The Hour's Halo 3 Contest
George gave away a few copies of Halo 3 last night. The answer to the skill testing question was 'False'. The contest is over now guys, congrats to the winners.
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September 26, 2007
September 25, 2007
AND THE POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GOES TO...
Last Year a Final Fantasy, this year Close to Paradise - PATRICK WATSON takes home the Polaris Music Prize.
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The Phoenix in Toronto was packed with the Canadian music industry last night. Patrick Watson was the first band to perform, the first band to crack open their vodka and the first band to finish it. Did I mention they also took first prize? Not to mention Close to Paradise is a commendable, now award-winning album worth checking out. And they really needed it Patrick explained in their opening set, after the $16,000 bill they received from a truck rental accident. That's a whopping 4 grand net my friends.
With a disclaimer about cheesiness, Patrick said it was an honour just to be nominated. He also said that he wished Chad VanGaalen had won and joked earlier on stage with fellow band the Besnard Lakes that "those Besnard Lakes had better not win", to which the reply was 50/50... Does this mean Patrick owes them that hottub?
10 Canadian artists were vying for the $20,000 Canadian music award - The Polaris Music Prize. Inspired by the U.K.'s Mercury Prize and created by Steve Jordan, The Polaris Prize honours the best Canadian album of emerging talent. Hosting this year's Gala was CBC Radio 3's own and member of last year's grand jury - Grant Lawrence.
HERE IS THE LIST OF FINALISTS - WHO WOULD YOU HAVE PICKED?
* Neon Bible, Arcade Fire
* The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse, the Besnard Lakes
* Gang of Losers, the Dears
* Five Roses, Miracle Fortress
* Close To Paradise, Patrick Watson
(all from Montreal, and:)
* Woke Myself Up, Julie Doiron
* The Reminder, Feist
* So This Is Goodbye, Junior Boys
* Five Roses, Miracle Fortress
* Ashtray Rock, Joel Plaskett Emergency
* Skelliconnection, Chad VanGaalen
Performing live were five artists from the shortlist of 10 nominees: New Brunswick's Julie Doiron, who reunited with members of Eric's Trip for that performance; Secret City labelmates and Montréalers Miracle Fortress and Patrick Watson; Halifax's Joel Plaskett Emergency, and Calgary's Chad VanGaalen.
Feist and Arcade Fire could not be there as both bands are currently on tour performing Canadian Music.
Written by Jennifer Good. Photos by Jess Watt
September 23, 2007
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS
Photo by Jennifer Good
Everything is bigger in Texas, the steak, the cars, the beer... and of course the music festival Austin City Limits in its 6th year, hosting 195,000 people this September. The Austin City Limits festival was inspired by the acclaimed TV series of the same name, celebrating 33 years of presenting "the best original music on television". It's still America's favourite place to see an eclectic mix of roots music including blues, rock, swing, country, indie and jazz. For those of you who have never been to Austin, it is truly an amazing experience, from the cultivated music culture and delicious food to some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Canadians tend to give our neighbours to the south a bit of a bad rap sometimes but the most down, intelligent and cool Americans were at ACL last weekend. Read more.
Photo by Jennifer Good
DAY 1
Friday September 14
Day 1 was a flashback tribute to the previous weekend's V-Fest but with double the stages and almost double the crowd. Both Bjork and The Killers were headlining again only this time you had to choose who to see as they both played at the same time. Once again The Killers allowed no photos, we were told because they want to control their image and go back into a more underground feel. (They also have such disdain for the press that they actually write about it in their songs). But after lining up for 2 hours before finding out about the ban, "why do you waste my time" is now my question; who's pulling the trigger now? Opening this time with Sam's Town, Brandon had the usual energy beneath his feet and sentimental heart that beats, but not quite as inspired as V-Fest. As someone who loves, understands and constantly defends The Killers, who are one of the best bands of our time - yeah I said it, I was also feeling a little less inspired by their diss which is starting to get to me now. Admittedly, it was still a great show closing off with All The Things I've done. No encore again, not sure why, but I remain a loyal fan. And Brandon, yes I have seen the light!
The Killers Photo submitted by a "fan"
Bjork, as spectacular as the week before was a bit more mellow and melodic but ended her set with the same bang closing with Oceania (previously sung at the Greece Olympics) and Declare Independence. Looking even more angelic, softly backlit Bjork had solid gold on with no silver this time. Again demonstrating what it is to put on a show, Bjork had all the fanfare: flags, effects and graphic technology out in a spectacular display. She has an amazing energy about her and her soft cooing "Sank You's" complimented her explosive performance and grand showmanship.
Bjork Photo by Jess Watt
Bjork Photo by Jess Watt
Also from V-Fest weekend's line-up were Peter Bjorn and John, who ditched the V for MTV but whistled their way over to Austin. As well as Louis XIV who played with the Killers, Blonde Redhead and the never disappointing M.I.A. who's grimy spitfire once again blew up the stage. She told the crowd a story about Letterman disallowing her gunfire sound FX the previous night and with that, unleashed multiple rounds of shots at ACL and the crowd went wild. With an arsenal of electro-beats, bass, jungle and dancehall rap, (and an entourage from the crowd up on stage again), M.I.A. threw fans into a frenzy and security into a panic. She got tha bombs to make you blow and tha beats to make it bang@#$*!
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M.I.A. Photo by Jess Watt
Day 1 also brought us the last tour performance from Crowded House not dreaming it's over, as well as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Gotan Project, Queens of the Stone Age and in the distance across from The Killers - The Kaiser Chiefs.
Neil Finn - Crowded House Photo by Jess Watt
The Flecktones Photo by Jess Watt
Josh Homme - Queens of the Stoneage Photo by Jennifer Good
DAY 2
Saturday September 15
NO WHITE STRIPES
was the disappointment of the day to many, and especially to those of us who had tickets to the aftershow at Stubbs. But luckily Canada's Arcade Fire was there to light it up for the awaiting crowds, even hotter than the actual fire that started on the grounds yesterday. On the same stage as The Killers, they had double the crowd and 3 times the security gates of their predecessor. It was a proud Canadian moment, to realize how huge the Arcade Fire is down there. The band filled the stage divided by red glowing rods of light and ignited the crowd off the top with Black Mirror. Their performance did the crowd justice, with every song the energy elevated throughout the set. Some expressed the technical sound quality further back was a bit muffled, but the visuals were spectacular and the energy was live, both on and off stage. Embracing the raging encore plea, the Arcade Fire sprung back on stage with Rebellion and said goodnight with Wake Up.
Arcade Fire Photo by Jess Watt
At the other end of the field, the larger than life Muse did some lighting up of their own with the most spectacular lighting and FX show of the festival. Hurdling over a sea of lancers in the dark to catch the last of their set after Arcade, Muse still had time to impress bringing an almost Thom York sound to a Rage Against the Machine electricity. Lasers, graphics and an electric sound beamed off the stage to shoot over and illuminate a field of thousands.
Muse Photo by Jess Watt
Day 2 also graced us with Paolo Nutini, sweating profusely in his dress shirt crooning his ballads out to the heat stricken crowd. A tremendous amount of effort went into this set, he also did an amazing cover of Moby's Natural Blues. The heat was almost unbearable when a single raincloud miraculously hovered over ACL and granted relief to the desperate dehydrated flocks on the grass. Across the field I couldn't take my eyes off Damien Rice who enchanted the relaxers on their blankets and chairs. It's always a treat when a band plays their songs like they were singing them for the first time and Damien meant every word.
Paolo Nutini Photo by Jess Watt
Clouds for the Crowds Photo by Jennifer Good
Damien Rice Photo by Jennifer Good
There were also a couple of Steves on stage - Steve Earle and Stephen Marley. While Earle pleased a nostalgic crowd with his breezy folk songs and tales of Colorado, Marley lit up the crowd while they lit up the dry green grass in front of the stage. Addressing the crowd as Rastafari, he quoted his father saying "emancipate yourself from mental slavery" and launched into Mind Control. He also covered No Woman No Cry and Buffalo Soldier.
Stephen Marley Photo by Jess Watt
Steve Earle Photo by Jess Watt
DAY 3
September 16
By Day 3 I was getting used to the life of hanging out, eating great food and watching bands all day. M first pleasant surprise was the addition of Common to the line-up, for which I lined up to see and was not disappointed. The political rapper preached politics to the crowd, blaming government and the justice system for multiple injustices, as well as the white man. "Rap needs me" he beamed, aligning himself with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Erikah Badu and the night's headliner Bob Dylan. He covered and sampled some great songs and artists including: Tribe Called Quest, Erikah Badu, NWA and Timbaland's The Way I Are.
The line he left us with that stayed with me was "I keep my eyes on the people, that's the prize"!
Common Photo by Jennifer Good
Another Pleasant surprise for me was the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, straight out of New Orleans bringing history and authenticity to the stage that broke out into a full on costumed carnival dance party. There was a marriage proposal by one band affiliate right in the middle of the show - don't worry, she said yes! And following that act was Ziggy Marley, a more soulful addition to reggae than his brother before. He didn't cover his dad but also mentioned the government has too much control. Ziggy focused on love and positivity... and a lot of weed.
Preservation Hall Photo by Jennifer Good
Ziggy Marley Photo by Jennifer Good
And adding to the final day was Lucinda Williams, Amos Lee, Bloc Party, My Morning Jacket and the Decemberists, which we saw in town the night before at an Austin bar.
Lucinda Williams Photo by Jess Watt
Bloc Party Photo by Jess Watt
The Decemberists Photo by Jess Watt
Amos Lee Photo by Jess Watt
My Morning Jacket Photo by Jess Watt
But the one the crowd was waiting for...
To end a blazing hot weekend, the starlit evening cooled down with the final and veteran act of the festival, the legendary Bob Dylan. The entire festival grounds were a sea of chairs and crowds that took an hour just to mobilize around. Firelit lanterns were floating across the night, as some uptight onlookers felt a terrorist threat, the majority of us laid back and watched them at peace. Bob and his band entered the stage, too far back for anyone to really see and forbade all pictures. The only white stripes of the festival were the ones on Bob's trousers; he was adorned in a black suit and white cap. His voice still sounded the same as it wafted through the air opening with Rainy Day Woman. But I could barely make out the words. And that was the comment from many of the onlookers, they could not really see or hear him. Still, it was a sight. And he sure can still command that harmonica. He did a lot of new material and some of his traditional classics, but all with a less lively spin. The crowd was disappointed and started filing out after song 3. I have to admit I was disappointed too, and I was at the front. Bob is still a legend, but would be better served by a crowd of a hundred, not thousands, in a small candlelit club, with just a stool and his harmonica...
ACL 2007 went off without a hitch, not even fires could put it off track. For a festival of that magnitude it managed to maintain a very chill environment. You were allowed to bring in water and chairs and extensive flag contraptions; and the food was actually reasonably priced. Not only was it a smooth operation but one of the coolest things about it was the care taken for special needs. There were special areas for wheelchair access and signers at every stage doing the performances in sign language - it was awesome. What set this festival apart was the unmistakable atmosphere, not only was there great music, there were great people. Everyone was helpful, friendly, respectful, sharing and considerate; and there was hardly any garbage around all weekend. Everyone there was friends for a weekend, how unusual, how amazing. Austin City Limits was a festival to behold, and you best believe I'll be back next year!
Photo by Jennifer Good
witnessed by Jennifer Good
We Are the Champions
Lee's palace was bouncing like there was a memo to bring pogo balls to the Champion show last Thursday September 20th. Under the direction of Mad Max the DJ conductor, the 4 guitarists played electronic pad "i-instruments" like video game consoles. But don't be fooled folks, they aren't called the G-strings for the ladies. By song 2 they were proving their electric guitars were still better than their electronics. Read More
The Fedora and Peddler capped audience went wild for the rodeo beats that seemed as though they could break into "Oh Lord" at any moment. Every song started low, then would build, build, build into an exploding crescendo, leveling back low and climbing again. Perhaps a bit of a repetitive rhythm but one the dance floor kept on ridin. A soulful and sultry singer entered the scene,self labeled as "Young and Keen" by her shiny tee, and that she was. But also falling into that repetitious pattern, she didn't have the flavourful range of missing in action, former Champion chanteuse, Betty Bonifassi. ("Betty where are you? Come back!")
Champion still had a powderkeg of energy that the fedoras rose up to on every explosion. They were definitely not chillin them all - or themselves. Le Max bounced so hard while conducting, he had to take off his shirt. This is when I got distracted by the Corey Hart appearance and felt compelled to fish for my sunglasses at night. Yes I know you're rolling your eyes, and yes you know it's still funny. And Champion, not going out without a fight, kept on ridin...
Witnessed by Jennifer Good
Shot by Jess Watt
September 22, 2007
YEAH YEAH YEAH
On Friday September 7th there was a line-up around the block at the Berkley church in downtown Toronto at 6:00pm, for a show that started at 11:00pm. The congregation quickly filled to capacity, causing police to line the street for the entire evening. Read more.
As guestlisters scrambled to out VIP each other to get into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. And it was worth every schmoozing second.
A masked Karen O. adorned with a cat suit of tinsel streamers and a very serious MJ shaming glove, rocked the stage for an hour and a half pausing only to swig some beer.
The church was a blissful bouncing sweatbox of amazing energy as the VICE congregation worshiped the relentless performance and acrobatic antics going on on stage.
The open bar made for joyous carnage, a sea of garbage on the dance floor and a lot of beer over the balcony. Playing all the new songs on the new LP, in a performance that spread fire to the crowd, it was a show that did not disappoint.
YEAH!
By Jennifer Good / Photos by Jess Watt.
September 19, 2007
George Had an Accident
George had an accident on his motorcycle last night. He says he was driving home, not going very fast and he pressed the brakes to slow down and something locked. He went over the handlebars. He says a homeless guy came over and stood up his motorcycle to help him on his way.
He broke his collarbone. He's in obvious pain. He's wearing a sling but not taking pain-killers so he can stay lucid for the show.
The Red Chair Lounge
It seems a new site about The Hour has launched. It's called the Red Chair Lounge. Their first post was on Sunday:
when you wish that someone would hear your vented bursts of genius, we invite you to join us in the Red Chair Lounge. Where all conversations regarding the content of such programs as The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos (an avid supporter of the red chair aesthetic) are welcome.
Anyone know anything about this? Is it a fan site? Is it a conversation forum?
September 18, 2007
Blackwater in Hot Water
Blackwater, one of the largest and most powerful mercenary armies in the world, is in big trouble over an incident in Iraq that left nine civilians dead.
The firm has been banned from working in Iraq and the Iraqi government is launching an investigation into the incident. For more on that see here.
We looked into Blackwater last spring when George interviewed Jeremy Scahill, a journalist who has been following the outfit for years. And if you are interested in even more background on the story, watch this interview with Nick Bicanic who made the documentary 'Shadow Company,' about paid mercenaries in Iraq.
George and Elvis
This is not Elvis, it's actually Paul Bates, intrepid writer for the Hour. Paul got so excited when he heard that Diana Krall is going to be on the show tonight, he pulled out his Elvis costume. Get it?
September 13, 2007
George & Phil Fontaine at One X One
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine was chatting with George at the One X One Foundation event last Sunday. The event was hosted by Matt Damon, who spoke with George about it on the show on Tuesday. You can watch that interview here.
The National Chief was honoured with an award for his work with the Make Poverty History campaign.
September 12, 2007
Ready, Set, Launch
Here at The Hour we're getting ready for the new season. It's been very busy. George has been in the studio going non-stop the entire day. Here's a shot of him laughing with some of the audience members before a shoot.
September 11, 2007
Tonight on The Hour
It's a film fest special edition of The Hour at 9pm on CBC, and we've got a couple of special guests. From the Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon is on the show. Plus, award-winning actor and cultural icon Samuel L. Jackson is here. Also tonight, he stars in '24' and 'Little Mosque on the Prairie,' Carlo Rota is going to tell us his Best Story Ever. Be sure to catch it all tonight on The Hour at 9 p.m.
September 10, 2007
V-Fest Toronto 2007
While the city of Toronto was abuzz with the tinsel of TIFF, there was a little festival going on on the Toronto Island. More than 35,000 fans braved the two hour ferry lineups for Toronto's second annual Virgin Festival in Toronto Island Park. Read more.
Day 1
There is major anticipation on the ferry ride over to the island on this beautiful day in the neighbourhood. They are playing Metric and The Killers on the boat and a posse of V-fest volunteers in red shirts that say “Trust me I’m an Angel” are scrambling around trying to keep things under control. Thousands pour onto the Island grounds to enter upon the Bud and Future Shop stages and a sea of sponsor and merch tents. But around the corner is a bridge to the B-Live stage and finally of course – the massive Virgin Mobile Main Stage. Sixty four artists will be performing at V-Fest but the major acts of the weekend are: Bjork, The Killers and The Smashing Pumpkins, along with Metric, Interpol, K-os, and the not to be underestimated M.I.A.
One of the first bands we saw was The Wildbirds, who remained one of my favourite acts of the festival. They put on one hell of a rock star performance sounding something like Led Zeppelin and Cheap Trick meet The Kings of Leon and The White Stripes.
M.I.A. adorned in neon fluorescent 80’s killed it with her booming voice and infectious beats – hundreds of people on stage dancing spread fire through the crowd!
Arctic Monkeys and Interpol did not disappoint but Bjork easily stole the show. Barefoot Bjork in a silver and gold frilled frock, with a costumed and choreographed orchestra, laser shows, flags, confetti sprays and pyro effects put on the show of the day. Bjork, with a soft introductory bon soir, unleashed a thundering performance in her usual epic style with a set list including: Hunter, Pleasure is all Mine, Aurora, Joga, I Miss You, Earth Intruders, Wunderlust, Cover Me, an industrial remix of Army of Me finishing the encore with Oceania (previously sung at the Greece Olympics) and Declare Independence
Luckily, Bjork’s awesomeness overrode my state of emergency - the bloody nose I got when a drunk guy ripped open my locked porta-potty and slammed it shut on my face.
Making our way through Centreville while reminiscing on days of the Swans (which I thought Bjork might like to take a ride in), we tried to make our way back to the ferry. The pitch-black grounds were a sea of cups and carnage after day one. It’s going to be a long night for someone. For me it was back to the city, for some aftermath adventures and TIFF parties to do my part at that festival.
Day 2
Waking up to rain, it’s cold, dark and grey, a different story today. Tickets are selling for half price on craigslist. V-fest has a good line-up but $150 was a bit extortionate honestly. Last year sold out, not this year, and next year…? Freezing on the ferry today, sorting out ponchos and rain gear. But little did I know the day that was yet to come.
When I got back to the island, finding hot coffee was a major bonus but the find of the day – was a clean porta-potty. That’s right, first user, sparkling blue water clean. Have you ever seen one of those in your life? And I was laughing the day before at the caption plastered on the porta potties “go with class, go with prestige” – which is still pretty ridiculous on a porta-potty. Must have been karma because that was the same one I had my nose smashed in the night before.
Spent most of the day at the Virgin mainstage today: Tokyo Police Club, Stars and Metric held their own. Metric – a fan favourite I’ve seen many times was not as good as other shows – less energy, short show, no encore…
The Killers. Need I say more? Well o.k. - they killed it alright – same outfits, same set, same unbelievable show! (Vancouver did not get the crazy bones pulpit that we did) Opening with Enterlude, then When You Were Young – it was predictable and perfect. Brandon still gives his all and bears his soul on stage throwing out paralyzing trances with the songs he’s done so many times. Lucky for them, they’re such good songs.
The Killers transfixed the crowd like a haunting epic lullaby, sung by a paralyzing circus master at a slow motion carnival. Since they weren't allowing pictures, which could never possibly apply to a girl who owns Killers underwear, I did the only logical thing I could and went up to the front and took pictures from the crowd. Although fate and then the auto focus kept messing with my photography, I got a few snaps of Sir Brandon Flowers.
They played all the usual favourites of Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town including: Jenny was a Friend of Mine, Smile Like You Mean it, Mr. Brightside, Bones, Uncle Jonny and Read My Mind. Ending the set with All These Things That I’ve Done, Brandon exited stage left as Ronnie hammered it home with a drum solo to finish the show.
The Smashing Pumpkins – out came the same bald-headed Billy I remembered, a shiny silver and white stage setup, that illuminated the already dancing lights of swirling gobos, and a massive Pumpkins flag strategically placed in the middle of the crowd.
Opening song United States - lasted at least 5 minutes maybe more. And included a part of the American anthem which everyone cheered to - God bless Canada, and then the Canadian anthem which everyone cheered louder to.
The show was very electronic with long interludes of what one concert-goer called “musical masturbation”. The songs were aggressive and angrier than past shows I’ve seen but the slow songs still somber - Melancholy and the Infinite Madness.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings was great performance, along with fan favourites Zero and 1979. Ending with the appropriate Today, thousands filed out of an overall amazing day. And as overflowing ferries fled the harbour back to the city, I realized it did not rain.
By Jennifer Good, photography by Jess Watt, except the Brandon Flowers photo which was submitted by a fan.
September 07, 2007
Showtime!
The Hour's kicking off the season on Tuesday September 11th and what better way to do it than with a prime time special at 9pm.
And there's only one event big enough for The Hour's first show of the season - The Toronto International Film Fest. So get ready for a jam packed Film Fest special with George and all the biggest celebrities in town - next Tuesday at 9pm on CBC.
September 05, 2007
A Few Moments from Last Season
If you can't wait for The Hour's new season, here's a few choice moments from last season you keep you going.
George started last season in nets for the Habs. It didn't go so well.
Strombo and Public Enemy's Chuck D.
Doing an interview with the '300' star Gerard Butler.
George and Michael Buble at the piano.
This was Lily Allen's final interview from her North American tour, a coupledays later she cancelled it.