'Sup In September: Ten Picks

I've still got a couple of show reviews to talk about, both of which sprang from this year's Summerworks Festival which took place a couple of weeks ago. But before we look back, I think it's time to look ahead to what's going on in September. Normally, September is regarded as one of the saddest months of the year since it is usually synonymous with the end of summer. However this year we never had a summer, so let's hope we can still get a summer of the Indian variety in the weeks ahead as we collectively bask in the glow of some of the great shows that we can look forward to next month.

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

1. The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart @ The Horseshoe
(Monday, September 7th; Cost: $12)

For whatever reason, I've never mentioned these amazing New York shoegazers before on this blog, even though their self titled release from February is an album that has remained in constant rotation on my ipod for the better part of the year. I'd like to say that I was one of the early supporters of this band, but the truth is that I jumped on this bandwagon around the same time as everyone else did. Thing is, the music has received so much hype, that I'm impressed with myself for surrendering my snobbish impulses and jumping on at all. Here's one case where I can truly say that the album at least, definitely lives up to the hype. Whether or not the show does, remains to be seen, although I can't see any reason why it wouldn't.

[Myspace: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart]

2. The Sadies @ The Horseshoe
(Saturday September 12th; Cost: $15)

Do I really need to provide any hype for this show? The Sadies = best live band in Toronto. Done. As of right now, their supporters for the evening are only listed as 'Guests' on the Horseshoe listings page, but they tend to bring only the best with them whilst playing The 'Shoe, so I recommend getting there early.

[Myspace: The Sadies]

3. Joe Pernice / Kate Boothman @ Dakota Tavern
(Tuesday September 24th; Cost: $18.50)

Joe Pernice (pictured above) has just finished publishing his first novel, which is entitled It Feels So Good When I Stop. I still have yet to read it, but it's been lauded by personal literary fave Nick Hornby, so I'll have to admit that I'm more than a little bit curious. The man is already a master at crafting a perfect 3 or 4 minute pop song, so if he can channel that wit into a piece of literature, I'd imagine that it's going to be pretty good. He's recorded a soundtrack to the novel featuring covers of songs by Sebadoh, The Dream Syndicate and even Dick Van Dyke, and I'm sure many of those songs, along with some of his brilliant originals should suit the intimate Dakota atmosphere just nicely.

[Myspaces: Joe Pernice; Kate Boothman]

4. The Minus 5 @ The Horseshoe
(Sunday September 13th; Cost: $13.50)

I'll admit that I haven't been following the career of this American rock collective for quite some time, but the idea of seeing Scott McCaughey (from Young Fresh Fellows), Peter Buck (from REM) and Steve Wynn (from Dream Syndicate) up close and personal is a pretty tough one to pass up. The fact that this band has also boasted appearances by such notables as Colin Meloy, Ken Stringfellow, Robert Pollard, Pete Yorn and of course, Jeff Tweedy can't help but fill one with all sorts of "what if" thoughts that likely will not come to fruition but, you never know...

[Myspace: The Minus 5]

5. No Shame's 100th Show @ The Horseshoe
feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick a Piper and The Skeletones Four
(Friday September 18th; Cost: $10)

The No Shame independent music series has provided our city with a high quality indie rock show 99 times in a row now, and they're prepared to make their 100th show extra special. Four of the best independent bands that I have ever heard will be taking the stage, and the show is guaranteed to be one crazy party. (This here blog may have a contest in relation to this show in the very near future. Stay tuned...)

[Myspaces: Green Go; Ruby Coast; Pick A Piper; The Skeletones Four]

6. Broken Bricks / The Assistants / Davey Parker Radio Sound @ Silver Dollar
(Friday September 11th; Cost: $5)

We all know how much I loves the psych rock, and two of the best tripsters in the city are playing the same night. I've seen Broken Bricks before and reviewed them here; and I've listened to Davey Parker Radio Sound before and reviewed them here. The Assistants are a little bit more 80's college radio than psych, but some elements are still definitely there. I've seen them before too, and I reviewed them here.

[Myspaces: Broken Bricks; The Assistants; Davey Parker Radio Sound]

7. Black Diamond Heavies / Elvyn @ Velvet Underground
(Thursday September 17th; Cost: TBA)

Black Diamond Heavies are an American band that take everything that is raw and dirty about rock 'n roll and boil it into a soulful stew that is as loud and authentic as the music of any gritty garage band to emerge out of the Detroit scene over the last 30 years. Except they're actually from Nashville. And I haven't actually heard them yet. Still, from what I've read, it sounds like they put on a heckuva rawk show. Admittedly, the main reason that this show makes my monthly ten list for September is the fact that Peterborough's Elvyn will be kicking off the night, and they'll likely be showcasing some songs from their upcoming full length, which should be out in the near future. Elvyn revels in the kind of rootsy pop music that makes artists like Teenage Fanclub and The Jayhawks so great, and they're certainly worth getting out on a Thursday night for.

[Myspaces: Black Diamond Heavies; Elvyn]

8. Hi Hat 4 Launch Night @ Rancho Relaxo
(Friday September 4th / Saturday September 5th; Cost: $10 w/CD, $7 without)

It really is amazing all that has been accomplished in recent months over at Hi Hat Recordings. Some of my favourite local bands are currently signed to that label, and to celebrate the release of a new compilation album, the Rancho Relaxo is hosting not one, but two nights of fun featuring some of the greatest bands in the city. Friday night will consist of sets by Wildlife, Spookey Ruben, Black Hat Brigade and Sandman Viper Command. As cool as Friday looks, I think that the money night for me would be Saturday, with performances by Cut Throat Briva, The Job, Sitcom and Invasions.

9. Regina Spektor @ Sound Academy
(Wednesday September 16th; Cost: $29)

I know this makes me sound like a major snob, but I really haven't paid much attention to Ms. Spektor since she shifted her focus from jazzy piano eccentricities to a more accessible and streamlined sound. There's also no way you'll ever be able to convince me that seeing her at the giant sweatbox that is the Sound Academy could ever compare with seeing her at the tiny Rivoli a few short years ago. Still, the fact that she's an amazing performer is undeniable, and if you haven't seen her yet, I can't help but recommend that you fork over the thirty dollars minus one and check her out. Regina Spektor needs to be experienced by everybody, at least once.

[Myspace: Regina Spektor]

10. Juliette Lewis / Band Of Skulls @ Opera House
(Friday September 11th; Cost: $20)

When it comes to Juliette Lewis: the rock star, the ratio of substance to schtick leans heavily towards the latter. Still, I can't help but find her very entertaining and although she may be a bit of a guilty pleasure of sorts, I must admit that I'm really looking forward to checking out her show. I just don't see enough punky mock rock these days! To sweeten the pot, Band of Skulls will be opening, and although I still have yet to listen to Baby Darling Doll Face Honey all the way through, I like the songs that I know, and I do enjoy their brand of anthemic garage rock quite a bit.

[Myspaces: Juliette Lewis; Band of Skulls]

Honorable Mentions:
There are a few other great shows in September that I highly recommend but I left them out of the top ten because they feature bands that I seem to recommend all the time. Burlington's Beautiful Nothing are playing The Horseshoe on Friday September 11th in support of their new album entitled The Fruits of Youth. [Cost: $6] The Balconies are celebrating the release of their new CD at Lee's Palace on with Oh No Forest Fires, Fox Jaws and Whale Tooth. Wednesday September 25th [Damn, what a lineup. Cost: TBA] Modernboys Moderngirls will also be celebrating the release of their new CD at Sneaky Dee's on Friday September 18th with Clothes Make The Man and Black Hat Brigade. [I've also got a contest for this show coming up. Stay tuned...] And Cuff The Duke are playing an instore at Criminal Records on Tuesday September 8th for free.

Where I'll Be:
I definitely plan on being at Dakota for Joe Pernice, although looking at the Soundscapes list, I'd better grab those tickets soon because they're almost sold out. I'm also sealed in for the Juliette Lewis / Band of Skulls show. Finally, Pains of Being Pure of Heart, Minus 5 and No Shame are all very strong maybe's at the moment and whether or not I make it out to see Elvyn will depend on how early they start, since we all know that getting out early on a Thursday night is a bit of a tough one for me. We'll see...

'Sup In August: Ten Picks

I'm still reeling from the brilliant performance put on by the Rural Alberta Advantage last night, and I still have to tell you about the awesome surprise that was The Datsuns at the Horseshoe a couple of weeks ago, but in the meantime, August is rapidly approaching which means that it's time for me to let you know what I would do if I were you before summer winds down to a close. What summer you say? Yah seriously, right?

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

1. The Decemberists / Heartless Bastards @ Kool Haus
(Monday, August 3rd; Cost: $32)

To me this is a no brainer for top pick. The Hazards Of Love is the first truly perfect album I've heard in years and the band will be playing it in its entirety, to be followed up with a complete second set of older material. That means over 2 hours of pure Meloy gold that has been getting raver than rave reviews in every town they go to. Sadly, Kool Haus sucks, but the show cannot help but triumph.

[Myspaces: The Decemberists; Heartless Bastards]

2. Tom Fun Orchestra / The Coast / Carmen Townsend @ The Horseshoe
(Thursday August 6th; Cost: $8)

I've mentioned before that seeing the Tom Fun Orchestra back in January will easily make my list of best shows of the year. It's a rare oppportunity to watch a usually reserved Toronto crowd come out of its shell, as the band plays their brains out. I'm still giving away tickets for this show. If you'd like to win them, you can check out the contest rules here.

[Myspaces: Tom Fun Orchestra; The Coast; Carmen Townsend]

3. Fox Jaws / Hot Kid / Rival Boys @ El Mocambo
(Friday August 21st; Cost: $8 or $15 with CD)

My crushes the Fox Jaws (pictured above) are releasing their new CD, entitled At Odds (or exercises in separation while united in the fall) on August 15th, and this show at the El Mo is their official Toronto CD release party. I've been suffering from a little bit of FJ withdrawal lately so I really hope that I can make it to this show. They're still one of the best live bands this city has to offer and they'll also be playing earlier in the month as part of the Summerworks Festival, which has a stellar lineup that you won't want to miss.

[Myspaces: Fox Jaws, Hot Kid, Rival Boys]

4. Fleet Foxes / Dungen @ Massey Hall
(Tuesday August 4th; Cost: $32.50-$39.50)

This one makes my list of recommendations simply because I know what a great live band the Fleet Foxes are, but I have to admit that there's something in me that is a little bit perturbed about such a new band playing such a prestigious venue at such a ridiculous cost. I'm of the opinion that a band should have to prove themselves with a few albums before they get the privilege of playing a venue that should be reserved for those of a more legendary status. Still, their harmonies are going to sound pretty heavenly amidst those sonically pleasing walls.

[Myspace: Fleet Foxes; Dungen]

5. Do Make Say Think @ Polish Combatants Hall
(Wednesday August 19th; Cost: $22)

I just picked up Stuart Berman's This Book Is Broken: A Broken Social Scene Story and it's got me craving all things associated with the BSS world, especially the post rock instrumental sounds of the still very active Do Make Say Think. After 6 albums and 13 years of existence, the band has cultivated a sound that is often imitated, yet never duplicated and their reputation as one of the best live acts that Toronto has ever spawned is completely warranted.

[Myspace: Do Make Say Think]

6. St. Vincent / Gentlemen Reg @ The Horseshoe
(Saturday August 8th; Cost: $13adv/ $15 door)

I'm still getting used to St. Vincent's latest release Actor, which for whatever reason is failing to resonate with me in the same way her 2007 release Marry Me did, which landed nicely in my year end best of list. Still, she is a very charismatic and exuberant performer and it will be interesting to see how the strange Disney-esque sounds on her album will translate to the live stage. I anticipate that there will likely be just as many people there to see Gentlemen Reg also, although he's another one whose music simply does nothing for me. I haven't seen him live for years though, so maybe it's about time to do so.

[Myspaces: St. Vincent; Gentlemen Reg]

7. The Breeders / Whispertown 2000 @ Lee's Palace
(Saturday August 15th; Cost: $23.50)

The legendary Breeders are back in town at a slightly smaller venue than last time, promoting last year's comeback release Mountain Battles. I've only been a casual fan over the years, basically getting to know them via their obvious Pixies association, but I can vouch for the fact that they put on a very energetic show.

[Myspace: The Breeders; Whispertown 2000]

8. Lykke Li / Mike Snow @ Sound Academy
(Sunday August 9th; Cost: $26.50)

After a late start, Youth Novels eventually became one of my most listened to albums of last year. Her hushed vocals are amongst the most soothing sounds around and I've heard more than a couple of people sing the praises of her live performances. I still have yet to see her live, and I likely won't be making it out to this one either, but obviously if she's playing a larger venue like the Sound Academy, than her reputation must be preceding her.

[Myspace: Lykke Li; Mike Snow]

9. Passion Pit / Ruby Coast @ The Phoenix
(Tuesday August 11th; Cost: $15)

Passion Pit are determined to make up for the fact that they had to cancel on us twice by playing a show this month at The Phoenix only a couple of months after they last came to town. I figure that this will also be an opportunity for them to better hone their live skills because from what I saw, they've got the fun part down, but they still need to work on the tightness factor. Thankfully they've got localers (and friends) Ruby Coast opening for them who could probably show them a thing or two about what it means to be tight.

[Myspaces: Passion Pit; Ruby Coast]

10. Friendly Fires @ Lee's Palace
(Monday August 10th; Cost: $15)

This is more of a recommendation based on buzz more than personal opinion as Friendly Fires make their return to Toronto after having played a show only a few months ago to much critical acclaim. Personally, I find their self titled release to be fun enough for an 80's throwback, but a bit of a challenge to take in all at once. Still, some of my friends whose opinions I respect, came back from the show reeling as if they had just witnessed the invention of light, so I assume they must put on a spectacular show. [This show is currently sold out!]

(Myspace: Friendly Fires)

Honorable Mention: I just thought I'd also mention that this years Summerworks Theatre Festival takes place from August 6th-16th and features some of the best live bands in the city. There are so many bands playing the festival including Sunparlour Players, Fox Jaws, Still Life Still, Great Bloomers, Oh No Forest Fires, Miracle Fortress and many many more. Tickets are a very affordable $10 per performance, or you can spend $25 for a three show pass. Other options are also available and you can see all of the pricing arrangements here.

Where I'll Be:
I've already got my Decemberists tickets clutched in my sweaty little hands so I'll be there bright and early for that one. I'm hoping to be at the Fox Jaws CD release show although now that I think about it, I might be up at the cottage that weekend. If that's the case, I'll certainly be seeing them as part of Summerworks and hopefully I'll be able to catch a few more of them there Summerworks shows, although exactly which ones will have to be determined at a later date.

A couple to keep your eye on...

Here are a couple of quick picks of some artists that I've recently come across that sound very good, but I actually know very little about.

The Matthews Brothers' Rob and Cole Matthews are from Kingston, Ontario and their background in classical music training has made them very adept at crafting music that is emotional and steeped in atmosphere. The three songs that they have up on their myspace page display an incredible amount of maturity and contradict the whole idea of an adjustment period. I suppose if you need to place a label on something, then I would put them in the folk / rock area of the musical world, but overall, I would simply label them as a good little band that is very easy to consume and digest. They spend a lot of time at the quiet farmhouse and, apparently, this is where they gain a lot of their inspiration, which gives their music an incomparable warmth that feels especially good on those blustery winter snow days. I'm looking forward to warming up with their CD and a hot chocolate, but it looks like the recording of their full-length is going to take some time as they strive to gain perfection but in a financially feasible way. However, if their demos are any indication, it'll be worth waiting for.

Myspace: The Matthews Brothers

Very very little is known about Jeremy Sparrow. I know his real name is Lasse Smed and he hails from Denmark. His music is heavily influenced by John Cale and The The and it really shows. He has four songs displayed on his myspace page and to say that they show a great deal of promise would be an understatement. "Outrunning Paper Tigers" for example, is restrained and mercurial as it harks back to seminal 80's bands like Flesh For Lulu or late Roxy Music. "The Radiant 5" has Lasse vocalizing a delicious falsetto that still manages to sound slightly dark, a real accomplishment. "Without You I'm Nothing" is equally impressive, a lushly produced song that avoids sounding syrupy, although it could certainly have gone that way if left in less capable hands. It avoids over reaching itself by keeping the instrumentation minimal, keeping only what's necessary. He works along with Tobias Winberg, whose Death Valley Sleepers I had mentioned that I was quite impressed with in another post. Apparently Denmark is becoming a hub of impressive talent these days.

Download: Outrunning Paper Tigers mp3
Myspace: Jeremy Sparrow

The above photo is by Mikkel Balle.

Recommending Some Recommendations

I'm finding it increasingly more impossible to keep up with all the great music that crosses my path these days. Don't get me wrong, I'm up to the challenge of encountering even more. I'm kinda nutty that way. But for me to write about every great band I come across just ain't gonna happen. However, today I'm going to take advantage of the fact that I have a few spare moments and nothing else to blab about to briefly share with you a few artists that have been recently recommended to me. These are three artists that I know relatively little about, but from what I've heard, they're bound to make my cheeks all rosy red with delight!!




Your 33 Black Angels are from New York, New York and they remind me of all of the great bands that boast that ultra cool, laid back New Yorksy sound. You know who I'm talking about and you know that you don't have to necessarily be from New York to sport such a sound. All of the Lou Reed's and Stephen Malkmus's and Thurston Moore's out there who make sounding cool seem painlessly simple. Well, add Your 33 Black Angels to that list. They've been around for a couple of years but earlier this year they released "Lonely Street", and it's receiving some pretty honorable type mentionings from some pretty honorable type people. Rolling Stones' David Fricke, for example, described it as one of this year's treasures. I haven't yet heard the CD, but judging by the songs on their myspace page, it's probably wise for me to get on that. I particularly like "Psycho On Your Side," which is like an upbeat love song from the bizarro world.

Download: Psycho On Your Side mp3
Myspace: Your 33 Black Angels (you can also purchase "Lonely Street" on their myspace page)




While conversing with William Rees of Mystery Jets during their visit to T.O. earlier this year, he told me that I must check out UK's Late Of The Pier. This is a band that may have a more critical case of ADD than I do. If you listen to their song "Bathroom Gurgle" for instance, the song does not run much longer than your typical top 40 tune, except it goes through more changes than a newborn baby's diaper. There is very little online information about these guys but I guess that I would best describe them as equal parts Prince, Gary Numan and Bobby Conn. They're a lot of fun, they're easy to dance to, and they put a smile on my face. What more can I say? Glam rock with its nose to the funkstone.

Download: Space and the Woods mp3
Myspace: Late Of The Pier

Finally, there's Denmark's Death Valley Sleepers. Tobias Winberg is the brains behind this operation, playing all of the instruments himself. What I find really neat is that it sounds like a full fledged band performing these songs, which is a real testament to the talent and attention to detail that Tobias has carefully honed. Not to sound like a broken record, but I'm sure you've all figured out that I can't get enough of the 60's influenced sound. But DVS is quite unique in that to me it sounds like surf music that you'd hear in a Serge Leone film, if Serge Leone were to put surf music in one of his spaghetti western type films. Which would never happen. Thus the word 'unique.'

Download: Sweet End mp3
Myspace: Death Valley Sleepers

The Main Drag

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve often relied on indie music podcasts to introduce me to great music that I would have otherwise been unfamiliar with. One such example is a band from Boston known as The Main Drag. I suppose they sound like some sort of mix between perhaps Broken Social Scene and Red House Painters. If you listen to the songs that are available on their myspace page, you’ll likely be very impressed. “Goodnight Technologist” sounds as if Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard and King Crimson’s Robert Fripp joined forces to create some sort of progressive lullaby. The song “A Jagged Gorgeous Winter” recently won a much deserved song writing contest. The song is as hooky as it gets, and the refrain “nights filled with longer hours” has the ability to drill a hole in your memory that prevents you from getting the song out of there anytime soon. And I mean this in a cool way, not in an annoying “my lovely lady lumps” way. The band is releasing a new album sometime in and around June and judging from the demos they’ve posted on their good ole fashioned garageband page, they seem to be heading in a slightly more acoustic direction. It’ll be interesting to see if the new CD is going to be more of a stripped down affair or if they’re going to throw some of their trademarked weirdness into the mix. Either way I’m anxiously looking forward to hearing it.

Download:
A Jagged Gorgeous Winter mp3
Goodnight Technologist mp3

The Main Drag is on myspace or you can download a whole whack of tuneage on their garageband page.

Also be sure to check out the video for “A Jagged Gorgeous Winter” over on youtube. It’s got snowballs, sledding and lots of other fun stuff.

The above band photo is by J.B. Galusha.