Aries - Not a great day for bagels.

Taurus - All of your favourite shows will be cancelled.

Gemini - Run.

Cancer - Bring a sponge.

Leo - They're lying to you.

Virgo - Rash time!

Libra - Because it's haunted.

Scorpio - She's faking it.

Sagittarius - Your fern will take a step closer to death because you never water it and it's all the way up on that shelf and can't get any light.

Capricorn - It's a trap.

Aquarius - You are reading your horoscope.

Pisces - Preggers.

Image by ww.randi.org

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Image from: images.eonline.com

I must admit that my first thought upon hearing of the Police launching a reunion tour was a big shrug and a feeling that they would join the list of 'older' bands cashing in on the reunion big bucks lottery. But I would have a different reaction after catching the Police show at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Sunday, July 22/07.

My expectations were somewhat low after reading initial reviews of the Vancouver show that opened the tour, but I'm also old enough to know that one bad review means very little, especially in the case of a band that hadn't toured for over twenty plus years.

But we are talking about one of the defining bands of my generation, those of us between 40 and 50, who grew up as kids listening to the Beatles, Stones, and Zeppelin, and then grew into adulthood listening to the Police and U2. And the Police were as influential and successful as any band would ever dream of becoming. And once they got to the absolute top of the rock summit, they quietly went away, never to appear as touring band until this year.

So as I sat down and gazed towards a beautifully illuminated stage and felt the electricity of a packed house excitingly awaiting their idols and heroes, I must admit I could feel that pump of anticipation building. By the time the first chords of Andy Summer's guitar were ringing out Message In A Bottle, the whole house was on their feet. And most of us would stay that way for the duration of a very energetic and impeccably played performance that made me appreciate what a truly talented trio the Police are to this day.

It sounds corny and cliched, but the crowd was taken back 20 years to the height of the band. They looked great and played with a chemistry that showed not only their individual talents, but they truly looked like they were having the time of their lives and that they were enjoying entertaining us. And they did entertain us.

The set list included all of the obvious hits they would absolutely have to play, but they also threw in a couple of surprises, most notably a solid performance of Regatta de Blanc that had the whole crowd singing along and dancing like teens in their seats. Wrapped Around Your Finger brought about a momentary pause in the energy level of the crowd, but Stewart Copeland’s 'scientific' percussion playing was priceless.

So much of their music is the soundtrack of a generation's life that it did feel surreal at times watching the show. It was true professionalism and musicianship that very few people ever attain, and every aspect of the show was top notch.

The sound was excellent, especially for the ACC which can have it's moments. The stage was clean, very organized, and beautifully lighted all along its perimeter. The band looked amazing for their ages... yes Andy Summers is 62 but who cares? Music is ageless which the very divergent crowd proved as it incorporated three generations for the most part.

Sting was of course everything you would expect, but happier. It was like he was having a really good day and he wanted to let the whole world know it. In fact they all looked that way throughout the evening, smiling and laughing and having a grand ol' time. Sting even reminisced about the show they played at a Toronto landmark, the Horsehoe Tavern, during their first tour in which only a few people attended. It almost felt like one big love in instead of being just a rock show.

But this wasn't just a rock show. For many of us, this was our first opportunity to see a band that was the soundtrack of our young adult years. Every Breath You Take is the song that makes me remember the birth of my daughter a few months after its release because the words were so fitting, so even though I had heard it a thousand times before, I could feel goose bumps and the hair stand up on my neck because of the emotional connection which does not happen too often, especially today.

So the ambivalence and skepticism of my initial reaction to the Police tour has forever been changed. If they were doing this just for the money... who cares? They played one of the best shows I've ever been to, especially in a large venue, and they made all of us happy and almost giddy and feeling like we were about 20 years younger, even if only for a couple of hours.

I would say that that was money well spent and definitely well deserved. Thanks gentlemen for an amazing show. Hope to see you next time.

Thursday July 26, 2007

Empire Theatre

Belleville, Ontario

2006 image from www.kweevak.com

Try to imagine one of your all-time favourite bands and add that you can go see them anywhere you want. A big concert festival perhaps? Maybe a nice, intimate club? Or how about an average sized parking lot that holds maybe a thousand or so people? I'll take this last choice and that's exactly where I got to view one of my favourite bands, Cheap Trick, on Thursday night. The Empire Theatre... parking lot.

I know what you're thinking 'cause I thought the same. Cheap Trick? In a Belleville parking lot? What's up with that?

And you know what... I don't know what's up with that, and I definitely don't care after seeing them rock their butts off for nearly an hour and a half of energetic and inspired playing.

There was even an impressive video screen (as if we needed it) so that you could see the lads up real close if you so desired, and they don't really look any different from how I remembered them in the seventies (when I couldn’t admit to liking them for fear of being abused by my inner circle of Led Zep friends).

The stage was set up perfectly with black and white checkered amps and speakers, and even a box that I had no idea what it was there for until Rick Nielsen used it extensively to stand and preen all throughout the show.

Ah... Rick Nielsen. If ever there was a more unique and entertaining character in the world of rock, it is definitely this man. If I could sit down and have a few colds ones with any of my rock gods, it would now be Mr. Nielsen (my apologies Jimi Page, you've been temporarily relegated to number two).

I've always respected Nielsen as a great songwriter and guitarist, but I now know what a great performer he is. Talk about personality; this guy could have his own stand up act. His nonstop playing and singing were perfect. More importantly, he literally carried the show with his humour, banter, and genuine crowd interaction. With no slight intended to the others, they could very well be known as Rick Nielsen and Cheap Trick because of the energy and enthusiasm he displayed. Maybe it was the bugs?

The bugs!? Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the fact that Belleville must be the largest flying insect capital of Canada... er, Eastern Canada, that is. I know you Westerners outdo us in that department, but the band was spending a lot of time frantically avoiding insect digestion. Sometimes it looked like they were dodging bullets they were so frenetic, but it made for an awesome performance.

The playing was fantastic for a band that has been touring for thirty odd years. Tom Petersen played well and stepped up for his moment singing an inspired I Know What I Want, but for the most part he did what a good bass player is supposed to do, keep it steady.

Bun E. Carlos, one of my all-time favourite drummers, did not disappoint. This guy is solid and I always felt he carries the torch for all of us drummers/musicians who might not look like the stereotypical rock star. He could be an accountant for all we know, but he plays better than the Tommy Lees of the world (who might be aesthetically more pleasing).

Robin Zander was a surprise to me because although he performed well and even played guitar much better than I ever thought he could, I felt he was almost embarrassed to be there. He just didn't look comfortable. I don't think he uttered a word all night, which is very rare for a lead singer. His crowd interaction was minimal. Maybe he's been around Rick long enough to know that's Rick's forte. However, it would have been nice to see him get involved in the performance.

Technically, Rick's singing was very, very impressive. When he sang the intro to one of their biggest hits, The Flame, you would swear he was pulling an Ashley Simpson it sounded so much like the recording.

And the list of hits they played was what you would want and expect. Dream Police, I Want You To Want Me, Auf Wiedersen (my fave),Hello There, and even the theme from That 70's Show which was actually kinda strange because they could have played a dozen or so classics instead of playing that one.

But hey, this is Cheap Trick. They're a bit goofy, still a bit cute, definitely a bit strange, but a damn good live rock act that I am definitely going to see again - even if I have to drive to a small town parking lot an hour and a half away.

Medium to Small Capacity

Prior to attending the three band line-up at Richards on Richards, the only things I knew about the headlining act, Cary Brothers Band were: a) Cary Brothers is from Nashville, b) he is good friends with Zach Braff (who gave him a career break by putting his song 'Blue Eyes' on Garden State's soundtrack, c) Cary Brothers is one person, not a band, and d) I love his song, All the Rage.

As soon as Cary Brothers Band took the stage, it was obvious that he was no longer a one man show. Surprisingly, there were two extra guitarists, a keyboardist, and a drummer. Cary made a point (his first of many) of explaining that this was his first time playing with a band in Canada.

Cary Brothers Band began their set and the sound was pleasant, vocals on pitch, quite soothing. At times it was difficult to hear his lyrics as his words were never crisp or clear, more mumbled. The band appeared redundant as Cary's opener and following songs did not require, or fully utilize the band. The audience instantly recognized the lyrics to 'Ride' and you could see a few of the faithful singing along.

I found more gals were lingering in front of the stage than males; the fellows having drifted off towards the back of the dance floor. Unfortunately, I was also made aware of some gals in front/centre of the stage, hell bent on getting any band member's attention. This was done through hair flicking, nuzzling/ kissing one another if a band member glanced in their direction, taking pictures of themselves with their cells to 'share', leaning forward against the stage speakers, flashing wide smiles and laughing uproariously at some private joke one had whispered in another's ear - all while the band was in mid-song! I wondered what on earth they came for - the music, or a Cary Brothers' band member? Despite my lengthy history of concert attendance, this trio stumped me.

Cary Brothers Band third song was introduced with a story about a girl Cary dated who turned out to be 'crazy'; started stealing 'shit' from him and 'got crazier'. (Midway, he threw out a 'let's face it, all women are pretty crazy' generalization, searching the spattering of male faces for confirmation). He finished with, 'so I wrote this song about her' called, 'Something'. Along with his girlfriend woe stories, I found Cary Brothers' frat boy, 'Let's get drunk and party' attitude to be at odds with his articulate and sensitive music.

I was growing tired of the slow, moody set and became restless, standing, sitting, wandering, and seriously questioning if some interesting tunes would kick in. There was absolutely no interaction between Cary and his band and I would venture to guess that they didn't even know each other (and perhaps that is why he failed to introduce or even acknowledge them to the crowd?)

Voilá, the band launched into a rocking, solid song 'Supposed to be' with full band accompaniment and I finally got a glimpse of the talent that everyone else has been talking about. Brilliant performance. As well, when Cary launched into 'Waiting For Your Letter', the percussion was great, the band started interacting with each other, and the rhythm of the guitars was stirring. The full band complement sounded great in all the right places and I finally got excited about this band.

He proceeded into his next song by announcing 'This is for all of you motherfuckers in Canada. I was dating a gal in L.A. and things were crazy, but when we travelled to Canada everything was great. But as soon as we got back to L.A... she was miserable again and...' Hmm, I'm seeing a pattern in Cary's romantic relationships, and I doubt that it is always the girl who turns out to be the loose cannon. After the rousing intro ('Yeah and this is for you too, you fucker, watching Leno on T.V..' - directed to the DJ squirrelled away in his back booth and apparently with a T.V. on.) The song had a slow start but a good bridge, yet again the lyrics were indistinguishable.

As Cary chatted up the next tune I kept my fingers crossed for another up tempo tune to maintain the crowd's momentum. (I play for Jack Daniels he joked, so feel free to get me a couple.) But it wasn’t to happen. When he started to explain that he was a ‘child of the '80s' and the next song may have an '80s vibe, I (once again) became intrigued only to be left disappointed as he mumbled his way through yet another lovely, boring ballad. The Last One I had had enough. Too many times I had been prepared for something with meat, only to sit through another 'pretty' song.

Why does Cary Brothers need a band? While singing his ballads (the majority of his set) only his guitar is really needed, and any accompanying music was not distinguishable or set apart either through lights or physical positioning. Cary's singing was very nice, but his proximity to the mic made for a lot of muffled words and sounds.

Cary once said in an interview (on Zach Braff's site, I believe) that a singer needs to be fearless and willing to fall on his ass. ’... The people I respect the most as artists are the ones who fell and got back up again. I don't think you can really succeed until you stumble...'Given that Cary ascribes to this train of thought, I hope he will view his Richards on Richards performance as a 'stumble', return with more polished audience banter, reconfigure his song sequence, and thoroughly engage and utilize his band.

6/10

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Swank's Superficial observations. As usual, we feel it's our duty to make general, superficial and completely biased observations. (And we certainly aren't changing tradition this late into the game.)

The Richards on Richards crowd was small, with the top count at approximately 100. The male to female ratio was 50:50. Audience response to the bands had the males preferring Stars of Track and Field, whereas the females appeared more enamoured with The Cary Brothers. (Over the years we have noted that male interest in a band appears to be a good indicator of a band's public duration). The crowd was young, averaging 23 years of age (if even). The overall appearance of the crowd gave the impression of a college/university fan base. Definitely not trend-setters (nor followers) with jeans and sneakers being the uniform of choice.

The Stars of Track and Field were the second act in a three band lineup, with The Cary Brothers headlining. Mother Mother opened the show with SoTaF following. I have noted that the following words (lush, dreamy, atmospheric, rich, textured, layered) are often overused by the Media when describing SoTaF's music so I will attempt to avoid the list.

SoTaF is comprised of Kevin Calaba (vox, guitar), Jason Bell (vox, guitar) and Daniel Orvik (drums). The band's presentation is minimalistic, the sparse set allows focus on the music rather than a bells & whistles distraction. SoTaF bring to mind the art-house movie vibe - a tad pretentious, yet undeniably talented.

'Melodic precision', I had written repeatedly in my notebook. Kevin Cabala's vocals are achingly beautiful. He emits every emotion possible and his clear, fluid enunciation allowed me to recognize... how obscure the lyrics are! This is one area I had trouble with. I found it hard to fully appreciate the band's musical direction because of the obtuse lyrical content. Then again, it could be me who is obtuse, and the lyric's meaning/intent is very obvious to others. I also found that towards the end of the set, I was wishing for more diversity in the overall tone and tempo.

Kevin and Jason were good at engaging the crowd while staging the songs. Not having a bass player wasn't a detriment to this act, and perhaps even helped to push them more into the media spotlight (media jumped on their decision not to replace their bassist a couple of years ago). Their use, and manipulation of samplers, programmed fillers, and drum machine question the need for a bassist and provide a good marriage to their incredible vocals. Two songs were prefaced with, 'We haven't played these songs before', making the crowd feel as though we were privy to a secret preview. Sometimes I found the herky-jerky moves, jumps from the drum platform, and leg kicks were contrary to the songs' tempos. Jason's enthusiastic playing, and stage antics did not seem to correspond to the songs they were performing. In hindsight, I suppose they can't simply stand and harmonize a la balladeers, as the audience would eventually lose visual interest.

Also, Jason was intriguing to the point where I wish I had a mute switch. At times, his physical contortions and hand sweeps/flutters are so expressive I wanted to watch him perform (on mute) to try and determine which gestures went with which songs.

Superficially, the band's appearance left me with a couple of questions. Why is 'I miss you' written on Jason's guitar? Why do they wear neck kerchiefs/ scarves in every media photo (and apparently during gigs as well)? Why is there a cd taped into the Jason's guitar's soundhole, and how does that affect the overall guitar sound?

Stars of Track and Field are definitely an act to follow. Their sound is reminiscent of Doves, Coldplay, Starsailor, yet is not. I only give these comparisons as a nudge in a potential direction for those newbies ready to take in their concert. If you are expecting a jangly, jarring, ear vibrating rock act, this is not the band for you. If you are looking for a melodic alternative rock act, with an art-house aesthetic, then you're in the right place.

8/10

Set List

Centuries,Arithmatik, Say Hello, In Bright Fire, Dying of Light, Movies of Antarctica, Exit the Recital, With You, This Could Break Your Heart

Upcoming Tour Dates

With The Cary Brothers

7/18/07 Bourbon Street @ Big Easy, Boise, ID

7/19/07 Burt's Tiki Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT

7/21/07 Soiled Dove, Denver, CO

7/23/07 The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE

7/24/07 Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN

7/26/07 Schubas Tavern, Chicago, IL

With Smashing Pumpkins

7/27/07 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA

7/28/07 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA

With The Cary Brothers

7/29/07 El Mocambo, Toronto, ON

7/30/07 Petit Campus, Montreal

7/31/07 Higher Ground, Burlington, VT

8/1/07 Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton, MA

8/3/07 Paradise Lounge, Boston, MA

8/4/07 Belleayre Music Festival, Highmount, NY

8/6/07 Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

8/7/07 Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, Atlantic City, NJ

8/8/07 World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA

8/9/07 Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA

8/10/07 Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC

8/11/07 Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA

8/12/07 Zydeco, Birmingham, AL

8/14/07 Exit Inn, Nashville, TN

8/15/07 Blueberry Hill St. Louis, MO

8/17/07 House of Blues, Dallas, TX

8/18/07 Stubb's Bar-B-Que, Austin, TX

8/20/07 Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ

8/21/07 Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA

8/22/07 Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA

Bumbershoot 2007

9/2/07 Bumber Shoot, Seattle, WA

View a hilarious video interviewing SoTaF at

Stars of Track and Field

Stars of Track and Field Myspace

Windup Records

Hailing from Dallas, Texas The Polyphonic Spree have found their niche in the indie market thanks to the hard work, self promotion and thorough dedication of founder, Tim DeLaughter.

Images from www.petenema.com/concert

The core members in The Polyphonic Spree are Tim DeLaughter, Mark Pirro, and Brian Wakeland joined by a continuous revolving influx of 7-20 musicians. For those in the 'music know' the three main members of TPS are also the former members of Tripping Daisy, a popular 90's act which disbanded after drummer, Wes Berggren's, unexpected death.

With a firm nod to Electric Light Orchestra as an acknowledged influence, DeLaughter has transformed his musical vision into a concrete choral rock show slightly similar to Arcade Fire, and definitely sharing AF's leading fan, David Bowie. And who are we to argue given Bowie's musical track record?

On to the show.

The Commodore was packed - not sold out to-the-rafters packed, but legally full. The material stretched across the front of the stage (serving as both stage curtain and screen for various video montages) was a classic TPS prop. One that already had the crowd clapping in frenzied anticipation. The dance floor was already 15 rows deep with expectant, sweat sheened bodies staring at the stage, as if willing some thing, some one to appear and begin the show.

Images from www.petenema.com/concert

It worked. Starting off as some acapella, karaoke-tinged sing along came the chant, “... No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me. With just a pocketful of hope. Money for dope. Money for rope...” then swelling to the familiar refrain, 'All I want is the truth. Just gimme some truth now' Voila, DeLaughter had the audience singing John Lennon's Give Me Some Truth like a fully rostered church choir. Alongside the floor, launcher cannons were intermittently shooting confetti and streamers overhead.

TPS is very dramatic with their melodies, instruments, random objects, physical presence, and use of space. Every single thing available is utilized, every space occupied to ensure their message/music is heard. The 20+ entourage of musicians included a 6 member back ground choir, a string section, a full-sized harp, four horns, a flutist, two drummers, and a pair of keyboards/typewriter (perhaps a prop with sound sampler?). Even the arguably, over the top actions of DeLaughter's, like his grand entrance using scissors to cut through the material/screen, I deemed fabulous. (Hey! I was caught up in the moment.)

Images from www.petenema.com/concert

With being a somewhat cheesy, drama queen, I was eating this up. Frankly, if I was to shell out a chunk of change to see a relatively uncharted act (TPS was voted 2nd worst act of 2004, just behind William Hung) I would demand my money's worth. And yes, a band can deliver on talent alone, but sometimes one needs some 'shtick' or 'oomph' to feel monetarily vindicated. With such a strong opening, I was starting to think that TPS could do no wrong.

And here's where my minor, morning-after-regrets/ complaints kick in. The sound level was too much, especially given that many musicians/singers on stage. It isn't necessary to have all decibels pushing into the red and thus beyond the limits of the average ear. I wonder how many fans' ears were still ringing two days after the fact?

As well, for a lyric-phile such as myself, there's not enough meat in TPS's song repertoire for me to chew on. ... You don't see me fly into the red one more. You're nuts. Just follow the day. Follow the day and reach for the SUN!!... or ... Hail to the sky. Time to watch the show. Trees wanna grow, grow, grow, grow. Still a man. It seems the time has gone away but all at once you knew your mission well... just do not 'speak' to me. Yes, I know there are a few songs with sentences thrown in that appear to have more substance, but I shouldn't have to search.

DeLaughter's talented back up singers brought attention to his limited vocals. Rather than playing on, adding to, or filling out his vocals, the singers' (and audience's) voices actually amplified and drowned out the lead singer's weaker efforts. That's not to say that TPS has weak vocals. The frontman's vocals just weren't housed and presented properly.

As personable as DeLaughter's audience interaction was, at times it appeared forced and unnecessary. He was trying to whip the already hyped and appreciative audience into further frenzy. (Come on, this is Canada. We don't readily subscribe to frenzy as easily as our Southern counterparts.) He also did his 'Apology on behalf of Americans for Bush being President'. A standard that is so familiar to Canadians it would only capture our attention if an American band didn't apologize for its leader.

Images from www.petenema.com/concert

Now, after having said all of that, I still feel the concert was excellent. The sheer amount of effort put forth, both musically and physically, allows DeLaughter to be forgiven any weaknesses. The show's encore found the band discarding the army uniforms (with red crosses) in favour of TPS's familiar long robes. Band members wove in and out of the audience while singing the encore songs, including some covers (one being Nirvana's 'Lithium'; very appropriate given the audience's mood altered appearance after attending a TPS concert).

Although I enjoy TPS's cds, it's their live act that peddles the goods. A cold cd with 'good' music cannot capture and contain the band's personality, atmosphere and ambience in the way their live show does. If you are already a big fan of The Polyphonic Spree's music, than it is imperative that you attend a show to fully appreciate the band's offerings. Attending a TPS show is similar to attending a church revival. I am positive some fans were 'healed' of some unknown ailment/malady while in the audience tonight. Never before have I seen a more elated group of people as I did tonight.

8.5/10

pegasusnews.com

The Polyphonic Spree is currently touring North America to promote the June, 2007, release of The Fragile Army.

Windsorstore.com has dresses for the casual, club, or girly girl. If you don't feel like shopping by lifestyle, try specific dress requests like 'polka-dotted' or 'gold' dresses. The site also has a 'most popular search' feature which allows you to see what others are considering 'trendy' and 'hot' at the moment.

Finally, the prices are shopper friendly (even moreso for those of us with Canadian dollars clanking about in our pockets). And even more shopper friendly considering known designer names like, Nick Verreos (made popular through Project Runway) are featured at great prices. Nick's popular dress, Addison, is on sale for $49.00 from $110.00, and his Justina dress is on sale for $29.00. Imagine, the perfect little black dress for under $30.00? Unheard of. There's nothing I like better than a good dress scoop.

I think I will be spending a lot of my July hours racking up my Visa with windsorstore.com dresses. Check it out.

Windsor Store

Images from windsorstore.com

One of the hottest crazes to hit the toy market recently are VooDoo Dolls. VooDoo Dolls are cute little dolls that are made out of a single piece of string; they are used primarily as backpack and cell phone ornaments, and are big hits with Asian celebrities.

With prices between $10 and $20 (Cdn), the recently opened VooDoo Palace in Aberdeen Mall, Richmond has seen the dools flying off the shelves. No wonder, since VooDoo Palace is the only Canadian retailer of these hot, hot items. Only 200 locations world wide stock the dolls, which come in 70 different types.

Image from grandworldinc.en.alibaba.com

Lately I've been actually falling asleep as I drive home from work. Why, you ask? Too many late nights is the answer. And just what is it that I'm doing up, so late at night, you ask? Watching 'Life on Mars' is the answer!

Yup, 'Life on Mars' now heads the top of my list as my all-time favourite TV show. It starts off in modern-day Manchester: a CDI is investigating a serial killer. He removes a female detective from the case, amidst her protests. Getting back to the station, he receives a call from her: she has defied his orders, has tailed the suspect to his home, and she now has him in her... (insert screaming here).

Cut to next shot: the police have cordoned off the area from which their colleague has been kidnapped. The inspector leaves - but wait: he's crying! Yes, the female officer was his girlfriend. He's so distraught, he almost causes a car accident, but, being a conscientious policeman, he stops his car, gets out... only to get run over by passing vehicle. We see his body bouncing down the road...

The next thing we know, it's 1973. The soundtrack is awesome, the clothes are hilarious, and the attitudes and ethics of the cops of the time leave a lot to be desired.

Our hero, you see, has woken up in 1973. He's still on the force, but has all his 2007 knowledge without the technology. He's new to the area, and was found lying in the road, having been hit by a car, so everyone thinks his odd behaviour is due to the accident.

Together with his old-school boss, he's got his first case - which is eerily similar to the one he just left way back in 2007.

A crazy concept, but it works. I am sooo hooked.

Image from www.020.com/webs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - I'm sure the old quote goes something like that.

Anyway, that is certainly in keeping with the philosophy of Prevention magazine, which has been around for years now offering great advice on diet, fitness and general good health.

So, in keeping with my new trend towards a healthier lifestyle, I recently picked up a copy of Prevention magazine (www.prevention.com). My mom subscribed to Prevention for years, and it has not changed much: it is still packed full of sound nutritional advice, good fitness tips, as well as the occasional uplifting and inspirational story. I find that it can be a little heavy on the naturopathic supplements, sometimes; I used to find, as well, that it recommended walking as practically a cure-all for everything (although this in this recent issue I picked up, the trend has changed a bit there).

But overall, it is a good little magazine for the health conscious. I've noticed it's frequently on the pile of magazines that collects at doctor's offices, and you know what they say - 9 out of 10 doctors can't be wrong.

I recently read Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail' (1998), and was immediately struck by the desire to walk our own West Coast Trail. Of course, every time I read a book or article or travel guide that outlines one of these long trek-type journeys, I get the itch. The big difference is, Bryson tells his story with such self-effacing humour that even his pain is a joy to read about.

Bryson outlines his struggles finding someone to accompany him on his quest, and then further regales us with his struggles coping with his new-found trailmate. Along the way we learn a lot: about the history of the trail, the numbers and types of songbirds that used to inhabit the East Coast, the vagaries of the climate of each particular region he passes through, the death of many of the native trees, deaths and murders on the trail, and so on. It is a fun, fact-filled book that made me want to read more Bryson.

And read I can - I currently am part way through a copy of 'The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got that Way' (1990), but Bryson is even better known for the following works: 'Notes from a Big Country' (1998); 'Notes from a Small Island' (1995), and'A Short History of Nearly Everything' (2003).

I predict there will lots to read in my near future...

image from riannanworld.typepad.com/

this link:

Originally they approached Richard Dawkins about being the keynote speaker, but unfortunately he's in the Galapagos and had to send his regrets. Now that would have been a gem in my CV: 'Opened for Richard Dawkins'. Also, check out the delightful poster featuring funked-up versions of Charles and Geoffrey:

this link:

If you want to learn more about the 'Origin of Species in Dub' project you can listen to mp3s and such at this link:

this link:

In the past week I've had performances in Bath (where the Wife was right at home), Nottingham, Birmingham, Brighton and Essex. Five weeks into my UK tour, I now have only two weeks left here before heading back to Canada for some Fringe Festivals. Speaking of which, I think this would be a good time to plug the upcoming Fringe blitz. If any of you have friends in Montreal (June 7-16), Ottawa (June 17-24), or Toronto (July 4-15), I will be performing in all three and would be happy for people to meet, people to stay with, or especially people to play to. Invite them to come to the show and bring the extended family. Good times, laughs, and thought provocation are guaranteed. You can check out the complete schedule here:

this link:

Also, brace yourselves, my brother and I are going back to Edinburgh in August for another full run with an updated version of the show (featuring projected illustrations), and this time we're bringing friends. This came about in a bizarre way, since I had no venue and no plan to return until literally the day before the deadlines closed, but long story short I was offered a choice time slot in a choice venue at the last minute and decided to go for it. I will be performing every night at 8:45 pm at the Roman Eagle Lodge from August 4th - 26th.

I also got a venue for Aaron Ross to preview his album to a world audience, so he will be doing a musical cabaret show every evening as well for the first week of the festival. For those of you just tuning in, I signed Aaron to my label earlier this year and we have been working on his record all spring. It's in the mix process right now and is sounding incredible, so rest assured you will be hearing more about him soon.

So, if any of you know anyone in Edinburgh, I am looking for affordable accommodations for the three of us there for the month of August. To give you a sense of proportion, I recently inquired about renting a three bedroom basement suite in town and was told the festival rate was £4500 for the month. Hmm, time to pitch a tent on Arthur's Seat?

There's a new episode of my Lit-Hop Podcast now posted online if any of you want a little dose of Lit-Hop to tide you over. I've been recording loads of new songs and collaboraions since I've been here, and the verses are flowing like cask ale. Download or subscribe at this link:

this link:

I'm leaving in an hour to catch a plane to Germany, where the University of Munster has booked two days of events, workshops and performances. No rest for za vicked.

Cheerio,

baba Baba in Bath Image from johnmacdonald.com

It's also Day 2 of my personal Drive Safely campaign. I'm now keeping watch on my speedometer to ensure I don't exceed (by too much) the speed limits. I try to make sure that I always use the turn signals when I'm supposed to, even when there are no other cars or pedestrians within sight. I try to be considerate to motorcyclists and other drivers by giving way sometimes.

It's Day 3 of my Living Healthy experiment. Been taking some herbal products and working out a bit. Combined with the no-coffee experiment, though, means the results are as yet fuzzy. Again, it's still early days.

This is also Day 4 of another experiment. Slow going on that front, however. (Experiment soon to be posted) http://sashi.wordpress.com/

The Click 5

Modern Minds and Pastimes

Andrea Corr

Ten Feet High

Meg & Dia

Something Real

Pearl Jam

Live At The Gorge 05/06

White Stripes

Icky Thump (Vinyl – Ltd)

JULY 3

Cornielle

The Birth Of Cornelius

Mark Olsen

The Salvation Blues

Operator

Soulcrusher

Soundtrack

Talk To Me

Soundtrack

Transformers – The Album

Paul Simon

Essentials (2CD, 2CD/1DVD)

T.I.

T.I. vs T.I.P. Various

The Classic Collection: Vol. 2 Classic Caribbean JULY 10

Against Me!

New Wave (CD, CD/DVD)

Justice

† Soundtrack

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Soundtrack

Smashing Pumpkins

Zeitgeist

Pegi Young

Pegi Young

JULY 17 Laurie Anderson

Big Science

Avenged Sevenfold

All Excess (DVD)

Blue Collar Comedy Tour

The Truckload Sale (4 CD Set)

The Cribbs

Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

Strata

Presents The End Of The World

Various

The Gift – A Tribute To Ian Tyson

JULY 24 The Doors

Live in Boston (3 CD)

The Federation

It’s Whateva

Silverchair

Young Modern

AUGUST 7

Boyz N Da Hood

D Book Up In Da Chevy

Belinda Brady

Naked

Idiot Pilot

Wolves

Plies

The Real Testament

Various

The Classic Collection: Vol. 3 Classic New Wave

AUGUST 14

Elephant Man

Let’s Get Physical

Talib Kweli

Ear Drum

Lori McKenna

Unglamorous

Queensryche

Mindcrime At The Moore (2 CD, 2 DVD)

Twista

Adrenaline Rush 2007

AUGUST 21

Riko Kiley

Under The Black Light

Daniel Powter

Daniel Powter (MVI)

AUGUST 28

The Spill Canvas

TBD

Uncle Kracker

TBD

Yung Joc

Hustlenomics

SEPTEMBER 11

Hot Hot Heat

Happiness Ltd (CD, CD/DVD)

SEPTEMBER 18

Armor For Sleep

TBD

James Blunt

All The Lost Souls

H.I.M.

Venus Doom (CD, Vinyl)

Kid Rock

TBD

Kevin Michael

Kevin Michael

Randy Travis

TBD

SEPTEMBER 25

Iron & Wine

The Shepards Dog

TBS SEPTEMBER Josh Groban

TBD

Faith Hill

The Hits (CD, CD+DVD)

Madonna

Best Of Remixes

Seal

TBD

OCTOBER 2

Matchbox Twenty

Greatest Hits

Trey Songz

Trey Day

OCTOBER 30

Michael Buble

Let It Snow (EP)

TBS OCTOBER/b

Larry the Cable Guy

“TBD – Xmas” (CD)

Various Artists

Live Earth (2 DVD + CD)

ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE

The Click 5 from tummymonsters.com Elephant Man from rollingstone.com Matchbox Twenty from matchboxtwenty.com Larry the Cable guy image from whatshappeningmemphis.com