vtechphones.comUsually when I post a contest or giveaway, I try to frame it with some sort of context or relevancy to the zeitgeist at large (as I see it, anyways). Other times I don’t bother because the prize is self-explanatory and cool. This is one of these times.

And the prize is this. A VTech S9181 WiFi internet radio appliance. As the name implies, it’s a device that connects to your wireless internet connection and picks up over 11,000 (their claim) online radio stations that you can listen to through its own speakers or run through your stereo. It’s also got a built-in FM tuner for if you’re feeling old school and, if I read the specs correctly, can also play MP3s from a media server PC. In short, it’s cool and I kinda want one. But instead, courtesy of Filter, I’m giving one away. Someday someone will explain to me why that is.

To enter, leave me a comment below with your favourite radio station – online, terrestrial, satellite, whatever – and why. Make sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you’re a winner. And in keeping with the borderless-ness of the internet, this is open to anyone anywhere BUT a couple caveats: First, though the AC adapter can probably handle international voltages up to 240V (as most decent electronics can) it has a plug for North American plugs so if you’ve got those crazy-big European plugs (on account of being in Europe) you’ll need an adapter. And second, this thing is shipping from the US and will presumably have an accurate value noted on it for the customs folk – if you get dinged with duty and/or brokerage fees, you’re on your own. If you’re in America, you have no worries whatsoever.

Contest closes at midnight September 7.

Knut AaserudYou needn’t look to far to figure out where Norwegian duo Datarock found inspiration for the title of their new album Red – their closets. Their red track suits are as much their signature as the self-referential, pop culture/mass media-worshipping/devouring, giddily hyperactive and utterly danceable electro-pop they produce (though really, there’s as many organic instruments on this record as inorganic so calling them electro seems inaccurate). I’ve heard some say they’re unable to take Datarock seriously. I suspect that’s partly the point. The rest of the point is just having fun, and I’ve not heard any detractors try to challenge them on that.

Their Fall North American tour kicks off this week with the band – live they recruit more players in red track suits, natch – cutting a swath across Canada and that includes an appearance at day two of Virgin Festival Ontario at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto next Sunday, August 30. And courtesy of Nettwerk, I’ve got a pairs of passes to give away for the second day of the festival – sorry, don’t know where the seats are – and, because I think I was sent promotional three copies at least, I’ll include a copy of Red on CD. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Datarock” in the subject line and your full name and mailing address in the body. Contest will close at 5PM on August 25.

Datarock talk to Spinner about the Talking Heads tribute of first single “True Stories”.

MP3: Datarock – “True Stories”
Video: Datarock – “True Stories”

MySpaceThey never broke up so it’s hard for The Weakerthans to fulfill the “reunion” part of their last album’s title, but the “tour” part of Reunion Tour? They’ve got that down pat. Since its release almost two years ago in September 2007, the Winnipeggers have been on the road relentlessly on their own tours, co-headline tours, one-off shows, festival appearances… put out a stage in your backyard and wait a few days – chances are good the Weakerthans will show up spontaneously and play a few numbers.

And now they’re doing the support act thing this coming Thursday, August 27, at the Molson Amphitheatre where they’ll be opening up for Blue Rodeo’s annual to-do by the lake, and courtesy of Epitaph, I’ve got three pairs of passes to give away for the show (where the seats are, I don’t know – sorry). To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see the Weakerthans” in the subject line and your full name in the body. Contest will close at 5PM on August 25.

And note that the September 23 show at the Mod Club that was previously announced does not appear to be happening anymore – they’re in Pittsburgh that evening. Beyond this gig, your next best shot to catch them locally is September 15 at the Casbah in Hamilton.

MP3: The Weakerthans – “Sun In An Empty Room”
MP3: The Weakerthans – “Night Windows”
Video: The Weakerthans – “Civil Twilight”

ConstellationI can name, off the top of my head, two films that I’ve seen in which the humble bicycle plays a key role. Breaking Away, which featured a fresh-faced Dennis Quaid, and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure which featured a pre-disgraced Paul Reubens. I’m not saying these are the only bike films, or even the most important ones – just the only ones I can think of.

But apparently there’s more – many more. Enough to fill a festival, apparently – hence the existence of the Bicycle Film Festival, which kicks off next Wednesday night and runs through Saturday night. Over those four nights, there’ll be concerts, parties and of course movies, all in celebration of everyone’s favourite noble, carbon-neutral form of transportation.

And it all begins on Wednesday night, August 19, with Do Make Say Think, Evening Hymns and a special guest at the Polish Combatants Hall and courtesy of the festival, I’ve got a prize pack consisting of a pair of passes to this show as well as passes to all other festival happenings including the closing party on the 22nd which will feature another musical special guest (I know who both guests are and they’re both excellent). To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to Do Make Say Think on a bike” in the subject line and your full name in the body. Contest will close at midnight, August 17.

Video: Do Make Say Think – “In Mind”

Noah KalinaCale Parks makes what you could accurately call “80s-influenced electro-pop”, but not in the sense that it’s usually used these days. With Parks, you won’t find throwbacks to the radio-friendly side of the ’80s, with its fat synth textures and neon-infused aesthetic, but instead a more austere and detached approach. One that deftly balances acoustic and electronic instruments and wraps them around melodies that are heartfelt but still reserved – like a stiff, extended-arm hug.

Parks has just released a new EP in To Swift Mars and is coming to town on August 24 for a show at the El Mocambo with Lemonade. And courtesy of Rootmeansquare and Polyvinyl Records, I’ve got two prize packs to give away consisting of a pair of passes to the show and a copy of To Swift Mars on CD. To enter, email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Cale Parks” in the subject line and your full name and mailing address in the body. Contest will close at midnight, August 20.

Filter and You Ain’t No Picasso have interviews with Parks.

MP3:Cale Parks – “One At A Time”
MP3: Cale Parks – “Breathe In Tact”
MP3: Cale Parks – “Some Sew Some Find”
MP3: Cale Parks – “Wet Paint”