Infinite Improbability Driver

NOOOoooooo… DON’T DO IT! The Ogg format stream is much preferred to any Microsoft rubbish. From someone who listens to streams all the time (most recently SONiC all the time), I can honestly say I will never listen to SONiC again if the Ogg stream goes away.

The Microsoft Windows Media format sounds like crap, and is not easier to use. The Ogg format stream works on *all* platforms flawlessly, (There are a lot of us who don’t run Windows, or Mac for that matter.) as it is by definition an open format free of the licensing restrictions and built-in-spyware that is WiMP. (Windows Media Player really, *really* does suck)

I see this as a serious step backwards, I was *proud* that my home radio station used a next generation, open format for online broadcast, but this will no longer be the case if you stoop to decaying your online experience with the crippled, horrible-sounding, Microsoft format. You want to see the comparison, it’s right here: http://www.xiph.org/vorbis/listen.html

I will agree that the previous browser-based ‘player’ you were using was really not that good, but when we tuned into the high-quality stream directly from our media players, we were rewarded with high-fidelity SONiC goodness. Leave the Sonic-High Ogg stream up, post the link directly on the site rather than having it buried under the web player.

It’s as simple as this: http://stream.radiosonic.fm:8000/sonic-high.ogg

I seriously wasn’t kidding about stopping listening to SONiC.. I will find an online stream in a codec that does not sound like dog food. I am not alone either, my co-workers, my friends, heck, my roommates all happily enjoyed the Ogg stream.. and now you’ve done something stupid by taking it away. I guess whatever caters to the masses.. (like what happened to Metallica after the first music video?)

Regards from a streamless, soon to be Ex- Loyal SONiC Listener,
Alex Handy

P.S. Feel free to share this, publish this, or do what you like with it, you have my full permission.

Taking in 3 concerts this past week was a little taxing on the body, and as a result I’ve come down with a cold.. Probably caught it while moshing on Monday.

Unfortunately, the camera restrictions put on the Agricom and Rexall place didn’t allow pictures, but I’ll put some pictures up soon of Yellowcard (and friends) at Reds soon.

Seeing Alexisonfire Monday night was incredible, I haven’t moshed that hard in a very long time and we had so much fun. I even had a bruise of a bootprint on my forehead as a demonstration of the chaos on the floor. I lifted 5 or 6 folks, and had to duck/assist another 2 dozen surfers just over my head alone.

Alexisonfire wasn’t the headliner, but as the 3rd band on stage they played for over an hour and were much loved by the screaming fans. The sheer power and energy of the show was off the hook, the guitarists jump around the stage and into each other for the whole set, while playing some stunningly fast bars. The guys were funny and entertaining throughout, I can’t wait to see them again, the music and energy really make them stand out.

Day of Contempt (opening) and Underoath (2nd) both had really great sets. Day of Contempt had a lot of fun (Australians usually do) and I’ll be looking for their music in the future. The closing religious disclaimer by Underoath about loving Jesus and respect for those who don’t seemed an unnecessary use of the stage as a pulpit.

Street Drum Corps (4th) was like a heavy metal version of the Blue-Man-Group and was impressive to see in-person. these guys kept the crowd entertained using some awesome makeshift drums, including metal trash cans, plastic trash cans, and a fire extinguisher, amongst other things.

The Used (headlining) was way too loud (excessively so), with a decent performance and a set of some of their newer music. Their lead singer has a serious God complex, but with the largest fan base present it didn’t seem like anyone minded too much.

We went to System of a Down on Tuesday night, and after a tiring performance by The Mars Volta (they take ‘Rocking Out’ WAAAAAY too far — turning 4min songs into 40min epics) were treated to one of the best concerts I have ever seen. System of a Down was simply fucking awesome.

We didn’t have floor tickets for this show, but the whole coliseum was standing, everyone knowing all the words to every song and having a screaming good time. The stage layout was simple and the least cluttered of any of the shows I have seen and led to much on-stage movement and really put the attention on the band.

On Friday night, I had the fortune of attending a Yellowcard show at Red’s. They were as amazing as ever, and though the crowd was pretty young (all-ages), everyone was still having a good time. There was a bit of Moshing/Crowd Surfing in this show but pretty mild in comparison to the other two shows I saw this week. They played all of the old favorites, some newer stuff, and finished the 3rd Encore with a stunning rendition of Ocean Avenue.

Opening for Yellowcard was Rufio and Moneen; Both had good performances, Rufio had a little more fun and had the crowd enjoying themselves more, but Moneen’s music was harder and more akin to Alexisonfire (who they happen to be releasing a split CD with.)

The ringing in my ears was well worth the fun had this week.

After much scraping and digging, I managed to find an IceCast Stream of the new Edmonton Radio Station, Sonic 102.9. To my suprise, it’s even in Ogg format!
Available Here: http://stream.radiosonic.fm:8000/sonic-med.ogg

So, I just realized AlexisOnFire is playing at Red’s here in Edmonton tonight.. and it’s all sold out.. has been for weeks.. I really enjoy their music and would love to see them live. Here’s a Poster for the concert.

Oh Well.. Maybe Next Time.