David P. Smith

Worst Job

A perennial favourite at Red Cat, David P. Smith has almost single- handedly rescued the accordion from its pathetic Polka purgatory. Self-described as "hillbilly rhythm and booze", David P. Smith is first and foremost an engaging and humorous raconteur. Wrapped around his stories of drinking, despair and doin' acid is a fire and brimstone band that makes the whole experience much like a snake handlin' religious revival. It will make you want to speak in tongues and flail around on the floor.

Striving For A New Tomorrow

Northern Electric

David P. Smith's partner (and soon to be wife), B.A. Lampman is an accomplished artist whose works have graced the covers of many a CD... including David's new album as well as recordings by Tom Hollistion, John Guliak and Blue Pine (Frog Eyes).

Rodney DeCroo

Whiskey

Rodney DeCroo's new live album (recorded at Edmonton's legendary Sidetrack Cafe) is dedicated to his Dad, a Vietnam veteran, a Father who was never the same after his tour of duty. It is especially apropos these days as it seems as though America is in the process of creating another generation of "war torn men." If Stephen Harper has his way, Canada might be about to do so too. Rodney comes from the Folk/Country school of music, and his songs here are very beautiful, but they are not "pretty" or "nice." They speak of dark pasts and horrible deeds. But as a eulogy to a life damaged beyond recognition, it has a realism and poignancy that speak of an understanding of the way life is, rather than the way it should be.

War Torn Man

Northern Electric

Rodney's CD Release show is Friday, February 24th at Vancouver's World Famous Marine Club.

Ghost House

Deathquarium

You've been asked before, "do you want New Wave, or do you want the truth?" Fortunately, with Ghost House one can have both. Formed by members of The WPP and Black Rice (amongst others), Ghost House is a New Wave band in the same way The Cars weren't, but tried to be. Keyboard-driven pop rock for the young at heart. It will remind some of the Ben Folds Five, but without the ego trip. Did I mention they're scary too? They're very scary... scary good.

Departures

Indie.

Jesse Gander, one of the monsterminds behind Ghost House, also runs one of the best recording studios in Vancouver, The Hive.

The Rodney Graham Band

How to Avoid an Imbrogilo

Everybody should know about Rodney Graham, but hardly anybody seems to. At least that's what I though until I attended his CD release show at the Railway Club. Tuesday night (Valentine's Day, even) and the place was packed! Why was this? Because Rodney Graham writes great rock songs. Not rock like Van Halen, not rock like Franz Ferdinand, but smart rock that should be in a textbook somewhere. A guy standing next to me said, "It sounds like good Lou Reed." I couldn't argue. In a perfect world, Rodney Graham would be what people would talk about when Canadian rock was discussed, and not, well, I'll bet you a nickel you know who I'm thinking of.

Never Tell a Pal a Hard Luck Story (You'll Only Get a Hard Luck Story In Return)

Loudhailer

If you Google "Rodney Graham", you seem to get some whole other guy who's some kind of big famous Artist with shows in Germany and Chicago. That's him too.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Emptyhead

The best part of the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was where Hunter S. Thompson and his attorney (on God knows how much and what variety of drugs) get trapped at a bar that is also a spinning merry-go-round. That scene pretty much encapsulates the experience that is They Shoot Horses, Don't They?—well, minus the panic and fear part. Much like a marching band that has done too much acid and started to play some Tom Waits songs, it is both confusing and exhilarating at the same time.

Boo Hoo Hoo Boo

Kill Rock Stars

Watch a video for Sunlight here!