Pop

Underworld’s first transformation

By Nick Krewen Hamilton Spectator, July 1, 1990 TORONTO – Ever wonder what happened to the group that recorded “Doot-Doot” five years ago, the silly alternative pop hit that grooved with a whirrr? They’re back, but under a different guise. Karl Hyde, Rick Smith, Alfie Thomas and Bryn Burrows used to be the minimalist pop band Freur, but they’ve resurfaced as Underworld. With a new album called Underneath The Radar, keyboardist…


Moving into Shadowland

  Nick Krewen Hamilton Spectator June 25, 1988   NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: She once raised a ruckus at the Juno Awards by donning a wedding dress and reciting vows, formerly dressed like a cowpunk rodeo spinster and at one time claimed to be the spiritual reincarnation of country legend Patsy Cline. That was three years ago. Nowadays, k.d. lang, the 26-year old pride of Consort, Alberta (population 650) – is treated with…


Propellerheads’ History Repeating for the First Time

NICK KREWEN Special To The Spectator May 26, 1998   TORONTO — It’s a case of “History Repeating” for Alex Gifford, but success is sweeter the second time around. The last time Gifford was in Toronto, he was a teenager playing sax for British punk rockers The Stranglers, a position he held from 1984 until lead singer Hugh Cornwell announced his departure in 1990. Now he’s back on a promo…