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

Anthony Rochester - Music For In The Spaceship

Upon first listening to Anthony Rochester's Music For In The Spaceship album, it's very easy to understand how one might think that he comes from Sweden, where he would share the lyrical whimsy of Jens Lekman. Perhaps you could be forgiven for thinking that he hails from Norway, where he would be influenced by the vocal subtlety of Erlend Øye. And the true music aficionado would be justified in assuming that he must comes from Glasgow, since his gift of melody was obviously taught at the school of Belle and Sebastian. However, the truth of the matter is that Hobart, Australia is where Rochester lays his hat, and although all of the aforementioned references are a good starting point and all, Music For In The Spaceship is an excellent album that truly stands on its own in terms of originality and heartfelt ebullience.

Anthony self records and plays most of the instruments himself, and his vocals showcase a vulnerability that adds to his immediate charm. With song titles like Did You Lose Weight?, If Only She'd Mind Read He Won't Have To Tell Her By Himself, and Interplanetary Relationships Can Be Problematic At The Best Of Times, it becomes apparent that Rochester is very witty and refuses to take himself too seriously. The songs are all very soothing, easy to absorb and instantly likable. She Visits Her Friends On The Moon has a 60's Casio French Pop feel to it (although it's sung in English) and Gigi is laugh out loud funny with it's cheesy lounge style keyboard work, and funky blaxploitation bass line. The album closes with It's A Secret But I Want To Sing About The Girl That I Love which is a beautiful song that seems to fit nicely into the Beautiful South songbook, only without all of the veiled sinisterism. In fact, there isn't anything veiled when it comes to the music of Anthony Rochester. What you see (or hear) is what you get and Music For in The Spaceship is pure pop music for pure pop people.

'Music For In The Spaceship' is available for download on iTunes or you can send $13 paypal to seriestworecords@gmail.com for a limited edition CD-R. Only 300 have been pressed.

Myspace: Anthony Rochester
Video: I Love You Baby on youtube
Download: Mathematics mp3


Download: Lipscombe Larder mp3


Other stuff: More local concert goodness this month that you may or may not be aware of.

Leh-Lo, the man behind Sunday open mic nights at The Supermarket, is doing a special show at Revival bar on Monday December 15th. His last album Zig Zag is pretty good but it seriously does not do justice to what the man is capable of. Also on the bill is The Action Mob and they're both opening for Japanese hard rock legends The Flower Travellin' Band. Erm, Strangest. Bill. Ever.The tickets are $17 and apparently the show is being filmed so be on your best behaviour kids! [Myspaces: Leh-Lo, Action Mob, Flower Travellin Band]

Also, The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band and the Spirits make another triumphant return to Toronto when they play Rancho Relaxo on Saturday December 20th with The Speaking Tongues and Terror Lake. Seriously, if you haven't seen The Golden Hands... yet, what is your problem? Yes, they are THAT good!! $7. [Myspaces: The Golden Hands..., The Speaking Tongues, Terror Lake]

Finally, there are two interesting tribute shows taking place in December. The first one is also at Rancho Relaxo on Sunday December 14th and it's called Rock The Clashbah: A Tribute To The Clash. A whole whack of local bands including Provincial Parks, The Wilderness and Leonids are going to be playing covers of various Clash and Joe Strummer songs. Promises to be epic! Cost is $7.

The second tribute show is taking place at The Velvet Underground on Wednesday December 17th, and the cities most impressive psych rock bands will be paying tribute to the music of The Jesus and Mary Chain. On the bill is The Disraelis and The Hoa Hoa's. Others are likely to be added as well. Cost is $5.

Evelyn Room, Golden Hands..., Spiral Beach and High Dials @ The Horseshoe

It seems like NXNE 2008 had only just finished, and now here we are, preparing for 2009. To celebrate the opening of the '09 festival's submission period, The Horseshoe hosted a free showcase on Tuesday night featuring three of my favourite indie(ish) bands on the current music scene as well as another band that I wasn't really familiar with, but quite enjoyed anyways. Of course, this week has been another massive slab of busy-ness and Tuesday seems like such a loooong time ago, but we'll see what I can remember.

The one band that I didn't really know was The Evelyn Room. They were a somewhat mellower band that likes to combine elements of spacey pysch rock with a slight alt-country feel to create a sound that is similar to what Ryan Adams or Chris Isaac might sound like if they came out in the late sixties. Vocalist Brad Fillatre bellows quite the smokey croon that works well with the subdued shuffle of the drums and bass as well as the ringing echo of the guitars. The songs sounded smart and honest, while the instrumentation seemed very accomplished for such a relatively new band. Apparently their performance at this years NXNE earned them quite a bit of respect and recognition because there seemed to be an impressive number of people in attendance who were familiar with their songs.

Photos: The Evelyn Room @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: The Evelyn Room

Seeing The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band and the Spirits (whew!) live for a second time just solidified the fact that not only are they deserving to be listed among one of the Hottest Canadian Bands of the year, but Jamie Greer's high placing on my own list of the best rock stars in town is also completely justified. I've heard many reports of their show being the highlight at NXNE, and if Tuesday night was any indication, they don't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. There were only 5 people on that stage, but they displayed the intensity of 20, as they rocked through an entire set of classic rock arrogance that was as fun as it was exhausting. I picked up their latest CD Here at the show, and although I'll likely review it sometime in the near future, I feel that it perfectly captures the feel of their live show, which is easily one of the best in the city. The party however, had only just begun...

Photos: The Golden Hands Before God... @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: The Golden Hands Before God...

I've been itching to see Spiral Beach again since I caught their show at The Shoe earlier this year, at NXNE. Bassist Dorian Wolf was another one who made my list of the city's greatest rock stars, and again ... completely justified! I keep forgetting how young this band is, simply because their CD Ball is filled with so much maturity as far as musical comparisons go, that it's hard to believe that these guys are old enough to have heard the bands that are their obvious influences. That having been said, their youth is no doubt what enables them to put on what was easily the busiest party in town. The audience did not stop dancing for even a second, and I love that this band has the ability to leave you longing for their next show as soon as they finish. Although I probably lost about 10 pounds of sweat water from my body, I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Photos: Spiral Beach @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: Spiral Beach
Video: Made Of Stone on youtube

Arguably the most accomplished band on the bill, Montreal's The High Dials had the challenge of hitting the stage on the heels of two of the hyper-est bands on the planet, and this was on a Tuesday night at midnight no less. Unfortunately, most of the crowd had dissipated by this time, but the ones that stuck around were still treated to a solid performance. I couldn't help but feel like we were all grown ups who had just sent their kids to their room to play while we stuck around to do grown up stuff. The contrast between their set and the Beach's set before was beyond obvious, but when it comes to which band is performing the stronger material, my money goes to The High Dials, bar none. They focused mainly on songs from their stellar new release Moon Country, and I thought Killer of Dragons in particular sounded very powerful on the live stage.

Photos: The High Dials @ The Horseshoe on flickr
Myspace: The High Dials

"I Could Play The Wild Mutation As A Rock 'N Roll Star"

When Bowie sang that line on his 1972 album The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, he was echoing the fantasy of many a teenage boy or girl. The children wanted to grow up to be garbagemen or astronauts or superheros, but at a certain age that changed and most teens would have given anything to make that wild mutation as a rock 'n roll star. However, only a precious few ever get to live out that dream. While Bono, and Sting and Chris Martin are doing so on a large scale worldwide level, every scenester knows that in every hometown, there are many rock stars to be found. Or at least people who pretend to be such.

Living in Toronto, there is an overabundance of local rock 'n roll heroes, and I've taken the time to compile a top 10 list of the ones that most convincingly play the part. What makes these individuals who are relatively unknown outside of the Toronto, Montreal area such an example of R&R swagger? I don't know, all I can say is that if you've ever seen them live, it is downright impossible to take your eyes off of them. For the most part:

1. Robbie Butcher

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Bands: Tin Bangs, Nights (formerly Seedy Ease)
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
His ability to transform the drums into his own personal stage. He wears bright pink pants and makes it look cool. He'll mug for every single camera that's pointed his way. He sits in the background but still becomes the star of every show. What places him at number one on this list is his basic refusal to be Ringo.

2. Jamie Greer

Hometown: Montreal (via Windsor)
Band: The Golden Hands Before God...
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
Jamie struts around the stage with the confidence of a local Jagger, while his tambourine acts as an extension of his (usually shirtless) body. The one time that I've seen him so far (there will be more though, trust me) he actually broke the tambourine in half! Now that's rock 'n roll!

3. Carleigh Aikins

Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
Band: Fox Jaws
What Makes Her A Rock Star:
She's cute as a button but her whiskey stained vocal chords demand attention. She's the rock 'n roll version of Cadet Laverne Hooks from the Police Academy movies. She seems all sweet and innocent but don't you dare tick her off because that vocal rasp is sure to put you in your place.

4. Dorian Wolf

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Band: Spiral Beach
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
I think that most people would choose Airick or Maddie, but I think that bass playing Dorian is the real rock star in this band. He oozes a playful confidence that causes him to come off as a rockabilly rebel transported from the 50's to challenge you to a street race that you stand no chance of winning. (Has my commentary reached an appropriate level of US magazine styled cheese yet? Bear with me, I'll get there.)

5. Patrick Krief

Hometown: Montreal, Ontario
Bands: Black Diamond Bay and formerly The Dears
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
He's the Hendrix of local(ish) indie rock. The man plays guitar like a magician and when he struts through the audience wailing away on that Strat, you're completely at his mercy.

6. Wayne Petti

Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario
Bands: Cuff The Duke as well as solo material
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
The man presents a genuineness that is impossible to fake. He's the boy next door and probably the reason that many young girls have been spotted wearing those "Talk Nerdy To Me" t-shirts.

7. Rajiv Thavanathan

Hometown: Toronto via Newfoundland
Bands: Oh No Forest Fires, Five Blank Pages
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
The fact that he's nothing but a big ol' hairy blur whenever he's on stage. He's the Sonic the Hedgehog of live music. He can't sit still. Just try to take a picture of him, go on try it! His boundless energy is contagious and although he's in serious danger of owing a new mic stand to every venue in the city, he shows no signs of slowing down.

8. Johnny Maldoror

Hometown: Montreal, Ontario
Band: Les Breastfeeders
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
The fact that he's as entertaining as he is disconcerting. You're never sure if what he is doing is schtick or real. You don't know if the furry boa is a prop or part of his actual wardrobe. He's the tambourine player with mystique and that, my friends, is very rock 'n roll.

9. Sarah Smith

Hometown: London, Ontario
Band: The Joys
What Makes Her A Rock Star:
Sarah makes every single person in the audience feel as if they're also a member of the band. In a room full of a hundred people, she has the ability to make you feel as if she's singing to you personally. Regardless of what may be going on in her personal life, she exudes a joyfulness that translates to the entire room, and all the while rocking it old school.

10. Lonely Vagabond

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Band: In a way, all of them
What Makes Him A Rock Star:
Only a precious few know who this person is but he shows up at every indie show in the city. He leaves very articulate and positive comments on the bands myspace page, yet most of these bands don't even know who he is. If you try to look for a picture of him, all you'll find are pics of James Dean, Elvis and Morrissey. There are times where it seems as if he's been attending two shows at once. Heck, even I have been approached by people wondering if him and I are one and the same. He's Toronto's version of ? and the Mysterians, yet his support for the local music scene is highly admirable.

And therein lies my personal list of the greatest rock stars you've never heard of unless you live in the general vicinity of my area. And these ten are just the tip of the iceberg. There's also Jonathan Chandler, Rob Szabo, Steve Strongman, Cameron Jingles, Basia Lyjak, Jason Wells, Rick White, Chris Murphy, Kevin Drew, Rooster Alcock, Dan Werb, Laura Barrett, Danielle Duval, Ruhee Dewji and on and on and on. As far as I'm concerned, the world can have its Bonos and its Stings . If rock 'n roll is this active here in Toronto, Montreal and the surrounding area, than I'd imagine that it's equally as active in whatever hometown you hail from. Do yourself a favour, if you're not already doing so, hunt down some of the rock stars in your own area and prepare to be amazed.

'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.

'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.

Two Way Monologues 6.5 @ Rancho Relaxo

I've come to the conclusion that if you're looking for a solid "under the radar" local indie lineup in the city of Toronto, then check to see if it's proceeded with the term Two Way Monologues, because they clearly know what they're doing. Friday night I attended yet another one of their showcases, and the fact is that, so far, I have never been let down. Three more high quality bands....

The evening kicked off in high gear with Kansas City Shuffle. Do you like the rock 'n roll, kids? Well that's what KCS is all about. They play the type of music that for some reason reminds me of high school, even though the whole power-pop, power-punk thing actually came about after I had been out of high school for 5 years. Maybe I watched a lot of teenage movies during that time. Whatever. The music of Kansas City Shuffle is nothing that you haven't heard before, but a good hook is a good hook, and this band has good hooks all over the place. And as I've mentioned before, I'm ALWAYS a sucker for a good hook. The band consists of Lee Serviss on vocals/bass and Jeremiah Quinlan on guitar. You may have heard their names before as they used to be in Far From Heroes, another local punk favorite. The band is rounded out by Grant Wheeler and Matt Ryan on guitar and drums, respectively. Whether or not you're a fan of the whole pop-punk genre, (which I'm not really,) it cannot be denied that the band's infectious sound translates well to the live stage, and the band puts on a really fun show. If you choose to check them out in the future, their merch table includes a free sampler CD that includes songs from their upcoming full length entitled Sailboats and Helicopters.

Photos: Kansas City Shuffle @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Download: Machines mp3
Myspace: Kansas City Shuffle

Key Witness really impressed me. Their music is steeped in variety and community spirit as they played a set that was full of boundless energy. The tunes were unique in that their style is not easy to define, but that doesn't make it any less accessible. They reminded me of some of the bands in the highly confusing math rock genre (i.e: Do Make Say Think or Explosions In The Sky) but J.M McNabb's vocals have a definite twang in them that leans more towards folksy territory. What I really appreciated was that this was very much a group affair. McNabb took center stage while singing of course, but then he would always back up so as to allow the rest of the band to take their turn at the spotlight. And there was a lot of band up there. Besides J.M on vocals, guitar and harmonica, you also had other members playing bass, drums, cello, fiddle, slide, mandolin, etc, etc, etc and, upon sampling some of the tracks on their myspace page, it sounds like there may be even more instruments involved. They seem to be taking the idea of jam band folk rock to the next level and I'm certainly excited at the prospect of seeing them again.

Photos: Key Witness @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr
Downloads: Perchance To Dream mp3 / Last Man On Earth mp3
Myspace: Key Witness
Purchase: Mercury In Retrograde at Indiepool.com

The evening ended with the frighteningly monikered Golden Hands Before God from Windsor, Ontario. This heavily bearded sextet blasted through a set of powerful psych-pop that made more than a few eyebrows raise, and likely melted a few faces as well. I realize I have a bad habit of comparing bands to Brian Jonestown Massacre, but I guess the reason for that is simply the fact that I'm always looking for a local band that provides that hammering 60's revitalization vibe with the same amount of pomp and attitude. Well, lo and behold, GHBG have nailed it! As soon as they started up, I knew I was in for something special. The synergy in the air and between the band members was compelling to say the least and there was enough variety in their sound to keep things interesting without ever alienating the audience. Another bad habit of mine is declaring a new favorite rock star every week, but this time around I would be absolutely negligent of I didn't give props to the tambourine madman skillz of Jamie Greer. Busting his tambourine in half within 3 songs has got to be some type of record, but he made due with whatever else he could. He strutted around like a poor man's Jagger, and when he and frontman Sean Barry have the mindset to win over a crowd, well that's exactly what they're going to do. The crowd ate it up, and they simply refused to let the show lag. If you ever get the chance to see these guys live, they come highly recommended!

Photos: Golden Hands Before God @ Rancho Relaxo on flickr.
Myspace: Golden Hands Before God