The Simcoe Scene

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#43 - May 27, 2023).    In the early 80s, albums (and how they were characterized) had to fit into a very limited number of categories. Of course, there were the distinct categories of rock, metal, blues, jazz, pop, country, R&B, classical, soul, and each genre came with its own criteria. But what about the artists who were making music that didn’t conform to the rigid guidelines of just one genre? These outliers faced an uphill battle to be heard, and that battle was made even more difficult for Canadian acts.  One such band who existed between the lines of the established criteria and can be attributed to being pioneers of Canadian alternative rock are The Grapes of Wrath. Formed in 1983, the band crafted a unique sound that didn’t fit easily into any category. Offering dreamy, introspective lyrics with distinctly layered melodies and enough power to hook the ears of any passerby, The Grapes of...

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#44 - May 21, 2023).  Is there a song that, the second you hear it start, transports you back to a particular moment? New music is released every day and while it can be catchy, even inspire feelings of nostalgia, nothing quite hits the same as jams from the past.  One such song that made an indelible mark on music history is Afroman’s 2000 global hit ‘Because I Got High’. The song made its way around the globe and quickly became a staple of great night playlists and sing-a-longs. But dig under the mellow beat and smooth flow, you’ll find genuine substance. Not an easy task for any artist but Afroman has consistently recorded and released an incredible 18 studio albums, laden with such gems, and he shows no signs of stopping.  ‘Because I Got High’ is an open invitation to listeners to dig just a little deeper and experience the variety and eclectic elements that Afroman brings to the stage. ...