Patrick Shanks
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shocktheshanker.bsky.social
Patrick Shanks
@shocktheshanker.bsky.social
Earlybird. Bicycle rider. Guitar player. Ballpark chaser. Nonfiction.
Pinned
Thinking about Mickey Dolenz a lot these days. He’s the last of the Monkees. Makes me feel sad that he probably misses his friends.
“I used to have a theremin but I never touched it.”

- John Davis, The Gruesomes
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Drove to Hamilton for what turned out to be a Canadian Garage-Rock Who’s Who. Great old familiar friends, faces and jokes. “I recognized their go-go boots!” So good for my heart to see everyone. Oh yeah, and The Gruesomes played too!
November 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Reposted by Patrick Shanks
November 6, 2025 at 10:55 PM
A lovely time at the NAC. I dig a 6PM concert. I had a seat, a railing for note-taking and an option to stand. Very fortunate to have such a wonderful venue just a few blocks from my home. Ken Yates and band were captivating. Sweet songs and groovy guitar sounds. Folks paid attention. It was nice.
November 7, 2025 at 12:27 PM
All the radios on display here are tuned to the Mighty 93, natch. Congratulations CKCUFM on the huge milestone. I once rewrote a song to reflect my love for you, dear campus/community radio station. #ckcu50 #dialanddonate #radiosinrevolt
November 6, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Some of the young folks at work are into baseball now since the Blue Jays big run which is great news. I’m enjoying answering their questions regarding the more obscure facets of the game. And it’ll be nice to have new faces at Titans games. Let’s hope they stay interested come springtime.
November 6, 2025 at 4:15 PM
When Johnny Paycheck performs in Canada, do they promote him as Johnny Paycheque? I’m here all week, folks.
November 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Strengthen your immune system by submerging the filthy bar citrus deep into your drink. #gross #poorhealthadvice
November 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Just occurred to me that pitcher Marcus Stroman is only one letter away from Astroman. Is he from a long line of Astromen? I think too much about stuff like this. Thanks brain. Never know when I’ll need to pull that nugget out. Who wants to get regaled with nonsensical observational trivia?
November 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Spotted Eugene Levy behind the Jays on deck circle on John Candy’s birthday and thought of the Schmenge Brothers. #HappyWanderers
November 1, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Hopefully for Halloween everyone at Rogers stadium is dressed up as the 1993 SkyDome. #okayBlueJays
November 1, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Tom Power was just interviewing Shad and they used Nardwuar as a verb. “You just Nardwuar’d me!” Nice. How Canadian is that?
October 31, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Tomorrow! This is the event of the season. Two incredible bands playing in Ottawa together for the first time. Bank Street might just explode. Heck, I might explode. This all makes me VERY happy! Tickets still available. I’ll be spinning rock n roll 45s before, between and after bands.
October 31, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Walked into work, turned on the radio and this was just starting. My fave Chris song from their last 3 or 4 albums. A good start to the day. Happy Thursday everyone!
October 30, 2025 at 12:20 PM
- Why do I have two copies of this?
- You’re old. You used to drink and you used to drink in a record store.
- Those are good answers.

Anyone want a copy of this? Granny Go-Go also features in the Girl Trouble documentary ‘Strictly Sacred’. Cute story. Good double A side. No charge.
October 30, 2025 at 2:14 AM
A fun thing about DJing in winter, especially at House of Targ is when folks try to hand me their coats through the window of the booth. Funny to watch their faces. Not the coatcheck, I’m just a dude with a box of records.
October 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Anyway, here’s B-A-B-Y by Carla Thomas🎶
October 29, 2025 at 6:33 PM
There are always six or ten seats at the back of the bus. Why are y’all standing up by the driver? I’m old and broken and tired. I’m pushing my way back there. Pardon my elbows.
October 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
“Two for one Hank Williams today. He’s on Special!” - Ball & Chain
October 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Beautiful night with Ron Sexsmith and band. Really incredible stuff. The Babs Asper is a gem of a theatre, I had friendly seatmates and excellent drugs. Plus, after a quick stumble/bus home we caught the big 6th inning of the game. A perfect October evening. Thanks fellows. @ronsexsmith.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 11:55 AM
We’re all out today flying Blue Jays colours and smiling encouragingly at each other. It’s nice. Like a civilized/sober Canada Day for now. An old lady stopped me in the grocery store, pointed to my hat and said, “We’re gonna get em! Go Jays!” We high fived and I teared up a little bit. 🩵💙
October 24, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Attending concerts/events tonight, tomorrow and all next weekend. Don’t artists, when booking shows 8-10 months in advance, consider for a minute that the Blue Jays might be in the World Series? Come on Ron Sexmith, The Gruesomes and Reverb Syndicate… get your shit together!
October 24, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Cherry Pepsi Zero after work. Yes please. These recent days are a lot different than those old days. But it’s still just a glass of chemistry. #sobriety
October 23, 2025 at 9:38 PM
If you’ve never heard the Charlie Daniels Band, or if you’ve only ever heard The Devil Went Down to Georgia, you should try any other record. Charlie Daniels can Rock. And that band absolutely have the Funk.
October 22, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Next week! Montreal’s legendary The Gruesomes return to town for a record release party with the incredible Muck and The Mires from Boston MA. I’m beyond stoked to be spinning cool records between bands. Come say hi! Get yer tickets - it’s gonna be a garage-punk rager! 💚💜
October 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM