'Sup in November: Ten Picks

I went to a lot of shows in October (including a Shotgun Jimmie instore and an historical Roky Erickson show with The Sadies that I still have yet to tell you about) which means that I think I'm going to chill out a bit for the month of November. I'll still be catching a few, but I'll likely be limiting it to a few of the smaller ones. Still, there's a lot to do, and here are my picks.

For more detailed listings, as usual, go check out Stillepost, Zoilus and Jen's Weekly List (of shows under $10)

1. Monsters of Folk @ Massey Hall
(Monday November 2nd; Cost: $36.50-$49.50 w/$1 of each going to Foodshare)

If you haven't yet heard about this project, (which, if this is the case, where have you been?) this is the name of a new supergroup consisting of Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis, My Morning Jacket's Jim James and She & Him's Matt Ward. Initially I wasn't all that enthused about this project simply because I'm no longer as big a fan of each of these talented artists as I once was. Conor jumped the shark at the time of the truly boring Cassadega. My Morning Jacket's last two albums also left me wanting, and I never really was a huge fan of M. Ward. But the Monsters of Folk self-titled debut is actually really good, providing some of the best material that any of those artists have produced in some time. I've also heard that the show will feature two and a half hours of material spanning all of their respective careers.

[Myspaces: Monsters of Folk; Conor Oberst; My Morning Jacket; M Ward]

2. Postcards / Easy Targets / The Hoa Hoa's / Volcano @ Rancho Relaxo
(Friday November 6th; Cost: $7)

Psych rock is alive and well in the city of Toronto and 4 of Canada's finest are sharing a bill at the mighty Rancho. Montreal's Postcards play a minimalistic blend of 60's jangle guitar psych and Phil Spector-ish pop. The Easy Targets capture a mid-90's psychedelic shoegaze vibe, not unlike the Brian Jonestown Massacre. The Hoa Hoa's are one of the best garage bands in the city who are currently in the midst of releasing an outstanding new CD entitled Pop/Drone/Pedals that would've made Ian Curtis proud. And opening the evening is Volcano, the side project of The Space Between Things' Chris Hobson, which takes a lo-fi approach into the psychosphere.

[Myspaces: Postcards; Easy Targets; The Hoa Hoa's; Volcano]

3. Rural Alberta Advantage / Fox Jaws / Bahamas @ Lee's Palace
(Friday November 20th; Cost: $15)

The RAA are officially the hottest band in Canada this year, and they're playing another hometown show at Lee's Palace which is sure to be well supported. They're being accompanied by a couple of Nevado Records' finest; namely Fox Jaws and Bahamas. Hopefully the RAA's supporters will get there early enough to give the openers the exposure they rightfully deserve, enabling them to find a spot on next year's list.

The RAA are also playing a free in-store at Soundscapes on Nov 17th.
[Myspaces: Rural Alberta Advantage; Fox Jaws; Bahamas]

4. Ume @ The Horseshoe (Tuesday November 3rd; Cost: Free)

I finally got around to listening to the Sunshower EP by Austin trio Ume (pronounced ooo-may and pictured above) and it's pretty spectacular. The songs are tight examples of only the best in melodic power pop, but with an edgy guitar sound that rips right through you. Apparently frontwoman Lauren Larson is a guitarist with amazing shred all wrapped in a tiny little amicable persona which sounds to me like a compelling contrast. They've been labeled a must-see by several reputable sources, and to fulfill that recommendation for free is an opportunity not to be missed.

[Myspace: Ume]

5. Camera Obscura @ The Phoenix (Thursday November 26th; Cost: $20.50)

Although they're not the most animated performers I've ever seen, it's hard to deny the power of the music. Their latest album My Maudlin Career may not be quite as magnificent as their star making turn with 2006's Let's Get Out Of This Country, but it's still pretty sweet in its own way, and it will definitely be securing a spot in my personal best of in '09.

[Myspace: Camera Obscura]

6. Devendra Banhart @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Friday November 27th; Cost: $29.50)

As much as I admire this beacon of eccentricity, for whatever reason I haven't heard any of his albums since 2005's Cripple Crow. No real excuse for this other than just simply never getting around to it. I also have never actually seen him live, which is an even bigger atrocite considering the fact that he's apparently a very unique performer. Even more unique and eccentric, from what I've heard, is a room full of hippy, freaky Devendra Banhart fans, the entertainment value in which is also likely worth the price of admission. Sadly, I can't make it to this one either, but I will see him one day, just you wait!

[Myspace: Devendra Banhart]

7. The Swell Season @ Massey Hall (Tuesday November 3rd; Cost: $29.50-42.50)

Unlike some people, I never had the opportunity to catch their surprise intimate show at Dakota Tavern in September, but apparently, although the romantic involvement of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova is no more, the sounds are still as sweet as ever. This means that Massey Hall will be the perfect setting for them to perform not only the hit songs from Once, but also the newer material from their latest effort entitled Strict Joy.

[Myspace: The Swell Season]

8. The Pretty Faces / Maned Young Lions / Born To Busk @ Rancho Relaxo
(Friday November 27th; Cost: TBA)

The Pretty Faces are an incredibly hooky band that used to live in Waterloo, Ontario before settling in Coral Springs, Florida. Their style is right up my alley as it borrows from many of my favourites like Big Star, Elvis Costello and The Kinks. In other words, the perfect power pop band. Maned Young Lions are a band from Orangeville that I only know in a casual way, but I've had the privilege of hosting a show in the past featuring lead vocalist Rayelle Stainton and I can say with absolute certainty that her talent is staggering. If you're looking for something new and accessible, this show comes highly recommended.

[Myspaces: The Pretty Faces; Maned Young Lions; Born To Busk]

9. Amos The Transparent / The Love Machine / Rival Boys / Michou @ Rancho Relaxo
(Saturday November 19th; Cost: $8)

Looks like the Rancho is the place to be this month, as we witness the return of the always entertaining (especially at the Rancho) Amos the Transparent. Joining them on the bill are fellow Ottawans The Love Machine whose infectious high energy rock throughly impressed me at this year's NXNE. As far as Rival Boys and Michou are concerned, I'm afraid I don't really know much about them other than the fact that they are a couple of Rancho faves whose reputation has become quite the buzz of that particular bar.

[Myspaces: Amos the Transparent; The Love Machine; Rival Boys; Michou]

10. Steely Dan @ Massey Hall
(Wed Nov. 25th & Thurs Nov. 26; Cost: $59.50-159.50)

Well, I'll bet you weren't expecting to see this one on my list. There is no band that raises more eyebrows amongst friends when asked to reveal my favourite bands of all time, but these 70's AM progressive jazz popsters settle nicely in the lower reaches of my top ten. 1977's Aja is an album that I actually crave from time to time and when that craving hits me, nothing else will do. My love of The Dan also explains my attachment to bands like Zero 7 and Midlake, not to mention local acts like The Paint Movement and Make Your Exit. Say what you will, but their influence is obvious (at least to my ears) and I'll bet their highly distinguished sounds would sound amazing at Massey Hall.

[Myspace: Steely Dan]

Honorable Mentions:
There's only a few other shows that I'd like to mention. Former Reily vocalist Megan Bonnell (Nov 1st @ C'est What); Dog Day, Immaculate Machine & Balconies (Nov 5th @ Horseshoe); Islands (Nov 7 @ Mod Club); Peter Bjorn and John & El Perro Del Mar (Nov 11 @ Phoenix); Young Galaxy & The Junction (Nov 13th @ Horseshoe); Invasions, Planet Creature & Davey Parker Radio Sound (Nov 13 @ Silver Dollar); Andre Williams & The Sadies (Nov 19th @ Horseshoe); Devo (Nov 23rd & 24th @ Phoenix); Elvyn (Nov 30 @ Horseshoe)

Where I'll Be:
As I mentioned, I'll be sticking with some of the smaller shows this time around. I'm hoping to catch Ume at the 'shoe, and it would be great to see RAA, Fox Jaws and Bahamas again at Lee's. I will definitely be taking in the psychedelic experience at Rancho Relaxo on the 6th, and I'll certainly be back there again on the 27th to support my friends in the Maned Young Lions. Other than that, the rest of the month is a toss up, so we'll see.

Final Notes:
Just one more thing that I'd like to mention: My computer is currently on its last legs meaning that it's running very slow and overheating regularly. This means that a post like this, which would normally take an hour or so to do, has been taking me approximately a billion hours to do. I'm hoping to get something new early in the month, but until then, my posting might me a little bit on the non-existent side. But I will get those aforementioned reviews up as soon as possible, and when the new 'puter is up and ready to go, I'll hopefully be posting a little bit more regularly again, which means a few more recommendations and rants than I have been providing lately. Until then, enjoy the stupidly colder weather.

[Above Ume photo by Michael Thad Carter]

"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.