Category Archives: News

Music Tip – New (and FREE?) Shannon Lyon!

If you’re a long time or regular listener of my shows, you likely know what a big fan I am of a guy named Shannon Lyon. He’s from Ontario, but has lived and spent most of his time in Europe for years. He came to Winnipeg once, a long time ago, opening for Luther Wright & the Wrongs at the West End. His album “Wandered” is one of my all time favourites, and he’s continued to amaze on many subsequent discs. A while back ago he talked about releasing a record of Townes Van Zandt covers, but it never seemed to come out after that.

Until today. He put up FOUR new collections online for download, including the Townes covers album AND a two volume collection of “best of” stuff, including many of the best songs from Wandered and beyond, and you can get ’em for FREE. Now, you, being a good hearted appreciator of good music, will surely know that the guy deserves a few bucks in return for his talent, so consider giving him a tip.

Check this out! http://shannonlyon.bandcamp.com/ No need to thank me, just pass the good word along. I know you’ll enjoy these!

The Wooden Sky AND Sunparlour Players? Are you kiddin’ me?

Sometimes a show is just too amazing to miss. Coming up is one of those. On March 29, our friends at the West End Cultural Centre are hosting what promises to be one of the best shows of the year, and surely one of the best double-bill shows we’ve seen in a while. Sunparlour Players and The Wooden Sky. Both have appeared live on Tell the Band to Go Home, and both are vying for top spot in our totally subjective, totally unscientific “Best Band in the Land” contest.

Best of all, tickets are stupid cheap. Get yours. Now.

http://wecc.ca/site09/performers/Wooden_Sky.html

T-Bar’s Tops

Our buddy Terry “B-Bar” Wilson has been co-hosting Steel Belted Radio with me and various others for almost 10 years. He still drops by every now and again.

Here are T-Bar’s faves for 2011:

Top Albums
The Duke and the King – self titled
The Damnwells – No One Listens to the Band Anymore
Deer Tick – Divine Providence
Blitzen Trapper – American Goldwing
k d lang and the Siss Boom Bang – Sing it Loud
Adam Cohen – Like a Man
Romi Mayes – Lucky Tonight
Amos Lee – Mission Bell
Fred Eaglesmith – 6 Volts
Lucinda Williams – Blessed
The Decemberists – The King is Dead
Scott Nolan – Montgomery Eldorado
Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive
Matthew Ryan – I Recall Standing as Though Nothing Could Fall
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Our Hearts Are Wrong

Top Songs
Adam Cohen – I Am That Guy
Foster The People – Call it What You Want
Mayer Hawthorn

Top Shows
Lucinda Williams – July 8 – Winnipeg Folk Festival
Prince – December 8 – MTS Centre
Robert Plant and Band of Joy – June 21 – Centennial Concert Hall
Chuck Prophet – July 11 – The Stu Dome
Leon Russell – October 31 – McPhillips Street Station
James McMurtry – October 1 – Park Theatre
Chris Isaac –August 14 – Centennial Concert Hall
U2 – May 29 – Canad Inns Stadium
Luke Doucet – March 23 – West End Cultural Centre [Mudge’s note: since Luke didn’t actually play the WECC in 2011, we’re betting that T-Bar means Martyn Joseph, who is supposedly T-Bar’s good buddy. Some friend!]

CBC Canada Live

CBC Canada Live is a nightly broadcast of concerts recorded across the country. Often, they’re right up our alley.They offer up a weekly podcast of one of the shows. Lots and lots of our favourites have appeared on the show, so it’s well worth checking out.

The show website is: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/canadalive/

There’s a free iTunes podcast here: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=275415476

This week:

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Leeroy Stagger
recorded at The Haven Social Club in Edmonton
Lethbridge, Alberta artist Leeroy Stagger writes what he feels. And after hearing his music, you soon understand he feels very deeply. For point of reference, his style, while not easy to pin down, could be categorized as folk-rock, alt-country, or Americana; think Steve Earle or classic Neil Young.  Earlier this year, Leeroy Stagger and his band headed out on the road for an extensive north American tour to promote his latest disc Little Victories. The show at the Haven Social Club in Edmonton in January was the start of that tour.

Thursday, January 19, 2012
concert 1: Kathleen Edwards
recorded at CBC Studio 211, Toronto
Kathleen Edwards has been creating buzz since before the release of her debut album Failer a decade ago. About to release her fourth record, Voyageur, on the 17th of January, she plays an intimate, invitation-only show  in CBC Toronto’s Studio 211. This album has been driving the buzz train months in advance of its release as Edwards enlisted the help of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon in its production. For this unique show she’s joined by Bahamas, Hannah Georgas, Jim Bryson, and Sarah Harmer as her special guests.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, January 20, 2012 on the Canada Live podcast
Kathleen Edwards
recorded at CBC Studio 211, Toronto

TTBTGH recommended fundraiser, January 12

In case you haven’t heard, the smartest, funniest, most touching show on television is shot right here in Winnipeg. It’s called Less than Kind, and it’s downright brilliant. I’m proud to have such an amazing show made in (and largely about) our town. Watch it!

Here’s a chance to get to know some of the stars, and support a talented guy who’s having some troubles. It’ll be fun, funny, and our old pals Keith & Renee will play, so it’ll be musical as well. Here’s the details:

Join two of the funniest guys in Canada, Mark McKinney and Al Rae, at the Winnipeg Art Gallery for a special night of love and support for our dear friend and another one of Canada’s funniest, Mike O’Brien as he undergoes treatment for Cancer.
Thursday, January 12
Winnipeg Art Gallery
6:00pm- 10:00pm
You may know Mike from Less Than Kind, Corner Gas or CBC’s Strange Animal just to name a few.
Keith & Renée will perform along with a special performance by Brooke Palsson (Miriam from Less Than Kind) and we will screen episode 1 & 2 of season 3 of Less Than Kind.
The season 3 series debut hits HBO on Sunday, January 15th.
Tickets are $30.00 and available by calling Buffalo Gal Pictures (204) 956-2777 or on line at http://www.buffalogalpictures.com/mikeobrien.html and includes hot appetizers during the cocktail hour.
Some great auction prizes will also be up for grabs!

You don’t want to miss this!

All funds raised will go directly to Mike and his family to help cover expenses and incidental costs related to his treatment.

Any direct donations will also be graciously accepted. Cheques can be made out to Mike O’Brien and sent to Buffalo Gal Pictures. 333- 70 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1G7

Feb. 11th @ Sunset Saloon: Christina Martin & Dale Murray

Returning for her third appearance live in my living room (on top of a terrific show at the Lo-Pub supporting Cuff the Duke a while back), Christina Martin, February 11, 2012. This time, she’ll have her amazingly talented husband/producer/guitarist Dale Murray along to complement her songs and share some of his own.

As usual, admission price is up to you (although $20 will seem like a bargain, I guarantee you). All are welcome (bring the kids, your friends, your parents, your goldfish Charlie, whomever). We supply the snacks and soft drinks, you bring anything you’d like to enjoy yourself (BYOB) or a snack to share. The only thing you should make sure you bring is money for a CD (or two).

Here’s a small taste of the magic you can expect to enjoy:

Please RSVP if you can (it lessens the anxiety), but last minute and walk-up attendees are welcome too.

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    Best of 2011 Compilations!

    Here, at long last, is our 10th annual compilation of music that really matters. Each year we go over the huge pile of new releases and put together our own little time capsule(s), and since it’s so much work and since you’ve been such wonderful folks all year, we share it with you.

    Below are the links to download your own copy of this year’s discs. As usual, there’s a mellower, folkier disc, a more rockin’ upbeat disc, a collection of the great live performances we’ve put on air this year, as well as a bunch of extra stuff that just wouldn’t fit on the CD version. Don’t forget to download the liner notes and cover artwork, because we’re especially proud of our graphic design skills this year.

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    Best of 2011 Compilations – Sneak Peek!

    Yeah, Stu Reid’s still the king of graphic design (and just about everything else we try to do), but I gotta say, I’m pretty damn pleased with the artwork for this year’s Best of compilations. I struggled with coming up with something for a long time, and then it appeared to me almost instantly – K-Tell Records presents.

    Without further adieu, here’s the covers for the 3 discs in the package. Now, I just have to finish actually putting those together!

    Please leave a comment or drop us a line if you have thoughts or suggestions.

    2011 Interesting Albums

    I’m starting the long, painful process of making those “top 10” lists that us nerds are expected to make.

    Here’s a list of SOME Of the albums that I’ve returned to over the year, or have pegged to listen to again, before making that ever-insignificant list. They’re certainly not in any ranking order yet (just the order they appear in iTunes or in the pile on my desk)

    The Belle Brigade – The Belle Brigade
    Steven Bowers – Beothuk Words
    Gurf Morlix – Blaze Foley’s 113th Wet Dream
    Lucinda Williams – Blessed
    Matt Andersen – Coal Mining Blues
    Elliott BROOD – Days Into Years
    John Hiatt – Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns
    Deer Tick – Divine Providence
    Fish & Bird – Every Whisper Is A Shout Across The Void
    Drive-By Truckers – Go Go Boots
    Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Here We Rest
    Matthew Ryan – I Recall Standing As Though Nothing Could Fall
    Steve Earle – I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive
    The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
    Blackie & The Rodeo Kings – Kings and Queens
    David Francey – The Late Edition
    The Warped 45s – Matador Sunset
    Middle Brother – Middle Brother
    Scott Nolan – Montgomery Eldorado
    The Damnwells – No One Listens to the Band Anymore
    Dawes – Nothing Is Wrong
    Oh Susanna – Soon The Birds
    Kasey Chambers – Storybook
    Ron Hawkins – Straitjacket Love
    Sunparlour Players – Us Little Devils
    Christina Martin & Dale Murray – A House Concert
    Romi Mayes – Lucky Tonight
    Brock Zeman – Me Then You
    Catherine MacLellan – Silhouette
    Bobby Long – A Winter Tale
    Glen Campbell – Ghost on the canvas

    Live Shows 2011

    It’s always a bit stressful trying to whittle down the list of shows I saw in a year to the 10 best. Every single show I’ve been to has been inspiring in its own way, and all have given me a break from the real world for a while. I’m eternally grateful for all of the people on the list for all of the joy they brought to me this year.

    As always, I love hearing what you saw this year that really moved you, so if you have any favourites, recommendations, comments, stories, etc., please post a comment or drop me a line!

    Here’s the full list (up to now):

    Live Shows 2011

    January 15 – James McMurtry & Del BarberOld Town School of Folk Music, Chicago (early and late shows)
    January 22 – Del BarberTimes Change(d)
    February 16 – Twang Trust FunDrive Spectacular (Hatcher-Briggs, Scott Nolan, Keri Latimer, etc.) – Lo Pub
    March 5 – Jim Bryson & The WeakerthansWest End Cultural Centre
    March 6 – Jim Bryson & The WeakerthansFalcon Trails Resort
    April 1 – James McMurtry & The Bottle Rockets400 Bar, Minneapolis
    April 3 – Catherine Maclellan house concert
    April 9 – Del Barber & Jenn GrantPark Theatre
    April 16 – The Damnwells & Harper BlynnThe Hub, Cedar Falls, Iowa
    April 17 – The Damnwells & Harper Blynn7th St. Entry, Minneapolis
    May 13 – Kate Maki & Fred SquireStuDome
    May 13 – Chris Carmichael Band w/ Andrina Turenne & Damon MitchellTimes Change(d)
    May 20 – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings w/ Black Joe Lewis & The HoneybearsThe Garrick
    May 28 – Hayes CarllFolk Fest in-store
    May 29 – U2 & The FrayStadium
    June 2 – Bands vs. Filmmakers with John K Samson, Nathan, The Jaxon 3, The Shallow EndWest End Cultural Centre
    June 9 – Del Barber & Meaghan SmithWest End Cultural Centre
    June 17 – Jack Marks Times Change(d)
    June 18 – Chris CarmichaelSunset Saloon
    June 24 – Woody Holler & His OrchestraTimes Change(d) (Jazz Fest, early and late shows)
    June 25 – Colin LindenTimes Change(d) (Jazz Fest, early and late shows)
    July 1 & 2 – The Warped 45s, Ayla Brook, The Heartbroken, Joshua Cockerill, Joe ElyDauphin Countryfest
    July 3 – Warped 45s & Joshua CockerillStuDome
    July 6-10 – Winnipeg Folk Festival
    July 11 – Chuck ProphetStuDome
    July 20 – Gillian WelchFitzgerald Theatre, St. Paul, Minn.
    July 22 – Steve Earle w/ The Dukes & The DuchessesBig Top Chataqua, Bayfield, WI
    August 4-7 – Edmonton Folk Festival
    August 9 – Lyle Lovett & His Large BandWalker Theatre
    August 11 – NQ Arbuckle & Carolyn MarkTimes Change(d)
    August 12-14 – Trout Forest Music Festival
    August 14 – Chris IsaakConcert Hall
    August 16 – Brandi CarlileFargo Theatre
    August 20 – NathanRiver Barge Festival
    August 28 – Fish & BirdThe Cyrk
    September 16 – Romi Mayes CD/Vinyl Release & Documentary Viewing – Park Theatre
    September 21 – Matt Andersen & Del BarberWest End Cultural Centre
    October 1 – James McMurtryPark Theatre
    October 12 – David FranceyPark Theatre
    October 21 – Jory NashSunset Saloon
    October 29 – Elliott BROOD w/ 100 DollarsWest End Cultural Centre
    November 9 – Tom Wilson w/ Carleton StoneWest End Cultural Centre
    November 21 – Brock Zeman house concert
    November 26 – Hatcher-Briggs, Wendy Bird & Friends – The Pyramid
    December 13 – Scott Nolan live recording (with Matt Budaloski of Leaderhouse) – Park Theatre

    Upcoming plans:
    December 23 – The New MeaniesPyramid
    December 31 – Motel 75 ReunionBella Vista