Thursday, July 28, 2011
in the red
Some catch up:
First off, Cults on Thursday was, oddly, the first time I'd been to Venue since it changed from the Plaza. I didn't think it was possible for the sound to be any worse than it was pre-renovations, but, hey, I've been wrong before. Pretty solid performance marred by godawful sound. The band had their own sound guy but the opening band, who used the in-house guy had similar problems, so I'm going to chalk it up to the room.
Second, hopefully you made it out to Khatsalano on Saturday. It was gorgeous out and the music stages, curated by Zulu, made it like Music Waste (if it were one day, free, and in Kits). There's a pic of B-Lines up there playing where I'd never expected to watch them, at the corner of 4th and Maple.
Wednesday, I made it down to the Biltmore for Junior High. The relatively new (it started in June) monthly features 90s hits (which I'm more into than I realized) from the "Gal Pal" DJs and last night they welcomed Love Cuts, who played a short, but sweet set. They weren't super tight, but they've got some good (and a couple great) songs, notably this one.
This weekend looks to be a busy one. There's the Neverland Boat Cruise tomorrow, Needles & Pins/Peace at the Astoria and Chains of Love's release party at the Biltmore after that, while Saturday sees Scratch/Interurban hosting a huge record sale in the afternoon, Goody hosting and outdoor BBQ with 7 live acts, another outdoor show at the Waldorf with Iceage, Cults of Youth, White Lung, and Nu Sensae, an early Ty Segall show at the Biltmore, plus late shows at the Astoria and Pat's. So, if you're sticking around town, go see something besides fireworks.
Oh, and if you're not busy tonight, come to this fundraiser. I'm playing some records with Dustin. Dan Moxon's playing a solo set of mostly covers, and a bunch of other cool performers are doing there thing as well.
now playing: Wu Lyf - Brooklyn Girls
Monday, May 23, 2011
free love is a sales technique
So, I've never heard of This Will Destroy You, but when their show got canceled yesterday (again, refunds available at your point of purchase, if you bought tickets), I did look at the openers and think, "I hope this means Pure X and Sleep Over will reschedule." And they did. For tonight. And fellow Texans, Silent Diane, will join them and Cam "Babe Rainbow" Reed is going to DJ between sets.
If you're not too worn out from Wyrd Fest last night, it's only $5. Plus, if you really want to keep your long weekend party going strong, you can head over to the Tiki Room after the show for Ice Cream Social.
Excuse the crappy picture of Grown Ups. I was too lazy to pack around my actual camera for 7-hours. But, speaking of Wyrd Fest, it was absolutely awesome last night.
With that many bands playing, there were high points and low points, but with 20 acts and non-stop music between the two stages, it would have been exhausting if I'd wanted to watch every minute of every band.
As for the high points, there were a lot, but Famines absolutely slayed. I haven't seen them for a few years and remembered them being great the last time, but they exceeded those expectations. Gobble Gobble turned the Waldorf's Tiki Room into a wall to wall dance party. In fact, it was so crammed in there, it would have been nice if they were on the main room stage, but they definitely more than made due in the smaller space. Somehow, it was my first time seeing Manic Attracts--it won't be the last time.
Thanks again to Paul from Weird Canada for letting me give away a pair of tickets to the show. And, of course, for bringing the show to Vancouver. Don't miss it next year.
now playing: Pure X - Back Where I Began
Thursday, February 03, 2011
been reaching for my baby
I made it down to the Media Club on Monday night to catch Tennis. I missed the harmonies that help make the record so great, but Alaina Moore's singing was so strong live, it almost made up for the absent extra vocal parts. They played (more or less) the whole record, a cover I didn't recognize, and a couple of new tunes for a set that was concise enough for a weekday (and for a new band), but long enough for a proper headlining set. The Media Club was packed out fora Mondayany day, which was nice to see.
Unrelated to live music, because there's no band this month, but I'll be playing records (note: not "DJing," DJ's can competently match beats either... at least with the aid of a computer. I can just play records) at Damaged Goods at the Astoria tomorrow night. If you too think that it's appropriate to follow "Glad Girls" with Robyn and then with a Misfits record during a dance party, come down early. If not, come down anyways, because Dustin and Jake will be playing songs that normal people like to dance to.
Somehow, I got nominated in the CBC Radio 3 "Best Canadian Music Website" Poll. I'm flattered, mystery nominator, but let's keep it real here and all throw the local vote behind Winnie Cooper. Ok? Sweet.
now playing: Rihanna feat. Drake - "What's My Name"
Friday, November 26, 2010
90's kids
A reminder that Fine Mist finally celebrates the release of Public Domain tomorrow night at Glory Days at the Biltmore. No Gold also plays and doors are at 10pm instead of the usual 11pm, so get there early.
Megan and Jay will be performing the whole record with a full band.
Also, check out their BandCamp page, where any aspiring producers (or people who just really like Megan's singing) can download just the vocal tracks from the record for easy remixing.
Last night, I made it down to the Biltmore for most of the CiTR Fundrive finale. There were a few people taking videos, so I'll keep it quick and dirty by singling out that Beekeeper's rendition of Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead," Leah Abramson covering Concrete Blonde's "Joey," and Rick White's Hair (feat. Adrian from Apollo Ghosts on vocals) doing Weezer's "El Scorcho" were the highlights for the part I was there for.
This question was bandied about quite a bit last night, so I thought I'd pose it here too: if you were going to cover two 90s songs, what would they be?
Monday, October 11, 2010
the club is open
On Friday, I made the drive down to Seattle to catch a couple of shows. The first, was at the Showbox Market for Corin Tucker's first tour post-Sleater-Kinney. The show was a lot like the album; if you were expecting S-K, you probably came away disappointed, but taken on its own merits, it was pretty great. Since 1,000 Years is her solo debut, she played it (I think) in its entirety, with lead off single "Doubt" being the predictable highlight.
The encore was made up of a trio of covers: John Doe's "Golden State" with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, "It's Obvious" by Au Pairs, and a Sheila E song to close things out.
Pearl Jam was my favourite band in high school, so I'm always unreasonably excited about an Eddie Vedder cameo.
After a Saturday that involved seriously good pizza, one of the best beers in N. America (for half price--now that you've clamped down on DUIs, can we have happy hour back, please BC government?), and being thrilled to find out that Seattle gets the CBC and therefore, Hockey Night in Canada (though less thrilled with the shootout result), we went to the other Showbox for Guided by Voices.
In the last 5-6 years, I've ended up seeing a lot of reunion shows. Most of them have been pretty great. I mean, nostalgia's a powerful thing, so even if a band is less than enthused (see: Pavement), you almost always come away from these types of things glad that you went. By contrast, while they could have got away by backpacking a less than stellar showing on the amazing setlist, Uncle Bob and the gang were in top form.
Visually, after six years away from the limelight (well, sort of away from the limelight in Pollard's case), the band is showing their age, but as far as their performance went, they haven't missed a step, even throwing down, despite a recent ridiculous Seattle ordinance that bans drinking on stage (are you trying to be Vancouver, Seattle?), in classic GbV style, by downing enough beers to KO most people.
It's hard to pick a highlight. When Greg Demos started plucking out the opening bass line to "A Salty Salute" to start things off, I was giddy, but Pollard and Tobin Sprout sharing vocals on "14 Cheerleader Coldfront," bouncing along with strangers during "Game of Pricks" or any number from the 39 tracks they threw down on Saturday could be a singled out.
Like I said, it's always great to hear old favourites live, especially in this sort of "it's been awhile" setting. It's also always amazing to be at a show where both the audience and the band seem absolutely thrilled to be there. It's rare to get both. The utter joy, both on stage and in the audience, combined with the opportunity to shout along to "Tractor Rape Chain" (and many, many more) was something truly special.
We ran into a lot of familiar faces from Vancouver, hopefully you were there too.
now playing: Guided by Voices - Gold Star for Robot Boy (live in Dallas 09/29/10)
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
we played oregon trail on our macintosh
So, I'll be the first guy to tell you that I haven't been on top of new music lately, so forgive me if you've heard this one already. But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great Oh No! Yoko was on Friday at the Astoria. They're a trio and they make wonderfully catchy, frantic sounding pop songs. And, perhaps the most encouraging part is that they're not even out of high school (hopefully that doesn't get the bar in trouble), so they've got many years ahead to hone a craft that sounds pretty goddamn honed already.
Because of their tender ages, I actually ended up missing part of their set (curfew, you know?), but I'll be damned sure to make it down good and early next time they play.
Check out the stand out, "90s Kids" (plus a few more) here.
now playing: Oh No! Yoko - 90's Kids
Monday, September 13, 2010
we are the hardest saturday nights
There are certain bands, some of whom I adore (the Weakerthans, the Hold Steady), and some of whom I'm pretty neutral on (the Mountain Goats, Why?), that seem to only have fans of the rabid variety. If you like them, chances are you love them, but if you're uninitiated and check them out live, you'll likely leave moderately entertained, but wondering just why everyone shoved up near the front was singing along so loudly. The Gaslight Anthem seem like one of those bands.
I wasn't compelled to check them out until Pinder posted a video of them performing "The '59 Sound" with Springsteen at Glastonbury on Tumblr (I mean, if it's good enough forPinderthe Boss, it's good enough for me), but I've been a big supporter every since. With that in mind, I actually saw them twice this past weekend.
On Friday, my friend Neil was DJing UBC's Welcome Back BBQ, so I made like an undergrad and drank some shitty beer in a field before checking the band out for the first time. Proving that I'm pretty out of touch with what's popular, I was surprised to see how many excited students showed up to do the same (a much better idea than getting wasted and tearing up the frat village). Gaslight, for their part, were pretty great, but they really turned it up a notch the next evening.
The Commodore was packed on Saturday by the time I made my way down and whether it was because of the weekend, my previous theory about "certain bands," or a combination of both, there was a palpable buzz in the air as the Gaslight Anthem's set time drew near. And, while the college crowd's warm welcome seemed to keep the band in good spirits, they really fed off of the energy of the Saturday night audience, and rewarded us with a lengthy setlist that included pretty much everything I wanted to hear, plus a cover of "American Girl" and show closing rendition of the Who's "Baba O'Riley." Again, it could definitely be because I was already so high on them, but it was one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen in ages.
now playing: the Gaslight Anthem - She Loves You
Thursday, September 09, 2010
everything's ending here
Fast-forward a few years to my final year of high school. Pavement was set to play the Vogue in support of Terror Twilight. The trouble was, I didn't have any friends who liked Pavement, and, at that age, the idea of going to a show by myself wasn't an option in my head. As luck would have it, about a week before the show, my cousin let me know she was going to be in town and would love to go to the show with me. Triumphant, I bussed to the mall to scoop up two tickets... only to find out that it had been sold out for weeks.
So, Tuesday night was about a decade in the making.
I like Quasi, but I was never a huge fan. That said, the combination of Pitchfork's 90's list-acular last week and the fact that post-Sleater-Kinney, I'll celebrate any opportunity to watch Janet Weiss do her thing behind a drum kit, made their opening set a welcome addition.
By all accounts, Pavement were never known for their live show. And, from a performance standpoint, they're still merely good, not great. They're not super tight (though, if they were, it wouldn't really be Pavement, would it?), Malkmus looks like he's bored most of the time, and save for Bob Nastanovich, the rest of guys aren't the liveliest bunch to take the stage together either. But that wasn't really the point.
While my friend (a longtime Pavement fan) quipped that it was "the make sure Bob has a retirement fund" tour, this was about giving fans who missed the band the first time around a chance to hear songs live for the first time and older fans a little nostalgia trip. And that's just what was delivered.
Sean has the full 27-song setlist (plus a review of his own) up. And, while I could quibble about what they did and didn't include, if you were coming for a greatest hits set, you more or less got what you paid for.
now playing: Spacehog - In the Meantime
Monday, February 08, 2010
long way home
It was my first time at the El Dorado since they started putting shows on. The stage is only about a foot off the ground (a la Pat's before they raised their's), but the sound was decent, and the beer special was cheap.
It was my first time checking out Black Wizard, who were already half way through some sweet stoner-metal jams when I showed up. By the end of their set I was sort of kicking myself for waltzing in late.
Daniel and Andrea were their usually wonderful selves: loud, fast, and heavy.
White Lung finished things off with a set of mostly new songs that are making me even more excited to hear their forthcoming debut long player. I was worried when they lost their guitarist, but after seeing them a couple of times with Kenny, it seems that everything sounds just fine.
Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, that "Olympics" thing starts on Friday. I was gong to get something together, but got too lazy to wade through the Cultural Olympiad website (for all that money, you think could design a better website). Don't fret though. The Straight's got a calendar of free shows and Discorder has their picks up (from free up to really expensive) in the latest issue, and I'm sure both of them do a better job than I would have. Let that be a lesson to you: if you procrastinate long enough, someone will do the job for you.
Regulars: February 8th-February 14th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on February 17th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in March
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: off until the Olympics are over
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back on the 19th
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: back on February 26th
Good Burger @ Goody: Gang Silence (Gang Violence still don't have a new singer, so they're playing instrumentally)
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back in March
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sun Wizard and Makeout Videotape
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Techromancer and the Zolas
Sunday
Dream Date @ the Astoria: no live act
now playing: Beach House - Take Care
Monday, January 11, 2010
in the morning
The DJ-night-with-band weeklies are always a bit weird, since the audience is sort of captive (I mean, you can go outside for a breather/smoke or move back, but you're probably not going to walk out completely), but there's a decent chance they didn't show up just to see the band perform. With that in mind, it's always interesting to see how many people who clearly didn't come for the live portion of the evening that a band can draw towards the stage and engage. And on Friday and Saturday, both bands did a pretty good job of that.
Regulars: January 11th-17th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Ex-Friends
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Tight Solid and Peace
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on January 20th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: World Club, Peace, and Witch Water
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Good Burger @ Babar: ?
First Friday @ the Eldorado: ironically, back on January 22nd
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Channels 3x4
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on January 30th
now playing: LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
Sunday, December 20, 2009
i should just drink instead
The lovely and talented Kate Henderson took this photo. More here and here.
Just a quick post to say thanks to Cam Reed (who is in Mexico right now, hopefully riding a jet ski), Conor Holler, and everyone involved in making Mental Beast and the Eggnog Experience Comp happen. Though some of my memories are a bit hazy (it was my birthday, okay?), yesterday really was one of those things that makes me so happy to live in Vancouver.
If you didn't make it down to the Biltmore or if you weren't there in time to catch the Mental Beast finale episode, I imagine it'll be up on MentalBeast.com at some point, and it's definitely worth watching. You can also still download the Eggnog Experience compilation, which is also very much worth checking out and very worthy of a donation to the food bank if you download it.
Also, I know part of the reason Fine Mist's usual set-up is so minimal is because Megan and Jay were tired of packing around tons of gear to gigs, but I would love to see them play with a full band again, especially if it involves members of Japandroids, Brasstronaut, the SSRIs, and Cam Dales.
now playing: Jody Glenham - Oh Holy Night
Friday, December 11, 2009
all my friends have just quit trying
Since it's Friday, why don't I start with last Friday (because that is super timely), when I caught Califone at the Rickshaw. While they did play a regular set of music (which was great), the show was a bit different, as it featured the band performing a live score to All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (also the title of their rad latest LP), a film written and directed by singer Tim Rutili.
I'm not much of a film critic (or a music critic, for that matter), but I will say that while the film wasn't mind blowing, it was certainly entertaining in and of itself; if you rented it on DVD, you wouldn't be disappointed. And, combined with the bands live performance it was truly something special.
It was one of the best things I've seen all year, and despite the fact that I'm usually too lazy to write about them, I still see a lot of shows.
Speaking of shows, congratulations to Hidden Towers, who took home top prize at Shindig on Tuesday. I was pulling for Pro Nails in the finals, but they were my second choice.
And before we get to show announcement stuff, make sure you're keeping up with Mental Beast, so you're all up to date for the finale and, of course, the accompanying show on the 18th.
It's not Vancouver without some bad news, so let's go with that to start. Unfortunately, No More Strangers is once again homeless and this week's show, originally scheduled at the Balmoral is off. The guys are going to take some time off, but look for them to be back soon.
On the bright side, Good Burger, which goes down at the Lion's Den tonight, now hosts Sex Negatives.
Jody Glenham, Aidan Knight, and Small Fame play the Lab Magazine Xmas party at the Media Club on December 12th.
Fanshaw, Poema Flamenco, and Analog Bell Service play a fundraiser for Megaphone on December 15th at Cafe Deux Soleils.
The Racoons and the Good News play Fortune Sound Club on December 15th.
Prophecy Sun, Holzkopf, Haunted Beard, Glaciers, and Shipyards play 223 Main St. on December 21st. Bands are on at 8pm.
Novelle Vague are at Venue on February 5th.
Vivian Girls and Best Coast are at the Biltmore on February 12th.
El Perro Del Mar plays the Biltmore on February 27th.
now playing: Best Coast - When I'm With You
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
mountains
First off, thanks to the always wonderful MT-40 and the now-on-my-list-of-bands-to-see-as-much-as-possible, No L.A. Kill for playing Damaged Goods on Friday.
Second, thanks to Tristan and the guys from Winnie Cooper for putting on one of (if not the) local shows of the year on Saturday at the packed-by-midnight Funky Winkerbean's. I've sung the praises of Basketball, Gang Violence, and Boogie Monster before, and they were amazing as usual, but I should make special note of Babe Rainbow, who rounded out the bill.
A lot of you probably already know Cam from his other ventures (playing in Hot Loins - RIP - and working to make Music Waste happen every year), and if you read real music publications (Exclaim, NME, etc), you may have heard them praise him. I haven't piped up about it, since I usually just talk about live shows, and this was actually his first. It wasn't exactly the best dance party music (although, neither is Boogie Monster, I suppose), but it was pretty damn good. Check it out, if only to tell your friends you were into him before he blew up.
Regulars: October 13th-18th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Kidnap Kids, Move On Citizen, and the Receptionists
Boosh Tuesdays @ ?:
Sailing @ the Astoria: Detention
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ ?:
The Beehive @ Honey: back on October 21st
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the beginning of November
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Shipyards, Stamina Mantis, Frozen Stake, and Burrow Owl
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Cobras Cobras Cobras
Far Away @ the Media Club: Kick Evrything
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: Heavy Chains (Andrea from Nu Sensae, Ann Marie from White Lung, and Brody, ex-Mutators)
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: no live act
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Defektors, White Lung, and Random Cuts
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: "Covers night" featuring the Friends, Eeek, and the SSRIs
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
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
leaky lifeboat
On Sunday, I checked out the second day of VFest, making it just in time to hear the last of Awesome Color's songs while waiting to get in.
Jarvis Cocker was the first act that I actually saw. Jarvis, who wasn't exactly dressed for the weather, was his usual charming self, pulling mostly from his latest disc.
Future of the Left, whose latest disc I quite like, were on the side stage after that, but I opted to move closer to the mainstage, since Sonic Youth were playing there right after.
SY, who had Mark Ibold (ex-Pavement) playing bass with them, pulled almost solely from the Eternal, throwing in a pair of tracks from Daydream Nation ("Cross the Breeze" and "Silver Rocket"). While the set displayed that the newer stuff holds up pretty well against older tracks live, I could have done with a little more variety... but beggars can't be choosers.
I bailed just as Metric were finishing off their set. I wasn't huge on their latest, but they've definitely still got live chops.
Thanks to the Clips for playing Damaged Goods on Friday. And sorry, once again, that the DJ started playing music accidentally before you guys were actually finished.
Cartographers, Streetlight, and Wilderness Years play Funky Winkerbean's tonight.
On August 1st, there's a benefit for Goonies (at Goonies, of course) that features Candles, Nihilist Party, Shipyards, Gross Xmas, and Half Chinese.
Also on August 1st, Quintron & Miss Pussycat play an early show at the Media club with thee Manipulators.
Little Mountain is showing the Speculative Frontier on August 6th, a night that also features music by Jeffrey Allport and Empress.
Sex with Strangers, Combine the Victorious, Accost, and the Keeper play the Rail on August 8th. The Skinny will be there to make you laugh as well.
Kidnap Kids, Nihilist Party, Half Chinese, and Payday Millionaire play Lugz on August 14th.
Bats for Lashes play Venue on August 25th. (thanks Reilly)
Busdriver is at the Media Club on September 1st.
The Brunettes are at the Media Club on September 21st.
The Manic Street Preachers play the Commodore on September 22nd, which is their first visit to Vancouver since before I even got a fake ID, let alone reached the age of majority, which is a long ass time ago.
Kid Koala is at the Commodore the next night.
Brasstronaut play the Biltmore on September 23rd.
Holy Fuck play Venue on September 24th.
Pink Mountaintops are at the Rickshaw on September 27th.
"Monsters of Folk" (Conor Oberst, Jim James, and M.Ward) are at the Orpheum on October 13th.
Grizzly Bear plays the Vogue on October 14th. (thanks BunkleLife)
A Place to Bury Strangers are at the Biltmore on October 20th.
Yo La Tengo are at the Commodore on October 21st.
The Gossip plays the Ballroom the next night.
Built to Spill are at the Commodore on November 18th.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
turkey sandwich
The headliners were pretty great, and since I was sick when they came last with No Age, it was my first time seeing them, but they were shown up a little by White Lung, if you ask me.
The Audacity were sandwiched in between the two and played some fun, good enough, punk tunes. It's nothing that I'd go out of my way to see again, but it wasn't bad either.
Tomorrow, Plus Perfect, the City Streets, and the Falklands play Pat's.
No Bunny, Dead Ghosts, and B-Lines are at Pat's on the 28th.
Fake Sleep makes it's return on July 31st at VIVO. This time around, the night of drone features Freida Abtan, Empty Love, Secret Pyramid, the Robot Rim.
Woolworm, Aunts & Uncles, and T-T-Tracey are doing a free, all-ager at Our Town Cafe on August 2nd. Starts early (7:30pm).
Discorder presents Fine Mist, Role Mach, and Humans on August 5th at the Astoria.
The Frustrations are at Pat's with Defektors and Manic Attracts on the same night.
Adjective, Defektors, Animal Bodies, and Katastroya are at the Rickshaw on August 8th.
Katastroya plays the next night as well. They're at Red x Red (apparently it's a vodka bar?) with Girlfriends & Boyfriends and Sevens Nines & Tens.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
die slow
We took it easy for a couple of hours before heading to the mainstage (at the Olympic Plaza instead of the sprawling Mewata Field this year) in time to see Liars. I thought they were a little ill-suited to the venue the last time I saw them on a big stage (opening for Radiohead), but they were pretty great last night in a place that, while smaller, was still pretty huge.
The Breeders were up next on the mainstage. I felt the same way about last night as I did about their performance at Sasquatch a year or so ago. The old material was awesome, but it sort of made the newer stuff they played seem boring by comparison. They were once again worth seeing though, if only for "Divine Hammer."
After a quick stop at our hotel, we made it down the block to the Marquee Room(a great little venue in the same building as an arthouse theatre) and caught Puberty's last few songs. The female fronted group played pretty straight up garage punk pretty well. Keith from Sex Negatives lent his sax skills to their last track.
Twin Crystals repped Vancouver and repped it well next. I'm a fan of Jesse's keyboard playing, but he rocked a guitar for their entire set, which meant they were even more intense than usual.
HEALTH headlined the Marquee and were absolutely awesome. They tore through a set that balanced out stuff from their s/t debut and new songs, presumably from the forthcoming Get Color. If you were into the first record, you'll be stoked on the next one, by the sounds of things
Friday, June 26, 2009
arthritis sux
Real quick update from my first night at Sled Island:
After grabbing some rather splendid BBQ, we made it to the Legion to catch Japanther. I guess I haven't really paid attention to their lyrics before, because I was sort of taken aback by how "positive" they were for a band with such a loud, fuzzy sound. I have to say that I was most impressed by their set closing cover of "Do You Wanna Dance."
Vancouver's current favourite sons, Japandroids were up next. The guys were in top form and it was sort of awesome to see an out of town crowd get so into them. As far as the internet tells me, it, indeed, is raining in Vancouver, and as of now, I don't give a fuck. Don't hold it against me, huh?
We split from the Legion and hit the Drum & Monkey to catch the Coathangers. I wasn't expecting a whole lot, having not heard them before, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. If you're around Vancouver on Sunday, check them out with the always wonderful White Lung at the Astoria.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
we'll find a little place by the water/worry all our friends back home
That's a paper mache pinata representation of my friend Neil and I. The guy's been one of my best friends for the last few years and during that time he's always talked about ditching Vancouver to get out and see the world. Today he's finally leaving to do it.
I was going to post this song with a different write up, but, especially with the weather, it seems most appropriate now.
Travel safe, buddy.
download: Japandroids - "Sovereignty" (zshare)
Speaking of Japandroids, Brian did a "Guest List" for Pfork that ran today.
I'm a little behind, but thanks to Healthy Students and Shove for totally slaying at Damaged Goods last Friday.
Tomorrow, Zaimph, Pete Swanson (ex-Yellow Swans), Magneticring, and Solars are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, World Club, Sharp Ends, Stamina Mantis, and Endangered Ape are at the Rickshaw on July 4th.
Watercolour Paintings, Iji, Rose Melberg, Bleating Hearts, and Collapsing Opposites play the Shed (815 E. 10th) on July 6th. Unthank Cinema is screening Macunaima and Klink Versus Superman before and after (respectively) the music.
Frog Eyes are at the Media Club on July 11th.
Silversun Pickups play August 18th and 19th at the Commodore.
Fruit Bats and Johnny & the Moon play the Media Club on August 19th.
Pissed Jeans are at the Media Club on August 22nd.
Sea Wolf play the Media Club on September 11th.
John Vanderslice are at the Media Club on September 16th.
Sunny Day Real Estate reunite for a tour that hits the Commodore on September 17th.
The Hold Steady play an all-ager at the Vogue on September 19th.
There's a second Girl Talk show at the Commodore the same night since the first one sold out so fast.
Thanks to White Whale for letting me giveaway a pair of tickets to their anniversary show tomorrow and a bunch of CDs. I'll be in Calgary for Sled Island, but if you're in town, go welcome those guys back into town.
Speaking of Sled, since I'll be there, I'll only update if I can find internet in the morning before the music starts.
now playing: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
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
in the red
Some catch up:
First off, Cults on Thursday was, oddly, the first time I'd been to Venue since it changed from the Plaza. I didn't think it was possible for the sound to be any worse than it was pre-renovations, but, hey, I've been wrong before. Pretty solid performance marred by godawful sound. The band had their own sound guy but the opening band, who used the in-house guy had similar problems, so I'm going to chalk it up to the room.
Second, hopefully you made it out to Khatsalano on Saturday. It was gorgeous out and the music stages, curated by Zulu, made it like Music Waste (if it were one day, free, and in Kits). There's a pic of B-Lines up there playing where I'd never expected to watch them, at the corner of 4th and Maple.
Wednesday, I made it down to the Biltmore for Junior High. The relatively new (it started in June) monthly features 90s hits (which I'm more into than I realized) from the "Gal Pal" DJs and last night they welcomed Love Cuts, who played a short, but sweet set. They weren't super tight, but they've got some good (and a couple great) songs, notably this one.
This weekend looks to be a busy one. There's the Neverland Boat Cruise tomorrow, Needles & Pins/Peace at the Astoria and Chains of Love's release party at the Biltmore after that, while Saturday sees Scratch/Interurban hosting a huge record sale in the afternoon, Goody hosting and outdoor BBQ with 7 live acts, another outdoor show at the Waldorf with Iceage, Cults of Youth, White Lung, and Nu Sensae, an early Ty Segall show at the Biltmore, plus late shows at the Astoria and Pat's. So, if you're sticking around town, go see something besides fireworks.
Oh, and if you're not busy tonight, come to this fundraiser. I'm playing some records with Dustin. Dan Moxon's playing a solo set of mostly covers, and a bunch of other cool performers are doing there thing as well.
now playing: Wu Lyf - Brooklyn Girls
Labels: cults, khatsalano, love cuts, show recaps
Monday, May 23, 2011
free love is a sales technique
So, I've never heard of This Will Destroy You, but when their show got canceled yesterday (again, refunds available at your point of purchase, if you bought tickets), I did look at the openers and think, "I hope this means Pure X and Sleep Over will reschedule." And they did. For tonight. And fellow Texans, Silent Diane, will join them and Cam "Babe Rainbow" Reed is going to DJ between sets.
If you're not too worn out from Wyrd Fest last night, it's only $5. Plus, if you really want to keep your long weekend party going strong, you can head over to the Tiki Room after the show for Ice Cream Social.
Excuse the crappy picture of Grown Ups. I was too lazy to pack around my actual camera for 7-hours. But, speaking of Wyrd Fest, it was absolutely awesome last night.
With that many bands playing, there were high points and low points, but with 20 acts and non-stop music between the two stages, it would have been exhausting if I'd wanted to watch every minute of every band.
As for the high points, there were a lot, but Famines absolutely slayed. I haven't seen them for a few years and remembered them being great the last time, but they exceeded those expectations. Gobble Gobble turned the Waldorf's Tiki Room into a wall to wall dance party. In fact, it was so crammed in there, it would have been nice if they were on the main room stage, but they definitely more than made due in the smaller space. Somehow, it was my first time seeing Manic Attracts--it won't be the last time.
Thanks again to Paul from Weird Canada for letting me give away a pair of tickets to the show. And, of course, for bringing the show to Vancouver. Don't miss it next year.
now playing: Pure X - Back Where I Began
Labels: famines, gobble gobble, manic attracts, show announcements, show recaps, weird canada
Thursday, February 03, 2011
been reaching for my baby
I made it down to the Media Club on Monday night to catch Tennis. I missed the harmonies that help make the record so great, but Alaina Moore's singing was so strong live, it almost made up for the absent extra vocal parts. They played (more or less) the whole record, a cover I didn't recognize, and a couple of new tunes for a set that was concise enough for a weekday (and for a new band), but long enough for a proper headlining set. The Media Club was packed out for
Unrelated to live music, because there's no band this month, but I'll be playing records (note: not "DJing," DJ's can competently match beats either... at least with the aid of a computer. I can just play records) at Damaged Goods at the Astoria tomorrow night. If you too think that it's appropriate to follow "Glad Girls" with Robyn and then with a Misfits record during a dance party, come down early. If not, come down anyways, because Dustin and Jake will be playing songs that normal people like to dance to.
Somehow, I got nominated in the CBC Radio 3 "Best Canadian Music Website" Poll. I'm flattered, mystery nominator, but let's keep it real here and all throw the local vote behind Winnie Cooper. Ok? Sweet.
now playing: Rihanna feat. Drake - "What's My Name"
Labels: self-aggrandizing, show recaps, tennis
Friday, November 26, 2010
90's kids
A reminder that Fine Mist finally celebrates the release of Public Domain tomorrow night at Glory Days at the Biltmore. No Gold also plays and doors are at 10pm instead of the usual 11pm, so get there early.
Megan and Jay will be performing the whole record with a full band.
Also, check out their BandCamp page, where any aspiring producers (or people who just really like Megan's singing) can download just the vocal tracks from the record for easy remixing.
Last night, I made it down to the Biltmore for most of the CiTR Fundrive finale. There were a few people taking videos, so I'll keep it quick and dirty by singling out that Beekeeper's rendition of Our Lady Peace's "Superman's Dead," Leah Abramson covering Concrete Blonde's "Joey," and Rick White's Hair (feat. Adrian from Apollo Ghosts on vocals) doing Weezer's "El Scorcho" were the highlights for the part I was there for.
This question was bandied about quite a bit last night, so I thought I'd pose it here too: if you were going to cover two 90s songs, what would they be?
Labels: apollo ghosts, beekeeper, citr, fine mist, leah abramson, show recaps
Monday, October 11, 2010
the club is open
On Friday, I made the drive down to Seattle to catch a couple of shows. The first, was at the Showbox Market for Corin Tucker's first tour post-Sleater-Kinney. The show was a lot like the album; if you were expecting S-K, you probably came away disappointed, but taken on its own merits, it was pretty great. Since 1,000 Years is her solo debut, she played it (I think) in its entirety, with lead off single "Doubt" being the predictable highlight.
The encore was made up of a trio of covers: John Doe's "Golden State" with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, "It's Obvious" by Au Pairs, and a Sheila E song to close things out.
Pearl Jam was my favourite band in high school, so I'm always unreasonably excited about an Eddie Vedder cameo.
After a Saturday that involved seriously good pizza, one of the best beers in N. America (for half price--now that you've clamped down on DUIs, can we have happy hour back, please BC government?), and being thrilled to find out that Seattle gets the CBC and therefore, Hockey Night in Canada (though less thrilled with the shootout result), we went to the other Showbox for Guided by Voices.
In the last 5-6 years, I've ended up seeing a lot of reunion shows. Most of them have been pretty great. I mean, nostalgia's a powerful thing, so even if a band is less than enthused (see: Pavement), you almost always come away from these types of things glad that you went. By contrast, while they could have got away by backpacking a less than stellar showing on the amazing setlist, Uncle Bob and the gang were in top form.
Visually, after six years away from the limelight (well, sort of away from the limelight in Pollard's case), the band is showing their age, but as far as their performance went, they haven't missed a step, even throwing down, despite a recent ridiculous Seattle ordinance that bans drinking on stage (are you trying to be Vancouver, Seattle?), in classic GbV style, by downing enough beers to KO most people.
It's hard to pick a highlight. When Greg Demos started plucking out the opening bass line to "A Salty Salute" to start things off, I was giddy, but Pollard and Tobin Sprout sharing vocals on "14 Cheerleader Coldfront," bouncing along with strangers during "Game of Pricks" or any number from the 39 tracks they threw down on Saturday could be a singled out.
Like I said, it's always great to hear old favourites live, especially in this sort of "it's been awhile" setting. It's also always amazing to be at a show where both the audience and the band seem absolutely thrilled to be there. It's rare to get both. The utter joy, both on stage and in the audience, combined with the opportunity to shout along to "Tractor Rape Chain" (and many, many more) was something truly special.
We ran into a lot of familiar faces from Vancouver, hopefully you were there too.
now playing: Guided by Voices - Gold Star for Robot Boy (live in Dallas 09/29/10)
Labels: corin tucker, guided by voices, show recaps
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
we played oregon trail on our macintosh
So, I'll be the first guy to tell you that I haven't been on top of new music lately, so forgive me if you've heard this one already. But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great Oh No! Yoko was on Friday at the Astoria. They're a trio and they make wonderfully catchy, frantic sounding pop songs. And, perhaps the most encouraging part is that they're not even out of high school (hopefully that doesn't get the bar in trouble), so they've got many years ahead to hone a craft that sounds pretty goddamn honed already.
Because of their tender ages, I actually ended up missing part of their set (curfew, you know?), but I'll be damned sure to make it down good and early next time they play.
Check out the stand out, "90s Kids" (plus a few more) here.
now playing: Oh No! Yoko - 90's Kids
Labels: oh no yoko, show recaps
Monday, September 13, 2010
we are the hardest saturday nights
There are certain bands, some of whom I adore (the Weakerthans, the Hold Steady), and some of whom I'm pretty neutral on (the Mountain Goats, Why?), that seem to only have fans of the rabid variety. If you like them, chances are you love them, but if you're uninitiated and check them out live, you'll likely leave moderately entertained, but wondering just why everyone shoved up near the front was singing along so loudly. The Gaslight Anthem seem like one of those bands.
I wasn't compelled to check them out until Pinder posted a video of them performing "The '59 Sound" with Springsteen at Glastonbury on Tumblr (I mean, if it's good enough for
On Friday, my friend Neil was DJing UBC's Welcome Back BBQ, so I made like an undergrad and drank some shitty beer in a field before checking the band out for the first time. Proving that I'm pretty out of touch with what's popular, I was surprised to see how many excited students showed up to do the same (a much better idea than getting wasted and tearing up the frat village). Gaslight, for their part, were pretty great, but they really turned it up a notch the next evening.
The Commodore was packed on Saturday by the time I made my way down and whether it was because of the weekend, my previous theory about "certain bands," or a combination of both, there was a palpable buzz in the air as the Gaslight Anthem's set time drew near. And, while the college crowd's warm welcome seemed to keep the band in good spirits, they really fed off of the energy of the Saturday night audience, and rewarded us with a lengthy setlist that included pretty much everything I wanted to hear, plus a cover of "American Girl" and show closing rendition of the Who's "Baba O'Riley." Again, it could definitely be because I was already so high on them, but it was one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen in ages.
now playing: the Gaslight Anthem - She Loves You
Labels: gaslight anthem, show recaps
Thursday, September 09, 2010
everything's ending here
When I was about 14-years-old, my cousin lent me every Pavement record (at that time everything from Westing to Wowee Zowee). I actually didn't fall in love with the band right away, but at some point "Summer Babe" grabbed me, and then "Silence Kit," and it went from there.
Fast-forward a few years to my final year of high school. Pavement was set to play the Vogue in support of Terror Twilight. The trouble was, I didn't have any friends who liked Pavement, and, at that age, the idea of going to a show by myself wasn't an option in my head. As luck would have it, about a week before the show, my cousin let me know she was going to be in town and would love to go to the show with me. Triumphant, I bussed to the mall to scoop up two tickets... only to find out that it had been sold out for weeks.
So, Tuesday night was about a decade in the making.
I like Quasi, but I was never a huge fan. That said, the combination of Pitchfork's 90's list-acular last week and the fact that post-Sleater-Kinney, I'll celebrate any opportunity to watch Janet Weiss do her thing behind a drum kit, made their opening set a welcome addition.
By all accounts, Pavement were never known for their live show. And, from a performance standpoint, they're still merely good, not great. They're not super tight (though, if they were, it wouldn't really be Pavement, would it?), Malkmus looks like he's bored most of the time, and save for Bob Nastanovich, the rest of guys aren't the liveliest bunch to take the stage together either. But that wasn't really the point.
While my friend (a longtime Pavement fan) quipped that it was "the make sure Bob has a retirement fund" tour, this was about giving fans who missed the band the first time around a chance to hear songs live for the first time and older fans a little nostalgia trip. And that's just what was delivered.
Sean has the full 27-song setlist (plus a review of his own) up. And, while I could quibble about what they did and didn't include, if you were coming for a greatest hits set, you more or less got what you paid for.
now playing: Spacehog - In the Meantime
Labels: pavement, show recaps
Monday, February 08, 2010
long way home
I made it down to First Friday at the El Dorado to catch White Lung, Nu Sensae, and Black Wizard.
It was my first time at the El Dorado since they started putting shows on. The stage is only about a foot off the ground (a la Pat's before they raised their's), but the sound was decent, and the beer special was cheap.
It was my first time checking out Black Wizard, who were already half way through some sweet stoner-metal jams when I showed up. By the end of their set I was sort of kicking myself for waltzing in late.
Daniel and Andrea were their usually wonderful selves: loud, fast, and heavy.
White Lung finished things off with a set of mostly new songs that are making me even more excited to hear their forthcoming debut long player. I was worried when they lost their guitarist, but after seeing them a couple of times with Kenny, it seems that everything sounds just fine.
Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, that "Olympics" thing starts on Friday. I was gong to get something together, but got too lazy to wade through the Cultural Olympiad website (for all that money, you think could design a better website). Don't fret though. The Straight's got a calendar of free shows and Discorder has their picks up (from free up to really expensive) in the latest issue, and I'm sure both of them do a better job than I would have. Let that be a lesson to you: if you procrastinate long enough, someone will do the job for you.
Regulars: February 8th-February 14th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on February 17th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in March
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: off until the Olympics are over
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back on the 19th
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: back on February 26th
Good Burger @ Goody: Gang Silence (Gang Violence still don't have a new singer, so they're playing instrumentally)
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back in March
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sun Wizard and Makeout Videotape
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Techromancer and the Zolas
Sunday
Dream Date @ the Astoria: no live act
now playing: Beach House - Take Care
Labels: black wizard, nu sensae, olympics, show recaps, weekly listings, white lung
Monday, January 11, 2010
in the morning
This weekend, I managed to catch both Timecopz, who rocked Damaged Goods and one of my favourite bands, Fine Mist, at Glory Days.
The DJ-night-with-band weeklies are always a bit weird, since the audience is sort of captive (I mean, you can go outside for a breather/smoke or move back, but you're probably not going to walk out completely), but there's a decent chance they didn't show up just to see the band perform. With that in mind, it's always interesting to see how many people who clearly didn't come for the live portion of the evening that a band can draw towards the stage and engage. And on Friday and Saturday, both bands did a pretty good job of that.
Regulars: January 11th-17th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: Ex-Friends
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Tight Solid and Peace
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on January 20th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in February
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: World Club, Peace, and Witch Water
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back next week
Good Burger @ Babar: ?
First Friday @ the Eldorado: ironically, back on January 22nd
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Channels 3x4
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on January 30th
now playing: LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
Labels: fine mist, show announcements, show recaps, timecopz, weekly listings
Sunday, December 20, 2009
i should just drink instead
The lovely and talented Kate Henderson took this photo. More here and here.
Just a quick post to say thanks to Cam Reed (who is in Mexico right now, hopefully riding a jet ski), Conor Holler, and everyone involved in making Mental Beast and the Eggnog Experience Comp happen. Though some of my memories are a bit hazy (it was my birthday, okay?), yesterday really was one of those things that makes me so happy to live in Vancouver.
If you didn't make it down to the Biltmore or if you weren't there in time to catch the Mental Beast finale episode, I imagine it'll be up on MentalBeast.com at some point, and it's definitely worth watching. You can also still download the Eggnog Experience compilation, which is also very much worth checking out and very worthy of a donation to the food bank if you download it.
Also, I know part of the reason Fine Mist's usual set-up is so minimal is because Megan and Jay were tired of packing around tons of gear to gigs, but I would love to see them play with a full band again, especially if it involves members of Japandroids, Brasstronaut, the SSRIs, and Cam Dales.
now playing: Jody Glenham - Oh Holy Night
Labels: mental beast, pro fun city, show recaps
Friday, December 11, 2009
all my friends have just quit trying
Since it's Friday, why don't I start with last Friday (because that is super timely), when I caught Califone at the Rickshaw. While they did play a regular set of music (which was great), the show was a bit different, as it featured the band performing a live score to All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (also the title of their rad latest LP), a film written and directed by singer Tim Rutili.
I'm not much of a film critic (or a music critic, for that matter), but I will say that while the film wasn't mind blowing, it was certainly entertaining in and of itself; if you rented it on DVD, you wouldn't be disappointed. And, combined with the bands live performance it was truly something special.
It was one of the best things I've seen all year, and despite the fact that I'm usually too lazy to write about them, I still see a lot of shows.
Speaking of shows, congratulations to Hidden Towers, who took home top prize at Shindig on Tuesday. I was pulling for Pro Nails in the finals, but they were my second choice.
And before we get to show announcement stuff, make sure you're keeping up with Mental Beast, so you're all up to date for the finale and, of course, the accompanying show on the 18th.
It's not Vancouver without some bad news, so let's go with that to start. Unfortunately, No More Strangers is once again homeless and this week's show, originally scheduled at the Balmoral is off. The guys are going to take some time off, but look for them to be back soon.
On the bright side, Good Burger, which goes down at the Lion's Den tonight, now hosts Sex Negatives.
Jody Glenham, Aidan Knight, and Small Fame play the Lab Magazine Xmas party at the Media Club on December 12th.
Fanshaw, Poema Flamenco, and Analog Bell Service play a fundraiser for Megaphone on December 15th at Cafe Deux Soleils.
The Racoons and the Good News play Fortune Sound Club on December 15th.
Prophecy Sun, Holzkopf, Haunted Beard, Glaciers, and Shipyards play 223 Main St. on December 21st. Bands are on at 8pm.
Novelle Vague are at Venue on February 5th.
Vivian Girls and Best Coast are at the Biltmore on February 12th.
El Perro Del Mar plays the Biltmore on February 27th.
now playing: Best Coast - When I'm With You
Labels: califone, show announcements, show recaps
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
mountains
First off, thanks to the always wonderful MT-40 and the now-on-my-list-of-bands-to-see-as-much-as-possible, No L.A. Kill for playing Damaged Goods on Friday.
Second, thanks to Tristan and the guys from Winnie Cooper for putting on one of (if not the) local shows of the year on Saturday at the packed-by-midnight Funky Winkerbean's. I've sung the praises of Basketball, Gang Violence, and Boogie Monster before, and they were amazing as usual, but I should make special note of Babe Rainbow, who rounded out the bill.
A lot of you probably already know Cam from his other ventures (playing in Hot Loins - RIP - and working to make Music Waste happen every year), and if you read real music publications (Exclaim, NME, etc), you may have heard them praise him. I haven't piped up about it, since I usually just talk about live shows, and this was actually his first. It wasn't exactly the best dance party music (although, neither is Boogie Monster, I suppose), but it was pretty damn good. Check it out, if only to tell your friends you were into him before he blew up.
Regulars: October 13th-18th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Kidnap Kids, Move On Citizen, and the Receptionists
Boosh Tuesdays @ ?:
Sailing @ the Astoria: Detention
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ ?:
The Beehive @ Honey: back on October 21st
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the beginning of November
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Shipyards, Stamina Mantis, Frozen Stake, and Burrow Owl
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Cobras Cobras Cobras
Far Away @ the Media Club: Kick Evrything
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: Heavy Chains (Andrea from Nu Sensae, Ann Marie from White Lung, and Brody, ex-Mutators)
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: no live act
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Defektors, White Lung, and Random Cuts
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: "Covers night" featuring the Friends, Eeek, and the SSRIs
Labels: babe rainbow, basketball, boogie monster, gang violence, mt40, no l.a. kill, show recaps, weekly listings
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
Labels: brasstronaut, damaged goods, manic street preachers, show announcements, show recaps, techromancer, the hold steady
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
leaky lifeboat
On Sunday, I checked out the second day of VFest, making it just in time to hear the last of Awesome Color's songs while waiting to get in.
Jarvis Cocker was the first act that I actually saw. Jarvis, who wasn't exactly dressed for the weather, was his usual charming self, pulling mostly from his latest disc.
Future of the Left, whose latest disc I quite like, were on the side stage after that, but I opted to move closer to the mainstage, since Sonic Youth were playing there right after.
SY, who had Mark Ibold (ex-Pavement) playing bass with them, pulled almost solely from the Eternal, throwing in a pair of tracks from Daydream Nation ("Cross the Breeze" and "Silver Rocket"). While the set displayed that the newer stuff holds up pretty well against older tracks live, I could have done with a little more variety... but beggars can't be choosers.
I bailed just as Metric were finishing off their set. I wasn't huge on their latest, but they've definitely still got live chops.
Thanks to the Clips for playing Damaged Goods on Friday. And sorry, once again, that the DJ started playing music accidentally before you guys were actually finished.
Cartographers, Streetlight, and Wilderness Years play Funky Winkerbean's tonight.
On August 1st, there's a benefit for Goonies (at Goonies, of course) that features Candles, Nihilist Party, Shipyards, Gross Xmas, and Half Chinese.
Also on August 1st, Quintron & Miss Pussycat play an early show at the Media club with thee Manipulators.
Little Mountain is showing the Speculative Frontier on August 6th, a night that also features music by Jeffrey Allport and Empress.
Sex with Strangers, Combine the Victorious, Accost, and the Keeper play the Rail on August 8th. The Skinny will be there to make you laugh as well.
Kidnap Kids, Nihilist Party, Half Chinese, and Payday Millionaire play Lugz on August 14th.
Bats for Lashes play Venue on August 25th. (thanks Reilly)
Busdriver is at the Media Club on September 1st.
The Brunettes are at the Media Club on September 21st.
The Manic Street Preachers play the Commodore on September 22nd, which is their first visit to Vancouver since before I even got a fake ID, let alone reached the age of majority, which is a long ass time ago.
Kid Koala is at the Commodore the next night.
Brasstronaut play the Biltmore on September 23rd.
Holy Fuck play Venue on September 24th.
Pink Mountaintops are at the Rickshaw on September 27th.
"Monsters of Folk" (Conor Oberst, Jim James, and M.Ward) are at the Orpheum on October 13th.
Grizzly Bear plays the Vogue on October 14th. (thanks BunkleLife)
A Place to Bury Strangers are at the Biltmore on October 20th.
Yo La Tengo are at the Commodore on October 21st.
The Gossip plays the Ballroom the next night.
Built to Spill are at the Commodore on November 18th.
Labels: jarvis cocker, metric, show announcements, show recaps, sonic youth, the clips
Thursday, July 23, 2009
turkey sandwich
I was at the Biltmore last night to catch Mika Miko, making it down a little too late to see Nu Sensae, unfortunately (I was finishing a speech for a wedding this weekend).
The headliners were pretty great, and since I was sick when they came last with No Age, it was my first time seeing them, but they were shown up a little by White Lung, if you ask me.
The Audacity were sandwiched in between the two and played some fun, good enough, punk tunes. It's nothing that I'd go out of my way to see again, but it wasn't bad either.
Tomorrow, Plus Perfect, the City Streets, and the Falklands play Pat's.
No Bunny, Dead Ghosts, and B-Lines are at Pat's on the 28th.
Fake Sleep makes it's return on July 31st at VIVO. This time around, the night of drone features Freida Abtan, Empty Love, Secret Pyramid, the Robot Rim.
Woolworm, Aunts & Uncles, and T-T-Tracey are doing a free, all-ager at Our Town Cafe on August 2nd. Starts early (7:30pm).
Discorder presents Fine Mist, Role Mach, and Humans on August 5th at the Astoria.
The Frustrations are at Pat's with Defektors and Manic Attracts on the same night.
Adjective, Defektors, Animal Bodies, and Katastroya are at the Rickshaw on August 8th.
Katastroya plays the next night as well. They're at Red x Red (apparently it's a vodka bar?) with Girlfriends & Boyfriends and Sevens Nines & Tens.
Labels: mika miko, show announcements, show recaps, the audacity, white lung
Saturday, June 27, 2009
die slow
I started off yesterday by catching (or I guess "attempting to catch" is more correct) Monotonix at Tubby Dog (aka the best hot dog place, this side of Japadog). It took us a little longer than expected to saunter our way down there, so unsurprisingly, the rather tiny "venue" was packed to overflowing when we arrived. One thing about hearing Monotonix while not being able to see them is that you quickly notice that they're much better performers than they are a band. Speaking to the former though, they made sure all the people stuck outside didn't go home disappointed by dragging all their gear out onto the sidewalk to hammer out a few riffs. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen anyone dive off of a mailbox to crowd surf.
We took it easy for a couple of hours before heading to the mainstage (at the Olympic Plaza instead of the sprawling Mewata Field this year) in time to see Liars. I thought they were a little ill-suited to the venue the last time I saw them on a big stage (opening for Radiohead), but they were pretty great last night in a place that, while smaller, was still pretty huge.
The Breeders were up next on the mainstage. I felt the same way about last night as I did about their performance at Sasquatch a year or so ago. The old material was awesome, but it sort of made the newer stuff they played seem boring by comparison. They were once again worth seeing though, if only for "Divine Hammer."
After a quick stop at our hotel, we made it down the block to the Marquee Room(a great little venue in the same building as an arthouse theatre) and caught Puberty's last few songs. The female fronted group played pretty straight up garage punk pretty well. Keith from Sex Negatives lent his sax skills to their last track.
Twin Crystals repped Vancouver and repped it well next. I'm a fan of Jesse's keyboard playing, but he rocked a guitar for their entire set, which meant they were even more intense than usual.
HEALTH headlined the Marquee and were absolutely awesome. They tore through a set that balanced out stuff from their s/t debut and new songs, presumably from the forthcoming Get Color. If you were into the first record, you'll be stoked on the next one, by the sounds of things
Labels: breeders, health, liars, monotonix, puberty, show recaps, sled island, twin crystals
Friday, June 26, 2009
arthritis sux
So does 10-hour drive induced back pain, but I digress...
Real quick update from my first night at Sled Island:
After grabbing some rather splendid BBQ, we made it to the Legion to catch Japanther. I guess I haven't really paid attention to their lyrics before, because I was sort of taken aback by how "positive" they were for a band with such a loud, fuzzy sound. I have to say that I was most impressed by their set closing cover of "Do You Wanna Dance."
Vancouver's current favourite sons, Japandroids were up next. The guys were in top form and it was sort of awesome to see an out of town crowd get so into them. As far as the internet tells me, it, indeed, is raining in Vancouver, and as of now, I don't give a fuck. Don't hold it against me, huh?
We split from the Legion and hit the Drum & Monkey to catch the Coathangers. I wasn't expecting a whole lot, having not heard them before, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. If you're around Vancouver on Sunday, check them out with the always wonderful White Lung at the Astoria.
Labels: coathangers, japandroids, japanther, show recaps, sled island
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
we'll find a little place by the water/worry all our friends back home
That's a paper mache pinata representation of my friend Neil and I. The guy's been one of my best friends for the last few years and during that time he's always talked about ditching Vancouver to get out and see the world. Today he's finally leaving to do it.
I was going to post this song with a different write up, but, especially with the weather, it seems most appropriate now.
Travel safe, buddy.
download: Japandroids - "Sovereignty" (zshare)
Speaking of Japandroids, Brian did a "Guest List" for Pfork that ran today.
I'm a little behind, but thanks to Healthy Students and Shove for totally slaying at Damaged Goods last Friday.
Tomorrow, Zaimph, Pete Swanson (ex-Yellow Swans), Magneticring, and Solars are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, World Club, Sharp Ends, Stamina Mantis, and Endangered Ape are at the Rickshaw on July 4th.
Watercolour Paintings, Iji, Rose Melberg, Bleating Hearts, and Collapsing Opposites play the Shed (815 E. 10th) on July 6th. Unthank Cinema is screening Macunaima and Klink Versus Superman before and after (respectively) the music.
Frog Eyes are at the Media Club on July 11th.
Silversun Pickups play August 18th and 19th at the Commodore.
Fruit Bats and Johnny & the Moon play the Media Club on August 19th.
Pissed Jeans are at the Media Club on August 22nd.
Sea Wolf play the Media Club on September 11th.
John Vanderslice are at the Media Club on September 16th.
Sunny Day Real Estate reunite for a tour that hits the Commodore on September 17th.
The Hold Steady play an all-ager at the Vogue on September 19th.
There's a second Girl Talk show at the Commodore the same night since the first one sold out so fast.
Thanks to White Whale for letting me giveaway a pair of tickets to their anniversary show tomorrow and a bunch of CDs. I'll be in Calgary for Sled Island, but if you're in town, go welcome those guys back into town.
Speaking of Sled, since I'll be there, I'll only update if I can find internet in the morning before the music starts.
now playing: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
Labels: damaged goods, healthy students, mp3, shove, show announcements, show recaps
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
Labels: constantines, show announcements, show recaps
