Monday night was the first day the sun hasn’t shone brightly in London in over a week. Fittingly, the darkness coincided with the UK release date of The xx’s excellent sophomore album, Coexist, and the band’s album release gig in...
Sometimes people think that life is so predictable, and that nothing changes. A few years ago, I don’t think a lot of people would’ve thought that a) Noel Gallagher would be playing a solo show for a successful first solo...
I just got back from Portugal today – no need to rush leaving 30 degree sunny weather for 18 degree rainy weather, right? And since I saw fellow Optimus Alivers at the aeroporto, I figure it’s not too late to...
Some final thoughts from RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest… These are completely subjective, and our opinion. You likely won’t agree with all of them. Tough – it’s our blog. The Festival Grounds: This festival is held on borderline sacred ground....
Main stage headliner: Metric – lots of Canadian content today! 1st cloud coverage of the week: Also, the first precipitation Ottawa has seen since June… all 10 minutes of it. Remarkable weather for the entire festival. Band 1: Today, the first band we...
The third and final day at the lovely Optimus Alive festival in Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal. Justice owned Day 1, Mumford & Sons were tops on Day 2 – who will be the best today? Radiohead you say? Read on to...
Mainstage headliner: Skrillex! Headliner on the Full Flex Express tour Party factor: 10. Every year, one night gets to 10 – and this year, it was Saturday the 14th 1st band: Gainsville FL’s Hundred Waters played to the first few...
Another sunny day and a nice Justice (and 10+ beer) induced hangover and we’re ready for Round 2, even if Florence isn’t. Here is Day 2 of Optimus Alive by the numbers. Number of clouds in the sky: 0. Eat...
Main Stage Headliner: Blue Rodeo Party factor: 6 – beat the heat! Band 1: Jordan Cook was just finishing his set as we walked in today, so we (unfortunately) did not see his entire show. Sounded really col though! Big...
Day 1 of Optimus Alive was full of sun (and then cloud, and then some drizzle), situated on the water in Alges, not too far from the heart of Lisbon. The festival features several acts that are also playing at...
Main Stage Headliner: John Cougar Mellencamp. The guitar RULED today. Party Factor: 7. John Mellencamp definitely brought out an older crowd tonight – hopefully they got to see lots of new excellent guitar-rock. Not one synthesizer on the festival grounds...
Main Stage Headliner: Bad Religion (how cool is that?) Party Factor: 5… hey, it’s Wednesday night. Still a big crowd – respect. Band 1: The first band we saw tonight was Montreal’s Grimes. Accompanied by Blood Diamonds on beats, Grimes...
Main Stage Headliner: Snoop Dogg – Hip Hop day! Party Factor: A sloppy 8. Considering it is Tuesday, 9. Number of songs performed tonight about smoking weed: at least 5. Between A$AP Rocky and Snoop Dogg exclusively. Band 1: The...
Tonight’s Main Stage Headliner: Iron Maiden Band 1: The first band we saw today was an up-and-comer called ‘Alice Cooper‘. I think this guy is going to be pretty successful! Although his stage and light show would probably look a...
Tonight’s Main Stage Headliner: LMFAO Party factor: 7. Lots of people there to party. Lots of them under 15 years of age. Band 1 was: Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires, and they are a new favourite of ours. This guy has been...
