19. 1990

Other Press

Siberry Is Bound by the Beauty

Jane Siberry will be performing two shows at the Granville Island Arts Club March 25 (7 & 10 pm). They promise to be spectacular.

by Tim Crumley

Jane Siberry is the kind of art- ist that grabs you right away. Her quirky, questioning vocals and al- most complete denial of conven-

tional musical forms make the record-buying public take a stand as far as their taste is concerned.

It is no surprise then, that her performances on March 25 at the Arts Club Granville Island will draw a great crowd of loyal fans. She has been both worshipped and despised for many years.

Initially appearing in 1982 was

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her critically acclaimed debut "No Borders Here", with its VideoFact single "Mimi On The Beach," (one of the first Canadian videos that got airplay on MuchMusic while ac- tually deserving it).

The album had promising, if not excellent sales, and within a few years she hit gold in Canada with "The Speckless Sky", which ‘sold about 50,000 copies on the strength of its single, "One More Colour". I can still picture Siberry walking in a field with rubber boots on chasing cows.

Her musical style has been compared to both Joni Mitchell and Laurie Anderson, and there is some truth in the comparisons. The

spoken word lyrics of Anderson really match Siberry’s own vocal style, although Siberry is more romantic and slightly more struc- tured musically. Siberry herself sees the Mitchell connection.

"I see Joni Mitchell [in myself] because I grew up with her music,” she said in a 1986 interview.

Still, Siberry said that although Duke Street Records, her label in Canada, was happy to have "One More Colour" on the record, "I told them not to expect another one.” She was fairly correct.

Her next release, 1987’s "The Walking", was a dark and intro- spective album, coming out of the time that she and her bassist/co- producer/lover John Switzer ended

ask to be reco ment and society, 4 firmed as legitimate fe all the status of their male coui parts and partners. Currently, their work is considered only an exten- sion of homemaking, consequently they become an invisible subsidy, along with the children, who some- es also labour long and hard. \, Even during the interview, thege women didn’t stop working: filking, baki Sding the stock, ing, co elds and gardening reati OM

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their relationship. They continued working together, and that tense and uncomfortable atmosphere created one of the best Canadian records of all time. Radio didn’t to agree, however, (mostly because of unsuitable song lengths), and the album remains to capture the atten- tion it so richly deserves.

After writing and recording a few more songs with Switzer for her new album, "Bound by the Beauty", they split creatively as well. Those songs were rejectea, and a new set of songs was written which seem to be a little lighter of spirit.

"Well, the music is coming from a different place. I didn’t want anything about the music to be dif- ficult."

She purposefully set out to make this album stand out from all her other releases. "Anything that reminded me of a Jane Siberryism, I would reject," she said.

In a completely strange turn of events, Siberry has agreed to go on a cross-Australia tour with award- winning country performer k.d. Lang. The tour begins in May, and although the match may seem like a mix-up, it looks as if the shows will be a complete success, show- ing off the talents of these two strong Canadian artists.

The shows at the Arts Club Granville promise to be spectacular - especially if they live up to the

these early

tivities. Despit vironment, monoto lives, a lack of cash an these women manage meet, discuss and. Olitics A

shows she played at the New York Theatre on her last tour. Siberry did two shows last time as well, and both shows were sold out. She enchanted the audiences and left them feeling full inside. Hopefully, the same magic will happen again.

A Guy Called Phil Is Back!!!

by A Guy Called Phil

Yes it’s true, I am back. Miserable Peons of Douglas Col- lege, bask in the aura of my stupen- dously powerful arrogance and superiority. As a journalist extraor- dinaire, I receive many stupendous perks not the least of which is receiving free tickets to concerts. You may now look upon my being, but be warned, without envy in your heart you shall be struck down.

But enough of my humble musings. Let us get down to the matter at hand, the Demo-Listen Derby Finals and awards presenta- tion. Along with presenting the awards for various taped and live music, the two finalist bands played for the top two prizes.

The winner of the best band

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