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Friday, October 25, 2013

Simple Minds Review of the Live Concert in Montreal,Canada October 21,2013

First let me start by saying I am an original Simple Minds fan. I discovered the band when I was DJ at CRSG cable FM Radio at Concordia University in winter of 80-81. The station manager at the time, Richard Edwarde (R.I.P.), turned me on to the L.P. "Empires & Dance". We listened to the whole album together in the studio. It was new,revolutionary,and mesmerizing to us both. To us, this album by an obscure group from Glasgow,Scotland was going to get played on our student radio station. No question about that ! We played 3 songs which stood out tall from this L.P.- "Celebrate", "Today I Died Again", and "Thirty Frames A Second". Empires and Dance LP was released September 27,1980. Since October or November of the same year we played the heck out of this album. The next Simple Minds album was released in 1981 "Sons and Fascination". In my mind, that was it.This band is NOT so simple ! They are versatile and unique in their style and sound, that I predicted to myself and every one of my friends that Simple Minds is for real and to be taken very seriously. My first Simple Minds live concert was sometime in late '81 or early '82 at a small 250 capacity room in downtown Calgary Alberta for the Sons and Fascination Tour.I saw them again in '83 for the 81-82-83-84 Tour. On stage they were perfect and so was the sound. Jim Kerr, the lead singer did not smile much. He was totally focused and immersed in his music. I have included the "I Promised You A Miracle" video to illustrate this point.
The 2013 live performance at the Metropolis Club in downtown Montreal on Monday October 21 was a tad disappointing.The songs which "made" Simple Minds in its heyday were NOT performed.
Songs like "Big Sleep", "Thirty Frames A Second", "Theme For Great Cities","Sister Feeling Call"". "Premonition", and the most surprising one of them all "CELEBRATE" ! "Celebrate" is the name of this World Tour for God's sake ! It's one of their best songs ever. And they did not perform this ?And there were many other songs not included as well. Instead the band plays cover song such as "Neon Lights" (Kraftwerk), and "Gloria" their last song of the evening, a song done many times by many artists (Van Morrison). Puh-lease ! Simple Minds blew it in my opinion. This concert could have easily been the CONCERT OF THE YEAR. But instead they opted for the easy way out. They just went "corporate" , and commercial, like so much of music today. Shame on you Simple Minds. I still love the band and the music. Simple Minds will still be in my library with some of the greatest songs on this planet. Well, you know, all good things must come to an end. I have seen Simple Minds live for the very last time. And I will just have to look at old videos and listen to the vintage Simple Minds albums to keep the spirit alive.
By the way ; here are some positives of the live Simple Minds concert on October 21. The young and beautiful African lady accompanying Jim Kerr on stage was fabulous, very competent. Her singing of "Neon Lights" was impeccable. Simple Minds did play "I Promised You A Miracle" (at least !). Peace out. Have a great day everyone !

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Wiggle Room in Montreal- New Live Music Venue

Looking for a cool lounge jazz pop rock place that makes you feel you're in Manhattan New York, or Chicago ? Capacity is 130 persons with a retro red velour feel to the club. It's simple with a small stage and groovy bar with very friendly staff. Manager/owner Jeremy Hechtman will make sure you have a great experience. The crowd is generally 30+ but anyone over 18 years of age is most welcome. Check out their website at : http://www.wiggleroom.ca/  . The club is located on St. Laurent boulevard just across the street from Schwartz's Deli. See you there !

Rocky Horror Picture Show Annual Halloween Ball- Montreal Oct.31, Nov.1 & 2,2013

The annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball takes place in Montreal's Cinéma Impérial on Bluery street,just north of Ste. Catherine for 3 nights starting on October 31. For complete details go to the website at : http://www.rockyhorrormontreal.com/index.php?lang=en&section=home
Live actors musicians and other wacky goings on will await you at this wild Halloween show ! Don't miss it. Tickets are only $18.00 . Get yours now 'cause this sells out fast .

Friday, October 4, 2013

The Phantom of the Opera 1925 Silent Film Oct.4 & 5,2013

Hello all you vintage horror movie buffs ! The iconic silent film "The Phantom of the Opera" featuring horror movie legend Lon Chaney (The WolfMan), will be shown at the Westmount United Church basement at corner of Landsdowne & DeMaisonneuve West. But it's not just a silent movie viewing . Oh, no ! This evening will go the extra mile in having real live musicians and actors to accompany this film. Refereshments and snacks will also be made available at very affordable prices. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. and will end by 9:30-10 p.m. This film presentation is produced by Mr. Phil Spurrell, Montreal born & bred. Mr. Spurrell also heads the annual Rocky Horror Picture Show held in Montreal every year on or about Halloween, October 30-31. Visit his website at : www.cineclubfilmsociety.com for all the details.
For the Phantom of the Opera Silent Film the admission fee is cash only, at the door prior to the performance, of 12.00$, and only $8.00 for students and seniors 65+
So don't miss this rare event ! Friday & Saturday October 4 - 5 at 7:30 P.M. See you there !



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Kimberly & The Dreamtime Lounge Band From Montreal

I've recently made an interesting musical discovery. Kimberly & The Dreamtime, from Montreal. When I saw the band perform recently in downtown Montreal I wasn't sure what to expect. Kimberly is the head and sultry singer of the band along with 3 other very competent band member. Bass guitar, keyboard,and drums. Wow, who knew ? Am I in Montreal, or New York city ? Very impressive songs and musicianship.Jazzy loungy pop music is what this is all about. Kimberly stage presence is impressive I must say. For more details about this new band please check out the website at  http://www.kimberlyandthedreamtime.com/
Here are 2 short videos of Kimberly & The Dreamtime live in concert !




Alex Bechlian - Property Consultant Montreal & Suburbs. Purchase/Sale/Rental

Looking to rent or own a condo, house, cottage, or just a clean apartment without extra or hiddeen costs and hassle ? Then look no further than Mr. Alex Bechlian. Total expert in anything having to do with buying, or renting-short or long term a condo or apartment anywhere in Montreal or suburbs. With a background in computer science and business administration in the real estate milieu Mr. Bechlian has the experience and the know-how to help you find the right dwelling at the best price in town- guaranteed ! Alex Bechlian will advise you of common pitfalls in the buying or renting process of living spaces in the city with his primary interest in YOU- NOT the building owner or developer. Alex Bechlian is fully licenced as a real estate broker in association with the SUTTON GROUP. The real deal folks ! And Mr. Bechlian is one of the nicest persons you'll ever meet with a totally up-front and straight forward approach to doing business. Call Alex Bechlian. You have absolutely NOTHING to lose- and everything to gain. Visit his website at : www.montreal3a.ca .
Telephone at 514-334-1144 anytime.
ALEX BECHLIAN