Toxic TuneZ: The Podcast

Wow guys - an hour and a half to go on my end until '09 gets here. I can't believe it still...enough so that i had to take a step back when i woke up today and realize it...and, it hit me. Time for to get Sappy on ya guys now. Seeing as how i don't seem to do it enough.

The goals for this podcast for the past 2 years have always included getting bigger and better than ever. I've had a few...setbacks...that didn't really go my way. Then again, what can go right ALL the time, right? But, looking back on it, i begin to wonder if everything happens for a reason. I'd like to hope so.

Most of the time this year, things did go right - and, according to "plan". I've accomplished about 60% of what i wanted to have done to this podcast this year. I wanted to get more "Out There" - and, so far, that's been working....to a point. I've managed to pick up more listeners, and more subscribers...but, to me, it doesn't seem like "enough"

I've also been trying to extend a welcome hand to Record Labels - but, not all wanna work with me. I could prob'ly come up with a few reasons as to why. But, many independent labels in Canada are working with me, and that's all good - If they keep sending me stuff! I also managed to pick out Universal Media Group Canada along the way. Which shocked the hell out of me lol. Sure, i Lost Warner Music Canada - but, ya can't win 'em all. And, i have picked up 1 of the BEST Labels I could dream of in working with Jesse and the entire lineup over at KillBeat Music

My eyes have been opened to a bunch of new music this year - and, i know that sometimes my podcast isn't always "On Schedule" - but, you guys have stuck behind me all along the way.

Bandwise, i have to Thank these bands and artists who support me fully! I hope i don't forget anyone!

• Crystal Sunshine
• Hayden
• FemBots
• Hospital Bombers
• Basia Bulat
• Dyonisis
• Aaron Lines
  
• Nightwish
• Tarja Turunen
• Senses Fail
• Nickelback
• Adam Gregory
• Tara Oram
• ....and tons TONS more that are on the podcast...these are just some of the bigger supporters!

Labels - Where would i be without you

• Jesse @ KillBeat Music: What can i say! Thanks for getting me hooked on the bands you promote. If i'm not mistaken, it all started with a band by the name of...FemBots :D
• RockStar Music Company: Amber, if it wasn't for finding you guys on a total fluke, i don't think i would've got hooked on Elise Estrada! I'm still waiting for that CD in the mail! lol
• Universal Music Canada: Wow, what can i say? You guys are AMAZING! Thank you for giving the podcast a chance to promote the Canadian Bands you guys represent, as well as the independent labels under you (Hardwood Records and Hayden, i'm talkin' about you!)
  

These are just a sample! If i forgot anyone - i'm sorry! But, to each and everyone i forgot, i owe ya just as much thanks and support for the growth of the podcast after the comeback 3 months ago!

The plans for next year ....yes, i'm thinking that far ahead, cause, i WILL be here! I wanna find a way to work with the rest of the major labels up here in Canada that represent Canadian artists. As well as the ability to work with more bands and artists that are looking for another medium to get their music out there, and heard by ALL!

Oh yea - and, episode 110 is NOW UP! This is my new year's eve show - and, what perfect timing! So, tune in, rock out with your....wait...i won't go there :D But, it's truly fitting for tonight! Let me know what ya think of the new show, and how everything "melds" with each other!

2008 is almost over....and, 2009 is almost here! It's hard to believe that 2 years ago, the podcast formed - and, that i'm still here! Maybe not as well as i'd like to be...but, that's not the point :P lol. So, with 5 hours to go now, i'm promising you guys a new episode for tonight that should be up by midnight I PROMISE!

Let's see if we can break a record this year, and go out with a BANG! this year by seeing how many people can subscribe, or listen to the show! So, when the new episode goes live tonight....tune in...subscribe...spread the site around like a bad STD that won't go away! (I say that like there's a good kind oO)

It just occurred to me today, after some emails from people, that the new episode of the podcast wasn't able to be heard. You quite possibly got an error when trying to download, or listen to episode 109. The problem has been resolved, and was just an issue with the naming of the file (Stupid me lol)

You can now listen to the new episodes, as well as the others that were not affected! I'm sorry about that issue guys, and it will not happen again....hopefully :)

Just in time for Christmas (Officially Today) - a new podcast episode appears from out of ...nowhere, literally. This week's episode is a full concert from Celtic Woman. These women are naturally talented, and when i saw the concert today - it left me speechless and awestruck.

I'm Irish, and i've been into Celtic music for a long time now - seeing as how it's part of my heritage. It started with the Corrs and Enya, and has blossomed into this. So, my gift to you is this episode, featuring songs from the CD, "A Christmas Celebration"

• You can pick up the DVD Here
• You Can also pick up the CD Here
  

Just in time for the holidays, it is finally here! Starting tomorrow you will all be able to purchase the entire Life Love & Lies album digitally on iTunes and everywhere else you like to get your digital music from! Make sure to pick it up and let your friends know it's available too!

The video premiere has arrived for Nickelback's new song! It's streaming right now, LIVE! on AOL Music!

Go Here to catch AOL Music's unveiling of the video for "Gotta Be Somebody," the first single from Nickelback's new album, Dark Horse, in stores now!

It's a really cool video - gotta admit that! If you've seen it, or, you're watching it....feel free to post your comments about the video here!

BAD CALVIN!! Pissing on my words! No, i'm not really posting this from my bathroom! Though...well, don't even start giving me ideas, or, i'll have a laptop with an ethernet line running to the bathroom! Talk about freakin' ya out then oO

NO! The reason for the name is because new albums are dropping this Tuesday (The 16th) And thanks to all the labels that have helped keep me going! Granted, there's a few now that i'll move over to the podcast - but, today, i have 3 kick ass releases from new bands droppin' tunes this week!

So, strap yourself in - and, please, tell calvin that if his piss extends over to the cover art of the CD's, i'll kill him! Don't worry, i have Hobbes hostage! lol.


The first CD i'm gonna cover this week is the brand new release from The All-American Rejects with their 3rd studio effort, When The World Comes Down. Perfect title i think - it suits how the band has gone in direction again. They have NOT lost their sound...they've however built on it. It's obvious in the song "Another Heart Calls" - the female vocal (Lead from The Pierces) adds so much depth and vocal arrangement. The choir in the background isn't really annoying either - it adds that KA-BOOM! sound to the song.

Other heavy hitters on this CD include the 2nd single "Mona Lisa", "Real World", and the opening track, "I Wanna"

What's unique about this CD is that the ballads aren't just ballads anymore. They mash 'em up! "The Wind Blows" is just an example of this. It's kinda reminiscent of something that Phil Collins would throw together - mixed with AAR's Vocals, and riffs. Here is an excerpt from the lyrics "I’ve got to breathe | You can’t take that from me | Cause it’s all that you left that’s mine | You had to leave | And that’s all I can see | But you told me your love was blind" Kinda makes one open up one's eyes, right? This has gotta be my favourite track outta the 12 of them so far. I can relate to it...and, it does put me in that "Calm and relaxed" state of mind.

This CD gets a 5 out of 5! It's just as good as their sophmore release, Move Along - if not better! It's completely mind blowing on how they've added the depth to their music, and made it even more mind-blowingly catchy! You can buy the CD by Clicking Here



Next up on the agenda, Fall Out Boy's new CD, Folie à Deux. I read up on what the name meant from Wikipedia - and, the name actually comes from a Psychotic disorder the french call "Folie a Deux", which translates into "a madness shared by two" - and, yes, it's a french term. The album cover art is unique too. And, those thanks go to Luke Chueh.

This CD was Originally supposed to be released the same day as the elections being held in the U.S.A. But, in a later statement from the band, they had said (And i quote)

"Six months ago we thought it would be a fun idea to release our album on election day but this is not the election to be cute. We felt as though rather than making a commentary we were only riding the wave of the election. This seemed less and less like what we intended to do and more of a gimmick. It is now in the hands of our label to give us a new release date. It is our intent to get our record out this year and as soon as possible -- as we made sure to have it done in time for its original release"

Now, onto covering the album a little in detail. I gave this a listen when i ripped it tonight - and, it's an amazing CD! They've collaborated with quite a few names (To say the least), and have ended up with another album to fully be proud of - and, let's not forget the fans! Collaborations include tracks with Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Panic at the Disco and Debbie Harry from Blondie.

Whoa...did i just see Lil Wayne and Pharrell in the mix? Holy shit - I DID! I DID! I can hear the fans screaming "FUCKKKKKK!!!" right now.

I'm here to say - Calm Down. Have some Dip.

Right from the opening track "Disloyal Order Of Water Buffaloes", to the second song, "I Don't Care" - you can tell it's gonna be a catchy CD. Very much Fall out Boy's Sound, mixed with a little bit of the Old (Think: Riffs sounding very much from This ain't a scene, it's an arms race and Thnks for the Mmrs) - still just that catchy, and hooky!

Ya know, with as many collab's as they had on here - it doesn't really sneak through much. I'd think a little bit of Panic would come through - but, FOB's sound is ....well, they've always had a unique sound to them, and i'm glad they kept it - but, up'd it a little bit!

We'll move on to the collaboration tracks now, shall we? "What A Catch, Donnie" Showcases the band in Elvis Costello's environment, and vice versa. It's hard, it's soft - it's ...ElFall lol. Brendan Urie, Gabe Saporta, Travis McCoy, Doug Neumann, Alex DeLeon and William Beckett use their guest spots all on this song. And, it's weird. It's been awhile since i've seen all the people take a turn singing, and then burst into chorus, and go back at it again. It's hard to point out where some of them are, and who's singing...awesome song though!

If ya like Collaborations, there's 2 more songs to point out, so, let's get right to those!

"Tiffany Blews" - well, it's not quite so freakin' hard to point out Lil Wayne's voice lol. This is a nice little funky number. Reminds me of something from the Commodores, mixed with some "emo" riffs and hooks. "Oh, baby your a classic | like a little black dress | you're a faded moon | stuck on a little hot mess" I Love Lil Wayne in this song! His smokey voice and his voice effects he does on the microphone fit this song, and the jist of this song! I can almost bet this'll be another single (After the 2nd one they have planned, that is)

"Give me a pen, Call me Mr. Benzedrine, But don’t let the doctor in" basically sums up "20 Dollar Nose Bleed" - talk about addict! Brendon Urie also appears in this song. It's not that bad of a song. A little catchy - but, not one of the best tracks on the album, that's for sure. This has shades of something off of the "From Under The Cork Tree" - but, with a little bit of a jazzy feeling added to it. Along with...i dunno....15 seconds of just non-sense rambling...which leads into ....

....The final song of the album, and appropriately, the song Debbie Harry herself is in, "West Coast Smoker" - HEY! What do ya know! An album spoke to me! Smoke sounds good! I've never been blessed to read into songs, or, find the deeper meaning - unless it's a sap story, or a song with so much anger in it that it feels like my head will blow lol. But, that's not the case with this song. We all know the kinda sound that Deb brings into the mix - and, it doesn't disappoint. Getting hard towards the end of a song is nice - also, pausing for a second after a riff...then, singing again - way to lead audiences on, and leave 'em drooling for more! And, how it ended was kinda...sad lol.

This album far exceeded my expectations. I thought they couldn't top "Infinity on high" - and, i was sorta right. But, it's not bad for a 5th studio album from these guys! It just goes to show that they can still rock it - even if they have to bring in people to do Collaborations with - it just adds more depth to it. Granted, i couldn't see 40+ year olds rockin' out to this kinda stuff - but, their Kids will - and, they'll lap it up!

Prove me wrong, people....prove me wrong lol.

Overall - this CD is a 4 Star rating for me in iTunes - that's right! That's my rating system! It has a few letdowns on the CD - but, the eagerly anticipated stuff is just amazing! Vocals weren't off - and the album has a nice pace to it with how they intend ya to listen to it!

You can pick up the CD by Clicking Here



The last CD to go on and on about is Saliva's new one, Cinco Diablo. I'll be winging this one "On-The-Go", as this will be the first time i'm listening to it! WHEEE!! lol. This oughts to be fun! Oh, for anybody wanting to know if the album rocks (And, ya bastards don't take my word for what i'm gonna say :P) The whole album is being streamed on their myspace page. So, go find 'em ya lazy bastards, cause, i'm not providing a link! ha ha!

Well - Cinco. Why, Cinco? Doesn't that mean 5? Cause, ummm....Saliva, if you do your count right, this is album #6. Unless you don't count your Self-titled, then, ok...5 it is! And, if ya guys need a translation, loosely, the album means "Devil 5" or, "5 Devils" - whichever ya chose!

Family Reunion - The first track, and ironically, the first single from the album. I Can see why! It's hard hitting - and, sounds familiar. I think i heard these chords in "Click Click Boom!" and the whole "Superstar" line of songs. It's almost reminiscent of those 2. Just replace some words, and throw in Family Reunion - and you're set! Not bad to announce that they're back again - for the 2nd time in 2 years. Josey is a master, so, i'll let this song slide. I have no complaints about it - other than the fact that it just sounds so familar. Hopefully we'll move into some less than ordinary tracks!

Ohhhh....here we go! My Own Worst Enemy! Kicks ass too! I hope they don't all release single's in order, cause i can see this one being a single. It's pretty self-explanatory here. He's his own worst enemy, he's sold his soul - kinda the stuff talked about on "Always" - but, with that small little twist. The chords, riffs and drums are really unique sounding - they haven't just mangled it and put it back together, or puked another version of a different song out. The solo's are short - but, very awesome and addictive! Great headbanger song - and, i got the hair for it!

Let's skip a few tracks now - otherwise, all these are gonna be the same! It's nice to see influences coming to show again though. Something about the album so far screams Adema a little bit - mixed with some Ozzy and Zakk Wilde. Been awhile since i've heard any Zakk - i might have to go find him again later.

Wow - did i just get off topic? lol. Hey now! Don't blame me - i'm listening to the album in full - cause, that's what i do. I'm still on track 3 "Best Of Me" - they're setting a tone for this record, with how it's gonna be, and they're doin' a helluva job. So far, by my standards, it's just...Amazing! So, bare with me guys! Think of this as a "Live CD listening Party" - only ya can't hear anything unless ya have it to! :)

Whoa - ok, Track 4 it is. "How Could You?" - you know how long i've been waiting to hear an acosutic guitar open up a song for Saliva? Let's just say - it's been awhile! "How Could you cheat on me? Then turn your back on me?" You Cheating whore! lol. *cough cough* - this could be on my repeat for awhile. It's hook is right there - it's catchy, and it's fuckin' HARD! This is another perfect example of one of the best breakup songs - brought to you by Saliva. Saliva's got a long list of 'em, including "Always" and "Rest In Pieces" - this is my new fave! Once you get your hands on this CD - take it, put track 4 on, and blast it at all the cheating whore's in your life! lol.

Hunt You Down is the best follow up! "I'm gonna STOMP YA INTO THE GROUND! I'm BETTER THAN YOU!" Well, i guess if you're gonna blast track 4, blast track 5 as well! Make it a follow-up oO. You could also use this in like, Halo 3 or something blasting those fucks from your screen! Oh, what glory that'd bring! If this doesn't make ya wanna hunt something down - nothing will!

Not that i'm promoting any of this stuff. Keep it legal is what i say ;)

Ok - let's focus on the last songs now - keep this short. Not like i wanna do this ALL night long lol.

Forever & A Day - track 7 - When it kicked in there, for a moment, it sounded like they've been following State of Shock. It's another one of those depressing songs, hidden amongst a nice drum beat - and, hard guitar chords. Wait - there's a piano in there? Wow...nicely hidden guys! "Love is all that matters anyway....Forever & A Day" - ain't that the damn truth! Ya know, thinking about this reminds me of those 80's hair bands - like, Guns N' Roses or Def Leppard (not so much DL, but, still - just the riffs and stuff - i said a LITTLE lol). Not a bad song! Put me in a semi-lucid, semi-calmed down state.

Southern Girls - Track 9 - I'm hoping by the name, i can expect to hear some of their southern rock that they barely ever really do. I mean, they are from Tennessee, so, let's see. Wow - actually, YES IT IS! Way to Go you guys on breaking from the habit! This would be the best summer anthem for the Hard rockers - i don't wanna say Metal-lers lol (is it just me, or am i making up new words as i go along?) With this song - the southern rock is there, but, it's a little hidden between the hard rock riffs...but, if ya can pay attention, and not get A.D.D., you can hear it! I can see the video for this song now. Southern Blondes - in Daisy Dukes....and, wrestling in the mud to this song! Now there's a way to grab attention!

To wrap up the 10 track album, So Long finishes up the album. It's kinda...coldplay-ish with the lyrics, and the piano at the start of the song. Reminds me of Parachutes, or, Yellow. And, for them to incorporate a sound of something Coldplay did on Viva La Vida - it's...weird. A good weird. It's very eclectic, and has lyrics with a deep meaning. It's like he's saying goodbye to a dear friend, or a girlfriend, and he doesn't know when they'll see each other again, but, somewhere deep in the back of his mind, he knows they will. Kind of a good way to finish a CD though. Not knowing when things will end - and, how things will change.

Kind of poetic if ya think about it. This CD is just brilliant! Every CD they've put out has been amazing to say the least! If you guys didn't like Blood Stained Love Story in 2007, you'll love this release! This is by far one of the best CD's since Back Into Your System was released in 2002. This CD got a 5 star rating, and so did every single song on the CD!

You can buy the album by Clicking Here

Well - those are my top 3 releases for CD's that are coming out This Tuesday - December 16, 2008. Hopefully next week is as good!

And, let me know what ya thought about this "Feature" - it's kind of a new way of doing things for me! I've never "Live blogged" before (Even though, you'll see it as one big post, and didn't go live lol) - just let me know how i did!

w00t! Toxic's Back - and, better than ever! Well - minus a damn headset...again. But, i'm not putting it on hold AGAIN just because i don't have a headset. I found one i'm getting for MY birthday present to me *Sigh....*

wow...6 days...can't believe that shit. I can actually hear the "Happy happy, joy joy" song in my head oO - if that don't take ya back to the early 90s, i dunno what will! If i got the song stuck in your head - i did my part :)

So, yea, i guess this week, i should make up for the month and some i've been gone. Think of me with no mic/headset as a way of...."Testing my signal" - fuck...if Rock 105.3 can do it here, i can get away with it til middle of the month! :P

So, you're prob'ly wondering something, right? "Why the Fuck is there a Zune logo in your post, Tox?" Well, the answer is quite simple! I've been toying around with the software. Why the hell would i do this? Cause, i have an Xbox 360 that just got overhauled with the NXE (Or, New Xbox Experience) - and, i was looking for a much easier, and better sounding way to stream my audio and video to my 360. And, i have found the trick! I gotta keep toying with it though, but, have found a new kind of "Medium" for the podcast....and, here it is!

With Version 3.0 of the Software (Go get it, if ya don't have it from HERE) and, you'll find out how useful it is - even if ya don't have a Zune...but, happen to have a 360, and you're using the crappy Windows Media Centre Extender to stream. This is just so much better. The only thing that lacks....the assortment of movies with different Codecs. Why the hell can't they just support .Avi streaming already! I'm getting sick and tired of all this damn conversion!

Once ya get over that though - this is the neat thing!

You can use Zune software to Subscribe to and playback podcasts - and, then since they're added in your collection, and ya set up Xbox Sharing mode - EVERYTHING! Will stream from your PC, and show up in your Xbox dashboard! So, in theory, you could listen to Toxic TuneZ right from your Xbox if ya wanted to, when ya subscribe to it!

The Quality is AMAZING! Both Video and Audio podcasts that ya subscribe to in the Zune software, when streamed to the 360...it's absolutely mind-blowing! I can't believe the quality! Even better than some of the movies or, show downloads on the marketplace!

So, go check it out! And, if you use Zune Software - you can actually go right into it, select Podcasts and then, basically push the "Add A Podcast" button, and paste this right in there: http://feeds.feedburner.com/toxiccast and it'll download all the episodes, and add them to your collection!

Next time you hook up your 360, it'll sync from the comp, to the console - and, you can put me in "Party mode" with the full screen Visualizations! It's like Pot - for your eyes! lol.

Nico Archambault, the 24-year-old contemporary and hip-hop dancer from Montreal, Que., has been crowned Canada's very first favourite dancer.

"It's too much," he said the moment he found out. He immediately hugged host Leah Miller. "I'm so proud of you," she said, adding, "You deserve this."

He was nearly speechless backstage. "It just feels like a big exhalation," he said, beaming. "I can't find the words in English to describe this feeling. I am just so happy that I was able to stay until the end," he said with poise and emotion.

From his audition in Montreal, Que., Nico was a contender in the competition, impressing judges and audiences alike with his technically strong movement and passionate performances.

Throughout the competition, the judges commented on Nico's versatility, stage presence and artistry.

"You're the perfect partner," Luther said to Nico earlier in the season.

Special guest judge, Kenny Ortega added to Luther's praise: "You're the reason guys dance. You bring great masculinity and truth."

Not only, does Nico now carry the title of Canada's first favourite dancer, he will also receive the prize of $100,000 and a silver Mercedes C230.

Second place winner, Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta., was thrilled about Nico's win, "I'm just so proud of Nico. He's been so amazing since the beginning and he hasn't had a bad week. He totally deserves it!"

Allie was ecstatic after the show. "I can't believe I'm Canada's top female dancer. It's just thrilling," she said.

Miles Faber, 21, from Calgary, Alta., and Natalli Reznik, 29, from Toronto, Ont., were third and fourth, respectively.

Mr. Irish Jig himself, Michael Flatley is coming to Medicine Hat on December 6th, 2008. Normally i wouldn't report on this - not my "cup o' tea" (lol)...but, i know that some can't wait to see this.

You can click Here to go to eventful.com - and check maps and get more details about when and where!

This is being hosted at the Medicine Hat Arena on Saturday night - and, for those of you dying to check this out, tickets are still on sale, right through when the doors open! Cheaper if ya get them in advance though.

So, if any of you are going to this - and, you wanna fill me in on how the show went, and how it was - FEEL FREE TO! If people want it, i'll have a concert review thingy goin' on for the locals who are going to the various events that i don't get a chance to get to!

Geeze, i go away for a few days, and come back to DRAMA! Well...sorta lol. It was reported on Tuesday that Sean Avery actually commented about his breakup from Canadian hottie, Elisha Cuthbert. I'm not gonna post all the info about it...because, chances are you've read it. However, if ya haven't, you can actually go Here and read all about it! If ya need proof that what i'm about to say here about Sean is Bad...look to the right :) Plus - i have to stick up for Canada!

I've always disliked Shawn - from his L.A. Kings days, to his more recent stint with the Rangers. Now, as of the start of the 08-09 NHL season, he's managed to...snake his way in to Dallas territory. I LOVE the Stars (Them, and the Oilers) - but, when ya take an asshole on board - one that wouldn't even shake the hands of Marty Brodeur last season after the Devils kicked the Rangers outta the series...that's just bloody sad.

Now, with the news that came out after the Flames/Stars game - Avery went as far to calling Cuthbert "Sloppy seconds". Granted, it was kind of...hidden to a point...but, ya still don't say that! Here's the full quote "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about."

Geeze, can ya really blame this hot chick - who's too good for ya in the first place - for dumping your sorry ass? And, sloppy seconds? Yea...rightttt. The audacity of you to think you were her "First" is just...what's the word? Pitiful? Not saying she's some kind of whore - i'm just saying that she was with other guys before you...and, to think that you're something "better" is just way too.....fuckin concieted.

Sean - come on! To think you're sooooo much better than Dion Phaneuf is something i can't comprehend. You've had a long list of chicks who are more than "Sloppy seconds" - and, you're prob'ly sloppy sixths. In my books, Elisha doesn't apply as sloppy seconds.

So, next time ya start runnin' your mouth - think before ya speak buddy. You're not "Clean" - nor will ya ever be! And, to the next lady who comes after ya - remember his list of chicks...and, remember to get checked! :)

Just thought i'd do my PSA at the end there. And they say i don't care oO

Oh yea, and here's the video from TSN - it's about 2:15 long, and includes some commentary. They can do a better job than i can lol.