Tuesday, September 26, 2006

SANTA ANA WINDS BRING SEASICKNESS

Mew
The Mod Club Theatre
September 25, 2006

Arrived last night at the venue too early as usual. There were no support band details and the show start time was listed as 9pm. I didn't want to risk missing part of Mew's set. Mistake on my part. Had to endure an opening band...didn't catch their name, and wasn't interested in knowing who it was. Watched one song, then Mark and I decided to head out to the street front patio to get some air, the club was pretty full and already hot. Stayed outside until almost 10pm, saw the girl bassist from Most Serene Republic also on the patio, wanted to inquire if they we're working on a new record, but didn't. Mew started their set at 10:15pm on time and launched into the first two songs from And The Glass Handed Kites Circuitry of the Wolf and Chinaberry Tree. They sounded incredible from the get go. Their sound was soooo full, layered and complex; I honestly didn't think they were going to be able to recreate the "bigness" of the record live. But they did. Mark and I were discussing their set, and both of us felt that their newer material sounded much better, I think it's because it's much more involved whereas their old stuff is more straight ahead rock. The inclusion of many ballads in their set list starting to grate on my nerves mid way through their set. Set highlights: Special and Why Are You Grave? featuring strange video of J. Mascis singing back-up. I think Mew as artists are conflicted. Apparent by their choice of pre-show tour bus viewing (while standing on the patio outside Mod Club, we were able to see their tv through the bus blinds) of U2, they seem to want to be HUGE, but can't decide which route to take to get there. Do they stick to their old ways, and push their heavier-Coldplay-sappy ballad sound, or do they go balls out modern prog rock as heard on their latest disc. Only time can tell.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

THIS SHIT IS BANANAS!

Apparently, Hard Gay is a television program in Japan. It's pretty hilarious. Check out this clip of HG interviewing children in regards to foods that they hate. Genius!

Friday, September 22, 2006

WEEKLY CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT ROUND-UP

Tons of shows have been confirmed in the last week or so. Let's get started.

October 6, 2006 - Sloan w/ Yoko Casionos @ Kool Haus. Tickets on sale now.
October 6, 206 - Massive Attack @ The Carlu. Tickets on sale tomorrow.
October 16, 2006 - now.
October 20, 2006 - Girl Talk @ Spin Gallery. Tickets on sale now at Rotate.
October 24, 2006 - Lady Sovereign @ The Opera House. Tickets on sale now at Rotate.
October 27, 2006 - Love Is All @ The Horseshoe. Tickets on sale now.
October 30, 2006 - Fiery Furnaces @ The Opera House. Tickets on sale tomorrow.
October 30, 2006 - K-OS @ The Mod Club. Tickets on sale today at 10am.
November 6, 2006 - Thunderbirds Are Now! @ Sneaky Dee's. Tickets on sale now at Rotate.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

DO THE CLOUDS KISS YOU



For the last couple of weeks, I have been quite obsessed with Mew's latest release And The Glass Handed Kites. Mark has had it on his iPod forever (since he worked at the record store) and convinced me to throw it on mine. I listened to it once or twice 6 months ago, but wasn't really feeling it. Recently, when I was transferring over the contents from my old 20 GB 3rd Generation iPod to my swanky new 60 GB video iPod, I gave it another listen. Holy fuck, how didn't I see the sheer brilliance of this album??? I'm floored by it. During the work week, while sitting at my desk, I long for it, the tunes play over and over in my head. I even caught myself semi-rocking out to it on the streetcar. I must of looked like a crazy person (which are plentiful on the King streetcar).
Anyways, the band are touring North America as we speak opening for Kasabian, who's new album Empire was recently released, and which I don't have much interest in. I mildly enjoyed their debut, enough to see them live (where they revealed themselves as really solid live musicians).

Mew have two upcoming Toronto shows. One at The Mod Club on Monday September 25th, and then an opening slot at the Phoenix on the 27th. Apparently Ticketmaster still has tickets available for their solo show. Get them now, cuz next time their in town, the venue's gonna get bigger.

Friday, September 15, 2006

ROUND-UP

Not much has been going on. Didn't make it to V-Fest on the island last weekend. From the reviews, not much was missed. Check Frank's reviews here and here. Mike attended also. Check his reviews here and here. Both have great pics, including one of Emily, Amy and Feist huddled together.

Ronsessvalles Polish Festival is this weekend. Come down to my hood and check it out. Tons of bands are playing. For deets here. While there, check out my favourite coffee place in the city, Cherry Bomb. Their lattes and walnut, date scones are simply amazing. The scones are made in house, and the staff is always pleasant. If it's too warm for coffee, may I suggest ice cream at The Film Buff. I suggest the Espresso Rubusto or the Coconut. If Polish fare is not your cup of tea, try Freshwood Grill for lunch or dinner. I can honestly say that I haven't had anything on the menu that I didn't like. Standouts: tandoori chicken wrap with sweet potato fries, the Freshwood Burger and the Pulled Pork wrap. Walk over the large green bridge at the bottom of Queen Street to Palais Royale on Saturday for the Henri Faberge and the Adorables cd release party/BBQ. Other performers include Gentleman Reg, Laura Barrett and The Bicycles. Tickets are $10. I unfortunately, will not be attending as I have an engagement back in the sticks to attend to (Word Up Shan!).

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

TRANSATLANTICISM

DCFC have confirmed their Fall 2006 North American tour with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. The dates are as follows:

10-26-06 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA
10-27-06 - Auditorium Theatre - Rochester, NY
10-28-06 - Ottawa Civic Centre Theatre - Ottawa, ON
10-30-06 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON
11-01-06 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC
11-02-06 - The Opera House - Boston, MA
11-04-06 - Providence Performing Arts - Providence, RI
11-06-06 - Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
11-08-06 - Theatre at the Garden - New York, NY
11-10-06 - Norva - Norfolk, VA

UPDATE: More dates!
11-11-06 - Ice Garden Arena - Belle Vernon, PA
11-13-06 - PromoWest Pavilion - Columbus, OH
11-14-06 - Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN
11-15-06 - Louisville Palace Theatre - Louisville, KY
11-16-06 - Alabama Theatre - Birmingham, AL
11-17-06 - Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA
11-18-06 - Littlejohn Coliseum - Clemson, SC
11-19-06 - U of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
11-20-06 - University of Miami - Miami, FL
11-26-06 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
11-28-06 - Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN