Consequence of Sound » Malajube http://consequenceofsound.net Think Fast, Listen Slowly Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:10:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Festival Review: CoS at Quebec City Summer Fest 2011 http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/07/festival-review-cos-at-quebec-city-summer-fest-2011/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/07/festival-review-cos-at-quebec-city-summer-fest-2011/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/04/quebec-city-summer-fest.jpg Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:15:07 +0000 Gilles LeBlanc http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=137718 With its cobblestone streets, outdoor cafés, and back alley artisans, Quebec City, Canada has long been referred to as “The Paris of North America.” But every July, it seems to have more in common with Chicago and Lollapalooza, as its historic downtown core is transformed into one of the world’s largest concert venues for the Quebec City Summer Festival. The “Festival d’été,” as it’s known locally, shares a great deal of similarities with Ottawa Bluesfest and Milwaukee’s Summerfest in that big acts are spread out over multiple weeks instead of compacting everything into a single weekend, whether it be two or three days.

In 2011, Elton John, Ben Harper, Simple Plan, and The Black Keys were just a few of the stars Quebec City hosted, alongside home-grown, French-language singers such as Jean-Pierre Ferland and Marie-Mai. I myself only parachuted in for the last two days of this rapidly becoming renowned fest, specifically to see one legendary band who are celebrated in Quebec even more so than the war generals on the hallowed battleground they played, and that honor goes to Metallica. An estimated 100,000 metalheads descended upon the Plains of Abraham, scene of the famous 1759 battle between France and Britain, where the latter gained control of the valuable “New France” colony that would eventually be renamed Canada a little over a century later.

The only question on Quebecers’ minds after Metallica’s conquest on Saturday, July 16th is what can their city possibly do for an encore? I heard more than one attendee whisper how AC/DC would be awfully cool next year…if that’s the case, count me in again, although I’ll definitely stay a little longer!

Saturday, July 16th

Dance Laury Dance – Bell Stage – 7:15 p.m.

To say Quebec’s Dance Laury Dance fulfilled a dream on Saturday night would be a bit of an understatement. Not only did they play their hometown festival in front of an army of prospective new fans, they opened for their longtime heroes Metallica. Seriously, I think all 100,000 or so people who were there rushed the stage as soon as the gates opened at six p.m.! As they excitedly told me backstage just before they faced the frenzied horde outside, this is as big as it proverbially gets. I know I wasn’t the only one who was impressed by their commanding presence, like THEY were the 30-year music veterans. That and how they weren’t afraid to call everyone “Motherfuckers” as often as possible. If you’re any kind of metal or hard rock fan, check out their recent album, Living for the Roll.

Joe Satriani – Bell Stage – 8:15 p.m.

Any guitar buff worth his or her salt knows and respects Joe Satriani. If his resume of accomplishments doesn’t get you, his blistering, prolonged, blues-tinged instrumental jams definitely will. While there’s no doubt that anything he strums rocks, I’m not sure if his leisurelier pace was the ideal lead-in to the aggressive assault the Metallica faithful were anticipating. To his credit, no one could have looked much cooler with his clean shaved head, dark sunglasses, and plain Indian motorcycle shirt. And he beamed ear-to-ear the entire time, combined with some ‘Aw shucks, really?’ facial expressions that belied “Satch”’s 25+ year legacy in the music business. Quebec City will probably see him again sooner rather than later, as it’s not like he’s going to slow down much after this solo tour – There’s a second Chickenfoot album on its way, which the band (featuring Satriani on lead guitar), have curiously called Chickenfoot III. (Psst, it’s only their SECOND record, don’t ya know?!)

Metallica – Bell Stage – 9:45 p.m.

There honestly isn’t much more I can add to Metallica’s triumphant two-and-a-half hour siege of Quebec City, and it’s not like I’m even a big fan of theirs. Not only were they facing one of the biggest concert congregations I have ever seen, there was another group of people – probably more gathered than there EVER were at Edgefest in Toronto the week before – watching giant video screens broadcasting the event’s proceedings. There was a wicked-cool moment that the camera crew caught where a kneeling James Hetfield showed off his branded white guitar pick before exploding into “Enter Sandman”, complete with fireworks.

A little earlier, gunshots sounded during “One” in a musical recreation of sorts of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The setlist was a Metallica fan’s wet dream, filled with “oldies” like “Hit the Lights” and “Seek & Destroy” from 1983′s Kill ’Em All, as well as some goodies (specifically their cover of Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” to begin the encore). It was kind of weird, though, to hear Hetfield plead with the crowd almost to give “new” songs “Cyanide” and “All Nightmare Long” a chance. Haven’t they been touring behind Death Magnetic for nearly three years now?! It was an emotional night for the biggest of the “Big Four;” at one point near the end, all Hetfield could manage to blurt out was, “Thank you Quebec. You made us feel good.”

Sunday, July 17th

The Sheepdogs – Bell Stage – 8:00 p.m.

After everything they went through Sunday to get to Quebec City, The Sheepdogs may want to consider changing their names to the sled dogs after “mushing” nearly 5,000 kilometers from Vancouver (over 3,100 miles, or a shitload of football fields) to be on time to open for John Fogerty on the closing night of the festival. All in the name of trying to curry as much favor as they can across Canada to get on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. In my opinion, they won the contest ages ago, as their ’70s-harkening look and sound has made them a “must-see” band as well as a breath of funky-smelling air in a time that is occasionally a little too stodgy.

Malajube – Molson Dry Stage – 8:30 p.m.

Classic rock elitists will probably be upset for what I’m about to admit, but I blew off seeing John Fogerty on the main stage so that I could catch Malajube at the infinitely smaller “Molson Dry” one. (Molson Dry being one of the most well-liked beer brands in Quebec.) I don’t regret what I did for a second, even though everything they sing is entirely in French, which, despite the name, isn’t really my first language. Great, dance-inciting rock knows no language barriers, however. They also come highly recommended by several Canadian indie bands from around the country like Hollerado. It was an early favorite, but their 2011 album La caverne failed to make the Polaris Prize shortlist cut. As a testament to how popular they’ve become in their home province, they were one of those rare, non-headlining acts who were given an encore. Fascinatingly, the crowd seemed to actually thin out just a little after they finished and the next band came on…

Death from Above 1979 – Molson Dry Stage – 9:45 p.m.


Yes, the reunified Death from Above 1979 are from Toronto, but in many ways, this was a homecoming for bilingual drummer/singer Sebastian Grainger. He did everything possible to make it unforgettable alongside bassist/keyboardist cohort Jesse Keeler (well, and Mother Nature too). Around the time they started up “Cold War” (from their one and only full-length album, 2004′s You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine), the wind began to blow violently, forcing stagehands to take down their backdrop, and lightning began to flash. When the rain clouds opened up and the mosh pit activity only increased, it made for a spectacular visual. I’m actually surprised festival officials allowed DFA 1979 to carry out their 15-song set considering what happened earlier in the day at Ottawa Bluesfest. I had a chance meeting with Grainger on the streets of Old Quebec the next day, and he told me how he sincerely thought it was the best show of their reunion tour so far because of the elements and electricity from the partisan crowd. Now are you jealous of Canada?

]]> Dance Laury Dance – Bell Stage – 7:15 p.m. To say Quebec’s Dance Laury Dance fulfilled a dream on Saturday night would be a bit of an understatement. Not only did they play their hometown festival in front of an army of prospective new fans, they opened for their longtime heroes Metallica. Seriously, I think all 100,000 or so people who were there rushed the stage as soon as the gates opened at six p.m.! As they excitedly told me backstage just before they faced the frenzied horde outside, this is as big as it proverbially gets. I know I wasn’t the only one who was impressed by their commanding presence, like THEY were the 30-year music veterans. That and how they weren’t afraid to call everyone “Motherfuckers” as often as possible. If you’re any kind of metal or hard rock fan, check out their recent album, Living for the Roll. Joe Satriani – Bell Stage – 8:15 p.m. Any guitar buff worth his or her salt knows and respects Joe Satriani. If his resume of accomplishments doesn’t get you, his blistering, prolonged, blues-tinged instrumental jams definitely will. While there’s no doubt that anything he strums rocks, I’m not sure if his leisurelier pace was the ideal lead-in to the aggressive assault the Metallica faithful were anticipating. To his credit, no one could have looked much cooler with his clean shaved head, dark sunglasses, and plain Indian motorcycle shirt. And he beamed ear-to-ear the entire time, combined with some ‘Aw shucks, really?’ facial expressions that belied “Satch”’s 25+ year legacy in the music business. Quebec City will probably see him again sooner rather than later, as it’s not like he’s going to slow down much after this solo tour - There’s a second Chickenfoot album on its way, which the band (featuring Satriani on lead guitar), have curiously called Chickenfoot III. (Psst, it’s only their SECOND record, don’t ya know?!) Metallica – Bell Stage – 9:45 p.m. There honestly isn’t much more I can add to Metallica’s triumphant two-and-a-half hour siege of Quebec City, and it’s not like I’m even a big fan of theirs. Not only were they facing one of the biggest concert congregations I have ever seen, there was another group of people - probably more gathered than there EVER were at Edgefest in Toronto the week before - watching giant video screens broadcasting the event’s proceedings. There was a wicked-cool moment that the camera crew caught where a kneeling James Hetfield showed off his branded white guitar pick before exploding into "Enter Sandman", complete with fireworks. A little earlier, gunshots sounded during "One" in a musical recreation of sorts of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The setlist was a Metallica fan’s wet dream, filled with “oldies” like "Hit the Lights" and "Seek & Destroy" from 1983's Kill ’Em All, as well as some goodies (specifically their cover of Diamond Head’s "Am I Evil?" to begin the encore). It was kind of weird, though, to hear Hetfield plead with the crowd almost to give “new” songs "Cyanide" and "All Nightmare Long" a chance. Haven’t they been touring behind Death Magnetic for nearly three years now?! It was an emotional night for the biggest of the “Big Four;” at one point near the end, all Hetfield could manage to blurt out was, “Thank you Quebec. You made us feel good.” Sunday, July 17th The Sheepdogs – Bell Stage – 8:00 p.m. After everything they went through Sunday to get to Quebec City, The Sheepdogs may want to consider changing their names to the sled dogs after “mushing” nearly 5,000 kilometers from Vancouver (over 3,100 miles, or a shitload of football fields) to be on time to open for John Fogerty on the closing night of the festival. All in the name of trying to curry as much favor as they can across Canada to get on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. In my opinion, they won the contest ages ago, as their ’70s-harkening look and sound has made them a “must-see” band as well as a breath of funky-smelling air in a time that is occasionally a little too stodgy. Malajube – Molson Dry Stage – 8:30 p.m. Classic rock elitists will probably be upset for what I’m about to admit, but I blew off seeing John Fogerty on the main stage so that I could catch Malajube at the infinitely smaller “Molson Dry” one. (Molson Dry being one of the most well-liked beer brands in Quebec.) I don’t regret what I did for a second, even though everything they sing is entirely in French, which, despite the name, isn’t really my first language. Great, dance-inciting rock knows no language barriers, however. They also come highly recommended by several Canadian indie bands from around the country like Hollerado. It was an early favorite, but their 2011 album La caverne failed to make the Polaris Prize shortlist cut. As a testament to how popular they’ve become in their home province, they were one of those rare, non-headlining acts who were given an encore. Fascinatingly, the crowd seemed to actually thin out just a little after they finished and the next band came on… Death from Above 1979 – Molson Dry Stage – 9:45 p.m. Yes, the reunified Death from Above 1979 are from Toronto, but in many ways, this was a homecoming for bilingual drummer/singer Sebastian Grainger. He did everything possible to make it unforgettable alongside bassist/keyboardist cohort Jesse Keeler (well, and Mother Nature too). Around the time they started up "Cold War" (from their one and only full-length album, 2004's You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine), the wind began to blow violently, forcing stagehands to take down their backdrop, and lightning began to flash. When the rain clouds opened up and the mosh pit activity only increased, it made for a spectacular visual. I’m actually surprised festival officials allowed DFA 1979 to carry out their 15-song set considering what happened earlier in the day at Ottawa Bluesfest. I had a chance meeting with Grainger on the streets of Old Quebec the next day, and he told me how he sincerely thought it was the best show of their reunion tour so far because of the elements and electricity from the partisan crowd. Now are you jealous of Canada?]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/07/festival-review-cos-at-quebec-city-summer-fest-2011/feed/ 0 A Music Fan’s Guide to the 2010 Winter Olympics http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/a-music-fans-guide-to-the-2010-winter-olympics/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/a-music-fans-guide-to-the-2010-winter-olympics/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:15:04 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=23569 A little while back we told you about the high-profile list of musicians who will be providing the entertainment during next February’s Winter Olympics games in Vancouver. If you don’t remember and don’t feel like clicking that link, then we’ll tell you that those acts included the likes of Wilco, Feist, Broken Social Scene, K’Naan, Stars, Joel Plaskett, Steve Earle, Martha Wainwright, Blue Rodeo, Iron & Wine, Corb Lund, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Policewoman, and Sun Kil Moon.

Well, with the games scheduled to kick off in less than two months, we’re beginning to get a good idea of who will be playing where, when, and how. Since guides are always fun, we thought we’d draw one up for you. Ladies and gentlemen, let us present you with A Music Fan’s Guide to the 2010 Winter Olympics…

The following acts will appear during the Olympic Games (February 12-28):

Kid Koala: Short Attention Span Audio Theatre:

What: This specially commissioned Short Attention Span show features a three-piece turntable section and accompanying visuals. Bingo and other special surprises are also promised.

When: February 12

Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus

How: Price = $22

Malajube:

What: Montreal outfit whose past accolades include a nomination for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize and a spot in a RadioShack commercial.

When: February 12

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Wilco:

What: Wilco + free? Enough said.

When: February 13

Where: Live City @ David Lam Park

How: It’s free

Mes Aïeux:

What: This Quebec quintet was crowned Quebec’s best band in 2009.

When: February 13

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Pierre Lapointe:

What: He’s only 28 and already has more trophies then you’ll ever have.

When: February 14

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

City and Colour w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage:

What: Lots of songs about Canada

When: February 15

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

How: Price(s) = $32.50; $37.50; $39.50

Valérie Sajdik:

What: Formerly of the band Saint Privat, the Austrian pop singer has drawn comparisons to Florence K and Martha Wainwright.

When: February 16

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Feist w/ Gonzalez:

What: A one-off featuring Canada’s favorite indie princess and Gonzales, aka as the dude who holds the world record for longest-ever solo concert

When: February 17

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $37.50; $42.50; $49.50

Karkwa:

What: They draw comparisons to Radiohead. And everyone loves Radiohead…

When: February 17

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Hal Willner’s Neil Young Project:

What: The event of the Olympics features Lou Reed, Iron & Wine, Sun Kil Moon, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Police Woman, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew and Jason Collett, and more paying homage to the Canadian rock icon.

When: February 18

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

How: Price(s) = $74.50; $67.50; $59

Stars w/ Hey Rosetta!:

What: Another Broken Social Scene sighting…

When: February 19

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $37.50; $35; $32.50

The Lost Fingers:

What: The Quebec acoustic trio promises covers of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Jon Bon Jovi. Talk about eclectic!

When: February 19

Where: Performance Works

How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors

Corb Lund:

What: A third-generation Alberta rancher turned Country musician. Need I say more?

When: February 19

Where: Whistler Village Square

How: It’s free

Chromeo and Team Canada DJs:

What: Lots of dancing

When: February 20

Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus

How: Price = $28

K’Naan & Tinariwen:

What: Performance featuring the author of the FIFA World Cup Anthem and a collective of poet guitarists from Sahara

When: February 25

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $39; $35; $30

Florence K:

What: Speaking of Florence K, she’s playing too.

When: February 26

Where: Performance Works

How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors

Blue Rodeo:

What: The last day of the Olympics = this Canadian alt-rock band

When: February 28

Where: Whistler Village Square

How: It’s free

Other Olympic related events taking place in the weeks proceeding and following the games:

Steve Earle w/ Joel Plaskett:

What: Two acclaimed musicians team up to kick off the games on a right note.

When: January 23

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $39.50; $35.50; $32.50

Martha Wainwright & Jorane:

What: As good as a collaboration you’re going to get.

When: March 18

Where: Commodore Ballroom

How: Price(s) = $32.50

]]> Kid Koala: Short Attention Span Audio Theatre: What: This specially commissioned Short Attention Span show features a three-piece turntable section and accompanying visuals. Bingo and other special surprises are also promised. When: February 12 Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus How: Price = $22 Malajube: What: Montreal outfit whose past accolades include a nomination for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize and a spot in a RadioShack commercial. When: February 12 Where: Place de la Francophonie How: It's free Wilco: What: Wilco + free? Enough said. When: February 13 Where: Live City @ David Lam Park How: It's free Mes Aïeux: What: This Quebec quintet was crowned Quebec's best band in 2009. When: February 13 Where: Place de la Francophonie How: It's free Pierre Lapointe: What: He's only 28 and already has more trophies then you'll ever have. When: February 14 Where: Place de la Francophonie How: It's free City and Colour w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage: What: Lots of songs about Canada When: February 15 Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre How: Price(s) = $32.50; $37.50; $39.50 Valérie Sajdik: What: Formerly of the band Saint Privat, the Austrian pop singer has drawn comparisons to Florence K and Martha Wainwright. When: February 16 Where: Place de la Francophonie How: It's free Feist w/ Gonzalez: What: A one-off featuring Canada's favorite indie princess and Gonzales, aka as the dude who holds the world record for longest-ever solo concert When: February 17 Where: The Orpheum How: Price(s) = $37.50; $42.50; $49.50 Karkwa: What: They draw comparisons to Radiohead. And everyone loves Radiohead... When: February 17 Where: Place de la Francophonie How: It's free Hal Willner's Neil Young Project: What: The event of the Olympics features Lou Reed, Iron & Wine, Sun Kil Moon, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Police Woman, Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and Jason Collett, and more paying homage to the Canadian rock icon. When: February 18 Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre How: Price(s) = $74.50; $67.50; $59 Stars w/ Hey Rosetta!: What: Another Broken Social Scene sighting... When: February 19 Where: The Orpheum How: Price(s) = $37.50; $35; $32.50 The Lost Fingers: What: The Quebec acoustic trio promises covers of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Jon Bon Jovi. Talk about eclectic! When: February 19 Where: Performance Works How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors Corb Lund: What: A third-generation Alberta rancher turned Country musician. Need I say more? When: February 19 Where: Whistler Village Square How: It's free Chromeo and Team Canada DJs: What: Lots of dancing When: February 20 Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus How: Price = $28 K'Naan & Tinariwen: What: Performance featuring the author of the FIFA World Cup Anthem and a collective of poet guitarists from Sahara When: February 25 Where: The Orpheum How: Price(s) = $39; $35; $30 Florence K: What: Speaking of Florence K, she's playing too. When: February 26 Where: Performance Works How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors Blue Rodeo: What: The last day of the Olympics = this Canadian alt-rock band When: February 28 Where: Whistler Village Square How: It's free Other Olympic related events taking place in the weeks proceeding and following the games: Steve Earle w/ Joel Plaskett: What: Two acclaimed musicians team up to kick off the games on a right note. When: January 23 Where: The Orpheum How: Price(s) = $39.50; $35.50; $32.50 Martha Wainwright & Jorane: What: As good as a collaboration you're going to get. When: March 18 Where: Commodore Ballroom How: Price(s) = $32.50]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/a-music-fans-guide-to-the-2010-winter-olympics/feed/ 7 CMJ Music Marthon reveals first batch of ’09 performers http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/08/cmj-music-marthon-reveals-first-batch-of-09-performers/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/08/cmj-music-marthon-reveals-first-batch-of-09-performers/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:02:33 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=18715 Exactly two months and one day from today, the CMJ Music Marathon will again descend on New York City to bring five sleepless, alcohol fueled, mind-numbing days of epic music proportions.

Today, organizers gave us a taste of what will be included in this fun, this in the form of the first batch of the 1,200 artists scheduled to perform at 75 of city’s venues between from October 20th and 24th. Among them are Atlas Sound, The Temper Trap, The Very Best, Pissed Jeans, and múm. Crystal Antlers, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Das Racist, Pitbull, Broadcast, and Japandroids are all also confirmed, as are The Budos Band, Malajube, Suckers, Screaming Females, Local Natives, Margret Cho, and Zac Brown Band.

“CMJ prides itself on musically taking chances by striving to present the most innovative and cutting-edge new music,” said CMJ Music Marathon Founder and Executive Producer Joanne Abbot Green. “As has been the case for 29 years, CMJ curates the best in new artists for fans and music business tastemakers to enjoy. As with each festival, we look for ways on how to make the experience more exciting for our attendees from around the world.”

Registration for this year’s Marathon is currently ongoing at cmj.com. As of now, Five-day passes are priced at $475 ($285 for students), while VIP passes can be had for $750.

Additional artist announcements will be made in the weeks ahead. Stay up to date on all official, confirmed, and rumored acts at our CMJ Music Marathon Outlook page.

]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/08/cmj-music-marthon-reveals-first-batch-of-09-performers/feed/ 2