Last Month's Poll Results, This Month's Poll, And A New Kiss Video!

It's poll day at The Sault Metal Scene! That's the general focus of today's post, going over last month's results and launching our new poll, but I do have an extra Kiss video tacked on the end, so stay tuned for that! Now, as you guys remember, last month's poll asked this question: What was your favourite metal concert in Sault Ontario in the first half of 2010? 42 votes, not bad, though I was hoping we'd at least crack 50. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers! Because of the expansive nature of the choices and selections, I'll give you guys the total results first, and then quickly go over some notes and thoughts afterwards. So, what did you guys pick to win the poll?

Frightlight at Coch's Corner on June 16 (17 votes, 40%)
Turner Up at The Canadian Nightclub on March 27 (8 votes,. 19%)
Garden of Bedlam at Foggy Notions on February 27 (5 votes, 12%)
Caveman Morrison at The Roosevelt Hotel on April 9-10 (3 votes, 7%)
Lion Ride & Sense of Truth at The Canadian on May 22 (2 votes, 5%)
Downtown Showdown at The Oddfellows Hall on May 28 (1 vote, 2%)
Crued at The Canadian Nightclub on May 1 (1 vote, 2%)
Garden of Bedlam & Half Past at The Canadian on April 2 (1 vote, 2%)
Sense of Truth at The Canadian Nightclub on February 26 (1 vote, 2%)
Algoma Hope4Haiti at Nite-Life Dance Club on February 20 (1 vote, 2%)
Ultraviolence at Coch's Corner on January 12 (1 vote, 2%)
Other (1 vote, 2%)
Keep The Faith at The Canadian Nightclub on March 13 (0 votes)
Destroyer at The Rockstar Bar on April 3 (0 votes)
Garden of Bedlam in Garden River on April 17 (0 votes)
Derelict & Beyond Within at Foggy Notions on May 6 (0 votes)
Second Coming at The Canadian Nightclub on June 18 (0 votes)

What surprised me early was that over 70% of the votes went to just three different concerts, when I assumed things would be more evenly spread. Of the shows that got no votes, I'm mostly not surprised. I expected the tribute shows wouldn't score highly (though they often should) and the Garden of Bedlam show was more fundraiser than concert, but NO ONE picked the Derelict show? Man, I'd have thought someone would, I heard great things from it! I'm also mostly not surprised from the many shows that scored a single vote, though I would have thought the Garden of Bedlam/Half Past, Algoma Hope4Haiti, and Ultraviolence shows would have scored higher totals. The Lion Ride/Sense of Truth show got a solid two votes, but probably deserved more. The joys of being on the May 2-4 weekend, huh? Caveman Morrison's April stops at The Rosie got 3 votes, not bad, though I'm a bit surprised they hit fourth with that number. Third with five votes was the Garden of Bedlam/Papa Fogals Chair show in February, about where I figured it'd place, in the top five or so! Second did surprise me though, Turner Up's show at The Canadian in March. They have a solid following and are a good band, I just thought there'd be too much disparity given their high count of concerts this year so far. Still, good on them making second, it's deserved!

And in first place, with 17 votes, 40% of the final vote, was the "secret" Frightlight concert at Coch's Corner on June 16th! Though this show was not advertised and had a relatively small group of fans given the nature of this show, I can completely see why it topped the poll! If you were there, you'll know exactly why it was a special must-see event, and though I can't divulge 100% of the things that went on, let's just say it's not every day that The Misfits are in attendance for a local show. I'm still kicking myself over missing this one! So there are your winners of this month's poll, and you can be sure that many of the above choices will be in our year-end "best concert of 2010" poll early next year, but with some more big competition, including a certain show involving four guys in black and white facepaint. But overall, this was a solid first half of 2010 for concerts, here's hoping there's many more to come!

And now, it's time for this month's poll! I had been deliberating a few choices for this month, and I came up with a good one that I imagine could have some interesting final tallies. Once again, I'm turning to local radio for a poll, but today, it's an often underrated aspect of it: Radio shows, and in particular, those on The Sault's Rock Station, Rock 101. Usually, when you turn your dial to 101.3 FM, you'll get a normal rotation of hard rock music, likely with a DJ to keep us in the loop in between. However, there are scheduled radio shows on Rock 101 (and of course, other stations) that are dedicated to a certain topic, theme, band, sport, or playlist. And though scheduled programs on Rock 101 are usually reserved for mornings or nights, they have a bunch with local listeners who make a point to check out every day/week when they come on. So that leaves this question: "What is your favourite radio show on Rock 101?" Note that because Rock 101 is our only "rock radio" FM station locally, we're only including shows from Rock 101 in the poll as individual choices, but if you want to pick a show on a non-rock station or one from outside the area, you'll have a chance! So here are your choices!

The Denny Lambert Show: Yes, we're including Rock 101's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds coverage here, including "The Denny Lambert Show". Hosted by Greyhounds play-by-play announcer Gerry Liscumb Jr., it's taped live from Wacky Wings on Trunk Road every Tuesday at 7:00 PM during the OHL season, as Liscumb, Greyhounds coach Denny Lambert, and a guest Greyhounds player discuss the team and recent games. I know there was some derision from rock fans over losing time for music to hockey, but there are Hounds fans out there who listen in and like the show, so would you say it's your favourite radio show on Rock 101?

Eddie Trunk Rocks: The newest syndicated radio show to make it's way to Rock 101, "Eddie Trunk Rocks" airs from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM every Sunday night. Hosted by Eddie Trunk from "That Metal Show" and numerous other radio/TV projects, this show talks about the world of metal, be it just the newest and greatest metal songs, a show devoted to one band/artist, full of interviews with notable metal musicians, or some combination of the above! I'm a huge fan of Eddie Trunk, he clearly loves and knows tons about metal and hard rock, and it shows every Sunday night! Also, for those of you who find Rock 101 repetitive, Eddie airs a lot of different stuff on his show, and it's all metal! It's one of my favourites, how about yours?

Flashback: Airing Saturday mornings on Rock 101 from 6:00 AM-10:00 AM, Flashback is a popular nationally syndicated program, serving basically a musical time capsule, with host Bill St. James taking listeners back to the past to enjoy the classic rock music of the time, interspersed with classic audio samples of hit movies, TV shows, and major news events back then. Some shows are themed, others are devoted to a certain time period, but it's a very entertaining listen regardless, especially if you grew up enjoying the music and programs being spotlighted! It does air very early, but it's a solid morning drive time show. What do you think?

The Hair Scare: Hosted by Rock 101's own Scott Cook, "The Hair Scare" is devoted to the best in 80's metal and hard rock, and though hair metal is a frequent sight, it's not exclusive to just that! Scott shares his own insight and memories into the bands being played, as well as taking requests and sometimes featuring guests and interviews! "The Hair Scare" airs Saturday nights at 9:00 PM onward, and compared to most of the in-house airplay that Rock 101 features, "The Hair Scare" probably has the most diverse lineup of songs compared to your typical 30 minute rock block, so make note of that! It's a very fun show, especially if you love the 80s metal scene and hair bands, but is it your favourite show on Rock 101?

In Concert: Airing Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM for an hour, "In Concert" is basically an hour long concert performance from a rock band. Always a good quality recording, the band being spotlighted changes every week, so this is a true mixed bag of a program. Generally, they have a good band though, and there is metal often, so it's worth listening to if you've got the radio on early Sunday mornings to see which band is on! Would this be your favourite Rock 101 radio show?

In The Studio: Right after "In Concert" wraps up, "In The Studio" comes on the air Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM on Rock 101! Hosted by the appropriately named Redbeard, "In The Studio" features interviews with notable rock and metal musicians and bands to discuss the recordings of some of their classic albums. These are generally very informative, as Redbeard talks directly to the artist(s) responsible about the recording, inspiration, and impact of some of the greatest CDs of all time! Some weeks also focus on the history of certain bands too. Again, this is an early show, but it's a great listen, even if you're not a huge fan of the artist, because there's always some good stories to share! Would you agree?

Sault Transit Greyhound Hockey: Rock 101 picked up the rights to air Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds games last year after the team left their old broadcast partners at Q104. Featuring Gerry Liscumb Jr. and Spanky Robinson behind the booth, the games air at varying times throughout the OHL season, with the first regular season games broadcasting in late September, and the last games broadcasting in March, not counting the playoffs. I know that a lot of Rock 101 listeners didn't like hockey cutting into their music, but again, there's bound to be Rock 101 lovers who follow the Hounds and listen to the radio broadcasts. So, are you a Hounds fan? Are the radio broadcasts of the games your favourite "show" on Rock 101?

Scott & Brian In The Morning: Rock 101's weekday morning show, "Scott & Brian In The Morning" airs from 6:00-10:00 AM Monday-Friday. It's hosted by Rock 101's Scott Cook & Brian Davie, with news from Tom Ewing and weather from meteorologist Karl Bohnak. The show features lots of rock music, along with lots of discussion over current news and events in music and pop culture from Scott & Brian, who inject their own wit and humor into the proceedings throughout! It's always a fun morning drive time show, with good chemistry, and I appreciate that it's made and produced locally! I listen on my way to school in the mornings, I like the show, but do you?

I just like the normal music rotation and/or the DJs: Most of the time at Rock 101, you'll just get music rotation, often in 30 minute rock blocks. The radio shows, with the exception of Soo Greyhounds-related programming, all air in the morning or on weekend nights. Chances are, when you tune in, you'll just hear music with a DJ behind the controls. And some people prefer this, they just want music, they don't tend to tune in for a radio show. Some people might just want to hear their favourite DJ, like John Delise, Alli J, or any of the others on the schedule. What say you? Would you rather just listen to the normal music rotation over a specific show?

My favourite radio show is on another station: Pick this choice if you either don't listen to/like Rock 101, or your favourite radio show of any type airs on another FM station we pick up here. Because really, there's no shortage for radio shows in the area, of varying types! Maybe you like Kidd Kraddick or Rick Dees on 99.5 Yes FM? How about one of the programs on CBC Radio One or WLSO: The Sounds of Lake State? Are you still loyal to Bob & Tom In The Morning or Nights With Alice Cooper, now on The Bear's Mackinac City feed at 94.5 FM? Or is there some other FM radio show/rotation you like on another station? Vote for that here!

I don't listen to the radio: Simple enough choice, if you don't listen to FM radio at all, vote for this choice! Cause I know some of you don't bother listening to the radio at all, so it's only fair of me to include this option.

VOTE TODAY!! I'm interested to see what radio shows you guys like on Rock 101, including how popular hockey might turn out to be, and if times for the shows have any impact on what you all listen to. This poll will run until SEPTEMBER 19TH, a full 30 days, and then we'll get back to our old schedule of polls starting and ending on the 18th of a month in October. So get voting! To close today's post, I have one more video from the Kiss concert last Tuesday! It's an edited version of YouTube user mrfatelurk's original video of Gene Simmons' bass solo, with the last part flipped to correct the sideways angle of the video. In the description of the original, he told viewers to "sue him" if they were gonna point out that part was sideways, but he still fixed the angle for a second upload, which was nice of him! Good quality, though honestly, the flipped video looks a bit squashed. Check it out below, and I will see you guys very soon with more, including my latest defunct local band profile, and more!