Author Archives: Betty Beat

About Betty Beat

Musical afficionado extraordinaire.
February 14, 2013

C’est Cheese!

By Betty Beat

This?  Is a  A Fabulous Fondue of Valentine’s Day Goodness!

Love songs.  You know, the songs you don’t admit to anyone that you know every single lyric to.  The ones you listened to in your cheesiest moments.  Many heard at a high school dance.  Like Zeppelin’s “Stairway”, the songs you danced with your crush to, trying to cop some kind of feel, swaying and being mushy in adolescent  Hollywood romanticized love.

For all my musical snobbery, it amazes me that I was able to collaborate such a list of cheesy goodness.  That once the creative juices started to collectively flow, how many songs – most of them nostalgic in nature – came forward for consideration.  Much gratitude to those that entertained me with their singing of songs and mad research skillz (ahem.. Steel Man…), their like-mindedness in cheese choice (ahem.. Bros…) and their penchant for recruitment from the ones around them (ahem.. Faubert…).  A completely stellar list. Thank you, as always, for the inspiration and aid.

And yes, I know all the words.  Sad.  But true.

This is how we cheese it up for all you gooey gobsters out there.  Sing along.  Just don’t admit that you did it.

A Veritable Vestibule of Valentine’s Vocalization: Top 10 Songs To Guarantee a Cheese-eriffic Valentine’s Day

#10: Wicked Game – Chris Isaak

A song entirely made up of baritone moaning.  90210 made it memorable.  Who didn’t want to be Helena Christensen frolicking in the surf (or to have her frolicking with them)?  How many people made out on the beach to this song in the mid-90s?

#9: My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

A shipwreck of a love song.  Oh, yes.  I just said that.  Chest-pounding Celine and some thoroughly cheese-y goo.  It doesn’t get any better.

#8:  I Would Do Anything – Meatloaf

Beauty and.. the Beast?  A classic video that I grudgingly admit I watched religiously while singing along.

#7:  Take My Breath Away – Berlin

Before Tom Cruise lost his mind (and his marriage.. thank you Celeb Gossip…), he was pretty dreamy.  To my pre-teen self.  The original goo.

#6: (Everything I Do) I Do it For You – Bryan Adams

Robin Hood.  Merry Men.  And a song that everyone danced to at a school dance.  Sway along, people.

#5: Love you Like a Love Song – Selena Gomez

It occurred to us that we had a ton of songs from our nostalgic pasts.  Nothing truly new (since I assume we’ve evolved in our taste for cheese to not include overt-lyrical mush).  This is our nod to how the love song has evolved.  It’s a bit pathetic, really.  A ballad for this generation? I’ve mocked this song before, so I won’t ask the obvious question (how does one love like a love song? The answer isn’t all that complimentary…)

#4:  More Than Words – Extreme

The one song we can all sing verbatim without any music in the background.  Who didn’t want to grow their hair and pick up a guitar?

#3: Never Tear Us Apart – INXS

It has been pointed out, multiple times, that when anyone searches for an “us” song, the choice by the masses seems to be this song.  It’s on everyone’s list.  Making it a top contender for the ultimate in cheese.

#2: I Just Called (To Say I Love You) – Stevie Wonder

Who doesn’t love this song?  You don’t have to admit it, we know.  Classic Stevie.

#1: Careless Whisper – WHAM!

There was some debate about whether this was a George Michael song, or a Wham! song.  I’m giving it to Wham! Mostly because it occurred to me that Wham! was the original punctuation-band.  Now I get you Fun-Dot.  Clever boys.  Do you think the sax is what makes the song?  Sax is quite close to the word “sex”.. subliminal message or conspiracy theory about why so many cheesy love songs feature saxes?

Although, this video was provided as an example.. which mocks the hell out of the cheese.  Extremely well played!  I was impressed.  As I so often am when musical meanderings surprise me.  ”He doesn’t like George Michael!!! Boo!!”

Of course, while discussing the overt gooey-ness featured above, talks turned to the quote-unquote love songs (insert air quoting here) that you don’t really hate.  The Cure’s Love Song and even Tori Amos’ cover of it.  U2′s “One” (my favourite… this led to talk of White Whales and waiting for a Steel Man and Ice Man to guest blog – a coming attraction that I’ll merely sidenote here for increased interest).  Our Honourable Mentions today go to two “love” songs that we don’t think suck.  Watch these tomorrow when you haven’t had your eyeballs burned out with the vibrant colours of red and pink; you are not reveling in singleton sadness (if you’re the single sort); you are not missing someone or wallowing in the winter of your discontent.  Or even after today when you will not be inevitably mocking the commercial nature of a holiday invented by Hallmark (Google challenge – was it?!).  Might I suggest watching these next two videos with a heaping side dish of discount chocolate (again proving that Feb. 15 is actually a great celebration day – half price chocolate!!) and singing along proudly.

U2 – All I Want

Annie Lennox – Love Song for a Vampire

Happy Heart Day dear readers.  We think you’re pretty awesome Valentines.  (How was that for cheese?!) As always, we want to hear your thoughts!  What cheese are you listening to today?

5 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Random Musings

February 7, 2013

Penny for your Thoughts?

By Betty Beat

As it happens, we have a lot of time at work.  Time to talk of everything and nothing.  And time to make most of it relate to music.  When discussions at the beginning of the week turned to the demise of the penny, naturally, thoughts turned to idioms and songs that could provide tribute to the little copper coin that was going to leave our lives.

Think of the penny like an old band.  Past its prime, no longer seemingly useful and prepared to die a slow and, at times, annoyingly painful death as it makes its way down the road of obscurity.  You have some good memories of it, but on a day-to-day basis, it is just not providing any value.

Or so it seems.

However, let us take a moment to honour the penny and consider how removing it from our lives actually may have a lasting impact. This is where the questions began.  (And this is where I point out the irony of a Steel Man discussing the demise of a copper coin and I could make a Metal joke here, but, really, I’m on afternoon shift and I’ve not yet consumed enough coffee to make the joke as hilarious as it could be.. )

Allow me an indulgent moment to pose exactly how the disappearance of the penny will inevitably affect our lives.  For about a week.

Best question asked:  What will become of the penny loafer?  I suppose we could call them “Dimebag Dawdlers”.  However, that immediately makes me think of Dimebag Darrell (Pantera guitarist that was assassinated by a fan upset at the rumour of Pantera’s impending breakup.. true story…).  So, goodbye Penny Loafer.  An entire generation of preppy hipster dressers (who I’m certain only dress “preppy” as an ironic nod of the head to their prep-school leanings) will have to go without the addition of a penny to their tasseled tootsies.

I suppose no longer will bad pennies turn up.  Because it seems they always did.  What will happen to these “bad pennies”? Conversely, those deemed a “pretty penny” will likely be stuck in the same circle of hell as the bad ones; where they will likely spend eternity finding other pennies, picking them up and never finding the good luck claimed they would inevitably find.  It is very sad to realize that those of us walking around won’t stoop down to pick up that one little lucky penny in the hopes that our fates will be transformed.

And since penny candy hasn’t been around in decades and I’ve completely dated myself talking of it, we are just going to pretend that buying little brown bags filled with sugary goodness was something someone once read in a book or saw in a movie.  Move along.  I’m not that old.

And what will the penny pinchers in life pinch now?  Dimes and nickles seem in direct contrast to the spirit of being a “penny pincher”.  I imagine that those cheap enough to pinch a pretty penny will have to give up their stingy natures.

Oh, wait.  This is about music.

You wouldn’t think that the penny would have shown up in many songs over the years, aside from the obvious choices (which are indeed included in the list below).  It was an innocuous little coin, it seems.  But the references are there and we took the time to find them.  And thus became the Top 10 Penny Tribute Songs.

#10:  Hot in Herre – Jenny Owen Youngs

Okay, I know I’m starting out a list that doesn’t really include the word “Penny” in the title.  Bear with me.  It’s a 50 Cent cover done beautifully and one of my all-time favourite cover songs.  Get it? 50 Cent.  Fine.  A stretch at best, but it’s a damn good song.

#9:  Coin in the Pocket – Joni Mitchell

It’s not really a song, but rather what I would call a bridge between songs.  A preamble.  And it’s Joni Mitchell, so regardless of relevance or the fact that it’s not really a song, it is great.

#8: A Bad Penny – Cat Stevens

1974. Cat Stevens.  A fool and a train.  Classic.

#7:  Penny Sparkle – Blonde Redhead

From their last studio album (2010) of the same name.  An excellent tribute to Penny.

#6: Pretty Penny – Stone Temple Pilots

A favourite from STP. Sing along.

#5: Pennyroyal Tea – Nirvana

You all know my Grunge leanings.  That this was included is hardly a surprise.

#4: Pennies from Heaven – Billie Holliday

There are two songs that automatically had to be included in the list.  Songs that have been covered more times than I care to even Wikipedia.  Forgive the predictability.

Although, be surprised at my inclusion of Christopher Walken cover…. oh, yes.  I did.  Best thing I’ve watched today:

#3: Penny Lane – The Beatles

Thoughts of classic Beatles tunes, the movie Almost Famous and my hunt for a great cover of this obvious choice. I still like Bowie’s version: 

#2: 10 Cent Pistol – Black Keys

I know it is 10 times more than a penny.  But it is 10 times more great as a song.  (oh, that was cheese….)

#1: Dollars & Cents – Radiohead

For Pete – a Radiohead number one choice.

Honourable Mention:  Anything by Pennywise.

Of course, to choose their song “Fuck Authority” is my way of encouraging all of you to collect your pennies and find some use for them.

Did you know that you can use a penny instead of a screwdriver (no, don’t add it to your vodka and OJ…)?  Ever thought of giving someone money owed entirely in pennies?  The currency act states that no one is obligated to accept more than 25 pennies as payment.  Ha! So there Kramer. 

Still, I believe we should continue to offer a penny for someone’s thoughts.  Because, honestly, there are some thoughts roaming around out there that aren’t worth rounding up to a nickel.

(Side note – can we do away with the nickel next? I’m thinking the obliteration of Nickelback would be a good place to start…)

Adieu Little Penny.

p.s. Much gratitude, as always, to a Steel Man for the idea and collaboration.  Another great inclusion.

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Random Musings

December 24, 2012

Fairytales and Punks – A Beat & Lyric Christmas Carol

By Betty Beat

 Fairytale of New York has been my absolute favourite Christmas song for years. Forget the Mariahs and the Michael Bubles. This is the Christmas music I want to listen to. Toss in some classic Elvis (as a nod to my Mom) and some old-school Alabama (nod to my Dad) and this is the music that I’ll admit to listening to, and singing along to. This is also the Christmas music that, when shared, increases in its wonderment and enjoyment.

Although, it came to my attention last Christmas that not everyone knows this song. And while it isn’t “technically” a Christmas carol, it is the song I will have on repeat over the next couple of days.

Some notes about the song:

  • The female vocals were to be sung by bassist Cait O’Riordan, but she left the band in ’86. Kirsty MacColl’s then-husband was producing the Pogues and asked MacColl to step in as a vocal guide. The Pogues liked her contribution so much that they asked her to sing along officially.
  • The song still kicks ass. 25 years after its initial release. Fairytale has re-entered the Top 75 every December since 2005. It has made the Top 20 on nine separate occasions and the Top 10 on four separate occasions. Its 10 visits to the chart now total 57 weeks on the official UK Top 75 making it the joint 16th most charted song of all time.
  • Kristy MacColl’s death is an interesting one with many unanswered questions. Although, her heroic actions undertaken (she pushed her son out of the way of the boat that killed her) are something to be in awe of. Her death was controversial until a few years ago when the campaign to answer the unanswered questions was ceased.

If you haven’t heard it (and I’m shocked), give it a listen and enjoy. For the rest of you old punks, have the happiest of Christmases! Enjoy good food, good drinks, good company and may it all be spent with the accompaniment of stellar music.

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Random Musings

December 16, 2012

A Monster Birthday

By Betty Beat

IMG-20121214-02651I’m a little bit older today.

Okay, okay.  As much as I like to imagine myself still 25, the fact is a decade has passed since I last saw that number on my (no doubt Santa-inspired) birthday cake.  I can handle being 35 today.  I just like to consider myself… more experienced.

As it is with a birthday so close to Christmas, I often lament the onslaught of Merry Birthday.  For you other Decemberist birthday people, you know what I mean.  Your presents are wrapped in the merriest of Christmas paper, your cakes often resemble a fat man in a red suit and, worse, you get the dreaded “combo” gift.  Does this sound familiar:  ”Oh, this is your birthday-Christmas gift!”?

So this year, I gave myself the gift of music.  I invited a couple of my favourite musical cohorts along for the ride, battled Toronto traffic (thankful for those with better GPS’ in their blackberries than I have), managed to find elusive Toronto parking after navigating a myriad of one-way streets, hit a nifty little bar near Lee’s Palace (Hey Lucy on Bloor – featured above, my Lucy martini – perfect nod to my littlest beat.. and try the pizza at this place!!) for pre-show drinks and nosh and then spent my night having my eardrums damaged just a little bit more.

It was loud. It rocked. It was a Monster of a birthday.

Show Deets:

Monster Truck and Special Guests (more on that later). Edge Jingle Bell Concert Series ~ Lee’s Palace.

Let’s start with a bit of venue gushing.  I love Lee’s Palace.  The place is dark, a bit dank, small enough to see everything, big enough to withstand the rock that poured off the stage.  This is how you are supposed to see a band.  No huge stadium, no $50 rounds of giant beers, no giant light show and theatrics.  It is simply great music, played loud, where you can see the nuances of the band on the stage in front of you.  Where you buy merchandise from pals of the band (and who show great appreciation when you do).  Where you can be standing and waiting for the headliner only to turn and see the opening act having a beer behind you as you smile and nod to acknowledge the great set they had just performed.

In between opening acts and the main attraction, the game of “spot the hipster” was once again played.  Only this time we had a literal smorgasbord of bearded goodness to take in.  An eclectic mixed crowd – it was difficult to discern between vapid hipster and the real deal.  It soon became a ranking of the best beard (I’m not even sure who won this) and the best look alike (Jerry Garcia and his inner-jacket-porn took this, but the aged Dee Snider-bad-perm guy was a definite contender).

But let’s get to the real reason we were there:  music.

Usually opening acts at Lee’s are insights to upcoming music that is hit and miss with greatness.  Sometimes you score, sometimes you just shake your head and use the time to wrestle your way upstairs to the washrooms (note: avoid at all costs).  Seeing as this was a combined birthday night out (ahem, Pete, this one is for you), it seemed only appropriate that the opening act was a band that my birthday-buddy wanted to see live.  Indian Handcrafts.  You likely haven’t heard of them.  I suspect you will.  Soon.
IMG-20121214-02653Two guys walk on to a stage.  Sounds like the start of a joke, right?  And then they proceed to blow your eardrums out.  Just two guys and a lot of beautiful, loud sounds.  One guitar, half a drum set, both vocalists (a drummer and he can sing??) and I stood agape.  Who are these guys?  I suspect I received something of a “I know, right?!” kind of look from the one who already knew this band.  Which means that the rest  shared grins.  You know – those smiles given with the people you’re with when you know you are hearing something that just may end up being huge.  That moment when it occurs to you that you will soon be saying, “Yeah, I saw these guys ages ago” when everyone else starts freaking out about them.

Indian Handcrafts (http://indianhandcrafts.net/) sound bigger than they are – a true Festivus-worthy feat of strength.  A duo, comprised of Brandyn James Aiken (drums, vocals) and Daniel Brandon Allen (guitars, vocals) out of Barrie (so I’ve read…).  It is loud, but it’s not sloppy-loud.  The music is filled with stellar riffs, some seriously sick drum action, fun, frivolity and is so reminiscent of a grinding grunge sound that I almost got nostalgic.  This is how music is fun – it’s loud, it’s humourous, it is compelling to watch and it makes you grin so big while your head nods along and you want more.  Needless to say, I have now dowloaded their recent album, “Disobedience for Losers” and spent the better part of my weekend recommending that friends give them a listen.  I want to know more.  Apparently this band will be touring in 2013 with the likes of Billy Talent (ugh, sorry guys, but everyone here knows my innate hatred of Billy Talent) and Sum41.  Well played, guys.

IMG-20121215-02662The Main Event:  When I heard that 102.1 The Edge was doing a Jingle Bell concert series, I was intrigued to see Monster Truck on the list.  Even better was that they were at Lee’s.  The thing is, this is a concert I knew I had to attend.  Growing up, rock like this was what I was first a part of.  Banging heads, ringing ears, in your face, long-haired kind of rock.  What I have discovered about this band is that you either know them, or you don’t.  So the response to finding out that I was going to the show was varied.  From the bubble-gum-pop crowd (and my Mom), I got looks of confusion.  ”You’re going to see monster trucks??”.  From those that know local rock, I got looks of “What? Really? How?”  Small venue, big sounds.  My birthday doesn’t get much better than this.

Jon Harvey (Bass & Lead vocals), Jeremy Widerman (Guitar & Vocals), Brandon Bliss (Organ & Vocals) and Steve Kiely (Drums & Vocals): what they provide is just what the band name implies:  a monster rock sound.  The music is tight, featuring favourites from their EPs and new stuff they are currently putting together in the studio.  Monster Truck has a classic rock sound mixed with some 90s grungy influence.  It’s loud, your head dips lower on each nod and ending their encore with Righteous Smoke was the best set decision I’ve seen (er.. heard?).  Actually, starting out with Seven Seas Blues, moving into a mix of newer and older songs and finishing out with their current hit all seemed highly appropriate.  Most of all, it made me anxious to see what they pull out on their album when it’s released.

IMG-20121215-02657

And can I mention that Jon Harvey is waaay taller than I ever suspected?! Although, I will give Jeremy (guitar/vocals) huge kudos for stage presence.  The entire group meshes well together.  Their sound is tight (when music sounds exactly as it does recorded, it’s always a great thing) and you lose yourself in a solid set.  There are no bells and whistles.  No stage theatrics.  It is just really great rock music.  And it rocked.

There it is.  I’m 35. And I got rocked for my birthday.  Perfection.

As always, many thanks to those that joined me for our birthday night out.  In overview, this has been a stellar concert year for me, which has been shared with excellent company and great memories.  I could not have asked for better musical cohorts.  Or a better night.  Even the guy peeing on the wall of the alley back to the truck (p.s. Don’t Fuck With the Truck!) did little to dampen the spirits.  Such incredibly loud fun!  Thanks guys!!

As for our readers, since gifts are a given on birthdays, consider this mine for you.  Go check out Indian Handcrafts.  Right now.  And if you have a chance, go see either them or Monster Truck live in 2013.  Put on something tight and black, let your hair down and rock a show.  For now, I’ll leave you with something to listen to.  Turn it up.  Loud.

Indian Handcrafts –  Bruce Lee

Monster Truck – Righteous Smoke (an obvious choice, I know, but a fucking good one nonetheless)

 

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Birthday Blog, Concert Reviews, New Music

December 13, 2012

Airing of Grievances…

By Betty Beat

It is almost Christmas. Which means we are inundated with calls for Christmas cheer and giving and all that shit that is said to disguise a commercialized holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I love presents. And I’m not above being a bit nicer during this time of year (although, I’m kind of nice all the time… )

However, I think we need to recognize that you can’t always be forgiving of shit, even if Santa is watching. And to counter the onslaught of cheery-sappy-goodness, I thought I would provide a pre-Christmas bitch-fest. Of course, this isn’t about crazy Christmas family dramatics, the brazen audacity of people shopping, or even about how you won’t be getting exactly what you want under the tree (or throughout your eight days of Hannukah, or beside your Festivus pole, we like to be inclusive here at Beat & Lyric).

This is about music. Specifically, music that makes you cringe. The song you hear on the radio and marvel that it actually has a fan base. The band you hear people gush about that makes you shake your head. The time when your music snobbery background rears its snobby head and you warm yourself knowing that this one, at least this time, you have an innate sense of what is good and “they” are merely tone-deaf followers. You don’t necessarily don a “man-scarf” or your non-prescription black glasses – you aren’t quite a hipster yet – but you do rail against the industry that has allowed trite crap to be played en masse.

So I asked around – what are the songs right now that are making you irrationally angry? Here’s the Top Five Songs that Are Filled with Suckage that I’m hearing about right now. Feel free to add your own.

5. Anything by Nickelback

I know, I know. It’s almost like a broken record by now – the combined dislike of Nickelback. Of course, I’m not the only one who feels this way. When asked, one of my musical cohorts, Pete, immediately mentioned Nickelback. This is why I have good friends – they have great taste (and a mutual dislike of 3 chords and shitty muisc).

4. Green Day – Oh Love

Like “Time of Your Life”, this is Green Day at their worst. It’s overtly commercial, it’s “radio friendly” (ugh) and it is insipid junk. It sounds more like a Linkin Park-Nickelback collaboration of crap. It gave me absolutely no hope for their much-promoted trio of albums. Such began my rants about bands that once were groundbreaking that succumbed to the power of money and put out shit music past their prime. Luckily, they have now released “Let Yourself Go” and gained a modicum of respect back. Not much, but a small inkling of a sound that made me listen to Green Day in the first place

3. Billy Talent – Surprise Surprise

I probably should like Billy Talent a bit. They’re Canadian and I do have a penchant of patriotism that makes me listen to Canadian bands and artists. But, this is like Nickelback without the three-chord banal sound. There is nothing new or noteworthy about this song. It fades into the background noise that is Can-Con. And don’t think the irony of the lyrics (which, again, I should like since it mocks the Hipster culture along with the video) doesn’t escape me. Lame typical rock stars singing about a culture that they can’t possibly be a part of. They’re trying too hard. At least the hipster listens to somewhat decent music. Not trite music like this.

2. The Offspring – Days Go By

Another Pete choice (I asked him for two choices) and this one would be on my list as well. For reasons already expressed in the Green Day notes. A band that was once pretty great that has succumbed to fear-of-obscurity music making. So they make insipid crap that we are forced to listen to.

1. K-Os – The Dog is Mine

A choice of steel and stellar proportions. Not only is this a shared irritation, but it was once asked of me if K-OS actually has fans who would have anticipated this song. There is nothing wrong with the song, other than the fact that it is just.. dumb. And dumb things bother us.

Note:  I didn’t put any videos with this post.  Frankly, that would require adding hits to videos of songs that I don’t want to listen to.  So, if you’re curious, go look them up.  But be forewarned, it’s all not great.  Which could be a Beat & Lyric gift to our readers – a good laugh early on a Thursday morning. 

Happy Holidays all!

p.s. Thank you to those that provided the inspiration and collaboration for this – what is Festivus without an airing of the grievances?  Now where is my pole??

 

6 comments | posted in Top Five

December 6, 2012

Myth and Music

By Betty Beat

The art of a musical myth has always been something that fascinated me.  Stories behind the music, legends that exist, rumours and conjecture.  As I come across these little tidbits of lore, I felt that they should be shared.  Usually they crop up during some of my many musical conversations and have become stories that I share with others.  How Ozzy Osbourne accidentally bit the head off a bat in a now-infamous stage performance (unintentional, he claims he thought it was rubber), however, the biting off of a dove’s head was actually intentional (although he was completely trashed at the time).  How The Verve never actually made any money off of their biggest hit, “Bittersweet Symphony” (thanks to the Rolling Stones).  Even the incidents in current news that will one day be legend: the onslaught of performers puking on stage (a la the Biebs and Lady Gaga), for example.

What started my desire to chronicle these stories happened months ago.  A story told to me about a man who allegedly sold his soul to the devil for success and fame (told by an excellent storyteller, one I don’t tire of hearing).

Robert Johnson was, arguably, one of the most influential blues musicians. During his lifetime, however, he was a mediocre success.  As legend has it, Johnson met the Devil at a crossroads (or a graveyard, depending on the teller of this legend), where the Devil gave him mastery of his guitar.  In exchange for his soul, the Devil gave Johnson the ability to be a famous musician.

Interestingly enough, Johnson’s success didn’t come until well after his death.  Ironic.  Be careful what you wish for.  Also interesting is how Johnson died (it is claimed he was murdered by a jealous husband of a woman he flirted with – murder by poison and Johnson suffered a painful drawn-out death).  And, also note, that the exact location of his grave is unknown.  All adding to the weight of the myth.

This is the legend that started my talk of musical myth.  A mystery and myth all rolled into one very great story of an amazing musician.  Go read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson#Devil_legend

Even better, go find some Robert Johnson music and give it a listen.  Because a myth without music is just boring fodder.  May I suggest listening to both “Crossroad” and “Me and the Devil Blues” to start.

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October 20, 2012

Old and New… (Saturday musical movie watch)

By Betty Beat

Once in awhile on Saturday nights, I tuck the little Beats into bed, drop on to the couch and turn on a movie.  My time to just sit and watch a screen is so far and few between that I rather enjoy finding “themes” to my movie nights.  Music almost always plays some part of this. Best soundtrack movie night (Pulp Fiction, Natural Born Killers, The Crow), best movie rendition of a stage musical (Hairspray – the original, Chicago, Rent), best 90s music-inspired movies (Reality Bites, Singles).

Sometimes these nights have no theme at all, but rather just end up being movies I end up wanting to see.

Tonight was a bit of old school mixed with an all-time favourite “rockumentary”.  I thought I would share.

OLD SCHOOL

House Party (circa 1990): 

Who didn’t love Kid N’ Play?  Much thanks to Bros for the inspiration with his kickass Kid N’ Play vintage tee.  I haven’t watched this movie in years.  Just as fluffy and cheesy and funny as it was when I was 13.  Actually, the references weren’t quite as lost on me this time ’round.

Want to know what they’re up to 20 years later?  They did this interview a couple of years ago:  http://www.bvonmovies.com/2010/04/20/celebrating-house-party-20-years-later-with-kid-n-play/

DAYS OF THE NEW

Back and Forth (Foo Fighters, circa 2011)

It’s not totally new, but it has been a classic in the world of Betty Beat since watching it last year.  I love this documentary.  It is everything about why I love Foos.  Shout out to the incredibly smart person who first recommended this movie (and who watched “with” me).

Just a small share on a Saturday night.  If you haven’t watched either movie, go and spend a few hours vegging out, lounged on a couch. Even better, hit us up with some of your favourite music-inspired movies.  Perhaps a Top 10 list in the making?  Let us hear it.

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Random Musings

October 8, 2012

Shaking it Alabama-Style

By Betty Beat

Sometimes you just have to have a night out.  October 2 I did just that.  Alabama Shakes was in Toronto and considering how much I had heard about their previous Toronto engagement at Lee’s Palace, I knew I wanted to go.  So, I packed up a couple of excellent musical companions and on our way we went.

A few things to note – it is more the total events of the night that make musical missions the most fun.  Post-show hangouts in NYC, pre-show dinners on patios with good company, or discovering great eats outside of Lee’s Palace – these are just a few of the memories that have made shows of the past truly great experiences.

This time, as we pulled up to note the extraordinarily long line up at Kool Haus, we paused for a moment to glimpse the Edge studio, where Three Days Grace was performing live.  Side note – they sound terrible live (and from a distance).  You could see the light show and hear the mis-pitch and offset key.  Hmm.  Makes me glad we weren’t there to see Three Days Grace…

After making our way into Kool Haus and procuring drinks, so began the game of people-watching.  Now, I love to watch people.  Checking out outfits, figuring out stories, watching people interact.  How many people will smile and say, “excuse me”  before trodding on your foot? How many people will walk and stand directly in front of you, vying for a better view of the stage?

Tonight’s game was “spot the hipster”.  Now, before you hipster-readers get your scarves in a knot, it is all in good fun.  Hipsters represent a segment of society that I have an affinity for.  Aside from the clothing choices (scarves in summer or a warm concert venue is something I’ve not yet understood).  That said, I do rather enjoy fighting you about the evil of the music empire and your penchant for finding the most obscure music.  And as long as you don’t trend toward the knack of the “hippie hipster” and dredge yourself in patchouli (which I can tolerate, but one of my crew claims, “it burns!”) we tend to get along just fine.

But we had some time to kill and “spot the hipster” is rather like an enjoyable game of “I Spy”. We spotted the eclectic girl-hipster, wearing shorts, leg warmers, plaid shirt and, of course, a scarf and oversized glasses.  We spotted many renditions of the “fat guy” hat (both on backward and forward).  There was a sea of plaid, a smattering of man scarves and a single popped collar.  Many degrees of beards were witnessed. We even managed to find the quintessential hipster boy.

Oh, wait.  The music.

Opening for Alabama Shakes was Toronto’s own Catl.  I’d never heard of them.  Imagine our delight and surprise when a gravel-voiced man took the stage alongside a throwback diva-type and lanky drummer.  And then the music began and I was entranced.  It seems a lot of what I’m listening to lately is pretty blues-y in nature and this fit in perfectly.  Catl describes their music as “stripped down juke joint blues” and, while limiting to their sound, this works as a descriptor.  Catl delivers some dirty, gritty blues that are pure toe-tapping fun.  Sarah Kirkpatrick (of the splendid white dress and bouffant hair) is engaging, to say the least.  Upon further review, I’ve discovered that all three band members are refugees of the punk scene.. which is interesting, since their sound is almost so retro it is new and a bit groundbreaking.  Definitely check them out.  http://catl.bandcamp.com/

Now, the reason I was there – Alabama Shakes.

Without a doubt, they did not disappoint.  I was hoping to prove to myself – again – that a band you could love on record is one you could adore even more live.  And I wasn’t wrong.  Brittany Howard’s voice is a revelation.  My eyes didn’t leave the stage and save for a quick trip to avoid extraordinary t-shirt-buyer-lineups (where nary a small shirt was left to be found.. damn…), I was cemented to the floor.  It was easy to see why the show sold out, despite Alabama Shakes only having one album (and only one radio-released song thus far).  What I won’t be claiming:  ”they sound terrible live”.  True to my expectation, Alabama Shakes exceed their recorded sound.  Brittany Howard’s voice is superhuman.  There isn’t anything she can’t sing – recreating vestiges of Joplin, Chapman, Franklin and James (Etta).  She is a powerhouse.  And despite the fact that the band is fairly new (having only formed in 2009), they perform with a unity and cohesiveness some long-standing bands could learn from.

Kool Haus was a fantastic venue to see Shakes at.  Despite a few moments of inevitable “why does the tall guy have to stand right in front of me?”, the acoustics were stellar, the crowd was engaged and it was just a night of solidly good music.  There is nothing pretentious or overdone about Alabama Shakes.  Howard is a genuine performer.  This isn’t about tricks and gimmicks.  It’s just superb music.  And I was so thoroughly engrossed that I couldn’t even spare a withering glare at the guy blowing smoke directly at me while grooving out.  Have at it, my friend.

photo credit to aux.tv

What they played?  An hour of amazing music.  A feat, considering they only have one album.  I think my list is fairly complete (save for one of the three encore songs):

SET LIST:

Goin’ to the Party
Hang Loose
Hold On
Be Mine
Mama
Making me Itch (new track)

ENCORE: 

I Ain’t the Same
On Your Way

Of course, as is my usual style, I get caught up in the moments and don’t record anything.  Thank goodness for other people’s YouTube accounts.  Hold On, live from Kool Haus, featured below.  Many thanks to Catl and Alabama Shakes for a simply stellar evening out.  And many more thanks to those that managed a much-needed night out with me.  Music is never as good as when it is shared with seriously great people (who manage to spot a hipster from 100 paces… ).  Very, very well played.  And definitely so worth the late night which was followed by an exceedingly early morning and a very sleepy day.  At least I couldn’t stop smiling.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Concert Reviews

September 8, 2012

New Music in the ‘hood: The Neighbourhood

By Betty Beat

The other night, I was hanging out with the Little Beats (who both started school this week, a Top 10 list for later on – Back to School Music: Songs to Learn By) when I was alerted to a radio discussion of new music.  Because dinner was being prepped and I was being all domesticated, I had missed the gist of what was said.  Luckily, I have extremely reliable and clever musical friends who share my penchant for new sounds and they filled me in (kudos to those that deserve it.. thank you… that is two in a row.. I’m officially impressed).

You all know how I love new tunes.  Intense moments of Googling followed.  Who were these mysterious new crooners?  All I had was a name:  The Neighbourhood.

I caught the discussion of the song “Sweater Weather” and investigated further to find “Female Robbery”.  I was on a mission. But I couldn’t find more.

What?  Nary a Wiki page, a bio, a wordy website?  Who are these guys?!

This is what I found:

Sweater Weather

Female Robbery

My thoughts?  They intrigue me.  The music is good. Crooning with a smattering of R&B.  It’s light, but not. It’s kind of indie-folk-rock-hop.  It’s a mesh of bits of everything, but it’s not overkill and insipid.  I called them a bit Arctic Monkeys mixed with Foster the People mixed with The Weeknd (but peppier).  If I was going to label them.

Points of Interest:

- Note the spelling of their name.  Perhaps why no one in the US has really stood up to notice.  Perhaps why they released initially in the UK, as opposed to the US (this is where I make the declarative statement that the UK is far more hip than the US in terms of new music).

- All that is really known about the band is that they are based out of LA, released two singles in the UK (with much love for both).  The lead singer is a former child actor named Jesse James Rutherford (go IMDB him..).  They’ve only released an EP, entitled “I’m Sorry” and people are intrigued because..well, that’s all we know about them.  Is this music marketing smarts (building buzz by not saying anything), or are these guys just really low-key and not attention whores?  Whichever the motivation, it is serving to make people focus on the music which is, well, really good.  It’s clever, and I like clever.  I’m holding out hope they keep it up.

- I shared with another pal of mine – the ever-picky Bros.  He is withholding his verdict, although I am pointing out that the band has been likened to The Weeknd, and I’ll point out that he said that The Weeknd was a band that his snobby side accepted DESPITE their commercial success.  Could this be another?  Time will tell.

- The videos are stellar.  In fact, they are part of what I immediately was attracted to with the music.   They are visually stunning.  Music for the eyes and ears, it seems.

- I prefer Female Robbery over Sweater Weather.  What about you guys?

So there you have it.  New music for a Saturday night.  My prediction:  They’ll live up to the hype.  Expect to hear more from them in mainstream media once the snow flies.

Go Like The Neighbourhood: http://www.facebook.com/TheNeighbourhood

Go Follow The Neighbourhood: http://twitter.com/thenbhd

Check out their site (p.s. Love the branding! I want a black t-shirt!) and get the EP: http://www.thenbhd.com/

Happy Listening!

3 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in New Music, Random Musings

August 29, 2012

The Business of Being Hesta Prynn

By Betty Beat

Photo by Randy Scott Slavin

Photo by Randy Scott Slavin

A few months ago, Lila and I heard that Hesta Prynn put out the call to her fans to come up with words to describe her. Having met her on our NYC “No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn” whirlwind adventure, Lila and I took up her challenge, brownosed by turning our words into a bit of art and ended up landing an interview.

Surreal.

The main word chosen for this little project was “Propulsive”. The power to propel. It had a lot of meaning – how both Lila and I have claimed that Hesta’s music makes us run harder, how her music moves us, how when we met her she was like a force. And then we realized just how much velocity this girl has.

Hesta Prynn is an entity. And she knows it. In an industry that is often fickle-minded and self-indulgent, Julie Potash, is a smart and savvy business woman. She is building the Hesta Prynn brand. She recognizes the business behind music, the changes in the music industry and combines creativity with something that many artists rely on big companies to provide them: business smarts.

This was not the interview we expected.

Most people who know me know that I have a decided interest in how the music industry is run. I have a bit of a predisposed skepticism of the need of big record labels and traditional musical marketing methods. I mean, when you work more than a decade in marketing and advertising, you tend to have a healthy skepticism of all mass marketing tactics and the driving force behind them. So I, obviously, was elated to talk to an artist that….well, she gets it. According to her, “I’m like Hesta Prynn, the whole business entity; not just Hesta Prynn – musician.”

And what is more, Julie manages to intertwine business sense with some good old-fashioned idealism without it seeming trite or canned. She’s just real. She wants people to like her music, but more than that, she wants people to share it.

So, when her EP drops today, along with her new video, it’s not going to be in a traditional way. According to Julie, it’s going to be done “more grassroots.” This isn’t a full length record. “In this day and age, I wonder; I explore the idea… if putting an album of music is a dated way to do this. As opposed to, let’s say, putting out an EP quarterly?”

“I started in this business pretty young doing Northern State; it kind of got really big. We did the more traditional things for a hot minute. Then things started to change in the industry at the same time things started to change in the band. By the time I’d done that for a number of years, I was ready to try some other things. Just like any other profession. It was a natural progression.”

Instead of just writing music, putting it out and touring to support it, Hesta Prynn is diverse. She Djs (notably opening the Roxette show on September 2nd, more on that in a bit). She writes for other artists. She creates art and mixes it all together to be a force. Propulsive, indeed.

It isn’t any wonder that she has had the fortune to work with the likes of DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill) and Adam Horovitz (Beastie Boys). And she shows immense gratitude to the lessons learned from those she has either collaborated with or learned from.

“These people shaped who I am and the fact that they’ve been generous to me, as an artist, I sometimes can’t really believe that it happened.”

And if you want a prime example of exactly how awesome her collaborations have been, ask her the story of Clown from Slipknot. A story I can’t even begin to do justice here in writing. To get a taste of it, go YouTube Hesta’s “Seven Sisters” video and just watch. Watch and appreciate the sheer creativity that is shared and know that one day, should you have the luck to meet her, that you can ask her to tell the story behind the video. That Clown is a Hesta Prynn fan kind of blew our minds. I think it initially blew hers as well. That we got to hear about the creation of the video, the insights delivered by a metal icon and shared a bit of what Julie was able to experience with him was a highlight. I know, I know.. it’s like teasing by not sharing the entire story here. But trust us, it’s something best heard in person. In the very least, go check out the song and video.. it’s one of our all-time favourites.

But, the EP and video release – the driving force of why we wanted to talk to Julie. What could we expect? Of course, both the music and the video are shared below. And we had to ask if there was a certain satisfaction in pulling all of this together on “her own” (of course, Julie has surrounded herself with a team, but this isn’t big label relase-ish.. this is all her own.).

We Could Fall in Love on iTunes NOW!!!

“If you look at my videos, they are so much better than anything I’ve ever done. Everything is better now, but I have pay it out of my pocket. And that is a little stressful, but I’m running my own business. It’s about investing in your own. I don’t know if it’s more rewarding, but you can do it better (than relying on a label).”

“I’m really doing this one really grass roots. One of the songs is produced by DJ A. One is produced by Teen Wolf. I’m basically going to do it all myself. So we’ll see what happens. And see how much attention it gets. I hope that people that have always supported me, will pass it on to their friends. I’m counting on my community.”

Immediately after the release comes her September 2nd show, opening for Roxette at the Beacon Theatre.

A 45-minute set that she has promised will be a mix of showcasing just who Hesta Prynn is. This show marks the largest she has ever done. She’ll spin, she’ll sing and we’re certain she is going to propel the crowd. It’s her goal. This set isn’t about her, in the typical “look at me” stage artist. It’s about the audience. And she makes that claim without an ounce of false modesty or faked humility. She just really wants people to enjoy her work.

“It’s a really big show for me, the biggest I’ve ever done. I’m doing a DJ set and I’ll sing a couple songs and a video installation and show people what I’ve been doing, what I can do, what my interests are. I would never just show up and play records for 45 minutes, I craft it.  I’m creating it, I’m definitely over-thinking it, for sure. But that is exactly what I was told to do, how to do it. When you’re performing and for people who don’t necessarily know you, you are constantly marketing yourself; selling yourself.  When it comes to performing, my real dream, my real 100-percent-honest-to-god, I want every single person, not just one person, I want EVERY person there at one point in that show to say, “Oh shit, that’s my jam.” If you can make 3500 people say at least once, “that’s my jam”, you know what you’re doing. I literally may die trying.”

And this is why Lila and I are such fans.

I won’t get into this long and overdone concept of “girl-power” and feminist attitude. But just as Julie has shown great appreciation of those she has been able to collaborate with in her life, she shares that by equally giving back to her fans. Sure, we write this blog and review music, but we’ve been long-standing fans of Hesta Prynn that were afforded a greater insight into a woman who, frankly, we both exclaimed we would happily just hang with. For no other reason than… Hesta Prynn is just awesome. She is exactly what she sets out to be. She may not know what your jam is, but she is pretty sure she is going to hit it. She recognizes that Hesta Prynn is the “most outgoing, my most sure, my freshest dopest most awesome version of myself… in my most inspired moments.” And I’m pretty sure everyone has a bit of that in themselves. Their most confident.

She doesn’t expect to be the biggest star at the party. I will never expect her to try be the diva of the ball. What I expect of this EP is just solidly great music that is fun and inspired. Something to share with those I know will appreciate it. Nothing contrived , nothing fake.

So, as we leave you with our sharing of one of our favourite artists here at Beat & Lyric, let us impart the biggest thing we learned from Julie during this process. Her parting moral, if you will:

“I think that it’s hard to be your real self in this world. I feel like having another name or persona and a look I think it helps you – I mean, I have to step up to be that. If I’m going to go and perform, I have to show up already knowing this time is going to be good. I really have built this thing that I have. I do feel that when I step into the Hesta Prynn thing, I’m ready to have fun. And I’ll be the coolest girl at the party and I’ll be friends with you. I won’t be the coolest girl and I’m not nice. I’ll be the coolest girl at the party, I’ll be friends with you and I’ll be like ‘get in my car and let’s go.”

Well played, Hesta Prynn. We are more than ready to take a spin with you.

~Betty Beat (with Lila Lyric)

 

Follow Hesta Prynn on Twitter

Like Hesta Prynn on Facebook

Check out the official Hesta Prynn webpage  www.hestaprynn.com

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