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| Speculating what songs would have been on the Beatles' next album By: Shane Christensen |
| 07.17.08 (7:07 pm) [edit] |
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Visit Swanktrendz
It is actually pretty easy to figure out what songs could have been on the Beatles' next album, simply by looking at the solo work and songs that came out immediately after their acrimonious breakup in 1970. The biggest surprise of this album would be the fact that John Lennon and Paul McCartney would have probably played a lesser role in the songwriting department, as George Harrison had been stockpiling a number of heavyweight tunes which had previously been denied a place on a Beatles record.
But that all changed during the recording (and subsequent release) of their final studio album, Abbey Road. The first single was Here Comes The Sun, followed by one of the greatest love songs ever written (so says Frank Sinatra - and who's going to argue with him?) Something. It was during these sessions that the band also experimented with a prophetic, beautiful tune called All Things Must Pass. Anyone who's heard the Beatles' version would probably agree that this song would have been a standout tune, especially with the lovely vocal harmonizing between George and Paul during the chorus. Unfortunately, their relationship was strained to the point that the last thing George wanted to hear was Paul singing alongside him. Another surprise on this album would be the inclusion of other non-Beatles musicians participating in its making, which they had done previously on Let It Be (Billy Preston) and the White Album (Eric Clapton). With all the interpersonal tensions in the band, the members enjoyed having "neutral" players break the ice so that everyone could actually have fun and enjoy themselves again. It was akin to a marriage that had soured, and having friends over for drinks and a BBQ was all that was needed. So, in saying that, I would speculate that Bob Dylan would guest on this album and offer a tune he gave to George for his first solo album. If Not For You is a mellow love song that would chart as a "new country" tune today. I think it would have been amazing to listen to Dylan playing on the next album of a band who simply idolized him years before, and who he influenced greatly (remember Rubber Soul)? Paul had a few songs that had been bumped from earlier albums which I feel would finally surface on this latest album. The tunes Junk and Teddy Boy had both been written in India, but were cut from Abbey Road and Let It Be respectively. Now, with a little reworking, these songs would make it on this new album, along with the classic Maybe I'm Amazed. This tune was the stand-out track on McCartney's first solo release, and the Beatles' version would have been far superior with the participation of the other top-quality musicians as well as with the production of George Martin to do it justice.
Ringo Starr's contribution would be the song from his first solo release; one which many speculated was actually written by George or John due to its intricate level of songwriting, It Don't Come Easy. Ringo's song was a number one hit for him, and there's no doubt the Beatles' version would have done equally well, if not better. John Lennon was the most dominant member of the Beatles up until Sgt. Peppers, and then a number of factors precipitated his decline as the acknowledged leader. Meeting Yoko, experimenting with heroin, and losing Brian Epstein all affected John's attitude towards being a Beatle, and it was he (not Paul) who first suggested the dissolution of the band in 1969.
After the break-up, many people were shocked at the lack of quality in Lennon's material, and it would take him over a year to produce anything comparable to Beatles' caliber. This finally came with the release of the song Imagine. Perhaps Instant Karma and Working Class Hero; his solo songs released in 69/70, could have been offered up for a new Beatles' project (which would have guaranteed quality production and effort). Of course the one song that would definitely be on this album, and which would also be its title, is the anti-war anthem Give Peace A Chance. This song sums up the passion and ideology of the man, and the Beatles as a whole, and it would be reflective of an entire generation who grew up loving the Beatles, their music, and their message of love and peace. Give Peace A Chance, would have been the next album by the greatest musical group in the entire world, The Beatles.
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| New Band Alert - Tickle Me Pink By: Christine Albrecht |
| 07.09.08 (4:25 pm) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz's Home Page I received a band alert from Windup Records, and I do believe we have a potential 'winner' with Tickle Me Pink.Colorado's latest musical export reminds me a bit of Story of the Year, especially with their release Typical (due out on radios next week). I prefer the melancholic tune, Madeleine, and predict it will become as popular as Typical.One note of sadness, the band's bassist, Johnny Schou died on July 1, 2008. This must be heartbreaking; to have one of the most important days of your life (album release date in the USA) be countered with one of the most saddest.Check out the tunes yourself atWindup RecordsEnjoy.(The full-length Madeline album is due out in Canada in August).
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| CFox's Vancouver Seeds 2008 Tickets on Sale July 11th |
| 07.09.08 (4:20 pm) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz's Home PageOn Friday, at 11:00, tickets will go on sale for CFOX's, August 9th, Vancouver's Seeds 2008 event, at the Commodore Ballroom.Tickets are only $9.93 (so you are definitely getting your money's worth and then some). The evening's lineup includes:IncuraInnocent BystanderCold DrivenVersus the NothingJordan CarrierWith Special Headliner: ThornleyOne of these top five acts will receive the Platinum Award which provides: - A management consultation deal with Coalition Entertainment (currently managing Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven and Simple Plan) - An agency consultation deal with the Agency Group (Ralph James) - Recording of an EP at Mushroom Studios Vancouver from Mushroom /Hipposonic - A 1-day song writing session with Brian Howes (Hinder, Rev Theory, Puddle of Mudd, Sheryl Crow) - Mixing of 1 radio single by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Ill Scarlett) - A demo recording deal with Maple Music Including national distribution - A gig opening Foxfest with Stone Temple Pilots at GM Place on August 30th.I feel that the Fox's contribution to the independent British Columbian music scene via The Seeds contest is commendable.There is one contest entry requirement that I have always felt must hamper some eager band's eligibility. The Seeds entry form lists several conditions that entrants must adhere to. The most standard condition is: This competition is open to residents of BC, except the employees, directors, and immediate family members of CFOX Radio, Corus Entertainment Inc., Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Labatt Brewery and Music BC, their employees, and immediate family members of anyone in these groups.These aforementioned companies employ A LOT of British Columbians and I am sure there were a few potential entrants who were affected by their (or their family members') employment. I have often wondered why this is a common requirement with contests? (The first explanation that comes to mind is eliminating any accusations of unfairness or favoritism.) Be sure to get your Seeds' tickets and support our local musicans.To listen to the final ten CFOX 2008 Seeds' entrants, Click Here. |
| Upcoming Vancouver, Canada, Concerts as of July 2, 2008 by Christine Albrecht |
| 07.02.08 (6:10 am) [edit] |
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Visit Swanktrendz's Home Page July 2nd True Colors Tour: Cyndi Lauper, The B52's, Rosie O'Donnell Deer Lake Park Tickets $57.50 Jack Packs: 4 Tickets For $169.00 3rdAshes Divide Richard's on Richards Tickets $20.003rd Mark Knopler The Orpheum Tickets: Sold Out4th George Michael General Motors Place Tickets: $199.00, $149.00, $99.00 & $69.008th Collective Soul Commodore Ballroom Tickets: SOLD OUT11th Easy Star All-Stars Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $29.0012th Stevie Wonder General Motors Place Tickets $119.00, $89.00, $69.00 & $49.0012th Wolf Parade Commodore Ballroom $25.5014th Newton Faulkner The Media ClubTickets $12.5014th Jimmy Eat World The Croatian Cultural Club Tickets $28.5018th Mark Farina Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $25.0018th James Taylor and His Band of Legends General Motors Place Tickets $85.00, $65.00 & $45.0019th Akon/ Wyclef Jam/ Sean Paul GM Place Tickets: $75.50, $55.50, $39.5021st Boy George Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $69.0023rd Emmylou Harris The Orpheum Tickets $69.50, $55.00 & $35.0024th Girl Talk Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $19.7524th Judas Priest General Motors Place Tickets $69.50, $49.50 & $35.5026th Les Savy Fav Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $21.50July 25, 26, 27 Pemberton Festival Campground is full Tickets: 3-Day Pass $259.50, VIP Tickets $599.00 / 3-Day Tickets $259.50 / Single Day tickets $149.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION OR phone 1-800-594-849929th Cute is What we Aim For The Plaza Club Tickets $15.00August 1st The Faint Commodore Ballroom Ticket: $25.505th Feist Deer Lake Park Tickets $49.507th Angels & Aairwaves  Commodore Ballroom Tickets SOLD OUT8th Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top General Motors Place Tickets $79.50, $59.50 & $45.508th Michael White & The White (Led Zeppelin tribute) Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $19.509th & 10th Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival Colin James, Jonny Lang, Ryan Shaw, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Shelby Lynne Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Early Tickets: (Jun 6 - Jul 10) $40.00 or 4 pack $120.00 Later Tickets: (Jul 11 - Aug 9) $45.00 or 4 pack for $140.0011th Crue Fest General Motors Place Tickets $85.00, $65.00 & $39.5014th An Evening with Yes Pontiac Theatre at General Motors Place Tickets $149.50, $99.50 & $69.5016th The Pack A.D.Richards on RichardsTickets" $10.0018thJoshua Radin Biltmore Cabaret Tickets: $15.0019th Radiohead Thunderbird Stadium Tickets: Sold Out21st Seether Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $39.5021st Jack Johnson Thunderbird Stadium Tickets: Sold Out22nd Amos Lee Commodore Ballroom 23/24Blue Rodeo  Malkin Bowl Tickets: $65.50, $49.50 & $37.5025th Summer Slaughter Tour Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $27.5024th, 25th, 26th Chris Rock No Apologies Tour The Orpheum Tickets:ALL 3 SHOWS SOLD OUT26th 3 Doors Down General Motors Place Tickets: $59.50, $45.50 & $34.5027th Oasis General Motors Place, Vancouver Tickets: $69.50, $59.50 & $49.5031st The Stanley Park Singing Exhibition Day 1: NEKO CASE, ANDREW BIRD, DESTROYER, DEERHOOF, AND THE EVAPORATORS Malkin Bowl, Vancouver31st Airbourne Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $23.50September 1st The Stanley Park Singing Exhibition Day 2: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, STEVIE JACKSON, THE 1900S, & VISQUEEN Malkin Bowl, Vancouver Tickets: 1 day tickets $35.00 2 day tickets $60.003rd A Simple Plan  Pacific Coliseum Concert Bowl Tickets $39.50 & $29.503rd The Black Crowes The Orpheum Theatre Tickets: $69.50, $49.50 & $35.504th Backstreet Boys General Motors Place, Vancouver Tickets $75.00, $55.50 & $39.504th John Butler Trio Malkin Bowl Tickets $35.006th Mogwai Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $26.507th Santana General Motors Place Tickets $85.50, $59.50 & $39.5010th Janet Jackson GM Place Tickets: $129.75, $99.75, $79.75 & $49.7518th The Raconteurs with The Kills Malkin Bowl Tickets: $39.5019th Federico Aubele Richard's On Richards, Vancouver October4th Sheryl Crow General Motors Place, Vancouver Tickets: $69.50, $59.50 & $39.507th Sigur Ros Chan Centre For The Performing ArtsTickets: $59.50 & $49.508thHedley The Orpheum, Vancouver Tickets: $34.50 & $29.5014th Flogging Molly Commodore Ballroom Tickets: $27.5019th Stereolab Commodore Ballroom 29thVideo Games Live With Vancouver Symphony The Orpheum Tickets $69.50, $49.50 & $29.5030th Madonna BC Place Stadium Tickets: SOLD OUTNovember 5th Lenny Kravitz  General Motors Place, Vancouver Tickets: $75.00, $59.50 & $39.50December 12th Sarah Brightman General Motors Place, Vancouver Tickets: $89.50, $69.50 & $45.50 |
| A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon Book Review by: Lezah Williamson |
| 05.24.08 (12:26 pm) [edit] |
 Visit SwanktrendzI was recently given the novel A Spot of Bother. It was written by Mark Haddon, who also penned one of my favourite books of the last few years, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. While 'The Curious Inciden...' is written from the perspective of an autistic teen, 'A Spot of Bother' parachutes us into the late mid-life crisis of George, a recently retired Englishman whose wife is having an affair, whose daughter is about to marry a most 'unsuitable' man, and whose gay son is about to 'come out' to the family's friends and neighbours. If you were expecting both novels to have the same sort of tone, think again: although I have seen 'A Spot of Bother' described as a comedic book, I found it anything but. The tone was very serious, the protagonist very disturbed, and the situation very usual. The story takes you into the mind of someone who thinks he is losing his own; is it stress, or Alzheimer's, or is he correct in his perceptions after all? The author also looks at the still-remaining class structure in Britain, where certain levels of society view themselves as being better than others. George's wife, especially, is guilty of this; however, she soon learns that one's background neither determines one's competency nor one's superiority over others.I personally found this book depressing. It's well written, but it put me in a real funk. Image from fantasticfiction.com |
| Twilight by Stephanie Meyers Book Review by Lezah Williamson |
| 05.24.08 (12:22 pm) [edit] |
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Visit Swanktrendz Twilight (2005) is the NY Times best seller by Stephanie Meyers; it is the first in a series of the same characters. Part romance, part suspense, part teen angst story, Twilight chronicles the unrooting of Bella from her life-long home in Arizona to her new home in Washington state, where she is now living with her father. The mother's re-marriage and the step-father's Farm team baseball career are what prompts Bella to move to the cold, damp Pacific Northwest. To say that she doesn't like the weather is a bit of an understatement.Likewise, the transition from her old school in Arizona, where the population was in the thousands, is a far cry from her new school, which is little more than a small group of trailers and outbuildings. The town itself, probably has a lower population than her former school. Culture shock rears its ugly head pretty quickly...But, it's a case of friends to the rescue as the new girl in town become the popular IT girl. She doesn't embrace her new-found popularity well, though, and instead is drawn to a reclusive family of incredibly beautiful, intelligent people. Or are they people?Turns out the answer is no: they are vampires.But this isn't your typical vampire story, with vamps running around biting and blood sucking. These guys are above all that...Personally, I was a bit disappointed with this book. I thought the main character was not at all believable (for instance, what teenager wouldn't like snow?). Someone I know felt that the vocabulary was limited.Over all, I'd suggest you save your money: wait for the movie, instead (there's bound to be one).Image from Amazon.com
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| Joe Jackson Concert Review By: Terry Lowe |
| 05.17.08 (10:51 pm) [edit] |
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Visit SwanktrendzMay 5, 2008 at the Chan Centre for the Perfoming Arts Capacity Crowd (1,200) - sold out Twenty-nine years after his Look Sharp debut, Joe Jackson is still actively touring the world, basking in the consistently warm reception of his fans. The stage at the Chan Centre contained an trio of instruments usually found at a jazz show: an electric bass guitar, an elaborate drum kit, and a full-size grand piano. At 8:40 the musicians took the stage; Graham Maby playing bass, Dave Houghton on drums, and Joe on piano. The tour is to promote his latest album, Rain (also known as Volume V, it being the fifth album the original members have recorded together). Jackson, dapper in a charcoal grey jacket, matching striped pants, and a white shirt, appeared amused by the polite, Canadian audience. He remarked several times on how clean and nice the audience and venue was, and joked modestly that he didn’t really deserve the Chan Centre. The Chan Centre is an acoustically wondrous oblong soft seat venue, more often used for string quartets, visiting sopranos, or jazz offerings. There is no dance floor, and the audience for Joe Jackson was much older than for the shows we usually attend. Then too, so is he. Joe Jackson's music began as witty New Wave pop songs, but then very quickly matured into sophisticated fusions of jazz, Caribbean, and world music, all with an appealing urban flavour. He's a musician's musician, and has developed a trademark style, instantly identifiable as a Joe Jackson song. This style is rich in percussion, with Joe's piano playing many roles, and, of course, his distinct voice. The set list offered up six songs from Rain, interspersed with some oldies, some hits, and a few covers. The trio performed well, and Joe played his piano as a rhythm instrument, as a lead instrument, and as a percussion instrument - sometimes simultaneously. There's only so much a trio can do, though, and there were spells where some more instruments would have been welcomed. The occasionally abrupt and strained mix would have been softened and extended beautifully by a horn or two, and the absence of a guitarist was noticeable in places. Mr. Houghton's battery was occasionally a bit hyperactive, but this is not uncommon in trios. Those quibbles aside (and the adoring crowd certainly did not appear to care), the show was a success. He made us wait until the encore before he played Is She Really Going Out With Him, but he also delighted us with a cover of Duke Ellington's Don't Get Around Much Anymore, and finished with his own A Slow Song. Joe Jackson is as valuable as he is unclassifiable. A guy who started by making New Wave singles, and who then went on to win a Grammy for a symphony, is still experimenting, still proving his musical diversity, and still writing really good songs.
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| Recording Artists help launch the Zune Ignition Program By Christine Albrecht |
| 05.17.08 (10:49 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzSwedish pop sensation Robyn is the latest artist to be featured in the Zune Ignition program, and has released the track "Konitchiwa Bitches (Menta Mix)" exclusively on Zune Marketplace as a companion feature to the full album download of her latest release Robyn. Throughout the month of May, Zune Marketplace will also be offering fans the free track "Be Mine (Wasted Youth Mix)", an exclusive Guestlist featuring tracks hand-picked by Robyn herself, and a track-by-track Breakdown of the self-titled album. MSN is streaming an exclusive video piece titled "Eclipse (Goofy)," which is also available as a free download through Xbox Live. Windows Media will be highlighting these features throughout the month.The Zune Ignition program gives recording artists with new releases a unique channel to potentially reach tens of millions of consumers. For the first time, Microsoft has packaged promotional opportunities across Zune, Xbox and MSN to help artists more efficiently reach consumers in all three audiences. Ignition provides a steady stream of new music through online access to exclusive content, free songs and video downloads, streaming videos, editorial features, and artist playlists. Participants in the Ignition program have included Hot Chip, Ryan Adams, Talib Kweli, Duran Duran, Maximo Park, Band of Horses, Kenna, Freeway, Rogue Wave, and The Black Dahlia MurderZune is the only digital entertainment brand that delivers an all-in-one experience featuring a portable media player, online store + music community, and DRM-free Mp3s. With Zune Pass, consumers can explore millions of tracks for the price of one CD ($14.99) per month. (Pictures from Zune)
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| Arguing the World VIFF and Symposium: Public Intellectuals Today By Lezah Williamson |
| 05.17.08 (10:48 pm) [edit] |
| Visit SwanktrendzA joint venture between the Vancouver International Film Festival and the inaugural symposium Public Intellectuals Today brings us the film Arguing the World (1998).Arguing the World depicts life of a number of New York intellectuals (Irving Howe, Nathan Glazer, Daniel Bell and Irving Kristol) who all passionately believed that ideas can change the world - most notably, their ideas.Arguing the World traces the lives of these men from the immigrant neighbourhoods of their youth, through college, to their rise to prominence through their roles as political and cultural critics from the Cold War through to the Regan era. |
| Documentary Perspectives in Contemporary Art By Lezah Williamson |
| 05.17.08 (10:46 pm) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz This film and video installation is curated by Tine Fischer and Bettina Steinbruegge for Hot Docs, Toronto.May 19 (8:45): Performing Art History - Drama Queens, about a Muenster theatre that is the setting for a performance for Superstars of Sculpture; Concrete Abstraction, Falke Pisano on the essence of her models through the use of language and text constructions; and Artist's Song, with Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen singing about works of art that have influenced the concept of art.May 21 (7:30): When Art Looks at Cinema - Rodakis, a portrait of a person in the form of an architectural documentary; Der Spiegel, about narrative devices and editing tricks of mainstream cinema; Great Message, about four Flemish couples caught in a time loop; and The New Terrorism,a manipulation of a 1970s anti-terrorism high school video. Rodakis image from andreasangelidakis.blogspot
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| Incumbent Beware! By Mike Gillis |
| 05.03.08 (5:37 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzVisit MikeImage from littlestuffedbull.comCity Mayor.Is there any other title that inspires more respect, fear and adoration than that?Of course there is. Galactic Overlord.But I'm not running for Galactic Overlord.I'm running for Mayor."But how will you win? You have no knowledge of the political process. You don't pay your taxes. You don't even own a suit."Those things are probably true, but they shall not deter me.Because I've already won.That's actually my campaign slogan: I've Already Won.Today's modern voters dig confidence.Also: people hate taking time out of their oh-so-important schedules to head down to the polls, the voting arena, or whatever you call it. If they think someone (me) has already won, why would they put themselves through the hassle of pulling a lever or punching a card?They wouldn't.That would be crazy.And a vote for no one may as well be a vote for me.I'm almost certain that's how these things work.However, a catchy slogan and the possibility of voter confusion aren't always a guarantee. No siree.I don't want a 'win'.I want a 'rim-destroying slam-dunk from center court'.And that's where my billboards come in.Until now, every election poster created in the history of recorded election posters has looked exactly the same.- challenger's name- smiling headshot of the challenger- challenger's slogan in a pleasing and easy to read fontThe only, and exceedingly rare, variations to this formula are the image of the "challenger giving a thumbs up" and a small graphic flourish, like a star or a check mark.That's weak. Modern voters want a little 'pizazz' in their campaign propaganda.  That's why my posters will be gigantic.I'll still be smiling, but with more of a "You know you want it" smile as opposed the the classic "You can trust me 'cause I'm old" smile.And it'll be a full body shot.And I'll be wearing a top hat and perhaps a tasteful cape.My left hand will be clutching a large sack of money. And in my right hand, a long, thick chain. At its end, the Devil, whom I've beaten and captured for the good of the people.The poster's font? Iron Maiden, and you already know what my slogan will read.So if you already know it, it must be true.So vote... Or don't.It doesn't even matter.See you in the Fall.
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| Three Ways to Make a Not Very Interesting Film More Interesting By : Mike Gillis |
| 05.03.08 (2:57 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzVisit Mikeimage from snipercentral.com
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| Coldplay Set to Release New Album and Gig Dates By: Christine Albrecht |
| 04.28.08 (9:46 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzColdplay Dates:LONDON BRIXTON ACADEMYJUNE 16NEW YORK MADISON SQUARE GARDEN JUNE 23Please check coldplay.com for details of how to win tickets and please do not contact the venues as no tickets will be available to buy.  Coldplay's new album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends is released on June 17, 2008 in North America. The album comprises ten brand new tracks produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs.The track listing is:LIFE IN TECHNICOLORCEMETERIES OF LONDONLOST!42LOVERS IN JAPAN/REIGN OF LOVEYESVIVA LA VIDAVIOLET HILLSTRAWBERRY SWINGDEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDSImage from carryyouaway.blogspot |
| 8 Need-to-Own Fashion Items From Canada's Fashion Insiders By: Christine Albrecht |
| 04.23.08 (9:37 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzImages from zappos.comCanadian fashion 'insiders' were asked to share their all-time favourite fashion items. See article: here.Here are the eight pieces that the fashionistas settled upon:• Karen Kwinter's Editor (Canadian Living & Homemakers ) Choice: satchel-style black leather handbag.  It's something that will never go out of style. It provides an immediate upgrade to anything worn (with exception to evening wear). • Jessica Ungerman's assistant style-editor for Canadian Living & Homemakers Choice: ballerina flats.
 In black or a trendy colour. They look great with all outfits and are also comfortable. • Ingrie Williams', freelance stylist for Canadian Living & Homemakers choice: wrap dress or an empire-waisted dress.  These dresses have simple shapes made with casual fabrics that are perfect for everyday wear. As well, the style brings attention to a woman's attributes such as her waistline, bust, and neckline, while deflecting from potential 'problem' areas. • Shannon Johnson's, public relations manager for Winners choice: black patent boots. . These boots will go with everything from a pencil skirt to denim pants for the weekend. • David Clemmer's, owner and CEO of Judy Inc, and wardrobe consultant for W Network's Style by Jury choice: the body shaper. This under garment helps all women, whether they are a size 2 or size 20 and it makes a woman look great in any outfit. • Amy Lu Cameron's, stylist, for Judy Inc choice: 1950's floral-print sheath dress.  Cameron chose the sheath because the style makes a woman's figure look fabulous. When keeping one's hair and makeup both current and natural, this dress will always appear in style.• Kurt Salt's, stylist for Judy Inc choice: neck scarf. . Neck scarves are very trendy right now, and the materials used to create them are more interesting and detailed than in the past. A woman can wear a scarf with anything, and give it an entire new 'look'. • Laura Minquini's ,stylist, for Judy Inc, choice: Miu Miu heels. The rounded toe shape and four inch heel of the Miu Miu shoe remains a modern, popular shoe shape. These shoes are great for dress up, or dress down, casual with jeans.
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| People in Planes' Digital Release Beyond the Horizon Due: June 24/08 By Christine Albrecht |
| 04.23.08 (9:31 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzCD will be available in store on August 12/08Image from myspace.com The Welsh quintet, People in Planes have announced their twelve (12) song, digital release, Beyond the Horizon (slated for release on June 24, 2008).The tracks are: Last Man Standing, Mayday, Get on the Flaw, Pretty Buildings, Better Than Life, Flesh and Blood, Beyond the Horizon, Know by Now, Tonight the Sun will Rise, I Wish You'd Fall Apart, Vampire, and Evil With You.This is People in Planes' second album release and has involved four producers and working in seven different studios across America, England and Wales. (PIP's first release is entitled As Far as the Eye Can See.) The band's impressive list of producers includes Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Matt Squire (Panic at the Disco), and Dan Austin (Doves/Massive Attack).People in Planes has already shared the track Pretty Buildings via the internet and received good responses from both fans and the media (Newsweek declared them a "group to watch").Itunes will have the People in Planes' first single Mayday (M'aidez) available for purchase (bundled with Last Man Standing and the video Pretty Buildings) on May 6, 2008. The video can be viewed at this link.People in Planes are presently on tour at the following confirmed venues.May01 Seattle, WA Skylark Cafe and Club07 Los Angeles, CA Viper Room08 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret09 Victoria, BC Evolution Night Club13 Ottawa, ON Live Lounge15 Toronto, ON Rivoli27 Maplewood, MN The Rock - Maplewood28 Madison, WI The Annex29 Toledo, OH Headliners30 Flint, MI Machine Shop31 Columbus, OH Al Rosa VillaJune 01 Mechaniscsburg, PA W. Shore Hardware Bar04 Norfolk, VA Norva Theater08 Oklahoma City, OK Conservatory10 Baton Rouge, LA Varsity Theater11 Ft. Walton Beach, FL The Swamp13 Goose Creek, SC The Dive15 Jackson, TN Main Street Live17 Mission, TX Smokin' Aces18 San Antonio, TX Scout Bar19 Abilene, TX Midnight Rodeo 3 |
| Book Review of I AM THE MESSENGER By: Lezah Williamson |
| 04.18.08 (2:32 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzFor our recent trip to Europe, I went out and bought a LOT of books. I figured, with a nine hour flight, that I'd have lots of time on my hands. As it turns out, however, I spent most of the trip flicking between the generous selection of on-board movies and the 'where are we now' channel. My books were left unread and unloved...However, by the trip home, they hadn't changed the movies, so I started reading I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. It took me a couple of chapter to figure out that it was set in Australia. The language that was used seemed more British than North American, but something was not quite right... Anyway, the feeling of disorientation ended when I discovered just where and when the story was set.It starts off with Ed Kennedy, a 19 year old (underage) taxi driver. He thwarts a bank robbery, and in the process, becomes a momentary minor celebrity in his town. The hoopla dies down fairly quickly, but then he has a strange delivery: four aces, with addresses and times written on the back of the cards. The addresses don't mean anything to him, but his job as a taxi driver gives him the means by which to visit each of these sites at the appropriate time. What he sees determines his path: he is to right the wrongs that he sees.
However, Ed doesn't feel like a hero (in spite of his earlier bank robbery apprehension); but something inside of him doesn't let him walk away from the task at hand. This book, that is alternately whimsical, violent, and inspiring, won the 2003 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award. I thought, however, that the depiction of violence (which can be pretty brutal in some scenes) and dysfunction could be a little too graphic for some of the more gentle readers out there. Ed is, after all, a 19 year old - you couldn't really expect this book to be a good read for the average 10 year old. But for those of us who are drifting and directionless, or who happen to be a little more mature, I strongly recommend this book.
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| Book review of EAT, PRAY, LOVE By Lezah Williamson |
| 04.18.08 (2:30 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzEat, Love, Pray (Viking, 2006) is a huge seller: currently No 5 on the USA Today Best Seller list, it has spent 54 weeks on that list, eight weeks of which were spent in the No 1 slot. The book has sold 4.4 million paperback copies, and just under 200,000 in hardcover. Eat, Love, Pray has been heavily pushed by Oprah, but has had a surprisingly polarizing effect on readers across North America. In short, you either love it or you hate it.Eat, Love, Pray is about the spiritual journey writer Elizabeth Gilbert takes to the three "I"s: Italy, India and Indonesia. The pilgrimage is an attempt to reclaim her life (and her sanity) after a traumatic divorce. Subtitled One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Bali, the book chronicles the four months she spent in Italy learning the Italian language and eating her way through her pain; the four months she spent at an Ashram in India with a guru, working on her spiritual side, and her final four months in Bali, where she continued on with her spiritual quest, and ultimately found love.The book has alternately been described as intelligent, self-indulgent, soul searching, self-absorbed, and self-deprecating. It set off a firestorm when New York Post book reviewer Maureen Callahan described the book in an article entitled, Latest Self Help Bestseller Proves Faith is Blind as one of "Western fetishization of Eastern thought and culture," and laments that"readers are using Eat, Pray, Love as ... an excuse to have that extra glass of wine, and as a license to abandon all critical thinking." She further goes on to state that the book is "assured in its answers to existential dilemmas that have confounded intellects greater than (Gilbert's). You may be a well-off white woman, but if you are depressed, the answer can be found in the East, where the poor brown people are sages. Gilbert's nearly toothless ... medicine man often doesn't recognize her, and her medicine woman nearly hustled her out of $18,000, but these are inconvenient details her worshipful fans ... disregard." So there you have it in a nutshell: Gilbert, a very successful writer, who apparently has it all (a loving husband, a house in the country, an apartment in Manhattan, a high-paying job that allows her to travel the world) hits thirty and decides she doesn't want to be married anymore. Note that she is the one who opts out of the marriage; the trauma of her divorce comes about because her husband, who loves her, is unwilling to just pack it in on a whim. Gilbert's trauma was all of her own making - that's the part that stuck in my craw the most. The rest of what happened (her decidedly minor troubles adjusting to the Italian culture, her troubles adjusting to the silences and serious study required at the ashram, her troubles understanding and dealing with the people she met in Bali) were also of her own making, but at least those she managed to overcome.I guess what strikes me the most is that I wonder just how far she's actually come: first, she gets out of a good relationship only, at the end of the book, to get into a good relationship. Seems rather circular to me.
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| Dr Who By: Lezah Williamson |
| 04.18.08 (2:25 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzDr. WhoDr. Who. My brother used to watch this show years ago, and although he liked to laugh at the cheesy costumes and the cheap sets, he still found himself tuning in, week after week.We have an acquaintance who is such as fan of the show that he legally changed his name to Who. This is no joke. I do get a lot of mileage out of it, however: he dog-sat for us when we were away recently, so when people asked us who was looking after the dogs, I could say, "That's right! Who is looking after our dogs!" Ha ha ha. That one cracks me up.Well, Dr. Who is still on the air, although the actor who plays the doctor has changed quite a few times. As well, Dr. Who has recently spawned a couple of spinoffs that Dave is fond of, Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures. Dave's friends Ian (writer for The Simpsons) and Pia (co-creator and illustrator for Y The Last Man) were recently doing a book-signing in Germany; they stopped in London on their way home and took in the Dr. Who Show that was at Earl's Court. Apparently there are places in England when you can go and get your picture taken in a Tardis replica (the police call box that he uses to move from place to place). Anyway, next time you're in London, you might just want to stop by Earl's Court: there's a tardis right there on your right as you come out of the Earl's Court Tube Station.Image from content.answers.com
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| Some New Music and Concerts that are arriving... By Lezah Williamson |
| 04.18.08 (2:21 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzDestroyer Kicks off Tour in Minneapolis, Apr. 16/08 Vancouver's own Dan Bejar (aka Destroyer) kicks off his latest tour tonight in Minneapolis at Bar 400. From there, it looks to be a non-stop rock-'til-you-drop schedule, with Bejar hitting the East Coast, winding his way over to the mid-west, then down south, and ending up in the Pacific Northwest at the Sasquatch Festival in George, Washington (May 24); the final date of the tour is May 31 at the Commodore in Vancouver.Bejar is a hot favourite around my house. In the words of pitchforkmedia, in his wordy little way, Dan Bejar does slay live. I know that I'm looking forward to the show!Give It a Name 2008On the May 10-12 weekend, there will be a huge concert at Earl's Court. Earl's Court is one of the 'big three' arenas in London (I've heard it also described by some as their 'least favourite of the big three arenas in London'). Whatever the case, it turns out that there will be a huge revolving show case of bands at this particular show. Take your pick from 30 Seconds to Mars, Billy Talent, Plain White Ts, Finch, Paramore, Anti-Flag, Silverstein, Glassjaw, All Time Low, Cobra Starship, The Colour Fred, Envy on the Coast, and too many others to list.Glassjaw image from spirit-of-metal.com Morrissey's New SingleMorrissey has a new single coming out, but it will be a UK-only release. Due out May 19, it will kick off Morrissey's 2008 European tour, where he is the headliner at the O2 Wireless Festival July 4; there will also be a first time ever appearance in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 29.A new album is in the works for the fall.Watch for appearances on Late Night with Craig Ferguson, April 28 and 29.Image from guardian.co.uk
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| MudSun Mine The Gap CD Review By Shane Christensen |
| 04.14.08 (8:04 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzFans of Baba Brinkman will be pleased to discover his new five song EP that includes U.K. rapper Dizraeli, as well as a typically impressive offering from up and coming Vancouver star Aaron Nazrul, who is proving to be a musical jack of all trades.The collaborative effort goes by the name of MudSun, and this latest production continues to mix intelligence with humour and sarcasm, and also includes relevant political and/or social commentary at the same time.My musical sensibilities are all over the place, but hard rock and alternative would undeniably be considered my favourite genre. But in saying that, I'm not one of those rockers who loathes or belittles rap. In fact, I tip my hat to some of the rock bands in the past who have included snippets of this musical genre in their productions, because it shows an appreciation for other artists and their craft. And make no mistake my fellow rocker friends, rap can be a craft as far as I’m concerned, as long as it's done in a manner that is not offensive to any particular group, specifically women. And because I find this type of mutual respect collaboration interesting and even cool, it is the fusionary rock/rap song Fried Rice that is my favourite offering on this disc. I have the upmost respect for Aaron Nazrul's musical abilities, and he only reinforces these feelings with this hard rocking/rapping gem that literally throbs through your speakers and subwoofer. Without a doubt, this is the gem on the disc and it's one of those songs that makes you want to go out and buy the album without even hearing any of the other songs.But in this case, you won’t be disappointed with the rest of the offerings that include the title track Mine The Gap, which is a perfect example of the before-mentioned art of mixing humour and sarcasm with social commentary, as it muses poetically about the state of the British public's attitudes towards contemporary Islam and the threat of homegrown terrorism.How It Is , Tongue N Groove, and Louder are the other songs on a disc filled with a sincere energy and enthusiasm that is obvious to the listener. So if you’d like to sample a bit of MudSun for yourself, you can see what I’m talking about by checking out their myspace site at the following link, where all five songs from this impressive EP are featured.  Visit Mudsun
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| Inspired Ideas: Speaker Series By Lezah Williamson |
| 04.14.08 (8:02 pm) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzWade Davis and Susan AglukarkInspired Ideas is the first installment of a series being hosted by the City of Surrey at the Bell Centre for the Performing Arts in 2008.On April 9, Wade Davis, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, will be speaking. Wade is a native of BC and a graduate of Harvard University; he has a PhD in ethnobotany and holds degrees in anthropology and biology. Wade is also an accomplished author, having published over 140 scientific and popular papers on a variety of subjects, and was the host of Discovery Channel's Earth guide.On April 30, you can hear Susan Aglukark, an award-winning Aboriginal singer-songwriter. Tickets are available here.images from susanaglukark.com
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| John Butler Trio Concert Review by: Terry Lowe |
| 04.14.08 (7:58 pm) [edit] |
Commodore Ballroom, Apr 12, 2008 - Sold OutVisit SwanktrendzAn email from Christine instructed me to meet her in front of the Commodore at 10 p.m. to see the John Butler Trio. 'Who's the John Butler Trio?' I wondered, turning to Google.I soon found that they are platinum-selling band from Australia, best known for wide-ranging, eclectic, and somewhat improvised stage shows. Their best known release to date is 2003's Sunrise Over Sea. I also saw many plaintive queries on various message boards asking 'Where can I get a ticket for this show? I NEED a ticket!' and so forth.Here's what we saw: a giant drum set, a standup (i.e. acoustic) bass, and an amplified acoustic guitar. They were joined occasionally by a keyboard player, and I'm certain there was a second electric guitarist in the background. The word trio is usually reserved for jazz ensembles, and there were some similarities here: the bass player, who also played a standard electric bass guitar, at times played his acoustic bass with a bow; they played extended instrumental pieces; and the musical range was all over the map. There, though, the similarities ended.They are very good musicians, far more instrumentalists than singers/'rock stars' who revel in mixing and matching genres and making it work. They are very versatile, imaginative, and well-rehearsed. John Butler is a superb string player (who also plays a banjo), and can coax an amazing range of sounds from an amplified 12-string acoustic guitar. The drummer was also very good, and even had a Jamaican steel drum that he played with pom-pons. And the bass player stood there and held it all together, as good bass players should. The audience was thoroughly familiar with the material, even if I wasn't, and they loved it. This band is definitely original, and I was left wishing I'd known more about them going in (there's always time to learn), and was puzzled by the crowds' reaction at times.I've been to any number of jazz shows over the years, and seen some famous players (Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Frank Zappa, and even Captain Beefheart). I've also been to classic punk shows and seen The Clash, Iggy Pop, DOA, and so forth. The reaction of this crowd was like a mixture of the two. At jazz shows, the audience applauds solos, but there's no mosh pit and no one EVER pogos. At the punk shows, no one cared about solos ('Wankers!'), or even cared much about music - there it was all rebellious attitude.Here, the crowd's reaction was a strange merger of the two. They both applauded the solos and pogo'd. I've never seen anything quite like it. And, outside of jazz shows, I'd never seen any band sit down and play an instrumental piece that went on for 15 minutes, and keep the crowd's attention. I was very impressed by this band, and admire their virtuosity and originality. If you're clueless like me, the John Butler Trio might just be the best band you've never heard of.Members:
John Butler, Michael Barker, Shannon Birchall,
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| Nevado Records - An Addition to the Canadian Music Scene By: Christine Albrecht |
| 04.12.08 (5:40 am) [edit] |
Images from Nevado's myspace.com siteVisit Swanktrendz Canada needs to stop looking elsewhere for "engineering technicians" to mix our music and "producers" to edit, produce and critique the album. The studio talent is here, in Canada's own back yard! It's time to thoroughly wash your blinds and look out your windows.Images from Nevado's myspace.com site  Nevado Records recently issued a press release to announce Nevado's online site is up and running, and available to al for any fans of this latest addition to the Canadian indie music scene.Presently, Nevado's site links back to their myspace.com page, but we assume this temporary residence on myspace is until that have they put the finishing touches on their main site. Elephant ImageNevado's record label stable currently housess these \ bands: Bass Lions, Elephant, Fox Jaws, and Reilly. (Elephant's songs appear to be receiving the highest download hits, whereas Bass Lions is making itself known to the UK and its media.)Bass Lions Check out Nevado's site and support our Canadian indie music scene.
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| Upcoming Live Nation Concerts: Billy Bragg, Radiohead, Erykah Badu, Feist ... more By: Christine Albrecht |
| 04.08.08 (12:17 am) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz Check out this sampling of Live Nation's upcoming concerts and be sure to note them on your calendar.APOCALYPTICA - Sold Out (Image from apocalyptica.deTHUNDERSTRUCK North America's ultimate tribute to AC/DC$15.00Saturday, April 26th, 2008Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, B.C.Doors 8:00 pmYOAV $15.00Friday, May 2nd, 2008 The Plaza Club, Vancouver, B.C.TROPICAL SPRING MADNESS DANCE DANCE TO MUSIC BY:DJ DADDY MIKEY &LATIN DJ EL-NINOEnjoy Caribbean / Latin / Old School & Top 40 vibes$15.00Saturday, May 3rd, 2008Croatian Cultural Centre LoungeDoors: 8:30 pm BILLY BRAGG
ERYKAH BADU $65.00 (+$1.00 charity)Friday, June 6th 2008Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, B.C.Doors 8:00 pmCONSTANTINES FEIST RADIOHEAD Live Nation Listings |
(Image from telegraph.co.uk)$32.50Thursday, June 5th 2008St. Andrews Wesley Church, Vancouver B.C.Doors 6:30 pm 
(Image from threeimaginarygirls.com| Myriad Harbour by TNP - Christine Albrecht feels this should have been nominated... |
| 04.06.08 (6:25 pm) [edit] |
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The New Pornographers released this song last year and I feel it is one of their best, to date. I have long been a fan of this group, and I do not understand how they could have been overlooked by the Canadian music industry with regards to the Junos.
Myriad Harbour lyrics provided by metrolyrics.com I took a plane; I took a train. Ah! Who cares? You always end up in the city. I said to Carl, "Look up for once, See just how the sun sets in the sky." I said to John, "Do you think the girls here Ever wonder how they got so pretty?" (Well, I do.) Look out upon the myriad harbour. (x3) |