Stay tuned today for the announcement of the Coachella lineup. Update: Among the early confirmations for this year's Coachella are Portishead, My Morning Jacket, and The Verve according to Billboard. The rest of the lineup is expected to be announced by later on today. Update: Billboard updated their original story and other confirmed acts for Coachella include Jack Johnson, Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters (performing the band's classic album "Dark Side of the Moon"), the Breeders, Rilo Kiley, Death Cab For Cutie, the reunited Love And Rockets, Justice, M.I.A., Sasha & Digweed, Fatboy Slim, Cafe Tacuba, and The Raconteurs. Update: Full lineup here. The Canadian contingent going down to Cali for Coachella include Tegan and Sara, Stars, Islands, Metric, Holy Fuck, and DJ A-Trak.
One of the bands rumored to be there this year(and who could possibly sway me to consider to go to Coachella this year) is Portishead who recently announced some long-overdue tour dates, with more dates to come(cross your fingers for Toronto!). Update: Portishead headline the second night of the 3-day Coachella festival.
From Blown Speakers points out that Vancouver indie-choral group The Choir Practice will be singing the US and Canadian National Anthems for tonight's Vancouver/Minnesota NHL game - game's at 10 pm EST on SportsNet.
The Montreal Mirror spoke to Young Galaxy's Stephen Ramsay. Young Galaxy open for Peter, Bjorn and John at the Phoenix on January 22.
I guess I haven't been paying attention. Firstly, I didn't know that Metric had filmed a live performance(at Metropolis in Montreal in 2006) of theirs for a DVD. Secondly, I didn't know that they show the film at The Royal in Toronto twice last week(including Jimmy, Emily and Joshua participating in a Q & A after the screening). Well, the DVD "Live at Metropolis" gets its release on February 12 and BlogTO linked to the trailer. The band takes a break from the recording of its fourth album and to celebrate the release of the new DVD with a show at Sound Academy in Toronto on February 7.
The Kooks are back in Toronto for a 19+ show at The Mod Club on February 11, onsale through Ticketmaster on January 26 at 10 am, tickets $20.00.
Brooklyn's Vampire Weekend performed a live session on BBC 6 Music's George Lamb program last week which you can listen to here and see some photos from the session here. They return to Toronto for a show at Horseshoe Tavern on February 11. The band's self-titled debut full-length gets its official release January 29 through XL Recordings.
In addition to their already announced date in Toronto at Circa on March 28, Crystal Castles have a secret show in Toronto on February 21. Full dates over at their MySpace.
While we wait patiently for the new album from Kathleen Edwards entitled "Asking For Flowers"(out March 4), the Hamilton forum at Stille Post is indicating a show in their fair city on March 22 at Westside Concert Theatre, tickets $25.00. I'd assume a Toronto date wouldn't be far off.
Domino Records is streaming clips of songs from UK's Lightspeed Champion (ie. Dev Hynes) debut album "Falling Off The Lavender Bridge", out in the UK this week and in North America the following week. Frankly, I never had listened to his music until last week when Chromewaves wrote a post about him - his music is quite lovely at times. There's something about Brits performing twangy, pastoral pop music - it just sounds so good. As Chromewaves mentioned last week, Lightspeed Champion is heading to North America for SXSW and an acoustic tour with a stop in Toronto on Tuesday March 4 at Horseshoe Tavern(Tuesdays at the Horseshoe traditionally being no cover, Nu Music Nite). It's circled on my calendar as a definite maybe.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Up All Night
Skatterbrain has an interview with Toronto indie pop faves The Airfields. They'll be at Sneaky Dee's on February 2 for their CD release party for their debut full-length "Up All Night" being released through Humblebee Recordings on February 5. You can also catch the band on March 6 at Wrongbar in Toronto, along with The Two Koreas, The Paper Cranes, Huckleberry Friends and special guests, Norwegians Syme.
And speaking of Scandinavians, Swedish disco pop cutie Sally Shapiro is coming to Toronto on March 4 to Wrongbar...no not for a performance, but rather as part of an oh-so-short DJ tour she'll be on with producer Johan Agebjörn. For CanCon, Pitchfork reports that Junior Boys did a remix for Ms. Shapiro which will appear on an upcoming spring release on Paper Bag Records entitled "Remix Romance".
Staying on the topic of dance-pop, I've been patiently waiting for my copy of Saint Etienne's "Boxette" to arrive in the mail. "Boxette" is a compilation of several fanclub-only releases in one fancy package(and something to tide me over until they hopefully come back to Toronto - it's been years it seems and I never have seen them live). I believe there were only about 2000 made and at least as of January 7 there were only 450 left so hop to it. Ordering info is here. Purchase it here.
The Canadian Music Week schedule is slowly filling in and it shows that Young Galaxy and Attack in Black have been added to the list of performers at The Indies awards show taking place at Canadian Room (inside Royal York Hotel) on March 8.
And speaking of Scandinavians, Swedish disco pop cutie Sally Shapiro is coming to Toronto on March 4 to Wrongbar...no not for a performance, but rather as part of an oh-so-short DJ tour she'll be on with producer Johan Agebjörn. For CanCon, Pitchfork reports that Junior Boys did a remix for Ms. Shapiro which will appear on an upcoming spring release on Paper Bag Records entitled "Remix Romance".
Staying on the topic of dance-pop, I've been patiently waiting for my copy of Saint Etienne's "Boxette" to arrive in the mail. "Boxette" is a compilation of several fanclub-only releases in one fancy package(and something to tide me over until they hopefully come back to Toronto - it's been years it seems and I never have seen them live). I believe there were only about 2000 made and at least as of January 7 there were only 450 left so hop to it. Ordering info is here. Purchase it here.
The Canadian Music Week schedule is slowly filling in and it shows that Young Galaxy and Attack in Black have been added to the list of performers at The Indies awards show taking place at Canadian Room (inside Royal York Hotel) on March 8.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Time Of The Season
It finally appears concert festival season in and around the GTA is shaping up:
The Brampton Indie Arts Festival taking place at Rose Theatre goes down February 13 to 15 with these year's featured musical acts including Nadja, Born Ruffians, Forest City Lovers, Claire Jenkins, Spiral Beach, Sandro Perri, The Bicycles and iNSiDEaMiND. View the program here. Ticket info here.
The Wavelength 8th Anniversary concert festival happens in several venues in Toronto from February 14 to 17 - stay tuned for more details, but The Music Gallery have already confirmed they'll kick things off on February 14 with a show which'll feature large band troupe Bruce Peninsula, with female minimalist post-punk trio Huckleberry Friends and more.
Following in March, Canadian Music Week takes place in various venues throughout Toronto from March 5 to 8. Big name highlights include a reunion(?) of The Breeders who'll be playing the Phoenix on March 8 - tickets $28.50 with limited CMW wristbands / passes accepted. The New Pornographers, Tokyo Police Club, Lowest of The Low and The Cliks will be playing The Indies awards show at Canadian Room (inside Royal York Hotel) on March 8, tickets $25 Advance / $35 Door and limited CMW wristbands / passes accepted. Up-and-coming Jason Collett will be at Lee's Palace on March 6, tickets $15.00. As a special bonus, The Hives/The Donnas show at Kool Haus on March 3 will accept all CMW wristbands / passes. Otherwise, check out the still-in-the-works schedule - most of the artists are relative unknowns to me but it should be fun exploring. I've come across a few artists that I think I want to check out - the shoegazey Helsinki outfit Pooma(whose MySpace says they'll be playing on March 6, venue TBD) for one are terrific from what I've heard of them so far.
The relatively new Pitter Patter Festival, a multi-venue, multi-city(although mostly in Toronto) festival is happening March 27 to 30 with a whack load of bands confirmed so far. Keep checking the Stille Post thread for updates.
Turntablist Kid Koala was recently added to the DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist bill coming to the Phoenix on January 30[details here].
A Beach Boys tribute night is in the works for the Silver Dollar on February 5 - keep up with updates over at Stille Post, but some notables confirmed so far to participate include The Bicycles and Laura Barrett.
Metric return for a hometown gig at Sound Academy on February 7[via Emerge].
Indie-folk-rocker Jeff Lewis, who's opening for Super Furry Animals at The Mod Club on February 20, will precede that show with a free instore at Soundscapes on February 19 at 7 pm[info].
Baby Eagle brings his acoustic strummings and fractured vocals to the Dakota Tavern in Toronto on February 26 - Jim Bryson will also be there. Brother and sister Jill and Matthew Barber will be heading out on a cross-country tour together which will stop in Toronto at the Rivoli on April 4. Matthew's new record "Ghost Notes" is out through Outside Music on March 4 and he's in the midst of a Sunday night residency throughout January at Jane Bond Cafe in Waterloo, Ontario[tour date info via Outside Music].
Via rootmeansquare, Chromewaves-fave Headlights, plus openers Evangelicals, will stop in Toronto for a show at the El Mocambo on March 2, tickets $10.00, while those masked Brits Clinic will be at Lee's Palace on May 11, tickets $15.00.
The Brampton Indie Arts Festival taking place at Rose Theatre goes down February 13 to 15 with these year's featured musical acts including Nadja, Born Ruffians, Forest City Lovers, Claire Jenkins, Spiral Beach, Sandro Perri, The Bicycles and iNSiDEaMiND. View the program here. Ticket info here.
The Wavelength 8th Anniversary concert festival happens in several venues in Toronto from February 14 to 17 - stay tuned for more details, but The Music Gallery have already confirmed they'll kick things off on February 14 with a show which'll feature large band troupe Bruce Peninsula, with female minimalist post-punk trio Huckleberry Friends and more.
Following in March, Canadian Music Week takes place in various venues throughout Toronto from March 5 to 8. Big name highlights include a reunion(?) of The Breeders who'll be playing the Phoenix on March 8 - tickets $28.50 with limited CMW wristbands / passes accepted. The New Pornographers, Tokyo Police Club, Lowest of The Low and The Cliks will be playing The Indies awards show at Canadian Room (inside Royal York Hotel) on March 8, tickets $25 Advance / $35 Door and limited CMW wristbands / passes accepted. Up-and-coming Jason Collett will be at Lee's Palace on March 6, tickets $15.00. As a special bonus, The Hives/The Donnas show at Kool Haus on March 3 will accept all CMW wristbands / passes. Otherwise, check out the still-in-the-works schedule - most of the artists are relative unknowns to me but it should be fun exploring. I've come across a few artists that I think I want to check out - the shoegazey Helsinki outfit Pooma(whose MySpace says they'll be playing on March 6, venue TBD) for one are terrific from what I've heard of them so far.
The relatively new Pitter Patter Festival, a multi-venue, multi-city(although mostly in Toronto) festival is happening March 27 to 30 with a whack load of bands confirmed so far. Keep checking the Stille Post thread for updates.
Turntablist Kid Koala was recently added to the DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist bill coming to the Phoenix on January 30[details here].
A Beach Boys tribute night is in the works for the Silver Dollar on February 5 - keep up with updates over at Stille Post, but some notables confirmed so far to participate include The Bicycles and Laura Barrett.
Metric return for a hometown gig at Sound Academy on February 7[via Emerge].
Indie-folk-rocker Jeff Lewis, who's opening for Super Furry Animals at The Mod Club on February 20, will precede that show with a free instore at Soundscapes on February 19 at 7 pm[info].
Baby Eagle brings his acoustic strummings and fractured vocals to the Dakota Tavern in Toronto on February 26 - Jim Bryson will also be there. Brother and sister Jill and Matthew Barber will be heading out on a cross-country tour together which will stop in Toronto at the Rivoli on April 4. Matthew's new record "Ghost Notes" is out through Outside Music on March 4 and he's in the midst of a Sunday night residency throughout January at Jane Bond Cafe in Waterloo, Ontario[tour date info via Outside Music].
Via rootmeansquare, Chromewaves-fave Headlights, plus openers Evangelicals, will stop in Toronto for a show at the El Mocambo on March 2, tickets $10.00, while those masked Brits Clinic will be at Lee's Palace on May 11, tickets $15.00.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The Rainbow Connection
Toronto's on the shortlist of cities for Radiohead's upcoming North American tour! Ok, no venues and or dates have been confirmed yet but those sneaky buggers have us salivating already. Vancouver's also on the list as well. [via Pitchfork] Speaking of Radiohead, they have a contest going on to celebrate their new album "In Rainbows". Full details are here - I suggest you read the full contest details(as they are important) but it basically requires one to submit a photo or image which will become part of a digital rainbow[I'm not sure what they mean by that exactly - a collage?] and you might win some free "In Rainbows" merch. Good luck. Contest closes February 5.
Chromewaves has already covered the following three items this week but just as a reminder, Caribou have a 2-night stand at Lee's Palace on March 20 and 21, tickets $15, Hot Chip are at the Phoenix with openers Free Blood on April 16, tickets $20, and Justice return to Toronto for a show at The Docks(or Sound Academy, whatever name the venue's going by these days) on March 17 with Fancy and Busy P in tow.
Hayden will performing on MTV Live(@ Masonic Temple in Toronto) on January 14 and you can be there - to be part of the audience, call 1-888-491-6888, or email liveaudience@mtv.ca.
The Weakerthans have there turn at MTV Live on January 31, the start of a busy weekend for them with them already scheduled for an instore at Sonic Boom Records on February 1(start 6:30 pm), then performing a free show at Nathan Phillips Square on February 2(start 8:45 pm) as part the WinterCity Festival.
Pollstar indicates that Crystal Castles and Health will be at Circa on March 28, and What Made Milwaukee Famous will be opening for Nada Surf at The Opera House on April 7.
That musical chameleon Joe Jackson will be at Danforth Music Hall on April 1. I wonder what sort of set list he's playing these days. He does have a new album entitled "Rain" being released through Ryko on January 29 - his MySpace is streaming several tracks. Tickets for the Danforth Music Hall show are on sale this Friday.
Congrats to Laura Barrett for her signing to Paper Bag Records! She will re-release her debut "Earth Sciences" EP on Paper Bag on Tuesday February 26, 2008.
It's funny/spooky that a few days ago, the day that I chose to listen to my Echo and The Bunnymen "Ocean Rain" CD for the first time in a long time, Pitchfork reports that same day that the band will be performing that album in its entirely with a full orchestra at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 18. Pitchfork also report that Echo and The Bunnymen's only other upcoming gigs are a free gig in Spain[Pitchfork don't specify where and when] and an appearance at January 12's Liverpool 08 concert, where they'll perform "Nothing Last Forever" from 1997's "Evergreen" with the Liverpool Philharmonic. Frontman Ian McCulloch will also appear on CBS' "The Early Show" on CBS January 11(although apparently only an interview according to the Bunnymen website). Well, that last item's something we can ALL look forward to but damn would I love to see Echo perform "Ocean Rain" live with an orchestra.
Chromewaves has already covered the following three items this week but just as a reminder, Caribou have a 2-night stand at Lee's Palace on March 20 and 21, tickets $15, Hot Chip are at the Phoenix with openers Free Blood on April 16, tickets $20, and Justice return to Toronto for a show at The Docks(or Sound Academy, whatever name the venue's going by these days) on March 17 with Fancy and Busy P in tow.
Hayden will performing on MTV Live(@ Masonic Temple in Toronto) on January 14 and you can be there - to be part of the audience, call 1-888-491-6888, or email liveaudience@mtv.ca.
The Weakerthans have there turn at MTV Live on January 31, the start of a busy weekend for them with them already scheduled for an instore at Sonic Boom Records on February 1(start 6:30 pm), then performing a free show at Nathan Phillips Square on February 2(start 8:45 pm) as part the WinterCity Festival.
Pollstar indicates that Crystal Castles and Health will be at Circa on March 28, and What Made Milwaukee Famous will be opening for Nada Surf at The Opera House on April 7.
That musical chameleon Joe Jackson will be at Danforth Music Hall on April 1. I wonder what sort of set list he's playing these days. He does have a new album entitled "Rain" being released through Ryko on January 29 - his MySpace is streaming several tracks. Tickets for the Danforth Music Hall show are on sale this Friday.
Congrats to Laura Barrett for her signing to Paper Bag Records! She will re-release her debut "Earth Sciences" EP on Paper Bag on Tuesday February 26, 2008.
It's funny/spooky that a few days ago, the day that I chose to listen to my Echo and The Bunnymen "Ocean Rain" CD for the first time in a long time, Pitchfork reports that same day that the band will be performing that album in its entirely with a full orchestra at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 18. Pitchfork also report that Echo and The Bunnymen's only other upcoming gigs are a free gig in Spain[Pitchfork don't specify where and when] and an appearance at January 12's Liverpool 08 concert, where they'll perform "Nothing Last Forever" from 1997's "Evergreen" with the Liverpool Philharmonic. Frontman Ian McCulloch will also appear on CBS' "The Early Show" on CBS January 11(although apparently only an interview according to the Bunnymen website). Well, that last item's something we can ALL look forward to but damn would I love to see Echo perform "Ocean Rain" live with an orchestra.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Cure The Post Holiday Blues
I'm back to work today with post-holiday depression almost setting in but I hope to stave off with some good musical things to look forward to(not that I'll be partaking in all of these, but hopefully at least a few of them):
Via Stillepost, Mongrels and The Brown Hornets will be at the Bovine to bring the rock this January 11. I can't speak for The Brown Hornets who I haven't heard yet, but I can vouch for Mongrels who I saw live last year in March opening for The Zoobombs at The Comfort Zone and to quote myself, they "...played a devasting set of rock riffage..." with Janis Joplin-esque vocals.
There's a few shows coming up this week that I'd only found out about - Aesop Rock will be at Sound Academy(formerly The Docks) on January 11 while De La Soul hit the same venue on January 18 - tickets for both shows $20.00.
Playing their first Toronto show in a long while(at least from what I recall), Magneta Lane will be at the Rivoli for an early show on January 16, playing new songs from their upcoming album "Gambling with God".
Republic of Safety are at Sneaky Dee's on January 26 for a "Border Closing Show" according to their MySpace - I'm assuming this is their hometown farewell show. It's a shame I only ever caught them once live(back in 2005 at the El Mo which I believe was one of their first live shows).
In addition to their already announced free show at Nathan Phillips Square on February 2(as part of WinterCity Festival), The Weakerthans will also be at Sonic Boom Records in Toronto the day prior on February 1(6:30 pm) for a free instore performance.[via It's Not The Band I Hate...]
North American tour dates are still forthcoming for February according to their MySpace, but newest Last Gang recording artists Crystal Castles, with Los Angeleans Health and Stab City are so far confirmed for a show in Hamilton, ON at The Casbah on February 22, tickets $10. [via Stille Post] I know I'm sort of a late-comer, but I'm addicted to their song "Crimewave".
Jose Gonzalez has introduced a whole bunch more of North American tour dates and will coming back to Toronto for a show at the Phoenix on March 15 - a portion of the tour(starting on Feb 29) will be in "eco-friendly" according to Pitchfork.
There's a few unconfirmed events that I came across: Dave Bookman's "3 n' Out" column in the Jan 3/08 column of Eye Weekly(the print version) mentions that the rumour is that The Constantines will celebrate their record release for their forthcoming still-to-be-titled new album with a shows on April 22 and 23. Also the Lee's Palace website indicates that Glasgow, Scotland's Sons and Daughters will be hitting the venue sometime in the near future[my guess would sometime after February but before they travel to Austin for SXSW in March]. The band's new album "This Gift" will released in North America on January 29 through Domino Records. Update: Thanks to Chromewaves for the S & D tour date info - they'll be at Lee's Palace on March 26 - info confirmed at their US booking company Ground Control Touring. Whoopee! (So, I was a little off with my estimate.)
In non-concert news, Billboard has details on the upcoming new Destroyer album "Trouble in Dreams" to be released March 19 through Merge and Torontoist has an interview with The Hidden Cameras' Mississauga-hatin' frontman Joel Gibb.
The Diableros have launched their new website and in the spirit of giving have graciously provided an mp3 of an acoustic version of their song "Broken Barns". Thanks guys! They'll be heading to SXSW in March but hopefully they'll squeeze in a hometown date or two. I finally got around to picking up their most recent album "Aren't Ready For The Country" but if you haven't yet, you can stream it here.
Via Stillepost, Mongrels and The Brown Hornets will be at the Bovine to bring the rock this January 11. I can't speak for The Brown Hornets who I haven't heard yet, but I can vouch for Mongrels who I saw live last year in March opening for The Zoobombs at The Comfort Zone and to quote myself, they "...played a devasting set of rock riffage..." with Janis Joplin-esque vocals.
There's a few shows coming up this week that I'd only found out about - Aesop Rock will be at Sound Academy(formerly The Docks) on January 11 while De La Soul hit the same venue on January 18 - tickets for both shows $20.00.
Playing their first Toronto show in a long while(at least from what I recall), Magneta Lane will be at the Rivoli for an early show on January 16, playing new songs from their upcoming album "Gambling with God".
Republic of Safety are at Sneaky Dee's on January 26 for a "Border Closing Show" according to their MySpace - I'm assuming this is their hometown farewell show. It's a shame I only ever caught them once live(back in 2005 at the El Mo which I believe was one of their first live shows).
In addition to their already announced free show at Nathan Phillips Square on February 2(as part of WinterCity Festival), The Weakerthans will also be at Sonic Boom Records in Toronto the day prior on February 1(6:30 pm) for a free instore performance.[via It's Not The Band I Hate...]
North American tour dates are still forthcoming for February according to their MySpace, but newest Last Gang recording artists Crystal Castles, with Los Angeleans Health and Stab City are so far confirmed for a show in Hamilton, ON at The Casbah on February 22, tickets $10. [via Stille Post] I know I'm sort of a late-comer, but I'm addicted to their song "Crimewave".
Jose Gonzalez has introduced a whole bunch more of North American tour dates and will coming back to Toronto for a show at the Phoenix on March 15 - a portion of the tour(starting on Feb 29) will be in "eco-friendly" according to Pitchfork.
There's a few unconfirmed events that I came across: Dave Bookman's "3 n' Out" column in the Jan 3/08 column of Eye Weekly(the print version) mentions that the rumour is that The Constantines will celebrate their record release for their forthcoming still-to-be-titled new album with a shows on April 22 and 23. Also the Lee's Palace website indicates that Glasgow, Scotland's Sons and Daughters will be hitting the venue sometime in the near future[my guess would sometime after February but before they travel to Austin for SXSW in March]. The band's new album "This Gift" will released in North America on January 29 through Domino Records. Update: Thanks to Chromewaves for the S & D tour date info - they'll be at Lee's Palace on March 26 - info confirmed at their US booking company Ground Control Touring. Whoopee! (So, I was a little off with my estimate.)
In non-concert news, Billboard has details on the upcoming new Destroyer album "Trouble in Dreams" to be released March 19 through Merge and Torontoist has an interview with The Hidden Cameras' Mississauga-hatin' frontman Joel Gibb.
The Diableros have launched their new website and in the spirit of giving have graciously provided an mp3 of an acoustic version of their song "Broken Barns". Thanks guys! They'll be heading to SXSW in March but hopefully they'll squeeze in a hometown date or two. I finally got around to picking up their most recent album "Aren't Ready For The Country" but if you haven't yet, you can stream it here.
Friday, January 04, 2008
In My Next Life, A Workhorse
One of the most interesting band's I've heard in the last little while, Montreal's The Luyas have a few upcoming dates including a couple in Toronto - January 11 at The Silver Dollar as part of Katie Stelmanis' CD release, then February 9 at The Music Gallery with Rick White. I explored some samples at their MySpace and downloaded a few mp3's, and it's really good stuff - the best description of the music I can come up with right now is Cat Power-ish vocals set atop atmospheric, sometimes baroque(courtesy of some thrilling french horn) indie-rock that occassionally veers into Sonic Youth dissonance. At their most accessible, like "In My Next Life, A Workhorse", they echo a quiet, desperation, as similarly beautiful as anything Julie Doiron has ever written. The band's first album "Faker Death" was released this year on Pome Records. (For availability info, check here.) [photo from CBC Radio 3]Starting on January 17 in Guelph(@ Ebar) Jason Collett will be hitting the road for dates in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Edmonton, British Columbia, then back to Ontario in April all in support of his new album "Here's To Being Here", set for release on February 5th. His Toronto date will be at Lee's Palace on March 6 as part of Canadian Music Week. Full dates here.
Audio: Check out a few mp3's from Jason's upcoming album here.
To pilfer Pitchfork a little: Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks have a new album("Real Emotional Trash", out on Matador on March 4) and tour(currently some US east coast dates in March and April but nothing for T.O. yet although some more live dates in April are promised), Beck's "Odelay" will be reissued in a deluxe 2-disc version on January 29 through Geffen featuring 19 tracks not available on the original version, and Neko Case has scheduled a few upcoming dates in January and February(nothing in Toronto again, but some of her upcoming dates are in upper New York State, so maybe she can throw a T.O. date on the sched.) More info here, here and here respectively.
A Kinks reunion could be in the making(a longshot, though) for later this year according to Aversion.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
To Music Blog Or Not To Music Blog
Hero Hill has ended off 2007[or from a different perspective, starts off 2008] with a critique of music blogs in general that in my opinion is really a must-read for every music blogger. Four years on with my own music blog, I'm alternately surprised/disappointed with the influx of the number of music blogs that have materialized over the last four years. On the surprise end of it, it's great to see music blogs as a source of alternative media providing a personal perspective to the music we listen to, but on the other hand I must agree with Hero Hill that on several counts(eg. blogger sheep mentality, poor writing, the influence of promo companies), the music blogosphere is increasingly less and less of a credible source[with the exception of a minority of bloggers - who those bloggers are, in my opinion would vary from blogger to blogger]. Hero Hill's critique has reminded me that I've recently pondered my motivations for continuing to blog about music. I would like to think that the love of music is my main motivation but the influence of promo companies with the tempting lure of a free CD or free guest list spot is a hard thing to shake. I won't pretend that I've never accepted a free CD or guest list spot but I will maintain that anytime I've ever alluded to liking an artist's song/album/concert it's always been a true statement. If you've been a long-time reader, you'd also notice that even in reference to new upcoming artists I've largely stayed away from using overarching descriptions that allude to new artists as the next big thing. As I write this, it's starting to sound like I'm trying to defend myself. On one hand, maybe I am but on the other hand I'm big enough to admit that, on occasion, I've fallen into the trap of poor writing, writing about bands that have been blogged to death, or what have you. I've always maintained that my blog is really about whatever random thoughts, commentary, news or information I chose to blog about. Hopefully, some of it will be insightful, informative and or new to you. If it's not, well god forbid maybe you could leave a comment, but otherwise you can surf away. I do hope you'll come back though and give me another chance.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Somewhere In Rainbows
Reminder that Radiohead rings in the new year with a webcast at current.com(concurrently broadcasting on Current TV) tonight at midnight EST. The pre-recorded performance will feature the band performing the entirety of their new album "In Rainbows" plus some "other bits" as Thom says. Unfortunately, I'll be out tonight with a few frends as many of you will be ringing in the new year and I don't get Current TV(which will be airing repeats of the broadcast tomorrow) so I hope some of the video segments end up on a torrent, YouTube, the band's MySpace, or something. The band's new album "In Rainbows" is officially released tomorrow.Wishing my family, friends and everyone a happy and safe new year!
Update[7:12 pm]: I just realized www.radiohead.tv is broadcasting as I write. Is this the same performance which will be broadcasting on current.com at midnight?
Update: At least for now, the video of the band's performance(which they've dubbed "Scotch Mist") is archived here. Enjoy. So in response to my question above, the answer is 'yes', the performance that was broadcasting at radiohead.tv at approximately 7 pm EST was the same performance which aired at current.com at midnight EST.
Update[01/01/2008 - 12:09 pm]: Pitchfork has the "Scotch Mist" videos which the band have posted to their iMeem page and they load much faster than the one at current.com.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Favourite Concerts of 2007
As I'd mention back in June, at that point in time, seeing The National at The Opera House had been my favourite concert of the year, and I can say that that has held true as 2007 comes to a close. The following list below are the concerts that resonated with me the most in 2007 - performances that didn't merely go through the motions, but rather displayed an emotional intensity, whether it be at a loud volume like The National's Matt Berninger screaming at the top of his lungs 'My mind's not right' during "Abel", or at the other end of the volume spectrum like Great Lake Swimmer's Tony Dekker and his fragile vocals during his performance at the beautiful Church Of The Redeemer in Toronto. The crucial factor though is that the performance's emotional intensity translates to the audience - if I feel it and the audience feels it, it's simply a rush:
(Click the hyperlinked dates below for links to my original review)
Jan 04, 2007 - Basia Bulat @ The Drake Hotel
Jan 31, 2007 - Camera Obscura @ The Opera House
Mar 08, 2007 - Under Byen [Canadian Music Week] @ The Mod Club
Apr 14, 2007 - Great Lake Swimmers and friends (early show) @ Church Of The Redeemer
Apr 19, 2007 - The Diableros, The Airfields @ Sneaky Dee's
Jun 05, 2007 - The National @ The Opera House
Jun 11, 2007 - The Long Blondes, Nicole Atkins & The Sea @ Lee's Palace
Jun 30, 2007 - Wilco @ Massey Hall
Sep 18, 2007 - Rilo Kiley @ Phoenix
Sep 21, 2007 - Okkervil River @ Lee's Palace
Nov 30, 2007 - Cuff The Duke, Land of Talk @ The Mod Club
Dec 05, 2007 - Richard Hawley @ Horseshoe Tavern
(Click the hyperlinked dates below for links to my original review)
Jan 04, 2007 - Basia Bulat @ The Drake Hotel
Jan 31, 2007 - Camera Obscura @ The Opera House
Mar 08, 2007 - Under Byen [Canadian Music Week] @ The Mod Club
Apr 14, 2007 - Great Lake Swimmers and friends (early show) @ Church Of The Redeemer
Apr 19, 2007 - The Diableros, The Airfields @ Sneaky Dee's
Jun 05, 2007 - The National @ The Opera House
Jun 11, 2007 - The Long Blondes, Nicole Atkins & The Sea @ Lee's Palace
Jun 30, 2007 - Wilco @ Massey Hall
Sep 18, 2007 - Rilo Kiley @ Phoenix
Sep 21, 2007 - Okkervil River @ Lee's Palace
Nov 30, 2007 - Cuff The Duke, Land of Talk @ The Mod Club
Dec 05, 2007 - Richard Hawley @ Horseshoe Tavern
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Favourite Albums of 2007
By my estimation, the number of albums I bought this year that were released this year has declined as compared to previous years. I guess I've become more selective. It's good on the pocketbook for sure. It's also been a musical cleansing - quality over quantity as they say. On a certain level, this has been reflected in the focus of this blog - my coverage of new/upcoming artists has probably declined, but then my blogging frequency has declined in general. Perhaps in 2008, my interest in the local scene and or new bands will experience a resurgence. Or maybe not. We'll see. After some contemplation, what follows are my favourite albums of 2007. Enjoy - comment/flame as you like:
PJ Harvey - White Chalk (Island)
MySpace: PJ Harvey
Video: PJ Harvey - White Chalk (live on Later With Jools Holland)
Video: PJ Harvey - When Under Ether (promo video)
This album has an undeniable quiet beauty and it's so good that if and when she does tour this album, I'd be happy if she just performed the album in it's entirety.
Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis (Rough Trade)
MySpace: Jarvis Cocker
Video: Jarvis Cocker - Don't Let Him Waste Your Time (live on Late Show With David Letterman)
This was an album I'd never have expected to purchase, but I found a used copy this summer. It was one of my late-summer listening favourites, and Jarvis is looser than ever. I was a casual Pulp fan at best but even at their most accessible(ie. "Common People") there always seemed to be a certain level of affectation in their sound. "Jarvis" is a great focused pop effort.
Feist - The Reminder (Arts & Crafts)
MySpace: Feist
Video: Feist - live on AOL.ca
I listened to "The Reminder" almost non-stop the first week it came out. It's one if the few albums I actually bothered to write a review of. From start to finish, it's a wonderful collection of pop songs.
The National - Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
MySpace: The National
Video: The National - Fake Empires (live on Late Show With David Letterman)
"Boxer" is an intoxicating blend of Matt Berninger's woozy vocals, simple but scintillating melodies and a rhythm section that feels like your heart beating.
Richard Hawley - Lady's Bridge (Mute)
MySpace: Richard Hawley
Video: Richard Hawley - Tonight The Streets Are Ours (music video)
The most romantic-sounding album of the year, even if lyrically, it wasn't all about romance. Mr. Hawley has a voice like butter.
Jenn Grant - Orchestra For The Moon (Paris 1919 Records)
MySpace: Jenn Grant
Video: Jenn Grant - Dreamer (music video)
Jenn Grant is as humble as east-coasters come, on one hand refreshing but on the other hand I'd suspect that if she were any more "glamorous" she could be as big as Feist, someone she's often musically compared to. "Orchestra For The Moon" encompasses a variety of musically rich sounds(pedal steel, violin, viola, cello, glockenspil, harp, etc.) but still manages to maintain a level of casualness.
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (Island)
MySpace: Amy Winehouse
Video: Amy Winehouse - Live on The DL (AOL.com)
"Back To Black" has an undeniable retro soul feel to it but rather than sounding cheesy, it sounds very genuine. Tabloid fodder aside, Ms. Winehouse is a talented vocalist, sounding downright sinister at times like Eartha Kitt as on the title track, and breaking all hearts as on "Love Is A Losing Game".
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
MySpace: Okkervil River
Video: Okkervil River - Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe (music video)
"The Stage Names", over the course of its nine rootsy, rock songs, has a spiritual feel. By spiritual, I mean uplifting. It's hard to describe why, but uplifting is what I feel.
Basia Bulat - Oh, My Darling (Hardwood)
MySpace: Basia Bulat
Video: Basia Bulat - In The Night (music video)
Video: Basia Bulat - Before I Knew (live at LOLA Fest 2007)
Like Jenn Grant, Basia's also released a wonderful full-length debut this year. "Oh, My Darling" is full of romantic notions, as wonderfully expressed as on the intimate acoustic "Little Waltz", the infectious folk-pop of "December", and the harmony-laden "Before I Knew".
PJ Harvey - White Chalk (Island)MySpace: PJ Harvey
Video: PJ Harvey - White Chalk (live on Later With Jools Holland)
Video: PJ Harvey - When Under Ether (promo video)
This album has an undeniable quiet beauty and it's so good that if and when she does tour this album, I'd be happy if she just performed the album in it's entirety.
Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis (Rough Trade)MySpace: Jarvis Cocker
Video: Jarvis Cocker - Don't Let Him Waste Your Time (live on Late Show With David Letterman)
This was an album I'd never have expected to purchase, but I found a used copy this summer. It was one of my late-summer listening favourites, and Jarvis is looser than ever. I was a casual Pulp fan at best but even at their most accessible(ie. "Common People") there always seemed to be a certain level of affectation in their sound. "Jarvis" is a great focused pop effort.
Feist - The Reminder (Arts & Crafts)MySpace: Feist
Video: Feist - live on AOL.ca
I listened to "The Reminder" almost non-stop the first week it came out. It's one if the few albums I actually bothered to write a review of. From start to finish, it's a wonderful collection of pop songs.
The National - Boxer (Beggars Banquet)MySpace: The National
Video: The National - Fake Empires (live on Late Show With David Letterman)
"Boxer" is an intoxicating blend of Matt Berninger's woozy vocals, simple but scintillating melodies and a rhythm section that feels like your heart beating.
Richard Hawley - Lady's Bridge (Mute)MySpace: Richard Hawley
Video: Richard Hawley - Tonight The Streets Are Ours (music video)
The most romantic-sounding album of the year, even if lyrically, it wasn't all about romance. Mr. Hawley has a voice like butter.
Jenn Grant - Orchestra For The Moon (Paris 1919 Records)MySpace: Jenn Grant
Video: Jenn Grant - Dreamer (music video)
Jenn Grant is as humble as east-coasters come, on one hand refreshing but on the other hand I'd suspect that if she were any more "glamorous" she could be as big as Feist, someone she's often musically compared to. "Orchestra For The Moon" encompasses a variety of musically rich sounds(pedal steel, violin, viola, cello, glockenspil, harp, etc.) but still manages to maintain a level of casualness.
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (Island)MySpace: Amy Winehouse
Video: Amy Winehouse - Live on The DL (AOL.com)
"Back To Black" has an undeniable retro soul feel to it but rather than sounding cheesy, it sounds very genuine. Tabloid fodder aside, Ms. Winehouse is a talented vocalist, sounding downright sinister at times like Eartha Kitt as on the title track, and breaking all hearts as on "Love Is A Losing Game".
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)MySpace: Okkervil River
Video: Okkervil River - Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe (music video)
"The Stage Names", over the course of its nine rootsy, rock songs, has a spiritual feel. By spiritual, I mean uplifting. It's hard to describe why, but uplifting is what I feel.
Basia Bulat - Oh, My Darling (Hardwood)MySpace: Basia Bulat
Video: Basia Bulat - In The Night (music video)
Video: Basia Bulat - Before I Knew (live at LOLA Fest 2007)
Like Jenn Grant, Basia's also released a wonderful full-length debut this year. "Oh, My Darling" is full of romantic notions, as wonderfully expressed as on the intimate acoustic "Little Waltz", the infectious folk-pop of "December", and the harmony-laden "Before I Knew".
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)
Merry Christmas everyone! I'm not sure if Darlene Love was on Late Show With David Letterman this year performing her seasonal classic "Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)" but to get you further into the holiday spirit(if you weren't already) you can check out her performance from last year below(and while you're at it pull out "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector" and give it a whirl...it's so good!):
Video: Darlene Love - "Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)" (live on Late Night With David Letterman - December 2006) (YouTube)
Video: Darlene Love - "Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)" (live on Late Night With David Letterman - December 2006) (YouTube)
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Belle and Sebastian Wish You A Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to my family, friends and everyone out there. Just a few more things to shop for tomorrow morning then I'm all set for the next two weeks off work! My blogging frequency lately has been sketchy for various reasons but if all goes well I should be back later this week(maybe Boxing Day) with my Fave Albums of 2007 post - nothing too fancy but just a reminder of a few more albums that I think need more recognition. In the meantime, check out the MySpace of Belle and Sebastian who are streaming a lovely brassy new Christmas tune "Are You Coming Over For Xmas", which the band will be offering for free download from midnight on Christmas eve until midnight on Christmas night.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
I See A Mansard Roof Through The Trees
concert review: Vampire Weekend, We're Marching On, The Torrent @ El Mocambo (Toronto, Ontario), December 13, 2007
I like to think that I'm not easily swayed by the buzz surrounding certain new bands but when something as savorily saccharine as Brooklyn band Vampire Weekend's "Mansard Roof" is, with it's playful keyboards, lush strings, and strummed guitar, vibrant rhythm section, and delectable melodies, that was enough for me to decide to check out the band live when they came to Toronto for a show at El Mocambo last week on December 13.
Opening the show were Toronto 3-piece The Torrent, generally a guitar/drums/keyboards configuration, with some violin at times. The baritone vocals of Cameron Groves reminded me of Calvin Johnson although not as deep perhaps and the minimalist guitar/keyboards/drums arrangements had a new-wavey pop feel a la B-52's . Guitarist Michael Edward Barry was in The Hidden Cameras - his guitar playing was primitive but was more than well-suited to the music. Tara Azzopardi did double-duty energetically alternating between keyboards and drums. I think they're a new band - they're MySpace songs have barely a 100 hits as of now. They're official website indicates they're full-length is out this spring. You can also check them out live in January, first on the 11th at Silver Dollar, then on the 27th at Sneaky Dee's as part of Wavelength.
Next up were Toronto's We're Marching On, a group of young gents exhuberantly performing their brand of skewed pop music, hints of melody intermixed with quickly strummed electric guitar, added keyboards, and vocals that at their most vibrant were shouty and yelpy. Prior to the start of their set, I'd ducked out of the club only to come back to find that the club had filled in nicely(and quickly I might add) for We're Marching On's set. They were energetic, and yes even entertaining - I could imagine them bringing down the house say at The Boat or Sneaky Dee's, a few of Toronto's more indie rock oriented music venues - but the crowd at the El Mocambo, from what I recall seemed somewhat subdued. I believe the gent on keyboards is also in Ohbijou if I'm not mistaken, but then you know, all these indie rock kids start to look the same after a while.
And finally, Brooklyn four-piece Vampire Weekend. They set up their own equipment, at that time giving the audience a glimpse of their now-somewhat-known preppy wardrobe, albeit the keyboardist and drummer in particular looking like they just rolled out of bed. But for all the preconceptions of them being spoiled rich kids just because they all met while going to Ivy League school Columbia University, I couldn't give a shit. Their self-proclaimed music style of "upper west side Soweto" is interesting - I think they succeed when the Paul Simon "Graceland"-era comparisons are toned down. While the African-esque "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" on it's own merits is an entertaining melodic throwaway, part of it sounds like it came straight out of "The Lion King". During that song and a few other moments I felt their appropriation of African rhythms and instrumentation(based on my layman's knowledge of African music) felt a little unsettling(ie. how is that this Brooklyn band came to be influenced by such influences. Is this a gimmick?). Fortunately, I think the guys succeeded overall in not sounding too gimmicky. They started their set straight off with my favourite song off their MySpace, "Mansard Roof", later performing the punchy English Beat-esque pop of "APunk". The band got the audience involved with a song entitled "One(Blake’s Got A New Face)" being sure to point out that the song "One" that they would perform was not a cover of either the Metallica or U2 song, although Metallica's "One" was obviously present in part of the guitar arrangements of Vampire Weekend's "One". At a point in the song, lead vocalist Koenig got the audience to shout out the song's bracketed titled ie. "Blake's Got A New Face", which the audience did with enthusiasm. The musicianship was skillfully performed overall, more than enough proof that these guys are no flukes. Their debut album will be in stores on January 29 of the new year through XL Recordings and you can see the tracklisting here.
Check out a few of my photos from the show.
MySpace: The Torrent
MySpace: We're Marching On
MySpace: Vampire Weekend
I like to think that I'm not easily swayed by the buzz surrounding certain new bands but when something as savorily saccharine as Brooklyn band Vampire Weekend's "Mansard Roof" is, with it's playful keyboards, lush strings, and strummed guitar, vibrant rhythm section, and delectable melodies, that was enough for me to decide to check out the band live when they came to Toronto for a show at El Mocambo last week on December 13.
Opening the show were Toronto 3-piece The Torrent, generally a guitar/drums/keyboards configuration, with some violin at times. The baritone vocals of Cameron Groves reminded me of Calvin Johnson although not as deep perhaps and the minimalist guitar/keyboards/drums arrangements had a new-wavey pop feel a la B-52's . Guitarist Michael Edward Barry was in The Hidden Cameras - his guitar playing was primitive but was more than well-suited to the music. Tara Azzopardi did double-duty energetically alternating between keyboards and drums. I think they're a new band - they're MySpace songs have barely a 100 hits as of now. They're official website indicates they're full-length is out this spring. You can also check them out live in January, first on the 11th at Silver Dollar, then on the 27th at Sneaky Dee's as part of Wavelength.
Next up were Toronto's We're Marching On, a group of young gents exhuberantly performing their brand of skewed pop music, hints of melody intermixed with quickly strummed electric guitar, added keyboards, and vocals that at their most vibrant were shouty and yelpy. Prior to the start of their set, I'd ducked out of the club only to come back to find that the club had filled in nicely(and quickly I might add) for We're Marching On's set. They were energetic, and yes even entertaining - I could imagine them bringing down the house say at The Boat or Sneaky Dee's, a few of Toronto's more indie rock oriented music venues - but the crowd at the El Mocambo, from what I recall seemed somewhat subdued. I believe the gent on keyboards is also in Ohbijou if I'm not mistaken, but then you know, all these indie rock kids start to look the same after a while.
And finally, Brooklyn four-piece Vampire Weekend. They set up their own equipment, at that time giving the audience a glimpse of their now-somewhat-known preppy wardrobe, albeit the keyboardist and drummer in particular looking like they just rolled out of bed. But for all the preconceptions of them being spoiled rich kids just because they all met while going to Ivy League school Columbia University, I couldn't give a shit. Their self-proclaimed music style of "upper west side Soweto" is interesting - I think they succeed when the Paul Simon "Graceland"-era comparisons are toned down. While the African-esque "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" on it's own merits is an entertaining melodic throwaway, part of it sounds like it came straight out of "The Lion King". During that song and a few other moments I felt their appropriation of African rhythms and instrumentation(based on my layman's knowledge of African music) felt a little unsettling(ie. how is that this Brooklyn band came to be influenced by such influences. Is this a gimmick?). Fortunately, I think the guys succeeded overall in not sounding too gimmicky. They started their set straight off with my favourite song off their MySpace, "Mansard Roof", later performing the punchy English Beat-esque pop of "APunk". The band got the audience involved with a song entitled "One(Blake’s Got A New Face)" being sure to point out that the song "One" that they would perform was not a cover of either the Metallica or U2 song, although Metallica's "One" was obviously present in part of the guitar arrangements of Vampire Weekend's "One". At a point in the song, lead vocalist Koenig got the audience to shout out the song's bracketed titled ie. "Blake's Got A New Face", which the audience did with enthusiasm. The musicianship was skillfully performed overall, more than enough proof that these guys are no flukes. Their debut album will be in stores on January 29 of the new year through XL Recordings and you can see the tracklisting here.
Check out a few of my photos from the show.
MySpace: The Torrent
MySpace: We're Marching On
MySpace: Vampire Weekend
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Anorak Christmas
The image of the Christmas Tree at the Eaton Centre above is a lot nicer than what a lot of GTA'ers woke up to this morning. I know a lot of people wanted a white Christmas but this is ridiculous.
So to rub salt in to the wound, I thought I'd remind you of a couple of winter outdoor shows coming up in the new year. As part of the WinterCity Festival coming to Toronto from January 25 to February 7 of '08, Nathan Phillips Square will be hosting a couple of free concerts: as you might already know, Tokyo Police Club come to the Square on Saturday, January 26(8:45 - 10 pm) and I just found out that The Weakerthans will be there on Saturday, February 2(8:45 - 10 pm). I didn't make it to The Golden Dogs/In-Flight Safety show at Nathan Phillips Square yesterday - damn, I should have went because compared to today's weather, yesterday was a cakewalk.
Thanks to John Sakamoto and his Anti-Hit List for pointing me towards Swedish pop gal Sally Shapiro's MySpace and her piano mix of her modern Christmas indiepop classic "Anorak Christmas". Reminds me, where could I buy an anorak like this?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
These Lights In Our Hearts They Tell No Lies
concert review: Richard Hawley, Ferraby Lionheart @ Horseshoe Tavern (Toronto, Ontario), December 5, 2007
As part of the Horseshoe Tavern's 60th Anniversary celebrations, Mercury Music Prize-nominee Richard Hawley with opener Ferraby Lionheart came to the venue on December 5 last week. Sold out, if not at least close to capacity by the time Mr. Hawley hit the stage, the Tolkien-esque-named Ferraby Lionheart from Los Angeles and his band opened the show with a pleasant set of introspective if not sometimes sunny folk-pop tunes. For my first listen, there was a hint of promise - a few sparkling melodies here and there and the spare band instrumentation compliments the melodies nicely. If the audience was only politely receptive to Ferraby's set, it was only probably because we were impatient for Mr. Hawley to come on.
Pulp references aside(I was never a big Pulp fan and didn't even know Mr. Hawley was in the band at one time), I really first knew Richard Hawley through his association with A Girl Called Eddy who Mr. Hawley had produced her debut album from a few years back, a striking, emotional album of Bacharach-esque melancholic pop songs. I've only recently caught onto Mr. Hawley's output, initially through his MySpace and more recently with his most recent album "Lady's Bridge" which I picked up based upon the recommendations of many bloggers and critics. Starkingly romantic at times but also able to cut loose a little with a little twang and rockabilly, Mr. Hawley's an enigma in the pop scene, at least in terms of mainstream exposure. Richard and his band, a mostly bespectacled bunch decked out in black suit jackets, white shirts and dark jeans, with Richard sporting a greasy, tousled, pompadoured hair style, took the stage to a warm reception from the near-capacity audience. After a few salutations from RIchard, he cheekily got things going by saying "Let's Ballad" to the amusement of at least some of us who picked up on that quick quip. Romantic set-opener, "Valentine" got things underway nicely. In the preceding banter to next song "Roll River Roll", Richard said that the song was written about the Great Sheffield[his hometown] Flood of 1864 and that in an ironic twist several months after he wrote the tune, Sheffield experienced a flood. His most familiar tune to me so far, "Tonight The Streets Are Ours" was greeted with glee from me and even with the canned strings played through a synth, it still sounded glorious. I can only imagine how great a live string section would sound. As an aside, "...Streets..." sounded a lot like Scotland's Edwyn Collins, making me want to revisit some of his works. The venue-appropriate, pop-abilly romp of "Serious"(with Richard asking the audience if we wanted to hear some rockabilly) got a few in the crowd cutting a rug on the spot where they stood. Overall, it was one of my favourite shows of the year and a worthy addition to the Horseshoe Tavern's illustrious history. Just hope it doesn't take Mr. Hawley twelve years(the length of time he'd said he'd last been in Toronto) to come back.
Here are my photos from the show.
More reviews of the show over at chromewaves, It's Not The Band I Hate..., Eye Weekly,
MySpace: Richard Hawley
MySpace: Ferraby Lionheart
On a related note:
- there's a FLAC download(over at nyctaper) of Mr. Hawley's performance at Bowery Ballroom on December 1, 2007.
- Richard gives a heads up that you can now download his recent London Apple store session from iTunes.
As part of the Horseshoe Tavern's 60th Anniversary celebrations, Mercury Music Prize-nominee Richard Hawley with opener Ferraby Lionheart came to the venue on December 5 last week. Sold out, if not at least close to capacity by the time Mr. Hawley hit the stage, the Tolkien-esque-named Ferraby Lionheart from Los Angeles and his band opened the show with a pleasant set of introspective if not sometimes sunny folk-pop tunes. For my first listen, there was a hint of promise - a few sparkling melodies here and there and the spare band instrumentation compliments the melodies nicely. If the audience was only politely receptive to Ferraby's set, it was only probably because we were impatient for Mr. Hawley to come on.
Pulp references aside(I was never a big Pulp fan and didn't even know Mr. Hawley was in the band at one time), I really first knew Richard Hawley through his association with A Girl Called Eddy who Mr. Hawley had produced her debut album from a few years back, a striking, emotional album of Bacharach-esque melancholic pop songs. I've only recently caught onto Mr. Hawley's output, initially through his MySpace and more recently with his most recent album "Lady's Bridge" which I picked up based upon the recommendations of many bloggers and critics. Starkingly romantic at times but also able to cut loose a little with a little twang and rockabilly, Mr. Hawley's an enigma in the pop scene, at least in terms of mainstream exposure. Richard and his band, a mostly bespectacled bunch decked out in black suit jackets, white shirts and dark jeans, with Richard sporting a greasy, tousled, pompadoured hair style, took the stage to a warm reception from the near-capacity audience. After a few salutations from RIchard, he cheekily got things going by saying "Let's Ballad" to the amusement of at least some of us who picked up on that quick quip. Romantic set-opener, "Valentine" got things underway nicely. In the preceding banter to next song "Roll River Roll", Richard said that the song was written about the Great Sheffield[his hometown] Flood of 1864 and that in an ironic twist several months after he wrote the tune, Sheffield experienced a flood. His most familiar tune to me so far, "Tonight The Streets Are Ours" was greeted with glee from me and even with the canned strings played through a synth, it still sounded glorious. I can only imagine how great a live string section would sound. As an aside, "...Streets..." sounded a lot like Scotland's Edwyn Collins, making me want to revisit some of his works. The venue-appropriate, pop-abilly romp of "Serious"(with Richard asking the audience if we wanted to hear some rockabilly) got a few in the crowd cutting a rug on the spot where they stood. Overall, it was one of my favourite shows of the year and a worthy addition to the Horseshoe Tavern's illustrious history. Just hope it doesn't take Mr. Hawley twelve years(the length of time he'd said he'd last been in Toronto) to come back.
Here are my photos from the show.
More reviews of the show over at chromewaves, It's Not The Band I Hate..., Eye Weekly,
MySpace: Richard Hawley
MySpace: Ferraby Lionheart
On a related note:
- there's a FLAC download(over at nyctaper) of Mr. Hawley's performance at Bowery Ballroom on December 1, 2007.
- Richard gives a heads up that you can now download his recent London Apple store session from iTunes.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Remember The Good Times
concert review: Cuff The Duke, Land Of Talk @ The Mod Club (Toronto, Ontario), November 30, 2007
On a snowy Friday evening over a week ago[on November 30], Oshawa's Cuff The Duke played a CD release show at The Mod Club for their newly released album "Sidelines of The City"[Hardwood Records], and if that show was any indication, then their subsequent hometown two-night stint at The Velvet Elvis must have been barn-burners. Cuff The Duke's Wayne Petti(Guitar, Lead Vocals, Moog, Bass) and Paul Lowman(bass guitar, piano, fiddle, vocals) are the sole original members with new members Dale Murray(Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals) and Corey Wood(Drums, Percussion) now joining the fold. It's almost hard to believe that this at-one-time-unknown band who'd I first seen in 2003 at the Horseshoe Tavern(opening for Versus) are now onto their third album and playing to quite-devoted fans. I've been largely ignorant of their debut release(save for their song "Ballad Of A Lonely Construction Worker") and their new album "Sidelines Of The City" but was quite taken with their eponymous-titled second album when it first came out, an equal parts reflection of their country-roots and pop influences. From what I've heard from the new album, the pop-rock influences are more to the forefront and from their show at The Mod Club, the band's as tight as ever. Opening up the show were Montreal trio Land of Talk who for one reason or another I had not seen live up till then, although had really been wanting to see live for a long time. As visceral as their melodic pop rock sounds on record, my impression of the band bashing away was not entirely a correct one - perhaps it's true in relation to the drummer and partially to the bassist, but vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Powell seemed slightly more reserved than I expected, almost cradling her guitar, although the amplification of her raspy voice and meaty guitar arrangements was more than enough to compensate. The "Applause Cheer Boo Hiss" tunes were fantastic. I think the band played a few new songs, not as immediately grabbing, but hopefully more of a sign of my unfamiliarity of them.
Wayne was as appreciative as could be for the large, devoted(though not sold out) turn out, raising his drink to the crowd. As he did at the HMV instore a few days prior, he gave props to his hometown, in particular with introduction to new song "Rossland Square", the neighbourhood where he grew up. In slight consolation to my disappointment for not getting tickets to the recent Neil Young Massey Hall shows, Cuff The Duke(who coincidentally will be at Massey Hall opening up for Blue Rodeo this coming February) showed their prowess in Crazy Horse-esque like guitar freakouts with which I believe was their new song "By Winter's End". Guitarist Dale Murray was really a standout, effortlessly making the transition between lead and pedal steel guitar, as natural of a musician that you could swear that he'd been part of the band since the beginning. As their eponymous-titled second album was really their breakout, it was those album's songs, mid-to-up-tempo footstompers like "The Future Hangs", "Take My Money And Run", and "Belgium Or Peru", which seemed to connect with the audience the most. On more than one occassion, I think I heard someone yell out "Ballad"(in reference to their song "Ballad Of A Lonely Construction Worker") so when it came up during the encore(especially with it's phrase "Everything will be alright, will be alright...) it was to an appreciative response. And what seems to be the indie-rock cover du jour, The Travelling Wilburys' "Handle With Care"[I've heard Jenn Grant, and Jenny Lewis cover this tune], Cuff The Duke brought up openers Land of Talk for a rousing rendition of the song(I didn't know it at the time but Wayne had the lyrics scribbled on paper just in case). The encore and the night ended off as Wayne invited audience members to come on to the stage as each band member was given the spotlight to display his musical prowess, and when bassist Paul Lowman picked up a guitar and solo'd the heck out of it it was just one of many moments you realize just how talented these guys are.
Here are more of my photos from the show.
Also, I have photos from the band's instore at HMV(on November 28).
MySpace: Cuff The Duke
MySpace: Land Of Talk
On a snowy Friday evening over a week ago[on November 30], Oshawa's Cuff The Duke played a CD release show at The Mod Club for their newly released album "Sidelines of The City"[Hardwood Records], and if that show was any indication, then their subsequent hometown two-night stint at The Velvet Elvis must have been barn-burners. Cuff The Duke's Wayne Petti(Guitar, Lead Vocals, Moog, Bass) and Paul Lowman(bass guitar, piano, fiddle, vocals) are the sole original members with new members Dale Murray(Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals) and Corey Wood(Drums, Percussion) now joining the fold. It's almost hard to believe that this at-one-time-unknown band who'd I first seen in 2003 at the Horseshoe Tavern(opening for Versus) are now onto their third album and playing to quite-devoted fans. I've been largely ignorant of their debut release(save for their song "Ballad Of A Lonely Construction Worker") and their new album "Sidelines Of The City" but was quite taken with their eponymous-titled second album when it first came out, an equal parts reflection of their country-roots and pop influences. From what I've heard from the new album, the pop-rock influences are more to the forefront and from their show at The Mod Club, the band's as tight as ever. Opening up the show were Montreal trio Land of Talk who for one reason or another I had not seen live up till then, although had really been wanting to see live for a long time. As visceral as their melodic pop rock sounds on record, my impression of the band bashing away was not entirely a correct one - perhaps it's true in relation to the drummer and partially to the bassist, but vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Powell seemed slightly more reserved than I expected, almost cradling her guitar, although the amplification of her raspy voice and meaty guitar arrangements was more than enough to compensate. The "Applause Cheer Boo Hiss" tunes were fantastic. I think the band played a few new songs, not as immediately grabbing, but hopefully more of a sign of my unfamiliarity of them.
Wayne was as appreciative as could be for the large, devoted(though not sold out) turn out, raising his drink to the crowd. As he did at the HMV instore a few days prior, he gave props to his hometown, in particular with introduction to new song "Rossland Square", the neighbourhood where he grew up. In slight consolation to my disappointment for not getting tickets to the recent Neil Young Massey Hall shows, Cuff The Duke(who coincidentally will be at Massey Hall opening up for Blue Rodeo this coming February) showed their prowess in Crazy Horse-esque like guitar freakouts with which I believe was their new song "By Winter's End". Guitarist Dale Murray was really a standout, effortlessly making the transition between lead and pedal steel guitar, as natural of a musician that you could swear that he'd been part of the band since the beginning. As their eponymous-titled second album was really their breakout, it was those album's songs, mid-to-up-tempo footstompers like "The Future Hangs", "Take My Money And Run", and "Belgium Or Peru", which seemed to connect with the audience the most. On more than one occassion, I think I heard someone yell out "Ballad"(in reference to their song "Ballad Of A Lonely Construction Worker") so when it came up during the encore(especially with it's phrase "Everything will be alright, will be alright...) it was to an appreciative response. And what seems to be the indie-rock cover du jour, The Travelling Wilburys' "Handle With Care"[I've heard Jenn Grant, and Jenny Lewis cover this tune], Cuff The Duke brought up openers Land of Talk for a rousing rendition of the song(I didn't know it at the time but Wayne had the lyrics scribbled on paper just in case). The encore and the night ended off as Wayne invited audience members to come on to the stage as each band member was given the spotlight to display his musical prowess, and when bassist Paul Lowman picked up a guitar and solo'd the heck out of it it was just one of many moments you realize just how talented these guys are.
Here are more of my photos from the show.
Also, I have photos from the band's instore at HMV(on November 28).
MySpace: Cuff The Duke
MySpace: Land Of Talk
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Silver Bells
As I walk/drive/ride the streetcar around Toronto, I realize how many Christmas lights and decorations are up this year. Do yourself a favour and get yourself downtown to check it out. The Christmas lights down Yonge St. between College St. and Queen St. are in particular really nice. So is the tree above at Yonge Dundas Square. And really, I need all the help I can get to keep from Christmas Day sneaking up on me. Who hasn't started their shopping yet? I haven't.And what's Christmas(for better or worse) if not for the music? East-coaster Jenn Grant has some Christmas tunes("Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "O Holy Night", "Silver Bells") streaming over at her MySpace. What a lovely way to get you into the holiday mood(though it would have been even better if she could make the mp3's available - pretty please, Jenn?). Jenn's back in town for a post-Christmas/pre-New Year gig at The Drake Lounge on December 28.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
New Seasons
There's more press over at chartattack about Toronto music venue Horseshoe Tavern's 60th Anniversary, also mentioning that the venue will host a private party this Thursday December 8 featuring sets by The Sadies and The Waco Brothers for which the public can win tickets by emailing daria@atgconcerts.com. Forgive my lateness of this posting if by chance all public tickets are gone at this point. The Wacos will be playing a proper ticketed show at the Horseshoe Tavern this Friday night which you probably can still get tickets for. Probably. The Sadies are back at the Horseshoe Tavern on New Year's Eve for more wholesome fun.
Toronto-by-way-of-Halifax(well Matt Murphy, anyway) band City Field are apparently still a going concern[whatever happened to the album you promised us last year?]. A few City Field shows are fast approaching. This coming Saturday December 8, they play an ALL CAPS show at WhipperSnapper Gallery with Kaeru, Big Digits, and The Youngest. The following day, December 9, City Field will be at Smiling Buddha(@ College & Dovercourt) along with The Saffron Sect, and The Hoa-Hoa's. Full details for both shows here and here respectively.
The Hidden Cameras are going to be at The Great Hall, Hart House on December 13. Full details about the show are here - it's a benefit concert featuring The Hidden Cameras, Montreal's Sister Suvi and local Toronto musician Allie Hughes and tickets $5 advance for students, $10 at the door for students and $15.00 at the door for everyone else. In the meantime, B(oot)log has an audio rip of The Hidden Cameras' live set at The Triple Door in Seattle fro December 2, 2006.
The Drake Hotel will host The Two Koreas on December 29. Listen to the band's live session for XM Radio's The Verge.
Welsh popsters Super Furry Animals are booked for a show at The Mod Club on February 20, 2008. While I wasn't impressed with their last show at the Phoenix in 2005, maybe I should give 'em another chance.
Pollstar is listing Jonathan Richman and Matt Costa at the Phoenix on February 27, 2008.
Check out chromewaves' 2nd annual year-end Readers' Poll contest for a chance to win some free schwag - I'm still working on my list Frank, but I realized that 1) I've cut back considerably in my music buying habit and 2) that I've been REALLY lazy in giving albums a full/thorough listen.
Toronto-by-way-of-Halifax(well Matt Murphy, anyway) band City Field are apparently still a going concern[whatever happened to the album you promised us last year?]. A few City Field shows are fast approaching. This coming Saturday December 8, they play an ALL CAPS show at WhipperSnapper Gallery with Kaeru, Big Digits, and The Youngest. The following day, December 9, City Field will be at Smiling Buddha(@ College & Dovercourt) along with The Saffron Sect, and The Hoa-Hoa's. Full details for both shows here and here respectively.
The Hidden Cameras are going to be at The Great Hall, Hart House on December 13. Full details about the show are here - it's a benefit concert featuring The Hidden Cameras, Montreal's Sister Suvi and local Toronto musician Allie Hughes and tickets $5 advance for students, $10 at the door for students and $15.00 at the door for everyone else. In the meantime, B(oot)log has an audio rip of The Hidden Cameras' live set at The Triple Door in Seattle fro December 2, 2006.
The Drake Hotel will host The Two Koreas on December 29. Listen to the band's live session for XM Radio's The Verge.
Welsh popsters Super Furry Animals are booked for a show at The Mod Club on February 20, 2008. While I wasn't impressed with their last show at the Phoenix in 2005, maybe I should give 'em another chance.
Pollstar is listing Jonathan Richman and Matt Costa at the Phoenix on February 27, 2008.
Check out chromewaves' 2nd annual year-end Readers' Poll contest for a chance to win some free schwag - I'm still working on my list Frank, but I realized that 1) I've cut back considerably in my music buying habit and 2) that I've been REALLY lazy in giving albums a full/thorough listen.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Lucky Horseshoe
The Toronto Star's Greg Quill celebrates the Horseshoe Tavern's 60th birthday emphasizing the venue's illustrious past in booking acts that go on to greater things while Toronto music-vet Moe Berg waxes nostalgic about his 'Shoe memories.
So is it safe to assume that Blue Rodeo will be one of the surprise guests playing at the Horseshoe as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations? If you click the first link above and go to the right grey sidebar on that page, Blue Rodeo are listed as part of the celebrations, although this is yet to be confirmed on the Horseshoe Tavern website - the Horseshoe website currently lists December 17 & 18 as featuring surprise special guests. Hmmmm.
So is it safe to assume that Blue Rodeo will be one of the surprise guests playing at the Horseshoe as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations? If you click the first link above and go to the right grey sidebar on that page, Blue Rodeo are listed as part of the celebrations, although this is yet to be confirmed on the Horseshoe Tavern website - the Horseshoe website currently lists December 17 & 18 as featuring surprise special guests. Hmmmm.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tonight The Streets Are Ours
Apparently, tickets for the Richard Hawley show at the Horseshoe Tavern this upcoming Wednesday(December 5) are selling briskly(Rotate This is sold out, Soundscapes is almost sold out, Horseshoe/Ticketmaster.ca still have sometickets). I picked up my ticket at the Horseshoe today just to be safe. My impression of Mr. Hawley's music is based solely on a few samples I've heard so far - romantic and lush, with a sound that melds Morrissey with Roy Orbison. Perhaps, music for wusses some might say, but I'll wear that badge proudly. Check out Mr. Hawley's live performance on Later...With Jools Holland from a few weeks back:
Video: Richard Hawley - Interview
Video: Richard Hawley - "Valentine"
Video: Richard Hawley - "Tonight The Streets Are Ours"
MySpace: Richard Hawley
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I got through Popmatters' interview with PJ Harvey yesterday and I'm glad to have found out two things: one, she's enthusiastic about touring and two, her current gigs have been solo performances of her performing her new material as well as stripped down one-person arrangements of her older tunes. As I said recently, I'm really looking forward to seeing PJ Harvey live performing her new material or the quieter tunes of her older repertoire. Polly read my mind.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Darling
I'm almost didn't want to like Sons and Daughters' remake of Seal's song "Killer" but Son's and Daughters' version is too good not to like(I still don't like Seal' original version though). The band's new single "Darling" is streaming over at their MySpace along with the aforementioned Seal cover. Sons and Daughters are in the midst of a UK tour(check out their tour blog at NME) - I can't wait to see them when they hopefully come back to Toronto. I've seen the band live three times and I can't wait to make it a fourth. The band's forthcoming album "Gilt Complex" will be out through Domino Records in 2008.And while were on the topic of bands that marry swagger and melody, I see that UK band The Duke Spirit also have a new album coming out in 2008. The new album is entitled "Neptune" from which three tracks are currently streaming over at their MySpace. I loved them when I saw them play NXNE in 2006. Like Sons and Daughters above, The Duke Spirit undeservedly seem to be flying under the radar which I hope things turn around in 2008.
Back on the local front, Toronto's The Airfields bring the indiepop live for their CD release that'll be happening at Sneaky Dee's on February 2 in the new year. And if my ears do not deceive me but are those new mixes of new songs "Prisoners Of Our Love" and "Never See You Smile" currently streaming over at their MySpace. At least with the former, I'm pretty sure they were only streaming a demo version of the song before.
Heads up for Cuff The Duke fans - they'll be at HMV(333 Yonge St.) tomorrow afternoon at around 5:30 pm for a live, in-store session sponsored by CBC Radio 3 in celebration of the recently released CBC Radio 3 compilation "CBC Radio 3 Sessions: Volume 3"[info via CBC Radio 3]. The band's newest album "Sidelines of the City" is out now, and the band will be performing some songs live on CBC Radio One's "Q" show this coming weekend - the show broadcasts at 2pm and 10pm, and as the spiel goes, check your local listings.
Thanks to Pitchfork(via Brooklyn Vegan) for pointing to a video clip of Carl Newman(of The New Pornographers) and Peter(of Peter, Bjorn and John) and their impromptu live cover of The Association's pop classic "Never My Love". As much as I was talking above about music with guts and swagger, sometimes I'm just a big softie.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tunnel of Love
Just a few tidbits today:
Lavender Diamond is back in Toronto on December 17 for a show at Lee's Palace.
Plants and Animals will be opening up the Patrick Watson show at The Mod Club on December 14[via Emerge.
Just a reminder that tickets for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band at Copps Coliseum on March 3, 2008 go on sale today at 10 am.
On an aside, I just want to say that Eye Weekly 's new interface for concert listings are a little whack. Did they get rid of their "Just Announced" weekly concert listings section? Reading that every week was one of my weekly rituals.
Lavender Diamond is back in Toronto on December 17 for a show at Lee's Palace.
Plants and Animals will be opening up the Patrick Watson show at The Mod Club on December 14[via Emerge.
Just a reminder that tickets for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band at Copps Coliseum on March 3, 2008 go on sale today at 10 am.
On an aside, I just want to say that Eye Weekly 's new interface for concert listings are a little whack. Did they get rid of their "Just Announced" weekly concert listings section? Reading that every week was one of my weekly rituals.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Punchclock
Air will be on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic tomorrow(Nov 21) for a live session of songs off their most recent album "Pocket Symphony" plus new versions of old favourites. The session is at 2:15 EST(11:15 PST).
Coming up this Thursday, is a CBC Fuse taping at Trinity St. Paul's Church in Toronto featuring the brassy country of Rock Plaza Central and the baroque orchestral music of Tafelmusick. This should be interesting, and it's in Trinity St. Paul's no less. Admission is free, but seats are first-come, first-serve with the shindig starting at 7 pm.
Lily Frost with full band will be playing the Royal Ontario Museum on Friday November 30 at 8pm.
Interesting show news courtesy of Stille Post, Punchclock(a Toronto screenprinting company who design and print a lot of items including band t-shirts) are sponsoring a music showcase on December 6 and 7 at 938 Bathurst St.(a yet to be named gallery). The December 6 showcase will feature Final Fantasy, $100, castlemusic, and The Youngest while the next night's showcase will feature Kids On TV, lsdoubleDcup, and The Blankett. The showcases will have art on sale(items $5-$10) as well. Oh and booze too. Proceeds go to Punchclock.
According to Outside Music, Baby Eagle will be at The Music Gallery in Toronto on December 14. Baby Eagle's MySpace indicates Christine Fellows will also be performing.
Jenn Grant makes her way back to Toronto for a show at The Drake Lounge on December 28.
Young Galaxy have a show coming up at the Horseshoe Tavern on January 18, 2008. Update: They'll also be opening the Peter, Bjorn and John show at the Phoenix on January 22, 2008.
Coming up this Thursday, is a CBC Fuse taping at Trinity St. Paul's Church in Toronto featuring the brassy country of Rock Plaza Central and the baroque orchestral music of Tafelmusick. This should be interesting, and it's in Trinity St. Paul's no less. Admission is free, but seats are first-come, first-serve with the shindig starting at 7 pm.
Lily Frost with full band will be playing the Royal Ontario Museum on Friday November 30 at 8pm.
Interesting show news courtesy of Stille Post, Punchclock(a Toronto screenprinting company who design and print a lot of items including band t-shirts) are sponsoring a music showcase on December 6 and 7 at 938 Bathurst St.(a yet to be named gallery). The December 6 showcase will feature Final Fantasy, $100, castlemusic, and The Youngest while the next night's showcase will feature Kids On TV, lsdoubleDcup, and The Blankett. The showcases will have art on sale(items $5-$10) as well. Oh and booze too. Proceeds go to Punchclock.
According to Outside Music, Baby Eagle will be at The Music Gallery in Toronto on December 14. Baby Eagle's MySpace indicates Christine Fellows will also be performing.
Jenn Grant makes her way back to Toronto for a show at The Drake Lounge on December 28.
Young Galaxy have a show coming up at the Horseshoe Tavern on January 18, 2008. Update: They'll also be opening the Peter, Bjorn and John show at the Phoenix on January 22, 2008.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
White Chalk
Gotta love YouTube. Here's a couple of clips of PJ Harvey performing live on Later...With Jools Holland on November 16, 2007:
Video: PJ Harvey - "White Chalk" (live on Later...With Jools Holland - Nov 16, 2007)
Video: PJ Harvey - "Silence" (live on Later...With Jools Holland - Nov 16, 2007)
The more I listen to her new material, the more I'm convinced that when she eventually tours she either has to perform just the new songs or a combination of the new songs and the quieter material of her repertoire. As exhilirating as PJ Harvey is during say her big-sounding "Big Exit" or her punk-ish "50 Foot Queenie" days I'm looking forward to spending a quiet evening with Polly Jean when she hopefully hits town in the future.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
In Field & Town
Hayden’s fifth full length CD, titled "In Field & Town", is set to release in Canada, January 15, 2008 on his own Hardwood Records label and to celebrate Hayden's going on tour, including a date at Danforth Music Hall on Feb 19, 2008.
According to Emerge, Sondre Lerche's November 22 date at Lee's Palace has been cancelled.
Other concert announcements: The Fiery Furnaces will be at Phoenix Concert Theatre on December 12, 2007 promoting their newest album "Widow City" out through Thrill Jockey.
Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller will be at Horseshoe Tavern on December 19.
An alliance of sorts, The Jam's Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler are joined with The Stranglers' Hugh Cornwell, and will tour as From The Jam(performing Jam songs, natch) which will make its way to Toronto for a show at Lee's Palace on February 6, 2008, tickets $30.00.
Pollstar's listing some upcoming shows at Nathan Phillips Square, including In-Flight Safety and The Golden Dogs on December 15 and Tokyo Police Club on January 26, 2008.
Ministry will be at Kool Haus on May 4, 2008.
Listen to/watch the live session that Stars did for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic this past Monday November 12.
Washington, DC pop band Georgie James(who I caught live when they opened for Ted Leo at The Mod Club in October) did a live session for MPR's The Current this past Monday November 12. Good stuff.
Under The Radar has an interview with former Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi. Although the likelihood of any solo work(nor a Lush reunion) isn't that great you can look out for her on the forthcoming debut album by The Seinking Ships(a project consisting of Eric Matthews and Christopher Seink) where she contributes some vocals. Check out their MySpace, as well as an mp3:
MySpace: The Seinking Ships
MP3: The Seinking Ships - "Mission To Mars"
Broolyn Vegan(via Sound Bites) brings news of a Versus reunion which happened over the weekend. Well, actually it was a birthday present for former Teenbeat labelmate Matthew Datesman. I wish they'd just jump on the reunion bandwagon.
Via Largehearted Boy, The Three Imaginary Girls list the top ten indie birthday songs...and on that note, I just want to wish my buddy a happy b-day.
According to Emerge, Sondre Lerche's November 22 date at Lee's Palace has been cancelled.
Other concert announcements: The Fiery Furnaces will be at Phoenix Concert Theatre on December 12, 2007 promoting their newest album "Widow City" out through Thrill Jockey.
Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller will be at Horseshoe Tavern on December 19.
An alliance of sorts, The Jam's Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler are joined with The Stranglers' Hugh Cornwell, and will tour as From The Jam(performing Jam songs, natch) which will make its way to Toronto for a show at Lee's Palace on February 6, 2008, tickets $30.00.
Pollstar's listing some upcoming shows at Nathan Phillips Square, including In-Flight Safety and The Golden Dogs on December 15 and Tokyo Police Club on January 26, 2008.
Ministry will be at Kool Haus on May 4, 2008.
Listen to/watch the live session that Stars did for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic this past Monday November 12.
Washington, DC pop band Georgie James(who I caught live when they opened for Ted Leo at The Mod Club in October) did a live session for MPR's The Current this past Monday November 12. Good stuff.
Under The Radar has an interview with former Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi. Although the likelihood of any solo work(nor a Lush reunion) isn't that great you can look out for her on the forthcoming debut album by The Seinking Ships(a project consisting of Eric Matthews and Christopher Seink) where she contributes some vocals. Check out their MySpace, as well as an mp3:
MySpace: The Seinking Ships
MP3: The Seinking Ships - "Mission To Mars"
Broolyn Vegan(via Sound Bites) brings news of a Versus reunion which happened over the weekend. Well, actually it was a birthday present for former Teenbeat labelmate Matthew Datesman. I wish they'd just jump on the reunion bandwagon.
Via Largehearted Boy, The Three Imaginary Girls list the top ten indie birthday songs...and on that note, I just want to wish my buddy a happy b-day.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Piano
I've been on a PJ Harvey kick lately with her latest album "White Chalk", so I'm glad to see she hasn't been shy about making the rounds to promote the new album. It gives me hope that she'll likely make it back to North America for a tour in the new year. Here's more recent Polly Jean-related multimedia for you:
Video: PJ Harvey - Interview & Live Session @ Spinner (Oct 11, 2007)
Video: PJ Harvey - Live Session @ BBC 6 Music - The Hub Sessions(Nov 7, 2007)
Video: PJ Harvey - The Piano (music video)
Also Polly Jean was on the BBC Radio London Calling progam with Gary Crowley yesterday(November 10, 2007) when she was interviewed and performed a few songs. Listen here(the session is about an hour and a few minutes into the progam and the progam will only be archived for about a week).
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Did anyone catch the Radiohead live webcast a few nights ago? Wish I'd known about it sooner because from what I've seen of it so far it looked like a lot of fun. At least we can all catch it after the fact. As with every live television/webcast performance it seems, someone has uploaded the webcast in its entirety onto YouTube, and Stereogum's collected the videos into one convenient blog post. Radiohead's cover of New Order's "Ceremony" doesn't necessarily outdo the original but it stilled brimmed with energy. Deaf Indie Elephants has mp3's of all of Radiohead's performances from the webcast.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
To Talk To You
While I still continue to absorb Ms. Harvey's latest album "White Chalk"(a few songs of which you can sample here) which is far mare subtle than I'd anticiapated but so far is stunning, here are a few PJ Harvey-related links for ya':
PJ Harvey filmed a session for Yahoo! Live Sets which she recorded during her most recent trip to The States. It features an 8 song set, in front of a studio audience, and a Q & A session with fans.
The Smudge of Ashen Fluff has converted Ms. Harvey's recent KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic session(from Nov 2, 2007) for your downloading and listening pleasure. Thank you.
Polly was on the BBC Radio George Lamb program yesterday(Nov 7, 2007) when she performed a live session. Listen to the session here(I think it's only archived for a week). View photos from the session here. Supposedly their should be video of the session very soon so keep on checking back here.
Check out the live session that Jens Lekman did for KEXP over at the radio station website's streaming label archive[the session was November 6, 2007 at 9:30 am].
Record label woes no more, the news is that The Raveonettes haved signed with Vice Records and the label will be releasing the band's new album "Lust Lust Lust" in early 2008, with a US tour to follow.
Vampire Weekend will be at El Mocambo on December 13, tickets $10. I'm digging the tunes over at their MySpace, especially their song "Mansard Roof", creative pop mixing equal parts melodicism and quirkiness. Their upcoming show is on my maybe list for now.
PJ Harvey filmed a session for Yahoo! Live Sets which she recorded during her most recent trip to The States. It features an 8 song set, in front of a studio audience, and a Q & A session with fans.
The Smudge of Ashen Fluff has converted Ms. Harvey's recent KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic session(from Nov 2, 2007) for your downloading and listening pleasure. Thank you.
Polly was on the BBC Radio George Lamb program yesterday(Nov 7, 2007) when she performed a live session. Listen to the session here(I think it's only archived for a week). View photos from the session here. Supposedly their should be video of the session very soon so keep on checking back here.
Check out the live session that Jens Lekman did for KEXP over at the radio station website's streaming label archive[the session was November 6, 2007 at 9:30 am].
Record label woes no more, the news is that The Raveonettes haved signed with Vice Records and the label will be releasing the band's new album "Lust Lust Lust" in early 2008, with a US tour to follow.
Vampire Weekend will be at El Mocambo on December 13, tickets $10. I'm digging the tunes over at their MySpace, especially their song "Mansard Roof", creative pop mixing equal parts melodicism and quirkiness. Their upcoming show is on my maybe list for now.
Monday, November 05, 2007
100 days, 100 nights
A potpourri of tidbits today:
Check out the video clips of Feist and her band performing "1234" and "I Feel It All" performing on SNL from a few nights ago. If you'd watched the actual episode this past Saturday, you would have seen Feist hug guest host NBC news anchor Brian Williams at the end - that was so cute.
BlogTO has a podcast interview with Canadian director Bruce Mcdonald.
Have a craving for some vintage soul? If you're looking forward to the Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings show at Lee's Palace on November 13, why not head over to Daptone Records' Jukebox and download the free soul playlist, "Binky Griptite's GhettoFunkPowerHour!". Also check out the vintage-looking new music video for Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings' song "100 Days, 100 Nights".
Soundscapes interviews Holy Fuck.
Check out the rest of the vote-getters in I Heart Music's "Hottest Canadian Bands of 2007" poll.
I heard on Edge 102.1 FM today that The Last Town Chorus was part of The Weakerthans/Jenn Grant bill at the Phoenix on November 7 and 8 - not sure if Last Town Chorus are playing both nights though.
Handsome Furs are back in Toronto for a show at Lee's Palace on December 20.
Check out the video clips of Feist and her band performing "1234" and "I Feel It All" performing on SNL from a few nights ago. If you'd watched the actual episode this past Saturday, you would have seen Feist hug guest host NBC news anchor Brian Williams at the end - that was so cute.
BlogTO has a podcast interview with Canadian director Bruce Mcdonald.
Have a craving for some vintage soul? If you're looking forward to the Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings show at Lee's Palace on November 13, why not head over to Daptone Records' Jukebox and download the free soul playlist, "Binky Griptite's GhettoFunkPowerHour!". Also check out the vintage-looking new music video for Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings' song "100 Days, 100 Nights".
Soundscapes interviews Holy Fuck.
Check out the rest of the vote-getters in I Heart Music's "Hottest Canadian Bands of 2007" poll.
I heard on Edge 102.1 FM today that The Last Town Chorus was part of The Weakerthans/Jenn Grant bill at the Phoenix on November 7 and 8 - not sure if Last Town Chorus are playing both nights though.
Handsome Furs are back in Toronto for a show at Lee's Palace on December 20.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
My Top 10 Hottest Canadian Bands/Artists of 2007
Thanks to Matthew at I Heart Music for doing his "33 Hottest Canadian Bands/Artists" poll once again and also for again including me. I went more with my gut this time around in terms of who I'd listened to the most, who I enjoyed and who had things going on in 2007. The Arcade Fire would have likely made my list, but the fact is I didn't listen to their newest album "Neon Bible" that much even though what I recall of it is actually pretty good. Below is my submission ranked from 10 to 1 with each artist/band's final ranking in the poll in brackets. I've also included the commentary I submitted for the poll. A few of my picks didn't make the top 33 so I'll be looking forward on Monday when I Heart Music posts the list of the rest of the vote-getters. Did anyone else vote for Toronto's The Airfields or Barrie's Fox Jaws?
10. (7) The Acorn (MySpace) - I saw them at the Brampton Indie Arts Festival this year and was blown away by their set. They play delicate, intricate indie rock with great swooning melodies. Lovely stuff.
9. (3) Miracle Fortress (MySpace) - An unmanageable amount of CD's is the only reason I haven't gone back to this band's album "Five Roses" very much. It's a good album and track 4("Maybe Lately") is one of the best Brian Wilson-esque songs I've heard in a long time.
8. (32) Land of Talk (MySpace) - Okay, so all the 'cool' kids were into 'em in 2006. But better late than never. Their EP "Applause Cheer Boo Hiss" is one of the few current Canadian releases I'd bothered to put on my mp3 player. Muscular and melodic at the same time, rock music should always sound this good.
7. (5) Basia Bulat (MySpace) - If she isn't playing her own show, she's performing with others(Ohbijou, The Veils, Great Lake Swimmers). She's everywhere. Which is all the better for everyone. I saw her live a few times this year, and she's one of the more charming artists I've seen. And her smile is adorable.
6. (20) Great Lake Swimmers (MySpace) - Tony Dekker and company toured like crazy this year, released a great album "Ongiara" and performed an intimate show at a church in Toronto this year. And in the near future they'll be the opening act for some upcoming Feist dates. So they only made #6 on my list but I wouldn't be surprised if they're #1 on yours.
5. (17) Ohbijou (MySpace) - Having seen them live three times this year, they've only got better with each show. They're one of the few bands where the 'big band' concept actually makes sense because all the members play a vital role in creating the band's delicate, chamber-pop sound.
4. The Airfields (MySpace) - Like a blast from the C86 Brit pop days, The Airfields perform sparkling indiepop. An enigma in the Canadian music landscape perhaps, but I'm right there with them. They just released a new single("Yr So Wonderful") and a full-length is hopefully just around the corner.
3. Fox Jaws (MySpace) - I've been a fan of them since they were known as Doris Day but I'm glad they changed their name. Their fanbase hasn't exploded this year as I'd hoped but they made some progress. Check out their debut album "Goodbye Doris" , released this year - it's really good and lead vocalist Carleigh Aikins infuses soul into indie rock at a time when indie rock really needs it.
2. (1) Feist (MySpace) - iPod commercials, Starbucks affiliations, magazine covers and television appearances aside, her album "The Reminder" was a consistently wonderful set of pop music. Naysayers, get lost.
1. (16) Jenn Grant (MySpace) - I've mentioned her so many times in the past that I've run out of good things to say. She just released her debut album "Orchestra For The Moon" and it's terrific. A lot of people say she could be the next Feist which talent-wise isn't too far off the mark.
Update: The rest of the vote-getters.
10. (7) The Acorn (MySpace) - I saw them at the Brampton Indie Arts Festival this year and was blown away by their set. They play delicate, intricate indie rock with great swooning melodies. Lovely stuff.
9. (3) Miracle Fortress (MySpace) - An unmanageable amount of CD's is the only reason I haven't gone back to this band's album "Five Roses" very much. It's a good album and track 4("Maybe Lately") is one of the best Brian Wilson-esque songs I've heard in a long time.
8. (32) Land of Talk (MySpace) - Okay, so all the 'cool' kids were into 'em in 2006. But better late than never. Their EP "Applause Cheer Boo Hiss" is one of the few current Canadian releases I'd bothered to put on my mp3 player. Muscular and melodic at the same time, rock music should always sound this good.
7. (5) Basia Bulat (MySpace) - If she isn't playing her own show, she's performing with others(Ohbijou, The Veils, Great Lake Swimmers). She's everywhere. Which is all the better for everyone. I saw her live a few times this year, and she's one of the more charming artists I've seen. And her smile is adorable.
6. (20) Great Lake Swimmers (MySpace) - Tony Dekker and company toured like crazy this year, released a great album "Ongiara" and performed an intimate show at a church in Toronto this year. And in the near future they'll be the opening act for some upcoming Feist dates. So they only made #6 on my list but I wouldn't be surprised if they're #1 on yours.
5. (17) Ohbijou (MySpace) - Having seen them live three times this year, they've only got better with each show. They're one of the few bands where the 'big band' concept actually makes sense because all the members play a vital role in creating the band's delicate, chamber-pop sound.
4. The Airfields (MySpace) - Like a blast from the C86 Brit pop days, The Airfields perform sparkling indiepop. An enigma in the Canadian music landscape perhaps, but I'm right there with them. They just released a new single("Yr So Wonderful") and a full-length is hopefully just around the corner.
3. Fox Jaws (MySpace) - I've been a fan of them since they were known as Doris Day but I'm glad they changed their name. Their fanbase hasn't exploded this year as I'd hoped but they made some progress. Check out their debut album "Goodbye Doris" , released this year - it's really good and lead vocalist Carleigh Aikins infuses soul into indie rock at a time when indie rock really needs it.
2. (1) Feist (MySpace) - iPod commercials, Starbucks affiliations, magazine covers and television appearances aside, her album "The Reminder" was a consistently wonderful set of pop music. Naysayers, get lost.
1. (16) Jenn Grant (MySpace) - I've mentioned her so many times in the past that I've run out of good things to say. She just released her debut album "Orchestra For The Moon" and it's terrific. A lot of people say she could be the next Feist which talent-wise isn't too far off the mark.
Update: The rest of the vote-getters.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Grow, Grow, Grow
Concert Announcements:
Nov 10/2007 - Rock Plaza Central @ The Music Gallery
Nov 29/2007 - Royal Wood @ The Music Gallery
Dec 04,11,18/2007 - Jason Collett & guests @ Dakota Tavern ($15.00)
Dec 08/2007 - Justin Rutledge w/ Bazil Donovan @ Horseshoe Tavern ($15.00)
Dec 13/2007 - Apostle of Hustle @ Lee's Palace ($15.00)
Dec 15/2007 - In-Flight Safety @ Nathan Phillips Square
Dec 20/2007 - Danko Jones, C'Mon @ Horseshoe Tavern ($17.50)
Dec 31/2007 - The Golden Dogs @ Lee's Palace ($15.00)
Apr 29-30/2007 - Reverend Horton Heat, Nashville P@ssy, Backyard Tire Fire @ The Mod Club
The Hidden Cameras are coming back to Canada for some tour dates - none in Toronto at this time, but the closest they'll be to Toronto will be at Starlight Club in Waterloo, Ontario on November 29.
Unfortunately, I didn't make it to The Diableros CD release show(for their new album "Aren't Ready For The Country") at the Horseshoe Tavern last week. They have some scattered downs in Ontario this month. I probably won't make it to any of those either but maybe you can. The band's offering a download of one of their new songs("No One Wants To Drive") over at their MySpace.
Nicole Atkins & The Sea made their US television debut on Late Show With David Letterman a couple of nights ago(via Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands):
YouTube: Nicole Atkis & The Sea - "The Way It Is" (live on Late Night With David Letterman - Oct 30, 2007)
PJ Harvey will performs a live session for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic tomorrow(November 2/07). The session will be at 11:15 am PST(2:15 pm EST). Oh, I hadn't even realized she was on The Tonight Show a few weeks ago:
YouTube: PJ Harvey - "Grow, Grow, Grow" (live on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno - Oct 16, 2007)
Daytrotter has Andrew Bird in a live session.
Nov 10/2007 - Rock Plaza Central @ The Music Gallery
Nov 29/2007 - Royal Wood @ The Music Gallery
Dec 04,11,18/2007 - Jason Collett & guests @ Dakota Tavern ($15.00)
Dec 08/2007 - Justin Rutledge w/ Bazil Donovan @ Horseshoe Tavern ($15.00)
Dec 13/2007 - Apostle of Hustle @ Lee's Palace ($15.00)
Dec 15/2007 - In-Flight Safety @ Nathan Phillips Square
Dec 20/2007 - Danko Jones, C'Mon @ Horseshoe Tavern ($17.50)
Dec 31/2007 - The Golden Dogs @ Lee's Palace ($15.00)
Apr 29-30/2007 - Reverend Horton Heat, Nashville P@ssy, Backyard Tire Fire @ The Mod Club
The Hidden Cameras are coming back to Canada for some tour dates - none in Toronto at this time, but the closest they'll be to Toronto will be at Starlight Club in Waterloo, Ontario on November 29.
Unfortunately, I didn't make it to The Diableros CD release show(for their new album "Aren't Ready For The Country") at the Horseshoe Tavern last week. They have some scattered downs in Ontario this month. I probably won't make it to any of those either but maybe you can. The band's offering a download of one of their new songs("No One Wants To Drive") over at their MySpace.
Nicole Atkins & The Sea made their US television debut on Late Show With David Letterman a couple of nights ago(via Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands):
YouTube: Nicole Atkis & The Sea - "The Way It Is" (live on Late Night With David Letterman - Oct 30, 2007)
PJ Harvey will performs a live session for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic tomorrow(November 2/07). The session will be at 11:15 am PST(2:15 pm EST). Oh, I hadn't even realized she was on The Tonight Show a few weeks ago:
YouTube: PJ Harvey - "Grow, Grow, Grow" (live on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno - Oct 16, 2007)
Daytrotter has Andrew Bird in a live session.
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