Practical Stunts
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A music magazine focused on bringing you the authentic sonic experience you never knew you needed.
Stories (11/0)
Why 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' Is Tarantino's Greatest Film
Before Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino had directed eight films. Eight classic films. Eight films that his fans adored so much. From the confused rage of Reservoir Dogs to the chilling bitterness of The Hateful Eight, there were highs and lows, but ultimately we are a generation that bore witness to the creation of a timeless collection. The ninth film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was arguably his most polarizing. Hardcore fans, as well as the general public either loved it or hated it entirely. Today it will be argued that it is his greatest film. Perhaps not in the way we all expected, but even still, this holds true. To honor the ninth installment in his collection, nine brief points will be argued for this case.
By Practical Stunts5 years ago in Geeks
Deap Vally's Guttural Feminist Tunes
The guttural feeling of familiarity, empowerment, and dread are ever present, as they always have been, within Deap Vally’s latest album Femejism. A couple of self-described valley girls out of California, Julie Edwards and Lindsey Troy have been musically taking on the patriarchy over the past 7 years, beginning with their debut album Sistronix from 2013. Featuring “Gonna Make My Own Money,” a powerful track as the name suggests, is of a conversation between a daughter and her parents. Women around the world will be familiar with this expectation from their family, being told their whole lives they need to marry a man who will support them, a rich one if they can. Deap Vally spins this story on its head and insists they will be self-sufficient, make their own money and buy their own land, burying the stereotype of a damsel in distress needing a man to save them. Breaking out of Sistronix for me is “Walk of Shame” which takes back the stigma of a woman making her way home from a one-night stand, owning her sexuality and walking with pride and her head held high. Stories like this of shattering old-school societal expectations of gender norms and sexuality on Sistronix prove provocative, empowering, and enlightens the audience—even younger generations of women—to the true power and autonomy of a woman, and specifically these women. None of these themes change from Sistronix to Femejism, they only get more intense. Once I found out that the drummer Julie Edwards, was not only pregnant during most of the recording but she also toured and played shows for Femejism while pregnant, it became more clear than ever that these women are not just down to earth but they love their craft enough that they will stop at nothing to share their intense messages with their hard hitting grooves.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
Mermaids Exist at the Horseshoe Tavern
On an absurdly chilly Monday in April, a day that you would not expect people to be out and about at a bar, the Horseshoe Tavern on Queen St. W was bustling. The night was going to consist of three very contrasting bands. A country band, a heavier rock band, and an upbeat pop rock group. Upon arriving the first act was already on stage, the country act supporting lead vocalist/songwriter, Stacey Hunt. She oozed a country pop essence akin to artists like Faith Hill and Jewel. The songs had a bubbly relatability and her band was talented and supported her fully. Her voice did not waver or crack once, and her vocal control was undeniable. The music was pure country pop and overall incredibly enjoyable as a live performance. The venue seemed filled with her fans and supporters. The excitement was palpable, and they have great promise as a country band. The second act that went on was called Defcon Brown, they were a three piece band with music similar to bands like Nickelback and other early 2000s rock bands of the like. The subject matter was moody and dark. The crowd of country fans diminished significantly during their set, but despite this they played fully and contently.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
Badbadnotgood at The Danforth Music Hall
On March 30, the Danforth Music Hall was blessed with a night of transcendent musical energy. Upon entering the floor, about 20 minutes before the opening act, the crowd was small and dispersed and chatting amongst themselves.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
- Top Story - March 2018
The Parallel Universe of Two Hard Working MusiciansTop Story - March 2018
Weird Al Yankovic has been one of the most successful musicians in the humor genre to date. His parodies are international successes and his clever renditions have given him much deserved musical recognition. What is interesting about Weird Al, is that while you’re laughing at the lyrics, you come to realize that the music is actually quite good. No matter what song he is doing the supporting music is solid. Sometimes Weird Al used session musicians to the extent of Ray Manzarek of The Doors doing keys and helping him on the stylistic parody, "Craigslist," whose release was just after the case closing of the “Craigslist Killer.”
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
Vinyl Review: Eric Burdon & The Greenhornes
Being known for his harsh, bluesy voice, Eric Burdon has been recognized as one of rock’s greatest vocalists. He rose to popularity in the early 60s with The Animals, known for songs like "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" and a popular rendition of "House of the Rising Sun." The Greenhornes, on the other hand, are a psychedelic garage band formed in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio in the mid-90s.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
The Underappreciated Women of Rock
The band Heart is undoubtedly one of the greatest bands to come out of the classic rock era. Songs like "Barracuda" and "Crazy On You" put them on the map. The band formed in an era that female rock musicians were not taken seriously and were downright thwarted in comparison to their male counterparts. Notable female rock musicians from their era of the late 70s – early 80s were people like Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry, and so many others that made their mark on the genre. The common theme with all of them seems to be that they have, at one point, been discredited on the sole purpose of gender. The Wilson sisters of Heart have been particularly treated in a disgusting way just for the simple fact that they were women succeeding at being rock stars. In fact, the inspiration to write "Barracuda" came from the anger towards a false publicity stunt that claimed that the Wilson sisters were in an incestuous relationship, and geared its anger toward the music industry sexism that tried to put them down.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
Vinyl Review: The Sheepdogs — 'Changing Colours'
Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs have been around since 2006 and fall into the “classic rock” genre due to their simplistic playing style and use of traditional instruments. Their most recent album Changing Colours seems to be a nod to the rustic influences of music that is now considered Canadiana. There are nuances within the songs that are reminiscent of the classic harmonious riffs of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and the rugged sound of The Guess Who. The rusticity and influence from 70s Southern rock bands like The Allman Brothers is evident. Through this, speaking in terms of the blues history and its influence on Southern music — the bluesy aura comes through loud and clear. The album itself in vinyl form is aesthetically interesting. It has modern sensibilities to the design and layout of the cover, and yet draws retro inspiration by way of the style of colourizing photos. The floral element of the design is reminiscent of 60s and 70s patterns. Not to mention the photos of the members look like something out of a 70s Rolling Stone mag. The album itself is two LPs, but only three sides. Yes, only three sides. The third side is described as a separate “medley,” and where the fourth side would be is just a grooveless plane with “Do Not Play” cursively written on the label. I still don’t know how to feel about that. On one hand you wish for more songs, on the other hand it’s kinda cool and uncommon to see a blank vinyl side.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
Neil Young and The Kawartha Lakes
Neil Young, one of Canada’s most treasured musicians, has also been a great rebel of his time. His unconventionality and musical mastery is undeniable. He has certainly made his mark, and is widely revered among musicians for his rustic authenticity and use of his platform for activism. His songs are beautifully poetic, and have resonance in every walk of life. Growing up in the cottage country of Eastern Ontario, it is evident that his songs have a special place in the hearts of rural Canadians. Songs like "Helpless" are directly inspired by his upbringing in Omemee, Ontario along Pigeon River in the Kawartha Lakes region. This is all before he moved to Los Angeles and formed Buffalo Springfield in 1966 and embarked on a lifelong career. There is a culture in the Kawartha Lakes all in its own, one that Neil Young encompasses in his being and one that he is self-aware of. Despite Young having moved away from the region for most of his life, the social culture in the area has a lasting impact, hence his return to his hometown for the TV concert special he did in December 2017. He performed an intimate concert at Coronation Hall in Omemee, in which one could only attend if they were invited. The love and support he was shown in the town is indicative of not only the kind of person he is, but the kind of place Omemee is.
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
The Delicate Balance of Pink Floyd
As a prominent fan and borderline dealing with an obsession for the band Pink Floyd, I have to express something that needs to be expressed within this sphere in the last few years. Floyd fans know that the most prominent figures of the band are Roger Waters and David Gilmour. They have both embarked on comparatively mildly successful careers since Waters left the band in 1985, and had a Gilmour lead era for ten years succeeding the departure. In that time, the albums released, such as Momentary Lapse of Reason and Division Bell, are retrospectively regarded as similar to Gilmour solo work, backed by original members Nick Mason and the immense keyboard/synth talent that was Rick Wright. (It is imperative to note that Rick Wright’s 1978 album Wet Dream speaks volumes to his musicality and Floyd contribution; essentially he was the backbone of their signature sound.)
By Practical Stunts6 years ago in Beat
