Arriving on time for the show was still far too early as Hollerado continued with their video shoot and went through Desire enough times (feels like 126 times) that it seemed impossible that anybody in the room desired to hear it again. Amazingly the crowd continued to give it each time even as the band seemed to be losing steam. Not sure if this is a sure way to an ear work or more of an exorcism.
Finally the shoot wrapped and not too long after a couple of the members were right back on stage. Stella Ella Ola have Nick in his regular spot on guitar, meanwhile a lady(his wife? Anne) also plays one in cut shorts and sings from under her blonde locks, the Hollerado drummer Jake (his brother) has upgraded only slightly to bass, while a gentleman (Vince), noticeably older than the rest, plays drums. The drummer gets a glowing introduction from Jake and totally holds it down. The three up front share vocals and while at the first the set isn't the strongest they do gain confidence and musical strength as it progresses. Finally closing with the more familiar Peter Sellers, it is in fact the only song I recognize though a few down the middle, especially with the drummer cum bassist singing, are rather catchy.
Dave Foley does a standup set that revolves around his sex life. I am nervous that it is going to be offensive but it turns out alright in the end - I guess comedy is supposed to push the limits.
Hollerado return to the stage in their familiar stances in front of their blacklight mural and amps, but with a novel setlist. They proceed to play the tunes they've shot music videos for in the order that they were shot. Essentially this turns into a chronological hit list which everyone deserves after enduring the shoot. It does leave them in a predicament as they close with So It Goes figuring it's about time to call it a night after a long day of shooting, for both the band and the fans. Yet the "One More Song!" chants persist and they return with.. yes, they actually have the gall to play Desire again. Somehow this goes over well, at least in part because they don't phone it in like they had been by the time I'd shown up. In fact the whole set they straddled moments of energy, as Menno leapt off the drumset in a mist of his own spit, but there were other elements like their notorious synchronized dances, as in Races, that weren't quite spot on. (Critical, I know!) To close right out they dug into the reserve tank and Nick handled the mic to spit Blink's Dammit and this throwback brought a huge smile to my face.
Setlist - in case you don't want to look up their videos in order:
Americanarama
Juliet
Fake Drugs
Got To Lose
Good Day at the Races
Pick Me Up
Fresno Chunk (Digging with you) [A slower song for Menno's friend Gus in the audience - not a video]
So It Goes
Encore:
Desire 126 (again!)
Dammit
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Golden Dogs, Neil Quin - Cameron House (Dec 6/13)
Neil Quinn
Amidst the busy Golden Dogs stage set-up was a very simple one for this former golden dog. Neil picked his electric guitar while seated on an old wooden chair. Keeping the banter to a minimum he played all originals loudly, despite relatively quiet solo guitar music. His voice was strong and the set entertaining.
Golden Dogs
The last time I saw the Golden Dogs I was exiting adolescence so it has been a long hiatus, but on the first song that familiar male voice brought me right back there. In the time in between I've scarcely heard about the band and only realised this show by chance at the last minute. It was a fortunate discovery though, as they blasted out three jubilant pop rock to an enthusiastic Cameron House back room audience. With lasers splayed around the stage their blue and red set colours could barely be made out but the music spoke for them. The female drummer brought energy with both her percussion and her sometimes-lead vocals. The bass player and female keys player also contributed with the cords, and on one song when neither of their services were required they raised a sheet and a sun rose over it, the significance of which was lost on me but it was fun nonetheless. A bunch of new songs were played, as read off the "Now Playing" candelabra on the piano. Their counts into songs were varied and fun, sometimes lasting a long while. One particular song ran off the tracks and they were prepared for it as without a pause they flipped up a technical difficulties sign, began playing an old tune on the boom box until they jumped back into the song already in progress. The latter half of the set was peppered with songs I'd learned to love them back in tha day. Runouttaluck had people dancing while Saints had 'em shouting along. I thought they were closing with Birdsong when in fact they went one further with the simply effective Yeah! Unable to escape the stage their set extender was a new tune which left everyone, appropriately titled, Happy.
Amidst the busy Golden Dogs stage set-up was a very simple one for this former golden dog. Neil picked his electric guitar while seated on an old wooden chair. Keeping the banter to a minimum he played all originals loudly, despite relatively quiet solo guitar music. His voice was strong and the set entertaining.
Golden Dogs
The last time I saw the Golden Dogs I was exiting adolescence so it has been a long hiatus, but on the first song that familiar male voice brought me right back there. In the time in between I've scarcely heard about the band and only realised this show by chance at the last minute. It was a fortunate discovery though, as they blasted out three jubilant pop rock to an enthusiastic Cameron House back room audience. With lasers splayed around the stage their blue and red set colours could barely be made out but the music spoke for them. The female drummer brought energy with both her percussion and her sometimes-lead vocals. The bass player and female keys player also contributed with the cords, and on one song when neither of their services were required they raised a sheet and a sun rose over it, the significance of which was lost on me but it was fun nonetheless. A bunch of new songs were played, as read off the "Now Playing" candelabra on the piano. Their counts into songs were varied and fun, sometimes lasting a long while. One particular song ran off the tracks and they were prepared for it as without a pause they flipped up a technical difficulties sign, began playing an old tune on the boom box until they jumped back into the song already in progress. The latter half of the set was peppered with songs I'd learned to love them back in tha day. Runouttaluck had people dancing while Saints had 'em shouting along. I thought they were closing with Birdsong when in fact they went one further with the simply effective Yeah! Unable to escape the stage their set extender was a new tune which left everyone, appropriately titled, Happy.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Top Ten Twenty Thirteen! - Year in Review Top 10+
1
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
They did it again. Smart, intricate, catchy. This is the epitome of the indie pop band right now, doing all the things right.
2
Moonface - Julia, With Blue Jeans On
Moonface - Julia, With Blue Jeans On
Only a musical genius could pull off an album as stripped down as this and make it so captivating and achey. With just a piano and his voice Spencer Krug has crafted one of the most compelling albums of 2013. Every time I hear it I want to continue to listen to it forever.
3
Lightning Dust - Fantasy
Lightning Dust - Fantasy
Beauty in music. There's a lightness here that swirls without taking away from its substance. The grungier raw sound has all been used up in Black Mountain leaving pure sweetness. Fans of Young Galaxy take notice!
Why should I bother describing this album with such an apt title? It's pure bliss with its danceability and sly, silly lyrics. Incredibly they've made a record that lives up to their indescribable live experience.
5
Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You
The more I listen, the better it gets, the better it gets, the more I love it. (Sorry everyone.)
Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You
The more I listen, the better it gets, the better it gets, the more I love it. (Sorry everyone.)
6
Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob
Whoa, the most infamous gay identical twin sisters in music went off the pop deep end with 2013's Heartthrob. More often than not this would alienate longtime fans but in this case I haven't a thing to complain about. From the understandably ubiquitous Closer through the catchy, vulnerable How Come You Don't Want Me to the heartbreaking Now I'm All Messed Up these are some of the best pure pop songs produced in ages, and they are all from the same group. The glue that pieces them together is excellent too.
7
Wildlife - ..On the Heart
This criminally underrated Toronto band makes true unified records with earnest lyrics, real musical chops and quality production, with this follow-up proving that the lightning was properly sealed in the bottle after their debut Strike Hard, Young Diamond. Their live shows are just as impressive and perhaps if they played more of them people would really start to provide the attention that is deserved.
8
River Tiber - Synapses
An up-and-comer from Toronto, this project is the brainchild of one Tommy Paxton-Beesley who meticulously crafted a darkly engaging full-length. With electronic hints and an assortment of sounds the album weaves its way through as one continuous, complex ride.
9
Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob
Whoa, the most infamous gay identical twin sisters in music went off the pop deep end with 2013's Heartthrob. More often than not this would alienate longtime fans but in this case I haven't a thing to complain about. From the understandably ubiquitous Closer through the catchy, vulnerable How Come You Don't Want Me to the heartbreaking Now I'm All Messed Up these are some of the best pure pop songs produced in ages, and they are all from the same group. The glue that pieces them together is excellent too.
7
Wildlife - ..On the Heart
This criminally underrated Toronto band makes true unified records with earnest lyrics, real musical chops and quality production, with this follow-up proving that the lightning was properly sealed in the bottle after their debut Strike Hard, Young Diamond. Their live shows are just as impressive and perhaps if they played more of them people would really start to provide the attention that is deserved.
8
River Tiber - Synapses
An up-and-comer from Toronto, this project is the brainchild of one Tommy Paxton-Beesley who meticulously crafted a darkly engaging full-length. With electronic hints and an assortment of sounds the album weaves its way through as one continuous, complex ride.
9
Gold & Youth - Beyond Wilderness
A supremely listenable wavy synth record that doesn't lull like many shoegaze contemporaries but hums right along, using tried sounds in a fresh way.
10
Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
Perhaps a guilty pleasure tucked down here at the end of the list but I jammed out to this record, front to back, more times than I'm willing to admit. The star power off the top helped get into it, not to mention Beyonce's touch down the stretch, and from there it's a pretty smooth ride. The lyrics are not the most engaging which is normally a large part of a hip hop record but the beats are catchy all the way through. Don't even try and argue: Beach is Better!
Honourable Mentions
That's the top ten culled from a long list of contenders for the year, the strongest of which deserve mention below:
M.I.A - Matangi
This is a MIA pounding through; strong, brass and abrasive which usually means at her best. It takes some listener fortitude but absolutely worth it.
Shad - Flying Colours
As always Shad's smarts shine through in his lyrics while the beats and production do not suffer. Off the top there are more than a couple superb songs, including a few amazingly clever rhymes. Case and point:
"To the guys that draw lines and make the borders real,
But then bend the rules when there's more to drill,
Don't turn away the stateless, think of the waste,
If one in three refugees is a Lauryn Hill"
Strong follow-up for the hardworking Ontario band. Comes through on the promise of plenty of dance floor fodder.
A supremely listenable wavy synth record that doesn't lull like many shoegaze contemporaries but hums right along, using tried sounds in a fresh way.
10
Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
Perhaps a guilty pleasure tucked down here at the end of the list but I jammed out to this record, front to back, more times than I'm willing to admit. The star power off the top helped get into it, not to mention Beyonce's touch down the stretch, and from there it's a pretty smooth ride. The lyrics are not the most engaging which is normally a large part of a hip hop record but the beats are catchy all the way through. Don't even try and argue: Beach is Better!
Honourable Mentions
That's the top ten culled from a long list of contenders for the year, the strongest of which deserve mention below:
M.I.A - Matangi
This is a MIA pounding through; strong, brass and abrasive which usually means at her best. It takes some listener fortitude but absolutely worth it.
Shad - Flying Colours
As always Shad's smarts shine through in his lyrics while the beats and production do not suffer. Off the top there are more than a couple superb songs, including a few amazingly clever rhymes. Case and point:
"To the guys that draw lines and make the borders real,
But then bend the rules when there's more to drill,
Don't turn away the stateless, think of the waste,
If one in three refugees is a Lauryn Hill"
Jim Guthrie - Takes Time
As the title says it does take time to craft such a balanced, wise album. It is also the home to one of my favourite earworm hooks of the year "You said, 'The rest is yet to come' - I said, 'Don't you mean the best?'"
As the title says it does take time to craft such a balanced, wise album. It is also the home to one of my favourite earworm hooks of the year "You said, 'The rest is yet to come' - I said, 'Don't you mean the best?'"
Arcade Fire - Reflektor
There are a thousand musical ideas competing here and the majority of them flourish. Here Comes the Night Time, amirite? An album that is going to be plenty of fun to see live.
There are a thousand musical ideas competing here and the majority of them flourish. Here Comes the Night Time, amirite? An album that is going to be plenty of fun to see live.
Colin Stetson - New History Warfare Volume 3: To See More Light
I guarantee this album will be like nothing else you hear this year. "A man and a saxophone" you say? "Just give it a listen," I respond.
The Strumbellas - We Still Move on Dance FloorsI guarantee this album will be like nothing else you hear this year. "A man and a saxophone" you say? "Just give it a listen," I respond.
Strong follow-up for the hardworking Ontario band. Comes through on the promise of plenty of dance floor fodder.
Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse
This Scottish band has been kicking it for years now but this was the first album to even grace my radar. With a couple of standout tracks and more smart, classic indie goodness here it is a solid listen.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Another very fine effort from this well-polished American indie machine.
This Scottish band has been kicking it for years now but this was the first album to even grace my radar. With a couple of standout tracks and more smart, classic indie goodness here it is a solid listen.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Another very fine effort from this well-polished American indie machine.
The 1975 - The 1975
If I hadn't worn myself out last year on the EPs from which they culled a good portion of the material for this record it would have been high atop my list.
Aroara - In the Pines
This duo made one of the most interesting records of the year and is likely the breakout live Toronto act of 2013.
If I hadn't worn myself out last year on the EPs from which they culled a good portion of the material for this record it would have been high atop my list.
Aroara - In the Pines
This duo made one of the most interesting records of the year and is likely the breakout live Toronto act of 2013.
Dodos - Carrier
A real solid record from this band that has been doing their own thing with the acoustic/electric mix for some time.
Basia Bulat - Tall, Tall Shadow
In the running for best title track of 2013 this album starts strong and continues to impress as it carries on. Basia has been consistently making excellent music with her autoharp and this album lives up to the high standards she has set for herself.
Late Addition
Royal Canoe - Today We're Believers
Unfortunately I didn't get a hold of this disc until the new year so it didn't get much of an audition to make the list but I can see what all the buzz is about. A diverse assortment of sounds but all very well done.
Basia Bulat - Tall, Tall Shadow
In the running for best title track of 2013 this album starts strong and continues to impress as it carries on. Basia has been consistently making excellent music with her autoharp and this album lives up to the high standards she has set for herself.
Late Addition
Royal Canoe - Today We're Believers
Unfortunately I didn't get a hold of this disc until the new year so it didn't get much of an audition to make the list but I can see what all the buzz is about. A diverse assortment of sounds but all very well done.
Top Less - Topless Gay Love Tekno Party (Year End Album Review)
It started with the single - My 5! was silly, smart and catchy as a glow bugs on a summer evening. Besides Danger Love they hadn't released anything else so instantly shot up to earworm off the week. Fortunately for everyone the full length, including both, lived up to the promise and even successfully broadened their musical bases. Take Polar Bears for example that starts slow and lovely and knocks you over with its hilarious premise disguised as a slow jam. Now extrapolate that over a full-length that somehow matches their eclectic and energetic live show and you've got an album that delivers more than a dance party.
Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You (Year-End Album Review)
This is going to be a tough explanation because I'm not entirely sure why I like this album so much. I've always listened to Neko with passing interest but this one kept bubbling to mind when pondering what to listen to. It seems simple but it is earnest and the lyrics lay her emotions out there raw. It is hard not to pay attention as she growls "I'm a man - that's what you made me to be," or comes out from the lull with a scream of "get fuck away from me" and not simply for the cursing. It was vindicating to hear from friends that they too felt such affection for Neko's latest profound effort.
Boats, Les Jupes, Federal Lights - Winnipeg Music - Supermarket (Nov 28/13)
Boats
They have a weird kind of out there energy, especially their lead.. Uh, singer.. Who seems to not care about much judging by his caveman look. The young band around him brings exuberance to the music as it was more a communal vocal effort for the most part, with a bunch of repetition, shouting and call and response. It was fun even with the break in the flow due to a bass amp blowing up mid set.
Les Jupes
As a showcase night it was interesting to see the band play a short set of strictly new songs. They swapped instruments from time to time, maybe just to prevent the bass player from headbutting everyone. It was a quick progression of intensity as it stepped up before they closed with awfully titled Interview with a Contract Killer. The synths nicely offset the gruff singing voice of the lead man.
Federal Lights
I was intrigued to see Rusty (Imaginary Cities) as a part of this five-piece, including a female on xylophone and keys, electric and acoustic guitar, bass and drums with the vocals coming primarily from the male lead but backed up all around. They had pop sensibility, including throwing their single in second for a little recognition for an up-and-coming band. Again a short set, cut even shorter by pre-show sound issue that cut a song from the end and had them push up the finale tune that sees the lone female (and singer's wife) take on a larger vocal role with decent results.
They have a weird kind of out there energy, especially their lead.. Uh, singer.. Who seems to not care about much judging by his caveman look. The young band around him brings exuberance to the music as it was more a communal vocal effort for the most part, with a bunch of repetition, shouting and call and response. It was fun even with the break in the flow due to a bass amp blowing up mid set.
Les Jupes
As a showcase night it was interesting to see the band play a short set of strictly new songs. They swapped instruments from time to time, maybe just to prevent the bass player from headbutting everyone. It was a quick progression of intensity as it stepped up before they closed with awfully titled Interview with a Contract Killer. The synths nicely offset the gruff singing voice of the lead man.
Federal Lights
I was intrigued to see Rusty (Imaginary Cities) as a part of this five-piece, including a female on xylophone and keys, electric and acoustic guitar, bass and drums with the vocals coming primarily from the male lead but backed up all around. They had pop sensibility, including throwing their single in second for a little recognition for an up-and-coming band. Again a short set, cut even shorter by pre-show sound issue that cut a song from the end and had them push up the finale tune that sees the lone female (and singer's wife) take on a larger vocal role with decent results.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Two Hours Traffic - Lee's - Farewell Show (Dec 12/13)
Two Hours Traffic
On the first of their last shows they sure seemed to be enjoying their curtain call. Plenty of thank you's for the years of support were accompanied by plenty of tracks, new and old. It was bittersweet to hear songs for the last time that I've become accustomed to seeing a couple times a year but it was also a fitting goodbye - a way to go out on their terms. As may have been hoped for Alec O'Hanley returned for a tune he had written, Sorry Than Safe, which oddly saw the new, new bass player (first show) exit while second guitar moved back to bass to reunite in the original lineup. To prove there was no residual animosity Alec and Liam Corcoran exchanged a big hug as he departed. It wasn't too long later that another guest, Brian Murphy, joined them for a mini set of their side cover band, playing some Nick Lowe and Steve Miller Band to change it up. Back in action they closed out strong despite Liam's faltering voice, with Territory, then a solo acoustic of Stolen Earrings to rest the throat before closing down with Jezebel. Nobody believed for a second they wouldn't play Backseat Sweetheart so they returned with Alec and that number before attempting to end once again, this time using Stuck for the Summer. Alas an extended will they or won't they encore call did have them return. It was unplanned so as they worked it out Liam played the oft requested but rarely heard Kiss Me acoustically (for the ladies) and they all came back together on one of Liam's personal favourite covers to finally wind down the night. It'll be sad to see them go but great to have them endure this long. Plus there's always the albums on repeat.
Grounders
Although Grounders had a few grin inducing moments during their between-song banter the set itself was uninspired. As before I was unimpressed with the singer's vocals, though I'm not convinced it was bad effects so much as just bad singing. They were a hometown band happy to be playing a gig on the large Lee's stage, though the crowd was still relatively sparse it did include loved ones and even a couple year-old offspring. The crack about Two Hours Traffic's impending retirement and indie rock heaven "complete with tour busses, Factor grants, and free beer" was rather amusing.
Although Grounders had a few grin inducing moments during their between-song banter the set itself was uninspired. As before I was unimpressed with the singer's vocals, though I'm not convinced it was bad effects so much as just bad singing. They were a hometown band happy to be playing a gig on the large Lee's stage, though the crowd was still relatively sparse it did include loved ones and even a couple year-old offspring. The crack about Two Hours Traffic's impending retirement and indie rock heaven "complete with tour busses, Factor grants, and free beer" was rather amusing.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sunparlour Players - Dakota (Nov 27/13)
At this point I'm not going to the Sunparlour Players to hear new songs, though that will be nice when the currently recording album drops in the spring, it is for the guaranteed good feelings. Sure, all the songs played on this eve are from a previously released album and have all been witnessed live at many of the countless concerts I've attended but that doesn't reduce the urge to hand clap, or repress the smile as Rosie plays the bass with one hand, the xylophone with another and kicks a drum beat. Yes, the crowd was subdued for the first set but by the second there was dancing and drinking and serendipity. All night while they played '77, North, Green Thumb, and Thunderstruck I was waiting for John Had a Bell which they saved for a romp at the end. The encore provided a rock medley send off for the final night of a two month, weekly Dakota residency in style.
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