DYING TO BE HEARD
The U.K.–based Classic Rock magazine has named a Vancouver indie band as one of the acts its readers need to hear in 2007. The glossy mag’s February issue, which comes with a 15-song CD that includes the Art of Dying song “Completely”, had this to say about the group: “If you’re a gig-goer, you may have caught this Vancouver-based quintet on a stage near you, as it seems they’ve been making the U.K. their second home. Earlier this year they delivered a storming set at Download, and followed that up with support slots on the Seether tour and also with Fishbone in London. And with their epic post-grunge sound, it’s easy to see why they’ve been in demand.”

Art of Dying, which features former members of SunLikeStar, opens for Papa Roach at the Commodore on Saturday (January 27). After that, the band intends to continuing building its transatlantic following with some U.K. tour dates.

THE CASE OF THE TWO SHADOWS
Also making the pages of foreign-based glossies is Vancouver’s Vincent Black Shadow. The goth-flavoured hard-rock band’s song “Metro” was included on the 16-track CD that shipped with the December edition of CMJ New Music Monthly . That issue also featured a story about the group. The two-page article wasn’t a profile of the band or a critical analysis of its music, however. Writer Eric Davidson instead focused on the fact that there is another band—a psychedelic-garage act from Baltimore—using the same motorcycle-derived moniker. The article consists of quotes from the U.S. act’s singer, Adam Black Savage, and the local outfit’s guitarist, Robbie Kirkham. In general, Savage seemed more interested in eating his ramen noodles than in discussing the matter, but Kirkham made it clear where he stood: his group won’t be changing its name without a fight. “Bluntly, our label [Bodog] has more money,” he told Davidson. “And that sounds really bad to say as a musician, but at this point I really take this career seriously. This is what I want to do with my life, and we’d have to go and change all the album artwork. We have like 15,000 friends on MySpace, so I’d definitely be willing to say, ”˜Fine, take us to court.’ It’s only going to cost them money, because I know their label’s really small. Not that we’re trying to bully anybody, I just really believe that we used it first.”

CANADIAN IDOL GEARS UP
With American Idol in full swing (and Seattle bearing the brunt of Simon Cowell’s crossed-arm derision), our thoughts turn to our own domestic version of the successful talent-search franchise. The Vancouver-area cattle call for Canadian Idol will take next place Saturday and Sunday (February 3 and 4) at Metropolis at Metrotown. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 28 who signs in between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on either of those days will get a chance to try out for the show.

For the first time, hopefuls will be allowed to accompany themselves on their choice of instrument. This is a boon to the singers, since many find it easier to maintain their pitch with a little musical backup. However, if most of them turn out to be as awful on guitar, keyboard, autoharp, or zither as they are with their voices, this development could be doubly painful for anyone within earshot. Which is why we are publishing this item—not so much as a public service to those planning to audition but as a warning to anyone wishing to preserve their sanity: stay the hell away from Metrotown that weekend.