10 Albums of Significance
There was a post circulating Facebook a while back that had people posting their Top 10 Albums. Not necessarily their faves - but albums that held some significance in their lives. Generally, I refrain from hopping on those types of bandwagons but this was one I wanted to jump on I just couldn't think of the albums.
It wasn't easy coming up with a Top 10 list but after much deliberation: I did it!
Starting off with an absolute classic and Canadian legend. I can easily credit him/this album as my "gateway" LP to rock music. If I remember correctly, my dad bought me this CD from CD Warehouse when I was really young.
"So Far So Good" is full of Cancon hits that was the right mix of 90s love ballads with ass kicking bangers. It was so good, I felt proud gifting this on cassette to Emily K. in elementary school. Had my first slow dance to Everything I Do (I Do it For You) with the boy I shared my first kiss with, too! This album is solid gold. A must have for Canadian 30 somethings.
Fave track: Please Forgive Me
Got into emo, screamo and harder rock in my teens. Thrice was the perfic mix of technical guitar riffs, harmonies, California surf-punk vibes with a harder edge. Thrice continues to make music and push the limits on their sound. I dropped off at Vheissu, but their second LP, The Illusion of Safety, stands tall as my fave Thrice record.
Fave track: The Beltsville Cruicible
The Beatles final album isn't my favorite but it go the most play in my car. I'm a bigger fan of the early Beatles and in a way, this album kinds comes full circle. It's also kinda sad.
Fave track: Let it Be
I was nine years old when this album came out and it's still in my car. It still gets play. Oasis is my favorite band. I never did see them live, but I caught Noel last year at Bluesfest which was a total dream come true. Maybe one day... Fun fact, my preferred Gallagher (Noel) allowed Liam to sing lead vocals on their smash hit Wonderwall if he could sing lead on the album's next track which, of course, was Don't Look Back in Anger. Noel didn't care to sing Wonderwall but he put up a stink to strike a deal that would lock him in for lead on the album's strongest song, in my opinion.
Fave track: Don't Look Back in Anger
1...2...3...4... Punk rock! PUNK ROCK. Real. Gritty. Fast. Simple. Hard. Ahead of their time, man.
Fave track: Havana Affair
As far as absolute guitar legends goes, Jimi's music was palatable, poetic and poppy enough for me to follow. Yeah, we've all been down the Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai wormhole before and they're friggin' awesome, too. This album spoke to my soul. Hendrix was beautiful - still is.
Fave track: The Wind Cries Mary *featured on the Original North American release
Metallica's self-titled, fifth studio effort is an album most of us call "The Black Album." This album was my introduction to classic thrash metal.
Fave track: Through the Never
My best friend in elementary school gave me this CD when Iris broke out and Johnny Rzeznik was on the cover of all the teen magazines. I was way into this album when most girls were asking for Britney Spears' record. I'd pick this LP over any Spears joint, every time.
Fave track: Black Balloon
Pop punk and maybe a little emo, I jumped on the Ataris late. Still regret not seeing them at Maverick's a few years ago. Dang! This band is surf-punk fun when you need a break from the blink.
Fave track: San Dimas High School Football Rules
Since it's impossible to pick ONE blink album, I'm going with their live one. I know every single word to every single song on this record, including the stage banter.
Fave track: Going Away to College
IMO: The Party that was Amnesia Rockfest, 2016
Amnesia Rockfest 2016: wow. WOW. The (not so little) Music festival that could: DID. I am blown away at the massive improvements that were rumored to have been implemented. I got to see them and experience them in Montebello Friday, June 24th.
Pre-planning was made easy thanks to the Amnesia Rockfest app. There were loads of security, volunteers and on site staff who were always friendly and willing to help. Lines moved quickly and there were plenty of places to sit and/or rest. I saw a number of persons in wheelchairs & with walking aides in the crowd this year, too. I have a pretty crummy physical disability which can make festivals daunting. The effort put into site planning with accessibility in mind was obvious. Thank you, party planners!
I was absolutely blessed with an All Access Media pass. This was my first experience with such VIP access - I only found out towards the end that "All Access" means you can literally stand on stage while the band plays (Yah. Literally found out during blink-182's final few songs)! Next year, should I be so lucky, I will definitely take advantage of that perk for better pictures!!
Amnesia Rockfest 2016 - Friday, June 24th @ VIP "Oasis" section... Amazing! Highly recommend saving up for the Oasis package!!
Speaking of perks; the Oasis pass gave festival goers access to a POOL! On site!! While taking a refreshing dip (the first of many) I could easily hear The Used from the Budweiser stage. Didn't miss a second of the rock while keeping cool and staying energized.
Line ups for the washroom in VIP section of Budweiser stage, Amnesia Rockfest 2016: the bathroom line ups were INTENSE!!
Tips & suggestions to future concert goers: Save your pennies and splurge on a VIP package, wear comfortable shoes and sun protection (hat, cool clothes and sunglasses), bring along some cash and a positive attitude and you are GOOD 2 GO.
The beer was reasonably priced and having vendors with trays sell on foot through the crowds was GENIUS.
All staff I ran into at Rockfest this year (crew, security, vendors) were smiling, helpful and seemed like they were genuinely happy to be at a truly awesome happening.
Even the highways and roads to and from the Chateau and through Montebello were fairly "easy breezy".
Obligatory late night poutine from Frite Maison, Amnesia Rockfest 2016
NOFX on the Budweiser stage during Amnesia Rockfest 2016 - they were my favorite performers!! I also took the pontoon with Fat Mike!
Amnesia Rockfest, I don't know how you did it (Better planning? Consultation? Valuing the public's input? Extreme hard work and determination!?) - but you DID IT! This festival has significantly levelled up in my opinion. Years ago when I had experienced the "mess in Montebello", I swore I'd never EVER be back. Well, the rumors had me wondering if it COULD ever improve and curiosity (plus a solid line up) had me saying "Yes. Let's do this!" I am so so SO glad I took a chance and went. I'm already trying to plan ahead for next year - looks like the Chateau Montebello is already booked through til 2019... Now I truly understand why.
This year's lineup was my high school soundtrack; NOFX (killed it. My fave performance of the day) Sum 41, Against Me!, Billy Talent, the Used, Turbonegro and blink-182 were just a taste of the bands I watched all in the span of 10h at Rockfest.
Snapchat footage from Friday, June 24th at Amnesia Rockfest