Basia Bulat @ Soundscapes (In-Store Performance)

Falling under the category of "sure thing" is the irresistible talents of Basia Bulat, a person that I've seen perform several times now, yet who still manages to leave me in awe every time. In promotion of her latest release entitled Heart Of My Own she's been playing a number of shows lately at slightly larger venues, but prior to this in-store at Soundscapes I would have to say that my favourite time seeing her was when she played another in-store at Criminal Records a couple of years ago. I just find that her brand of humble acoustic folk is well suited for the intimate setting of a local record store, and it doesn't get much more intimate than the slight surroundings of Soundscapes.

As anticipated, the crowds didn't take very long to build and, as usual, I was happy that I had the sense to get there a little bit earlier. It ended up being a packed house that certainly wasn't as uncomfortably full as I had seen the place before, but it was still a pretty healthy crowd indeed. There were a couple of other factors that contributed to the intimate vibe of the evening. First of all, we all sat on the floor, which is cozy and stuff yet once again the dreaded foot falling asleep situation that haunted me only a mere month ago at the An Horse in-store show reared its ugly head again (although it should be noted that this was way more comfortable than that one was.) Secondly, when Basia took her place she requested that only her autoharp be plugged in as she felt that audio enhancement wasn't really necessary for such a small venue. A gutsy move for sure, but one that paid off nicely as the whole set felt that it was only a fireplace away from being as warm and personal a show as it could be. She focused mainly on newer material, which I'll admit I haven't really taken the time to listen to yet, but the personal unfamiliarity to the songs had no effect on my overall enjoyment. If anything, hearing her voice in this natural setting only made me twice as eager to check it out as soon as possible. The unmic'd situation really drove home just how powerful her voice actually is, as there didn't seem to be a single person who remained unaffected by her entrancing vibrato. The highlight of the set for me was her closing number which was an acapella rendition of an old gospel number that she sang sans instrument, only using her handclaps and footstomps as percussion. It made for a humorous moment when her foot stomping made a small amount of merchandise fall to the floor, which had her remark "Neil Young is going to kill me", which was greeted by great laughter from all in attendance. It must've been one of his books or CD's that fell. Still, it's that unforced human quality that endears so many people to her both as an artist and as a person. As she heads stateside to continue touring the new material, she'll no doubt continue to make new fans and friends along the way, and it'll be interesting to watch her popularity continue to rise, as it no doubt will.

Photos: My pictures of Basia Bulat @ Soundscapes are on flickr.
Myspace: Basia Bulat
Download: Gold Rush mp3
Video: Highlights from the performance are at Now Magazine
Video: Basia Bulat was also interviewed in the basement at Soundscapes the day of the show on AuxTV.

Other stuff:

You've probably heard about this already, but Broken Social Scene have returned with an epic new song called World Sick which can be downloaded for free on their website. (You'll need to give them your email address). The song  is awesome, as expected, and it will be featured on their upcoming album which well be called Forgiveness Rock Record, as is scheduled to be out in May. [Myspace: Broken Social Scene]

Daniel Hales and the Frost Heaves have a new video out for the song Shepherd of Lost Shopping Carts. [Myspace: Daniel Hales and the Frost Heaves]

Dutch indie rock band Bettie Serveert is back with an excellent  new album called Pharmacy of Love and a track entitled Deny All is available for free download. [Myspace: Bettie Serveert]

[Via Chart Attack] It looks like Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon are going to be recording a "trio" album with Yoko Ono which, I can't believe I'm saying this, sounds like it could be pretty interesting. [Myspaces: Sonic Youth; Yoko Ono]

And lastly, it seems that this is the season for in-store events, with some pretty interesting ones coming up. Zeus will be playing Soundscapes on March 6th at 6pm. Kurt Vile is going to be at Criminal Records on February 26th at 6:30pm. And during CMW on March 13th, Criminal Records has got an awesome three-fer featuring Aidan Knight (5pm), Dan Mangan (6pm) and Hollerado (7pm). Yay free music!

Shotgun Jimmie @ Soundscapes (In-Store Performance)

Shotgun Jimmie's latest release Still Jimmie (which I reviewed here) is not an album that I would say I pull out on a regular basis, but whenever I do, it instantly brings a smile to my face. It really is a solid album through and through, and I really don't know why I never think about it other than the fact that I listen to a lot of music and it's hard to remember everything. When I heard that he was coming to town and including an in-store at Soundscapes on his stay, I hadn't initially planned on going. But as I was preparing to head out for another show last Wednesday night, it was really by mere fluke that I stopped into the store to check him out. And I must admit, that I'm very glad that I did.

I wouldn't say that I'm much of an expert on the works of Jim Killpatrick and to be honest, Still Jimmie, his third album, is actually the only one that I've heard. However, that album alone was enough to convince me that, lyrically speaking, his was a man of charismatic whimsy, and this was doubly apparent in his laid back performance. Every song he performed that evening was preceded and followed by a quip or two and, I've got to say, that Jimmie is one funny guy. But he's quite talented also, as was made obvious as he sang and played guitar at the same time as hitting the snare drum with one foot and the bass drum with the other. Most of his set featured material from the familiar album, which he explained was all killer, no filler and filled with only the greatest "pop" hits. He then attempted to take requests, but then had to admit that he couldn't remember how to play the one that was first suggested. He did follow that up with a different request though, and then went on to play some new songs, the second of which was obviously still a work in progress as he hilariously took to improvising some of the lyrics on the spot.

Overall this was a performance filled with much laughter and good times, which, as we all know, has always been the Maritime way and I, for one, appreciated him taking the time to bring some of that joviality to us.

Photos: My shots of Shotgun Jimmie @ Soundscapes are on flickr
Myspace: Shotgun Jimmie
Download: Mind Crumb mp3


Other news:
Sorry I haven't done these for awhile but I've been meaning to start them up again. And here goes:

Local psych-folk experience The Space Between Things is planning on re-issuing the Songs About You EP with additional songs and artwork on Friday November 13th. Like the original it is going to be offered as a free download on the TSBT website. [Myspace: The Space Between Things]

Tracy Shedd has a new video for a song called City At Night that will be the first track on an upcoming EP entitled EP88, which will be available on Eskimo Kiss Records in early 2010. [Myspace: Tracy Shedd]

Entire Cities will be re-releasing their amazing album Deep River on white vinyl. The show will be at The Garrison in Toronto on November 19th. [Myspace: Entire Cities]

Spoon is finally releasing a new album and it will be entitled Transference. It will be released in North America on Merge on January 26th and in Europe the day before on Anti-. Stereogum has the track listing as well as some live versions of a few of the songs. [Myspace: Spoon]

The amazing Montreal folkster Leif Vollebekk has just been signed to Nevado Records, which means that the label's streak of signing only the best in Canadian indie is still very much in tact. His debut album Inland will be re-released on January 19th on both CD and 12" vinyl. [Myspace: Leif Vollebekk]

Ohbijou @ Soundscapes (In Store Performance)

As rain poured upon the city and NXNE unfolded around me, me and my trusty umbrella strolled on down to the right up the street from my house location of Soundscapes to take in the bewildering Ohbijou as they performed songs from their latest Last Gang release Beacons. Shamefully, I have not yet listened to the album, but from what I hear, it's a delightful companion to their debut Swift Feet For Troubling Times; an album that was pretty dang near perfect, if you ask me. Although I can only go by what I heard on Wednesday night, I'd be willing to bet that the album is even more cherubic than it's predecessor, since the songs that they showcased in this intimate setting on that rainy night were filled with uplifting crescendos and all of the beautiful harmonies that you could expect from the sister team of Casey and Jennifer Mecija. The instrumentation was also of the gentle build, as each song progressed through a subtle start that would continue to build until the soaring melodies reached that perfectly executed apex.

This was possibly one of the more reserved crowds I've ever been a part of, but it all seemed to be a perfect fit with the rain outside and the ambiance of the store, combined with the tranquility of their music. Still, Casey commented on the uncomfortableness of it all on a couple of occasions, although never in a way that sounded condemnatory or sarcastic, but in a pleasantly comical way that was very endearing. She even invited us all over to their place for a barbecue before making some comment about how the faulty device may possibly blow us all up. Or something like that. Amyways, it was funny. Another humourous moment was when her cell phone alarm went off during the last song, as well as her after-comments as to why she would ever set her alarm for 7:25 in the evening. As you can tell, the whole atmosphere was that of a big happy family, and this made for an exceptional show that you can experience on a much grander level when Ohbijou plays The Opera House on Thursday June 25th. Tix are only $13 which is an awesome deal.

Photos: My shots of Ohbijou @ Soundscapes are on flickr.
Myspace: Ohbijou
Download: Black Ice mp3


Tomorrow, I start in on my carefully planned yet heartily reserved NXNE experiences. Fun!

Dog Day @ Soundscapes (In Store Performance)

I have to say that I was very happy to hear that Dog Day had added this instore performance to their list of things to do when they came to Toronto last week. It was looking ever more likely that I was not going to be able to attend the show at Lee's Palace on Thursday night, so this was definitely an unexpected treat. Also unexpected was the fact that they put on a fairly charged performance.

Oddly enough, there are people out there who just seem happier being sad. I've never understood it myself, but I know a handful of people who would fall into that category. Upon seeing Dog Day's brief performance at Soundscapes last Wednesday night, I think that the members of that band may also be members of that little group.

It's not that their latest CD Concentration (which I reviewed here) is all that depressing actually, but it certainly has a darker feel to it than previous releases. If you add that reality to the fact that they've never been known to perform with the enthusiasm that their music might suggest, than I guess I was looking forward to this show based simply on the fact that I really like the music a lot, while not expecting anything overly grand in terms of performance. Also, this was not on a stage, but in a tiny record store. So as they continued to show an ever mounting zealous fervor with every subsequent track that they performed, it became obvious that they must be pretty pumped about the songs on this new record.

This is not to suggest that the band has become Spinal Tap or anything. Their endearing shyness was still there, most notable in the presence of keyboardist Crystal Thili who really didn't look up from her keyboard very much, other than to snap a few shots of the audience with her little point and shoot. Even Nancy Urich's attempts at banter were quite reserved, almost as if they were intended solely for the band's own personal enjoyment. (If you listened closely though, she was actually very funny.) But it was while they were playing the songs that the band really shone, culminating in a guitar sword fight of sorts during the final song, creating a wall of noise that their heroes would likely have appreciated immensely. Speaking of which, it was really cool to see one of those heroes, namely Julie Doiron of Eric's Trip, sitting on the floor taking it all in herself, no doubt swelling with pride at how far this band has come. If the show was any indication, the show at Lee's Palace was no doubt terrific. Wish I was there.

Photos: Dog Day @ Soundscapes on flickr.
Myspace: Dog Day
Video: You Won't See Me On Sunday(in 3-D) on youtube
Video: Happiness on youtube

"If You Ever Get Lonely, Just Go To the Record Store And Visit Your Friends"

RECORD STORE DAY - SATURDAY APRIL 18TH.

This Saturday is the Second Annual Record Store Day, which is the day that music lovers such as you and I are encouraged to take the opportunity to stop downloading and support your local record shop. Some of my favourite music-related memories have to do with spending hours perusing the local record stores, staring at those huge elaborate covers and stewing over whether or not it would be in my best interest to drop my hard earned money on that rare 3 disc clear vinyl box set that included the one song that I had never heard of, in amongst 15 other songs that I've already purchased about five other times before. I think back to my formative years growing up in the sleepy industrial town of Oshawa, and walking into a little place on Simcoe Street called Star Records. This place was awesome! At that age, I was hungry for all things relating to progressive rock, and I remember being encouraged, nay... instructed, to pick up anything and everything by The Strawbs. Since then, it didn't matter which town I moved to next, there was always a small record store that I could check out. In Brampton, it was the now sadly defunct New World Records on Queen Street. When I moved to Oakville, there was Recordings on Kerr Street, with its massively intimidating basement of vinyl, where I picked up my first Van Der Graaf Generator album, several rare releases by The Cure and a little something by Generation X. Right across the street was the much smaller but still endearing Cactus Records, where the owner reluctantly let me have his last copy of The Mothers of Invention's Uncle Meat. And then the move to Burlington introduced me to Looney Tunes on Brant Street, where I had picked up Big Star, Captain Beefheart and 13th Floor Elevators all in one shot. Now of course, I live in downtown Toronto, and places like Soundscapes, Criminal Records and Rotate This! have enabled me to create even more memories.

Yes, I have no problem remembering what I bought at these stores and approximately how old I was at the time. But I can't remember the albums that I've picked up at the more popular chain retailers. The chains simply lack the personality that comes from frequenting the local indie record store. I do download quite frequently these days from sites like eMusic and Zunior, but I'm sorry, nobody feels like reminiscing about the tunes I've downloaded from an impersonal spot on the internet. In the same way that the advent of the VCR failed to completely destroy a movie buff's need for a cinematic experience at the movie theater, I still have that need to enjoy the feeling that comes from asking for a recommendation from your local record store clerk. And I hope that the record stores will always continue to be here to fill that need.

Here's what some of Toronto's record stores are up to on Saturday:

Sonic Boom (512 Bloor St W) is hosting the biggest event on Saturday, starting at 4pm. They will be giveaways, exclusive releases and tons of live bands, including Hooded Fang, Green Go, Sunparlour Players and more. The full band listing is here and the price is free with a non-perishable food item.

Criminal Records (493 Queen St W) is also hosting a couple of free in-store performances featuring Rock Plaza Central at 6pm and Great Bloomers at 7pm. There will also be sales and prizes and things all starting at 11am.

Soundscapes (572 College St W) is offering 10% off all CD's, vinyl, DVD's and books.

Rotate This! (801 Queen St W) is also offering 10% off of all purchases on that day, as well as a bunch of 'limited edition record store day only' stuff, whatever that means!

And finally Sunrise Records (336 Yonge St) also has some live performances by Emma Lee, Honeymoon Suite, Thriving Ivory and others. Full band list is here.

Other stuff:
Just a couple of other interesting local concert news announcements that you likely already know:

The Olympic Island Festival was announced on Monday, and this year it looks like Broken Social Scene will be headlining again. Also on the bill is Explosions In The Sky, Thunderheist, Beach House, Apostle Of Hustle and Rattlesnake Choir. The date is July 11th and the cost is $57.50. Should be good but I just saw BSS and I don't really feel like paying that much so I think that I'm likely to sit this one out.

And The Decemberists are coming to the Kool Haus on Monday August 3rd with The Heartless Bastards supporting. The tickets are an insane $30.50 and they go on sale on Thursday April 16th. Don't quote me, but I believe that they will be performing their latest rock opera The Hazards Of Love in its entirety. The album seems to be polarizing the masses but I think that it's absolutely brilliant, and their most impressive release by far. Of course, I'm an unapologetic prog lover so make sure that you judge my opinions accordingly.

The quote above is from Penny Lane, Kate Hudson's character in Almost Famous.

The Hylozoists @ Soundscapes (In-Store Performance)

In my early twenties I went through a faze where I only listened to instrumental music for about eight months or so. I grew up listening to prog and so the natural progression from there seemed to be to turn myself on to a lyric-less universe, which included minor forays into electronica, classical, ambient and a whole lot of jazz. All of those genres still hold a special place in my heart, but a latter day love of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan has set me on a course that is much more lyrically based. This is why going to see an instrumental band as astounding as The Hylozoists awakens in me, not simply the feeling that comes from a refreshing change, but the carefully placed love of music that, for me personally, the human voice is unable to equal. Instrumental music allows a place for exploration wherein vocal music is limited to travel. While it's true that there are some vocalists that reach for otherworldly plateaus by using their voice as an instrument of sorts, in most cases, I find that the vocal gymnastics that are popular amongst the idol /diva types tends to just get on my nerves. The strong argument could be made that opera does so in a more respectable way but again, this is a type of music I respect more than enjoy. But instrumental music, ahhh, for whatever reason it does it for me. When it is done well.

Anyway, what my opening paragraph ramble is trying to say is that I enjoyed The Hylozoists in-store performance at Soundcapes a lot more than I expected to. I knew it would be enjoyable, but I actually didn't want it to end. It's been a while since my ADD'ed self has said anything like that. But the vibraphonic musical journey that Paul Aucoin et al led us on the other night played out like a grand cinematic masterpiece, albeit one that ended way too soon. They played many new songs from their latest album L'Île de Sept Villes, as well as a couple of older ones. From what I could tell based on my limited knowledge of the band's output, the newer songs seemed to display a greater vibrancy and sense of adventure than some of their earlier material. Their own description of the new album describes it as "more of a sonic dream, with greater focus on the landscape of the pieces then on quirky rhythms." I particularly enjoyed the pieces that would begin in one area, developing a certain mood, before escalating into another area, one that is perhaps more anthemic. I also thought that I heard traces of 60's jazz and hard bop, particularly in the carnivalesque way that the glockenspiel and the organ accompanied each other. Most impressive of all however, is the way that this six piece can create the sound of a mini orchestra, creating a sophistication that is usually not synonamous with the idea of indie rock. Paul Aucoin's association with bands like The Sadies and Cuff The Duke may have proved that he's an accomplished musician, but the music of The Hylozoists shows that he is, above all, a composer extrordinaire.

The Hylozoists are opening for Jill Barber at The Mod Club on Saturday February 21st.

Photos: My pics of The Hylozoists @ Soundscapes are on flickr.
Myspace: The Hylozoists
Download: The Island Of Seven Cities mp3

'Sup In February

Usually the winter months result in a bit of a live show drought here in the city, but February is actually looking pretty jam packed as far as I can tell. I'm not sure how many of these I'm going to be able to attend, but the possibilities are certainly enough to make me drool.

Wednesday February 4th is the first show that I'll be attending for sure, with my tickets sitting comfortably atop the shelf. Gary Louris and Mark Olson (pictured above) have finally settled their differences and will be performing songs from their new album Ready For The Flood, which was just released last Tuesday. I haven't heard it yet, but my sources (what sources?) say that this is not a Jayhawks reunion album, but a stripped down, laid back and casual affair, which helps to understand the logic behind having a seated show at The Mod Club. The fact that Louris sheepishly name drops Simon & Garfunkel in a recent interview for Now Magazine leads me to believe that the harmonies are going to be all kinds of uplifting. I'm thoroughly looking forward to this show. $22.50 [Myspace: Ready For The Flood]

Also on Wednesday February 4th, Bruce Peninsula are going to be playing a free in-store set at Soundscapes. They'll be back again on Sunday February 22nd to play the Polish Combatants Hall. The tickets for that are $10 adv/ $12 at the door. By the way, I finally got around to listening to A Mountain Is A Mouth. In a word, life-altering! [Myspace: Bruce Peninsula]

I will also be at Rancho Relaxo on Thursday February 5th to see Portland's Robert Bouchard as The Robot Ate Me. That's a pretty impressive draw. He'll be playing with Braxton Clover and Your Volunteer. The most exciting thing about the bill for me though, is seeing Ryland's touring partner Emperor X from Jacksonville, Fl. I just naturally assumed that I would never get to see him perform. See? Never say never. $6. [Myspaces: The Robot Ate Me, Braxton Clover, Your Volunteer]

For those who can't get enough of the 60's grage rock sound, I highly recommend checking out The Primordials at The Mod Club on Saturday February 7th. RSVP the band to get on the guest list. Free. [Myspace: The Primordials]

Also on Saturday February 7th is the Whale Tooth EP release show at Rancho Relaxo. The vocal abilites of Elise Legrow have to be experienced to be appreciated. Also on the bill are Green Go (whom I've heard a lot of good things about) and The Balconies. Tix are $10 w/EP, or $7 without. [Myspaces: Whale Tooth, Green Go, The Balconies]

The Hylozoists are doing the free in-store thang at Soundscapes on Tuesday February 10th. Free. [Myspace: The Hylozoists]

Thursday February 12th marks the third time Amos The Transparent will have played Toronto since the year began. This time they're at the Tattoo Rock Parlour with Birds Of Wales. Cost: TBA [Myspaces: Amos the Transparent, Birds Of Wales]

Also on Thursday February 12th is an early show at The Mod Club featuring Jenn Grant and Kevin Hearn. Tix are $14. [Myspaces: Jenn Grant, Kevin Hearn]

The Von Bondies are on tour to promote their Love, Hate and Then There's You release, which is out on February 3rd. They are playing The Horseshoe on Friday February 13th for $10. [Myspace: The Von Bondies]

Saturday February the 14th is absolutely loaded with stuff I'd like to do, although it looks like I'm probably doing none of these. First off, we've got a massive show at the Polish Combatants Hall featuring $100, Brides, Hooded Fang, The Luyas and The Element Choir. This is part of the much lauded Wavelength series and it's PWYC ($10 recommended) [Myspaces: $100, Brides, Hooded Fang, The Luyas, The Element Choir]

Also on Saturday February 14th, we've got the little band from Barrie that currently serves as my musical crush of high school proportions, Fox Jaws. They are playing El Mocambo. Cost: TBA [Myspace: Fox Jaws]

And also on Saturday February 14th, Toronto welcomes the return of the coolest band in the whole world, The Planet Smashers at the Opera House. They are playing with The Creepshow and The Snips and the tix are $13.50 adv. [Myspaces: The Planet Smashers, The Creepshow, The Snips]

Tuesday February 17th has the wild and crazy Antony and the Johnsons at Queen Elizabeth Theatre for $37. [Myspace: Antony and the Johnsons]

On Wednesday February 18th, I might finally get ther chance to see Olenka and the Autumn Lovers again, when they play The Tranzac. I'm definitely due. Cost: TBA [ Myspace: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers]

I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing Blitzen Trapper again when they play The Horseshoe on Saturday February 21st. The last time I saw them, they were in the unfortunate position ofhaving Fleet Foxes for them. This time they have Alela Diane opening, another artist who is also on the cusp of busting out. Should be a good show though. $10.50 adv/ $12 door [Myspace: Blitzen Trapper, Alela Diane]

Also on Saturday February 21, that cute little pop singing do-it-yourself-er sensation Lights is playing The Phoenix. Tix are $15. [Myspace: Lights]

Besides the aforementioned Bruce Peninsula show, Sunday February 22nd is showcasing a few other exciting bills in our fair city. First of all, Rural Alberta Advantage is playing a Wavelength show at Sneaky Dee's. PWYC. [Myspace: Rural Alberta Advantage]

Also, Ben Kweller is in town promoting Changing Horses which comes out on February 3rd. He is playing Sunday February 22nd at The Mod Club for $25. [Myspace: Ben Kweller]

On Tuesday February 24th, Arts & Crafts melodramatic popster Gentlemen Reg plays a free in-store at Soundscapes. [Myspace: Gentlemen Reg]

Jon Langford (formerly of the Mekons and the Waco Brothers) is playing The Horseshoe on Friday February 27th with The Sadies as his backing band. Tix are $12.50adv/ $14 door. [Myspace: Jon Langford]

And finally, there's a pretty awesome show at The Horseshoe on Saturday February 28th featuring the stadium rock sound of The Coast, the jangle rock goodness of The Diableros and the spazzy wondermint of Oh No Forest Fires. Tix are $10.50 adv/ $12 door [Myspaces: The Coast, The Diableros, Oh No Forest Fires]

Born Ruffians @ Soundscapes (In-Store Performance)

I can't say that I know a lot about Toronto's own Born Ruffians. I've read about them and I've sampled their music from time to time but nothing ever really made that much of an impression on me. However, the walk over to Soundscapes on a sunny Sunday afternoon is just way too convenient, so I figured why not see what these guys are all about.

Last night they had a CD release party at Lee's Palace in support of their latest offering called Red, Yellow and Blue. When I'd listened to some of their songs before, lead vocalist Luke Lalonde's voice reminded me of many of the emo bands that I liked back in the 90's but flatly deny ever liking now. Well, I've been off before, and I think that last comment just may be my off-est comment so far. These guys could not possibly be further from emo and any other angsty teeny bopper musical type genre, for that matter. First of all, I noticed that they are very accomplished musicians. And secondly, they are very funny and apparently never too proud to make fun of themselves. This was a highly enjoyable show, and although I was relatively unfamiliar with the songs, I found their call and response type numbers in particular, to be very endearing. It's quite possible that many others in attendance may have been in the same position as I, because when the band asked if anyone had been at their show the previous evening, they were met with nothing but the sound of crickets. To me, this means that we were all curious enough to check them out at a free in-store, but not curious enough to fish out the do-re-mi to see them last night. Clearly, they converted me though, and hopefully they did the same for others.

Photos: My pics of Born Ruffians @ Soundscapes are on flickr.
Myspace: Born Ruffians
Download: Hummingbird mp3

Video: Hummingbird youtube
Video: I Need A Life youtube

Peter Morén @ Soundscapes (In Store Performance)

Last year, I did not mince words when talking about how great it was to see Peter Bjorn and John live. It was easily my favorite show of my concert full year. Sadly, I didn't get to see their return to our city in January but from what I've heard, it was equally as engrossing. Well, it looks like we'll have another release from them before too long, but in the meantime, Peter Morén's The Last Tycoon has been garnering substantial praise on its own. Since the new PB&J is rumoured to be an instrumental album, The Last Tycoon may be the closest thing we get to a new pop release from Peter. I have yet to hear the album myself, but from the songs he performed at Soundscapes yesterday, it sounds like a pretty decent album.

I knew that I was not going to be able to check out his show at the El Mocambo last night, so I was very glad that my work day ended a little bit earlier because Peter was scheduled to go on at 4pm. That's hardly the ideal time for people with normal jobs. Thankfully my job is somewhat abnormal and therefore, on this particular day, I was able to reap the benefits. (Today however, I did my taxes and there, my friends, is where the benefits of an abnormal work situation stops. But I digress...) He may have been minus Bjorn and John, but he still had two other mates with him, namely Tobias Froberg on bass and Doug Marvin from Dirty On Purpose on drums. He opened the show with a Richard Hell cover. I did not know the song myself, but it sounded good. He mentioned that his decision to play the cover was really sort of a spur of the moment thing and his band mates apparently didn't know he was going to play it, which made the performance even more amazing. He also pulled out Goodbye Again Or, a song from Falling Out, PB&J's second album. But for the most part, he stuck to songs from the solo release. In this intimate setting, what really stood out for me was what a unique and individual voice he has. I really enjoyed his set closer, an enthusiastic performance of a song called Social Competence. He finished by saying that he had to stop playing so that people come to his show that evening. Ending with that song was an effective way of encouraging people to attend because it really is a great sounding tune. And for those of us who couldn't attend, well, let's just say that now I wish that I could've attended. Drat.

Photos: My pics of Peter Morén @ Soundscapes are on flickr
Download: Social Competence mp3

Myspace: Peter Morén
Purchase: The Last Tycoon at Touch and Go/Quarterstick Records

Mark Olson @ Soundscapes (In-Store)

Alt-country legend Mark Olson was in town to play a set at the El Mocambo last night. I wasn't able to make it to that show but I did head up the street to Soundscapes earlier in the day to see him do an in-store performance with his band. After a full weekend of in-your-face live music (yes, even Camera Obscura was pretty in-your-face this time around,) it felt real good to see someone who's been around for a while with nothing to prove. The performance was laid back and beautiful. For those of you that don't know, Olson is one of the founding members of The Jayhawks and The Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers and he expresses a sincere love of roots country. He has a critically acclaimed new CD out entitled, "The Salvation Blues" and he performed several songs off of it yesterday afternoon. However he sandwiched his solo material inbetween two Jayhawks classics, namely "Over My Shoulder" and "Blue." I'm secure enough to admit that my eyes welled up a little bit during the bridge section of the latter, with the Gary Louris part being beautifully handled by a singer named Ingunn Ringvold from Norway. I'd be curious to hear about his show that evening, because I'm sure it was excellent.

Photos:
Mark Olson @ Soundscapes on flickr.
Videos:
"Salvation Blues" live at Mo Pitkins on youtube
"Blue" live at The High Noon Saloon in Wisonsin on youtube
Myspace: Mark Olson