Tag Archives: canadian

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: “Gun Shy” By Weed

Leave a comment

Weed Deserve Cover

See Video at This Link Because it won’t embed on my site! Aargh!

Here’s another example of a band successfully going back in time in order to appear forward thinking, as Canadian noise rockers Weed make use of VHS Cassette-quality technology for the visually disquieting clip accompanying a decidedly brilliant post-apocalyptic tune they call “Gun Shy.” While this is possibly the most deliberately lo-fi recording I’ve heard in years that did not involve Guided By Voices, I find what Pitchfork described as the “familiar yet wonderfully warped sound of a mix tape that had been decaying in the glove compartment of an abandoned car since 1991” to be an odd combination of exhilarating and comforting. I believe the aesthetic is what we used to affectionately refer to as “Punk Rock” before that phrase ceased to have any meaning in a modern context. Also, the singer’s vocals remind me of Wire Train (Google them).

Although Weed have been around for a decade, this track comes off of what is, surprisingly, the band’s debut album, Deserve. Find out more about the World of Weed by visiting their awesome website and blogThis Link. Enjoy!

Film and Television, Pop Culture

Movie Review: Anvil, The Story of Anvil!

3 Comments

anvil movie poster
Robb Reiner and Steve “Lips” Kudlow Star in Anvil: The Story of Anvil

Yesterday, Geoffrey and I celebrated the first day of really nice NYC weather in over six months by sitting in a dark theater, enjoying the fantastic new documentary, Anvil: The Story of Anvil. You may have heard this film being referred to as a “Real Life Spinal Tap,” but I assure you that the story of this Canadian Metal band that grasped for fame only to fall into obscurity is all too true. A few of the metal drummers I’ve interviewed in my career have cited Anvil drummer Robb Reiner as an influence, so I had heard of them, but only by name.

Anvil: The Story of Anvil tells an unintentionally hilarious and truly emotionally-moving music industry tale that I am sure a gazillion other bands can relate to, yet Anvil imbue this film with so much heart, I can’t imagine any other “almost was” metal band creating an experience quite like the one you get in this film. Back in the ‘80s Anvil were poised to be the next big thing; touring Europe with supporting gigs for Iron Maiden and The Scorpions, and inspiring peer-group fans that included members of now legendary bands like Metallica, Anthrax and Guns ‘N’ Roses. But where those bands continued on to achieve great commercial success and global fame, it didn’t quite work out that way for Anvil. What went wrong? This movie untangles that web.

There is no doubt that the music is strong and these guys are great musicians, and certainly they did not lack anything in the passion-for-what-you-do department. Anvil is both an incredible inspiration and a highly entertaining cautionary tale that I absolutely loved every minute of. Definitely add it to your list of films to see in the theaters before it comes out on DVD in a few months.

Music, Pop Culture

New Song Reviews Up Now in The Critic’s Corner at Starpolish.com!

star polish logo

This month’s victims in the Critic’s Corner include Gerardo Wanna-Be Eduardo Renta, NYC Soul Diva Ladybug and Modern Rockers Radial Angel.

 

Gail's Radness

Billy Hopeless, Vocalist, Black Halos

As a musician and a music journalist, I’ve been both interviewer and interviewee. For an interview to truly be of any value and interest, I find there must be a bond between the both parties. During my time with the Black Halos, I’ve been lucky enough to be interviewed twice by Gail Worley. I can truly state that she is a Rock ‘N’ Roller in every aspect, and she holds such unbridled passion for the music that I’ve kept the bondage between me and her sticky and tight. Hearts and aces, Gail!