Joe Tex - I Gotcha (Retro 037)

Thought I would post this familiar "oldie" before the year ends as 2012 marked 40 years since this joint dropped and 30 years since the passing of the esteemed author, Joe Tex. Should be familiar to Tarantino and/or Bernie Mac fans.

Gotta say I LOOOVVVE that Big Brass vintage sound.

Race Horses - My Year Abroad (Hype 0306)

Nice dark pop song from Race Horses off their album Furniture. Something about sucking bruising and blowing in Tokyo!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA-nBBjTLnc

Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days (Psychemagik Remix) (Hype 0305)

Wang Chung are back with a new album called Tazer Up and a brilliant remix of their classic eighties hit Dance Hall Days. The good news is that the remix keeps true to the original. Dreamy!!! Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScpUn8breiI

Chaos Chaos - My Hands (Hype 0304)

Nice catchy stacatto track from Chaos Chaos (formerly known as Smoosh). Definately a good change in direction.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SESF2RPinQ0

alt-J (∆) - Breezeblocks

Video: http://youtu.be/rVeMiVU77wo

alt-J (∆) have now announced North American tour dates! Get your tickets to see the 2012 Mercury Prize winners before the tickets sell out!

Wed 27th March 2013 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON
Thu 28th March 2013 Metro Chicago, IL

Shout Out Louds - Blue Ice (Hype 0303)

Fantastic new track from Swedes Shout Out Louds. Off the new album Optica out soon on Merge Records. Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiYfTYjOaJo

Jonny Pierce - I Didn't Realise (Hype 0302)

The name may sound familiar. Drums guy goes solo and here is the first track. A solo album is on the way in 2013. Very quirky indie downtempish track that seems to spiral into nowhere.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzX-J4yUpCU

Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band - Snatch It Back and Hold It (Retro 036)

Video: http://youtu.be/OSscKLEvlMg

Opening track from a classic album, which was Junior Wells's debut. What a bassline. I could listen to this all day long (I just might).

Trivia: Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy featured on the album as "Friendly Chap", a pseudonym chosen because Delmark Records thought Guy was under contract to Chess Records.

Quote: "Listen to the lyrics - we're singing about everyday life: rich people trying to keep money, poor people tying to get it, and everyone having trouble with their husband or wife!" - Buddy Guy

Spoons -Arias And Symphonies (Retro 035)

Classic Canadian new wave track that hit 30 years old this year from the album Arias And Symphonies. The Spoons were at Revival on Friday night to celebrate the 30 year landmark of the album with old members flying in from around the globe to participate in the epic show. Classic!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHxBvp_GOOs

Blue Zoo - Cry Boy Cry (New/Old 006)

My first time hearing eighties alternative band Blue Zoo who had a minor top 40 hit in the UK with this track Cry Boy Cry reaching number 13 in the late part of 1982.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4CbdGGl19o

Drugs - The Source Of Light (Hype 0301)

Hypnotic atmospheric house. Nice track from this 22 year old madchester guy!!! Airy!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mv9bFVfbcY

The Octopus Project - Whitby (Hype 0300)

Here it is. Hype track number 300. Nice cut and paste indie cut from the Octopus Project called Whitby. Whitby is the first single off the forthcoming album on Peek-A-Boo Records. To 300 more.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlcaaQrJ7_k&hd=1

The Who at ACC November 23

On a brisk friday night, Tuco and companions journeyed to the ACC to catch The Who doing a special show featuring the entire Quadrophenia double album released 39 years ago.


Quadrophenia is described as a rock opera and it's certainly got a complex feel. The tracks are written from four different perspectives representing the personas of the band members. Throughout the tracks are recurring motivs (think Wagner) which tie together the entire concept. It's arguably the pinnacle of The Who's songwriting so it was quite a treat to get to hear the double album LIVE in its entirety.


So Who's left? Well that would be Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend joined ably by some excellent touring musicians including Pete's brother Simon on rhythm guitar and Zak Starkey on drums. (Starkey is the son of Ringo Starr). Keith Moon and John "Thunderfingers" Entwhistle would make appearances via video clips, the integration of which into the programme was very well done.


Unfortunately Tuco missed the opener, choosing to scarf down some premium ACC fare. Everything at the ACC is at a premium I guess. Got a change to gape the crowd. Alot of older folk, quite a number with their twentysomething children in tow for a family event. And there were a few who had yet to be told the 70s had come and gone rocking some jackets with The Who band patches from a while back. A surprising number of the latter had come out of the woodwork.


Set started shortly after 8:30, diving straight into I Am The Sea. ACC looked like it was sold out. I noticed one empty section of seats about 105 degrees to the stage that would later have people snatching closer looks at the stage. Another thing: The ACC staff gave ZERO f*cks the entire night with respect to seating, smoking, weed and wasted jackasses blocking people's views repeatedly despite several increasingly aggressive warnings. It's really hit or miss with the ACC staff. For the Red Hot Chilli Peppers concert, it was like the Stazi were on duty but friday's staff were a joke.



Fortunately, this did not impact our enjoyment of a great aural and visual treat. The stage setup had 6 screens which picked up stage details or beamed some classic video clips of Keith Moon and John Entwhistle soloing. They even snuck a Toronto Argos logo in one of the videos which got a mighty cheer. The highlight for me was a historic montage from the 60s up to present day played during Love, Reign o'er Me. The Who has seen some moments.



Daltrey's voice still retains some of its vigour and he was on pitch when it mattered most. And he's also still swinging around the microphone - overhead, around the back, although he didn't go into the crowd (too far outside the security perimeter). Townshend - what can I say. The guy's got a better windmill than Dominique Wilkins. He's also underrated as a singer. Townshend did most of the crowd interaction (PR) praising Toronto and making some funny cracks. As for his guitar playing - is there a more distinctive attack than Townshend's picking action? I love it - it's really amazing to watch. Well played. Thanks to The Who!
　
　
Here's the setlist:

　
Quadrophenia - Entire album
　
　
Who Are You?
Behind Blue Eyes
Pinball Wizard
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
Tea & Theatre
　
　
The Who played well over 2 hours - really outstanding. If there was one more song that I would have loved to hear it would be this classic:

Line & Circle - Roman Ruins (Hype 0299)

Indierock track from Line and Circle out of the USA. Breezy pop. Nice Saturday afternoon tune.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZoE1PPQdO4

My Tiger My Timing - Let Me Go (Hype 0298)

IKDK favourites My Tiger My Timing are back with another great track indiepop track Let Me Go taken from the debut album Celeste. Nice!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TZpdhZolGE

Popular Computer - Pop Heart (Hype 0297)

Funky indietech club track from Popular Computer. Taken from the album Lite. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmfKhLVj4e8

San Cisco - Awkward (Hype 0296)

Flavourable hipster indie music from San Cisco. The video is a year old and has millions of views but its a catchy little track..

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukNOaKeUEQY

Ash Lee's Palace Review November 17 2012 Toronto Setlist

 

This was a spur of the moment concert run with the Panic Manual crew to Lee's Palace to see legendary nineties britpop act Ash from Northern Ireland. Accordingly to the band this was their first show in Toronto in seven years. Not a bad crowd out to see a band that is about 20 years old and you would think might have lost alot of their following.

Ash, is currently touring as a 3 piece with all their original members. Charlotte Hatherley, who joined the band in 1997 and left in 2006 was absent. The band fired through a 90 minute set of songs spanning their whole career from Trailer to their A-Z compilations. Classic tracks such as Oh Yeah and Goldfinger reminded me of long forgotten sunday nights out at the Dance Cave for britpop night Lux. However, not enough to inspire me to go upstairs after the show when Ricky of Panic Manual fame suggested it.

Lead singer Tim Wheeler was right when he identified that they had lots of songs to choose from for their encore. The band has over 50 singles. Great show. Timewarp back to the mid nineties. Now unfortunately back in 2012.

NB. Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts I missed opening band Kestrels.

Here is the setlist:

1.Lose Control (1977-1996)
2.Orpheus (Meltdown-2004)
3.A Life Less Ordinary (A Life Less Ordinary EP-1997)
4.Goldfinger (1977-1996)
5.Clones (Meltdown-2004)
6.Walking Barefoot (Free All Angels-2001)
7.Binary (A-Z Vol. 2-2010)
8.Evil Eye (Meltdown-2004)
9.Kung Fu (1977-1996)
10.Shining Light (Free All Angels-2001)
11.Oh Yeah  (1977-1996)
12.Jack Names The Planets (Trailer-1994)
13.Arcadia (A-Z Vol.1-2010)
14.Girl From Mars (1977-1996)
15.Return of White Rabbit (A-Z Vol.1-2010)

Encore:

16.Angel Interceptor (1977-1996)
17.Uncle Pat (Trailer-1994)
18.Joy Kicks Darkness (A-Z Vol.1-2010)
19.Burn Baby Burn (Free All Angels-2001)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35hDrzcHnIA

Dylan Mondegreen - The Heart Is A Muscle (Hype 0295)

Nice emotive pop track from Dylan Mondegreen taken from his self-titled release on the Shelflife label. Ian Catt, super producer (Saint Etienne) is responsible for production on this album. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsqnpkJ-rJU

The 7A3 - Coolin´ in Cali (New/Old 005)

1988 old skool hip hop....this is awesome....first time for me ever to hear this one. DJ Muggs of this outfit went on to big things with Cypress Hill. The samples in this are base heavy....Nice!!! Going back to Cali......

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmBIW-XRs7c

Staygold - Wallpaper (Hype 0294)

Nice uptempo shimmering cut from Staygold taken from their forthcoming debut album Rain On Our Parade on Magnetron Music.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsjmvXuCqKk

SHARON REDD - NEVER GIVE YOU UP (New/Old 004)

Classic old skool club track from 1982 which I had heard but never knew what it was. Very disco/clubby

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g__PaW0ibQ

Men Without Hats Lee's Palace Toronto Nov 7, 2012 Setlist

While the world cocooned, a very select few were out doing the safety dance last night like it was 1982. It seems like Men Without Hats are coming to Toronto every few months which isn't a bad thing. The band is currently out on tour to promote their new album Love In The Age Of War.

At about 10:15 Lead man Ivan took to the stage with his 4 piece entourage to send us back to the eighties. Dressed in burgundy pants, studded belt, and a black Rush concert T-Shirt Ivan took us through a 75 minute set featuring a mix of classics and new tracks off the new album. Here was the setlist which was very heavily derived from their first album Rhythm Of Youth.

This War (Love In The Age Of War)
Antartica (Rhythm Of Youth)
I Got The Message (Rhythm Of Youth)
Ideas For Walls (Rhythm Of Youth)
I Like (Rhythm Of Youth)
Head Above Water (Love In The Age Of War)
Pop Goes The World (Pop Goes The World)
The Girl With The Sillicon Eyes (Love In The Age Of War)
Devil Come Around (Love In The Age Of War)
Living In China (Rhythm Of Youth)
Where Do The Boys Go (Folk Of The 80's (PartIII))
Safety Dance (Rhythm Of Youth)
Encore
On Tuesday (Pop Goes The World)
Sos (In The 21st Century - Abba Cover)

The setlist completely ignored their album Sideways and No Hats Beyond This Point. And what is that...No Moonbeam? Blasphemy!!!!!

The crowd chanted, clapped and yelled for a second encore even as pre-recorded music began to play. For 10 minutes this went on until the lights came on and drove the crowd to the streets. We were denied. However, I went home happy having heard my fave MWH's track Ideas For Walls.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbHJ5mjQPzY

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Jackie Wilson Said (Retro 034)

Thirty years ago the runner's followed up their massive hit in the UK with this great cover of the Van Morrison track Jackie Wilson Said. It went to number 5. Ironically Come On Eilleen had still yet to hit the charts over here in North America. Blame it on the record companies and radio.  The band just released their first album in 27 years called One Day I'm Going To Soar. Better late then never.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DXS4_y6fU0

Skye - Featherlight (Hype 0293)

Nice chilled out club track from Skye taken from her third solo album Back To Now. Skye is the lead vocalist of band Morcheeba. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4U38MejMmI

Gypsy and The Cat - Sorry (Hype 0292)

Funky indie affair by Gypsy And The Cat taken from their second album The Late Blue on alsatianmusic.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt9rXLF_uSI

Bye Bye Bicycle - Believe Me/Leave Me (Hype 0291)

Oh, it was 1995 and Britpop was exploding. Those were the days. This totally takes me back. Taken from the album Nature on Selective Notes out of Sweden. Nice!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELB-WpxUDhE

The Grapes of Wrath w/ Julie Doiron at the Mod Club, Oct. 30th 2012

It seems like fate as IKvsDK and Tuco took to the streets on a rainy October evening for some eats at The Lakeview and a show at The Mod Club. It has been 20 years since the "last" show of The Grapes of Wrath in Vancouver but the healing power of music (and money) has conspired to bring the star-crossed talents of Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper back together again. And we fans of music, particularly Canadian music, are very very grateful for this.

According to the Grapes of Wrath site, the night promised to bring out some classic GOW tunes and a few new ones from their upcoming effort. On hand were a number of guest stars, some kept as surprises, and all skillfully captured by a CBC media truck.

I have to admit, I was stoked as I'd never seen the Grapes of Wrath and You May Be Right has turned into a sort of "comfort song" (think along the lines of comfort food) for me. Back in the days when I had all the free time and hope of a student, I, like many others, had picked out the tune for All The Things I Wasn't on the guitar and a few other GOW melodic signature tunes; these guys can write a song.

So after a pint and some victuals at the Lakeview, IKvsDK and Tuco sallied forth and made it to the Mod Club at a few minutes past 8pm. There was a back table set up with some CDs from the opener and the latest compilation from GOW entitled Singles. Unfortunately, a gaggle of fans obstructing access to the table and a lack of signage dissuaded a purchase.

The venue was about a third full. I snagged a 416 and whiled away the minutes chatting with IKvsDK and a hot young lady who happened to live in the same building as me. Small place, Toronto.

9pm strikes and Julie Doiron, (of Eric's Trip - somehow IKvsDK knew this without googling) took to the stage with a drummer and bass player. Eric's Trip has the distinction of being the first Canadian act to sign to 90s label SubPop. Doiron was a little chatty but took the audience through a 45 minute set - part rock, part dreamy acoustic. The dreamy parts are the kind that separates Live from Studio. It takes a very special audience that can appreciate these kinds of passages live.

After about a rather long interlude, Buck 65 did a short introduction and was not seen or heard from again. Tom, Chris and Kevin bounded on stage along with a keyboardist and guitarist and started off with, I think, Misunderstanding. Sorry, but I did not have my act together and figured someone else would have a setlist. After the opening two songs, Ron Sexsmith joined for a few.

Other guests included two guys from Great Lake Swimmers, two from White Horse (on Do You Want To Tell Me), two guys from Hayden and Sam Roberts. GOW sure have some recognition/pull in the world of folk rock. I think these weren't just label-mates. As Ron Sexsmith quipped, he had toured with BOTH Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper when they were feuding. Small place, the world.

They did try out a few new numbers and they were good. The great thing about folk rock and melodic pieces is that they do have a timeless quality about them. I always cringe a little when hearing a legend of rock coming back after a number of years trying to recapture that fire of youth (e.g. Van Halen's last effort Tattoo). Doesn't happen with the mellower genres.

My lone technical complaint on a night with so many changes on stage was that Kevin's guitar wasn't nearly loud enough, particularly on the guitar solos.

Will post a propert setlist when one surfaces.

Highlights:
You May Be Right w/ Sam Roberts

Dot Dash - Countdown (Hype 0290)

Nice buzzy pop track from Dot Dash taken from their album Winter Garden Light. It's out on The Beautiful Music label.

Indians - Cakelakers (Hype 0289)

Great track from Indians forthcoming album Somewhere Else on 4AD. The band is currently on tour and will be at the Horseshow Tavern on November 23, 2012. The single is also available on limited edition 7 Inch

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbB_sE3knvI

Nicki Minaj feat Cassie - The Boys (Hype 0288)

New single from Nicki.....yes on top of the world. Cassie sends this over the top with her chorus. Get High!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXFcr6oy5dk

Saint Etienne Opera House Toronto October 24, 2012 Review With Setlist

In 1991 I bought my first Saint Etienne record. It was the 12 Inch to Only Love Can Break Your Heart from the local dj shop Starsound on Yonge street. The purchase was to lead to a 21 year obsession with the best band in the world. On Wednesday night Saint Etienne kicked off their North American tour in support of their latest album Words And Music with their only Canadian stop, Toronto. This was the band's fifth stop in Toronto over an 18 year period. The band was last in town 10 years ago (they missed Canada on the 2006 North American Tour).

History of Toronto Shows
SETOR1 Phoenix Concert Theatre September 21, 1994
SETOR2 Lee's Palace May 24, 1999
SETOR3 Opera House October 4th , 2000
SETOR4 Opera House November 23, 2002
SETOR5 Opera House October 24, 2012

Night started out good with the opportunity to purchase a 2CD US pressing of Words and Music with a bonus disc of some rare unreleased material not available anywhere else. A present from the band for going so many years of scrambling for UK only pressings.

The opening band for the night was Snowblink, a Californian/Canadian duo on the Arts and Crafts label. Some nice soft indie acoustic music. Lead singer with guitar with antlers. Hmmmmm.

Saint Etienne hit the stage at 10:15. No band this time around. Just Bob and Pete behind the electronics buried in the back. Up front centre Sarah in a gorgeous glittery discoball type outfit. Debsey in tow for background vocals and instrumentation. Nice!!! Started out with Like A Motorway and a whirlwind through the hits. Instant dancefloor!!. By the end we had grooved through 16 tracks including 6 from the new album and 10 singles. Rumoured third single DJ from Words and Music sounded epic on the big system. Felt like the early nineties all over again. This was the set list:

Like a Motorway (Tiger Bay 1994)
Who Do You Think You Are (So Tough 1993; sorta)
Burnt out Car (Continental 1997)
Popular (Words And Music 2012)
Spring (Foxbase Alpha 1991)
Haunted Jukebox (Words And Music 2012)
When I was 17 (Words And Music 2012)
You're In A Bad Way (So Tough 1993)
Good Thing (Tales From Turnpike House 2005)
Sylvie (Good Humor 1998)
Tonight (Words And Music 2012)
Only Love Can Break Your Heart ((Foxbase Alpha 1991 (Original)/Foxbase Beta 2009 (Remix))
Dj (Words And Music 2012)
Nothing Can Stop Us (Foxbase Alpha 1991)

Encore

I Got Your Music (Words And Music 2012)
He's On The Phone (He's On The Phone Single 1995)

*Note no tracks from Sound Of Water (2000) and Finisterre (2002)

By the end of the encore the crowd looked for more and chanted and clapped for about 5 minutes even with the cue of pre-recorded music to end of the night humming in the background. Alas it wasn't to be and the lights came on leaving us hopeing that they will be back sooner than 2022.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MklMuFNtXVs

Culture Club - Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? (Retro 033)

Video: http://youtu.be/2nXGPZaTKik

This was the U.K. number one thirty years ago today, knocking "Pass the Dutchie" off the top spot. Sounds like the U.K. was mad for reggae back then.

Times New Viking - Sleep-In (Hype 0287)

Nice noisy buzzy indie track from Times New Viking from the album Over And Over.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orSSBnysATQ

Saint Etienne Opera House Toronto October 24, 2012

 

Saint Etienne, in colour #NorthAmerica #2012 First stop Canada, home of the http://www.saintetiennedisco.com.

Once again, best band in the world, Saint Etienne travel to our side of the pond for a mini North American tour in support of the new album Words and Music which starts at the Opera House in Toronto Canada this Wednesday October 24, 2012.

History of Toronto Shows
SETOR1 Phoenix Concert Theatre September 21, 1994
SETOR2 Lee's Palace May 24, 1999
SETOR3 Opera House October 4th , 2000
SETOR4 Opera House November 23, 2002
SETOR5 Opera House October 24, 2012

The rest of the North America tour as Saint Etienne cross the border to the USA:

10/25 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
10/26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
10/27 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
10/29 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
10/31 – Portland, OR @ WOnder Ballroom
11/01 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
11/02 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
11/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre

Read our review of the Toronto show here: here

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MQmsHPwLvU

The Pretenders - Back On The Chain Gang (Retro 032)

There goes the weekend and i'll be back on the chain gang tomorrow. Great eighties track from Chrissie Hynde and crew taken from the 1984 Learning To Crawl album but was released in the UK as a single in 1982.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3uf5V0pDA

El Perro Del Mar - Walk On By (Saint Etienne Remix) (Hype 0286R)

Perfect timing for this fantastic remix of El Perro Del Mar's new single off her new album Pale Fire. Saint Etienne kick off their North American tour here in Toronto on October 24th in support of their new album Words And Music. This was available as a free download but has since evaporated.

Public Image Ltd (PiL) at The Opera House, October 18th

Thursday night and Johnny Lydon (nee Rotten) was in town bringing some PiL to the Opera House. Tuco was at the scene, drinking beer and taking notes. A light drizzle in the city wasn't enough to stop this post-punk legend act from bringing the noize but it was enough to delay a decent crowd from getting to the venue on time. The festivities kicked off at quarter to nine, not without a fire alarm going off and some Toronto firefighters heading back stage.

The crowd was definitely older; not surprising since PiL have been around since the late 70s. Besides the iconic PiL graphic emblazened on a few Ts, I noted an Echo and the Bunnymen T as well as a Day Glo Abortions T. Those were the days.

PiL bounded on stage at quarter to nine and opened the set with their big hit (This is Not A) Love Song. I'd managed to snag a decent spot on the floor with a decent sightline. First thing I noticed was the odd oud-shaped guitar played by Lu Edmonds. Edmonds went through no less than 4 guitars during the night. Scott Firth, the bassist also managed to trot out some kind of a digital upright bass, a traditional bass, keyboards and a laptop.

The sound was pretty good actually - and the shape of most of their longer songs took on a certain characteristic. A short guitar riff or bass riff repeated several times allowing Lydon to sing/talk over top of the whole structure at his own pace. Johnny's still got those unique vocals - belted out , shaking, but still in controlled.

Of course, Johnny Lydon has his own brand of charm which he used to work up a tepid crowd that was compared unfavourably with the lot from Montreal. That's been a consistent theme with musicians that come to Toronto - weak audience feedback. I guess we came to hear PiL not each other.

The bass was really turned up throughout the night and Firth didn't miss a trick. He stayed right on top of the reverberations accented by a solid performance by drummer Bruce Smith. While the guitar and bass got a few chances for some soloing, the drummer didn't get as much. Of course, the main event was Johnny Lydon - everyone knew that. He even had a music stand up at the front with him like a conductor of an orchestra (sans baton).

PiL played for two hours and the show was done with the crew breaking down the set seconds after the band had exited stage right.

The set list did not stray far from PiL's recent DVD release "There is a PiL in Heaven":

(This is not a) Love Song
Deeper Water
Albatross
One Drop
Flowers of Romance
Disappointed
Warrior
USLS1
Reggie Song
Death Disco
Bags / Chant
Religion
Out of the Woods
Rise
Open Up


Best moments: Religion, Warrior.

Awkward moments: Chastising the audience of predominantly old men for showing less enthusiasm than two young women near the front. That's pretty much always going to be the case Johnny.

FYI: The Grid did a little interview/write-up with Johnny Lydon - check it out if you want to know more. Apparently he prefers Donna Summer to Radiohead.

Cult of Youth - Garden of Delights (Hype 0285)

Love this band with their old skool alternative punk eighties sound. Taken from their new album Love Will Prevail.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOKpKcYmsJM

Alt-J (∆) - Tessellate

Video: http://youtu.be/Qg6BwvDcANg

Some people are tipping ∆ (pronounced Alt-J) to win the 2012 Mercury prize with their debut album "An Awesome Wave", which seems like a pretty good shout given the quality of the tracks that I have heard so far. The album was released in May in Europe and September in North America. Looks like a band that will be worth catching live if you can -- they have plenty of tour dates listed on their website, although they might not be passing through your locale any time soon (there are currently no Toronto dates listed). Enjoy.

Teeel - Mygirl (Hype 0284)

Great eerie new wave experience...Teeel just released his second album University Heights this year although this great track isn't on it..Keep churning them out!!!!

Whigfield - 4Ever (Hype 0283)

Brand new track from nineties eurocrush girl Whigfield who brought us club cuts Saturday Night, Another Day, and Think Of You back in the day. Its 20 years and she is back with some nice bubblegum dancepop.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwbR6jCWk5Q

Payolas - Soldier (Retro 031)

Released as a b-side for the huge hit Eyes Of A Stranger this became a hit single in its own right 30 years ago.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfCxqfMu7BM

Purity Ring - Belispeak II feat Danny Brown (Hype 0282)

Great remake of Purity Rings Belispeak cut with additional vocals added in from Danny Brown. 4AD madness once again. Their album Shrines was released this year.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpdyGFmct78

Sylvester - Do You Wanna Funk (Retro 030)

Essential disco/club track from 1982 that cracked the UK top 40 but was ignored by North America pop charts. Classic!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Vh-a2l6SY

Myrath - Tales of the Sands (Hype 0281)

Oriental Progressive Metal band from Tunisia. Dream Theatre in a Desert. Apparently these guys were on tour with Tarja Turunen (formerly of Nightwish) earlier this year. Really hope they tour North America!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1g62x7qybA

Inc. - The Place (Hype 0276V)

One might think we have a side deal with the label given the number of 4AD items we post on this website. This is the official video release of our previously hyped track. The album is out in 2013.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVmNaMy_CLA

PSY - GANGNAM STYLE (Hype 0280)

I imagine the North American clubs are going crazy when this song comes on. Great track and crazy video. Novelty? Maybe. Massive? Definately.

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0

First Aid Kit - When I Grow Up (Fever Ray cover)

Video: http://youtu.be/WAs5y2lvO-Q

Thanks to Josh for the shout out and for posting another fantastic Retro track. Today's track is one I have been meaning to post for a while. It's a cover of a Fever Ray song of the same name; Fever Ray is the pseudonym used by Karin Dreijer Andersson, who is half of electronic duo The Knife. Incidentally, Fever Ray, The Knife, and First Aid Kit are all Swedish. First Aid Kit, which comprises the Söderberg sisters, play a lot of folk songs. They are on a North American tour at the moment, but we've missed them. Perhaps next time.

Joe Jackson - Steppin Out (Retro 029)

Glad Dunstan jumped in with a retro post. Things had gotten busy for me and I hadn't posted for awhile. This Joe Jackson single hit the North American charts in October 30 years ago too but maybe alittle later in the UK. New Wave pop goodness.

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dopneKcyNXU

Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie (Retro 028)

Video: http://youtu.be/dFtLONl4cNc

This was the U.K. number one thirty years ago this week, wresting the top spot away from Survivor's Eye of the Tiger. Enjoy.

I Was A Teenage Satan Worshipper - The World (Hype 0279)

Buzz Guitar outfit I Was A Teenage Satan Worshipper with a dreamy single taken from the album There

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKMFZyCmIjg

The Album Shortlist For September

On The Stereo:

Samantha Fox - Touch Me 2XCD (Cherry Pop)
David Byrne And St. Vincent - Love The Giant (4AD)
Stars - The North (Soft Revolution Records)
Nik Kershaw Ei8ht (Shorthouse Records)
Judas Priest - Screaming for Vengeance (30th Anniversary) (Sony Music Entertainment)
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Mature Themes (4AD)
Efterklang - Piramida (4AD)
Martial Canterel - Empire (Xanten)
My Tiger My Timing - Celeste (Snakes & Ladders Records)
Raveonettes - Observator (Vice Records)
Seapony - Falling (Hardly Art)
Neil Halstead - Palindrome Hunches (Brushfire Records)
Taken By Trees - Other Worlds (Secretly Canadian)
Yazoo - The Collection 2XCD (Music Club Deluxe)

Elska - Arctic Fox (Hype 0278)

The kooky crazy downtempo girl is back in her favourite outfit and with another track taken from her Middle of Nowhere album out on Winter Bear Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cB6PYP8tYo

Simple Minds - Glittering Prize (Retro 027)

Brilliant track from Simple Minds which hit the UK charts in September 1982. Was released on the album New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Lu5jYHBVU

Maestro Fresh Wes Dundas Square Toronto September 23, 2012

I have to say waiting for 2 1/2 hours after expecting Maestro to be on at 6:00 is painful. Especially when its freezing cold and I could be demolishing some Smoke's Poutine. And Maestro didn't have alot of time either. He was basically signalled to get off the stage as soon as he got on and didn't even make it through all of Let Your Backbone Slide. So what has Maestro been up to. Its almost been 25 years since he dropped Symphony In Full Effect. Well the Maestro is back with a new EP and hence why he was at the Manifesto festival to showcase alittle bit of it. Here is what his setlist looked like:

1) Drop The Needle (Symphony In Effect, 1989)
2) Criminal Mind (Urban Landmark 1989-2005, 2005)
3) Still Too Much (Ghetto Concept Presents 7 Bills All Stars Da Album, 2002)
4) Black Tuxedo (Black Tuxedo EP, 2012)
5) Stick To Your Vision (Built To Last, 1998)
6) Reach For The Sky (Black Tuxedo EP, 2012)
7) DJ Grouch Scratchfest
8) Prime Minister Freestyle
9) Let Your Backbone Slide (Symphony In Effect, 1989)

Not a bad little rushed set....with two dancing mounties at that....and DJ Grouch as his DJ.

Nice that the next DJ paid tribute by playing the instrumental to Conductin Things.

Grimes Elite Gymnastics Myths Lee's Palace Toronto September 22, 2012

 

Triple bill at Lee's Palace last night featuring 4AD artist and Canadian Claire Boucher aka Grimes. The second sold out show in as many nights was jammed by the time Grimes took the stage in support of her new album Visions released this year. The tour is being called the mythical gymnastics tour which features opening acts Myths and the ultra obtuse Elite Gymnastics.

Its interesting to note that the only real instrument used all night long was a harmonica by Elite Gymnastics otherwise the stage was dominated by laptops and knobs. First band up was Vancouver duo Myths. I'm not really sure what I can say about this one the day after; so let's see what twitter said the night of:

@rebharath: Looks like Nuit Blanche has started early. #MYTHS #LeesPalace

@IKvsDK: Myths #leespalace pounding videogame techno

@rebharath: @IKvsDK MYTHS sounds like an early version of Streetfighter #LeesPalace

@IKvsDK: Myths just got the hi-score #videogametechno #leespalace

@IKvsDK: Overheard Myths say: "darkness in the air" #leespalace #blackmagic

@realchet: At Lee's Palace. Seeing Grimes. Opener Myths is the worst thing I've ever heard. And that doesn't do it justice.

Second outfit was the entertaining one man akward outfit Elite Gymnastics. He opened his set with a cut and paste cover of the Spice Girls Say You'll Be There. Then dabbled in some spoken word, indiepop, handing out flowers and other eclectic babble/questioning. Who is your favourite spice girl? Here's what twitter said about him:

‏@elite_gz: if you are coming to any of the shows on the mythical gymnastics tour you should
bring flowers (IKDK: This is Elite Gymnastics himself)

‏@elite_gz: there's not really anything special you should do with them once you are at the
show, flowers are just really nice and make people feel good

‏@MarieveMurphy: Best part of last night..Elite Gymnastics doing a sick Spice Girls cover.

@IKvsDK: Elite Gymnastics #spicegirls #leespalace #gerihalliwell

‏@IKvsDK: Elite Gymnastics equals drugs #leespalace

‏@IKvsDK: Elite Gymnastics needs security. Fan rushes the stage. #leespalace I think
she was looking for drugs

‏@rebharath: Elite Gymnastics: the second coming of Meryn Cadell but with drugs
#LeesPalace (IKDK: Based on his spoken word track)

@rebharath: So far, two bands - one harmonica. #LeesPalace #nobodyplaysinstruments

@IKvsDK: Serious harmonica. Elite Gymnastics

@rebharath: Oh snap! Singing live with #autotune. Booooooo. #LeesPalace
#elitegymnastics #cher

This brought us to the Grimes portion of the night. What a surprise, Myths are Grimes supporting knob tweekers / button pushers. Definately a slamming set from Grimes as she raced through a selection of tracks including a portion of the Visions album. Instant dance floor. Bubbles and white balloons provided the entertainment. No time to leave the stage for an encore as by the last song the stage was full of grimers taking in the action/dance party. Here is what Twitter said:

@IKvsDK: Its friggin freezing in lee's palace #grimes #4AD with Tuco

‏@miss_albano: Grimes entered the stage at Lee's Palace dressed somewhere in between a 1995 rave & Space Odyssey- in a word: EPIC. #grimes #leespalace‏

@rebharath #grimes is in the house! #LeesPalace

‏@rebharath: @IKvsDK is playing hide and seek with #grimes around the post
obstructing everyone's view #LeesPalace

@redladylazarus: Oblivion at Lee's #grimes

@rebharath: Wow #grimes has turned it up. This track is slamming. #LeesPalace

@IKvsDK: Grimes says drink tap water #leespalace #4ad

@rebharath: #grimes loves tap water

@rebharath: There's about 15 uninvited people on the stage at #LeesPalace #grimes

@rebharath: #grimes rules for #LeesPalace "if you are onstage, you've got to
dance." #makessense

@rebharath: There are close to 40 people on stage. #LeesPalace #grimes Security
went a few steps then turned back
‏
@TunesInTO: that was nuts! #stageinvasiondanceparty to finish off Grimes' 2 night stand @ Lee's
@leekellough: Took a chance and saw Myths, Elite Gymnastics, and Grimes perform tonight at #LeesPalace. Each group was way beyond awful. (IKDK: Ouch; way beyond awful good or way beyond awful bad?)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V-7L0MmJww

Sean Bones - Hit Me Up (Hype 0277)

Steel drum hippyness from Sean Bones. Nice catchy indie dub track. Taken from the Album Buzzards Boy.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYMUhDanK_M

Dehli 2 Dublin - Dil Nachde

Video: http://youtu.be/MRPztZRJ76w

Here's a track from Canadian world music band Dehli 2 Dublin. They are currently touring North America -- I'm planning to catch them tonight as part of the Chicago World Music Festival; Torontonians can see them at the MOD Club on Oct. 19th. Enjoy!

Peter Gabriel Air Canada Centre Toronto September 19, 2012

What could be the final Peter Gabriel concert stormed through Toronto on Wednesday night. Tuco and IKDK pulled some strings to catch the show at a very busy Air Canada Centre. We joined Ali of Panic Manual fame to take in the 2.5 hour show which slightly transversed Peter's 35 year career post Genesis. The focus of the night of course was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of his massive eighties album So (1986). However, He did cover a nice mix of work mainly from 1977 to 1992. For some reason the last few albums he has released were ignored.

Peter started out the night by giving alittle bit of prelude on how the night was going to unfold. The show would be divided into 3 sets. An acoustic set, an electronic set, and then a complete run through of all the tracks on So. This is how the night went:

Acoustic
Untitled new song with Tony Levine
Come Talk to Me (Us, 1992)
Shock the Monkey (PG4, 1982)
Family Snapshot (PG3, 1980)

Retro
Digging in the Dirt (Us, 1992)
Secret World (Us, 1992)
The Family and the Fishing Net (PG4, 1982)
No Self Control (PG3, 1980)
Solsbury Hill(PG1, 1977)

“So” (1986)
Red Rain
Sledgehammer
Don’t Give Up
That Voice Again
Mercy Street
Big Time
We Do What We’re Told (Milgram’s 37)
This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)
In Your Eyes

Encore
The Tower That Ate People (OVO, 2000)
Biko (PG3, 1980)
Notes: So was performed as per the order of the remastered CD and not the original vinyl record or CD. Noticeably absent from the setlist was Games Without Frontiers.

For 62, Peter Gabriel was definately in a athletic mood dancing and running around the stage. The stage itself was a stretch of instruments and five robolights. These five robolights spun around like something from Terminator shooting their white light beams all across the crowd. Fantastic show

This is what the twitter world said about the show:

@Rev_Tim: Peter Gabriel plays Toronto tonight. why am I in Kingston :(
‏
@ChrisInKingston: Peter Gabriel #BackToFront stage in Toronto, almost show time

@IKvsDK: Peter Gabriel #acc #guestlist with @tucointoronto

@ashley_prime: Seven rows from the front at the Peter Gabriel concert at ACC Toronto. Just under 39 years since I first saw him. Must be getting old!

@NewfiLeaks: Who's at the Peter Gabriel Concert in Toronto tonight?? I AM!! I AM!! #PeterGabriel

@kkania: In Toronto at the ACC for Peter Gabriel. Red Rain about to fall up in here.

@Fit4Females: Peter Gabriel is amazing right now in Toronto!

@ashley_prime: Peter Gabriel. Sledgehammer! Toronto 2012

‏@enoelani: #Peter Gabriel Back to Front concert in #Toronto - we are now in the rock phase!

@sweensster: Peter Gabriel's the one at the keyboard. This concert is beyond words amazing. #Toronto

‏@rogercullman: Has it really been 25 years since So? Peter Gabriel at the ACC in Toronto

@colmanjones: Tonight's Peter Gabriel concert in Toronto was indescribably glorious, & brought tears to my eyes.. my condolences to those who missed it

@gloria01: Peter Gabriel: Thank you Toronto for a great night, and thanks to all in Canada who have helped us get Back To...
‏
@BadManSadMan: Highly recommend seeing Peter Gabriel on his current N AM tour. had an awesome night watching him in Toronto doing SO after 25 years.

@officialgowan: With the GREAT peter gabriel in Toronto last night. Incredible show (of course) (IKDK: Strange Animal sighting at the Gabriel show)
 
@VSanjana: Enjoy Stan! Wish I was coming. I managed to miss Peter Gabriel this week in Toronto :-( (IKDK: You did!!!)

@joannawwilliams: Peter Gabriel @ACC tonight! Amazing show, great artistry, & incredible substance. We left singing about steve bikko & making a difference.

Nightwish and Kamelot at The Sound Academy, September 20th

Spent most of the day coding and listening to Karl Pilkington clips on Youtube. Filled with Mancunian wisdom, I drove down to the Sound Academy a little after doors opened. Cirque was on at the same time but traffic wasn't too bad. Got to the Sound Academy - HUGE lineup. Seems like only two people were doing patdowns. It took about 45 minutes to get into the venue and likely delayed the start of the show.




Got in, got a drink and should have got into the line for the T-shirts as I marked a sweet red Kamelot T-shirt for purchase. Different crowd - not the typical metal scene. More women and also a wider age range. There were even a few kids (pre-teen?) in the audience. And alot of couples. Also, the balcony was in use (wonder how much those tix were?).




My cousin in Florida mentioned Kamelot a few months back so was stoked to get the chance to see this band out of Tampa. Kamelot changed their lead singer recently so time for new guy Tommy Karevik to hold it down. The lead guitarist, Thomas Youngblood, is the lone thread of continuity from this band which has been kicking around for 20+ years.

Kamelot's stage backdrop was from their latest album. Must say that's one aspect that has changed a bit in the music industry - Graphic Design. It has eluded some of the older bands who look positively grade-schoolish next to bands that get it. Well, in my estimation Kamelot and Nightwish have the goods.

Show got underway eventually with an atmosphere charged by a symphonic lead-in. Each band member made their way onto the stage. The drummer was off to the right giving the rest of the band members license to cross the stage whenever they wanted. A lone female back-up vocalist with a mask stood on a second level - cool stage setup.




Took me a while to pick up what Kamelot were putting down. Shorter length guitar riffs which accented rather than held together each track. I was next to a group that were singing each track. Good thing the audio was decent in the middle. Spent more time listening to the vocals which had longer phrases. Tommy Karevik has a really good voice!




A few songs in another singer appeared on stage. Smoking hot guest Alissa White-Gluz from The Agonist was riveting during Sacrimony. Definite stage presence and complimented Kamelot's sound seamlessly. Looks like she has joined on for the remainder of the tour.

The last two tracks from Kamelot were absolutely fantastic. Tommy Karevik did some call and response with the audience and got pretty good participation. Alissa joined in on the last track. Kamelot left a figurative hole in the stage with a stellar performance.




Here's the Setlist (thanks setlist.fm):

Rule the World
Ghost Opera
Center of the Universe
Karma
When the Lights Are Down
Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife) w/ Alissa
Pirates
Forever
March of Mephisto w/ Alissa




By the break, the merchandise line had shortened. Turns out they had run out of mediums in the Kamelot shirt I wanted. Got a Nightwish tour T instead. After a killer opener, Nightwish had some high expectations to meet - fortunately this was a Nightwish crowd judging by the prevalance of merchandise.




Another break, another drink and Nightwish took the stage. Annete Olzon is the frontwoman and I was curious to see how they would handle the transition from the "heavier" tone of Kamelot. First few tracks had a similar symphonic feel but then they took it down a gear to focus on Olzon's softer vocals. Good decision, she got a nice voice.

It was surprising the range - both dynamic and thematic - of what they played. Somehow, they managed to make it all work without making it sound scattered/disjointed. I mean Nightwish's tracks feature a variety of musical techniques. Soft vocals, symphonic passages, strings, overdubs, even choruses and of course metal riffs. Amidst this cornucopia was Troy Donockley on some kind of celtic pipes for a folk metal feel.




Anette got everyone to bring their cell phones out for one track. Again the crowd seemed receptive however there was noticeably less interaction and prompting compared to Kamelot. The sightlines had by this time become impossible. I moved around a bit but without much success. Got an elbow in the ribs during Over the Hills And Far Away for my troubles. Last few tracks got a bit more intense and metallic for the big finish.




Here's the Setlist:

Intro: Crimson Tide (Hans Zimmer song)
Storytime
Wish I Had an Angel
Amaranth
7 Days to the Wolves
The Siren
Slow, Love, Slow
I Want My Tears Back w/ Troy Donockley
The Crow, the Owl and the Dove w/ Troy Donockley
The Islander w/ Troy Donockley
Nemo w/ Troy Donockley (Acoustic)
Last of the Wilds w/ Troy Donockley
Planet Hell
Ghost River
Over the Hills and Far Away (Gary Moore cover) w/ Troy Donockley
Song of Myself
Last Ride of the Day
Outro: Imaginaerum




Last Ride of the Day was indeed the last as there was no encore. Possibly because of the delay in starting the concert. I'm blaming the Sound Academy for this. Anyway, good show. The audience got what they came for.


Highlights: Kamelot with Tommy Karevik and Alissa White-Gluz's vocals - awesome sound!!


Played some post-concert Queen (The Game) to wind down and made it to Smoke's on Dundas for a curry chicken poutine. Good eats.

Inc. - The Place (Hype 0276)

Futuresque indie sole from Inc. on the 4AD label. Nice!!!! Follow up to last years Swear.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0NHrONreug

Kreator w/ Accept and Swallow the Sun at the Phoenix, September 12th

For those not at BMO Field to cheer on the hapless TFC or at the ACC to Celebrate with Madonna, the place to be Wednesday evening was The Phoenix as German Metal titans Kreator and guests brought the vintage. Battle-scarred veterans Accept and Finnish doom metalnauts Swallow the Sun were there to warm up the crowd.

Got there a bit after opening and met a modest lineup. Some older heads had their jean jackets with Accept band patches on. It looked generally to be an older crowd. Got in and took a look at the merch which was in the merch room - a sign they were expecting a reasonably full house. The balcony was closed off so settled for a view about midway.

Opening act Swallow the Sun from Finland started shortly after doors opened. A six-piece with a keyboardist, two guitarists, bassist and singer standing in a line at the front of the stage, it was a little unclear where to focus one's attention. They started off kind of mellow and a few songs in I clued in that this was doom metal. To me this was a novel way to start off a metal concert - most three act concerts go for a fast, slow, fast.

Well, it worked. It was a nice way to ease into the proceedings and I particularly liked their penultimate track Cathedral Walls. A track they played at the start had some post-rock/Mogwai-like stylings mostly originating from the keyboardist rather than the guitarists. Different opener and job well done.

Decided to head to the merch table once more and decided that Swallow the Sun had the most abstract design out of the three so got a shirt. Also met one of the guitarists who was super cool. The band is on their 5th tour already - the only way to make any profile/money these days. Best of luck to these guys.

Check them out!!!! Swallow the Sun.

Next up were German band Accept. Decided to take a walk around to scout the crowd a little. Wandered near the back and noticed more ladies back. Ended up next to a guy with a Judas Priest jacket and his mature lady friend. Not sure what the scene was there but whatever works.

Accept have been kicking around since 1968 in one form or another. They might have started off as a speaker company as each of their speaker heads had the ACCEPT logos where one would expect a Marshall logo to be. It wouldn't be the first time - I think the Rolling Stones started out as a Bed-and-Breakfast.

Accept roared onto stage and provided everyone with the proverbial kick in the pants. They had pretty good stage-work and really got the audience into participating. The ease with which the frontman did so was really something to behold. Some singers yell at the crowd and turns a number of people off, others mimic what the crowd is supposed to be doing (monkey see monkey do) but this guy was almost a Mesmer kind of suggesting and the crowd just responded.

The lead guitarist was pretty good as well - very good technique and between him and the singer, they pretty much commanded everyone's attention. Accept are still putting out albums and played Stalingrad which had a familiar refrain from the Russian national anthem - very nice. An interesting song given that Accept is German and the experiences during WWII. The song perspective was from a Russian point of view - just seems a bit odd is all. I mean, how many British songs recount the Suez?

Anyway, Accept finished up with Balls to the Wall and everyone was primed for the last act, Kreator. Must say the set break down between Accept and Kreator looked a bit chaotic. Not that there was anyone standing around, just seemed that there was alot more equipment on the stage than needed to be there.

Kreator bounded on stage after a decent interval. Millie (the singer) has been the stalwart force behind this band which has been around since the 80s. Must say, after Accept, the energy in the place did seem to go down. Not sure what it was. The Judas Priest dude and his lady friend took off midway (must have been Accept fans).

Kreator rolled through some of their solid tracks like Enemy of God, People of the Lie and Violent Revolution. The rapport between Millie and the Toronto audience was okay but seemed forced.

Perhaps it was the sound or the choice of tracks. I was waiting to hear a nice guitar track like Second Awakening but nothing really seemed to happen. Some tracks of their new Phantom Antichrist album were played and it seemed over before it started. There was no encore which most of the crowd seemed to expect. Oh well.

Tried to grab a Smoke's Poutine at Dundas East but it was closed. Ended up on the TTC heading north with a huddle of teenage girls and a clutch of gay guys sporting MDNA wrist bands. Toronto.

Highlights: Swallow the Sun Cathedral Walls and Accept Stalingrad.

The Fixx - Stand Or Fall (Retro 026)

Classic new wave track from English band The Fixx. This was definately one of my favourite eighties tunes from my teens which came out 30 years ago. Taken from their first album Shuttered Room.

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMNPMjsM_Yo

Elska - Hiddi Hiddi (Hype 0275)

Downtempo track polka dot door style. Hiddi Hiddi is how one says "hello" on the Island of Elska! Out on Winter Bear records. Trippy!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu7bUR03R38

David Byrne & St. Vincent - Who (Hype 0274)

The phuture funk of David Byrne (Talking Heads) and St Vincent. The duo have a whole album called Love This Giant out right now on 4AD

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpPYKJAnwUo

ABC - Look Of Love (Retro 025)

Classic new wave eighties track from ABC that hit the 30 year old mark this year. Another crazy eighties video to encompany it also. Taken from the classic album Lexicon Of Love. Unfortunately only 100 seconds of the video here.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxqegEEKjIw

Savoir Adore - Regalia (Hype 0273)

Funky swirly pop song from Savoir Adore....Nice followup to their last track Dreamers

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pgo4PAwgQo

The xx - Coexist (album)

Stream: http://pitchfork.com/news/47719-stream-the-xxs-new-album-coexist/

The xx's second album "Coexist" is out next week on the Young Turks label. Here is a link to a stream of the album. Enjoy!

Men At Work - Down Under (Retro 024)

Thirty years later the classic eighties new wave pop track from Men At Work taken from the brilliant Business As Usual album.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEgCkOfl4jE

Spiders - Ambitions of a Huckster's Daughter (Hype 0272)

Jangily pop song from UK outfit the Spiders. Out on Subtonic Records.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P9lFCviH7E&feature=youtu.be

The Raveonettes - Observator (Streaming)

One month ago we brought you "She Owns The Streets" and now Rolling Stone has an online stream of IKvDK favourites the Raveonette upcoming album "Observator" -- click on either of the links below to access it. The Raveonettes played a great set at a street festival (Green Fest) this summer in Chicago; they will be returning to Chicago on September 27 at Lincoln Hall and to Toronto on October 2 at Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Link: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/album-premiere-the-raveonettes-observator-20120904

Direct link to stream: http://www1.rollingstone.com/hearitnow/player/raveonettes1.html

Public Enemy Sound Academy Toronto September 2, 2012

Public Enemy were in town this Labour day weekend to do one of those shows where they play a full album. Tonight it was to be their 1988 album It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. At least thats what was advertised. Public Enemy had their own game plan though. The band blazed through a selection of cuts which was heavy on It Takes A Nation but did hit alot of their other albums. They even played a track from their new album Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp which was released this year. Here is the set list from Sunday's show according to the internet:

1.Louder Than a Bomb (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
2.Rebel Without a Pause (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
3.911 Is a Joke (Fear Of A Black Planet-1990)
4.Welcome to the Terrordome (Fear Of A Black Planet-1990)
5.Show 'Em Whatcha Got (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
6.Bring tha Noize (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
7.Don't Believe the Hype (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
8.Cold Lampin' (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-1988)
9.Terminator X to the Edge of Panic (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us
Back-1988)
10.Can't Truss It (Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black-1991)
11.He Got Game (He Got Game-1998)
12.I Shall Not Be Moved (Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp-2012)
13.Harder Than You Think (How You Sell Soul To A Soulless People Who Sold Their
Soul?-2007)
14.Night of the Living Baseheads (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back-
1988)
15.DJ Lord scratch (N/A) scratching Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit from
Nevermind
16.Flavor Flav On Drums (N/A)
17.Can't Do Nuttin' for Ya Man (Fear Of A Black Planet-1990)
18.Too Much Posse (Yo! Bum Rush The Show-1987)
19.Shut Em Down (Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black-1991)
20.Black Is Back (How You Sell Soul To A Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul???-
2007)
21.Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us
Back-1988)
22.Fight the Power (Fear Of A Black Planet-1990)

The highlight for me was hearing Don't Believe The Hype. This was probably the second hip hop 12 inch record I picked up back in 1988 brand new from Carnival Records in downtown toronto for the bargain price of 5.99 (thats how much new 12 Inch US Imports went for back then). What was weird was having the band cut out lyrics throughout the night referencing Terminator X. Terminator X retired back in the late nineties and they have a new dj called DJ Lord. All and all a blazing show.

Did you know they now do group-ons for concerts? I picked up my ticket for this show through a group-on that got me into the show for 15 dollars. What a deal for 2 hours of music from the pioneers of hip-hop. If someone hadn't retweeted the group-on I would have missed this epic show.

A Sky Jet Black - Be My (Hype 0271)

A Sky Jet Black with a dark gloomy factory sounding track called Be My. Nice!!!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWlXC_SheTc

Bob Mould - The Descent (Hype 0270)

Brand new single from Husker Du Sugary guy Bob Mould. Adult Oriented Rock but catchy nevertheless. Taken from his new album Silver Age.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MdhsCeasBQ

Haircut One Hundred - Nobody's Fool (Retro 023)

30 year old pop track from Haircut One Hundred. This was the bands 4th single and was released as a stand alone 12 Inch single. Catchy track huge in England but ignored by North American Radio

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVQSmW6klew

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Only In My Dreams (Hype 0269)

Great sunshine Beach Boys fuzzy harmony type of indiepop track from Ariel Pink. Off the 4AD album Mature Themes released just recently.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta46M5rksBk

Dead Can Dance Review Sony Centre Toronto August 23, 2012

The New York Times describes Dead Can Dance as “mixing elements of western medieval music, world-beat and synth-rocks magisterial sweep.” I've always described them as a 4AD band.

On Thursday night the Dead Can Dance were in downtown Toronto for what seemed like a sold out show at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts. The band is on a world tour to promote their new album Anastasis and this is what this night was all about. I'm not sure if the band made it to Canada for their last world tour in 1996 which was in support of their last album Spiritchaser. That was 16 years ago and inbetween this time main stays Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard have been taking time to do solo work and movie scores. I got the opportunity to see Dead Can Dance in 1993 in Toronto at The Danforth Music Hall which may or may not be Dead Can Dance's only other stop in Toronto (Anyone else see them in Toronto at a different time?).

However, last night's show was completely different. The show was definately heavier on the more recent tracks than the older tracks and completely avoided material from their earlier albums Dead Can Dance, Spleen and Ideal, Within The Realm Of The Dying Sun, and Aion. The band went through a variety of tracks throughout the evening that included playing all eight tracks from the new album, and 11 other tracks taken from various places. They did play some This Mortal Coil material.

Here is the setlist which included three encores:

1.  Children Of The Sun (Anastasis 2012)
2.  Anabasis (Anastasis 2012)
3.  Rakim (Toward The Within 1994)
4.  Kiko (Anastasis 2012)
5.  Lamma Bada (N/A)
6.  Agape (Anastasis 2012)
7.  Amnesia (Anastasis 2012)
8.  Sanvean (Toward The Within 1994)
9.  Niereka (Spiritchaser 1996)
10. Opium (Anastasis 2012)
11. The Host of Seraphim (Serpent's Egg 1988)
12. Ime Prezakias (N/A)
13. Now We Are Free (Gladiator Soundtrack 2000)
14. All In A Good Time (Anastasis 2012)
Encore
15. The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove (Into The Labyrinth 1993)
16. Dreams Made Flesh (It'll End In Tears 1984)
Encore 2
17. Song to the Siren (It'll End In Tears 1984)
18. Return of the She-King (Anastasis 2012)
Encore 3
19. Rising of the Moon (N/A)

Toronto is not known for its concert venues so I was slightly surprised when Brendan mentioned that the sound in the Sony Centre was spot on. I'm more of a music collector rather than a sound quality guy so being the big fan I am the concert last night could have sounded like crap due to the venue and I would still have thought it sounded amazing.

The setup featured a very mesmorizing backdrop and a touring band including Astrid Williamson, David Kuckhermann, Jules Maxwell, and Dan Gresson. (Sidenote: David Kuckhermann opened the show with some nice work on the "hang" drums)

The crowd was definately into the night with standing ovations after each encore. Enthusiastic cat calls were heard through the night including: Lisa will you marry me;  weird animal sounds; and the standard we love you;. I can only imagine from passionate long term fans. Rightfully so as the band put on an extraordinary entertaining and lengthy show.

DCD new album Anastasis is out now in North America on their new record label PIAS America. Definately worth catching the show if it stops in your area. North American Dates upcoming are:

Montreal August 24, 2012 (Tonight)
Philadelphia August 26, 2012
Vienna August 27, 2012
New York August 28 and 29, 2012
Durham September 1, 2012
Nashville September 4, 2012
Atlanta Spetember 5, 2012
Austin September 7, 2012

Thanks to the www.http://www.panicmanual.com crew for getting things sorted on Thursday night.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZDCOR2a1-E

Grimes - Genesis (Hype 0163V)

Rewind to January 11th Grimes drops her first single; off the 4AD label. Fast forward to August and a video is released for the track. Killer. Grimes will be in Toronto for two dates on the 21st and 22nd of September at Lee's Palace.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FH-q0I1fJY

Gwenno Saunders - Ymbelydredd (Hype 0268)

Pipettes singer with a nice downtempo pop track from her Ymbelydredd EP out on Peski Records
Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GRk4-trONk

Upcoming: Dead Can Dance Toronto Sony Centre August 23, 2012

On August 23, 2012 Dead Can Dance will be performing at the Toronto Sony Centre. To my knowledge their are tickets still left for this epic event. For me, the last time I caught Dead Can Dance was in 1993 at the Danforth Music Hall where they put on a very memorable show. The band have finally released their ninth album after a 16 year wait on Pias Records (yes, the first one not on 4AD). Lisa Gerrard kept busy doing solo material and tons of soundtracks. Brendan Perry did a couple of solo albums. The new album is called Anastasis. Check them out if you have a chance. This may be your last chance to hear their gothic murmurs ever.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uk3sExKtao

Cold Showers - BC (Hype 0267)

Daunting gloomy pop music from Cold Showers. Nice! Taken from the forthcoming album Love And Regret.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu26V4mUuVY

Soft Cell - What (New/Old 003)

I saw the 12 Inch to this many times but never picked it up. The song was also found on their second album Non Stop Ecstatic Dancing which I have never owned either. The song was a huge top 10 hit in the UK when it hit number 3 in August 2012 thirty years ago. Only heard this for the first time when I looked it up on youtube. Nice new wave pop hit.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LYfwdu4R3A

The Album Shortlist For August

On The Stereo:

The Fixx - Beautiful Friction (Kirtland Records)
Heavenly Beat - Talent (Captured Tracks)
Passion Pit - Gossamer (Columbia)
Nas - Life Is Good (Def Jam Recordings)
Vicious Pink - Vicious Pink (Cherry Pop)
WIld Nothing -Nocturne (Captured Tracks)
Shonen Knife - Pop Tune (Damnably)
Jessie Ware - Devotion (PMR Records)

Jessie Ware - Sweet Talk (Hype 0266)

Downtempo pop track from Jessie Ware taken from her album Devotion. Nice!! A crafty soulful track. Don't confuse with Olympic popster Jessie J

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5yP9jM5DE