blog post Today on The Shumka Chunk: Live Love and the Top 5 Gigs in the Country

Yo! 

Live music is very important to me! I find myself to not do anything at shows but listen to the band and I have a tendancy to ignore everything else. Thus any form of dating at a show would probably go badly and most dates do not like to be ignored. 

Woopity woop, Shumka! 

Returning to usurp Grant's crown eh?

Welcome back

I have been saying that now for years now. 

Convient being "sick" on a friday, but hey I'm leaving work 3 hours early today too and I don't have Dave to fill in for me.

I'm pretty sure that Grant told us YESTERDAY that he wasn't going to be here today.  I don't think it's so much "sickness" as it is a "pre-approved vacation day".

Great to see you on Monday!  Sorry we didn't get a chance to talk more.

So, how's Grampa today?

in an unrelated note, since going to the Pack a.d. show last month, i will no longer be mixing up Sun Wizard and Black Wizard.  both from Vancouver.

This weekend I am going to Illuminate Yaletown, snowshoeing Saturday and curling Sunday!

Live music is quite important.  I love going to shows as much as possible.  Music is my life.  I could date someone who didn't go to shows, I suppose, if it meant I could go to shows stealth style

Welcome back? 

Oh, you're the same guy that was here on Monday? Oh, now I see how the pieces fit.

"totally willing to boogie under Rich Aucoin's parachute" would be a strange euphemism at any other show.

if you ever feel like you don't get enough air time, you know you can still jump on the blog.  WE KNOW WHERE YOU PEE *

* within a 500 km distance.

Who are you, Grant? haha

"Dave is feeling kind of shummy today"

You are soooooo funny. 

I do hope you appreciate the terrific weather I brought up to Vancouver last weekend.  Pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself.

Good! ;)

I'm panicking

Hello!

I'm going to a Deep Purple/Monster Truck after party tomorrow night! I'm excited. The Creekside Strays are playing and it's gonna be awesome!

Everyone in London should come! Nite Owl - tomorrow night at 11:30! 

Best weekend gig is tonight: PANCAKE DINNER!

I am glad to read you are going to that show! was gonna mention it to you. AJOB is FANTASTIC live! I think you'll enjoy some of his tunes, at least (but hopefully all of them!). He's also a super sweet guy and friend of mine, so if you get a chance to chat with him after you definitely should. i sure he'd love that! :)

But Pancake Day isn't til March... Or maybe April. I can never keep track. When's Easter this year? it's based around that...

Yes indeed, it opens up the possibility for all sorts of jokes, doesn't it?

I'm mimicing previous sentiments. :)  

HOW IMPORTANT IS LIVE MUSIC IN YOUR LOVE LIFE?

Meh. It'd be cool if I could mix the two - show buddy and boyfriend - but it's not the be all end all. And again... love life?

Could you date someone who didn't like going to shows?

Yes, I think so. To each their own. Wow, these are boring answers. But really though, if I'm going to be that picky... It would just be a pleasant added bonus if said imaginary significant other liked going to shows. I haaaaaate dragging invisible people places... so embarassing.

Have you met a significant other at a concert?

I've met people I wouldn't mind to be my significant other at shows, yes... 

Do you mack on hotties at gigs?

Pshhhhhhh, yeah!

Do you wanna make love  love in this club? Yeah.

Shumka, you slay me. hahahahahaaha. 

I just realised that I accidentally skipped the first all staff meeting at my new job. It was Tuesday, I thought it was today...

Maybe they planned to introduce you at the staff meeting?

And now we'd like you to meet.....

Where is that new girl?

:)

Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is observed in English-speaking countries, especially in Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Germany and parts of the United States. Shrove Tuesday is linked to Easter therefore its date changes on an annual basis.

Wow! Surprised with all the people here who are single.  You are all such nice, great & fun people (yes, YOU!). 

You must have strong arms from beating back all the suitors with sticks! 

Because the Kanye-Jayz club link reminded me of the Seinfeld episode, where George got into a club that had all  supermodels. Until they discovered he was a charlatan and it changed back to a meat packing plant.

I'm pretty sure it'd be the same way if I got into that Kanye club.

in Winnipeg this event could be some indoor fun and on Saturday outdoors- Hockey Day in Canada events at the Forks Wait did that say free coffee, donuts and delicious poutine?!!

 I think it would have been hard to be with someone who does not like live music. My sweetie and I have seen so much fantastic live music over the last 28+ years. Now we enjoy it with our two adult children. Fun times!!

You are approaching Grant's voyeuristic weirdness with your latest request.

This song reminded me that I am putting together a "mixed tape" titled- "The 70's return, Canadian-style"- for a friend, and I have some Zeus, Black Mountain, Sheepdogs etc. but I was wondering if there were any suggestions from the blog about what you think would be an essential track on this mix.

Thanks!

Maybe some Sloan from OCTA or NHTEOI would fill your 70's style music...

How about some Matt Mays, and maybe Hollerado.

I have some Matt Mays, but forgot about Hollerado and Sloan (don't know how I managed that!) Thanks 

I am just really enjoying the Canadian 70's revival that has been going on for the last few years.

I missed the last host break, anyone care to fill me in?

Everytime Grant Woo`s

Everytime Craig and Pedro get on with something ridiculous

If Craig makes a guest stay on the phone line for a half hour in between talking to them finish your drink.

I'm working on it.

ease him in with things like hey ocean, which are ridiculously poppy, but also "indie"

I love it! You and Peggy sound so n'sync (!)

I also couldn't imagine being with someone who didn't love live shows as much as me. I could only imagine, if that were the case, that at some point we'd inevitably get into the "you spent HOW MUCH on concert tickets this year?!?!" fight. I'll tell you right now, that wouldn't be pretty.

Luckily, my partner is a huge Canadian music fan (in fact, he was the one who encouraged me to listen to R3 everyday at work) and is also 6'7, so he's the perfect concert buddy.

On the list for the next few months: Said the Whale!, The Wooden Sky, Acres of Lions, Portage & Main, Joel Plaskett (x2) and at least one big festival this summer.

well, there's a few theories, but what you're thinking is my best guess as well.

im living that horrible existence that you couldnt imagine.  and it sux.

and @marie_curious: attempts to get them to use R3 have all failed. dragged to one or two concerts, but it becomes a harder sell each time (the concerts were good ones too, like EB and Sloan).

Should have looked it up first.  March 31.  Same night as we see Kathleen Edwards.

I'll send Tyler a note and see what he says.

More proof of the validity of the Radio3 fan network!

Nooooo! I hope it doesn't turn to fisticuffs

just earicufs for now.   I was schooled on what LMFAO was the other day.  blah.

Are we playing the Radio 3 Dating Game? There could be sooo many hook-ups, or "blog-schnogs" today.

Grant's ears must be burning somewhere ... this is the sort of show that Grant would kill for.  Just stop playing music and start hooking people up left- right- and centre!

there's already been more than Grant knows about anyways. haha Just don't tell him that! (And before anyone jumps tothe conclusion, I was not involved!)

my curiousity is fighting my innate 'not-wanting-to-butt-into-peoples-private-business' mentality right now. :p

Fellow Vancouverites, I just moved here from Toronto and I need to get emersed into the local music scene!  Can anyone reccomend the best spots to walk in and catch a great live show?

@107

The biltmore

Waldorf

and so on

I'm pretty sure the word the crossword puzzle guy got in trouble for was "illin'"

not to pull a Benoit but: pique. 

:p

(there is a twitter account that corrects people on that, hilariously, but damn if I can't remember/find it right now)

yes, Library Voices for sure.

Metric, too

some of the newest Young Galaxy maybe

Sometimes the Media Club, too. Just by the Queen E Theatre and close to CBC and the Library, too.

The Railway Club! I think pretty much has good, live music 7 nights a week. It's a cosy, traditional type pub/bar/venue with a miniature train and is a bit like English pub style. And has great music jams on Saturday afternoons. Rootsy and blues music and a variety of styles.

Nope, I'm from Vancouver. Why, do I roll my R's?

nope, it's the way you say "Saskatchewaaaaaan"

I'd always thought it was more of an eastern thing to drag out that last syllable.

Guess I was wrong

Nice  thanks  everyone.  Anyone going to check out hey Ocean! tonight?

except when i type fast and don't capitalize anything .... haha

More important than being willing to go to the same concerts with me is being able to bake delicious cupcakes.

Red Velvet with Betty Crocker Cream Cheese Frosting.

OH BABY

you come from down east, right? because I noticed you said "out east"

In my house it was always "down east"

don't know what "down" has to do with it, other than that much of eastern Canada is farther south so "down" on a map

What in the world . . . ?

I got so used to saying out west, when I lived at home, I had no idea what to call the east when I got to the prairies.  Suppose I could just call it home, but....

Damn those skanks!

I bet the pervs in club v dont say that....

Great idea re: adding Canadian music to your daughter's collection.I feel that if everyone did that we wouldn't have nearly as many 'Theory of a Nicklefault' copy-cat bands in the music industry

is this song another one of those wolf furs bands again.  They are good.

Ya, I don't think I'd care too much what style of music the person loved, just as long as they love music. 

reminds me of that old nanerpuss commercial. (youtube)

Pshhhh, thanks.

Wow Dave - impressive recollection of all their names!

I did think you were going to make some sort of sexually transmitted joke...  can't think of what would go with the P though, sexually transmitted pants?

Sexually transmitted pizazz?

I read that as sexually transmitted pizza. I was more excited that I should admit. 

does it come with dipping sauce?

I most definately read that as pizza too.

yes!

Live music is definitely important in my relationships. I have dated guys in the past who have not been into the same music or not interested in going to live shows... and so I found that when I had free time and wanted to see some shows, I would be doing it without my significant other.

My current partner and I are a musical match. We met when a mutual friend brought us both to a Rural Alberta Advantage concert. We bonded over our love of the Meligrove Band, and I'm pretty sure I won his heart by my night-cap performance of Burning Hell's Last Will and Testament. We both made radio shows for each other containing the Canadian music we both love.  Now I've got a constant concert buddy when bands come through town.

Now that I've experienced this side of things (being with my musical match) I couldn't imagine going back to a relationship that was missing that link.

My girl isn't into having sex at concerts, so it's really not that important.

How lovely! Lucky you.

Music is very important in my life. Love life or otherwise and live or otherwise. I would really like if the guy I am with enjoys the same music and going to live shows with me, but it is not a deal breaker on its own. Because at my age that would really narrow the field down way too much. hehe.  As long as we can find some common ground, it's all good.

Nope. He's not. Great song, tho!

wow.  apparently i missed a lot during that last meeting.

Don’t mean to derail the thread, and in fact I dislike it when other people do this, but there were some important issues raised yesterday that I should finish off.  To review, there were three issues raised w.r.t. the Junos’ and Polaris Prize’s juries including balance, qualifications, and independence.   These are basic and obvious considerations, the kind of thing you learn about in junior high school when you first start doing basic research.

The Exclaim article did a fairly good job of pointing out the imbalance in the jury, but be careful to read in between the lines as well. Carl Wilson’s comment that, "These stats reflect structural things about the current nature of Canada and the Canadian music industry.  They would have been way worse a decade or two ago," is essentially an admission that the Canadian music industry has been very corrupt for a long time.  He’s implying that things are getting better, but I’m not so sure about that.  (They are certainly getting better for the average music connoisseur, however, because the internet has given us the ability to bypass the industry’s self-serving spin and payola games and find out the truth via the independent media.)    

The second issue is qualifications.  People who don’t have an adequate level of knowledge are clearly not going to produce accurate results, but in this case such people will also tend to produce more regional results, because they will tend to favour local bands they know over bands from other areas they’re not as familiar with.  These people are also more susceptible to being influenced by others, which leads into the third point.

It is very important to preserve the independence of the jurors.  Even with a fully qualified jury you can have things like a bandwagon effect biasing results.  Rather than protecting against this, however, the PP in fact has a discussion network set up where certain bands are actively promoted.  They are essentially coaching the jurors, particularly the unqualified ones, to vote for certain artists. 

So, if you’re wondering why the Junos and Polaris Prize nominations don’t line up with what the reputable independent critics are saying, it’s because they aren’t legit.  They are designed to be biased and to produce results that favour industry bands, and bands from a certain region in general.  Not coincidentally this is the same region the same group of people have ridiculously been trying to talk up as the best music city in the world.  That example shows perfectly how arrogant, entitled, and out of touch that segment of the music industry is.*  There’s nothing new here, of course.  The industry has controlled the Junos and been playing these kinds of games for decades, and the PP is just a newer version of the same game they’ve tacked on.

If you want to know who the real best Canadian artists are based on artistic merit then look to the legitimate critics.  Look at the Pazz & Jop poll of 700ish journalists.  Look at Bande à Part for a more complete coverage of French language bands, and also note that singer-songwriters like Plaskett, Samson, and Mangan have a very strong resonance with Canadians, because of their strongly culturally Canadian content, which may not be fully appreciated by foreign reviewers.   These artists do very well not only on R3 but also on university and college radio charts, however, CHARTattack and Earshot being the most prominent.  So, keep up with these sources and you’ll know who the real best bands are, and don’t allow yourselves to be played for fools.  Tell the industry people to take their awards and shove them up their corrupt, arrogant, posteriors, and instead do your own research by reading the independent media, and honour the real best bands in Canada.  These bands are us, after all.  Their music is a reflection of Canadian culture. 

As a final note, and to tie this into the bigger picture, the state of the Canadian music industry is part of a large problem in the Canadian media.  In the US these days the biggest problem is their system of crony capitalism which was built up over time, but in Canada the biggest problem new is crony journalism, a problem that was also built up over a long period of time.  This problem largely exists within “the mafia”*, however, which is the large group of “national” media situated in Toronto.  The regional media and other media outlets situated outside of southern Ontario are still pretty good, except for the areas where they’re closely controlled by the national media, like being forced to support the Junos and the PP, for example.   So be aware, and know who is trying to screw you, and who is just doing their best while being screwed themselves.

I’ll post this at the end of the show so that it doesn’t derail the thread, and if anyone wants to discuss it that can happen after the show.