ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 19, 1983 By Steve Newton Laura Branigan's appearance at the recent Superfest '83 concert in Empire Stadium was one of the brightest spots of that ill-fated event. I spoke to the New York singer--whose hit single "Gloria' became a #1 chartbuster in the U.S. last year--just before her visit to Vancouver. … Continue reading Laura Branigan says the real essence of her music is the emotion
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, April 3 to 7
Living With Chucky screens at the Rio By Steve Newton MONDAY: screening at the Rio Theatre of Living With Chucky, director Kyra Elise Gardner's documentary about the legacy of the Child's Play horror franchise. Gardner and her father, legendary FX guru Tony Gardner, will appear via Zoom for a live Q&A after the screening. Here's … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, April 3 to 7
Album review: Dan Fogelberg, Windows and Walls (1984)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 30, 1984 By Steve Newton Dan Fogelberg rocking? Is nothing sacred? Well, from the sound of the opening cut on his new album, you might start to wonder. "The Language of Love" is sinfully heavy in comparison to the heartfelt, semi-sentimental ballads Fogelberg is famous for. But rock is more the … Continue reading Album review: Dan Fogelberg, Windows and Walls (1984)
After touring with the Police, new-wavers Re-Flex take their politics of dancing to a smaller crowd
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 20, 1984 By Steve Newton The opening slot on tour with a band as influential and heavily exposed as the Police is one that many groups would pay a pretty penny for. An up-and-coming British band named Re-Flex, whose new LP The Politics of Dancing is on the charts worldwide, were … Continue reading After touring with the Police, new-wavers Re-Flex take their politics of dancing to a smaller crowd
Album review: Murray McLauchlan, Timberline (1983)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 7, 1983 By Steve Newton Just like a cold beer after a long jog, it's nice to cool down with an earthy Murray McLauchlan album after hearing Ritchie Blackmore's latest blues bastardizations. And McLauchlan's latest offering, Timberline, is just refreshing enough to do the trick. A superb songwriter with an incredible … Continue reading Album review: Murray McLauchlan, Timberline (1983)
Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in April
Matt Andersen plays the Hollywood By Steve Newton Matt Andersen: blues-roots singer-songwriter and guitarist from the Maritimes plays two shows with his band the Big Bottle of Joy, with guests the Hello Darlins. April 5 and 6 at the Hollywood Theatre. Big Sugar: Toronto blues-rock band led by singer-guitarist Gordie Johnson. April 15 at the … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in April
Fabulon’s Marty Higgs says things are looking better for Vancouver’s alternative music scene
Fabulon with vocalist Darren Simcoe ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 25, 1985 By Steve Newton If you're looking for an interesting band to check out this weekend, let me suggest Fabulon, who play the Town Pump till Saturday. The group is made up of singer Brian King, drummer Rick Eden, keyboardist Randy Paar, bassist David "Bud" … Continue reading Fabulon’s Marty Higgs says things are looking better for Vancouver’s alternative music scene
Album review: Jim Dandy’s Black Oak Arkansas, Ready as Hell (1985)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 25, 1985 By Steve Newton Let's get one thing straight: This isn't heavy metal, no matter what the record company calls itself. Heavy Metal Records is a new label--distributed by Quality Records--that seems to be trying to cash in on the fierce attraction that "heavy metal" has among youngsters these days. … Continue reading Album review: Jim Dandy’s Black Oak Arkansas, Ready as Hell (1985)
Lee Aaron on the state of heavy metal, touring with Bon Jovi, and lovin’ every minute of Loverboy’s new song
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 15, 1985 By Steve Newton Lee Aaron recorded her first album, The Lee Aaron Project, at the tender age of nineteen, joined on that LP by the likes of Rik Emmett (Triumph), Buzz Shearman (Moxy), Rick and Mark Santers, and Frank Soda. Her second LP, Metal Queen, was released last year. … Continue reading Lee Aaron on the state of heavy metal, touring with Bon Jovi, and lovin’ every minute of Loverboy’s new song
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, March 31 to April 2
David Spade plays the Vogue By Steve Newton FRIDAY: American comedian and actor David Spade performs standup at the Vogue Theatre as part of his Catch Me Inside Tour. Spade’s a funny dude. Maybe not Dana Carvey funny, but still. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: Capilano University Theatre presents performances of Carrie: The Musical, based on the horror novel by Stephen King, at … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, March 31 to April 2
Album review: Various Artists, Greenpeace (1985)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 1, 1985 By Steve Newton "By purchasing this album, you will be helping to ensure that Greenpeace can continue its campaign to protect the natural world." That's what it says on the back cover of the new Greenpeace benefit album, and that's reason enough to dig into your pockets and help … Continue reading Album review: Various Artists, Greenpeace (1985)
Album review: Phantom, Rocker & Slick (1984)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 15, 1984 By Steve Newton When I first heard this album, two weeks ago, I thought it was good. I mean really good. But after repeated listenings the LP's initial impact deteriorated a little. The main reason is singer/bassist Lee Rocker's vocals. He did backup vocals in his former band, the … Continue reading Album review: Phantom, Rocker & Slick (1984)
Heavy-metal expert Martin Popoff ponders his amazing career as a cranker-outer of books
By Steve Newton When you're a young, rock-obsessed kid living in a small town, anywhere you can buy music is like the ultimate candy shop. Fortunately for author Martin Popoff--Canada's leading authority on heavy metal--growing up in the wee burgh of Trail, B.C. offered several places where he could slake his thirst for new tunes. … Continue reading Heavy-metal expert Martin Popoff ponders his amazing career as a cranker-outer of books