Just East Of Broadway @ Factory Theatre

I realize that the last thing that you were probably expecting me to rave about on this here snobby music blog is musical theatre, but yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing a show that I thought was downright delightful from start to finish and I really wanted to take the opportunity to promote it before you miss the chance to see it on such a small and affordable stage. Yes, I predict some big things for this one.

Just East Of Broadway was a runaway hit at last summer's Fringe Festival, and the effort has returned with a slightly modified cast for this year's Next Stage Theatre Festival, which runs from January 6th to the 17th. Its mention here is actually not all that unusual when you consider the fact that members of many of our favourite local bands had a share in creating this hilarious musical comedy. The story was written by Ben King and Hooded Fang's Nicholas Hune-Brown, while the musical numbers were created by Hune-Brown and Daniel Lee (also from Hooded Fang) along with members of Timber Timbre, The Bicycles and Clouds (That Look Like Things).

The plotline is completely ridiculous, and the songs even moreso, but I was laughing my face off from start to finish. Washed up action star Rex Maverick (played in cartoon-like fashion by Cory O’Brien) gets tricked by the evil starlet Veronica Malone (Lorna Wright) into trying to reboot his flailing career by heading up a theatre production in a (very) small farming community in China, where he meets a lovable and enthusiastic cast of characters that may have their heart in the right place, even if their thespian abilities may not be. I'd love to get into the details on all of my favourite moments, as well as the hilarity level of some of the very clever musical numbers, but I think that those moments work best if you just go and see them for yourselves. I will mention that you will undoubtedly be wowed by the excellent vocals of Ma-Anne Dionisio, who takes over the role of Mei-Ling, charmed by the performances of Lana Carillo and Darrel Allen Gamotin, who play the adorable Sui Fung and Tai Lee, and impressed with the gut wrenching antics of Sean Baek, who plays the scene stealing Mid-Level Official and Stephen Lilly as the hired murderer who just really loves to dance.

I've heard a lot of talk claiming that interest has been shown to move the production on up to bigger and better things and from what I've seen, I don't doubt it. So if that's the case, you're going to want to check out one of the performances happening over the next few days. Here's all the information you need:

Saturday, January 9 - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 10 - 6:45 p.m.
Monday, January 11 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13 - 8:15 p.m
Friday, January 15 - 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, January 16 - 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, January 17 - 9:00 p.m.
TICKET PRICES:
$15 – Evening Performances (7pm and after start time)
$12 – Afternoon Performance (6:59pm or before start time)
HOW TO PURCHASE:
By phone: 416-966-1062
Toll Free:1-866-515-7799
Online: Visa & Mastercard only
http://www.fringetoronto.com/nstf/nstf_tickets.html
Cash, Visa & Mastercard (NO Debit or AmEx)
Above photo by Jenna Wakani

Me On The Zygiella Podcast

Hey, I'm just running off to work so I don't have the time to put up anything overly worthwhile at the moment, but if you're from the Toronto area and you haven't already been faithfully listening to the Zygiella podcast, then you're missing out on one of the good ones. On this weeks episode, Tyler figured that no podcast is holy and decided that defiling it with my presence would be a good idea. Just kidding; I was actually flattered about being included in one of the only podcasts that I listen to with any regularity these days. It was a lot of fun. The bands featured on the 'cast are The Hoa Hoa's, Oh No Forest Fires, The Stormalongs, The Dress Whites, Invasions, and Clouds (that look like things).

Subscribe to the podcast here or on iTunes and Zune by searching "Zygiella"
Download: Zygiella podcast #18 mp3

Clouds (That Look Like Things) - Hat Factory EP

I've already reviewed the live show of local up and comers Clouds (That Look Like Things) a couple of times this year, but now it's time to throw up a few words about their unbelievable new EP entitled Hat Factory. The boys are incredibly proud of what they've accomplished here since it was done completely on their own, from the artwork to the recording and mixing of the CD. The album is as phenomenal as their live show is which, if I were being honest, is something that I was a little bit worried about. You don't know how many times I've left a show with a new CD in hand because the band blew me away, only to be disappointed by the time I popped it into my CD player. And when I briefly spoke to synth and violin player Owen Norquay after the last show, he spoke of the EP with such unbridled enthusiasm that the Willy Wonka in me felt terrible about possibly having to break little Charlie's heart. Well, needless to say, I wouldn't be sharing this little anecdote with you if a bad review was to follow, (and generally speaking, I don't waste a lot of time blogging about what I don't like,) and the band has every reason to be proud of what they've accomplished.

The EP opens with a brief atmospheric instrumental opener before lunging into the excitedly synth heavy rocker Stardust, which conjures up images of my 17 year old self at a house party, flailing my arms in the air to the latest Cure song. The following song Weekend feeds on that same vibe and should be added to every party playlist right next to You! Me! Dancing! by Los Campesinos! They get a little bit artsy fartsy (in a good way) with Catclysm, where vocalist Darcy Pease takes his menacing croon and makes it even more maniacal by running it through a series of crazy effects while Kayle Donner rocks a steady thumping drum sound to great effect. The best song in my opinion though, is the slow dance There She Goes, which is augmented by a truly unique sounding electric violin that enters and exits the proceedings at well calculated intervals throughout the song, creating a mood that is as chilling as it is intoxicating.

The Toronto music scene is on fire right now, and other bands are already getting the attention that they deserve, but I can't help but notice that Clouds (That Look Like Things) are still pretty unknown in comparison. Although it's cool to be one of the first to sing their praises, I'd like to believe that it's only a matter of time before all of the local bloggers are also caught up in the hype.

Myspace: Clouds (That Look Like Things)

Other stuff: Franz Ferdinand is hosting a little remix competition for a song called Ulysses, which is off of their upcoming album Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, which is out January 27th. The twist is that the band isn't letting you hear the actual song, just different parts of it (i.e: the drum track, the vocal track, the bass track, etc.) so that "contestants will not be tainted by the direction and mood of the original version." It's kind of a neat idea. Contest rules and whatnot are at Beatportal. Oh, and their playing an intimate show at Lee's Palace December 4th. Tix are $25. [Myspace: Franz Ferdinand]

Believe it or not, there was a time when Genesis was the most interesting band on the planet, led by Peter Gabriel. This was before Phil Collins took over and decided that keeping things interesting and original just wasn't really what he was into. This week Rhino releases a 13 disc box set of reissues from the band, focusing on the very years that I'm talking about, that is, 1970-1975. If you dig The Decemberists, Radiohead, Animal Collective or Mystery Jets than do yourself a favour and check out this era of Genesis' musical output. [Myspace: Genesis]

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's new video for As Tall As Cliffs pokes a little fun at Dubya and what he is likely to be doing during his final days in office. It's up on youtube. [Myspace: Margot and the Nuclear So and So's]

The NuJazz Festival is taking place this week from November 13th to the 15th. The shows are being held mainly at The Revival, Supermarket and The Opera House. If I wasn't already so busy this week, I'd likely be checking it out since it's been a long time since I've seen me some live jazz. Dang, I love live jazz! [Myspace: NuJazz Festival]

CBC Radio 2 has just posted their list of the Greatest Canadian Guitar Players as chosen by their listeners and readers. No real surprises.

And finally, you remember that Bicycles Last Schmaltz show that I told you about? The one that was at Lee's Palace last Saturday night? The one that I couldn't go to? Well it sounded like it was the awesomest thing ever and I'm totally jealous of everone who was there. CBC Radio 3's Chris Kelly had a chat with lead singer Matt Becket about the show. [Myspace: The Bicycles]

Clouds (That Look Like Things) & HotKid @ The Horseshoe

I realize that phrases like "next big thing" are thrown around with a lot of frivolity these days, but I really think that Toronto's Clouds (That Look Like Things) are one of those bands that truly warrant such an expression. Tuesday night was my second time seeing them this year and it's amazing how in a few short months, a band that was already pretty impressive to start with had grown to be even more so.

For those who are newer readers of my blog, (or any Toronto blogs for that matter,) Tuesday nights at The Horseshoe means free music by lesser known indie bands. Dave Bookman is a DJ on Edge 102.1, which is a station that has strayed from playing anything new or exciting for about a decade or so. (You can read my rant about this here.) Thankfully, their Tuesday night showcase remains an entity unto its own, and some of the most up-and-comingest bands ever have gotten their start doing this. Clouds was using this opportunity to celebrate the release of their new completely self-made, Hat Factory EP. I'll be reviewing that in the near future, but as far as their performane on Tuesday night goes, I couldn't have asked for anything more. They didn't have a lot of time for banter, so they blasted through their blistering set of emotionally majestic indie pop at a rather quick pace, and the crowd seemed to be absorbing it nicely. I mentioned in a previous review that they have a huge sound, and although I'm not a big fan of stadium shows per se, the music of Clouds is tailor made for such an atmosphere, and it almost seems to be a little too restrictive on such a small stage. This isn't a complaint however, just an observation and it was great to feel their enthusiasm drip into the crowd, many of whom were familiar with the songs. One didn't need to be all that familiar however, to sing along, especially to their closing song, which is a tune that I don't think is on the EP, but was still instantly likable. It seemed as if those that weren't familiar were easily converted, since they seemed to be rushing to the merch table afterwards to pick up their CD. This is the type of band that keeps me excited about Toronto's music scene, and it'll be interesting to see what 2009 has in store for them.

Clouds (That Look Like Things) are playing Rancho Relaxo with The Lovely Killbots and After The Weather on November 22nd. Make sure you pick up the new EP there because besides being great, it also has really cool cover art.

Photos: Clouds (That Look Like Things) @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: Clouds (That Look Like Things)
Download: Stardust mp3 (seriously, this is one super infectious song...)


There were three more bands that played that night, but I only stuck around to see one of them since going to bed early sounded like the greatest thing in the world to me at that particular moment. The next act was a band from Cambridge called HotKid. HotKid consists of Shiloh Harrison on guitar and vocals and Peter McIntosh on drums and they're another hard rockin', fist pumpin', swagger filled rock 'n roll band. To say that they're performance was intense would only be skimming the tip of the iceberg. As soon as the opening guitar riffs hit my plug protected ears, I knew that this was going to be a full on sonic assault to the senses. Peter's arms and hands were nothing but a hyperactive blur behind the drums, while Shiloh's throat shredding vocals left no mercy as they displayed a ferocity that reminded me a bit of Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon. Admittedly, their style of garage rock was a little bit too different from what Clouds were playing before them, and it took a couple of songs for my ears and brain to adjust, but once they did, I found myself thoroughly enjoying their set. They've recently released a new 3 song EP entitled The Cost, which is available to purchase for download here.

HotKid wil be back at The Horseshoe on December 12th with C'mon! Tix are $8.

Photos: HotKid @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: HotKid
Video: Get On The Road on youtube

Other stuff: Just wanted to make a quick concert announcement for tomorrow night (November 8th) that you've probably heard about but just in case you haven't: The Bicycles are playing a show at Lee's Palace that is billed as The Last Schmaltz II. It's actually the CD Release party for their new one, Oh No It's Love!!. I won't be able to attend but it sounds like it's going to be awesome since the following acts will all be joining them throughout the night: $100, Green Go, Sandro Perri, The Old Soul, Hooded Fang, Matt Murphy, Cock'd Gunns, Gravity Wave, Brent Randall, Laura Barrett, Henri Faberge, Brutal Knights, Forest City Lovers, Sebastian Grainger and Maylee's Sweatshop Hop. Add to that the fact that Young Rival will be opening and you've got yourself a pretty unbelievable show. Tickets are $8 adv; $10 door.

Myspace: The Bicycles
Myspace: Young Rival

'Sup In November

Well, although I've been listening to current releases by everyone from Deerhoof (very good) to Of Montreal (not so good) as well as several local acts (mostly good), I'm afraid I just haven't had it in me to whip up any new reviews right now. No particular reason other than a mild lack of inspiration I guess. So I figured in the meantime, I'd do my monthly "Sup In..." post a few days earlier because these are generally informative enough without requiring a great deal of creative writing. I've got a few cool shows that I'll be attending in November, as well as a few others that I probably won't but I still think are pretty cool for other people to attend.

I've always looked at The Skydiggers as Canada's answer to The Jayhawks, since both bands have released several albums of high quality alt-country; doing so at a time when people weren't really calling it alt-country yet. They're currently promoting their latest release called City Of Sirens, and this promotion brings them to The Mod Club on Saturday November 1st. $25.00.

Myspace: The Skydiggers

Born Ruffians are also playing The Opera House on that same day. Saturday November 1st. $12.00.

Myspace: Born Ruffians

There's all kinds of exciting stuff going on with my current favourite new discovery Olenka and the Autumn Lovers. They've got both a new full length album AND a new EP being released very very shortly and their playing a show in Toronto at The Press Club (850 Dundas) on Sunday November 2nd. It's an early show, the doors are at 6:30pm. Cost: TBA.

Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers

I've been looking forward to seeing local Hi Hat Recording artists Clouds (That Look Like Things) again since the last time that I saw them, and what better way to do so than for free at The Horseshoe as part of Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite on Tuesday November 4th. This is their EP release party, but they are on first at 9:10pm. Free.

Myspace: Clouds (That Look Like Things)

Speaking of bands that I can't wait to see again, two of such bands are playing exactly one week later at the same venue for exactly the same price (I think) with two other awesome bands. To celebrate the kick off of registration for NXNE 2009, two of my local favourites Spiral Beach and The Golden Hands Before God are playing The Horseshoe on Tuesday November 11th. Joining them will be The High Dials and The Evelyn Room. You are a fool if you don't attend this one. Free (I think)

Myspace: Spiral Beach
Myspace: The Golden Hands Before God
Myspace: The High Dials
Myspace: The Evelyn Room

Also on Tuesday November 11th is Drive By Truckers with The Hold Steady at The Phoenix. But it's sold out. $27.50.

Myspace: Drive By Truckers
Myspace: The Hold Steady

On Wednesday November 12th, Atlanta's Deerhunter (pictured above) are going to be playing Lee's Palace. I picked up my tickets right away since I am such a big fan of both Cryptograms and Microcastle. However, I've been reading up on Bradford Cox's, erm, concert etiquette, and I'm realizing that this show has the potential to be either amazing or a train wreck. Thankfully, all the reports I've heard of this current tour have been very positive so I'm looking forward to this being a great show. I really hope so, because the new album is just too good. He is playing with Times New Viking and Neighborhood Council. $12.00.

Myspace: Deerhunter
Myspace: Times New Viking
Myspace: Neighborhood Council

On Thursday November 13th, the bizarre double bill of Iron and Wine with Blitzen Trapper are going to be playing The Phoenix. As far as I know, the show is sold out which means that I guess that I won't be going. I've got mixed feelings about this since Blitzen Trapper has released one of the best albums of the year. Iron and Wine, on the other hand, I'm just not feeling these days. At all. So I guess I'm not all that bummed about not going. For the most part. $25.00.

Myspace: Iron and Wine
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper

The Sea and Cake are at Lee's Palace on Friday November 14th. $15.00

Myspace: The Sea And Cake

A friend of mine saw Calexico just a few months ago and said that it was unbelievable. I saw Cuff The Duke a few months ago and said that it was also unbelievable. Well, they're playing together on Tuesday November 15th at The Phoenix. My prediction: UNBELIEVABLE! $18.50.

Myspace: Calexico
Myspace: Cuff The Duke

The Lovely Killbots are having their CD release party on Saturday November 22nd at Rancho Relaxo. Clouds (That Look Like Things) are opening for them along with Montreal's After The Weather. $6.

Myspace: The Lovely Killbots
Myspace: After The Weather

For someone who was incredibly impressed with Ohbijou's live show last year, I've certainly been missing seeing them a lot lately. Well, I'm going to get another chance when they play Lee's Palace on Thursday November 27th with The Acorn. Except I don't think that I can make it. $10.00.

Myspace: The Acorn
Myspace: Ohbijou

And finally, Broken Social Scene are playing two shows at the Sound Academy on Thursday November 27th and Friday November 28th. As I've mentioned before, I've already got my ticket for the second show. I'm anxious to know which incarnation of the band I'll be seeing that night. It's been a couple of years since I saw them last, and Feist has been there every time. Now I know that she doesn't perform with them all that much these days, but her current tour schedule says that she's in Toronto at Massey Hall on the 1st, and the ACC on the 3rd. From there she goes to Montreal, and then does a few dates on the east coast. But after the 10th, I really don't know what she's doing. I know she's in Norway for the Nobel Peace Prize concert on December 11th. Hmmm. Just thinking out loud, that's all. $26.50 for BSS tix. Feist tix are $39.50-49.50 for Massey Hall & $29.20-49.50 for ACC.

Myspace: Broken Social Scene
Myspace: Feist

OK, good night; brain hurts; going to bed now.

Clouds That Look Like Things & The Superstitions @ Rancho Relaxo

Well I certainly don't attend as many TWM Rancho Relaxo shows as I once did, but this is the second one in a week and there's a strong chance that I'll be checking out a couple more before month's end. They are just as strong and as entertaining as they ever were, even if the poor lighting is starting to really get on my nerves. Definitely not conducive to picture taking with one's crappy point and shoot camera. Also, it's the hottest place in the entire world. I mean that in the temperature way. Still, Dan's discoveries are almost always phenomenal and Friday night was no exception.

I missed the first band of the night (and I also left before the last band of the night) but the first artist that I saw was Toronto's own The Superstitions. They reminded me a lot of The Detroit Cobras, boasting a late 50's, early 60's garage rock sound, with a female lead vocalist that a dude like me could not take his eyes off of. Their brand of full out guitar driven rock 'n roll got the crowd dancing pretty early, and they genuinely looked like they were having a lot of fun on that stage. Guitar playing Matthew broke a string relatively early into their set, and foolishly forgot to bring backup, but the next band lent him a guitar so we won't hold it against him. The show carried on regardless and I loved every minute of it. Nyssa's voice is reminiscent of Nancy Sinatra or perhaps some of the girl groups of that era, but unlike some of the other revivalists that we see these days, they don't come across as another corny amusement park band. (Yes, I'm talking to you Pipettes!) Regardless of what type of throwback genre you want to pin on these guys, the fact remains that they play infectious rock music that sounds awesome in any era.

Photos: The Superstitions @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Myspace: The Superstitions
Download: Boy In Black mp3


TWM photographer Jenny told me about Clouds That Look Like Things a few weeks ago, and she expressed some great enthusiasm about them. They were the band that I was really waiting to see and thankfully I didn't have to wait until all hours of the night to see them. Technically, Skip Jensen was scheduled to perform next, but by set time the band had still not arrived. Happily for all who came to see him, he did show up shortly thereafter, but CTLLT had already set up and were ready to tear the walls down, which worked out just fine for me.

The best way to describe their sound to me would be to simply call it huge. Yes, they have a larger than life sound that could easily be compared to all of the multi membered Canadian bands on the scene these days, but they do have their own spin to offer as well. Darcy Pease is a captivating front man, showcasing the persona of David Johansen, the mystique of Jim Morrison and vocals that are reminiscent of Ian McCulloch. That sounds like incredibly high and ridiculous praise, but you have to see this band. They exude a bombastic energy that was almost too big for the tiny Rancho stage to contain. The ying to Darcy's yang was synth and violin player Owen Norquay, who was the perfect distraction from Darcy's cool demeanor. Owen bounded around the stage with rabid excitement, even hopping into the audience to make more room for his antics. I anticipate big things for this little band and although I've made such proclamations before only to be greeted with great disappointment, I hope this time exceptions are made because Clouds That Look Like Things really are THAT good.

Photos: Clouds That Look Like Things @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Myspace: Clouds That Look Like Things
Download: Stardust mp3