Saturday, June 30, 2012
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Hype 0246R)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Holograms - Monolith (Hype 0245)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5PSfo3_IsA
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Fight Bite - Charlotte Iris (Hype 0244)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOEr5UgMwXA
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hey Ocean! - Big Blue Wave (Hype 0243)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTk6eY9EY5g
Friday, June 22, 2012
2:54 - Cold Front (Hype 0242)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mLax4Zf2S8
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Amanda Mair House Club 8 Remix (Hype 0241R)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Twin Shadow - Five Seconds (Hype 0240)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiC9XNQSxFQ
Monday, June 18, 2012
Wild Nothing - Shadow (Hype 0239)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnRLPaYXvoU
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Human League Dare (Reissue 004)
Thirty years later and Dare gets the reissue treatment. Two cd set featuring the original album, bonus tracks and the USA mini album Fascination. Nice!! Includes the massive hits Don't You Want Me, Fascination, and Mirror Man.
CD 1
1.The Things That Dreams Are Made Of (2002 - Remaster)
2.Open Your Heart (2002 - Remaster)
3.The Sound of the Crowd (2002 - Remaster)
4.Darkness (2002 - Remaster)
5.Do or Die (2002 - Remaster)
6.Get Carter (2002 - Remaster)
7.I Am the Law (2002 - Remaster)
8.Seconds (2002 - Remaster)
9.Love Action (I Believe in Love) (2002 - Remaster)
10.Don't You Want Me (2002 - Remaster)
Bonus tracks;
11.The Sound of the Crowd (Complete) (2012 - Remaster)
12.Don't You Want Me (Extended Dance Mix) (2012 - Remaster)
13.The Sound of the Crowd (Instrumental) (2012 - Remaster)
14.Open Your Heart/Non-Stop (Instrumental) (2012 - Remaster)
15.Don't You Want Me (Alternative Version) (2012 - Remaster)
CD 2
1.Hard Times/Love Action (I Believe in Love) (Instrumental) (2001 - Remaster)
2.Mirror Man (2003 - Remaster)
3.You Remind Me of Gold (2012 - Remaster)
4.(Keep Feeling) Fascination (Extended Version) (2012 - Remaster)
5.I Love You Too Much (2012 - Remaster)
6.Mirror Man (Extended Version) (2012 - Remaster)
7.You Remind Me of Gold (Instrumental) (2012 - Remaster)
8.(Keep Feeling) Fascination (Improvisation) (2012 - Remaster)
9.I Love You Too Much (Dub Version) (2012 - Remaster)
10.Total Panic (2012 - Remaster)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqqBs6kkzHE
Michael Franti Spearhead Dave Pecaut Square Luminato June 14, 2012
Decided to skip the Bad Religion chaos at Dundas Square to check out Michael Franti/Spearhead at the Luminato festival at Dave Pecaut square for free. Its a shame that Luminato and NXNE run their festival at the same time each year. If it wasn't enough of a challenge to sift through the menu of bands at NXNE, Luminato then adds a whole bunch more.
Was running from the premiere of the movie Ecstasy (based on Irvine Welsh book) at the Royal to the square and arrived slightly late. Was solo on this mission as Tuco got called in last minute by the man. What I arrived to was quite the family event with a mixed crowd of all ages and a good time. I would guess maybe about 2000+ people. Everyone was up and dancing. A couple tracks in I realized this wasn't going to be a 1990s Spearhead/Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy Drug of the Nation type of the night but more of his latest work off his past four albums gravitating towards reggae, dancehall, bossa nova, afrobeat and funk.
Unfortunately, the sound guys were off at the beginning of this show as the music was at the level that even your grandmother would be saying turn it up. Michael clued into this as the show went onward and the number of people telling him to turn it up. At one point I think the whole crowd was yelling for a volume increase. He finally stopped the show so that they could fix it. During this time he kicked into an acoustic number. After this, he advised and appologized that the sound couldn't be any louder due to sound restrictions. Thankfully though, they did actually raise the volume to a level that was reasonable/enjoyable and the dance party got bigger.
The night wasn't short of some sort of activism. At somepoint Michael invited some people up on stage. A topless woman leaped on stage to get down. "This show keeps on getting weirder by the moment" exclaimed Michael as the lady left the stage at the end of the song. So much for the family show.
Spearhead even had special guest Jovanotti (playing luminato the next day) and his band stop by to join in for their single they released last year called The Sound Of Sunshine. Jovanotti even busted out some Sugarhill Gang during one of his many cameos that night.
Michael highlighted the age of his crowd by pointing out a couple who had been married for 35 years. His comment was "You know your marriage has been a success when you are 35 years later in the front row of a rock concert.
Spearhead played for a solid two hours and had everyone screaming for more. Quite the love in. I was off though for my failed attempt to get into the Garrison to see the Black Belles.
Here is what the twitter world said about the concert:
@ElGuaposGhost: I wasnt aware that a Michael Franti show was also a family picnic..tons of kids, old people, camping chairs and blankets (IKDK: Neither did we)
@SarinaCondello: Ready to hear Michael Franti share his gifts!! #luminato is amazing!
@juliriffat: So apparently Michael Franti is kind of a big deal! #Luminato2012
@HouseHeal_Sara: Waiting for Michael Franti to play at Luminato inTO - in front row!!!
@Meskanawskwew: Woo hoo free michael franti concert!
@thisiskit_com: Seriously have you not sorted out the sound yet @Luminato the festival is almost over. #Franti
@littlebitesbig: @Luminato fix Michael Franti's microphone!!! Vocals too low :(
@thisiskit_com: I have never heard such an amazing chant for better sound than at this #Franti show @Luminato
@affanchowdhry: Michael Franti has stopped his concert at #Luminato2012 because mic not working. (IKDK: Not just his mic, the sound period.)
@iamcontinuum: Michael Franti just stopped the concert in protest for better sound quality!!! Bawse!!! Hahahaha http://fb.me/1pOir2EqI
@IKvsDK: Sounds alittle louder now luminato #franti
@_thomasle: Getting #luminato 'd again! Michael Franti!
@affanchowdhry: Awesome. Franti is bringing people on to the stage.
@chinacharlie: Topless girl on stage with @michael franti #luminato
@IKvsDK: Franti "this show is getting weirder by the moment" topless woman dancing on stage #luminato
@clarehitchens: I am a sucker for a boy with a guitar. #Franti @Luminato (IKDK: most women are)
@IKvsDK: Dualing bases #franti #luminato
@MatJWHughes: At Michael Franti show (IKDK: Thanks Mat)
@IKvsDK: Franti "Key to a sucessful 35 year marriage is being together in the front row of a rock concert"
@natsegat: Outdoor concert #Luminato6 "Live is better with you" - Michael Franti
@Meskanawskwew: Free Michael Franti concert in Toronto :) he rocked and rolled my lil rockin world tonight
@IKvsDK: Franti "Don't let nobody tell you it couldn't be done"
@NicoleW_Star: Now at the #Luminato Michael Franti/Spearhead concert. I shall mention, without comment, that there are a lot of people with dreads here.
@IKvsDK: There is a lot of dancing going on in dave pecaut square #franti #spearhead #luminato
@clarehitchens: Stage full of kids for the Michael Franti finale @Luminato
@mikemacaroni: Hearing the Italian version of "Sound of Sunshine" live w/ Michael Franti & Jovanotti in person brought me back to my 2011 summer in Italy!
@clarehitchens: Had a total blast at my first Michael Franti concert. He has a beautiful spirit. Thanks @Luminato I’m still dancing.
@juliebrar: "Everywhere I go the less I know. I know one thing- I love u Toronto." Good vibes hanging w/ old & new friends @ Michael Franti show:)
@emilythespiller: Just met Michael Franti. He gives good hugs:)
@catCwilliams: Chatting it up with the shoeless Michael Franti.
@NicolePoynter22: Michael Franti and Spearhead lit Toronto up last night at David Pecaut Square!
@MAdCastFuji: @michaelfranti & Spearhead ROCKED Toronto tonight. Thanks for the music, energy & LOVE. What a beautiful spirit! 1Luv!
@AyeletTsabari: Just saw michael franti live in downtown Toronto for free. Love this city. Love franti.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNHz6SYx-0
Documentary: The Ballad Of Hugh NFB NXNE Day 4 June 16, 2012
Day 4 of NXNE and I got the opportunity to catch a documentary on 82 year old Hugh Oliver being premiered at the film festival side of the NXNE music festival at the packed NFB movie theatre located at John and Richmond.
Hugh has been playing music for along time. He appears quite frequently at the Tranzac in the Annex in Toronto. This is a documentary on his life and his music. It coincides with the release of a full length CD put together by Hugh and ex-supergarage guy Marco DiFelice who also directs the documentary. Entertaining hour long film which tracks the production/recording of the CD and Hugh's quirky offbeat life. A life filled with hits and misses.
Movie is showing again on Wednesday June 20, 2012 at the Royal on College.
Here is the official trailer:
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKxjbQT_eQw
Friday, June 15, 2012
Fawn - No Wave (Hype 0238)
NXNE Day 3 Friday June 15, 2012
9:00 2:54 Lee's Palace
10:00 DIIV Lee's Palace (Captured Tracks....nuff said)
11:00 The Black Belles Horseshoe Tavern
12:00 Yamantaka//Sonic Titan Garrison
1:00 Widow Speak Garrison (Captured Tracks again)
NXNE Day 2 Ecstasy Irvine Welch Royal Cinema
Day two was a slow one. Started the day off watching Italy draw and potentially eliminate any opportunity they had of moving on to the next round. The day didn't get any better as I took in my first movie of the NXNE festival. Ecstasy, based on a book by Irvine Welsh was having its world premiere or something like that. Very hyped and the banner film for NXNE this year.
Unfortunately I was disappointed. Maybe I'm getting older but this movie didn't do much for me. Am I too old to relate? Not sure if it was the production or maybe simply it was an average film. Although I wasn't expecting a trainspotting, I was expecting more. Based on some of the comments from others that had bolted I wasn't alone.
Movie was filmed in Scotland and is billed as a Canadian dark romantic comedy film adaptation of the short story The Undefeated from the #1 best-selling book Ecstasy by Irvine Welsh.
Bolted for the door as soon as the film ended and missed the q and a with the director and Irvine Welsh. Needed to get myself to Luminato for Michael Franti and Spearhead.
Day 1 NXNE Beliefs Eternal Summers Mac DeMarco Porcelain Raft Drake Underground
Beliefs are a five piece from Toronto that sound like a mid nineties sonic subpop/slumberland band. Noisy guitars with girl/guy vocals. Nice sounding and went through a set which was may 30 minutes long.
Eternal Summers were a three piece from Roanoke, Va. They are signed to the ultra cool Kanine Records and have already released 2 albums. They are currently touring for their third called Correct Behaviour. The band is composed of guitarist/vocalist Nicole Yun, Bassist Jonathan Woods, and drummer Daniel Cundiff. NXNE staff had to rush to find water for Daniel who supposedly will break down if he doesn't hydrate regularily. I can definately see that as he pounds the hell out of his drums. Also, the Drake was like a microwave oven until someone finally turned on some air conditioning or opened a door to cool things down. Nice eighties alternative sounding band. Fast Paced. With an asian lead singer I automatically start to remember Lush.
Up next was up and comer Mac DeMarco who bused in from Montreal Quebec to do supposedly 10 shows during the festival. We got to see show one. Mac DeMarco, a four piece baseball cap wearing crew with a very cocky belching frontman. The band is currently signed to the ultra-hip Captured Tracks label out of the USA. You know you ain't going to be disappointed if Captured Tracks are involved. The band ran through a nice selection of tracks from their album Rock and Roll Night Club. The lead singer even took a moment to crowd surf during a musical interlude. Rock and Roll.
Last was Porcelain Raft who were just finishing a 5 month tour for his new album Strange Weekend. This was actually the last show. I'm not sure frontman Italian Mauro Remiddi knew anything about the festival he was playing and had no clue what the name was. Just probably happy to finish off such a long time on the road. His show featured only himself and a drummer. Okay show but definately prefer the CD to the live show.
Thought about catching Volcano Playground at The El Mo but my better senses kicked in and remained on the streetcar and headed home. Shame the band doesn't play another show this week.
Here is what they said on Twitter:
Beliefs
@CharissaTosio: Beliefs at drake underground for Nxne day 1
@deptofhighfives: Beliefs singer: "Is it possible to get *less* vocals in here?" #shoegaze #nxne
@IKvsDK: Beliefs end up being a noisy subpop/slumberland sounding band #nxne #drake #nice
Eternal Summers
@imacgill: Eternal Summers has a cute Asian girl. Time to move closer to the stage. #nxnefest
@CharissaTosio: Drake underground is filling up for eternal summers. Nxne day 1
@rob_duffy: NXNE begins with Eternal Summers at the Drake! They're good! (IKDK: Actually it began with the Beliefs but you missed it)
@IKvsDK: Eternal Summers #nxne #drake #doublenice
@LaurenMorocc: Eternal Summers killing it @thedrakehotel
@imacgill: Wow!!! I'm in love with the singer/guitarist of Eternal Summers. What a great performance. #shoegaze #nxnefest
@brifro: Eternal Summers just killed it at Drake. KILLED IT! @nxnefest
@joefordy25: Eternal summers blisteringly hot at the Drake... blowing all expectations out of the water #nxne
@suckingalemon: eternal summers were fantastic. #nxne
Mac DeMarco
@oftoronto: So Eternal Summers were good...but, Mac DeMarco killed it at The Drake. #nxne (IKDK: Alot of people were killing things)
@theJDSB: I love it when I find new bands to love! Mac Demarco is killing @thedrakehotel @nxnefest
@joefordy25: Pretty hyped up for Mac demarco... one of the best albums of 2012 so far #nxne
@nxnefest: Microphone burps. Thanks, Mac DeMarco. Music to our ears. #nxne #sr
@SidewalkHustle: I really hope Mac DeMarco plans to burp the alphabet later tonight. @nxnefest #NXNE
@shmeeli: Mac Demarco absolutely slammmmmed @thedrakehotel !! #nxne
@SidewalkHustle: Great energy from Mac DeMarco considering he hasn't slept in 2 days.. He decided to lie down for a bit @nxnefest #nxne
@madabeckles: Mac DeMarco is making me swoon like a little girl. #pantydropper
@thesmilezz: Mac DeMarco. Wow. Proper #NXNE kick off at @thedrakehotel (IKDK: Again, actually it began with the Beliefs but you missed it)
@nxnefest: Mac DeMarco started early. Which means there's a lot more time to finish. This is a good thing. (ps, The Drake is busy) #nxne #sr
@syrrosis: First night @nxnefest so far so good. Great venues great sound. Mac demarco - bravo. Impressive.
@SidewalkHustle: Mac DeMarco's guitar is hanging on by a string. Literally his guitar strap is a string. @nxnefest
@IKvsDK: Mac DeMarco #nxne #drake rock and roll nightclub #capturedtracks
@SidewalkHustle: So Mac DeMarco just decided to "take a float across the top" of an unwilling crowd @nxnefest. Strangely enough it was pretty successful (IKDK: I think this guy could sell anything including his mother)
@joefordy25: Mac demarco was the best thing I've seen in ages! A bit of dancing and another beer. Porcelain raft next #nxne
@oftoronto: Today I witnessed the world's most subdued crowd surf, courtesy of Mac DeMarco
@paperapostle: Mac DeMarco has not slept since noon yesterday #nxne @ Drake Underground
Porcelain Raft
@IKvsDK: Out of power Porcelain Raft up next #nxne #drake nice start to the week
@nxnefest: It's Porcelain Raft time at The Drake. Hope you brought a paddle. #nxne #sr
@irockstylettos: Loving Porcelain Raft #NXNE @nxnefest
@Miketron5000: Porcelain Raft is killing it right now at the Drake Underground!! (IKDK: Alot of killing going on here at the Drake Underground)
@noahlove66: Porcelain Raft: if you wish Stars had a beard. #nxne
@nxnefest: We forgive Porcelain Raft for not knowing the name of our festival. Maybe. #nxne #sr (IKDK: that was kinda sad actually...blame the long tour?)
@Kateswitch: Porcelain Raft. So, so good! #nxne @ Drake Underground
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
NXNE Day 1 Wednesday June 13, 2012
Wednesday June 13th is the first night of concerts and this is what we are recommending you see:
9:00 Beliefs (Toronto, ON) - Drake Hotel Underground
10:00 Eternal Summers (Roanoke, VA) - Drake Hotel Underground
11:00 Mac Demarco (Montreal, QC) - Drake Hotel Underground
12:00 Porcelain Raft (New York, NY) - Drake Hotel Underground
1:00 Volcano Playground (Toronto, ON) - El Mocambo - Main Floor
Enjoy the first night out
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Associates - Club Country (Retro 018)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXquAe25vI
Tiny Victories - Mr Bones (Hype 0237)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoOBn_q0aK4
Monday, June 11, 2012
Young Galaxy - Shoreless Kid (Hype 0236)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fySuolJYh7k
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Echo Friendly - Worried
Friday, June 8, 2012
Saint Etienne I Got Your Music (Hype 0235)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kWy48yIgxQ
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Meshuggah w/ Baroness at The Sound Academy, May 17, 2012
Destroy. Erase. Improve. Spell this out and you get Dei = God. That's right, Meshuggah were at the Sound Academy Thursday night and Tuco was there to take it in.
Being that it was the Sound Academy, I drove down just to save a little time, despite the outrageous $20 parking fee (Can anyone tell me if they tow/ticket at the T&T lot?). Avoided driving into a crack hoe that wandered into the street at Church and Carleton - a good omen.
Consulting the set times, I decided to miss out on the first act, Decapitated - I mean the name is enough to put me off. The second act, however, was Baroness, a label-mate of Mastodon, which I was stoked to see. Got there in time to settle in with a brew and a quick look around. Decided to try my luck on the house right side of the action and got a decent spot near the bar.
Good size crowd and young. Not as young as C.O.B. but still youthful. Of note were the T-shirts the fans were wearing. Alot of Meshuggah Ts from several different concerts. And of the remainder that weren't Meshuggah, I didn't know half of them; There's so much out there.
Also interesting was that they had security organizing the Meshuggah merchandise line because there were so many people. For the ENTIRE NIGHT, the line ALWAYS had people. I've never seen that before - the band must have sold Tons of merch.
So Baroness gets started and they are mellower than my memory recalls. They employ a neat flanger effect in their opening track but the "groove" is missing a bit. Something seems off. The second track has some bite to it with a decent riff. The vocals feature two singers, one lead and the other accenting the first. Quite melodic at times with some quieter passages.
The audience is focussed and appreciative. Baroness takes their sound through a wider dynamic range and also has some longer four and even eight bar phrases. a lyrical sound. They've got a swimmy guitar effect going. When they aren't stringing together riffs and melodies, they pause in a swimmy stew of guitar effects/noise.
One thing Baroness does well is transition between songs. It's always a clean one that adds a little bit of structure to a performance that is more than just a collection of riffs. Near the end of the set, they finally throw down a nice groove and I'm happy.
Interlude music goes on: it's Rod Stewart - Do you think I'm Sexy. On repeat. I beat the line up and grab a Meshuggah T-shirt only now I don't have enough for food. I'm hungry but the fare at the Sound Academy does not inspire.
I relocate to house left for Meshuggah. There's noticeably more people now and sightlines are at a premium. All the bud-smokers start their ritual and one can see plumes of smoke issuing from the middle of the floor - the most inaccessible place for security of course. There's a whole science on how to smoke at a concert that deserves some words.
Meshuggah hit the stage and the launch into a ferocious first track, Demiurge. The sound is great; the track is both eerie and groovy. Meshuggah are known for their 7 string guitar work and the low end is coming through really really well. The second track, Pravus, is quicker and the crowd reaction is intense.
I'm not a big fan of metal vocals but so far these are passable featuring classic death metal growl. What really stands out is the band's great sense of timing and rhythm. Meshuggah are known for using all kinds of odd time signatures and it's something to see the band operate live and never miss a change or a beat. Phenomenal stuff.
There's quite a bit going on down in front as a steady stream of guys entering and exiting the pit stream past. One attractive young lady has a red rose in her hair and is flitting around the back of the crowd. Someone's beer goes flying. One crowd surfer makes it a few rows but this is more of a slamdancing/moshing kind of crowd.
I feel like I'm in a machine with the droning two stroke drumming and rhythm. The low end is hypnotic. The band has got the crowd on a leash. More tracks follow with no filler. A brief respite and the encore.
A slower track, Future Breed Machine, from the early days has the crowd back into it and the final crazy thrashing beat of Dancers to a Discordant System has all the kids racing to the pit (the metal version of Dancing Queen?!).
Concert ends. A guy emerges from the pit, goes up to the bar and turns in someone's shoe. Time to do a head count and collect the bodies.
Here's the setlist
Sunday, June 3, 2012
A Flock Of Seagulls - I Ran (Retro 017)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pq0xYr3L4
Purity Ring - Belispeak (Hype 0234)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVcOwVD4V30
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Talib Kweli Sound Academy Toronto June 02, 2012
IKDK took on the offer of last minute tickets for the sold out Talib Kweli show at the Sound Academy. Finished off my night at Real Sports watching the Marlies unfortunately lose and scrambled over to Cherry Street. Literally just made it to the venue for Talib so apologies to the openers who I can't comment on. Everytime I end up going to the Sound Academy I start to like it. Maybe they have changed something or maybe they haven't but the Talib Kweli was bumping last night.
Super diverse crowd at this show. Everyone and anyone. Talib came on pretty late 11:30. I would guess he performed for about 90+ minutes running through a nice selection of cuts from his four albums including my fav track Hot Thing.
Kweli did some nice banter with the crowd. Talib flagged that he supposedly has challenges getting across the border everytime he comes up to Canada. Supposedly everything gets sorted as long as he pays a 250 dollars fee and then we let him in and everything is all right. Also paid a brief tribute to late MCA of the Beastie Boys and all sorts of other performers who had recently passed on.
All and All a fantastic show.
Here is what they said on twitter about the show:
@IKvsDK: "If you haven't listened to anything I have said tonight" (IKDK: Opening act hype the last song of the set)
@L_Mac42: Concert crew 2.0 @catherinecachia #rachelkeeling @mwoodrow24 #kmac @L_Mac42 at Talib Kweli. Let's put it down peoples!!!
@Dynesti: At the Talib Kweli concert with @TheRemixProject sooo much fun! I f***in love this program!!
@jacquelinegyl: Most diverse crowd @ talib kweli concert right now #1loveto
@tianareid: Did anyone even pay for this Talib Kweli show?
@samomaryleona: Illin backstage at Sound Academy at the rammed Talib Kweli show (IKDK: You should be watching the show)
@SeptembreA: Talib Kweli almost feels like a One Direction concert. Blame the audience #hipsters (IKDK: Gotta love hipsters calling others hipsters)
@geodee: At Talib Kweli: dropping lyrics over Eleanor Rigby: things that can only be done live: copyright sucks.
@CROOKLiNofSB: Talib Kweli killin the stage right now Downtown Toronto. Bam bam!
@thisisWALDER: There was more ppl in Sound Academy for Talib Kweli than there was for Rick Ross lol (IKDK: Rick who?)
@pldChris: Talib kweli is actually killing it!!
@BigJacks: I almost forgot how much white people love Talib Kweli.
@DempzCarter: crazy night loonie dropped a sold tape ,then got hooked up on tickets to see Talib Kweli sold out show at sound academy
@bluntasamotha: Our friend thinks she's cultured cuz she's at that talib kweli concert lol (IKDK: she could be right)
@ihussary: Talib Kweli. Brooklyns own rocking sound academy in tdot
@IKvsDK: Teleporting home from the talib kweli concert #teleport
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPCBmcpNzk&ob=av2e
Friday, June 1, 2012
Garbage at the Phoenix, May 28th, 2012
On a hot and awesome monday evening, Tuco ventured out to the Phoenix with good buddy D to take in some Garbage. We got there early and managed to snag some chairs in the balcony.
Live Nation had tweeted the set times with opening act James Alan, from parts unknown, starting at 8:30. Turns out Alan is a magician. Interesting choice starting a show with a magic act. Alan engaged the crowd, getting people on stage and doing some decent card tricks. Most seemed to involve palming cards or some such trickery but generally an entertaining opener.
By the time Garbage was ready to take the stage, the place was packed. A young crowd with a lot of ladies. Everybody was stoked to see Shirley Manson, the charismatic frontwoman for the band. The rest of the band is composed of rhythm-guitar Duke Erikson and producers Butch Vig (percussion) and Steve Marker (lead guitar). Last but not least is journeyman bassist Eric Avery who some might recall from Metallica's Some Kind Of Monster, the bass auditions as well as Jane's Addiction and other ventures.
The band finally takes the stage at 9:30 and launch into their set. Shirley has her hair up, Steve and Dave are wearing suits. The crowd is engaged in the earlies and the band pauses a bit between songs to let the song sit.
I'm comfortably off my feet with a great view and D is happily cheering and gabbing with two lovely ladies from the Hammer. The sound is decent and the band expertly mix in little snippets from synthesizers and guitar pedals. The whole effect is professional and effective and .... unglamourous. That is, next to Shirley Manson, everything else kind of fades into the background. She's got a great presence and a great voice. And the audience is super appreciative.
It's early yet into the program and out comes Stupid Girl. This was one of their big ones back in the day. The band delivers the track with a seering dancey beat which goes over well. The pacing of the concert is great and by this time the band has shed their outerwear and are delivering the goods.
Another few tracks and it's #1 Crush, Cherry Lips and a great track from their new album Blood For Poppies. Amazing stuff. D and the Hammer ladies are hooting and yowling. It's a great vibe from the crowd.
On the last stretch, there's a technical glitch which momentarily stops the performance. For a brief moment Shirley backs away from the stage, content to wait it out with the band - she seems kind of shy. But then, as if remembering she's a rock star, starts to gab with the audience. Shirley picks a few people in the front row and asks them where they are from.
"Montreal" ...
"Latvia" ....
"Peterborough" (loud clapping from Tuco on this one).
Duke emerges from stage left with a shot of Highland Park - Shirley's drink of choice. She's SO Scottish!! And we're off again. D is starting to scream something in my ear about rain and when she's happy. And then the big song hits, the one D has been waiting for. D and the ladies from Hamilton and all the other women in the place go off cause I'm Only Happy When It Rains is playing. Shirley ends up writhing on the stage floor and finishes the song on top with a dramatic arch of the back. Wow. Somehow she made that look classy.
Brief offstage followed by an encore which includes their James Bond theme song contribution t Enough. Here's the Setlist:
And an appreciative post-concert tweet from the band :
@garbage: Toronto! That was off the chain! Thankyou for a very special evening!!! G
