2009

Holiday Wrap Up 2009

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We’re inching closer towards the end of 2009 and ringing in 2010. It’s also the end of the decade called the noughties. I won’t be resuming my Series 5 entries until after the new year as this is another special entry for the Christmas holidays.
January 1, 2010 update: Happy New Year to everyone!

The best of 2009 edition for Wednesday morning’s radio show at CKCU is now posted and you can listen to it.
Here’s a previous audio which is moved to this entry since it’s a wrap up to 2009. Here’s the embedded player to listen.
From the December 16, 2009 radio show, my top 10 Canadian albums of 2009. Press play to listen.

Here’s the December 30, 2009 edition of ASR and my radio show. Press play to listen to the entire show.

Press play to listen to my Best of 2009 edition. At the end of the show, I played a famous Chinese song by the late Anita Mui. It was December 30, 2003 when she passed away.

Playlist is at http://wildworks.wordpress.com/radio/

Yeah Yeah Yeahs -My Favorite of 2009
I picked the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as my favorite for 2009 and since I explained a bit on-air, I forgot to mention on-air that there’s this clip from NME’s YouTube site had the Yeah Yeah Yeahs talk about It’s Blitz track by track. It’s funny how they explained the first 2 tracks as “party, party, party!” Here’s the YouTube clip.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6BTZ4E0RrQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Remembering Anita Mui
At the end of the radio show, I played an Anita Mui song in a way of remembering her. Here’s a YouTube from her final concert in 2003 and she was ill but continued to perform under pain. The ending when she leaves the stage will put you into tears.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3dP-8Ti6x8″]
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Holiday Listening 2009

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This is the return of the so-called holiday specials as it will not be linked to my usual entries. This time, these entries will be connected to the radio shows I have been doing. So far, I have played the usual Christmas songs by U2, The Pogues, Mariah Carey, Band Aid and Wham! There’s been a heavy dose of Fairytale of New York being played from the radio show.
Don’t forget the playlist is at http://wildworks.wordpress.com/radio/

December 24-25, 2009 – Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope you take your time reading and listening through this blog entry. I should thank North by East West for providing the new Christmas songs by Canadian independent bands and musicians. Without them, I would not be able to play good Christmas music on my radio show at CKCU-FM.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 wrapped up the Christmas edition of the radio shows. Played several new Christmas songs by Said The Whale, In-Flight Safety with Jenn Grant and Library Voices. Surprised that I have played Fairytale of New York four times but the other 3 are cover versions. Also on the radio show was The Balconies Christmas interview that I did on a cold Friday, December 18, 2009, prior to their concert at Cafe Dekcuf.
Here’s the full radio show from 10-11.30am. Press play to listen.

Here’s my radio show from 11-11.30am. Press play to listen.

The Balconies Christmas Interview
Press play to listen or download it.

Due to sound quality issues, if you couldn’t listen to In-Flight Safety & Jenn Grant’s version of Fairytale of New York clearly, you can download the song for free at this site via NxEW, http://www.nxew.ca/2009/12/free-download-in-flight-safety-and-jenn.html
The same goes for Said The Whale, here’s the link to download the free Christmas songs, http://www.saidthewhale.com/christmas.html

Monday, December 21, 2009 was my final Monday afternoon show. I started the final show by playing the Christmas #1 song in the UK for 2009. That’s right, it’s Rage Against The Machine. The song that trumped the 2009 X-Factor winner was Killing In The Name.
I had a special guest on the show. It was Ben Welland of Sadie Hell. We played our favorite Christmas songs and I did live interview (first time) with Welland as he is promoting his debut album and the gig on January 2, 2010.
Without further ado, you can press play to listen to Monday’s show.


Saturday, December 19, 2009 was not Christmas related as I got to be a guest on Midnight Jamz, alternating on Saturdays from 8-10pm on CKCU. Actually, there was talk of Christmas in one of the host break. This radio show mainly plays Hip-Hop, R&B, Dance and Reggae. Near the end of the show, we were all singing along to It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday by Boyz II Men off-air. I had no clue why I was singing along to it with no mistakes.
Press play to listen.

Wednesday, December 16 continued with several Christmas songs being played. Past Christmas #1 songs in the UK were also played and my top 10 Canadian indie albums of 2009. Joel Plaskett and Metric were battling for the 1-2 punch.
Press play to listen.

Monday, December 14 kicked off the Christmas themed show. It was the return of the duo of Horses Spilled Milk and we basically played the Christmas tunes by the mainstream artists and bands.
You can listen to the Dec. 14th Christmas edition radio show by pressing play.

Happy Holidays! Continue reading →

Two Bands Undone Sessions to Almost End 2009 – S05E29

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Note on December 28, 2009: The two Bands Undone weren’t the final sessions of 2009. There was one on December 27, 2009. There’s a slight change in the title.

There were two jam-packed sessions for Bands Undone on December 11, 2009. First, it was Vancouver, British Columbia’s Mother Mother. They are on their Canadian tour and opening up for The Mathew Good Band. Even though the band was tight on schedule, they delivered an excellent performance. The funny part was the frontman of Mother Mother, Ryan Guldemond, messed up on the lyrics, it was unnoticeable. It was nice to hear Body of Years as their 2nd song because hearing Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin’s parts was just wow! It was also nice to see a good crowd at Bands Undone and even though it was on a Friday during lunch time. As for the upcoming interview, it was short and hopefully the finished product will be good because there were parts where I goofed up. Overall, awesome band and no wonder why Mother Mother was the winner for CBC Radio 3’s 2009 Bucky Awards for Best Live Act.
Next up was Laurent Bourque, originally from Ottawa but now resides in Montreal, Quebec. He’s an up and coming singer. The host of Bands Undone was impressed with his music days before his performance. I wasn’t sure what to expect. When he performed, it caught my attention because his voice was smooth and his music had a softer Pop/Rock feel. I did do an interview with for my radio, which will be scheduled to air in January. It’s most likely I will be delaying my interviews until January due to the fact that I will playing Christmas songs and year-end top 10’s.
Photos from both performances can be checked out at this link.
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The Most Serene Republic Interview Added With a Snowstorm – S05E28

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What a way to start Wednesday morning with a blast of snow. Even though my blog is snowing (until January 4, 2010), it’s not as intense and cold compared to outside in Ottawa. I was able to make it to CKCU through blizzard conditions. The bus ride took me over an hour. Yep, Winter has arrived. During the show, I had to endure Lady GaGa by surprise, thanks to the host. Go ahead as you laugh it off. Today’s show included some several Christmas tunes and the interview with one of the members of The Most Serene Republic.
I still can’t stop playing You Say Party! We Say Die! Enjoy listening to the show.
Can’t wait to check out Bands Undone for Friday as it will be Mother Mother and Laurent Bourque at different times.
Here’s Wednesday edition of Audio Sensory Resuscitation and my show combine. Press play to listen.

Here’s my show. Press play to listen.

Due to the sound quality from the radio show being not so great, you can listen to the interview with Emma of The Most Serene Republic separately. Press play to listen or download it.

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Caledonia – Bands Undone and Zaphods – S05E27

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It was a tight packed session at Canteen as Caledonia dropped by for Bands Undone. Let’s just say that the band brought the whole equipment for another stellar performance at the art shop & gallery.

The funny part for myself when Caledonia sang the first song was continuously eating Humpty Dumpty Party Mix due to the face that the lead singer kept saying “hunger!” It led me to keep eating on the pretzels and ringalos. They performed 4 terrific songs and it wowed the small audience.

The funny part with the separate interviews was Kara (the host) and myself had trouble saying ECMA (East Coast Music Awards) and it was unusual because the name looks easy because we had trouble saying it.

I didn’t expect to have a long Saturday as I decided to join the two Brian’s to go to Zaphod Beeblebrox for Caledonia (again) with Matt Ouimet and Sarah Hallman. Due to the competing gigs elsewhere in downtown Ottawa on Saturday and the Santa Claus Parade being held at night-time, it was not busy at Zaphods but there were several went to see Caledonia. Overall, they’re a great band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hallman and Ouimet’s performances were enjoyable.
You can view the photos at this link.
The Bands Undone review is now posted up.
Here’s the video taken by Brian. YouTube version also available.
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/8066217]
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/8025577]

The Ohbijou Interview and What’s Ahead for December – S05E26

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I had to fill-in for the host of Audio Sensory Resuscitation on CKCU-FM for Wednesday. Luckily, I was prepared to play whatever songs and I started off with What’s Going On?, a cover from the classic Marvin Gaye song. Done by the All Star Tribute, it was for the fight against AIDS Worldwide in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. It was the day after World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1. It’s fitting that I played “What’s Going On” and the new song by Alicia Keys because I’ve been a supporter of the (Red) campaign. From the Hallmark cards to the iPod nano, it’s all for a good cause. What’s unique this year was having to participate via Twitter by using red texts and watching the Alicia Keys live concert through YouTube as part of World AIDS Day.

Aside from that, I finally aired the interview with two members of Ohbijou. Mind you, there were funny moments that I didn’t edit out in the interview. My segments throughout the show was a coast to coast starting from Joel Plaskett of Halifax all the way to British Columbia from bands like Said The Whale, You Say Party! We Say Die! and etc. Then I played this connecting theme from Silver Starling to Stars and Arcade Fire. There were some shoutouts to people I called out during the B.C. set.

You can listen to Wednesday’s show by pressing play. Slight apologies on the sound because it seems like it’s back to the mono-like sound quality.

The Ohibjou interview. Press play to listen or download it.

Don’t forget to check the playlist.
I can’t wait for the return of Corey & Erica on the airwaves because their presence has been missed. They will be on sometime next week. We also need Kristal of Kristal’s Method to return on the radio too. I also can’t wait to play some Christmas tunes.

What’s happening in December? I’m starting off by participating in the YouTube Battle at Babylon Nightclub this Friday. Presented by Artengine, Canteen and Disorganized.
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/7998920]
As usual, I will be attending Bands Undone with Caledonia, Mother Mother and Laurent Bourque.

Wrapping Up November With Hey Ocean!, Leif Vollebekk and The Radio Show – S05E25

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It’s a November to remember because I had been going to a lot of shows and on Monday’s radio show, I played the ones that I attended. Before I get to that, I will review the shows I attended on the final weekend of November. First, it was Hey Ocean! at Bands Undone. To my own amazement, they played a great acoustic and intimate set. Of all the previous Band Undones I have attended, this was so unique because they were missing their members and the setup was very simple. It was David Beckingham with his guitar and Ashleigh Ball on her voice. Overall, I was pleased to see Hey Ocean! as they are down to earth and nice performers. Again, thanks to Kara for always organizing a great show for the bloggers, photographers and media for this unique session.
You can check the photos by going to this link.
The review on Bands Undone is now available on this link.
Here’s the video taken by Brian. YouTube version also available.
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/7926923]

My radio show for Monday, November 30, 2009. I didn’t expect to go on half an hour early. Played some fillers like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric and Said The Whale. I aired the Immaculate Machine interview and then I played the bands and artists that I attended at their concerts throughout November. They were Elliott Brood, Silver Starling, Ohbijou, The Most Serene Republic, Think About Life, You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bravestation and Jill Zmud.
Without further ado, here’s Monday’s show. Press play to listen.

The interview with Brooke Gallupe of Immaculate Machine.
Press play to listen or download it.

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All Things Bands Undone, The Bonjay Interview, and More – S05E24

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This entry seems to be all things Bands Undone. On Tuesday afternoon, I checked out Kalle Mattson for Bands Undone. It was booked at the last minute and was an early show. They are from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario but some or all of the members are now residing in Ottawa for their studies. Overall, the session was pretty good as it brought a folk rock style. There was one song where the lead singer sang a Bob Dylan song. Following the session, there was jokes about Bob Dylan.
You can check the photos by clicking here. The BU section is now updated at this link.
You can watch the videos from Vimeo. Excellent quality provided through Vimeo.
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/7829830]
[vimeo=http://www.vimeo.com/7846052]

Onto the Wednesday morning radio show, I am still co-hosting on Audio Sensory Resuscitation. The host played some tunes and I got my friend to request a song. We made an announcement for the upcoming guests for December and that will be loads of fun.
On my short show, I finally played my own show ID and it’s the one from The Most Serene Republic. I played a Christmas Chinese song by Mavis Fan and aired the Bonjay interview at Bands Undone and then played the song, Gimme Gimme. Played “Fish” by Hey Ocean! as a preview to Saturday’s Bands Undone. I hope you will enjoy the shows. It’s in two parts. One is with the whole show in its entirety or the second part, which is my half-hour show if you want to listen to the first song and the Bonjay interview.
As for the Chinese Christmas song, I was searching on Google for any translation or info, I found this site, Asia Pacific Arts: APA Top 10: Holiday Songs From Asia. The song I played is at #4. Mind you that this top 10 was done in 2008. Not sure if there’s a 2009 version coming up.

Audio Sensory Resuscitation/The WildWorks Show for November 25, 2009
Press play to listen.

The WildWorks Show for November 25, 2009
Press play to listen.

Here is the Bonjay interview at Bands Undone.
Press play to listen or download it.

I forgot to mention that I make a cameo appearance in the Bonjay @ Bands Undone video. Click here to watch the excellent video. There’s the Vimeo version at this link.
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Bonjay at Bands Undone & Friday’s Show – S05E23

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I had the opportunity to check out Bonjay at Bands Undone. Much to my delight, I was surprised with their unique performance because it was soulful and intimate. The setting is different for them because when they perform at dance clubs, the crowds are more rowdy and drunk. Myself and others were more calm but we were head bopping to the beats from Pho (the DJ) and being hooked on the lustful voice of Alanna. At first, I was thinking they would be similar to Thunderheist but they are good friends with that duo. I had a chance to do an audio interview for my radio show and their connection to Thunderheist will be fully explained. I shouldn’t spill the beans a lot until I air the interview on radio soon. I will update this post later when the the Bands Undone site has the video up. I seem to be quick in writing things up.

Special thanks goes to Kara for giving me the time to do the audio interview and I felt like I was rushing myself to finishing up the interview and not bore others. I was a bit worried about the time but the matter of fact that the duo was not in a rush and host of BU & Brian weren’t as well.

For anyone interested in checking out Bonjay, they will be performing at Timekode on Friday. Place is at Eri Cafe on Somerset St. They have an Ottawa connection, also a hint to my upcoming interview.

You can check the photos by clicking here.
The review is now up on the Bands Undone site. Even Apartment613 wrote a review, here is their link.

Oh! I make a cameo appearance in the beginning of the video for Bonjay’s performance. Laugh it off if you want because it was on fast motion.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/7723516]
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The Julie Fader Interview, Monday’s Band Undone and More – S05E22

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Updated on November 18, 2009

Julie Fader 009
Monday’s show was sort of jammed packed with the Julie Fader (photo displayed) interview, the gigs I attended on the weekend and CBC Radio 3’s 2009 Bucky Awards short-list being unveiled.
Started the show by playing a classic TV theme from the animated show, The Raccoons. I got to talk about Doctor Who and the second 2009 Special, The Waters of Mars. I’m sad that it is the beginning of the end for David Tennant as the famous Time Lord. The sonic screwdriver was heard on the show.

Here’s the audio interview with Julie Fader. You can press play to listen or download it.

Monday’s show, press play to listen.

After the radio show, I went to Canteen Art Shop + Gallery for Bands Undone. This time, it was Vancouver’s Parlour Steps. I think CBC Radio 3 has played the band and from what I checked out at the session, they were very good. They were a rocking and easy-going band. I can’t think of words at the moment as I’m still under the weather. I didn’t know the band has been around for a decade and one of the members joined two years ago.
You can check out the photos by clicking here.
November 18, 2009 Update: The review is now up on the Bands Undone site, click here to read and watch.

In case you missed it, you can read the previous blog entry from about the Most Serene Republic, Think About Life and YSP!WSD! show at this link. I got various links from the Apt613 members using my video and others. I know writing a back to back entries would be confusing.
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