Frida

By Karoline Czerski

Whether or not this was the best film of the year, or even my favourite, I can’t confirm. But, like a piece of history that helps shape your conception of the world, it ingrained itself into my conscience and left me decidedly enriched. Frida is the story of an artist who, crippled early on in… Continue reading Frida

Kathleen Edwards, Failer

By James Keller

The biggest challenge for any folk artist, especially any with the obvious country undertones of Kathleen Edwards, is to escape the pigeon-holing that lets critics so freely disregard many similarly excellent artists. However, simply stuffing Edwards’ debut onto the country shelf to be forgotten for greater, more established folk musicians would be a mistake, as… Continue reading Kathleen Edwards, Failer

Bad Astronaut, Houston we have a drinking problem

By Josh LaVoie

Four weeks of contemplation and it came down to the selection of my ride home from work last night. Bad Astronaut’s Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem is the best selection to calm me down after an endless day at work and is a perfect selection for album of the year. The band successfully mixes… Continue reading Bad Astronaut, Houston we have a drinking problem

Spacemonkeys vs. Gorillaz, Laika come home

By Falice Chin

Those hyperactive Gorillaz cartoons never seemed to chill until this spacey dub re-creation of their debut came out. Laika Come Home is full of creative remixes and surprises that is sure to tranquilize fans into a blissful trip of experimental electronica. Original in every sense, the album cleverly reinvents Gorillaz’s music into a compound of reggae trumpets, pop-synth, jungle, turntablism, and rap–but all in slow motion. In fact, the… Continue reading Spacemonkeys vs. Gorillaz, Laika come home

Alanis Morissette, Under Rug Swept

By Nicole Riva

On Under Rug Swept, Morissette finds a perfect balance between the anger expressed on Jagged Little Pill and the spiritual clarity on Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. Songs like “Narcissus” prove that men still piss off Morissette, and she is still dealing with self image though songs like “So Unsexy.” Her voice has never been stronger… Continue reading Alanis Morissette, Under Rug Swept

Norah Jones

By James Keller

Perhaps it comes as no surprise that Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” charted as a number one song in the U.S. last year. While it’s a cleverly simple and beautifully sung jazz track, it also has all the key ingredients of a good pop song. It’s catchy, full of hooks and perfectly produced. The real… Continue reading Norah Jones

Internationally renowned, locally grown

By Karoline Czerski

Yeehaw? The High Performance Rodeo and the Calgary Stampede; a brief comparison. The Rodeo is a month-long arts and entertainment festival featuring works from across Canada and beyond, representing a variety of disciplines and media. The Calgary Stampede lasts for two weeks and sees drunken businessmen line dance while wearing overpriced western wear. While both… Continue reading Internationally renowned, locally grown