Canada, Eh?!

The famous maple leaf!

Canada has a unique position in the music world.  They have their own plethora of talent, and their own way of doing things. I try to get there at least once a year.
For their own artists (chiefly Anglophone), we've seen Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, Alanis Morissette, and Justin Bieber to name a few.  In order for them to be heard at home, the CRTC have laws that make sure TV and radio have a certain amount of homegrown programming.
Bands like Rush and Nickelback are now signed to one label in their backyard, and another everywhere else.  This was part of the CanCon regulations, but some get signed through the States such as Drake and Avril Lavigne.  French speakers initially had Céline Dion to themselves, and they still do with Garou, Octobre and Mylène Farmer.  Montréals The Musical Box, Mystery and Simple Plan are Francophones but perform in English.
For releases from international artists, they're usually analogous to US editions across the lake.  It varies by album. Sometimes they match everyone but the States.
Releases from both sides of the St Lawrence/Great Lakes Seaway cross-pollinate.  I see Canadian releases as far as 250 km from the border, while some US releases can be seen across the 49th.
Another thing is that Canadian releases can have the same sleeve or disc as the US.  Also, some US releases have inserts or discs/tapes made in Canada.  Thats NAFTA for ya!
Our neighbour to the north has a lot to offer everyone. Be sure to get something from there sometime.

Asia featuring John Payne - Arcana

I have just learnt that the new studio album from Asia featuring John Payne will now be called Arcana instead of Architects of Time. The previously announced name was used for a one-off project instead. The album may be released in November, but it could even be summertime. It will be the first studio release by the Asia spinoff (not connected to the original lineup, who are releasing their next album Omega). It will be released in Japan by Sony, and by vanity label Devgel worldwide, with a US licencee to be announced (once thought to be Favoured Nations).

фМΣТАŁМАŊĐАŦОRУф: Discografia de Black Sabbath

фМΣТАŁМАŊĐАŦОRУф: Discografia de Black Sabbath

MEU NAGUAL: Rick Wakeman – Discografia.

MEU NAGUAL: Rick Wakeman – Discografia.

Rick Wakeman - 1984 | Abominogjnrs Blog

Rick Wakeman - 1984 Abominogjnrs Blog

2011 CNY Outdoor Concert Series

Asia featuring John Payne, one of the Holy Grails for me.

Because of two ill-fated concert series in Syracuse last year, there doesn't seem to be one this year apart from the funfair and a few small time events.  Even if a shows free, its not always easy to get people to come.  Some promoters just can't cut it.  These shows used to be at Inner Harbour, the Federal Building, and the CNY Regional Market.  Now, I'd have to go to Rochester and Albany for such a thing as they seem to have better resources.
If I could start my own, here are who would come, one per week:

Asia featuring John Payne
Marillion
Pallas
Rush (up in the air with the boys)
Yes
The Moody Blues (have since come to town)
Culture Club (coming 2 Sept 2016)
INXS
Duran Duran
Childhoods End (now split)

There are numerous local businesses who would sponsor the shows.  The cost of security would be high, whether its private or the local police.  Then who would be willing to host the shows?  It may be too late to start getting something this year but perhaps next year it could happen.
Who would you like to see?  Remember, this articles not about an actual live series in CNY, I'm afraid.

Paulozzi , Rock & Blues: Wetton Downes - Icon Never In A Million Years Live (2006)

Paulozzi , Rock & Blues: Wetton Downes - Icon Never In A Million Years Live (2006)