Random Channel Surfing

So after a long search for someone to go to concerts with, my friend Lucina is officially my concert buddy. This is the same girl that I would see every time Nix and I would go to a show. She and her sister Fabiana are as music obsessed as we were back in the day and it's nice to know that Lucina is still trying to keep going to shows, despite the fact her sister moved away to Toronto this past year. Last night Lucina and I met at The Artery to support Bedouin Soundclash's front man's new project: Jay Malinowski and the Deadcoast. I got there earlier than we'd agreed (social anxiety makes me overly punctual) and I settled in, ruminating over the fact that the majority of Edmonton's population are hipsters in flannel and beanie hats. Or, at least that's what the audience last night would have you believe. The Artery is a fairly small venue and I'd been there previously for my friend Sean's band's CD release party last February. It had been packed...

“'Over time, being in a band’s an intense thing,' Malinowski told Metro, not adding much in the way of specifics expect that things seem amicable. 'We pretty much reached the end of that chapter.' [sic]” What did Jay mean by all of this... and what did the reporter mean when he wrote "things seem amicable"?! I never thought that there was any animosity between the former-Bedouin and Jay and Eon, but this article makes it seem like there is. But then I find videos like this one  and I realize that there can't be animosity... Just look at the comraderie between them! Jay affirms that he can't live without Pat! In other Bedouin news, these dudes were (*apparently) very naughty at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Fest . Tsk tsk, Eon and Jay, tsk tsk.  Naughtiness aside, the more I think about it, the more I realize that if it weren't for Bob Marley and Bedouin, I wouldn't be as into music as I am. Sure, it all started with Bob Marley and the Wailers,...

... when I said I would stop at 8 concerts. I blame Fabiana. I was all set to stay home and mourn my lack of loyalty towards my favourite band when she phoned to see if I wanted to join her--and I wouldn't have to pay her back! How could I say no? She's a temptress !! haha! In any case, Bedouin was, as always, A-fucking-MAZING! And their opening band was from Edmonton! They support local talent--how can I NOT adore them? Anyway, the above picture is of Fabs and Luls. Both these chickies (having attended all of the Bedouin shows in the city, haha!) were pulled onstage by Jay! It made my heart happy to see them up there! Especially since they literally haven't missed a single one of their shows and this show was phenomenal (though I hate to admit that the horn section almost stole the show...) During Bedouin's  Rudy  cover, these dudes played two of the wickedest solos I have ever heard (the only exceptions being Taylor Hawkins' solo at the Foos concert last March ...

There's no denying that I love going to concerts. If there's an indie or alternative band coming through town, I'm there. Practically all of my money goes towards concerts and I'm happy with the way I spend my money (though I'm not gonna lie, I'd love going to shows for FREE!) Last night, Pilot Speed  was playing at Edmonton's KDays (or rather Capital Ex... the gross new name that city counselors bestowed on the fair in '06) and my lovely Arkells (from Dine Alone Records) were opening for them. Of course, Fabs and Luls (who were taking their lil sis and friend) were going to this show, too and we made plans to meet up and enjoy the festivities... I mean, the music. So we're waiting for Arkells to start, a few members of the band (who are acquainted with Fabs and Luls) wave in our direction and smile.  Now, I gotta say that yesterday was also the first day that it was BOILING hot in the city. Like, +30 hot! That's why we were all a bit taken abac...