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Bill Murray
Now Playing: Eagles of Death Metal - Death By Sexy (2006, Downtown)
Howdy all,
For those of you who didn't know it, child number two is due within weeks. Not that I want to make excuses but that's why BBR moves in fits and starts!
I had to post today because one of my favourite actors of all time made me laugh twice in one hour this morning...
First I saw this headline...
Bill Murray refuses breath test after driving through Stockholm in golf cart
How could anyone who say Caddyshack not smile?
Then my bro Manrico sent me a link to this...
Meatballs - I know what you did 28 Summers Ago
Woody the Wabbit would approve!
"And even if we win, if we win, HAH! Even if we play so far above our heads that our noses bleed for a week to ten days; even if God in Heaven above points his hand at our side of the field; even if every man woman and child joined hands together and prayed for us to win, it just wouldn't matter because all the really good looking girls would still go out with the guys from Mohawk because they've got all the money! It just doesn't matter if we win or if we lose. IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER!..."
Hope all is well with everyone. I miss you all!
Thanks always for the continued support.
Alex
BBR 2.0
Now Playing: Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (2007, Republic)
Barflies!
Check it out...
Is BBR's new Web Guru Allan the man or what?
It's still a work in progress but change is good...very good...and long overdue. Thanks again for making it all happen Allan.
I'd like to point out at this time to all veteran Barflies that not only do we have a Forum again, but Allan managed to retrieve all of your old posts as well!
The Return of the BBR Forum!
When I saw all of those old posts...I felt like singing out loud...
Man acquitted for loud singing in Philly park
I was going to make a comparision between Canadians and Americans here but I will refrain...it is the 4th of July after all!
White Stripes play Winnipeg bus, bridge
Happy Independence Day to all of our American Barflies!
Cheers,
Alex E.
P.S. This will be the one and only time you will see me use the already overused "2.0." thing in my blog.
Second Chance CD now available online! + Happy Birthday...
Amigos,
Much to discuss.
First...after talking and talking and talking about it, change is finally coming to the Basement Bar.
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome aboard our new web guru Allan Button.
Those of you keeping score will know Allan from his brilliant work on the Kevin MacLean Band website and now he will be bringing in his talents to the Basement Bar.
Allan's first order of business to get KMB's terriffic new CD Second Chance up for sale in the Basement Bar CD Store.
If you liked All The Good People...your gonna love this one!
There will be more changes very soon. Watch this space for a guided tour as things happen.
Alessandro
P.S. Raise your glasses and toast Mr. Rob Szabo who celebrates his birthday today as well as Barfly Scott M.! Enjoy the day guys!
Thank-You!
Now Playing: That gentle pounding in my skull...
Amigos,
Last night's CD release party for The Kevin MacLean Band's new disc Second Chance can only be called a success. Nearly 300 people stopped by to check out the show including many, many friends and Barflies.
I just wanted to say THANK-YOU to everyone who came out and helped to make the evening a glorious event and a great launch for this next chapter in Kevin's musical story.
For those of you who couldn't be there...watch for another CD release party soon in Guelph and if things work out, in Toronto as well.
I will also have Second Chance up for sale right here in the next week or so.
Heading out for more asprin. Talk soon.
Alex
Kevin MacLean Band - Second Chance - April 21!
Now Playing: The Kevin MacLean Band - Second Chance (2007, Basement Bar Records)
Friends,
One week from today The Kevin MacLean Band will release their long awaited sophomore CD Second Chance!
I can't wait for you to hear it. You will be very impressed. Trust me.
Tickets are available in advance through myself or the band. They will of course be available at the door as well.
Here is the poster (Thanks Stevie T!) with all of the details.
Second Chance will be available for online sale right here shortly afterwards.
Any questions?
Email me at alex@basementbar.net or visit the KMB website for more info...
Hope to see all of you there!
Alessandro
Szabo Theatre Gig Tomorrow! KMB CD Release Tix!
Now Playing: Josh Rouse - 1972 (2003, Rykodisc)
Happy Spring all!
Sorry for the last minute notice but if you are free tomorrow evening and find yourself in proximity to Kitchener, Ontario, the great Rob Szabo will be headlining a rare theatre show (Real seats! No Standing!).
Need more info? Can't read the poster? Rob's got all the goods on his website RobSzabo.com.
If it makes any difference...the MC will be someone of your aquaintence.
Finally...the countdown is on for the release of The Kevin MacLean Band's sophomore release Second Chance!
The gig is at the Westside Concert Theatre (the old CHCH studio right on King Street West) on April 21.
Tickets are now available from the band and I have some as well if anyone is interested.
Win tickets and get further details are available at Kevin's recently revamped website www.thekevinmacleanband.com.
Hope all is well with everyone. I miss you all and hope to see you soon.
Alessandro
How The Groove Daddys Conquered Germany
Rockers,
The Basement Bar recently shipped an order for The Groove Daddys second CD Sunburn to a new Barfly in Germany.
Needless to say I was curious. This was only our third European sale ever and a first for Germany and the Daddys so I asked this particular music lover how he managed to make a connection to this 12 year old Rob Szabo project.
This is what he had to say:
Hello Alex,
I know the music of the Groove Daddys since I was in Canada 12 years ago. As a student, I did an exchange for 3 months in Kitchener/Waterloo. Being a drummer, I discovered the musicshops around and met the drummer of the Groove Daddys. He gave me a Cassette of their music. After all this years I lost this tape. But 3 weeks ago in 2007, I heard a song in the radio, reminding me of the song "Y?". I remembered the Groove Daddys and their great, funky music. So I started the Internet and searched for their CDs. First I found "Bottem Feeder" on ebay, the CD "Sunburned" I ordered at Basementbar, as you know.
That's the story, how the Groove Daddys conquered Germany.
Boris
Cool. Everybody...say hello and welcome to the great nation of Germany.
Alessandro
Got Rhythm?
Well hello sailor!
It funny how once you get out of a rhythm, it can be very hard to get back in.
Thus this last extended silence. What can I tell you? Life happens.
So let's quickly catch up. Even though I've been silent. Things in the BBR world continue to thrive.
First I am pleased to announce The Kevin MacLean Band's new album Second Chance will be released on Basement Bar Records, April 21st online and with a big bash here in Hamilton. Watch this space for details.
In other news Rob Szabo's latest effort Like A Metaphor continues to win fans. Rob of course is largely responsible for that. Now that we lost James Brown, Rob is gunning for the title "the hardest working man in show business".
The latest fruit of his labours is that his video for "Good Son" has not been added to Much More Music/Bravo's rotation.
Now by voting (often), you helped to keep his last visual "Breaking Even" on the charts for six months!
Now is your chance to do so again. Please vote for "Good Son" as many times as you possibly can. Each vote counts!
You can find it in the right hand column, third item down. Right next to Bob Dylan...
Vote for the "Good Son" video!
In other music news...
Frontmen leaving bands
Here's a philisophical question for you...are band's without singers better or worse than bands with fake singing?
Police's vocals a Grammy cop-out
Milli Vanilli: The Movie
Thoughts?
Alessandro
P.S. Got summer vacation plans yet?
Tourism official in Victoria defends ad that promises a "perfect orgasm"
David, Roger & Alex Sick, Szabo Shows. Flatulence
Now Playing: The Pretenders- Pretenders (1980, Sire)
Happy December,
First I go and see Los Lobos and creative force David Hidalgo is ill. Then I go see The Who (or more accurately, The Townshend/Daltrey band) this past Monday evening and lead singer Roger Daltrey is ill.
Now I'm sick. Does that make me a carrier?
Anyway, I'm hoping (but not hopeful) to make it out to take part in this great Rob Szabo filled weekend!
Hamilton Show-TONIGHT!
Rob will be playing a full band show THIS THURSDAY (Dec 7) at Pepper Jack Cafe in The Hammer. The band is Scott Cooper on bass & keys, Adam Warner on kit & Mike Olsen on cello. Special guests are Matthew Dezoete (9:40) & Danny Buzanko (9pm). EARLY START= 9pm!!
Tomorrow, Rob along with Mr. Kevin MacLean will be Live to air on Y108 in Hamilton area THIS FRIDAY(Dec 8), 3pm EST
Rob will be taking part in the Chris & Jodi 18 hr Traveling Toy Drive on Y108 in The Hammer this Friday afternoon. Tune in around 3pm EST.
Also, a special heads up for the advance tickets for the now annual Szabo/Strongman X-mas show with Steve Strongman at The Boathouse in Kitchener,ON on Dec 23 go onsale online this Sat (DEC 9) at 10am EST. The will be playing Plasticine songs and stuff from their solo records. Opening act is Todd Donald. Last year's show sold out at the door, so get your advance tickets online at www.robszabo.com. There is also a limited # of Adv tix avail at from The Boathouse: CALL 519.745.7202.
Now this may not be the most graceful segue but when I saw this headline I had to post it...any implications or connections to Mr. Szabo are purely by proximity and not anything else. Rob smells great all the time.
Flatulence on plane sparks emergency landing
Long Live Rock!
Alex
Three Lists
Now Playing: The Who- Endless Wire (2006, Republic/Universal)
Three lists for for those who like lists...
Queen rules - in album sales
FILM THREAT'S FRIGID 50: THE COLDEST PEOPLE IN HOLLYWOOD
50 Biggest Hollywood Disasters
Cheers,
Alessandro
Los Oakes!
Now Playing: The Pursuit Of Happiness- Where's The Bone? (1995, Iron America)
Buon Giorno,
Happy news to report. Old BBR amigo Jamie Oakes has been asked to open up Los Lobos' November 7, Hamilton concert.
Ticket info for Los Oakes @ Hamilton Place
Not only is this great news for a ticket holder like myself, as a great bill just got that much better, but Jamie told me that it ha also inspired him creatively as well. He wrote his first song in a very long time not long after sealing the deal.
Mas Y Mas!
Alessandro
P.S. In keeping with the friends of the Basement Bar theme, a gentle reminder that any and all Barflies in the Toronto area this Saturday night (October 28) should remember that Szabo collaborator Scott Cooper is playing a rare headling show later this month as well at the Now Lounge.
Did I mention Mr. Szabo will be playing bass that night?
Find out more right here on Coop's website.
Two Things
Now Playing: Los Lobos - The Town & The City (2006, Hollywood)
Two things I have to point out today.
For those fans of the dearly departed show Arrested Development with way too much disposable income...
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT - GOB'S SCREEN USED SEGWAY W/COA
Entertaining proof that there are bigger geeks in this world than me.
Album Art War Album Cover War
Ciao,
Alessandro
Distractions and Upcoming Gigs
Happy Sundays,
Having a bit of down time at work today. Should be working on "My Space" but feel like I need to be distraction free to acomplish anything.
After all...I don't want to put on the wrong thing...
Teen questioned for Bush threats
Mental note...do not threaten heads of state online...
Here are a few of my other distractions...
Keith Richards says no to drugs
Way to lead by example Keith! What's next? A "Got Milk" ad?
Wait for the mental image...
No milk here either...although there used to be some white residue under his nose...
Mel Gibson's Arrest Inspires Robin Williams to Seek Alcoholism Treatment
Speaking of living large...
Singer Freddy Fender dies at age 69
Rest in peace Freddy. Why do I suddenly have a certain Curtis Mayfield tune in my head?
Better than having to listen to this...
Bad Vibrations
Beatles + Beach Boys = one headache-inducing remix album
Speaking of bad ideas...something for you film buffs...
The Most Absurd Deleted Scenes of All Time
To paraphrase Soul II Soul..."back to work, back to reality..."
Ciao,
Alessandro
P.S. Rob Szabo fans please take note of two upcoming gigs...
WATERLOO SHOW @ THE STARLIGHT SATURDAY OCT. 21st!!
FULL BAND show w/Scott Cooper(bass), Adam Warner(kit) & Alex McMaster(cello)with opening acts Peter Katz & Ryan Hennessey!
Advance tix available at: Orange Monkey Records (5 Princess Street West - (519) 886-0939) and Encore Records (54 Queen Street South - (519) 744-1370).
Also...Mr. Szabo will be live-to-air on KOOL FM (105.3) on Tuesday Oct 17th at 4:20PM!
He'll be playing one song live and doing an interview.
Listen online here (4:20pm EST)
Since we are talking about these things...Basement Bar fave and Szabo collaborator Scott Cooper is playing a rare headling show later this month as well at the Now Lounge in Toronto on Saturday, October 28.
The cool thing is that his band will be identical to Rob's on the 21st except that he and Coop will be switching spots and instruments! Find out more right here!
...and on the drums...
My Space To My Son
Now Playing: Electric Light Orchestra - Discovery (1979, Jet/Epic/Sony)
Oh well.
So much for posting as frequently as I would have hoped this month.
That said much to catch up on...
First...I have created a BBR My Space page. There's nothing on it yet, but that is coming.
This is a very unofficial sneak peak. I will (very) gladly accept feedback and suggestions but please remember that content is pending and that I have no clue on how this online culture works...but I'm working on that...
The Basement Bar Space
I also caught Rob Szabo's video for "Breaking Even" on TV for the very first time. (It was on Bravo for the record.)
Very exciting. So on that note, I would like to remind everyone that the video is still on Much More Music's playlist and elegible for your votes to keep it in rotation. Please give Rob some love...even if you've already done so in the past, it counts every time you do it. Consider it a little Karma in the bank!
It's in the middle column about 2/3 of the way down.
Vote 4 "Breaking Even"!
Now from the who cares file...Clay Aiken gay or not gay?
Gay.
How do I know?
If he was straight, he wouldn't hesitate to proclaim it proudly. Instead he is playing coy as to not alientate his largely female fanbase.
Sorry girls.
On a brighter note, I have been give a free ticket to see what's left of The Who in Toronto on December 4. I've been a Pete Townshend fan for almost as long as I've been into music so even though the band is not what they once were, it will still be Pete frickin Townshend!
Thank-you very much Ann! You made my day.
While I'm at it, I would also like to say a very big Thank-You to Dr. Devin Peterson at McMaster Health Sciences.
My boy Matteo had his first trip to the Emergency room this week. He fell, twisted his arm somehow to the point that we thought that maybe he had dislocated something.
The good Doctor assesed Matteo for about 90 seconds, bent and twisted his arm in one precise motion and suddenly, after a brief flash of pain, Matteo was cured.
Apparently, a ligament around his elbow had become displaced when he fell and in one seeming miraculous moment, the doc snapped it back into place.
Cured. So much so that when I asked Matteo the next day how his arm was, he motioned towards the other arm.
I love a happy ending.
Alessandro
Down Under
Now Playing: Weezer - Pinkerton (1996, Geffen)
Howdy,
About 2 hours ago, I spent about 45 minutes writing my first link filled blog entry in eons. Then, after everything was finished and I was simply awaiting a quick spell-check, a combination of technical issues and personal incompetence erased everything I had written.
That sucks.
I know in the age of computers, this has happened to everyone.
It still sucks.
Re-writing anything sucks.
So I'm not going to do it.
Instead, in the spirit of getting right back on the horse, I shall not repeat a moment of my lost in oblivion post.
I shall start again fresh.
You'll have to take my word for it.
The Best Zombie Films of All Time
Count them. Twenty of them. Twenty. Includes video clips!
Death of a President scores TIFF critics' prize
Okay...It doesn't technically qualify as a zombie flick (even though it is a fantasy about George W. Bush) but there has to be a good joke in there somewhere...
Speaking of mindless creatures...
Irwin fans' stingray retribution
Can you imagine avenging the death of an outspoken animal preservationist by killing animals?
I hope these guys (women just aren't that destructively stupid) go to prison to learn their lesson...Then again...
Cell phones found inside four prisoners
Set on vibrate? If not, what would be their ring tone?
My vote would be "Down Under" by Men At Work.
Alex
Just Announced Szabo Shows!
Now Playing: Oasis - Don't Believe The Truth (2005, Epic)
Amici,
The great Rob Szabo is back from another successful tour of western Canada and is now getting ready for a series of shows both here in Ontario and in Quebec.
Please program your Crackberrys accordingly...
September
15 Montreal,PQ ? Yellow Door w/ Lindy & Dave Martel
16 Montreal,PQ ? Yellow Door w/ Lindy & Dave Martel
**Both shows early start=8pm SHARP!!
tickets: $10 in adv., $12 at the door.
22 Toronto,ON - Rivoli - guest of Peter Katz (Band Show)
adv. tix: http://ca.ticketweb.com/t3/event/EventListings?orgId=10499
26 St Catharines,ON - Niagara Grape & Wine Fest - early show 8pm Start!! (Band Show)
info: www.grapeandwine.com/guide/program_page.cfm?RecordID=67
October
21 Waterloo,ON - Starlight Club !BAND SHOW! w/guests Peter Katz & His Band & Ryan Hennessey!! tix: $10adv. $13door adv tix avail at : Encore, Orange Monkey
I'm overdue for my Szabo fix. It's been waaaay too long. I think the Toronto gig is looking promising.
C U There?
Alex
R.I.P. Forum/Minutes
Now Playing: The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers (2006, Third Man/V2)
Happy September all,
Hope your summer was filled with tunes, joy, booze and friends. Not necessarily in that order.
I find that the beginning of September resembles the first of January. Party time is over. It is time to get back to a routine and re-focus energies.
That said, I am going to try and jump start BBR.
The first project is a sad one.
I am sorry to announce the end of the Basement Bar Forum/Minutes.
Incessant spamming, hacking and technical issues have reduced it from it former glory to a stockpile of filth and shady commerce. I simply cannot keep up with it all.
Thanks to everyone who participated in discussions over the last few years. It will be missed.
In its wake, watch for a brand new BBR My Space page to appear over the next few weeks.
Baby steps.
Cheers to all,
Alex
P.S. Also watch for more regular blogging from yours truly!
Hello J.J.!
Barflies,
I am very proud to announce the arrival of my new nephew Julius James Aquino.
J.J. arrived at 9AM this morning by C-Section weighing 8lbs 4oz. Parents Mark & Leslie are looking a little shell shocked but very, very happy.
To quote U2..."It's a beautiful day"!
Uncle Alessandro
Kevin's Mom
Friends,
I am very sad to report that Kevin MacLean's mom Jennifer MacLean passed away yesterday after a brief illness.
No word yet on arrangements but your thoughts can be sent to Kevin via kevinmacleanband@hotmail.com.
Needless to say the thoughts of everyone connected to Basement Bar Records are with Kev and his family.
On a lighter note, your votes (THANK-YOU!) helped put Rob Szabo's video for "Breaking Even" in Much More Music's top ten last week. Please keep voting. It's making a difference.
Much More Music?s Top Ten
Alessandro
Vote 4 "Breaking Even"...Please!
Now Playing: Burt Bacharach - At This Time (2005, Columbia/Sony/BMG)
Attention Barflies,
Your services are needed.
The video for Rob Szabo?s new single ?Breaking Even? has been added to both Bravo and Much More Music?s rotation!
Congrats Rob on making it happen.
However, that alone doesn?t mean that the clip will get any significant airplay.
This is where each and every one of you come in.
I humbly request that you follow the link below. It will take you to Much More Music?s request page.
Much More Music?s Top Ten
Scroll down and a little more than halfway down in the middle column you will see, amongst some of the biggest acts in music, Rob and his song listed. Please check off the box next to his name and vote.
It would seem that there is no limit to how many times one can do this action. Feel free to repeat it as many times as you would like.
Also, if you could forward this message and link to anyone and everyone that you know who is a Szabo fan or that you have turned on to Rob and his music and ask them to do the same.
We are so close to something bigger?any help would be hugely appreciated.
Cheers to all!
Alessandro Goffredo Francesco Erasmi
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Now Playing: The Yardbirds - Roger The Engineer/Over Under Sideways Down (1966, Epic)
Amici,
It?s a nice time to be Italian isn?t it?
Thanks to whoever posted that photo of Toronto?s World Cup celebrations in response to my last post (see ?Comments?).
My experience wasn?t quite as exciting.
My family and I were up north (outside of Huntsville) at a friend?s cottage. At the conclusion of the game we ran outside onto the boat dock, yelling ?Forza Italia? only to be responded by the echoes of our own screams.
We need to do something, so Michelle, Matteo and I jumped into the docked pedal boat, attached our car window?s Italian flag to the front of the boat and headed out into the lake.
After of about fifteen minutes of pedaling, yelling and celebrating all by ourselves (there wasn?t even anyone out to laugh at us), we headed back in, still elated but sorry we couldn?t share in the party that we knew was going on elsewhere.
It?s still going on actually?
The Rolling Stones Cover The White Stripes
Speaking of needing to celebrate?
Eye Weekly ? Like A Metaphor review
Congrats Rob on continuing to make it happen! Please note that Rob will be playing a couple of gigs in Toronto (July 14) and Kitchener (July 19) this week. Check out his website for the details!
In other good news?
Cash Lives in the No. 1 Spot With 'American V'
Dylan Sets Album Track List, Inspires NYC Tribute
It?s not all gold in music land however?
Supernova Sue 'Rock Star: Supernova' Producers, Bandmembers
I?ve seen a little bit of the show so far?might watch more but it feels so forced this time around. A good ?supergroup? but I don?t think any of those guys are creative forces on their own. Either the winner will have to come up with the goods or the ?band? will go to outside sources which makes the entire thing all the more contrived. We shall see?
Some truly sad news?
Pink Floyd legend Syd Barrett dies
Not a huge fan of that era of Floyd. Never took enough drugs I guess. Still, he was such a bright soul that went dark before his time and never recovered. A sad end to a sad life.
On a somewhat related note?one of Floyd?s musical peers is actually playing in Hamilton this evening?
The Yardbirds chasing the blues
I want to go. I was a big Zeppelin fan and that spilled over into a huge Yardbirds phase during my formative high school years. However, I don?t have anyone to go with and the thought of hanging out in The Corktown (for those of you outside of the area, insert your local legendary dive here) for a few hours with nobody to talk to is a tough sell.
Sitting on the fence?
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Alessandro
Forza Italia!
Happy Summer
Now Playing: U2 - Boy (1980, Island)
Happy Summer!
Just because I don't write as often doesn't mean that I'm not thinking about you guys.
Really.
It's just that I've found that this new day job I'm working combined with life with Hurricane Matteo and summertime (not to mention the World Cup) doesn't leave me with a lot of extra time for anything else.
So I'm concentrating my remaining energy on where I think it will be most effective, currently that is the artwork for Second Chance, the next Kevin MacLean Band album.
The Basement Bar website is in dire need of some updates (don't think I'm not aware) but they will be tackled as time allows. Sometimes it sucks being a one man band.
Still...we are here and open for business. As proof, we sold a copy of Steve Strongman's Tuesday Night Live to someone in Sweden a few weeks back. Pretty cool eh?
This is also pretty cool...
Guns N' Roses named for Rolling Stones tour
As is this...
Los Lobos Surveys New 'Town'
This is not so cool...just embarassing I would think...
Jersey City mayor arrested in bar incident
This is just what it is...
Stars turn out for Billy Preston memorial
...and this is simply amazing!
Italy advances at World Cup
Forza Italia!
Alessandro
P.S. FYI...
Canada: No sex please until we're 16
I...Am...Canadian...and Italian
Now Playing: The Tragically Hip - Yer Favourites (2005, Universal)
Friends,
Today, I am Canadian.
I was sworn in yesterday with fifty other new Canadians from all over the globe.
We repeated the oath in front of a judge (Former Hamilton Mayor Bob Morrow for those from these parts). Got a card and some certificates and then sang "O Canada" which was pretty entertaining considering many in the crowd didn't know the melody but had the words in front of them.
The ceremony ran a little longer than anticipated and I knew my parking meter would have expired.
Sure enough there was a parking warden standing over my car, jotting stuff down in her book as I turned the corner.
I ran up asking..."Am I too late?"
To which she replied. "Yes".
I then moaned "Aw...I just became a citizen."
She looked at me...saw the certificate still in my hand and proceeded to cross out my ticket and replied "Congratulations.".
I love this country! Membership really does have its priviliges!
That's why I find it ironic that the day after I became a (very proud) citizen, I can think of nothing else but Italy...and the World Cup.
I'll celebrate my new found national pride in my old home next month I guess.
Forza Italia!
Alessandro
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