VirtuallyAudio Summer Blog

Blog Post #3 - Sept 29, 2008

2008-10-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Okay this is probably one of the last one of these things I’m going to do for a while. So here it goes...

I am officially no longer an ITunes virgin. That’s right I’ve finally taken the plunge or gone over to the dark side which all depends how you feel about said establishment. So what piece of musical mayhem finally drove me over the edge? Well everyone who listens to our show knows I’m a big fan of the Canadian heavy metal magazine Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles, which I devour on a monthly basis. A couple of issues back they featured an article on a Death Metal Dutch Band with the catchy name Hail Of Bullets. The band is fronted by the former vocalist for Bolt thrower I’m sorry you really can’t call the guys who do these kind of things to their vocal chords singers. Anyway the group had just released their debut album “Of Frost And War” which was a brutal look both musically and historically at the Siege of Stalingrad where the German and Russian armies clashed during World War II. So the entire concept sounded pretty cool. So off I went in search of the album stopping off at my usual signposts along the way. Hmv, three different stores. Sunrise Records. Best Buy (Okay I was desperate) even a couple of used stores on Queen but all that turned up absolutely nothing. So I turned to the Internet. I typed the name of the group and album title into Goggle and presto the screen filled up with dozen entries and not one of them took me anywhere where I could purchase the album. I could look at the track list I could read about how the recording came about, where the different band members came from. There were even several reviews of how the album was received by different critics. But do you think I could find one retailer who was willing to deliver said album to my door. Not a chance. So I turned to the only other option I had left. I went to the Dark side. I passed through the realm. I entered ITunes.

First I was totally shocked they had it. Second I was even more taken back, it was under the genre that it should be. My friend Chris has told me for a while that Tunes has approved it sound quality and had moved beyond tinny sounding Mp3s but I was dubious of the whole process, Anyway I filled out the pages of personal info the several duplicated requests for passwords and signed away my life by giving them the security number off my wife’s credit card. The contents of the album were downloaded to my computer in handy Real Player Mp4 files, which refused to play on my Windows Media player, (I was informed later by my webmaster Jeff that they weren’t really Real player files, just that particular player beat out the other units on my computer for the right to play them. I always knew Real player was a bully) After some fidgeting I managed to burn the audio files from Hail Of Bullets onto a CD. And you know it didn’t sound that bad. It could have used a bit more Bass on some of the heavier sections but it still sounded a lot better than I expected. But that’s not the point. This isn’t how I want to buy my music. I want to see the CD package in front of me. I want to smell the plastic as I tear it off. Yes I know I’m insane.

I know the future is marching on without me but if you ask most artists they want the same thing. Only being able to buy compressed files of artist’s music is similar to most directors’ films going directly to DVD without having a theatrical release. It just doesn’t have the same bang. And that’s how I feel about my first ITunes experience. By the way I still haven’t been able to open my artwork.

Nightwish rolled through our fair city a couple of weeks ago and here as promised is my live review.

Sound Academy Sept 2 Toronto

There was a lot of anticipation for myself and my buddy and Webmaster Jeff as we entered the hallowed halls of the venue formerly known as the Docks. Both of us had been grooving to the current Nightwish platter Dark Passion Play for over a year and we were ready for a great night of music.

Progressive power wizards Sonata Arctica opened the evenings festivities and although they sound fine on record. Live they failed to deliver the goods. All their songs seemed to have a sameness to them that wasn’t helped along by a plodding drum sound, Although a few numbers threatened to catch fire most of the evening played out like a mish mash of instruments resulting in a Phil spectorish wall of sound that offered little dynamics. I mean the group tried their best the lead singer particularly working the crowd for every bit of energy he could pull out of them but none of the live retentions of songs were very distinctive or memorable. In the end they left the stage without receiving an encore. Maybe in a headline setting they might have fared better where the group would be able to mix and match some their harder compositions with some of their slower and more orchestrated numbers but this night on the Sound Academy stage they weren’t able to pull it off.

Night wish however hit the stage with all guns blazing. Blasting into the opener “ Bye Bye Beautiful’ a musical kiss off to former singer Tarja. I ‘m always wondered how Annette Olzon feels about singing that song the lyrics so filled with bile and sweet revenge. But if she ever did at one point feel any hesitation she didn’t let it slip to the audience as she and male co- singer and bass player Marco traded Vocal stylings back and forth. Both her and the rest of the band churned out waves of infectious energy that enveloped the room as Annette bounced around on stage like a giddy schoolgirl having the time of her life and wanting everyone there to know it. Gone was the coldness and distance of some of their previous shows. This was the new Nightwish and the crowd was eating it up.

Unlike the opening act, which at times who’s playing felt a bit forced, and overreaching ,the members of Nightwish were masters of their instruments, each one contributing to the overall sound that poured out the speakers and cascaded down to the crowd. Although Annette and the band fared best with material that came from the recent Dark Passion Play they didn’t turn their backs on their previous musical legacy. Some classic Nightwish were given a new coat of paint. A stripped down “Dead To The World” allowed for a greater intimacy with the Sound Academy crowd and the performance of the title track from the Wishmaster album with it’s call and response dynamics was a force to be reckoned with. The Enthusiasm that the band showed for their music and being a part the live experience, was best displayed by head songwriter and keyboard player Thomas who sang the words to every song even though he didn’t have a microphone. The toured De force of the evening was “1000 Miles the entire band firing on all sixs and Annette delivering a great vocal performance while the other members creatred a lush musical backdrop behind her, Even when a stagehand had to switch her microphone she never lost her cool, clapping along to the music as the guy attended to the business at hand.

And before you knew it. It was over. Some disappointments. No Eva or Meadows of Heaven. On some of the earlier songs at times it sounded like someone was putting words in Annette’s mouth. It just wasn’t a comfortable fit but the pluses of watching a band really enjoy what they are doing and pushing themselves to deliver the best performance they can. This more than made up for any shortcomings displayed throughout the evening. I felt like I witnessing the second life of a band that still has many more musical miles to travel and many more stories to tell. Nightwish long may they reign.

What I’ve filling my ears with:

Nightwish: Dark Passion Play-It just gets better everytime I put it on. The fact that it’s only sold 75’000 is a crime. Buy it soon before they release another one and you have to shell out for two.

Metalica: Death Magnetic- Not quite a Master Of Puppets II but not too shabby either. More hard rock than metal. Rick Rubin is a god and should be worshipped on a regular basis.

Alejando Escovedo: Gravity-Because two Alejando albums are never enough and this one comes with an extra live disc as well.

Meshuggah: Obzen-These guys are so proficient on their instruments it’s scary. Lock them up before they hurt somebody. Not for everyone but for those who have no fear you will be rewarded greatly. Redefining what rock music is and what it could be.

Hail Of Bullets: Of Frost and War-a death metal journey through the frozen wastelands of World War II and the battle of Stalingard. Grim, powerful and frightening good.

Samantha Martin: Back Home- Alt Folk Song stress who wears her heart on her sleeve and grit in the sole of her shoe. A dash of Blues, A pinch of country and a whole lotta soul.

Okay that’s it. It’s been a slice. See you back on the airwaves in a couple of days. Until then

Keep listening

J Hoskins

Blog Post #2 - August 15th

2008-08-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Again

Recently I had the chance to go to with my friend Chris to check out a great record store. The store is called Recordings and is located on Kerr St near the lakeshore in the cozy little haven of Oakville Ontario.

The place is run by a guy called Keith, who is more than willing to spend 10 or 20 minutes bending your ear about what’s been tickling his eardrums but without the hard sell that goes along with a lot of these establishments.

On the main floor of the store which use to be a former Records On Wheels is a large assortment of mixed CDs crisscrossing different musical genres, some vintage music magazines, several piles of newly stacked vinyl and the odd poster or two but downstairs is where the real treasure trove is.

Tucked away down a flight of wooden stairs and past the classic Rock Posters is a basement entirely filled to the brim with shelves and racks of old vinyl and believe it or not completely in alphabetical order. This guy Keith doesn’t fool around.

And were not talking about the kind of vinyl you find stuffed in throwaway bins or are tossed out at garage sales. This collection contains some pretty vintage finds. Among the things that caught my eye was a mint Randy California and Spirit’s Spirit of 76. An Al Stewart Live In Concert as well as some prime Chris Spedding. And unlike some of the stuff upstairs there on consignment most of this inventory was reasonably priced.

I myself under some delusion that anything else can be wedged into my seriously overstuffed and in danger of collapsing into the basement, music studio, picked up a mint copy of Saxons Wheels Of Steel and a not so mint but still completely playable copy of Golden Earring Live, which I will be subjecting you to later in the year. Believe you me I could’ve found a lot more but jointly thinking of my poor studio and the fact my friend was waiting patiently upstairs, after about an hour and a half I was done.

After I paid for my purchases. Keith continued to tell me about some of the local musicians he was aware of as well as pull out and play some other interesting finds that had recently come into his procession. The cool thing about this exchange is at no time during the conversation did I feel any pressure to lighten my wallet. It was just two guys sharing their love of good music and maybe learning something new from the other.

This is the kind of store and customer interaction we need more of. Sure the person running the store wants to make a living but their knowledge & passion they exhibit far outstrips the so-called customer service one receives from the various big chain stores. Who seem to have little time or inclination to share anything with you.
Recordings in Oakville. May the store and Keith it’s Helmsman live long and prosper and may we the listening audience who still cares about finding that rare Cd or allusive piece of vinyl continue to make it a reality.

Really looking forward to seeing Nightwish at the Sound Academy formerly The Docks located on the Portlands in Toronto. Everyone who listens to our show knows that I’m a huge fan of their last album Dark Passion Play and their new vocalist Annette Olson. I‘ve managed to catch bits and pieces of their previous albums with their former singer Tarja T but wasn’t sold until I heard Miss Olson’s pipes on the last disc. I’ll get back to you about what the actual experience of seeing them live is like. I’m sure they won’t disappoint.

Judas Priest played here two nights ago with Testament and Motorhead opening as well as the Ronnie James Dio fronted edition of Black Sabbath and I wasn’t there, What was I thinking? I saw Priest the last two times they rolled into town and Decided I didn’t really need to see them three times in a row, Someone please slap me up the head sideways. If anyone saw the show please add to my suffering and drop me a line and let me know what I missed. Rob I’m sorry I promise it won’t happen again.

Things I’m cramming into my ears during the long lazy days of summer.

Paul Weller- 22 Dreams Yes it’s finally here
Golden Earring –Live
Judas Priest- Nostradamus layer after layer Note by Note I’m beginning to enjoy this a lot
Alejando Escovedo –A Man Under The Influence because one Alejando album is never enough
Neil Young- Sleeps with Angels My favorite Neil album was written just after the death of Kurt Cobain. An emotional journey that gets better every time I hear it

I’ll be sharing a lot of this stuff with you over the coming months. Krafty and I will be back with regular broadcasts of the show starting Sunday Sept 21st.

Until then

Keep Listening

J Hoskins

July 22nd

2008-07-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at writing one of these. So I may go off the rails now and then but let’s see how it goes.

Krafty is stuck out in the middle of a lake someplace, playing and listening to some of the worst music known to man, But he should be able to stagger back here again to give a live report of the Heaven and Hell and the Judas Priest show later in the summer. God Willing he can get through this. Lesser men have succumbed.

So what’s been happening to me?

Recently I had a chance to spend a week away from the hustle and bustle of the city to soak in a few rays as well as acquire several annoying Mosquito bites in the woods near Parry Sound. The reason I’m telling you this that besides spending most of my days communing with the trees and the birds. It was an entire seven days of not hearing or being exposed to any music.

Now those of you who are familiar with our online show will think this is totally weird. Here’s a guy who processes to listen to every kind of music 24/7, suddenly enjoying the silence. But think about it when great wine coinsures go to wine tasting before they try each new vintage they clean their palette of the previous selection. So they can fully enjoy the full experience of the next wine on their list. By submerging myself into the joys of nature and not being forced listen to some one else’s pop dribble emulating out their car window (This entire area had only radio free campsites) .I was able to do much the same thing.

On the way home in the car after my wife and I restful sojourn, we played tapes of the Guess Who, early Rolling Stones and as we came into Toronto Steely Dan’s Aja. Swear to God each selection sounded fresher and more alive then it had the last time I heard it. The drums were snappier, the vocals had more presence and Keith’s guitar was, well it was still Keith but why mess with a good thing.

So turn off your radio unplug your I pod. Cleanse your musical palette. When you tune back in it could be a whole new world.

Early last week I had the opportunity to check out Robert Plant and Alison Krauss live with the Raising Sand Musical Revue at Toronto’s main summer concert venue the Molson’s Amphitheatre.

Everyone who listens to our show knows what a big fan I am of the album, having practically bought it for everyone I know for Christmas. So I was bubbling over with excitement to see if they could pull off the same magic live. I needn’t have worried.

From the minute that the two of them walked out on stage to the time they waved goodnight. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss held the audience in the palm of their hand. Their straight from the hip delivery of the opening song and the lack of the usual rock and roll trapping as follow spots and multi flashing lights. Let the audience know right from the start that this night was going to be all about the music.

The sound was cystral clear. I don't how they did it but you were able to hear every note and every nuanced lyric as if the vocalists were sitting beside you sharing your overpriced soft drinks. Songs like Gone Gone Gone, Killing the Blues and little Darling sounded better and displayed more musical chops then they did on record.

And the band. Lumbering over his guitar like lurch from the Addams Family Producer of the Raising Sand album T Bone Burnett had assembled a crack group of musicians who were so tight that at several points during the night it verged on being scary. This was never more apparent then on a stripped down blues version of Zeps “Black Dog” complete with drummer Jay Bellerose Bonham inspired percussion attack and Stuart Duncan’s fiddle substituting for Mr. Page.

But the night belonged all to Alison and Robert who song after song demonstrated why they are two of the best in the business. Their onstage chemistry at several times sent collective shivers down the assembled masses spines and Plant on a number of occasions stepped back and let Krauss soar. Not many people could keep pace with the pipes of the great Mr. Plant but she matched him note for note. At one point during Krauss’s rendition of the great murder ballad “Trampled Rose” where Miss Krauss was creating a haunting effect with her voice by simply moving closer and further away from the microphone. My colleague leaned over and said this is the reason why you go to live concerts. I’m sure everybody there at that moment in time agreed.

Things I’ve been listening to

Alejando Escovedo Real Animal (So cool it’s scary)
Slade Slade Live Vol 1 and Vol 2 (Remastered)
Judas Priest Nostrodamus (Dense and Intense)
Opeth Watershed
Beck Modern Guilt
Jeff Beck Jeff (Unbelievable No one should be this good)
Coldplay Viva La Vida (I’m really starting to think it’s impossible for these guys to make a bad album)
Big Blue Ball Big Blue Ball (The latest incarnation of Peter Gabriel this time teaming up with Karl Waliger from World Party. Interesting stuff fits somewhere between “Security” and “So”

Things I wish I never bought:

Nothing yet but the summer is young.

That’s all for now.

Keep Listening

J Hoskins