Bobby B's 50 Albums Of The Decade (#20-16)

For ramblings on how I came to compile this list go here. And for commentary on previous selections: [#50-46] [#45-41] [#40-36] [#35-31] [#30-26] [#25-21]

20. Gang Of Losers - The Dears (2006)

The first time I ever saw Murray Lightburn, his band The Dears was opening for Sloan and he was wearing a t-shirt with the words PROGRESSIVE ROCK sprawled across it for all to see. Right away, I knew I'd like the guy! After that, it admittedly took a bit of time, but since then, The Dears blend of epic musical adventure and sweetly downtrodden lyrics have continued to reel me in with each subsequent release. On Gang of Losers, the grandiosity and orchestral flourishes were toned down in favor of tighter arrangements and a little bit more immediacy, but nowhere has the band sounded like they were more in charge of their sound than on here, despite all of the personal turmoil between band members that may have been taking place behind the scenes. Furthermore, the album is just so beautiful, and Murray's vocals really speak to me on this one. Knowing that he and Natalia had just given birth to their child at the time of Ticket To Immortality makes the line "the world is really gonna love you" ever more touching, as I relate it to the birth of my nephews whenever I hear it. And then there's that title track. I think that you have to be deeply and madly in love with your best friend to be touched by that song in a complete sense, and the longer you've been with that person and the more you've accomplished together as a team just makes it all the more powerful. My wife and I have been together for over 13 years now and we've adopted that song as our own (Gang of Losers? so, you think we might have some self-esteem issues?) and lyrics like "you and I are on the outside of almost everything" and "we have the same heart" cause me to well up almost every time because there truly is nothing more precious than being on a team against the world with a perfect soulmate. (OK, you guys gagging a little bit yet? Sorry, professional music journalism shall commence now...) [Myspace: The Dears]

19. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2006)

I don't know how Colin Meloy manages to combine pretentiously bookish lyricism with such down-to-earth amicable charm, but I just can't seem to get enough of it. He's the ultimate geek, shamelessly showcasing styles and sounds that are as decidedly uncool as it gets, which was a risky yet admirable move for a band that had just "graduated" to the major labels. From the three part out of sequence title track that is based on a Japanese folk tale to the sprawling 11 minute prog rock opus The Island, a song which would not be out of place if it were a segment of Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick, the band certainly was not bent on catering to popular opinion and the fact that they do so unapologetically is very compelling. When I listen to this album, it feels as if they're truly into what they're doing and it doesn't come across as alienation for alienation's sake. In fact, to me, the album isn't alienating at all. It's still very easy to listen to and full of hooks and melodies that help make the album simultaneously accessible and challenging. I'm also madly in love with the closing track Sons And Daughters, which boasts a singalong chorus that is pure delight when experienced in a live setting. [Myspace: The Decemberists]

18. I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning - Bright Eyes (2005)

Despite the fact that Bright Eyes places fairly high on my list on two occasions, (yes, you will be seeing them again) I wouldn't necessarily refer to myself as a huge Conor Oberst fan. His early material (circa 95-98) can be incredibly hit and miss, and at times he can be irritating (Digital Ash In A Digital Urn) and downright boring (Cassadaga) but when he gets it right, my goodness, is it ever good! If Oberst could maintain the consistency of this album throughout the course of his career, than the Dylan comparisons would be completely justified, since this album showcases some very poignant lyrics. "In this endless race for property and privilege to be won, we must run" Whew! Also, on some of his other albums, there are moments where his brand of angst seems a tad contrived, whereas on this album, it all comes across as genuine (even if, technically, it may not be.) Lua, for example, is an amazing song, where Oberst tones down his trademark quiver in favor of a subtle hush that sucks you in as you strain your ears not to miss a breath. It's in those moments that, try as I might, I cannot avoid getting the old 'chills down the spine' feel. The same can be said for Landlocked Blues, the duet with Emmylou Harris, who has apparently shared a moment with everyone on my list (see pick #30 and 41). The album ends most triumphantly with Road To Joy, which is certainly not the first song to rip off Beethoven's Ode To Joy, but never has it been done with such swirling guitared, epic sounding bravado. [Myspace: Bright Eyes]

17. Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura (2006)

I love the way that this album makes me feel. It is a study in contrasts how the lyricism of Camera Obscura can seem so downtrodden and somber on paper, yet sound so uplifting and inspirational in my headphones. There's something about their Scottish approach to the sounds of twee, coupled with their knack for creating syrupy sweet sounding 60's inspired pop that makes me want to shuffle my feel to their music, even if Tracyanne Campbell is on the verge of crying while these songs are being belted out. This is an example of an album where the band doesn't take too many risks, but the ones that they do take sound as if they were tried and tested first so as to guarantee success. The heavy chamber pop organs, for example, that overtake songs such as Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken and Tears For Affairs would be a bit cheesy in less calculated hands, but here they also add a necessary frivolity to the proceedings. And then there's Dory Previn, its weepy vocal being one of the most subdued, yet beautiful vocals I've ever heard. [Myspace: Camera Obscura]

16. Love Is Hell - Ryan Adams (2004)

It's funny but, although I obviously knew that I loved Ryan Adams, it didn't occur to me just how much I loved him until I started compiling this list. With three albums making the final cut (see #50 & 30) he is easily the one who is represented the most, and I swear that I did not initially plan it that way. However, when an artist releases more albums than anyone else, I suppose the odds are mathematically stacked in his favor, and it works the other way too, in the sense that there's also a handful of Adams albums that had no chance at making the final cut. Still, of all of his works, this one is my favorite and, not surprisingly, this is probably his most solemn release of them all. In fact, at first, Lost Highway didn't even want to release it as it was deemed too dark to be commercially viable, and he offered to release the sub-par Rock 'n Roll album instead. But when the compromising 2 EP's went on to actually be somewhat successful, the label conceded and the album was re-released as a full length. The album is just chock-full of delightfully damaged ditties, the best of which are This House Is Not For Sale, Anybody Want To Take Me Home and English Girls Approximately, all of which highlight some of Adams favorite themes, namely heartbreak and heartache. As far as I'm concerned, this one is a classic that should not be judged based on a brutal Pitchfork review, nor by its throwaway Oasis cover (which, incidentally is still a little bit better than the original.) [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's 50 Albums Of The Decade (#15-11)

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Should I be worried that some tortured souls make me happy? It's just a fact that there are some artists out there who have built their career on depressing music yet oftentimes, those very songs for some reason put me in my happy place. The Smiths, for example, are funny to me, but not depressing. The Cure makes me dance. To some people this is just weird. Thankfully, there are other artists that do manage to somber me up, like Ryan Adams for instance. I suppose the fact that I do not derive joy from every maudlin career should be enough to keep me from seeing a therapist just yet.

Still, I gotta say, that even though Camera Obscura's Traceyanne Campbell has described the new CD as "dark and brutal", I have to admit that I actually find myself feeling inspired by the album's larger than life sound. It's very common for people to refer to the band as 'twee' and to make innumerable comparisons to Belle and Sebastian, but I think at this point the band has moved quite a bit beyond that, chartering the same course they set on 2006's Let's Get Out Of This Country, but solidifying their sound with even greater production and very solid track organization. The flow of the album is seamless, and the sound is once again a Spector-inspired toast of saccharine perfection. This is noticeable right from the first song French Navy, a song with delicious orchestration and the sweetest dang vocals around. That description continues to grow ever more appropriate with each successive track. The Sweetest Thing is a definite standout with its emotive vocals, harmonies that are heavy on the 60's girl group throwback vibe and more heart tugging orchestration. In mellower numbers like James and You Told A Lie, the sincerity in her voice are sure to soften even the hardest of hearts. I also appreciate the fact that, although the band certainly has their sound, I don't get the feeling that their simply treading the same ground. Careless Love for example, has some pretty kooky tempo changes that keep things interesting while still remaining subtle enough not to detract from the overall feel. And finally, although the album does fall into the category of devastating break up album, it still ends on an upbeat high note with Honey In The Sun which contains a horn section that leaves me with a satisfying smile when the whole thing is done.

Camera Obscura are playing Lee's Palace on June 27th, 2009.

Myspace: Camera Obscura
Video: Franch Navy on youtube
Download: My Maudlin Career mp3


Other Stuff:
Stereogum is streaming a new Beastie Boys track that was released as a surprise bonus 7" with their recent Check Your Head reissue. The song has probably my favourite song title of the year so far: Lee Majors Come Again. [Myspace: Beastie Boys]

Arietta (who's new album Migration I reviewed yesterday) are interviewed on this week's Zygiella podcast. They're at The Horseshoe tomorrow night (May 7th) [Myspace: Arietta]

Nevado Records has announced the East vs West Tour featuring two of my faves The Paint Movement and Fox Jaws. It's an interesting idea: After playing a gig together in Sudbury on May 30th, the Jaws will head for the east coast, while the Movement will embark on the west coast. They'll be blogging their adventures at Exclaim.ca, and then uniting back in Toronto for a NXNE showcase. [Myspace: Fox Jaws, The Paint Movement]

Regina Spektor's new album Far is set to be released on June 22nd and it features the production work of none other than ELO's Jeff Lynne (among others.) Details on the album are over at Clash Mgazine. [Myspace: Regina Spektor]

Both Pete Nema and For The Records have reviews of last week's Dears show at The Mod Club. Their video for Disclaimer is relatively new and relatively cool also. [Myspace: The Dears]

My Top 10 Hottest Canadian Bands 2008

As I mentioned in my last post, last Friday I (Heart) Music had posted the annual Hottest Bands In Canada list. I gave a few comments about my choices and omissions, etc. but after noticing that Mike at For The Records put up his personal choices, well, copycat that I am, I figured that I'd do the same.

Each of us who contributed to the list were basically given only two rules: the bands had to be Canadian, and they had to have a particularly "hot" year. We were aloud to define both of those terms anyway that we liked. The first one was pretty self explanatory, but determining what would be considered hot, well, that's another story. I basically decided that it meant that my personal views should be set aside (for the most part), and the bands in question had to have received quite a bit of recognition from the public, other artists and the critics and fans. I mostly stuck to that criteria, except now that I think about it, maybe my number one choice was based on more personal opinion that I consciously intended:

1. Cuff The Duke – Cuff the Duke was everywhere in 2008. They’ve opened for Feist and Calexico as well as playing backup for Hayden and holding their own with Blue Rodeo and Basia Bulat. Their live show is amongst the best that I’ve seen all year. They have the youthful vigor of a new band, but the musical abilities and tightness of a band that’s been doing this for decades. (And on a personal note, any band that can make me nostaligic for Oshawa is worthy of some form of recognition.) Myspace

2. Feist – Although last year was a particularly hot year for Feist, she managed to keep that momentum going in 2008. She appeared on SNL at the tail end of ’07, was on Stephen Colbert in April, will be headlining the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Diana Ross and won 5 Juno awards. However, what really makes 2008 an especially hot year for her is the fact that she got to sing with the monsters of Sesame Street. It took R.E.M. 16 years and 11 albums to get there. Feist did it in 9 years and 4 albums. Myspace

3. Shad - I know a lot of people that felt that Shad should have won the Polaris prize that he was nominated for this year. The fact that it wasn’t necessarily hip hop fans that felt this way really says a lot about how all encompassing his appeal really is. Like Cadence and K-OS before him, Shad has introduced impressive rhymes and beats to those who wouldn’t usually spend a lot of time with hip hop. Myspace

4. The Dears – What makes these guys so hot is the fact that they’ve struggled through a year of difficulty and adversity which included severing ties with both their label and most of their band, yet they still came out on top by releasing an album as inventive and brilliant as Missiles.
Myspace

5. Neil Young – It’s never easy for an artist to remain relevant throughout a career spanning 40+ years, but in many ways Neil is now more relevant than ever. He has the ability to play a large stadium and still make you feel as if his show was prepared just for you. Myspace

6. Caribou – Although I’ve got my personal views on all things Polaris, there is no denying the fact that winning this prize is a sure fire way to get your name on the map. Although Dan Snaith was already there in many ways, being included in every Polaris related conversation certainly adds to your hotness factor, and to do so with a style of music that many people find indefinable is twice as impressive. Myspace

7. Amos The Transparent – There are two kinds of hot: the kind that you notice immediately and the kind that sort of sneaks up on you. I’ve been following these guys closely and I’ve noticed that people will literally stop what they’re doing and become instantly awestruck when they hit the stage. They’re still a relatively small name right now, but they undoubtedly gain new fans with every show that they play. Myspace

8. Ruby Coast - For a bunch of kids fresh out of high school to put out music that is miles ahead of some of their (more popular) contemporaries, one has to wonder if this is just the tip of the iceberg. There may be no limit to what they can accomplish. Myspace

9. Broken Social Scene – Technically they didn’t even release an album this year, but when slapping the tagline “Broken Social Scene Presents…” to the front of your name guarantees that you’ll receive double the exposure, that’s pretty impressive. Myspace

10. Crystal Castles – Unfortunately my personal opinion doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on a band’s overall hotness factor so my list begins with a band that I don’t get, but for some reason a lot of people do. Although I’ve never been one to listen to video game music for enjoyment, a Crystal Castles show seems to have become synonymous with crazy antics and controlled chaos. They’ve successfully used negative publicity to their advantage, and you’ve got to respect that (to a certain extent anyway.) Myspace

The Dears w/The World Provider @ The Music Gallery

Although the cherubic feel of The Music Gallery made me feel more creepily uneasy than inspired, it was still really cool to see the re-invented Dears at such an intimate venue. The knowledge of a new lineup had me wondering if the band still had the goods to deliver a breathtaking performance but Friday's show proved without a doubt that, although previous incarnations included some highly talented musicians, Murray and Natalia are still the driving force behind The Dears' unique sound.

The show focused mainly on songs from the band's upcoming Missiles CD, which Natalia admits is an album that deserves at least three of four listens before judgment is passed. I wholeheartedly agree, as I feel that in many ways it just may be their best album to date. It is certainly their most varied. They opened the show with album opener Disclaimer. The first part of the song was recorded and played over the speakers as the band took their positions on stage. The is probably the most immediately likable song on the album, seemingly taking the band into a slightly jazzy area for the first time. As Murray walked on, sporting a leather jacket, it immediately struck me how cool the guy is looking these days. He simply oozes rock star appeal, and as the song kicked into high gear, I knew that this show was going to be something special. The new songs fit in very nicely with the classics. Notable was Lights Off, a very triumphant epic which starts out simply enough with Murray's voice being accompanied with a jangly guitar that may lead the inexperienced listener into believing that this is another simple and accessible pop song. However the instrumental breakdown comes on like a towering inferno, a beast that translates nicely onto the live stage making Murray's final falsetto at the end of the song an incredibly powerful moment. It was also great to hear Natalia's voice on Crisis 1 & 2, another highlight as far as the new songs go. Longtime fans like myself though were happy to hear a smattering of classics too, which included Lost In The Plot and 22:The Death of all the Romance from No Cities Left; and Bandwagoneers and Whites Only Party from Gang Of Losers. The best part of the evening though was the encore of the song Meltdown in 'A' Major, where Murray had his self proclaimed 'Oprah' moment. I won't get into all of the details but it was very touching and it's quite apparent that the band has fought a number of internal battles over the past year; battles that make me even more grateful that the music is here for all of us to enjoy. The Dears are not only a great band, but they're also an incredibly special band for me personally, and I for one considered it a privilege to witness such a great performance on Friday night.

Photos: The Dears @ The Music Gallery on flickr
Myspace: The Dears
Video: You And I Are A Gang Of Losers youtube
Video: Whites Only Party youtube
Video: 22: The Death Of All The Romance youtube

The opening act was a one man artist who calls himself The World Provider. What can I say about The World Provider? Was he incredibly cheesy? Yes. Was he terribly schticky and juvenile? For sure. Were his dance moves bizarre and contrived? No doubt. Was he incredibly entertaining? Absolutely!

On record, The World Provider is basically Malcolm Fraser, a Casio and his version of Pro Tools. On stage, the band has been known to be anywhere from two to five members. For this show, the band was here in its duo version, with Stacey DeWolfe joining him on keys and interpretive dance moves. I'm sure that I'm not alone in not knowing what to think when they hit the stage. At first, it would be easy to write him off as another gimmicky electro pop artist with some of the cheesiest dance moves ever. But as each song continued to be even more infectious than the one before, it became obvious that the songs in themselves were actually really good, and Malcolm has a knack for wrapping a great hook into a sort of Pop Goes The World type of synthy packaging. Some of the most memorable moments were when he warned the crowd that it was going to get HAWT! before he lunged into a hillariously executed version of fan favourite You Belong In The Show. Other great songs included Volunteers, Big City Girls and Valentine (which can be heard on his myspace page with Feist contributing some vocals.) By the end of the night, both Malcolm and Kara had stripped down into some very flashy gold lamé suits that were very wrong, but somehow, also very right.

Photos: The World Provider @ The Music Gallery on flickr
Myspace: The World Provider
Video: Volunteers on youtube
Video: The Last Knight Of The Wherewithal on youtube
Download: You Belong In The Show mp3

'Sup In October

Since this monthly post tends to turn into a run on sentence of sorts, I'll try not to be too overtly blabby but get right to the point as much as I can. No promises (a leopard can't change his spots after all) but my concert going activities can be lumped into two categories: the shows that I probably will see and the shows that I probably won't see. Nothing is ever definite either way, but here goes:

I've decided that I'm going to be making The Sadies my one regular yearly go-to. The reasons for this are simple: they are are one of the best live bands that the city has to offer, and they play several times every year. This weekend they have a show on Friday October 3rd, as well as Saturday October 4th. Both shows are at their favourite venue, The Horseshoe. I'll be there on the Friday. $15.

Myspace: The Sadies

Besides The Sadies, there are a number of great shows on Saturday October 4th, none of which I will be at. The reason for this is that the 3rd annual Nuit Blanche all night downtown art festival is taking place. It's not specifically music related so I've never really talked about it on this blog before, but it's a time of the year that I eagerly anticipate and this year is no exception. For a sampling of the fun that I enjoyed last year, feel free to peruse my flickr photos. Free.

Photos: Nuit Blanche 2007 on flickr

Also on Saturday October 4th, we've got Chad VanGaalen performing with Women at The Mod Club ($13.50) and Johnny Flynn performing with Laura Marling at The Rivoli ($10.50) Johnny Flynn will also be performing an instore at Criminal Records earlier in the day at 5pm, while Women will be doing the same at Soundscapes on Sunday October 5th at 1pm. Both shows are obviously free.

Myspace: Chad VanGaalen
Myspace: Women
Myspace: Johnny Flynn
Myspace: Laura Marling

Hot on the heels of their outstanding release Visiter, is California's The Dodos, who are playing at The Horseshoe on Monday October 6th. I don't have my tickets for this one yet, but I anticipate that I will be there. $12.50

Myspace: The Dodos

I already mentioned in a couple of earlier posts that Vesta Varro are going to be all over the Toronto area from Tuesday October 7th to Saturday October 11th. My as-of-yet-not-solidified plan is to attend the Indie Music Week Lunch Party on Wednesday October 8th at the Tattoo Rock Parlour. Also on the bill is Fred and The Dunes. $10.

Myspace: Vesta Varro
Myspace: Fred
Myspace: The Dunes

The Dears are playing two nights at The Music Gallery on Thursday October 9th and Friday October 10th. I will be attending the Friday show and I'm looking forward ot checking out the new lineup as well as hearing some of the new songs. From what I've already sampled, it sounds like the band is progging it up once again, just like the old days. Nice. $20.

Myspace: The Dears

An excellent alternative choice on Friday October 10th would be to attend the Oh No Forest Fires CD release party at The Supermarket. I miss those guys. Although I can't make it too that show, I'm hoping that I'll get to see them again soon becasue it's been far too long. Their playing with Dinosaur Bones and Black Hat Brigade. $5.

Myspace: Oh No Forest Fires
Myspace: Dinosaur Bones
Myspace: Black Hat Brigade

I actually already had my ticket for Okkervil River at The Phoenix on Sunday October 12th but I actually had to pass it on to someone else since some friends of mine were all getting together for a little shindig that same night. Yes, I actually chose friends over music! I feel like I've grown. (BTW, although I haven't really talked about it, Okkervil's latest CD, The Stand In's is another brilliant slice of vinyl. Yep, yep.) $15.50

Myspace: Okkervil River

Sunset Rubdown are playing Lee's Palace on Monday October 13th. $12.

Myspace: Sunset Rubdown

This next one is very interesting. I'm thinking that a large majority of my readers are not familiar with the works of Peter Hammill. He was the lead singer of one of my favourite prog bands of the 70's called Van Der Graaf Generator. He's gone on to release over 40 bizarre albums, and his maniacal Shakepearean cackle has garnered praise by everyone from David Bowie to Johnny Rotten to Nick Cave. He is nowhere near being a household name, yet he's playing The Phoenix on Tuesday October 14th. As of right now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend, but there's a part of me that would consider it to be a privilege. Oh, and all of my friends whom I've played his music for, um, hate him. Definitely an acquired taste although I think he's awesome. He's playing with Priya Thomas. $25.

Myspace: Peter Hammill
Myspace: Priya Thomas

Jason Collett is at Lee's Palace on Saturday October 18th. $16.50

Myspace: Jason Collett

Spiral Beach is at Lee's Palace opening for Spinto Band on Tuesday October 21st. $12.50.

Myspace: Spinto Band
Myspace: Spiral Beach

And finally, although Lykke Li is an artist that falls into the category of "someone who I really could do without hearing about for awhile", it doesn't change the fact that Youth Novels is a dang good album. It's just that it's not the only good album out there right now. However, the way all of my friends are talking, you'd think that maybe it is. I like her, I'm just saying. Anyways, she's playing The Mod Club on Friday October 24th for $15.

Myspace: Lykke Li

Photo of The Dears by Liam Maloney.

The Eatons - Firestarter

I've been in a bit of a good old fashioned power pop kick lately and The Eatons from Scarborough are exactly the type of band you're supposed to put on when you're in one of those moods. I use the descriptive term 'pop' pretty frequently these days, which is odd since I'm not even sure if use it in the right context. Just so you know, when I use it, I'm usually referring to an artist or song that makes good use of catchy hooks and memorable melodies. I am not referring to 'pop' as the short form of 'popular' as in Top 40 schlocky crappy boy band with ridiculously white teeth, mid-drift bearing young chick with the word flava on her jogging pants type of pre-programmed prepubescent overproduced happy time music. Got it?

The Eatons are definitely the former, and they do it extremely well. Their first EP is entitled Firestarter, and at 3 songs and 12 minutes, it's definitely a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. However, the perfect remedy for that is to just play it over and over and over again. The quality of the songs make this very easy to do. The title track is the opener, and it begins with a subtle da-da-da that quickly bursts into an infectious pounding drum part that is very effective at getting things started before settling into a perfect pop formula: simple verses + bombastic hooky chorus + solid guitar solo + very effective sing along moments = a truly catchy song. They keep this formula going for the next song Give Me Something To Go On, which was featured on the TWM Mixtape compilation. Lead singer Boris Chan gets a bit more emotive in his vocals on this one, and the harmonies are subdued but flawless. The CD ends with Holiday which showcases Boris' best Ric Ocasek impersonation on the vocals before settling on an almost whiny but effective vocal attack on the chorus. I really appreciate that the band obviously put a lot of work into the production on this EP, with every song sounding very professional and radio friendly without being devoid of the all important human factor. I anticipate that the band will likely have to mix things up a little bit when they're ready to launch an album past the 15 minute mark, but if they can do so without sacrificing any of their natural song crafting abilities, then I'm definitely on board for the next one.

The Eatons are playing a FREE show at the New Era Toronto Flagship Store at 202 Queen Street West as part of Nuit Blanche with a whole whack other bands. For more details go to urbanebloc.com

Myspace: The Eatons
Download: Give Me Something To Go On mp3


The Dears, whose Gang Of Losers was my favourite album of the year in 2006, will be releasing their new album Missiles on Oct 21st. Of course, the inevitable has happened and the album has been leaked all over the interweb. They're not happy about it, and they address such here. They're playing two shows at The Music Gallery on October 9th and 10th.

Myspace: The Dears

The Wallscenery Demos debut CD, which I reviewed back in April, has recently been added to the archives by Library and Archives Canada. The purpose of this group is to collect and preserve documents reflecting Canadian heritage. I don't know if this is a big deal or if this is something that happens to everybody, but it sounds pretty cool to me. The thought of future generations being exposed to this amazing, yet still pretty unknown, recording makes me kind of giddy.

Myspace: The Wallscenery Demos

Ireland's Vesta Varro is going to be all over Toronto during Indie Music Week, which runs from October 9th to 11th. They're playing Rok Boutique on the 7th, Tattoo Rock Parlour on the 8th, The Rivoli on the 9th, The Hideout on the 10th, and they're on Edge 102.1 on the 11th. Whew. If I make it to one of these, I'll let you know.

Myspace: Vesta Varro

Also, I was planning on checking out Land Of Talk at Lee's Palace on Saturday night, but it looks like Liz Powell's laryngytis is forcing her to take a little bit of time off. Ah well, next time. Hope you're feeling better soon. Looks like this means The D'Ubervilles also have the night off. For now.

Myspace: Land Of Talk

Krief w/ Obviously Five Believers and Schomberg Fair @ Rancho Relaxo

There are good guitarists and there are great guitarists. The Dears' Patrick Krief is one of the great ones. He released his solo EP, brilliantly entitled "Take It Or Leave" earlier this year and he's been frequently showcasing it live ever since. On the album, he does it all himself, but on stage he is in full band mode with Roberto Piccioni (keyboards), Andre Bendahan (bass), and George Donoso III (drums). The CD is a very personal affair, that shows that, if anything, The Dears are really his side project, not the other way around, as some may believe. I had heard that his live show is really something to behold, and boy, is that an understatement. Watching him play, transported me back to the days of watching Hendrix or Zappa wail away on the axe. (Of course I've never actually been to one of those shows. C'mon, I'm not THAT old!) You can however, and should, add Patrick Krief to the list of heavily underrated guitarists like Jay Farrar or J. Mascis, because his playing goes far beyond the sonic noodling of some of the other so-called greats. When he solos, his playing is filled with precision and discretion. In other words, they do not simply come off sounding like a solo simply for the sake of soloing. Every solo feels like a composition within itself, and that is incredibly impressive to witness onstage.

Patrick Krief has two dates at The Rivoli in Toronto on December 7th and 8th.

Photos: Krief live at Rancho Relaxo flickr
Download: Worries Are Over mp3
Myspace: Krief
Video: For a sampling of what this guy is capable of, watch this. Holy Mackinaw!
Purchase: Take It Or Leave here.

I don't want to start any rumors, but I'm pretty sure that the guys in Schomberg Fair may have shot a man in Reno, and if they did, it was simply just to watch him die. If you recognize that reference, than going to see Schomberg Fair should definitely be put on your to-do list. With the spirit and attitude of a young Johnny Cash, these guys ripped through a set of hard livin' and thrashy country punk that smacks with even a slight hint of rockabilly. Their sound is classic rock 'n raunch, and you would be hard-pressed not to become a country convert after hearing them play. I really appreciate the dynamic between lead vocalist Matt Bahen's raspy throat aerobics and bassist Nathan Sidon's deep 'close your eyes and you swear it's Johnny Cash himself' baritone. Add to that Jake Stewart's 'anything but subtle' skin pounding, and you've got yourself a true genuine roots rock sensation.

Schomberg Fair have several dates in the near future but their Toronto appearances are at Tiger Bar on November 8th and The Horseshoe on December 29th.

Photos: Schomberg Fair @ Rancho Relaxo flickr
Download: John The Revelator mp3 / Some Things Never Change mp3
Myspace: Schomberg Fair

I've mentioned before my weakness for all things 60's. Obviously Five Believers are one of my new weaknesses. Their love for the psychedelic sixties is apparent in that their sound does not simply pay homage, but it actually sounds like we may have transported back to that era while listening to them. They opened the night off with a very enthusiastic set, that got the crowd enveloped in a frenzied shake-fest. I could probably compare them to a hundred different bands, but you likely already know the sound that I'm talking about. Basically I think that they would have made a splash on Ed Sullivan, before getting kicked off for not giving in to Eddy's standards. They're the type of band that I would imagine always puts on a great show and I'd love to see them play a place like The Mod Club next time, since I really feel that their music would be ideal in that setting.

Obviously Five Believers will be performing at Mitzi's Sister in Toronto on November 15th.

Photos: Obviously Five Believers @ Rancho Relaxo flickr
Download: Darling Of The Underground mp3 / Song For When We Die mp3
Myspace: Obviously Five Believers
You can purchase their CD on their myspace page as well, or simply e-mail them if you live in the city at obviously.five.believers@gmail.com