hey, where did you get that t-shirt ??

The End ???

2009-11-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

Half the team has moved to Corner Brook. Maybe we'll get some Greeley's Reel reviews?

Avett Brothers @ the horseshoe....sept 30th

2009-09-13T00:33:00.001-07:00

I can't wait!!!! SQUEE!

The Decemberists Kool Haus August 4, 2009

2009-08-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Remember when you used to be able to see The Decemberists for twelve bucks? Those days are long behind us, but popularity thankfully hasn't sullied the quality of the Portland band's albums.

Their recently-released The Hazards Of Love is by far their most ambitious project. Partly inspired, one would assume, by their flirtation with the opus form on The Tain EP, The Hazards Of Love is one giant, hour long song. Described by some as a rock opera, it features three different singers—the Decemberists' Meloy and two recruited chanteuses—playing four roles in a tumultuous story of forbidden love.

Staying true to the project as conceived, The Decemberists played two sets on this night at the Kool Haus. The first was a near-perfect rendering of The Hazards Of Love, in its entirety, with full drama and no breaks. It can't have been an easy feat, but Meloy barely broke a sweat. Anyone who likes this album needs to see it performed live.

After a ten-minute break, The Decemberists returned for a full set of old favourites (including "The Crane Wife 3," "The Sporting Life" and "Sons & Daughters"). They also knocked off two new numbers that sounded pretty boss.

Not many summer concerts will have a chance at topping this one.

(5/5)

Camera Obscura, Lee's Palace June 27th/09

2009-06-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

AWESOME!!! So i saw Camera Obscura a few years ago when they played at Opera House. And this time around they put on a equally awesome show. Tracyanne Campbell's voice is so incredibly clean, and in a venue like lee's it sounds incredible. They played mostly songs from their new album, My Maudlin Career. But they did play Books written for girls <3 They don't put on much of a visual show, except for the Extremely cute dresses! But the thing Camera Obscura brings to a live performance is stage presence and talent. (They did mis-start one song near the end, not that anyone cared) They are incredible to watch, the way they play is a a happy thing to watch.

They ended with a three song encore. i didn't recognize the first song but the second song was Hey Llyod, I'm ready to be heartbroken. Which is one of my favorite songs! I was pleased.

4/5

Mean Red Spiders Sneaky Dee's May 15, 2009

2009-05-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

There are some Toronto bands (ahem... SIANspheric) that test your patience significantly more than others.

A long seven years have passed since the Mean Red Spiders released Still Life, Fast Moving, but it seems as though they're finally on the verge of a new album; their MySpace is unusually active and the frequency of their shows has increased (to two or three a year, up from none).

On this night at Sneaky Dee's, the layers of rust were evident. The Spiders are slowly getting back into game shape but a few of the new tracks they hauled out were performed dreadfully. It's likely the songs will improve with practice (and also that they'll sound much better on disc). There were a few instances of reclaimed glory, mostly during old tracks that were dominated by washes of guitar army feedback. They can still do loud as well as anyone.

Shoegaze in Toronto has been sorely lacking bands like this over the last few years. If they can get their shit together, they have a chance to resurrect alt.rock in this town.

(2.5/5)

White Cowbell Oklahoma Horseshoe Tavern April 10, 2009

2009-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

This was without a doubt the most disappointing White Cowbell Oklahoma show I've attended (and there have been many).

Their showmanship was at an all time low, thanks in no small part to the departure of frontman The Sergeant. Several other Cowbell ‘musts’ were noticeably absent; there were no strippers, no costumes and no chainsaw. Most of this band's transgressions can be forgiven, but when they don't even haul out the Husqvarna for their traditional mid-set saw-fest, it's like there's a completely different group on stage.

Of all the shows to half-ass, why your CD release party? The music was decent (though not up to their usual standards) but the bombastic spectacle was completely missing. Their one redeeming gesture, aside from crafting a pretty wicked new album (Bombardero) was to offer up free shots of Jagermeister to pretty much everyone in the audience.

(2/5)

Akron/Family Born Ruffians Sneaky Dee's March 24, 2009

2009-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's a little out of the ordinary to see Born Ruffians opening a Toronto show. It's indicative of the level of respect that Pennsylvania trio Akron/Family have accumulated in the music community.

The realization that Akron/Family are one of the Born Ruffians' most noticeable influences came to me in a backwards sort of way, only after the two bands took to the same stage on the same night. Though I'd heard both groups' new albums, I hadn't realized until this evening that they had so much in common. While the majority of Akron/Family's tunes are blissed out space jams or thoughtful folk, they do have a few tracks in their repertoire that sound eerily Born Ruffians-like—bouncy and ebullient. More correctly, it should be said that the Born Ruffians have developed a sound that's eerily similar to the Akron/Family's.

Sonically, Born Ruffians were a little lackluster—possibly due to the Sneaky Dee's sound system (they're used to playing in places like the Opera House)—but they put forth an admirable effort, and for the majority of their set, had so many people dancing that the floor felt ready to give way.

Akron/Family caused some dancing of their own, but more often had audience members agape, staring in awe. On most songs, they vacillated between quiet-as-a-mouse strumming and deafening guitar assault. They frequently extended the ends of tracks into unknown territory; the first five songs of their set must have lasted a collective hour.

Their new disc, Set ’Em Wild, Set ’Em Free is a solid collection, but an Akron/Family live performance is something that will never be duplicable on disc. They are undoubtedly masters of their craft.

(4.5/5)

The Golden Dogs Dakota Tavern February 18, 2009

2009-03-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Golden Dogs used to put on fun shows. It may have been the location, or perhaps they were a little rusty, but this performance—the third of a four-night residency at the Dakota—was more than a little depressing. Things started well, with "Birdsong" from their Everything In Three Parts disc (they start every show with that, or with "Dynamo"), but from that point forward, things went steadily downhill. At least half of the songs were new material and their quality was worrisome. Dave Azzolini has said there'll be significant tempo shifts on their new disc, and that was definitely evident in their stage show. The majority of the songs they played were excruciatingly plodding, and seemed at times to be moving in slow motion. They can do a whole lot better than this. Let's hope that the magic isn't gone for good. The only plus that emerged from the night, was opener Zeus. Their debut disc should be hotly anticipated.

(1.5/5)

Bishop Allen El Mocambo January 17, 2009

2009-03-16T18:18:00.001-07:00

Bishop Allen have done some serious growing up since Charm School.

The duo's 2003 debut was about as saccharine as a bubble gum pop album can get, but things started to change as they embarked on an EP-a-month project, three years later. Some of that adventure's more austere tunes made it onto their Broken String album in 2007, and it was like a completely different band had showed up to record.

March's release of their third full-length, Grrr... took that solemnity to new heights. It was this plaintive new Bishop Allen that showed up for their show at the El Mo—date one of a two-day tour that landed the band in Toronto, then Montreal.

Their new material is definitely more suited for the stage than for disc. On first spin, Grrr... comes off as a little boring, but its live translation—with full band backing—taps into the same kind of power that made The Broken String great.

They rattled off several tracks from each of their last two albums (Charm School was noticeably ignored) and closed the night with their epic "Flight 180." "The Monitor" was a definite highlight as well.

They weren't mind-blowing, but they definitely weren't disappointing.

(3/5)

Mercury Rev The Opera House December 9, 2008

2008-12-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

If you were there, you know why this was probably one of the best shows of the year. If you weren't there, do yourself a favour and pick up their 1998 disc Deserter's Songs, make sure you see them the next time they're in town, and then we'll talk.

Albums of the year?

2008-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

It's a live review blog, but hey, why not?

1. ADAM & THE AMETHYSTS Amethyst Amulet
2. THE KILLS Midnight Boom
3. DR. DOG Fate
4. THE CONSTANTINES Kensington Heights
5. JENNY LEWIS Acid Tongue
6. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE Narrow Stairs
7. DEERHUNTER Microcastle
8. OLD MAN LUEDECKE Proof Of Love
9. LONGWAVE Secrets Are Sinister
10. SEBASTIAN GRAINGER & THE MOUNTAINS Sebastian Grainger & The Mountains

Honorable Mention in a great year for EPs:
FALCON Falcon
THE NORTHWEST DIVISION ...of which I'm the master

Deerhunter Lee's Palace November 12, 2008

2008-12-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Sure, Deerhunter's Bradford Cox is a difficult bloke to look at, but he creates some spectacular jams. His band's latest disc, Microcastle, has been a runaway hit this last quarter, even though the full, finished album leaked to the Net back in May.

The live Deerhunter show is virtually everything you'd expect in a smooth transition from album to stage. The guitars switched easily between jangle and burn, the new, less-psychedelic (read: pop) material came across without a hitch, and it was LOUD (as it should have been).

The capacity crowd was enraptured for the majority of the night, but interest seemed to wane a bit near the end, as it got very late, beer fatigue set in, and Cox and crew kept their set screeching for longer and longer than anyone had expected. If "too much of a good thing" is the primary complaint against your band, though, you're doing just about everything right.

Note: Anyone who feels a bit icky watching Cox perform (it's not his fault, we know, it's a disease) need not worry - you can spend the majority of the show ogling new touring guitarist Whitney Petty, who is a top notch player in her own right.

(4/5)

The Notwist Lee's Palace October 10, 2008

2008-11-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Between 2002 and 2007, The Notwist's web page was a swirling mess of geometric shapes and numbers. Clicking on any of those would create a pop-up window filled, likewise, with a swirling mess of geometric shapes and numbers. To say these two Germans are secretive would be a serious understatement.

At the end of last year, that indecipherable site was replaced by a two-minute video of an orchestra being recorded in a school gymnasium for what would eventually become the long-awaited follow-up to their landmark Neon Golden. Admirers immediately swooned in anticipation.

As things stand a year later, fans have mixed feelings about the new disc, You, The Devil + Me, but the need to catch The Notwist live is not debatable; they've only been in Toronto twice this decade, and considering the pace at which they make albums, it's safe to assume they won't be back for many more years.

As if they could sense the wants of the collective fanboy unconscious, The Notwist chose to focus heavily on Neon Golden material. It was exactly the set that everyone in Lee's had been waiting for - at some times haunting, at others powerful - tracks often morphing into one another to create 20-minute jams. This was the kinda stuff that can get you high without the use of illegal narcotics.

One of the lads had some sort of device rigged whereby he was operating effects machines with Nintendo Wii remotes. Trippy stuff.

One of the best shows of the year.

(5/5)

Pop Montreal: Rapid fire! All over the cold, cold city October 2-4, 2008

2008-10-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly

Prairie Cat: Only caught a few minutes of him, backed by The Bicycles, but he seemed like a decent songwriter. Catchy tunes.

The Bicycles: I'll lodge the same complaint I always do about them: I can't hear the vocals. The Bikes either need to turn up the mic volume or sing more powerfully, because their lyrics are completely lost in the ether. Energy level was great, though; the small bar suited them.

The Winks: Creepy pop in a Rasputina meets Woodpigeon kinda way. They were entertaining and definitely have potential.

The Buttless Chaps: They've been better. It was an adequate set, but I fear their latest material is sub-par in a way that's hurting their live show. Keyboardist Ida Nilsson was absent, which could partly account for the underwhelming performance.

The Pack A.D.: Definitely the set to beat all sets this weekend. Becky Black was scorching, as usual.

The Evaporators: Nardwuar is ridiculously insane; his shirt was off and he was surfing the crowd by the end of the third song. Entertaining, but a little over the top. They're lucky they have a niche market to sell to.

Spiral Beach: Still kids, but still playing better than a lot of adults I've seen (ahem, Broadcast Radio). They're getting better with every performance.

A Comedy of Errors

Immaculate Machine: Pulled a no-show.

A Sunny Day In Glasgow: Pulled a no-show and were replaced by a terrible band called Broadcast Radio.

Adam & The Amethysts (and others): Ruined by the venue, Casa del Popolo. This wee bar was so full of people, it must have been double the fire code limit. It was impossible to move and the heat was sweltering. There's also a ridiculous rule in place that requires patrons to order food before they're allowed to buy a drink. Didn't even bother sticking around for the show.

Mother Mother (and others): Ruined by uni students. They were lined up, down the street, to get into Petite Campus, simply because it was their regular Saturday night dance club.

Overall grade: (2.5/5). Stick to NXNE or CMW.

The Stills & Dog Day Horseshoe Tavern August 19, 2008

2008-09-18T07:25:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that high-profile bands still play free shows, but here as proof were Montreal's Stills, throwing a one-off party to celebrate the release of their latest, Oceans Will Rise.

Stylistically, the album is a step backwards to their Logic Will Break Your Heart days (prompted, one assumes, by a ridiculously unwarranted lashing of Without Feathers by rock critics) but it's readily evident that as a performing band, The Stills are moving forward.

Things were a little tenuous in the early stages of their bandhood - their drummer and singer switching places between discs - but they seem to have settled into a nice groove. At a Lee's Palace gig just a year earlier (where they first showcased some of Ocean's songs), the sound was off and most of the band's membership seemed mesmerized or hesitant on-stage. Their Horseshoe show was decidedly opposite and their newest songs, like "Being Here," were positively explosive.

Halifax indie rockers Dog Day were scheduled in the starting spot but ended up following The Stills in a perplexing (and ultimately undesirable for them) lineup switch. There were barely two dozen people in attendance by the time they finally took the stage (the bar had been packed to capacity for The Stills). Dog Day's Night Group debut was one of 2007's best discs but that album's playful and brainy energy is nearly completely missing from the band's live show. It was by no means a bad performance, but it's clear Dog Day could be a lot better if they put some considerable effort into practicing.

(4/5)

Wolf Parade Kool Haus August 9, 2008

2008-09-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Wolf Parade for about three years and I still don't think I have them figured out. Like Radiohead, these guys require an enormous investment of time before some sort of artist/listener communion can occur.

If judging by the ecstatic fans that turn up at their shows, one has to assume there's a payoff at the potential core of spent hours. It wasn't a complete sell-out at the Kool Haus but it was close and there was no way anyone aside from the die-hards was getting near the stage.

One thing that's evident from even a surface exploration of these Montrealers is that their live show is a very different animal than their on-disc persona; the songs come to life in a way they never will on headphones, often meandering (in an ear-splitting, danceable way) several minutes past their on-record ending points. Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner are both natural-born frontmen and the resulting dueling vocal aesthetic really takes the Wolf Parade stage act to a level that isn't reached by many Canadian bands.

They played seemingly the entire night, hitting nearly every song from their newest, At Mount Zoomer, and still managing to haul out fan favourites from Apologies to the Queen Mary and their self-titled EP.

(4.5/5)

Crystal Castles Harbourfront Festival July 5, 2008

2008-07-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

What better to do after world domination, than return to your hometown and play a free, all-ages show?

Crystal Castles' appearance at Harbourfront was, among other things, incredibly perplexing. Their live performances have gained notoriety for their frequent degeneration into riots and violence; why would the organizers of a wholesome night of family entertainment be in search of screaming, destructive synth pop?

If nothing else, they can at least claim record attendance levels. A full hour before the show, the area around the stage was packed by an impenetrable mass of people - from the stagefront, all the way to the water's edge. Passage through or around was nearly impossible.

When the lauded duo finally took the stage (rather late), it quickly became evident that the back half of the crowd was neither going to see nor hear the act. Arguments erupted as mean-spirited citizens tried to push their way through. People were nearly squeezed into the water. You got this one all wrong, Harbourfront. Very wrong.

(0/5)

Ladytron Harbourfront Festival July 4, 2008

2008-07-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

There's not much that works better to beat the heat than a free show at Toronto's balmy Harbourfront stage. After previous flirtations with the likes of Final Fantasy and Hawksley Workman, the HF organizers decided to take things in an electronic direction this year, with Liverpool's Ladytron leading the charge.

Visibility was problematic (and it usually is at Harbourfront, unless you're one of the incredibly-tall). Why people feel the need to stand when there are chairs behind them is one of life's unsolvable mysteries. If everyone would simply sit down, everyone would be able to see. It's up to you front row people - you have to start it.

What could be seen of Ladytron, was an immensely enjoyable spectacle. The sound was dead-on (though somewhat muted by the open air) and their light show was far beyond anything the HB Fest has presented in the past. Highlight of the set was their hit "Seventeen," which included enormous panel lights flashing the numbers 17 and 21 in time with the song's lyrics. It was a dark and powerful night - one that likely gave a few kids nightmares - and will be tough to top in 2009.

(4/5)

NXNE sat 2008

2008-06-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

wooo so we didn't hit up as many venues this night. To be honest i was wiped out from being out until 4am on friday. I'm old now i can't do it!!!

ok so here was the bands i experienced last night:

Dance Yourself To Death@ Holy Joe's: I've seen DYTD a long long time ago at the Elmocombo, and i remember thinking they were really awesome back then too!! It wasn't until i was sweating my ass off in Holy Joe's that i remembered that i had seen them before...i'm getting old. Anyway they packed the pack the place for such an early show. They were really high energy and had the floors shaking with all the dancing going on!! The only problem i had was that their set was too short !

Matthew Barber@ Rivoli: OMG this guy is soo cute it hurts me. He has such a sweet smooth voice. His songs were all kinda slow alt. Country love songs, Which was a definite change of pace for me. He had a really good stage presence, which made Matthew Barber really nice to watch.

Said the Whale@ Rivoli: Whoah these guys really like the west coast!! they had several songs about it and they talked about it a lot!! They were super good and i was really happy i came early enough to watch. They made want to dance...and if i hadn't of been so tired i just might have!!
I also the harmony of the two guitar players and the bassist, it was really something let me tell ya!

Magneta Lane@ Rivoli: ok, It's hard for me to not be completely bias b/c i LOVE Magneta Lane!!I haven't seen them play in the city in awhile so when they Opened with constant lover i was a little more then pleased! They were all that i had expected, Lots of drums, lots of bass and just the right amount of guitar...which is not that much. They don't really have much of a stage show but they make up for by being Amazing musically, watching French on the bass is in itself a show.Lexi's Voice makes me weak in the knees.........i just had to put that in there. I love you Magneta Lane...i really really do.

p.s when the girls from Magneta Lane were standing in front of me during Said The Whale i really wanted to squeeze them!!

NXNE 2008!!!!!! you're jealous.

2008-06-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

ok here's what i did last night.....

Ok city, OK!@ the silver Dollar- This band came all the way from japan...to see you!! no, actually to play at NXNE ,from what i understand. they were pretty good, not what i was expecting...in a good way!

Great lake swimmers@ the reverb - AWESOME!! i have seen these guys before, but i can't remember when and where. They have a really mellowish sound and were just amazing to watch. The singer's voice is so amazing!

Laura Barrett @ the reverb - So if your not familiar with miss laura, you might want to catch up!! She's amazing! She is a self taught kalimba player form what i understand. To listen and watch her play is like a lullaby. Beautiful. Last night she had a wide range of instrument accompanying her, viola, oboe, And some crazy machine thing that the percussionist was playing that i couldn't see, but was awesome!She was just unbelievable to watch...thank-you Laura Barrett.

Girl + the machine @ holy joe's- I was not expecting this. I don't even know how to begin to describe the awesomeness of this band. This is their quote form myspace......"From the far reaches of the fantastic cosmos arrives the magical music making combo named Girl + the Machine. In the astounding year 3067, a young female space ninja purchased a box of strange musical instruments at a garage sale. The most lovely Girl programed her gallant Machines to convert gamma-rays into musical lazer beams."

Fox Jaws @ rivoli - beth ditto, eat your heart out!!! Carleigh Aikins is going to give you a run for your money. This girls got the voice and the moves! I was in complete awe as we watched this band move on stage. The guitarist (Dan Allen) played his guitar with a bow!! amazing.The put on a really over all great show....i heard they are playing again later this month(June 28th@ the horseshoe)...you should go!!

Tomorrow: Dance yourself to death, said the whale, and magneta lane!! Watch out!!

REM and Modest Mouse @ Molson Ampitheatre

2008-06-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well first i have to say that REM has been my best friends FAVORITE band since high school! So going to see them was like a dream come true for him...and more then a touching experience for myself.

first thing first.

Modest Mouse.....AWESOME!!! The only problem was they looked slightly uncomfortable on such a big stage. And by that i mean that they were all kinda squashed in the middle.The performance was amazing!!They had high energy and even though no was dancing i could tell they wanted to. They ended with Float on....which in truth be told, is still my favorite song by modest mouse.

So i figured that b/c REM just put out a new album that they weren't going to play many songs i knew....but that would be a mistake on my part. They Started off the set with "what the frequency Kennith". They mixed just enough old in with they new to make it interesting, and the new stuff was really great, it made it all worth it!! I'm not huge enough fan of them to know all the songs...but some of them made my room mate cry.........

they ended their encore with "losing my religion", and it was completely amazing!!

Thank-you REM, for giving my room mate the concert he always wanted to see.

5/5

UPDATE: Beach house reveiw!!!! by Alisha

2008-05-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

So, here's my review of the Beach House show that happened so long ago I don't even remember what day it was: It was at the El Macombo, I remember that. Is that how you spell Macombo? Nope, I looked it up and it is actually spelled this way: Mocambo. Which is misleading because no one actually pronounces it that way.

Anyway, it was at the El Mocambo. We arrived early, and by early I mean the doors were not even open yet, and by the doors were not even open yet I mean WE ARE HUGE LOSERS. I don't remember why we were so early and where we were before that... either way we decided we needed to get some beer. Oh wait, now I remember, we were out at another bar before that, drinking beer. Anyway, we needed some more beer. We tried to go to the Red Room, but it was so packed that there was no seating and we had to do that thing where you walk through the entire bar trying to look for a seat and everyone watches you and feels sorry for you while simultaneously being glad that they are not you. Alas, despite our best walking through the bar efforts, no seats were found.

Then SOMEONE (it could have been me) suggested we go to the Silver Dollar. I kept telling everyone it was a jazz bar. Is it even a jazz bar? I have no idea. It sounded cool at the time and I kind of convinced myself to believe it as well. The guy at the door wanted us to pay cover but I wooed him into just letting us in for free. I can be persuasive.

We sat down beside the stage and drank some foul and mysterious tasting draft aka draught beer. Mine was supposed to be Stella but it tasted sweet and stale, kind of like when you accidentally drink an open pop can that you think is your current pop but is actually the pop you opened two weeks ago. I was also filled with that same sense of dread when I realized I shouldn't be drinking it.

All of a sudden a crazy band came on stage. Note: the drummer was not wearing pants. Actually, all he was wearing was underwear of the "tighty-whitey" variety. No one believed me at the time, but it was true. Apparently if a man is walking through a bar wearing only underwear, I am the only one to notice. The band was lame. I don't really remember in what specific way they sucked, but I do remember the lead singer was doing a lot of rock star poses and kicks and motions with his hands and so naturally, we made fun of him.

We quickly drank our disgusting beer and then had to walk in front of the band and the entire almost-empty dance floor in front of them to leave. This sort of situation always stresses me out because I worry the band will be all like, "Whoa whoa whoa- where do you think you're going?" and for some reason I am terrified of being singled out. It must have something to do with school like where a teacher calls on you and you don't know the answer. Traumatizing, right?

Alright I'm getting to the Beach House part, but I have to be honest, I'm a little tired of writing at this point.

SOOOO we finally go to the El Mo (I've shortened it's name because I don't remember the correct spelling and it's way up at the top of the page and I don't want to break my stride to scroll up. Plus, people call it the El Mo anyway because it's cooler and then people know you're not a tourist, which is important if you live in Toronto.) We go in and immediately get a beer. Oh wait, I should note that we did not get id'd. We never do anymore and this is because we are old and it is obvious to bouncers everywhere. How sad.

The bar was kind of empty so we went to the front and pretty much stood there the duration of the night. I'm just going to clear that up now in case later on in the review you're wondering where we were standing. You'll now know that it was at the front. On the right side, to be specific.

So there were two opening bands, I think. It all kind of blurs together at this point mostly because the opening bands are reaaaaally reeeeeally slow. I mean, I like mellow bands and all, don't get me wrong. I'm the one who dragged everyone along with me to Beach House because I love them so much. But here's the thing: When you have to stand in one spot listening to (possibly) numerous mellow bands, it starts to wear you down. Even leaning on the wall stops being relaxing and you just start going into survival mode trying to figure out how you're going to get through it. You know, taking it one song at a time. The thoughts that run through your head are like this: "If I can just make it through this song, I'll be ok. I won't think about how many songs are going to come after this one. All I am going to focus on at this moment is surviving this one song. And how long is one song, really? 3 to 5 minutes? I can totally do this."

Anyway, at this point either I had consumed too much beer or slipped into a coma because I literally have no recollection of the opening bands. We probably did that whole, "Which band member would you sleep with?" thing, but I can't be sure. Oh yeah- at one point two tall guys stood directly in front of us (as tall guys are wont to do) and my friend (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) yelled at them, for which I felt bad because they profusely apologized to me (since I'm shorter than everyone). In fact, the one guy kept apologizing repeatedly throughout the night. He left and came back and again pointed out to me that he was going to stand to the side so I could see. It didn't really matter because at this point I was actually too drunk to focus on much.

FINALLY Beach House came on and they were, of course, awesome. Unfortunately the venue and the lineup had worn us down to pale imitations of the people we were when we first came in, and we were forced to go allllll the way to the back of the bar in some sort of psychological attempt to feel better, like rocking in the corner or something. It didn't work, and in fact, I started feeling really pukey, which I of course downplayed so no one knew there was any problem whatsoever because I am a Smooth Operator. However, when I suggested we go home, no one objected, so maybe I wasn't the only one who was close to vomiting.

And so, in conclusion, get there early enough to get a seat at the Red Room, do not drink gross beer from the Silver Dollar, arrive later at the El Mo so as to skip the opening bands, and Beach House will probably be the best show you've ever seen. But seriously, buy their new album Devotion, because it will blow your mind. PLUS!!! At your own house, you can listen to it sitting down.

By, Alisha Trigatti

The Kills@ The Opera House, Tuesday May 6th 2008

2008-05-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

So i have been after john to "loan" me some of his Kills albums for some time. I bought tickets to the show not really hearing much of their stuff, but hearing all good things. So john never came through....and i went to the show not really knowing what to expect.

So, when Alison "VV" Mosshart Hit the stage in her fringed shirt and started whipping her hair around while singing in this sexy growl.....i almost fell over. The show was full of awesomeness; awesome beats awesome hair flinging, and awesome guitar playing. Then there was the make-out sing session between "VV" and Jamie "Hotel" Hince, where while making out they managed to still sing in complete harmony!!!!

I wasn't familiar with any of the songs, so it's hard for me to exaggerate on that part.

But if you get the chance to see The Kills.....do it!!!! you won't regret it!!!

4.5/5

for a more well worded, professional review go here, i hear this guy writes good stuff!!

Northern State @ The Mod club

2008-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

ok, so shitt hottt opened for Northern State. I have seen them once before, thought they were awesome, and then forgot all about them. So this time we tracked down some of the ladies and asked if they had a CD....and guess what? THEY DID!!!! and i bought it!! and...it's awesome!!!!

Ladies, you were super awesome. You made me want to get up and have a dancetravaganza right here in my apartment.

Then there was Northern State. I had never heard of them before, and had no idea what to expect. So, when they started to Rap And dance and be awesome.....I was pleasantly surprised. They did a lot of chatting too, which i thought was also awesome. If your having a hard time imagining it, think a female version of the beastie boys.....only better. I'm really not sure of the song list...so don't bother to ask. But i do know that all their songs were great. Seriously, if you get the chance to see them, do it! You'll not regret it.

4.5/5

woot!

Autechre Lee's Palace April 12, 2008

2008-04-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

It’s been 20 years and nine albums, but Rob Brown and Sean Booth are showing few signs that they plan to slow down. They were in Toronto to show off their latest Autechre offering, Quaristice.

The night was defined early; not by opening acts, but by two drunk (and admittedly stoned) dudes that were standing beside me, absorbed by an existential dilemma.

“If someone asked me to define normality,” said the first, “I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“Could anyone?” asked the second.

“Not truthfully. From the moment we’re born, to the moment we die, we’re told what we should perceive… That’s why I like electronica. The music isn’t telling us how we should feel or how we should think. It’s just there. We interpret it however we want.”

As if prophesized by those two gentlemen, Autechre did everything in their power to ensure that as performers, they were completely separated from their music. Two huge monitors on stands were erected at front, mid-stage, which almost completely blocked the British duo from the crowd’s view. The stage was made fully dark as well, leaving most spectators wondering exactly what the two were doing up there.

With the absence of traditional concert spectacle, it really was all about the music. The crowd at Lee’s — a mix of curious youth and in-the-know middle-agers — was quick to turn the venue’s lower floor (usually reserved for non-moving hipsters) into a dance party.

While it was obvious that many in the crowd were enraptured by Autechre’s meticulously crafted set, it seemed as though nearly an equal amount of patrons were milling about (myself included), wondering, “What’s so special about this?” For those not busting a move on the dance floor, would this show have been any different than listening to an Autechre mix at home with a good set of headphones?

(2/5)

Rock Plaza Central Jetplanes of Abraham Sneaky Dee's April 10, 2008

2008-04-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Rock Plaza Central were as good as ever, so we'll avoid redundancy here and focus on openers Jetplanes of Abraham.

Best band name in recent memory?

You maybe heard their 2006 debut, and weren't especially impressed (according to the blogosphere, this tends to be the case), but you'll be singing a different tune after seeing the Ottawa six-piece on stage. They've claimed they're aiming to sound like a cross between Funeral days Arcade Fire and self-titled Broken Social Scene, and while they never quite equal either in stature, it's not difficult to see the influence left by both.

Things were fast-paced and at times explosive. Shared vocal duties added variety to what might otherwise turn into homogeneous pop/rock. It was all very Ghost is Dancing-like.

To be honest, I don't believe a relatively small band can do wrong when they decide to include two violins (especially when they're wielded by two attractive ladies).

(4/5)

Beach House @ El Mocombo, March 28

2008-03-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

ok...i should not be reviewing this show. I am not a beach house fan..........and it was so boring i left half way through.

But it was sold out, so if you know someone who could do a better job, please, by all means send us your review by e-mail. I'll post it, I promise!!!

Sons & Daughters @ Lee's March 26th

2008-03-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Bodies of water opened for S&D. I haven't heard any of their stuff so i wasn't sure what to expect, but they were really good. I loved that the whole band sang almost every song. They had great harmony. I'm also a sucker for any band who has their drummer sing....that's hard! I loved the main singers high voice, which was kinda screamy at time, it was great!

Ok. When Adele Bethel came out in a gold sequined tank top, purple sequined short shorts and gold arm bands, i knew it was going to be a good show. They didn't really play much from This Gift. Which i have to say i was a little happy about. Repulsion box is by far my favorite album.

It's too bad they had to play on a wednesday, the crowd didn't really seem like they were in the dancing mood. There wasn't a lot of energy, this may have something to do with the fact that the bass player looked dead/ really really sick (we found out half way through the show that she was indeed very ill)

all in all i though S&D played a awesome set. Even if i was the only one dancing!!

4/5

CMW 2008: White Cowbell Oklahoma Horseshoe Tavern March 8, 2008

2008-03-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

CMW 2007 saw White Cowbell Oklahoma score a perfect 100 on Chart's Rock & Roll Report Cards and they were certainly deserving of it.

This year, Toronto's favourite cowboys were as depraved as ever, but it seemed like they turned down the mayhem dial a couple of notches. It may have been a result of the time constraints placed upon them, but there was no nudity, very few flying sparks and no associates in ridiculous costumes. Compared to other bands, they were exemplary. Compared to themselves, they were mediocre.

Chainsaw Charlie was up to his usual mischief. This year's sacrifices to his Husqvarna: A giant, stuffed Tweety Bird and the requisite toiltet paper rolls on a stick.

There were a lot of yelled conversations in the Shoe after Cowbell left the stage; not because people were angry at one another, but because everyone's hearing was permanently damaged. Five guitars and screamed lyrics hitting your head at 150 decibels tend to have that effect. It should be noted that no one really cared.

This is a band that everyone needs to see at least once.

(4/5)

The Northwest Division Neutral March 1, 2008

2008-03-26T13:53:00.003-07:00

ok...scott, i got this one.

ok, if you've never been to neutral it's really dark and kinda dingy. It almost reminds me of a goth bar sorta. So i wasn't really expecting to see a alt.country band there but The Northwest Division were really amazing. It was almost shocking...

They had great vocals...almost a little Neil Young like. They seemed really put together...did i mention they were awesome?

woo.

5/5

Well, I want to add my bit too.

Their debut EP, of which I'm the master, will likely be a difficult find, but it's poised to be one of the best releases of the year. Here's hoping these lads get to play some clubs with stages that are larger than my kitchen table.

(4.5/5)

metric @ the sound academy

2008-02-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

So a friend called me at work yesterday and invited me to go to the metric show last night. I have to say I've never been to the The sound academy (formally known as the docks), and i don't think i will be going back anytime soon. The venue sometimes really makes the show and last night the venue sucked. The stage was too low and all i could see was the large necked guy in front of me, who also happened to be a pointer. The band was ok, but certainly not great enough to make me want to stay...in a too crowded place where i couldn't see and was getting molested by the girl behind me.

Metric was ok. The sound was kinda overproduced, and more then a little generic. I liked their last album so i though it was going to be enjoyable......but they sounded too much like their album for the show to be good good despite the shitty venue.

2/5

It's that inactive time of year

2008-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

but CMW is fast approaching.

Joel Plaskett Emergency Horseshoe Tavern December 12, 2007

2007-12-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Most Canadians would hesitate before naming Joel Plaskett a Rock Icon, but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to be labelled one. Who else but a living legend could pull off a six-night string of sold-out concerts to celebrate the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern's 60th anniversary - an honour normally reserved for The Rheostatics (R.I.P.)?

As if it wasn't hard enough to pull off six consecutive gigs, Plaskett and his Emergency also decided they'd spend each night focusing on one of the group's (or Joel's) albums - from Down At The Khyber, through to Ashtray Rock.

The 12th was Truthfully, Truthfully night and Plaskett and crew didn't disappoint. They hit up nearly every song on the disc and added a few Ashtray and Make A Little Noise favourites to boot. This band has never been in finer form. It's refreshing to see performers who try to enjoy every show as if it's their last.

He'll be a household name one day, but for now, it's fun to be in on the Plaskett secret.

(5/5)

Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew Kool Haus December 7, 2007

2007-12-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

The headline for this performance is somewhat inaccurate. This was no more a Kevin Drew show than it was a Brendan Canning or an Evan Cranley show.

Both the band and the crowd were wise to the fact that everyone had gathered to see the entire Broken Social Scene in action - and the troupe were happy to march out all of their favourites - with a spattering of Drew's Spirit If... here and there along the way. It's not that Drew's debut solo effort lacks lustre; even the band have come to the realization that everyone at their concerts is expecting a greatest hits show. It seems as though that's what the members themselves are looking forward to.

With more "BSS Presents" albums due in the near future, we're likely to see many more of these shows. People will and should keep flocking to them, regardless of the name in the headline, for a chance to see the largest number of local legends ever assembled on one stage.

(4.5/5)

The Stills Lee's Palace November 24, 2007

2007-12-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

The Stills have an unexpected quandary on their hands. Nearly everyone in the music press these days seems to think their most recent album, Without Feathers, was a "disappointment." From where I was sitting, it was beloved by Canadian indie rock fans and declared one of the best albums of 2006. It was certainly a marked improvement over their debut.

Perhaps it's a provincial matter - liked in Ontario, overlooked nearly everywhere else. B.C. seemed to enjoy it; Grant Lawrence couldn't stop talking about the opening guitar riff to "In the Beginning" on his Radio 3 podcast.

The Stills were in Toronto for the second of two shows on this occasion, celebrating their signing to locally beloved label Arts & Crafts - a move that, if nothing else, will help to bolster their reputation across the country.

Their performance was not stupendous but would certainly fall into the "decent" category. They were charismatic, technically sound, and seemed to hit all of the fan favourites. The crowd was typically reserved, which may partially account for the lack of "wow." People need to drink more beer at these things.

(3.5/5)

The Old Soul Lee's Palace November 17, 2007

2007-12-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

The jury's still out on exactly how insane Luca Maoloni (The Old Soul) is, but as long as he keeps making music like his latest disc, Gold, he'll be able to wear the Genius hat instead of the Madman.

When your band expands to twenty people and includes bartenders from local pubs, it may be a sign that things have gone too far, but no one in the audience or on the stage seemed to mind. (The band members may not have been as happy when they received their cut of the gig money). Equally overboard, was Maoloni's choice of set list for the night. After opening with the classic "River of Daughters," he announced the Old Soul troupe was going to play Gold from start to finish. Oddly enough, the whole thing went off without a hitch and even included a guest singing spot from Parkdale's own Andre Ethier.

An encore wasn't really necessary after this, but to Maoloni's credit, he stuck around for another ten minutes and hit fan favourite "Vege-tables" (a remake of the Brian Wilson song that Maoloni recorded because he felt Wilson "didn't get it right").

Don't ever let anyone tell you that five trumpets is too many for your band.

(5/5)

the old soul @lee's palace, Sat. Nov 17th

2007-11-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

ok, so I'm sure i have mentioned that lee's is my all time favorite venue!! I've seen the bicycles a few times now, and the first time i saw them (about a year ago at the tranzac) they blew my socks off with their fun awesomeness!! but we saw them a few weeks ago at the library (shut-up) and they were super awful. Last night they were a a little from column A and a little from column B. meh.

now the Old Soul......well well!!! I had never heard them before, and i wasn't expecting too much....but sweet jesus! talk about mind blowing. There was so many people playing in the band they couldn't fit them all on the stage and they had to stand/sit on the speakers!! the 2 violins and 4 trumpets rounded out the show for a an amazing experience. They played the new album start to finish.....and although i'd never heard the new album, they completely sold me!!! it was super great.

the girl who stood in front of my and stole my spot only to dance on my feet....not so great!!

5/5

*note* me and snotty attended this show together and we decided to each blog about it....since he's more pro-fessional and i am more laid back......let's see how it goes.

Shout Out Out Out Out @ Lee's

2007-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

ok. there are a few things that other people do at shows that annoy me .
1. point/punch the air
2. dance like your not standing an inch away from someone else
3. Back up so far your actually standing on my feet ( and it seems i'm always standing/leaning on a wall or something and don't have anywhere to go)

So last night i was completely bananas did the first two......I KNOW!! I loathe people who do the first two.

That's how good Shout out out out out are.

BEST.LIVE.SHOW.EVER.

and if they weren't already completely amazing, the singer gave out a big tray of vegetables near the end and told the crowd to pass it back so everyone got some. And we did. mmmmmmmm celery.

10/5

New Pornographers Phoenix Concert Theatre October 21, 2007

2007-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

It seems a chain reaction of critic prejudice over the New Porns' latest album, Challengers, has created a collective image of the band that paints them as dull, quiet and boring. Sure, there are a few slow tracks on their new disc, but isn't that the way all their albums have been (Mass Romantic aside, perhaps)?

This firestorm of resentment from writers (who likely haven't yet seen the band on their Challengers tour) had me thinking I'd be attending a New Snore-nographers show, but the journalists couldn't have missed the mark by more if they'd been writing with their eyes closed.

Carl Newman and company absolutely blew the lid off of Toronto's Phoenix night club. Their more energetic tracks exploded from the stage and the slower numbers were a nice break from the strobe lights and a chance for Neko Case and Dan Bejar to showcase their vocal abilities. Newman has said he sees more epic tracks like Challengers' "Unguided" being the norm for his band in the future, which means even more spectacular live creations are to come.

The only thing that kept this from achieving perfect-night status, was the venue's ridiculous drinking policies.

(4.5/5)

Young Galaxy Besnard Lakes Horseshoe Tavern October 12, 2007

2007-10-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

There aren't a lot of bands that use a smoke machine effectively. Most turn one on without much thought to its effects - it's just a cool thing to have - but the smoke actually seems pertinent in Young Galaxy's case.

To say that their sound is "big" would be a bit of an understatement. The Young Galaxy experience is cosmic - almost other-worldly. The songs were a bang-on match to their album and the band members posessed a sort of cool aloofness that made the whole experience seem like it was taking place in slow motion. If anyone in the audience was high, they must have the night of their lives.

Writers have been saying for the last year that YG amassed most of their following before they had put a single track to disc and the reason is now evident. These kids should not be openers.

Besnard Lakes put on an adequate performance but it was pale by comparison. While their disc was certainly worthy of a Polaris nomination, their stage show doesn't do much to put them ahead of the multitude of other acts currently inhabiting the so-called world of indie rock. Singer/guitarist Jace Lasek really is a sight to behold though - a true blast from the past.

(4/5)

Ox Barmitzvah Brothers Two-Minute Miracles Sneaky Dee's October 11, 2007

2007-10-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Weewerk may be the perennial underdog of record labels, but they host some damn fine artists and usually find an excuse to have them all play on the same night. This time around it was CD release night for both the Two-Minute Miracles and Barmitzvah Brothers, with Ox along to get the party started.

They have an oddly large number of songs about cars, and likewise about California, but Ox really is deserving of a spot at the forefront of Canadian country music. They're one of those rare backwater bands whose stuff is beloved by indie folk but would also seem right at home on CMT. They really do need to update their set list though... how about a new album fellas?

While the Barmitzvah Brothers are usually a ton of fun on stage, their choice to focus entirely on songs from their new job-themed album left the crowd a little disinterested. If you're a die-hard BB fan, consider this a time to take a break from stalking the band and make your return when their next album is ready.

As usual, TMM frontman Andy Magoffin looked like a hobo, but also as usual, he and his band put on an admirable show, focusing on tunes from his latest, The Lions Of Love. There may not be a better song in his collection than album opener, "The Minus Ball" and with Jenny Mitchell singing backup on a few tracks, the TMM live act has taken on a fresh new feel.

(3.5/5)

Magnolia Electric Co. Lee's Palace October 5, 2007

2007-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

No songwriter/musician performing today is more prolific than Magnolia Electric Co.'s Jason Molina, period. He's been making albums under various monikers at a pace of one or more a year for over a decade and, after recently releasing a 4-disc MEC box set, he announced he's got another eight albums, ready to go.

The sheer size of the MEC catalogue, combined with the fact that Molina and company hit Toronto at least twice a year, means no one in attendance really cares much what the band plays (though shouts of "Farewell Transmission!" inevitably appear by mid-set). Every song is good enough for a live treatment and as usual, on this night, they played to a near sell-out crowd.

It has to be said that Molina's new moustache and cowboy hat look is a little ridiculous (think Snoopy's cousin Spike), but it didn't detract from a typically solid set. His voice was spot-on, that frizzy-haired guitarist (best in the business, possibly) was his usual frantic self and trucker hats were plentiful in the crowd. It's one thing to say you've got eight albums ready to go; it's another to know that you can release them all and they'll all be bought.

(4/5)

rilo kiley @ the pheonix

2007-09-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

well, i love rilo Kiley. I even like most of the songs on their new album. And i'm not going to lie when i tell you i was expecting something great from jenny lewis. but i have to tell you, minus the fact that she was only wearing a body suit, it wasn't all that great. Don't get me wrong her voice was amazing!! but it sounded exactly the same as it does on her albums. It almost sounded as though i was in my apartment listening to all my favorite rilo Kiley songs. The band was great, they did some conversing with the audience and what not. but i think i was just expecting more of a show. I hate all ages shows, and i'm not a huge fan of the phoenix and their ridiculous rules (i not only had a wrist band but also a stamp and got ID'd twice....!!) so i think all that and it wasn't all that spectacular, led to a mediocre experience for me. muh.

sorry jenny, maybe next time you should do more talking and dancing and maybe not leave the stage before the 1 encore song you played is even over. just a tip.

3/5

Okkervil River Lee's Palace September 21, 2007

2007-09-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Okkervil River is one of those bands that have been making good music for ten years, but suddenly and mysteriously, their new album (which is really not much different than their previous) takes off with the hipster set and they find themselves thrust to the forefront of the North American Indie scene (see: Black Sheep Boy). No one's quite able to explain why they weren't beloved as far back as their debut, but no one really seems to care.

The focus inevitably shifts to speculation about whether or not they can follow their breakout disc with something equally as compelling. And so, with rolled up sleeves and their usual flare for the dramatic, Okkervil River strolled into Lee's Palace to tout their latest, The Stage Names.

It's likely the legions of devotees that were brought to tears by songsmith Will Sheff's Black Sheep Boy were a bit disappointed by the bright turn that Stage Names took, but Okkervil did their best to cater to all crowds on this particular night. The new tracks were energetic, the old tracks were appropriately dour, and set closer "Westfall" had indie kids running home to pull out their copies of Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See to give it a much-needed re-listen. It's hard to imagine Okkervil putting on a more explosive show than this, but I'm sure they'll somehow manage to top it next time around.

(4.5/5)

Eric's Trip Lee's Palace September 15, 2007

2007-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

What could I possibly say about the biggest thing to happen in Canadian indie rock this decade that a grainy blair-witch video can't?

Witness it.

(5/5)

Two-Minute Miracles and Rural Alberta Advantage Steam Whistle Brewery Roundhouse September 14, 2007

2007-09-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

The latest installment in Steam Whistle's Unsigned series was a welcome change from Toronto's usual, dismal bar scenery. There's a prominent scent of hops in the air at the Roundhouse that, when mixed with a fresh bottle of Toronto's finest Pilsner, makes for an unforgettable experience for the palate. I could go on about the beer, but there were bands there as well.

London, Ontario's Two-Minute Miracles kicked off the night, sounding much as they always have, with frontman Andy Magoffin sporting his usual giant beard, stained shirt, ripped pants and dusty workboots. Magoffin's lucky he can play guitar or he never would have landed a chick like Barmitzvah Brother Jenny Mitchell (who was in attendance and noticeably ga-ga over her boyfriend).

The Miracles' set leaned a little more toward low-key than it usually does, as they showcased several new slow-burners from their upcoming album, Volume IV. In a smaller venue that might not have been a problem, but on this night it often resulted in crowd chatter drowning out the music - always a danger when that many hipsters gather in one location.

The talkers were quickly put in their place when heretofore unknown (to this writer) Rural Alberta Advantage broke into their opening song. For three people, these youngsters can make an awful lot of delicious noise. Their pop assault was so intricately planned, they eventually caused a pocket of hipsters at the front of the stage to break into dance. Watch out for this band.

(3.5/5)

good-bye john.

2007-08-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

so i noticed today that john has been kicked off the blog for lack of contribution. Me and snotty talked about it, but i didn't think anyone would actually do it!! well john, we will sorta miss you.....even though you only ever wrote one post. ...................it was kinda funny!

yeah. bye john.

Rock Plaza Central/ Fembots Aug.11, Lee's Palace

2007-08-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

ok, so i'm not sure who opened...i know i wasn't a big fan of whoever it was, and i talked to alisha mostly the whole time.

Also I'm not a huge fan of the fembots......except for their Scott look-a-like (but with better hair), so my review of them might be a little biased. They seemed to have it going on thought, they were sweaty by the end of their set...and that's always a good sign.

Rock plaza central was amazing, as always!! at one point i was talking to the girlfriend of the bass player, she was super cool...but that might have been b/c i was super drunk at that point, so if she's reading this i would like to formally apologize to her for my complete incoherence. I remember singing along loudly to all their songs and maybe dancing at some point......I'm just not sure.

Anyway, that's what i get for pre-drinking tall cans. I'm just too old for this.

3.5/5, but that's just b/c i wasn't a big fan of the two openers. woo

Los Campesinos! and Germans Horseshoe Tavern August 7, 2007

2007-08-12T21:14:00.001-07:00

Nothing beats a free Tuesday night concert at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, especially when the lads that run the Edge New Music Night have gotten their hands on some decent bands. Brit up-and-comers Los Campesinos! were in town to headline, with Toronto's Germans opening.

Germans came up with an impressive disc this year in Cape Fear, but it would seem their irreverant indie rock doesn't translate well to the stage. Album tracks weren't very recognizable in a live setting and songs often degenerated into what can only be described as heavy metal rock-outs. It was also evident that they front loaded their set with the catchiest songs in their repetoire, as the latter half of their show was almost forgettable. Get the disc, for sure, but avoid the stage show.

It's a safe bet that when upstart Toronto label Arts & Crafts signs an overseas band, they've discovered something pretty special. Formed only a short time ago at Cardiff University, Los Campesinos! are already so cohesive a group that it's a little embarassing to other bands. They're full of youthful energy on stage as well as on disc and while they're a little inexperienced in a live setting, they more than make up for it in charm.

If there are any awards given out in 2007 for best song titles, this seven-piece should definitely be in the running, having penned instant classics (and crowd favourites) "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives," "You! Me! Dancing!" and "Don't Tell Me To Do The Math(s)."

Given a little time to develop, these youngsters will take over the world.

(4/5)

Immaculate Machine Horseshoe Tavern August 1, 2007

2007-08-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

Kathryn Calder has it made in the shade these days. Not only is she a third of one of the country's current top indie pop acts, Immaculate Machine, she's also one eighth of arguably the country's pinnacle pop purveyors, The New Pornographers. (That's a mouthful).

Rubbing shoulders with Neko Case, Dan Bejar and Carl Newman seems to have had an effect on the Machine, as their latest disc, Fables, has a decidedly slower pace than their debut, Ones And Zeros. Though the trio's pop sensibilities have been refined between albums, their lifeblood is in their hooks, which have thankfully remained intact.

The Horseshoe was surprisingly empty on this night, considering the infrequency of IM's Toronto visits, as well as the fact that their disc had been riding the top of the campus charts for several weeks. It didn't seem to deter the Machine though; they were happy that anyone came out to see them and responded with a classy but energetic set that picked from the best tracks across their two discs (and included an interesting half-French rendition of "Broken Ship" that the crowd seemed to go for).

An excellent way to spend a Wednesday night.

(4/5)

They Might Be Giants Mod Club July 23, 2007

2007-07-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Not many bands that released their first album over twenty years ago can say they're still considered hip. Now on their tenth full-length (not including two kids' discs), John Linnell and John Flansburgh brought their They Might Be Giants side-show to Toronto to show off the band's newest and most surprisingly straightforward record, The Else.

While the Malcolm In The Middle theme song experiment vaulted their name into the public eye, They Might Be Giants' fan base has steadfastly consisted of society's outsiders; the geeks, nerds and losers. If one thing is true about this segment of the public, it's that they can be a demanding and picky bunch. Having several hundred songs to choose from for a live performance must be a curse for TMBG, as the sheer girth of their catalog basically guarantees that not a single person in the audience will ever be completely satisfied with what they've heard. The Johns did an admirable job though, cycling through tracks from virtually all of their releases, making sure to hit their most popular numbers, like "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and "Istanbul."

Not content to settle for just a musical performance, the group stopped half way through their set to take a phone call from the dead (in this case, Eleanor Roosevelt). It was obvious that the Johns still have a lot of fun performing; something else that not a lot of twenty-year bands can claim.

(4.5/5)

sun parlour players @ the dakota tavern

2007-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

so i was a little skeptical about this whole thing. I had never heard the sun parlor players before, and it was at some weird country bar. Well let me just say i was pleasantly surprised!!! Opening was super cute Jenny Mitchell ,( you may also recognize her from the barmitzvah brothers) Her songs were short and extremely cute, much like herself!!

So when TSPP came on i wasn't sure what to expect. but i have to say...they were super good! And sweaty, but it was hot in there. It was a bit country, and a bit rock, but all good. There was only three of them, but some kinda rumor has had it that they sometimes have more many more. but even as a trio, they were excellent. they each had a bass drum, which they played while playing their other instruments. I was impressed.

good show all around 4.5/5

MIRAH!!!

2007-07-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

So Mirah only comes to town when a unicorn is born.......or something equally as infrequent. She is amazing!! and last sat at lee's was no exception. It was kinda mellow, kinda lovely.

I love her.

Mirah, will you marry me......or at least come to my house and sing me to sleep every night.

5/5

White Cowbell Oklahoma Horseshoe Tavern July 14, 2007

2007-07-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Holy shit.

(5/5)

Built To Spill Lee's Palace July 11, 2007

2007-07-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

Being labelled American indie rock gods can place a number of lofty expectations on the shoulders of a band. It's a post that Idaho four-piece Built To Spill have reluctantly but competently manned since Pavement's demise in 1999.

Their sound hasn't really changed much over the years (in fact, their latest album is most akin to their earliest ones), but for a band that's always on top of their game, variations on a theme only amount to intellectual wankery. Simply because of their position in the indie rock canon, people will always love Built To Spill, no matter what they churn out on disc.

Though they've been together 15 years, the two shows they booked at Lee's Palace marked the band's first ever appearance in Toronto. By the time the doors opened on night one of the back to back series, Lee's Palace was so far sold out that even celebrities were being denied access. Actor and former MuchMusic VJ Sook-Yin Lee was unceremoniously turned away at the door by a bouncer who seemed unimpressed by her recent fame.

The performance itself, went much as one might expect. Built To Spill cycled through a set of songs that covered most of their extensive catalogue, pausing every so often to apologize for not making it north sooner. It was evdient that the four are exceedingly skilled musicians, but it seemed like they'd lost some of the drive that must have propelled them in the earlier stages of their career. It was all a little boring.

Let's hope they don't go the way of Pavement until there's someone ready to replace them.

(3/5)

Do Make Say Think Final Fantasy Harbourfront July 1, 2007

2007-07-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Take two in Harbourfront's 2007 experiment in indie cool fared much better than their first attempt. Apparently gone, was the 7 p.m., 90 decibel restriction that organizers had instituted for previous shows. It's not likely that such a limitation would have hindered Do Make Say Think at any rate, as they had their full 10-plus membered band in attendance.

With two drummers, and string and horn sections, it's not likely that DMST are making much money at this point, but that hasn't deterred them from sticking together for twelve years. Their experience as a band was evident in every song they threw out on this Canada Day, their tracks ranging from jazz-influenced jams to blissed-out guitar onslaughts. Do Make is one of the few bands that's able to make the case that music doesn't need lyrics to be engaging. If the drunk and dancing fifty-year-old in front of me was any indication, DMST got themselves a rare chance to break through to some age groups they might not normally be able to access.

One-man show Final Fantasy took to the stage as the sun set, and brought along an artist that ran images across an overhead projector while he created his kitschy violin pop. His solo set was a bit of a let-down after the sheer mass of Do Make Say Think, but the crowd didn't seem to mind, if only because of the inexplicable amount of stardom Owen Pallett has garnered over the last two years. While it's certainly interesting to see him work that loop pedal of his, the best parts of the performance came when DMST re-took the stage to quietly back a few tracks. Pallett was responsible for the only joke of the night, making a comment about Island residents and mixing music with indignance.

(4/5)

Rock Plaza Central Tranzac June 30, 2007

2007-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Leave it to a kooky collective of Torontonians to create a concept album about a group of robotic horses trapped in the midst of an identity crisis while they travel home after joining humans in their war against the angels.

It's hard to tell whether or not Rock Plaza Central's Are We Not Horses album is full of buried metaphor or is just a case of anthropomorphic fiction, but the key to enjoying a Plaza live show, is to set aside any judgments you might have about the subject matter.

The Tranzac was a rather kitschy concert venue, but its pluses included wheat beer and a definite lack of crowd. The sound system had only a fraction of the power of a regular Toronto club, but it didn't seem to bother RPC as they revelled in the ability to chat with the attendees and even sent some of them on beer runs.

The septet put on another one of their usually solid shows, though their booze-fuelled cavorting tended to make things a little sloppy towards the ends of songs. The highlight of the night came when the drummer tossed half of his kit towards the front of the stage, and the violinist borrowed a drumstick and continued to play it for him. RPC played a few older songs in addition to their Horse fair and from the stunningly good tracks they chose, it seems only a matter of time before the masses discover their back catalogue.

(4/5)

Jon-Rae And The River Horseshoe Tavern June 29, 2007

2007-07-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jon-Rae Fletcher may as well don a priest's collar when he takes to the stage, because his faith, both religious and in his music, is enough to inspire onlookers to fits of ecstasy every time he and his River play a gig. It's quite likely that there isn't a more pious man on the planet that says f*ck as much as Fletcher, but he's got enough songs about Jesus that the Lord might one day forgive his blasphemy. Not a lot of other bands dare to try and make their way by turning gospel music into rock and roll these days, but Jon-Rae And The River have managed to do just that without coming off as preachy.

It's hard to watch much that happens on the River stage, aside from Fletcher's inspired singing, but it was clear on this night that Jon-Rae and his Big Smoke River have never been tighter. They cycled through old favourites and threw in a few new tracks that had audience members salivating at the thought of a new Jon-Rae album. If the capacity crowd had their way, the band would have played encores 'til dawn. There's a reason why this local group can play a show every month and sell out each time.

(4.5/5)

new post!!!!

2007-06-23T07:23:00.001-07:00

Boxes and Bags: June 16th, Rancho Relaxo

well i love boxes and bags and their complete weirdness. the don't have many vocals and started out their set with the only song with full lyrics.......the vegetable song!

So with all the weird costumes and complete stage chaos the show was amazing!!

5/5

NXNE, Vol. 1

2007-06-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mother Mother

The Boat

9pm

Mother Mother took the stage right on time for this, my first show of this years NXNE festival. Started off with the first track “Dirty Town” and set the tone for the rest of the set. Harmonies were perfectly in line. The crowd was in it, and the band was together. What a great time…. OH and to boot, they sell Labatt 50 for 4 bucks a bottle, 4 BUCKS! So yeah! I stood on a chair in the back of the venue and could only see the vocalists. But, just by sound alone Mother Mother started me off on the right foot. Mother Mother is truly a band not to miss.

4.5/5

Les Breastfeeders

The Boat

10pm

Well now were at the second band we saw that night, Montréal’s francophone anti-ninjas, Les Breastfeeders. As soon as they took the stage you could tell these cats like to rock. The energy by this band along can take them places, fans of the Hives or Eux Autres could really enjoy these guys. Unfortunately the just started to sound the same after a while. NXNE only slots bands for 45 min tops for sets, and if I can’t stay focused for that duration, you might need less energy and more talent. By no means, a waste of time, but I wanted more than this. Still 50’s for 4 can’t complain. So this was our last show @ the boat. We decided to head a block north and check out…

3/5

Grand Theft Bus

The Supermarket

11pm

I had an old roommate who loved this band. He was from the east coast, they’re from the east coast, you do the math. (Just kidding SJ)Although they lacked in performance, these guys had a great sound to them. We were only there to check them out and move on for we had a fairly packed night of shows. We took in about 5 songs, enjoyed their set and headed to “Sneaky Dee’s” to check in with SB and head off to the Holy Joe’s” for this band BM wanted to check out, but later.

3.5/5

The Ghost Is Dancing

Sneaky Dee’s

11:45pm

We stumbled into “Sneaky Dee’s” to check out how SB’s venue. As we entered the show, “The Ghost Is Dancing” was finishing their slot. I’ve seen these guys before and was quite excited to find we had caught them in time. I only saw 2 songs, but I could tell they had been working hard on their performance. The last song featured a great sock out by their geek next door front man and straight off the pirate ship violinist. I was really glad to have seen these guys and will continue to attend shows. If you don’t know them yet, try introducing yourself before everyone else does. Only 2 songs, but 2 unforgettable songs.

4.5/5

Revival Dear

Holy Joe’s

12pm

We left “Dee’s” and headed to Queen St. to check out a new band to me. When we got there, we head upstairs and seen some guy on stage, looking like quite the pussy, singing songs about being a pussy. BM and I were quite confused. Revival Dear’s profile had us set up for something quite different. BM asked a fellow patron about our predicament and he then exposed that we wanted to be one floor up. WE TOOK OFF, as I cornered after the stairs; we walked into a small room with several couches set up church style. The band was playing at floor level surround by a decent set of stacks. BM and I noticed some people left the front couch, so we planted our asses down there and cheers a fresh 50. Revival Dear is like the best bar band (with obvious exceptions to the rule.)I’ve seen in a while. Really you could transcend their sound to match a lot of different genres. A little country, a little southern rock, and a lotta piss and vinegar. Really these guys would win best new to me band of the festival. I asked the lead female vocalist for their set list (I had a little crush), She said they didn’t have one, but she told me to check them out at another slot a day later, she’d have one for me then. Well I never went, maybe next year? After these messages… will be right back.

4.5/5

Wooden Stars

Sneaky Dee’s

1am

BM and I Left the show and headed to meet AM. After we hooked up, BM had to exit the party and get some rest for work. AM and I then went to see Ottawa old souls, the Wooden stars. We arrived a bit late and SB already left on his Revival goose chase. The Wooden Stars were about a third through the set and they were playing their usual long walk home style rock. I knew that they were back together after a few years out of the Canadian indie spotlight. You can tell the Wooden Stars have been playing for a while, by their perfect timing, but they never pulsed up their set. They left me feeling more full then satisfied. I am glad to see then sticking with it, but a more youthful attitude would have made the difference. But they concluded their show and we went off to hit Lee’s for the 3am set of the infamous….

3/5

Blue Rodeo

Lee’s Palace

3am

AM and I needed a little pick me up, so we went hammered to the “Pita Pit”^TM. After slurring through our order, we head out side to chow down. Oh and it was really funny when they had finished mine and AM was choosing hit fillings, his last selection was hot sauce… it then hit me that I had forgotten the hot sauce and hailed out “OH FUCK YA! HOT SAUCE!” The kind gentleman then proceeded to place a health portion on mine. Any who, now back to our story. We finished our “Pit” stop and headed to Lee’s. We entered a two-thirds full room. The crowd was loosely distributed, so AM and I were able to get so close enough that I could have easily spat on all, but two members of the band… wait I'll start part II with the rest of the rodeo.

See Ya Then

NXNE

2007-06-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Where: the legendary Horseshoe tavern

Who: United steel workers of Montreal
Obijou
You say Party, We say DIE!!
some other people i don't remember b/c i was too drunk

So we got there early and got a table. I made fast friends with the sound guy and he let me sit in front of him. USWOM were ok, not great, i wasn't really into it. They didn't have the kind of energy that made me want to get up and dance....or sway...or tap my foot... in fact, i'm not sure they even wanted to be there.

Obijou was completely amazing. I'm not too familiar with them, but i loved them from the minute they hit the stage. They just had this vibe that was soo good. It's not too often you see and band you don't really know that well and have the overwhelming need to go buy all their albums. all i can say is...WOW!

I've seen you say party we say die a couple of times now, and the energy they bring with them on stage is absolutely contagious. I can't help but dance like a fool. I love both their albums, so it was also hard to not sing along to all their songs. loves it!

but by this point i was really drunk and spent most of my time outside...or chatting with friends so i didn't really hear the other bands enough to make a valid review of the show.

ok, then we got a hot tip from this guy john knew about this secret show at some place where lioness would be playing ( if you were at all like me you had no idea who this was, but it turns out the are the guys from controller controller's new band) as well as YSPWSD! so we took our drunk asses to McD's and then headed to the "secret" show.We got there just as lioness was playing their last song and leaving the stage...boo. They sounded great, but I'll have to keep an ear to the ground for more from them. We were actually so close to YSPWSD! that i could have pulled her( the singer) hair.

all in all the night was pretty great. 5/5 woot

Last Night CSS Saved My Night

2007-06-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

The Stills:

Last night the Montreal's rock revival "the Stills" hit Toronto's harbourfront center for a free show. They were the warm up band for Canadian born/Franch adopted Hawksley Workman. Perfectly timing our entrance, the Stills took stage around 8:00pm. Being one of my favorite disc of last year, I was ready to see an exceptional performance. Poopy. The band was doing all the right things, but bi-law bitches restricted the sound levels. Seriously, why the hell would the city be so accommodating to the 4 people who live on Toronto Island. So, if I were there to hear two guys sing faintly and a muffled drummer, then I was in heaven... I unfortunately was not. I will have to see the Stills again, this just wasn't a fair representation.

3.5/5

Hawksley Workman:

Hawksley Workman hit the stage at 9:30pm, and the rain hit at about 9:31. I had a ticket to the long sold set of CSS at Lee's Palace. So I left the rain and silent rock and headed west... and north.

?/5

Goofy Goobers?

When I arrived at the show, the room was 2/3 full and the opener was just finished. I went and claimed a few 50's, cause I was ready to shake my ass off. The second opener took stage with two mic's and a rhythm station I could not recognize. I never got his name, but thats OK, I'm sure this was a one night stand. His rhymes were jumbled and unrecognizable, his station work was sloppy, and his set was too long. Oh and he was wearing this party hat that was quite the opposite of his set. Please no more false advertising.

2/5

CSS:

Now remember I was here to shake my ass. Well, Brazil's CSS filled that prescription and gave a few more refills. CSS is one of the tightest dance rock troops I ever had the privilege of see live. But this pop can is shook vigiously by front women "LoveFoxxx". This girl is hot, even in a uni-tard. The first song to get me going was "alcohol", I love this fun sing song that combine synthetic accordion or maybe harmonica with a casual twangy bass line. After this song I was off the hook. I only saw the band a few times, for the energy deemed my attention be focusing on movin'. "Alala" made me wet both externally and internally. I wish Lee's stocked towels, (although it was only 1/1000 as hot as "!!!")! After i had a few little shove off matches with fellow patrons, Seriously if there's no more room on the dance floor, your F**ked, so F**k off. But even that could even put the slightest of dents on the set. They finish with "Let's make love (and listen to Death From Above)". I wanted this song to be good... I had goosebumps, from head to toe, goosebumps. Hats off to... NO wait, Clothes off to CSS. Thanks for the great show.

Oh ya PG, they threw cups... and those little flat breads you put hummus and such on. Excellent parting gifts!

6/5

I apologies if there are any errors or flow issues.

CSS/ data rock

2007-06-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have had tickets to this show since march. And it's been sold out almost as long. So needles to say when johnny called me and reminded me that we had tickets....i was a little excited. (yes, that's right, i got the dates mixed up and had completely forgot when the show was) .

So anyway i got off work a little early and headed down. I was a little excited to see bond de role. I hadn't listened to much of their stuff but i heard they were good, and nothing says love like seeing it live. But when i got there it was indeed not bond de role, but data rock!! i had never heard of them...i was a little disappointed. but all it took was one look at their matching red jumpsuits and i was hooked!! They were fun and energetic and i found myself chair dancing to more then a few songs.

then there was some bad bad rapper guy. I'm not going to post his name b/c, if you don't have something nice to say......

So then cam the moment we had all been waiting for......CSS was about o hit the stage. they all come out in baggy sweats, ok kinda strange, but the first song was great.

and then....

the singer ripped off her baggy sweats to reveal a multi coloured UNITARD!!! i fucking kid you not. i think at that moment my mind actually got blown and remained so for the rest of the night.They played stuff from their album and they played some brand new stuff. The singer kept talking about gifts and when they came out to do the encore she threw lots of random stuff at the audience, for example, a stack of beer cups. and i think the other thing may have been straws..?. The sound was awesome, the music was awesome....i seriously can not use the word awesome enough here. The played death from above as the last song in the encore...and it was amazing.

absolutely 5/5. CSS, you rock my world!!!!

Hawksley Workman The Stills Harbourfront Centre June 4, 2007

2007-06-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Cheers to ubiquitous Canadians Hawksley Workman and The Stills for playing a free bash at Toronto's spacious Harbourfront. Jeers to Harbourfront management for deciding to limit the performance to 90 decibels in an effort to placate the residents on Toronto Island. What good does a rock show produce when no one can hear the guitars? What use is Hawksley Workman if no one past the tenth row can hear him singing?

The Stills tried their best in spite of obvious limitations, but half way through Workman's set I felt the need to return home and put on his debut CD, For Him And The Girls.

Hawksley Workman
My Livingroom
June 4, 2007

Workman opened his Monday night set with the now-classic "Maniacs," but he didn't really have a choice, as it's the first song on the aforementioned record. Thankfully, he decided not to waver from his break-through disc on this night, as everything he's made since that album is shit. It's startling to think that a musician could show such creativity and promise at the beginning of a career, then spiral downwards into a pit of MTV-friendly love-drivel. Regardless of his recent efforts, Workman still has the best voice in Canadian music.

(3.5/5)

Spiral Beach Annex Wreck Room June 2, 2007

2007-06-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Paid five dollars to get in and find out that the show was no longer taking place. A sign at the door would have been nice. Thanks, Spiral Beach. Thanks a bunch.

Saw Final Fantasy on Queen Street on the way home.

(0.5/5)

feminist porn awards 2007

2007-06-02T13:23:00.001-07:00

ok, ok, i'll admit this isn't exactly a concert....but there was music! I have to say this had to have been one of my favorite things i did this year. I knew we were in for fun when, at the door we were given I *heart* Feminist Porn buttons!!! The night started off with a round table with some very interesting women in porn. Some of whom included, anna span, one of the top selling female porn producers in Europe, as well as Peggy comstock, who along with her husband produce real life porn in which real life couples are interviewed and then filmed in intimate moments of their lives. The host of the discussion was non other then coco le creme!! as many of you know is a very prominent burlesque dancer here in Toronto, not to mention one of my personal favorites!! It was one of the highlights of the night. The women were all extremely interesting and intelligent.

The round table was followed by the actual presenting of the awards, which were coupled with shorts clips of the winning film. Even the presenters themselves were amazing, mandy goodhandy, owner and host of Goodhandy's, being one of them.

they also had a few performances between awards, all done with a backdrop of porn, which were in some way smut related. My favorite by far was the performance by last years Miss tango ( i unfortunately couldn't find a link to her, and didn't catch her name at the awards). She did a routine which involved handcuffing a male member of the audience to a chair and then not only dancing around him, but at one point hitting him with a whip!! it was fabulous!

all in all i give this show a definate 5/5. it made my year!!

the Coastguard

2007-06-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

on Thursday (may 31) we wet to see the Coastguard. I'll admit it's not my first time seeing their set. But they are really fun to watch. They are full of energy and even though there wasn't that many people out, they made the best of it.They love what they do, and the songs they play, and it really comes out! There were some other bands on the bill....but i missed them all, seeing as we went to the wrong venue *blush*. all in all....the show was great 4/5.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Kool Haus May 26, 2007

2007-05-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

Shows at Toronto’s Kool Haus are attended with some reluctance these days, as the oft-troubled venue, intent on controlling soused patrons, has taken to measures like stopping bar service at midnight.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club guitarist Peter Hayes, not very concerned with the hall’s rules (or the city’s bylaws) strutted onto the stage smoking a cigarette, which he continued to defiantly inhale over the course of the first two songs. It wasn’t intended as a statement – this Los Angeles three-piece are simply bad-ass motherf*ckers and they’re one of the few bands that has the skills and the swagger to back it up.

It’s unlikely anyone could name a major-label band that’s been awarded the indie cult status that BRMC have become accustomed to. It’s even more unlikely that anyone could name such a band, which, four albums into its career, keeps making better and better music. BRMC’s latest, the political yet spiritual Baby 81, was the focus of this night’s rock spectacle, and this gang of Danny Zukos couldn’t have done a much better job of translating it to a live setting. The songs on the disc are perhaps already set-up as stadium anthems, but it takes some real talent for a threesome to pull off that much organized noise.

As one would expect, the show’s later stages were dominated by old hits like “Love Burns” and “Red Eyes and Tears,” but it was moments from 2005’s deviation, Howl, that really stole the show and proved that these rock and rollers still have a little country in their hearts.

(4.5/5)

Joel Plaskett Emergency Opera House May 25, 2007

2007-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

It's likely that anthropologists will one day look back on Halifax's son and label him the missing link that could have proven that the meek shall inherit the Earth.

Though he'll likely never be the Canadian icon his talent would suggest is possible, it's comforting to know that Joel Plaskett can at least sell out back to back shows at Toronto's Opera House.

Wafer thin and sporting a now-trademark sweater-vest, the former Thrush Hermit member had swooning teenage girls cooing at the stage front for his all-ages first night in the Big Smoke. His band The Emergency in tow (sporting opener Peter Elkas on keys), Plaskett is on the road displaying his latest addition to the canon of Can-Rock classics, Ashtray Rock. (You haven't got the disc yet? Where do you live... Napanee?).

Though he was only one of four men on stage, the night clearly belonged to Plaskett, his goofy haircut, mid-song jabbering and uncompromising showmanship. His voice album-perfect, music often reaching rapturous heights, Plaskett and his Emergency took the crowd on a wild ride through nearly all of Ashtray Rock's tracks, stopping in between to resurrect favourites from The Emergency's earlier days as well as from his two solo discs.

Plaskett was a man out to prove that he can be both of the extremes that he's played throughout his career - stopping mid show for three lone acoustic tunes - and eventually ending the night's set with a ten-minute long Velvet Underground-ish freak out that had the crowd standing on tiptoes awaiting its crashing finale.

It's hard to imagine the Nova Scotian troubadour putting on a better show.

(5/5)

!!!

2007-05-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

So last night me and johnny went to see !!!, at lee's palace. I would just like to say, i have rarely seen a bad show at lee's, it's probably my favorite venue in the city. The show was amazing!!! The opener was holy fuck, who were also amazing. The sound was great, the crowd was excited, everyone was dancing and who could ask for more then that. I went to the shout out out out out show a few months ago, and i found the energy for !!! to be pretty similar. I would give the track names...but i'm not that good. But i can tell you that every song was full of energy, and i personally, never stopped dancing. At one point the extremely sweaty singer not only got up on the speakers to dance, but then climbed over the wall ( you have to kinda know the layout of lee's for that to make sense). Also, someone may want to drop hints that he needs a better belt.......we may have seen some !!! ass there for a minute.

in other(related) news. We saw kevin drew at the show. and he kept trying to buy johnny a drink. I think johnny almost passed out.

All in all i would give this show 4/5. it would have been five but i saw a little more stage ass then i would have liked......