From Blown Speakers

all this horror business

2011-10-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

A quick rundown of what's up this Halloweekend:

Tonight:

The Waldorf kicks off an entire weekend of events that culminates with the venue's one year anniversary and Ice Cream Social's sixth birthday soiree.

Beat Connection, Too High Crew, Teen Daze, and Blood Diamonds are at the Electric Owl. Tix are nearly sold out, but there will be handful at the door.

A Hard Days Night of the Living Dead (the SSRIs as the Beatles) play the Rickshaw. With "Ice Cream Social vs. East Van Soul Club" behind the decks.

One Baby (members of Baptists, Congress, and Slow Learners covering Nirvana) play a special Friday night edition of one of my favourite monthlies, Junior High.

And, Mode Moderne, Korean Gut, members of Sutures, the Courtneys, and (again) Mode Moderne, members of Bummer High, High Drops, and Timecopz, and members of Indian Wars, My Friend Wallis, and Student Teacher are rocking another covers show at 360 Glen.

Tomorrow:

The Rickshaw hosts the Defektors as AC/DC, White Lung as the Wipers & Misfits, Peace as the Cramps, and Aquanaut as Sabbath.

Glory Days hosts its annual Halloween dance party.

Man Your Horse, Blake, Tasty Animals, and Whiskey Tooth play Montmartre Cafe.

Square Root of Evil play Zoo Zhop.

Sunday:
Chariots, N213, Lief Hall, and Colby Sparks play the Astoria.

Monday:

Bitch Moves, Night Mirrors, and Zoo play Zoo Zhop.

And the Biltmore hosts the Ramores (Ramones covers) and Teenagers from Mars (Misfits covers).

now playing: Chelsea Wolfe - Demons

2011-09-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Obviously, the appropriate first post in a month on your blog is about your own bands show.

This is tonight at the Biltmore. Check us out on Bandcamp and come down to the Biltmore.

2011-09-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Three more sleeps!

it goes on and on and on

2011-08-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

I don't really post 90s R&B songs here all that often, but on the 10th anniversary of Aaliyah's death, I think it's worth reminding how completely ahead of its time this 15-year-old gem is. A lot of the credit has to go to Missy and Timbaland's production work, but Aaliyah was the perfect foil to that (at the time) complete off-the-wall approach to pop music (and her enthusiasm for the track was one of the reasons that it got released in the first place).

Anyhow, with all the pop revivalism going on, it's not rare to find an old song that would do well as a new release. This, however, is a different sort of beast. It's a song that could be released tomorrow and it would still be a hit today, but it wouldn't be due to retro appeal or nostalgia, because it still sounds positively modern.

nikki don't

2011-08-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

So, I know Obits (with the always awesome locals, Hard Feelings) is also tonight. And, I'm not going to lie, that show will slay pretty hard. Also, I haven't seen Royal Baths live, but the local support for this show is on par, it's outdoors (and there's only so much summer left), and you can saunter over to C86 Night in the Tiki Room afterwards, which is what sold me on a tough decision.

This also helped...

download: Bummer High - Cough Syrup

Dave from Bummer High was nice enough to send over three unreleased songs. They're all great, but this one grabbed me the hardest. Enjoy.

end of the cause

2011-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been summer, so, well, you know how it goes.

Anyhow, if you haven't already heard, the Victory Square Block Party line-up is out. And, as usual, it celebrates some of the best the city has to offer. Also, this year it's on a Sunday, which means you get a stat holiday the next day to work of your park drunk/after party induced hangover.

Speaking of great local festivals, Olio, which goes down from September 22nd-25th also has their line-up out.

Also, huge apology to Aunts & Uncles, as I totally forgot to plug their EP release show last week. I can, however, suggest that you check out the actual EP:

Aunts & Uncles by Aunts and Uncles

now playing: Jody Glenham - Daydream Believer (Monkees Cover)

in the red

2011-07-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Some catch up:

First off, Cults on Thursday was, oddly, the first time I'd been to Venue since it changed from the Plaza. I didn't think it was possible for the sound to be any worse than it was pre-renovations, but, hey, I've been wrong before. Pretty solid performance marred by godawful sound. The band had their own sound guy but the opening band, who used the in-house guy had similar problems, so I'm going to chalk it up to the room.

Second, hopefully you made it out to Khatsalano on Saturday. It was gorgeous out and the music stages, curated by Zulu, made it like Music Waste (if it were one day, free, and in Kits). There's a pic of B-Lines up there playing where I'd never expected to watch them, at the corner of 4th and Maple.

Wednesday, I made it down to the Biltmore for Junior High. The relatively new (it started in June) monthly features 90s hits (which I'm more into than I realized) from the "Gal Pal" DJs and last night they welcomed Love Cuts, who played a short, but sweet set. They weren't super tight, but they've got some good (and a couple great) songs, notably this one.

This weekend looks to be a busy one. There's the Neverland Boat Cruise tomorrow, Needles & Pins/Peace at the Astoria and Chains of Love's release party at the Biltmore after that, while Saturday sees Scratch/Interurban hosting a huge record sale in the afternoon, Goody hosting and outdoor BBQ with 7 live acts, another outdoor show at the Waldorf with Iceage, Cults of Youth, White Lung, and Nu Sensae, an early Ty Segall show at the Biltmore, plus late shows at the Astoria and Pat's. So, if you're sticking around town, go see something besides fireworks.

Oh, and if you're not busy tonight, come to this fundraiser. I'm playing some records with Dustin. Dan Moxon's playing a solo set of mostly covers, and a bunch of other cool performers are doing there thing as well.

now playing: Wu Lyf - Brooklyn Girls

when you're around, my heart makes this sound

2011-07-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Oh hello, neglected blog. I would blame it on the summer weather, but let's not kid ourselves.

Anyhow, here's a random assortment of catch up points.

1) The Vic Square Block Party has a date: September 4th... which really makes me regret agreeing to stay an extra night in Whistler after the wedding I'm going to on the 3rd. For everyone else, they've already confirmed via Twitter that Sun Wizard are playing, with, of course, many more acts to come.

2) Cam Reed has a new night at the Astoria called You Could Do Worse Wednesdays. No live acts (yet), but it's $2 and, really, if you're looking for something to do on a Wednesday, you could do worse. The first one was last night (I was at the Biltmore, so I wasn't there) and it runs every two weeks.

3) Speaking of the Biltmore, last night's Rock n Roll Pizza Party was the second time I've caught Blondewich live and I'm pretty stoked on them, particularly the garage-punk/girl-group hybrid "Boom Boom," which they closed with last night.

4) If you're not skipping it in favour of Cold Cave/Austra, TVOTR, or Thurston Moore/Kurt Vile, you're officially reminded that Cults got moved from the Waldorf to Venue.

5) And for no particular reason, Sophie Madeleine covering the Chiffons' "One Fine Day" as part of her 30 Covers, 30 Days project:

now playing: Summer Camp - Better Off Without You

i'd never heard someone say that before

2011-06-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Go, Canucks, go.

i love how you love me

2011-06-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the Astoria hosts an evening of 60's tunes, focusing on the production of the one and only Phil Spector and including a live set of covers by the Bad News Babysitters at midnight. If, unlike me, you actually slept last night, you should make it out. I might try anyways.

Safe Amp is doing a feasibility study for the all-ages venue they hope to open and they're asking for community input. Take the survey here.

And, not music related, but: ONE MORE WIN

now playing: Beyonce feat. Andre 3000 - Party

fang fang

2011-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you're not still recovering from Music Waste/drinking away the memory of last night's hockey debacle, tonight's show at the Biltmore is sure to be awesome. Womankind are celebrating the release of their new self-titled LP, Music Waste highlight Men at Adventure and I-haven't-heard-them-but-I-bet-they're-great-too Harem of Men support.

now playing: Love Inks - In My Dreams

sometimes we rock and roll

2011-05-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

So long, Wolf Parade. It's been swell.

now playing: Wolf Parade - This Heart's On Fire

we could have had it all

2011-05-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Adele's show tonight at the Orpheum is canceled (as per Exclaim!). Official word is that laryngitis is keeping the British crooner from performing.

Edit: official word from the promoter is that the show is postponed, so hold on to your tickets and keep an eye out for a rescheduled date.

bike home

2011-05-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the brand new Electric Owl opens on Main in the old American Hotel space at 928 Main Street. The even opens up to the public at 9pm and Humans and Teen Daze play.

Also, tonight, the Waldorf hosts Collectors & Selectors, a group record sale/swap that also features a live performance by Koban (have I posted about their 7" yet? Don't wait around for me to get around to it and go grab one now--tonight, even).

Tomorrow night, also at the Electric Owl, is the inaugural editions of Heart of Gold Fridays. The DJ night opens early (10pm) and closes early (1am) this week, though the venue's hoping they'll be granted a later closing time soon. Edit: and this week they'll feature live guest Love & Electrik.

And, last, but certainly not least, as you mentally gear up for Music Waste, don't forget to check the iTunes store tomorrow, so you can download the official Music Waste iPhone app to keep the schedule (sortable by band, venue, or day) and line up handy while you're rushing around between shows.

now playing: the Weeknd - Wicked Games

free love is a sales technique

2011-05-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

So, I've never heard of This Will Destroy You, but when their show got canceled yesterday (again, refunds available at your point of purchase, if you bought tickets), I did look at the openers and think, "I hope this means Pure X and Sleep Over will reschedule." And they did. For tonight. And fellow Texans, Silent Diane, will join them and Cam "Babe Rainbow" Reed is going to DJ between sets.

If you're not too worn out from Wyrd Fest last night, it's only $5. Plus, if you really want to keep your long weekend party going strong, you can head over to the Tiki Room after the show for Ice Cream Social.

Excuse the crappy picture of Grown Ups. I was too lazy to pack around my actual camera for 7-hours. But, speaking of Wyrd Fest, it was absolutely awesome last night.

With that many bands playing, there were high points and low points, but with 20 acts and non-stop music between the two stages, it would have been exhausting if I'd wanted to watch every minute of every band.

As for the high points, there were a lot, but Famines absolutely slayed. I haven't seen them for a few years and remembered them being great the last time, but they exceeded those expectations. Gobble Gobble turned the Waldorf's Tiki Room into a wall to wall dance party. In fact, it was so crammed in there, it would have been nice if they were on the main room stage, but they definitely more than made due in the smaller space. Somehow, it was my first time seeing Manic Attracts--it won't be the last time.

Thanks again to Paul from Weird Canada for letting me give away a pair of tickets to the show. And, of course, for bringing the show to Vancouver. Don't miss it next year.

now playing: Pure X - Back Where I Began

gimme some numbers

2011-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

If you haven't got a ticket to Weird Canada's Wyrd Fest tonight at the Waldorf, they've still got a few at Zoo Zhop and they'll also have some tickets at the door.

Set times below:
5:40PM - BABYSITTER
6:00PM - NEEDLES X PINS
6:20PM - B-LINES
6:40PM - GROWN UPS
7:00PM - MANIC ATTRACTS
7:25PM - ROLE MACH
7:50PM - VELVET CHROME
8:15PM - DIRTY BEACHES
8:40PM - FAMINES
9:05PM - MAKEOUT VIDEOTAPE
9:30PM - FERAL CHILDREN
9:55PM - HOBO CUBES
10:20PM - LONG, LONG, LONG
10:45PM - SILVER DAPPLE
11:10PM - GOBBLE GOBBLE
11:35PM - KETAMINES
12:00AM - WYRD VISIONS
12:25AM - SURPRISE GUEST!
12:50AM - FEMMINIELLI
1:15AM - RED MASS

Also, the This Will Destroy You show scheduled for tonight at the Media Club has been canceled due to illness. Refunds at your point of purchase.

now playing: Hockey ~~Night~~Afternoon in Canada

waiting for nothing

2011-05-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

So, if you plan on hitting up Music Waste (and you probably should be planning on it), you should get over to Scratch, Red Cat, Zulu, or Neptoon to grab a pass. They're only $15+charges and they always sell out in advance.

Tonight, there's a lot of things going on, but I'd point your attention to Zoo Zhop, who host Koban and Terror Bird for the latter's 7" release party.

If the playoffs aren't enough hockey for you, you can head down to the Astoria early on May 29th where Beatroute will host an NHL 94 tournament before Jordon Daniel and the Greff band take the stage. Tournament starts at 4pm, show at 9pm, sign up for the former here.

now playing: Drake - Dream Money Can Buy

hot mess

2011-05-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the Biltmore introduces a brand new monthly that you'll love if you're short on cash (or if you just like a sweet deal): Twoonie Tuesday.

The inaugural edition features Keep Tidy, the Boogieman Jordon Daniel, and, Blanche Devereaux and, as the name suggests, cover will set you back a mere $2.

Going forward, you can expect the same deal with three different local acts on the bill the second Tuesday of every month.

now playing: Tyler, the Creator feat. Frank Ocean - She

sunglasses is a must

2011-05-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

photo by Terry Richardson

Contest: A-Trak, Kid Sister, and the Gaslamp Killer Ticket Giveaway

So, this is going to be pretty awesome: A-Trak, Kid Sister, and the Gaslamp Killer at the Commodore next Thursday (May 12th).

It's coming up quick, so let's keep it simple. Just email me at quinn.omori[at]gmail[dot]com with the subject line "A-Trak Contest" by midnight on Sunday and I'll pick a winner at random for the pair of tickets. Easy, right? Just make sure you put your full name somewhere in the email if your address doesn't make it obvious.

You might want to head over to Winnie Cooper too, because they also might be giving away a pair. Maybe.

And, if you don't win the tickets, you can still buy them here (make sure you take the Friday after off of work too, you'll probably need it).

now playing: Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand

psychoholic

2011-05-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

There's a ton of stuff going on this weekend (including Damaged Goods on Friday, where Harsh Words plays live and I'll be playing some records), but I wanted to point out Sunday's show at the Waldorf for the culmination of Ladies Rock Camp, the grown up edition of Girls Rock Camp. White Lung and Joyce Collingwood headline a night that features four bands formed during this coming weekend's camp.

I'm always stoked to see White Lung and Joyce Collingwood, but I'm extra excited to see what the camp graduates come up with over the course of three days. There's not even a hockey game on Sunday, so what else are you going to do?

Get more info on Girls Rock Camp Vancouver and spread the word to any aspiring young Mish Way or Grady Mackintoshes out there.

now playing: Tyler, the Creator - AU79

at the hop

2011-05-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

A quick note to say that if you aren't doing your post-election celebrating (or mourning depending on results/political affiliation) at the Biltmore, you should be reminded that Ice Cream Social debuts in its new home at the Waldorf tonight.

If you haven't already, happy voting.

now playing: Warpaint - Undertow

lawn knives

2011-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Contest: WeirdCanada.com presents... Wyrd Festival at the Waldorf

You may have read about Weird Canada's traveling caravan of awesomeness, Wyrd Festival, last year (it toured around Alberta and featured, amongst many other fine acts, a few Vancouver favourites). This year, they're extending the tour and touching down at the Waldorf on May 22nd. The full line-up features 19-bands in two rooms and it'll only run you $20 (so, like, a buck a band).

This is probably the thing I'm looking forward to most between now and Music Waste, so I'm psyched that Paul from Weird Canada offered up a pair of tickets to give away to someone out there.

We'll keep this one easy. To win, just send me an email with the subject line "Weird Canada Contest" to quinn.omori[AT]gmail[dot]com. The only tests of skill are un-obfuscating my email address and naming the local band that's not already playing that you'd add to this already stacked bill. Entries are due by Sunday May 8th at 11:59pm and I'll draw a winner the next morning, which gives you tons of time to still buy tickets if you don't win.

Easy, right?

Stay up to date on the show details on Facebook and buy tickets online or in person at Zoo Zhop.

now playing: Gobble Gobble - Eat Sun, Son

knowing

2011-04-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that this is tonight.

lost in bollywood

2011-04-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Zechimechi by Needs More Ram Records

So, record store day goes down tomorrow. And while there's a lot of records have me excited (the Sonic Youth and KRS comp reissues and the Cults 7", in particular), there's also a lot of live performances that do. None more so, though, than Boogie Monster performing Zechimechi in full at Zoo Zhop (and later that night at a house show, playing mostly new stuff).

I'd provide some sort of description, but the beauty of the internet 2.0 is that you don't have to endure that. You can just press play up there. Crank it up loud.

now playing: EMA - California

to tell the truth, oh, this could be the last time

2011-04-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey, so, I was in New York last week watching that up there (and also visiting my awesome friend Becky). I won't go into detail, since the internet sort of blew up about the whole LCD Soundsystem retirement thing last week (this piece was my favourite). But I will say that I'm glad I got to see my favourite band of the last decade and one of my favourite live acts ever one last time... in New York with a friend I hadn't seen in far too long to boot.

Back on the home front, there's not a whole lot (but still enough to keep you occupied) going on this weekend, but next weekend is jam packed.

There's a bunch of shows on Friday the 15th, but I'd point out two fundraisers that are both for causes worth throwing some cash at and also boast pretty sweet line ups.

Wizerdz, Mode Moderne, Phonecalls, and Keep Tidy play the ANZA, which is a Music Waste fundraiser.

And, Hospital Blonde, Feral Living, Watermelon, Koban, and Murhaus play Gam Gallery to raise money for Britney from Koban's aunt, who has cancer.

Saturday the 16th is record store day, which means Red Cat, Zulu, Neptoon, Scratch, and Zoo Zhop are all hosting in-stores with some of the city's best bands (see the sidebar for the full line ups) and a ton of rad looking exclusive releases (PDF). I'm stoked to see Boogie Monster perform their long overdue debut LP in full at Zoo Zhop and pick up copies of the Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and KRS compilation reissues.

now playing - Pina Chulada - Someone Like You