Gary Numan @ The Concert Hall, Tuesday

Watch a few Gary Numan interviews and performances in advance of his sold out Toronto return on Tuesday.  

One For Caribana Weekend: Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra

With Toronto's Caribbean carnival in full swing, it's time to revisit the Katznejammers' steel pan update of Gary Numan's "Cars"

Watch Gary Numan and his dad on The New Music in 1980

Both Gary Numan and his father/manager Tony Webb were interviewed by Jeanne Beker for the New Music back in 1980. 

METZ previews rarities collection with animated clip for "Pure Auto"

Here's Scopion Dagger's view of METZ jamming in their rehearsal space. Their new rarities comp Automat is out July 12th on Sub Pop.

The new wave of steel pans

The unusual late May heatwave that hit Toronto has put me in the mood for some steel band music. Over in Trinidad and Tobago, they say every song sounds better on the pans – really. Right now, I know you're wondering, "even something like Cars by Gary Numan?" Yes, especially Gary Numan's new wave classic Cars. Don't believe it? Well, there was a decidedly dope version of Cars recorded live by Tobago's pan-pounding supremos the Katzenjammers for the album Panatics: Steel Band Music From The Island Paradise Of Tobago (Long View) which they put out in 1980 while Numan's robotic original version was still on the charts. Cheeky bastards! The Mighty Boosh's Vince Noir would definitely not be pleased.
However, the funky drumming on Katzenjammers delightful remake has made it a party-rocking b-boy favourite which inevitably led to a limited 7-inch repressing in 2005 on the Glasgow-based Red Hook label. But even that re-release isn't easy to turn up these days so enjoy this clip.

Gary Numan's Cars by The Katzenjammers