I went to the Horseshoe yesterday to see Bettie Serveert. I considered myself really lucky to see them this past February at the same venue, after it had apparently been nine years since they had played Toronto. Now, a mere four months later, the band has yet again chosen to grace Toronto with their presence. The show had been advertised as openers, Driveway going on at 9:30 pm, but unfortunately their set didn't get going until after 10 pm. I didn't expect much from this non-descript looking Toronto band but they had some nice musical moments. I'm not entirely convinced though. When they were good, they reminded me of the country-rock tendencies of say Jay Farrar and Son Volt. However, at other times they dropped the country-rock approach for a more radio-friendly pop-rock sound which just left me with a bad Hootie-and-the-Blowfish after taste. Sorry guys. I say stick with the country rock and the pedal steel guitar. Even if it was jokingly, the lead vocalist did say that the pedal steel guitarist sold his soul to the devil to learn how to play pedal steel. It's such dumb luck that Toronto gets two Bettie Serveert shows within the span of four months. So where was everyone yesterday? It's a shame that yesterday night's Bettie Serveert show was so criminally underattended, because the band played an enthusiastic set despite the low attendance. It's hard for me to gage how many people were in attendance but let's just say that I had no trouble getting to the front of the stage and once there I had plenty of elbow room. Fortunately, at least people came to stand in the floor area near the stage to give the appearance that there was more people there. This time around the band played some songs they hadn't played last time including "Ray Ray Rain"(off "Lamprey") and "What Friends?"(off "Dust Bunnies") which I was so happy to hear. Here's the setlist. This show was a mored toned down affair that their last Toronto outing. Peter the guitarist showed less guitar theatrics this time around and the keyboardist didn't rock out as much either. Even then the enthusiasm was in their faces which was really appreciated by the crowd. Carol looked as sexy as ever in her white top and slacks and her smoky, raspy vocals were as alluring as her looks. I can't say much more than I had in my review of their show in February, but I do encourage you to definitely check them out if and when they come back to Toronto. [photos]
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A Feist live session from June 21st in Los Angeles is availabe at purelivegigs.com. I haven't downloaded it yet but I believe it's the session Feist did for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. The pesky torrent's not recognizing my Bittorrent client. Can anyone recommend another torrent client to use?
Just read the June 22/05 news update at Tag Team Media which states that Feist will be performing live(in what I believe is her US late night television debut) on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on July 7th!!!!!
The Montreal Mirror speaks with their recent issue's cover girl, Feist who'll be playing the Spectrum in Montreal on June 30th, then the following day at Harbourfront in Toronto for a free Canada Day show.
The new[July/August 2005] issue of Magnet will feature cover boys, Husker Du, who along with The Replacements will be featured in an article detailing "The Rise And Fall Of The 80's Scene".
Friends of Stars, including Caribou, Junior Boys, Broken Social Scene, The Dears, and Metric will all be contributing remixes of songs off of Stars' "Set Yourself On Fire" for a remix album to be released this fall, says Pitchfork.
View Magazine speaks with Julie Doiron. She'll be playing in Toronto with Snailhouse, first for an in-store at Soundscapes on Sunday June 26th at 3pm then later that night she and Snailhouse will be playing Wavelength at Sneaky Dee's.
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