Leave it to Montreal’s Arcade Fire to make things simple for the music fan. The band has always understood that the easiest way to stay true to yourself and maintain sanity and control of your affairs is to “just say no”; hence, they will release their concert-film DVD Miroir Noir in a way that suits everyone’s needs. The film was directed by French director Vincent Moon — who has made dozens of one-take indie/art videos with the likes of R.E.M. and Fleet Foxes — and will be released commercially at the end of March. However, for those who can’t wait, a digital version is available right now. A trip to miroir-noir.com gives you multiple ordering options and a teaser trailer to get you going.
FEBRUARY FESTIVUS
One member of Arcade Fire who has said “yes” recently is bassist Richard Parry. His side project Bell Orchestre will join an A-list lineup in a show of support for The Hillside Festival. Hillside Inside will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Sleeman Centre in Guelph. The all day/night event will also feature sets from Sam Roberts, Stars, K’naan and Bedouin Soundclash, along with a solo performance by the band’s singer Jay Malinowski, who is prepping his own release for later this year. Hillside, which is set for its 26th edition this July 24 -26 at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, is unique in its meshing of artists and fans as one group, thanks to intimate workshops, great food and vendors and beautiful surroundings. Tickets for this year’s fest go on sale May 2.
NEW YEAR’S DAZE
1. The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ latest LP, Communion, gets its North American release March 3 on Yep Roc
2. The Decemberists’ Hazard of Love hits stores March 24
3. The Gaslight Anthem ignite the Opera House March 20
4. The Stills warm up for their March tour of Australia with Kings of Leon with a show Feb. 7 at Nathan Phillips Square.
5. And whatever you do on New Years Eve, raise a glass and wish Paul Westerberg a happy 49th birthday!
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