Schu's Review: Dallas Smith "One Little Kiss"

Dallas Smith is back with another sure fire hit except this time, it's a familiar song. One Little Kiss! Jake Owen released this song on 'Days Of Gold'.
"One Little Kiss Never Killed Nobody". Outside of jokes about poisonous lipstick, the herpes jokes write
themselves. In all honesty, both versions of this song are great.  It's just a good song. Technology, drinking, late night visits, and relationships renewed. Back in my day, we just called 'em 'booty calls'.
Personally, I'm a big fan of Dallas Smith. Even when he was in that l'il ol' Rock Band from Vancouver! After seeing him Live (twice), I can attest; "This dude can sing. He's got the energy. He's vibrant and amazing with this crowd". Plus, his guitar player's a cool guy. From Northern Alberta, too. If you're a Dallas Smith fan, you've already heard the tune. If you're undecided, but you thoroughly enjoy laughing at the 'one night stand
and drinking cliches' in today's country music - then check out the song. You'll love it.

Besides a LONG WEEKEND, there's another big day coming up in May! That would be Pac Man's 36th Birthday! Although I'm more of a 'sports game' type of guy. (Particularly Hockey - thing is - I haven't played in a very long time. I'm, like, over 40 man. Come on! What 40 year old man plays video games?) Well, when it comes to Pac Man? THIS GUY DOES!  And, I'm kidding about the 'men playing video games' remark. Have you seen some of the games these days? INCREDIBLE! Let's take a trip back to an easier time. Back 36 years ago! PacMan is now eating Bran Flakes!

Pac Man Classic Arcade Flash Game

Friday April 15th - One Hell of a Festive Day

It's Friday the 15th!!! SO what, you say? Coachella fires up today.  After working in the Radio Industry for the past 20 years, Festivals are always a great time. Some of them are getting so big, it's hard to believe any other event would try to compete. Coachella is one of those. Here in Canada, a lot of the small Festivals are getting cancelled. The economy is in the dumper. So, when a Canadian Organizer realizes how much money an American Artist wants, well, they'll take a look at the Canadian Dollar, and toss in the towel. It's happened in Alberta, BC, and Ontario. 
But THIS isn't just a festival anymore. Coachella has become a legend. It's become a way of life. It's an experience fit for any type of music fan. Oh, and the celebrity trail is long and huge. Coachella has become a celebrity topic for late night TV! Some of them will even spend time at Coachella, doing their shows live. It's awesome! 
Indio, California becomes a metropolis of sonic proportions starting today! Of course, one of the highlights of this year’s festival is bound to be tomorrow night’s return of a reunited Guns N’ Roses. The band hasn't even started their full on tour! But, by the end of Coachella, the stories will be legendary. And, remember, there's social media these days.  Back in the good ol' days, G'n'R didn't have to worry about this social media world. If this weekend goes well, they could reach another level.  Hopefully they do - - have you seen their ticket prices? Throw in the audiences down in Mexico next week, and they will have performed in front of over half a million people in less than a week.  
Tonight, another reunion in Indio - - It's the original line up for LCD Soundsystem. Sunday night features Calvin Harris. In between time, just take a look at that line up above in the poster.  In addition to the headliners, this year’s fest includes Ice Cube, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, CHRVCHES, Sia, Major Lazer, The 1975, Of Monsters and Men, Zedd, Halsey, Run the Jewels, Gary Clark, Jr., Sufjan Stevens, A$AP Rocky, Silversun Pickups, James Bay and Chris Stapleton.
Obviously there are large numbers of people who will actually save their money, and spend it on lucrative trips. Like going to Coachella? The good news is -  if you can't make it this weekend, YOUTUBE is live streaming the entire weekend.

2016 NHL Playoff Predictions

It's been a tough year for Canuck fans! (I'm a diehard)!  I KNOW! Nobody else is crying over it! I get it! Oiler fans are laughing, until we laugh back and throw draft pick jokes their way! Then they just say 'I'll beat you all up with my pipe wrench'!  Habs fans aren't fond of the Canucks either. Sure they'll go to games in Vancity, and bring half of the Canadiens' fan club with 'em. But if it comes down to arguing, Montreal will point to the old things hanging from the rafters at their own rink.  Flames fans? Hell, they don't even know where Vancouver is. Nothing exists past the Rockies.  Just like Leafs fans with the Ontario border! As for Winnipeg- well, we can all argue with those fuckers! They're just happy to be back in the NHL for now. Sadly, all of us are out of the playoffs this year. Even the Sens! They're still trying to figure out why! Was it the coach? The owner? Why didn't that Karlson kid throw us on his back?  We'll just let them stew on it a bit longer.
Here we are-- not a single Canadian team in the dance!  Might as well join the club and start making predictions for the Holy Grail this year!

ROUND 1



Islanders Panthers - A tough pick! I'm a huge Luongo fan. Of course. But growing up in the 80's, I saw some pretty good Islander teams. Still enjoy watching a few of their games each year. I'll go with Florida! Tavares, no Cup for you!

Oh tough! My second favorite team has always been the Flyers. I love how the rest of the fans in the league 'boo' the Flyers (for some odd reason, other teams' fans think the Broadstreet Bullies still exist). I'd love to see OV get a Cup, but I'm goin' with my heart. I pick The Flyers. 

Rangers are nothing without King Henrik! He's getting older. I can't see him toughing out a series like this. Although, Fleury has battled injury too. If we negate goaltending in this matchup, I believe the Pens win on sheer talent and full lines.

Sorry Detroit, your time has come! You have a great history. Like the Habs fans, you guys can keep pointing at the rafters (or the past as I like to say).  This HAS to be the year of Stamkos. Could you imagine paying all that money to the future of your team, and they can't even make it to the final? The hunger comes from the top and I believe Stevie Y can get the message to the team - This is your year. I pick the Lightning! 

Sharks have another aging roster of stars who 'almost' made it. How much longer can it continue? Look, we're all hockey fans, we hear the 'experts' talk about the leadership of Thornton and Marleau, then we hear the trade rumors. But you have to imagine they both might like a change of scenery just to avoid that crap each off season. Sadly, this will be another one of those off seasons. The Kings have everything they need to make it to the Cup final again. And it pisses me off. I pick the "gag" KINGS. 

This would be a great cup final in most years. But, first round? This matchup will be a great series, but like the Kings, I think the Hawks have the ingredients to go a long way in a tough race for the cup. If St. Louis can't pull off a victory in this series, I think we see some big changes in that line up. That's freakin' awesome! They have some great players, and I would hope my beloved Canucks could swoop in for the taking. HINT: Backes! Backes! (We did offer sheet the guy 3 years ago). Back on topic: Blackhawks will win. 

Two teams I could care less about. Dallas always sucks. Hate 'em. Minnesota is...well....they're a team with a goalie who used to play in Edmonton, right? Meh, who cares? Can Seguin and the Starlets make it past a stingy defence in Minny? Seriously, I don't know. Coin toss. Heads: Dallas. Tails: Minny.  Oh, look, it's heads. Dallas wins! 

Another series that should be a good Cup final! Alas, it will never happen and this will be a tough first round for both teams. I'm a huge Shea Weber fan. I'd love to see him make a Cup final, at least. Is Pekke Rinne good enough to make it past the Ducks potent offense? Tough call.  My Gawd, think of Getzlaff, Perry, Bieksa, Kesler, Freddy Anderson is a beast in net.  Boudreau is a decent coach, but after failing in Washington (even with Ovechkin), will this be the year Boudreau proves the Expert Panels wrong? I'm picking The Ducks! They are a strong, balanced team. 

Schu's Review: Madeline Merlo "Whatcha Wanna Do About It"

This time around:.  Madeline Merlo "Whatcha Gonna Do About It".  This song has had my interest for the past couple of weeks. Not only because she's a stunner! She can sing!! Madeline has been working very hard for years at this craft. I'm betting she would say she's worked her entire life or a good portion of it.
Dan Swinimer (ManicDown) has been a huge part of her launch into Canadian Country Super stardom! Madeline's from BC (my homeland, another easy factor in deciding who to blog about!!) With Dan's help, she plugged away and then landed the opening spot on Dean Brody and Paul Brandt's massive tour last year. In my honest opinion, she's a very close vocal comparison to a young Martina McBride, and that's saying alot.  "Whatcha Wanna Do About it" has impact right from the start.
She hits the opening with anticipation, and energy! Although, it's a song about finding possibilities in a stranger, there's something different about this song. This is a girl who doesn't want to waste time. She knows a connection when she feels one. Yes, there are plenty of country songs about one night stands, and hook ups, and text-style breakups, but this song - it has power. It screams, 'Just get to the point'!
Madeline is definitely playing the 'good girl' in the song. She has all the ideas, but she wants him to do all the work. Thus, 'Whatcha Gonna Do About it'.  Something about that scenario is very hot. Beyond that, the fact she reminds me so much of a young Martina McBride (vocally), puts this song in the same breath as anything Jess Moskaluke, Kira Isabella, Brandy Clark, or Kelsea Ballerini is doing. I'm thinking the future is bright for this young superstar from BC. We will see some big things from Madeline Merlo down the road. For now, here's the video for 'Whatcha Wanna Do About It'......oh, and guys - you're welcome. It's pretty awesome: