Skydiggers Soar at the Barn

(Mahones and Paul Macleod also entertain)

By Steve Ellis )

The third day of UPEI’s Winter Carni- val went out with a bang as the Barn hosted an ecclectic evening of entertainment. Paul

is quickly becoming the definitive ‘‘Canadian sound’’. Other groups who exhibit this acous- tic styling are Blue Rodeo, The Waltons and Hemingway Corner.

MacLeod and the

What really in-

—— They have an unadulterated,

Mahones opened for the trigued me about the featured act--- the uncomplicated, guitar-rich Pa ti ae - the

kydiggers. : i : ow that the lead singer Fi eal MacLeod - sound which is quickly put on. All I could ot kicked off the evening becoming the definitive ofhim were tufts of wiry with his cool acoustic ‘‘Canadian sound’’. reddish-brown hair and guitar. Hismellow tunes his bushy beard because

provided a relaxed, pub-like social atmos- phere which was the perfect set up for the Mahones and their Celtic-rooted rock.

The Mahones are a high energy band from Kingston Ontario. Their musical style and performance is very much drawn from that of the Pogues, a British cult band that was

extremely popular in the late eighties and early-

nineties. A great rhythm section, augmented by an amazing accordion and fiddle had eve- rybody in the place kicking up their heels. The crowd was in high spirits as the Skydiggers took to the stage.

The Skydiggers also gave an impres- sive performance. They have an unadulter- ated, uncomplicated, guitar-rich sound which

he had a big black wide-brimmed hat covering his face for most of the set. He introduced many of hissongs with spiels thatreminded me of schizophrenic outbursts, which was defi-

nitely cool. His vocals had a lot of power, and his body language told you that he was really

‘*feeling’’ what he was singing about. This was my first experience with all

three of the acts. I would have to say that even though the Skydiggers were the big name on

the triple bill, I enjoyed the Mahones the best. Their music appeals to the Celt in me.

The night was very successful. Con- gratulations go out to Finley Martin, the Barn staff, and the Winter Carnival Committee for

setting up such a great event.

John Frusciante

Niandra Lades and Usually Just A T-Shirt

(American)

Weird. Sick. Beautiful. I’m not quite sure how to explain this one; but beautiful bits and pieces floating in a festering pool of crap seems about right to me. The entire album seems to bea session of studio noodling mixed into vulgar little pieces resembling songs. Many sections of the fourteen tracks contain wonderful acoustic guitar lines, all of which are invariably runed, all semblance of beauty lost. If there is a point, I missed it. Just don’t bother.

Q)

ce

Rhymes With Orange Trapped In The Machine (Plum/A&M)

MUSIC REVIEWS

Oh MIKE BEAGAN

The Waterboys

The Secret Life Of The Waterboys °81-"85

(Ensign/EMI)

Abhbhh, eighties music. That one phrase brings forth a plethora of unpleasant images. Plastic clothes, plastic hair, plastic sounding synthesizers; it’senough to make me cry. That is why this disc was such a pleasant surprise. All of the instruments, lyrics, music, and emo- tions are very real. This release of remixes and outtakes is straightforward rock ‘n’ roll with a lot of fun anda lot of feeling. You should listen before you buy, but this is certainly worth a look.

(3.5)

Canadian underground indie faves Rhymes With Orange serve up arefreshing collection of tunes on this release. The Music is rhythm heavy and reminiscent of the Tragically Hip and the Watchmen, but certainly not derivative of said groups. The songwriting is exceptional, and the instrumentation is equally proficient. The band achieves originality through its use of often ignored percussion sounds and careful use of keyboards to back the heavy bass and guitar lines. Vocalist Lyndon Johnson allows his voice to shine while remaining a part of the overall sound, not the central focus. Trapped In The Machine is recommended to all.

(4.5)

presents

ARTISTS

Don MacConnell-Violin Neil MacConnell-Viola and Violin

Keith Boere—Guitar

Donald Holy—Guitars and Rosettes

Kate Poole—Dulcimer

Sennen NE ao

Gallery in the Guild

Opening February 7th 730

Instrument

EVENTS

Makers Show

FEB 7, 7:30 : Opening Ceremonies with musicians participating in Jam Session

FEB 7-11, 1-400 : World renowned Kai Arvi

FEB tl-12, 130-500 : Hendric Bouman, Harpsichord and

Piano maker FEB 28, tl-12:00 : Makiko Yamaguchi on the Japanese Koto MARCH 1-2, il-12:15 : The making of the Celtic Lap Harp and mini-concert with Nancy Clement

David Thomson and Friends-— Arnold Wogner, Rupert Vessey. Charlie Hanson—Guitar and Viola Vion Emery—Bodhean (drum)

"Where would we be without the musicians? Where would the musicians be without the instrument makers?” |

January 31, 1995