“Oh, won’t you please welcome home…Rush.” Rick Ringer Rush fans will understand the magic of this moment. When the needle dropped on the first song on side one of ‘All the World’s a Stage’. It signified a triumphant return. The scene was Massey Hall in Toronto in June of 1976. https://youtu.be/PYYxtkMAd8U This homecoming was the …
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Today’s post marks the completion of Ted Tocks posts that feature side one of Rush’s acclaimed album ‘Moving Pictures’. I have already done ‘Tom Sawyer’, ‘YYZ’ and ‘Limelight’. Here is a brief outline of the story behind “a song about a car; this is called ‘Red Barchetta’.” Rush drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart was an …
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This song is actually older than I am. For Buffy Sainte Marie it was so topical she has released it on more than one occasion and modified the lyrics as a powerful statement against both the United States and Canada. ‘My Country Tis of Thy People You’re Dying’ may be one of the most cutting …
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Aengus Finnan CD review: FOOL’S GOLD By Rachel Jagt I bought this record based solely on the lyrics I’d read on the artist’s website. They are poetic and touching, and, as it turned out, form only the base of a well-rounded and thought provoking debut from this Irish-born Canadian-raised singer-songwriter. It’s been a long time …
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The Android Meme CD review: ORDO AB CHAOBy: Dan Brisebois The debut album from Toronto’s The Android Meme is a sonically powered industrial metal work of art. The band is made up of vocalist Stefano Amelio, Mathias Devereaux on guitars and synthesizers, bassist Mark Davidson, and drummer Jake Hamilton. The musicianship in ORDO AB CHAO …
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Bob Kemmis CD review: OKAY… SO…By Rachel Jagt Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Bob Kemmis is not only a Libra and a fan of “The Princess Bride”; he is a rare treasure in the ever-deepening sea of “poets with guitars”. He is funny, witty, friendly, and he also writes some pretty great songs. “Okay so…”, recorded at the …
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Artist: Brant Westran CD Review: ACOUSTASOULBy: Dan Brisebois An intriguing collection of acoustically driven melodies with thought-provoking lyrics best describes Brant Westran’s second solo CD, ACOUSTASOUL, the first on his B-Shan Records label. Ani Difranco, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, and Trevor Johnsen are just some of the artists Westran lists as his influences. With nothing …
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Crush CD review: HEREBy Melissa Hogan Do you still rock and roll? If it’s been awhile, Crush can show you how. Take Cory Tetford’s gospel upbringing. Blend in a love of classic rock ‘n roll. Mix together with Paul Lamb’s songwriting skills. Put the new mixture on the road for a year then send it …
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Dahlia Wakefield CD review: Close To HomeBy: Dan Brisebois Dahlia Wakefield is easily one of the best kept secrets that’s going to take Canadian music to new heights. Born in the Phillipines, she emigrated to Canada when still an infant. After moving from rural Saskatchewan to earn a music degree in Edmonton, she quickly made …
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The DGB CD review: VICTORY SONGBy Dan Brisebois Toronto-based The DGB is a high-energy rock outfit that cites the likes of The Who, Hendrix, Zeppelin and a million other acts in that class as influences to their core sound. But the explosive fury and raw uplifting power that makes a room come alive comes from …
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