South Korea's Girls' Generation… Three Years and Counting!

With short skirts on and cheesy choreography all ready to go, a group of Korean teenage girls teamed up as one and stepped into the limelight at the M.Net School of Rock. No, this band was not another five-girl band, but instead decided to take things to a new level by bringing nine members to the fold. That’s right, So Nyeo Shi Dae (Girls’ Generation) or more commonly known as SoShi or SNSD, is a K-pop group made up of Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Seohyun, Yoona, Jessica, Sunny, Sooyoung, Yuri, and Tiffany.

With a unique style, these multi-talented girls who have acted, modeled or hosted shows in the past, took the stage and ventured into a world of uncertainties on August 5th 2007. Gaining lots of attention for both good and bad reasons, Girls’ Generation has since become the most lovable and most controversial girl group in South Korea.

Like any path to success, there are always speed bumps along the road. In Girls’ Generation’s case, a crowd threw glow sticks at them during their performance at the Dream Concert. It was suspected these people were fans of Wonder Girls, which is another South Korean girl group. Fortunately, this event did not deter Girls’ Generation, but only made them stronger. In 2009, a fever even worse than the “Bieber fever” took over the entire South Korean population.

People across South Korea blasted their systems with the song Gee or busted out the lyrics “Gee/Gee/Gee/Gee/Baby/Baby/Baby.” This was the "Gee Fever!" This Girls’ Generation song was #1 in the charts for 9 weeks in a row and beat Wonder Girls’ hit song Nobody. At the 7th Korean Music Awards, Girls’ Generation was awarded the Group Musician of the Year and Gee was voted song of the year.

With a pop image that resembles the schoolgirls, this group has managed to top the charts, face difficult situations and stay together for three years now. Happy 3rd Anniversary Girls’ Generation!

Aubrey Drake Graham: Far From Over

From his days on Degrassi as Jimmy Brooks to the bright lights of New York’s Madison Square Garden, Toronto native Aubrey Drake Graham is living proof that anything is possible! Holding eminent titles such as: “The first Canadian rapper to go platinum” and “The biggest celebrity Canada has produced,” Drake has a lot to offer from potent, engaging rap lyrics, to soothing, sensual R&B hits.

This Young Money heavy weight brought an exciting buzz to Vancouver fans back on July 27th, playing a sold out show at The Centre For Performing Arts. While the crowd become antsy to see Drake, openers P Reign and Francis & The Lights got the crowd amped for what would be an amazing night. And it was all building to Drake's performance.

Then, the moment the lights dimmed, anxious fans began chanting: “Drizzy, Drizzy, Drizzy!” As the overjoyed crowd began to prepare their cameras for the anticipated moment, he sprung out on stage rapping his hot new freestyle; 9am in Dallas. The concert catered to the all-ages crowd who all loved Drake's performances of singles from So Far Gone and Thank Me Later.

Taking short breaks in between songs, he engaged the crowed by bringing a female fan up on stage. This lucky lady was fortunate enough to share a brief slow dance and a peck on the cheek with the former Degrassi heartthrob! With his live band playing behind him, the crowd grew louder and louder as he slowed things down singing some of his R&B slow jams.

As the night came to an end many fans were definitely mesmerized by his deep vocals and his promise to return to Vancouver as he claimed it is one of favourite cities in the world. His performance was definitely worthy of a five star rating and will not be easily forgotten by die-hard fans. Mr. Graham’s success on stage and off stage is definitely far from over!

Various Artists: Country Heat Summer BBQ 2

4 stars

Crank up the volume to this country CD at your next BBQ.

If you’re a guy or gal who loves to get down to country music, you need to go out and get yourself the Country Heat Summer BBQ 2 CD. The great thing about this CD is that it’s a blend of every type of country music, catering to a mix of fans. Featuring a variety of artists like Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Shane Yellowbird, this compilation CD has the hottest songs! Have a listen to Shane Yellowbird’s Bare Feet on the Blacktop – it’s a grooving tune with an upbeat rhythm that will get you up and dancing! Even if you’re not a big country music fan, Country Heat Summer BBQ 2 is sure to put a smile on your face with its fun and happy tunes – songs about people losing their dogs or having a sad life don’t exist in this CD world.

Micah’s fave track: Bare Feet on the Blacktop by Shane Yellowbird

The Dead Weather: Sea of Cowards

3 stars

Jack White gets in touch with his darker, grungier side.

Low, grungy guitar riffs and Jack White’s darker side combine to create an album full of resentment and hate. The Dead Weather's sophomore album makes it seem like Jack White knows he had much happier times with his other groups, The Raconteurs and The White Stripes. The album isn’t bad though as it contains some powerful lines, but most of the songs do sound somewhat the same. Sea of Cowards lacks a lot of the infectious energy and spunk heard in the songs by his other bands, like The Raconteurs’ Hold Up. Don’t get your hopes up too high when you hear that Jack White is part of this band, because the music definitely isn’t the same as his usual tunes.

Greg’s fave track: Looking at the Invisible Man

ProJect: Alchemist

4 stars

Alchemist is the nostalgic techno-jazz music from your dreams.

Th very first time you hear ProJect, you will probably think one of two things: either that you vaguely recall the music from a long forgotten dream, or that you are instantly struck by the successful mix of jazz and electronica. In ProJect’s debut EP, Alchemist, we hear all the experimental gains the “ProJect” has made, in the group’s insatiably catchy blending of horns, drums, keyboard, and saxophone. One thing is for sure: this group has a sound like no other, with dreamy harmonies and jazzy beats. Be sure to check up on the group when ProJect releases its full-length album later this year.

Chris’ fave track: Hiding the Stars

THE FACEPLANTS: You've Been Planted!

From beach parties all the way to the hottest night clubs, THE FACEPLANTS  have proved they can do it all. Ever since 2007, the "Ska Rappers" from Coquitlam, BC have been turning strangers into fans, ripping up stages with their energized and wild personalities catching the attention of anyone who sees them.
 
With the release or their debut single ROLLBACK! (2010) receiving MASS attention on iTunes, the next big step for these "punks" was to shoot a music video. In June THE FACEPLANTS teamed up with the notorious H&R Black Productions out of Toronto with Ryan Long (of Long & McQuade & The Johnstones) to shoot and direct the video.

"The process was really fun," says Garrett (Lead Guitar). "We shot in a Long & McQuade!, It was kind of surreal having the lights and cameras on us like that, and I know I can speak for the rest of the band. Especially at this age, having a video on Much Music is a really big freakin' deal!" ROLLBACK! will be released in August.
 
Following their video success up with extensive live shows, THE FACEPLANTS will return to the studio in December to bring you their best project to date. Their EP entitled Planted. They are currently looking for a producer to help them along the way that will make this album one of the best products that has come out of Vancouver.

Planted will feature six incredibly catchy, ruthless and mind blowing tunes that will bring listeners to their feet!" says Botch (Lead Singer). "We have a lot of material to choose from, but right now we just want to put six of the BEST SONGS on the EP. Recording demos is a big part of the process; it's at that point where we make the decision on what will make it to the album. No matter what, it will have everything from catchy sing-along pop tunes, all the way to fast-paced lyrical Ska/Rap, I'm confident that it will have a wide variety that everyone will be able to relate to."
 
In between all the commotion of song writing, recording and shooting the video, "The Plants" have been able play some major concerts this year including opening the three-day festival Golden Spike Days, as well as playing some more local shows. They also were featured on Tri-Cities Television airing a live festival performance.
 
The future is bright for this unique, quirky and fearless bunch. All of these things make THE FACEPLANTS one of the newest and freshest acts coming out of BC, and nothing can stand in their way to stop them. Reppin' Coquitlam, British Columbia, THE FACEPLANTS are building their connections, making their way to the top and gaining a faithful fan base along the way. 

Become a part of the movement and GET YO' SELF PLANTED!

Top 5 Female Rock Vocalists

As I was talking to a friend of mine, he mentioned how he had a vast array of musical interests. During our conversation, he said, "I haven't been able to find a female vocalist whose sound I actually like." However, as I thought about what he said, I started to think of some phenomenal female rock vocalists who have amazing voices. So here are my top five female rock vocalists!

1. Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams, who is known widely for being the lead vocalist of Paramore, and more recently, the female vocals for B.O.B.'s hit Airplanes, is definitely one of my all-time favourite female vocalists in rock. Her haunting acoustic performances, fueled with such a beautiful soulful sound, really make her someone exceptional. Moreover, her hard-style can also get you pumped up, and this is what makes Hayley William a great start to my list of top five female vocalists in rock.

Tracks to check out: Use Somebody (Kings of Leon covered acoustic), Decode (acoustic), Misery Business

2. Emily Haines
Emily Haines is a phenomenal Canadian female vocalist who makes you proud to say you're Canadian. Emily is famed as the vocalist and front woman of Metric; however she also has a solo career. She has a soft and graceful voice that sucks you into the songs she sings, only to leave you wanting more when the song is over. At the same time, she has an energetic, playful voice that just makes you want to dance.

Tracks to check out: Grow Up and Blow Away, Combat Baby, The Twist

3. Kim Deal
Alternative singer/songwriter Kim Deal is definitely one to check out. Having first started as a bassist/backup vocalist to the famed band The Pixies, she has decided to form her own band called The Breeders with her twin sister Kelley Deal. Kim's voice is far from generic, with a high-pitch, sweet voice. A woman with depth, talent and something a little extra, Kim Deal isn't someone any alternative fan would want to miss!

Tracks to check out: Do You Love Me Now, No Aloha, Cannonball

4. Joan Jett
She was loud, rebellious and the epitome of rock 'n' roll! Joan Jett was the first to finally break the mold of rock 'n' roll being a man's sport. She didn't care what you thought, because she was proud, and she was gonna do it however the hell she liked! With rock in her veins, her voice also had the essence of punk. To not have this woman on the list of great female rock vocalists would be a crying shame!

Tracks to check out: I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Bad Reputation, Crimson and Clover

5. Frances McKee
Last, but certainly not least, is Frances McKee, hailing from Scotland. Vocalist and guitar player (along with Eugene Kelly) of the lesser known indie band, The Vaselines, Frances McKee is surely something else. Her high-pitch voice combined with her clearly evident Scottish accent, is just mind-blowing.

Tracks to check out: Molly's Lips, Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam, Son of a Gun

Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants: Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants

5 stars

Foo Fighters’ lead guitarist finds his own voice.

This self-titled album is the debut solo production of the Foo Fighters’ longtime lead guitarist Chris Shiflett. A little toned down compared to past Foo Fighters’ albums, it still features the same energy and passion. As soon as Shiflett begins to sing, the ear is not only drawn to his vocal uniqueness and quality, but also to the clear cleverness of the lyrics. With lyrics such as, “We are only everything that we know,” listeners are encouraged to relate these songs to their own lives. The charm of this album lies within the variety of instruments used during recording: violins, mandolins, a pedal steel and more. I can’t wait to see what Shiflett is going to come up with next!

Sandra’s fave track: Not Going Down Alone

Scott Lanaway: Mergers & Acquisitions

3 stars

Mergers & Acquisitions is soothing background music.

Scott Lanaway’s sophomore album, Mergers & Acquisitions, is not quite as good as his 2006 debut album, Answering Machine Diaries. However, if you like the sad and drowning type of music, than this is the CD for you. The Torontonian’s electrofolk songs all come from the heart, reaching you in a way that you just can’t forget. It really is very distinctive music, with Scott’s use of acoustic instruments amidst an electronic background. While this is not the type of music I usually listen to, most of my friends loved the music and found it somewhat peaceful and soothing. Although I did enjoy a few of the tracks on Mergers & Acquisitions, I’m hoping that I’ll be more impressed by his next album.

Stephanie’s fave track: Juliet of the Spirits

UK Folk Star Laura Marling Captivates Folk Fest Audience

“Does anyone have any good jokes?” Laura Marling asked the crowd gathered to watch her at the Calgary Folk Festival on Saturday, July 24th, when her microphones began to act up and stall the show midway. The young indie folk musician flew down from the UK, taking a break from touring with her boyfriend Marcus Mumford and his band Mumford and Sons to play to the few hundred sitting under the sweltering sun in Calgary.

Opening with Devil’s Spoke, Laura and her band immediately mesmerized fans and first-time listeners alike with her strong vocals and lovable English personality. Unfortunately, technical issues started right after that, but were luckily fixed (or so they thought) through the next two songs.

Following Ghosts, the band left, leaving Laura to perform the next few songs solo. The 20-year-old artist was stopped halfway through the heart-wrenching Blackberry Stone due to more problems with her microphone. This time, the persistent singer unplugged her acoustic guitar and stepped away from the microphone, asking the crowd to help her sing through Alas I Cannot Swim. This is at least the second time that Laura hasn’t let anything stop her from performing. When she was only 17, she was booked to play in a pub in England and when she showed up, the owner realized she couldn’t come in to play because she was underage. Laura did as Laura would; she took out her guitar and played her set on the sidewalk.

Fortunately, the rest of the set continued without a glitch, saving her voice. Despite her young age, Laura Marling showed maturity by playing songs like Made by Maid, which she explained is based on an old folk tale about human nature. After her band joined her on stage again, it was amazing to listen to My Manic and I, with its chilling melancholy lyrics sung live while thinking about how it was written when she was only 16.

Almost at the end of her time slot, she talked about her song Goodbye England, about how her father took her up a hill to an amazing view and asked her to bring him back before he died. “I was only about eight years old, so that was a rather morbid thing for him to say,” She told the crowd.

She wrapped up the hour-long gig with the title track of her second and latest album, I Speak Because I Can, which left people wishing it wasn’t over. Laura Marling’s breathtaking performance, voice and acoustics kept the crowd intrigued, making the hour seem very short.

As Marling is mainly an unknown musician in North America, only about 20 fans lined up outside the back of the tent for a chance to meet her after the concert. Not in any rush, she talked to every single person waiting, taking each compliment to heart and sometimes even seeming surprised at the admiring fans. A few times, she was asked to take a picture with someone, but the down-to-earth singer refused politely saying, “Sorry, I don’t do photos.”

Getting the chance to meet her, I immediately asked her about the connection between the lyrics, “I never held your hand as you were lowered,” in Blackberry Stone and the song, Hold My Hand as I’m Lowered, by her ex-boyfriend Charlie Fink, lead singer of Noah and the Whale. At first, she was confused about it, not even realizing that his song was written before hers, and then started laughing at the coincidence.

Laura Marling’s second album has ranked high on the UK’s album charts, she’s toured the world and even inspired artists like Charlie Fink and Beans on Toast to write about her. Laura never stops impressing, and her performance in Calgary proved her to be a true musician, completely ego-free.