By Alicia Ward
Works Well With Others has everything listeners need in a day: love, hate, carefree dancing and mellow tracks. Hugh Dillon, who wrote all the songs on Works Well, is clearly a budding lyrical genius. His lyrics offer straight to-the-point stories with just enough artistic flare to make a perfect listening experience. This album is not… Continue reading Spun: Hugh Dillon
By Alicia Ward
Five women sit on a stage and talk about their lives — except the five women on stage are all the same woman, depicted at different stages in her life. Michel Tremblay’s Albertine, In Five Times asks the audience a lot of questions. What would I have told myself 10 years ago — to let… Continue reading Five women, five times in Albertine
By Alicia Ward
When looking at the album jacket of Slow Children one sees a black and white illustration of the backsides of two (and one-half) gangly humans in the foreground, a lightning storm hitting the metropolis behind them. On the back side of the album cover, the red background and messily written titles in black betray a… Continue reading Spun: Peace
By Alicia Ward
The Parlour Steps have composed a very catchy infinitely listenable album in The Hidden Names. The songs never become old due to the constantly shifting nature of the album. From upbeat, to slow moving tracks, Names is more than an enjoyable listen — it’s an album you cannot help but tap your foot to. Parlour… Continue reading Spun: Parlour Steps
By Alicia Ward
The Fugitives have put together a short five track EP incorporating perfect harmonies with spoken word lyrics. The way they display those parts is out of the ordinary and unexpected in most of their songs. Although original, this component can seem at times out of place and cheesy amongst the various perfect melodies, as in… Continue reading Spun: The Fugitives
By Alicia Ward
Country music enthusiasts with a hankering to hear some banjo need to pick up Patrick Brealey’s album Mercury in Songbirds. From high tempo songs perfect for hoedowns to bluesy hip shakers, this album covers all the country music bases. “My End of The Deal” starts with a strong banjo lick renewing a country music appreciation.… Continue reading Spun: Patrick Brealey
By Alicia Ward
David Guetta’s album One Love provides music that is exactly expected of him: repetitive electronic tracks encouraging listeners to grab some glow sticks and dance. These tracks include “The Sound of Letting Go” and “On the Dancefloor,” both of which sound identical to many other tracks on the album, particularly “Gettin’ Over.” This album does… Continue reading Spun: David Guetta
By Alicia Ward
Frank Turner, together with his four band members, has created an alternative rock album reminiscent of the ’80s British pop scene. Poetry of the Deed features strong acoustic guitar in “Dan’s Song,” along with head shaking songs such as “Try This At Home.”The first song on the album, “Live Fast Die Old,” inspires personal growth… Continue reading Spun: Frank Turner
Improv Everywhere, a New York-based performance art group, has captivated people the world over with their guerilla improvisational skits. The group carries out pranks or “missions” in different venues and locales, most of which are public. Their efforts include the annual NYC “No Pants” subway ride where hundreds of volunteers ride the rails pantless and,… Continue reading JAS360 brings performance art to Calgary
The University of Calgary’s new mandatory circle-time course, now nearing the end of its first semester, has been hailed as a rousing success by students and faculty alike. The communications department offering encourages university students to enjoy each other’s interesting stories, paintings, chants, songs and objects in a safe, nurturing environment.The class is the brainchild… Continue reading New class teaches students value of being proud, sharing