2005.
Check out this video for “7/4 Shoreline,” a catchy tune from their third eponymous work.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uev2J_cBHjQ&feature=related]
by Miné Salkin | Feb 11, 2010 | news, television
Exclaim! Magazine published today that notorious rapper Kid Cudi apologized for punching a fan in Vancouver last December. Involving a miscommunication over a wallet being thrown on and off the stage by concert attendee Michael Sharpe, Cudi later called him on the phone, apologized, then offered him an all-expense paid trip to New York City! Apparently the booze coursing through the Cleveland, OH’s blood caused the temper outburst. Blame it on the a-a-a-al-co-alcohol!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXydZ9kiX9E&annotation_id=annotation_386248&feature=iv]
