Fucked Up?
Tis.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Alpha Ipod
As you can see by the accidental last post I'm on the move around Asia. My blog for that is separate - StefanSpies.blogspot.com
As an experiment I've been listening to my iPod throughout this trip in a sequential order. Figuring it would be too difficult to chose the perfect album to match my mood every time (without new music coming my way) I thought this would give me an opportunity to revisit albums of old, rekindle love for some, and discover some gems in my collection that slipped through the cracks. Therefore my music collection (38+ days worth if played straight) is coming at me one album at a time - alphabetical order, by album title.
Well beginning in Toronto with A-Sides a Soundgarden best-of, I've worked my way past the self-titled Alexisonfire, Radiohead's Amnesiac, Aquemini by Outkast and many more before arriving at the catchy, yet pretty Awoo, by the Hidden Cameras to close out the A's.
Both Wolf Parade albums passed me by and I still love Apologies to the Queen Mary and though not as good At Mount Zoomer is decent too. Speaking of double albums - Rock Plaza Central also made a first album (that I heard anyway) that I love in Are We Not Horses whereas the follow-up ..at the Moment of Our Most needing or if only they could turn around, they would know they weren't alone is decent too. (I think they shortened that title, thank goodness but my ipod still has it as such)
Found a gem in Lily Allen's Alright Still especially the cover of the Kaiser Chief's Oh My God.
Thought I would want to skip through the very first one, Soundgarden, but ended up finding more than a couple tracks that I enjoyed more than i anticipated.
Other greats were Ashtray Rock (Joel Plaskett), the classic August and Everything After (Counting Crows), Arular (MIA), driving into the majestic country of Hampi to ..And the Ever Expanding Universe (Most Serene Republic) was fitting.
A runner for my top 10 2009 has got to be Maybe Smith's - Another Murder in the Morning. Hectic as it is if you can get into it the album pays off.
All in all A's were a big letter - nearly 50 albums listened to in full already! What with the "A somethings.." and the "All the hits" and the "...and the somethings" it was stacked and I expect to move through letters faster now so updates will be more often.
Now onto the B's! Starting with Weezer's B-side collection. See how that goes and I'll let you know in a letter.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
It Starts in Mumbai!
Well it's true what they say - no matter how much reading and preparation you do, you can never fully prepare for the real thing. My flight from Vancouver to India took a stop in Hong Kong and Bangkok and all told from lift-off Vancouver, to touch-down Mumbai it was exactly 24 hours journey. However it wasn't as bad as it sounds as I got lots of rest, read and watched some movies/TV, and was fairly comfortable scoring an emergency aisle each time (ah, legroom).
Arriving at 3am local customs and baggage were reasonably smooth and I'd hired a taxi into Colaba, a fairly well-traveled area of Mumbai. The Sassoon dock, promised to be a hub of fisherman activity turned out to be a sketchy spot in the pre-dawn so I was taken for a ride (both literally and figuratively) by my driver to the Gateway of India, only 500m away. Here I waited in front of the Taj Hotel (not the actual Taj) as the day lightened, getting some friendly tips from a German couple. There were many other 'friendly' Indians offering to find me a room and eventually I did get one though not until I'd stepped over sleeping people, and gone up super-sketchy lifts 5 floors while checking out OTHER hotels.
Once that was settled away I regrouped at the Gateway and took the Lonely Planet (thank goodness for Lonely Planet!) walking tour through the old British Fort area to the main train station. There are dogs, sleeping people, tiny cats with big heads, and yes - cows - all over the streets. Mostly I just cruised around on my own, feeling comfortable (at least when the sun is up) in any situation, while still exercising caution and sticking to somewhat busy thoroughfares. Saw the Mint, the Bank of India Reserve (btw don't try to take a picture of this, and if you do pull your camera out, then at least take the picture so you can delete it when the security guard forces you to!), and the University of Mumbai. Best of all there are huge parks in the heart of the city that overlook old English buildings, such as the Court House - a bustling place where security isn't all that good and I managed to climb to the 4th floor rooftop overlooking the complex.
At an Applied Art School I met a friendly fellow and swung a cricket bat - though the actual game fell through. Later on a couple young guys bought me a Chai tea (this tea is so sweet I actually like it!) before they tried to hustle me into buying a male Indian-dress before I caught on to the ruse.
Been an eventful day and a half.. my train was to leave at 7 this morning but has been delayed til 11. Almost that time now so I'd better go catch it!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Traveling
Apologies for keeping you hanging and not delivering.. I was supposed to attend the Final Fantasy and Timber Timbre show in Vancouver at a church this past Friday. I was super excited for it and you can imagine how crushed I felt when Owen Pallett came down with strep throat and had to cancel. Therefore I didn't get to see the show and don't have anything to post about either.
I do have another blog on the go though, it will document my travels through Asia over the next four months. I know it's not the same but it'll have to do as I doubt I'll be catching many relevant concerts while I'm away. Perhaps on the flip side I'll start it up again, wherever I take up roots in Canada upon my return in February. Until then!
Oh Matthias! (Matthias Kom, Weird Weather)
I made Coles notes for myself to fully write this one up.. but now that a month has passed it doesn't look like the full write up will ever surface. So here is a glimpse into what I was planning. It refers to the Attic (in Guelph) show featuring Matthias Kom (of the Burning Hell) and the Weird Weather, and Lisa Bozikovic.
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Lisa playing the keyboard with same guy sitting on guitar and matthias on drums
matthias opens with "part of your world" before getting into some originals and some covers. Long story about dermatologist mid-song. Captures attn over simply uke. Gets Jenny O for cover of Wax Mannequin and story about being in yukon. Has the first girl, lisa, join him to sing backup on Burning Hell's song (lie, la,la,la,lie). Closes with Kiss the Girl including keyboard set to totally fit the sound of the song.
Weird weather saw Kom back on drums - only brushes b/c at the attic. nick (?) playing guitar - at one point so fast you literally couldn't see his hand. another player too.. keys? overall not that particularly intriguing set.
Comment on the night of Matthias (involved in all three sets, and the most captivating for a self-proclaimed agoraphobe!)
***
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Out of Commission
Apologies to the two and a half of you who've bothered to check here in the past few weeks. I've been wrapping up my tenure in Guelph and have actually driven out to St John's Newfoundland in the meantime. I know I should have given you the heads up but times were hectic - please accept my humble apologies.
I still have plans to write up the Matthias Kom/Weird Weather show from the Attic a few weeks ago. And I hope to give myself a proper send off before I voyage to the ancient land of spice (Asia?) for a few months. I'll say my goodbyes to Guelph at that point.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Big Shows in Little Guelph (THT Updates x2)
A glance at the sidebar schedule might make you think you were living in a big city, but in reality lil old Guelph is being blessed by concerts from some big, formerly big and gonna be big names in the upcoming months. Not to knock the others on that list but here are some highlights.
Metric is playing the University of Guelph's frosh week. Introduction probably unnecessary, but in order to see Emily Haines and co. you'll need to be a student or at least know a student. You may also need to know a loan shark as tickets are $36 - ouch! Peter Clark Hall is an awful venue, but that's usually because it is mostly empty, which may not be a problem for this show.
Japandroids who've been getting some hype (including being the X3 artist of the month for May 2009) were forced to cancel their last tour at the last minute due to a medical emergency. This BC power duo are known to bring a heckuva sound are returning to make up for that missed show. Support Mt. Saint Helen's Vietnam Band, Little Girls.
The Bouncing Souls are punk rock veterans, having played countless Warped Tours not to mention touring constantly on their own over the past twenty, yes twenty years! I caught them a few years ago at the Vancouver Warped and my desciption isn't particularly complimentary but you've gotta hand it to these vets for still bringing it after all this time. If they got me in the pit it musta been doing something right. Along for the ride are Saint Alvia Cartel. Early Show!
Two Hours Traffic bring their pop-done-right sound from the Island of Prince Edward in October. Lucky for us THT haven't forgotten about Guelph just yet when making their jaunts across the country. I remember their free gig at Jimmy Jazz just a couple years ago, and the two eBar shows that followed those - with the crowds growing for each one. I didn't blog any but I did write after the second eBar gig "Another solid fun-filled set, with 4 new songs including a good one called Noise Maker." I see that Noise Maker did indeed make the new album Territory; the opening track no less. Can't find the opening support just yet, but regardless The Danks who include a couple THT boys in their lineup are playing too - so I'd DEFINITELY advise getting tickets ahead of time for this one!
Whoa, further update as this big show gets bigger and Spiral Beach join the bill.
Not just The Acorn but Ohbijou too! This gig was supposed to go down last year if I recall but was cancelled well ahead of time for reasons that escape me now. It is back on and at the Dublin St. Church. Never seen the Acorn but Glory Hope Mountain was a killer album, and Ohbijou are lovely (and current X3 artists of the month). This'll be something to see!
The Hidden Cameras finally return to Guelph. Their live shows are known to be spectacles. Unfortunately I missed the last time they played the Dublin St. Church, and it has been over 2 years since that time so catch them while they're here!
Library Voices are doing a free gig. They may not be as well-known as some of the bands above but damn are they as great! It is a noon-hour concert (exactly what it sounds like, a show at high-noon in the UoG UC courtyard) and it's 100% free. I gave them some love for their recent Hillside show.
Almost worth canceling my travel plans to catch all these great acts...
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Tom Fun Orca-Wail (Vinyl)
Hailing from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia this energetic nine-piece invaded Guelph, which they lovingly referred to as the nipple of southern Ontario. In his wry manner, Ian MacDougall introduced the "Tom Fun Orca Whale".. to the half-hundred or so patrons who'd come out to the Vinyl on an early August, Tuesday evening (c'mon Guelph - show some support!). Once the small stage was sufficiently packed with an accordion player, banjo-ist, female acoustic guitarist, lead-singer and electric guitarist Ian, bass player, trumpeter and lovely lady violinist (from left to right, 8/9 members attending), all blocking the open-shirted, mustache who manned the drums, they busted into the first tune. It was this mustached-man who led the first track with a driving beat. Everyone on stage had the chance to clear their throats while singing the chorus of this track, and soon thereafter each worked out their respective instruments with an awesome showing during the Highway Siren Song Breakdown. Ian's great gruff voice growled clear (despite many sound system issues), leading the charge on most songs, though Carmen Townsend also lent a female perspective often, and the rest of the band were quick to join in for a chorus, backup or singalong. Vocals were hardly needed on the next track which had an anthemic beat reminiscent of BSS that changed drastically towards hoedown, before returning to the marching beat and then closing out at super speed.
I'd been looking forward to some Rum and Tequila and that dropped next. The violinist must have been looking forward to it as well since she got into it (and out of her shoes into barefeet too). In the spirit of removing clothing, the drummer lost his shirt entirely at this point for the rest of the show. After breaking a guitar during one song, Ian swapped for another and joked about trying to bust this one too while tuning it up. Not one song later he could be seen sliding the neck up and down his mic stand, doing his best to make his prediction true. There were some brief breaks from the musical swell (and not just to try to clear feedback), including the song that cut the hard hitting drums, making for a relatively lighter tune. Back at it, they ripped things up with the excellent Watchmaker that saw Carmen belting out her verses before all of the musicians just let loose, in one of the many instances where I was thinking 'finale', but it didn't come. Carrying on with a few more for the dancers up front, they even tossed some cover lyrics into the midst of their own songs, such as the chorus to MGMT's Kids. With the crashing of the following track it was clear that this was actually going to be the end after many false finales. The last push of this song was clear as they encircled the drummer, backs to the crowd, raising instruments in the air while jamming out, for the equivalent of a good-bye group hug. Too bad it couldn't have been a larger hug (audience-wise) but The Tom Fun Orchestra didn't seem to care as they poured out a full-out strong show much to the delight of the dedicated fans who were in attendance.
Carmen Townsend
Carmen Townsend had a beard and a mustache. No, not the lady, but her accompanying band, as they opened for Tom Fun. More specifically the band was a subset of Tom Fun, that included the bass player (beard) and drummer (stache), but were fronted by Ms.Carmen Townsend (hence the name) now playing a rather large electric (as opposed to her Tom Fun acoustic) guitar. She had a good wail that suited the rock'n'roll show. Opening with a crescendo of sound (I'm not sure that's even possible) they entertained for the whole set, especially with the tune that never seemed to end - growing longer, while getting stronger. The last song was appropriately introduced as a country tune since it definitely had that feel to it, but along with her voice it worked. Altogether, it worked.
Local group, Thunder and Lightning, started the night off. It was a three-piece, though without offense to the drum and bass players, they seemed to be there simply for the singer to play his electric guitar overtop of. With some restrained back beats he blasted out guitar licks for twenty or thirty minutes, with no stage banter (and not much presence). It wasn't unenjoyable, but not overly interesting either.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Great Bloomers, Boys Who Say No, Five Star Trailer Park (Albion, Guelph)
Up first of the three Torontonian bands at the Albion in Guelph last Friday (July 31) were Five-Star Trailer Park who were in Guelph for the second time in about a week. It was the beginning of a LOUD evening.. and not in terms of musical genre, but general sound system level. From the patio I heard On the Drive Home just fine. When I did make it inside I found an all-male six-piece playing some rock music. Fronting the group was an emotive guy who acted out many of the lyrics in charade-style (while wearing a Dancehall Free For All tee). As noted by a friend, the bass player was also "very agreeable" referring to him getting in the zone with a lot of head nodding. One of their final tunes sounded very familiar, and was likely a cover though I couldn't place it (after the few drinks I'd had) but some audience members could as they got up to dance.
Next to the stage were Boys Who Say No which predictably was made up of boys (four of 'em) who played drum, bass, guitar and added a dash of uke and keys depending on the song. They included a very drum-centric song (or perhaps that was the sub-woofer again) that saw some of the Great Bloomers join them on stage. Not bad.
Closing out the night the Great Bloomers were five guys, some of whom played a couple electric guitars and a keyboard. Playing their single, Young Ones Slept, first they managed to draw in a bunch of the patio dwellers and possibly some people from down the street at Sun Sun's as I'm sure you could hear it there! It didn't take long before they returned the favour and invited Boys Who Say No back onstage to guest on one of their tracks. There was a new one called something like Keep Me Here that was played before the rhythym section provided a jazzy instrumental interlude. The singer picked up an acoustic axe for a bit, while a guitarist picked his guitar, face-up in his lap. The title track from Speak of Trouble came after that and was followed by Honey Blanket. To close out the set was a well-recieved tambourine attack. In my opinion the Albion saved the best for last this night.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Busy Hillside Saturday Recap
Saturday at Hillside featured a whack of amazing performers - enough to keep me on my feet 11 of the 12 hours of music. Catching at least part of 19 different sets I was busy and here is my attempt to recap ALL of that including Bruce Peninsula, Attack in Black, Julie Doiron, Bahamas, Ohbijou and so much more.
With three minutes to showtime, a gaggle of instrument-toting musicians walked through the crowd to the Island Stage early Saturday morning. The Cliff Hangars workshop was titled "Bruce Peninsula meets The Rural Alberta Advantage" and it was quite literal as they met mere minutes before the show began. This was slightly unfortunate as they weren't able to plan the collaborations all too well and therefore swapped songs for at least the first few tracks (after a lengthy Rock-Paper-Scissors duel to see who would go first). Of these there was a notable RAA track, North Star, which is an apparently still unwritten (or at least incomplete) new tune. The bands finally meshed when they performed Fleetwood Mac's The Chain led by the BP females, and some slide guitar (while the bass solo was done by voice since they were lacking in an actual bass). On another track there was an attempt to record and sample the entire crowd humming a note. However this failed so instead the members of both groups crowded around the tiny keyboard and were able to lay it down. This was subsequently used on a track that only employed keys, percussion and vocals. In finale they attempted to teach us a song written by a preacher that asks "What are they doing in heaven today?" The lessons didn't stick all too well, but boy did we nail the count-it-in "bum-bum-bum"! As a nice touch, the closing chorus was sung completely a capella.
Emma-Lee
Emma-Lee sang That Sinking Feeling on the Main Stage in a colourful summer dress playing an acoustic guitar. Lovely as it was I was off to wake up with Green Go!
After Green Go, since Julie Doiron was late to the Lake Stage I snuck over for literally a glimpse of Kristin Sweetland. The tall lady was telling stories and I just couldn't wait around for the song to begin so I jetted back to Julie Doiron who still hadn't begun. Eventually she took to the stage and I caught a fast, extra-rocking version of a song I enjoy, No More. However with the full 4-piece band playing, Julie didn't seem to be focusing on the vocals and they became unemphasized and lost in the mix, to my disappointment. I decided to cut it off then and jet to the Island Stage.
Bruce Peninsula
Just an hour after finishing up their collaboration, Bruce Peninsula were back at it. The nine-piece nearing-gospel group filled the stage with four lovely females, leaving five equally as lovely males. Introducing the song as a "lung-collapser" due to the exhausting vocal harmonies they belted out Shutters and by the end I could understand the descriptor. The male lead vocalist has a very distinct and somewhat gruff voice, but when offset by the angelic singing of his female companions it melds into glory. For the final number Casey of Ohbijou joined them on-stage for a rousing rendition of Crabapples, perhaps the best track off A Mountain is a Mouth. It was mindblowing, with drumming on everything from the metal tent poles to the stage itself, along with tambos galore as the aforementioned male lead walked throughout the crowd. Do we want this set to end? "Oh Hell No"!
Bahamas
During Bruce Peninsula's set it had begun to rain heavily (though enthralled by the set I hadn't noticed) and it sealed my decision to stay at the Island Tent and give Bahamas another shot. Afie took to the stage with an electric guitar (no, not a Pink Strat) alongside a drummer. He ran through a number of songs from that album before excusing the drummer and playing a couple more solo. Unfortunately I'd decided that despite my efforts to get into it, Bahamas just weren't the thing for me, which meant that I left the tent before Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers) and Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) joined Afie for a cover of Purple Rain. Dang.
I did catch some of Treasa Levasseur and her upbeat, jazzy music on the Lake Stage, filled out with a guitar, couple of saxophones and drums.
The Tallboys comprised of Kevin Breit, Matt Brubeck and Jesse Stewart played some great freewheeling music together as the accomplished musicians collaborated on the Lake Stage. Obvious professionals their timing was impeccable and the songs themselves great. All of this emphasized considering Jesse Stewart removed a boot cast from his broken foot before beginning the set.
While passing by David Martel at the Main Stage I was forced to stick around as he was playing The Good Lord which then morphed into most of John Wayne Gacy, Jr from Sufjan Stevens' fantastic Illinois before returning to a strong ending of the original track. This delayed my arrival to Ohbijou who had packed the Island Stage. With streamers streaming from their mic stands Casey sang, with her sis Jennifer on violin and the band also playing xylophone and cello on tracks such as Steep. It was the final song that came across best though. Just as Bruce Peninsula had included Casey on their last song earlier in the day, most (if not all) of Bruce Peninsula clamoured onstage for a singalong that brought out the sunshine once again!
After a refreshing swim I waited for Mishka's reggae to finish before the haunting Timber Timbre set.
On the way to eat lunch provided for volunteers I heard some familiar strings and followed my ears to the Sun Stage. Am I glad I did, as Owen Pallett was partway through a favourite Final Fantasy song, This Is the Dream of Win and Regine. (He should have saved that song with the verse "I tried, and tried to keep the clouds away!" for his stormy main stage set!) I would have liked to stay for more as Owen noted later that sharing the stage with Buffy Sainte-Marie was a highlight of his life, but I was called away by dogged hunger.
Attack in Black disappointed me once again live. Perhaps I should just accept that I'm only a fairweather fan - enjoying a handful of their singles but never loving their full catalogue and usually finding myself bored by the live shows that insist on playing the deeper album cuts. I did catch one of their more straight-ahead rock songs, You're Such an Only Child, which I did enjoy though.
Eccodek
My only other option was Eccodek on the Main Stage, who as I noted before play music that isn't within my regular scope of music, but watching them I could feel the energy they were pumping out nonetheless.
Though I would have liked to have seen Silver Starling debut some of their material, or to have accompanied my girlfriend to her fave Dala, or catch up with my hometown-heroes Tokyo Police Club (Newmarket is close enough to Bradford right?) I played it safe by staying put in the Island Tent and not braving the possibility of a giant line to get back in. Overall I think it was a wise decision based on what I heard (or didn't hear in the case of Silver Starling) from others who had attempted it. Based on experience I'm sure the Sunparlour Players would have been great as well. However I was more than happy with the sets from Hey Rosetta, Library Voices, Woodhands and The Arkells!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The RPC Family (Hillside '09)
"I am an Excellent Steel Horse" came the wail from the Island Tent as Rock Plaza Central took to the stage, and took care of necessary business by getting that song out of the way. They carried on with the next track, How Shall I to Heaven Aspire off the excellent 2006 album Are We Not Horses, in a night that turned out to be a family affair. Not only did lead singer Chris Eaton recall the very young daughter of a bandmate playing alongside RPC at Hillside '07 but he also took the opportunity to announce to the crowd that his wife is pregnant (letting us in on the secret the first day that they'd told anyone outside the family). In addition to all of that there was also a proposal! After A Town at the Bottom of the Ocean and When We Go How We Go (Part I) there was a flurry of activity and I can't say for sure that it was a legitimate marriage proposal right there in front of us, but it appeared to be something of the sort as a lady from the front row ran up to plant a big one on the drummer. This was followed by
Back to the music. There were up to seven people on stage as they played a handful of tracks from the recently released (and atrociously titled) At the Moment of Our Most Needing or if only they could turn around they would know they weren't alone, though I hear the second clause of the title has been dropped. Varying the instrumentation there was a beer bottle played by a drumstick, and both drumsets were simultaneously put to use. Breaking out the first single from the latest album there was a brassy ending to (Don't You Believe the Words of) Handsome Men. This was the first set of this year's Hillside to really bring a load of energy with it (even if that energy had a tinge of hoedown in it). With the final tune Rock Plaza Central commanded My Children Be Joyful! And we were - as singing, dancing and general merriment abounded.
Arkells Silence Doubts (Hillside '09)
Just last year, at the oh-eight Hillside in fact, I recall meeting a friend of a friend and commenting on her concert tee. She was surprised by my awareness of the band and said she only had the shirt because she knew some of the members. Fast forward to this year's Saturday night of Hillside where that very band, The Arkells, were set to close things down in the Island Tent. Goes to show how big the past year has been for this Hamiltonian band. However they had their work cut out for them trying to follow the ridiculously energetic set by Woodhands who had just departed. Frankly I didn't see how they were going to live up to it, even having being thoroughly impressed with the Arkells last time they'd come around.
[Pictured: Love for the Arkells]
Blasting out of the gate with a raucous rendition of Deadlines they kept the energy going with the catchy Pullin' Punches. The handful of people who'd left after Woodhands (probably due to exhaustion or dehydration) had been replaced with at least as many again, cramming the tent. Security attempted to keep people off the picnic benches during Heart of the City but by the time they covered Smokey Robinson's Tears of a Clown with that Motown feel people were dancing and snapping wherever they could get two feet on the ground (or table in this case). After a new track, Country Boy(?), they broke into the awesome John Lennon. During this track they brought things to a pause just as in the recorded version, and held it as the rabid crowd went off, until finally bursting back in with a musical breakdown of epic proportions. The only way to follow that up was with Champagne Socialist and its mean harmonica. Predictably (though definitely not unwelcomed) they closed the set down with radio-hit, as well as rockin' track, Oh, The Boss is Coming! Leaving the stage the singer tossed the mic in the air, letting it crash to the ground while still on, meaning that throughout calls for an encore there was a reverberating hum of our own cheers back at us through the speakers. On the verge of exhaustion we lapped up Blueprint and though already hoarse and with sore hands we hollered and clapped as best as possible to show our appreciation for the show. Realizing my doubts were unfounded, I acknowledged that the Arkells turned out to be a perfect ending to a wild night!
Timber Timbre Haunts Hillside '09
Timber Timbre creates haunting and sparse music upon which the delicate, unique and often ominous vocals of Taylor Kirk are laid. The project is Taylor's brainchild, but on this Saturday afternoon he was accompanied by a slide guitarist and a female violinist, while he picked at the electric guitar in his lap and occasionally kicked the kick drum. Soon after the extremely complimentary introduction from host, Vish Khanna, Timber Timbre played a slow and deliberate version of Lay Down In the Tall Grass that included the aforementioned haunting violin, Taylor's phenomenal vocals and the prominent thud of the kick drum. The set was a very somber affair with only silence from Taylor between songs, and not a smile from either of the accompanying musicians, as if they were tense and afraid to set things off. Musically it was quite the showing, with spooky songs such as Until the Night is Over, and Demon Host coming to life before us. Adding to the creepiness was the way that Taylor only stared out overtop of the large sunglasses that he wore for the entire show. I was slightly nervous that the tiny bit of chatter at the back of the tent from those who were unaware of the genious that they should have been paying attention to was going to make Taylor snap. Finally before the second last song he said in a very humble and appreciative tone a simple "Thank-you very much. You're very kind" and I was able to breathe easier and enjoy the final songs of the set. And enjoy I did - as the closer was a version of It's Only Dark that featured a toy-train whistle, squeaking plastic objects, a shaker and a birdcall. A stunning set that managed to both captivate and creep me out - quite a musical accomplishment.
Hillside '09 Friday Roundup
The weekend started off on a high note as Guelph's most recent Federal Green Party candidate Mike Nagy handed my freshly refilled water bottle to me just before I headed to the Island stage for a workshop to open the festival entitled "Let's Get this Party Started." Ambre McLean lead the first track as members of Rock Plaza Central, Dancehall Free For All and.. a bunch of others joined in. The RPC song featured some triumphant trumpet while others held down the ukulele, sax, banjo, violin and guitars. Ambre played the piano a little later on as the mixed-bag of performers attempted to find their flow. The final track saw Kristin Sweetland singing a silly children's song in French, bringing her unique flair to the performance.
Not feeling that the party was fully started I checked in at the official festival opening only to find a similar aboriginal introduction to years past. Skipping further along I caught a moment of Acoustically Yours at the Lake Stage featuring David Francey amongst others, as well as a nice song from Melissa McClelland.
Donovan Woods was a pleasant surprise on the Main Stage with just his acoustic guitar. Attempting to make his songs relatable he made introductions that included some of the most random and precise themes available. His stage presence was natural and somehow had him wondering "Where is Bryan Adams right now?"
On the Lake Stage was the light reggae of Kae Sun who also had enviable stage presence with his clear, storytelling flow. Joined by a guitar, bass, drums, piano plus Kae sometimes on acoustic guitar they ran through a few songs including Living in the City. When using words his messages were positive and when not using words his voice became an instrument.
The couple minutes I spent in front of Xavier Rudd do not allow me to note much about the performance. I did however lament his rumbling didgeridoo while Coeur de Pirate attempted some of her more frail songs.
Same goes for Loreena McKennitt who I passed by and actually recognized the song that her and her band totaling nine was playing. Sounded nice though I was at the back, and basically all I got out of it was being late for USS.
Birthday Boys looked like they coulda been straight outta a '60's diner with their leather jackets and tight black jeans. The four-piece rock group employed up to three singers at a time, alternating at others. Playing to a less than full Island tent they had crashing drums and loud guitars harkening back to classic rock sounds. In finale they played Making Room for Grace and it was a solid choice.
Hillside's Party Band (USS vs Woodhands)
There were a few bands vying for this year's title of "Hillside Party Band." Trying to attain the title held by such greats as Thunderheist, Shout Out Out Out Out and Holy Fuck is a lofty goal and I considered Winter Gloves, USS and Woodhands to all be contenders. As already documented, Winter Gloves successfully got the tent jumping, but hampered by their mid-afternoon time slot I wouldn't consider them to be the party of the festival. Given the first kick at the can were USS with the closing slot on the Island Stage Friday night.
USS
Arriving at the tent I was shocked to find a line-up just to enter the area - this was a never-before seen phenomenon at Hillside and frankly was something I never wanted to see. I was disappointed when I heard the band start up while still on the outside trying to catch a glimpse through a break in the tent wall. More disappointed were the obvious Hillside first-timers who cut in line in front of us and then continued to complain that they'd spent $50 for the night's tickets just to see USS. Slowly people filtered out, likely those that were unaware that the show was going to be a slightly obnoxious display of dj-beats, yelling and shenanigans. Finally I made my way inside to find exactly what I expected; people stood atop picnic tables and everyone was already jumping.
[Pictured: Ashley Boo-Schultz, the Human Kebab's impression of a Human Mic-stand, Bob Marley, Albert Einstein]
USS are basically a two-man team of hijinx - a DJ and MC/guitarist who start parties wherever they go (I refuse to use their stage names since at least one of them is supremely silly). During Cloudboy the frontman went for a crowd surf to start the crowd interaction and then gave us something familiar with a bumpin version of Outkast's Hey Ya. The DJ's showmanship included scratching with his nose, head, elbow (with chin-in-hand) and even standing on the turntable to scratch with his feet. Later he lay on his back with his feet in the air clamping the mic between them to act as a human mic-stand for the MC. Speaking of MC, already on-stage upon my arrival was a full-sized Einstein cut-out that accompanied their statement that "E=MC everything"! The self-proclaimed "moronocy" continued as the singer clamoured onto the DJ's shoulders to sing (as well as continue to make a milkshake - don't ask). In between high-kicks, jumps and cartwheels they brought out another cardboard cut-out - this time of Obama - who made the ill-advised attempt to crowd surf and was immediately ripped to pieces (literally). Bob Marley didn't have the same fate since he remained on-stage through Hollowpoint (with the 'I's the B'y' chorus dedicated to the Newfs!) as well as the eventual encore.
USS did their best, including all the stage antics they could muster, and did manage to get a party going. In my opinion the whole thing was just a little forced, on the crowd's end anyway, as people didn't let quite as loose as Hillsiders are known to. Nonetheless, like the milkshake that the boys made and consumed onstage during their set, the tent did end up frothing by the end.
Woodhands
The next attempt came from Woodhands - another two-piece - this time with a drummer, Paul Banwatt, and a keytarist (among other things), Dan Werb. In fact, considering there were just the two of them the stage set-up seemed as intense as it was for the Library Voices who had preceded them with a whopping 9 members! Once the drums, keyboards, synths, effect pedals, keytar, vocoder mic and everything else were set the crowd in the Island tent was bursting at capacity and ready to get the party started. Everyone was so gung ho to go that Dan just grabbed the mic and started the show without allowing the lady on her way to do the introduction to make it. From the first kicks to the drum the audience was into it, as was geek-extraordinaire Mr. Werb who was all over the stage, and sometimes in the crowd, screaming into the mic. Whether or not the crowd knew the songs ahead of time didn't matter as the beat was easy to find and the dancing was wild. I Wasn't Made For Fighting was a fave of mine, but songs were interchangeable since people were loving everything coming their way. Even the cover of Electric Avenue and a few lines of "you say I'm just a friend" were met with a raucous response. With balloons and surfing sweaty bodies floating over our heads during set closer Dancer there was no way we were ready to end this party just yet. Again the lady attempted to address the crowd after Dan and Paul had disappeared backstage but she was entirely drowned out by the won't-take-no-for-an-answer cheers for another song. We got our wish and the two gods-for-a-night returned to rock us for another ten minutes. The show was uninhibited dance-your-ass-off party-time fun for all. Congratulations Woodhands - you take the Hillside 2009 party crown!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Coeur de Pirate est une Voleuse de Coeurs (Hillside '09)
(Please excuse my awful attempts to write in French)
I've written of my celebrity-crush on Beatrice Martin before, and now that I've actually seen her play live (sadly we didn't meet) I'll admit, I've fallen even harder. Securing a front-row-centre spot, I eagerly awaited the playing of the beautiful piano notes that accompany the young lady's graceful singing voice. With slight concern I noted during the sound-check that Beatrice seemed a bit frazzled with the way things were going, but after a few private words with Vish, and his introduction of Coeur de Pirate, she was all smiles...
Dressed in skinny blue jeans and a blue'n'black striped shirt (with short sleeves to display her tattoos) Beatrice wowed the crowd with her well-crafted songs, sung entirely in French. Asking our preference for banter language she spoke in both national languages, showing the Quebec songstress' proficiency as she coyly took soft jibes at her own obscurity in this province. Handling the delicate keys and delightful vocals herself, a couple musicians accompanied her and added a variety of sounds including acoustic and electric guitar, violin, and ukulele. This allowed for an upbeat version of Ensemble, though the rendition of Printemps cut the keys and opted for a clap-along instead. After introducing and beginning a "really sad" song she restarted it with charm, explaining that a bug had flown into her face. Once past the somber piano opening the violin swept in followed by acoustic strumming to fill out the sound. Before the other musicians left the stage they assisted on a note-perfect rendition of Comme des Enfants, the song Beatrice attributed to making her famous in La Belle Province.
Once alone on the stage she played her original Francis, before a Malajube cover (still in French of course). As she's been known to do, the 'Heart of a Pirate' took Rihanna's Umbrella and made it her own by slowing it down and laying it out over the piano. Sensational.
Very few people responded when the chanteuse asked the crowd who'd heard of her before the set, but I'm sure by the end of this show her name had become inextricably entangled in lovely chansons en francais, just as my heart-strings had become tangled up in knots.
Library Voices' Future (Hillside '09)
Hey Rosetta being a tough act to follow, Library Voices brought the troops - all nine of 'em, including three females - and boy (and girl) did they fare well. So big were they, that the stage crew required a massive whiteboard diagram of the setup in order to assemble the stage.Fashion was a mishmash, including some lovely dresses and suits, though also some hipster fads. Regardless of dress, each of the members played their part well (as in their last Guelph show), showing passion in the form of a busted tambourine right off the top that was tossed and skittered across the stage in pieces.
Opening with a bunch of new songs from a forthcoming album (potentially dropping this fall) they worked up the masses assembled in the Island Tent before hitting us with numbers from the oh-too-short Hunting Ghosts EP such as Love In the Age of Absurdity with its rippin' guitar. Vonnegut's Grave had a couple of the females taking turns on the verses in the spirit of sharing. Though Kundera on the Dance Floor says 'don't go there' - they did - with members singing from the floor in the midst of the crowd. The final number was their breakout song Step Off the Map and Float that brought down the house as the sax was being tossed in the air and bashed off the stage, while the sweaty-wet (and tall!) bass player climbed onto the drumset.
A fantastic new tune with a fantastic new chorus sang "I saw the future escape from a crystal ball, it said the present is just an afterthought. Love is a forget-me-not, so I guess the past is all we've got." Well I've seen the future in this Regina group's crystal ball, and it promises success and longevity!
Go Green Go! (Hillside '09)
After a rest-free Friday night camping in Volly Village I was looking for someone to "Wake up my body, Wake up my head." Who better than Guelph's-own, Green Go? With a time slot as the sun hit it's highest point (who am I kidding, there was hardly any sun all weekend) the early-risers hit the Lake Stage Saturday for some synthy excitement. As I entered, the five-piece was blasting though Ghosts of the Future and carried on with You Know You Want It, featuring some blistering instrumental work and a cattle-sized dose of cowbell. The double drums complemented the bass lines and got the enthusiastic crowd boppin'. Next up was the catchy-as-the-common-cold Brains for Breakfast and it slayed! Put On Your Specs, Boy also featured the double drum and further proved that this percussion onslaught is when they hit their stride. In their closing number, opened by Jess' singing, they worked up to a let-loose dance number that took cues from SO4 with the bass line you never want to end, and the teasing near-finish, only to bring the beat back for one more round. When the music did eventually culminate for good it was met with a rousing hometown ovation. Go Guelph, Go Green Go!
Dala (Hillside '09)
Welcome to Guest Blogger - Natasha Holmes - who had this rave review of Dala's Saturday evening Hillside Main Stage performance:
Having been listening to Dala for months leading up to Hillside, I was nothing less than giddy as the ladies, AmanDA and SheiLA (DALA), stepped on to the stage. Opening with a delightful but powerful rendition of Marilyn Monroe.. they commented afterward that the long, held phrases make the song a big ego-booster, as the audience seems to be singing along, even if they're yawning. Continuing with more upbeat tunes, it was just two girls, two guitars and a lot of witty conversation between two best friends. One such story was of their tour with Tom Cochrane, as they sung back-up on Life is a Highway and were told that they "rock" by the fans!
By the second song, Sheila jinxed us with hopes of good weather, which of course sent the clouds rolling in. Audience members ran under the main stage's overhanging roof for some shelter, which left the rest of the music in a perfectly intimate setting. Taking a more serious note, the guitars went to their stands and Sheila moved to the piano to begin Horses from their 2007 album Everyone is Someone. The song, about a boy who had become paralyzed after an accident, showed the maturity of their writing and vocals, while adding some meaning to a beautiful tune. The set also included the simple but stunning Anywhere Under the Moon from the 2009 release Who Do You Think You Are? which also showcases their Canadian origins where they belt "So I drive, all the way, to Winnipeg." Other patriotic drops include remembering Sauble Beach, the fashion of Niagara Falls, not to mention the song titled Hockey Sweater (not performed). Maybe Guelph will be featured on the next album??
Levi Blues was definitely a favourite, as Amanda put away her guitar and let Sheila carry the music. She kept herself busy, of course, acting out the sweet lyrics about writing 'I Love You' on the Great Wall or watching lovers in the park. One thing I noted was the way the girls interacted on the stage. When one person was singing solo, the other would watch them with admiration and respect for their musical strengths. It was great to see such a friendship on the stage, making the listener so much more connected to the music they create. To end the set, they played a little ditty with a very little instrument (mini-guitar; ukulele of some sort) saying goodbye - a very sweet ending to a very lovely set. With cries for an encore, the girls came out, quite surprised, with nothing but B-sides to play. Instead they did a number a cappella, which involved mixing Fever with Hit the Road Jack. The harmonies, the music and the personality on the main stage Saturday evening certainly made a memorable performance! While a friend and I were having our newly purchased album signed by the ladies we were recognized as "the smiling girls at the front". Yup, that was us...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hey Rosetta Wins Fans (Hillside '09)
What can I say about Hey Rosetta that I haven't before (or before that)? Most of the crowd in the Island Tent on Saturday evening however were looking forward to their first glimpse of this St.John's band with recent Polaris shorlist buzz. In a little over half an hour I'm confident that Tim Baker and co. managed to win over these new onlookers. As a pompous seasoned vet (jokes!) I noticed the following:
- That noisy, building feedback intro to Asleep (actually outro to New Goodbye on the album) always borders on excess live but just as it is about to send you bonkers that familiar guitar drops and the relief it brings feels like the day after your final exam.
- Having a second opportunity to see Seeds performed live it works as a perfect intro to the band's live show. First Tim gets to show off his vocals over a simple uke (not featured anywhere else though) before switching to his mastery of the piano as the band kicks in (cello swaps for acoustic guitar) and the momentum builds and closes with as rousing a finish as any - culminating with all six band-members banging something against something for massive percussion. All elements present!
- The tight timing meant that the natural closer, New Goodbye, didn't fit. Nevertheless Red Heart filled in quite nicely as a finale, leaving Tim standing atop his piano bench, with his guitar raised with one hand above his head like a torch held high, and a beaming smile of genuine appreciation on his face. The booming crowd touched him as much as his songs had touched us.
Hey Rosetta said through their set list:
There's An Arc and so we'll bring out the Lions for Scottie with whom We Made a Pact. After all he's been Asleep For a Long, Long Time. We'll continue to plant Seeds with new songs to avoid Tired Eyes and touch as many Red Hearts as possible.
Hey Rosetta said through their set list:
There's An Arc and so we'll bring out the Lions for Scottie with whom We Made a Pact. After all he's been Asleep For a Long, Long Time. We'll continue to plant Seeds with new songs to avoid Tired Eyes and touch as many Red Hearts as possible.
Hillside '09 Sunday (Gentleman Reg, Winter Gloves, More!)
Winter Gloves
French or English? Winter Gloves spoke only 'Party' during their mid-afternoon Island stage soiree. With keys and synth abounding they started the dance party with their opening number - Factories - and didn't look back from there. The mustached drummer did his best to get people moving, and yes, his best was good enough. Once I'd noted the xylophone and electronic drum pad I thought I could leave, since I'd figured out their modus operandi, but just couldn't tear myself away as I was having too much fun.
Gentleman Reg
The former long-time Guelphite has been riding the Jet Black wave for some time and with good cause. Though I didn't love the album initially it has definitely grown on me since I last saw Gentleman Reg play a UoG noon-hour concert a few months ago. With increased familiarity with his tunes I was able to take more away from this set than the previous. For example I've really come to like-like (I won't say love due to commitment phobia) the song To Some It Comes Easy and this rendition with two female backing vocalists was up to par. Anther favourite (and Radio3 single) How We Exit also went over well; filled out into a more rockin' version with the four-piece band accompanying Reg. You Can't Get It Back floated by like the blown bubbles in the air. As noted before, Reg's singing voice is beautiful but takes a back seat when he brings the ramped up versions of his songs live. It seems slightly unfortunate to me that this is lost, but just as I was lamenting this fact Reg drastically slowed things down with a soft and lovely version of Rewind. As he asks in that song "Is this what you wanted to see?" and the response is a resounding "Yes".Arianna Gillis
Unfortunately I could not finish the set with Reg as I was set to meet friends for the last of Ariana Gillis on the Lake Stage. Even more unfortunate was that as we arrived she said those fateful words "This will be our last song" and proceeded to a play a silly number about floating in a blueberry sea - complete with all bandmembers donning snorkel gear. I feel that I didn't get a legitimate taste of what she could do.
Melissa McClelland, The Witchies
Where with Melissa McClelland even though I didn't get a good look at her I did enjoy what I could hear while also enjoying my lunch outside the tent. However this meant I was to be disappointed when I arrived at The Witchies set only for them to wind down their final song just as I was settling in. Gonna have to try and catch another glimpse of them as they seem to have promise.
Gospel Hour, Kick Out the Jams
The Lake Stage workshop with Fred, Eccodek and Delhi 2 Dublin had the crowd eating out of their hands - as a command for everyone in the tent to get-on-up was obeyed by nearly everyone. Who wouldn't want to get up and dance to this hugely fun mix of world music on a Sunday morning? (or at least to catch a glimpse of that violinist's white-blonde-and-purple hair? -pictured). Gotta say they were moving me (spiritually and physically) more here than at the Gospel Hour. Despite all the hype (ie:people getting seats over an hour in advance) the 20 or so people on stage, and additional 10 (if not more) sidestage for the gospel hour just weren't blowing me away. Mind you I was there for the first hour when they were getting warmed up, and missed the apparently blow-you-away version of Sexual Healing. Since I didn't see it, I can't comment.
Great Lake Swimmers
Great Lake Swimmers stuck to a similar setlist as Hillside Inside just this past February so I was content with laying in the grass to listen (and not watch) them run through Pulling on a Line, Moving Pictures, Silent Film, Your Rocky Spine, Various Stages and I am a Part of a Large Family again.
Full Sunday Reviews
(The following sets were all reviewed separately - follow the links!)
Sunday was a mucky day - with the giant thunderstorm and lightning strike just before Clues and the downpour that was no match for Final Fantasy. Despite the rain, or perhaps to spite it, there were many great performances such as Patrick Watson's - though he enjoyed some sunshine as did Dancehall Free For All. There was also a coming out party for the Rural Alberta Advantage as they are destined for big things. Solid end to Mudslide, er Hillside.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Get a Clue(s)! (Hillside '09)
With Clues being so fresh, having just released their first album, their level of notoriety wasn't quite up there - but the tent was packed anyway. Okay that may have had a lot to do with the giant rainstorm, fully-loaded with directly-overhead lightning, that was tearing across the island, nevertheless Clues tore it up too and gave these people a noisy (though structured) show. To obtain sounds such as those found on the interesting self-titled release the five members moved about the stage to play a variety of instruments. Especially busy was the lone female who worked a bow on the opening track, drummed on several others, played the bass, and bashed an already banged-up sheet of tin that was hanging along with bells and various other metal objects meant for percussion. They got through a solid selection of songs including a splendid rendition of You Have My Eyes Now sung by the male who most often played drums. Impressively they managed to generate most of the sounds found on the album in this setting - and what made this even more exceptional was, as we found out later, that due to the storm and a power surge the entire set had been played without anything in their monitors! On the final track the female was at it once again, this time screaming into what looked to be the speaker end of a telephone receiver but must have been a vocoder of sorts. It was dirty, and loud, and rather spectacular!
Dancetent? Free For All (Hillside '09)
It was early Saturday at Hillside two years ago that I wandered into the Lake Stage for an unexpected treat that came in the form of exuberant youth (then high-schoolers) playing infectiously energetic pop music, filled out with a brass section. As good as Dancehall Free For All were then they've only improved since. Sure a tad of that energy may have worn off, but it's been traded for maturity which shows in both the songwriting and the stage presence. The singer's vocal are dynamic and full, looking slightly odd coming from this young man, but sounding right in context. They played through mostly new songs from the recently released 9-5 Lives including Danny Knows! as well as super-new and yet unreleased tracks like Shameless and Kelsey Tells Me. All included the sax and trumpet that provide that signature sound and really get the kids moving. The teens that packed the Island tent even started a mini circle-pit which added to the occasional ska feel of the show (their age evidenced by the fact that I could see perfectly over their heads from 30 rows back!) But you don't have to be young to enjoy this band, as they produce quality music, which just so happens to mash in a whole load of fun!
Rural Alberta Advances! (Hillside '09)
I came into the Rural Alberta Advantage's set expecting a fairly standard acoustic rock set- and in essence that's what was delivered, but there were intangibles that pushed this performance far past expectations making it one of my Hillside Sunday highlights. Having seen all three performers in some form already this weekend it was finally time for them to play their own material.. rooted in the province of Alberta (though actually a Toronto band with youth ties to Alberta). Therefore along with the performance we also received some simple history lessons regarding this prairie which (boring as it sounds) may have been one of those bonus elements. The male lead singer, Nils Edenloff, taught the lessons as intros to song with an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder thanks to some thin yellow rope. He belted out Don't Haunt This Place which got things really going on the Lake Stage. During In the Summertime (as well as other tracks) Amy Cole sang her part wonderfully and also banged a drum that had a tambourine sitting on top of it - making a great racket! On songs such as Deathbridge in Lethbridge the drummer, Paul Banwatt, who had tore things up the night before as half of Woodhands again held things down behind the kit. To add to the percussion Nils would at times pound on his acoustic while holding down chords making a neat reverberating sound. A solo-acoustic cover of Eye of the Tiger from Nils was a humourous choice but it came across well. Altogether the band earned respect and adoration especially with the overall excellent song Four Night Rider.
Even upon review I can't tell what it was that made me enjoy this set so very much - perhaps it was simply the mug of beer I'd had during it - but it was simple yet awesome. The RAA have definitely upped their status in my eyes and I hope to catch them again next time we're both in the same province - whichever that may be.
Watson's Experiments (Hillside '09)
I was thoroughly impressed with the way that the albums were translated into a live show by using a variety of unique elements. I was further impressed by Patrick Watson pulling this off after having a few drinks - if his ordering of a whiskey into the microphone is any indication (not to mention his excuse of being wasted for why he accidentally pulled out one of his own patch cords). He never claimed to be angelic - in fact in response to an audience adulation suggesting as much Patrick professed that he was anything but! Angel or not, there's no denying that he is a musical god.
Storms Don't Stop Final Fantasies (Hillside Festival '09)
Anticipation was growing for the greatest one-man act in Canadian music today, as Final Fantasy was set to take the main stage on the final evening of this year's Hillside Festival. Another feeling was also mounting though, that of trepidation, as people glanced over their shoulders toward the massive, dark clouds that loomed in the distance and seemed to be encroaching on the island, threatening to black out the twilight. Owen Pallett himself scurried around the partially-covered, green-roof stage, checking his own gear while his record oddly played quietly over the house speakers. With the weather still holding Owen was introduced and quickly took his position at center-stage where his violin sat atop his keyboard. Wasting no time he introduced himself to the crowd and started in on a brand new song, followed by another. In his charming manner he mentioned to the adoring crowd that he was going to play only new material, but gave us the option if we tired of that to send him the signal (which he demonstrated was the finger) and that he would probably just return it and continue to play new music. This went over well however, since the man exudes charisma in a very humble and unassuming way - exemplified by the fact that he could wear jeans and a T - his own merch t-shirt - on stage (but then explaining that the shirt doesn't say "Final Fantasy" on it anywhere so he had to promote it).
As Owen began creating the loops of the third song, This Lamb Sells Condos, umbrellas began popping up in the crowd and people cowered from the rain that had just begun to fall. Peering out from beyond my dripping rainjacket's hood I watched as FF played another new track by layering sample upon sample of violin bowing, plucking, tapping plus keys, to the amazement of the now thoroughly damp patrons in the crowd. As great as this was, it was the next song that would set this performance apart from any other.
Cheerfully Owen began recording as a cool breeze picked up, and with the first loop playing in the background he laid down another and the rain drops grew in size - pounding on our umbrellas. During the third loop there was a noticeable change and the wind itself began looping; swirling under the cover of the stage, bringing with it wet raindrops that began to splatter across the speakers there. The audience was completely captivated by Owen's performance and barely noticed as stage hands snuck out to cover the speakers. The song grew with intensity as did the wicked weather - to the point where the stage manager ran out and gave the cut signal to his crew, and to Owen who completely ignored him and continued to bow much to the delight of the crowd. Next he walked right up to Owen - touching his soaked shirt indicating for him to stop. Owen yelled back "Let me finish this song!" without missing a stroke. With the stage director backing off, Final Fantasy mesmerized us completely with his violin, making the hair on my neck stand - not from the cold but in absolute amazement of this performance. Stage crew ran around protecting equipment while Owen played on, pleading for "one more minute". Finally the song reached a fever pitch, as the refrain screamed "I'm never going to give in to you!" a blistering crack of nearby lightning lit the sky beyond Final Fantasy - momentarily brightening the sky to a red hue. This earned a massive cheer from the electrified crowd of determined onlookers. Closing in on the culmination of the song the tech crew finally adhered to the stage director's frantic neck-slicing signals and pulled the plugs. As the lights faded out Owen Pallet was left standing in the dark - sopping wet - still playing his violin without speakers, completing the song. The definition of a Hillside moment - it was utter magic.
After a brief intermission the storm did in fact pass over the small island in Guelph Lake and Owen was able to finish his set. Continuing in beautiful fashion he played through another few new songs as well as a great version of Flare Gun. By the end the rain had slowed to a trickle and Owen closed the night with The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead which was fabulous. He graciously thanked all involved with Hillside and left the stage to a giant round of appreciation from the hardcore fans who had stuck him out to the end. It was the set of the festival and a tumultuous-ending to a tremendous weekend!
Hillside 2009 Complete!
The supposedly-'summer', though supremely soggy edition of Hillside 2009 wrapped up last night in full form. This weekend's festivities lived up to the truly exceptional standards that Hillside has set for itself, which is saying something. Having seen around 40 artists perform this weekend you can be assured there will be plenty to come here in the very near future. As soon as possible I will be attempting to put into words the legendary performance by Final Fantasy last night that led to the most brilliant Hillside moment of this year's festival - perhaps the best of all my Hillsides!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Countdown to Tomorrow
I suppose that title is misleading as this post actually focuses on Sunday but it follows suit of my Friday and Saturday plans. And Hillside IS tomorrow, which is worth highlighting.
Perhaps (perhaps) my most anticipated performer of the entire weekend plays Sunday - that being Final Fantasy who has captivated me each time I've seen him. Perhaps (perhaps) one of my top-3 all-time performers period. For those unfamiliar with Final Fantasy's live show - it is a one-man whirlwind of violin looping, plucking, tapping and bowing and it's incredible. For a show review you can read more though it still doesn't capture it so I encourage checking this out for yourself (and skipping the bizarre "Moonwalking" tribute to MJ).
Guelph represents in the form of Dancehall Free For All's triumphant return (3rd paragraph) to the festival that started it all(okay, maybe it didn't start it all, but definitely gave them a huge boost). Look here for a glimpse of their show (mind you this was before the recently released and highly listenable second album).
Another (ex)Guelphite is.. Gentleman Reg who gets a lot of love in these parts. Solid.
Clues from the Pop Montreal show will hopefully live up to their excellent debut album.
Also looking forward to catching The Rural Alberta Advantage and Patrick Watson for the first time.
I'll see if there's time for Hillside faves - Great Lake Swimmers who are good, if somewhat plain live. Maybe I've just seen them too many times without trying (plus opening for Feist in Kitchener that I apparently didn't review).
Also I'll likely check into Winter Gloves too and see if they can get the island stage jumping.
I'm debating getting up in time to catch what looks to be a pretty funky workshop Sunday morning - Delhi 2 Dublin, Eccodek and Fred - see how late the drumming circle goes in volunteer camping Saturday night I suppose. Thanks to Josh's comments I may be up anyway for the Gospel Hour which apparently shouldn't be missed.
See you all there! Over and out until the reviews start flowing in here next week.
Head for the Hills(ide) Tomorrow!
It all begins tomorrow evening.. I'll be posting some things to watch out for on Sunday here shortly. And of course next week I'll do my best to get my reviews out in a timely manner. After gorging on music for an entire weekend I'll have plenty of blog-fodder.
Don't forget your rainjacket, but also your sunscreen!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Countdown: In 5..
Saturday will be one heckuva full day of music at the Hillside Festival in Guelph, Ontario.
Before the sun has even reached its peak things will have heated up with a collaboration born on some distant planet with ultra-intelligent lifeforms - that being Bruce Peninsula and The Rural Alberta Advantage. That will also allow me to catch at least part of Julie Doiron a couple hours later as her set is in conflict with Bruce Peninsula's.
Playing to a hometown crowd, Green Go are gonna go off I predict.
As much as I'd like to catch the Final Fantasy/Buffy Sainte-Marie/Notre dame de Grass mash-up... Timber Timbre will be given precedence.
Dala will entertain my girlfriend on the mainstage while I watch Hey Rosetta because I love 'em. (Too bad I'll have to miss C.R. Avery who intrigues me with his lyrics and beatboxing).
Library Voices and Silver Starling is a toss-up. Library Voices I've seen and are great, whereas Silver Starling are up-and-coming and look to have a bright future based on their strong past.
Next is another battle royale for my attention - Tokyo Police Club vs Woodhands. Leaning towards the latter..
Wow, these are going to be tough decisions - that, or a lot of running back and forth between stages - as I decide on who will shut down this epic day of performances for me. Either the rocking Hamiltonians - The Arkells, or the Toronto alt-country trio of The Sunparlour Players. Having just seen SPP recently, and loving the Arkells awhile back, the Hammer may win my attention.
Suffice to say, Saturday will be a whirlwind with nary a moment to rest. Hopefully sleeping in a tent won't hinder my ability to keep the energy levels up. Feng's Dumplings, Lemongrass and Wellington must be my fuel.
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