25-year-old Gordon Downie talks “38 Years Old” on the Tragically Hip’s Up to Here tour

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 1989 By Steve Newton What's the most important element in a new band as far as making it in rock goes? Some might say financial backing, although when you look at groups like Kiss or the Sex Pistols it's pretty clear that image and/or hype are as effective … Continue reading 25-year-old Gordon Downie talks “38 Years Old” on the Tragically Hip’s Up to Here tour

Ron Sexsmith’s conversational pop wins over Elvis Costello and Interscope

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 5, 1997 The night before Ron Sexsmith calls from Norway, I’m giving the TV clicker a workout when some tabloid-style show appears, updating the lives of TV child actors who played roles such as the pointy-eared werewolf kid on The Munsters and the six-year-old twins on Family Affair. … Continue reading Ron Sexsmith’s conversational pop wins over Elvis Costello and Interscope

Gov’t Mule channels Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie in Vancouver, no Elvis required

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 26, 2013 There was a rumour swirling around town recently that West Van resident Elvis Costello might show up at Gov't Mule's Vancouver show to perform "Funny Little Tragedy", the song he sings on the band's star-studded new album, Shout! Well, last night at the Commodore, Elvis never entered the building. Didn't matter … Continue reading Gov’t Mule channels Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie in Vancouver, no Elvis required

The stars came out for Gov’t Mule’s Shout!

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 23, 2013 By Steve Newton What do Elvis Costello, Ben Harper, Dr. John, Grace Potter, Steve Winwood, and Dave Matthews have in common? Well, apart from the fact that they’re all certified rock stars in their own right, they each sang lead on a track on Shout!, the new album from … Continue reading The stars came out for Gov’t Mule’s Shout!