2009: The Songs

As far as my favorite songs go, this seems to be the year for the grand epic. I don't know what it is, but the longer progressive numbers were the ones that seemed to have the biggest impact on me, which you'll notice as you start perusing through the following list. On top of that, if you want to get technical, the entire Decemberists album is basically arranged as one lengthy 55 minute song and should actually be my number one song of the year, but that would just be a little too redundant, what with it already sitting atop my Top Albums of '09 list. So, having said that, here is my annual list of the songs that have warranted necessary use of the repeat button on my iPod throughout the year. As per usual, the tunes are not listed in any particular order, since basically all of these songs are tied for first place, in the sense that I listened to them all with great repetition.

Bay Of Pigs by Destroyer (from Bay of Pigs EP)

At 13 minutes in length, this one is a moody little number that is as epic sounding as the plans for the attempted 1961 Cuban invasion upon which the title of the tune is based most likely was at the time, although unlike that CIA trained endeavor, the song is actually quite successful. Beginning as an ambient mix of controlled synths and opportunities for Bejar to share confounding lyrics such as "Magnolia's a girl. Her heart's made of wood. As apocalypses go, that's pretty good. Sha-la-la, wouldn't you say?" the song shifts partway through into an upbeat disco thump before culminating in two minutes of white noise that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Stream: Bay of Pigs at Stereogum

And The Glitter Is Gone by Yo La Tengo (from Popular Songs)

Although by and large the latest release by everyone's favourite Hobokeners has them sounding more poppy than ever before, it's the album's closing 16 minute instrumental psychedelic rocker that had me begging for more. Though many might disagree, YLT are at their best when they just let loose on their improvisational selves.

Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 1 on youtube
Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 2 on youtube

Siren Song by Bat For Lashes (from Two Suns)

Natasha Khan's voice pierces right through me on this hauntingly beautiful number. I know that comparing her to Kate Bush is a little bit redundant at this point (of course, so is using the word 'redundant' twice in the same article) but the fact that the song would not be out of place on Bush's The Dreaming is part of its wonderful appeal for me.

Video: Siren Song (live at Morning Become Eclectic) on youtube

Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) by Amos The Transparent
(from My What Big Teeth You Have)

Skilled songwriting matched with a simple yet unforgettable melody makes this song an infectious slice of perfection as Jonathan Chandler and company prove that even amidst a year of grand orchestral experimentation, there is a lot to be said for the charms of a subtle, acoustic pop song.

Download: Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) mp3
Video: Lemons (aka Big Fish, Little Pond) on youtube

Little Secrets by Passion Pit (from Manners)

Overall, this has been a moderately successful year for me as far as listening to dancier music goes, with bands like Green Go, Handsome Furs, Friendly Fires and Woodhands receiving at least some minimal iPod airplay from me, although getting through an entire album in one sitting by any of those artists is a bit of a tall order for my anti-disco soul. Still, there was one number that achieved 'press, play, repeat' status for me, and it was this retrofied number by the Massachusetts five piece. The songs Sleepyhead and The Reeling may have received a little bit more blogger love but trust me, Little Secrets is by far the standout.

Video: Little Secrets (live on KCRW) on youtube

Doom by Hut (from Hut EP)

There are some songs that lend themselves to pristine production by nature of their incredible hooks and infectious melodies. However, when that's been done a million times before already then there's something refreshing about hearing that dynamic within the confines of a rough and delightfully real, lo-fi sound. Daniel Lee (of Hooded Fang) has coined a masterpiece with this song, and I hope that when he makes it rich in the future, he chooses to keep this song just the way it is, because it's the roughness that gives this song its charm.

Download: Doom mp3

It's Not Your Birthday Anymore by Morrissey (from Years of Refusal)

I figured that the days of Morrissey sitting in a personal year end list was gone forever, but lo and behold, here he is with a song that ranks among some of the best work of his entire career. This song is classic Moz, with that tongue in cheek misanthropic lyricism in full force and a chorus that is as large as it gets. A twisted anthem for sure, and the type of song that wannabe bombasts (like Snow Patrol) could only dream of penning.

Video: It's Not Your Birthday Anymore on youtube
(It's basically just the song streaming over a still of a half eaten piece of cake, but that's the only place where I could find the song streaming)

Synastry / New Beginning by Dog Day (from Elder Schoolhouse EP)

You knew that the combination of Halifax shoegazers Dog Day and prolific studio mastermind Rick White was going to be pretty spectacular, and the limited edition Elder Schoolhouse EP (vinyl only, and only 400 copies made) has produced the band's most expansive material so far. It may be cheating a bit to include all of side 2 as one song, but these two tracks should never be pulled apart for any reason whatsoever. The second part is a massive wall of psychedelic feedback that'll have you seeing double. I can only provide an mp3 of the first part of the song, but you really need to track down the whole thing for the full impact.

Download: Synastry mp3

Venus Rising by Blue Rodeo (from The Things We Left Behind)

Like the aforementioned Morrissey, I was pretty sure that the days of including Blue Rodeo on best of the year lists were long behind us, but the Keelor / Cuddy combo have proven that they still have the chops to pull it off when they want to. The new album still contains quite a bit of filler, but there is enough gold on it to make it their best album since Five Days In July, and this may be their best song since Diamond Mine. An epic slowburner with some blistering guitar work.

Stream: Venus Rising on youtube

Cat Tail Legs by Megan Hamilton
(from See Your Midnight Breath In The Shipyard)

The award for best vocal performance of the year goes to Megan Hamilton for the incendiary throat shred that she pulls of throughout the course of this barn busting number. Everything about this track is straightforward and immediate and although she pulls off abstract just fine at other points on the CD, this quality rocker gets the job done with perfection.

Download: Cat Tail Legs mp3

Honorable Mentions:
Drunkard's Prayer by The Schomberg Fair
Black Bull Nova by Wilco
I Can't Be Normal by Shelby Lamb
Grew Up On The Seeds by The Hoa Hoa's
Saturna by Son Volt
Love's On The Run by The Space Between Things
Come Saturday by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
Dené Sled by Pick A Piper
Tightrope by Yeasayer
Faults by The Paint Movement

Dog Day @ Soundscapes (In Store Performance)

I have to say that I was very happy to hear that Dog Day had added this instore performance to their list of things to do when they came to Toronto last week. It was looking ever more likely that I was not going to be able to attend the show at Lee's Palace on Thursday night, so this was definitely an unexpected treat. Also unexpected was the fact that they put on a fairly charged performance.

Oddly enough, there are people out there who just seem happier being sad. I've never understood it myself, but I know a handful of people who would fall into that category. Upon seeing Dog Day's brief performance at Soundscapes last Wednesday night, I think that the members of that band may also be members of that little group.

It's not that their latest CD Concentration (which I reviewed here) is all that depressing actually, but it certainly has a darker feel to it than previous releases. If you add that reality to the fact that they've never been known to perform with the enthusiasm that their music might suggest, than I guess I was looking forward to this show based simply on the fact that I really like the music a lot, while not expecting anything overly grand in terms of performance. Also, this was not on a stage, but in a tiny record store. So as they continued to show an ever mounting zealous fervor with every subsequent track that they performed, it became obvious that they must be pretty pumped about the songs on this new record.

This is not to suggest that the band has become Spinal Tap or anything. Their endearing shyness was still there, most notable in the presence of keyboardist Crystal Thili who really didn't look up from her keyboard very much, other than to snap a few shots of the audience with her little point and shoot. Even Nancy Urich's attempts at banter were quite reserved, almost as if they were intended solely for the band's own personal enjoyment. (If you listened closely though, she was actually very funny.) But it was while they were playing the songs that the band really shone, culminating in a guitar sword fight of sorts during the final song, creating a wall of noise that their heroes would likely have appreciated immensely. Speaking of which, it was really cool to see one of those heroes, namely Julie Doiron of Eric's Trip, sitting on the floor taking it all in herself, no doubt swelling with pride at how far this band has come. If the show was any indication, the show at Lee's Palace was no doubt terrific. Wish I was there.

Photos: Dog Day @ Soundscapes on flickr.
Myspace: Dog Day
Video: You Won't See Me On Sunday(in 3-D) on youtube
Video: Happiness on youtube

"To Live By The Sea And Never Leave"

Music News, Local News, Indie News, Et Cetera....

Having grown bored with processing the photos I took at a show I attended on Friday night, I figured that I would take a break by visiting this here blog. No reviews or opinionated rants today, just a random whack of music related news that may or may not interest you depending on what type of stuff interests you these days:

I didn't participate in this weekend's Over The Top Festival, mainly because I found myself dealing with a tiredness that seemed to run dangerously close to the chronic fatigue variety. Hopefully, I will be able to have a share in, at least a little bit, of next weekend's Pitter Patter Fest, which is taking place at various venues in and out of the city. I've already talked a bit about it before, but I've recently come across another show that seems to be peaking my interest significantly.

Zygiella VIII is taking place at Rancho Relaxo on Friday night (May 29th). I love to support Zygiella, yet I'm an idiot since I've still never actually attended any of their showcases. The lineup this time around conisists of three bands that I'm not really all that familiar with, yet having sampled the music on their myspaces, I'm pretty sure that I'll have to set aside my previous Friday night plans and check this one out. The bands are Pick A Piper (pictured above), Huddle and Hut and if you like your shows eclectic, than this one is a must see.
[Above photo taken by K. Downey]

Dog Day are playing on Thursday night at Lee's Palace and my ticket giveaway contest is still running for another day or so. In the meantime however, you may wish to check them out when they play a free instore at Soundscapes on Wednesday May 27th at 6pm. [Myspace: Dog Day]

Fox Jaws are just about to embark on their East Coast tour but before they leave, they'll be playing a PWYC show at The Supermarket on Wednesday night. [Myspace: Fox Jaws]

The Vancouver Documentary Film Festival (DOXA) is taking place as we speak and will be continuing on all week but the reason that I'm tallking about it here is because they've got an interesting fundraiser taking place in connection with the fest. A number of disposable cameras were distibuted to different celebrities - the idea being that they would shoot them off and then auction them on eBay. Amongst the participants are Great Lake Swimmers, The Weakerthans, Jason Collett, Torquill Campbell, George Stroumboulopoulis and Narwuar the Human Serviette, as well as many many others. To see how you can get involved, check out all of the information here.

And I'm sorry to finish off on a sad note, but I just got word that former Wilco guitarist and songwriter Jay Bennett has passed away this weekend. He was a major contributor to the Wilco sound during, what I feel, was their best period of output. Very sad news indeed. He was 45.

Dog Day - Concentration (Review, CD & Ticket Giveaway)

A quick Dog Day scan on the net reveals that the critics already get it when it comes to this band. I'm just wondering what everybody else's problem is? They may be the furthest cry from being a household name as you can get for many, but their last album Night Group was one of my most played albums of 2008, and the only reason it didn't make my year end list is due to the fact that it actually came out in April 2007 and I just found out about it too late. While that album was a fun and upbeat display of Nova Scotia meets New York swagger, it presented only a smidgen of what Dog Day are apparently capable of. Concentration is more mature and focused, with a sound that bands in the past have only accomplished after 3 or 4 albums worth of paying their dues. If Dog Day is this good already, than their future is going to be frightening.

The first song, Happiness, immediately emanates John Agnello's production. Having worked with both Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. in the past, he has managed to harness the production qualities heard on albums by both of those bands. It's that sweet meeting of high production with lo-fi gutteral sounds that allows the album to simmer in sinisterism. Stray is another example of this. Seth Smith's droning vocals accompany a Joy Division-ish bass and drum line, while the female backing vocals remain in a near monotone creating a very hypnotic vibe. Nancy Urich does a good job of harnessing her inner Julie Doiron meets Kim Gordon vocal style. This is noticeably captivating whether she's singing lead, as in the slightly masochistic Neighbour and the epic Rome, or she's singing accompaniment as on the shoegazey Saturday Night. What's most amazing about this release is the fact that although it is all quite deep, dark and brooding, it is also all very very catchy. Judgement Day is a case in point: the song is ultimately about death yet I defy you to avoid dancing and singing along to the vocal doot-doot-doo's.

I don't think that it's a huge stretch to say that Dog Day is one of the most underrated bands in Canada right now. Part of this might be the fact that both shoegaze and psych-rock are a couple of the more underrated genre's in Canadian rock right now. Dog Day is a high quality amalgamation of both and I think that Concentration is a must-have to any fan of either.

Dog Day is playing Lee's Palace on Thursday May 28th. The photo above is on myspace.

Myspace: Dog Day
Video: Happiness on youtube
Download: Rome mp3


***CONTEST UPDATED MAY 15TH***

I've got two Dog Day prizes to giveaway. There are as follows:

1) Two tickets to the show at Lee's Palace on May 28th along with a copy of the new CD. This one is only open to those who are geographically able to attend the show.
2) A copy of the new CD. This one is available to anyone anywhere with a mailing address.

Contest is now closed; thanks to everyone that entered. Congrats to Justin M. and Alex H.

Other stuff:
Bobby B. Fun Fact: Did you know that Peter Gabriel is actually my favourite artist of all time? And while we're on the subject: Magnet Magazine lists their opinion on Pete's most overrated and underrated songs. I would agree with most of it, although Family Snapshot is actually his most underrated and Shock the Monkey is his most overrated IMHO. [Myspace: Peter Gabriel]

Neko Case is back in T.O. again and she'll be playing the acoustically pleasing Massey Hall on July 14th. Tix are between $29.50 and $40.50. Details are at Chart. [Myspace: Neko Case]

Jack White confirms that The White Stripes are still very much together and they do, in fact, have a new album on the way. He also talks about Meg's anxiety and the reasons for their recent hiatus over at Music Radar.com [Myspace: The White Stripes]

This weekend is the Festival In The Square at Don Mills Town Square. On the Saturday night (My 16th) Serena Ryder performs with special guests Carly Rae Jepsen and Danny Michel. It's free and it starts at 7pm. [Myspace: Serena Ryder; Danny Michel; Carly Rae Jepsen]

Because I'm an idiot, I forgot to RSVP to this year's NXNE press conference yesterday, but thankfully it doesn't look like there were any real surprises. The big names at this year's fest are Black Lips, Matt & Kim, Woodpigeon and No Age. The biggest deal for me though is the return of 60's garage rock giants The Sonics, whose "hits" include Psycho and Strychnine. They will be playing Yonge and Dundas Square on Saturday June 20th at the end of the night. Now that's pretty cool. As usual, the best of our locals are playing too and you can see the full lineup over here. [Myspaces: Black Lips, Matt & Kim, Woodpigeon, No Age, The Sonics]

2008: The Albums

For several personal reasons, 2008 is not a year that I will be looking back on with a great deal of fondness. There's been high points for sure, but the low points are ones that I hope I'll never need to experience again. On a much more superficial level however, there was a lot of good accomplished in double-oh-eight, and the world of interesting music cranked out a lot of good, while the world of popular music, once again, cranked out a lot of bad.

As per usual in the world of bloggers, snobs and elitists, a few bands were raved about ad nauseum. Some I agree with (Fleet Foxes), while others I simply do not (Vampire Weekend, Crystal Castles.) Overall though, I've really enjoyed this year of toonage and I've decided that I will try to control myself and keep my list to a top 10 (followed by a few honorable mentions.) So here goes, the Quadb Top 10 CD's of 2008. Enjoy.

1. Portishead - Third (Review)

Upon perusing through other best of lists, the comment has been made on more than one occasion that there was no real standout for 2008. I beg to differ. Although I'll admit that there are a lot of popular choices that I still have never gotten around to listening to, this third one by Portishead is the undisputable champion of the ones that I have heard. Surreal, original and passionately weird, there is no other album that has rotated upon my virtual turn table as often as this one has. (Myspace)

Video: Machine Gun on youtube

2. TV On The Radio - Dear Science (Review)

For a band to incorporate such a diverse amalgamation of styles, yet still remain hooky, said band would have to be very talented and focused. TV On The Radio are just that, and the fact that they do so with such consistency is what places them at my number two postition this year. (Myspace)

Video: Golden Age (live) on youtube

3. This Is Ivy League - This Is Ivy League (Review)

My vote for the "most hard to understand why this is so criminally underrated" pick of the year, goes to Brooklyn's This Is Ivy League's self titled full length debut. What can I say, I love catchy sugar coated pop music, and this album presents such in a very accomplished way. I honestly expected this one to be 2008's Peter Bjorn and John but I still haven't heard a heckuva lot of buzz on it. Curious... Highly recommended to people who like Belle and Sebastian or Kings of Convenience. (Myspace)

Download: London Bridges (EP Version) mp3

4. Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off The Lavender Bridge

Dev Hynes wears a big furry hat in the summertime and he likes to put comic book superheroes on his t-shirts. Never before has blatant dorkdom been so melodic and beautiful, and Falling Off.. is superbly so. I particularly appreciate the way certain songs scale epic heights while still managing to stay firmly rooted in accessibility. (Myspace)

Download: Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk mp3

5. Quest For Fire - Quest For Fire (Review)

It has been an especially good year for local releases and my favourite local one of the year goes to Quest For Fire's self titled release. They prove wholeheartedly that one does not need to be a stoner to appreciate stoner rock, and their progressive take on psychedelia was simply too enthralling for me to ignore. Their live show is a sight to behold as well. (Myspace)

Video: I've Been Trying To Leave on youtube

6. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

Following up one local band with another, Rural Alberta Advantage are one of those bands that I am positive are destined for greatness. Never before has a three piece sounded so full and complete that I think it would be near impossible not to succumb to their engaging folk rock ways. I was quite happy to see this one pop up on a few other best of lists as well. (Myspace)

Download: Don't Haunt This Place mp3

7. Deerhunter - Microcastle

While it's true that Bradford Cox has certainly cleaned up and streamlined his sound a little bit, I find it very hard to agree with those who feel that he has sacrificed any of his integrity on Microcastle. The man is simply doing what he wants to do, and this album is by no means a mediocre snag at commerciality. Rather, album number three is a perfect sonic melding of the worlds of ambience and punk rock, creating a soundscape that is wholly original and a blissful addition to the ever expanding Bradford Cox catalogue. (Myspace)

Download: Nothing Ever Happened mp3

8. Dodos - Vister

Despite my contrary nature, The Dodos are one of those mega hyped bands that I can totally get behind. Visiter is a rare and perfect blend of organic minimalism and high powered freneticism that can lead you to believe that the worlds of folk and bluegrass were always meant to lead into spastic psychedelic breakdown. (Myspace)

Video: Fools on youtube

9. The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band And The Spirits - Here

At this point I would like to state for the record, that I do not deliberately try to include local artists on my year end lists. While it's true that heavier exposure to these bands is going to be inevitable, I always try to keep the list nationally unbiased. That having been said, I am fully convinced that regardless of where you're from, if you like rock 'n roll, you will be impressed with the debut release from the band with the ridiculously long name. (Myspace)

Download: One Fine Morning mp3

UPDATE: Originally I had Dog Day's Night Group in the number 10 position but then I was quickly informed that the album was released way early in 2007. Fine. So this means my new number 10 is...

10. Born Ruffians: Red Yellow and Blue

It actually took me a little while for the brilliance of this album to eventually peek through, but once it did, I was addicted. It is catchy and fun, that's for sure, but there's also just enough weirdness taking place just below the surface that, if you listen carefully, you can catch something new with every listen. (Myspace)

Video: I Need A Life on youtube

And because I actually have no self control, here are 10 more honorable mentions:

Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Entire Cities - Deep River
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Leerone - Imaginary Biographies
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
M83 - Saturdays = Youth
High Dials - Moon Country
Hey Rosetta - Into Your Lungs
The Disraelis - Demonstration

Other lists have already begun to surface, and there will undoubtedly be many more, but for starters:

Kirstiecat
Chromewaves
Butchslap
Cause = Time
Indie Music Filter
Herohill
Muruch
I Am Fuel, You Are Friends

The Stills, Dog Day and Still Life Still @ The Horseshoe

When I first heard that Halifax's Dog Day was going to be playing Bookie's Nu Music Nite at The Horseshoe, I was pretty excited. Their CD Night Group is easily one of my most listened to albums of the year. At that time, the Horseshoe Concert Listings site said that they were opening the night, to be followed by "surprise guests." Colour me curious. Later it was revealed that this was to be The Stills CD release party for their brand new Oceans Will Rise release. I'm really not much of a Stills fan, but I know that many people are, and I figured that this was an awesome way to get Dog Day some much needed publicity. Colour me excited. However, the day of the show arrived and the order of the lineup had changed considerably with locallers Still Life Still now being given the opening slot, with The Stills coming up next, leaving Dog Day to fill out the late spot. After The Stills?!?! Will people stick around? Probably not. Colour me irritated.

To describe Still Life Still as a slightly hyperactive band is a bit of an under-aggeration. They are absolutely spastic, and their semi regular stint as part of Elvis Mondays at The Drake has obviously given them quite the supportive following. Their music falls into the 'let's celebrate' category of indie rock, being a danceable explosion of jam-influenced impassioned noise pop. The band shows quite a bit of promise, and several of the songs featured on their myspace page are exceptional. I do worry however that we may never get to experience this future better version of them. The reason for this is the fact that their fans are intense. The way that they were screaming and carrying on may just mistakenly lead the band to believe that they're already the greatest thing in the world, and when you believe that you're already there, where else can you go? Hopefully, the band has that insatiable desire to try to better itself, because despite what their fans will lead them to believe, they're still at that amateurish stage for the time being. Lots of fun, but still a long way to go. That having been said, they've got the fan appreciation quarter of their schtick down, openly inviting the aforementioned over zealous fandom onto the stage to display their overzealousness for all to see. And I 'd be lying if I didn't mention that it was still a lot of fun to watch.

Photos: Still Life Still @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: Still Life Still

I don't really like The Stills that much. I don't dislike them, but overall I'm just pretty indifferent. They are part of the fantastic Arts & Crafts community, and I obviously admire what they've been able to accomplish over the past few years. But other than a couple of really catchy songs, for the most part I personally find them to be quite derivative and boring. Still, I knew that a free CD release party by a band as well liked as they are, is going to be very well supported, and any band is going to thrive in that sort of atmosphere. And thrive they did! The band played a very high energy show that I actually enjoyed more than I thought that I would, even if they overused the standard rock star moves to the point of appearing downright satirical. However, there were a couple of worthy highlights. I actually like Lola Stars and Stripes, and I think this is one of those (very) rare cases where one of the band's biggest hits is actually worthy of being so. And the best performance of the night was their incendiary performance of Snakecharming The Masses, which had Tim Fletcher joining Julien Blais on percussion, creating a pulsating drum sound that was difficult to resist. Finally, the band seemed genuinely surprised that the crowd had demanded an encore, which was a refreshing change to the usual display of mock humility. However, as the crowds were becoming more and more enamoured with their heroes, I was just getting more and more impatient about seeing the band that I actually wanted to see.

Photos: The Stills @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: The Stills
Video: Being Here on youtube

Just as I anticipated, a large chunk of the crowd had dissipated by the time Dog Day hit the stage, but thankfully The Horseshoe was far from being empty. There was a healthy number of people in attendance and this, coupled with their show in Guelph on the weekend, made their trip from Halifax hopefully worthwhile. They were definitely charming enough, but it did take a couple of songs for them to get into their comfort zone. I chalk that up to the fact that they had to follow two bands with an overexuberant fanbase. Still, once they hit their stride, they did quite well. I'm not all that familiar with much of their pre-Night Group material, but I enjoyed the stuff I didn't know just as much as the stuff that I did. I really have to pick up some of those older albums. One thing that stood out is that I never really noticed The Pixies influence in their music before. I thought it was incredibly apparent this time around though, along with the usual Cure and Eric's Trip influences also. What I would like to see is a little bit more energy displayed by this gang. The songs lend themselves to a fervent enthusiasm, but Dog Day are actually quite subdued on stage. Perhaps they'll pick it up a bit the next time around. Still, the crowd demanded that they do an encore also, and I don't know what the last song, but it rocked in all its punk rock glory. If you were there and you left after The Stills, do yourself a favour and give these guys a listen. They really are exceptional.

Photos: Dog Day @ The Horseshoe on flickr.
Myspace: Dog Day
Download: Sleeping, Waiting mp3

Download: Lydia mp3

'Sup In August

Well, July didn't go quite as planned with regards to the concert goings. I attended a very small ratio of the shows that I had planned to, due to the fact that I was busy with other stuff and, for some reason, reedonkulously tired. I know everybody in the whole world thinks that they suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but sometimes I wonder if I actually do. Anyways, I did go see a couple of bands on Saturday night and I'll tell you about them as soon as I can, but in the meantime, let's look at the what ups for the month of August, k?

On Friday August 1st, Clouds That Look Like Things are playing at the Rancho Relaxo. I've heard so many great things about this local Toronto band, who have a very hip indie collective sound that would fit in nicely with all of the Arts and Crafts bands that I love so. This is a TWM show with Skip Jensen, The Superstitions and The Wilderness. $6.

I have absolutely no free weekends in August. I'm not sure when I managed to get a social life but somewhere along the way I did. This means that I am missing not one, but two great shows on Saturday August 2nd. The first one is Tilly and the Wall at The Mod Club. They were one of the first bands that I saw upon moving to Toronto, and they put on one outstandingly fun show. The Ruby Suns are opening for them. $14.50

Myspace: Tilly and the Wall
Myspace: The Ruby Suns
Download: Pot Kettle Black by Tilly and the Wall mp3


Also on Saturday night (Aug 2) is the monthly Girls! Girls! Girls! night at The Cameron House. Melanie Peterson hosts an evening of high quality acoustic music featuring performances by Kim Jarrett, Rayna and my friend Laura Jaded-Smith, whose music I had reviewed in the past over here. She's simply amazing and the sincerity in her voice is breathtaking. $6.

Myspace: Melanie Peterson
Myspace: Kim Jarrett
Myspace: Rayna
Myspace: Jaded

I won't be able to attend this one either, but Tuesday August 5th sees The Go Team performing with my guiltiest of guilty pleasures in the name of CSS, and they're bringing their dancey electro punk to The Phoenix. I know not everybody feels that CSS is a guilty pleasure, but I can't help but feel a little guilty listening to them anyways. $23.50.

Myspace: The Go Team
Myspace: CSS

I'm really looking forward to being at The Horseshoe on Wednesday August 6th as I finally get to see Margot and the Nuclear So and So's after several years of avoiding them. This was not on purpose; that's just the way it goes sometimes. I remember hearing their song Quiet As A Mouse all over the podcast-o-sphere a few years back and thinking that it was such a great song. Well, their music has only grown richer with time, and it's an absolute delight to finally get to witness their live show. To sweeten the pot, our own Ruby Coast is opening; another band that every single one of my blogger compadres has seen that I, so far, have not been able to catch as of yet. It's bound to be a solid show. $10.50

Myspace: Margot and the Nuclear So and So's
Myspace: Ruby Coast
Download: Brittle Bones by Ruby Coast mp3


I'm still looking into the logistics of making it out to this next one, due to the fact that I don't have a car. You see, the Festival of Friends is being held in Gage Park in Hamilton from August 8th to 10th. There are some lame acts as well as many other acts that I have never heard of but on Friday August 8th, Danny Michel will be followed by Allison Moorer, who will be followed by Steve Earle. That's quite the triple bill. But wait! there's more! Have I mentioned that it's free? Steve freakin' Earle for free!!! Passing that up is going to be very difficult for a guy like me to accept. I'm in the process of checking out Go Transit schedules and so on, or perhaps I'll have the opportunity to rent a car or something but either way, this is too good to be true. I'm really hoping to catch this one. Free.

Myspace: Danny Michel
Myspace: Allison Moorer
Myspace: Steve Earle
Download: White Lightning by Danny Michel mp3


August 9th is another Saturday, with another couple of options. The Collingwood Elvis Festival may have already come and gone, but Toronto gets its turn when El Vez, the Mexican Elvis, is performing at The Horseshoe. Admit it, there's a part of you that wants to go. $17.50 adv or $20 at the door.

Myspace: El Vez

The show that I'm most bummed about having to miss is The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band & The Spirits at The Silver Dollar, also on August 9th. I was absolutely blown away at their sixties tinged rock and roll edge when I saw them perform at Rancho last year. But I've heard from several sources that they were by far the break out act of NXNE, putting on a rock show that is unrivaled in the city. If you actually have a Saturday night open, then I cannot recommend enough that you make sure you check this one out. They'll be performing with The Speaking Tongues and The Schomberg Fair. (BTW, I've also heard that their debut EP Here is equally mind blowing.) Not sure about the cost; can't find it anywhere.

On Wednesday August 13th, I'm going to be checking out Olenka and the Autumn Lovers at Rancho Relaxo. I can't say that I know very much about them but they were Mike's pick for the best of NXNE, and I have to say that I trust his taste. A quick listen to their music reminds me of an amalgamation of Basia Bulat, Beirut and Gillian Welch. Sounds interesting. They're performing with the awesome Secret Japanese Girlfriend and Sleep For The Nightlife. PWYC.

Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Myspace: Secret Japanese Girlfriend
Myspace: Sleep For The Nightlife

One of my top ten CD's of the year so far is Dog Day's Night Group CD. I had to miss their show the last time they were in town, but thankfully I get another chance when they play Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite at The Horseshoe on Tuesday August 19th. The rest of the evening's lineup currently seems to be a mystery of sorts, as we have surprise guests at 10:20 to be followed by guests at 11:40. Not sure why, but surprise guests sounds more intriguing than just guests to me. Free.

Myspace: Dog Day
Video: Oh Dead Life on youtube

And finally, the show I'm looking forward to the most gives me the opportunity to show some love for my Oshawa roots as Cuff The Duke plays a couple of shows at The Horseshoe. I'm hopefully going to be attending the one on Friday August 22nd, since they will be accompanied by a couple of bands that I truly adore. They are Bruce Peninsula and Oshawa's The Stables. Should be a pretty exciting lineup. What's interesting is the fact that I've seen the two opening acts before but still have never seen Cuff The Duke. I realize that there is no excuse for that, and this is why I must be there. They'll also be performing the next night with Fembots and Steamboat. $12 adv or $15 door, both shows.

Myspace: Cuff The Duke
Myspace: Bruce Peninsula
Myspace: The Stables
Myspace: Steamboat
Myspace: Fembots
Download: Rossland Square (live at Massey Hall) by Cuff The Duke mp3

(Incidentally Rossland Square takes me back to my 13 year old self as I used to walk there every single day to get candy at Beckers or Fish 'n Chips at PB's Fish and Chips. Ahhh, memories.)

As per usual, there are many many more great shows in Toronto for the month of August, but those were some of my picks. Feel free to comment on any other choices that I may have forgotten.

Oh yah, and I think Radiohead is in town. (Molson Amphitheatre, August 15th if you've been living under a rock. It sold out in about 2 seconds but I'm sure you can get some scalped tix for about fifty bajillion dollars.)

Photo of Cuff The Duke by Brad Ferguson.

Dog Day - Night Group

Dog Day are an excellent jangle pop band out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, who's latest full-length ("Night Group") I have been rapidly digesting over the last week or so. Like many of the Nova Scotian bands of the mid 90's, Dog Day's got a knack for catchy, hooky guitar based pop that should be number one on every chart, but for some reason, in this bizarro world that we live, isn't. At first listen, you might hear a pinch of the many Death Cabbies that drive by indietown, but as each song passes, their many facets and layers become more apparent. Adding a somewhat original element to Seth Smith's more than capable vocals is the vocal accompaniment of bassist Nancy Urich. Some of the songs, like 'Vow' for example, even ventures into a slight Sonic Youth area. 'Sleeping, Waiting' reminds me of every party I attended from 1989 to 1994, with it's nostalgic "Boys Don't Cry" like beat to its college rock vibe. You'll likely also hear hints of The Smiths, (early) Sloan, Eric's Trip and Thrush Hermit. Basically, 'Night Group' is such an enjoyable listen from start to finish, that it's 12 cuts are over before you know it. They've embarked on a cross Canada tour that will surely garner them quite a bit of buzz over the months to come, and that buzz will be rightfully deserved. Highly recommended.

Dog Day will be at The Horseshoe on March 6th and at The Rivoli on March 8th, both as part of Canadian Music Week. Don't miss it.

Download: Lydia mp3 / Sleeping, Waiting mp3 / Oh Dead Life mp3
Myspace: Dog Day
Purchase: Night Group at Black Mountain Music