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October 20, 2010 + Over the Edge

The World Remembers John Lennon
Celebrations around the world mark John Lennon's 70th Birthday

HANNA PETERSEN
NEWS EDITOR

Saturday October gth marked what would
have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday.
Even though the Beatle-turned-peace-
activist was killed thirty years ago, the
world still mourned the loss of a musical
genius. John Lennon was not only a part
of arguably one of the most influential
rock-bands of all time, he was one of the
strongest proponents of global peace in
his day. And as October gth illustrated, the
world has not forgotten.

One of the first indications of Lennon’s
birthday was the Google doodle of
Lennon’s self portrait. The doodle not
only informed people of the significance of
the day but once clicked on guided people
to videos and information regarding
Lennon’s legacy. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s
widow, celebrated her late husband’s
birthday by awarding the Lennon Ono
Peace Award. Ono established the

award on Lennon’s 62" birthday and it
was originally intended for artists living

in regions of conflict. This year Ono
awarded the grant to filmmaker Josh Fox
who directed the documentary Gasland,
writers Alice Walker and Michael Pollan,
and food safety spokesperson Barbara
Kowalcyk.

Fans also flocked to the Strawberry Fields
Memorial in New York. Fans sang songs
and brought flowers and mementos to

the memorial in honour of the late Beatle.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and
Museum in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated a
time capsule to John Lennon containing
several CDs, DVDs, books, and two notes
written by Yoko Ono. The capsule will be

opened in 2040 on the museum’s tooth
birthday. The celebrating did not stop
there; however, as a Peace Monument
was also unveiled in Lennon’s hometown
of Liverpool, England. Lennon’s first

wife Cynthia and son Julian where in
attendance to mark the occasion. The
monument consisted of a towering steel
sculpture featuring a globe with doves and
the inscription: “Peace on Earth for the
Conservation of Life. In Harmony of John
Lennon 1940-1980.”

A film chronicling John Lennon’s turbulent
childhood and the formation of the
Beatles, entitled Nowhere Boy, was

set for the U.S. release date of October
8th to coincide with his 70" birthday.
While the film was released last year in
the U.K. it is only now making its way to
North American audiences. The movie
examines the relationship between
Lennon and his Aunt Mimi and mother
Julia while also profiling the meeting

and subsequent friendship with Paul
McCartney. John Lennon is played by
Aaron Johnson, most widely recognized
from his leading role in Kick-Ass, and Paul
McCartney is played by a young British
actor named Thomas Brodie Sangster.

It has been over thirty years since the
tragic day the world lost John Lennon,
yet his legacy is continually remembered ot 2 a re
and his status as a cultural icon has also . ile = 5 ac a A SE :

been continually reinterpreted through ; S, : —s

various mediums. In 2040 when the :
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens up the
John Lennon time capsule the world will
probably still be singing “Imagine”.

ONLINE SOURCE

Aside from the Beetles, John Lennon was best known for his message of peace and his wife Yoko Ono.

First Listen: Cheering For the Bad Guy - To the Last Drop

Outlaw-country-punk-folk band not too bad

DARCIE SMITH
ARTS EDITOR

My dad loves the saying “Since Christ was a cowboy,”

Cheering For the Bad Guys are an outlaw-country-
punk-folk band hailing from Winnipeg, MB. Not only
do they have a tendency to sing songs about Alberta,
they also have some strong roots in Northern BC.
Being someone who considers themselves familiar
not only with Northern BC but also Alberta, | found
this album taking a bit of a comfortable spot in my
heart.

The vocals could use some work, but for me it’s all
part of the charm. A rough comparison vocally would
be to Bob Dylan on the album that he actually sings
on (Nashville Skyline).

Fans of the Joey Only Outlaw Band would certainly
enjoy and appreciate the punk-country aspects of
this record. For this type of sound, | generally do not
enjoy it as much recorded as | do seeing it live, but |
threw aside my preference this time.

The album kicks off with the track “Dang Double
Dang It” which has an excellent surfer-guitar quality
that adds a hint of rockabilly. As | mentioned, the
vocals are the weakest point, which | notice the most
in the title track.

Instrumentally it does hold its own, however.
Following that track is “Christ Was A Cowboy.” There
is a really nice harmonica solo in the last minute and
a half that reminds me of riding busses in Prince
George and contemplating life.

so having that in mind, for me, gives this track the
authenticity it might otherwise lack.

The use of the banjo in this track is a selling point as
well. “Case of Blues” attempts some harmonizing and
it works for the most part. The piano in it is a great
touch and introduces a new depth to the album.

The fourth track, appropriately named “100W of Fun”,
is a stripped down, classic narrative country song.

The low-key sound really juxtaposes the “one hundred
watts of fun.” | am pretty certain that “Friday Nights’ is
my favourite track off this album. | love hearing sassy
girls sing and cuss, especially when it is involved in

this genre of music.

Overall, | find the To the Last Drop to be more of
a grower, but if you’ve got the patience to give it a
couple listens | think you will find it sits fondly next
to you.

If these guys ever make it through this town, you
could probably find me at the show. Country music is
not what it used to be, and Cheering for the Bad Guy
accepts that notion, and fights back.

These are the “bad guys” of country music — and I’m
cheering for them. If you like jumping in circles while
shoving your friends around with a giant bottle of gin
in one hand and wearing plaid, giving these guys a
listen might be right up your alley.

BAND'S MYSPACE

| : ; ‘ | . : } : | ) . | | : | ) : | / ] () Cam, the band’s lead singer seems to have the funky personality it takes to be in a

outlaw-country-punk-folk band