Other bands influenced by Replacements
| On Project Opus since: | March 20, 2006 |
| Last seen: | 5 days 6 hours ago |
| Biography: | The Bushpilots were formed in Spring 2002 in Ottawa, influenced by all things rootsy, bluesy and country ... the plan was initially to be more of a country rock band, but Gibson Les Pauls and feedback have a way of changing that. |
| Albums: | Fourteen Dollar Motel,Sonic Scenery |
| Reviews Received: |
| On Project Opus since: | May 7, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Ottawa, Canada-born singer/songwriter John Allaire became first know to Canadian audiences with his alt-rock band in the '80s and '90s, The Town Cryers. After spending two decades touring North America and performing alongside other international acts with The Town Cryers and other bands, John put out his first solo recording in 2003, Crime and Punishment. In 2005, John teamed up with his backing band, the Campistas, and released Thank You Waitress!, an album that went to the top of many college and university radio stations across North America and garnered a particularly large audience in Europe. PERFORMED WITH… John’s vocals have been compared to Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Joe Strummer (The Clash), Bob Mould (Husker Du), Paul Westerberg (Replacements) and many others of this ilk. His songwriting echoes that of Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) and Elvis Costello. For the most part, John’s songs are traditional folk-influenced stories and the solo show incorporates quick wit, banter and a direct connection with the audience. His straightforward guitar and harmonica styles are reminiscent of early coffeehouse troubadours like Dylan and Donovan. Each show is different from the last, with changing arrangements (acoustic and electric accompaniment), material choices and the stories he relates. John has shared the stage with: Alanis Morrisette, Blue Rodeo, Tragically Hip, Donovan, Lynn Miles, Hoodoo Gurus, BoDeans, Dr. and the Medics, The Church, VSpyVspy, Nada Surf, Econoline Crush, Weddings Parties Anything, Tom Cochrane, Grapes of Wrath, Nils, and many more... AWARDS That was then... Allaire toured the country with the Cryers all the while releasing their 1989 CD, "Surprise Surprise", which included a supporting video for Allaire's song "Never Bin Hurt B-4". The video won honours as top independent video in Canada in 1989. The CD also had the dubious pleasure of being the first release in Canada by an independent band on the emerging CD format. The Town Cryers parted ways in 1992, but not before recording a whopping 18-track CD called "Stanley's Cup". In 1995, John founded the alt/punk band The Mercy Miners, playing with such signed recording artists as Econoline Crush and Nada Surf. The Mercy Miners released a 10-song CD called Knuckle Sandwich in 1997. In 2003, John released his first solo effort called Crime and Punishment. The album was a 12-song collection and, while not doing much in the way of charting on radio stations, the CD sold more than 1,000 copies (admirable for an independent release), including copies numbering in the hundreds on the east coast of Canada and the USA. John's latest release "Thank You Waitress" is out now and is garnering rave reviews as his best career work. Who are the Campistas? John's band of studio and live musicians include: Jeff Tanguay, Bass, Breeze Smith - drums, Glenn Torresan - guitars, slide guitar, Tony Dunn - keyboards, sax, Valerie Daley - flute, Juan Gratton-Dominguez - horns, Tom Simpson - percussion, Zeke Smythe - drums and programming, Thomas Marsdon - cello |
| Albums: | Thank You Waitress! |
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| On Project Opus since: | January 27, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | It’s been a “Short And Sweet” 12 years since three barnyard hooligans known as the MCRACKINS were hatched onto the international punk scene with the release of their official debut full-length album “What Came First?” on Shredder Records in the U.S.A. Although many were at first skeptical of Vancouver, Canada’s mysterious and strange looking pop-punk trio, the 1995 album turned out to be a surprise hit from an unknown band who claimed to have been transformed from men to 2 eggs and a dog and given super pop-punk powers as the result of a freak nuclear accident. Since then, twin eggs Bil (guitar,vocals), Fil (bass) and dog Spot (drums) have continued to amaze, astound and win over music critics and fans alike while building a cult-like following around the world due to the prolific release of 11 great full-length albums,E.P’s, singles, and compilation cd’s too numerous to mention. All told over 100,000 in sales worldwide. It is a well-known joke (or yolk if you will) that their discography reads like the rap sheet of a seasoned criminal, as they have had over 200 songs released by over 30 different record labels around the planet as approximately 70 separate releases. With sporadic touring throughout their native Canada and the U.S.A up until that point, 1996 saw the band take their hilarious and fun filled live show across the pond to Europe. Dubbed the “European Eggvasion”, the MCRACKINS destroyed 7 countries and even found time to record some live electric and acoustic sessions for the BBC. The years have also seen the band make a few music videos, which have received light to medium rotation on music channels in Canada, U.S.A and Europe, an appearance in a Molson Canadian beer television commercial, a cameo role in a feature motion picture “Downhill Willy”, and various television and radio features. Although the band has been taking somewhat of a much-needed break from the recording studio over the last few years, they have decided to get “Back To The Crack” with a vengeance. In true MCRACKINS fashion, the band have been hard at work in the studio since October 2004 and have just finished what they have self described as a world class bubblepunk masterpiece of epic proportions. With over 14 months and countless hours invested in this opus, it promises to not disappoint. Their 12th cd which will be called “Bat Out Of Shell”, will be released worldwide later this year by the fine folks at Wynona Records, Italy and will contain 12 new ear buzzin toons with enough hooks and harmonies to make even Brian Wilson smile. A full European tour will follow in Jan/Feb 2007 in support. So “Get Crackin” the MCRACKINS are back!!!!!!!!!! |
| Albums: | In On The Yolk |
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