Wednesday, June 17, 2009
stumbling through the city with the ordinary birds
I probably should have been tipped off earlier by the airplane on the show flier, but yesterday someone let me in on the secret that was the "very special guest" at the Ladyhawk/Lightning Dust show down at the Lifetime space down on 5th Ave. And, as it turns out, it was one of my favourite bands. I was planning on taking it easy this week post-Music Waste, but I sure as hell wasn't going to miss the Cons.
Lightning Dust opened the show. It was actually my first time checking them out live. Unsurprisingly, Amber Webber's vocals take centre stage, but unlike in Black Mountain, she's a little less Grace Slick, though that may be a product off the backing tracks. Everyone's used to hearing her wail over big, psychedelic riffs, but Lightning Dust sees her crooning (still) 70's style over folkier arrangements.
Ladyhawk are still one of my favourite live acts and they didn't disappoint. They did, however, play a set that featured almost entirely new material. Would I have liked to hear "the Dugout" and "Faces of Death?" Yeah. But I'm even more psyched on the next record now.
The Cons played a set pretty similar to what they turned out last time I saw them (when they opened for the Weakerthans), but they were playing in a place the fraction of the size. It was probably 7 or 8 years ago the first time I saw them and I don't think I've ever seen them somewhere this small before, so, as you can imagine, it was a pretty big deal for me.
If you're looking for something to do tonight, Modern Creatures, Hard Feelings, and Vapid are at the Railway tonight.
Violet Flame Meditation, Fancie, Fanshaw, and Prophecy Sun are at Hoko's on July 18th.
now playing: No Age - Teen Creeps
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
Friday, April 13, 2007
that great gospel jest called rock n roll
I spent (almost) all day in the presence of rock and/or roll yesterday, capping off my evening with a set from the Constantines. As usual, the band came ready to bring it, so other than noting that Bry Webb sounded a little hoarse, there's not much more to report... except for the encore. After ripping through a set that contained all of my Cons faves (On to You, Arizona, and Young Offenders, among others), the band invited Jon Rae and the River and Ryan from Ladyhawk (don't know where the rest of the 'Hawk dudes were) to join them on a cover of "Thunderstruck." It was as awesome/ridiculous as it sounded.
I missed Ladyhawk (shocking, I know), and got to the Plaza just in time for Jon Rae and the River. Honestly, for whatever reason, I've never paid much attention to the BC ex-pat since he headed back East to set up shop in TO. My mistake. Jon and his band totally delivered with a set of no nonsense rock that was infused with equal parts roots and gospel. I was ready to fall asleep once I made it to the venue, but by song number two of the River's set, I was wide awake and ready for more. Oh, and they finished their set with a balls to the wall cover of "Bastard's of Young" (by the Replacements - but you probably knew that) with Bry on vocals (which is actually when I took that photo of him)
Earlier in the day, I made it out to the 16th rendition of Arts County Fair. I pledged that last year would be my last drunken all-day party ACF experience, but I was pretty excited to catch Land of Talk. Despite their early set time, they didn't disappoint, at least considering that ACF involves playing to a crowd that's not really there to see you, as much as they're in attendance to see each other.
I managed to catch up with (lead singer) Elizabeth Powell before the band's set, and she let me know that thy have an full-length recorded and also that they'll be in town opening the Rosebud's show on June 9th. Now I just have to find a way to swing that and Girl Talk/Datarock.
Pride Tiger opened the show. Again, the early slot meant a sparse crowd, but the guys did their best to do their thing anyhow, which as you probably know means more riffage than you can shake an ass at.
I picked up a sampler for their new album, and I'll get one of the two tracks up soon. Josh at EMI also dropped me a note last night to let me know that he's sent a copy of the new album my way, so expect some full thoughts on that soon as well. I'm pretty pumped for the record.
Honestly, after the first two acts, I was more content to visit with some people I haven't seen in awhile than watch the remaining bands all that intently (Aaron Prichett, Maseo from De La Soul, and Sam Roberts), but I've got to mention that I was amazed when the self proclaimed "Prince de la Rave Rap," My! Gay! Husband! and his Half Alive compadres proved that they can rock any crowd, when they got a couple of thousand non-hipster University kids to dance between sets.
Jill Barber is at the Media Club with Jim Bryson on May 9th.
Electrelane's show is canceled because they're opening for the Arcade Fire. edit: but not here. (thanks Matt and thanks to the anonymous tipster for the correction)
And finally, the Cave Singers and Lightning Dust is also off. Refunds at point of purchase.
I rattled this off in a hurry, so apologies for any glaring spelling/grammar/typing errors.
Game two tonight! Go Canucks go!
now playing: Contantines - Arizona
Monday, May 15, 2006
in the fire of my youth, we were racing with the sun
download: the Constantines - On To You
If you had asked me 6 months ago to name my favourite song by the Constantines, I would've probably said "Arizona" or maybe "Soon Enough." I don't know exactly what struck me last January during the Cons' two night stand in Vancouver, but for some reason this track, that I've always thought was one of the bands finer moments, transcended the rest of their glorious catalogue during those shows.
If for nothing other than the fact that the Springsteen comparisons that follow around Bry Webb like a lost puppy are so very apt during the song's four and a half minutes, it sounds immediately like the Constantines. At the same time though, there are so many subtle differences that make it an anomoly when put side by side with the rest of their work. "On To You" has those (Fugazi) trademark (infringing) dueling, hard panned guitars, but rather than cut at eachother, the dynamic riffs seem to speed along together, bound by Dallas Wherle's growling bass lines. And, while they've never sounded out of place, Wil Kidman's keys are absolutely perfect on Shine A Light's seventh track. The nature of the song, in essence a power ballad, so easily invites itself to be drenched in rich organ. It's restraint, however, that produces such winning results; a restraint that only breaks open at the songs end, finishing things off with a deep hum. And then there's those backing vocals. It's not that they haven't utilized extra voices before, but here they sound "pop" in the finest essence of the word. The Cons have always had an amiable ragged quality to them, and those "oohs" and "sha-la-las" that pop up throughout "On To You" are like the backups of some joyfilled teenage boys who didn't get the memo that they couldn't be a girl group.
I've read different interpretations of the lyrics, but most seem to conclude that its "romantic." Judging by Bry's usual live intro of, "I've got girrrrlllll trouble, out the ass," I'm not sure "romantic" is the correct descriptor, though. It's a love song, for sure - a love song that's sung with an almost ferocious, yet ironically subdued, tenacity - but it seems like the sound of failure, or impending failure. That last set of vocal lines, especially - when they crash over the chugging guitars - seem to dwell on the past: "I knew a righteous woman."
In retrospect, I think I do know what it was about January that pulled me towards "On To You." I was in the midst of "relationship" of sorts, though I have friends who would probably object to the term. But that's just it. We both wanted it to work, and it probably should have. But it just wouldn't. There's a process that leads two people to come to that sort of realization...
Ohhhh, I'm on to you.
now playing: the Constantines - On To You
stumbling through the city with the ordinary birds
I probably should have been tipped off earlier by the airplane on the show flier, but yesterday someone let me in on the secret that was the "very special guest" at the Ladyhawk/Lightning Dust show down at the Lifetime space down on 5th Ave. And, as it turns out, it was one of my favourite bands. I was planning on taking it easy this week post-Music Waste, but I sure as hell wasn't going to miss the Cons.
Lightning Dust opened the show. It was actually my first time checking them out live. Unsurprisingly, Amber Webber's vocals take centre stage, but unlike in Black Mountain, she's a little less Grace Slick, though that may be a product off the backing tracks. Everyone's used to hearing her wail over big, psychedelic riffs, but Lightning Dust sees her crooning (still) 70's style over folkier arrangements.
Ladyhawk are still one of my favourite live acts and they didn't disappoint. They did, however, play a set that featured almost entirely new material. Would I have liked to hear "the Dugout" and "Faces of Death?" Yeah. But I'm even more psyched on the next record now.
The Cons played a set pretty similar to what they turned out last time I saw them (when they opened for the Weakerthans), but they were playing in a place the fraction of the size. It was probably 7 or 8 years ago the first time I saw them and I don't think I've ever seen them somewhere this small before, so, as you can imagine, it was a pretty big deal for me.
If you're looking for something to do tonight, Modern Creatures, Hard Feelings, and Vapid are at the Railway tonight.
Violet Flame Meditation, Fancie, Fanshaw, and Prophecy Sun are at Hoko's on July 18th.
now playing: No Age - Teen Creeps
Labels: constantines, show announcements, show recaps
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
Friday, April 13, 2007
that great gospel jest called rock n roll
I spent (almost) all day in the presence of rock and/or roll yesterday, capping off my evening with a set from the Constantines. As usual, the band came ready to bring it, so other than noting that Bry Webb sounded a little hoarse, there's not much more to report... except for the encore. After ripping through a set that contained all of my Cons faves (On to You, Arizona, and Young Offenders, among others), the band invited Jon Rae and the River and Ryan from Ladyhawk (don't know where the rest of the 'Hawk dudes were) to join them on a cover of "Thunderstruck." It was as awesome/ridiculous as it sounded.
I missed Ladyhawk (shocking, I know), and got to the Plaza just in time for Jon Rae and the River. Honestly, for whatever reason, I've never paid much attention to the BC ex-pat since he headed back East to set up shop in TO. My mistake. Jon and his band totally delivered with a set of no nonsense rock that was infused with equal parts roots and gospel. I was ready to fall asleep once I made it to the venue, but by song number two of the River's set, I was wide awake and ready for more. Oh, and they finished their set with a balls to the wall cover of "Bastard's of Young" (by the Replacements - but you probably knew that) with Bry on vocals (which is actually when I took that photo of him)
Earlier in the day, I made it out to the 16th rendition of Arts County Fair. I pledged that last year would be my last drunken all-day party ACF experience, but I was pretty excited to catch Land of Talk. Despite their early set time, they didn't disappoint, at least considering that ACF involves playing to a crowd that's not really there to see you, as much as they're in attendance to see each other.
I managed to catch up with (lead singer) Elizabeth Powell before the band's set, and she let me know that thy have an full-length recorded and also that they'll be in town opening the Rosebud's show on June 9th. Now I just have to find a way to swing that and Girl Talk/Datarock.
Pride Tiger opened the show. Again, the early slot meant a sparse crowd, but the guys did their best to do their thing anyhow, which as you probably know means more riffage than you can shake an ass at.
I picked up a sampler for their new album, and I'll get one of the two tracks up soon. Josh at EMI also dropped me a note last night to let me know that he's sent a copy of the new album my way, so expect some full thoughts on that soon as well. I'm pretty pumped for the record.
Honestly, after the first two acts, I was more content to visit with some people I haven't seen in awhile than watch the remaining bands all that intently (Aaron Prichett, Maseo from De La Soul, and Sam Roberts), but I've got to mention that I was amazed when the self proclaimed "Prince de la Rave Rap," My! Gay! Husband! and his Half Alive compadres proved that they can rock any crowd, when they got a couple of thousand non-hipster University kids to dance between sets.
Jill Barber is at the Media Club with Jim Bryson on May 9th.
Electrelane's show is canceled because they're opening for the Arcade Fire. edit: but not here. (thanks Matt and thanks to the anonymous tipster for the correction)
And finally, the Cave Singers and Lightning Dust is also off. Refunds at point of purchase.
I rattled this off in a hurry, so apologies for any glaring spelling/grammar/typing errors.
Game two tonight! Go Canucks go!
now playing: Contantines - Arizona
Labels: constantines, jon rae and the river, land of talk, pride tiger, show announcements, show recaps
Monday, May 15, 2006
in the fire of my youth, we were racing with the sun
One Song: Perfect Songs for an Imperfect World
download: the Constantines - On To You
If you had asked me 6 months ago to name my favourite song by the Constantines, I would've probably said "Arizona" or maybe "Soon Enough." I don't know exactly what struck me last January during the Cons' two night stand in Vancouver, but for some reason this track, that I've always thought was one of the bands finer moments, transcended the rest of their glorious catalogue during those shows.
If for nothing other than the fact that the Springsteen comparisons that follow around Bry Webb like a lost puppy are so very apt during the song's four and a half minutes, it sounds immediately like the Constantines. At the same time though, there are so many subtle differences that make it an anomoly when put side by side with the rest of their work. "On To You" has those (Fugazi) trademark (infringing) dueling, hard panned guitars, but rather than cut at eachother, the dynamic riffs seem to speed along together, bound by Dallas Wherle's growling bass lines. And, while they've never sounded out of place, Wil Kidman's keys are absolutely perfect on Shine A Light's seventh track. The nature of the song, in essence a power ballad, so easily invites itself to be drenched in rich organ. It's restraint, however, that produces such winning results; a restraint that only breaks open at the songs end, finishing things off with a deep hum. And then there's those backing vocals. It's not that they haven't utilized extra voices before, but here they sound "pop" in the finest essence of the word. The Cons have always had an amiable ragged quality to them, and those "oohs" and "sha-la-las" that pop up throughout "On To You" are like the backups of some joyfilled teenage boys who didn't get the memo that they couldn't be a girl group.
I've read different interpretations of the lyrics, but most seem to conclude that its "romantic." Judging by Bry's usual live intro of, "I've got girrrrlllll trouble, out the ass," I'm not sure "romantic" is the correct descriptor, though. It's a love song, for sure - a love song that's sung with an almost ferocious, yet ironically subdued, tenacity - but it seems like the sound of failure, or impending failure. That last set of vocal lines, especially - when they crash over the chugging guitars - seem to dwell on the past: "I knew a righteous woman."
In retrospect, I think I do know what it was about January that pulled me towards "On To You." I was in the midst of "relationship" of sorts, though I have friends who would probably object to the term. But that's just it. We both wanted it to work, and it probably should have. But it just wouldn't. There's a process that leads two people to come to that sort of realization...
Ohhhh, I'm on to you.
now playing: the Constantines - On To You
Labels: constantines, one song
