I-Blog

Leonard Cohen in Alberta

2009-02-19T21:56:00.002-07:00

You've heard it here first, folks: Leonard Cohen will bring his tour to Edmonton on April 25th and to Calgary on April 26th. The announcement was made tonight in New York City following Leonard's last show of the first leg of this tour at the Beacon Theater.
CBC Radio 2 is proud to be sponsoring this tour.
Details on ticket prices are forthcoming.
Rumored venue for Cohen in Edmonton is Rexall.

"My Life Would Suck Without You" - NEW Kelly Clarkson.

2009-01-23T16:49:00.001-07:00

Kelly Clarkson has just released her new song, which occupies the No.1 spot on I-Tune (beating out even U2's new single). "My life would suck with you" can be found on her forthcoming album "All I Ever Wanted". It's not much of a departure and resonates like her huge hit "Since U Been Gone". Hopefully this new album does better then "My December" which tanked --- BIG TIME.

"Get on your boots" - NEW U2.

2009-01-19T17:37:00.001-07:00

This is U2's new single "Get on your boots". Their new album "No Line On The Horizon" will hit stores on March 3rd. I don't know what you all think but this just sounds like "Vertigo" warmed up. I like old U2. Their new stuff of late has been too industrial and void of any emotion. The sound is cold and leaves me feeling nothing...nada...zilp...zilch.

Pure gold...Santogold, that is.

2009-01-08T12:09:00.003-07:00

If you're a fan of MIA you are going to dig Santogold. Santogold, by her stage name, is Santi White, an American singer-songwriter. She was the opening act for Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" tour and has been praised by artists like Bjork. She accused reviewers and music vendors of being racists because they labeled her music as hip-hop and R&B, just because she was black. What you have here is a fresh collection of songs that transcends any genres. But you can definitely hear that her sound is 80's inspired.Her self-titled album, "Santogold", is in stores now or can be found on I-Tunes. See her video for "Lights Out", below.

"Lights Out" - Santogold

2009-01-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

"Wanderlust" - Bjork

2009-01-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

Iceland's Bjork has a brilliant and unique way of bringing us into an entirely different universe with her music and her videos. For sure, she is an acquired taste but you can't deny her originality.

Kylie "remixed" for your boombox!

2009-01-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

Kylie Minogue has just released "Boombox". The new CD features remixes of all her hits since 2000.

"Thank U" - Alanis Morissette

2009-01-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

Without a doubt, my favorite song and one of my favorite albums of all time. Alanis's "Thank U" taken from "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie".

"Realize" - Colbie Caillat

2009-01-05T15:45:00.001-07:00

An older video, but a good song nonetheless. "Realize" is taken from Malibu Coco Caillat's first studio album "Coco". And I use the word album because when you listen to "Coco" there is a lot of consistency in the song selection and you feel like your are listening to an "album" and not a record. Every song has it's place. She is Ken Caillat's daugther. Ken co-produced Fleetwood Mac's album "Rumors". She rose to success after songs on her myspace page had been listened to some 46-MILLION times.

"Single Ladies" featuring Arianna

2008-12-22T19:47:00.001-07:00

This song has spawned it's share of spoofs but none as cute at this one!
Sorry Justin...

I jizzed in my pants...

2008-12-21T16:14:00.001-07:00

Shown on SNL, this video featuring Justin Timberlake (can you guess where he is?) is making waves on the web.

Top 15 albums of 2008

2008-12-19T16:17:00.003-07:00

Every year, drafting up a list of the top albums is always a heart-breaking process. There is so much good stuff being done locally, nationally and internationally it's really hard to narrow down sometimes. The minute I post the list and continue thinking about it, some albums should have been left off and others should have made it on. The list is compiled based on the amount of times I returned to the album, the originality of the songs, I also ask myself if the material is a departure for the artist (if they've previously released material). I also included french records. So...I can't keep it to 10.. Here are the top 15. Feel free to comment and add some of the albums that have left an impression with you this year.

1.”Flavors of Entanglement”,Alanis Morissette
2.”The Baroness”, Sarah Slean
3.”Tous les sens”, Ariane Moffatt
4.”Viva la Vida or Death and all his friends”, Coldplay
5.”The Seventh Tree” Goldfrapp
6.”Red Letter Year” Ani Difranco
7.”Asking for flowers” Kathleen Edwards
8.”Funhouse” Pink
9.”La ligne orange” Mes Aieux
10.”L’arbre à fruits” Caracol
11.”Is it o.k.” Serena Ryder
12.”Strobelite Seduction” Kaskade
13.”One of the boys” Katy Perry
14.”I know you’re married but I’ve got feelings too” Martha Wainwright
15.”With you” Natalie Walker

REVIEW - "Milk"

2008-12-16T11:18:00.001-07:00

Sean Penn is « Harvey Milk » and he wans to recruit you! “Milk” is based on the real life story of Harvey Milk, the first publicly gay man elected to a major office in the United States. He was eventually shot and killed. Set against the backdrop of San Fransisco, in the heart of the Castro district in the 70’s, “Milk” follows the ascension of Harvey Milk to public office and his birthing of an important gay movement. It’s only fitting that this movie was released a few weeks after Californians voted in favor of Prop. 8 and stripped gays and lesbians of their right to marry. Sean Penn, as always, is brilliant in capturing the mannerisms of Harvey Milk by tapping into the awkwardness and shyness this man must have dealth with: going from total obscurity to being an important gay activist. The movie has everything to tug at your heart srings: a main character you want to root for, a cause you may or may not believe in, some empowering dialogue and it also incorporates real life “news” footage that what shot during Milk’s political life, it also has a heart-breaking ending. Where “Milk” lags is that, at times, you feel like you are watching a “how-to-become-a-politican-when-you-are-gay” and not a personal in-depth look at this man’s life. The least interesting parts of the movie have to do with the “stratetigizing” the character’s discuss to get Milk elected to office (it will take three times). Diego Luno, delivers a stand-out performance as Milk’s flaky and obsessed lover. A pivotal relationship in Milk’s life that director, Gus Van Sant, doesn’t focus on enough.
But this movie has a lot of heart and relevance.
I haven't seen it, but I've heard the that the 1985 Academy-award winning documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk" is more interesting than this movie.
“Milk is in theaters now.

Sarah Slean redecorates!

2008-12-15T17:05:00.001-07:00

Sarah Slean has released a new EP called "The Baroness Redecorates". It's a compilation of songs from "The Baroness" sessions. But you won't find this one in record stores: it's only available at her website, her shows or on I-Tunes. Quantities are limited.
For more info: www.sarahslean.com

"Mozart's Requiem" - Alberta Ballet

2008-12-11T14:10:00.001-07:00

Last March, Alberta Ballet premiered it's "Mozart's Requiem". It was a unique collaboration between Alberta Ballet, Edmonton Opera, the ESO and The Richard Eaton Singers. It was the hottest ticket in town and sold-out rather quickly. If you didn't get a chance to see it, here is a small preview of rehearsals with commentary on the artistic vision.
I attended the premiere and qualified it as an artistic achievement. From curtain rise it took my breath away and left me in tears. One of the strongest moments is when dancer and friend Laetitia Clément takes to the stage 7-months pregnant. It is, by far, one of the finest productions I've seen in my 10 years as an arts reviewer.

"River" - Sarah McLachlan

2008-12-10T16:51:00.001-07:00

Joni Mitchell's songs have been covered time and time again. "River" has been done by a slew of artists but none of the covers comes even remotely close to emoting like Sarah McLachlan's does. This, right up there with KD Lang's version of "A Case of You", is one of the best reprises of Joni Mitchell's material I have ever heard. Sarah's version gets me teary-eyed every time. "River" was also listed, last year, as one of the top 10 songs that "sounds" like Canada. Joni has never wanted to comment what or who the song is about. It can be found on Sarah's stellar Christmas collection "Wintersong".

My "crush" on David Archuleta.

2008-12-08T13:55:00.001-07:00

He may have been the runner-up on last season's "American Idol" and he may have been compared to an elf, but it's hard to deny how popular David Archuleta's boyish charm is with women. I kind of like this song (the cheesy video aside). The album is pretty weak melodically and lyrically but thise dude has a sweetness to him that is hard not to crush on.

"Circus" - NEW Britney Spears

2008-12-05T15:30:00.001-07:00

The second single off of Britney's new record "Circus". It's a kick-ass song and a pretty good video. But, the tight editing and multiple shots are masking the absence of any choreography. Britney: we want to see you dance! I think the themes we see in this video will be carried over on stage for Britney's tour. Wonder how they will get the elephants and tigers from city to city?!

"Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole" - Martha Wainwright

2008-12-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

2008-12-03T22:27:00.001-07:00

"Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole"

Poetry is no place for a heart that's a whore
And I'm young & I'm strong
But I feel old & tired
Overfired

And I've been poked & stoked
It's all smoke, there's no more fire
Only desire
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are

You say my time here has been some sort of joke
That I've been messing around
Some sort of incubating period
For when I really come around
I'm cracking up
And you have no idea

No idea how it feels to be on your own
In your own home
with the fucking phone
And the mother of gloom
In your bedroom
Standing over your head
With her hand in your head
With her hand in your head

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
When all I wanted was to be good
To do everything in truth
To do everything in truth

Oh I wish I wish I wish I was born a man
So I could learn how to stand up for myself
Like those guys with guitars
I've been watching in bars
Who've been stamping their feet to a different beat
To a different beat
To a different beat

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
When all I wanted was to be good
To do everything in truth
To do everything in truth

You bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody...

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are

Britney Spears's "Circus"

2008-12-03T14:20:00.004-07:00

«You don’t like me, I don’t like you, it don’t matter only difference you still listen, I don’t have to”, sings Britney Spears on “Kill the Lights” . And she’s right. A decade later we are still fascinated, curious and interested (?!) in what Britney Spears is doing. Funny for someone who, early on, had been coined as a “one-hit” wonder. “Circus” is without a doubt Britney’s most solid project (but not as progressive-a-sound as “Blackout” was). For once we are using the word circus in relation to her work as an artist, and not to her personal life. The catchy first single “Womanizer” topped the top of the charts and it’s pretty safe to say that it will be followed by a slew of catchier, dancier songs that can be found on this sixth record. Where, in the past her records effused bubble-pop and innocence, this record is perculating with sexual inuendos like the songs “Phonography” (deluxe edition) where Britney relishes in the pleasures of phone-sex or “Lace and Leather” and “Trouble” (deluxe edition). Other stand-out songs are “Unusual You”, “Shattered Glass” and “Circus”. The Guy Sigsworth ballad “Out From Under” is brilliantly produced and gives us a glimpse at Britney’s voice without Auto-Tune. Over all, listening to this album it is easy to envision it on stage. Now, the million dollar question is: is Britney’s comeback too precipitated? Some recent TV appearances have shown a very fit Britney Spears but who is still grappling with some of her dance-moves and choreographies. She seems to lack enthusiasm. So: is this a circus that will use a lot of smoke and mirrors to cover up for the very sad clown at the center of it all?
Britney Spears brings her tour to Edmonton, on April 6th. Tickets go on sale this saturday at 2 p.m.

Britney Spears - Live @ Bambi Awards

2008-12-03T14:20:00.001-07:00

REVIEW - "808's & Heartbreak"

2008-11-26T14:43:00.005-07:00

"808's (which refers to a Roland TR-808 drum machine) & Heartbreak", heralds in a softer Kanye West. A stretch from his last offering "Graduation", Kanye has done what most artists, in my opinion, should do when they've achieved his stature and popularity: experiment and break down new artistic barriers. Even if that means failing to out-sell previous records or satisfy reviewers. Simply put: he is an artist who commits to his projects and to his image (regardless of how people perceive that image). To that end, the sound of this new record is brilliantly fresh. The first single "Love Lockdown" sticks out from most hip-hop and r&b music being played on radio right now with an awesome drum beat chorus. Kanye also takes a risk by singing on this new record, yes with the help of Auto-Tune, you'll say (that device use by a-many for vocal corrections in studio) but to that end, it's not entirely distracting, because I don't think Kanye's intention was to ever prove that he was a better singer then Josh Groban. But though the musical soundscape is abundantly atmospheric and highly satisfying, where the record lags is with redundant lyrics pertaining to the death of his mother and recent break-up from fashion designer Alexis Phifer. Already it's been said that this will be Kanye's legacy to hip-hop music. I just hope it doesn't stop here.

"Love Lockdown" - Kanye West

2008-11-26T14:43:00.001-07:00

"Angel" - duet by Sarah McLachlan and Pink.

2008-11-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

Here's one more reason why I'm tickled Pink these days! This beautiful duet between Sarah McLachlan and Pink at the American Music Awards. Pink has a bit of Janis Joplin going on! Luv it!

"Sober" - NEW P!nk

2008-11-25T14:52:00.001-07:00

"Sober" is the second single off of P!nk's brilliant, brilliant, 5th studio album "Funhouse". It's a perfect stocking stuffer. The CD, not the video, I mean.

"Love Lockdown" - NEW Kanye West

2008-11-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

This is a really great song! We aren't used to hearing Kanye West sing quite this much though. The beat is great and the video is original. Too bad he's such a DB in real life.

"Beautiful U R" - NEW Deborah Cox

2008-11-20T17:31:00.002-07:00

Long before Jully Black (and hopefully long, long, loooong after) the R&B music scene in Canada was dominated by Deborah Cox. She disappeared for a few years and started a family, did a few movies, appeared on Broadway (you know...doing nothing, really!) but is back with a new album, "The Promise". The album is somewhat lack-luster but the first single "Beautiful U R" has been doing very, very well on the charts. It's got a really catchy beat and chorus and I really like the positive message it sends out. It actually figures a very, very pregnant proudly showing off her belly. I love it! Luckily we have I-Tunes, so you can purchase the song without purchasing the whole album. I can't wait to hear the remixes!

"Beautiful U R" - Deborah Cox

2008-11-20T17:30:00.001-07:00

"Appelle mon numéro" - NEW Mylene Farmer

2008-11-20T10:42:00.001-07:00

I first heard Mylene Farmer's music at a street rave in Montreal, a few years ago. The song was "Désenchantée" and although I was hearing it for the first time some 15 years AFTER it was released, it still struck a chord. For much of that year it had become my own personal anthem and to this day is still one of my favourite songs of all time. Originally from Montreal, this ex-pat has become the most successful recording artist of all time in France, selling more then 25 million albums. She's often heralded as France's Madonna, filling stadiums time and time again. She's released her 7th studio album "Point de Suture" an electronic-driven record that has spawned this new hit "Appelle mon numéro". It's already gone to number one in France and has helped Mylene break another record: the most number ones in French chart history.
After listening to this song, I suggest you check out "Désenchantée", the 1991 version.

Seal is a soul-out!

2008-11-19T14:14:00.001-07:00

Seal, who I have always thought to be one of the most talented, under-appreciated and under-estimated artists today has just released a really, REALLY mediocre and useless album of covers called "Soul". Why? That's a good question I can't seem to answer while I listen to this project. It's unfortunate, because I think the singer-songwriter was on the right path with his dance-heavy "System" album realeased last year (which topped my Top 10of 2007 but had lukewarm sales), that was produced by Stuart Price. This new record is produced by heavey-weight David Foster. Seal's voice is pristine and velvety as usual, but Foster just spreads on the sugar and makes this record as glossy as Mr.Clean's forehead. You can't help but question Seal's artistic integrity.
This entire record spells out "marketing ploy" and an attempt to break into that market dominated by artists like Bublé and Winehouse. There is Seal's soul here, but unfortunatley he sold it to the devil that is the record company.

VIDEO SPOOF - "Single Ladies" featuring Justin Timberlake

2008-11-18T11:29:00.001-07:00

A hilarious skit that aired last week-end on SNL. It features Justin Timberlake as a back-up dancer on Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" video shoot. He can definitely still shake it in a pair of heels.

Let Andrea House's CD find a home with you!

2008-11-17T13:37:00.001-07:00

Edmonton singer-songwriter Andrea House has released her second album called "The Same Inside". A stunning collection of songs, some reminscient of Norah Jones (Ocean), others of Patsy Cline (Marrying Kind). It's a melting pot of country, folk, blues and jazz music with a touch of world music, that brilliantly showcases Andrea's beautiful, beautiful voice. It also includes a french track "La Maison Délabrée". "The Same Inside" is on sale right now on I-Tunes.

Beyoncé is...Sasha Fierce!

2008-11-15T16:36:00.005-07:00

Beyoncé is back with a new studio album called "I am...Sasha Fierce". A sexy alter-ego she's made up that has the the confidence and fierceness Beyoncé says she lacks. If Beyoncé has self-esteem issues we're all doomed! She's got a body that was probably carved by God himself, she's gorgeous, talented, rich and famous...and she's nice! Why do we need Sasha Fierce? Regardless, we like this chick. This is a much stronger record then her previous "B-Day".
There is the usual serving of r&b club-hoppers like "Single Ladies", "Radio", "Scared of Lonely" and "Hello". But there is also some grittier songs like "That's why you are beautiful". However, "Ave Maria" is not only a horrible song but Beyoncé rips-off the famous "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" from John Lennon. "Halo" which has a Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love" piano intro that leads into a Rihanna-ish "Umbrella" chorus will be a big, big, BIG hit for Beyoncé, this year. It soars like "Umbrella" on ectasy and is a good showcase for Beyoncé's vocal prowess.
"I am...Sasha Fierce" is in stores on November 18th.
Until then take a look at the "If I Were A Boy" music video, below.

Beyoncé - "If I Were A Boy"

2008-11-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

REVIEW - Rachel Getting Married

2008-11-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

One word describes this movie: tedious. That is until you realize you are sitting in a movie that is so anti-Hollywood and so normal you hate yourself for walking out of the theater and saying "that's it?". The story follows Kim (Anne Hathaway, who could get an Oscar-Nom for her role) fresh out of rehab and on her way back home for her sister Rachel's wedding. It's there that we find out why she's in rehab and about the tragic accident that tore this family apart. Contrary to Hollywood films, the back story comes out late in the movie, but, that's life! There are no montages in our lives that gives us context. It just unfolds before us. And that's precisely what this movie does. Unfolds over the course of a wedding week-end. We walk through the front door with Kim when she returns home and three days later we walk out with her. What we see is only but a glimpse of her life and that of her family's. There is no "titanesque" soundtrack, there are no bombs or special effects or funky editing, most of the time, the director relied on natural lighting for a lot of the scenes to keep it as normal as possible. And there are no out of this world beautiful actors: everyone looks....normal! But again that's life. Question is: does it make it any less interesting?

"Love You Baby" - FULL LENGTH Colleen Brown video!

2008-11-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I gave you a sneak peek at Colleen Brown's video. Here now is the full length version! She's a real sweeatheart being all flirty with the homeless. One of the homeless guys is played by local francophone actor Vincent Forcier (wearing the orange shirt with cut-off sleeves). Colleen has a gig in Calgary on November 27th and she's even thinking of doing a Christmas show. For more info on Colleen you can check out www.colleenbrownmusic.com

"Give Me The Music" - NEW Eva Avila

2008-11-06T13:53:00.001-07:00

Here's a girl from my hometown of Gatineau QC. Winner of Canadian Idol, she's back with her second album. Catch her tonight on Radio-Canada @ 6 and 11 p.m.

PREVIEW - Colleen Brown's "Love You Baby"

2008-11-05T17:16:00.001-07:00

Ever heard of Colleen Brown? If, not you're missing out on a great songwriter who has a rich-like-molasses voice and some pretty witty and catchy tunes to boot. This is a preview of her video "Love You Baby" taken from her CD "Foot In Heart" CD, currently for sale on I-Tunes.
Colleen, next we want a video of "Ain't got no man (To have problems with)"!

Back to the 90's we go...

2008-11-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

It's an old song and its singer has long since vanished. But this little diddy that mixed a whispy-voice, a mid-tempo beat that shifts gears at least 3 times in the song, and a "can't get it out of your head" chorus carried Donna Lewis all the way to the top of the charts for weeks and weeks in 1996.
On the radio I often hear it being requested by people (that just proves that it stood the test of time). So perhaps for some it's a flash in the pan but some people, like me, will always love it...always, forever.

"Réverbère" - NEW Ariane Moffatt

2008-11-03T16:57:00.001-07:00

"Tous les sens", Montreal-based Ariane Moffatt's, third studio album won the coveted "pop-rock album of the year" at last night's, Gala de l'ADISQ. The award show was held in Montreal.

"Lever l'ancre " - Alfa Rococo

2008-11-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

Here's a Quebecois duo worthy of discovering. They walked away with two prestigious awards last night at the ADISQ: best new artist and pop album of the year.
The ADISQ is a gala (yes, one of those) that rewards the best in french music in Québec. It's Québec's equivalent to the Junos.

"Don't believe in love" - NEW Dido.

2008-11-02T16:41:00.001-07:00

"Don't believe in love" is the first single off of Dido's forthcoming album "Safe Trip Home", set to be released on November 18th, in North America. The song reminds me of Feist's "Inside + Out"and has a great loungy vibe to it. What do you think?

Review - Madonna in Vancouver

2008-11-01T18:00:00.002-06:00

It was the only Western Canadian stop on her “Sticky & Sweet Tour” and her first time, ever, in Vancouver. 52-thousand eager fans packed into BC Place to see her. But before actually getting to see her we would wait. And wait. The opening act ended at 8 p.m. but Madonna didn’t take the stage until 9:15. When she came on, she stayed on for a solid 2-hour, non-stop tour de force. Much can be said about all the plastic surgery she’s had of late, but there is no injection in the world that can give someone that amount of energy and stamina at the age of 50. Madonna has, without a doubt, a rigid and disciplined routine that enables her to carry off this show night after night. On came the Queen of Pop (after a lengthy and dull video), on her crown, winking at the crowd and singing “Candy Shop”. She sang new songs like “The Beat Goes On”, “Devil wouldn’t recognize you”, “Heartbeat”, “Miles Away” and “She’s not me”. She went back into some of the oldies and gave them a fresher although not always interesting sound. “Human Nature”, “Borderline”, “Ray of light” were infused with a rockier sound. “Hung Up” got the same rock treatment and was as utterly botched and butchered as bad plastic surgery. Madonna is now trying to prove that she is a musician. Could it be the she realizes that she won’t be able to depend on her capacity to move and dance on stage to keep her in the game? She also sang “You must love me” from the film “Evita”, another low point in the evening that did nothing to increase her vocal credibility. “Like a prayer” got an entire face-lift and made us feel like we were in a rave with 52-thousand people. Other stand-out moments where the latino-music infused “La Isla Bonita” with real life flamenco musicians on stage and the “Give it 2 me” closer. The only interaction with the crowd was during a rendition of “Like a Virgin”, otherwise, Madonna spoke very little. Which is fine because the no-talking kept the show moving at a break-neck pace. She also gave the finger a few times and someone really needs to tell her that we are in 2008. In the '80s that may have been cool but now it's nothing compared to what you can see on the Internet of even on TV. She ages herself by doing that and defeats the purpose of plastic surgery.

Madonna in Vancouver

2008-10-31T17:36:00.001-06:00

Impromptu rendition of "Like a Virgin" with crowd at BC Place.

Florence K. in Alberta!

2008-10-29T16:24:00.001-06:00

After selling 85-thousand copies of her album "Bossa Blue", Québec chanteuse Florence K. is bringing her show, in a more intimate setting, to Edmonton. Florence K.'s music is a mixture of bossa nova's, salsa and swing. She'll be performing in the theatre of la Cité Francophone in Edmonton on November 22nd @ 8 p.m. Tickets are 25$ and can be purchased by calling (780) 469-4401.

Pink's "Funhouse" more like a welcoming broken home.

2008-10-28T14:01:00.001-06:00

I usually review albums while at the gym. It's the only time I have to listen to all the music I throw onto my I-Tunes. So when I added Pink's new CD "Funhouse" to my I-POD, with a title like that I thought it would be perfect for my work-out. Wrong! I was expecting something similar to the stellar lead single "So What" but what I found were a bunch of slower songs all-inspired by her break-up with hubby Carey Hart. As she says "in songwriting, happiness is a useless emotion". But don't get me wrong - this is a pretty solid album. What I like most about Pink is that altough she has mainstream success she still has that "independant" artist feel to her. She has an amazing and powerful voice and she is a terrific songwriter (think "Dear Mr.President" off her "I'm not dead" album). Releasing "So What" a stomp-on-the-dancefloor song is perfect because it will draw people into the album and they'll see that there is more then meets the "Pink" eye (ok...bad joke). There's a bit of everything for everyone here: some accoustic stuff, some bluesier songs, a taste of country and of course, pop-rock. Stand-outs are "I Don't Believe You", "Crystal Ball", "Glitter in the Air". When I listen to "Funhouse" I ask myself why I've often overlooked Pink as an amazing artist. Pink's new CD "Funhouse" is in stores now.

Since we met Chantal Kreviazuk....

2008-10-27T15:36:00.001-06:00

Chantal Kreviazuk is set to release, tomorrow, a best-of compilation titled "Since We Met: The Best of 1996 - 2006". It's a collection of 18 songs. I didn't think that Chantal had that many hits as she doesn't garner a lot of radio play, or at least hasn't been getting a lot of airplay over the last few years. Her last studio album "Ghost Stories" was a lack-luster and dull offering that shouldn't have even seen the light of day. I think the Manitoba-born artist is a brilliant songwriter and composer, but on the last few albums there has only been one or two good songs and the remainder of the album always comes off as filler. It's been now 12 years since she blew onto the music scene and I think it's time that Chantal offers up something a little more substantial and creative. The material is getting tired and boring. In the meantime, this collection reminds us why she is relevant - she just needs to work on staying that way.

Celine Dion @ Rexall Place

2008-10-25T10:19:00.001-06:00

"It's been way too long", said Celine Dion last night as she performed for 17-thousand people at Rexall Place. "And I'm going to make up for all that lost time", and did she ever. Celine performed for a solid 1 hour and 50 minutes. One power ballad after another certified that her voice is still in impeccable shape and that she still has the energy to carry off what was a flawless and high-energy performance. She was backed by excellent musicians and 8 dancers. Jamie King (who’s produced Madonna’s “Confessions” tour) was the artistic director for the “Taking Chances” tour that meshed, seamlessly, a moving-stage and an LED-screened cube that enabled everyone, and I mean everyone, to see Celine. Where Vegas was more about the dancers and the artistic direction, this tour was all about making Celine’s voice front-and-center. When she wasn’t on-stage with them, I didn’t even notice the dancers. They served mostly as entertainment while Celine went under-stage to change outfits.

Oddities: near the end of the show she did a series of covers going from Queen’s “We Will Rock You” to “The Show Must Go On” and then on to James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”, then into Tina Turner’s “River Deep Mountain High”. The songs did pack a punch but it was unfortunate that they were all clustered together in one-part of the show instead of being dispersed throughout ballads. Outfit-wise, one all-white ensemble including boots with leather straps that wound their way up Celine’s legs with zippers in the back were atrocious and clunky. She did only one song in french, “Pour Que tu m’aimes encore”. Judging by the cheers there was a fair amount on francophones in the venue, and Celine didn’t do nearly enough in her introduction to the french song to reach out to them personally. Some anglophones seemed bored by the french song, which is her best-selling french single of all time.

Celine Dion performs again tonight in Edmonton before heading off to Winnipeg. The “Takings Chances” tour will have visited 5 continents, 25 countries and 88 cities. Dion will have performed over 120 shows.

Honey, Honey - Feist

2008-10-25T09:34:00.001-06:00

Feist really has a knack for being different and unique. This is the new single off of Feist's brilliant third album "The Reminder". The video was shot in Calgary with the help of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop. The video was written by Palmer and directed by Anthony Seck. You'll notice that Feist doesn't even appear in the video but regardless, the story of a fisherman and his wife is compelling, beautiful and lush.

"Comme des enfants" - Coeur de Pirate

2008-10-23T11:43:00.001-06:00

Béatrice Martin, a.k.a Coeur de Pirate, is currently all the rage in french music. The buzz around her is huge right now in Québec. She released her first, self-titled album in September. Frenchies will likely compare her style to that of Pierre Lapointe. One or two songs are, in my opinion tolerable, but her entire album is really redundant. Her songs are sweet but in my opinion she still has a lot of maturing to do.

"Paper Planes" - M.I.A.

2008-10-20T17:24:00.001-06:00

This is just a great song! It's taken from M.I.A.'s album "Kala". If you haven't picked it up yet, you are missing out on a pretty solid record.

"Hardline" - Jill Barber

2008-10-19T11:02:00.001-06:00

The Ontario-born, now Nova Scotia residing, singer-songwriter has just released her third album "Chances". It's reminiscent of the sound from the golden ages. Think a mix of Etta James, Patsy Cline and Edith Piaf. This song "Hardline" was taken from her 2006 release "For All Time". Jill Barber will be performing in Calgary on November 14th and in St-Albert on November 15th.

Feist @ Rexall Place

2008-10-17T17:08:00.001-06:00

This is Feist last night @ Rexall Place. She offered up a solid 90-minute set. Not sure Rexall is a good venue for her.I had floor seats but I felt for those all the way in the back. She promised the crowd she'd do "4 nights at Dinwoodie Lounge", next time. Good idea, but her label will never let her do that, they'd stand to lose too much money. As for the artistic direction, the use of a projector on stage was simple but unique and interesting.

It's Britney B***H. No...really...IT IS Britney!

2008-10-16T14:04:00.001-06:00

The Americans love nothing better then a comeback. And Britney Spears is giving them just that. After a three-year slump that felt more like a train-wreck you couldn't help but watch, Britney is back (in shape and capable enough to actually dance) with this new video for her new song "Womanizer".

Ani Difranco's "Red Letter Year"

2008-10-16T13:22:00.001-06:00

On September 30th, Ani Difranco released her new studio album, "Red Letter Year". It's a much mellower collection of songs. We got to hear some of them when she performed, last July, at the Winspear Centre. I had always enjoyed her songs but had never seen her in concert, until then. I was completely blown-away by her stage presence but also her mass appeal to both men and women. Her messages are relevant and she epitomizes, in my mind, what a true artist should be: an agent of thought provoking and change.

"My Love" - NEW Celine Dion

2008-10-15T15:01:00.001-06:00

The third single off of Celine's "Taking Chances" album is "My Love". This is the official video for the song. Celine will also be releasing, on October 28th, a greatest hits collection called "My Love". It comes in two packages, one-disc and a deluxe two-disc edition. It spans the entirety of her illustrous career and could be a perfect stocking stuffer for fans.

"The Fiddle And The Drum" - collaboration between Joni Mitchell and the Alberta Ballet

2008-10-13T13:15:00.001-06:00

Last year, two of Alberta's institutions came together to present "The Fiddle and The Drum". This unique collaboration between Joni Mitchell and Alberta Ballet, combines Joni's music with her paintings and dance. The production revolves around social themes of AIDS, the environment and politics.
The 60-minute production was so popular, that they have now extended the production to a full-length 90 minute ballet. I sat down with Joni over a month ago to talk, exclusively, about this project that will be presented again in Alberta next February.
If you haven't seen it yet - I highly recommend you purchase tix.

Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore - Céline Dion

2008-10-11T20:36:00.001-06:00

"Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore" is without a doubt the biggest selling song of Celine's french career. It was recorded on the Jean-Jacques Goldman produced album "D'Eux" that went on to sell 6 million copies and is, to this day, the best-selling french album of all time. You don't have to speak french to appreciate the beautiful lyrics and melody. And whether they are fans or not of Celine's work, there isn't a french-speaking person on this planet that doesn't know at least partial lyrics to this song.
It's the only french song she will sing when she stops in Edmonton on October 24th and 25th @ Rexall Place.

"Not As We" - Alanis Morissette

2008-10-10T18:50:00.001-06:00

This is the new video for "Not As We", by Alanis Morissette. It's the second single off her amazing and outstanding "Flavors of Entanglement" album, which was produced by genius Guy Sigsworth. If you haven't bought this album yet - you are definitely missing out on a whole new Alanis. The arrangements for the song in the video are somewhat different then on the album - I wonder why? If you are wondering what is written on her forearm in the video it's the word "gentle". One of two tattos she got after her break-up with Ryan Reynolds. The other tattoo, which I believe is on the other arm says "Breathe".

"Passchendaele"

2008-10-08T13:02:00.001-06:00

I had a chance to see the press screening of "Passchendaele", yesterday. The movie was written and directed by Paul Gross, who also stars as the main character. It was shot in Alberta. It's an ambitious project, one of the most expensive in the history of film in this country. The cinematrography is the closest I've ever seen a Canadian film come to an American film. It was one of the rare times I was watching a movie and didn't feel like it felt, typically...Canadian. So "yay" to that if it gets butts in the seats at theatres. The battles scenes are epic and believeable. However, the film loses ground with poorly written dialgoue, which has no nuances or subtlety it,a cheesy and cliché love story between Gross and Caroline Dharvenas and a musical score that is way, way too sweepingly dramatic. Actor Joe Dinicol, who plays the role of David Mann, a love-struck young man who wants to go to war to prove his masculinity and love for the girl of his dreams, offers up some annoying acting that borders on whinny.
It's an ambitious project, that, regardless of all the impressive bells and whistles falls flat because it tries to be too much.