Remastering: The Art of the Sonic Facelift

June 02, 2014 Nick Krewen GRAMMY.com   When aging actors and actresses need a sip from the fountain of youth to sustain their Hollywood dreams, they call their plastic surgeons for a little nip n’ tuck. But when record companies or artists need to revitalize a classic album and freshen up its sound, it’s the mastering engineer who is the expert on their speed-dial, specifically for remastering purposes. It’s a…


Skrillex gives revelers energetic workout: review

Pulsating beats, animated aliens and engaging humour all part of one-man extraterrestrial spectacle at Echo Beach.   Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sat May 31 2014 Skrillex At Echo Beach, May 30 3 stars The Mothership had barely landed before it was ceremoniously launched back into orbit. From the opening strains of “Try It Out” — and for 90 incessant minutes thereafter at Echo Beach on Friday night — six-time…


Haim sisters give it their all in searing Toronto debut: review

Haim added even more power to their hits, recalling influences such as Led Zeppelin and Heart, on stage Thursday. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri May 16 2014 Haim At the Kool Haus, May 15 3.5 stars If you want to start a really good band, you may as well form one with your siblings, if you have them. Consider these factors: you start playing instruments at a young…


Welcome to the Set List: Lana Del Rey at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto

GRAMMY.com MAY 15, 2014 – Welcome to The Set List. Here you’ll find the latest concert recaps for many of your favorite, or maybe not so favorite, artists. Our bloggers will do their best to provide you with every detail of the show, from which songs were on the set list to what the artist was wearing to which out-of-control fan made a scene. Hey, it’ll be like you were…


Liner notes: FM, Black Noise

FM – Black Noise   Oh, the endless possibilities that can be stoked by science fiction. It’s a realm where imaginations are stimulated, emancipated, and allowed to run wild; where boundaries are stretched and eliminated, and where the inconceivable can become an accomplished reality. It’s a topic that is so entrenched and valued in our society that sci-fi has gifted us with some of our most beloved cultural milestones, be…