Crash's Chats, Special Edition

The Fox's own Mark Roberts has become known as the Susan Lucci of Fredericton after 6 consecutive ECMA nominations and no wins. On the eve of his 7^th appearance* as a nominee, he granted only one interview...with me.

Below is a “Barbara Walters inspired” special edition of Crash’s Chats. Watch as I tackle the tough questions which take Mark through a series of emotions ranging from joy and excitement, to complete shame and embarrassment. It’s all here in Mark Roberts: The Road to ECMA Glory


*The ECMA's will be handed out this weekend in Moncton.

Cheers,
-Crash-


**Blog Bonus**
Here’s a video of Mark Performing one of his songs at Dolan’s:

Geeking Out To Music

I’ve never really thought of myself as a collector. Sure, I have a collection of music at home, but it had never really occurred to me that the word could be used to describe me; I’d simply liked music, so I bought albums. When I think of a collector, I think of it as a somewhat geeky term; like I have a quantity of items that can never be touched or opened and are only for display; that can’t be me. Then I realize: it is...in a way.

I’ve always been one to appreciate the whole album-buying experience. I like the anticipation of the release date; and then the anticipation of going out after work and picking it up at the store,  ripping open the plastic wrap and popping the disc into the player. I like flipping through the liner notes and looking at the artwork before I put the car into drive and head off, with the stereo cranked; experiencing the words and sounds for the first time. 

After a few days of repeated listens (if it’s an artist or an album I really enjoy, sometimes it stays in the car for weeks) the CD eventually finds its place, alphabetically, on my shelf; into my collection. Every once in awhile I take it out to admire and enjoy, but for the most part, it’s had its time and now it has its place.

So, yeah, I guess I’m a collector.

I mention this, because I was recently interviewed by a fellow collector. Brad Schofield authors a blog called Maritime Vinyl, which is basically a music geek’s blog for music geeks, about music geeks. Initially I was worried my collection wasn’t impressive enough...or that I wasn’t a true collector – Uncle Rob actually has a few things he hasn’t opened! – but I was assured it didn’t matter. So, I answered his questions and snapped some pictures.   You can read my interview HERE. (Uncle Rob was interviewed about a month ago...you can read his feature HERE)

I hope you enjoy. If you’re a collector and would like to be featured, Brad’s always looking for fellow music geeks to interview. Drop him a line – you can follow him on twitter too.

-Crash-

The Good Kind of Selling Out

Sell-Out:
1) an entertainment, as a show or athletic event, for which all seats are sold.
2) a person who compromises his or her personal values, integrity, talent, or the like, for money or personal advancement.

The Trews experienced a sell out Saturday night, as we packed the Capital Exhibit Centre for a night of rock, sing-alongs and booze. The band, from Antigonish NS, is known for their energetic, tightly executed live show, and they’ve been to Fredericton so many times, it’s highly unlikely you haven’t seen them rip it up. Each time they come to town we know what to expect, which is likely why we uncharacteristically bought all of the tickets a few days BEFORE the show. If we did this more often, perhaps we’d get more quality shows…just sayin’.

Anyway, The Trews never disappoint and they’re always the talk of the town when they play here. Although, there was that one time when Thornley kinda made me forget they had also played; and he was the opening act…but I digress. Saturday night was another in a long line of fantastic performances from a band we’re proud to say is from the East Coast, and with their multiple ECMA nominations this year for Hope & Ruin, they were in fine form on the final night of their latest Atlantic tour.  They were obviously feeding off the energy of a packed house, and that only got the crowd more into it as well.





Rock shows are fun in general. A whole host of characters come out to partake in the experience, and you can see some interesting things if you’re lucky enough.  For instance, at one point, during the break between the opening act, Poor Young Things, and the headliner, I was in line for the washroom. The Fox was proud to be presenting the show, so, naturally, we had some signs and banners up around the venue. The Capital Exhibit Centre should host more shows, by the way. One area which we logoed up was the men’s bathroom (possibly the ladies room too…I don’t know; I don’t frequent that area).

As I stood in line, waiting to relieve my bladder, I noticed one of the two banners in the men’s room was starting to fall down. So did another man. I watched him approach the banner, thinking he was going to fix the problem; awfully kind of him, I thought. He then proceeded to rip it down. Curious, I continued to watch him as he folded it up. Taking that with you? I asked. Oh yeah, she’s evidence now… he said as he walked out. Evidence to what, I don’t know…perhaps evidence that he was at the show…or that he’s a fan. Either way, it made me laugh.

A little while (and a couple of beer) later I was again in the men’s room. Forgive me for the bathroom talk, but the funny encounters of the evening, for me, occurred there. As I stood in the restroom, a young man recognized me and began chatting. He told me he was a fan and listened all the time. I said thanks. I don’t really know what more one should say to a complete stranger while you each stand there with your…business at hand (so to speak). Randy, it was nice to meet you…and really, thanks for listening, man.

It was also during the same pit-stop that I witnessed the 2^nd Fox banner being taken down…by the same guy as before.  Taking that one too, are ya? I said. This time around, the guy recognized me and asked my permission, haha. He was a big Fox fan. It was funny. Enjoy the banners, man.

Overall, it was a great night: a sell-out crowd; The Trews rocked; Poor Young Things made an impression; and, thankfully, I wasn’t the one who had to clean up all of the cans from the floor at the end. Seriously, they have recycling bins all over the place…what gives, people? If you feel like you missed out, maybe this will teach us to buy tickets early rather than procrastinate…we, as a city, are terrible for that. Here’s to selling out!...y'know, the good kind. 




Uncle Rob gets a shout-out!


-Crash-

A Conversation w/ Ian Thornley (Big Wreck)

In 1997 – at the blossoming of my own personal musical tastes – Big Wreck released their debut album, which made an impact across the country and remains as one of my favourite albums from one of my favourite bands. In 2001 the band released their second album, The Pleasure & The Greed and then, the following year, they broke up.

Following the breakup, Ian Thornley adopted his last name as his band moniker, releasing Come Again in 2004 and then Tiny Pictures in 2009. The differences between the two were subtle, but certainly noticeable: Thornley was much more of a straight-ahead hard rock sound, while Big Wreck incorporated a more layered and stylized blues vibe. Thornley’s vocal style was always unmistakeable, though, and live, he would break into the better known songs from the Big Wreck catalogue.

In 2010, Thornley reconnected with his former Big Wreck band mate, Brian Doherty. They began touring together and, eventually, the gigs were labelled as “Ian Thornley & Big Wreck”. This reconnection between old friends has resulted in a new album of material which, at least initially, wasn’t labelled as either project. However, once they got into the studio, it became clear that the music they were making was Big Wreck, and that is why, ten years after they broke up, the band is releasing their 3^rd album, Albatross.




Albatross is also the name of the first single.

I got a chance to chat with Ian Thornley - on the phone - about Albatross, which is due out March 6^th. We talked about playing live; the state of music today; his mixed feelings towards Twitter & social Media; and why sometimes, he just “wants a hug”. **Below is the extended chat, with conversation left off of the broadcast this afternoon**





Thanks for listening; hope you enjoyed.
-Crash-

Special Delivery From The Delivery Boy of Rawk

THE SET UP:
Ross Neilsen is headed to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge. It’s a great honour for the musician; however, it’s not a cheap trip, getting there. So, a fundraiser to help send him to Beale St. was organized by the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, who will kick off their Winter Blues Series with Ross’ SOLD OUT show, tonight at Dolan’s.

Ross is competing in the Solo category, so it will be a solo set to kick off the evening, to give us a taste of what he’ll be doing in Memphis. That solo set will be followed by a full band set, featuring some special guests, including Thom Swift and the 2010 IBC champ, Mat Andersen.

THE INTERVIEW:
In December, Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards returned from yet another nationwide tour and upon arrival in their New Brunswick homeland, Ross and his Drummer Karl Gans officially said goodbye to longtime bass player Shawn Wardon.  The moniker “Sufferin’ Bastards” has since been dropped from the band name.

There are reasons for the parting of ways with the musicians and Ross doesn’t much like talking about it. So, when he dropped into the station, alst week, for an interview, we didn’t really get into that (You can read about it here). Though we did talk about what 2012 holds for him, including, among other things, the search for a new bass player; his plans for both a new solo and band album; His Song-A-Week Challenge; and his other passion: food.

Below is my full, uncut conversation with the “Delivery Boy of Rawk”, Ross Neilsen (**Please note, the interview was conducted prior to the show selling out**):





Ross, foolishly, didn’t bring a guitar with him, however, he tuned the old guitar Uncle Rob leaves lying around the Fox-Hole and did a previously unreleased song. Below he gives a bit of background on the song before performing:





Hope you enjoyed. Tell your friends.
Cheers,
-Crash-

My Favourite Albums of 2011

2011, as it turned out, was a pretty great year for music. This fact, however, makes selecting my favourite albums of the past 12 months that much more challenging.

Last year, I opted to run a top 5 list: five separate blog posts, which elaborated on my selections as I counted down my top 5 albums of the year. I intended to do the same this year. However, as time went on, I got increasingly busier until suddenly, I just didn’t have the time to present my list in the manner which I’d intended. (It’s fitting, then, that a few of the albums I’ve selected for this year-end list deal with time: the passing of it; spending it; wasting it). So, instead of 5 posts...this is one long post. Sorry.

I’m no critic or music journalist; I’m just a fan. So, while there are certainly critically acclaimed albums on my list, I relied only on my own ears and brain. If the music I listened to evoked emotions in me, or made me think, or just simply entertained me, I’ve included it here. These are the albums I’ve gone back to time and time again all year...in some cases, literally since January. Hopefully you’ll agree...and if don’t, that’s fine; this is simply what I’ve liked. Feel free to post your own favourites below in the comments.

MY TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2011 (In no particular order; though I suppose I did start at #1)

--FOO FIGHTERS - WASTING LIGHT (APRIL 12, 2011)



I’ve never hidden my geek fandom for this band, so this should come as a shock to no one, but I can’t deny that the band made a truly fantastic rock album. Wasting Light debuted at No.1 in 9 countries and went on to be nominated for 6 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year – no easy feat for a rock n roll band these days. Adele is likely going to win that one, but Foo Fighters accomplished this by going back to basics...albeit with millions of dollars at their disposal.

The album was recorded by Butch Vig (who did Nevermind) in Dave Grohl’s garage, using only analog tape. There are no digital tricks to this album; it’s five guys making music together. From the buzzing guitar intro and scream of Bridge Burning’s opening line, to the final cries of Walk, Wasting Light is quite possibly the best thing this band has done since 1997. The first half of the record moves at a break-neck pace from Bridge Burning to lead single Rope. Bob Mould of Husker Du makes a nice appearance on Dear Rosemary and the band gets thrashy with White Limo before going back to the “quiet, loud, quiet” formula for the insanely catchy Arlandria. These Days falls right in the middle of the record, and seems to be the turning point.

 I’ll admit that once Back & Forth starts, my enthusiasm dips a bit. It’s a fun song with a Cheap Trick kind of vibe, but I find it tiring.  A Matter of Time follows and similarly bores me now with its repetitiveness. Although I really like Miss The Misery, I can admit that it might also be considered a piece of filler. Thankfully the album goes out on a high note...two of them, in fact.

Reuniting Grohl & Vig with Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic offers one of the most poignant moments on Wasting Light. I Should Have Known could be about anything, but it’s hard not to draw the connection to Kurt Cobain. The atmosphere of the song alone is haunting and Novoselic’s grungy bass line cuts through the bridge to really hammer home the emotional release the songs evokes. Then with Walk, after spending most of the album looking at the past, Grohl sets his eyes on the future. The screaming refrain of “I Never Wanna Die” show a man (and a band) renewed; ready to keep going. As a fan, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Album Stand-out: I got to see them live this year...here’s one of my favourite from the album from their show in Montreal:





--HEY ROSETTA! - SEEDS (FEBRUARY 15, 2011)



Easily my favourite Canadian album of the year – and strong contender for over-all favourite album -  Hey Rosetta’s Seeds has been close to my CD player since it was released. It’s a little more upbeat than the band’s previous album, which is a welcome decision. It showcases the energy the band exhibits in their live show and Tim Baker’s lyrics are like poetic stories. The songs, as the title of the album suggests, imbed themselves in your head and grow and change with each listen. In fact, many of the songs speak of change and the passing of time as we grow older.

 The lead single Welcome is about the birth of a child and realising that you’re getting older and reflecting on the life you’ve lived to this point, and what brought you here and what’s to come not only for a newborn, but yourself.  The orchestral sound of the band (they have a small string section as permanent band members) creates a layered hypnotic effect which allows the listener to experience the songs rather than just hear them. Depending on your mood, the songs affect could change with each listen. It’s a true full album experience, which i continue to enjoy even 12 months after the fact. Each time I play it seems new.

Album Stand-out: There were many contenders, but I’ll go with the acoustic finisher, Bandages:





-- THE BLACK KEYS - EL CAMINO (DECEMBER 6, 2011)



The duo from Akron, Ohio topped my list last year with the outstanding, funky soul of Brothers. This year, they pump up the energy with a quickly paced blues-rock triumph. The tone of the record is set with the opening guitar riff of Lonely Boy and from there progresses to the raw energy felt on previous Black Keys albums, infused with that full-band sound found on last year’s offering.

The album was actually written, for the most part, in the studio as the band took breaks from touring over the past year. That jam-packed schedule makes itself known in the frenetic pace of the music on El Camino. These are some of the fastest tempos the band has had on a record and the whole thing is best experienced loud – as the packaging indicates. From one song to the next, this band demonstrates their ability to write radio hooks without sounding like anyone else in the mainstream. Their blues influences are string, and songs like Little Black Submarines sound as if Led Zeppelin jammed with Tom Petty. Then there’s the soulful R & B underlying it all. Sister sounds like a beat one might hear on a Michael Jackson record.

The band continues to impress me, and it’s no wonder they’re the buzz band of the last couple of years. After 10 years as a band, the attention is well deserved. Do yourself a favour and check out their back catalogue too.

Album Stand-out: Tough to choose just one, but I’ll go with Little Black Submarines as my earliest favourite:





--ELLIOTT BROOD - DAYS INTO YEARS (SEPTEMBER 27, 2011)



As I mentioned, many of the albums on my list consist of themes of time and change and reflection. Ontario’s Elliott Brood imply that theme with the title of their latest effort. As a fan of this band for a few years now, I was eagerly awaiting this release. The band is hard to define in a single genre, so alt-country-folk-rock is probably the best description. Their songs imbue a laid back, down-home relaxing vibe; the album sounds like a band relaxing on a back porch reflecting on life. In fact, the band makes reference to that in the single If I Get Old.

In the albums’ opening song, Lindsay, the words speak of cleaning out an old family home before it’s demolished, finding relics which remind the subject of days gone by. Other songs, like Northern Air, are inspired by the band’s visit to a military cemetery in France where the bodies of Canadian Soldiers from World War 1 lay to rest. The folk-aspect of these songs brings you to that time; the songs feel like they’re embodied by someone from those early decades in the 1900’s.
One thing which is a welcome addition the band’s sound is that of the electric guitar, which adds extra atmosphere and energy to the songs. While the album is best enjoyed just kicking back and listening, it’s also a nice companion on an afternoon drive through the country (as I’ve done many times visiting family) or on a stroll or a bike ride at dawn or dusk (y’know during the warmer months...).

Album Stand-out:  The album’s opening song, Lindsay:






-- JAY-Z & KANYE WEST - WATCH THE THRONE (AUGUST 8, 2011)



Yup, a rap record in my Top 5. Look, Hip-Hop doesn’t really do it for me on most occasions, but I have always had a soft-spot for Jay-Z. The man knows how to put words together and spin a verse, and Kanye West, for his part, is no slouch (his ego and personal matters aside). The fact that two of the biggest names in the game got together to make an album garnered a tremendous amount of hype; the fact that the album lives up to that kind of hype is impressive.

Hip-Hop, essentially, is about ego. So maybe it’s not for everyone. Maybe Watch The Throne is just two egomaniacs telling everyone they’re egomaniacs...but that’s why it’s great. It’s a fun album. These two know who they are, and they know everyone knows who they are, so they revel in that ego and have assembled a collection of music that is catchy, in your face and lyrically impressive. Their rhymes tell stories as much as anyone else did on my year-end list, and they did it in a way that I can’t get out of my head.

Album Stand-out: I was first introduced to one of the songs via the trailer for the upcoming film, Safe House...so No Church In The Wild is my choice (plus it's one of the cleanest songs on the album...):






HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

 I really loved Steve Earle’s I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive – especially after seeing him perform at the Playhouse – and the so-called “Year of Adele” is because her album 21 is an emotionally raw collection of heartbreak that is truly one of the best albums of the year...but it’s just not something I’ve listened to repeatedly, as was the criteria for my list. Chevelle put out a new one which may be their best since Wonder What’s Next, and The Decemberists spent a good while in my player and on my mind with The King is Dead.

Locally – and regionally – there were a few stand-out albums as well: Keith Hallet sounds like the incarnate soul of Son House on his impressive album, I Just Lost My Mind. Andrew Hunter & The Gatherers’ Warhorses sat in my car player for weeks on end, and both the Westerberg Suicides & She Roars delivered pop-rock at its finest with their respective albums.

Looking ahead to 2012, I’m excited for new music from Big Wreck, Our Lady Peace, Sleepydriver...and that’s just the Canadian Content. Yeah, 2012 should be a good one.

Happy New Year!
-Crash-

Breakfast, Philosophy & Milk on a Monitor

I’ve made a discovery: Life, and its meaning, is something which has perplexed humanity for centuries - and I’ve figured it out: Life...is simply questions and answers. I’ve come to this conclusion after laughing uproariously at a video on youtube while eating breakfast*; proof that philosophical conversation can be born of both the ridiculous and the mundane. I’ve posted the video below, but please bear with me as I elaborate on my thought.

My wife and I got married about a year and half ago. Like most couples, we went through the intense scrutiny of our family and friends during the entire dating/engagement/marriage process. In fact, we continue to be under said scrutiny – and as a man in a relationship, I feel I’ve been, and continue to be, under the most.

When you’re dating, everyone asks when you’ll get married, which is more a question of when you’ll smarten up and buy a ring for the poor girl. My simple, on me-word answer was always: “someday”. That’s funny to your girlfriend once or twice before it becomes a nagging form of resentment, so use it sparingly if you’re serious. Once engaged, the question is when you’ll actually be getting married. That question, at least, is easily answered with the date – which you’ve set after a quick conversation with your fiancé where you try to prolong it a little more for “preparations”, and she decides for you. Then, you’re married and it’s automatically: “When are you gonna have kids?” Eventually your wife will join in on this question and your life will never be the same.

I have reached this line of questioning. I continually revert to my engagement answer of “someday” which is proving more and more difficult to sell. It’s not that I don’t want to be a dad; because I do. Why try so hard to have people like me when I can just make my own people, who will love me unconditionally? – that’s my thought process.

However, I also realize that child-rearing will pose its obstacles and this forces me to ask myself even further questions: Will I be a disciplinarian; will I be a softie; will I actually have to change diapers; what if I screw up; what if my kid hates me; why are they still teaching Math in school; why wasn’t I better at math; why is my kid asking ME for help with math. These questions plague me, and yet I also see no end in sight for the questions of others.

In fact, I can already see the next line of queries: When are you going to have a baby? becomes when are you going to have another, followed by the inevitable: what about a third? This is followed, eventually, by questions from the children: Dad, can so-and-so come over; Dad, can I have some money; Dad, can I have the car; Dad, why are you wearing that in public?

Life, is about questions. We may not have all of the answers, but we’ll figure it out as we go along. Am I ready to be a dad? Who knows...but after watching this video, I’m thinking I need to be a dad soon, because I totally want to do this to them:




Yeah, I’m gonna be an awesome dad...

-Crash-



 *Froot Loops....what, where you expecting me to be eating Life? Pfft...not childish enough for me.