Gobble Gobble eat up the Island Tent - Hillside Sunday 2011

With all the hype (ok I'd been adding to it too) I was super excited to finally see what exactly it is that Gobble Gobble do to make their set so indescribably crazy. I'll do my best to perform the impossible and describe it. Spoiler alert!

With primarily electronic music it can be difficult to put on a show seeing, as the instrumentation is mostly button pushing. This Edmonton three piece (as part of Pop Montreal) must actively work to keep you entertained. Off the top the two wandering members were inexplicably towering over people in the crowd, and moving through the sea of folks. It was actually terrifying for some reason to have these two giants moving toward you, even after the realization of the souped-up stilts on their feet.

Next track they were back in the crowd - at regular height now but both wielding shovels. Why you ask? Combined they were producing percussion, of course. This was scary for a different reason as they literally smashed the backs of their spades together above my head as they passed over me. I could have used a helmet!

Funnily enough the next tune the two were both donning helmets - a street hockey goalie mask and a bike bucket - and then, taking a page out of the Arcade Fire's book, they proceeded to alternately bash each other over the head with drum sticks.

Additional antics included blowing up a massive ghost-like figure with a leaf blower, carrying around an oversized drum for us to bash, performing synchronized tambourine, and dishing out all sorts of high fives to the beat.

At one point they both disappeared from view and I was startled to see them slinking around my feet with their tambourines, much to everyone's surprise. They were a lot more conspicuous during the closing number when they jumped up and body surfed around.

Mind you the entire time the third member was keepin the tunes pumping (but not fave Boring Horror) and we were keeping the dance party going too. All this showmanship and sweat made for a helluva show. It's true that it's gotta be seen, no, experienced. Now I get it.


Update: Gobble Gobble became Born Gold in 2011.

Hannah Georgas makes up for it all - Hillside Saturday 2011

The elusive Hannah Georgas has evaded me for some time and when I finally did catch her the circumstances, being a brief, free, outdoor, freezing-cold show in March were far from ideal. That had left a negative impression of her live performance with me despite having really enjoyed her release on disc. Her weekend at Hillside would do away with this notion and replace it with the cheery feelings I'd hoped for. It all started with the magnificent workshop she shared with Mother Mother and Dan Mangan. But then again, being in that company is bound to make everything I see rose-coloured. Speaking of which, the red-headed songstress came out dressed in an all pink summer outfit for her sunny afternoon set. Going through a solid number of cuts from the album along with her three-piece backing band, she was much more outgoing and upbeat than the previous winter session, and come to think of it I probably was too. Bang, Bang You're Dead, Lovers Breakdown and Chit Chat were all great before a chilled out version of The Beat Stuff. In finale she demanded that we all get up and dance with her and this time we were more than happy to for Dancefloor! After this redemption I was more than pleased to find her shirking the gospel hour to participate in the other workshop and treat us to This is Good. Sorry for doubting your Hannah, it is good again!

Memphis + Hooded Fang Workshop - Hillside Saturday 2011

Torq had taken command of the stage by the time I joined him and Hooded Fang in progress. And frankly that is understandable and enjoyable considering the stage time on his resume. Besides what other workshop member hand wrote out lyrics to their songs for the other band? (As he did for the Pet Shop Boys cum Memphis Love Comes Quickly.) He was also visibly thrilled to play HF's Green River which he mentioned had been on repeat in all venues of his life for the past few months. Turned out to be a dandy too as he could obviously play along with the full Hooded Fang complement. Even the workshop go-to, the cover song, seemed preplanned. Though it wasn't planned too too well as neither band knew the words, ironically to Learning the Lines by The Hidden Cameras. Fortunately Cams member Gentleman Reg happened to be in the audience and joined them onstage to fill in the blanks. (Unfortunately he sang backup on the actual track and hence only had a somewhat better grasp on it.) Nonetheless the song was pulled off and the workshop set was deemed a veritable success.

The Stanfields - Hillside Saturday 2011

Outta the East the lads did a solid job with an Irish standard off the bat to wake up the afternoon. Their orig was decent too but my attention was diverted and I strayed before I could hear their fabulously titled The Dirtiest Drunk in the History of Liquor.

Paper Lions - Hillside Saturday 2011

This Charlottetown band, The Paper Lions, may not be breaking the mold when it comes to indie pop, but at least the do a good job of what they're doing and have some fun while they're at it. The piano is a wholly welcome addition to every song they feature it on. Plus the songwriting is interesting as featured on the tale of Trouble (which I didn't hear this time though I only caught the Stanfields workshop) as well as the survival story of their run-in (drive in?) with a moose that they did this time around.

Little Scream - Hillside Saturday 2011

Little Scream had a female violinist accompanying her durin the workshop. She played Red Hunting Jacket which sounded alright but overall there wasn't anything too interesting to draw me into her full set later in the day. Collabing with Ganga Giri, Little Scream's backing vocals and the addition of the violin complemented the dance tunes quite nicely.

Ganga Giri - Hillside Saturday 2011

Ganga Giri were not at all the ganga girl that I was anticipating. Instead it was a Australian bloke playing a didgeridoo as well as a didgeri-stick which seemed to cross the traditional instrument with a trombone. The type of music was the biggest surprise though, as alongside a clap beat he warped these instruments into verifiable dance jams. Joined by a rasta who wrapped overtop they put on a decent show. While wielding these oversized instruments he danced hilariously while also speaking words through them - primarily "Ganga Giri" and "Didgeridoo". You must enjoy a set like this - 'it is crucial'!  'YESSSS'!

Third Eye Blind bring back the 90s (Echo Beach, July 28, 2011)

Yes the 90's were back in fashion down at Echo Beach (there's sand!) for this free summertime gig. Judging by the large crowd of twenty- and thirty-somethings it was to be a warm welcome too. Off to a late start it didn't take the Third Eye Blind lead singer long to have his tech swap his guitar; electric for acoustic at approximately the eight second mark of song one. From then til song seven of the set there isn't much to say as the band didn't have ANYTHING to say. (I was amazed too.... who knew they had seven songs?!) Finally during an interlude he broke his banter silence to say hello, and in a frustratingly drawn out manner eventually tell us about his recent bike crash and broken ribs. I suppose this was his excuse for doing little rocking out - unless you count posing, crossing your arms, holding the mic to the crowd or putting your hands in your pockets.

Okay, okay, okay this is all a little harsh. Especially as there was some redemption after this point. He excused the band in the second half for a solo tune and when they returned the first legitimate hit (that I know of) in Jumper was finally broken out. Yes, the massive singalong ensued. Additionally there were a couple B songs like Losing a Whole Year, Graduate, and Crystal Baller. Even Wounded was new to me but caught my ear. In dramatic fashion for the finale the singer cracked a large bunch of glow sticks and drew it out for ages tossing them one by one into the crowd, until he finally blew his load and tossed in his (first) hat too. (Hey, if their lyrics can be as blatant as they are, I'm not gonna hold back either.)

Now none of us were fooled by the momentary pause. They'd barely hit on what made them famous, and, frankly, the only reason they are still going today. (That is unless you ask super fan in front of me who sang and danced every word along the way.) Donning an identical, new hat the band returned with the opening to encore-song-one fooling me into thinking of How's It Gonna Be. Unfortunately that would be the closest I would get to that particular song as they followed with the 100% necessary Semi-Charmed Life, but to my dismay closed with something called God of Wine.

Don't get me wrong. They sounded pretty good, especially the guitarist, and worked within the standard rock realm of showmanship. Even the singer's vocals still fit, at least when he wasn't missing/jumping his queues or simply allowing us to sing it out. But overall it was rather apparent that Third Eye Blind are still riding out the nostalgia factor - a last gasp at a dying career. I guess they don't want to actually contemplate 'how it's gonna be, when we don't know them anymore'. Thanks for the memories anyhow.

Kidstreet - Hillside Friday 2011

It was early into the Hillside weekend, hell it was still early on Friday night, but the most fun to be had in one set of music had already arrived. Even the band commented on how great it was to have everyone up and dancing in with the sun still up. Once Kidstreet got their car-selling, fully instrumental, SONG out of the way right off the bat it was perhaps 8 seconds into song two that people began jumping to their feet to get their dance on. The trio of siblings each gave quite a performance, with one brother running around the stage frantically while the other kept the beat going. Meanwhile sister Snyder was absolutely tearing up the vocals. Credit for remembering all the lyrical moves to Spin Twirl alone (I've been trying), but keeping up with Penny Candies is a true feat - especially when they "speed it up a little". Phew! The crowd, as mentioned, fully embraced their Waterloo neighbours and the dance party continued in full force throughout. So! Much! Fun!

The Midway State - Hillside Friday 2011

The Midway State have been making music for some time but finally caught my ear leading up to Hillside. They've make extra catchy pop music grounded in rock sensibility and excellent musicianship. Unfortunately during their workshop set (mostly just a back and forth, song for song) with Harlan Pepper, and even throughout their abbreviated Island stage set, this wasn't too well showcased. Yes, the boys can play their instruments, and quite earnestly at that. During one of the mostly instrumental tunes the drummer busted a stick from bashing at his set - might have even been twice that song. In fact the intensity of the drumming stood out both times but the catchiness that should have led to dancing, or at least grooving, didn't translate as at times they appeared to get so wrapped up in their playing that they forgot to give back to the audience. One exception was Bryan Adams' Run to You but having seen it in the workshop hours earlier the novelty was slightly worn by the time they bust it out to a more sizable audience. Their closing number, Never Again, finally began breaking down the barrier between band and audience but due to time constraints they were halted just there. I'd love to see them devote more to the crowd in a full length set to see where they could take it.

Graveyard Train - Hillside Friday/Saturday 2011

The shorts with suspenders and undershirt were a little unique, but what was in his hands was the ultimate eyebrow raiser. Slung over one hand, a couple yards of heavy chain, and in the other - a hammer to bash it with. This beat out the other member with his acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder to be played flat like a slide guitar while standing, or even the guy bashing a metal water bottle of a music stand as the most interesting member of Graveyard Train. Having come all the way from Melbourne they stood seven across the front of the stage, all singing, or sometimes yelling in response to their bandmates' calls, in a delightfully entertaining fashion. Every last one of them lent a voice, often taking turns on songs where the subject matter most always tended toward the supernatural (mummies to scarecrows to personified death to werewolves to witches). The exception being their overly flamboyant cover of Fever which was absolutely hilarious and had Karkwa provided some nice piano flourishes. Thanks for making the trip, I'm so glad to have seen that without having to travel all the way to the 'Old Bar' in Melbourne, Australia.

Lights - Hillside Friday 2011

Lights was backed by a full band for much of her set, while also taking a few moments to sing us a song or two with only the acoustic guitar in her hand. I preferred this as her pop songs don't seem to differentiate themselves much for me, only serving to cover up her enjoyable voice. Nearing the end of the set she took an effect pedal in hand to further skew this singing voice.

Harlan Pepper - Hillside Friday 2011

Like the down-to-earth Hamiltonians that they are, Harlan Pepper introduced themselves as guys who like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the summertime. The young lads, having all just turned nineteen recently, play a relatively mature brand of folk-infused indie. That lead singer has sure got some grown-up vocals, as displayed on Reefer, and alongside his bandmates on the 'never, never, never' chorus of No.  He's also got a face to match Dylan's - as they pointed out before launching into a cover of one of his tunes. (This happened both during their workshop with The Midway State and their solo set a couple hours later.) Rounding out the folk feel in addition to the standard acoustic and electric guitars were the harmonica and banjo. On Little Miss Sunshine the drummer sang back-up but to my disappointment I didn't get to hear them tour The Great Lakes. I feel we'll be seeing more of them in the future so I'll save that one for next time.

Dan Mangan Shares a Secret (Toronto Institute for the Enjoyment of Music, July 20, 2011)

The first message - plain, straightforward, lacking in detail - went out mid-afternoon and the rumours began to swirl. By evening curiousity was as high as excitement. Finally word came: Toronto Institute for the Enjoyment of Music.

Dropping my Grilled Cheese grilled cheese I clamoured onto my bicycle to join the small crowd, mere shadows of that to come, congregating on the Queen West sidewalk. To interrupt the wait The Crackling could be seen soundchecking through the large, glass storefront window to the music centre. Soon thereafter Dan himself poked his head out the door for a quick rundown of how he envisioned the night going down, before the musicians dropped their beers and strolled off down the muggy street.

The temperature shot up to take curiousity's former position alongside excitement as we crammed ourselves, perhaps sixty-strong, into this space, leaving only a handful to peer from the doorway. Relief came in the form of distraction as The Crackling, Dan's bandmates (with the drummer swapping sticks for lead vocals and a guitar), took to the stage, er, front of the room. As before the double guitar (2), and double bass (1) sans percussion worked very well and there was heavy buy-in for the singalong. The instrumentation was relatively restrained, as were our limbs as we were asked to take a seat leaving essentially zero personal space.

We could not however be asked to take Dan Mangan sitting down. Following a short break he unassumingly started into a solo acoustic number that brought the melting crowd's attention back. It was a song from the new album, as was the next about the leaves on the trees, and the trees in the forests. The title track and lead single, Oh Fortune, brought things up a notch before the dial was cranked for a rocking rendition of Sold. Another upbeat tune came and worked into a massive, rambling breakdown. From here the songs tumbled over each other and my memory mixes old with new, and even a cover (Neutral Milk Hotel - In an Aeroplane Over the Sea) as bliss overcame me. The new song, self-described as the poppiest rock song, with the most fuck-you lyrics he'd ever written, was another standout. (And they also did that song with all the questions - about the band, and where they're playing tonight - that I've heard before but can't place. Update:Jeopardy) Some People brought the house down with absolute energy emanating from the four-piece and permeating through the crowd.

Busting a string seemed prophetic somehow, so Dan suggested a change of venue to join the onlookers on the street who now were nearly half as strong in number as us inside. As streetcars cruised by, Mr. Mangan stood atop a piano bench, surrounded by bandmates, and led us in an awe-inspiring So Much For Everyone. Encouraged to sing along for the sheer natural high, we belted it out on the sidewalk, raising our voices in unison in the street. Magnificent!

Nobody wanted it to be over - musicians or music-lovers alike. To cap the night a farewell cover of Elliott Smith's I'm Gonna Love You Anyhow washed over us. The band humbly thanked us for bearing the heat and bid us goodnight. Smiles were seen all around as people milled about discussing the magic they'd just witnessed.

What can ya say? Dan does it again.

Canada Day Roundup (Ottawa, July 1, 2011)

What more fitting place to begin the day than on Parliament Hill. Unfortunately this is where absolutely everyone else wanted to be too - something to do with a couple that are famous for being born and marrying someone who was born. But I digress..

Jenn Grant was upbeat and perky as always early in the show with Getchya Good. The best part of her shows is usually the awkward yet amusing banter however under the circumstances she didn't have much of a chance for this.

Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans stayed patriotic (and likely sweltering in their black long sleeved cowboy get up) with a fun rendition of Long Gone to Saskatchewan.

Dan Mangan in all his bearded glory looked tickled to be playing this show. Dropping a percussion section altogether he went big brass alongside his acoustic guitar for a mighty fine take on Sold. Upright bass plucking and a strong clapalong rounded out the tune, bringing us to the next act - Harper and the Economics.

Ohbijou have come a long way from Casey's solo beginnings as not only was she joined by her violin playing sister but also had a bodyless, seated, standup bass player, plus bass, drum and guitar. The songs are primarily pretty and lush with a focus on her soft voice but at times during this show they pulled out some stronger instrumentation (even an effect pedal on the up and down new closer). Black Ice and St. Francis remain favourites and were taken in by members of The Acorn as well. Another highlight was the Nathan Lawr cover mixed into this pleasant, sunny afternoon set. 

Coeur de Pirate was on the Jazz festival's mainstage and had a captive audience seated in the grass. He set was remarkably similar to last Friday's FrancoFete show in Toronto, right down to the half Armistice song during the encore. Beatrice may have spoken even less English but still managed to get us all on our feet for the Commes Des Enfants finale. 

The second Parliament Hill show of the day had a much looser vibe than the first and saw Dan Mangan climb out into the crowd to encourage the "very serious, for Canada" singalong to the chorus of Robots (while backed by a few lovely female violinists). This time around I also caught Mr. Sam Roberts though with the muffled sound from my vantage point I only recognized Brother Down despite this not seeming like the place to pull out two new songs from the very recently released new album. 

All in all it was a splendid day topped off with the dependably awe inspiring fireworks display. Logistic of moving around, and being trapped on the wrong side of the road for a couple hours in order to wait for some nobodies to wave out the window of a Suburban at us prevented more musical intake (two hours traffic, grumble*) but altogether it was still pretty great. And topped off in a patriotic fashion with beers at Sir John A's place. 

Hey Rosetta (Edge 102, June 27, 2011)

Being a Live @ The Edge event my expectations were tempered but the crowd of fifty or so down at Sugar Beach received a worthwhile performance. Without much ado, besides an on-air introduction Tim began strumming his guitar and the other five that round out Hey Rosetta broke in. It was a fully acoustic set that was unique from that aspect but reduced the extremes that HR work so well, from quiet to crashing. Young Glass and Welcome included cello and drums, the latter being brushed for the most part, with the rocking drum solo replaced by mambo to fit the small, acoustic feel. Tim's excellent voice stood out clearly from this backdrop. As an added bonus for those of us who trekked down after work they did a third tune off air, Bandages, with a pared down set of instruments. Although it felt more like a teaser than a show it was still well worth its while.