Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, September 16 to 20

Pat Steward appears at Rufus Drum Shop By Steve Newton MONDAY: Vancouver folk-rock band Just a Season, fronted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Scott Smith, plays Guilt and Co. The Cult plays the Vogue TUESDAY: British hard-rock band the Cult, featuring singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, plays the Vogue Theatre, with guests Patriarchy from … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, September 16 to 20

Odds’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome

By Steve Newton Odds are one the greatest pop-rock bands Canada has ever produced. Why they haven't sold millions is beyond me. 20. "The Real Thing" (Noise Trade EP, 2009) 19. "Satisfied" (Good Weird Feeling, 1995) 18. "Getting My Attention" (Cheerleader, 2008) 17. "It Falls Apart" (Bedbugs, 1993) 16. "Fall Guy" (Crash the Time Machine, … Continue reading Odds’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome

Album review: The New Odds, Cheerleader (2008)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 19, 2008 By Steve Newton The original Odds team of singer-guitarists Craig Northey and Steven Drake was a pairing made in pop heaven. On its best songs, like “I Would Be Your Man” and “Nothing Beautiful”, its melodic sensibilities rivaled the Beatles-esque beauty of Crowded House. Mind you, … Continue reading Album review: The New Odds, Cheerleader (2008)

That time I asked Jimmy Barnes about his boozer reputation, and why he left Cold Chisel

By Steve Newton When I went to Australia for my little sister's wedding in 1986 I managed to see two wicked Aussie bands--Midnight Oil and the Angels (aka Angel City)--play killer shows in Melbourne-area clubs. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Cold Chisel play a killer show in a Melbourne-area pub because they'd already broken … Continue reading That time I asked Jimmy Barnes about his boozer reputation, and why he left Cold Chisel

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd’s presence in Vancouver prompts raves from local skinbasher Pat Steward

photo by nick yacyshyn, rufus drum shop By Steve Newton You may have heard that several members of AC/DC have been spotted at Vancouver's Warehouse Studio, leading to speculation that they're recording a new album here. It all started when I got a call from one of my rock 'n' roll sources on the street, … Continue reading AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd’s presence in Vancouver prompts raves from local skinbasher Pat Steward

Album review: Glen Stace, Road to Damascus (1992)

  ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 15, 1992 By Steve Newton Glen Stace’s debut album, Buddha Hotel, was one of my favourite Canadian albums of ’91. A guitar-driven collection of rough-edged tunes with an infectious pop sensibility, it showed the Saskatoon-bred singer/multi-instrumentalist to be an artist to watch for. His classy follow-up, Road … Continue reading Album review: Glen Stace, Road to Damascus (1992)

Jimmy Barnes goes solo with Canadian connection after Cold Chisel hits its peak

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 6, 1986 By Steve Newton What do you get when you combine the guitarist from Streetheart, the bassist from Headpins, the keyboardist from Sharp Edges, the drummer from the Bryan Adams band, and the lead singer from Cold Chisel? Well, with a little time, you get a pretty rockin' band. "The … Continue reading Jimmy Barnes goes solo with Canadian connection after Cold Chisel hits its peak

David Gogo gives Depeche Mode a bluesy makeover on Skeleton Key

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 25, 2002 By Steve Newton David Gogo is a festive kinda guy. When he calls me up from his home in Nanaimo, he’s just returned from playing the Ottawa Blues Festival, where he got to see one of his guitar idols, Otis Rush, and shared the event’s acoustic stage with Vancouver … Continue reading David Gogo gives Depeche Mode a bluesy makeover on Skeleton Key

2nd annual Burnaby Blues Fest suits yard apes and beer drinkers alike

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 26, 2001 By Steve Newton As any local fan will tell you, the Vancouver area has needed a full-fledged blues festival for so long that it hurts. Harmonica ace and CFMI Sunday Blues radio-show host Stormin’ Norm Casler tried getting an annual all-day blues fest going at Granville Island a few … Continue reading 2nd annual Burnaby Blues Fest suits yard apes and beer drinkers alike

Gary Comeau surrounds himself with Vancouver talent on Letters From Eve

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 5, 2001 Judging by the quality of players Gary Comeau surrounded himself with on his third and latest CD, Letters From Eve, you’d think the local singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is seriously well connected. First off, you’ve got drummer Pat Steward and bassist Doug Elliott, that hot-as-hell rhythm … Continue reading Gary Comeau surrounds himself with Vancouver talent on Letters From Eve

David Gogo preps for the Big 3-O with acoustic and electric discs

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JAN. 28, 1999 By Steve Newton When I phoned David Gogo two years ago to chat about his then-new live album, Dine Under the Stars, he answered the call with “Davey Wayne Gogo here,” a slight swipe at Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the Stevie Ray Vaughan–inspired upstart of the day. This time around, … Continue reading David Gogo preps for the Big 3-O with acoustic and electric discs

Foghat cymbal crashes require no caffeine buzz on Odds’ new Nest

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 13, 1997 By Steve Newton What better place to interview Odds singer-guitarist Craig Northey than at the Roxy Cabaret on Granville? Not only do they have beer there, but it’s also the old haunt of Dawn Patrol, the Odds’ alter ego house band, which played there from 1988 to ’91, delivering … Continue reading Foghat cymbal crashes require no caffeine buzz on Odds’ new Nest

Chrissy Steele hits the perfect volume level for Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 5, 1991 By Steve Newton If you’re a hard-rock kinda person, sometimes it really pays to hang out at Club Soda, along with the folks from Aerosmith and the Scorpions. For local rocker Chrissy Steele, that’s where she first met former Headpins guitarist Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod, who was impressed enough … Continue reading Chrissy Steele hits the perfect volume level for Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod