Thursday, September 24, 2009
motorcycle emptiness
I've been out a lot in the last week, which means that while I have a lot that I could have blogged about, blogging has been low on the priority list. But here's a quick and dirty recap...
I booked it, so I'm biased, but Techromancer kicked ass at Damaged Goods on Friday. Thanks to Calli and Andrew for playing.
On Saturday, I caught one of my favourite bands, the Hold Steady, at the Vogue. It wasn't really the best venue for the band, but I guess it was the best suitable all-ager they could find (though it didn't look like there were too many kids in attendance). The band played a nice mix from their whole catalogue, also throwing in a handful of new songs, including one that was performed for the first time. I've seen them quite a few times and it was the first time they've played "Positive Jam," so that was nice to hear, but the highlights were a pair of b-sides: "Girls Like Status" and "212 Margarita."
Exactly 10 years ago, Tuesday, I tried (and failed - it was sold out and I was underage) to see the Manic Street Preachers. So, this Tuesday at the Commodore was a long time coming. They played pretty much exactly what you'd expect a band that hasn't been on the continent in a decade to play: a smattering from the new record mixed into what was largely a greatest hits set... which was fine with me. I've been waiting to hear "Faster" live forever, but "Motorcycle Emptiness" and "Design for Life" were pretty epic ways of opening and closing (respectively) a show.
And, last night, I caught Brasstronaut, who were their usual charming selves, at the Biltmore. The opening band, whose name currently escapes me, sort of sounded like Tegan & Sara (minus one female harmony and plus a male one), which is fitting, as Tegan apparently produced their record.
Tomorrow, Slaves and Cloaks play at Solder & Sons.
Wooden Shjips, Von Bingen, and Solars play the ANZA on Sunday.
Jeffrey Lewis plays the Rickshaw with Ora Corgan on September 28th.
City Center, Tigerhead, and Haunted Beard play Little Mountain on October 1st.
Kidnap Kids, Fine Mist, Candles, Magician & the Gates of Love, and Half Chinese play Goonies on October 3rd.
Nadja, Empty Love & Scantintone, Ahna play the Rickshaw the same night.
Adjective, Fake Shark Real Zombie, and Hard Feelings play the Media Club on October 5th.
now playing: Fine Mist - When No One's Home
Sunday, June 07, 2009
fire engine dream
I had to bail before Shad K played his proper set.
Virgin Festival hits Deer Lake Park on July 25th and 26th. Downside: apparently somebody considers an Our Lady Peace reunion headliner material. Upside: Sonic Youth and Jarvis Cocker are playing the day that doesn't include OLP. Downside: Ben Harper is headlining that day and tickets are really expensive. Upside: You can beat the traffic back from Burnaby by leaving after SY are done.
The Jesus Lizard are at the Commodore on October 24th. Yes!
Speaking of reunion tours, Os Mutantes are at the Commodore on September 3rd.
On Monday, Makeout Videotape, the Armadilettantes, and Man Your Horse are at the Biltmore.
Litterbug plays an in-store at Zulu on June 13th at 5pm.
Memewar is celebrating their 9th issue on June 20th at Goonies with Candles, Fine Mist, and Haunted Beard.
Holy Ghost are at Celeb's for DJ set on June 26th with Mike Simonetti from Italians Do It Better.
Rose Melberg, Bible Belts, Kidnap Kids, and the Sunshines play a benefit for the Safe Amplification Site Society on June 29th at Hokko's.
Bison BC are at the Biltmore on July 8th with Lazarus AD and Bogus Tokus.
Foreign Born are at the Media Club on July 9th with the Veils.
The Handsome Family are at the Biltmore on July 15th.
Cowboy Junkies and Son Volt are at the Centre on July 21st.
Blitzen Trapper are at Richard's on July 30th. (thanks BunkleLife)
And The Pretenders, Cat Power, and Juliette Lewis are at Malkin Bowl on August 26th. (thanks DB)
now playing: Women - Lawncare
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
we got an amplifier
On Friday, I was down at the Commodore to cover the Weakerthans/Constantines co-headlining tour for Discorder
The Cons are one of my favourite live acts and they certainly didn't disappoint during their latest visit (although, I was a little bummed that they didn't play "On to You"). I was at Sled Island when they last rolled through town, almost a year ago, so this was the first time I'd heard the Kensington Heights stuff live since that record came out. The new(ish) stuff stands up well to the back catalogue, but "Young Offenders" and "Young Lions" were still the highlights. John K. Samson taking vocals on "Little Instrument" was a nice treat too.
I haven't been terribly excited by the Weakerthans since Left and Leaving, but I do still enjoy their live show, and I was really into the first two records when they came out, so, if nothing else, it's a big nostalgia kick. That's probably selling them a little short, although I've always thought that they were infinitely more enjoyable if you were already familiar with their music, especially since the lyrics are such an important component.
Speaking of lyrics, someone told me the band stopped playing "One Great City," because they didn't like how non-Winnipeg crowds took the song's double sided refrain ("I hate Winnipeg") and turned it on it's head, shouting it back in a sincere way, that sort of misses the point of the song. Well, they played it, and the crowd gleefully shouted, which is ironic, considering it could just as easily be about Vancouver (or Toronto or wherever). But I digress...
Last Thursday, Brasstronaut played their homecoming show after a few months in Banff for an artist's residency. They were joined by a rotating cast of guests that helped fill out their sound, but the thing that really jumped out at me was how tight the band's become since they left. It's not that they were sloppy to begin with, but their playing is extra impressive now.
I got to the Biltmore just as Fine Mist. I know some people aren't into their limited instrumentation live (backing tracks and a synth), but I'm into seeing them whenever I can.
Seven Nines & Tens play with My Mom's a Werewolf on May 14th at Pat's.
The Dreadnoughts are at Pat's the next night with Mexican Drug Patrol.
Hercules & Love Affair are doing a DJ set (do these guys ever actually perform their songs?) at Celebs on May 17th. Locals Jason Lev supports.
Deastro is at the Media Club on June 21st.
The Rural Alberta Advantage, who actually hail from TO, are at the Media Club on July 5th.
Eagles of Death Metal play the Commodore on July 20th and 21st. Flash Lightnin' support.
Maximo Park is at Richard's on September 7th.
now playing: Big Black - the Model
Thursday, April 17, 2008
whispering into the other
I rather adore the Weakerthans (spotty last two records and all), but the thing that makes there live show isn't really their performance - which is usually pretty competent - but that everyone in the audience knows (and loves) every single word coming out of John K. Samson's mouth. It's some weird celebration of dorky fandom, and if you aren't already one of the converted, it's probably not going to change your mind.
And that's more or less how I felt yesterday. I probably should have started listening to their records sooner than the day before the show, but my attendance was sort of a spur of the moment thing.
Brasstronaut, who I was already rather fond of, opened the show. It was a bit too... full for them. That's probably counter-intuitive, since bands generally want to play for as many people as possible, but I find there music conducive to sitting, chilling out, and not shuffling amongst a full room.
CSS is as the Commodore on September 17th.
Venetian Snares are at the Fall (644 Seymour) on June 6th. (thanks Simon)
Islands are at the Plaza on June 10th.
Stars are at Malkin Bowl on June 21st. (thanks to Jessica for the last two)
It's probably redundant to post something that 20 Jazz Funk Greats already has, but my girlfriend sent me this song and I've listened to it about 20 times in the last two days...
download: Mi Ami - African Rhythms (via White Denim)
Ordering information at the label's site (though you'll have to email to order from Canada).
Finally, if anybody out there has roughtly $70, and was thinking, "man, I'd like to buy Quinn a present that he will appreciate forever," this is calling my name.
now playing: Sun City Girls - Mr. Lonely Viola
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
i can't see straight
Dave from the Lamp described the band as a punkier Unicorns with synths, which is pretty accurate. Although, for the record, if I had to come up with something on my own, I would've said "hipster crunk." The duo rocked some sick synth noises, programmed beats, and some pretty impressive live drums on top of it all. It would've been more fun if everyone in the crowd was dancing as hard as Edo from the Clips was, but that can be said for many a show.
Speaking of Edo, he was leading the other Brasstronauts - who were a four piece instead of a duo last night - through their set when I got to the show. I'm warming up to their stuff, but I find it really hard to concentrate on the low key music in a noisy bar. Admittedly, that's probably more of a reflection on my ADD-like tendency to be easily distracted than it is on the band. Oh, and I have to note that they beat Cadence Weapon to the punch with one of their songs. A few years back I interviewed Rollie and he mentioned that he was writing an album about "the hipster condition." He may have been joking, but regardless, Brasstronaut have beaten him to the punch - at least with one song. "These days it's all coooooocaine, and vice magazine, and terrible jeans." Heh. I'm probably misquoting that a bit, but you get the idea.
The Public or the Press were on between Woodhands and Brasstraonaut. I think this is the second time I've seen them, and while they're pretty tight and really give it, I'm just not feeling the music all that much (though they aren't bad either). Kudos to their lead singer, whom I can only imagine is the "recovering hip-hop head" mentioned in their old bio, for spitting a freestyle during Woodhands set though.
Here are a boatload of shows that you will probably want to spend your money on:
Sunset Rubdown are at the Plaza on October 25th. The Vancouver date is once again near the end of the tour. Hopefully that doesn't mean that the band will spend half the show arguing with each other because they've been cramped together in a tour van for too long.
Stars are doing a pair of shows at the Commodore on November 17th. There's an afternoon show for you minors and an evening show for the adults.
Ted Leo & the RX are at Richard's on October 22nd.
Klaxons are at the Commodore on October 1st with Mystery Jets.
Lightning Dust is at Pat's on August 29th with the Cave Singers.
Culte du Cargo emailed me about their CD release show. It's happening this Saturday at Open Studios and Vera Way & Her Sisters and Eug support.
Salbourg has a couple of big guests lined up for the end of Summer/Back to School. Crookers rock the Unicorn on August 25th, Institubes (Para One, Surkin, Curses, and DJ Orgasmic) are at a locale TBA on September 12th, and BoysNoize are at an as yet undetermined venue on September 19th. Massive.
Not to be outdone, Casbah! - who keep it local - have a pretty exciting set of live acts lined up to complement their DJs:
- Canaries and Hawaiian Bibles are there this Friday.
- Mondern Creatures and Cheerleader Camp on August 17th.
- The aforementioned Suspiria/16mm/Adjective soiree is on August 24th.
- Treacherous Machete play August 31st.
- Elizabeth and Fake Shark Real Zombie will be a definite must see on September 7th.
- Culte du Cargo play with People or the Press and Adjective on September 14th.
- And Taxes and Sun Arise are there on September 21st.
Casbah! goes down every Friday at Library Square, and as with seemingly everything else in the industrialized world, you can keep track of what's going down via Crackbook.
Last, but most certainly not least, my good friend Aaron is playing his first show (I think - feel free to correct me) as the Swords of Righteousness Brigade on August 16th at the Unicorn. He's sandwiched between Overgrowing, Gr8-2000, and Piper Davis, who should not be confused with the first African-American ball player signed to the Red Sox. I don't know what the rest of the acts sound like, but Aaron like 808s, the Lil Jon kick drum library, and French House.
Actually, one last thing... somebody out there please hook up a Vancouver date for this. And get Les Savy Fav on the bill like in NYC.
now playing: the Shins - Turn On Me
motorcycle emptiness
I've been out a lot in the last week, which means that while I have a lot that I could have blogged about, blogging has been low on the priority list. But here's a quick and dirty recap...
I booked it, so I'm biased, but Techromancer kicked ass at Damaged Goods on Friday. Thanks to Calli and Andrew for playing.
On Saturday, I caught one of my favourite bands, the Hold Steady, at the Vogue. It wasn't really the best venue for the band, but I guess it was the best suitable all-ager they could find (though it didn't look like there were too many kids in attendance). The band played a nice mix from their whole catalogue, also throwing in a handful of new songs, including one that was performed for the first time. I've seen them quite a few times and it was the first time they've played "Positive Jam," so that was nice to hear, but the highlights were a pair of b-sides: "Girls Like Status" and "212 Margarita."
Exactly 10 years ago, Tuesday, I tried (and failed - it was sold out and I was underage) to see the Manic Street Preachers. So, this Tuesday at the Commodore was a long time coming. They played pretty much exactly what you'd expect a band that hasn't been on the continent in a decade to play: a smattering from the new record mixed into what was largely a greatest hits set... which was fine with me. I've been waiting to hear "Faster" live forever, but "Motorcycle Emptiness" and "Design for Life" were pretty epic ways of opening and closing (respectively) a show.
And, last night, I caught Brasstronaut, who were their usual charming selves, at the Biltmore. The opening band, whose name currently escapes me, sort of sounded like Tegan & Sara (minus one female harmony and plus a male one), which is fitting, as Tegan apparently produced their record.
Tomorrow, Slaves and Cloaks play at Solder & Sons.
Wooden Shjips, Von Bingen, and Solars play the ANZA on Sunday.
Jeffrey Lewis plays the Rickshaw with Ora Corgan on September 28th.
City Center, Tigerhead, and Haunted Beard play Little Mountain on October 1st.
Kidnap Kids, Fine Mist, Candles, Magician & the Gates of Love, and Half Chinese play Goonies on October 3rd.
Nadja, Empty Love & Scantintone, Ahna play the Rickshaw the same night.
Adjective, Fake Shark Real Zombie, and Hard Feelings play the Media Club on October 5th.
now playing: Fine Mist - When No One's Home
Labels: brasstronaut, damaged goods, manic street preachers, show announcements, show recaps, techromancer, the hold steady
Sunday, June 07, 2009
fire engine dream
I made it down to the Rock and Roll is Good for Kids fundraiser last night, getting to the Astoria in time to catch most of Brasstronaut's set. They were joined by a friend on clarinet for a few numbers, but also welcomed another guest, Shad K, who took the stage before his headlining set to drop a couple of verses. Twin Crystals were up next and killed it as usual.
I had to bail before Shad K played his proper set.
Virgin Festival hits Deer Lake Park on July 25th and 26th. Downside: apparently somebody considers an Our Lady Peace reunion headliner material. Upside: Sonic Youth and Jarvis Cocker are playing the day that doesn't include OLP. Downside: Ben Harper is headlining that day and tickets are really expensive. Upside: You can beat the traffic back from Burnaby by leaving after SY are done.
The Jesus Lizard are at the Commodore on October 24th. Yes!
Speaking of reunion tours, Os Mutantes are at the Commodore on September 3rd.
On Monday, Makeout Videotape, the Armadilettantes, and Man Your Horse are at the Biltmore.
Litterbug plays an in-store at Zulu on June 13th at 5pm.
Memewar is celebrating their 9th issue on June 20th at Goonies with Candles, Fine Mist, and Haunted Beard.
Holy Ghost are at Celeb's for DJ set on June 26th with Mike Simonetti from Italians Do It Better.
Rose Melberg, Bible Belts, Kidnap Kids, and the Sunshines play a benefit for the Safe Amplification Site Society on June 29th at Hokko's.
Bison BC are at the Biltmore on July 8th with Lazarus AD and Bogus Tokus.
Foreign Born are at the Media Club on July 9th with the Veils.
The Handsome Family are at the Biltmore on July 15th.
Cowboy Junkies and Son Volt are at the Centre on July 21st.
Blitzen Trapper are at Richard's on July 30th. (thanks BunkleLife)
And The Pretenders, Cat Power, and Juliette Lewis are at Malkin Bowl on August 26th. (thanks DB)
now playing: Women - Lawncare
Labels: brasstronaut, show announcements, show recaps, twin crystals
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
we got an amplifier
On Friday, I was down at the Commodore to cover the Weakerthans/Constantines co-headlining tour for Discorder
The Cons are one of my favourite live acts and they certainly didn't disappoint during their latest visit (although, I was a little bummed that they didn't play "On to You"). I was at Sled Island when they last rolled through town, almost a year ago, so this was the first time I'd heard the Kensington Heights stuff live since that record came out. The new(ish) stuff stands up well to the back catalogue, but "Young Offenders" and "Young Lions" were still the highlights. John K. Samson taking vocals on "Little Instrument" was a nice treat too.
I haven't been terribly excited by the Weakerthans since Left and Leaving, but I do still enjoy their live show, and I was really into the first two records when they came out, so, if nothing else, it's a big nostalgia kick. That's probably selling them a little short, although I've always thought that they were infinitely more enjoyable if you were already familiar with their music, especially since the lyrics are such an important component.
Speaking of lyrics, someone told me the band stopped playing "One Great City," because they didn't like how non-Winnipeg crowds took the song's double sided refrain ("I hate Winnipeg") and turned it on it's head, shouting it back in a sincere way, that sort of misses the point of the song. Well, they played it, and the crowd gleefully shouted, which is ironic, considering it could just as easily be about Vancouver (or Toronto or wherever). But I digress...
Last Thursday, Brasstronaut played their homecoming show after a few months in Banff for an artist's residency. They were joined by a rotating cast of guests that helped fill out their sound, but the thing that really jumped out at me was how tight the band's become since they left. It's not that they were sloppy to begin with, but their playing is extra impressive now.
I got to the Biltmore just as Fine Mist. I know some people aren't into their limited instrumentation live (backing tracks and a synth), but I'm into seeing them whenever I can.
Seven Nines & Tens play with My Mom's a Werewolf on May 14th at Pat's.
The Dreadnoughts are at Pat's the next night with Mexican Drug Patrol.
Hercules & Love Affair are doing a DJ set (do these guys ever actually perform their songs?) at Celebs on May 17th. Locals Jason Lev supports.
Deastro is at the Media Club on June 21st.
The Rural Alberta Advantage, who actually hail from TO, are at the Media Club on July 5th.
Eagles of Death Metal play the Commodore on July 20th and 21st. Flash Lightnin' support.
Maximo Park is at Richard's on September 7th.
now playing: Big Black - the Model
Labels: brasstronaut, constantines, fine mist, show announcements, show recaps, the weakerthans
Thursday, April 17, 2008
whispering into the other
I went to Why? last night, mostly on the recommendation of numerous friends. I bailed early, because I wasn't really feeling it, but I got the impression that my friend Shea was spot on when he noted that it was "kind of like the Weakerthans," even though the two bands don't sound anything alike.
I rather adore the Weakerthans (spotty last two records and all), but the thing that makes there live show isn't really their performance - which is usually pretty competent - but that everyone in the audience knows (and loves) every single word coming out of John K. Samson's mouth. It's some weird celebration of dorky fandom, and if you aren't already one of the converted, it's probably not going to change your mind.
And that's more or less how I felt yesterday. I probably should have started listening to their records sooner than the day before the show, but my attendance was sort of a spur of the moment thing.
Brasstronaut, who I was already rather fond of, opened the show. It was a bit too... full for them. That's probably counter-intuitive, since bands generally want to play for as many people as possible, but I find there music conducive to sitting, chilling out, and not shuffling amongst a full room.
CSS is as the Commodore on September 17th.
Venetian Snares are at the Fall (644 Seymour) on June 6th. (thanks Simon)
Islands are at the Plaza on June 10th.
Stars are at Malkin Bowl on June 21st. (thanks to Jessica for the last two)
It's probably redundant to post something that 20 Jazz Funk Greats already has, but my girlfriend sent me this song and I've listened to it about 20 times in the last two days...
download: Mi Ami - African Rhythms (via White Denim)
Ordering information at the label's site (though you'll have to email to order from Canada).
Finally, if anybody out there has roughtly $70, and was thinking, "man, I'd like to buy Quinn a present that he will appreciate forever," this is calling my name.
now playing: Sun City Girls - Mr. Lonely Viola
Labels: brasstronaut, half serious jokes begging for expensive records, mi ami, mp3, show announcements, show recaps, why
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
i can't see straight
I actually brought my camera out for once last night, but neglected to check the batteries, which were, of course, dead. If you want, you can imagine that there's a grainy photo of Woodhands' Dan Werb with his shirt off and playing a keytar between this paragraph and the post title.
Dave from the Lamp described the band as a punkier Unicorns with synths, which is pretty accurate. Although, for the record, if I had to come up with something on my own, I would've said "hipster crunk." The duo rocked some sick synth noises, programmed beats, and some pretty impressive live drums on top of it all. It would've been more fun if everyone in the crowd was dancing as hard as Edo from the Clips was, but that can be said for many a show.
Speaking of Edo, he was leading the other Brasstronauts - who were a four piece instead of a duo last night - through their set when I got to the show. I'm warming up to their stuff, but I find it really hard to concentrate on the low key music in a noisy bar. Admittedly, that's probably more of a reflection on my ADD-like tendency to be easily distracted than it is on the band. Oh, and I have to note that they beat Cadence Weapon to the punch with one of their songs. A few years back I interviewed Rollie and he mentioned that he was writing an album about "the hipster condition." He may have been joking, but regardless, Brasstronaut have beaten him to the punch - at least with one song. "These days it's all coooooocaine, and vice magazine, and terrible jeans." Heh. I'm probably misquoting that a bit, but you get the idea.
The Public or the Press were on between Woodhands and Brasstraonaut. I think this is the second time I've seen them, and while they're pretty tight and really give it, I'm just not feeling the music all that much (though they aren't bad either). Kudos to their lead singer, whom I can only imagine is the "recovering hip-hop head" mentioned in their old bio, for spitting a freestyle during Woodhands set though.
Here are a boatload of shows that you will probably want to spend your money on:
Sunset Rubdown are at the Plaza on October 25th. The Vancouver date is once again near the end of the tour. Hopefully that doesn't mean that the band will spend half the show arguing with each other because they've been cramped together in a tour van for too long.
Stars are doing a pair of shows at the Commodore on November 17th. There's an afternoon show for you minors and an evening show for the adults.
Ted Leo & the RX are at Richard's on October 22nd.
Klaxons are at the Commodore on October 1st with Mystery Jets.
Lightning Dust is at Pat's on August 29th with the Cave Singers.
Culte du Cargo emailed me about their CD release show. It's happening this Saturday at Open Studios and Vera Way & Her Sisters and Eug support.
Salbourg has a couple of big guests lined up for the end of Summer/Back to School. Crookers rock the Unicorn on August 25th, Institubes (Para One, Surkin, Curses, and DJ Orgasmic) are at a locale TBA on September 12th, and BoysNoize are at an as yet undetermined venue on September 19th. Massive.
Not to be outdone, Casbah! - who keep it local - have a pretty exciting set of live acts lined up to complement their DJs:
- Canaries and Hawaiian Bibles are there this Friday.
- Mondern Creatures and Cheerleader Camp on August 17th.
- The aforementioned Suspiria/16mm/Adjective soiree is on August 24th.
- Treacherous Machete play August 31st.
- Elizabeth and Fake Shark Real Zombie will be a definite must see on September 7th.
- Culte du Cargo play with People or the Press and Adjective on September 14th.
- And Taxes and Sun Arise are there on September 21st.
Casbah! goes down every Friday at Library Square, and as with seemingly everything else in the industrialized world, you can keep track of what's going down via Crackbook.
Last, but most certainly not least, my good friend Aaron is playing his first show (I think - feel free to correct me) as the Swords of Righteousness Brigade on August 16th at the Unicorn. He's sandwiched between Overgrowing, Gr8-2000, and Piper Davis, who should not be confused with the first African-American ball player signed to the Red Sox. I don't know what the rest of the acts sound like, but Aaron like 808s, the Lil Jon kick drum library, and French House.
Actually, one last thing... somebody out there please hook up a Vancouver date for this. And get Les Savy Fav on the bill like in NYC.
now playing: the Shins - Turn On Me
Labels: brasstronaut, entries that are too long, show announcements, show recaps, the public or the press, woodhands
