Zeb's A Year in Review: 2014

Well it's that time of year where everyone is compiling their list of what was best in 2014 and to be honest I love making these lists and giving praise to the talent and hard work of my peers. I've decided to add in things rather than just music this year so here we go!

-Best Pub Food-

The Dog and Duck - 5340 2nd St. SW

A quiet little house converted into a restaurant where you feel more at home than anywhere else in this city. It's tucked out of the way but for those who know and love the Dog and Duck you feel like family and for those bands that play there, you know how well John treats his bands. My favourite dish I usually go for is The Shepherd's Pie.


-Best Venue-

Dickens Pub - 1000 9 Ave SW

Hosting a variety of both local bands and touring bands from all over the world. Dickens Pub has a great sound system and huge stage. I remember falling in love with the place the first time I stepped foot in the door well over 5 years ago and that feeling has never went away. With a large variety of beer on tap and a great kitchen in the back. This is the place you want to be for a show.

-Best New Venue-

Nite Owl - 213 10 Ave SW

Mixing both a dance club with a rock venue. This new venue hosts a variety of bands both local and touring. It has a great atmosphere and even better shows. This has become one of my favourite places to frequent.


- Best Place to Start or End the Night-

Vern's - 622 8th Ave SW

When you've gotten downtown too early for your plans, feel like you're just not ready to go home or just feel like being at home Vern's is the best place to pop in have a drink and say hi to Clint. Hosting a variety of bands 7 days a week, when you're a band starting out this is a good place to call home base. Take care of Clint and he'll take care of you.

-Best Patio-

The Ship and Anchor - 534 17 Ave SW

What better place to sit down in the sun and have a tasty beverage, there is even on occasion a punk rock sing a long to keep you going. Pretty much everyone loves the Ship.

-Best Place to Grab a Quick Bite-

Tubby Dog - 103 1022 17 Ave SW

Full fill your wildest hot dog dreams and get anything and everything you want on it. Great atmosphere and service.

-Best Local Aesthetic Shop -

Corbett's Rock and Roll Barber Shop - #102 735 12 ave SW

Looking for a stylish Men's haircut? Look no further than Calgary's Corbett Frasz. Sit down in his chair and shoot the shit with one of the nicest dudes while listening to some great tunes. His prices are affordable and if you feel parched he will also provide you with a tasty beverage.

-Best Local Record Shop-

Sloth Records - 736B 17th Avenue SW

Vinyl has made quite the comeback in the past few years and everyone is starting to build their collections of both new and used discs. One of the best selections of both new and used and most affordablely priced, for an expensive hobby. They also will sell local bands music so that's pretty cool.


-5 best local bands of 2014-

- 2014 XPOSURE winners Craic the Lens
- Long time Calgary heavyweights - The Evidence
- High Energy Charged Black Earth
- Folk Punk Heroes - Jenny
- Pop Punk Rockers - The Next Day Heroes

-5 Best local songs-

- Story Teller - The Paige Woodbury Band (Listen Here)
- Dirt Funky- The Next Day Heroes (Listen Here)
- Defeated - The Reckless Heroes (Listen Here)
- Thread - The Rumble (Listen Here)
-The Man at the Door - 36? (Listen Here)

- 5 Local Bands that Said Goodbye-
- Kingsland
- Cooper Collective
- Cease and Desist
- The Promethean Labyrinth
- Zackariah and The Prophets (RIP)


-Bands that made a Comeback-
-Black Pheonix Orchestra
-The Nix Dicksons
-Belvedere
-Hopethorns


-5 Best Albums-

- Where Do We Go From Here - 36?(Listen Here)
- Bad Notes and Antidotes - Coming Out Swinging (Listen Here)
- Outcasts - Why, Marilyn (Listen Here)
- Colour in The Clouds - Colour in the Clouds (Listen Here)
- Constellations - Black Earth (Listen Here)


- 5 Best Concert Photographers-

- Brandynn Pope - BrandynnLeigh Photography
- Keith Skrastins - Haus of Skrastins
- Ian Coburn - Ian Coburn Photography
- Philip Van Hooft -Trunk Studios
- Aaron Hamilton - Aaron Hamilton Photography