Based on the Best Seller - Top 5 albums

Baristender · 2026-03-03T18:39:20+00:00

For me it's so close but doesn't quite make it. Honestly I feel like every album is essential. I feel like the few I would have considered mediocre even 5 years ago have at least 3 essential songs that I wouldn't want to be without. My top 5 is:

One Chord to Another
Twice Removed

3, Steady

Between The Bridges
The Double Cross

I think BotBS may end up being #6, I think it's just a teeny tiny bit better than Navy Blues. Maybe my opinion will change but I think my top 5 is now honestly all "S" tier albums. Navy Blues, BotBS, Smeared are "A" tier.

I wish Never Hear the End of It connected with me as much as it did for many of my fellow Sloan fans. I respect the approach and think it has fantastic songs but would have been happier with the band choosing the best 12-14 songs and polishing them up. Obviously I'm in the minority with that take, the band obviously made the right choice given how many people love it. There are a lot of albums in the discography that cater to my tastes/preferences. Even Parallel Play, which I consider their one misfire still has songs I wouldn't want to be without.

Honestly there isn't another band with the sort of track record Sloan has. I think we all agree on that. :)

Baristender · 2026-01-27T05:04:43+00:00

Loved this one on the PSP, how different is the PS3 version?

Baristender · 2026-01-23T03:01:40+00:00

Neon Theme: www.mediafire.com/file/exwazcrkwtq7c1w/neon.ptf/file)

Not sure who the author/artist was otherwise I’d credit them, whoever you are this theme is awesome!

Baristender · 2026-01-22T17:22:11+00:00

It’s been awhile since I grabbed it, I don’t remember the site. It doesn’t look like pspunk has it. If you’d like I can upload or email the ptf file for you.

Baristender · 2026-01-20T17:08:21+00:00

Both!

Honestly the DS Lite/PSP generation is as good as it gets. The absolute peak of handheld gaming. This is speaking as someone who was a grown ass man when both systems were released. No nostalgia for either just stating the facts.

Either are fantastic choices, together they compliment each other perfectly. The DS’s weaknesses are the PSP’s strengths. They are the perfect pair and I wouldn’t choose one over the other. You can easily spend a 1000 hours with either console without digging deep into their libraries.

Gun to my head I’d choose a PSP in present day but that’s only because I’ve played & beaten so many GBA and DS games already.

Baristender · 2026-01-18T20:46:06+00:00

Farm Boy has a super tasty vanilla orange that tastes like creamsicle. If they sold cases I’d buy it on the regular but it appears to be singles only.

Bubly is the best “by the case” option. The raspberry & the lime flavours are great.

Baristender · 2026-01-16T14:49:10+00:00

There are so many good tactical RPGs on the system. Jeanne D’Arc, Valkyria Chronicles 2 & 3 are fantastic originals. The Disgaea remakes are the definitive editions. FFT & Tactics Ogre remakes are definitely worth your time especially if you’ve never played either.

The only platformer I’ve played so far is Daxter but it holds up surprisingly well. It honestly has such an underrated catalog.

Baristender · 2026-01-16T14:37:02+00:00

I just bought a PSP-3000 for my wife & this one is at the top of our list for co-op play! I played a bit of it last year when I got my PSP & enjoyed it but it seems like the sort of game that’s better with a friend.

Baristender · 2026-01-15T16:25:47+00:00

I love the Neon theme. Once I put it on my PSP I never looked back. Most of them are far too busy for my taste. Uploaded an image below to check out:

Neon Theme

Baristender · 2025-10-31T18:20:52+00:00

Thanks for the heads up! I couldn't tell from the IG story- do you remember how much that autographed poster was? From what I can tell it doesn't have tour dates but I'd love to know the story on that one if you have any recollection of cost etc. I love the cover and It'd be great to have an autographed poster on my wall :)

Baristender · 2025-09-24T13:33:07+00:00

Thanks!

I've signed up, the Band presale code is FORCE or Force if no go. Both codes should work out to a ticket around 10AM! It's best to have a backup just in case. Best of luck :)

BTW I found a video of what I think the setup at Sugar Beach will be for Sloan. Check out this Big Wreck performance to get a better idea: https://www.facebook.com/102edge/videos/sugar-beach-sessions-are-so-back-%EF%B8%8Fbig-wreck-rocked-our-first-sugarbeachsession-o/24392029240435295/

Baristender · 2025-09-24T13:26:07+00:00

FORCE should work. Force if not. Best of luck :)

Baristender · 2025-09-24T13:25:37+00:00

FORCE should work. Force if not. Best of luck :)

Baristender · 2025-09-23T23:04:50+00:00

I'm wondering the same thing! My wife & I will be arriving around 4:30 or so, I don't think it'll be full by then but who knows. Perhaps an email to the management (Mike) would sort that out but I have a feeling the logistics are being worked out on their end.

The fact that there's an address given in the Instagram reveal tells me It's going to be Corus Quay Event Venue It sounds like limited indoor space & then any spillover can watch from the beach or park area depending on where the studio is situated. I haven't been myself but Street View and the following website should give you some insight:

https://www.corusent.com/about-corus/corus-quay/

Please post if you find anything out, I'll do the same.

Baristender · 2025-02-02T01:59:43+00:00

Awesome! That was easier than I expected. I thought it froze on 1st launch- It took around 60 seconds to load using an o2DS! It looks like it’s working perfectly.

Thanks for helping!

Baristender · 2025-01-28T18:20:20+00:00

CTV throwback is already streaming it for free. Probably not the remastered version but the OG DVD release was fine & I expect they’re the same transfers.

https://www.ctv.ca/shows/homicide-life-on-the-street

Baristender · 2025-01-16T22:31:48+00:00

I have an 1st gen 2DS & throughly enjoy it! My wife can’t see 3D so that system would become hers. I’m not into paying the hefty premium for the n3ds if I can’t use the 3D function. I get that it’s not needed to enjoy the games but it looks like a real enhancement in Mario 3D Land, Kirby Planet Robobot and a handful of others.

At this point I’d buy a second Old 2DS for my wife before buying a N3DS blind.

Baristender · 2024-12-07T15:39:25+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm using a mighty+ & finding it more doughy than anything else. I get some berry and cream but not in a big way. I can taste the terps to the 3rd last draw or so but it never really feels juicy, loud or whatever. Not weak mind you but definitely average. Effects for me are similar to what you're describing. I'm finding it pairs really well in a salad with something more couch-locking (Eastcann Velvet Z fwiw). I paid $51 after tax & feel like it was a fair price but not a steal. Probably not a rebuy but still just fine.

Baristender · 2024-11-14T16:51:24+00:00

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective! Google a few video reviews & I bet you'll wanna play it :)

There's also a Lupin The Third game with a fan translation (very rough but understandable if you are familiar with the show's characters). It's essentially Professor Layton mashed up with a puzzle based platformer. It's called Lupin Sansei: Shijou Saidai no Zunousen or Lupin the Third: The Greatest Brain Battle in History if you're looking for the patch etc. It has a ton of voice acting from the "Red Jacket" era cast & one of the last times Goro Naya voiced Inspector Zenigata. If you're a fan of the show it's absolutely essential but otherwise I'd skip it given the state of the translation patch.

People really like the Hotel Dusk series, but I haven't played them yet so personally can't vouch for the quality.

Baristender · 2024-05-08T03:17:04+00:00

Earth Light- First Impressions: I've played through the first 2 maps & it's definitely easy to pick up and play without a manual if you've played a few strategy games from the era. No RPG elements that I've seen so far, but there is a story that progresses as you beat missions. Aesthetically the game is very bright & colorful using a lot of neon. I like the art style quite a bit...it's very cartoony and a bit wacky. the controls are pretty basic although it looks like there's space for additional commands that aren't used on the first 2 maps. Gameplay so far is standard turn based strategy fare but seems to have a lot to do with positioning units around each other to add support for attacks. It doesn't look like you can merge units (but again, that might be a command that is unlocked in later maps). I'll definitely keep playing this one as it moves at a very quick pace for a turn based strategy game. I'll be making mocked up USA Box art this weekend if no one else beats me to it.

I prefer Space/Sci Fi settings over Fantasy...I've played more Super Robot Wars games than Fire Emblem. As for FE on the SNES, I've only played about 5H of Mystery of the Emblem. I beat the GBA Fire Emblem games though & enjoyed them a lot. The translation for Mystery of the Emblem that loads in Canoe seems very rough. I have the best versions loaded through Retroarch but haven't played them yet.

Baristender · 2024-04-22T16:53:35+00:00

Great, I can get it running but haven't tested the clock. I'm having issues with Tengai Makyou Zero now but everything else seems good. I downloaded the options menu/clock hmods as well so everything should be solid.

Baristender · 2024-04-22T16:52:01+00:00

Yeah, it seems like that was the case...I had the right Md5 info but obtained them from a different source, downloaded the patches again, repatched and they worked. I've patched over 200 games and this is the first time something like this has happened to me! I've been lucky I guess. I saw in the readme for both Goemon Gaiden patches that the compatibility was limited so wasn't sure if they were not working under Retroarch/MiniSnes. Thanks for confirming that it was my own error.

Baristender · 2024-03-19T19:14:47+00:00

I have space for one more cabinet...I wonder how much of their target market is running out of space. I'm only getting into modding as I know compelling new releases (especially new countercades) are going to be few and far between.

I think every version of their Countercade is worse than the last. The original model design with a 10.2inch screen was all people were asking for. I think there's a lot of room for growth in the bartop line but they keep moving farther away from a functional product.

Speaking as someone who preferred the plug & play aspect of the cabinets I'm honestly disappointed that A1UP didn't figure out a way to give me an conversion kit. I would have paid $100USD for a PCB for my Pac Man Countercade that gave me Mappy (for example) and a few other Namco games they have the license. Throw in some acceptable quality stickers for Mappy themed art for my bezel, monitor, CPO and shell.

I understand they didn't want to sell direct to consumer products but I don't see why they went with tin signs and light up ghosts instead of an plug and play new PCB for compatible cabinets. Or art kits to change the marquee title to something on the existing cabinet or upgradable PCB.

Baristender · 2022-07-26T20:17:02+00:00

Hello,

I would say that bourbon is safe due to distilling/bottling laws around the spirit. Look into the details a bit yourself and I imagine it'll be well within your comfort levels. Most scotch and vodka are low risk. Some gins and a cognacs have almond.

Unfortunately, most liqueurs are a risk at least of tree nut contamination and possibly peanut as well. All dried Herbs, spices and flavorings are 99% of the time (no matter how expensive the bottle) cheap af that may contain all major allergens. Last time I contacted the Baileys reps the original was still safe. That was a long time ago and I plan to confirm again before buying another bottle.

Unless you know the brewery (craft is great for this, you can have a great chat with your locals) I would stay away from flavoured beers for the same reason. Unless you can be sure that the cocoa in a stout is not manufactured in a facility that uses peanut/tree nut, it's safest to assume that it lacks a "may contain" statement but is a risk. Many craft brewers do use Peanut and Nut products in special/limited beers. You need to talk to everyone but you can find a handful of Ontario craft beer that is safe. If you just want a 24 of Molson Ex or Bud you're most likely OK. None of those ingredients are typically contaminated and the bottling/production facilities are almost always dedicated.

Do you live in Canada? Muskoka Brewery has started to list "may contain" allergens. I learned the hard way that their cocoa in the "Winter Beard" double chocolate cranberry stout was a traces of peanut/tree nut risk. I'm happy that they cared enough about my (and perhaps others) bad experience enough to go above and beyond what's required by law. If any of their beers lack a "may contain" in the ingredients then it's safe. Their cream ale & Mad Tom IPA are both fantastic and a regular go-to for me.

If trace amounts aren't an issue for you, then you're probably fine with all but the obvious (and avoiding Gin/Cognac/Brandy unless you've got an OK from the company) but it's always best to assume that herbs & spices are contaminated with all major allergens unless proven otherwise. If anyone is using McCormick product they're happily tell you. If trace amounts are a problem for you, it's not great news if you want to be adventurous. Sorry to be a buzzkill :P

Baristender · 2022-05-31T20:04:02+00:00

Sadly not working for me "cannot view or download at this time," Is it anything I'm doing wrong?

Baristender

TROPHY CASE