The Eternal Sandbox Argument Around the Celestial Jukebox...

Today a spokesperson for the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry announced to the press that source of plummeting CD sales is rooted in piracy and illegal downloading. This announcement has been made repeatedly in the past by such industry bodies, including the RIAA despite constantly emerging data pointing to the opposite, further adding to the seemingly circular debate about the effect of the Internet on CD sales. It must be kept in mind that the falling number of CD sales does not necessarily suggest a decrease on legal digital music distribution, check HERE.

I think that the opportunity the Internet grants us to sample music (regardless of how the file was obtained or accessed) before we decide to support the artist by buying their albums, is perhaps, as a side effect, allowing the consumer to place pressure on the artist for better quality of their work? (have a read HERE) and let us neglect to examine the business practices of Big Music, as it would lead to another can of worms, however one in which we are more likely to find suitable answers to some of Big Music’s current issues.

We no longer go buy an album with 2 singles and 6 filler tracks, but we do go buy albums we consider of important cultural value, as shown by the sales over time of albums such as In Rainbows. Big Music and their associates (RIAA, IFPI…) should revisit McLuhan’s rear-view mirror theory and rethink their strategy in order to survive in the modern Darwinist recording industry, as I argue at length HERE, while discussing the influence of digital music distribution in popular culture.

Slash confirmed for Canadian Music Week!

Hell-Ye!

According to (numeorus) reports, our beloved (and legendary) Slash will be the celebrity guest at Canadian Music Week this year, on March 11th. It should be noted that last year's guest was Gene Simmons, many of us might remember him for the heated (and colourful) argument between him and Bob Lefsetz here's a refresher...

Let's hope this year's discussion is more edifying, at least in genuine terms, not Gene Simmons trying to sell you the idea that he wants to help you and... Bob Lefsetz. (what's he ever REALLY done anyway)

Carnage Tour POSTPONED (again)

It is finnaly official. Carnage is being postponed again to allow for Tom’s back to heal from his upcoming surgery. An announcement was initially seen on Slayer's website on Jan 7, and posted on MegadetH's later that day, however Live Nation, promoters of the tour in the U.S and Canada broke it to the news the following Monday.

This announcement comes as no surprise to many, following the first announcement made by Slayer in November canceling their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel and postponing Carnage due to Tom's back injury. Slayer later announced rescheduled dates along with new Canadian dates for starting off in January, London, ON being one.

I personally wish and hope that Tom heals. Tom, espero que tu espalda recupere en su totalidad y puedas venir a Canada!

I *shamelessly* should add that I have a pair of floor tickets for the original Friday 13th show in Toronto (what better date!) which became even BETTER after Testament joined the bill! I just (really) wish Tom heals, so we dont need to wait until the next Friday 13th and have Testament go on tour elsewhere.

More HERE and HERE

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Expect upcoming report+pics (and maybe even video?) from John Mayer in Toronto and G n'R in London, providing they are not cancelled or postponed.

RUSH+Hockey = Maple Syrup on Pancakes

TCV have released footage of a live show taped sometime last December. The show was taped for Canal Plus France sometimein December 09, its an excellent show, very nice quality! they opened with No One Loves Me, be sure to check out the other videos as well!

Also (sorry for being a downer) 2010 has started on a sombre note already... The Rev, Jay Raetard and Yabby You have been called to jam upstairs. Horns Up.

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On a brighter note, Neil Peart was interviewed by SUNMedia about (get this) his new cover of the Hockey Night In Canada theme song. Yes, you would only see us Canucks get excited over something like this. According to the interview, the video will be premiered tonight during the halftime of the leafs v phillys game... and keep an eye out for his kit. The interview is HERE

At Last!

Well, from the man himself, this is how he does it!