Nicole Atkins w/ Magneta Lane @ Lee's Palace

It's Family Day here in Ontari-ari-o and I'm going to sit around and watch movies all day with my wife, but first, (since she's still enjoying a much deserved sleep-in) I have to make this very important public service announcement: if you haven't yet taken the opportunity to see Nicole Atkins live, DO IT! Don't even ask questions, just go. Do it. I'm serious.

Nicole and her Sea were on fire last night at Lee's Palace, as she put on what was easily one of the best shows I've ever seen. Period. "Neptune City" is an excellent CD, as was clearly shown by the fact that it cracked my year end top five in 2007. But it does not hold up to what this girl can accomplish live. That's why, regardless of your personal thoughts on her release, I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure that you get the chance to see her perform in a live setting. Her band is beyond tight, her vocals are flawless and unique, her covers are outstanding, her audience banter is endearing and funny and her stage presence is a visual assault to the senses. She performed pretty much every song on the CD plus a couple of well placed covers, culminating in a stunning rendition of The Doors' 'Crystal Ship,' again proving that she can sing the phone book and send shivers up my spine. And I'll stop the gushing.....now.

Photos: Nicole Atkins @ Lee's Palace on flickr
Download: Party's Over mp3 / Bleeding Diamonds mp3 / Carouselle mp3
Myspace: Nicole Atkins and the Sea
Video: The Way It Is (live on Letterman) youtube
Video: Pissing In A River (Live From Copenhagen) youtube
Video: Neptune City youtube

There's even a whole Musicians at Google feature on Nicole Atkins posted on youtube in all its 55 minute glory that looks interesting.

The opening act for the night was Toronto's own Magneta Lane. I have to admit that, although there's been a lot of buzz on them over the past year or so, I haven't really taken much of an opportunity to soak them in. In my mid 20's, I had a real weakness for girl rock bands, but since then, I've just simply lost interest. That's why I was genuinely surprised at how good Magneta Lane were. Sure, they also take a cue from bands like The Runaways, etc. but from what I heard last night, the songs have very strong hooks and an impressive pop structure. And they rock! The girls are young, but very enthusiastic musicians, and that emotion translates well on stage.

Photos: Magneta Lane @ Lee's Palace on flickr
Myspace: Magneta Lane
Video: Magneta Lane's EPK on youtube