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)
Tag: Pat Steward
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 IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, 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 … 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 IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 25, 2002 By Steve Newton David Gogo is a festive kinda guy. When he calls the Straight 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 … 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 IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 26, 2001 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 IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 28, 1999 When the Georgia Straight 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 … 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 IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, 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 … Continue reading Chrissy Steele hits the perfect volume level for Brian “Too Loud” MacLeod
Matthew Good sees the light
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, AUG. 5, 2004 On the new Matthew Good CD, White Light Rock & Roll Review, there's a printed message on the disc itself from the shit-disturbing local rocker. It reads "INSERT IN PLAYER/FEEL THE GLOW OF COMMERCE." Although Good notes that it's a "tongue-in-cheek" statement, it's also very accurate, as the music … Continue reading Matthew Good sees the light
Limblifter Gets User-Friendly
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 7, 2004 When Limblifter leader Ryan Dahle drops by the Straight office for an interview, it's almost as if he knows more folks at the paper than I do. While fixing himself a cuppa joe in the kitchen, Dahle runs into the paper's effervescent promo queen Christine MacKay, who he apparently knows … Continue reading Limblifter Gets User-Friendly