Tom Fuller Band - Abstract Man

I have to admit that the partially inaccurate "classic rock influenced" descriptive tag placed on the Tom Fuller Band's sophomore release Abstract Man prevented me from putting this CD in my player as early as I normally would have. It's not that I have anything against classic rock per se (I grew up on it as a matter of fact), it's just that there's already enough classic rock out there that I don't particularly feel an intense desire to hear a newer version of it. That's why, by the time that I finally did listen to it, I was pleasantly surprised at how decent an album it actually is. There are some classic rock riff moments on it, but it's the forays into good old fashioned power pop that gets my head bobbing.

At 14 tracks, Abstract Man could stand a little bit of trimming but I will mention some of the highlights. The opener Radio Man forces me to go with the much overused Beatle-esque tag but with its sunshiny melody and bright harmonies, what else are you going to call it? Sunglass Wardrobe also borrows from the moptops, and even picks up a little bit of Jellyfish along the way creating an excellent throwback vibe. Dragon Fight is a little bit more 90's Brit Pop, boasting some very solid production that is slick, but never overpowering. There are a couple of moments where his romanticism gets a little bit too sappy for my tastes (I could've done without the spot-on cover of Air That I Breathe), but one of the areas where it actually works is in Tomorrow Morning, which is a slice of syrupy seventies AM radio gold that sounds completely genuine. Only In America is the standout track and obvious single. I really like the production on this one, with ELO-inspired harmonies and a hooky chorus that demands attention. The opening doo-doo-doo's instantly put a smile on my face and a spring in my step, something that only really good power pop can accomplish. There are other good songs on the album and a couple more throwaways but overall, this is a solid release that even my mom would likely enjoy.

Myspace: Tom Fuller Band
Stream: The entire Abstract Man CD here.

So I broke down and picked up a nose bleeder to the second Neil Young with Wilco show at the ACC on Friday December 5th. I would've tried for a general admission spot but by the time that I convinced myself to just go for it, all them spots were gonzo. My seat is waaaay up there so I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to see, but I had to go. I'm ashamed to admit that I still have never seen Wilco live, despite them being one of my all time favourites. I have seen Neil before but it was while he supporting the Greendale project. Visually stimulating yes, but I don't really want that being the last time I see him. So ultimately, I'm really looking forward to it.

Myspace: Neil Young
Myspace: Wilco

Just found out that Broken Social Scene are finally coming back to Toronto for a show. It's at Sound Academy on Thursday November 27th and tix are $25. Sadly, I'm not available that day so hopefully it sells out really quick-like and the band decides to go for the second show. Not getting my hopes up but who knows...

Myspace: Broken Social Scene

Also, I just came across a (relatively) new site that also lifts its name from a Sloan reference. Money City Maniacs.com talks about all of the free stuff taking place in our fair city which is awesome because 'free' happens to be my favourite price. Therefore I commence bookmarking...NOW. On that site, I discovered that this Sunday is the Word On The Street Festival at Queen's Park. As usual, I've got something going on already so I won't be able to check out most of it, including Ohbijou at 5:15pm, but maybe, just maybe I'll make it out to see one of the other acts. Like Laura Barrett perhaps. I've been wanting to see her for awhile. Go to any one of the above sites for the full schedule.

Myspace: Ohbijou
Myspace: Laura Barrett

Finally, if you'll wallow in nostalgia with me for a minute, one of my favourite things about youtube is the overwhelming supply of fantastic long forgotten videos that this online 'no - longer - than - nine - minutes - at - a - time' poor quality video channel provides. In my journeys this week, I stumbled across Crash Vegas' Inside Out from 1990. Crash Vegas was such a great band, yet they seem to have been forgotten by many. Their CD's are out of print, and online information is few and far between. Do yourself a favour and check out this long lost Canadiana indie pop classic.