tUnE-yArDs’ new video for “Real Live Flesh” (off the b-sides EP BiRd-DrOpPiNgS) is a simply hypnotic clip (watch below!) that just shows why tUnE-yArDs is one of my favourite artists to emerge in the past year or so. Arguably the best b-side on BiRd-DrOpPiNgS, “Real Live Flesh” draws on the same rhythmic backbones as most of her tracks off Bird Brains and singer Merrill Garbus’ voice ranges from cryptically layered to bursting with power; definitely a powerhouse voice live as well.
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?
***
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.
To begin, we unfortunately had to miss the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal’s Nocturnes performance by TuNeYaRdS due to the place being already packed. We were a bit disappointed and were sad to break our head Lamb’s heart by missing the colourful, freaky show but were soon distracted by bright lava water at a nearby fountain. This made our hearts smile again.
We restarted the evening gently at the lovely Ukrainian Federation with a set by twin duo Ghost Bees. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing Romy and Sari Lightman live, imagine the eastern European folklore of Decemberists’ lyrics and cross it with Coco Rosie to get a sense of the tales that Ghost Bees weave with their haunting harmonies. These ladies are capable of delivering completely mesmerizing to mellow, sleepy performances and their music is best suited to cozy nooks in the dead of winter with candles blazing. The Ukranian Federation accomplished enough of this intimacy while allowing a large number of people to enjoy the show. Accompanying them on guitar and back-up vocals was Justin Karas, a.k.a. Fall Horsie. The entire showcase featuring headliner Destroyer was presented by Sirius Satellite Radio and CBCRadio3 and can be streamed online here (http://radio3.cbc.ca/).
After a few unintentional detours through the wet wind in an attempt to get across the tracks that run through the north end of town, we arrived at Le Milieu for the next stop in our musical game plan. In the dim light and dark alley we were only assured that we were in the right place by a small sign happily proclaiming YOU ARE HERE! The sketchiest venue of our Pop Montreal experience by far, Le Milieu is a tiny bar with dim lighting located in an old factory. All of about 15 people enjoyed Hannah Georgas’ set—probably due to the venue being so ridiculously remote. Despite the awkwardly small size of the audience, Hannah and members of Said the Whale delivered a strong set comprised of tracks off her 2009 EP release The Beat Stuff. The title track by the same name, and also “Let’s Talk” and “The National” were expected crowd pleasers.
Practically fleeing from Le Milieu, we headed to Bar St. Laurent II for Lamb favourite, Rah Rah. From Regina Saskatchewan, as is mentioned in their playful hit “Duet for Emmylou and the Grievous Angel,” Rah Rah delivered an awesomely energetic set complete with a bubble machine and confetti! The band seemed to be constantly passing around instruments whilst banging walls for extra percussion. As one wise audience member proclaimed loudly, “It’s just one hit after another!” Favourites were the previously mentioned “Emmylou” and “Tentacles”. Rah Rah’s self titled album definitely needs to find a home in your collection, but the live performance is a must see for the sheer happiness it brings.
