the ramones!

nardwuar interviews
lily allen! snoop doggy dogg!
a carolyn mark tour diairy!
choir practice horrorscopes!
saying goodbye to lees candies
dear shane!
my day as a mint intern!
mix tapes!
immaculate machine
comics!
plus more!

56 PAGES!

FREE!
SUMMER 07
 The Choir Practice
photo
photo by
by Karin
Karin Bubas
Bubas &
& Pete
Pete Bourne
Bourne

04 Wow, Its Our Masthead! free! vol. 6 summer 07

05 Letters!
Cover: The Ramones at the University of British
07 A Tour Story: Carolyn Mark & Amy Honey!
Columbias SUB Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
09 A Triple Release of Mint Records Classics! April 20, 1980
14 Dear Shane! Photo Bev Davies www.bevdavies.com
15 Nardwuar + Bev Davies = The Ramones! For the full story on this encounter,
please turn to page 15!
16 Nardwuar the Human Serviette Versus Lily Allen!
21 Saying Goodbye to Lees Candies
24 Some Mint Snapshots! M int Records Inc. is a small indie record label
based out of Vancouver, Canada. Since
25 from The Tyee: The Choir Practice! 1991, weve put our more than 100 releases by
such bands and artists as The Organ, Novillero,
26 Nardwuar the Human Serviette Versus Snoop Dogg! The Choir Practice, Carolyn Mark, Neko Case,
29 Some Mint Bands Tour Dates! The New Pornographers, The Awkward Stage,
The Evaporators, Immaculate Machine, cub,
30 Mix Tapes! Bella! Immaculate Machine! Carolyn Mark!
The Smugglers, P:ano, Duplex!, Young and Sexy,
32 My Day as a Mint Intern! I Am Spoonbender, Corn Sisters,
34 A Carolyn Mark Recipe! The Buttless Chaps, Huevos Rancheros,
Ramblin Ambassadors, John Guliak,
35 Mint @ SXSW 2007! Atomic 7, Bella, and others!
37 Choir Practice Horror-scopes!
Mint Records releases are distributed like so:
38 New Additions to Mint Records!
USA: NAIL Distribution www.naildistribution.com
42 From the Mint Archive! Canada: Outside Music www.outside-music.com and
44 Indie Retailers Map Canada! Scratch Distribution www.scratchrecords.com.
Benelux: Sonic Rendezvous www.sonicrendezvous.com
46 Indie Retailers Map Western USA!! UK: Shellshock www.shellshock.co.uk
48 A Select Mint Records Discography in Colour! Germany: Broken Silence www.brokensilence.biz
50 An Immaculate Machine Comic! New Zealand: Global Routes www.globalroutes.co.nz
50 Happy Bats DVD Reviews! Also, be sure to check out iTunes Music Store and
Zunior.com where more and more Mint titles are being
52 A Mint Discography! added all the time!
54 The Back Page by Elaine Corden!
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007
3

Mint Records Inc.
PO Box 3613, Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 3Y6
www.mintrecs.com
www.myspace.com/mintrecords
biz: Kevin Beesley: kbh@mintrecs.com
licensing: Bill Baker: bill@mintrecs.com
retail promotions/distro: Dave Gowans: dave@mintrecs.com
publicity: Yvette Ray: yvette@mintrecs.com
4 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE:
Andrew Pearson (Carolyn Mark, My Day as
a Mint Intern)
Andrew is a part time bon vivant and man about
town. Co-founder of Vancouver's Red Cat Records,
he fondly remembers buying the first Mint Records
7"... and still thinks that Tankhog rules.
The Awkward Stage (Dear Shane column) Mint
Records recording artist from Vancouver
www.myspace.com/theawkwardstageband
Available Mint items:
Heaven is for Easy Girls CD
Double A-Side Series Volume 1 split-7 b/w Young
and Sexy
Youth was a war. Youth crushed me. All I could do
was play music and goof off to cope. The Awkward
Stage came to me in the silence that occurred dur-
ing the third dunk of my head into the jr. high toilet.
Don't get me wrong, I did my share of dunking too.
Which is far more shameful to me. They are honest
pop songs. They are pleasant and accessible yet
manage to interest and surprise. You may not like
every thing I will do, but I promise it will always
come from the right place. Sincerely, Shane Nelken
(The Awkward Stage)
Bella (mix tape) Mint Records recording artist
from Vancouver www.bellamusic.org
No One Will Know CD/LP out fall 07
Bev Davies (Bevs vintage Ramones photos)
Vancouver BC photographer www.bevdavies.com
Available Mint item: Nardwuar vs. Bev Davies 2007
Punk Rock Calendar
The Buttless Chaps Mint Records recording artist
from Vancouver
Available Mint items:
Where Night Holds Light CD
Love This Time CD
Formed in 1998, The Buttless Chaps are a five -
piece ensemble that hails from Vancouver. Their fifth
studio record Where Night Holds Light was released
in 2006 on Mint Records. The band is currently
writing new material for another album with plans to
start recording this fall. Catch The Chaps on their
July tour of Western Canada at the dates on
page 29!
Carolyn Mark (tour diary, mix tape, recipe) Mint
Records recording artist from Victoria
Raised by St. Bernards in the Okanagan Valley,
Carolyn Mark was 'discovered' sleeping in the back
of Jewel's car in the early nineties. She has toured
so much in the past two years, she passed her own
self the other day. Though not really a team player,
Miss Mark is pleased to be associated with the Mint
Records Empire.
Available Mint items:
Nothing Is Free CD (brand new, just released!)
Just Married: An Album of Duets CD
The Pros and Cons of Collaboration CD
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the
Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund). Nous reconnaissons laide finan-
cire du gouvernement du Canada par lentremise du Fonds de la musique du Canada.
Fresh Breath of Mint is published at least three times a year by Mint Records Inc.
We welcome feedback and submissions. Please email mint@mintrecs.com
The views expressed in Fresh Breath of Mint are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect those of Mint Records Inc. Mint Records Inc. 2007
free! vol. 6 summer 07
Terrible Hostess CD
Tribute to Soundtrack to Robert Altmans to
Nashville compilation CD
Party Girl CD
CBC Radio 3 (Dear Shane column) Vancouver BC
www.cbcradio3.com
CBC Radio 3 is a satellite radio station on Sirius 94,
broadcasting primarily Canadian independent music
24/7. Its also a website and a podcast, and among
its hosts is presently-dormant Mint Records band
The Smugglers lead singer and hip shaker, Grant
Lawrence. CBC Radio 3 producer Chris Kelly also
moonlights as a member of the new Mint Records
signee, The Choir Practice.
The Choir Practice (Choir Practice Horrorscopes)
Vancouver BC www.myspace.com/thechoirpractice
Naughty choir castoffs get together to reclaim their
rightful place in the cutthroat and fickle genre that
is choral singing. Against all odds, this band of mis-
fits rises to fame amongst their peers. Its a real
Sin-derella story....
Available Mint item: The Choir Practice CD
Elaine Corden (The Back Page article) has been
documenting Vancouver's independent music and
arts scene for nearly 10 years, in large and small
publications across North America. If you're nice
and she thinks yer cute, she'll make you a mix tape
of all she's learned. elaine_corden@shaw.ca.
Immaculate Machine (comics, mix tape) Mint
Records recording artist from Victoria, of which
Brooke Gallupe is a member, along with Kathryn
Calder and Luke Kozlowski. Catch Immaculate
Machine on tour this summer!
Brooke started drawing during long, boring drives
while he is on tour with Immaculate Machine. He is
not very good at it yet, but it is cute to measure his
progress. He is inspired generally by the silly things
people do.
Available Mint items:
Fables CD/LP (brand new, just released!)
Les Uns Mais Pas Les Autres CD-EP
Ones and Zeros CD
Nardwuar the Human Serviette (Lily Allen, Bev
Davies, Snoop Dogg interviews) lead singer of the
Evaporators and also punk rock journalist!
Available Mint items:
Welcome to My Castle DVD coming in late 07
Nardwuar vs. Bev Davies 2007 Punk Rock Calendar
Doot Doola Doot Doo... Doot Doo! DVD
The Evaporators Ripple Rock CD
TheTyee.ca (The Choir Practice article) Visit
TheTyee.ca for indendent and influential journalism
that covers everything from politics to pole dancing,
climate change to film critique. And have your say
on all of it.
LETTERS!
Fresh Breath Of Mint! Volume 3
I f I ever had confidence enough in anything I did musically and
managed to put my shit on tape (and hooboy, that's taking a hel-
luva lot for granted), I'd only ever want my stuff to live on Mint
Records. Take a look at their roster and then try to disagree with
me that it looks like the coolest place in the world to be. Go ahead,
I'll wait
Aha! You can't do it. I knew it.
But since I'm a self-taught hack who only ever plays guitar when
no one else is home to hear me, I'll just remain content to revel in It all started with...
the releases of the great bands from Mint.
So imagine my delight when I learned they have a FREE maga-
zine! Who knew? Well, clearly you did, 'cos you're far more hip
gassyjack.com
than I'll ever be. But I didn't know, so I rejoiced when James sent
me Fresh Breath Of Mint! after snagging a copy for me at the
coolest record shop in Saskatoon, the Vinyl Diner. You should shop
there. Constantly.
Anyway, I devoured every word. How could I not? Narduar The
Human Serviette interviews Tommy Chong (and just about every-
one else), Carolyn Mark tells tour stories and shares recipes,
Immaculate Machine gives a Top Ten list, and there's two puzzles
to test your brain, courtesy of the Buttless Chaps and Novillero.
And more, like Young And Sexy! What's not to love? These pages
are great. I mean, who doesn't want to know whether Slayer likes
yogurt or not? And I so totally want Carolyn Mark's cookbook for
Christmas. I wonder how many of her recipes call for red wine...
OK, OK, so far this review is pretty breathless, so let me admit that
I do have one complaint about this whole affair: In my sweaty little
hands is Volume 3, and that means that somewhere out there are
two other volumes I have not yet read! Will the injustice of the uni-
verse never cease? Does anybody have Volumes 1 and 2 that I
could borrow?
You oughta go get yourself a copy of this little mag. Tell 'em I sent
you.
http://music-kma.livejournal.com/20593.html
Long Live That Mint-y Freshness!
T his is a big THANK YOU to the completely cool folks at Mint
Records. Nice one! You see, I recently reviewed Mint Records'
free magazine (Volume 3) in these pages, which prompted a com-
ment from Mint themselves, proving yet again they are awesome
by offering to send the latest ish, Volume 5. Of course, I said
yesyesyes please! Who wouldn't?
A quick couple of days later a parcel arrived in the mail with not
only the offered Volume 5 as promised, but also A Mint Harvest (a
totally rocking Fall 2006 label sampler CD), and a cool Mint
Records logo lapel pin (in mint green, of course). Right on!
Fresh Breath Of Mint Volume 5 is much bigger (48 pages), and
highlights include, um, all of it! Carolyn Mark tells some hilarious
tour stories, Nardwuar interviews Ice-T, Joan Jett, Bev Davies and
James Brown (but not together, although how cool would that have
been?), the Buttless Chaps answer some tough questions, Mint
shares some photos from their vaults, Young And Sexy share a
crossword, Elaine Corden writes about The Hive Creative Labs, Jen
Zorati from thenewpollution.net gives us Hanging Out With All Of
Your Friends, we get hilarious comics of Novillero and Immaculate
Machine, and a Nardwuar photo album with Snoop Dogg. Also
included is a handy list of Mint label releases, which proves I need
to get to my local record shop soon to fill in the gaps in my collec-
tion! Yeah, this mag was fantastic. Yummy!
Once again, my huge thanks to Mint for hooking me up with Fresh
Breath Of Mint Volume 5, and with A Mint Harvest! And to you,
dear readers, I tell you that the folks over at Mint are way, way
cooler than a lot of the absolute shit that gets passed off as popu-
lar out there. And you can take that to the bank! Tell 'em KMA
said so!
http://music-kma.livejournal.com/23420.html
Wed like to hear what you think!
Write us a letter! Email shena@mintrecs.com
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 5
The Amy Honey/Carolyn Mark Together
at Last for the First Time Tour!! Part 1
text by Carolyn, photos by Amy
It may, after all, be the bad habit of creative talents to invest them- Yeah. Do you know what to do? says she.
selves in pathological extremes that yield remarkable insights but no Maybe.
durable way of life for those who cannot translate their psychic
It feels like I am so obviously The Dude in this
wounds into significant art or thought Theodore Roszak pairing and so while I do battle with the lug nuts
had to get Incredible Hulk-style mad to get that
I just think its a constant struggle. It could be a daily thing... Its last one off-while the rigs whip by awfully close,
probably a VISION; just the idea of having to go through this for 50 ruffling my ruffle-butt panties (So maybe Im not
ALL dude.)
more years... just being aware that life is something that we have to
GET THROUGH.... David Wojnarowicz Amy smoked and took pictures.
We were back on the road in 20 minutes with
Day 1. Vancouver. Woo hoo! Le Phew! At the time we figured that
he was asking about our provisions for legal rea-
kind of an adrenaline rush, mostly from the tire
change but also, getting back on the I-5 from the
The Honey Hut. sons but in retrospect, maybe he was just asking
out of concern, like if these two Lesbian Vampires
inside lane is a bit of a knuckle-whitener.
Have you ever done that before? Amy asked.
W oke Amy up with coffee and the news that
our CDs had been seized and sent to
Oakland, California instead of Bellingham,
are dumb enough to want to see Sumas, maybe
theyre not smart enough to feed themselves while Well no. Not exactly. But Ive watched lots, I
in my country! replied casually.
Washington and that a Toxicity Report had to
be filled out on account of the fact that wed There is a brief time after they let you into The Amy has been having some hard times recently. It
included some felt pens in the box. What a States where you think theyre gonna realize that is in my nature, being half St. Bernard and all, to
world. O these trying post-911 times. Whats next theyve made a mistake and come after you. So want to rescue her by example. The theory being
LIPSTICK? I tossed and turned all night, rehears- you dont stop to pee in Blaine even though you that if Im TWICE as strong itll drag her out of
ing answers for any questions the border guard have to; you wait for the next town which is the avalanche. Like when someone has something
might throw my way. He threw me for a loop with Bellingham, where we stopped by to pick up the on their face so you brush yours until they brush
the one he did ask: So why did you come Al Green box set wed ordered from a sympa- theirs. Despite the fact that this technique has
through this crossing? thetic enabler. never once proven effective, I am compelled to
stick with it. Either the language of intimation is a
We had chosen the rural Sumas crossing to avoid And then back onto the I-5. The I-5 is notoriously
little subtle, or maybe some people just prefer the
the Orwellian misery of the notoriously busy bumpy. Every time Ive driven it Ive thought
thrill of an avalanche. Mostly I think once were
Peace Arch, figuring that the guards would be in Theres something wrong with my tire and
far enough away from Vancouver and in some
better moods and more receptive to our charms. pulled over to discover nothing wrong. So this
sunshine, itll all be all right.
time when the shimmying started up, just as I was
Uh.. I just wanted to see it? I mumbled lamely. thinking, Oh no. Youre not gonna get me with Amy doesnt drive. Not Cant drive. Doesnt
You wanted to see SUMAS?! he said incredu- that tire paranoia this time! a pick-up truck drive. And there is a difference. My friend J. who
lously, leaning a little farther out of the booth. I pulled up beside us inexplicably dragging a long Cant drive is an amazing shotgun. She never
gathered he was local. white string behind it. The man in the window tells me what to do and always washes the wind
was pointing down and mouthing the words Flat shield when we get to the gas station. Passenger-
Yes. Tire! wise, Amy is a bit of an Anxious Annie and fear
Well do you have any food? is contagious. I drive best when people either
My first thought was Oh yeah? Well youve got
have complete faith or dont give a shit. I have
I mentally ran through the contents of the pic-a- a string! which I guess was rather immature.
decided that this will be the tour I learn about
nic basket. I pulled over and sure enough, the Honk Kong sharing. (I hate it.)
Some... uh... bread, I said not sure about the Womans rear right was flat.
Got to Seattle (raining) and headed for our friend
Rules of Fruit. Any wine? Hmm. Interesting. It was drizzling and we were Dres house the third in our coven-black hair,
Yes on the inside shoulder with the rigs whipping by. freckles, hilarious.

All right. Have a nice day. So, we got any tools? says I.
Continued on page 11!

FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 7

 The hypothesis is that a bunch of people singing their lungs out is irresistible,
and based on this its hard to argue the point.
Georgia Straight, Vancouver, BC
...is a 10 piece indie-rock choir that recalls the beautiful harmonies
of The Free Design and graduates of The Langley Schools Music
Project! Features the voices of Coco Culbertson (The Gay),
Larissa Loyva (P:ano) and Ida Nilsen (Great Aunt Ida).
A triple release of some
Mint Records Classics!
cub
Betti-Cola
T his is the album that put Mint Records and Cub on the map.
Betti-Cola, the debut record from the founders of Cuddlecore!
Available again in this expanded and re-mastered format which fea-
tures classic artwork by Dan Decarlo of Archie Comics fame.
Originally released in 1994, this release compiles songs from early
Cub 7"s as well as 15 songs recorded for the album. An essential
Cub release, Betti-Cola topped the Canadian college charts for 3
months and garnered positive press from critics and fans around
the globe. Includes 4 bonus tracks not on original album!
"Insanely catchy debut" All Music Guide
8.0 Pitchfork
Come Out Come Out
S till to date one of Mint Records top five sellers, here are Mint we
are happy to present again Cuddlecore pioneers Cub's sopho-
more effort Come Out Come Out presented in a remastered format!
Featuring the songs "New York City" and "Flaming Red Bobsled".
1995's Come Out Come Out presented the amazing growth of Cub
as a band with bassist Lisa Marr, guitarist Robynn Iwata and Lisa G
on drums and proved to the fantastic pop creation that made them a
mainstay on the independent music scene. Includes 3 bonus tracks
not on original album!
"Each of the eleven tracks here is an absolute gem"
All Music Guide
8.1 Pitchfork
Maow
The Unforgiving Sounds
Of Maow
File under Neko Case, The Gay
Featuring Neko case on Vocals and Drums!
M int Records is happy to again offer up this well trained boxing
gym cow-punk trios hard-hitting garage sounds Released in
1996, The Unforgiving Sounds of Maow is full of highlights, such
as Neko Case belting out some Wanda Jackson and Nancy Sinatra
numbers while spanking the cans in full Levon Helm style. Maow
sounds kind of like Nancy Sinatra going out drinking with The
Cramps. Not a trio of gals to be taken lightly The Unforgiving
Sounds of Maow references brazen, raunchy garage and rock 'n'
roll in the tradition of The Trashwomen and The Shitbirds!
"Full of wheezing bluegrass fiddles, tributes to Hank Williams, a
Wanda Jackson cover and several testimonies to the virtues of
being an ornery, Jack-bottle-wielding wildwoman and is, there-
fore, totally entertaining." eye weekly
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007
9
Unrolled our bedrolls and then went to the train
station to get Phil (guitarist extrordinaire, one half
of The Shiftless Rounders, living in Portland for a
while). Said hed play with me if I picked him up.
Fair deal. I was glad of the sonic assistance as
The Sunset Tavern on a Friday night is quite rau-
cous. We grabbed him and went back to Dres to
eat, drink and whore up. Phil told me that Benny
the other Shiftless Rounder was coming to
join us on dobro. Awesome. Only thing we need-
ed was keyboard. Dre made some calls and
found us one. It was called The Optimus and
needed 6 double D batteries which we got at a
7-11 and voila!
The thing had built in speakers, like a keyboard
boom box essentially, so I made a soundtrack for
Phil-icious to drive to. (Been sober now bout 5
years. Doesnt hold it against you. Always up for
driving. Awesome.) I noticed a button marked
applause on The Optimus and sure enough, a
Carnegie Hall sized crowd clapped out of the
speakers. Lets hear it for Philberts driving!
Wahhhhhhh. A keyboard that generates its own
applause. God if we could teach it to drive and
get paid after the show, Amy and I could really
concentrate on our drinking!
Had a really fun show. Realized how much I
needed to play a show. I get like a sled-dog in a
kennel if theres no show. Ready to go, like a shot
from a pistol! Phil-egal and Benny were great
and we all played with Amy, and not to let mod-
esty get in the way of the truth, we rocked!
The other band were great too. Brent Amaker
and the Rodeo. CD release party. Forgot I had
played with them before until I re-met the guy
named Sugar. Brent Amaker was wearing these
leather gloves (O.J. Simpson gloves Dre called
them). For a moment it was just the two of us
back stage and so I asked him if he could just
strangle me gently for a moment. When the initial
shock wore off, he made sure the coast was clear
and obliged. Creepy groovy!
(When I got home I told The Maintenance Man
about this encounter thinking hed think it was
hilarious, but he said, Jesus Carolyn. Youre
going around asking strange men in American
bars to STRANGLE you?! Thats nice. and hung
up. He really oughtta travel more...)
The other hilarious moment was watching Mr.
Amaker, who had brought a huge satin cape la
James Brown for the big show and was checking
himself out in the backstage mirror, turn to his
band-mate, eyebrows knitted together in an arc
of concern and say, Sugar, do you think I should
have the guitar inside the cape or outside? What
do you think, Sugar? I said, James Brown
would never ask his band how to wear a cape.
Just fucking get out there man!
Back to Dres after the show where, from what
Ive managed to piece together Columbo-style,
someone must have poured wine down my throat,
made me get high and crammed smoked oysters
into my mouth.
They say she looked a whole lot like me.
Day 2. Seattle.
B reakfast at the still-undiscovered-by-hipster
place with Dre, Holly the Welder, Mandrew 2
and Amy. Scrambled eggs, rye toast, tomatoes on
the side.
(Fuck. Forgot I was gonna lay off the bread this
tour I AM in show business after all...)
Tried to kidnap Dre but I guess those rich folks
kids arent gonna teach themselves to finger
paint. She got us clearance to use The Optimus
for the whole tour which ruled! Thank you Dan
Paulus!
Picked up Philliam at Bennys place outside
Olympia on the water, big screen t.v., a dog to
pet asked if we could come and hang out for
one of our days off and he said sure.
Back on the I-5 heading south to Portland.
Dropped Phil McCracken off at his house and
headed for the vegetable packing district in hopes
of finding Miss Melissa Dyne, a former and I
hoped, still active, partner in crime.
I had called from Olympia but shes joined the
Blackberry Generation and just told us to call
when we got closer. Amy and I have no cell
phone and people keep marvelling at us. Well,
not really marvelling I guess. Whatever the word
is for when you see the female black widow eat
her mate after sex. Thats what their faces look
like theyre watching when they find out. Im not
sorry that we dont have one but the only thing
Im even slightly Howard Hughes-ey about is feel-
ing recent warm wetness on the mouthpiece of a
pay phone. Microphones dont bother me. Just
pay phones. Especially American pay phones.
No answer the first three times and Melissas
phones from California so its like 3 bucks a pop.
If you ever want to feel like a world class loser try
calling someone whos not answering from a pay-
phone while someone else with a vested interest
watches. Im talking William H. Macy in Fargo.
Killed some time shopping for dinner and pic-a-
nic basket supplies at the Sheridan Market until
eventually it was obviously wine oclock so we left
one last message and drank some of yesterdays
wine, hanging out by the car.
Melissa, of course, shows up at the moment we
are considering losing faith and lets us into her
illegal conceptual artist Flashdance warehouse
where weve had a million chats and come up
with all our Theories and had a thousand laughs
and revelations.
Only this time shes not staying. Shes going to
visit her sweetie and oh by the way her sweetie
doesnt like it when theres indoor smoking and
O Carolyn youre really going to like her!
Yeah well, not if I cant smoke, I mutter through
clenched teeth.
O ho! What are these pangs? Could this be the
fabled green eyed monster Jealousy rising within
me, resurfacing after lying dormant all these
modern years? I hadnt felt the icy hand on my
heart and the scratchy embarrassment since
everyone but me slept with Dave Lang that sum-
mer which back then I thought was the price of
fatness. Here? Now? With my sweet Melissa?
My Inner Scottish Man was clamping my lips
together and holding my head up high. Well
would your sweetie mind terribly if you left us a
key? I said coolly.
She left us a set, grabbed some groceries and
clothes, helped us figure out where we had to go,
and split. While the echo of the closing door was
still decaying, I adjusted my monacle, turned to
Amy and said, You know how when a cats mad
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 11
at his owner, hell take a shit in the closet?
Yeah? she says.
Well, were smoking inside!
The venue is called Mississippi Studios. Upstairs
its a recording studio where a very handsome
man, with a boner-inducing selection of key-
boards, was mixing. Downstairs its a cute listen-
ing theatre. We arrive for the tail end of the early
folk show just in time to hear David Francey say-
ing I say we bugger the 10 oclock show and
keep playing!
Buy us a drink first then, I say to no one.
The show is very folky. Im not sure if Amys ever
done one of these but I know shell instinctively
know what to do. That kind of silence is
nervewracking. I always think theyre thinking the
worst. Then I have to think about why people
would come and pay and stay for a show they
hated and just tell myself that silence doesnt equal
hatred. England was good training for this. Their
quiet always makes me go all quiet. It ended up
being a-ok and it put some money in the kitty,
plus we knew wed be playing a bar show the
next night. Licence-to-Phil came and played bril-
liantly (Philliantly?)
I think our nicknames might be getting on his
nerves.
To the warehouse then for a nightcap, Amy?
Why yes, Carolyn.
Get home. Park the car. Its raining. Grab the
gear and the blankets. Find the key, slide it in the
lock and hmmm. Thats weird. Jiggle jiggle. Huh.
Maybe its the other way. Yeah? No. Okay. Put the
crap down and go in two handed silently praying
that Amy wont offer up a suggestion like Why
dont you pull it out a little while you turn it? in
case Im forced to kill her when she says Why
dont you pull it out a little while you turn it?
Sigh.
How can she not know the golden You-can-drive-
or-you-can-shut-up rule that me and all the dudes
and Diona and all good show-folk know? To be
fair, I guess I didnt know about The Rule until the
day Tolan told me to stop busting his balls or until
I started driving people around all the time and
figured out what that bugged me would probably
be somewhat universal.
I try all manner of jiggling/twisting/pulling com-
binations with the key to no avail.
I hand the key to Amys awaiting hand. She does
the same and I resist speech. Nothing. Fuuuuuuck.
I go back to the Sheridan Market pay phone comes out with a sack of garbage and throws it
leaving Amy in the soggy door way with all our into an awaiting dumpster.
hobo blankets and try Melissa. No answer.
O please! Let us in! Let us in! we say.
I am thinking of my friend The Vampire and how
He takes one look at our scene-hobo blankets,
I called him once as I walked down this very
picnic basket, wet hair and wild eyes and backs
street when I got sent out for more wine so Id
up saying, No way.
have someone to talk to because the neighbour-
hood is kind of sketchy, in case anything hap- Wait! says Amy and does this AMAZING song
pened Id be talking to someone and someone and dance about who we are and how were not
who wouldnt judge me because its not anyone crazy and how we actually HAVE a key but its
you can call and tell them youre alone late at the wrong one and how were lady singers from
night in a sketchy area without activating The Canada and our wines inside and he backs
Questions and so now Im mourning both him away from her monologue, holding the door
and my phone because theyre both gone so I am for us.
like that when I return to our door way with the
She wore him down man! Everyones worst quali-
good news. And I dont want to say anything
ties are always their best too. Its just that you
about missing him because I know Amy will pipe
dont usually get to hear the other side of the
up with a story about how she misses him too but
record in such a short time frame. She is a force
I dont want to hear it because she didnt know
that can open doors! I probably would have slept
him like I did.
outside. (I had just done so recently in Ballard
I am no good at sharing. I hate it actually. and was feeling very Clint Eastwood about it.)
Always have. When my brother was born, and I
That neighbourhood is so sketch and that building
felt that the valve of Direct Attention was diverted
is so uptight because its all illegal and if home-
away from me, I reverted back to diapers and
less people got in, well they already did and
repeatedly tried to kill him.
STOLE some shit etc but she wore him down man!
I guess nothing much has changed since then. And thats a talent. And then we were inside back
at the table, INSIDE like real people, replaying all
Amy goes to call Chantal who Ive known since I
the key parts and laughing about how it was
was 15, whod been at the show with her awe-
super okay with us to be HOMELESS but HAVING
some new boyfriend. Chantal happens to live one
NO WINE AFTER A SHOW is fucking serious.
floor below Melissa. I picture them fucking and
laughing while the phone rings and rings. Amy asked me recently if I thought she was ever
The Dude on our tour and since I was drunk and
Amy comes back and suggests we move all our
ornery and had a small audience I said, NO!
stuff to the front door because for starters its
way too fast. But in truth, this night she was defi-
under an awning and secondly if its Saturday
nitely The Dude albeit in a very Lady way.
night, some illegal artist is gonna come home or
leave their loft right? Right. If life were like The Muppets, its like I WANT to
be a Rolph (you know, the mellow piano playing
We drag everything to the front and Amy calmly
dog who just seems happy to be alive) but always
makes a bednest out of the quilts. (Okay so now
END UP being a Miss Piggy.
that were HOMELESS youre quiet as a mouse
but get a HANGNAIL and the whole world has to (Oh and did you hear the one about the guy who
hear about it?? Okay. I see. Neko was like that couldnt spell and spent the night in a WARE-
too.) house?)
I pace for a while and then resign myself to sitting
beside Amy who is really such a fucking trooper,
xo
thinking, Well its okay we can just be winos
Carolyn Mark
only...
The Last Resort
THE FUCKING WINE IS INSIDE!!! April 2007
Okay. This is serious. Weve GOT to get in there!
Give me those keys. I go and jiggle for 15 min- (Want the rest of the
utes or so until my knuckles callous and I notice
that I am whimpering. As I am rounding the cor-
story? For parts 2 & 3, go
ner, the front door opens and a silver haired man to carolynmark.com!)
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 13
 On
On the
the
Cover
Cover

I am about to go on tour and I am fairly

small and I have a really big piece of
gear I want to bring with me. I'm not
talking about a piano, but I am playing
through a bass amp, a big Fender bass
amp, which I can not lift by myself. And I
was wondering, how much can I expect
as
as photographed
photographed by
by
the bar to help me out as far as loading
and unloading gear goes? I don't know
Bev Davies
what is polite and what isn't. Should I be
writing this into my contract? Do you
think it is a good idea if I call up the bar
and let them know I'm going to need
help?

Lisa Poushinsky
Ottawa, ON

Hi Lisa,
How much can you expect help from the bar staff? What a sweet kid. The only
thing you can really expect from bar staff, with any certainty at all, is body lice.
Let's be honest.

Definitely get it in writing, 'cuz even then, you have very little recourse out there
in the big bad world. You have to remember that these people, they hate you.
They hate themselves. They feast on your hopes and dreams.

Promoters, soundmen and barstaff, with very few exceptions, are miserable vac-
uous human husks of self-loathing and despair, often with graying ponytails.

The fact that you are a young woman dealing with these backwoods, sexually
malfunctioning, has-been, potbellied, human douches means you're usually in
for an extra dose of dismissive condescention and blatant misogyny. What you
can do in your position is sweet-talk them. And they might help you out of a
sudden jolting realization that this may be their only interaction with a female
they'll have that doesn't end with their Visa number, a box of tissues and a sad April 22, 1980 SUB Ballroom
little dial tone, or a pillow named Susan. University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC, Canada
Before tours, I will often start an equipment lifting exercise regiment. I do three left to right: Marky Ramone, Joey Ramone, Pinhead
to four reps of ten to twenty amplifiers up the stair lifts, maybe a few drum
hardware forearm curls, some guitar lunges and the odd keyboard squat.

N o stranger to the pages of Fresh Breath of
You may also want to practice eating garbage, staying awake for days on end, Mint, Vancouver BCs Bev Davies took the cover
not washing, and building up a Herculean tolerance for watered down drinks photo of this issue. In fact, she might not even be a
and stale cigarette smoke. stranger to you as her 2007 Punk Rock Calendar,
with this very picture, could even be up on your wall!
If you are prone to crippling depression or suicidal episodes, definitely don't go. Lets join Nardwuar the Human Serviette and
But give me your phone number. Bev in conversation about the Ramones pics you see
here on these pages...
But, most importantly, never forget why we do this: we're raving narcissists.
Now if you will excuse me, I've got my Visa card out and there are several
Nardwuar: Who are you?
highly personal phone calls I have to make. Bev Davies: Bev Davies!
Nardwuar: This is from the SUB Ballroom at
Shane Nelken
UBC in Vancouver, right across from CiTR fM
Rocktologist/Cremationist 101.9 Radio where I do my radio show. I
The Awkward Stage can't believe so many amazing gigs hap-
pened there.
Bev: Yeah, the SUB Ballroom was a good place for
shows. The Ramones were great there. Their song "I
Want To Be Sedated" is great. lt's the song that hurled
me into punk rock music.
Nardwuar: Did you ever get a chance to
speak to the Ramones?
Bev: Not at this show, but about a year later I saw them
at the Commodore Ballroom. I went to the soundcheck
and they were doing interviews with the local
press. I asked Dee Dee how they remembered
what song was what, with the quick 1-2-3-4
count and all songs sounding a bit the same
but I hope I didn't say that. He told me that if
anybody in the band went into the wrong
song, all the others turned and looked at that
band member who now owed each of them
fifty dollars.
Nardwuar: Now, at Warped Tour
2007 you talked to Arturo Vega,
webmaster of ramonesworld.com
and Ramones historian and he had a
different take about the fining of
band members?
Bev: Yes he did. He was at the Warped Tour
with a booth of Ramones things, sort of a
museum and you had given him my calendar
so I went over to talk to him. I asked him about
the fines for the wrong song. He said it sounds
more like a "Dee Dee story" then the truth. But I
still stand by the story Nardwuar.
Nardwuar: In the other shot you
have of the Ramones with Joey and
Dee Dee, who is that girl inbetween DOA and the Young Canadians. Buzz and Dave
them? the Soundproof hosts were great.
Bev: That's Susanne Tabata. She is a producer Nardwuar: Well, thanks for your time
and director now, but then she was part of the Bev Davies, keep on rawkin' in the
early CiTR radio days and got started in televi- free world and doot doola doot doot
sion working on Nite Dreems, a live late night Bev: Click Click.
Vancouver TV music show. I think she was doing
an interview with The Ramones for Nite Dreems. Visit Bev Davies website at
I'd love to see some of that show again, it was
so far ahead, no other music TV, it was the first. www.bevdavies.com
Nardwuar: What about
Soundproof? That was also a
great local cable access TV show
from Vancouver. Don't forger Buzz
and Dave. Soundproof!
Bev: Soundproof was Shaw Cable and
Nite Dreems was Rogers. Vancouver could
only get Rogers, you had to have cable to
get these shows, they weren't on the air. I
think Nite Dreems ran for a couple of
years before Soundproof and Soundproof
was from North Vancouver and Shaw
Cable. I used to go to the Soundproof stu-
dio to see it and watch local bands like

14 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 15
 Nardwuar: Who are you? pulls out a Jackie Mittoo Yes, you've Starbucks? Yes I am.
Lily Allen: I'm Lily Allen. [laughs] record] taught kids No, ah, yes I did. [laughs] Like, back hair on a man? Why is that?
Lily Allen, welcome to Vancouver, Ah, Jackie Mittoo! stuff through the What did you do the other day? Because a lot of artists are afraid of
British Columbia, Canada. Jackie Mittoo lived in use of a mixtape. Yesterday didn't you have a CD signing the back hair.
Hello. Toronto for a while. Who You've put together in a Starbucks? Are they? [laughs]
Right off the bat I wanted to give you is Jackie Mittoo and how a mixtape and who Yes, I did. Yeah, a lot of people are afraid of the
a Vancouver gift. I have this bag here does it play into "Smile?" did you have on the So you've come full circle? back hair. Why do you like back hair
for you from Astrosatchel. [Nardwuar It's sampled from Jackie Mittoo. mixtape? [Nardwuar It wasn't a CD signing. It was a poster signing. on a man?
gives Lily a bag] [laughs] The song. pulls out a Red Rat record] But still, you hung out at Starbucks. So What other artists have been vocal about back
[laughs] Thanks. So we have some Canadian content I had Red Rat. what hair?
Now if you turn over the bag, what do right in there with "Smile." What can you tell and teach Well, when I've performed myself,
you see on the front of that bag? What I didn't know that Jackie Mittoo was Canadian. the people, Lily Allen? Let's jumping around on stage with
design is there, Lily? Well, he lived in Canada later in his have you serve a purpose a shirt off, kids would try
Uh, hair. life. He was born in Jamaica but died here. What can you teach to light me on fire
Or it could be interpreted as wigs? in Toronto, so it's some Canadian con- the people about The Red 'cause they don't
Yes, wigs. tent. Rat? like the back hair
And there's been some controversy There you go, that's the connection. It's not The Red Rat. He is and they get
regarding Lily Allen wigs. Do you wear But there's more Canadian connections called Red Rat. really sick of
a wig Lily Allen? Lily Allen. North American tour, you started your And it's amazing. Is it the back
[laughs] No! [laughs] Is there? North American tour in a he or is it a she, hair.
I thought this might throw the Your music teacher, was she not Toronto. 'cause that's very Oh, OK.
paparazzi off now 'cause they'll think Canadian? Rachel? Toronto. daring isn't it? So to
you're carrying a wig case when Yes she was, Rachel Santesso, she is Canadian Yeah. [laughs] It's a he and I think he know
you're carrying it around. indeed. I think she might be coming here tonight Lily Allen, Jackie Mittoo, Rachel hails from Jamaica, that Lily
Yeah. Has it got a wig in it? No? actually. and probably Kingston, yes Allen
No, there's no wig in it. It's just a bag She lives in Vancouver? Toronto. Kingston, Jamaica. likes
to carry the wig, you know to throw I don't know. She definitely said she was coming So Lily Allen, when did you get into And he has a lot of back
off the have you had problems with to one of my Canadian gigs. I'm pretty sure the ska? How did you get into ska? I really good songs. hair,
the wig? What is the connection Vancouver, yeah. She lives in England, but I think love the ska. And he ended up that's
between wigs and Lily Allen? her family are from here. Maybe. How did I get into it? My parents were very into on your mixtape. awesome.
I wore a wig once on stage at a festival called Which is awesome because we have ska music, that's how. Actually, he ended up on Yeah, I like
Bestival. It was a pink wig. Jackie Mittoo, we have your music Just through their collections? two of my mixtapes. back hair.
What a nice name, Bestival. They real- teacher and we Yeah, I guess so. But it didn't just stop You have an
ly worked hard on that name. also have Did you get dressed up as a little rude there, Lily Allen. You amazing
It is pretty amazing. you, girl and go out to any gigs? See any also ploughed into the tongue. Have
And since then people local ska bands? world of Cutty Ranks. people said that
have been asking, "Are I had the whole, like, little shirt and tie and the [Nardwuar pulls out a Cutty to you Lily Allen?
you wearing a blazer and the pork pie hat. That was me Ranks record] Now Ms. Ska You have an amazing
wig?" when I was a kid, dancing around. Expert, what can you tell us about tongue?
Uh, no. I've never What bands did you check out? Cutty Ranks and Red Rat and all that My boyfriend has. [laughs]
had the question Alex from Franz Ferdinand was sort of stuff? Ba-boom. What I meant by that,
before. in a ska band at one time "Who Say Me Done" - this is the really, really you've had a lot of photos taken of
It's good to called The Amphetameanies. good song which goes, "You want to test the changed? you, and your tongue is always posi-
clear that Were there any local ska rocket launcher?" et cetera. I'm not going to go My record company made me do it. [laughs] tioned really interestingly. What are
up then. bands you checked out from any further 'cause it'd be a bit embarrassing. But How did you feel going into that the different Lily Allen tongue posi-
[laughs] England? yeah, good music. Starbucks after making that comment tions?
Well, Lily No. And I think that's great. You can put in TimeOut London? What did you [Lily shows tongue positions] That one, that one,
Allen, I None? that on a mixtape and a kid can listen have, did you have anything there? that one, that one, that one occasionally.
was also It's kind of a bit before my time to it and go, "Hmmm." You can teach Yes. I had a coffee. A latte. [laughs] I like the little one, the little cat one.
wondering, really. him something about it, so you are a Lily Allen, are you mean? The cat one, that's great. I love the Lily
Toronto and Well, I mean the bands that teacher. Yes sometimes. Allen tongue positions. Lily Allen, if
the song are going on right now, like I wouldn't say that. I think I just share what I like. From South By Southwest, "Lily Allen somebody might be turning the dial on
"Smile." were there any local, contem- Well, you taught me about it. I didn't commented on her manager's incredi- their television, they might come across
What's the con- porary ska bands? know about it until I listened to your bly minute male appendage"? your music or supposedly your music
nection between I don't really like modern, contemporary mixtape. No, I didn't. I commented on the editor of the in a deodorant commercial.
"Smile" and ska. Don't think it's very good. It's the older Uh, OK cool. NME magazine's minute appendage. Really?
Toronto and Canada? stuff. So thank you, Lily Allen. Would you ever make fun of your Yes, Professor Longhair, who you sam-
[laughs] Uh So why do you like the older stuff? It's a pleasure. But you're not a kid. [laughs] manager's minute male appendage ple, an old ska '60s dude, his music
You, of course, are aware Like the Studio One stuff, why do you Thank you. But I can tell kids! Now and how do you know that it isn't a He's not ska. He's New Orleans.
of the song "Smile" aren't you Lily like that? Lily Allen, I have a quote here from minute male appendage? Thank you again for teaching me.
Lily Allen? Allen. Cause it's good. [laughs] TimeOut London about Lily Allen. "The I don't. It's a pleasure.
Yes I am. I wrote it. So yes. Um, I don't know Yeah. And you like teaching kids stuff don't most controversial thing she says all Lily Allen, you passed the test. His music ended up in a deodorant
what the connection is. What is the connection? You lived in Toronto for a while. You're you? day is an aside about bombing Thank you. [laughs] commercial for Sure. Have you heard
Well, the connection is that there's an honourary Canadian. No. Starbucks." Lily Allen, what about back hair? about this? What do you think about
some Canadian content on that song. I did. I lived in Toronto for about seven or eight Lily Allen, you like teaching kids stuff Ah yes, I remember that. You're a big fan of back hair, aren't that?
For instance, what can you tell the peo- months. don't you? So you talked about bombing you? I haven't heard. That's the first I heard about it.
ple about Jackie Mittoo? [Nardwuar And of all the places to start your I've never taught kids stuff.
16 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 17
Mint Records US distribution by
www.naildistribution.com
Cause you have a song called "Knock
'Em Out."
Yes, I do.
And you sample Who is Professor
Longhair? Let's go a little back here.
You teach me a little more about him.
He's from New Orleans.
He's a New Orleans piano player and he did a
song called "Big Chief" which goes, [sings]"doot
doot doola doot doot doot doola doot doo doo."
Like that.
And it's the beginning of "Knock 'Em
Out?"
Yes it is.
And it's also the beginning of a deodor-
ant commercial for Sure.
Really. Wow.
Yep. I learned that on YouTube.
[laughs]
Lily Allen, Ladbroke Grove, I love
Ladbroke Grove, UK.
Ladbroke Grove, yeah.
I'm fascinated by that place. Is that
where you're from? That's where The
Clash sort of grew up wasn't it?
I don't know 'cause they were probably there in
the '70s before I was born.
Lily Allen, I was wondering, Notting Hill
Carnival? You said you wanted to play
that.
I have played it. I played it last year.
That's pretty exciting because that car-
nival is what inspired The Clash to
write the song "White Riot."
Oh really? Wow.
And I didn't know that until I started
looking up you, Lily Allen. So you
taught me that.
OK cool.
Lily Allen, another group that actually
mentions Ladbroke Grove in its lyrics is
The Slits from England. [Nardwuar pulls
out a Slits record] And I think one of
The Slits actually lives in Ladbroke
Grove.
Yes, Tessa. She's my godmother.
That's amazing. What can you say
about Tessa?
She's my godmother.
But she's still living there after all these
years 'cause The Slits were very influen-
tial weren't they?
Yes they were. She still lives there. Ari, who's the
lead singer, she lives in Jamaica now, but I think
they're touring again. And they're a very influen-
tial punk band.
And how did she become your god-
mother? Like, how did you meet her?
Was that through your dad? How'd that
happen? That's pretty cool having The
Slits as your godmother.
She was best friends with my mother actually.
[laughs]
And looking at the record, they've got a
bit of nudity happening there, Lily Allen.
A bit of nudity.
It's a very famous album cover. They're kind of
mud wrestling women.
There was a bit of Lily Allen nudity pop-
ping up, wasn't there? I saw a bit of
Lily Allen nudity. Has there been any
Lily Allen paparazzi nudity?
Not paparazzi. But yes, there has been.
Why was there Lily Allen nudity and
will it appear on a record?
Why is there ever nudity? [laughs] Why not?
What was involved in that nudity?
My boob.
In what circumstance though?
Uh, in a picture.
Somebody was like, "Hey Lily" and you
were like, "Hey?" Was it inspired by
The Slits? I guess that's what I'm getting
at.
No, it wasn't inspired by The Slits.
Lily, you have your band, The Lilyettes?
No.
I thought they're called the Lilyettes?
No.
You kindly called them The Lilyettes?
No, I call them the Lilettes.
The Lilettes, OK.
Once. But that's not what they're called, that was
a joke.
On Saturday Night Live they looked
very impressive wearing those blue
shirts. Is there a band costume or outfit?
There's not really a band costume. Sometimes they
wear polo shirts. They're not all the same colour.
They're different colours.
The bass player of your band. Who is
it? He's really funky.
Uh, he's changed three times actually.
He's a master of disguise.
It depends which gig you're referring to.
I guess the guy on Saturday Night Live.
Uh, who was the bass player then? A guy called
Pete Martin.
What are his credentials and who is in
your band? And how do you get into
the Lily Allen band? There's quite a few
members, it's a revolving cast. What
does it take to get into the Lily Allen
band?
Uh, work for very little money and work hard.
You don't get much money with Lily
Allen but you get enough money to go
to In-N-Out Burger. Have you been to
In-N-Out Burger on this tour yet?
Not this tour but we have on previous tours.
At In And Out Burger, how do you
order your burger Lily Allen? There's a
special secret. Do you know the secret
for In-N-Out Burger?
Yeah, yeah animal fries. You can order fries
"animal style," right?
Animal Style, Which basically means?
I don't know 'cause I've never ordered it. But
I've heard about it.
Lily Allen, a quote. "I had an
advanced vocabulary from an early
age." This is what you have said.
I don't remember saying that.
I was just wondering what words did
you know?
"Advanced."
Lastly here Lily Allen, what do you
think about the Oyster Card system in
England? The Oyster Card.
[laughs] It's pretty pointless, actually. It's kind of
a bit, um.
It's for the Tube, a bit of background
on it. Could you explain?
It's not just for the Tube it's for the bus aswell
and that's where it comes into being a bit silly
really. 'Cause you kind of get on the bus and
you're meant to take it upon yourself to press it
on the thing and if you do, it charges your card
and your account and if you don't, you obvi-
ously don't get charged. So no one actually
presses it and the London transport system is
suffering as a result. So I don't think it is very
good.
And you love the transport system
too? I love the way you squeeze it in
your videos and stuff like that.
Yeah, and actually a few weeks ago when I was
in London, I forgot that I was the "famous Lily
Allen" and I got on the bus. Shock, horror, it
was quite amazing. People were very nice to
me, though. They helped me with my bags on
and off. I felt very special.
What were you carrying, and hey
you have a new bag to carry!
I was carrying sneakers.
Well, thanks very much, Lily Allen.
Anything else you want to add for the
people out there at all?
Not really.
Why should people care about Lily
Allen?
They shouldn't.
Well thanks so much, Lily Allen. Keep
on rockin' in the free world and doot
doola doot doo
Doot doo. [laughs] Goodbye.
Thanks to Chris Nelson from
MuchMusic's "Going Coastal"
and www.chartattack.com
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 19
I
n the early hours of Tuesday, March 6, 2007, Vancouver, BC lost a landmark, both
physically and psychically, when Lees Candies, a tiny quaint neighbourhood candy shop
that had been in the same location for 57 years, was destroyed in a four-alarm, eighty-
firefighter, three-building blaze, obliterating decades of priceless vestiges of a long-gone era,
and memories. And we here at Mint were additionally saddened because Lees Candies
owner, Valeria Finnigan, was the original drummer of Mints earliest success, cub and
Valerias co-worker for 17 years, Nicole Steen, is a member of the very early Mint band, Coal.

Valeria actually worked at Lees Candies
well before cubs birth and subsequent rise
to unprecedented levels of fame and suc-
cess, and she continued well after her depar-
ture from the originators of cuddlecore,
eventually becoming sole proprietor of the
tiny store/factory. In a story on Lees
Candies in a December issue of the
Vancouver newspaper, The Province, Valeria
explained, We use methods from the 20s
and 30s. Everythings hand-dipped. We
make our own centres everything from
caramel to rocha to cream truffle. And,
tragically, its all gone: the molds, the heavy
machinery, the archives of photographs and
clippings.
We asked Valeria if she would be amenable
to providing us with some thoughts, given
that there was a perception that her story
was lost in the headlines and soundbytes
that emanated from this unfortunate event,
and she agreed to fill us in a lttle bit. Here
is what she said:

FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 21

 N icole told me you want to do a mini-trib- I wish I had the guts to risk the broken glass Again to do a piece on us to our great bene- ic fair trade and cut down on waste, with a
ute to Lee's. There is lots of press and I and chemicals like the homeless guys do. fit. None of this would have happened with- smattering of music and painting pretty much
have a few photos in my home that didn't get They are in there at night with axes. I hope out the kindness of Nard, which he keeps covers that.
burned. The official face of Lee's will be in they found some stuff they can use! doubting! How modest! That is how he
the newspaper stories along with the usual became our Patron Saint, and three portraits Since we couldn't do more, we made sure we
crazed inaccuracies such as the description of The Secret face of Lee's is the best, and most of him were on permanent display in our counted in other ways. To me the biggest loss
me with cub, touring in a Volkswagen van, of interest to your 'zine readers. Among the show room, to the delight of many. "Is that is to the community, which we made much
WHAT? I sure as hell never said anything of people who worked there were Lisa, Dimwit, NARDWUAR????" was the most common larger than the rather privileged Point Grey.
the kind! Lev, Les Finnigan, Barry Taylor, Paul Leahy, phrase to be heard immediately before or We routinely provided holiday gift bags to
Shane, and Nicole, of course! And among after "Mmmm, smells delicious in here!" the Positive Women's Network, and donated
I don't need any money to re-start the store, it our visitors, Nardwuar, with and without auctioned gift baskets to the Everywoman's
is gone and that's that. We have been told Carly Pope, David Wisdom, Tom Verlaine, Our biggest challenge and frustration was Health Clinic, The Canadian Center for Policy
10th avenue will never re-zone a factory onto chocolate freak Katherine Hepburn (circa how to go green. As minimal as our packag- Alternatives run by Seth Klein, brother of
the property. I am already working, although 1980), Yvonne de Carlo's son, Meg Tilly, ing was, we wanted to find a way to Naomi, and The Haddassah Bazaar, to name
I have been very sick for about a month, a Mark Crozer who is playing bass for Jim improve without costing so much as to cut but a few. It meant we couldn't donate much
mix of stress and the Cold That Would Not Kerr and recently played the Coachella into our tiny profit margin. We felt so com- to Point Grey, but we provided the elemen-
Die. Re job: found/trained for/got CPR card Festival with the reformed Jesus and Mary promised in our beliefs. Ditto, raw chocolate tary schools with tours of our working muse-
to work in my gym with older ladies who Chain,and CBC's On The Road Again, and sugar, two of the most unpleasant indus- um and an education in alternative employ-
need an exercise plan they can do without which along with Nardwuar's promoting of tries with a record of exploitation and pollu- ment, where no technology was used. We
injury. Nicole is working part-time on various us on Muchmusic, helped Lee's to actually tion. The reason why most people in our also gave tours to Senior's Groups and I gave
projects we are honestly okay monetarily, make a profit and pay taxes. income bracket of minimum wage can't go lectures on the history of chocolate at a few
but thank you so much for your kind offer of green is the sheer cost. Isn't that nuts? Can senior's clubs. Plus we gave our librarian
a fundraiser. Because of Nardwuar, the whole media com- You afford a hybrid car? Anyway, if people treats for the kids reading circle! That just
munity sat up and took interest. An article by wonder what Nicole and I talked about for about sums up our mysterious ways. I hope
We found new rehearsal space, courtesy the Kerry Gold in the Sun was noticed by the 17 years while doing manual candy-making, some of this is useful. Love V.
lovely Janis McKenzie, for our band The Globe and Mail writer, Ann Templeman-Kluit, how to be able to afford to convert to organ-
Transvestimentals. Man, no wonder I got sick, who wrote an amazing piece about
too much too soon! The fight to unearth our
property from the site has ended. We are not
allowed to be on the lot. The City is adamant.
George..I sure wish I had copies of these
handy to send you, but maybe you can find
them easily. It also caused On The Road
S o, dear Valeria and Nicole, thank you for your years and years of generosity and
contributing so much to the cultural fabric of Vancouver. Lees Candies will be
missed immensely. We all wish you well with whatever your next adventures may be.
making candies spaceman candy mold
vintage window display in the 60s

Valeria Finnigan
owner of
Lees Candies

All images provided courtesy of Valeria Finnegan. Used with permission.

looking outside the window of Lees Candies

Lees Candies before the second storey of apartments was added above Lees Candies original owner, George Tedlock

22 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 23
 Remember High School Choir Practice?
New Vancouver groups fun, awkward,
nostalgic sounds By Jackie Wong
This article originally published April 5, 2007 in TheTyee.ca
Crazy, the JC/DC Studio dog
The Choir Practices
Coco Culbertson
and Chris Kelly
on Cocos porch
Stephen Hamm
aka Big Hamm
(Canned Hamm,
The Evaporators)
with Mints
photo by Karin Bubas
Bill Baker
"A ll of us are school choir
victims," laughs
Vancouver musician Coco
photos by Dave Gowans
Culbertson. She's a member of a
new band called The Choir
Practice.
Chris Kelly with Even after the memory of algebra
Bellas Charla McCutcheon has dulled to a useless whisper,
at JC/DC Studio most Canadians remember awk-
ward renditions of "Dust in the
Wind," accidental public vomit-
ing at the Christmas concert, uni-
versally unflattering uniforms.
"It's a product of Canadian pub-
lic schools. I was only in choir
because I had to be. We had to
practice every lunch. It was such
torture."
But despite an early hatred of
school-sanctioned singing,
Culbertson went on to hone her
musical talents as a bass player
driving the beats of The Gay, a
Vancouver indie pop outfit. After
years of performing with The
Gay and touring with AC
Newman, Culbertson returned to
her home in Strathcona, looking
to start a new project.
With a few friends, a piano, and
copious amounts of red wine,
Culbertson started hosting events
at her home. "We'd get together
and practice, and basically exer-
cise our voices." The open-door
policy of the evenings drew an
increasing number of partici-
pants, many of them members of
24 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
Vancouver bands like P:ano, Great
Aunt Ida, The Blood Meridian, and
Love and Mathematics.
"It's coincidental, but everybody in
The Choir Practice sang in a
choir." The positive, community-ori-
ented environment surrounding The
Choir Practice proves Culbertson's
claim that "people love to sing
together," despite the implicit
weirdness of obligatory choir
membership. "People want to do it
more than they want to admit."
For Culbertson, the beauty of The
Choir Practice lies in the dignity of
its musicians. "Nobody's a prop
player, nobody's doing the least
amount possible. Everyone is per-
forming with equity." The result is
a bright, colourful sound lush with
quirky lyrics that subvert the pomp
and circumstance of traditional
choirs. The earnest "take off your
clothes" chorus of "Red Fox" is a
lot funnier and far less creepy than
the butcher shop absurdity of Kidz
Bop Kids, while the cadences of
"Failsafe" showcase the group's
vocal chemistry.
The Choir Practice returns the
moments of your life you thought
you'd never get back from after-
school glee club rehearsals.
Mandatory cuff links, step off!
The Choir Practice released its self-
titled debut album on Mint
Records, May 18th.
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 25

Nardwuar: Who are you?
Snoop Dogg: Snoop Dogg, the greatest rapper of
all time. East side, LBC. LBCs savior. Im the best
thing that rap got going.
Snoop Doggy Dogg, is it true that you
lectured at Oxford? Did you lecture at
Oxford University?
I did lecture at Oxford University along with
Harvard, Yale and Princeton just to name a few.
You know I got bitches everywhere.
Snoop Doggy Dogg, I think its amazing,
you always take it to another level. The
Snoop hot dog. How can anybody top
the Snoop hot dog? What can you tell
me about the Snoop hot dog?
Its a beautiful thing, ya know. Everybody loves to
eat hot dogs, so why not eat a foot long hot dog
with Snoop Dogg dont you understand me? No
balls included. [laughs]
What does it taste like, Snoop Dogg?
What do your wieners taste like?
Uh [laughs]. They taste good actually. They taste
26 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
like the best hot dogs you ever had with season-
ing salt on the inside of them. For real they got
seasoning salt in the hot dogs. [laughs]
Where can you get them, Snoop?
Where can you get the Snoop hot dog?
They gonna be at local venues, at grocery stores.
Im opening up a Snoopamarket, a chain of
Snoopamarkets where theyre gonna be selling
them at, as well as the sporting arenas where
they play basketball, football and baseball.
Snoop, I think its great, the hot dog,
and I think you are a person you can
ask about advice and stuff. What do
you think about this doll right here?
[Nardwuar hands Snoop a Biz Markie
doll] The Biz Markie doll. Tell me what
you think about the Biz Markie doll.
This is the Biz?
This is the Biz.
[Snoop drops the doll by mistake] Oops, sorry
bout that Biz you big ass fucker. This here is my
homeboy.
What do you think of the Biz? What can
you tell me of the importance of the Biz,
Snoop? And the Biz doll? What do you
think of this from a marketing perspec-
tive?
[Snoop imitates Biz Markies voice] Hes die-a-
bowl-acle.
Hes like the amazing beat boxer isnt
he? In a cereal box! What do you
think?
This is dope. This is dope. I like this. What are
they selling this at?
Probably about $200, Snoop Dogg.
How long ago did you get it?
Its been on the market about two years
or so.
Oh, it just came out?
Two years actually. And the Biz has
been taking it to another level... check it
out cause youre the wizard of market-
ing, the Biz clock. [Nardwuar hands
Snoop a Biz Markie Clock] Hes got his
own clock. Is that something thats ever
gone through your mind, a clock?
[laughs]
A Snooper clock?
Naw, I didnt think about getting no clock. Im just
trippin on Bizs expression hes something else.
[laughs] I cant believes it. I cant believes Im sell-
in a clock!
Snoop Dogg, whats Snoop dog food
like? Whats the dog food like that you
have? Cause you have Snoop dog food
dont you? Doggy biscuits?
Yeah, some doggy biscuits, dog pet line products.
I even got clothes for your dogs, kinda like some
of the outfits you wearin, like the sweater you got
on is like one of my outfits I got for the dogs.
Ba-boom!
[laughs]
You love the dogs dont you Snoop
Dogg? Like, you really do love the dogs.
Yeah, I really do. Im a dog lover. Thats just my
nature, you know what Im saying. George Clinton
called me the futuristic bow wow.
Cause I wanted to ask you what you
think about when you read off stuff like
this, like check this out. [Nardwuar
hands a paper to Snoop] This was in my
local paper, the North Shore News. And
check out this headline that we have
right here in the North Shore News, and
it says Snoop Dogg Faces Execution
Following West Van Attacks.
[reading] Snoop Doggy Dog is just bad to the
bone, said neighbours who were bitten and
chased by him near West Vancouver British prop-
erties over a nine month period... Oh, this must
be a dog named Snoop Doggy Dogg, not me.
[laughs]
[laughing] Yes it is. [Nardwuar reads
from the paper] A Rottweiler cross
named Snoop has been put on doggie
death row this week.
Wow.
So how do you feel when dogs get put
on doggie death
row there, Snoop
Dogg? Like, fellow
dogs and stuff
like that? You
love the dogs.
Yeah I wouldnt do it.
I wish I had knew
about this. I
wouldve gone over
there and broke
him out. I woulda
broke him out. If
Id been there he
wouldve been
alive. I wouldve
had to kill or
something. Sorry about that
Snoop Dogg, you went out like a gangster though.
A West Van gangsta-G.
Sure did.
Snoop, what do you remember about
being in Korns video Twisted
Transistor?
Um, just being the rock n roll star that I am, hav-
ing fun, actin a fool.
And who else was in the video, and
what was it all about?
David Banner was in the video. Lil Jon was in the
video. And um, Xzibit. We actually played Korn,
they got some rappers to play them.
And in the video theres a guy wearing
a tartan hat and asking you some ques-
tions, and he gets slapped. Do you
remember doing that at all?
He imitated you.
Thats what I was wondering, is that an
allusion to me?
It is. It was you. We thought about you, Korn, and
myself and my manager. Umm
Ted?
Naw, um, his name is Dick. You dont know my
manager? Dick, last name Inyomouth?
Ba-boom!
Dick In-Your-Mouth. Yeah, my manager Dick In-
Your-Mouth told me to tell you that. [laughs]
Snoop Doggy Dogg, I just think its
amazing, thank you for giving me the
props there! I would like to ask you,
why do you like to steal my stuff Snoop
Dogg? Remember you first tried to steal
my Redd Foxx doll? Do you remember
that?
I stole the Blowfly album from you. You wouldnt let
me take the Redd Foxx doll, but I see some shit Im
taking today. Im taking that [points to poster on
wall] Im taking this[points to record]Im tak-
ing that
Im not sure, Snoop Dogg. You took the
Blowfly album, that was quite intense
of you. And actually, I talked to
Blowfly and he has a message for you
for taking my Blowfly album.
I talked to him too! [laughs]
And what is Blowflys message to
Snoop Dogg, do you think? Here is
Blowflys message to Snoop Dogg for
taking my record, and here we go:
[Nardwuar plays a video-taped message from
Blowfly]
Blowfly recorded message: Snoop, you
remember you stole that fuckin record,
dog? You are a fuckin dysentarian
bone-buryin, tick-catchin, flea-
scratchin, Lachey-racin, hoe-chasin,
no-growlin, whole moon-rollin, no-lis-
ten bark n pissin, bone-hawkin, col-
lar-carryin, howling cat-beatin, afro-
eatin poor excuse for major mutt. Your
breath smell like your butt. Im outta
the cut. In exactly 13 days from now,
Snoop, you gon look
down and
find beauti-
ful pussy
where your
lil dick used
to be. [evil
laugh that
ends with a
throaty augh,
augh augh
augh] Im
gone ! [Blowfly
gives the finger]
[Laughs] Blowfly!
That nigga said
augh, augh augh
augh.
Blowfly to the rescue. Blowflys sticking
up for me, Snoop Doggy Dogg.
Thats some OG shit right there cause Blowflys a
real muthafucker, you know what Im talkin
bout? And this is the real McCoy [begins to
sing]... Come on and join Blowflys convoy...
So are you ever going to sing with
Blowfly on stage? He wants you to
sing with him on stage, to Convoy.
I wanna get down with Blowfly. Blowfly, I wanna
get in the studio with you, make some music with
you, and do it big, youre one of the artists Im
lookin forward to working with, too. I always
wanted to get down with you.
And remember also, you mess with
Nardwuar The Human Serviette and
Blowfly will come after you Snoop.
Whats gonna happen in 13 days, eh?
Ima leave you alone cause I dont that to hap-
pen man. I dont want Uncle Blowfly to put that
curse on me.
Snoop Doggy Dogg, winding up here
lastly, what can you tell about the
importance of R&B and stuff?
[Nardwuar hands Snoop a Record]
Here we have Lyn Collins with her song
Think (About It), which I think you
sampled way back when.
Yep, this is a bad record right here. James Brown
produced it I believe. Yep.
Like, why do you like R&B and soul?
Theres so much of it, like, Slave, too.
[Nardwuar hands Snoop a Slave
Record]
Its the feel of the music. Its like the sound of it,
the feel of it. [looking at the Slave record] Oh
man.
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 27
 This is Slave, who you sampled for that, that showed me how to be me. Yes, this is the champ. I need this record for the
Gin And Juice. Snoop Dogg, I was wondering, what beats that Im making right now.
Yeah, watchin ladies, watchin you. does this mean? [Nardwuar pulls out a I dont think you can take this Snoop
Like, these are really important hat] You addressed this Soul Plane hat Dogg.
soul/R&B records, you really love it. to me, and it says C.M.F. What does No, Im just gonna borrow it. [laughs]
[Nardwuar hands Snoop a Moments C.M.F. mean, Snoop Dogg? I dont what is the difference
record] You got The Moments? Cock-sucking motherfucker. between taking and borrowing,
[sings] Look at me, Im in love. Should I take that as a compliment? Snoop? Weve been through this.
What do you remember about The Definitely, you suck cock good, here. [laughs] Borrowing mean Im gonna give it back to you.
Moments, Snoop Dogg? Well thank you very much, Snoop Taking mean you aint getting shit back. [laughs]
[sings] Look at me, Im in love. The preacher Doggy Dogg. Anything else you want Why do you always take my stuff,
said, Im in love. Oh to say to the people out there? Snoop Doggy Dogg?
thats that shit right here. I Im the greatest of all time next to Cassius Because, let me tell you what Im gonna do with
remember they had the, Clay and James this. Im gonna go to my DJ, let him sample it, SUMMER TOUR 07
um, falsetto voice. The put it into the turntable to the computer and Ima
lead singer was singing give it back to you because I know Friday July 20
high voiced. this means a lot to Logans Pub Victoria BC
Lastly here Snoop you. Im not
Dogg, how did gonna be like I Saturday July 21
you get your used to be when I The Railway Club Vancouver BC
demo tape to Dr. used to be taking
Dre? You and your shit. Im Tuesday July 24
Warren G. How gonna borrow it The Arts Station Theatre Fernie BC
did you get now. Its gonna be
your tapes to both of our shit. Wednesday July 25
him? How did OK? Im just gonna The Black Dog Edmonton AB
you get your keep it at my house
demo tapes to and whenever you Thursday July 26
him in the need it you can get it. The Canmore Hotel Canmore BC
early days? Really? I can
[Takes a deep come to your Friday July 27
toke] Shit, house, Snoop Amigos Saskatoon SK
Warren G got Doggy Dogg? Jul 26 Sudbury ON Townehouse
that mother- The next interview we Saturday July 28
fucker to it. do is gonna be at my Jul 27 Guelph ON Hillside Fest
The Marquee Club Calgary AB
Thats his house. Jul 28 Guelph ON Hillside Fest
brother so he
found a way
Well thats awe-
some! Thank you so
www.thebuttlesschaps.com Jul 29 Guelph ON Hillside Fest
to get it to much Snoop Doggy Jul 30-31 city tba
him doing Dogg. And you can Aug 1 Toronto ON The Horseshoe
uh, a bach- have the poster as
elor party. well. Im throwing in
Aug 2 Waterloo ON Jane Bond
The music
got cut off and uh,
the poster.
Thank you pimpin. I like CAROLYN Aug 3 Brantford ON Murdered City
Music Fest @ The Ford Plant

MARK
Warren G. slipped my CD on, well my cas- your style. Im gonna be real
sette at the time. He slipped my cassette on and Brown. harmonic towards you Aug 4 Ottawa ON
he kept the party rocking. Then theres Snoop Dogg. because Blowflys on your Aug 5 Montreal Divan Orange
Snoop Dogg, what can you tell me here What about Kurtis Blow? side, and it aint easy to get July 5-8 Winnipeg, MB Aug 7 city tba
about Special Ed. [Nardwuar hands Kurtis Blow good. But like I said, Cassius Clay Blowfly to ride with you man.
Snoop a Special Ed Record] He was a Thats some gangster shit.
Winnipeg Aug 8 Halifax NS
and James Brown, then Snoop Dogg.
big influence on you, wasnt he? The Cassius Clay, you mean, the greatest, Well, thanks so much Snoop Doggy Folk Festival Aug 9 Charlottetown PEI Brennan's
Special Ed? Cassius Clay? [Nardwuar hands Snoop Dogg. Keep on rockin in the free world July 10-11 Stampede Aug 10 Saint John NB Elwood's
Yeah thats my homeboy right here. We finally a Cassius Clay Record] and doot doola doot doo... Porch Party
got together, made a record together. This is my Thats what I just told you didnt I? Hes the great- Doot doo. [blows smoke in to the mike] Smoke Aug 11 Quebec City
5pm-8pm
homeboy. I was definitely inspired by him. est of all time. [looking at Cassius Clay record] Is one. Snoop Dogg, yo.
@ Broken City Aug 15 Winnipeg WECC with Novillero
Cause I liked his style, and they way he was just this him talking?
different from everybody else, and how he just Yes it is, and doing some rappin as Thanks to Chris Nelson from Calgary AB Aug 16 Saskatoon SK Amigo's
he never really did it like nobody else. He did his well. This is Muhammad Ali. Have you MuchMusics Going Coastal July 11 Hank and Patsy Aug 17 Edmonton AB Velvet Underground
shit they way hes supposed to do it, and I liked ever met him at all? and www.chartattack.com Aug 18 Calgary AB Marquee Club
Night Ship and
Anchor, Calgary AB Sep 5 Seattle WA
July 12 Auditorium Hotel, Sep 6 Portland OR
Nanton AB Sep 7 San Francisco CA
July 13 Twin Butte General Sep 8 Los Angeles CA
Store & Bar, Sep 9 San Diego CA
Twin Butte AB Sep 10 Los Angeles CA
July 14 Velvet Underground, Sep 27 Minneapolis MN
Edmonton AB Sep 28 Madison WI
July 15 Jasper AB Sep 29 Chicago IL
Aug 9 Winnipeg MB Times Change(d) Sep 30 Detroit MI
Aug 10-12 Ear Falls ON Trout Lake Music Fest. Oct 1-7 Cleveland OH
Aug 23 Seattle WA City Hall Oct 9 Chapel Hill NC
Aug 24 -25 Vancouver BC Malkin Bowl, Oct 10 Nashville TN
.com Stanley Park with Blue Rodeo Oct 11 Atlanta GA

28 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 29
 x(ed) Tape Ever!
Carolyn Marks The Best Mi
ing and Driving
Driving and Cheating, Cheat
Side 1
Cosmoline
Motel 6 The Brothers Lee
in my Fashion Peggy
I'm Always True to You .) Vera Hamilton
(G.S .T.S .K.D .T.S
But I Ain't No More
y Cline
Tra La La Triangle Pats
ny Paycheck
Motel Time Again John
xico
Alone Again Or Cale ie Coulter
r One Night Stand Jess
I Don't Want to be You Arth ur
Cha rlen e
What About Tomorrow? ris + The Desert Rose Ban
d
ng You Emmylou Har
The Price I Pay for Lovi
Came
Ca meron
ron's'sPic
Picks
ks:: Let's Invite Them Over
John Prin e + Iris Dement
o Case + The Sadies
Hold On Hold On Nek
W.S. .200
W.S 20055 Waste of Paint Bright Eye s
l Hurley
Sta rflyer5959 Old Black Crow Michea
Starflyer Wives Should Always Be
Lovers Too Julie Christie
n
DidI ISay Rose Garden Lynn Anderso
Did Say I Never Promised You a
Love tt
ation Lyle
TeenagnageeFan A Private Convers Cow Town
Tee Fanclu club Through Hot Club of
b Darling You and I Are
Sad
Saddes dest tQu
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fany's Pic
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ks :: Side Two nie Seely
Pernicnice Bros.s. s You Jack Green + Jean
Per e Bro Wish I Didn't Have to Mis
fall en nido
falle l l
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Jesus,
Jes us,EtcEtc. . Imp eria l Teen I Could Tell You Lies The
Rizdales
Wil co Imperial Teen Came on Lion Sarah
Harmer
Wilco you
foryou
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Arbuck
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uckle's
le'sSw Swa Soft Picasso Kelly Hog
an
Arb annSon
Songg Prin
Prin cece I'm His Wife You're Just
a Friend Ann Sexton
Am bul anc
Ambulance LTD e LTD
uni son Etobicoke Dave Lang
Private uni son A Beautiful Thing The
Handsome Family
Priv ateEyeEyess
Hall l&&Oat
Oates Bjo rk
Bjork Hop e in Hell Oh! Susa nna
Hal es(for(forBill
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kett
the cha
thecha inin Past, Present, Future The
Ronettes
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Mac boy Skeeter Davis + NRB
FleetwoododMac
Flee two Ever yone Wants a Cow
el Joy Mic key New bury
Frisco Mab
opeope you
n nyou r hea
r hea rtrt Woman to Woman Shir
ley Brown
Lav end er Dia mond The Divorce Song Liz
Phair
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plo
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eddth theeBBooaatt Format)
MMisissse Red Rabbits (T
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eveer rgoot t
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)
Black Cat (Bro
adcast)

30 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 31
 My
Day
as a
Mint
Intern
I t all started
with an ill-
considered
sales pitch.
I was contacted by Mint HQ to
see if I would be interested in
writing an article for the upcom-
ing Mint Zine. The only prob-
lems were that a) they had no
idea what I should write about
and, b) the deadline was, like,
yesterday.
Thinking on my feet (men of
action and hack writers are par-
ticularly adept at this), I came
up with three quick ideas of
things I could write for them:
Idea #1: "Andrew's Summer
Fun Mix Tape". Sure, not the
most original idea in the world,
but it would serve several useful
purposes. I could cough up a
bunch little blurbs on a selection
of Mint titles... and it would take
almost no time to write.
Problem #1: Someone was already supposed to
be doing this (of course).
Idea #2: "Whatever Became of Windwalker?" A
fictional account of the wacky hijinx of the mem-
bers of Windwalker ever since their days as one
of the very first Mint recording acts. Hilarity
would ensue.
Problem #2: Suing might ensue.
Idea #3: "My Day as a Mint Intern". I would do
my best to channel my inner starry-eyed young
keener confronted by the reality of what really
32 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
goes on behind the scenes at a "big record
label".
Problem #3: I was volunteering to do a day of
unpaid grunt work at Mint.
Considering that most businesses, Mint included,
have a ton of mindless busywork that eventually
has to get done by someone, Mint jumped on
that last idea like, well, a business that had a ton
of mindless busywork that needed to be done by
someone... anyone... even me. So, "My Day as a
Mint Intern" was deemed to be a stupendous
idea. Could I come in tomorrow?
"Sure thing. What time is a Mint intern expected
to show up?"
"10? 11?"
"No problem."
Step one: I went out for some drinks the night
before with Miss Carolyn Mark, ostensibly to do
my journalistic due diligence. As a lady with
many years' experience as a Mint artist, I figured
that she could give me some much needed back-
ground on what goes down at the Mint HQ. You
know... who are the real power players? With
whom should I curry favour? Should I pack my
own lunch? Carolyn had no answers to my ques-
tions, but she did tell me that the preferred
nomenclature for my position was a "Mintern"
and she thought my choice of story ideas was
baffling/hilarious. She left me with a smirking
"good luck with that" at the end of the evening.
I woke up the next morning on someone's very
comfortable couch with a surprisingly bad
headache. When I finally was able to find a
clock, to my horror, it was already well after 11.
This was already going well. So, unbathed,
unshaved, uncaffeinated and still wearing yester-
day's clothes, I took the bus to my first and
likely last day as a Mintern.
The Mint HQ is located on the border between
Vancouver's skid row and its high-end business
district, in a heritage building that is at once part
of both worlds. It is a stunning example of turn of
the century architectural endeavour, and it also
has that slightly rundown look that makes one
think that the place is probably insulated with
thousands and thousands of mummified rat car-
casses. Along with Mint, the building is home to
numerous non-profit and activist organizations...
and the usual smattering of lawyers that infest all
office buildings like the aforementioned bunch of
mummified rats.
I took the elevator to the 13th floor and found,
behind a nondescript office door, the home of
Mint Records. Fortunately, no one mentioned the
tardiness of my arrival. In fact, I was welcomed
by a tableaux of smiling faces. Well, three, actu-
ally. Mint bigwig Beez (Kevin Beesley-Hammond,
aka Beez from The Smugglers), strode up to me
to offer a hearty handshake and a jovial,
"Welcome Intern! Be sure to mention that you
were greeted with a hearty handshake and a
jovial 'Welcome Intern!'" (Duly noted.) Dave
Gowans (yes, that Dave Gowans) managed to
shake himself free from the computer world to
express a disturbingly enthusiastic appreciation of
my arrival (I was soon to find out why). Shena
Yoshida, Mint's real intern, politely introduced
herself (and also seemed just a bit too happy to
see me there). Even the legendary Randy Iwata,
one of Mint's founders, emerged from his office
to smile beatifically upon me.
Eager to make up for lost time (and to justify their
kind reception), I took off my jacket, cracked my
knuckles and said, "Okay, set me to work." And
here is why my story about being a Mint Intern
for a day has thus far largely consisted of a
gigantic glurge of self referential blather... the
Mint intern job is about as exciting as a day at
the World Paint Drying Championships. No won-
der everyone was so happy to see me. No won-
der Randy had leapt on the offer of a day of free
labour. There was no end to the time-consuming,
brain-numbing, yet necessary Joe jobs that had
to be done.
What did I do? Well, I listened to CBC satellite
radio (not too bad, that)... and I removed 800
copies of the new Immaculate Machine album,
Fables, from big boxes... stuck promotional stick-
ers on them... and put them back in smaller
boxes. If you happen to find the one with the
sticker on upside-down, I did that on purpose.
No reason.
That took me a couple of hours.
The next item on the agenda was a big video
conference call, which would involve everyone in
the office other than myself. So I went for a walk,
had a few too many coffees, and came back to
the office an hour or so later to find them still
video conferencing. How anybody accomplishes
anything with that is beyond me. The sound qual-
ity is just one step above tin cans on a string.
Anyway, I spent the next hour wandering around
the office, looking at the band photos on the
walls... checking my email on Dave's computer...
and staring at one of those cute postcards that
dentists send out to remind people they should
come in and get their teeth cleaned. I briefly con-
sidered just heading home and faking the rest of
the article, but I didn't. (Or did I??)
Eventually, the meeting ended and I received my
next task: stuffing envelopes for a US promotional
mailout. Each package was to contain a double-
sided one-sheet band bio (Immaculate Machine
on one side, Choir Practice on the other), lovingly
folded in quarters by yours truly, and a promo-
tional CD from each of the bands. Once stuffed, I
was to affix a 60 cent stamp and two 59 cent
stamps to each envelope. I was warned that the
stamps were "really old" (bought in bulk from
God knows where), and that it would be foolish,
and perhaps even a bit suicidal, to actually lick
them all. A cautionary tale was told of a former
Mint staffer who had licked all the stamps for
some other large Mint mailout, and had ended
up throwing up beside her car in the parking lot
on her way home. This spellbinding and chal-
lenging task took me the remainder of my Intern
Day.
So, I guess the big question is, did this experi-
ence teach me a valuable lesson about Mint
Records and perhaps even myself? Umm, not
really, but at the end of the day Randy bought us
all beer. That was pretty cool.
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 33
 Immaculate Machine Novillero

a n d) T o u r Salad
te (Port l
The Ultima
intense.
to get a little too
about art vs commerce starts
en the discussion
Serve right wh
ch It's a damn tas
ty salad. expensive store.
1 pkg baby spina st red from the
veined and segm
ented
5 bo ttle s of the cheape , genius!
1 grapefruit de mbled feta
Pair wi th en you ge t tir ed
cu p cru ot go to bed wh
2" x 1" cube or 3/4 And remember
and almonds Some random snappies from Mints week in
1/2 cup pecans ut Austin! Thanks to the artists who attended:
ok ed tun a, or smoked tro
1 tin sm
ch err y or grape tomatoes Carolyn Mark, Immaculate Machine,
1 handful of Novillero, and The Awkward Stage!
Arrange all ing
rediants in yon
salad
es like this one The Awkward Stage Carolyn Mark

un ter of the illega

l con-
Recip be found in
can ookbook, $10 ppd
bowl on the co
lof t yo u are staying at.
ceptual art ist
d toss.
and vinegar an
Marks cint Records!
Drizzle with oil

a ro l
C from My n

www.carolynmark.com www.myspace.com/carolynmark

Novillero Immaculate Machine Mints Dave Gowans & CBC Radio 3s

Don Pennington

Carolyn Mark The Awkward Stage

FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 35

CHOIR PRACTICE HORROR-SCOPES
Dear Capricorn,
Capricorn, stop worrying about your summer plans, for once be spontaneous!
After the solstice on June 21st, you will lend an ear to someone who will appre-
ciate your sense of humour. Remember: although you always make a depend-
able back-up, don't be afraid to sing out your rockin' solos! Don't worry, you'll
be in tune!
Dear Aquarius,
For Aquarius's the world over winter has been rough, but don't worry
Because as summer approaches things will be shifting to create a beautiful
Crescendo of goodness. No more, will tone-def ninnies be flocking towards you,
But rather those with perfect pitch who seem to have been sent from
Somewhere not of this earth... yes angels, but don't tell anyone for fear of
Them exposing your new secret friends to the authorities.
Dear Pisces,
Dont worry little fish, this summer is full of deep pools and lily pads. Beware
bands with animal theme names, they have a predatory nature and may be
involved in a global conspiracy to dominate college radio.
Dear Aries,
Everything is always beautiful Aries. Why dont you just sit back, rest on your
laurels. Spend all your money and wait for the next big thing to come along.
You know you cant lose Aries..for you are the ram. Second in life only to the
bull(written by the bull)
Dear Taurus,
Resist as you may you stubborn ol bull, song is creeping into your forecast for
summer. Don't be afraid to audition for musical theatre, spontaneously break
into Jesus Christ Super Star or throw out a jazz hand every now and then. As
the days grow longer the world will be your stage so, dance dance dance.
Dear Gemini,
You are going to have a stupendous summer, Gemini. All of your senses
will be heightened except that which is common. You will make money.
You will meet some people. You will see a movie.
Dear Cancer,
Don't get burnt by the sun! Its warmth and light can be tempting, but it
could leave you moaning in a cold, dark room with a cloth over your
forehead. You will become engrossed in a new project that could prove
to be very fruitful. Your talents will be obvious to all whom cross your
path.
Dear Leo,
Get a new summer haircut in June and prepare to receive the accolades
you are due. At a show in August a stranger will change the course of
your life. Beware Leo, your magnetism can sometimes attract those with
ill intentions.
Dear Virgo,
GOD. Frankie says relaaaaaaaax. Put the timers away, you're no turkey.
Dear Libra,
Beware of extreme bouts of excess and minimalism in the upcoming
months. The juxtaposition of these two lifestyles will create a karmic
backlash, materialising in an unexpected playground accident (probably
on the teeter totter), which will leave you questioning your true identity.
Dear Sagittarius,
Beware of false idols for they can lead you to the wrong heaven. Take
the time to roll in the grass for it is then that you will see the forest for the
trees. Knowing is drinking and you will know a lot this summer.
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 37
 SOME NEW MINT RECORDS RELEASES!
DOUBLE A SIDE SERIES, VOLUME 1!
THE AWKWARD STAGE
B/W YOUNG AND SEXY 7"
H ere at Mint Records we are happy to be
queuing up at the vinyl plant once again
for a release of a double A side single from
The Awkward Stage and Young And Sexy.
First up is the song "The Awkward Stage" by
the band of the same name. A solid song
from the Heaven Is For Easy Girls sessions
bodes a reminder that we are never far from
our awkward and painful youth no matter
how old or sophisticated we become. Its
there in the shadows...waiting...
On the flip side is long time Mint artists,
Young And Sexy. Young And Sexy has
released three albums for Mint Records and
is currently making preparations to return to
the studio to commence recording its next
full-length. "Hello Sonny" is an unreleased
song from the sessions for their Mint debut,
Stand Up For Your Mother. A classic break-
up song, full of the vocal interplay between
vocalists Lucy Brain and Paul Pittman that
they have become known for.
Labelmates Young And Sexy and The Awkward Stage share a love of imagina-
tive and intelligent lyrics, intricate and subtle pop hooks and vintage guitar and
keyboard sounds making a perfect match for a split release together.
These two previously unavailable recordings will be available in a limited edition
of 500 copies only with artwork by each band. PLUS: included with every 7"
and exclusive to this release is a collectible embroidered Mint Records
merit badge!
IMMACULATE MACHINE
FABLES CD/LP
"Sell all your statues under the table, let all
your stories turn into fables."
- from "Roman Statues"
A fable is a brief succinct story in prose or
verse that features animals, plants, inani-
mate objects or forces of nature that are
given human qualities. But, before images of
centaurs, satyrs and other mythical figures
appear in your mind, lets give you a little bit
of information about Immaculate Machine
and their latest release Fables. While tradi-
tional fables are simplistic and moralizing, Immaculate Machines Fables is an
open-ended series of vignettes based on the idea that our lives are stories.
These tales of travel and mischief leave plenty of room for listener interpretation.
The energetic Victoria based trio formed in 2002 and released two CDs inde-
pendently before signing to Mint Records. Their critically acclaimed debut Mint
album, Ones and Zeros, was released in 2004. Together they create dense lay-
ers of sound, three-part harmonies and hooks where Calder's voice rings like a
bell aimed at the heart. (Bitch Magazine) Several Canadian, US and European
tours followed as word of their engaging live shows got around. Immaculate
Machine is showing no signs of slowing down, leaving Fables destined to reach
a much larger audience.
Fables reveals yet another dimension to the Immaculate Machine sound, warm
reverbs envelop the songs and capture the feeling of classic 60s recordings
a time when absorbing the organic sound generated by the instruments and
overall feeling of the room exceeded today's desire for unnecessary overdub-
bing. Fables was recorded by Dave Carswell and John Collins at JC/DC Studios
(New Pornographers, Tegan And Sara) and further sessions were completed at
Vogville and Gallupe Manor Studios by Colin Stewart (Black Mountain,
Destroyer).
These dulcet sounds represent Immaculate Machine at their best with intimate,
personal and urgent compositions. Fables reveals the interplay between a tightly
38 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
CAROLYN MARK
NOTHING IS FREE CD
knit trio of close friends capable of reading into the next chess move within a
composition. The end result creates the subtle dynamics that are so rewarding-
S ome things are just meant to be. Birds
are born to fly, politicians were born to
lie, big fat guys with giant beards were
ly apparent to the listener.
born to ride their machines without getting
NICK KRGOVICH hassled by the man, and Carolyn Mark
was born to make music.
ONE WOMAN SHOW 3-SONG 7" Ever since first taking to the stage as
Templeton the rat in her elementary
T he One Woman Show 7" captures Nick
Krgovich, perhaps best known to many
as the driving force behind the acclaimed
school's musical version of Charlotte's
Web, show business has been the main
driving force in Carolyn's life. After com-
groups P:ano and Burquitlam Plaza in an
ing to the obvious conclusion that musicians were much more fun to hang
interesting moment. These three songs
around with than actors, in the early 90's Carolyn formed her first band... all-
were initially recorded as an experiment in
girl surfy twang popsters, The Vinaigrettes. This was the beginning of a love
pop music which produced wonderful
affair with music, musicians and the road that, even after 15+ years of crazy
results. Nick felt a need to come to some
hard work, still puts the nitro in her funny car.
sort of conclusion about varied recording
techniques by writing songs with conven- After The Vinaigrettes, Carolyn did brief stints in such bands as The
Metronome Cowboys and The Fixin's before, in 2000, making her Mint
tional chord progressions and willfully
Records debut with her first solo album, Party Girl. Since then, and with the
obscuring them with dark reverbs and
help of a revolving cast of Can-Country super stars including, but not limited
implying rhythm rather than a pronounced beat. The tones of the guitars and
to, Tolan McNeil, Garth Johnson, Ford Pier, Nathan Tinkham, Corb Lund, NQ
keyboards also are heavily affected making it hard to discern the instrumenta-
Arbuckle, <deep breath> Luke Doucet, Amy Honey, Greg MacDonald, Neko
tion yet there is no loss to the strong melodies that are always contained in
Case and Carey Mercer, she has released four more highly acclaimed albums.
Nick's compositions.
As well, she has also travelled thousands of miles entertaining crowds of 4 to
These initial descisions leave the listener more involved in the songs, like hav-
4000... touring Canada, the United States, the UK, Norway and Italy. She has
ing the music box left open so that you can peer inside to see the gears actual-
shared the stage with such talented musicians as Jenny Whitely, Hank & Lily,
ly turning themselves. The songs on One Woman Show have a unique quality
Luther Wright, Sarah Harmer, Kelly Hogan, Lederhosen Lucil, Geoff Berner,
to them,they could easily feel at home on a P:ano recording, but by staying
Joel Plaskett, The Handsome Family, Neil Hamburger, JT and The Clouds,
with one musical vision we are rewarded with hearing the groundwork of
The Shiftless Rounders, NQ Arbuckle, Wanda Jackson, The Waco Brothers,
Nick's songwriting recorded in the comfortable setting of his home studio.
The Sadies and Blue Rodeo.
THE CHOIR PRACTICE July 2, 2007 marks the release of Carolyn Mark's 6th Mint album, Nothing Is
Free, described by Carolyn as her "woodsy, introspective album". Appropriately
THE CHOIR PRACTICE CD enough, Nothing Is Free was recorded by Myke Hall at Beaver Point Hall
(between visits from the ladies drum circle and a teenage karate class!) on
L ike an infectious musical sewing circle,
The Choir Practice grew and grew and
British Columbia's scenic Saltspring Island. Along for the ride this time were
guitar and bass virtuoso Paul Pigat (Cousin Harley), guitar and mandolin
grew, secretly creating rich harmonies and
conventional pop arrangements with a
heavyweight Paul Rigby (Neko Case), expert vocalist Emilie Rhone (Fishing
Derby, Antler) and vivacious violinist and vocalist, Diona Davies (Po' Girl,
transparent choral delivery, until their first
official show: opening for the always eccen-
Geoff Berner, ESL). Additional help was ably rendered by Allison Russell and
Awna Teixeira of Po' Girl and the mythical Calvin Dick (Neckbeard).
tric Antony and the Johnstons.
Nothing Is Free is a woodsy and introspective album. The recording brings an
A featured act at the last two Mint Records immediacy to the music that conjures up a Sunday evening spent playing
Ridiculously Early Christmas Parties and instruments and singing songs on the back porch of the cabin. You know, one
runners up in the Vancouver Indie Rock
Battle of the bands Shindig!, Mint Records
is very proud to introduce this ensemble's debut release.
of those days where everything seems all Emily Carr... and, although the city
seems miles away for the moment, it still looms in the corner of your mind,
nodding and smirking and saying, "you'll be back". Carolyn knows... not even a
carefree getaway to the back woods is free, it comes with the price of eventual-
Choirmaster, Coco Culbertson is no stranger to the Vancouver music scene,
ly having to leave. Fortunately for the listener, her introspection finds many
(you may remember her from The Gay, the A.C. Newman Band, and briefly,
other things too, not the least of which is a (sometimes dark) sense of humour
The Tennessee Twin), Acknowledging the need for musical camaradery she
and a willingness to throw caution under the truck, have all the fun humanly
recruited new and old friends. Friends that soon became The Choir Practice. self-titled CD available on iTunes
possible. While some people are content to rearrange the deck chairs on the
First to join Coco's choral quest was vocal veteran Larissa Loyva, of the and at Zulu and Red Cat Records in Vancouver
Titanic, Carolyn Mark would be pleasantly surprised to find an open bar, and
unconventional Mint band, P:ano (and solo project Kellarissa). Next, Karaoke www.myspace.com/goghettotigermusic
would treat us all to one last rollicking sing-a-long before the icy waters closed
fiend and fashion designer, Naomi Mepham ventured from her West-side stu-
over our heads. Andrew Pearson
dio and joined the clan. Following a brief introduction and promises of song-
writing grandeur at a local watering hole, Olivia Fetherstonhaugh (of
Fanshaw) signed up.
Piano teacher Jenn Chycoski (Pokiok Falls), and classical music enthusiast
Kristen Halliday soon jumped on board. After consulting his middle-school
choir teacher, the tenor CBC Radio 3 producer, Chris Kelly (Gay Straights)
decided that The Choir Practice was a good idea. It was around that time that
a then-injured Shane Turner (Love and Mathematics) called up Coco and
joined the rogue ensemble.
And Shane was not the last: CiTR DJ Scotty "Ska-T" Stewart, photographic
sensation Karin Bubas, filmmaker Shira Blustein (Blood Meridian), Ida Nilsen
(Great Aunt Ida and The Buttless Chaps), outsider artist/musician Sydney
Vermont (Hello Blue Roses), florist Marcy Emery (Heartbreak Scene), and
Kurt Dahle (The New Pornographers, The Basement) are part of the clan too.
The resulting debut record from this ever expanding indie-rock choir recalls the
beautiful harmonies of '60s Psych-folk sensations The Free Design combined
The new album from Chris Brown & The Citizens Band
with the unique song presentation of The Langley Schools Music Project.
Coming soon.....
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007
39
 EVERY FRIDAY
3:30-5:00 PM PST
4:30-6:00 PM MST
Carolyn Mark
5:30-7:00 PM CST Nothing Is Free CD
6:30-8:00 PM EST out July in Canada
7:30-9:00 PM AST out September outside of Canada
LISTEN ONLINE!
www.citr.ca
RADIO SHOW! www.nardwuar.com vedahille.com

726 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 3A4

Tel: (604) 687-0499 Fax: (604) 687-0488
Email: commerce@scratchrecords.com
STORES: Get in touch.
EMAIL ORDER: ordering@scratchrecords.com
IN VANCOUVER? Drop by our store to sample the good times.

painting by Kelly Haigh

 PLUTO

CUB

THE GAY

JOHN
GULIAK

GROOVIE
GHOULIES MAOW
42 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 43
 MEGATUNES FRED'S RECORDS
10355 WHYTE AVE, EDMONTON AB 198 DUCKWORTH ST, ST. JOHN'S NF
megatunes.com freds.nf.ca

MEOW RECORDS BIRDMAN SOUND

100-300 BRUNSWICK ST, PRINCE GEORGE BC BLACKBYRD MYOOZIK 593-B BANK ST, OTTAWA ON
www.meowrecords.ca 10442 82TH AVE, EDMONTON AB birdmansound.com
blackbyrd.ca

CD WAREHOUSE
LISTEN RECORDS 1717 ST. LAURENT BLVD, OTTAWA ON
10649 124TH ST, EDMONTON AB cdwarehouse.ca
AFTER JULY 31ST:
10441 124TH ST, EDMONTON AB VINYL DINER
listenrecords.net 628 BROADWAY AVE, SASKATOON SK COMPACT MUSIC
190 BANK ST, OTTAWA ON CHEAP THRILLS
DITCH RECORDS INTO THE MUSIC compactmusic.ca 2044 METCALFE, 2ND FL, MONTREAL QC
635 JOHNSON ST, VICTORIA BC VINYL EXCHANGE 245 MCDERMOT AVE B, WINNIPEG MB cheapthrills.ca
myspace.com/ditchrecords 128 2 AVE N, SASKATOON SK
ND

thevinylexchange.com COMPACT MUSIC

MUSIC TRADER 785 1/2 BANK ST, OTTAWA ON
SILLONS
97 OSBORNE ST, WINNIPEG MB compactmusic.ca
musictrader.ca 1149 AVENUE CARTIER, QUEBEC CITY QC
ZULU RECORDS sillons.com
1972 WEST 4TH AVE, VANCOUVER BC BACKSTREET RECORDS
zulurecords.com 384 QUEEN ST, FREDERICTON NB
myspace.com/backstreetfredericton

RED CAT RECORDS

4307 MAIN ST, VANCOUVER BC SLOTH RECORDS
redcat.ca 1508 4TH ST SW, CALGARY AB ROTATE THIS
myspace.com/slothrecords 620 QUEEN ST W, TORONTO ON
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SCRATCH RECORDS
726 RICHARDS ST, VANCOUVER BC MELODIYA RECORDS
scratchrecords.com 2523A 17TH AVE SW, CALGARY AB X-RAY RECORDS SOUNDSCAPES
melodiyarecords.com 2323 11TH AVE, REGINA SK 572 COLLEGE ST, TORONTO ON
xrayrecords.ca myspace.com/soundscapesmusic BACKSTREET RECORDS
124 GERMAIN ST, SAINT JOHN NB
MEGATUNES
932 17TH AVE SW, CALGARY AB
megatunes.com
ENCORE
54 QUEEN ST S, KITCHENER ON
encorerecords.ca

MEOW RECORDS END HITS RECORDS

ORANGE MONKEY
5 PRINCESS ST W, WATERLOO ON
myspace.com/orangemonkeymusic

DR. DISC
GROOVES 20 WILSON ST, HAMILTON ON
353 CLARENCE ST, LONDON ON
myspace.com/groovesrecords

DITCH RECORDS

RED CAT MUSIC TRADER

RECORDS

MEOW RECORDS END HITS RECORDS

44 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 45
 EVERYDAY MUSIC
115 E. MAGNOLIA STREET, BELLINGHAM WA
everydaymusic.com EASY STREET RECORDS
20 W. MERCER STREET, SEATTLE WA
easystreetonline.com

EASY STREET RECORDS

4559 CALIFORNIA AVE SW, SEATTLE WA
easystreetonline.com

EVERYDAY MUSIC
112 BROADWAY EAST, SEATTLE WA
everydaymusic.com

RAINY DAY RECORDS

301 5TH AVENUE SE, OLYMPIA WA
users.zhonka.net/rainyday/index.html EVERYDAY MUSIC DOWNTOWN
1313 WEST BURNSIDE, PORTLAND OR
everydaymusic.com

AQUARIUS RECORDS AQUARIUS RECORDS

EVERYDAY MUSIC EASTSIDE
1931 NE SANDY BOUILEVARD, PORTLAND OR
everydaymusic.com

EVERYDAY MUSIC BEAVERTON AMOEBA AMOEBA AMOEBA

CD WORLD 3290 SW CEDAR HILLS BOUILEVARD, BEAVERTON OR
3215 W 11TH SUITE B, EUGENE OR everydaymusic.com
gotocdworld.com

HOUSE OF RECORDS
258 EAST 13TH AVENUE, EUGENE OR

FEATURED MINT RETAILER!

AMOEBA BERKELEY AQ LOVES MINT! If there's any question as to the close ties
2455 TELEGRAPH, BERKELEY CA between aQuarius and Mint, well, one fer instance... waaaaaaaay back
amoeba.com
when, as the result of an advance copy of Mass Romantic hand delivered
from Mint Randy's sister Cup (of I Am Spoonbender) to aQ's Windy Chien
(aQ's former owner) and Andee Connors (aQ's present owner), aQuarius
AQUARIUS RECORDS Records was one of THE places that broke the New Pornographers big,
1055 VALENCIA STREET, SAN FRANCISCO CA
aquariusrecords.com shooting neon colored lazer beams and big mushy hearts all over the
place, creating a crazy sensation in SF months before the record's EASY STREET RECORDS
release! Yes, really.
AMOEBA SAN FRANCISCO
1855 HAIGHT STREET, SAN FRANCISCO CA In fact, it's been ground zero for a number of other eventual classics
amoeba.com
(Death Cab For Cutie, Ethiopiques, Conet Project, Boris) always champi-
oning the obscure, the bizarre, and the just plain ol' kickass. For 37
years, aQ has been the trusted Bay Area source (both at their Mission
AMOEBA LOS ANGELES District store and online at www.aquariusrecords.org) for Mint releases
6400 SUNSET BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES CA as well as a plethora of remarkably varied other sounds indie
amoeba.com
rock/pop, metal (black, doom, sludge, 70s proto and all things in
between), prog, krautrock, sixties psych, reggae, dub, electronic, country
and bluegrass, experimental, found sounds and field recordings, and
avant garde music of all types. Yes, really. EVERYDAY MUSIC

46 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 47
48 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007
49
 THE HOST
A s far back as I can remember I loved
monster movies. CITY TV'S "NOT SO
GREAT LATE MOVIES" would air sometime
after midnight on weekends back when I
was a kid in Toronto. Generally they would
show bad KING KONG or GODZILLA rip
offs, but none the less they were a lot of
fun to watch, much like GWOEMUL or as
its North American title THE HOST. Last
year at the Vancouver International Film
Festival I had the privilege of seeing this
amazing monster movie.
GWOEMUL starts off in a laboratory
somewhere close the HAN RIVER in
SOUTH KOREA, where a lab assistant is
told to dump several bottles of
Formaldehyde into the HAN RIVER; in fear
of his job he reluctantly does so. After sev-
eral years pass the river becomes the home
of a huge mutated tadpole like creature
that is roughly the size of a school bus,
anyways once the creature comes out of
the water to spread panic along the river-
side and takes a young girl from her fami-
ly. Of course they assume that she is dead
but then they receive a call from the little
girls cell phone which brings them hope
that she may still be alive. I don't want to
give to much away, but to me this is the
best monster movie that I have seen in A
LONG time and it blows most monster
flicks right out of the water (no pun intend-
ed) it has chills and thrills, it's very funny at
times, and sad as well, basically it has all
the elements to make a great flick. It was
directed by Joon-Ho Bong who also direct-
ed MEMORIES OF MURDER in 2003
which up to the release of THE HOST was
the most successful Korean film to date.
If you ask me I say check it out, just don't
get to close to the water or it will jump out
and grab you. So come on down to Happy
50 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT
Bats Cinema and check out GWOEMUL!!!!!
Guy Russell writes and manages Burial
Ground at happybatscinema.com
DUCK, YOU SUCKER!
aka Fistful of
Dynamite aka Once
Upon a Time in a
Revolution
H ello, my name is Juan Farmer, and we
have not met. I am a friend of Happy
Bats Cinema, travel often, and watch a lot of
movies.
Sergio Leone's 1972 Western, 'DUCK, YOU
SUCKER! has been widely unseen in North
America. The film stars James Coburn as an
Irish revolutionary, and Rod Steiger as Juan,
a Tuco-esque bandit. So John has a fistful of
dynamite, and Juan has big ideas about
Johns explosives and Mexican banks. The
films list of AKA titles has in part to do with
a poor American box office, followed up by
no American distribution on home video,
meaning that you probably haven't seen it.
Which is good in a way, because it's very
unlikely you have ever rolled out of bed to
an edited for TV version of it, on a Sunday
morning.
Cinco de Junio, 2007. 'DUCK, YOU
SUCKER', for the first time on DVD. It's revo-
lution time in Mexico, Coburns 'John', and
Steiger's 'Juan', team up with unclear
motives and accents to match. John fresh out
of the IRA scene, and Juan wanting nothing
to do with politics, has dollars on his mind.
Juan, with John's help, blasts into a Mexican
bank to accidentally free political prisoners
locked inside, becoming a de facto hero to
the people. The plot thickens, and the film
takes a more serious turn. The themes in this
film are much wider than Leone's other west-
erns, and 'dynamite' is slightly less focused.
However, the undertaking of revolution as a
theme told via the two main characters is
handled well, and better served in its 157
min. restoration. The heavily edited versions
of the past omitted flashback sequences
filmed in Ireland, and the controversial open-
ing title written by 'Mao', that was not seen
in American theaters. Revolution is no dinner
party, indeed.
We'll cap off our introduction to each other
by saying that if 'Thelma and Louise' were
the Queen and that if the Queen had balls...
No, she wouldn't be King; she would have a
Fistful, of dynamite, that is. Bad accents,
voice overs and all. I've got a home copy of
this one.
Juan Farmer writes POOR WHITE NOISE at
happybatscinema.com
FRESH BREATH OF MINT Summer 2007 51
 A Mint Records Discography
Novillero album title tba MRD111 CD Early 08 New Pornographers Mass Romantic MRL043 LP 17-Oct-00 H
The Evaporators Gassy Jack and Other Tales MRD110 CD Fall 07 Riff Randells Who Says Girls Can't Rock MRS044 7" 24-Sep-00
Nardwuar Welcome to My Castle MRD109 DVD Fall 07 Huevos Rancheros Muerte Del Toro MRD040 CD 02-May-00
Bella No One Will Know MRD108 CD Fall 07 Huevos Rancheros Muerte Del Toro MRL040 LP 02-May-00
Bella No One Will Know MRL108 LP Fall 07 I Am Spoonbender Teletwin MRD041 CD 11-Apr-00
Carolyn Mark Nothing Is Free MRD107 CD 03-Jul-07 various artists Vancouver Special MRD038 CD 04-Apr-00
Immaculate Machine Fables MRD103 CD 12-Jun-07 Carolyn Mark Party Girl MRD037 CD 04-Apr-00
Immaculate Machine Fables MRL103 LP 12-Jun-07 Riff Randells Riff Randells MRS039 7" 14-Mar-00
Young and Sexy / The Awkward Stage split 7" MRS106 7" 15-May-07 Neko Case Furnace Room Lullaby MRD033 CD 22-Feb-00 E
Nick Krgovich One Woman Show 4-song 7" MRS105 7" 15-May-07 The Smugglers Rosie MRD036 CD 01-Feb-00 F
The Choir Practice The Choir Practice MRD104 CD 15-May-07 I Am Spoonbender Sender/Receiver MRD035 CD 01-Sep-99
various artists Mint Records @ SXSW 2007! MRD102 CD 06-Feb-07 O Huevos Rancheros The Wedge + 1 MRS034 7" 14-Jul-99
Immaculate Machine Les Uns Mais Pas Les Autres MRD099 CD 03-Oct-06 The Smugglers Growing Up Smuggler MRD032 CD 15-Oct-98 G
various artists A Mint Harvest Fall 2006 sampler MRD101 CD 03-Oct-06 O The Smugglers Growing Up Smuggler mrl032 LP 15-Oct-98 G
various artists Mint Roadshow 4-song 7" MRS097 7" 03-Oct-06 Duotang The Cons and the Pros MRD031 CD 20-May-98
various artists CBC Radio 3 Presents: The Mint Sessions MRD098 CD 03-Oct-06 O The Evaporators I Gotta Rash MRL030 LP 07-Apr-98
The Awkward Stage Heaven Is For Easy Girls MRD096 CD 10-Oct-06 The Smugglers Buddy Holly Convention MRD028 CDEP 31-Oct-97 F
Nardwuar vs. Bev Davies A 2007 Punk Rock Calendar MRC095 calendar 12-Sep-06 The Smugglers Buddy Holly Convention MRS028 7" 31-Oct-97 F
various artists Fresh Breath of Mint: A 2006 Update! MRD094 CD 14-Mar-06 O Neko Case The Virginian MRD027 CD 15-Jul-97 E
Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood MRD089 CD 07-Mar-06 P Pansy Division Manada MRS026 7" 02-Apr-97
Nardwuar Doot Doola Doot Doo MRD093 DVD 28-Feb-06 K cub Betti-Cola Japanese MRD029 CD 11-Mar-97 D
The Buttless Chaps Where Night Holds Light MRD091 CD 21-Feb-06 various artists Team Mint MRD025 CD 28-Oct-96
Young and Sexy Panic When You Find It MRD090 CD 14-Feb-06 Huevos Rancheros Get Outta Dodge MRD024 CD 30-Sep-96
P:ano Ghost Pirates Without Heads MRD086 CDEP 15-Nov-05 Duotang Smash the Ships and Raise the... MRD023 CD 29-Aug-96
various artists Fresh Breath of Mint MRD088 CD 11-Oct-05 O cub Box of Hair MRD021 CD 16-Jul-96
Immaculate Machine Ones and Zeros MRD087 CD 06-Sep-05 cub Box of Hair MRL021 LP 16-Jul-96
New Pornographers Twin Cinema MRD085 CD 23-Aug-05 H Duotang The Message MRS022 7" 16-Jul-96
New Pornographers Twin Cinema MRL085 LP 23-Aug-05 H The Mr T Experience Love is Dead MRD017 CD 02-Jul-96 B
Carolyn Mark Just Married: Album of Duets MRD081 CD 07-Jun-05 The Mr T Experience Love is Dead MRL017 LP 02-Jul-96 B
Duplex! Ablum by Duplex! MRD083 CD 03-May-05 Maow The Unforgiving Sounds of Maow MRD019 CD 27-May-96
Novillero Aim Right for the Holes in Their Lives MRD084 CD 03-May-05 Groovie Ghoulies World Contact Day MRD020 CD 06-May-96 B
P:ano Brigadoon MRD082 CD 05-Apr-05 N Groovie Ghoulies World Contact Day MRL020 LP 06-May-96
The Sadies J'ai esay de ne pas + 1 MRS071 7" 05-Apr-05 Pansy Division Wish I'd Taken Pictures MRD018 CD 09-Feb-96 B
Neko Case The Tigers Have Spoken MRD077 CD 09-Nov-04 M Pansy Division Wish I'd Taken Pictures MRL018 LP 09-Feb-96 B
various artists It's a Team Mint Xmas Vol. 2 MRD080 CD 02-Nov-04 Pansy Division Wish I'd Taken Pictures MRC018 CS 09-Feb-96 B
John Guliak 7 Stories and 13 Songs MRD079 CD 26-Oct-04 The Smugglers Selling the Sizzle MRD016 CD 09-Feb-96 B
Pansy Division/Skinjobs Dirty Queers Don't Come Cheap MRS074 7" 06-Jul-04 The Smugglers Selling the Sizzle MRL016 LP 09-Feb-96 B
Atomic 7 En Hillbilly Caliente MRD078 CD 29-Jun-04 The Smugglers/Hi-Fives Summer Games MRD015 CD EP 16-Dec-95 B
The Organ Grab That Gun MRD076 CD 24-May-04 L The Smugglers/Hi-Fives Summer Games MRS015 7" 16-Dec-95 B
The Organ Grab That Gun MRL076 LP 24-May-04 L gob Too Late No Friends MRD010 CD 05-Sep-95 C

Carolyn Mark The Pros and Cons of Collaboration MRD075 CD 04-May-04 cub/Potatomen The Day I Said Goodbye MRD008 CD EP 01-Sep-95 B
The Smugglers Mutiny in Stereo MRD074 CD 09-Mar-04 F cub/Potatomen The Day I Said Goodbye MRS013 7" 01-Sep-95 B
The Evaporators Ripple Rock MRD072 CD 20-Jan-04 K The Mr T Experience Alternative Is Here to Stay! MRD009 CD EP 01-Sep-95 B
Young and Sexy Life Through One Speaker MRD070 CD 07-Oct-03 The Mr T Experience Alternative Is Here to Stay! MRS014 7" 01-Sep-95 B
Young and Sexy Life Through One Speaker MRL070 LP 07-Oct-03 Huevos Rancheros Dig In! MRD007 CD 27-May-95
The Buttless Chaps Love This Time MRD068 CD 16-Sep-03 The Stand GT The Cracklefan MRS012 7" 27-May-95
The Gay You Know the Rules MRD069 CD 16-Sep-03 Pluto Cool Way to Feel MRD006 CD 11-Apr-95 A
The Gay You Know the Rules MRL069 LP 16-Sep-03 cub Come Out Come Out MRD005 CD 15-Jan-95
Ramblin Ambassadors Avanti MRD067 CD 19-Aug-03 cub Come Out Come Out MRS011 3x7" 15-Jan-95
New Pornographers Electric Version MRD066 CD 06-May-03 H Lou Barlow Another Collection of Home Rec.... MRD004 CD 12-Oct-94
New Pornographers Electric Version MRL066 LP 06-May-03 H Lou Barlow Another Collection of Home Rec.... MRD004 2x7" 12-Oct-94
Atomic 7 Gowns by Edith Head MRD065 CD 07-Oct-02 Pluto Death Star b/w Million & Two MRS008 7" 26-May-94
The Gay Fishin Jim + 2 MRS064 7" 07-Oct-02 cub Volcano MRS009 7" 03-May-94
Neko Case Blacklisted MRD060 CD 20-Aug-02 J The Smugglers Party Party Party Pooper! MRS007 7" 11-Feb-94
Operation Makeout Hang Loose MRD063 CD 07-Aug-02 kid champion kid champion MRS006 7" 31-Jan-94
Carolyn Mark Terrible Hostess MRD061 CD 01-Jul-02 cub Betti-Cola MRD002 CD 01-Oct-93
John Guliak The Black Monk MRD062 CD 25-Jun-02 cub Betti-Cola MRS005 2x7" 01-Oct-93
Mark Kleiner Love To Night MRD055 CD 05-Mar-02 various artists The Mint Is Still a Terrible Thing... MRD003 CDEP 01-Sep-93
Volumizer Gaga for Gigi MRD057 CD 05-Mar-02 cub Hot Dog Day MRS004 7" 14-May-93
Young and Sexy Stand Up for your Mother MRD058 CD 05-Mar-02 cub Pep MRS003 7" 16-Oct-92
Hanson Brothers My Game MRD059 CD 26-Feb-02 I Tankhog The Freight Train MRS002 7" 11-Jul-92
Hanson Brothers My Game MRL059 LP 26-Feb-02 I Windwalker Rainstick MRD001 CD 26-Mar-92
various artists A Tribute to Nashville MRD054 CD 05-Feb-02 Windwalker Rainstick MRC001 CS 26-Mar-92
The Tennessee Twin Free to Do What? MRD056 CD 05-Feb-02 Windwalker/Tankhog The Mint Is a Terrible Thing to Taste MRS001 7" 31-Aug-91
The Sadies Cork & Monkey + 2 MRS047 7" 04-Dec-01
various artists Team Mint Vol. II MRD053 CD 28-Aug-01 NOTES:
Operation Makeout First Base MRD052 CDEP 28-Aug-01 A: licensed to Virgin for the world J: licensed to Bloodshot (USA), Matador (UK)
Duotang The Bright Side MRD051 CD 05-Jun-01 K: on Alternative Tentacles outside of Canada
B: a Mint/Lookout! co-release
New Town Animals Is Your Radio Active MRD050 CD 05-Jun-01 L: a Mint/604 co-release; licensed to
C: deleted
New Town Animals Is Your Radio Active MRL050 LP 05-Jun-01 Too Pure (Europe), Talitres (France),
D: licensed to LDK (Japan)
The Tennessee Twin These Thoughts Are Occupied + 1 MRS049 7" 17-Apr-01 Popfrenzy (Australia)
E: licensed to Bloodshot (USA)
The Evaporators Honk the Horn MRS048 7" 03-Apr-01 M: licensed to Anti- outside of Canada
various artists It's a Team Mint Xmas Vol. 1 MRS046 7" 05-Dec-00 F: on Lookout! outside of Canada
N: on Aquarela (Spain)
New Town Animals New Town Animals MRS045 7" 05-Dec-00 G: on Mint in Canada only
O: promotional only, not for sale
Corn Sisters The Other Women MRD042 CD 24-Oct-00 H: licensed to Matador outside of Canada
P: on Anti- outside of Canada
New Pornographers Mass Romantic MRD043 CD 17-Oct-00 H I: on Mint in Canada and the USA only

MINT RECORDS INC. HEADQUARTERS MINT RECORDS EAST YVETTE RAY

PO BOX 3613, VANCOUVER, BC CANADA V6B 3Y6 #1-20 SEAFORTH AVE, TORONTO, ON CANADA M6K 1N5
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EMAIL mintrecs@telus.net URL www.mintrecs.com EMAIL yvette@mintrecs.com
 THE BACK PAGE
BY ELAINE CORDEN
S ummer is upon us. For those of us living in Vancouver, the first sunny
day of the season is like a memory erase button, and suddenly, we
recall why weve put up with the rain and grey skies for 8 months.
Its also festival season. Vancouver has its share of good festivals the
Folk Festival, the Jazz Festival, Vancouver New Music but still, youd
think with all the talent in the city, there would be a major event every
weekend. But were still growing. Its enough to make you understand why
Vancouver tends to hemorrhage artists to back east, to where Pop
Montreal and NXNW and Canadian Music Week all define the citys music
scene. Sigh.
At the beginning of June, I will attend Music Waste, likely Vancouvers best
hope for a real-live, homegrown rock music fest. Organized by the kids at
Only Magazine, the four-day fest takes place exclusively on the Downtown
Eastside, and holds the distinction of being the only real new rock music
festival in the city (New Music West stopped being bout the music years
ago sorry, but its true) the only event where youre pretty much
guaranteed to see something that offends you and astounds you. I bought
a $15 weekend pass, and plan on taking in as many weirdo, genius or terri-
ble acts as possible.
By the time you get to this, the fest will be over, and I hope it will have
gone down without too much red-tape. For my part, Ive been to the fest
website, and already found some groups worth talking about.
The Bloggers may be the most ridiculously named band in the festival or
actually ever, but theyre also the most ridiculously good. Their longest
song, by far is clocks in at 2:29, and according to Shzine.com, their album
has 41 songs in 53 minutes. How can you not love that?
Similarly preposterous but wonderful are Bison, whose membership
includes one of the dudes that used to be in the now-defunct skate-hard-
core band S.T.R.E.E.T.S (how soon will we get sick of calling him used-to-
be-in S.T.R.E.E.T.S? Never!), making f*ckface metal. Its not everyones
bag, but you have to admit, very few people outside of Scandinavia are
making that kind of music anymore. I happen to have their new record (not
yet out) in my possession, and all you need to know is it has a track called
Stokasaurus. Genius.
On the other, more twee, end of the spectrum, Music Waste also features
the Yesterdais, who have a stone-cold reverence for all things Ray Davies,
and The Choir Practice, who are exactly what their name implies: whole-
some enough for your mum but still awesome. Add appearances from
established favourites like Ghost House, The Doers, and Elizabeth, and you
have something that gives those who feel like Vancouver is, as a friend of
mine once said, a horizon thumbtacked to the sky, hope for this being an
arts mecca one day. Were not there yet, but if folk keep supporting festi-
vals like this one, it wont be long.
Links to all bands can be found here:
http://onlymagazine.ca/Music/1060/music-waste
http://myspace.com/musicwaste

54 Summer 2007 FRESH BREATH OF MINT

 the ramones!
nardwuar interviews
lily allen! snoop doggy dogg!
a carolyn mark tour diairy!
choir practice horrorscopes!
saying goodbye to lees candies
dear shane!
my day as a mint intern!
mix tapes!
immaculate machine
comics!
plus more!

56 PAGES!

FREE!
SUMMER 07