Posted October 30, 200816 yr The world still loves Shania Posted By JOHN EMMS Posted -4 sec ago Before the reviews: The world still loves Shania Twain. Believe me folks, it's true, Shania rules. The reason I bring this up (no pun intended) is because it's something I get asked as a music journalist and a musician. Lately, with recent interest on when Shania will release a brand new original album, or heck, even who Shania is dating, it's something that comes up in conversations with people in general and even with people in the music industry. I will do a Rock Report feature on Shania and her impact, but here is a small example of what I'm talking about. This year, when we (The Shaftmen) travelled down to Southside Shuffle Blues Festival in Port Credit to play a gig, two-thirds of everyone you would greet after you announce you're a recording act from Timmins would mention Shania Twain. With fans it's a nice icebreaker and let me remind readers this was at a Blues Festival. What is she like? Do you know her? Have you guys played music with her? etc, etc. In fact, I went to Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty concerts in Toronto this year. I had a meal and a few social drinks before the show. Our friend from Toronto introduced us to some people, by saying "John is a musician and he and his wife are from Timmins." Their response: "Oh yes, Shania Twain's hometown." Look for my feature later. Locally, don't forget the Nov. 15 party at the Mac Auditorium. It's going to be a hot rockin' night when Soul Doubt, The Shaftmen and Barrelhouse Blues Band rip into three-plus hours of danceable rock, blues and soul. Tickets are available at the McIntyre Arena Coffee Shop and various outlets in the city. The reviews: AC/DC--"Black Ice"-- Turn this up real loud and just enjoy it for what it is. Straight-up hard-driving rock 'n' roll, no chaser required. Anyone hoping these Aussie superstars would change their music should look elsewhere. It's their first full-length all-original album in eight years. At 15 songs, the boys could have left possibly four or five tracks out. It would make sense to me. Having said that, this album works. Why? Every band should know one thing. Go with what you know and stick to it. Sure, you can add a few new riffs and wrinkles, your fans will love that and grow with you. But don't mess with "da gig dudes." Angus Young and brother Malcolm know one thing well -- ripping power chords, coupled with "rock is cool" lyrics and a heavy-duty thumping groove makes the average AC/DC fan very happy. Key tracks are the opening "Rock N' Roll Train," the killer sing-out-loud track "Anything Goes," the potent bass-heavy "War Machine" and the ZZ Top-ish track "Decibel." Get righteous dudes. Rise Against--"Appeal To Reason"-- This is probably the closest this Chicago band has come to producing a modern classic rock sound. Don't get me wrong, it's still edgy but melody and intelligent lyrics abound. Check out "Audience of One," "Collapse" and "Hero of One." This band is still growing musically. Top-of-the-line mixing by Chris Lord Alge is apparent on tracks like "Re- Education" and the Green Day inspired number "The Dirt Whispered." Boffo stuff! Celine Dion--"Live in Las Vegas -A New Day"(two Blu- Ray discs) -- This DVD has the best-ever special features menu I have ever seen. Period!! I dare anyone to watch the special features documentary All Access and A New Day: The Secrets and not come out a fan of this woman. To watch simultaneously the entire concert in real time, while having a camera backstage with the dancers, musicians, prop people, and Cirque De Soleil artists is mindblowing. To watch private footage of Dion with her son, and her husband often with no makeup or any pretense baring her soul for all the world to see is poignant and supremely touching. No other major star has ever granted this much access. Now watch the concert DVD after you know the woman. Breathtaking. John Emms is a local musician, songwriter and performer. Source
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