T.G.I. SWAGGER

Since June, the Polaris Prize has once again been baiting Canadian music lovers with the ever-present question of–who will it be? And more importantly, why will they win?

The prize consists of a $20,000 cash prize, as well as the fame and recognition that comes with being crowned as Canada’s creator of that year’s album with the most artistic merit. This is something that seems to be lost on a lot of people. There’s always a rift when the long, then short lists are announced.

Why the hell are there “mainstream” acts? Isn’t it supposed to be about “emerging” artists? Why are people nominated more than once? How could you even possibly let someone win more than once? The list of questions goes on.

Let’s be clear: the award is not about being an emerging artist. It’s not about being super Canadian, or fitting into a group that the jury wants to throw it’s support behind because of gender, race or language. Polaris is entirely about artistic merit of the album. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been nominated/won multiple times (as was seen in this year’s short list)–no, the jury is entirely focused on the art of your record, and ultimately its value to the Canadian music-consuming audience.

This could not have been better displayed than with the 2010 winner–Karkwa, for their album Les Chemins de Verre. Fresh and barely speaking English out of Montreal, this Francophone group won over the hearts of the Polaris Jury; much to everyone’s surprise.

In an upset that may rival when Chad Van Gaalen didn’t win the Prize for the second time (we can, much to my dismay, now add Shad to this list)–this year’s announcement has once again proven that you cannot predict this prize. In fact, it seems everyone but my good friend Rob Duffy from Eye Weekly thought it would be someone else taking home the prize.

There is no one thing that guarantees you’re going to win. There’s no formula, no niche you can fill that will necessarily win over the jury to crown you King or Queen of Canadian music.

This is what I love about the Polaris Prize.

There is something so distinctly Canadian of the “Where’s Waldo?” of Canadian music and media that was played in the Masonic Temple during the gala that you absolutely can feel the love and admiration that our entertainment industry has for not only the prize, but for those we nominate.

The performances were absolutely amazing. Owen Pallett still proved that he could have easily won the prize a second time for his album Heartland just as much as Shad deserved to win for TSOL. Leaving the gala, I was truly blown away by the depth and breadth of the Canadian music industry. Having all ten nominees play showcased the array of talents that we are able to produce as a country. Whether we’re listening to The Besnard Lakes prog-rock, or Caribou’s psychedelic beats, there is no way to deny that every single person who got on stage at the gala deserved to win a prize. (Including, it would seem Grant Lawrence, who I called out for having a rad jheri curl, and Dan Mangan, who I nominated for cutest nominee).

Hell, even Broken Social Scene and Tegan and Sara (who both seemed to be contensious nominees) absolutely blew the roof off with their performances. Especially when T&S had Owen Pallett on stage for the ultimate threesome of Canadian music.

Despite what people argue–Canadians love their music, and love to support it. The $20,000 is not meant to get a band off the ground–it’s meant to help them continue to make music and contribute to our cultural economy in the same way they did with the record that won them the prize.

In sitting through tonight’s gala, through the throngs of press and media trying to gage who was going to win before the show, or grilling Karkwa after the fact about if they knew they’d win, I took a step back to really admire the decision for their record to win this year.

In a prize that has been largely dominated by English-speaking/recording bands, this year has really shown that the Polaris Prize is truly about the music. I know, I know. Everyone says it’s “about the music” but I truly believe that after tonight.

In their press conference following the gala, the band actively acknowledged the fact that nearly everyone in the room had no idea what they were saying in their lyrics, but were so grateful that the jury saw the album for its universal contribution to music, and not for its Francophone language barrier. Indeed, though many will be surprised that Karkwa were awarded the prize (as they were truly the underdogs) it cannot be argued that their music transcends language and is actually just incredible to listen to.

If you haven’t already, you should check them out. Turns out they’re kind of a big deal.

All photos by Courtney Lee Yip, more from the 2010 Polaris Gala below!

Creeping on Kevin Drew enjoying some munchies from Shanghai Cowgirl

Free for all interview time in the Masonic Temple’s Red Room (where the jury would eventually be locked to make their decision on the winner)

Caribou’s Daniel Snaith and some witty banter from CBC Radio 3′s Grant Lawrence

Owen Pallett and one of many string sections that made appearances this year

Gentleman Reg enjoying an incredible set by the Sadies

The Besnard Lakes, this photographer’s personal favourite

Caribou’s electric set

Radio Radio’s stylish dance moves

Stealing a moment with Daniel Snaith (Caribou)

Fucked Up (Last year’s winners) present the new recipients

Polaris founder Steve Jordan and the Media eagerly await Karkwa at the Winner’s Press Conference

Photos: Courtney Lee Yip, Words: Siobhan Ozege

Remember really good house parties? The ones where you are surrounded by awesome friends and solid tunes that you just never want to end? Elliott Brood is that kind of party. They’ve managed to find a way to harness those good party vibes and translate them to a rockin’ live show. Their self-proclaimed “death country” style of music provides a rollicking soundtrack that you can’t help but embrace. Watching their “Bron-Y-Ar Stomp” approach to preforming could get anybody moving and a quick scan of the crowed proved just that. No pleading was necessary to get the crowd singing, dancing and stomping their heels.

For a trio they have a very well-rounded and complete sound and are all multi-talented. Both Mark and Casey interchangeably played various string instruments and Steve often joined in backing vocals. Mark’s vocals however are incredibly distinct. His boisterous Blake Schwarzenbach-esque voice tore through the crowd reaching the very depths of the room. I was looking forward to playing some kitchen utensils during “Write it All Down for You” but apparently silverware is costly and they sounded tight without adding those little extras.

While they put forth an extremely raw and energetic show, it was their stage presence that resonated most with me. For some bands letting their music speak for them in favour of crowd interaction is fine. For the Brood though, their approach is to engage the audience and make them entirely part of the show. From the moment the first chords struck they had the full attention of the crowd.  They chit-chatted as though they were amongst friends, embracing drunken howls while cracking jokes. Because they broke down the barries the stage often creates they maintained full attention even while tuning their instruments. In keeping  with this personal approach to preforming the set ended on a sweet note with “Miss You Now” being dedicated to a friend who was moving away from the city.

What I found interesting about the night was that while some of the Brood’s crowd remained for Calexico, most dispersed after the set and an older crowd moved in. Calexico’s set created a mellow, easy going vibe. Watching them was like relaxing after a long day at the office. There was a lot less energy in the crowd, although you could tell they enjoyed themselves. While their sound is nearly two decades old and they’re certainly talented and experienced musicians, I can see them being appreciated more in an outdoor  festival. Or, as a soundtrack to a Spaghetti Western.

Black Mountain and Quest For Fire @ The Horseshoe July 23

I’m calling it now ladies and gents, rock show of the summer! It had everything you needed from a show: mega loud, mega rammed and mega sweaty.

I’ve always felt like I was born in the wrong era. Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album and I find myself unable to take Fresh Cream out of my vinyl rotation. Possibilities of time travel aside, I will never be able to experience the birth of psychedelic rock or the subsequent Haight-Ashbury heydays. Fortunately, there are bands of the likes of Black Mountain and Quest For Fire who share a nostalgia for mid-60s to early 70s psych-rock and sometimes we get lucky and they’ll play a show like Friday and tear the place up.

First on the bill for the night: Quest For Fire. Like many the proverbial side-project-Phoenix rising from the ashes of a now defunct band, Quest For Fire is comprised of two former members of garage rock darlings The Deadly Snakes. Having never seen them I’d heard a lot of buzz surrounding their live performances and they definatelty blew away what little expectations I did have and put on a killer show. A lot of riff-heavy songs with extended instrumentals. Their solos weren’t overly concerned with being technical but were purposeful and effective in building peaks and creating climaxes. With much of their songs hitting near and even above the five minute mark there was plenty of time to pick up what they were laying down.

After such a solid opener the crowd was left thirsty for more and Black Mountain entirely quenched. They played for what seemed like forever, pounding through a set which incorporated songs of past, present and future. Then, when you thought they were finished and it couldn’t get any better they played some more. Total set clocked in somewhere near the hour and forty-fiver mark including a slamming encore. Their songs are skillfully crafted and make great use of textures and layering intersections. Each takes you on a different journey. Some start as a slow burning flame before bursting into a blazing fire while others erupt immediately and carry that jam all the way through.

Steve McBean is undoubtedly a musical genius, but Black Mountain without Amber Webber just wouldn’t be the same. Webber is a hauntingly accurate portrayal of everything a front-woman of the past was, only she stripes down the showmanship aspect and throws all her weight behind her talent. She stands stoic-like behind the mic stand only occasionally moving to hammer the wood blocks or the jingle the tambourine. She was like a sedated Patti Smith or Janis Joplin and her gaze was dead-set on the back of the room, nearly boring a hole through the wall. Yet her indisputable talent commanded so much attention. Webber and McBean’s vocal chemistry is also invigorating despite being seemingly detached. In fact, its almost as though Black Mountain is a sum of its individual parts which somehow manage to coagulate and flawless execute their brand of psych-rock.

Most tracks translated near perfectly in the venue. I will say this about the Horseshoe though; your enjoyment depends entirely on where you situate yourself. Spending the better part of the first half nestled in the front then hanging back by the soundboard for the second half made a profound difference. Sure, you can argue that as long as you hear the band what difference does it really make, but I’d just rebuttal that it makes all the difference. Nothing beats watching McBean pound down on the pedal halfway through “Wucan” to throw into a killer jam session. Nothing!

Words by Kate Masewich

1. What is your dream of happiness?

My dream of happiness is to live a full life, work as hard as I can and die with enough good “god credit” to spend my time in heaven jamming with Rick James, Roger Troutman and all the rest of my idols which aren’t dead yet so I’m not going to name them, it’s back luck.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?

Loyalty. Can’t really explain it because I’m going to sound like I’m giving a moral lesson, but that’s very important.

4. What do you fear most?

Dogs.. All animals actually.

5. 808s or 909s?

808s. Nothing against 909s or 909 based music though.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Wow, metaphysical question… I’m not too sure, I don’t really regret anything. I’d rather try and fail than regret something I didn’t try. Maybe I regret not listening to my high school french lessons… I was more of a math and physics guy.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Blizzarts in Montreal. Dave and I spent years going there every friday and it’s still open today. They make the best Irish Car Bombs in town.

8. What¹s the one thing you can’t live without?

7up soda and my talkbox.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you¹d like to see perform?

Roger Troutman, Rick James and Fleetwood Mac. Actually it would be great to see them perform together, right?

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

Well I’m actually right in between 2 decades that I equally like. 70s and 80s, but I don’t like the whole 70s and I don’t like the whole 80s, so here’s a new decade I created, from 1976 to 1986… That’s my favorite decade, it’s still 10 years and covers much more material than just 70s or 80s. Best of both worlds.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

Oh that’s easy, go blind, completely blind any day before loosing hearing. At least I could carry on with music, look at Stevie! (no pun intended)

12. How old is too old?

No age is too old, as long as you have style and grace. You don’t become old you just become vintage. Vintage is good.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Family, kids, hopefully still producing or dabbling in music. I can’t wait to become a father, I’m going to be like Joe Jackson (rip) and make my 27 kids form a band.

14. Who¹s your hero?

My new hero right now is Muhammad Ali. I Just saw a documentary on him, and he’s such a cocky, confident, funky dude. I love watching old footage of him just taunting journalists or other boxers, a true legend.

15. What¹s your favourite colour?

My favorite color is Green, my sign is Leo, my favorite fruit is grapes, my favorite pastime is going to the movies.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

Well that’s an wide subject, but if I really had to choose one right now it would be

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madonna of course, although I enjoy quite a few Metallica songs, Madonna takes over especially with her first album. Jellybean Benitez’s production is amazing.

18. What¹s your most hated vice?

Drugs. Ruining people’s lives and your own for 30 minutes of high time…Don’t like that.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Roger Troutman, the talkbox king, has a tragic story. He was killed by his brother (who killed himself on the spot) out of jealousy. He had such a great career, perfected the whole talkbox thing and made it an art. It’s weird because I feel I have something to do with the death of my own idol. Just a little while before he died, something like 2 weeks before, I wanted to get in touch with Roger and I got the contact for his brother Larry Troutman by mistake. I talked to him on the phone and he seemed a bit angry that I wasn’t looking for him. Maybe all the years of Roger being in the spotlight and the jealousy pilled up slowly and I was the trigger… It was literally 2 weeks after! Hopefully it’s not all my fault.

20. What are the top three live shows you¹ve seen in your life?

Bootsy Collins at the Metropolis in Montreal, what a memorable show… I was 16 at the time and I remember him starting the show with a cape and his back to the crowd for a complete song as the intro. He turned around during the second song and people lost it. I have a picture with him from that show. I followed him to this hotel to get my bass signed, which I also still have up on my wall.

Kanye West, in 2005 I think, and it was at The Forum in London. That was back when John Legend was playing keyboards for him. I think that’s the last true hip hop show I saw. Just pure energy and hunger. The crowd was really into it and throwing the typical English “Booooo” sound around, which is a sign of appreciation.

Steely Dan at the Montreal Jazz Festival a couple of years ago. I went alone with Dave’s father and we had a grand time. I couldn’t believe how good Donald Fagen still sounded and how much attitude and sense of humor he has. Their band was really tight and the drummer they had was incredible. Sounded just like the record, no Motifs or Phantoms on stage.

Dmoney pres. Cottage Country Vol. 5 by Dougie Boom
Ready for download, streaming or subscription on Dougie’s Boomcast
page: Click Here

Tinariwen — “Kyardardem”

David Essex — “Rock On”

Map of Africa — “Freaky Ways”

Heart — “These Dreams”

Payolas — “Eyes Of the Stranger (Full Length Version)”

The Police — “Walking On the Moon”

Mott The Hoople — “All The Young Dudes”

The Jimi Hendrix Experience — “Burning Of the Midnight Lamp”

Mountain — “Theme For An Imaginary Western”

Donovan — “Hurdy Gurdy Man”

Bob Dylan — “Lay Lady Lay”

David Bowie — “Song For Bob Dylan”

The Band — “Up On Cripple Creek”

Chicago — “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”

The Black Crowes — “Remedy”

Aerosmith — “Last Child (Home Sweet Home)”

The Beatles — “Come Together”

David Bowie — “Starman”

The Kinks — “Big Sky”

Deep Purple — “Blind”

The Guess Who — “American Woman”

Andrew Allsgood Experience — “Macho Wizard”

Heart — “Magic Man”

Chilliwack — “Crazy Talk (Diggy & Dougie Edit)”

Led Zeppelin — “All My Love”

Shuggie Otis — “Strawberry Letter 23″

Seals & Croft – “Summer Breeze”

Osanna — “Variazione II (My Mind Flies)”

The Clash — “Straight To Hell”

Brian Eno — “St. Elmo’s Fire”

Toto — “Africa”

Rush — “Tom Sawyer”

1. What is your dream of happiness?
Subwoofers on the floor and true love in the air.

2. Blonde or Brunette?
Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?
Knowlegde of Crunk history.

4. What do you fear most?
Apocolypse.

5. 808s or 909s?
Always both but if I had to choose, 808s.

6. What’s your biggest regret?
I’m not the regretful type. You live you learn!

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?
Heard Plasticman play an old school grime set at Plastic People last year, the sound system there is nuts.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Insulin.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform? It would be intersting to see more producers perfroming their instrumentals or to watch them perform in the studio. Bangladesh, Tricky Stewart, and Timbaland (circa 1998).

10. What is your favorite decade in music?
2010-2020

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?
Blind, because I’m a musician.

12. How old is too old?
Age ain’t nothing but a number.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
MIDI-synched in a beachfront recording studio with Night Slugs crew, Nguzunguzu, and Total Freedom, watching movies projected onto the night sky, zero carbon footprint (somehow).

14. Who’s your hero?
My family.

15. What’s your favourite colour?
Bright royal blue especially when it’s next to beige.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?
Kesha, or really any crossover American dance-pop.

17. Metallica or Madonna?
Madonna, she beats Gaga any day, did all that shit first and looked like she was genuinely having fun doing it.

18. What’s your most hated vice?
Coke heads go home!

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?
Aaliyah.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?
Ciara, Teedra Moses, Keyshia Cole (Missy Elliott and Lil Kim made surprise appearances).

“Got no track list unfortunately but I made this mix when I was living in Asia. I was coming home for Christmas and wanted to get all my friends gifts but definitely wasn’t trying to ball out or buy them shit they didn’t want/wouldn’t actually use. Music is an amazing gift. This is all straight soul and was put together with the intention of having  a dope mix you could play around your family. Starts off all hot cocoa and gets more spiked egg nog later on.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Surf Trip Mix* CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

*1. Electric Tickle Machine ‘Gimme Money’: *This track always puts me in the mood to get out of the house and hit the road… or bust open the piggy bank and stock up on strong drink.* *One of my favourite New York bands, but have yet to catch their wild live show which I hear cannot be missed.

* 2. Turbo Fruits, ‘On The Road’: *First time I got to see Turbo Fruits, they were opening for Surfer Blood and stealing the show every night. This must be one the best road trip songs ever written, I defy you to disagree.

* 3. Beach Fossils, ‘Daydream’: *Currently on tour with Bear In Heaven and Twin Sister, Beach Fossils are another great Brooklyn band that can craft an honest mood and take you to the summer year round.

*4. Archie Bronson Outfit, ‘Hoola’: *I just recently became aware of this great group from the UK.  This is how the British do surfer rock, and if you love Foals, you’ll appreciate this new track.

*5. Harlem, ‘South Of France’: *The new surfer rock and garage tunes are all coming out with great stories. All you need are some tasty waves.
*6. Heartless Bastards, ‘The Mountain’: *This is the tune that plays when you commit the perfect crime and get away scott-free while speeding through the Rockies in a convertible salute to freedom.

*7. Turbo Fruits, ‘Mama’s Mad Cos I Fried My Brain’: *This track has such a great old fashioned lyric style. There’s a video of them performing it live in a hotel bathroom, amazing.

*8. Terry Reid, ‘Superlungs My Super Girl’: *So much soul, had to include a great oldie. If you like this, check out ‘Seeds Of Memory’.
*9. Spoon, ‘Got Nuffin’: *An anthem for wasted youth everywhere.

*10. Best Coast, ‘When I’m With You’: *Recently my theme song for Coachella 2010, warm friends and fine summer nights.

*11. O. Children, ‘Dead Disco Dancer’: *This band is starting to get more of the attention they deserve. One of the more catchy tunes to fill the summer.

*12. Broken Bells, ‘Vaporize’:* Still loving this tune, always reminds me of frisbees and sandcastles.

*13. The High Wire, ‘Hang From The Lights’: *Learn to play this acoustic, paint your face, quit your job, move out west, wear sandals, eat potatoes, and let the love in; double rainbow, what does it MEAN!?

*14. Family Of The Year, ‘Surprise’: *Another SXSW darling, great for around the bonfire at the end of the summer.

*15. Laura Veirs, ‘July Flame’: *When I first heard this tune it was stuck in my head for a week, enjoy.

*16. Surfer Blood, ‘Catholic Pagans’: *Surfer Blood had to be included on this list, and this is one of my favourite songs by the group.

*17. Holly Miranda, ‘Waves’: *A song for staring out into the ocean, waiting for your set to come in.

*18. Julian Lynch, ‘Just Enough’: *There is something in the guitar style of this tune that I find very refreshing.  It’s got an Eastern-feel without being Sitar.

*19. Kendal Johansson, ‘Blue Moon (Big Star Cover)’: *A very short cover, but it says all it needs to. When the piano comes in I swear my pupils dilate; the strength of 10 Grinches… plus 2.

*20. Low Sea, ‘Never Yours’: *This new group from Galway are blowing my mind these days. This tune is a bit darker, but uses 50′s and surfer rock influence in a brilliant and haunting way. I suggest you listen to the rest of the album, all gems.

* 21. Zola Jesus, ‘I Can’t Stand’: *Send this to a friend and cheer them up.

*22. Blitzen Trapper, ‘Furr’: *Great storytelling once again, nothing draws you into a song like conflict and unfolding events, (thanks grade 10 English Lit). I don’t know what he’s saying, but I like the way he’s sayin’ it…

* 23. Postdata, ‘Tobias Grey’: *A song for the end of the evening, when it’s time to pack up and head home.

Wednesday June 30

Thursday is Canada day so get out there on Wednesday with bells on and check out  Gladstone Hotel for  free(!) for the  VITAMIN G is for “GAY” **ALTERNA PRIDE** party featurig DJs Hollyrock, Shane MacKinnon, and  Designer Imposter.

Thursday July 1

Thursday is girls night start it off with T-Girls Pride at Goodhandy’s or jump in a cab and get to the Opera House for the Pride Women’s Dance and check out all the fine girls the city has to offer. and of course ther’s T.G.I. Swagger which promises to be insane right from the beginning

The Slacks Restaurant & Bar, 562 Church St.
Sticking to the village? The Slacks is hosting an all night rock concert with Melissa Li , Toronto’s own  Tonella & Shawnee, and the JOYS.  PWYC at the door.

Fly Nightclub is PRISM COLLEGE  with DJ Sandra Duperval (from Unity, MTL) and featuring twink porn star Brent Everett. Really? Really? Yes please.

Friday July 2

If you didn’t take Friday off and extend your weekend, balls. that G@0 vacatin may have been nice but a day ungover after Canada day sucks so for your pwn good get off the couch and put down the fritios. Voglie Restaurant & Bar is holding uUrban Madness with DJ Recklezz and DJ Lisa DElux.

Footwork is holding  Blu Experience Pride Edition with Jon Jon, TK, Baby Joel, our verdict- sounds raging.

Gladstone Hotel has  TRASHED GAY PRIDE check here for the flyer

Saturday July 3^rd

Saturday start your day off right by getting soaking wet. Both Prism and Epic Pride are hosting outdoor all day parties bound to oak you to the bone (in the best way possible).

Dry off have  a boozy nap and stroll on down to Voglie Restaurant & Bar for  SNATCH with DJ Ria. Alternatively there’s The Barn holding the one and only There Goes The Neighbourhood ft. Lady Bunny, Stink Mitt, and much more.

Sunday July 4th

Drama, drama, drama in parkdale. Wrongbar in keeping with ten years of tradition Pride will still have it’s most audacious party out side the confinement of Church St. regardless of their denied after hours license. If you love wrongbar like we do and want to more info or fight for it write to info@pinkmafia.ca.

The WILL MUNRO FUND FOR QUEER PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER http://www.the519.org/donate

Hosted by the illustrious ANDREW HARWOOD featuring the dj stylings of JAIME SINN, ADRIENNE KAMMERER AND KEVIN HAGICIC

With the mighty LEZZIES ON E center stage to make you dance like demons own your feet!

$10 @ the door or Advanced tickets are available on line: TICKETWEB.CA, ROTATE THIS, SOUNDSCAPES, PLAY DE RECORD

Happy Pride y’all

In 2007, MEN was begun as the DJ/ REMIX team of JD Samson and Johanna Fateman of the band Le Tigre.  Eventually, MEN became a live band focusing on the energy of live performance and the radical potential of dance music, with lyrics speaking to issues such as wartime economies, sexual compromise and demanding liberties. JD SAMSON is currently touring as a solo DJ, “Creating space for rad people to dance and smile and hold each other.” JD is a people pleaser DJ and can swing as many ways as needed to make an amazing party or club night. JD  answered the 20Q and gave us the best answers we’ve heard in a log time (possibly the best ever).

Check it out: mediafire twitter myspace

1. What is your dream of happiness?

Living in the country with a happy and healthy family and having strong muscle

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Blunts.

3. What is the quality you like most in a man

Living in the country with a family and having strong muscles

4. What do you fear most?

Vomit.

5. 808s or 909s?

You caught me on a 909 day but yesterday i would have said 808

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Not going to medical school.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Berlin in Chicago

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without

air

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform?

I’d love to see Joan Armatrading again,

The Bush Tetras

and Justin Timberlake

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

Probably when the cavemen were grunting and banging rocks with their big sticks.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

I’d rather be deaf. I’m sick of listening.

12. How old is too old?

Never too old

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

In the country with a family and strong muscles.

14. Who’s your hero?

Nana Udelson is my hero. She is my nana.

15. What’s your favourite colour?

I like gray.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

hey ya.

17. Metallica or Madonna?

You caught me on a metallica day but yesterday i would have said madonna

18. What’s your most hated vice?

Wanting all the girls to want to kiss me.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

I thought about this question for a couple days and it makes me depressed. Trying to decipher the hierarchy of tragedy in people is gross. A lot of bad shit has happened since life was created.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life? –

phish madison square garden 2009,

light asylum on the top floor of the building i live in 2009

tribe 8 wetlands 1997

But for now let’s flash back to our show in Cleveland, where we blew the power.

Yep.

Little old us. In fact, we blew it during our gentlest, least-rockingest song ever, Little Garcon. One second we were playing, the next, the PA was gone. We kinda looked at each other like “wtf guys,” but luckily, the fine people of Cleveland…

… were kind enough to sing along without microphones and help us through the end of the song, which was really cool. Either way, I’m pretty sure we’re the first band to blow the power by playing a song that has more handclaps and harmonica than it does distortion.

We also played the same night as Beach House, in the same venue. I got to see one song, which was great.

But more importantly we snagged their beer after they left.

And drank it while eating rice out of a glass. Classy!

We then moved on to Brooklyn (here you can see Aron of Young Rival (*http://www.myspace.com/youngrival*) rocking out in a room that appears to only have fireflies or christmas lights.

But the highlight of that show for me had to be when two girls leapt on stage in an attempt to give Luke a big old smooch. At least I think that’s what happened. Anyway, what followed was us ending the song we were playing, leaving the two girls kind of in an awkward situation where they were now just standing on stage with us with no music.

So, naturally, we made them stage dive by chanting DO IT DO IT until they did it. I’m pretty sure Steve swore at them. One girl did all right. The other, not so much. She kinda fell on her head. But that was the crowd’s fault, right? Right?! PLEASE BELIEVE ME! I hope she is alive.

The next night we played a crazy show in New York that ended with us being denied an encore by the venue’s curfew (gotta get those clubbers in to dance and puke on each other!) – however, we managed to plead our case and get one more song. We then went out to a bar and felt like real grown-up rock stars by shooting pool and drinking the night dry.

Then we ended our US trek in Allston, MA, where our friend Julia (owner, operator and ruler of fuckyeahbornruffians.tumblr.com came and was nice enough to take a picture with us.

You can see more of me in my embarrassing tank top here in this video from our show:

We ended our tour back home in Canada, with shows in Montreal:

Ottawa:

and finally, the big finale, in Peterborough:

That’s all for me – see you in the summer, as long as our homecoming party hasn’t destroyed the city.

ruffian mitch

The movie originally premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival year and here are my thoughts:

The Good:

First and foremost, the film is beautifully shot with awesome colours and art deco motifs, not to mention the fantastic clothes (and one should expect nothing less from a film about Coco Chanel!) Secondly, I thought that of the three Chanel films made in the last couple of years, the other two being Coco Avant Chanel and Coco Chanel, that it was probably my favourite, or tied with Avant (I love me some Audrey Tautou). I thought it was well-made and respected the integrity of the two title characters, and didn’t make them seem like a bunch of horny assholes as most other films would do.

The Bad:

Honestly, I don’t really have anything bad to say about the film. I love when movies are made in the languages that would have been spoken by the people about whom the film was made, and honestly, I’m slowly becoming a film snob, where only foreign film is looking like it has any potential these days.

I highly recommend the film for artists, music/fashion buffs, or anyone just looking for a good foreign film to watch on a week night. It’s fantastic!

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FOR WHERE TO SEE THE MOVIE, CLICK HERE.