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HALIFAX MUSIC MAY 18, 2012
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Polaris Possibilities:: Part 3 Polaris of Darkness

As we get close to June, it means that I’ve got to start eliminating the pretenders from the contenders for the 2012 Polaris Prize. There are countless records that deserve to be on my ballot and won’t get included, and like any subjective vote, there will be adoration showered on records I can’t... Read More.

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Reviews:: Matthew Barber Songs for the Haunted Hillbilly

It’s not easy to transition from standard songwriting to songs for written for the stage, but if anyone not named Wainright is equipped to handle the challenge, it would be Matthew Barber. A seasoned professional, Barber fine tunes his craft each and every time he hits record, considering his com... Read More.

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D-Sisive – Adam [rip.mca 1964-2012]

“The Beastie Boys were my Beatles.” This is how D-Sisive introduces his heartfelt tribute to Adam Yauch. Now some might perceive such a statement to be cliche or overblown, but I can tell you for a fact that it isn’t. For white kids who loved hip hop in the 80′s and 90′s, there is rou... Read More.

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Music for the Soul

There are very few things in my life which affect me more than music. I’ve spent most of my life involved in music in some way – singing, dancing, playing instruments, or just listening to songs – and it has a stronger effect on my mood than anything else in the world, I think. Read More.

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I Love Bass Music – ILBM 001

FInally, I Love Bass Music has put out an awesome compilation of low frequency goodness, there's even some Halifax in the mix! Read More.

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Polaris Possibilities for 2012:: Part 2 Polaris Harder

As we get close to June, it means that I’ve got to start eliminating the pretenders from the contenders for the 2012 Polaris Prize. There are countless records that deserve to be on my ballot and won’t get included, and like any subjective vote, there will be adoration showered on records I can’t... Read More.

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Polaris Possibilities for 2012

As we get close to June, it means that I’ve got to start eliminating the pretenders from the contenders for the 2012 Polaris Prize. There are countless records that deserve to be on my ballot and won’t get included, and like any subjective vote, there will be adoration showered on records I can’t... Read More.

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FATAL BIRTH - 7"

Here's another quick break down your door - break your face - break through the wall and disappear before you know what hit ya seven inch of the harsh and the nasty.
After my first impression I was tempted to write Fatal Birth off as just another band that sounds like bunch of other bands becaus...
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Cleaning out the Inbox:: Digits

Jesus. I don’t know why I feel the constant need to justify not writing about acts quickly enough (god knows most don’t care about even throwing us an advertising bone and treat us like interns), but I can’t help it. Every time I get a follow up email, it makes me realize I wish the hill was more... Read More.

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Shop Local:: Heather Green Your Last War

Heather Green is a transplant, having left the sweet smells of the Pacific to find a home here in Canada’s Ocean playground. That being said, she’s engrained herself into the musical community, and the saltwater air is now a part of her sound. Read More.

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#Unknown – #25

Picked this gem up from takeAbath's page, I Love Bass Music, #Unknown is a soundcloud meant to showcase different electronic music producers…without instantly revealing who they are.
Apparently 14 days after each release the name of the mystery producer is revealed.
Take #Unknown's latest trac...
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Quick Hitters:: Mode Moderne Strange Bruises

It’s almost impossible to talk about Vancouver mope poppers Mode Moderne without citing tried and true influences. The easy sounds like – Joy Division, The Smiths, New Order – all fit, but that’s more about how MM delights the listener with the same blissful melancholy those bands created so well... Read More.

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Reviews:: Cold Specks I Predict A Graceful Expulsion

When the year-end think pieces of 2012 hit the internet, chances are we will be flooded with more Lana Del Ray stories than we can withstand. Hundreds of jokes, regrets and “told you so” removals from the situation, unwilling to admit mistakes. Read More.

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PS I Love You:: First Contact

A few years ago, PS I Love You and Apollo Ghosts kicked off a Saturday evening at Gus’ Pub. For those not from Halifax, Gus’ is one of the few venues that keeps its head above water, mostly by balancing a slew of shows that cater to kids looking for cheap drinks and loud sounds, with a consistent... Read More.

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Favorites-of ’12:: CFCF Exercises

Over the years, we’ve seen Mike Silver explore endless styles under the name CFCF. The meticulous compositions he builds have explored rave-y escapes, hip hop inspired collages, and transformational remakes. Read More.

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Summer Festivals Across the East Coast!

Well, school's been out for a bit and now music fans can look forward to a variety of festivals across the east coast! Here's a quick overview so you can start booking off weekends!
This Sunday you can check out We're All Young Now at Alderney Landing. It's a part of National Youth Arts Week – a...
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HEROHILL TIMELINES:: Brian Dunn TVs and Radios

In the attempt to come up with original content in this ever increasingly overwhelming world of musical curation and critique, we are launching a new feature on herohill today. Based heavily on the Facebook’s latest feature that made millions of people threaten to quit the internet, we have start... Read More.

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New Scotland Records:: 45s Series is complete

Anyone that’s ever had the chance to talk music with Dartmouth’s patron saint of rock n’ roll knows how much music – the process, the creation, the curation, and the collection – means to Joel. It was with that in mind that Plaskett launched a series of 45s recorded at Scotland Yard with a collec... Read More.

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Reviews:: Marie-Pierre Arthur Aux alentours

I’m a lyrics guy. I hunt for narratives, playful use of language to convey emotion and the uncanny ability to add (or remove) a single syllable to make a couplet, verse and even song shine. Not to get all Almost Famous guy, but it’s the words that make me love music, not the melody that carries t... Read More.

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The Bee’s Knees – Hanson Plays Halifax

Just a days ago my long time friend Ben Boudreau (@yelphalifax / @Bboudreau) Tweeted me the best news I’ve been tweeted in a seriously long time, if not ever.
Hanson. Is coming. To Halifax.
When I moved to Nova Scotia in Grade 5 I recall a girl in my class with an orange CD that she’d bring to ...
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Quick Hitters:: The Ramblin’ Ambassadors Ramble On

Whenever I see a rockabilly hombre driving his monster car, I get a surf rock vibe that is impossible to shake. I dream about some rocker spinning his stand up bass and a lead guitarist strutting on stage with a guitar that is almost too big to carry. Read More.

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Reviews:: Joel Plaskett Emergency Scrappy Happiness

If Three was a love letter to home, Scrappy Happiness is one penned to another love that Plaskett has held close almost as long. His seventh solo LP is a tribute to rock n’ roll, the bands that mean something and a tradition that’s waiting for the gold watch and an escort out the door. Read More.

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Three Six Mafia vs. Dazz Band – Let It Stay Fly (Skratch Bastid Blend)

Ugh, have I ever mentioned that spring in Halifax is mighty god damn depressing? Well if I know you IRL, as the kids say, then surely you know I have, cause I love to bitch about it. Well we’re on our 3rd straight day of a rain & cool temperatures combo, so I could use a pick-me-up song. Read More.

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SPIRITUALIZED - Sweet Heart, Sweet Light

As the writer gazes at the blank Openoffice document, while the sound of Spiritualized clamoring the blues of “Hey Jane” gets the day started, he wonders how this review will take shape and qualify as a worthy testament to the forefather of space-blues Jason Pierce. However, any reluctance, cowar... Read More.

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Reviews:: Jonathan Inc. The Greatest Songs I Never Wrote

“I said I’ve heard about it, but I haven’t heard it.”
That line from Mark Berube’s “Barber Shop” sums up my relationship with Radiogram. For years I’ve been around their music, hearing snippets and chatter (hell, I’ve even raised glasses with the lead songwriter on countless occasions), but neve...
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Event: Doin’ Damage 5 Year Anniversary

Tomorrow night, one of the city's most beloved parties will be celebrating its 5th anniversary, with two Halifax's best DJs.
Thats right, it's been five years since Doin' Damage started with DJs Cosmo and T-Woo, and despite venue issues (RIP Tribeca), it's found a new home at La Trinidade.
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Shop Local:: Walrus Sisters

This past weekend, Record Store Day came and went (I now own a fantastic Justin Townes Earle 45, so it worked out for me), and even in the number of “exclusives” was far too limited for an event of such increasing popularity, it has spurred a solid new trend. Read More.

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Lurk

Right off the bat I can tell you that Lurk's seven song debut is one of the most enjoyable albums submitted to us this year. And this is one of the reasons I keep doing this blog. Without it I probably wouldn't have learned this Finnish four-piece existed. Hopefully the obscurity will change to n... Read More.

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Ryan Stinson – FUTURA

What does it say that a healthy portion of the new hip hop albums I’m the most excited to hear these days are often if the instrumental variety? Well I think it mainly says I’m a confirmed, curmudgeonly hip hop get-off-my-lawner, but I’d like to think that it also means there are plenty of talent... Read More.

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Be There Or Be Square: An entire village attends a rock concert

When I learned that a young artist that I had never heard of was putting on a show exclusively for the residents of a tiny hamlet I didn’t remember ever hearing of, I just had to go witness it. The event’s producer, Kári Viđarsson—a Hellissandur native, actor and film student—was attempting to ge... Read More.

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DJ Catalist feat. Kae Sun – We Changed

Here’s a good one for your Wednesday afternoon. It’s kind of a subtle one, but a good one nonetheless. We Changed is a collaboration between DJ Catalist (aka Alister Johnson, also known as a member of Grand Analog) and soulful Ghanaian-Canadian singer/songwriter Kae Sun. Read More.

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Video: Noisia – Could This Be

Dutch production powerhouse, Noisia recently released a video for Could This Be, a song on Mau5trap's rerelease of their Split The Atom LP.
The song and video are both oozing in epicness. It reminds me of Super Nintendo's Starfox, and has an interesting twist at the end. Great concept and execut...
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Sanctums

Sanctums is a two man operation out of Calgary comprised of Dan Solo and Evangelos Typist. They describe themselves as a “ambient/downtempo project” and they recently released a self-titled album that is ” inspired by our common love for classical music, film soundtracks, hip hop, & various other... Read More.

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Kids & Explosions – Use Your Words

Clearly, if our traffic stats are any indication, we are not experts in deciphering what it is the kids like. But I’m fairly certain they enjoy ‘splosions and I know they enjoy a good mashup every now and again. All of that seems to indicate that the kids might fancy a listen to Shit Computer, th... Read More.

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Event: Reverb Intermedia Dance Party – Pacifico

On the 26th, Pacifico is going to get energized with a blast of interactive media, courtesy of Mocean Dance, NSCAD, and Juno Nominee, DJ Adam Shaikh!
Reverb is a mixer of electrifying live music, interactive intermedia installations, and energy-pumping dance performances where YOU get to join th...
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Favorites of ’12:: Apollo Ghosts Landmark

From the outside looking in, you can’t help but wonder if Apollo Ghosts front man Adrian Teacher believes stagnancy is failure. In just over three years he’s delivered three stellar LPs, a slew of EPs and 7″s, collaborations and even a solo LP based on poetry from Karl Blau, all while holdi... Read More.

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FEEDTIME - The Aberrant Years

Whew! This one is a doozie. Not a single album, but rather four. This reissue collects the first four albums by Australian 3-piece Feedtime, originally released between 1985 and 1989 on Sydney's Aberrant Records (hence the title). Read More.

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Shop Local:: Soho Ghetto

It’s almost too easy to overlook local bands with bigger expectations and accessible sounds. When you consider the lo-fi noise and punk scenes are booming and we’ve had the Celtic folk/bar room poet market cornered for years, it’s easy to see a ton of shows without ever hearing a note of music th... Read More.

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Reviews:: Bahamas Barchords

Afie Jurvanen is a master of playing crucial notes in limited space. He’s spent years supporting bigger names and (more often than not) lesser talents, filling in space and creating mood when asked. Read More.

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Reviews:: Jack Pine and the Fire

People will be fooled by Jack Pine and the Fire. Mandolin and foot stomping kick drum set the tone on the opening number, hinting that the Ottawa outfit is rooted in the Appalachians, but the self-titled debut is more than traditional sounds and spirited sing-alongs. Read More.

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Reviews:: John Southworth & Andrew Downing Easterween

The passion to create has driven John Southworth for the last sixteen years, resulting in a steady collection of peculiar, quirky, fascinating and often brilliant songs. Read More.

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PICK YOUR SIDE - Let Me Show You How Democracy Works

I reviewed Pick Your Side's Survival Prayer EP a while ago and found myself thoroughly underwhelmed. So underwhelmed, in fact,that up until I was handed this album to review, I had completely forgotten about the band’s existence. It was, therefore, with great apprehension that I spun their first ... Read More.

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Video: Wordburglar – Rhyme O’Clock ft. More or Les

Awesome video from Halifax veteran Wordburglar came out today. Hit the break for some boom bap with quick, clever flows.
It's a solid clip with a sci-fi vibe and great shots of Toronto's cityscape, especially the Queen Street comic fan hangout, The Silver Snail.
Read More.

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Ghettosocks – Invincible f. El Da Sensei

Is there a better way to start your morning than with a brand new Ghettosocks video? I would contend that there really isn’t, especially when the track for said video features a sick Fresh Kils beat (one which appears to be some or all of his Transformers routine no less), Ghettosocks at his witty, Read More.

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Featured Artist: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Well, this may be one of the most interesting and innovative artists to come out of Oxford since that quintet with the Greenwood brothers.
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs is the name that Orlando Higgenbottom releases music under, and his bass frequencies, dance rhythms, and clever vocal arra...
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Reviews:: Walrus Onetwotree

Having two sons, I see how brothers interact on a daily basis. Pushing and shoving, hugging and loving. These interactions start too early to be anything more than natural, inherited instinct. Read More.

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herohill vs. Leonard Cohen:: The Bard of Montreal

The Bard of Montreal. The community of Canadian music is an amazing thing. Here, twenty-five artists signed up to donate time, recording studios and effort to pay tribute to one of Canada’s greatest poets. Read More.

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Reviews:: Jos. Fortin Typewriter

There’s been a chill in the air these last few days so reluctantly, I’ve trudged out to the wood pile to grab logs to keep the embers burning. It’s unwelcome at this time of year, but there’s something reassuring and inviting about the crackle of twigs and the slow rise of flames as the room unth... Read More.

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Favorites-of ’12:: Olivier Jarda Good Luck Cartel

Four years ago, I was captivated by the humble debut EP from New Brunswick’s Olivier Jarda. Diagrams was a collection of indie rock anthems and blissful fuzzed out ear worms that helped push Jarda to the top of my fictional, most listened to list. Read More.

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In Conversation With...Dean Dormiedy

Born and raised in Collingwood, living part of his 18 years in the house in which his mother was born and raised, Dean Dormiedy has taken himself off to London to pursue his dream in music.
Now, that’s setting the scene a bit rich: Dean is not a budding rock star and he’s not in England rubbing...
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Reviews:: Zachary Lucky Saskatchewan

Reviews:: Zachary Lucky Saskatchewan
There’s a loneliness that dominates Zachary Lucky‘s arrangements. Zachary’s latest EP, Saskatchewan, offers the contented sadness that develops on days where you are left with nothing to do except watch the odometer turn. Sure, these songs might be a love let...
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Celestine is finally out of the woods: "Parasite" / interview

I've written quite a lot about Celestine already. Introduction ought to be unnecessary. But if you're in the dark I strongly suggest you check out the related links at the bottom of this post. There you'll find recordings, videos, some yabbin' and what-not. Just know that Celestine trail is that ... Read More.

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Shop Local:: Virgil’s Girls

A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that the sound that blasts across the Bay of Fundy has slowing changed from post-Sloan anthems and fiddle jams to swampy, garage riffs and distorted pop. When you consider bands like Outtacontroller, Cousins, Dog Day, and Long Weekends you realize it’s an emb... Read More.

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Fire It Up

Sometimes I feel sorry for Americans who never get to listen to the Canadian music I hear every day. Read More.

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TemperTemper – Debut Release

A local band full of Kings/Dal students, TemperTemper put up their debut for free download today, hit the link to check it out.
It's really well done for a first release, its got a great mix of sounds, guitar work that's both melodic and riffy; a solid listen.
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Introducing:: Wand

When we last heard from Derek Janzen, he was creating kick drum heavy anthems disguised as bedroom compositions. His billowy guitars and dime stores synths invited you in, but the programmed beats inspired marching and purpose.

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NIGHTBRINGER - Hierophany Of The Open Grave

Nightbringer's third full length release, and this band shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Nine tracks total, just shy over an hour, if you're still standing after listening to this, make sure your heart is still beating. Read More.

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Review – Zeds Dead and Omar LinX – Victor

So it's been about a week since Mad Decent released Victor, the latest offering from Zeds Dead and Omar Linx. Here's what we think.
Right now No Prayers, the EP's opener is my go to track on the iPod.
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Hey Ocean! – Big Blue Wave

Vancouver’s Hey Ocean! play the Seahorse tonight (with Aidan Knight), and if you’re looking to rock out with a cute band you could fill your boots at this show I’m thinking. Just look at this video for Big Blue Wave off their last EP: balloons, kids, young love, happy music times and Shad quietly... Read More.

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…in which McNutt embraces the complications of music subscription

“Given their obsession with control over making choices about playing music, why would music collectors choose to become subscribers to a music service that extinguishes so many aspects of users’ control over music collections?”
- Patrick Burkart, Music and Cyberliberties, 2010
Good question, P...
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New Song: Make You Pop (Charlie Darker Remix)

All youze Haligonians were subject to the whirlwind of bass, fuzz and madness that was Charlie Darker at the Palace a couple weeks ago. Here he is with a massive remix for Diplo, released today on his Mad Decent label.
Here, Charlie gives a little Moomba spin on the track widely seen and heard i...
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A-Jaxx – Fly With Me (Prod. Savillion)

Here is the video for A-Jaxx first single off his latest mixtape Crab Fried Rice (which can be downloaded here).
Bonus:
On a complete aside, Snoop Dogg aka DJ Snoopadelic just activated a Soundcloud account, and has just posted this gem of a mix for all 90s hip hop heads.
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Reviews:: Hermetic Civilized City

If we’re being honest, most of the ’90s should be stricken from the record with one of those Men In Black memory removal devices… including Men in Black. Cross Colors, Hypercolor, Chumbawamba and the Bronson Pinchot/Jonathon Lipnicki vehicle, Meego? Just a few of the endless cultural failures we ... Read More.

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These Electric Lives – Wicked Game

Sunday nights are made for cover songs! Well this one is I guess, as I’m sharing this Chris Isaak cover from T.O. electronic-rock outfit These Electric Lives. I’ve been a fan of TEL’s for a while, but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about them taking on such a mellow, well-known jam. Read More.

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Reviews:: Gescha – Crayon Politics

This is kind of a (Car)melo-dramatic (topical, ’cause the NBA is back!) statement, but Gescha’s album Crayon Politics is the kind of album that validates my continued work on the hill. I’m late getting around to posting it, but I’m happy to help spread the word about a guy that will easily be you... Read More.

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Lennon Times Two On PBS

John Lennon’s 70th birthday is being celebrated by a trio of films, two of which are being shown on American Public Television (PBS) this week at various times on their series Masterpiece Theatre and American Masters.

Lennon Naked is a British TV movie with Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccles...
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Maddison Avenue's New CD: Sweet Renegade

Halifax musician Keith Maddison isn’t afraid to think big, or to feel big emotions for that matter.

The singer/songwriter/guitarist heads up the East Coast Americana R’n’B outfit Maddison Avenue, who will shortly release their blazing first full-length CD, entitled Sweet Renegade, by the middl...
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The Stones 'Exile' N.S. Connection

The media swirl around the re-release of the Rolling Stones classic 1972 album Exile On Main Street has revolved mostly around the 1o new tracks unearthed and polished up for one of the new editions of the landmark double disc.

What’s been missed in all of this is the Nova Scotia connection. T...
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All You Need is Hal Bruce

The tribute band industry began with Elvis impersonators in the 1970’s. When Elvis died the numbers blossomed. The Beatles were next and, today, Australian Pink Floyd is one of the biggest tribute shows on stage. So where does one guy get the brass ones to take on a tribute to the most famous ban... Read More.

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HPX 3: Holy Frig

Halifax loves a good dance party. Last night at the Marquee was a beautiful cross-section of the local music scene, with everyone from headbangers to indie kids to dirty hippies showing up to check out Toronto experirockers Holy Fuck. While downstairs in Hell’s Kitchen local bands The Beginners a... Read More.

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MELODY MAKERS
In this space: Music news, interviews with local artists, album and concert reviews ... and whatever else comes along. Contributor Kim Kinrade is a musician, novelist and blogger based in Dartmouth. Go to Blog.



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