Slakah The Beatchild @ Revival

If you've ever frequented this site, then you know that I'm not overly picky when it comes to indie rock. Sure, there are artists that I like better than others, and mediocrity runs rampant at times, but I can usually find something good in most of the bands I cover around the city. When it comes to soul, R&B and hip hop however, I'm a totally different creature altogether. I don't cover this genre all that often here, but it's not because I don't like it. It's because my tastes are very specific when it comes to da funk. Stevie's Innervisions, Dusty's In Memphis and the mighty mighty Marvin's What's Going On are a few of my favourite albums of all time, but when it comes to the modern day, it really does take a lot to garner my attention. Artists like Oh No, Madlib and Shad K have restored my faith in hip hop, and I do enjoy doses of Raphael Saadiq and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings as well, but most of my soulful exposure comes from what the kids are listening to these days and I hate to sound like a crusty old curmudgeon, but I just don't get most of it.

This is why an artist like Slakah The Beatchild is so refreshing to me. His new release is entitled Soul Movement Vol. 1, and the title is very appropriate since that is exactly what it is: a movement. The album flows seamlessly from track to track, meaning that it's most enjoyable when played as a whole. Although there are hooky songs and several catchy moments, the album is mostly about establishing a vibe, and it's the instrumental snippets and segues of beats and atmospheres that are interspersed between the songs that make it such a successful musical journey. Slaks continued to keep the vibe front and center when he brought his CD release party to Revival last week.

Like the album, Slakah enlisted the help of some of his friends for the show, including the beautiful voices of Ayah, Melanie Durrant and Divine Brown, as well as the soulful stylings of Ray Robinson and the charismatic rap of Tona, and Slakah's Art Of Fresh counterpart D.O. (Sadly, there was no Shad K. as I was anticipating, but it's all good, although his rhymes on the song Now A Daze is definitely one of the album's highlights.) Slakah is an excellent performer, exuding a sweet balance between humility and confident showmanship. After a hilarious intro by comedian Jay Martin, Slakah took to the stage wearing shades and looking like a star. Some of the highlights were his slightly slowed down take on Enjoy Ya Self which is a chilled out number with a retro 70's vibe. The Answer is a song that I only mildly enjoy on the album, but this duet with Melanie Durrant works exceptionally well on the live stage as Durrant proves that her amazing pipes are not simply a result of studio wizardry. He asked the audience to clear some space on the floor during his rabid performance of B-Boy Beef, where a member of the Ground Illusionz crew busted out some stellar breakdance moves. Crate Love (By Your Side) was another solid performance featuring Ray Robinson (dang that voice is smooth) and Divine Brown, whose vocals were beyond impressive, particularly during the breakdown at the song's coda. Divine also performed her hit single Sunglasses, which was also produced by Slakah, whom she declared as "Canada's best kept secret." That performance was probably the audience highlight of the evening. My personal highlights were the moments when D.O. joined Slakah onstage. Their performance of the Art of Fresh's Out This World was electric, and that D.O. is one charismatic and hilarious performer who I found impossible to keep my eyes off of.

Although it was clear that the audience was pumped for an encore, they were relatively reserved when it came to showing it. I suppose this is why Esthero took it upon herself to jump up to the mic and blast us all for our lack of appreciation. Harsh yes, but entertaining nonetheless. The crew came back out and did a couple more songs, ending with What's This Feeling, stripped down with Slakah playing the acoustic guitar. Mesmerizing.

There's a lot to be said for broadening one's horizons. Much like when I took a chance on seeing God Made Me Funky last year, it was hard not to leave the show in a celebratory mood. Regardless of genre, music is always good when it's presented with honesty and accompanied by sheer talent and a desire to explore. Using that criteria, Slakah The Beatchild is as good as it gets.

Memoirs of Anesha also has a review of the show here.

Photos: My shots of Slakah The Beatchild @ Revival are on flickr.
Myspace: Slakah The Beatchild
Video: Enjoy Ya Self on youtube
Video: What's This Feeling on youtube
Video: Out This World on youtube

'Sup In June

As you've likely noticed by now, the monthly "Sup In ..." post has become less of a list of what I'm doing, and more of a list of what I would do if I were you. The shows that I plan to attend tend not to see the light of day more often than not, and it seems that each month showcases a show or two that I end up going to as more of a spur of a moment type of thing. June is going to be busy with this year's NXNE festival in full force which I'm obviously participating in although, due to other conflicting priorities, my involvement this year will be significantly more reserved than in year's past. Anyways, enough of my jibber jabber and on to the month's events:

To start with, I'd like to tell you about the Aux TV Secret Sessions Series taking place every Saturday during the months of June and July. It all happens at The Audio Recording Academy (554 Queen Street East), it's all ages, it usually starts at 5pm and it's free. To get in, all you have to do is RSVP to rsvp@secretsessionstara.com with the show you wish to attend, your name and the number of guests. Some of the performers for the month of June include The Ghost Is Dancing, Great Bloomers, Holler! Wild Rose, The Paint Movement, Josh Reichmann and Oh No Forest Fires. For more info, go to the website. [Myspace: Secret Sessions Tara]

In support of their critically acclaimed Veckatimest album, Grizzly Bear are in town on Friday June 6th playing The Phoenix. Tix are $18, although I think it might be sold out. [Myspace: Grizzly Bear]

Ma homeboy (I'll never be able to pull that off, will I?) Slakah The Beatchild is having a CD release party at The Revival on Thursday June 11th in support of his excellent new release entitled Soul Movement Pt 1. Looks like it's going to be quite the bill for any fans of hip hop ad R&B, with guests including Divine Brown, Melanie Durant, Ebrahim and Shad K, amongst others. Details for the event can be found here. [Myspace: Slakah The Beatchild]

One Hundred Dollars are playing The Horseshoe on Friday June 12th. They are by far the best country band in the city. Tix are $8. [Myspace: One Hundred Dollars]

Alt-Country giant Alejandro Escovedo is back and playing Trinity St. Paul's on Tuesday June 16th for $27. [Myspace: Alejandro Escovedo]

Also on Tuesday June 16th, Passion Pit are making an attempt to return to our city by playing Lee's Palace. They've already failed twice before so hopefully we get to see this one make it's way to fruition. I've noticed that the tickets are sold out at some of the local points of sale, so keep your eyes on this blog as I may have a couple of spots to giveaway in the very near future. $12. [Myspace: Passion Pit]

Which of course brings us to this year's NXNE festival, taking place June 17th - 21st. I think I'm going to do a more detailed posting for this as we get closer to the date, but you can already get started on your personal picks by perusing the schedule over here. Admittedly I haven't got it all figured out just yet, but one band that I certinaly will NOT be missing is legendary 60's Seattle rockers The Sonics, who will be at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday June 20th at 9:30. It looks like I'm sort of leaning towards checking out more of the 'out of towners' on the schedule, as opposed to the 'will always be heres' on the schedule, but more on that later. [Myspace: The Sonics]

One thing that I will mention, is that Daps All Ages and No Shame are going to be presenting an all ages afternoon show at Rolly's Garage on Saturday June 20th, from 1pm to 6pm. On the bill are Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, Lightmares, Laura Barrett, Swirling Shores, Times Neue Roman and Pick A Piper (who I just saw last weekend and I gotta tell you, whew! More on that later.) Tix are $10.

The excellent double bill of Jonathan Richmond and Vic Chesnutt are playing the Great Hall on Thursday June 25th for only $20. [Myspaces: Jonathan Richmond; Vic Chesnutt]

Also, on Thursday June 25th, you may wish to check out the always amazing Ohbijou with Great Bloomers and Evening Hymns at The Opera House. Tix are only $13. [Myspace: Ohbijou; Great Bloomers, Evening Hyms]

I have the opportunity to broaden my horizons by attending a day of The 26th Annual Tottenham Bluegrass Festival which takes place June 26th, 27th, and 28th at the Tottenham Observation Area. I cover artists that borrow from the bluegrass genre all the time, but I anticipate that it's going to be downright inspiring to spend an afternoon sitting in the sun taking in some old school meat and potatoes type of classic bluegrass tunes. Some of the artists are a little bit rootsier than I'm accustomed to, but I am looking forward to seeing a set by Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass. Another band that intrigues me is called The Dixie Flyers, who actually have some pretty impressive Canadian bluegrassers playing amongst them. (I've also heard that I've got to try a deep fried Mars Bar at least once in my life.) Schedule and other info can be found at the website. [Myspaces: Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass; Dixie Flyers]

The return of the always delightful Camera Obscura takes place at Lee's Palace on Saturday June 27th. I am madly in love with their latest My Maudlin Career. Tix are $23.50. [Myspace: Camera Obscura]

There's quite a number of legends coming through town in June, one of such is Todd Rundgren, who is playing The Mod Club (!) on Sunday June 28th. Tickets are $49.50. [Myspace: Todd Rundgren]

Tuesday June 30th is a busy day here in the city as New York's legendary glam-rockers the New York Dolls are in town playing Lee's Palace. The tickets are $29.50 and legends of this magnitude do not come around all that often so you really have no excuse for not attending. Actually there is one excuse, that is, if you're planning on seeing... [Myspace: New York Dolls]

...SONIC YOUTH!!!! To say that I'm excited about this show is hardly a strong enough phrase to convey the level of excitement going through my body right now. I once stated that Sonic Youth (pictured above) were basically the best band in the world, and I don't think that my statement is all that far off. They are legends having inspired almost every band that I've loved since and I think this is going to be one epic performance. They are playing Massey Hall on Tuesday June 30th and tickets are $48.50 and worth every penny! [Myspace: Sonic Youth]

Rob Szabo - Life & Limb

How does a guy who constantly gets expressions like "Cobain-worthy" and "like prime Costello" hurled his way, manage to stay significantly unknown? Not only is Rob Szabo unknown in the world of pop music, but even in the world of indie rock he still seems to be a heavily guarded secret, appreciated by only a few astute, CBC loving individuals. The fact is that such overly flattering comparisons, while perhaps a tad extreme, are not entirely inaccurate. Rob Szabo is one of Canada's most gifted singer-songwriters, on par with fellow under appreciated artist Danny Michel and even Ron Sexsmith.

His new CD Life & Limb has just been released, and it's a sophisticated follow up to 2006's Like A Metaphor containing more of the same clever wordplay set to melancholic pop hooks that fans such as myself have come to have an awestruck admiration for. The CD begins quite upbeat with That Cold Hard Sell, which is a wonderful Dylanesque rant on blatant commercialism. The rest of the album remains a little bit more acoustic and chilled, but never does it lag or grow monotonous. All the Sleepy Souls is a beautiful slice of balladry that avoids sounding contrived, as ballads often do. Last Night is a country and western shuffle, which features the beautiful voice of Kerri Ough. What I Deserve has Szabo sounding his most genuine, hinting at a slight desperation that is tempered with hope. The album closes with That Kind Of Fight, possibly the most beautiful song he's ever written, sounding as if he's taking a cue from some of Neil Young's more personal works. The album is the perfect length clocking in at just over 30 minutes and hopefully Life & Limb will finally be the release that brings Szabo the attention that has unjustly eluded him for too long.

Rob Szabo is playing The Cameron House with Revival Dear tonight (Oct 3rd)
$10 at the door

Myspace: Rob Szabo
Stream: Life & Limb - Entire Album here.

Other stuff:

The Matthews Brothers (whom I talked about here) are playing The Horseshoe Tavern on Friday October 10th. It's an open guest list, which means that you simply say that you're there to see The Matthews Brothers and you're in for free. It's part of Indie Music Week.

Myspace: The Matthews Brothers

Camera Obscura apparently have another album all finished, mixed and mastered and they're looking forward to releasing it sometime in the new year. They're interviewed over at Von Pip Musical Express.

Myspace: Camera Obscura

Retro hip hop soulster Slakah The Beatchild has a cool new video for his song What's This Feeling? from his current release Soul Movement Vol One. The video can be seen here.

Myspace: Slakah The Beatchild

Apostle Of Hustle and Tanya Tagaq are playing the Glen Gould theatre on Friday November 7th. They're giving you an opportunity to win tickets to the show over here.

Myspace: Apostle Of Hustle
Myspace: Tanya Tagaq

You wanna be the guitarist for an ultra cool San Franciscan rock 'n roll band? The Diletantes are apparently looking for a new permanant guitarist. They are going into pre production for their second album this month.

Myspace: The Diletantes

Tickets for Sondre Lerche's November 14th show at The Mod Club go on sale today for $18.50.

Myspace: Sondre Lerche

And finally, for people who are my age and stuff, Virgin Music Canada is holding their 25th Anniversary concert at Lee's Palace on Tuesday October 14th. Performers include The Northern Pikes, Colin James, Pluto, and Choclair. Tickets are $20 with all the proceeds from the show being donated to MusiCan, which will use the funds to raise money to support a school's music program.

Myspace: The Northern Pikes
Myspace: Colin James
Myspace: Pluto
Myspace: Choclair

The Joys, Slakah The Beatchild, Coconut Records, etc....

I've been scraping off the bottom of the piggy bank this week so I haven't gone to many shows or purchased many CD's or done anything really blog worthy so therefore, I've been keeping to myself. However, there's always something to talk about so today's post will be sort of a hodge podge of music related whateverz!

First off, I received the latest single by London Ontario's The Joys. I heard a song by them a few years back entitled "Do I" on the Insomnia Radio podcast. Back then they were called Popjoy, and that was at a time when everything I listened to was pretty much introduced to me through podcasts. I was living in Burlington at the time, and The Joys were playing the annual Sound of Music festival so I had to check them out. Their show was electrifying to say the least, and I still feel that Sarah Smith is probably the most entertaining Canadian frontwoman in indie rock today. Their new CD will be called "Unfold", and it's been taking a while to do just that, but I can be patient if the CD is going to rock my socks off as much as I think it will. The first single, "Soul On Your Sleeve" is very refreshing to me. When it comes to indie music these days, I'm always trying to listen for a new gimmick, or a new sound strategy. But as soon as the guitar smacked me upside the head on this one, I stopped searching and just rocked out! The Joys aren't interested in gimmicks or studio tricks. They just want to rock. I'm not saying the music isn't deep, it definitely is, (just listen closely to the lyrics for crying out loud) But first and foremost they just want to make us feel good. They've used their own music as therapy in their own lives, and I have a feeling that they'll do the same for many others.

Hear Soul On Your Sleeve on their myspace page.

I also received the latest single by Toronto's Slakah The Beatchild. You've probably noticed that I don't review a lot of R&B on this blog, simply because most modern R&B just leaves me cold. Often overproduced, usually a little too streamlined for my tastes, I just find that when it comes to R&B, I still long for the classics like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and that classic Detroit sound. That's what makes Slakah's music such an enjoyable listen. He's constantly looking forward to the future of R&B by being heavily inspired by the past. He's a multi-instumentalist who has produced several other artists, and he's now taking the leap into crafting his own sound. The first single is entitled "Enjoy Ya Self" and I would describe it as equal parts Stevie and Marvin, with a hint of Ben Harper thrown in for good measure. Although I personally really like the simple 3:05 version of the song, the single I received contains several different versions, along with a sampling of his upcoming full-length which I believe is to be entitled "Soul Movement Vol 1."

Download: Enjoy Ya Self version 2 (featuring Drake) mp3
There's another great song on his myspace page called "What's This Feeling." Check it, yo!

I guess that I'm a little late to this party, but Jason Schwartzman has another great musical project in the works called Coconut Records. I tell ya, when he was drumming for Phantom Planet, I thought that they were one of the greatest pop bands out there. Unfortunately, the O.C. decided to use their song "California" as their theme song and I've got to say that the OC caused me to OD on PP. (I am however glad to say that I have NEVER actually watched an entire episode of the OC. Lookit how credible I am!!!) Well Schwartzy is back with Coconut Records, which follows along in the same vein of deliciously prepared power pop. I've only sampled a couple of the songs on his myspace page but they are definitely of the stick-in-your-head vibe. "Nighttiming" has a bit of a mock disco feel, another in a long line of newer bands that remind me a bit of ELO. He sites Canadian supergroup Sloan as one of his influences and this is very evident in his new single "West Coast" which is a straight ahead pop song. Despite his popularity as an actor, Jason has opted to go the indie route on this release. For now, besides the usual download sites, it is only available as a hard copy on his personal website, Young Baby Records. You can watch the video for "West Coast" there as well.

Myspace: Coconut Records
Videos: There's a hilarious video on youtube for "Nighttiming" that features Jason's brother Robert (from Rooney) lip-synching the song. He keeps messing up the words and stuff. It's funny.