bcscene.ca It’s challenging to listen to Dan Mangan’s song “Robots” without singing along with the refrain: “Robots need love, too / They want to be loved by you.” Those words may or may not be true, but you believe them when you hear them. Perhaps Mangan, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter from[Read More…]
Author: Matthew Kassel
Literary launch lacks laughs
Local literati were out in full blazered regalia on October 5 for the re-launch of Montreal humourist Jonathan Goldstein’s first novel, Lenny Bruce is Dead, originally published by Coach House Books in 2001. The 41-year-old Goldstein, author of two books, contributor to Chicago Public Radio’s This American Life, and host[Read More…]
Bonjay : Broughtupsy
Broughtupsy is the fresh debut album from reggae/dancehall duo Bonjay—and fresh is exactly what it is. Fronted by singer Alanna Stuart and produced by beats/effects master Ian “Pho” Swain, Bonjay brings an invigorating mix of dancehall rhythms and crisp hooks to the floor, displaying ample evidence that these two have[Read More…]
The Postelles : The Postelles
The Postelles are an English accent and a few cheeky lyrics away from being a full-fledged Arctic Monkeys knockoff, but unfortunately their debut lacks the complexity of a Monkeys tune. Instead, it’s pretty straight pop. The instrumentation is minimalist at best (though not at it’s best when it’s minimal), with[Read More…]
Ice Cube : I Am the West
“Ice Cube is the West Coast” is the mission statement for his new album. But after 16 tracks loaded with self-indulgence, Cube and his small posse of gangster no-names, has-beens, and never-weres can’t give a decent reason for why he deserves the title of “Best in the West.” The album[Read More…]
Michael Franti & Spearhead: The Sound of Sunshine
Michael Franti & Spearhead is best known for its frontman’s vocal politics. On The Sound of Sunshine —Spearhead’s seventh studio album—Franti continues to preach, spreading a message of positive change through his music. Issues of world peace and social justice aren’t as prominent on this album as on previous ones,[Read More…]
Not all conflict and car bombs in the Middle East
Alison Bailey In a lecture for his course “Developing World: The Middle East,” Professor Rex Brynen asked the class what were the first words that came to mind with the mention of the Middle East. Students’ answers were predictable: Islam, burka, falafel, camels, desert, oil, mosques, violence, conflict, car bombs,[Read More…]
Chicken Fingers
joysofmommyhood.com Chicken fingers are one of the most popular comfort foods. While the grocery store might offer moderately priced frozen versions, it’s actually quite easy (and cheaper) to make your own. Homemade chicken strips are healthier than their fast food alternatives, and they’re more delicious. These can be made in[Read More…]
Redmen break out brooms in semifinal against Carleton
Adam Scotti On a sunny, cold afternoon in Côte St.-Luc, the McGill Redmen earned a place in the Canadian Intercollegiate Baseball Association Northern Conference Final by handling the visiting Carleton Ravens in a two-game sweep. The Redmen won the first game of the doubleheader, 8-2. Starting pitcher Conrad Hall dominated[Read More…]
When fantasy studs become studly fantasies
You know that indescribable feeling you have towards an athlete? The one that goes beyond admiration? You can’t quite put a finger on it, but you get the same jolt through your veins every time you see them on television or read about them on the Internet. You don’t just[Read More…]