OVER THE EDGE November 7 - 21, 2007 Mircu Grant, Puoro Enrror Displays and treats of all sorts, from dog ae to quilts, jams and photographs could be seen to at the UNBC craft fair, pictured here, on October 28 2007. (Inside) Professor Don Munton is scene enjoying the UNBC craft fair with his family. The Arrogant Worms at the CN Centre Awnprew Oates Starr WRITER I consider the Arrogant Worms to be an important Canad- ian musical icon. Their music is a lively blend of good music, laugh-out-loud comedy, and usually a patriotic theme. These qualities held true for their performance at the Vanier Hall on October 19th, especially the comedy part, which really shows itself during live concerts. The concert began with a short introduction and joke-fest, which really warmed up the crowd for the ensuing hilarity. In tune with the Arrogant Worms theme of Canadian patriotism, they also tried to bring attention to the recent Throne Speech, and its inherent failings. Also in keeping with Canadian senti- ment, their first song was entitled “We are the Beaver”. It was notable for listing off various nations state-animals, such as the Eagle, the Bear, the Tiger, and of course, ours — the Bea- ver. Perhaps not as majestic or powerful as some other state animals, yet its one of the few animals which really “gives a Dam”. Among the songs played were many new ones off of their latest album entitled Beige. Among the songs off of Beige were; “Twins” (a country-themed song about conjoined twins wanting to separate), “Pressure washer” (a delightful song about a man and his imaginary flamethrower, which is really a pressure washer), and “Go to sleep little leech” (a stirring lullaby). Other songs that were not off of Beige were; “Rippy the Ga- tor” (which demanded audience participation, for every single concert-goer), “If I were Prime Minister”, “Not much of a punk rocker now”, and “Big box store”. Some of these were newer, and some were a little older, but all lived up to the high comedy standards which I’ve come to expect - and find - in the Arrogant Worms. The audience participation for all of these songs was mostly just clapping, whistling, standing up, and yelling of “Yeah, yeah, awesome”. But for one in particular, the audience did more than simply deafen each other with applause. The in- tro to the song “Rocks and Trees” describes this vast land of central Canada, which any westerners can reach by going east (though “if you hit salt water or French people, you’ve gone too far’). During this song, the Arrogant Worms divided up the entire hall to each sing their part of the song, half the hall had to yell “Rocks”, half the hall had to yell “Trees”, and one random fellow was given the duty of yelling out “Water” at the end of the chorus. Two old favourites (which elicited the most applause) were “Jesus Brother Bob” and “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate”. The first is an epic of biblical comedic proportions, detailing the life of Jesus little-known younger brother — Bob. The second, was their final song (before the encore), and is the truly Can- adian story of a Saskatchewan farmer falling on hard times, and turning to piracy on the Saskatchewan river. Of course, being a Canadian farmer, such a pirate doesn’t search for gold or antiques, but rather for fertilizer, and other goods which can be sold to the Co-op. The encore was a ballad about the injustice against fruits and vegetables entitled “Carrot Juice is Murder”. In general, they were very well received. Their comedy was the kind that appeals to both child and adult alike, and even those in between. Using everything from political humour to simple absurdity, I was able to hear one anonymous concert- goer say “it’s inappropriate, but I can’t look away!” All in all the Arrogant Worms put on a top-notch performance, which managed to appeal to everyone. It will ensure that when they come back to Prince George, hopefully very soon, the place will be packed...again.