Times a changing

Reading this article made me sad, with a feeling of 'that's nothing new'. It's disheartening to hear of family businesses that have been around for 75 years but just can't keep up with big box stores. The article from the Free Press is a good one. Brings you back to older times.
End of an oasis

Ode to George Michael

I've decided to continue on with the theme of finding old, good bands, or musicians that time has forgotten. They may be full of cheese in the year 2012, but back in the day they were driving forces. Some are still relevant today, others...not so much. But we (or I), still love them.

Last week I wrote on the wonderful canadian band that is Platinum Blonde. This week I'm going over the pond to Britain, to find George Michael. I miss him. I miss his voice. I think he's one of the best male vocalists out there. Hands down. His voice carries so much emotion and passion. Smooth like silk. Butter-esque. I just shake my head at the gift given to him.

He is a true singer, songwriter and performer.

There are so many songs to choose from that I've found it really difficult to pick a video. I found this one of him in the studio explaining how he came up with the song 'waiting for that day'. It's an intimate portrait of him.

The next song is 'Something to Save'. I couldn't find a proper video that shows him singing the song but maybe it's better this way. You just focus on his voice.

Gem from Canada's musical vault

As a Canadian, I feel like it's our duty to educate future generations on the history of some our great culture, that may otherwise be forgotten.
Last night one of Canada's top bands in the 80's performed at a Winnipeg casino. A far cry from their glory days, but to see they're still together and performing thirty years later is quite remarkable. I didn't go to said concert, but I'm sure the sold out crowd had fun singing tunes they haven't heard in decades.
The name of this long forgotten Canadian jewel? Platinum Blonde.
While America had Duran Duran, we had these glam new wave rockers to compete. They started off as a tribute band playing songs of The Police, but once they put out a couple of their own songs, they took off and became a huge Canadian success.
And without further ado...here is Platinum Blonde...