News

Bluesfest Byward - A PSA
July 7, 2009, 10:52 am

This isn't being talked about enough, and came kind of suddenly, so I thought I would take it upon myself to share. Bluesfest has added a series of FREE concerts in the Byward Market (Ottawa). All shows are at 8 30 on the York St. Stage (unless noted). Some of note are;/p...

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Polaris Short List
July 7, 2009, 10:15 am

Just announced...

Elliot Brood - Mountain Meadows

Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life

Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

Hey Rosetta! - Into Your Lungs

K'NAAN - Troubadour

Malajube - Labyrinthes

Metric - Fantasies

Joel PLaskett - Three

Chad Van Gaalen - Soft Airplane

Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms

So, of the 10, 6 are repeat nominees, and one is a repeat winner (Watson). Have to admit to being surprised by the inclusion of Fucked Up.

For those interested, Great Lake Swimmers will be in Ottawa this week as part of Bluesfest. I will add it to the Events section.

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Ottawa Talent "Honored"
June 25, 2009, 8:42 am

This is from the Explore Music website (http://www.exploremusic.com), and I think it is an incredible tribute to an Ottawa guy (if you follow us, you know I'm talking about  "Wire and Light"). You should be very proud, Mr Emery. Alan Cross is one of the best  voices on behalf of music in Canada, so much respect to him and his crew for taking note.

 

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How To Tell You're Irrelevant...
June 23, 2009, 8:08 am

...or Two Wrongs Don't Make You Right

 

So...I dragged my feet on sharing this bit, but, IT IS Canadian music news. Just not in the way many people may think...

..."Just a few months after dominating at the Juno Awards, Nickelback nabbed a leading three trophies" at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

So, my question is this; if a useless band wins awards presented by a useless "music" channel, does anyone even care? Let me present this bit of news another way, also quoted in the same article (courtesy of cbc.ca) are The Jonas Brothers and a Canadian Idol "winner". 'Nuff said.

I will give kudos to Midways State for getting some recognition. I thought they were worthy of Polaris Prize long list nomination. I hope no one holds them winning two MMVAs against them though.

 

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Polaris Long List Announced
June 15, 2009, 4:52 pm

So. It's here. The forty album list that 140 experts through out Canada have determined to be the best released between June 1 2008 and May 31 2009.

With thanks to the Polaris site (www.polarismusicprize.ca), here is the list,

 

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Wire and Light Takes Lysten Quiz
June 14, 2009, 11:37 am

...which is still stolen, but our intentions are SO noble...give'er Dave, open up your soul to us...

What is your favorite word? Absolutely.

What is your least favorite word? Booze.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Accidental harmony.

What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Tabloid culture.

What sound or noise do you love? Anchor chains, plane motors and train whistles.

What sound or noise do you hate? Alarm clocks.

What is your favorite curse word? Cheney.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Biology and wildlife studies. Maybe someday.

What profession, other than your own, would you not like to attempt?

Kamikaze pilot. Not very punk rock of me, I guess.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

"Now serving 106,456,367,670."

 

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Giant Hand Takes Lysten Quiz...
June 9, 2009, 3:03 pm

...that we stole from James Lipton, who stole it from Bernard Pivot who stole it...well, you get the idea. Anyways, this will be a new feature on Lysten, hopefully it will shed some insight on those we talk so much about. Take it away Kirk.../p...

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Helping Locals - Epyllion Needs Us
May 30, 2009, 9:01 am

Help Ottawa band Epyllion (www.myspace/epyllionband.com) make the Vans Warped Tour by voting. Follow the link (at least it's freakin' short...)

(http://warped.battleofthebands.com/contest.php%3Fsid=73%26aid=40871%26mi...)

and the instructions. The band will also be at Zaphods June 5th.

I've not met them yet, but the sound is good, so help them out, vote often.

 

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Important Polaris Dates Announced
May 27, 2009, 9:57 pm

Some news and dates announced yesterday with regards to the Polaris Music Prize (http://www.polarismusicprize.ca). Firstly, Sirius Satellite is now the new major sponsor, this works well in conjunction with CBC3 as the show will be able to reach an even wider audience. Secondly, the following dates were announced;

June 15 - 40 title long list announced

July 7 - 10 title short list announced

September 21 - Award gala in Toronto

For those unaware (and if you read the site, you should be aware), the PMP goes to the Canadian album deemed the best - regardless of sales or genre and is voted upon by music people thoughout the country.

As an aside, I'd like to throw some support towards In-Flight Safety and Hey Rosetta! Anyone out there care to share some thoughts and opinions towards what Canadian album you've most enjoyed this year?

 

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AND THE WINNER IS...
May 18, 2009, 9:10 pm

The winner of Lysten Media's National contest is Gilda Furgiuele. Gilda has won a pair of tickets to see The National at Metropolis, May 22nd. I am sure that in spite of this grand victory, she will remain the same grounded individual you all know and love.

She is very lucky. Trust me.

Congrats...

( I would have written prose or something swell, but that's not my style)

 

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