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posted by Grant Lawrence on Dec 12, 2008

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Coming up today on Grant Lawrence Live, 3PM ET / noon PT on CBC Radio 3's web radio:

Today's Guests: Hey Ocean!, Phil Klygo (weewerk records)

Before we get to the gigs, earlier today CBC Radio 3 broke the news of the upcoming Arcade Fire documentary. Not sure about you, but I love the mix of music and movies... which brings us to our...

Poll Question of the Day: WHAT IS THE ALL-TIME BEST ROCK 'N' ROLL MOVIE?

Documentary, mockumentary, fictional, factual, concert, tour, doesn't matter. Let us know the greatest mash up of music and movie and we'll try to compile a top 5 list by the end of the show... and feel free to share your favourite LINE from a rock 'n' roll movie.

THE RESULTS:

5. The Last Waltz

4. Rock n Roll High School

3. Hard Core Logo

2. Spinal Tap

1. Almost Famous

Post your comments to our blog or email feedback@cbcradio3.com and we'll share your comments throughout the show.

Ok... now it's time for the Top Five Must-See Events of the weekend!! We've combed over the tour schedules, gig listings, and events calendars from across Canada and here's what we think you absolutely must see and do, in alphabetical order...

Fri Dec 12 - Corb Lund Yellowknife, NT - The Hurtin' Albertan will be giving a lesson in horsemanship and raw-country rocking Friday night at St. Patrick's High School.
Fri Dec 12 - Fembots Toronto, ON. A misty musical thank you to the little indie label that could. (weewerk) celebrates its 6^th birthday with Fembots, Tony Dekker, and Jenny Omnichord at the Whippersnapper Gallery.
Fri Dec 12 / Sat Dec 13 - Hey Ocean! Grande Prairie, AB. Since seeing them once is never enough, Vancouver's Hey Ocean! will take the stage at Better Than Fred's for back-to-back nights.
Fri Dec 12 / Sat Dec 13 - Jingle Bell Rock Toronto, ON. With The Dears, Tokyo Police Club, Metric, and Sebastien Grainger all taking the stage at the Sound Academy, it must be said: Helping charities never sounded so good.
Fri Dec 12 - Sleepless Nights Charlottown, PEI. The kids will be on fire this Friday as Sleepless Night's wall-of-sound makes its way into Hunter's Ale House.

Also, if we've missed any events that are happening in Canada this weekend that you want us to know about, please post it to our blog.

Interview with Dave the bassist from Hey Ocean:

Interview with Phil Klygo:

posted by Grant Lawrence on Dec 12, 2008

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#1 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Dec 12, 2008

The opening 10 minutes are over the top with anticipation for the first explosive notes.

Glam, money, decadence, nothing that has anything to do with day to day life, absolute escapism.

#2 posted by
polihack
on Dec 12, 2008

Enter Comment Here:

#3 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Almost Famous
or
A Mighty Wind

As for the pic in today's post, I would pay top dollar for a circa Out of Cellar tour RATT 3/4 sleeve rawk show shirt.

By top dollar I mean you should hunt that mullet down in the pick, confiscate the shirt and send it to me.

#4 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Love how your Movember 'stache turned out Grant. Tho, I never would have pegged you as a Ratt fan.

#5 posted by
teamquentin
on Dec 12, 2008

The Last Waltz tops my DVD concert list.

#6 posted by
johnjack
on Dec 12, 2008

I feel like I should say something like Stop Making Sense or Rattle and Hum, but when you come right down to it, my favourite has to be Rock n Rule.

#7 posted by
Steve Pratt
on Dec 12, 2008

Spinal Tap. Who wants to 'dust for vomit'?

#8 posted by
kootenaykid
on Dec 12, 2008

I have not seen many, but Fubar does have a special place in my heart, being Canadian and all...

Just Give'r Eh

#9 posted by
Colin Medley
on Dec 12, 2008

Grant, you forgot to plug the biggest two-day evening happening this weekend in Toronto: Rock 'Em Sock'Em! Two nights with one of Toronto's best bands (The D'Urbervilles), with support from Katie Stelmanis and Mantler tonight, and Slow Hand Motem and Bocce tomorrow. It's all happening in the smallest room in the city, the Tiger Bar! It's going to down in history, so you best mention it on your show if you want a piece of the pie. Watch the preview here: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=iAYQTIzf7Dg

#10 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

From a Mighty Wind
"To do then now would be retro. To do then then was very now-tro, if you will"

From Almost Famous
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world... is what you share with someone else when you're uncool. "

#11 posted by
dood
on Dec 12, 2008

I agree, Spinal Tap is tops! Also, I understand that we don't necessarily agree with issues Gene Simmons believes in (e.g., Canadian culture...), I still think Detroit Rock City was pretty rad too.

#12 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

There's a Australian rock & roll comedy I love called "Garage Days" Its hook line is 'What if you finally got your big break... and you just plain sucked?' It's hilarious!

#13 posted by
polihack
on Dec 12, 2008

Heya Grant, where did that version of Brazil come from?

#14 posted by
Amanda Putz
on Dec 12, 2008

...how much I love Empire Records. "What's with today, today?"

Note: the Ottawa Martha Wainwright Date winners are posted below your post. Rolf & I didn't get to it on-air this morning & people have been asking on my blog post. Thanks!

#15 posted by
teamquentin
on Dec 12, 2008

I wish I added that Brazil tune to my playlist... very cool.

#16 posted by
wedgeport
on Dec 12, 2008

I wholeheartedly concur that it's Spinal Tap.

"I'm really influenced by Mozart and Bach, and it's sort of in between those, really. It's like a Mach piece, really."

#17 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

it was the Arcade Fire's B-side for their Rebellion (Lies) single from back in 2005...

#18 posted by
enerie
on Dec 12, 2008

I'll confess, I may have seen Almost Famous more times than Cameron Crowe. Although there are plenty great "musical" movies to choose from, Almost Famous is by far my favorite (honourable mentions for High Fidelity though). It's because of that movie that I discovered the wonders of classic rock n' roll and became nostalgic for vinyl. It's hard to pick a favorite quote, but when my sister and I are eagerly awaiting the start of a great concert, and we're overwhelmingly excited, and everything seems to be going our way; we always share an "It's all happening!" moment.

Great poll question Grant!
--Vanessa

#19 posted by
ottawateeth
on Dec 12, 2008

I'm gonna have to say High Fidelity (if it qualifies?), Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind, The Who's The Kids Are Alright, Quadrophenia, and the Flaming Lips' Christmas on Mars.

#20 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

Cape Breton's Slowcoaster is playing Paul's Wharf in St. George Saturday night.

#21 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

That's St. George, New Brunswick, by the way. It's going to be insane!

#22 posted by
boots mcgruff
on Dec 12, 2008

"the life and hard times of guy terrifico", without a doubt, for several reasons, including but not limited to:
a) it's just plain awesome
b) matt murphy is hot
c) ruth minnikin sings the duet vocals
d) it won me martha wainwright tickets
possibly the best line: (*crowd chanting*) "hump! the! drum! hump! the! drum!"

@amanda putz: ha! i TOTALLY forgot about Empire Records. oh, high school.

#23 posted by
dawn.h
on Dec 12, 2008

Danny Michel is playing a three-night, sold out (grr) set of shows at The Rivoli in Toronto - last night, tonight and Saturday night.

#24 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Lester Bangs

#25 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

Thanks tb3!

#26 posted by
cheval
on Dec 12, 2008

blondie, alice cooper, meat loaf, hank williams2. way overlooked.

also phantom of the paradise, not sure if that qualifies but paul williams has written some fine songs

#27 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

The quote I put up there ^^ is from Lester Bangs/Philip Seymour Hoffman.

One of the greatest characters, played by a great actor.

#28 posted by
lindsey.who
on Dec 12, 2008

I really enjoyed the most recent Sigur Ros Documentary. Spinal Tap was also pretty awesome.

But I have to confess - my younger brother and I have memorized the entire script from "school of rock". When it came out my parents bought it so we could watch it in the car on our long family drive to Florida. It was the ONLY movie we watched (there and back). Needless to say it has become a classic "rock and roll" movie for the two of us.

#29 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

Hi Grant
I'm the excited sister! So I'm qualified to tell you the last time it was all happening. We went to see Sam Roberts together two weeks ago. Sonic, the promoter, had given us tickets to the show, and I got the second-to-last copy of Chemical City on vinyl.

#30 posted by
GPots
on Dec 12, 2008

Fav Rock'n'Roll Movie:

The Harder they Come, The Harder They Fall - Great music and cultural artifact.

Other notables:

Control

Sid & Nancy

Human Highway - Devo, Neil Young, and Dennis Hopper - pure weirdness

#31 posted by
foxymoron
on Dec 12, 2008

My friends and I watched Empire Records together over and over again. I think I've seen it more than 30 times in my life--more than any other movie.

#32 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

Enter Comment Here:

#33 posted by
blurasis
on Dec 12, 2008

Two comes into mind and have on DVD
A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles
Intersella 5555 by Daft Punk which is amazing Japanese animation.

#34 posted by
enerie
on Dec 12, 2008

Matt Mays and El Torpedo, and the Sam Roberts band when they played in Moncton NB a few weeks ago, and I ended up winning tickets! Even more than that, we got a chance to talk with Eric Fares and James Hall, meet Sam Roberts himself, and had a great chat with Matt Mays about New York, Vinyl, and the Vitamin C benefits of green peppers. It was a surreal experience and I wish I were in St. John's this weekend where they'll be playing again with Hey Rosetta! Should be a time!

PS: I think Phillip Seymore Hoffman played Lester Bangs, I always wondered if he was a real person.

#35 posted by
teamquentin
on Dec 12, 2008

Rolling Stones fans must have the best collection of DVD material with Gimme Shelter (1970), Cocksucker Blues (1972), and Shine A Light (2008). Nearly 40 years of material, showing the band at it's highest and lowest, using the grainest footage to Scorsese 18 camera production.

#36 posted by
bedlam7
on Dec 12, 2008

Fav Rock movie i would have to say was life Aquatic with Steave Zissou, if it counts. This flick is riddled with great acoustic versions of David Bowie tunes.

#37 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

Enter Comment Here:

#38 posted by
Badfish
on Dec 12, 2008

Airheads: not so much a classic, but it has a place in my heart.

#39 posted by
EastCoastKim
on Dec 12, 2008

See, she's far more forthcoming than me!

#40 posted by
KidGotham
on Dec 12, 2008

I don't think I could pick just one, so here is my short list:

- Hard Core Logo
- Rock and Roll Highschool
- Suburbia (the original)
- Another State of Mind
- A Mighty Wind

Sadly, Eddie and the Cruisers did not make the cut...

#41 posted by
framebreaker
on Dec 12, 2008

My first thought was also High Fidelity, but upon further consideration I have concluded that Rock and Roll High School, a tongue in cheek documentary about the Ramones basically taking over a school with help from robo-babe Riff Randell is the funniest, best, and most life changing rock and roll movie ever.

#42 posted by
SuburbanBlues
on Dec 12, 2008

Oh I love Interstella 5555 as well its like Fantasia for adults, I also like the Wall and A Might Wind too

#43 posted by
boots mcgruff
on Dec 12, 2008

oh, GOOD CALL on the Jimmy Cliff. I'd forgotten about that one. I need to go hunt that down again.

#44 posted by
MusicSoop
on Dec 12, 2008

No question - "Heavy Metal Parking Lot".

"Neil Diamond Parking Lot" is almost as good, but I'm not sure anything Neil Diamond would qualify as Rock 'n' Roll.

And for a real good laugh everyone should see "Monster Truck Parking Lot".

#45 posted by
teamquentin
on Dec 12, 2008

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey is so good they should show it in high schools. Also it's by a Canadian director!

#46 posted by
Chris Alscher
on Dec 12, 2008

when they played the Apollo Theatre for the first time, it always gets me.

#47 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

I am sure you remember this one like I do, has anyone mentioned "The Rise and Fall of Western Civilization: The Metal Years"

Oden! Oden! Oden!

#48 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

Lou Diamond Phillips?

#49 posted by
EricR
on Dec 12, 2008

When I first read the question, my immediate answer was "The Last Waltz". Then someone mentioned "Almost Famous"... and "Empire Records"... and "High Fidelity". While I was writing this, "Festival Express" also jumped to mind.

I couldn't possibly pick just one, so there you go... my top five, in no particular order.

As for a favourite quote... there are so many good ones, most of which have already been mentioned above.

#50 posted by
MusicSoop
on Dec 12, 2008

Of course! Chris Holmes infamous pool scene... who could forget. It's been a while though, maybe it's time to give that one another showing.

Does "Dazed and Confused" count as a Rock 'n' Roll movie? Or "American Graffiti"?

#51 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Highway 61?

Proudly own that movie on VHS. And was very happy to find out my wife worked with an Aunt of Bruce McDonald. I made her promise to tell him how much I loved that movie.

#52 posted by
Colin Medley
on Dec 12, 2008

Awww, you're playing Cuff the Duke for me, right? I'm from Oshawa you know?

Y'all forgot about me.

#53 posted by
drock
on Dec 12, 2008

What about Rude Boy? It's about a roadie with The Clash.

And does I'm Not There count as a rock 'n' roll movie? (the Bob Dylan one)

#54 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

Festival Express is an important Canadian movie that I don't think has been mentioned yet.

#55 posted by
EricR
on Dec 12, 2008

I don't know if "Dazed" or "Graffitti" count, but they're both excellent 'coming of age' stories.

Also, speaking of movies on VHS, what about Pink Floyd's "Live at Pompeii" (since released on DVD)? Not so much a concert as a live experiment for the band... plus the pre-DSotM noodling about in the studio is great to see. Good stuff.

#56 posted by
mjustice
on Dec 12, 2008

"It's all gone Pete Tong", followed closely by a wicked documentary on electronic music called "Modulations", and "Empire Records" as a far third.
Thanks

#57 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

Oops! Yes it has.

#58 posted by
dawn.h
on Dec 12, 2008

Most of my favourites have already been mentioned.

La Bamba.. oh.. the memories.

Did anyone mention Great Balls of fire?

There was the InDef Sessions series of movie/concerts (Cineplex ran a series of concerts in their theatres in the fall). I saw this one: http://www.cineplex.com/Movies/MovieDetails/C3F0071E/Fall_HD_Concert_Series_InDef_Sessions_Series_1_Nov_5_2008_.aspx. It was very odd to watch Great Lake Swimmers (who creates a lot of soundtrack music) and Joel Plaskett live in a giant theatre with about 12 people. But kind of cool at the same time.

#59 posted by
Crystal Dee
on Dec 12, 2008

whoa all the movies everyone listed are amazing (of course spinal tap is the best)
i'd like to add the year that punk broke - when I was 15 i watched this movie incessantly and thought it was amazing - and an awesome country rock n roll movie I watch recently - robert altman's Nashville

#60 posted by
enerie
on Dec 12, 2008

I'm going to have to grab my pen and add to my "Movie's to see" list!

#61 posted by
mixup
on Dec 12, 2008

Finally people are acknowledging ROCK'N'ROLL HIGHSCHOOL - that one"s a blast!
Musicsoop mentions DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION which is about The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.

And speaking of X, I really like THE UNHEARD MUSIC, which is a doc about X around the same scene. I saw it for sale at Soundscapes in TO.

#62 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

starring Dennis Quaid and WINONA RYDER!!!

#63 posted by
MusicSoop
on Dec 12, 2008

Oh yeah Live at Pompeii is excellent. I'm not even a huge PF fan but I put that one on all the time, it's probably one of my most played DVDs...after "Spice World", haha.

#64 posted by
Silvorgold
on Dec 12, 2008

It's already mentioned... Almost Famous!

Why? You get to hear Phillip Seymore Hoffman say the words "Give me the Guess Who! They got the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them poetic!

and on the uncut version he also says this, while pulling out their amazing Live at the Paramount album (one of Canada's best live albums ever) and says: Yes? No. Live "American Woman?" Have you ever -- the most BRILLIANT piece of gobbledygook ever!

#65 posted by
mjustice
on Dec 12, 2008

Rereading the blogs, I want to add in number 3, and 4, and move my 3 to 5. "It's all gone Pete Tong" still takes 1. "Modulations" is 2. "Life Aquatic"takes 3, just barely, in fact it is probably tied with "Modulations" for 2nd. 4 would be "The Harder they come", can't beat Jimmy Cliff for serious gansta action. And lastly in 5th, "Empire Records".
Fun times, MJ

#66 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

... why has no one mentioned Quadrophenia?

#67 posted by
dawn.h
on Dec 12, 2008

They don't show Quadrophenia very often so I don't think it's well known. I'll second it for you, though.

#68 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

Who? ;-) Seriously, though, I haven't seen it. Tommy the Who would be another. Yellow Submarine anyone?

#69 posted by
Crystal Dee
on Dec 12, 2008

i'm kinda sad....
i kinda like hard core logo

#70 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

I didn't say it!!

But I will say that I have been pretty much flat out disappointed by ALL the Beatles movies...

#71 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

Don't be sad. I like it too.

#72 posted by
Khym
on Dec 12, 2008

Best Rock N Roll documentary is yet to be made. It will feature the Kamloops based band Maverick Way and they will rock the skinny jeans off Dean and Terry.

I think that 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'Fubar' are the bestest.
Pink Floyd: Live at Pompei is off the friggin gnar-bar too.

#73 posted by
boots mcgruff
on Dec 12, 2008

oh my god i can't believe i didn't think of this earlier - Control, the biopic about joy division's ian curtis, is AMAZING. it just came out last year, and it really is incredible. that man was incredible.

also, whoever said Hard Core Logo sucks is just plain wrong. that movie rules.

#74 posted by
jillenium00
on Dec 12, 2008

Aha...I LOVE movies. I'm a huge buff!
A Mighty Wind gets my vote in terms of a story-movie
The Last waltz of course for the documentary/concert

#75 posted by
Bio Spice
on Dec 12, 2008

i just needed to stand up for ottawateeth.

#76 posted by
DiscoVigilante
on Dec 12, 2008

A lot of really good picks up there so far (except Life Aquatica, C'mon man!) My top five are:
1. Bring It Back Home: The Life and Hard Time of Guy Terrifico
2. The Last Waltz
3. Pink Floyd's Live at Pompeii
4Give Me Shelter (the doc on Rolling Stones Altamont concert)
5. Saturday Night Fever (I know its not a rock movie but it still rocks in a cheezy disco way)

#77 posted by
Khym
on Dec 12, 2008

Enter Comment Here:

#78 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

I have to say it is everything that should have NEVER happened to Highway 61. Highway 61 had just the right budget, limitations, and rawness to it that Hardcore Logo so didn't.

They are like examples of what good and bad comes from too much budget.

I am sure Bruce McDonald would have loved the money during Highway 61, but Hardcore Logo is proof that Highway 61 Revisited should never happen with more money.

In my opinion anyway… but what do I know

#79 posted by
jillenium00
on Dec 12, 2008

Does David Bowie's role in Labyrinth make it a rock and roll movie?

#80 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

um... NO.

#81 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

huh?

#82 posted by
Crystal Dee
on Dec 12, 2008

are you hatin' hard core logo or highway 61???

#83 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Hardcore logo was like Highway 61 redone with a bigger budget.

Also another movie to add:
Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077788/
(I am old enough to remember my brother taking over the TV to watch that)

#84 posted by
beautyobscure
on Dec 12, 2008

Almost Famous!

#85 posted by
mixup
on Dec 12, 2008

Yea! The RIFF RANDELLS!

I always thought that Andrea Wasse and THE WEEKEND should have been huge stars - with a picture of them under the definition of Power Pop.

Please play some...how about "California" off of "Beatbox My Heartbeat".

#86 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

It should be noted that I hate Hugh what's his nuts from The Headstones… guess there's a reason he went to acting and left the band behind.

#87 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Singles!

#88 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Dec 12, 2008

Anyone? Help?

#89 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Check your Facebook Status comments Grant - was mentioned.

Haven't seen it either but my brother RAVES about it.

#90 posted by
Colin Medley
on Dec 12, 2008

My friend AJ told me to watch Dig. I've never bothered watching it.

#91 posted by
jillenium00
on Dec 12, 2008

http://snagfilms.com/films/title/dig/

#92 posted by
drock
on Dec 12, 2008

...Apparently I need to catch up on my rock 'n roll movies.

#93 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

I wonder if there's an east west split on Hard Core Logo? It's about a band on the road touring around small clubs in western Canada, and for anyone who has done that, or who knows someone who's done that, I think there are a lot of very funny and ugly truths in that movie. Maybe it's not the same for people who come from more compact regions and haven't spent as much time on the road?

#94 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

Have you seen Highway 61?

#95 posted by
BigRockFan
on Dec 12, 2008

No I'm afraid I haven't, so I'm probably missing the point you were making.

#96 posted by
Chris Alscher
on Dec 12, 2008

Kiss's Phantom of the park. I'm surprised it has not been mentioned. Ahem.

#97 posted by
jillenium00
on Dec 12, 2008

Perhaps next week we should discuss the best movie soundtrack!!

#98 posted by
DrMoose
on Dec 12, 2008

Here's my top three:

PF Live at Pompeii
The Last Waltz
Radiohead's Meeting People is Easy

I also have a soft spot for Detroit Rock City and Fubar!

Peace and Love

#99 posted by
tb3
on Dec 12, 2008

scorll up, look, Kiss meets the Phantom SO is there.

you and Grant were looking with your boy eyes today

#100 posted by
flannel tom
on Dec 14, 2008

FUBAR (wicked Terry and Deaner picture by the way), The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico, A Mighty Wind, Spinal Tap and Hard Core Logo (Thank you Edmonton, Good Night!!!)

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