Posts Tagged ‘broken social scene’
Album Review: Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
May 13th, 2010 | By: Leah Robinson
Forgiveness Rock Record
Without the intention of getting into a philosophical debate about the value/purpose of art and the place of criticism within the field of creative expression, I’d like to put forth a warning: this review is silly. It’s silly because a) art is subjective; you aren’t going to glean any pearls of wisdom here, from me, and b) I am a shameless and biased lover of the music that comes from camp Broken Social Scene. Having said this, I would still like to share thoughts on Forgiveness Rock Record because it’s fun and this album deserves it. So let’s chat a bit and take ourselves a little less seriously.
Because I enjoy listening to music, and this album, while cooking (well, really while doing most things), I’ve matched each song from Forgiveness Rock Record with a particular flavour of muffin – mostly because muffins are delicious but also because they are diverse enough to suit the many textures of the new album perfectly.
For you foodies out there, I’d love to explore the intersection of food and music and collective, creative experience another time. Stay tuned!
Okay, so let’s fire up the oven:
1. “World Sick” – Very Berry Cinnamon
Opening guitar lines brood and tingle with flavour until that spicy riff kicks in (you know the one) and berries burst amongst cinnamon crescendos. Ends with satisfying crumbs and a lingering tanginess.
2. “Chase Scene” - Lemon Cranberry Zest
Rhythmic synths, citrus twang and urgent vocal interplay between Kevin Drew, Feist, and Amy Millan make this track very worthy of its name; tart lemon and cranberry chase each other across the taste buds to an intense finish announced in a flourish of horns.
3. “Texico Bitches” – Banana Chocolate Chip
Classic and poppy. The jogging guitar beats are consistently delicious, and the chocolate chip “whaaaooos” add a flavourful punch to a snack that is over all too soon.
4. “Forced to Love” – Zucchini Chocolate
This treat dares you to turn your nose up at its different (for BSS) formulation, but it’s packed with intense chocolate energy and the subtle smoothness of zucchini that grows on you with time.
5. “All to All” – Vanilla Caramel
Almost too sweet to handle, the fluttering synths and the caramel smoothness of Lisa Lobsinger’s vocals are a definite highlight of this album.
6. “Art House Director” – Cornmeal Cheddar
A refreshingly savoury morsel that would easily fit into any Apostle of Hustle album with its sharp little jubilant horns and the driving force of A. Whiteman’s voice and superb guitar playing.
7. “Highway Slipper Jam” – Double Chocolate Chunk
Reminiscent of the delightfully lazy tones of “I’m Still Your Fag” from the band’s 2001 release You Forgot it in People, this treat is smooth with bittersweet bites.
8. “Ungrateful Little Father” – Apricot Orange
Sharp citrus pinches are intermittently softened by bouncy keys, while gritty lyrics speak to a tart rind or two caught in the mix.
9. “Meet Me in the Basement” – Blueberry
To die for. The sweet fleshiness of ripe blueberries and the energy of those blue antioxidants pack a punch as you can’t help but dance your ass off in celebration of how good this tastes.
10. “Sentimental X’s” – Dark Chocolate Ginger
A triple attack of chocolate and ginger and, what’s that? can you taste those walnuts? This brooding track’s three secret ingredients build on each other, the vocal interplay between Haines, Millan, and Feist climbing to shimmering heights of mouth-watering harmony.
11. “Sweetest Kill” – Sweet Potato Date
No sugar added: dates sneak up and steal the show. A rolling and fleshy piece whose melancholy, lingering sweetness will necessitate that you try at least one more.
12. “Romance to the Grave” – Carrot and Cream Cheese
The surprising fullness of carrots coated in the richness of cream cheese icing weaves through the faster pace of Kevin Drew’s lyrics, finishing with a satisfying swell of poly-vocal goodness. Is there anything better?
13. “Water in Hell” – Chocolate Chip
Another consistent, if slightly predictable flavour – you can’t really go too wrong when combining vanilla avec chocolate.
14. “Me and My Hand” - Raisin Bran
Okay, so this is sometimes the let-down in the muffin box/tin. But if you add the natural sweetness of dried fruit and stop to think about the goodness of bran this one can be appreciated, given some time, right?
All right, [questionable] food metaphors aside, I strongly suggest that you go and taste this record for yourself, if you haven’t already.
For more Broken Social Scene,
Website: www.brokensocialscene.ca
Myspace: www.myspace.com/brokensocialscene
Contest: Broken Social Scene Package!
May 4th, 2010 | By: Melody Lau
Forgiveness Rock Record
Don’t have a copy of Broken Social Scene’s Forgiveness Rock Record yet? Well first off, why not? But second of all – we can help!
Along with celebrating the Toronto collective’s first album in five years, The Singing Lamb will also be giving away a fantastic Broken Social Scene package that will include:
- 2 tickets to Sunday’s Broken Social Scene in-store performance at Criminal Records (2PM)
- Forgiveness Rock Record (CD)
- Forgiveness Rock Record (LP)
- Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew “Tbtf” 7″ (signed by Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning and James Shaw)
Now that’s a serious prize.
To enter, simply e-mail me (melody@singinglamb.ca) with the subject title “I Want My BSS!” with your name, phone number and answer this question: what is your favourite Broken Social Scene song?
Contest closes this Friday so hurry and enter now! Good luck and see you Sunday!
The Singing Lamb Guide To Broken Social Scene Side-Projects (Part 2)
May 4th, 2010 | By: admin
Part 2
Jason Collett
One of the original members of Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett primarily focuses his time on his solo efforts, most recently releasing his sixth album Rat A Tat Tat. Collett was also a member of a short-lived country group called Bird which also included Andrew Cash and Hawksley Workman.
We Suggest: “Fire” (video)
Sam Goldberg
Sam Goldberg is a fairly new addition to the BSS gang. One of the many guitarists in the band, Goldberg’s other projects include Bionic (punkish rock with front man Jonathan Cummins), Juno nominated Bodega, and Hawaii (with vocalist Samantha Terry).
We Suggest: Hawaii MySpace
Andrew Whiteman
A core member of Broken Social Scene, Andrew Whiteman also fronts his own project, Apostle of Hustle. Whiteman has also released a solo record entitled Fear of Zen and was part of the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir.
We Suggest: Apostle of Hustle MySpace
Leslie Feist
Most commonly known by just her lastname, Feist has four solo albums, is an 8 time Juno award winner and an Apple commercial celebrity. She has played guitar for Noah Mintz’s band Noah’s Arkweld and the band By Divine Right (with Brendan ‘the Champ’ Canning). Feist also toured with fellow Canadian and ex-roommate Peaches.
We Suggest: “Mushaboom” (video)
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Post by Melody Lau and Michael Fil
The Singing Lamb Guide To Broken Social Scene Side-Projects (Part 1)
May 3rd, 2010 | By: admin
I know, just thinking about all the bands in the Broken Social Scene family tree gets dizzying at times. It’s okay, grab a seat, sip some tea and relax! The Singing Lamb staff has put together our collective efforts to break down every member and their side projects! But since the list of band members is longer than my grocery list sometimes, we’ve decided to turn this into a five part series – to go perfectly with our week-long BSS celebrations!
Part 1
Kevin Drew
Before co-founding Broken Social Scene with Brendan Canning, Kevin Drew and current band mate Charles Spearin were part of a short lived group called KC Accidental. Drew has also managed to release an exception solo album (we’ll use the word ‘solo’ loosely) entitled ‘Spirit If…’ and directed a number of videos for the likes of Feist and Gentleman Reg, as well as Broken Social Scene.
We Suggest: The Water (short film directed by Kevin Drew)
Brendan Canning
When he’s not dazzling fans with his amazing beard (or lack thereof nowadays), Brendan Canning is co-fronting Broken Social Scene. But Canning has also played in bands like By Divine Right, Blurtonia, Valley of the Giants, hHead, and helped produced a little Len track in the 90’s called “Steal My Sunshine”. Similar to Drew, Brendan also released a “solo” record entitled ‘Something For All of Us’.
We Suggest: “Come For A Ride” by By Divine Right (video)
Charles Spearin
A member of quite an eclectic collection of bands like the experimental/instrumental rock group Do Make Say Think (with such BSS members as Julie Penner and Ohad Benchetrit) and Valley of the Giants (see: Brendan Canning, Sophie Trudeau of GY!BE, et al.) Spearin’s solo album The Happiness Project uses the recorded voices of his neighbours talking about what happiness means to them and a variety of instruments to create beautiful melodies. This album recently won the Juno Award for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year.
We Suggest: The Happiness Project MySpace
Justin Peroff
When he’s not keeping Broken Social Scene rhythmically in line, drummer Justin Peroff is in a group called Junior Blue, which boast members from Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think and By Divine Right…see the family tree begin to intertwine?
We Suggest: Junior Blue MySpace
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Post By Melody Lau and Michael Fil
Welcome to Broken Social Scene week!
May 3rd, 2010 | By: Melody Lau
Broken Social Scene
Intro
Everyone has a favourite band that holds a special spot in their heart. For some it may be the classics – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Ramones – but for me, it’s Broken Social Scene.
I didn’t grow up listening to those great classics; I didn’t have records passed down from my hip parents or anyone in general for that matter. Because of that, I’ve taken modern day rockers and turned them into my own classics.
Needless to say, my love for Toronto is a bottomless pit of affection and somewhere along the way five years ago, I discovered the collective that is Broken Social Scene.
It took me a couple of listens to finally fall in love but the moment it did, it tied a little string to my heart and every time I hear Kevin Drew or Leslie Feist’s warm, familiar voice or a welcoming BSS riff or melody, it tugs on that heart string.
I’ve grown to love this band as if they were my own family and friends.
People think I’m a little crazed and obsessed at times with this band and I’ll admit I am. Every single one of these musicians – every last one! – are my idols. For all their talent, flaws, ups and downs, I’ve looked at them as the ones who opened my eyes to a world of music I hadn’t known of pre-BSS. Without Broken Social Scene, I don’t know if I’d be where I am today; writing about music and devoting an entire career to discovering, critiquing and praising amazing bands like them every day.
So, yes these guys may not be extraordinary rock stars that will make everyone marvel and bow down as they stroll down the streets of Toronto, but in my heart they are.
I’ve dedicated this week to my favourite band, Broken Social Scene. Congratulations on the new record. I love it and even if I didn’t, I love the band dearly.
xoxo
The Singing Lamb
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Please stay tuned for a feature review and interview this week as well as a bunch of other BSS-related fun!
Top 5 Albums The Singing Lamb Is Dying To Hear
March 25th, 2010 | By: Melody Lau
Broken Social Scene
1. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record, May 4th
Questionable record title aside, Broken Social Scene’s upcoming follow-up to 2005′s self-titled masterpiece is one of the only records I am literally dying to hear. Literally. One of my favourite bands ever, something tells me regardless of what this record sounds like, I’ll love it. Yes, I’m a little (i.e. very) biased when it comes to my BSS. I don’t even know what else to say besides HURRY UP, I WANNA HEAR IT NOW.
2. Ruby Coast – Title & Release Date TBA
Aurora indie-pop rockers Ruby Coast have recently announced that they are finally going into the studios to record their much-anticipated debut full-length and all I can say is, about time! A couple of years in the making, since the release of the band’s debut EP Projectable Collections (of which I grew a bit of an obsession over back in November ’08), they’ve enlisted powerhouse producers Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and Brian Paulson (Wilco, Beck, Slint, Dinosaur Jr.) to help out. I think its safe to say that I am just drooling in anticipation. Follow the band’s blog for updates from the studio!
3. Stars – The Five Ghosts, June 22nd
I think it’s pretty obvious that we’ve got some die-hard Stars fans here at the Singing Lamb, myself included and so when we all heard of the news that the Montreal pop-rock band is coming back with a new album this summer, tears were shed in excitement and multiple exclamation marks were thrown at the end of Facebook statuses. Check out the band’s website now for videos documenting the making of The Five Ghosts. The band has also announced a tour to preview their new material, including a show at the Mod Club on May 5th. Tickets are on sale now, so jump on ‘em while you can!
4. The Acorn – No Ghost, June 1st
The Acorn was always that band that I heard amazing things about live but I was never lucky enough to catch when they were in town. Thankfully that changed a few weeks ago during Canadian Music Week when I caught them at Lee’s for the Billions showcase, and man, everyone was right – this band fucking rocks. That just fueled my excitement then when I heard about the upcoming release of their new album entitled No Ghost, out June 1st. Recorded in the summer of ’09 at a cottage in Northern Quebec, this will be the band’s follow up to 2007′s Glory Hope Mountain.
5. Born Ruffians – Say It, June 1st
I’m not going to say who, but one of our writers is probably the biggest Born Ruffians fans on earth. So cheering, dancing and lots of screaming took place when the band recently announced details about their upcoming album Say It. Say It is the band’s second full-length and from what we heard at the band’s Canadian Music Week show at the Phoenix, it’s going to be goood. Yep, good with three o’s.
The Singing Lamb Tuesday Twelve Vol. VIV
March 23rd, 2010 | By: Max Mertens
The Hood Internet
The Hood Internet – “The XX Gon’ Give It To Ya (DMX vs. The XX)”
The Hood Internet strikes again! This time around, the Chicago party-starters tackles an early-2000s “classic” from a gangster rapper with legitimate street credentials (that’d be DMX), and a song from a trio of moody London twenty-somethings (that’d be The xx). The result not only gives us this so-bad-its-good song title, but a really clever mashup that makes you think differently about both songs (or just makes you dance your ass off – you decide!). DJ ABX and STV SLV FTW.
Rich Aucoin – “Human After All (Daft Punk Cover)”
The music website Cokemachineglow is celebrating their eighth anniversary this year, and to mark this special occasion, the fine folks over there are putting up these nifty Fantasy Podcasts, featuring covers of their favourite songs over the past decade from their favourite artists/bands. The first edition is particularly heavy with Canadian acts, including Halifax’s Dog Day covering Panda Bear’s “Ponytail”, Montreal’s The Luyas’ version of Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack”, and Toronto’s vitaminsforyou’s version of The xx’s “Shelter”, among others. The standout though? Without question, that honour goes to Mr. Aucoin’s take on a classic from everyone’s favourite French duo (sorry Justice!). Daft Punk’s “Human After All” is a favourite set staple of DJs everywhere, because no matter where or when you are playing, the crowd will go ape-shit for it every single time. Hardcore Daft Punk fans might be a little surprised by the Haligonian singer-songwriter’s take on the song though – it’s melancholic, full of emotion, and dare I say it? – almost human-sounding (cue the sound of booing for that lame pun).
Warrior One – “Bad Like Jimmy Cliff”
If you don’t knew who Jimmy Cliff is, then you need to immediately stop what you are doing, and go listen to “Many Rivers To Cross”. While you’re at it (hey, its not like you had anything else better to do), listen to the entire The Harder They Come soundtrack to the 1972 film of the same name, which Cliff also starred in. To make a long story short, Cliff is the greatest musical export to come out of Jamaica not named Bob Marley, and this year was one of the five inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So it was about time he got a song named after him, and stepping up to the plate is London duo Warrior One (producer Carl Faure and DJ Eoin Bradshaw), who deliver this dancefloor banger, that sounds like a bunch of old reggae records duking it out with a bass drum at a rave. Bonus: Warrior One is the name of a master yoga pose dedicated to Virabhadra, the name of a fierce warrior incarnation of Shiva, who had a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet, and wields a thousand clubs whilst wearing a tiger’s skin. How badass is that?
YelaWolf feat. Bun B – “Good To Go”
You thought I was going to throw that new Drake single on here, didn’t you? Psych! While I love “Over” as much as the next guy, those looking for Rap’s Next Great Hope, might be better off looking south of the border. Like way, way, way south. YelaWolf is a scrawny, heavily-tattooed Alabama skate rat (his real name is Michael Wayne Atha), who is poised to have a breakout year in 2010, thanks to his tongue-twisting raps and a blue-collar work ethic. So far, he’s have gotten love from everyone from Kanye West to SPIN, and Washington Post music blogger Chris Richards recently wrote that the rapper was “one of the most riveting performers at SXSW, thanks to a nasal, petulant sneer that reaffirmed rap music’s rebel spirit”. After I sent this track to one of more hip-hop-knowledgeable friends, he compared the rapper’s rapid flow to “Luda Vs. Cee-Lo” – a vocal comparison which isn’t too far off. Having some friends in high places of course certainly hasn’t hurt either – so far YelaWolf has guested on Juelz Santana’s excellent Bob Dylan lyric-cribbing “Mixin’ Up The Medicine”, recorded a song with Raekwon, and is currently touring with Philly’s Wiz “Mr. Say Yeah” Khalifa.
Shitty Carwash – “this is what celine dion would sound like if she had a dick”
Here’s the unfortunate, but true, reality about SXSW and every other major North American music festival: for every amazing new artist or band discovered and signed to a big fat record contract, there’s twenty other shitty, generic-sounding artists and bands playing a gig somewhere. So, needless to say, when I downloaded a 100% legal torrent with just over one thousand songs from acts that played SXSW last week, I expected sifting through a fair amount of crap to find the real gems. One way to make sure you stand out from the pack? Give your metal band a name that you should never, under any circumstances look up the meaning of on Urban Dictionary, and vulgarly reference a Canadian icon (?). Austin’s Shitty Carwash gets it. Not a bad song either.
Fucked Up & Duchess Says – “Year of the Ox”/”David’s Plan”
Two of Canada’s best bands, Toronto’s Fucked Up and Montreal’s Duchess Says recently got together to record a session for CBC Radio 3′s Bande à Part series. They recorded Fucked Up’s sprawling “Year of the Ox” and Duchess Says’ “David’s Plan”, with Damian Abraham and Duchess Says frontwoman Annie-Claude Deschêne sharing vocal duties, and the result is throat-shreddingly great. Besides, nothing says punk rock quite like a string section, a lot of coloured tape, and Damian’s awesome purple sweater with a wolf on it.
The Dead Weather – “Die By The Drop” and “Old Mary”
Jack White cannot be stopped. That is an undisputed fact. But when he keeps out putting music this good, then who are we to try and stop him? The man of many hats, who is pictured in this month’s Rolling Stone in his Third Man Records office, recently announced that we can expect The Dead Weather’s sophomore album in the not-so-distant future. If the first two tracks from Sea of Cowards (which is rumoured for a May release date) are any indication, than the band is picking up right where they left off with Horehound, while somehow managing to sound even heavier and darker than you thought possible. “Die By The Drop” is the obvious pick to be the first single; it’s a bluesy, garage-rock barnburner, with Alison Mosshart’s shrieking vocals leaving me asking why I thought Sleigh Bells’ Alexis Krauss could ever replace Mosshart as my indie rock frontwoman crush. “Old Mary” is the B-side, a slower, more dirge-like chant with Jack White reciting what sounds like a prayer and some interesting use of piano. I’d throw up a link to listen to both songs, but alas, the site that posted them this morning has since received a cease-and-desist notice. For now, head over to the band’s website and check out the eerie artwork, and keep your fingers crossed that these guys come back to Toronto soon.
Broken Social Scene – “World Sick”
Oh hey, new Broken Social Scene single. So nice of you to join us. Won’t you come in and stay awhile? Arts & Crafts have always boasted a pretty stellar lineup of acts, and every new release is carefully scrutinized, given the Canadian independent record label’s history for giving bands such as Stars and Metric their start, not to mention launching the solo careers of artists such as Feist, Amy Millan, Jason Collett, etc. However the label was started, and became a household name, because of the sprawling collective known as BSS, whose last album was five years ago. In case you’ve been living under a musical rock for awhile, it looks like the Broken Social Scene-sized hole in our hearts will be filled this year, starting with the release of the band’s fourth album (the curiously-titled Forgiveness Rock Record) this May. They also have a string of festival dates, culminating in their Toronto Island-curated show on June 19, with a reunited Pavement, Band of Horses, Beach House, Timber Timbre, and others. “World Sick” is the first single from the album; an almost seven-minute sprawling epic with soaring guitar hooks and a frustrated Kevin Drew singing the poignant line, “I get world sick every time I take a stand.” Did I mention we featured it first? Just checking.
The National – “Vanderlylle Crybaby Geeks”
It should be no secret by now that I love this band. It should also be no secret that the band’s upcoming fifth album, High Violet (currently scheduled for a May 11th), is one of my most anticipated albums of the year. They’ve been road- testing several of the new songs for awhile now, including this one, and finally they’ve confirmed the finalized song titles and track listings. I think my friend described the Brooklyn outfit best when she wrote on my Facebook wall, “Why does The National make my heart so happy?”. “Vanderlylle Crybaby” is just one of those songs that tugs at the heartstrings, something that we’ve come expect and love from The National, who will be playing not one, but two upcoming dates in Toronto at Massey Hall (June 8th and 9th, tickets are still available).
Metric – “Black Sheep”
Last year, Metric was asked by director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) if they’d like to work on some music with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich for Wright’s latest film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. The movie is based on the popular Scott Pilgrim comic book series, stars Michael Cera, and was shot mostly on-location in Toronto. “Black Sheep” is the result, a tightly-wound synth-rocker, that was left over from the Fantasies recording sessions. Fair warning: if you aren’t already a fan of the band, then this song probably isn’t going to change your mind. But if you’re like me, and prefer it when Emily Haines is singing like she’s still got something to prove to the world (and let’s face it, she doesn’t really at this point), then this song might be for you. You can listen to “Black Sheep”, as well as Fantasies B-side “The Gates”, for free by becoming a fan of Metric on Facebook.
Show Announcement
January 11th, 2010 | By: Max Mertens
Whoa.
The poster pretty much says it all, but boy, is it ever one heck of a poster. Today it was announced by Arts & Crafts that Broken Social Scene and a reunited Pavement will be co-headlining an all-ages show on Toronto’s Olympic Island on June 19th, with Band Of Horses opening, and several other bands TBA. Tickets are $49.50 and will go on sale on January 22nd at 10 am through Ticketmaster and the usual record stores. What more can you ask for? Well, maybe Explosions In The Sky to make up for this summer’s cancelled island show, but this show is sure to be one of this summer’s best, and it’d be a shame if you missed out on it. More details – including pre-sale info – can be found over at www.torontoislandfestival.com.
The Singing Lamb’s 12 Days of Lists – Day 10: Melody’s Favourite Shows of 2009
December 22nd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau
As much as I make a big fuss about writing year-end lists and the joys of compiling your favourites of the year, I actually find it to be a very difficult thing to do. Part of the reason why I found it hard this year was the vast amount of good music I’ve listened to; narrowing down my very favourites became more difficult than choosing which chef to root for on Top Chef (admit it, you kind of liked everyone in the final four). And once that’s decided, the writing process just gets trickier because now that you’ve chosen the best you really want to make sure you can get it across to the readers just how much you loved these albums, shows, bands, etc.
The following 9 shows (yes, I’m going with the oh-so-witty approach of doing ‘Top 9’ lists this year) were the ones that truly blew me away, gave me the chills, and left me wanting more.
1. The Dirty Projectors, TuneYards @ Opera House – November 14
The Dirty Projectors on record hadn’t impressed me much before and it wasn’t till I saw them at Lee’s back in July that I was officially converted into intense Dirty Projectors fandom. Following said show, I had their latest album Bitte Orca on heavy rotation and it seemed like every other word that came out of my mouth was “I love the Dirty Projectors!” So not only was this show at the Opera House one of my most anticipated shows of the year but also the one that delivered the most. Opening for the Brooklyn art-rockers was Montreal’s TuneYards, an act of whom I had been beating myself up for missing since May of this year. Not only did TuneYards front woman Merrill Garbus steal the show but she left me speechless, literally with my jaw down and staring at the stage in complete awe. Garbus’ use of looping vocals and instruments built an incredible room of sound that just blew everyone away, sending the crowd into a paralyzed state of disbelief or in a crazed state of dancing. The Dirty Projectors were equally as mind-blowing, giving yet another amazing performance of unbelievably flawless vocals (delivered by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle and Amber Coffman – hailed as the Mariah Careys of indie-rock) and some of the tightest, most astonishing musicianship today. Can’t appreciate a band like the Dirty Projectors? See them live; almost guaranteed to convert even the coldest of indie hearts. Hands-down, the best show of 2009 from the best pairing of artists.
2. Broken Social Scene @ Harbourfront – July 11
I think it’s apparent from my list last year of best shows that I’m a fan of Broken Social Scene. Always was, always will be. So it really shouldn’t be shocking that my favourite Toronto collective is back on this list this year. Unfortunately I had missed BSS at Harbourfront back in 2004 but thanks to the cancelation of this year’s Olympic Island festival (regularly held by the folks of BSS), the band returned to the Sirius Satellite Radio Stage for a free show…yes, free. Needless to say, the place was packed, all the way to the edge of the water; I’m sure if people were desperate enough, they’d be watching the show on a boat. But it wasn’t because this was a packed show or because it was free that won me over; the spectacle of a Broken Social Scene show that wins me over every time is the band itself. And in this instance, we were all treated to a reunion of the lead female vocalists (Amy Millan, Emily Haines and Leslie Feist) and what ensued was clearly the best performance the band has given in a very long time. Hearing from several members days, weeks, even months after the show, they knew it was a magical moment that night and the most important thing is that everyone had fun. And what’s a show without an equal amount of great musicianship and fun. (video by staff photographer, Stephanie Luong)
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Kool Haus – August 5
Okay I’ll admit, Karen O is my idol and I kind of worship the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So yes, I’ve been waiting for this show for many, many years. But don’t get me wrong, if this show sucked, it wouldn’t have made this list. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are known for their highly energetic performances and that is exactly what I got. Lead singer Karen O is one of the most entertaining musicians I’ve ever seen onstage, running frantically around (in her signature Christian Joy costume), even lending the mic to the audience during “Cheated Hearts”. One thing I remembered thinking throughout the night was “Man, she just doesn’t stop smiling. I love it!” Underneath the wild leather jackets, capes and makeup, regardless of where you are in the venue, you can see the sincerity in Karen O’s face. Guitarist Nick Zinner still remains to be one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen and even though Karen O takes centre stage, Zinner and drummer Brian Chase were the musical gems of the night. Albeit it was at a venue I’m not crazy about but for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I’d even trek to the Sound Academy. On a sidenote, I went to this show injured; that’s how much of a fan I am of this band. I went with a busted ankle and left limping (for several weeks, actually).
4. Everything All The Time, The Magic, The Balconies @ Horseshoe – August 26
Could that line-up be any more awesome? Three of my favourite local acts under one roof, I’d kill to see this line-up again and again. As much as big extravaganzas at the Kool Haus or Harbourfront were amazing, a show like this one, celebrating the release of Everything All The Time’s EP, was just equally as incredible. It almost goes without saying anymore that I love the Balconies and both live and on record, they consistently blow me away. This show marked the first time I finally got to see them live and they didn’t disappoint. Strong dynamics and vocals between brother-sister duo Steve and Jacquie Neville, backed by the drumming talents of Liam Jaeger, it is almost alarming how talented these guys are for such a young band. I think Bob Battams of It’s Not the Band I Hate Its Their Fans says it best: “Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever.” The Magic, another band I’ve consistently watched throughout the year, is just packed with a ridiculous roster of talent and onstage, they’re a band that I want to see more of every time. Everything All The Time has seriously become on of my favourite bands of the year. Their unique brand of electro-pop meets Diana Ross is infectious and nothing makes me happier than listening to the band’s EP. From playing a headlining show at the Horseshoe to opening for Thunderheist at the Mod Club, EATT never disappoints.
5. Think About Life @ everywhere – throughout the year.
I’m breaking the rules for this one. Think About Life is quite possibly one of the most exciting, most exhilarating and most fun bands I’ve seen in years. These guys are just so phenomenal live that I couldn’t pick out one specific show of theirs I fell in love with because to be honest, I fall in love with them every time I see them. From confetti to balloons, these guys pull out all the tricks live but it doesn’t come off as cliché, in fact it heightens every performance to a new level and you really just feel like you’re part of the party. If you go to a Think About Life show and you don’t dance, you have no soul. Okay, that’s a little harsh – you have a soul; there’s definitely something wrong with you though. How does one not dance to Think About Life? I need some serious answers.
6. No Shame 100 feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick A Piper, The Skeletons Four @ Horseshoe – September 18
This show was literally one of the best parties of the year. Great music, great people, an amazing and lovely promoter – what more can you ask for? Green Go was, without a doubt, the band of the year for me. I had voted Green Go number one for my list of ‘Hottest Bands in Canada ’09’ for i(heart)music but seeing as how they somehow didn’t make it on the list, here’s my little blurb about them:
“Rarely do I discover a band that I can watch and listen to over and over again without getting sick of but Green Go definitely has a spot on that list. Having seen them seven times in 2009, I’m still left wanting more as the band just gets better with each performance. With the release of their debut album, Borders and a slew of tour dates everywhere across the country, this was clearly the year of Green Go. Simply put, the hottest Canadian band of ’09 – and deservingly so.”
7. Timber Timbre, Emma McKenna @ Church of Redeemer – July 17
I’m a big fan of church shows and you couldn’t get more perfect than having Timber Timbre play at the Church of Redeemer this year. The entire evening was a subdued, relaxed affair and even though energetic shows can be fun and exciting, I find shows like this one equally as exciting and enjoyable. Taylor Kirk’s hauntingly beautiful voice, backed up by a band which included Forest City Lovers violinist Mika Posen filled the room remarkably well. Every song crept around the church in a slow, almost mesmerizing manner. It’s almost impossible for me to Timber Timbre in any other type of atmosphere anymore.
8. Beirut, The Dodos @ Phoenix – July 9
This was my first time seeing Beirut and The Dodos and since this was a last minute opportunity to see both bands, I almost died of excitement. I almost prefer the Dodos live as opposed to on record because seeing the dynamics and musicianship of lead singer Meric Long is great. As for Beirut, I’m still pretty speechless from their live performance. Just watch the video below and tell me you’re not in love with Zac Condon. (You can’t do it!)
9. The Singing Lamb Launch Party feat. Hexes & Ohs, The Winter Gloves, Green Go, Sports The Band, Maylee Todd @ Tranzac – January 10
You didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you?
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Honourable mentions to: Parlovr, Diamond Rings, Bruce Peninsula, The Happiness Project, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Thunderheist, Jenn Grant, Katie Stelmanis, The Ruby Suns, Julie Doiron, Ume, Woodhands, and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers.