Duran Duran

I don't know whether to blame my parents or not, but one of my favourite types of music is 80's based synth-pop. It just makes me happy. My second favourite of this era (behind the mighty Tears for Fears) would have to be Duran Duran.

Back in my younger days, this was even our drinking song/music video:

In the real version it's just gratuitous nudity everywhere.

A few years ago I had the wonder, nay, amazement, of seeing them play at V Festival. Surrounded by people 20 years my elder, we all got together and just danced. It was fun and they put on a great show as a band.

I get to live it all again at the Entertainment Centre, March 17th. Unfortunately this time it's almost festival prices, with $99 giving you the far back seats.

Smashing Pumpkins tour

This is one of my all time favourite albums:


So much so that I've got the double-gate fold 180 gram vinyl. Delicious. So you think I'd be excited by today's news.

Smashing Pumpkins, the Tivoli, October 17.

But I'm not. I saw them at V Fest a few years back, with Billy in his full on space kilt outfit (wish I could find a picture). Sure they played the main hit songs and had a few good jams. Including this one, which was the highlight of the show, when the Presets were playing over the top of him before an encore:

But apart from that, it lacked character. And it lacked the Smashing Pumpkins: Jimmy, James, D'arcy (or even Melissa Auf Der Mar).

I can imagine this gig will be another one of those "pay through your teeth to see a band you loved ten years ago" tour (ala any band of my childhood still touring). They sure know that the best way to make a buck is to invoke your memories of the past.

Edit: Same night as Baroness. I know where I'll be

So Frenchy, So Chic

I can't believe I almost missed this show, but it somehow slipped under my radar. Probably because of it's "artsy fartsy" ways.

So Frenchy So Chic is a show at the Powerhouse next Monday, the 14th of June. This show features some French bands, most notably Nouvelle Vague. I saw Nouvelle Vague at V Fest years ago and was swept up by the whole vibe they give off. The vibe is Bossa Nova covers of classic punk and new wave songs. Although purely a covers band, they do something most covers bands don't: they make the song completely theirs. For instance, Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart:

Amazing stuff. Nouvelle Vague has a revolving door of female singers, most notable in the past Emilie Simon and Camille. I am not 100% sure who is singing on this tour, but whoever it is, you can guarantee she will be amazing.