Saturday at Lee's Palace was incredible. The night was full of awesome musicians playing awesome sets. Beginning the show was Jon-Rae Fletcher, previously known as Jon-Rae and the River. Jon-Rae has come a long way from his first band. His act is cleaned up, music is polished, but he still has the same kind of cheeky attitude. He's kind of like a modern day Johnny Cash with nostalgic, sometimes dark lyrics with a hint of humour. He, however, was very humble- you could see he was happy to be there and was really having a good time.
Next was Herman Dune who are an antifolk duo from France. I have never even heard of them, but they were really good, there were some parts when the chatty audience went completely silent to listen to the music- which is something I don't think I've ever experienced for this kind of music. Rightly so, the song 'I Wish That I Could See You Soon' was #89 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. I'd say that's pretty impressive.
Third on the bill was London's own Basia Bulat. Bulat played a great set filled with new and old songs, lookout for a new album to be released later this year. Despite a few technical difficulties with a ukulele she was happy, energetic, and really sweet. Her melodic songs were filled with powerful vocals, diverse instrumentation to make a fantastic performance. The audience was very receptive to Bulat's show, and you could tell she was appreciated by everyone there.
Finally, Elliott BROOD is a three piece folk-rock band from Toronto. Their energy was palpable, seeing them live is not even comparable to just listening to their music. The experience was heightened when they threw various pans and sticks in the audience to bang to the music. They really interacted with the audience (every band had great interaction last night) and everyone was at least tapping along to the music. My favourite was when the played 'The Valley Town', because it's about my hometown Dundas, Ontario (that makes 2 that I know of, the other being by Caribou when he was Manitoba). This kind of confuses me too because the lyrics say 'my home sweet home' but aren't they from Toronto? Regardless, it was fun to listen to.
The night was a great success, probably the best of all the night of Canadian Music Week performance wise. Overall it was a fantastic weekend full of awesome music. My highlights from each night were: Women, Human Highway, and Elliott BROOD.
Last night was another great night at the Horseshoe Tavern. We got there before the opening band went on so that we could get a table because the only band that I listen to that played last night was Bicycles, so we didn't care too much to stand at the front which is crowded and hot. Dinosaur Bones was the first band, they were pretty good. A typical opening band, not anything too special, but definitely enjoyable. There were a few highlights, and being a young band I think you can expect to hear more of them, greater things from them in the future.
The second band should have been the first band. Daniel Wesley was confusing. They were confusing because they didn't fit the bill for the night or the venue. They were confusing because they're style was all over the map. The first song was undeniably country, and then there were a few that were trying to be reggae, a few trying to be a Jack Johnson acoustic style band. Overall you could compare them to a bad Sublime tribute band trying to make their own way.
Next were The Bicycles, they played a good set, and it is rumoured to possibly be their last show ever. Bicycles are kind of a twee-indie band with some sweet melodies and youthful lyrics, their style is like Islands mixed with Bell and Sebastien. The audience responded well, and I think most people who hadn't heard them before enjoyed it.
Next on the bill was Human Highway, who I was pleasantly surprised by. I had heard of them before but never really listened to them, but that's changed now. If you haven't heard...
Human Highway is the new collaboration from two of Canada’s most-loved troubadours: Jim Guthrie and Nick Thorburn. Both Guthrie and Thorburn have been long-time fixtures of Canadian pop music. Jim is best-known for his releases on Three Gut Records, both with Royal City and as a solo artist, when he received a Juno nomination for 2004’s Now, More Than Ever. Thorburn first gained international exposure with the Unicorns in 2003, and now fronts the super-pop group Islands. (Last.fm)
So it's easy to see why they're pretty good. They played a great set, and had great energy. Their songs ranged from poppy to mellow, each was equally as good as the last.
Finally was the Handsome Furs who are a husband and wife duo consisting of Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade and Alexei Perry. One thing is clear when you do listen to this popular duo: they are not what they seem. Don't let them fool you by the cover of a wife/husband duo. These songs are dark as much as they can get you dancing. Boeckner's voice doesn't change a bit in the midst of over driving synth beats and buzzing keys; he plays his guitar in direct transgression of the electronic backbone. There is no conflict though: he is serious, and Perry stands beside him in the same position. There is nothing to really say that was surprising about them. They have been part of other projects for so long that they are solid, just as anyone would expect. I can't say that any one song jumped out at me as being fantastic, but they were noticably composed for enjoyment, and meticulously engineered so that the crowd could not object to any of it. I couldn't cut it down anymore than this: even if you don't care for the textures you can at least appreciate one of the most interesting voices in canadian music today.
Another good night, leaving only one left. Tonight:
As previously mentioned, I am at Canadian Music Week this weekend in Toronto. Last night I went to the Horseshoe Tavern and it was loud, packed, and awesome. Unfortunately we got there a little too late for The Lovely Feathers,only seeing the last song, Photocorners, which kind of sucks because I've never seen them but the rest of the night made up for it.
$100 was next, and they put on a great performance. I actually saw them play a double set the night before in London at The Alex P. Keaton, which was also pretty damn good. They're a folk band leaning more towards the side of country. The crowd enjoyed them, and they seemed to be having a good time.
$100 at The Horseshoe Tavern on Canadian Music Week
Next up was Women, who were by far the noisiest. This band has come a long way from playing shows in basements of the wilderness that is the Alberta suburbs. Their set last night was a sound collage of their past self titled album along with a few noisy jams that were made on the road. Their set was melodic, sporadic, it ebbed and flowed into hybrids of their previous work. They were so low-fi that my confidence was crushed completely and then rebuilt again in the laysers of telecaster squeals. They were abrasively loud, and in the next moment, sweetly quiet. It was a bit disappointing that neither the crowd (or sound guy) could keep up. Many times they would finish a song, unbeknownst to the crowd, other times the crowd would cheer when they were only halfway done. It was caos. Overall their preformance was a trip through a sound they are so delicously good at playing and it was done in a way only Women could accomplish. They were good and i'm not sure if too many people would agree. In a strange twist of events, we met the lead singer at the grocery store on our way home. He seemed surprised that I shook his hand and thanked him for what i heard.
Women at Horseshoe Tavern
Next up was Gentleman Reg, who I've never heard, but I knew he was signed to Arts and Crafts (Brendan Canning was in the audience). It was easy to see why, his music is easy to get into, very pleasant to listen to, and he had the best interaction with the audience. His music is indie-rock of the usual type, some softer ballad songs, and some more poppy upbeat songs. Gentleman Reg had a few intense fans dancing, lighting up their jackets (yeah, there was a middle aged guy with a light up jacket), and screaming his name at people(same guy). He's pretty decent, check him out if you like most Arts and Crafts artists.
Gentleman Reg at Horsehoe Tavern
Finally, closing the set was Chad Vangaalen. I really like Chad Vangaalen, but his set was kind of disappointing. He only played 6 songs, got in there and got out. I can understand why, as it was a very long night (I was so tired by this point), and he had already played with Women. But most of the crowd came there to see him, and I feel like most of them left a little unhappy, especuially because after the short set list, he didn't have an encore (he may not have been allowed to, but his set seemed shorter than any other, and as a closing act there is usually an encore). Regardless, the songs he did play were pretty good, and everyone enjoyed it.
Chad VanGaalen at Horseshoe Tavern
Overall, the night was a success. Earlier in the Horseshoe won best live music venue in the CMW awards, and it was the first Thursday they have ever filled to capacity. Tonight I'm going back for
Do you have your wristband? CMW taking place in Toronto, from the 11th-15th. That's five nights with 500 artists and 50 venues. Wristbands are $50 and give you no cover to any participating show during that time. With 500 artists there something for everyone. There are also films, and award shows. The lineups are looking pretty decent. Heres's one I'm looking forward to on Thursday at Horseshoe Tavern
Other awesome artists playign that weekend include: Arkells, Basia Bulat, Bicycles, Cuff the Duke, D'Ubervilles, Elliott Brood, Ghost is Dancing, Handsome Furs, Hoodinternet, Hot Panda, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Ting Tings, Young Galaxy, and so many more. For info on any of the bands or when they're playing just check out the website.
2006, I was in grade 12, it was a year of fun, friends, discovery, and The Lovely Feathers released Hind Hind Legs. That was truly a great album. I was supposed to go see them on December 8th, 2006 (also known as the worst day of my life) but if any of you remember that was the craziest snowstorm I have ever seen. As a result of all the snow, my comp sci exam was moved, I couldn't get home until much much later, missing the concert (also that day I ripped my favourite pair of jeans, and there was no italian grilled cheese). That was also the last I heard of The Lovely Feathers. They seemed to just disappear, and that's not easy for a band on Spin's Top 5 up and coming Montreal Bands. Earlier this school year I heard they were back! But... that's about all I've heard. In the INFO section of their website it states, "And so it goes to where they are today: The Lovely Feathers, several years finer, are pleased to announce the imminent release of their new completed album, ‘Scherezadian’. It will be followed by a respectful and pleasant tour of North America." On their myspace it even says Fall 2008! Well... where is this album?! I checked the last.fm page to see if there was any news, or if there were any new songs on ANYONES account... but nothing. In the Shoutbox- written in December- is, " haven't heard anything about scherezadian for a while now :(". So I guess I am not the only one who is confused. However, the band is back to playing shows in Montreal tomorrow, and later for Canadian Music week in Toronto. I guess they haven't ceased to exist. They're just so cryptic, does anyone know whats going on with 'Scherezadian'?
Next was Herman Dune who are an antifolk duo from France. I have never even heard of them, but they were really good, there were some parts when the chatty audience went completely silent to listen to the music- which is something I don't think I've ever experienced for this kind of music. Rightly so, the song 'I Wish That I Could See You Soon' was #89 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. I'd say that's pretty impressive.
Third on the bill was London's own Basia Bulat. Bulat played a great set filled with new and old songs, lookout for a new album to be released later this year. Despite a few technical difficulties with a ukulele she was happy, energetic, and really sweet. Her melodic songs were filled with powerful vocals, diverse instrumentation to make a fantastic performance. The audience was very receptive to Bulat's show, and you could tell she was appreciated by everyone there.
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