Archive Page 2

13
Mar

Saturday Night Movie– Alice in Wonderland in 3D.

Matthew Stewart
By Mattzors 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Film Review

First off, never, Ever, drink three Dr Peppers, a large coffee, and then buy a large drink at the theatre. You miss stuff.

Now, Tim Burtan’s Alice in Wonderland. Where to start. I didn’t go in expecting much, I thought this was an over hyped, 3-d movie, and was scared it would turn the way of Avatar, and be praised for more than it’s worth. Avatar is still playing by the way. How pleasantly surprised I was with this film!

The opening scenes were fantastic foreshadowing, and your first glimpse of Wonderland takes you back to when you were a kid, watching the Disney cartoon for the first time. Normally I hate it when Disney decides to make a sequel, especially when they make it live action, but this time they did it right. The 3-d, and whimsical scenery made wonderland appear more of a cartoon with a few live actors here and there.

Alice, having aged thirteen years since her last adventure in wonderland, had almost forgotten about it. Can you say Peter Pan in Hook? She’s off to a party where the Lord attempting to court her plans to ask for her hand. Keep your eye on the characters around her at this party. The lord’s mother takes her through a garden of white roses, which Alice suggests to paint red, when she spots the white rabbit. She excuses herself from the ceremony to follow him down the rabbit hole, landing in a very familiar checker floor room, with nothing but a small door, a key sitting on a table, and a bottle labelled “Drink me.”

As we follow Alice we find that a prophecy reports her return to wonderland, or Underland as the natives call it, to slay the Red Queen’s dragon, the Jabberwalkie. Alice, convinced this is all a dream, embarkes reluctantly on her adventure, teaming up with old characters such as, Tweedledum, Tweedledee, Dormouse, and of course the star role, The Mad Hatter, played by one Willy Wonka. I mean… Edward Scissorhands. Oops, Victor Van Dort. Ok, it’s Johnny Depp. Of course it’s Johnny Depp, who else would play Tim Burtan’s eccentric, colourful main character?

Anne Hathaway also makes an appearance as the White Queen. What a perfect fairy tale princess she is, flowing around the scenes with her head held high in beauty. Stephan Fry as the Chesire Cat, and Alan Rickman plays the caterpillar. Perfect! And Mia Wasikowska as Alice, looking very good in a suit of armour, pulled the movie together, and tied it off with a bow on top.

Like I said, I wasn’t expecting much going into the theatre, but I left very happy with the entire experience. I would see this movie again, and I hope it gets the same amount of glory that Avatar did. In short, if you’re flipflopping on seeing this movie, do it, it’s worth the ten bucks.

Either way, later.

08
Mar

Monday Mornings– Wolfmother, Cosmic Egg.

Matthew Stewart
By Mattzors 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

As soon as I opened the new Wolfmother album, Cosmic Egg, I was taken back to a simpler time. A time when rock and roll was fun, full of energy, and had understandable lyrics. I was so happy when I pulled out the CD and it was a flat blue, with the white word Wolfmother, written at the bottom. That, and the cardboard case made it feel like I was opening a vinyl record.

The music is less impressive than their debut album. California Queen cannot compare to Joker and the Thief in terms of musical aptitude. This might comes from the band splitting after the first album, leaving singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale as the only surviving original. However, the whole album is just as entertaining as their first, and that’s really the most important part.

Wolfmother has a sound that makes you wonder if they actually recorded everything in the days of Led Zepplin, or Black Sabbath, and just waited until now to release it. I’m very happy with their ability to make a music that you can call Rock and Roll without having to add an adjective to it.

Cosmic Egg is a good buy, and I suggest it to anyone who grew up with older brothers, or young fathers, wearing tight jeans and band t-shirts.

http://www.wolfmother.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wolfmother

02
Mar

East Coast Loud

By iamawildparty 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Music Review, Reviews, Show Review and Uncategorized

I headed out Friday night to the East Coast Loud tour. Six of the East Coasts loudest and most brutal bands doing a quick Maritime Tour making their way to Cape Breton for this years East Coast Music Awards. All six bands on the tour are nominated for awards this year under the Loud category, now in it’s second year thanks in large part to Josh Hogan, founder of Diminished Fifth Records, based out of Halifax/Dartmouth Nova Scotia.

I was never a big metal guy until Josh started throwing all this music at me. While I’m still not an expert, I’ve become a bit more well versed than before, and this night was going to help me get into it that much more. I’m going to apologize in advance to Shelter With Thieves. I’ve heard wonderful things about you guys, but 1:30 am is a late start time, and my days start early. I’ll check you all out next time you’re in town, I promise. Your guy looks cute in a toque.

I got to the Manhattan about halfway through the first set. Halifax’s Big Game Hunt were bringing their Down style stoner metal to us. Their guitar player was rocking a 12 string Les Paul style rig that sounded as awesome as it looked. It was fantastic to hear a few tunes from Goliath played live and loud. Their stage presence was a bit lacking, but the sound just about made up for it. And I’m still not sure how that drummer plays with his kit so LOW!

Uncooperative Death took the stage next. I wasn’t very impressed with their album. I missed about half the set talking with Jonah of The Motorleague & Something Delicious, and Ross from The Swiftkicks. What I did catch was alright. They’re talented musicians, no doubt, but the songs don’t seem to have much cohesion, or coherence for that matter. I hope they’ll be able to choose one of their many influences and go with that for a while. It’s a bit much, coming from all angles and at some times it sounds a bit sloppy.

The Motorleague took third spot. I don’t know what I can say about these guys that I haven’t said before. They’re fantastic. They’re getting tighter. The new songs are excellent. They just got back from Toronto where they were recording the follow up to Black Noise. If you haven’t seen The Motes, do yourself a favor and check them out next time they roll through your area.

We, the Undersigned hit clean up for this show. I’ve been gushing about their record, Bleed the Constants for a while now. It made my top 10 for the year, easily. These guys are in the same boat as Uncooperative Death in that they have a lot of influences, and they all bleed through in their songs, but where UD lacks, WtU makes up the difference. While cohesive isn’t a word I’d use, coherent is. Their songs made sense. They were no doubt the tightest band of the night that I got to see. Their stage presence was ridiculous, and their frontman is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

Black Moor was up after WtU, and during a semi-final Olympic Hockey game where Canada nearly lost it to the Slovaks. Despite the crowd spending half their time watching the big TV screen next to them, Black Moor put on a great show. They’re a great throwback band. They have fantastic influences worn on their sleeves, but manage to pay some great respect to it. Without a doubt one of the best all around metal bands coming through right now. That being said, their frontman should stop talking between songs. Silence is golden, young man.

All in all the East Coast Loud tour Moncton stop was fantastic. I’m sure Shelter With Thieves ripped it up, and the other 5 bands, while they weren’t all my thing, definitely gave it their all. Give some of these local guys a chance when they hit up your area.

Big Game Hunt
Uncooperative Death
The Motorleague
We, the Undersigned
Black Moor
Shelter With Thieves

01
Mar

Monday Morning– The Belle Game, Inventing Letters.

Matthew Stewart
By Mattzors 1 Comment
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized


To call The Belle Game a folk/pop band simply because they have a guitar and a banjo (and being the listed genres on their website) would be unfair. However to call them a band worth giving a listen is fine. The musicianship all though the Inventing Letters EP is incredible. There’s so much talent packed into every song, even though each part might sound simple on it’s own, when you look at the list of instruments the members play on their official myspace it’s almost ridiculous! The Glockenspiel is listed!

The music is very tight. There’s so many instruments utilised in every song that it almost sounds like an indie-folk orchestra. And the vocals blend so well, and are wonderfully done. If you get a chance to check out their music, or see a live show, do it.

I feel like they’re holding back though. As though they are capable of even further wowing their audience. I just want to see what else they have locked up, hiding in their repertoire. The Belle Game is one of those bands that you just want to hear more. The EP gives you a taste, but you know you want more, and that’s why I’m going to be keeping my eye on them.

Either way, later.

www.myspace.com/thebellegame

28
Feb

Oh Canada, oh-o-oh Canada.

Matthew Stewart
By Mattzors 1 Comment
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

25
Feb

East Coast Loud Tour

By iamawildparty 2 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

Tomorrow night 5 super heavy and super loud and super awesome bands are playing at the Manhattan here in Moncton. I’m going. Were you on the fence about this show? I thought you might be. So, to help you make your decision, here’s a little zip file with 4 songs from 4 of the bands. I didn’t have anything from Shelter With Thieves. If you’re in Shelter With Thieves, hit me up so I can get a copy of your new record. If you want to.

Anyhow, go download this, and I’ll see you at the show.

show info

songs

25
Feb

The Dojo Workhorse

By iamawildparty 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

The Dojo Workhorse – Weapons Grade Romantic

Whether you’re a big music person or not, music engrains itself into your life. Songs you hear in passing, on tv, or at the mall, remind you of someplace, or something, or most often someone. If you’re a big music person, some albums, or songs become part of daily or weekly routine. I know if I’m having a bad day, a quick run through “Bombs Over Baghdad” by Outkast sets me straight in no time. Daily listens to “O” by Damien Rice, and Cursive’s “Domestica” both got me through my big heartbreak.

Now, as a (very) amateur critic, I listen to a lot of music, and there are some records come through that, while they’re great, don’t become part of that routine, or part of my life. Two records lately have. First, was the new The Dudes record. I reviewed it a while back. It’s fantastic. I still listen to it at least 5 times a week. But Dan Vacon has put out a side project record. The Dojo Workhorse is the exact opposite of a Dudes record. It’s not as heavy. It’s not as boisterous. One person described the gap as the Dudes being the party record, and the Dojo Workhorse being the hangover record.

Vacon touches on some things on Weapon’s Grade Romantic that everybody goes through, but talks about it with some wit, and some excellent wordplay. “Ohio” is my favourite example of that where he opens the song with;

My sweet Angel
If you’re near me
Spread your wings
and get us the F out of here

He’s a clever man with razor sharp words, and a voice that’s more R&B than R&R, but he’s managed to make it work. This record sits in my car. If I’m not listening to Fisher Price Little People, I’m listening to Weapon’s Grade Romantic. While I drive to the grocery store to get diapers.

myspace

23
Feb

I’m sorry, Cuff the Duke

By iamawildparty 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

Cuff the Duke – Way Down Here

Despite my odd-ball musical leanings, sometimes I’m very close-minded. There are certain bands, or artists that regardless of who they play with, what genre they play, and what label they’re on, I just completely sleep on. I don’t trust the data and I stay away. For example, a friend of mine told me about a band that played alt-country in the vein of Blue Rodeo. They’d actually done some work with Greg Keelor, my favourite Blue Rodeo guy. And they even put out their first album on Hayden’s Hardwood Records. All this information written in black and white makes me wonder why I’ve taken so long to actually listen to Cuff the Duke.

I guess in my old age, I’m starting to look at things more subjectivelly. Starting to be a little more open to these new things. Maybe it’s because I’m a parent. Maybe it’s because of my full time job. Maybe I’m just growing up. I read an ad for the new Cuff album in a magazine mentioning the Keelor connection. I remembered seeing Hardwood Records on their website. I remember they played here in Moncton with Blue Rodeo. Finally my guard came down and I said to myself “Joe, you need to hear this album. Get over yourself.” A quick email and a few days later, and the fine folks at Universal Music Canada had the cd on it’s way.

This is a great record. Musically, Cuff the Duke are fantastic. They sound solid, and tight. There’s a great similarity in the songwriting style to Blue Rodeo. I don’t consider it a rip-off, but more of a hommage. It’s just enough Blue Rodeo to pull people in. Once you’re in and you start listening around, you start to hear Cuff the Duke. You hear the dissimilarities in the voices. You hear the differences in the harmonies. You hear differences in the songwriting. You hear that in fact, Cuff the Duke has made their own great Canadiana album. One that will stand up over time. I hate to sound like I’m jumping the bandwagon here because of my long-standing indifference for these guys, but I think we’re standing with our countries next Blue Rodeo. A band that will, largely, not misstep with their music. That will take their time with each record and be happy with them, so that we can be happy with them. Don’t miss out. Pick up this record. Become a fan. Don’t do like I did.

official site

22
Feb

Album Review; Daniel, Fred & Julie

By iamawildparty 0 Comments
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized

Daniel, Fred & Julie

The idea behind Daniel Fred and Julie is a singer songwriter fairy tale. Three people all head east, set up some chairs in a garage, and press record. No overdubs, no multitracking, just hit it and go. My interest in this record came as a surprise to me. I never liked Eric’s Trip, or any of Julie’s solo stuff. That’s absolute blasphemy in Moncton, my hometown, but I don’t care. I’ve never heard Attack in Black, and the one time I saw Shotgun and Jaybird, I was amazed watching them set up, but let down when they actually played. But, the story behind the record is what drew me in. Daniel from Attack in Black hopped on a train with a couple of guitars, and a folk songbook. They hung out in Fred’s garage in Sackville for a few days and just sang. Proudly presented in Mono, the record relies solely on the quality of the songs, and arrangements to get the point across. Like an old timey “Creek Drank the Cradle”, if you would. The one take, no overdubs quality of the record makes for an honesty that’s missing from a lot of the music I’ve been hearing lately. Slightly missed harmonies, and off time tempos aren’t rampant, but noticeable and most certainly welcome! It’s a real record, full of time tested and true songs. If you’re a fan of any of these artists, or just want something fresh, pick up Daniel, Fred, and Julie and take a listen.

Here’s a link to the www.herohill.ca review which has a track by track breakdown by Daniel Romano.

myspace

22
Feb

Monday Mornings– The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing.

Matthew Stewart
By Mattzors 1 Comment
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...
Categories: Uncategorized


The last week I’ve been wanting to dance. I know that might sound like a ‘bar star girl’ thing to say. At least in Fredericton it is. “I wanna go out dancing!” they say.

Well, be that as it may, I’ve been feeling the bug, and there’s a reason. The Ting Tings. Don’t laugh. Despite the name these two indie kids from Hackney, London have got it. The first time you hear their songs on the radio, at the bar, or at the gym in my case you hate it. I remember thinking What a ridiculous song this is. But the hook got me, and I’ve been humming it ever since.

I just got their album We Started Nothing, and couldn’t get over how many of the songs I recognized. Every other song is on the radio, and just as catchy as the last one. It’s light hearted, simple, fun pop. Cute and energetic, it makes you dance like the silhouettes in iPod commercials. You have no choice. It’s science somehow.

If you want to get pumped up for a night on the town with some pre-drinks and dance music with friends, or just hang out alone in your room with the blinds closed so no one can see you dance, give The Ting Tings a listen.

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »