by SCOTT C

I've got a couple of questions for anyone who thinks they're qualified to answer out there, based on a reoccurring discussion that's been coming up since I started writing in this city. It seems that a few of us have conflicting views when it comes to reviewing local or Canadian music as it is released to the general public. Some would say that any terse words directed towards an independent release should be left out all together, opting instead to "support" local artists who already have it hard enough competing against a plethora of domestic and commercial releases. Others believe that the only way to build, fortify and sustain a community of strong, independent artists is to apply the same critical approach given to every other release available to the public.

What do you think? As someone who produces his own music, I tend to believe that you can never please everyone. There's always going to be someone out there who simply isn't open to whatever it is you're trying to get across. So in the end, you've really got to decide why you're making music in the first place. Are you shooting for critical acclaim, or are the critics' views a comical indulgence at best? All I can say is that no one making music in this city needs to be coddled. If you're putting it out there, be prepared for whatever comes your way. If you're proud of what you do, then just keep doing it.

Island City Monsters unite once again in a benefit show for the original island city monster, the Great Antonio. Offsides, D.R. One, Memo, Fat Sak, Eye 2 Eye, DJ Mana, Meta4ce and DJ Twitch are hitting the stage at Alizé tonight, Thursday, Sept. 18, to raise money for the Great Antonio's funeral (which, last I heard, was being paid for by some rich, anonymous Sun Youth donor). Apparently, as well as passing the mic, the boys will be engaging in various "feats of strength."

Hope you're ready for the Hold-up Mental extravaganza going down this Saturday, Sept. 20, at SAT, because it's a lot to swallow. From 9 p.m. till 3 a.m., the evening will feature traditional music, visual arts, video, dance, spoken word, poetry and performances by MCs, VJs and DJs. Acts like Loe Pesci, Mega, Narcicyst, Oni the Haitian Sensation, Oubekou, Black Pearl, Buttabeats and Lou Piensa will pepper the evening, so make sure you reach that night.

Seven reasons Ben Mulroney needs to be destroyed:
1. Fam-Lay "Rock 'N' Roll" (Star Trak)
2. Prefuse 73 "3 Sounds From 94" (Warp)
3. Viktor Vaughn "Raedawn" (Sound/Ink)
4. Specifics "Takin' It Back" (LP Music)
5. Various Paper Moon Soundtrack (Paramount)
6. Buck 65 "Sore" (Warner)
7. Tony Ezzy "Voltron Was a Drummer" (Ninos Malos)

This is doo-wop, stick around for the end… fathead@videotron.ca

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