Go to this: Party at the Moontower

This is the only show that matters this week. Well, the only one I know about and am stoked on. Prepare for things to get slow because of the Olympics.

Battle Snakes: @ Pat's - January 16, 2010

First show of the season!

Vinyl File: Cold War Kids "Audience"

I know I've been posting a lot of Cold War Kids-related content lately, but hey, what can I say, I have an obsessive personality.  My recent travels to Los Angeles to see the show resulted in amazing concert experiences, new vinyl and a slightly damaged bank account (but let's not talk about that).  CWK just released a fancy new EP on 12" vinyl, and the songs are fabulous.  I don't want to ruin my post/review for The Album Project (hmm... C's, that should be posted in like June haha) but let's just say pick it up if you can.

Video: Cold War Kids "Audience"

Current Read: Microtrends

Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes
by Mark Penn


From the author who identified "Soccer Moms" as a swing group during Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, this book attempts to identify and explain the small sub-groups within North America that will drive future change. Cited as an exercise in "nano-sociology", Microtrends is an easy-to-read book for those interested in culture and demographics, especially businesspeople who subscribe to The Long Tail concept. So far, I like recognizing myself in some of the trends, and how the assertions made by the book are backed up by statistics and facts. An interesting read while I take a little break from the Sci Fi.

Video: Battle Snakes "Lover Like Lion"

Or come see this band tonight! Better yet, do both! See you there!

Video: Operastrike "Outrun"

Come see this band tomorrow!

Shows This Weekend: January 15-17

What happened to this? My apologies...

Cortez the Killer, Tenant, Operastrike
Saturday, Jan 16
@ Pub 340

Battle Snakes, Pretty Vanilla, Street Legal Dirtbike
Saturday, Jan 16
@ Pat's Pub

*Do both!

100 Monkeys
w/Blue Violets
Sunday, Jan 17
@ Venue

Thrice: Deadbolt vs. Life

Remember these days? I miss 'em. Not because I hate new music or feel like those were my salad days, but because I remember how I felt being the kid in the crowd seeing my favourite bands live for the first time. I still have an amazing time seeing bands that I love, but that first experience can never be recreated.

Thrice vs. Alkaline Trio: Stupid Kill

by Legion of Doom

Mashups are more often misses than hits, but I really love this one. Legion of Doom is Chad Blinman (production/engineering with the likes of Get Up Kids, Saves the Day) and Trever Keith (of Face to Face fame), and their punk/rock/indie mashups are some of the better ones I've heard. Check out their myspace for more.

Killer New Jams: Solitary Sun

I have not become so jaded that I'm not still super stoked to discover new killer tunes. My latest party comes from the fabulous Aaron Wolff. You may remember him from such Canadian metalcore acts as The End. His new band, Solitary Sun, will rock your face off and then not call the next day. I have yet to see them live, but I have been known to blast the new jams while driving, cleaning my house, sitting in a room staring at the wall, whatever. I love 'em all, but if I had to pick a favourite, it'd be "It's alright, I'm alright". And "Bone N Flesh". Damnit, too good.

Get in on the ground level, kids.

Solitary Sun myspace.

Tegan and Sara: Hell

This tour starts tomorrow in Vancouver! Worldwide theatre tour, so there's a show near you. A lot of the dates are sold out, but there should be tickets available in some markets.

Hell from Tegan and Sara on Vimeo.