Stars - Counting Stars on the Ceiling (Retro 041)

Nice opportunity to catch Stars for free last night at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Thought I'd bring back a track from their elusive first album Nightsongs.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXEFA2z5hpk

Atlas Genius at the Opera House Sunday June 23, 2013 Haerts Pacific Air

Thanks to a friend with an extra ticket, I was out at the Opera House last night to catch double hyped alt rock Australian funk outfit Atlas Genius' sold out show. The band was welcomed to Toronto with the hottest day of the year so far.

How big is this band? Well, Toronto pop radio station Edge 102 was promoting the show (From a quick scan of their top thirty chart the band has 2 songs in the chart at this moment) and the band will be back in October to play a much larger Danforth Music Hall.

There were actually three bands on the line-up tonight. New York based outfit Haerts opened up the show. This was the second time seeing the band in the last month. They also opened up for the Shout Out Louds at the Opera House in May. Great indiepop band with a number of nice tunes. Their playlist didn't seem to sway from what it was in May. Their first album is due out sometime in 2013.

My enjoyment of their big single Wings was unfortunately interupted mid-song by a drunken woman who decided that I was the local drug dealer and asked me if I was selling any weed. "She really wanted some weed". I responded No, I had no weed for sale let alone have any weed. "You know, really like the weed". At this point I wished her best of luck finding the weed and sent her on her way.

 

Up next was Pacific Air, a californian outfit with some sweet indie-rock. Definately with alittle bit more energy than Haerts, the outfit played for about 40 minutes cruising through tracks from their first album Stop Talking. The band hit the scene in 2012 with their first whistle friendly single Float.
Their live show and enthusiam sold me. Definately a band worth checking out when they start to headline.

 

Finally, Atlas Genius hit the stage at 10 PM for a quick jaunt through their first album When It Was Now. Energy level tripled for the crowd as the band launched into their first track. From my friends account they played the whole album. Mid-set they broke rotation for a cover of the Strokes Last Night. The band is composed of two brothers. It now makes sense of why lead singer Keith only introduced two of the four members of the band on stage, the session players. Biggest crowd response was for the final song of the night Trojans (pre-encore). The promoter did a good job of putting these three bands together. Entertaining.

Here is the video for Trojans




Here is the video for Pacific Air's Float




Here is the video for Haerts Wings

Stranglers Danforth Music Hall Toronto May 31, 2013

First time at the Danforth Music Hall in about 20 years to see the Stranglers for the first time. Supposedly the Stranglers don't tour much and this was their first time over to North America in a long time. Visa problems led to them having to cancel their first show on the tour in Detroit. Toronto ended up being the first show. They are touring to promote their new album Giants.

Danforth Music Hall is a great venue. It reminded me of the cavernous Concert Hall of old. Great venue which pits the East End versus the West End as the best area to see concerts in the city. Only unfortunate thing about the hall is their exit plan which pits a mass exodus of people versus the merchandise stand in a very small entry way.

Two opening bands opened up the show who were surprisingly welcomed by the audience. I felt they didn't fit the bill at all and my attention easily drifted to people watching. The crowd was definately a mix of everyone given the Stranglers have been going since around 1977.

The Stranglers hit the stage around 10 and played a nice two hour set of 22 songs spanning across their whole career. Here was the setlist:

1) Toiler on the Sea (Black And White-1978)
2) Goodbye Toulouse (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
3) (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
4) Norfolk Coast (Norfolk Coast-2004)
5) Nuclear Device (The Raven-1979)
6) Freedom Is Insane (Giants-2012)
7) Mercury Rising (Giants-2012)
8) Peaches (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
9) Relentless (Suite XVI-2006)
10) Golden Brown (La Folie-1981)
11) Skin Deep (Aural Sculpture-1984)
12) Always The Sun (Dreamtime-1986)
13) Walk On By (Black And White-1978)
14) Burning Up Time (No More Heroes-1977)
15) Nice And Sleazy (Black And White-1978)
16) Bring On The Nubiles (No More Heroes-1977)
17) Who Wants The World (IV-1980)
18) Time Was Once On My Side (Giants-2012)
19) Duchess (The Raven-1979)
20) No More Heroes (No More Heroes-1977)
Encore
21) Hanging Around (Rattus Norvegicus-1977)
22) Tank (Black And White-1978)

Unfortunately they didn't play my favourite song No Mercy so I will leave you with the Video

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ZyaESTxpw

Secret Chiefs 3 at The Drake Underground, May 24th

Secret Chiefs 3 were in Toronto recently to disseminate their brand of auditory mayhem and uncategorizable malarkey. This was the first show of a two show tour and Tuco hustled down to the Drake Underground to soak in the vibe.

This is one of a number of side projects of Trey Spruance which he uses to channel his musical interests. Spruance and SC3 have also been associated with 90s bands Faith No More and Mr. Bungle - for any Mike Patton fans out there.

The Drake Underground is a smallish venue infested with hipsters and serving Creemore on tap. Tuco got there with time to spare and found a spot next to the soundboard.

The show started promptly with five hooded figures taking the stage and the hum of the amps permeating the space. The stage had enough room for the band but no more. The venue was close to capacity with about a 3:1 male/female split.

First song got some love from the crowd, and the advantages of this smallish space become apparent; Great Clear Sound. It took a few tracks from my ears to get used to the clarity. By the third song, the drummer had inadvertently "broke character" by shedding his hood but got it back on for the next song.

The SC3 sound is difficult to describe - sometimes, there is a bit of a surf-rock feel at times, sometimes it sounds like a soundtrack for some epic film. Amongst the five guys, about eight or nine instruments were used. Oh yeah - and no vocals. That's key.

The guy that stood out in this first 45 minute set was the drummer. Great hits, timing, etc...

I asked the guy behind the sound table if he had a setlist and he responded in the negative. It was also a good indicator of how involved the "engineer" was in the process. Any switches, etc. were being flipped either just off stage or by the musicians on-stage themselves.

After a 45 minutes, there was 20 minute intermission. The Drake has two neon signs on opposite ends of the floor: "Bang Bang" and "Kiss Kiss". It took me a while to figure out the James Bond connection. Under the "Kiss Kiss" sign was some SC3 merch: T-shirts, CDs and vinyl. The hipsters went straight for the vinyl. I picked up a T-shirt.

Second set, SC3 came out with a change of hoodie and a different theme emerged to the evening. The second set was dominated by more melodic tracks - handled ably by the addition of a violin - compared to the rather percussive first set.

Three women got their "dance on" near the centre of the hipster crowd; a mild fail. There were at least three tracks during the evening based on classical songs (e.g. Dance Macabre) which were well-received. The audience knowledge of the SC3 material seemed pretty high (Tuco bringing down the average :( ). This second act ended after about 45 minutes with no encore and Spruance signing a "Thank You" to the assembled patrons.

In short, great choice of venue suiting the musicianship of SC3. Surprisingly interesting song-writing with a nice sense of melody and great balance within the group. For $20 easily the best value possibly ever. Seriously, there's something about instrumental music in general, and the SC3 treatment in particular, that is unique, different, reinvigorating and fun.

Twitterer @doppelmock pointed out that SC3 may soon be releasing a long-awaited studio album (possibly) titled "Book of Souls". Although I didn't see any promotional materials (i.e. screaming posters or artwork), it would justify the touring. There's no such thing as free shrimp. High recommend from Tuco if this happens.

Shout Out Louds and Haerts Toronto Opera House May 14, 2013

Tuesday night in the East End for Swedish band Shout Out Louds. Head down Queen East and fill up on an Ossington Burger from BBQ. Quickly head over to the Opera House to catch the band.

Mid set, girls at front of the stage are shouting for the Shout Out Louds to play a track from around 2005. The lead singer identifies that she doesn't know the track they are asking for. Unfortunately the band performing is the opening band. The crowd breaks into laughter when it comes to light that the women think the band is the Shout Out Louds.

The openers are Haerts, a band from New York hailing from Germany, England, and the United States. Fantastic set from this new band. Their first single Wings is floating around on seven inch and the first album is due out soon. The band definately held their own with some great indie keyboardish cuts for their short set. A band worth seeing as a headliner in the future.



















Shout Out Louds were promptly on at 9:00 PM. The band is touring on the strength of their fantastic fourth album Optica. Again, the girls in the front row start to call for songs. The response is priceless...."we aren't a jukebox". The band go through a set that is heavy on Optica but balances it out with 3 tracks from each of the first three albums. Here is the setlist:

1. Sugar (Optica)
2. Walking In Your Footsteps (Optica)
3. The Comeback (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
4. Impossible (Our Ill Wills)
5. The Candle Burned Out (Work)
6. Chasing The Sinking Sun (Optica)
7. Fall Hard (Work)
8. Illusions (Optica)
9. Blue Ice (Optica)
10. Hard Rain (Our Ill Wills)
11. Please Please Please (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
12. 14th of July (Optica)
13. Very Loud (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff)
Encore
14. Destroy (Optica)
15. Walls (Work)
16. Tonight I Have To Leave It (Our Ill Wills)

The band then packs it in to head off to Detroit.

Haerts

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk52XHSpmF4




Shout Out Louds

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9vBovJVPQg

Heart w/ Simon Townsend at Massey Hall, March 21, 2013

It was the first day of spring and what's not to like about a show at Massey Hall for what will hopefully be the start of an eventful 2013 summer concert season. Rock legends Heard were in town on their Frantic tour and Tuco was on hand to narrate.

The Wilson sisters have been writing tracks since the 70s and are to be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this month for their contributions. Their longevity and womanly awesomeness were readily apparent in the audience which consisted mostly of older couples interspersed with small gangs of younger women.

Instead of staring at his phone - the trademark of this generation - Tuco struck up a conversation with the person next to him. He had been to a number of Heart concerts and had started his concert-going experiences in St. Louis in 1973 where he saw Led Zeppelin. Tuco was amazed and peppered him with more questions. This ended awkwardly as Tuco ran out of common ground and could not avoid throwing in something his parents had told him, highlighting a significant age gap and ending the conversation.

Fortunately, everything was running on time and the opener, Simon Townsend (brother of Pete Townsend who had played the ACC with The Who late last year) ran out and worked some guitar magic. Massey is a pretty good venue for an acoustic or moderately electric set and this is exactly what Townsend delivered. I'm curious which kind of set each musician prefers; Townsend seemed comfortable with either format. Quite a few guitars were used during the performance and a mandolin was brought out for the set closer. Best track was the one about World War II.

Brief break. Guy comes around charging $9 for a $2 beer. I still tip him for some reason.

Heart takes the stage and kick it off with that great riff from Barracuda. Besides Ann and Nancy, Heart feature a lead guitarist, drummer, bassist and a keyboardist. Everyone gives the band a warm reception. The band takes its time with the first few tracks. What About Love has the young ladies standing up and yelling about their need for Love (capital L). Pretty good performance so far and the lead guitarist works a few licks to Tuco's applause.

Ann pauses to address the crowd to rapturous applause. Tuco notes the appearance of Canadian and American flags in the backdrop. The next few songs spill out with a pretty cool version of Magic Man. Nancy Wilson still looks like a dream playing her guitar. I think she was the first woman I remember playing rock guitar - for that I am truly grateful.

The next few sounds fly by and then out come the acoustic guitars for the second half of the set. Dreamboat Annie and Dog and Butterfly are introduced with Ann giving a little background on each song and their impact on their early lives.

Next up are two 80s ballads played acoustically: These Dreams and Alone. To be honest, I was hoping for a return to the electric guitar, but it didn't happen.

Rounding out the set was Dear Old America which got some claps despite a somewhat anti-war machine vibe from those in attendance. Following this was brief bit of Nancy's magic as my ears seemed to pick out first Stairway To Heaven and Somewhere Over the Rainbow in her interlude into Crazy on You. Coolest moment in the concert for me. Crazy on You was one of the best performances of the night with a return to the rawer electrified sound.

Another brief pause and Heart came back on stage for the encore. Simon Townsend also returned to join the band onstage for the encore as they launched into Black Dog and then Love, Reign O'er Me. Ended strong!


Setlist:

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/heart/2013/massey-hall-toronto-on-canada-6bd8b29a.html

Barracuda
Fanatic
Heartless
What About Love

59 Crunch
Magic Man
Kick It Out
Even It Up
Dreamboat Annie
Dog and Butterfly
These Dreams
Alone
Dear Old America
Interlude (Guitar interpolating Stairway to Heaven and Somewhere Over the Rainbow?)
Crazy On You

Encore:
Black Dog

Love, Reign O'er Me

Best moments:

Crazy On You

Magic Man

What About Love

Alone

Love, Reign O'er Me

Gojira w/ Devin Townsend Project and The Atlas Moth at The Phoenix, Feb 13, 2013

It's Valentine's Eve and Tuco took to the mean streets of Hogtown to hunt down the monstrous Gojira at The Phoenix. It was a sold out show with a salty crowd enduring the slow-moving lineup to get in; fairly typical for all ages events.

Aside: Something I learned only recently was that Gojira is Japanese for Godzilla. According to the Godzilla wiki, the legendary radioactive beast has never made it to France. Lucky.

Got into The Phoenix and made my way to the furthest and least crowded bar from the door which turned out to be on the balcony. The opening act The Atlas Moth were already into their set. First impressions were pretty good - I enjoyed the droning bass and spacy guitar licks. The singing was "effortless" in the sense that there was a lack of urgency or possibly interest - which was alright for this crowd and the situation. Everything kind of worked.

The frontman was engaging and had some good one-liners. He gave a shout-out to their label Profound Lore headed up by a Canadian which may be why they were in Toronto in the first place. The sound was good enough that I forked over $10 (or 1.5 beers) for their latest album. They are classified in the "post-metal" genre which may lack precision but is on the "good" end of my own personal 2-state "good or garbage" classification system.

Intermission music was Black Sabbath and I ventured down from the balcony to scope the scene on the main floor. Pretty full venue and a surprising number of ladies. A screen was up on-stage and soon a video montage featuring commercials and something like youtube videos (e.g. Chocolate Rain) beamed down on the captive audience. I instinctively started reading (TV-phobia) and a few minutes later the Devin Townsend Project had taken the stage.

Not sure what to make of Devin Townsend. He's got a "wacky" sense of humour which made it feel like he was trying alot harder than the opening act. This seemed to drive people away. Townsend is not shy and the show seemed to refocuss on him rather than the music.

Townsend tried to get the crowd to do "jazz hands" during a song and the effect was that any seriousness in the venue evaporated. It didn't work. A few more tracks and the DTP had completed its mission of lowering expectations. (Bravo).

Second intermission. I started scoping the crowd again and noticed a woman with a tattoo across her back which read: "Music is the brandy of the damned". The internet tells me this is attributed to George Bernard Shaw. Not sure what it means and if it deserved a tattoo but there you have it.

A very thorough sound check had commenced on stage. I went to check out the merch and watched as the security team hustled by. A shouty woman was being ejected from the premises. I resisted the urge to clap. Hustled back, grabbed my last (and worst) brew and settled in.

Gojira take the stage and the rather static crowd finally showed some life. There was a lot of movement on the stage as the guitarists and singer rotated expertly over and across the risers. Some crowd surfing at the front and a decent audience reaction as singer Joe Duplantier worked the crowd.

Joe spoke some words in French and unfortunately got more applause than comprehension from this Toronto audience. Désolé mon ami!

Gojira has a pretty good feel for the natural tempo of a song. Each track had the "right" pace and credit Joe's brother Mario on the kit for holding it together with some nice flourishes.

Joe and Mario did a brief switcharoo to let Mario try out some death growls which felt light-hearted. Overall, a moderately enthusiastic crowd and a solid performance from the band.

Here's the setlist.

The encore came after a minute or two of crowd chants and the show closed up around 11:30 which was just enough time to get a Smoke's poutine and chill out to some Twisted Sister (I want to rock).

Midge Ure Hugh's Room Toronto January 14, 2012 Setlist

I got to catch the first of two shows at Hugh's Room out in Roncesvalles. This was my first time at the venue which is a dinner/show type of place. Quite the different experience for a concert.

Opening band was an american outfit called Right The Stars, who ended up being Midge's backing band. Weird. Not sure how that came together. Here was Midge's setlist. He definately jumped all around his career.

1) I See Hope In The Morning Light (1991; Pure)
2) Love's Great Adventure (1984; The Collection; Ultravox)
3) Call Of The Wild (1986; Call of The Wild single)
4) Breathe (1996; Breathe)
5) Fade To Grey (1980; Visage; Visage)
6) Cold Cold Heart(1991; Pure)
7) Answers To Nothing (1988; Answers To Nothing)
8) Just For You (1988; Answers To Nothing)
9) No Regrets (1982; No Regrets single; Tom Rush Cover)
10) Vienna (1980; Vienna; Ultravox)
11) Dear God (1988; Answers To Nothing)
12) One Small Day (1984; Lament; Ultravox)
13) Hymn (1982; Hymn; Ultravox)
14) If I Was (1985; The Gift)
15) Dancing With Tears In My Eyes (1984; Lament; Ultravox)
Encore
16) Do They Know Its Christmas (1984; Band Aid)

Thanks to Andrew P for the picture.

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:

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.