Uptown Magazine Online - Music Story Archive



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Feature Stories	Music Stories	Arts Stories	Viewpoints	CD Reviews
Music Stories (Listed by date) By herself, again (May 17/07) Cara Luft lets her creativity loose on The Light Fantastic Jen Zoratti There’s a metaphor in here somewhere (May 10/07) Brand New frontman talks music while watching python unleash the fury on a rabbit Jen Zoratti Ah, yes — the Royal Albert (May 3/07) Punk author Chris Walter returns home for launch of Shouts From the Gutter Don Beat Album by accident (Apr 26/07) Weakerthans suddenly realized they’ve got a new disc on their hands John Kendle ‘This perogy tastes funny’ (Apr 19/07) Front Line Assembly’s Bill Leeb talks about alternative means of transportation Jen Zoratti Get hauled away by The Perps (Apr 12/07) Local blues rockers unleash Tow Truck on an unsuspecting public John Kendle Northern reflections (Apr 5/07) Latest Northern Chorus alb represents a change in direction Rob Nay We say ‘tourists,’ they say ‘banned’ (Mar 29/07) You Say Party! We Say Die! won’t be visiting the U.S. for a few years Rob Nay Concert Preview (Mar 22/07) Great Lake Swimmers, March 27, 7:15 pm, West End Cultural Centre Rob Nay Deth for life (Mar 15/07) Dave Mustaine is a Christian now, but Megadeth’s music is still angry as hell Mike Warkentin Novillero got soul! (Mar 8/07) Winnipeg band builds all-star lineup for Peg City Soul Revue John Kendle New Dogs, old tricks (Mar 1/07) Hot young band plays second Winnipeg show in less than three weeks Jen Zoratti We’ll take the Grammy, thanks (Feb 22/07) Aussie band Wolfmother is unfazed by singer Mike Patton’s foul Internet rant Jared Story The Kids are all right (Feb 15/07) Comeback Kid loses singer but soldiers on with Broadcasting… Jen Zoratti From Mozart to glow sticks (Feb 8/07) WSO promises to expand your horizons at the New Music Festival Jared Story Welcome to the next step (Feb 1/07) Billy Talent wows 11,000 in its first headlining gig at MTS Centre Mike Warkentin Silence is violence (Jan 25/07) Anti-Flag uses hardcore punk music to attack injustice Amie Lesyk Concert Preview (Jan 18/07) Matt Mays, Jan. 23, 8 pm, West End Cultural Centre Amie Lesyk The corner of Alverstone and success (Jan 11/07) Local outfit names band after street, wows city and industry with killer live set Jen Zoratti Sound off on Uptown, ’Peg City (Jan 4/07) Readers’ surveys let you tell us about us… and about our city John Kendle Home for a rest (Dec 21/06) Luke Doucet takes a break from his busy schedule for two nights at the Times Change(d) Jen Zoratti Dreadnaut’s a juggernaut (Dec 14/06) Local metal outfit grows more powerful with each album Jared Story Ron Sexsmith keeps it real (Dec 7/06) Eighth album is all about approaching life from the right perspective John Kendle Q: When is Sixty Stories Anthem Red? (Nov 30/06) A: When the old band gets asked to tour Europe again Jen Zoratti ‘Comes w/ piano and bed’ (Nov 23/06) Wanna rent Sarah lean’s minimalist apartment in Paris? Jen Zoratti Get into the Van Morrison (Nov 16/06) Toronto’s Golden Dogs nickname tour vehicle, head out on first Western jaunt Jen Zoratti Punk pioneer comes home (Nov 9/06) Former Red Fisher frontman returns to the ’Peg as a member of Mico Anthony Augustine First fest for First Nations (Nov 2/06) Aboriginal community set to party at inaugural Manito Ahbee Festival Jen Zoratti Just hit ‘Escape’ (Oct 26/06) xiu xiu, w/Cong for Brums, The Dirty Projectors Rob Nay Sex and hockey (Oct 19/06) The loves that dare not meet John Kendle Axes to grind (Oct 12/06) Electro Quarterstaff focuses on guitar noise on loud new album Don Beat Wherever she may roam, eh? (Oct 5/06) Local singer/songwriter will head for Texas to promote brand new disc Jen Zoratti Back in the van (Sept 28/06) Blossoming stars still endure the trials of touring North America John Kendle Amy Millan (Sept 21/06) Sept. 27, West End Cultural Centre, w/ Mayor McCa John Kendle All grown up — almost (Sept 14/06) They may have retired ‘The Sock’ but Chili Peppers still bring da funk Alan Sculley Finding a new Doctor (Sept 6/06) Rob Higgins launches Dearly Beloved after the demise of his previous outfit John Kendle Glow-stick gala: A guide (Aug 31/06) Head to Grand Beach for a 72-hour party at the Serendipity Music Festival Anthony Augustine American Flamewhip (Aug 24/06) American Flamewhip set to drop hot debut at the Albert Don Beat Feed your mind (Aug 17/06) Panurge wants to expand your consciousness with ’60s-style prog pop Jen Zoratti Hype doesn’t matter, music does (Aug 10/06) Wolf Parade missed the ‘soft revolution’ but still feels pressure to save rock Jen Zoratti ‘First we take the world’ (Aug 3/06) Trivium makes no bones about being ambitious and confident Mike Wärkentin Growing up quickly (July 27/06) Young for Eternity was only an album title — this band knows the music biz John Kendle Lost and found boys (July 20/06) Billy the Kid ready to hit the road with a reconstituted band Mike Warkentin Metal massacre (July 13/06) Unholy Alliance kills ’em all at the MTS Centre Mike Warkentin Still reigning (July 6/06) Slayer still rules the metal world 20 years after Reign in Blood Mike Warkentin First we take The Forks (June 29/06) The Attics, Hot Live Guys plan Canada Day coup Mike Warkentin ‘Dude, that’s my car!’ (June 22/06) Interview interrupted by stupid vandals — consequences to follow Mike Warkentin Here, kitty-kitty-kitty (June 15/06) Let’s hope The Cat Empire doesn’t get lost in Saskatchewan Jen Zoratti Christine and the scene (June 8/06) Fellows talks about being a part of Winnipeg’s music community Jen Zoratti Ministry of decadence (June 1/06) Jourgensen and co. prepare to head out on a ‘global bender’ Mike Warkentin The Return of the Queen (May 25/06) Bif Naked comes home for a show at The Zoo Jen Zoratti Uptown 1, Hot Live Guys 0 (May 25/06) Julian Bargen drops croquet match due to distracting Mormons Mike Warkentin Get Out the Vans (May 18/06) Pop-Punk trio ditches Warped Tour for retrospective shows Jen Zoratti Step Up Winnipeg (May 11/06) New York band says Toronto and Montreal set the standard for its Canadian tour John Kendle Massive Hits! (May 4/06) Local Pop Band hopes to follow the Robin Black route to stardom Mike Warkentin Stills Anything But (Apr 27/06) Changes abound for Montreal-based rockers Rob Nay Punk is Punk (Apr 20/06) Local band walks the walk but won’t talk the talk Don Beat Hero Worship (Apr 13/06) Ontario Quintet inspired by Winnipeg's Propagandhi John Kendle A taste of Jello (Apr 6/06) Biafra brings the spirit of ‘76 with him on his speaking tour John Kendle Band in Church (Mar 30/06) Harmer brings five-piece outfit to Westminster United John Kendle Hail to the Comp! (Mar 23/06) Winnipeg Riot! set to become a piece of Winnipeg’s music history Don Beat Alexis Still Burns (Mar 16/06) Despite success, City and Colour is still a side project for Dallas Green Jen Zoratti All in the Family (Mar 9/06) They don’t have beards anymore, but they’re still a community of modern hippies John Kendle Devildriver (Mar 1/06) Preview at the Venue Mike Wärkentin Forever Young (Feb 23/06) Jonathan Demme’s concert film captures the timeless nature of Neil Young’s classics John Kendle Jacked-up gypsies (Feb 16/06) Gogol Bordello unleashes the fury at the West End Jen Zoratti Making daydream believers (Feb 9/06) Stars serenade The Venue with dreamy art-rock soundscapes Jen Zoratti Come Walk the Red Carpet with Fresh (Feb 2/06) If Fresh I.E. wins a Grammy, Winnipeg wins a Grammy Mike Warkentin A Streetbeatin Serving of Ham (Jan 26/06) Don Beat gets the lowdown on the new disc from the meat Don Beat No Duhking Around (Jan 19/06) Winnipeg Folk/Roots Quintet is Fast Becoming a Hot Item Jen Zoratti The Return of the Hammer (Jan 12/06) Hayseed punk pioneers are back - and heavier than ever Don Beat Jazz, Plus more (Jan 6/06) Trio turns jazz on its head — and throws in an Aphex Twin cover John Kendle The Bad Plus (Dec 22/05) Preview of The Bad Plus @ the Ramada Entertainment Centre John Kendle Thunder from the Underground(Dec 15/05) Don Beat shares fond street-level memories from 2005 Don Beat Local Heroes (Dec 8/05) 23 Local CDs reviewed John Kendle and Mike Warkentin Xmas Gift Guide - Gifts Galore (Dec 1/05) Uptown staff and contributors check in with ideas for presents Uptown Staff A Fractured Gig (Nov 24/05) The cracks in Broken Social Scene appeared early and kept growing John Kendle One love, many sounds (Nov 17/05) Bedouin Soundclash is reggae-based but boasts many influences John Kendle Nothing missing in her world (Nov 10/05) U.K. artist M.I.A. blends musical styles with ease, grace and a razor-sharp tongue John Kendle Local world music outfit... (Nov 3/05) heads north to connect with Inuit culture Mike Warkentin Like Gin and Tonic (Oct 27/05) The Bellrays prove that punk and soul are a perfect combination Mike Warkentin Curse of the Junos (Oct 20/05) Feist’s show once again marred by technical difficulties John Kendle Feist on Feist (Oct 13/05) Canadian star chats with Uptown about her success as a singer/songwriter John Kendle But the Little Girls Understand (Oct 6/05) Canadian Idol idol knows he has to prove his musical worth after getting a head start John Kendle Atmosphere (Sept 29/05) Minneapolis-based duo kicks it on its own terms Anthony Augustine Cowpunk and cowpoke (Sept 22/05) Alberta’s Corb Lund lives in two different worlds with his kind of music John Kendle Just fiddling around (Sept 15/05) Yellowcard member parlays fiddle training into pop-punk stardom John Kendle They’d open for anybody (Sept 08/05) But now Supersuckers are opening for Perl Jam John Kendle This ain’t no snow job (Sept 01/05) Quinzy set to release debut collection of melodic pop-rock Mike Warkentin What’s hardcore? (Aug 25/05) K’naan stands out in a sea of rap poseurs Mike Warkentin Beauty and the beast (Aug 18/05) Def Leppard proves rock ages gracefully Mike Warkentin The evolution of Pretty Girls (Aug 11/05) Seattle indie band says it has progressed again with its just-finished new album John Kendle Wedded bliss? (Aug 4/05) The Weakerthans featured on The Wedding Crashers soundtrack John Kendle Good grief! (July 28/05) Good Charlotte takes the night off in Winnipeg Jared Story Evan Dando tells his story (July 21/05) Lemonhead explains why soured career now tastes sweet John Kendle Feast of riches (July 14/05) Thick mud, heavenly talent made the 2005 Folk Fest a valuable affair John Kendle Me and my shadow (July 7/05) The youngest Wainwright steps out into the light John Kendle Come as you are (June 30/05) Jazz Winnipeg Festival embraced both traditional and progressive artists Melissa Martin She’s a real soul sistah (June 23/05) Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings bring tha funk John Kendle Simply the best (June 16/05) Jazz Festival gigs you shouldn’t miss John Kendle Taking the high road (June 9/05) The High Dials hope to make every gig on current cross-country tour John Kendle Ghost in the machine (June 2/05) North Carolina band revels in the chaos of uncontrolled machinery Jared Story Digital doc (May 26/05) Local producer lets you see the making of an electronic album Anthony Augustine The real Green party (May 19/05) Arena punks? Sure. Green Day move on up with ambitious punk rock opera John Kendle Front and dissenter (May 12/05) Seminal hardcore band still writes socially conscious music Jared Story Stand and deliver (May 5/05) Mike Petkau unafraid to speak his mind — and offer hope Mike Warkentin Kildeer was here (April 28/05) Veda Hille leaving her mark with new album, new label John Kendle No sleep ’til… Death (April 21/05) Motörhead frontman still full of piss and vinegar at 59 Mike Wärkentin Hot, hot band (April 14/05) B.C. dance-pop act lives up to promise of Make up the Breakdown Rising Stars? (April 7/05) Montreal band at the forefront of ‘the soft revolution’ John Kendle Juno Who, what, when, where (Mar 31/05) Juno weekend preview Uptown Writers They just don’t give a damn (Mar 24/05) The Summerlad makes its own rules — then breaks them John Kendle Export, eh? (Mar 17/05) Quebec cellist poised for breakthrough in English Canada John Kendle Black to basics (Mar 10/05) IRS frontman forsakes partying for tea and vocal exercises — but still rocks John Kendle Highway men (Mar 3/05) Ghosts of Modern Man hit the Road in support of debut full-length John Kendle Outlaws together (Feb 23/05) Allison Moorer finds a friend in country music’s greatest rebel John Kendle Hardcore values (Feb 17/05) Comeback Kid celebrates new disc with benefit show Mike Warkentin Accidental album (Feb 10/05) Romi Mayes stumbles upon her newest album while jamming in the living room John Kendle A holy racket (Feb 3/05) Winnipeg trio puts its faith in volume Mike Warkentin O lucky Dan (Jan 27/05) Prolific musician set to release first ‘real’ album John Kendle Both hands on the wheel (Jan 20/05) Winnipeg band refuses to be overwhelmed by accomplishments John Kendle The new Runaways? (Jan 13/05) Call ’em every cliché you want, Magneta Lane are still damn good John Kendle Utopia, indeed (Jan 6/05) Rundgren CD/DVD releases are gold for the faithful Jeff Monk Instant Nostalgia (Dec 23/04) Just add water, music — and Street Beat Don Beat How will the music of 2004 be remembered? (Dec 16/04) It’s hard to say. If anything, fragmentation of musical interests continued unabated this year. John Kendle & Staff A voice in the wilderness (Dec 9/04) Don Beat wanders into the bush and finds some music Don Beat C’Mon over and rock (Dec 2/04) Ian Blurton is all about stripped-down music, ’70s-style John Kendle Whither The Weakerthans? (Nov 25/04) Checking in with Winnipeg’s reconfigured favourite sons John Kendle Just don’t mention the Gwar (Nov 18/04) Uptown journalist tortured, beaten by Oderus Urungus Mike Warkentin Enter the Labyrinth (Nov 11/04) ...or at least listen to them shred Don Beat How Low can you go? (Nov 4/04) Punk rock veterans recall band breakup and the depths of addiction John Kendle A critical mass of shows (Oct 27/04) Winter’s coming, so every band in the world is touring now — or so it seems John Kendle K-OS (Oct 21/04) Don’t hate the player — hate the game John Kendle Grinding to a halt (Oct 14/04) Long-serving Winnipeg metal band packs it in Don Beat Beast of burden (Oct 7/04) Canadian songwriter enjoys the trials of ‘making it’ John Kendle Fumbling towards excellence (Sept 30/04) Guitarist Luke Doucet is on a career path that should take him far John Kendle Beyond Buena Vista (Sept 23/04) Juan de Marcos Gonzalez brings a new generation of Cuban music to the world John Kendle Rock ’n’ roll 101 (Sept 16/04) Jet Set Satellite learns a lesson and applies the knowledge John Kendle Little shop of horrors (Sept 9/04) American gardener slows release of Winnipeg band’s disc Mike Warkentin Slaying them in Europe (Sept 2/04) The Killers play to 60,000 in the U.K., 300 in the ’Peg John Kendle Maximum overdrive (Aug 26/04) Toronto rockers vow to play at least 30 minutes at the Albert Mike Warkentin Presley, Lennon... Cooper? (Aug 19/04) Legendary shock rocker more than just a sideshow Don Beat Pure talent (Aug 12/04) Hiatt distills the essence of the singer/songwriter John Kendle Burning for hardcore (Aug 5/04) Searing riffs stain the air of the Issac Brock C.C. Don Beat No rest for the wicked (July 29/04) The Rough Necks run a little hot on high octane booze Don Beat The music is in her (July 22/04) Dobson has been performing for as long as she can remember Jen Skerritt Part-time troubadour (July 15/04) Joel Plaskett explores his lyrical side on his new solo project John Kendle Nothing in Harmer’s way (July 8/04) Ontario songstress is out on the road promoting her new disc John Kendle Wrinkled in the sun (July 1/04) But Violent Femmes keep going and going and going… John Kendle Get ready to bounce (June 24/04) Ivana Santilli promises a hot Winnipeg show John Kendle Lost… and Found (June 17/04) Magazine becomes a pop culture phenomenon John Kendle Question Authority (June 10/04) Chicago band packages political message with straight-ahead rock Mike Warkentin Ashes to smashes (June 03/04) Sparta prepared to move out of At the Drive In’s shadow Mike Warkentin More than meat ’n’ potatoes (May 27/04) Ham experiments with music on the outer edges of rock Joseph Morton BIf, NAKED (May 20/04) Former Winnipegger offers a candid look at her life John Kendle Bach to his roots (May 13/04) Winnipeg’s legendary guitarist comes home John Kendle Techno town (May 6/04) Detroit is more than just Rock City Anthony Augustine Greatly exaggerated (Apr 29/04) Bejar’s ‘recluse’ label proves inaccurate John Kendle Lowdown on the Elephunk (Apr 22/04) All the dirt on the Black Eyed Peas Angelou Flores The real battle rappers Apr 15/04) War Party fights to stay true to its roots Melissa Martin Neil Young to play 2005 Junos? (Apr 8/04) Reflections and rumours from a weekend at the Junos John Kendle The return of the Thin White Duke (Apr 1/04) Dr. Funkenstein’s got the funk John Kendle Who’s the funk! (Apr 1/04) Bowie boring? Maybe for some. But this critic is a fan. John Kendle Invisible no more (Mar 25/04) There’s no hiding Danny Michel’s talent John Kendle Quitting the day job (Mar 18/04) Matthew Barber realizes he’s living the musician’s dream John Kendle The kids are alright (Mar 4/04) So why not let them do more all-ages shows at community clubs? Don Beat Primal Urge (Feb 26/04) UO returns to pure rock ’n’ roll John Kendle A real Fresh prince (Feb 19/04) Christian rapper returns to Winnipeg after Grammy excursion John Kendle Soft sell (Feb 5/04) Levandoski cracks jaded industry with earnest sound John Kendle Duhks unlimited (Jan 29/04) Local folkies break into the big time John Kendle Bucking the system (Jan 22/04) Halifax roots-music veteran cracks mainstream Top 30 John Kendle The art of noise (Jan 15/04) Nagasaki Fondue and the sounds of Dada Don Beat Go easy, step lightly, stay free (Jan 8/04) Clash, Strummer fans offer a low-key, three-chord salute John Kendle High speed burn (Dec 23/03) Local band signs record deal with hard-rockin’ label Don Beat Every Top 10 tells a story (Dec 18/03) A review of 2003 in music — by people nice enough to respond when we asked John Kendle Dub man in a hardcore palais (Dec 11/03) Beat Up Don Beat Their name is mud (Dec 3/03) Kilts, cabers and rock ’n’ roll — if it’s not Scottish… well, you know John Kendle Ivory, guts, and glory (Nov 27/03) World class musicians play set to premier local compositions Lorne Roberts Shit-disturber (Nov 20/03) Punk legend still an activist 25 years later John Kendle Damn the torpedoes (Nov 13/03) Matt Mays and his band go full speed ahead Melissa Martin Strangers in a strange land (Nov 06/03) Mico thrives in the heart of conservative Canada Melissa Martin White trash extravaganza (Oct 30/03) Welcome to a Southern-fried rock ’n’ roll revival meeting Kari D. Back from the abyss (Oct 23/03) Death By Stereo soldiers on following unspeakable tragedy at show Melissa Martin Fearless heart (Oct 16/03) If Steve Earle sings and says what he believes; so should we all. John Kendle Do the little grrls understand? (Oct 8/03) If AFI is the new face of melancholic rock, is Davey Havok the new Robert Smith? Melissa Martin Kid ’n’ play (Oct 1/03) Fatherhood won’t slow Sloan down Kari D. Unspoiled Brats (Sept 25/03) The Brat Attack enjoys purity of ‘new’ all-ages punk scene Kari D. Cover Me (Sept 18/03) Tribute band vs. Top 40 band: who’s got the cred? Melissa Martin Reversed Goes Forward (Sept 11/03) Local producer’s label gives heavy bands a boost Melissa Martin On the Download (Sept 4/03) Def Leppard frontman wants file sharers to change their spots Kari D.