Verb Issue R79 (May 24-30, 2013)

Issue #79 – May 24 to May 30

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JASON ALEXANDER TV icon talks new projects

music

regina

bring on the apocalypse A zombie survival guide northcote A Canadian musician’s return to rock the hangover part iii + in your dreams Films reviewed­

Photo: courtesy of stephen busken

contents

On the cover:

Jason ALexander

TV icon talks new projects. 8/ Q+A

culture

NEWs + Opinion

Bring on the apocalypse How to survive zombies. 3 / Local

entertainment

pretty archie

Live Music listings

Cape Breton folk rockers talk innovation and tradition. 9 / Arts

Local music listings for May 24 through June 1. 14 / listings

supersuckers

Nightlife Photos

The world’s greatest rock and roll band. 9 / Arts

We visit Rock Creek.

northcote

The Hangover part III + in your dreams

Canadian musician’s triumphant return to rock. 10 / Feature

15 / Nightlife

We review the latest movies. 16 / Film

Anarchy in the SK Prairie anarchism isn’t what you think. 4 / Local

education overhaul

It’s got seoul

on the bus

Our thoughts on abolishing tenure for professors. 6 / Editorial

We visit Life is Good Korean BBQ.

Weekly original comic illustrations

by Elaine M. Will. 18 / comics

12 / Food + Drink

comments

Music

Game + Horoscopes

Here’s your say about the Blades’ odds of winning the Mem Cup. 7 / comments

White Hills, Matt Epp + Don Williams. 13 / music

Canadian criss-cross puzzle, weekly horoscopes and Sudoku. 19 / timeout

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Business & Operations

Publisher / Parity Publishing Editor in Chief / Ryan Allan Managing Editor / Jessica Patrucco staff Writers / Adam Hawboldt + Alex J MacPherson Contributing writer / jessica Bickford

Office Manager / Stephanie Lipsit account Manager / Brodie Hallett account Manager / Kerri Senkow Marketing Manager / Vogeson Paley Financial Manager / Cody Lang

ART & Production

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Bring on the apocalypse

Photo: Courtesy of adam hawboldt / verb magazine

Zombie Camp preps you to deal with the undead by adam hawboldt

T

he path to the top of the hill is lined with crosses: slender, brown crucifixes standing stark against a warm grey sky.

There’s an ominous quiet in the air. A sense of impending danger. See, most weekends Camp Monahan is host to children, campers scampering through woods playing games.

But not right now. This weekend, the camp is almost barren — save for the crucifixes and a dozen or so adult campers.

Oh, and the zombies. They’re here, too. Lurching through the bush. Clothes torn, blood and sores covering their decayed bodies, they wander the camp, longing to feast on human flesh.

As you climb the path to the top of the hill, you pass a crow perched atop a crucifix. Chills run up your spine. Your senses are heightened.

And on you climb, head moving on a swivel. Nerves buzzing. At its apex, the path opens into a field of lush, green grass. All around you the only sound is of trees rustling in the wind.

You know you shouldn’t be up here.

Not alone, anyway.

There’s a sound behind you to your right. You stop, statue-still, and look over your shoulder. Heart thumping in your chest, hair on the back of your neck standing on end.

“Hello?” you say. Feeling like one of those damn doomed campers from the Friday the 13th movies. “Is anyone out there?”

A branch snaps, this time in the bush to your left. You think you see something move behind a tree.

Is it a zombie? If so, how in the hell are you going to escape?

Anyone who attended Saskatchewan’s first Zombie Prep Camp would know what to do. They know how fast the zombies move, they know their patterns and their furious rhythms.

Or at least they knew how fast and furious the zombies were earlier in the weekend. Back when the campers first arrived on Friday there

prone to attacking in common areas.

To deal with this, the campers began attending classes.

An unarmed combat specialist was there to teach them Krav Maga, wrestling techniques, and other evasion strategies. There were archery specialists, fire making and shelter building courses, and workshops on how to throw axes and perform first aid. Heck, there was even a talk by an expert in zombie and post-apocalyptic psychology. You know, just in case you have to kill a loved one and keep functioning.

“The idea of the camp is to draw people out of the lull of modern

The idea of the camp is to draw people out of the lull of modern culture… justin folk

was talk of zombie sightings. Then on Saturday morning, not long after going through a fitness boot camp, the zombies appeared.

At first the living dead were slow moving, easy to evade. That didn’t mean people were wandering willy nilly through the woods with disregard for their safety. But the campers knew, in a pinch, they could sidestep the slow-moving zombies on their way to their classes. But as the camp wore on, the zombie virus evolved. The undead kept getting faster, more vicious, more

culture, the zombie-like nature of modern culture,” says Justin Folk, camp co-ordinator. “Take them out of their element and give them a sense of fear that will inspire a sense of survival. You know, mindfulness of environment, skills that will keep you alive. Being able to transcend fear and doubt and self-denial.”

And sitting in front of the mess hall, where the campers have assembled on the last day, you can see they have a handle on all those things, and more.

“I can’t believe you got away from those zombies,” says one camper to another.

“I know,” replies a guy in a black hoodie. “At first I only saw one of them. Then the other three came out of nowhere. It wasn’t easy, but I escaped.”

Behind him a camper with a bandaged hand, bandaged ankle, and what appears to be a festering sore on his shoulder limps up a set of stairs. And from the bench below the stairs a girl says, “I’m not necessarily sure I trust that guy.”

Most people in front of the mess hall agree. At Camp Monahan, you trust your teammates and no one else.

“I know I lied to you before,” says camp director Jonathan Michell, “and I’m sorry. Next time we have the camp, I won’t do that.”

“LIAR!” screams a voice, and the campers laugh, knowing the voice

is right. And for the first time in a while, these campers look at ease.

But when Mitchell screams “CAMPFIRE,” all that changes. The campers dart down the hill to a fire pit, evading zombies the whole way. They rush to make a fire before running a zombie gauntlet down a dirt road to the next station. This is the final relay race, the day they put everything they’ve learned here to use.

If a zombie catches them, they’re out. The more people who make it through, the more points their team gets. But as the campers run down that dirt road, dipping and dodging the outstretched hands of the undead, accumulating points isn’t at the forefront of their minds.

Survival is. Plain and simple.

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Photo: Courtesy of adam hawboldt / verb magazine

Anarchy in the SK

Prairie anarchism probably isn’t what you think

by ADAM HAWBOLDT

S

top. Look away from this story, but only for a moment. And in that moment, think about anarchists. Think what an anarchist looks like. What they wear. How they behave.

Okay. Finished? What kind of picture did you paint in your mind’s eye?

Ask many people that question, and they’ll tell you they picture people dressed in black. Pissed off punk rockers and goths wearing balaclavas or bandanas, rioting in the street. Ask most people what two things they associate with anarchism, and they’ll say something along the lines of violence and chaos, absurdity and disorder.

Problem is, most people are wrong.

You’ll realize this, instantly, if you ever meet Stephanie Pooler. Dressed in a green plaid shirt, a purple tank top and blue jeans, Pooler looks like your average, laid-back twentysomething. She’s sweet, too. Bubbly, positive, and energetic. At first glance, the only thing that indicates her political leanings is a white patch on the left leg of her jeans. There, in black letters, are the words, “Up with trees / Down with capitalism.”

Sitting across the table from me in a coffee shop downtown, Pooler is well aware, too, that she doesn’t fit the stereotype of what certain

people think an anarchist should be.

“There are a lot of misconceptions,” she explains. “When most people think of anarchism they think of Black Bloc tactics, like at the G-20 Summit. But that’s not the case. They’re very macho. I know people who have participated in that. It’s very macho, very aggressive.

I have a hard time considering those

to take questions about big ideas, boil them down and answer in broad terms, then make the questions relatable to her life. For instance, when I ask her to elaborate on anarchism in Saskatchewan, here’s what she says.

“Prairie anarchists tend to be really good people, very laid back, more realistic,” she says. “Most of the anarchists

Prairie anarchists tend to be really good people, very laid back, more realistic. stephanie pooler

people as my comrades — or whatever you want to call them — because they tend to be sexist. They’re kind of like the jocks of anarchism. They’re like ‘There’s a protest, I’m going to go smash things.’ But out here, things are different than that.”

So if the black-clad, balaclavawearing people we see smashing windows during protests aren’t prevalent in the prairies, what kind of anarchists call Saskatchewan home?

Conversations with Stephanie Pooler are informative and interesting. She has an agile mind, and a tendency

I know are very gentle and caring and empathetic. When I travel, I try to find anarchist groups. It’s a great way to meet people. When I was in Southern Ontario the people I met were very organized, very rowdy. They’re also very formal and rigid. It might just be prairie people in general, but anarchists here tend to be laid back. Our meetings are very relaxed. We sit back, have a beer, ask if anyone has ideas, then figure out what to do. It’s more formal other places, but anarchism in Saskatchewan is very laid back.”

Adam Hawboldt: I read somewhere that Howard Zinn said something to the Continued on next page »

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tion, de-colonize — basically, live a very primal lifestyle. They think that industry is the worst problem in the world. I’m somewhere in the middle. I see problems with both, so I’m quick to call myself an intersectional anarchist.

But even though I’m an intersectionalist, I lean towards the anti-civ movement. My ideal not-state would be very communal, very primal. People would be living off the land and hunting, planting crops. There’s no ruler.

People would just deal with things in a consensual way.

Photo: Courtesy of anarchist facebook page

effect that the “one central characteristic of anarchism on the matter of means, and that central principle is a principle of direct action.” What’s you’re take on that?

Stephanie Pooler: I love Howard Zinn! Anyway, what were you saying? Oh yeah, direct action. I don’t believe that systematic change is going to happen with the system regulating itself. I don’t think letter writing is going to change anything.

I think there needs to be a wide va-

riety of tactics. I don’t think there’s ever been any major social change that’s been done entirely peacefully. But on the other hand, that doesn’t mean peaceful tactics don’t help. I personally don’t participate in Black Bloc tactics, I probably never will. I’m a very gentle person … but I am inclined to get out there.

I went up north not long ago to an action camp against pipelines.

That works for me. Different tactics depend on where you are in life.

If you’re a mom, you probably

shouldn’t risk getting arrested. That would be bad parenting AH: Do you have a specific vision of the perfect anarchist society?

SP: Oh my goodness, my roommates are going to hate me for this! Anarchism falls under a very big umbrella.

There are things like anarchical communism, where the workers will overthrow the state. Then there’s green anarchism, the anti-civ movement where they want to dismantle civiliza-

In his book, Discourse on Inequality, Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote: “The first man who, having fenced in a piece of land, said ‘This is mine,’ and found people naïve enough to believe him, that man was the true founder of civil society. From how many crimes, wars, and murders, from how many horrors and misfortunes might not any one have saved mankind, by pulling up the stakes, or filling up the ditch, and crying to his fellows: Beware of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody.”

And in a way, that’s the ethos that propels Pooler’s politics. That leads her to be anti-industry, anti-government, anti-oppression. But don’t be mistaken, Pooler isn’t just some radical cynic who stands in opposition to everything. No, she also champions the causes of sex workers, the poor, and the environ-

ment. Then there are the indigenous issues she, along with many other prairie anarchists, hold dear.

“Particularly in Canada, a common thing amongst all the different branches of anarchism is decolonization,” she explains. “Canada is unique in the sense that most anarchist groups are trying to fight selfdetermination and sovereignty of aboriginal and indigenous groups.”

Pooler pauses for a moment, looks for the right words to say, then states, “The main thing to realize is that we’re sitting here, enjoying our coffee in a capitalist establishment on Treaty 6 territory.”

I ask if, at times like these, she feels conflicted. How does she reconcile supporting industry on colonized land?

“There’s a fine line,” admits Pooler. “This is a local cafe and they source their materials in ethical ways, but it’s still not the ideal situation. Is there an internal conflict?

Sure. At the end of the day, though, it comes down to doing what I can.

I can’t change everything. But if I’m constantly stressed about the state of the world and what an assh**e I am for being in a place like this, I wouldn’t be able to get any real work done.”

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Education overhaul Photo: Courtesy of university of regina

Scrapping tenure will improve universities

I

f you think about it, being a university professor with tenure is a pretty sweet gig.

Job security. Good pay. Freedom to pursue scholarly interests even if they challenge the system or break from popular opinion.

Unfortunately, we think the system is wildly flawed, and needs to go.

Think about it this way: imagine you own a professional football team.

To attract the best, top-end talent available you decide to offer players the potential of life-long contracts, ones that will breed loyalty to your team.

The only catch is, all these people have to start at the very bottom of the organization, as water carriers, janitors and members of the practice squad.

Their place in your organization isn’t guaranteed at first. But if they’re good enough and work hard enough, one day they’ll get a contract to play for

holy grail to nearly every academic, so you better believe they’ll hustle and try their damnedest to get there.

But tenure is an economically inflexible system that can ultimately do more damage to a post-secondary institution than good. In his book Crisis

your team — forever. Even after their best years are well behind them, even if they show up but just sit on the bench, they’re still taking up spots on your roster and they’re definitely still on the payroll.

Does this sound just a little absurd to you? Like the kind of business model that will run your organization straight into the ground? It sure does to us. So why, we wonder, does academia continue to employ this model? Why does tenure for professors still exist?

Tenure, which allows professors to teach and research without fear of being fired, doesn’t provide the proper incentives needed for long-term academic efficiency and excellence. Sure, in the beginning there’s incentive to work your butt off, be the best professor you can be, until one day you get that golden tenure ticket. That’s the

an organization to lay out when there’s no guarantee the person is going to continue to provide value.

And while you’re thinking about that, please keep in mind that universities around the country are struggling to pay their bills while tu-

…give professors multi-year contracts based on merit. verb magazine

on Campus, Mark C. Taylor estimates that an average American college invests somewhere in the neighbourhood of $10-12 million in a single tenured professor over a 35-year career. That’s a heck of a lot of cash for

ition continues to climb much faster than inflation.

And along with tying up much of an academic institution’s finances, tenure can also provide safe harbour to educators that have lost their zeal for teaching. Ask any student who has been taught by tenured profs, and chances are he or she will tell you some of them weren’t standing there in front of the class, trying to inspire people. In fact, a 2011 UCLA study of undergraduate teachers in science, technology, engineering and math subjects found that 70% still relied purely on lectures, rather than embracing more interactive methods that advances in technology have made available — a move the study’s authors relate directly to the laziness that tenure breeds in educators. And this has real-world implications: by not revamping their teaching methods, professors are putting students who are numbed by lecture-heavy courses at a disadvantage.

Now that’s not to say all fulltime, tenured profs are like this. Be-

cause obviously they’re not — there are incredible professors out there that are doing amazing research and stimulating the minds of their students. And that’s great! But there’s just as many tired, lazy or just plain inept educators that are protected by tenure, because for many scholars, somewhere along the way the passion for teaching, conducting research, or both fades away, and the students and university are left to suffer.

So what’s the solution to the tenure problem? Well, for new hires at least, why not get rid of it all together and replace it with a renewable contract model? Do like responsible businesses do, and give professors multi-year contracts based on merit. The better professors are, the more they make, the longer the contract will be and the more job security they will earn. But no matter how secure their position may be, if professors begin to coast in their jobs, said contracts can be bought out and the offendors can be sent packing.

Given the current fiscal problems in our universities, isn’t this at least worth a try?

These editorials are left unsigned because they represent the opinions of Verb magazine, not those of the individual writers.

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On Topic: Last week we asked what you thought about the Blades winning the Memorial Cup. Here's what you had to say:

text yo thoughtsur to 881 vE R b 8372

– The Blades have just the same chance of winning the cup as any other team does it all depends on how they play hopefully they’ll win! GO BLADES!!

choke and not make it to finals but no disrespect meant those kids played there hearts out.

– GO BLADES GO!

– Great article on cycling thanks

17, 2013)

OFF TOPIC

#77 (May 10, 2013)

– Adam! Will you let us know what your mom says when she sees ur tattoo LOL ;D In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

– The Romans were right about many things. Tattoos are tacky.

Each one shouts “look at me I have no class”.

In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

– Who cares about the Blades they’re only in it because they’re hosting they don’t deserve to be there!

tacky, etc., but there are some incredible works of art out there.

Self-expression is the most beautiful work of art of all. To the inevitable people who will hate on getting inked, the answer is simple: don’t get one :D In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May

In response to “Cycle for Success,” Editorial,

– Good article on Blades. Mem cup gets so hyped but it really comes down to how well you play at that moment not what you did all season. The blades just need to get hot! Have faith Saskatchewan and we can bring the cup home!

Powered by the crew at moga mobile

– First n formost it’s extremely disrespectful call a tattoo machine a gun do your homework first before printing its a machine not a gun

– Tattoos look so unprofessional to me, I couldn’t imagine having something like that and working in a professional business. Guess you could get it in a place no one can see. Would love to get one! Love the quote!

In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May

– LOVE MONEYBALL if it helps the blades win the hell ya im in lol!

– Thanks adam wish i new john addicted to sex.

17, 2013)

In response to “Might as well face it, you’re

– Come out and support ur blades last couple games hardly anyone there these guys need u and they could take it all!!!!

– I would love to know where the writer of the tattoo article went to get thier tattoo I’ve been thinking of getting one for years now.

In response to “Tattoo 101,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

addicted to sex,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

– Very well informed article on the devestation addiction in any form can cause. Well done.

In response to “Might as well face it, you’re

– Nice hope that the Blades will win but they won’t be able to pull it off in the finals. Predict they’ll

addicted to sex,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

to read a thoughtful and informative story on a very real form of addiction, one that often gets sensationalized as an excuse for being a cheating dog. Job well done!

In response to “Might as well face it, you’re addicted to sex,” Local, #78 (May 17, 2013)

– The wrong harper died! The others buddy Resigned He’s 0LLY!

sound off – One reason there are so many problems in the world is because people have lost their respect for each other. Children don’t honour their parents/guardians. Parents disrespect their kids. People cheat and lie to one another. People should be people of integrity and people of their word. Let’s treat each other with respect! It will have a domino effect in society if you just give it a chance.

– Social services budget looks big doesn’t it? Those bums! Look closer! Half or more of it goes to housing landlords banks realescos. The heftiest piece of budget is paying for the real estate greediest, the money game of musical houses everyone is playing. A lot of the time on housing that would have been abandoned torn down in a normal market. Min wage workers are taking the worst of it. Full time job can’t afford a home!

– Harper says he’s disappointed with senate spending but maybe just disappointed they got caught?

Hmmmm.....

– Loved the tattoo article. Many perceive tattoos as offensive, – When I saw the headline for the sex article I thought it was going to be a gratuitious piece designed to shock but was pleasantly surprised

– Lol mulcair wants to do away with senate. Agree they’re a bunch of unelected goofs but not sure that’s the best platform to be standing on.

– THE C0RRUPT P0LITICIANS!!

Public V0TED Them WE CAN DAMN WELL FIRE Them

– http://www.washingtonpost. com/local/crime/former-executioner-opposes-death-penalty/2013/01/26/ab95c49e-67ec11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_gallery. html#photo=2: re. Fmr Virginia State executioner Jerry Givens now opposing capital punishment.

He also mentors young men to keep them out of trouble so they won’t end up in the criminal justice system in the first place. 0:-)

– I knew a gal who was so DOWNtown the cops hide from her!

– I knew a guy who was so DOWNtown he lived in a shoe!

– March against Monsanto! Stand with those who stand for truth!

Next week: What do you think about abolishing tenure for university professors? Pick up a copy of Verb to get in on the conversation: We print your texts verbatim each week. Text in your thoughts and reactions to our stories and content, or anything else on your mind.

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but clearly not the same audience as our show. We have all been blown away, not only by the success of the show when we were actually making it, but by the extended popularity it has enjoyed all over the world, years after we ended the endeavor. None of us truly understand the reason this is true, but we are all deeply gratified that something that was so special and joyous for us continues to be a source of happiness for others.

Jason Alexander

AJM: Is it difficult living with the legacy of that character? Is there an aspect of your career you wish more people were aware of?

Seinfeld icon on his new show, his old show, and the future by Alex J MacPherson

C

omedian. Television actor. Broadway actor.

Film actor. Director.

Magician. Poker player. Icon. Everybody knows Jason Alexander, either from his role as George Costanza on Seinfeld or his many other ventures into film and theatre. I caught up with him a few weeks before his appearance in Regina to talk about, well, a little bit of everything.

Alex J MacPherson: What’s the appeal of doing a performance that fuses different aspects of your career?

Jason Alexander: Well, it doesn’t fuse aspects of my career so much as a range of talents. The progression to the current show has more to do with my growing comfort with doing stand-up comedy, unabashedly. The evening is largely that. But because I have worked with extraordinary stand-up comics, I also knew that my show had to have other aspects to it because I haven’t put in the years of developing material that a real standup does. So by including music and some audience participation, I get to share more of what I do as an actor, while keeping one foot firmly planted in my new world of stand-up comedy.

AJM: What’s the process like for building up a show like this?

JA: I’d say the biggest challenge is confidence. I did not grow up thinking of myself as a funny person. In fact, quite the opposite. Over the years, I have come to understand a lot about

JA: I never blame an audience for liking what they like or seeing what they see. Sure, I’ve done lots of other things besides George and I continue to do so, but a lot of that work is in the theater.

So if you can’t get there, you’d never know. I am never upset or frustrated by the audience. Seinfeld has undoubtedly kept me out of the running for some wonderful opportunities. But on a much larger scale, Seinfeld has afforded me the greatest opportunities of my life. It has been nothing but a blessing and I am forever grateful for it.

comedy by studying the masters. But when I know that I have to go out on a stage and stand there as myself, telling stories about myself or observations of my own and be funny … that can still be daunting. I also like to open every show with a customized song for the audience I’m with. It says that I took some time to find out who you are and that you are not just another audience to me. The thing I have going for me that many comics do not is that the audience coming to see me generally knows me — at least as George. And they like me. They are rooting for me.

So my job is to enjoy them. Be honest.

Be there. And host a good party. So, that’s the goal.

AJM: You’ve done pretty much everything: television, films, directing, Broadway shows, magic, even world championship poker. What haven’t you done yet that you’d like to try?

My legacy won’t be what I’ve done — it will be how people remember me.

Jason Alexander

JA: I have been given a life where if I really want to do something, I can. It’s not that there are roles I have to play.

At this point in my life and career — it’s about people. I want to work with and play with great people. Whatever it is we do, that is secondary. My legacy won’t be what I’ve done — it will be how people remember me. And to that end, I’d like to do whatever I can to be the best husband and father. Because it is those three people who I value more than anything and anyone else. And so far, they’re my greatest fans.

AJM: George Costanza remains one of the most beloved characters ever shown on television. Did you ever think when you created him that he — and Seinfeld — would have such lasting appeal?

JA: I don’t think any of us did. We always thought the show was really good — we just didn’t believe there would necessarily be a large audience for it. When Seinfeld went on the air, the number one TV comedy in the States was Alf. Nothing against Alf,

Jason Alexander June 5 @ Casino Regina $60+ @ Casino Regina Show Lounge Box Office or 306 565 3000

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Pretty Archie

Cape Breton folk rockers on innovation and tradition by alex J MacPherson

T

he origins of the folk songs that are woven into the fabric of Cape Breton Island are wreathed in mystery. The origins of Pretty Archie, a bunch of 25-year-old guys from Sydney who have injected folk music with elements of rock and punk, are not.

“He’s passed away now, Pretty Archie was his name,” explains Colin Gillis, who sings in the band. “Growing up, he’d be outside of the malls in Sydney and Glace Bay, and he’d be playing … just one of those characters you might find in any city. When we first

got the band together, we were making fun of ourselves, saying the first couple shows were probably going to sound like Pretty Archie.”

Although the members of Pretty Archie — Brian Cathcart, Matt McNeil, Redmond Macdougall, and Gillis — grew up playing together, they made the decision to start a band just over a year ago. After an EP recorded by Cathcart and McNeil, the band recorded Steel City, an album that transports folk from the kitchen party to the pub, and beyond.

“It’s definitely our twist on the folk music we heard growing up,” Gillis explains, referring to the songs on Steel City, which range from machine-gun bluegrass (“Neat Feet”) to melancholic country weepers (“Steel City”). The broad range of sounds, he says, is a by-product of the band members’ influences. “When you grow up on the east coast, you hear all the really traditional folk stuff.

Brian is really into old country, Patsy Cline, that kind of stuff. Me on the harmonica gives it a really country

Photo: courtesy oF Angelo Noto Campanella

vibe, too. I think it starts off as a base and all our influences — and we try and have fun with it.”

Pretty Archie have developed a sound suited for any occasion, but their songs shine in the pub, when Macdougall takes over the drum set.

“Basically we’ve been following the dream,” Gillis laughs. “On the east coast you can only play for so

long before you’ve played every bar.

It’s good to get out and find new audiences.” Audiences who will learn, perhaps for the first time, that the origins of folk are unimportant — it’s the future that matters.

Pretty Archie June 1 @ Lancaster Taphouse $TBA

The world’s greatest rock and roll band

Supersuckers keep it loud and simple after twenty years on the road by alex J MacPherson

Photo: courtesy oF lisa reisman

S

upersuckers like to refer to themselves as the world’s greatest rock and roll band. Born when a group of guys from Tucson got fed up with hair metal, the band has gone on to record almost twenty albums and play hundreds of shows across North America, all without straying from the things that make American rock great:

quality songs, loud amplifiers, subversive humour.

Eddie Spaghetti, who founded the band and whose real name is Edward Carlyle Daly III, is still writing punchy rock and roll songs laden with fuzzy guitars and irreverent jokes. Today, more than two decades and three country albums after their first foray into rock and roll, Supersuckers are

preparing to cut another record and embark on another gruelling tour.

“It’s super enjoyable — just getting to do this as a job of any sort is super rewarding,” Spaghetti says.

“And the fact that we’re able to do it still, with no hits under our belt or anything like that, is a testimony to the work that we’ve done over the years. That the material holds up and that people still want to come out and hear it is kinda awesome.”

One of the reasons the material holds up — and one of the reasons why Supersuckers have been able to keep making records and touring — is that it captures the essence of American rock. From the crunchy guitars of “Pretty F**ked Up,” the standout cut from 2003’s Motherf**kers Be Trippin’,

to the unabashed cowpunk of “Must’ve Been High,” which was released in 1997 during one of the band’s country periods, Supersuckers have a knack for writing songs that are as accessible as they are entertaining.

Spaghetti, who says the music scene today doesn’t excite him like it used to, seems surprised that so few bands have embraced rock music.

“Just regular rock and roll, like how we play it, just doesn’t get played,” he says. “Danko Jones is a good example of someone who does it. But there’s no really brand new bands that play rock and roll like I want to hear it.”

Which is why he started playing rock and roll in the first place. He started writing the music he wanted to hear — and he hasn’t stopped writing,

playing, or having fun on the road.

“When we started the band, did we want to be this little cult band that still plays nightclubs twenty years down the road? Of course not,” he says. “But we’re happy to get to do it. It’s still a thrill to hear the songs and hear people yell for the songs ­— that’s the reward, just knowing the song is going to be there long after we’re done.”

Supersuckers June 3 @Exchange $20 @ ticketedge.ca

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

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Feature

A call to sing along

Nothcote turns a difficult year into a triumphant return to rock an

M

att Goud, who writes and performs using the moniker Northcote, had a difficult year. After touring behind his 2011 record, Gather No Dust, Goud moved from Vancouver to Victoria and settled into a period of listlessness and unease. He worked in cafés and as a janitor, supplementing his income by performing in bars and restaurants. The need to earn tips forced him to learn covers, familiar songs by artists like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. He felt unsure of himself and uncertain about the future. “When I moved out to Victoria, I didn’t have a lot of success,” Goud relates, his voice throaty and raw, nothing like the powerful tenor that cuts through his songs.

“I wasn’t feeling quite myself. I was a little bit lost and tired.”

Goud was born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, and played in hardcore bands before deciding to reinvent himself as a singer-songwriter. Gather No Dust emerged as a promising mix of bright roots rock and sombre introspection. Goud wrote it in hotel rooms across the country; its songs focus on the gulf between home and the road, the end of one chapter and

the beginning of another. Although the record earned praise in some quarters, Goud struggled to make ends meet. By the time he began thinking about writing another album, he was living and working in Victoria.

Because he didn’t have a rehearsal space, Goud retreated to the back of his van. It was the one place he could think and play music. The songs that poured out were unlike any he had produced before. “You know that band,

Positive kind of means that everyone is going through a hard time. I mean, why would you say ‘stay positive’ to someone if things weren’t tough?’

Thinking about this idea helped Goud come to grips with his situation — and with his music. “Being late twenties with no degree, or any real plan or skill? With what I have to offer I have to get positive about it,” he says.

“I just decided to be positive. I don’t exactly know how I turned that page, but I decided that right now is a good

I want to write good songs … but I like interactive shows. I like crowd surfing and hardcore music. matt goud

the Hold Steady?” he asks, referring to the Brooklyn rock band known for writing about massive highs and crushing lows. “They have this album, Stay Positive. I was listening to Marc Maron interview [Hold Steady singer and songwriter] Craig Finn, and they were talking about how the album Stay

time to put out some really cool songs.”

Those songs, which were released last month on Northcote, reflect Goud’s newfound optimism: they are big and brash, loud and anthemic, simple and effective. “I’m not trying to be a typical singer-songwriter,” Goud says, alluding to the tension between intimacy and Continued on next page »

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Photo: courtesy of jess baumung

nd roll by Alex J MacPherson raucousness that gives Northcote its shape. “I want to write good songs like those guys do and captivate an audience, but I like interactive shows. I like crowd surfing and hardcore music.”

Determined to create a record that bridged the gap between contemplative singer-songwriter material and the crackling energy of a rock band, Goud decided to follow his instincts.

He rarely said no to an idea, no matter how outrageous it seemed at the time.

Northcote emerged as a forty-minute

Photo: courtesy of the artist

exercise in intensity and dynamism — The River played on an acoustic guitar. The album’s big, open sound is, at least in part, a result of Goud’s decision to record it at Hive Creative Labs, a Burnaby, B.C. studio known for producing some of the best rock and roll albums in recent memory.

The opening track, “How Can You Turn Around,” establishes the album’s trajectory with a chunky acoustic guitar riff played punk rock style, and the anticipatory thud of a four-on-the-floor kick drum. The song builds as Goud’s voice and an arpeggiated electric guitar line enter the fray. The crescendo comes early: a series of gang vocal “whoa-ohs” that point at Goud’s desire to create sounds that are bigger and more exciting than anything he has done before. “It’s not a fist in the air type of thing, but I wanted it to be a call to sing along,” he says. “I just tried to be a bit more direct on this record. I’ve done a lot of experimental-type writing, where I thought it was intimate or something. But I realized I might not be that good at that. I wanted to go more straight to the point.”

This approach is laid bare on “How Can I Turn Around,” which captures in fewer than twenty lines the perils of stagnation and self-reflection. Gone are the abstract ideas and complicated metaphors that animated Gather No Dust; Northcote feels like a rebirth for an artist who spent a year languishing on the edge of obscurity. “In a way, I look at it as my first record,” Goud muses. “When I was trying to think of

a title for the record, I had a few ideas — but I went to just calling it self-titled because it feels like such a new start. I think I was struggling a bit with what I thought of myself and what I was doing with my life and stuff like that. And I turned the page on that, overcame it a bit, through this record.”

But Northcote is much more than a fusion of folk sentimentality and rock aesthetics. Songs like “When You Cry” and “Knock On My Door” show that Goud’s playbook is deeper than might be expected. The former is a subdued rocker that deals with the uncertainty of love, the latter a sprawling blues steeped in regret.

Goud attributes these songs to his tenure as a restaurant singer.

“I’m doing a blues, showing that I love the blues — trying to pull it off,” Goud says of “Knock On Your Door.”

“Then it goes into this really youthful song. ‘Find Our Own Way’ is the seventeen-year-old punk song on the record.” This transition, a sweeping shift from introspection to unbridled enthusiasm, is a microcosm of the album — and the last year in Goud’s life.

But the great beauty of recorded music is that albums are out of date weeks, and sometimes even months, before they are released to the world. Goud had his moment of anxiety during the mixing process, which was overseen by producer Colin Stewart. “I spent about six days at the studio, at the Hive in Burnaby, and Colin was working through the songs,” he says. “I would put it on my phone and go for a walk.

I think that was when I realized, ‘Oh s**t, people are going to hear this.’ You kind of just try to make something you think is good.”

Unlike the persona he projects on stage and on record, Goud is reticent and soft-spoken. Northcote became a lifeline, his attempt to overcome diffidence and isolation. “I was trying to go a bit bigger [on this record],” he says, “because a big thing for me right now is just not being too shy, you know?” Going big appears to have worked. Now all he has to do is take his band on the road. “One of the reasons I feel really positive about where this project is going is that I really do feel that it’s a unique thing in Canadian music,” he muses.

“I mean, that’s really snobby to say, but I don’t feel like it totally blends in – and the people who get it are

people who are like me. Or people who love the Hold Steady.”

Northcote June 2 @ The Exchange $13 @ ticketedge.ca

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@VerbRegina amacpherson@verbnews.com

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It’s Got Seoul

Photos courtesy of Maxton Priebe

Authentic and unique food at Life is Good Korean BBQ by jessica bickford

T

he first thing you will notice about LIG Korean BBQ is how light and modern the entire place is. All of the decor was shipped in from Korea, including the stones on their really cool feature wall. Even though it looks ultra-contemporary, at its heart LIG is really a family restaurant. It’s owned and operated mostly by one family from Seoul, who use recipes from home for their menu.

I started with some sweet galbi, and the beef rib marinated in soy, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seed was served tableside on a hot stone.

Our server deftly snipped the meat into nice-sized pieces as it finished cooking on the stone before laying

The spicyness wasn’t too strong, and this dish had a wonderful flavour, almost a bit smoky. The onions, mushrooms, green, yellow and red peppers,

it out for us to dive into. The tender meat was super flavourful, with the soy and sesame flavours coming through the strongest. This is one of

Dessert was … a totally crazy and colourful bingsu. jessica Bickford

and carrots added colour and freshness to the thick noodles.

Dolsot bibimbap, which means stone pot mixed rice, was the last entrée I tried. This dish was very pretty, with lots of colourful vegetables like spinach, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts and zucchini, along with gochujang sauce topping the rice.

Gochujang sauce might be my new favourite condiment — it’s like rich, spicy ketchup. Everything stayed steaming hot in the stone bowl and the variety of flavours and textures in this dish was great.

With the main dishes came a few side dishes along with lettuce and condiments for eating your entrées wrap-style if you wish. There was salad, a light and brothy egg soup, some great thin noodles in a spicy sauce, and two tiny skewers of Korean sausage with a crunchy coating.

Dessert was next, and it was a totally crazy and colourful bingsu. Bingsu is ice flakes topped with condensed

those dishes that you see a server taking to another table and immediately want for yourself.

Jayuk guksu — wheat noodles and vegetables with thinly sliced pork that had been marinated in spicy gochujang sauce — was next.

let’s go drinkin’ Verb’s mixology guide Watermelon Soju

Ingredients

This sweet, summery drink is simple, delicious, and easy to make for a crowd. If serving this at a party, why not hollow out the watermelon halves to use as punch bowls?

1 cup watermelon chunks 1-2 oz Soju 1 teaspoon simple syrup a squeeze of lemon juice ice

Directions

In a blender, pulverise the watermelon before adding a good handful or more of ice. Blend until slushy. Pour the watermelon slush into a glass, add the Soju, simple syrup and lemon juice, and give it a stir. A tiny umbrella would be a nice addition.

milk and fruit syrup, ice cream (black cherry in this case), and fruit. Mine had banana, kiwi, pineapple, apple, peach and a cherry, along with whipped cream and froot loops cereal! The fresh, sweet fruit and crunchy ice were just great, and this impressive dessert was actually very refreshing (though probably best if you share it).

Lastly I got a cool cup of sujeonggwa, or cinnamon tea garnished with pine nuts. This was sweet and slightly spicy, and can be served hot or cold to finish off your meal just the way you like.

LIG Korean BBQ is definitely something different and deliciously

authentic, so don’t be afraid to try something new, and if you don’t know how to pronounce it, just point!

The staff are all super friendly and everyone at LIG wants you to have a good meal that you will enjoy. And their food is so tasty, that it shouldn’t be hard at all.

LIG Korean BBQ 438 Victoria Ave. | 306 585 6732 Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@VerbRegina jbickford@verbnews.com

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music

Next Week

coming up

White Hills

Matt Epp

Don Williams

@ The Exchange Saturday, June 1 – $20

@ Lancaster Taphouse Wednesday, June 5 – $TBD

@ conexus arts centre Thursday, September 12 – $41.50+

What is space rock? No, not the pieces of meteor hurtling though the heavens. We’re talking about the music genre here. Well, to keep it short and sweet: space rock is kind of like psychedelic rock with instrumental passages, electronic organs, synthesizers, and experimental guitar wrapped up in traditional sci-fi themes. In the hands of New York’s White Hills, the genre takes a heavy, stoneresque turn. Complete with deep space bleeps and other effects, the music of White Hills — Dave W. and Ego Sensation — has an otherworldly, intoxicating feel that you simply can’t ignore. So if you want to expand your musical horizons, check out White Hills when they play the Exchange in June. Tickets available at ticketedge.ca

Matt Epp is a modern-day troubadour. Born in Winnipeg, and raised in towns and cities throughout the prairies, Epp is your quintessential roaming musician. Never staying in one place too long, Epp has brought his melodic, hypnotic brand of folk rock across Canada and beyond.

It was during one of his many musical sojourns to Europe that he befriended some Spanish musicians and formed the basis of what is now his talented back-up band, called The Amorian Assembly. With them, Epp produces high-energy folk with pared-down acoustics. Either way, Epp is carrying on in the wildly talented footsteps of Canadian singer/ songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, and Neil Young. This is a show too good to miss.

In 2010, country music’s “Gentle Giant,” Don Williams, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

And for good reason! Not only is his baritone voice soothing and seductive, but Williams has a knack for pumping out hits like they were going out of style. Fifty-six of his records made the charts, 50 of which broke the Top 20, 45 made the Top 10 and 17 reached #1. Oh, and then there’s the small fact that between 1974 and 1991, Williams had at least one major hit — every year. Not too shabby for a kid from Floydada, Texas, who grew up playing guitar at home with his mom. Now, after more than four decades of a solo career, the “Gentle Giant” is still touring, still playing music, still doing what he does best. Tickets at www.conexusartscentre.ca – By Adam Hawboldt

Photos courtesy of: the artist / the artist / the artist

Sask music Preview The top 10 in the 36th Annual 620 SKRM Big Country Talent Show will be competing in the Grand Finale on Sunday, June 2 at the Pump Roadhouse. The winner will receive a spot in the Big Country Talent Review on June 22 at the Casino Regina Showlounge, a slot at Craven, recording time, airplay on 620 SKRM, and more! For advance tickets to the Grand Finale, please call 306-3597440 (includes a full dinner).

Keep up with Saskatchewan music. saskmusic.org

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May 24 » june 1 The most complete live music listings for Regina.

S

M

T

W

T

24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

1

Friday 24 Tinsel Trees, White Women / Artful Dodger — Down tempo and rock and roll.

8pm / Cover TBD DJ Juan Lopez / Envy — This DJ loves requests, nothing is off limits, so come down and get your dance on! 10pm / $5 Lions Lions, The Maddigans, Empire Choir, Silhouette City, Me and My Anatomy / The Exchange — Some punk, some rock, post-hardcore and more for your listening pleasure. 7pm / $15 DJ Pat & DJ Kim / Habano’s — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor.

9pm / $5 cover Big Chill Fridays / Lancaster Taphouse — Come out and get your weekend started with DJ Fatbot, who’ll be doing his

Foxx Worthee / The Pump Roadhouse — A local country duo will rock the stage.

9pm / Cover TBD Parlor Trixx / The Sip Nightclub — A local hard rock outfit will be blowing the roof off the house. 9pm / Cover TBD Jam Sessions / Smokin’ Okies BBQ — Promoting blues and country blues, come in and play or listen and be entertained.

2pm / No cover Kal Hourd / Whiskey Saloon — A local country act that’s big on talent. 8pm / $10

spinning thing every Friday night.

10pm / Cover TBD Slow Motion Walter / McNally’s Tavern — Rock n’ roll party band. 10pm / $5 Halteras / Mercury Cafe — Surf music with gritty undertones. 9pm / $5 Foxx Worthee / The Pump Roadhouse — A local country duo. 9pm / Cover TBD Parlor Trixx / The Sip Nightclub - A local hard rock outfit. 9pm / Cover TBD Kal Hourd / Whiskey Saloon — A local country act that’s big on talent. 8pm / $10 DJ Longhorn / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm / Cover TBD

Monday 27

Open Mic Night / The Artful Dodger — Come down and jam! 8pm / No cover Monday Night Jazz and Blues / Bushwakker Brewpub — Featuring Uptown Jazz. 8pm / No cover Old Time Dance Party / Casino Regina — Featuring Margaret Schuler and Family Tradition. 7pm / $10 Chains of Love / The Club — A garagesoul act from Vancouver. Featuring the Florals. 7:30pm / Cover TBD

Saturday 25

Young Benjamins, Indigo Joseph / Artful Dodger — A night of sweet indie tunes. 8pm / Cover TBD Memories of Conway Twitty / Casino Regina — Featuring the legend’s son Michael and his grandson Tre. 8pm / $20-25 (casinoregina.com) Glenn Sutter / Cathedral Village Arts Festival — Folk music with a social conscience. 5:30pm / Cover TBD DJ Juan Lopez / Envy Nightclub — This DJ loves requests, nothing is off limits.

10pm / $5 Slow Motion Walter / McNally’s Tavern — Rock n’ roll party band. 10pm / $5

Tuesday 28

Troubadour Tuesdays / Bocados — Come check out some live tunes from local talents every week, then bring an instrument and partake in the open mic/ jam night. 8pm / No cover

Wednesday 29 Wednesday Night Folk / Bushwakker Brewpub — Featuring Souls in Rhythm.

8pm / No cover Gerry and The Pacemakers / Casino Regina — Chipper, catchy music from way back in the day. 8pm / $30-35 (casinoregina.com) Liferuiner, Hollow Between the Hills, The Man and his Machine, Birch Hills / The Club — A night of hardcore metal. 7pm / Cover TBD Lynn Jackson / Creative City Centre — A singer/songwriter in the Lucinda Williams, Ani Difranco tradition. 7:30pm / Cover TBD Jam Night and Open Stage / McNally’s Tavern — Come on down and enjoy some local talent. 9pm / No cover

Thursday 30

Soul Sisters Dinner & Concert / Bushwakker — YWCA fundraiser featuring the talents of Seven Seas, Alex Mullock and Noise. 6pm / $30 Decibel Frequency / Gabbo’s Nightclub — A night of electronic fun. 10pm / $5 PS Fresh / The Hookah Lounge — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon. They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm / No cover Open Mic Night / King’s Head Tavern — Come out, play some tunes, sing some songs, and show Regina what you got.

8pm / No cover Easily Corrupted / McNally’s — Come out and support local music. 9pm / $5 Diana Desjardins / The Pump Roadhouse — A sassy country songstress. 9pm / Cover TBD Chris Henderson / Whiskey Saloon — A country act that’s big on talent. 8pm / $5 DJ Longhorn / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm / Cover TBD

Friday 31

The Great Folk Night / Artesian on 13th — Featuring Hello Lady, The Dead South, Kory Istace vs. The Time Pirates and The Empire Associates. 8pm / $20 Coal Creek Boys / Artful Dodger — Gritty alt-country from Alberta. 8pm / Cover TBD Guidewire / The Club — Local EDM artist who’ll make you move. 7:30pm / Cover TBD DJ Juan Lopez / Envy Nightclub — This DJ loves requests, nothing is off limits.

10pm / $5

One Bad Son / The Exchange — With Val Halla, Automatic and The Snake Oil Salesmen. 7pm / $25(advance), $30(door) DJ Pat & DJ Kim / Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor. 9pm / $5 cover Big Chill Fridays / Lancaster Taphouse — Come out and get your weekend started with DJ Fatbot, who’ll be doing his spinning thing every Friday night. 10pm / Cover TBD Adam’s Rib / McNally’s Tavern — Rock n’ reggae jam band. 10pm / $5 Diana Desjardins / The Pump Roadhouse — A sassy country songstress. 9pm / Cover TBD Billy Grind / The Sip Nightclub — Altcountry from right here in Regina. 9pm / Cover TBD Chris Henderson / Whiskey Saloon — A country act that’s big on talent. 8pm / $10 DJ Longhorn / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm / Cover TBD

Saturday 1

DJ Juan Lopez / Envy Nightclub — This DJ loves requests, nothing is off limits.

10pm / $5 Kylesa, Blood Ceremonial, White Hills, Lazer/Wulf / The Exchange — A metal marathon in Queen City. 7:30pm / $20 (ticketedge.ca) Pretty Archie / Lancaster Taphouse — Folk, bluegrass and country from Cape Breton. 9pm / No cover Adam’s Rib / McNally’s Tavern — Rock n’ reggae jam band. Also appearing: the Ross Neilsen Band. 10pm / $5 Diana Desjardins / The Pump Roadhouse — A sassy country songstress. 9pm / Cover TBD Billy Grind / The Sip Nightclub — Altcountry from right here in Regina. 9pm / Cover TBD Jam Sessions / Smokin’ Okies BBQ — Promoting blues and country blues, come in and play or listen and be entertained.

2pm / No cover Chris Henderson / Whiskey Saloon — A country act that’s big on talent.

8pm / $10

Get listed Have a live show you'd like to promote? Let us know! layout@verbnews.com

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saturday, may 18 @

rock creek

Rock Creek Tap & Grill 3255 Quance Street East (306) 586 7625 Music vibe / Rock, pop, jazz

and more Featured deals / Steak sandwich

for $11 (until 5pm) Drink of Choice / Wine and

Caesars top eats / Firecrackers (shrimp-

stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon), Albuquerque chicken, and Zeke’s burger coming up / Wine tasting with food pairing

Check out our Facebook page!

These photos will be uploaded to Facebook on Friday, May 31. facebook.com/verbregina

Photography by Bebzphoto

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A hangover to end all hangovers

Photo: Courtesy of warner bro pictures

The Hangover Part III breaks from formula and brings the franchise to a close

H

ere’s the thing about comedy franchises: the first movie is usually

the best.

Think about it. American Pie, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Rush Hour, Beverly Hills Cop — the first installment of all those series were better than what followed. Granted, this isn’t a rule set in stone. One could argue that Life of Brian was the best of the Monty

along it was unlike any comedy we’d seen before. Well-written, full of surprises, and hilarious as hell.

Then came the The Hangover Part II. And boy, did director/writer Todd Phillips drop the ball on that one. Instead of evolving the fran-

Python lot. And for those who thought Fat Bastard is hilarious, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me was superior to the first Austin Powers flick.

But generally speaking, the inaugural installment to most comedy franchises is the best and funniest because, well, you’re not sure what to expect.

Take the first Hangover movie, for instance. When that sucker came

by adam hawboldt

spew-cola-out-your-nose laughs and more character development than ever before. But more on that in a minute.

Hangover III begins well after the gang left Thailand. Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) are all going about

…Hangover III seems intent on bringing these characters full circle …

Adam Hawboldt

chise, he put out a stale, carboncopy of the first film — only this time he set it in Thailand.

But no matter. The Hangover sequel went on to rake in nearly $590 million worldwide. Who cares if it was a pale imitation of the first film?

The thing was box office gold.

So naturally with The Hangover Part III, Phillips stuck with the formula and, presumably, is preparing to bathe in gold-flecked water once it hits the big screen, right?

Not exactly.

See, this time around there’s no bachelor party. There are also fewer

Rainbow cinemas

their merry ways, living their normal, peaceful lives.

Alan (Zach Galifianakis), well, not so much. He’s off his meds, his dad is dead and a pet he recently bought has bit the proverbial biscuit. Needless to say, Alan has seen better days. So the Wolf Pack reunites, hits the road, and heads for Arizona to deliver Alan to a treatment centre. But along the way they’re run off the road by masked criminals who work for a crime boss named Marshall (John Goodman).

Why? Because he needs the Wolf Pack to find Chow (Ken Jeong). Turns out, the poorly endowed gangster

the Hangover part III Todd Phillips Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms + Ken Jeong

Directed by

100 minutes | 14A

has stolen $21 million from Marshall and he wants it back. To ensure he gets want he wants, Marshall kidnaps Doug and gives the guys three days to bring him Chow.

Hilarity ensues — sort of. But like the other films, there are some good laughs to be had. Unlike the other films, however, Hangover III seems intent on bringing these characters full circle and closing out the franchise. The result: a sometimes touching, sometimes sappy journey to Tijuana and back.

And, in truth, this break from its traditional R-rated formula is fresh and adds more depth to the franchise. But still — the first Hangover was better.

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@VerbRegina ahawboldt@verbnews.com

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In Her Dreams

Stevie Nicks’ documentary about her new album is much like the album itself — full of hits and misses by adam hawboldt in your dreams Stevie Nicks, Dave Stewart Starring Stevie Nicks, Dave Stewart, Mick Fleetwood + Lindsey Buckingham Directed by

100 minutes | NR

Photo: Courtesy of Abramorama

Y

ou all know Stevie Nicks, right? The raspyvoiced singer/songwriter of Fleetwood Mac fame is one of those people whose name — even if you’re not a huge fan of her former band — is familiar to most.

But here are some things you might not know about Stevie Nicks.

about the making of her new solo album?

Titled Stevie Nicks: In Your Dreams, the documentary chronicles the conception, growth and eventual birth of Nicks’ latest studio album. And in certain respects the movie is quite good.

If you’re a fan of Stevie Nicks you’re going to love just seeing

…In Your Dreams rarely turns the camera on Stevie Nicks the person, opting instead to focus solely on the music.

Adam Hawboldt

For instance, did you know she has produced over 40 Top-50 hits and sold more than 140 million albums?

Did you know that the Eagles’ Joe Walsh was the love of her life, but the pair broke up because both were serious drug addicts? Did you know Jimi Hendrix once dedicated a song to her?

Oh, and did you know she recently released a documentary

the music icon doing her thing on screen for nearly two hours.

And if you’re a fan of seeing how the creative process works you’re in for a real treat, because, ostensibly, In Your Dreams is the documentary about the creation of an album — from start to finish.

With the help of former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, Nicks sits down and takes viewers on a

track-for-track journey into her new record. She uses poetry from her journal to help write lyrics, she cribs lines from Edgar Allen Poe. Sometimes she sits down at her keyboard and pecks out songs, other times she creates them to the sound of Stewart’s guitar playing.

Reese Witherspoon drops by and helps her name a song. Other topflight musicians like Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham (both of Fleetwood Mac fame) pop in for guest appearances.

Think of it as a portrait of the artist as an aging rock icon.

Now I know some of you — especially the die-hard Stevie Nicks fans — are sitting there thinking “that sounds like all different shades of awesome.” But here’s the thing: it’s not.

Unlike epic rock documentaries No Direction Home or DiG! or Gimme Shelter, In Your Dreams rarely turns the camera on Stevie Nicks the person, opting instead to focus solely on the music. And while her voice is reason enough to watch this doc, you can’t help but feel like it’s an extended version of VH1: Behind the Music — minus all the drug abuse and band in-fighting.

In fact, if we’re going to be completely honest here, In Your Dreams seems kind of like a vanity project if nothing else. It’s Stevie Nicks and Dave Stewart on screen simply for the sake of being on screen to tell us how great they are.

Case in point: while at a hotel in Italy, Nicks presents the front desk clerk with a page of hand-written lyrics to her song “Italian Summer,” and tells the clerk to hold onto the paper, saying “some day [it] is going to be very important.”

This isn’t to say In Your Dreams is a bad documentary. It’s just that, at times, it’s boring and a tad too self-congratulatory. Watch at your own discretion.

In Your Dreams will be opening at Regina Public Library on May 30; see reginalibrary.ca for show times.

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choosing 49. Min. components

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© walter D. Feener 2013

Horoscopes may 24 – May 30 Aries March 21–April 19

Leo July 23–August 22

Sagittarius November 23–December 21

Things may not be what they seem this week, Aries. For example, all those necklaces with a “T” on them are really crucifixes.

Your sentences may be full of poorly chosen words this week, Leo. And unfortunately, you won’t realize this until it’s too late.

Ever get the feeling you’re a saint, a living saint, but you get nothing out of it? If so, keep on being saintly.

There’s a payoff down the road.

Taurus April 20–May 20

Virgo August 23–September 22

Capricorn December 22–January 19

You may contradict yourself this week, Taurus. Like telling someone you love nature and animals while you’re wearing ostrich-skin boots.

If life gives you a bone this week, Virgo, don’t throw it away. Put it in a pot, add some broth and a potato, and, baby — you got a stew going.

Something may come up this week, and your gut will tell you not to do it. Thing is, your gut may just be hungry. It’s hard to tell sometimes.

Gemini May 21–June 20

Libra September 23–October 23

Aquarius January 20–February 19

You may have the urge to play cupid this week, Gemini, or to sink your arrow into random buttocks. Don’t give in to this urge

If someone comes up and squeezes your body this week, Libra, don’t panic. Chances are it’s only a hug. Embrace affection.

Do something out of the ordinary this week, Aquarius. Try out for the Blue Man Group or learn magic or something. Anything.

Cancer June 21–July 22

Scorpio October 24–November 22

Pisces February 20–March 20

Do you feel like getting a little fun and frisky this weekend?

Don’t be afraid to have some vodka and toast for breakfast.

When life hands you something special, Scorpio, you grab that brownish area by its points and never let go.

Do you understand?

Words of wisdom this week: don’t hide your father under a house that has just collapsed. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

sudoku 5 2 4 3 9 6 3 7 8 1 4 6 5 1 2 8 5 9 1 7 9 6 2 3 6 4 7 1 9 5 3 8 7 8 2 4

crossword answer key

A

3 6 5 7 2 1 4 3 9 5 7 8 2 4 1 5 6 9 6 9 4 3 1 2 6 8 9 7 8 4 2 3 5 7 1 8

B

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