Holiday Listening 2009

This is the return of the so-called holiday specials as it will not be linked to my usual entries. This time, these entries will be connected to the radio shows. It will be updated throughout December.

Wednesday, December 16 continued with several Christmas songs being played. Past Christmas #1 songs in the UK were also played and my top 10 Canadian indie albums of 2009.
Press play to listen.

Monday, December 14 kicked off the Christmas themed show. It was the return of the duo of Horses Spilled Milk and we basically played the Christmas tunes by the mainstream artists and bands.
You can listen to the Dec. 14th Christmas edition radio show by pressing play.

Don’t forget the playlist is at http://wildworks.wordpress.com/radio/
Happy Holidays!

Two Bands Undone Sessions to End 2009 – S05E29

There were two jam-packed sessions for Bands Undone on December 11, 2009. First, it was Vancouver, British Columbia’s Mother Mother. They are on their Canadian tour and opening up for The Mathew Good Band. Even though the band was tight on schedule, they delivered an excellent performance. The funny part was the frontman of Mother Mother, Ryan Guldemond, messed up on the lyrics, it was unnoticeable. It was nice to hear Body of Years as their 2nd song because hearing Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin’s parts was just wow! It was also nice to see a good crowd at Bands Undone and even though it was on a Friday during lunch time. As for the upcoming interview, it was short and hopefully the finished product will be good because there were parts where I goofed up. Overall, awesome band and no wonder why Mother Mother was the winner for CBC Radio 3’s 2009 Bucky Awards for Best Live Act.
Next up was Laurent Bourque, originally from Ottawa but now resides in Montreal, Quebec. He’s an up and coming singer. The host of Bands Undone was impressed with his music days before his performance. I wasn’t sure what to expect. When he performed, it caught my attention because his voice was smooth and his music had a softer Pop/Rock feel. I did do an interview with for my radio, which will be scheduled to air in January. It’s most likely I will be delaying my interviews until January due to the fact that I will playing Christmas songs and year-end top 10’s.
Photos from both performances can be checked out at this link.
Videos – Here are three taken from Brian. First video is Body of Years, which I requested. Second is O My Heart and last is Wrecking Ball.



Review for Mother Mother at Bands Undone site is on this link.

Videos and Review for Laurent Bourque.

The Bands Undone review on Laurent Bourque is on this link.

Afterwards, I went over to Sparks Street Mall to check out CBC’s Share Central where Jim Bryson and The Mighty Popo were performing out in the cold. It was during CBC Radio One All In A Day in the Ottawa listening area. How could I forget that it’s hosted by Alan Neal. There was a good audience and unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos because I was clinging to my gloves for warmth. Although, I did take a video of Jim Bryson in HD but I messed it up.

The Most Serene Republic Interview Added With a Snowstorm – S05E28

What a way to start Wednesday morning with a blast of snow. Even though my blog is snowing (until January 4, 2010), it’s not as intense and cold compared to outside in Ottawa. I was able to make it to CKCU through blizzard conditions. The bus ride took me over an hour. Yep, Winter has arrived. During the show, I had to endure Lady GaGa by surprise, thanks to the host. Go ahead as you laugh it off. Today’s show included some several Christmas tunes and the interview with one of the members of The Most Serene Republic.
I still can’t stop playing You Say Party! We Say Die! Enjoy listening to the show.
Can’t wait to check out Bands Undone for Friday as it will be Mother Mother and Laurent Bourque at different times.
Here’s Wednesday edition of Audio Sensory Resuscitation and my show combine. Press play to listen.

Here’s my show. Press play to listen.

Due to the sound quality from the radio show being not so great, you can listen to the interview with Emma of The Most Serene Republic separately. Press play to listen or download it.

Caledonia – Bands Undone and Zaphods – S05E27

It was a tight packed session at Canteen as Caledonia dropped by for Bands Undone. Let’s just say that the band brought the whole equipment for another stellar performance at the art shop & gallery.
The funny part for myself when Caledonia sang the first song was continuously eating Humpty Dumpty Party Mix due to the face that the lead singer kept saying “hunger!” It led me to keep eating on the pretzels and ringalos. They performed 4 terrific songs and it wowed the small audience.
The funny part with the separate interviews was Kara (the host) and myself had trouble saying ECMA (East Coast Music Awards) and it was unusual because the name looks easy because we had trouble saying it.
I didn’t expect to have a long Saturday as I decided to join the two Brian’s to go to Zaphod Beeblebrox for Caledonia (again) with Matt Ouimet and Sarah Hallman. Due to the competing gigs elsewhere in downtown Ottawa on Saturday and the Santa Claus Parade being held at night-time, it was not busy at Zaphods but there were several went to see Caledonia. Overall, they’re a great band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hallman and Ouimet’s performances were enjoyable.
You can view the photos at this link.
The Bands Undone review is now posted up.
Here’s the video taken by Brian. YouTube version also available.

The Ohbijou Interview and What’s Ahead for December – S05E26

I had to fill-in for the host of Audio Sensory Resuscitation on CKCU-FM for Wednesday. Luckily, I was prepared to play whatever songs and I started off with What’s Going On?, a cover from the classic Marvin Gaye song. Done by the All Star Tribute, it was for the fight against AIDS Worldwide in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. It was the day after World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1. It’s fitting that I played “What’s Going On” and the new song by Alicia Keys because I’ve been a supporter of the (Red) campaign. From the Hallmark cards to the iPod nano, it’s all for a good cause. What’s unique this year was having to participate via Twitter by using red texts and watching the Alicia Keys live concert through YouTube as part of World AIDS Day.
Aside from that, I finally aired the interview with two members of Ohbijou. Mind you, there were funny moments that I didn’t edit out in the interview. My segments throughout the show was a coast to coast starting from Joel Plaskett of Halifax all the way to British Columbia from bands like Said The Whale, You Say Party! We Say Die! and etc. Then I played this connecting theme from Silver Starling to Stars and Arcade Fire. There were some shoutouts to people I called out during the B.C. set.
You can listen to Wednesday’s show by pressing play. Slight apologies on the sound because it seems like it’s back to the mono-like sound quality.

The Ohibjou interview. Press play to listen or download it.

Don’t forget to check the playlist.
I can’t wait for the return of Corey & Erica on the airwaves because their presence has been missed. They will be on sometime next week. We also need Kristal of Kristal’s Method to return on the radio too. I also can’t wait to play some Christmas tunes.

What’s happening in December? I’m starting off by participating in the YouTube Battle at Babylon Nightclub this Friday. Presented by Artengine, Canteen and Disorganized.

As usual, I will be attending Bands Undone with Caledonia, Mother Mother and Laurent Bourque.

Wrapping Up November With Hey Ocean!, Leif Vollebekk and The Radio Show – S05E25

It’s a November to remember because I had been going to a lot of shows and on Monday’s radio show, I played the ones that I attended. Before I get to that, I will review the shows I attended on the final weekend of November. First, it was Hey Ocean! at Bands Undone. To my own amazement, they played a great acoustic and intimate set. Of all the previous Band Undones I have attended, this was so unique because they were missing their members and the setup was very simple. It was David Beckingham with his guitar and Ashleigh Ball on her voice. Overall, I was pleased to see Hey Ocean! as they are down to earth and nice performers. Again, thanks to Kara for always organizing a great show for the bloggers, photographers and media for this unique session.
You can check the photos by going to this link.
The review on Bands Undone is now available on this link.
Here’s the video taken by Brian. YouTube version also available.

My radio show for Monday, November 30, 2009. I didn’t expect to go on half an hour early. Played some fillers like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric and Said The Whale. I aired the Immaculate Machine interview and then I played the bands and artists that I attended at their concerts throughout November. They were Elliott Brood, Silver Starling, Ohbijou, The Most Serene Republic, Think About Life, You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bravestation and Jill Zmud. The last segment of the show, let’s say that I had to talk about Lady GaGa. She performed at Scotiabank Place on Sunday night and I had a guest join in on her thoughts of the concert.
I will give a nod to the radio DJ in Hong Kong because she knows I’m not a big fan of Lady GaGa. Anyone will have a nice laugh that I try to not like her music and style. It’s difficult to admit and not give in.
Without further ado, here’s Monday’s show. Press play to listen.

For anyone who doesn’t want to wait or listen to the entire show, here’s the discussion I had about the Lady GaGa concert in Ottawa. Press play to listen.

The interview with Brooke Gallupe of Immaculate Machine.
Press play to listen or download it.

All Things Bands Undone, The Bonjay Interview, and More – S05E24

This entry seems to be all things Bands Undone. On Tuesday afternoon, I checked out Kalle Mattson for Bands Undone. It was booked at the last minute and was an early show. They are from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario but some or all of the members are now residing in Ottawa for their studies. Overall, the session was pretty good as it brought a folk rock style. There was one song where the lead singer sang a Bob Dylan song. Following the session, there was jokes about Bob Dylan.
You can check the photos by clicking here. The BU section is now updated at this link.
You can watch the videos from Vimeo. Excellent quality provided through Vimeo.

Onto the Wednesday morning radio show, I am still co-hosting on Audio Sensory Resuscitation. The host played some tunes and I got my friend to request a song. We made an announcement for the upcoming guests for December and that will be loads of fun.
On my short show, I finally played my own show ID and it’s the one from The Most Serene Republic. I played a Christmas Chinese song by Mavis Fan and aired the Bonjay interview at Bands Undone and then played the song, Gimme Gimme. Played “Fish” by Hey Ocean! as a preview to Saturday’s Bands Undone. I hope you will enjoy the shows. It’s in two parts. One is with the whole show in its entirety or the second part, which is my half-hour show if you want to listen to the first song and the Bonjay interview.
As for the Chinese Christmas song, I was searching on Google for any translation or info, I found this site, Asia Pacific Arts: APA Top 10: Holiday Songs From Asia. The song I played is at #4. Mind you that this top 10 was done in 2008. Not sure if there’s a 2009 version coming up.

Audio Sensory Resuscitation/The WildWorks Show for November 25, 2009
Press play to listen.

The WildWorks Show for November 25, 2009
Press play to listen.

Here is the Bonjay interview at Bands Undone.
Press play to listen or download it.

I forgot to mention that I make a cameo appearance in the Bonjay @ Bands Undone video. Click here to watch the excellent video. There’s the Vimeo version at this link.

Bonjay at Bands Undone & Friday’s Show – S05E23

I had the opportunity to check out Bonjay at Bands Undone. Much to my delight, I was surprised with their unique performance because it was soulful and intimate. The setting is different for them because when they perform at dance clubs, the crowds are more rowdy and drunk. Myself and others were more calm but we were head bopping to the beats from Pho (the DJ) and being hooked on the lustful voice of Alanna. At first, I was thinking they would be similar to Thunderheist but they are good friends with that duo. I had a chance to do an audio interview for my radio show and their connection to Thunderheist will be fully explained. I shouldn’t spill the beans a lot until I air the interview on radio soon. I will update this post later when the the Bands Undone site has the video up. I seem to be quick in writing things up.
Special thanks goes to Kara for giving me the time to do the audio interview and I felt like I was rushing myself to finishing up the interview and not bore others. I was a bit worried about the time but the matter of fact that the duo was not in a rush and host of BU & Brian weren’t as well.
For anyone interested in checking out Bonjay, they will be performing at Timekode on Friday. Place is at Eri Cafe on Somerset St. They have an Ottawa connection, also a hint to my upcoming interview.
You can check the photos by clicking here.
The review is now up on the Bands Undone site. Even Apartment613 wrote a review, here is their link.
Oh! I make a cameo appearance in the beginning of the video for Bonjay’s performance. Laugh it off if you want because it was on fast motion.

The Julie Fader Interview, Monday’s Band Undone and More – S05E22

Updated on November 18, 2009

Monday’s show was sort of jammed packed with the Julie Fader (photo displayed) interview, the gigs I attended on the weekend and CBC Radio 3’s 2009 Bucky Awards short-list being unveiled.
Started the show by playing a classic TV theme from the animated show, The Raccoons. I got to talk about Doctor Who and the second 2009 Special, The Waters of Mars. I’m sad that it is the beginning of the end for David Tennant as the famous Time Lord. The sonic screwdriver was heard on the show.

Here’s the audio interview with Julie Fader. You can press play to listen or download it.

Monday’s show, press play to listen.

After the radio show, I went to Canteen Art Shop + Gallery for Bands Undone. This time, it was Vancouver’s Parlour Steps. I think CBC Radio 3 has played the band and from what I checked out at the session, they were very good. They were a rocking and easy-going band. I can’t think of words at the moment as I’m still under the weather. I didn’t know the band has been around for a decade and one of the members joined two years ago.
You can check out the photos by clicking here.
November 18, 2009 Update: The review is now up on the Bands Undone site, click here to read and watch.

In case you missed it, you can read the previous blog entry from about the Most Serene Republic, Think About Life and YSP!WSD! show at this link. I got various links from the Apt613 members using my video and others. I know writing a back to back entries would be confusing.

From The Most Serene To You Say Party! – S05E21

Saturday night was totally great and insane because of going to two concerts at two venues. It started at Zaphod Beeblebrox for The Most Serene Republic concert and heading over for Babylon Nightclub for Think About Life and You Say Party! We Say Die!
Let’s start with The Most Serene Republic first, their opening act was not Meligrove Band because one of their members contracted H1N1 and had to cancel. Their replacement was The Windup Radio Sessions, they are an indie pop/folk rock trio. One of the member is from the UK while the other two are from Montreal and Toronto (Ottawa mixed in). Their style of music has a bit of Britpop, folk and Rock in it.
Onto The Most Serene Republic, it’s my third time to see them live and over a year since they returned to Ottawa. The performance was brought with a lot of energy to the packed crowd and as usual, Adrian Jewett, the vocalist of the band was up to usual quirky antics. Overall, they performed well with the new songs from their current album (… The Ever Expanding Universe) and my favorite, Why So Looking Back. Good thing, I had some friends over for company and were thankful for being lucky. I had a chance to interview one of the members of MSR for a future airing. I won’t say who but I surprised myself.

After that concert, my friends and I took the taxi to Babylon Nightclub for Montreal’s Think About Life and Abbotsford, B.C.’s You Say Party! We Say Die! Luckily, I got there in time to see Think About Life as they were performing a bit late. It’s my first time to see them live as they’ve been the buzz in Canadian indie music circles. The crowd was red hot for Think About Life. The crowds were jumping and dancing like crazy over some of the tunes. It was nice to hear Sweet Sixteen and singing along to it.
My response to You Say Party! We Say Die! and their performance, they were absolutely fabulous live and it was nice to see a good crowd out for a late show. It was continuing from Think About Life’s performance because people were still dancing and jumping like crazy. It was awesome to hear There Is XXXX (Within My Heart), Laura Palmer’s Prom, and Like I Give A Care LIVE because I kept singing along to them. Overall, they were amazing and the crowd was still energetic. Becky Ninkovic, lead vocalist of YSP!WSD! just has a gorgeous voice. What’s cool about her is that she loves Ottawa and she must of loved the crowd.
It was nice to see the Apt613 gang at Babylon for the show. I was uncertain if I missed any people that I know that was at the concert.
Both venues were packed and I would say the best would be at Babylon because the crowds was just into it and even though, I was breaking sweat a lot from holding the camera and dancing to some of the songs, it was totally fun and it had a party-like atmosphere. What’s not to say that Ottawa is a boring city?

Photos from the concerts.
The Most Serene Republic – Click here.
You Say Party! We Say Die! – Click here.

Here’s the video for There Is XXXX (Within My Heart) [on YouTube] and Like I Give a Care (on Vimeo) by YSP!WSD! at Babylon, enjoy!