Basia Bulat @ Criminal Records (In-Store Performance)

Ah, Basia. After melting my heart about a month ago while opening for Ohbijou at Lee's Palace, Basia Bulat's Oh My Darling has been in incessant rotation on the old ipod. As you can see by it's high placing on my year end best of, the album has pierced my very soul, and the opportunity to see her play for free at a local record store was an opportunity that I could definitely not pass up on. This wasn't your typical 20 minuter, as most in-stores are, because this one was being broadcast on CBC Radio 3. So, for all intents and purposes, this was a full out concert. What particularly warmed my heart was the turn out for this event. I got there early (just to be safe) and although I needn't of worried at that time, getting there right at seven may not have proved itself to be quite as advantageous. The place was packed, which was truly great to see. Basia's voice was flawless, as she opened the show singing accompanied only by her own foot stomps and handclaps. She could sing the phone book, as far as I'm concerned. Flawless. She always looks like she's genuinely having the time of her life when she performs, and she also looks at her bandmates as if she's a proud mother, truly blown away by all that they contribute. Add all that to her apparently sincere humility, and you've got yourself what I would consider to be a real Canadian treasure. Cuff The Duke's Wayne Petti also sang along for the last song. It'll be interesting to see what the next year or two holds for Basia. I've heard from a very reliable source, that with the Rough Trade label having recently been sold to the Beggars Group, her potential for significant promotion overseas is huge. I wish her all the success that she deserves.

I should also add that upon meeting her after the show, I've come to the conclusion that her adorabilty is no mere act of showmanship. This girl is genuine, through and through. (Added bonus: she explained how to properly pronounce her name. It's "Basha," if you're wondering...) It was really cool to meet her, and she treated us as if we've been her friends for years. If my predictions for the future are even remotely accurate, then you know I'll be playing the "I knew her when" card. How can I not?

Photos: Basia Bulat @ Criminal Records on flickr
Download: Snakes and Ladders mp3
Myspace: Basia Bulat
Video: Snakes and Ladders live in Brussels on youtube.