Tyler Colins's Blog

Music Forevermore

No concerts this week, though lots of music listening—a joy I’d lost for two decades while doing mom-care duty. I can’t help but marvel at (and thank God for) finding and embracing it again.

It’s like an elixir, music. An awakening of the soul, discovering a love believed long lost. To think that such beautiful sounds, precious notes and thought-inspiring lyrics, might well have vanished forevermore.

It flows through my veins, my thoughts and musings. It breathes life. It GIVES life. It soothes malaise and diminishes fatigue. Music is spirit … essence … quintessence … heart … and soul.

I remember the day music re-entered my life—at the gym, when one song and vid caught my ear and eye. The Struts. A great band, which goes without saying, they’re the reason I managed to re-jumpstart my life. If I’d not heard that song and been motivated to check them out, I wonder if I’d have been prompted to re-evaluate my on-hold life and develop/define goals and dreams. Would I have been inspired to attend my first concert in years (and years) … to check out their competition … and embrace a wonderful world of lyrical, melodic delights?

I may still be moving at half-speed but it sure beats not moving at all. And, one day, without a doubt, I’ll be surging ahead … tripping the light fantastic to my own beat.

This Garbage Ain’t No Rubbish

Had the pleasure of seeing Garbage play a sold-out show at History last Wednesday. They’re as good, tight, and as commanding a force as ever.

Formed over three decades ago in Wisconsin, the band consists of the same talented members: Scotswoman/frontwoman Shirley Manson, guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Duke Erikson, drummer and percussionist Butch Vig, and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Marker. They were hot back then, with critically acclaimed [million-plus-selling] albums and hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When it Rains”, and they still sizzle!

The band offered a good selection of tunes from various periods in their thirty-plus years, including some from “Let All that We Imagine be the Light”, the latest [eighth studio] album—with LGBTQ+ supporter Shirley sharing stories and thoughts, further engaging an active/animated audience.

And hats offf to the opening bandStarcrawler. did they rock! Hailing from L.A., this hard-edged [alternative/indie] band—singer Arrow de Wilde, guitarist Henri Cash, bassist Tim Franco, drummer Seth Carolina, and pedal steel/guitar player Bill Cash—were spellboundingly amazinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng.

The Extraordinarily Remarkable Mirador

Mirador recently played the Opera House, a long-standing venue in T.O. that has seen some impressive bands over the decades. The concert surpassed all expectations—it delivered all that was hoped for, and then some!

A bit of background … The band was formed in 2024 by two stellar musicians, Jake Kiszka (Greta Van Fleet) and Chris Turpin (Ida Mae). Other members include Mikey Sorbello on drums and Nick Pini on bass and keyboards.

I’d read that when they’d chosen the name, Chris had suggested Marauder, but a typo resulted in Mirador. The guys checked the word and found it means a lookout or high place that offers a vast view, and went with it. Good choice.

My friend and I were expecting a good concert, given what we’d seen on YouTube and the like, but the vids we’d viewed didn’t do Mirador justice. These guys rocked! The talent, as evidenced by each bandmember, but particularly the two founders, was astounding. They’ll go far. No question.

Recently, I’ve been adding the odd band to my faves list; Mirador is now officially at the top.

A Bright Light in the Darkness

Had an opportunity to see The Darkness at the Phoenix Friday night, thanks to my good friend, who’s a huge (!) fan. I’d never really listened to them previously … not until Leda introduced me to them. Another band to add to the fave list.

For those not in the know, The Darkness—with frontman Justin Hawkins, guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor (yes, son of Queen drummer, Roger Taylor)—hails from the UK and has been around for over two decades. They’re listed as hard rock, glam rock, and glam metal. I just like to think of it them as rock with [tasty] crunch.

Engaging and humorous, Hawkins certainly charmed the crowd packing the 1350-persons-capacity venue. He and the band delivered and then some—delighting diehard [and new] fans alike. Cheering, swaying, bouncing abounded. The earth moved. Literally. (Happy, dancing feet shifted that floor—a lot.)

They’ve an extensive repertoire (with a few awards under their belt). Check ‘em out. You won’t be disappointed (I wasn’t).

A[nother] Literary Find

Discovered Stuart MacBride a month ago when I picked up The House of Burning Bones. Yet again, I was blown away—by a series new to me and some of the damn best writing I’ve ever read! Small wonder MacBride has made bestseller lists.

A Detective Inspector Logan McRae book, it begins with the bombing of a hotel in Aberdeen and soon explodes with a sundry of crimes that has McRae working 24/7. He’s quite a character, a bit unconventional from the other DI I’ve encountered in my fiction escapes. Though focused and diligent, he’s also a tad quirky, and is quite critical of his colleagues. He doesn’t hesitate to call them—to their faces no less—a “wee loon” or vulcanized flump” (and an assortment of other comical though not necessarily endearing or flattering nicknames).

The scenes are intense, some even gritty if not unsettling, and other are Monty-Pythonesque. I don’t recall reading many mysteries or police procedurals that have prompted so many frequent smiles and chuckles. The Mr Freezy Whip chase scene is hysterical!

I love that the book takes me to another part of the world—sometimes through dialogue with regional dialects, other times through narrative and/or details. (I actually jotted down a good 8-10 words per chapter that I’d never heard of before and Googled. Nothing better than expanding one’s vocab, though many of those words wouldn’t be understood if used in this neck of the woods.)

MacBride, owner of three handsome felines with the fab names of Gherkin, Beetroot, and Onion, has penned fourteen books and began the McRae series in 2005. Ah, to be that prolific … and successful. As done with Jeffrey Archer, I’m going buy the first book in the series and work my way up. Can’t wait!

The Last Hurrah …?

My writing accomplishments/endeavors aren’t shared off-line very often. Usually.

Doing so during a rare let’s-share-our-NON-work-lives with a colleague recently re-immersed me in the Triple Threat Investigation series.

The first book, The Connecticut Corpse Caper, did rather well. Lots of favorable reviews. The others (Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie, Coco’s Nuts, Forever Poi, HA-HA-HA-HA, and Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo) garnered much less reviews but, happily, all good ones.

Pat on back for those achievements. I so enjoyed writing the stories … and left the last one in limbo, so perhaps one day, I’ll return and officially close the series with everyone walking into the Oahu sunset. Whether joyfully or serenely will remain to be seen.

JJ, Rey, and Linda, the pretty P.I.s (pretty determined, pretty focused, pretty daring, and pretty cheeky) were a part of my life for several years and got me through incredibly challenging times. I’m grateful for that. Always will be. But it’s time to move onward … forward.

And moving forward means changes have to be made. Like [soon] closing down my Facebook page, as well as Instagram. And starting anew. So here’s to upcoming/new hurrahs—and never forgetting those that brought me to this stage.

Are YOU Ready … ?

I am. Ready to join the legion of Yungblud fans.

I’ve always rather liked Dom Harrison’s music, but REALLY got into it this year. And after seeing the documentary “Are you Ready, Boy?”—directed by Paul Dougdale—yeah, I’m ready to enjoy it even more.

Rotten Tomatos gave it an impressive [deserved] 99%. Filmed in Berlin, it features great music and moments—Dom sharing thoughts and memories, disclosing personal facts, baring his soul. The passion is evident, if not infectious. But it’s not just about him. We get to learn about the band members and people who make things happen. There’s humor and silliness, intensity and substance.

Tickets for the upcoming concert here sold out almost immediately and for the last few weeks, resellers have been asking $1000+ for a ticket. No comment, just a “grrrrrrrrrrrr”. But my friend and I have been checking daily to see if we can luck in a get tickets at a “reasonable” price. Fingers crossed!

The Fall of Summer

You always know summer is drawing to a close and fall is about the bend when the Ex (Canadian National Exhibition) opens—as it did this past Friday.

It’s a seasonal highlight and delight for many—how can it not be with all the rides, concerts/shows, games and attractions … never mind the crazy additions to the vast selection of edible offerings. A Biscoff Fried Chicken Crunch Ice Cream Sandwich, butter soda, or black donut anyone?

Though I’ve not been there for years, it’s hard to forget those fun times. Tiny Tim donuts and Sno-Kones and cotton candy. The Polar Express and Scrambler, and whatever rollercoaster struck my fancy (repeatedly). Walking the Midway (frequently). Making [temporary] friends. Enjoying the hyper vibe. And wishing the day would never end.

Haven’t been there in years. Always think of popping down as the ads tease and tantalize. Nostalgia and all that. But you can’t really capture what once was, so I’ll just retain those fond memories … and embrace the fact that with the end of the Ex on September 1st, another [all too brief] summer will have drawn to a close.

A Good Time Held by All

Another entertaining evening … a celebration of Ozzy at the Phoenix with Crazy Babies and Sons of Sabbath. And for a great cause too: the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

There wasn’t a great turnout, unfortunately, but for those that did attend, a good time was had by all. The music obviously didn’t disappoint.

For those not in the know, Crazy Babies is a Toronto tribute band (another by the same name hails from Detroit), as is Sons of Sabbath. They got the look and energy … and the sound’s pretty good too.

Here’s to you, Ozzy. Rest in peace.

 

Short & Sweet

Can’t not provide a [short and sweet] post that The Struts concert was all that was expected: a rocking great time. And gauging from the full house and reactions, everyone felt the same.

Like anything fun and fab, the show ended too quickly; now, it’s a mere [fond] memory.

There’ll be more concerts to see—and soon—and they’ll be entertaining and enjoyable, no question, but there’s something about watching your fave band that’s … well … DIFFERENT.

On that note, my friends, I’ll sashay off and listen to some tunes, and settle into a [relatively] serene Sunday.