Sewing buttons to Bambi

(Link-terested? I'll give you permission to skip to the end of the post. Only cause I like you.)

Tokyo Police Club. Where to start. Not with their name, because, no, I'm not sure where they got it from. But how about with here is another really talented band from Ontario! They started releasing a few EP's in 2006, and came out with their debut album in 2008. It's pretty amazing that they're already just released their second full-length album: Champ. I saw them perform for the first time in summer 2007, at a local music festival. I had heard about them, barely, at the time...but just before seeing them I youtube the few singles they had out and was automatically hooked. Since it was so long ago it'd be hard for me to give you any details about the performance, but I do know that they were super energetic, while not being overly loud (which can kill a live performance easily). With their new album, one of the things that stands out the most

Anecdote: I actually had the honour of meeting them a few years ago, just before they started getting wide-spread and known. They were so nice!We had no paper for autographs, which were a surprise at the end, so we borrowed some from some people we recognized from our school. Typical of our school, it was graph paper (our high school was known for being nerdy to the extreme). Not only did we get told that graph paper was cool, I actually got an autograph-graph drawn by one of the band members (realting "Awesomeness" to...something I can't quite read)! Haha. (Oh and got to hug Dave, the lead singer, no big deal or anything...)

I'm bringing them up now, after so many years ago, because of their newest album "Champ" (which you should really pick up if you haven't already). I had heard "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)" (want a link? check the end of this post) on the radio repeatedly during the past year, and obviously found my self singing along in no time...and also not surprised when I found out it was by TPC. But now with their newest single "Bambi" I had no choice but to be convinced that they were back, and stickin around. It actually made me really happy since there it seems like so many bands have that potential to make stellar music, but something happens internally or externally that stops them. They definitely have their own recognizable sound (which I think I've mentioned is one of my deciding factors for the music I tend to be drawn towards...a unique lead voice is another)


The reason I thought to write this post is one of my favourite songs at the moment happens to be Bambi. The lyrics, vocals and how the instruments work together had me hooked from the first listen.
Now this one is a two-for-one deal. Not only do you get the crazy-catchy song...but you also get the crazy-cute (and in my opinion kinda talented dogs, I mean hey, not even all people can dive off a diving board!): Wait Up (Boots of Danger)

In the spirit of the season

Merry Christmas everyone! If you were nice this year I hope Santa was extra good to you, if you were naughty...well I hope Santa didn't check his list twice ;)

In keeping with the merriment and cheer, here's Jason Segel and Jack Black to serenade you a Christmas mash-up. I hope it makes your heart grow three sizes this day, like it did with mine.

I have a few Christmas favourites, new and old, I thought I'd share...I know they're wrapped in such pretty bows and ribbons, but don't worry, just tear into them!

Tegan and Sara - the Chipmunks Song (Christmas Don't be Late)
Bif Naked - Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Weezer - The Christmas Song
Blink 182 - Won't be Home for Christmas
My Chemical Romance - All I Want for Christmas is You 
the Cast of "Glee" - Last Christmas
Weezer - We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Band Aid - Do They Know it's Christmas? 
and my very favourites
U2 - Baby, Please Come Home
The Pogues - Fairytale of New York

Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

NB...I can't label/reference/tag everything, but it will all be under "Christmas"!

Robots Need Love Too

Walking into the Student's Union Building at the University of Alberta was met with a huge line. We assumed it was to get into the Myer Horowitz Theatre where Dan Mangan was playing. Not only was it the long line for the Myer Horowitz but it just kept getting bigger and bigger every minute; eventually the line up went outside of the doors (into the cold, even though it didn't have to...).

There was a huge variety of people waiting to get into the theatre, much different than even the crowd at the Hollerado show. Dan Mangan is a singer/songwriter from British Columbia (home-gown Canadiana) and is regularly featured on the satellite radio channel, CBC Radio 3. There seemed to be a ":representative" of every...group... there: young indie hipsters, 20-something university students, middle-aged, and I'm sure some closet CBC fans. Since I had only recently started listening to Dan Mangan (at the request of my brother; he was also the one who wanted to attend this concert), it was really interesting to see what kind of crowd he attracted. Although, it only made me only more confused and reminded me to not judge a book by it's cover (or cover's characters in this case). Unlike the previous concerts attended in the same week, this was a "sit-down" event, but seating was general (another oddity that isn't seen too much when concert-going). There were two sections, a floor and a balcony, and we were the about 3/4 back on the floor (aka damn good seats).


There wasn't much of a set up before the first band started playing. A small band, The Crackling, made up of 3 fetching lads, started off the night in a very mellow fashion. This group is actually made up of members of Dan Mangan's band! It was interesting to see the (usual) drummer take centre stage and sing. There were only a couple of songs during this set but it should be interesting to hear what this band is capable of.

Next up was The Burning Hell, a band outta Peterborough, Ontario (something that the lead singer Mathias Kom mentions quite frequently, in a ). They make no attempt to hide their dark humour throughout their songs and the show. Kom actually opens the show with something along the lines of "Thanks for coming tonight, you obviously have no idea how depressing we are". In actuality the concert was full of laughter at their black humour and anticipation at what would come next. The majority of the crowd was laughing more than not, and in reality it was hard to hear the lyrics sometimes. The lyrics tend to draw from the darker parts of life and are the major part of this band, and the music seems to be part of the supporting cast. The band is actually made up of Mathias Kom and fourteen rotating members. This night there were two other members along for the epic ride. As far as I can tell each of the total fourteen members play different instruments, ranging from Kom's ukulele to Jenny Omnichord's (not performing this night) ...well..omnichord.

One song that stuck in my head even after all this time was "It happens in Florida", a dark and quirky love song full of uncommon similes.

I did end up buying their newest album, "Baby", because how could I resist getting to take a piece of this night and this band home? One major difference in listening to the CD, as opposed to the live show? A lot less laughter. That is not to say that the album isn't definitely worth a listen (and a buy, in my opinion), however don't expect their concert to be anything the same. Because of how the band interacts with the audience and the banter that is had within the band as well as with the crowd, it makes for a completely difference experience. But hey, this is a band well known for putting on a live show! Something they just have to live up to now! (Not that they have to try hard anyway)

Dan Mangan was the grand finale of the night, and brought the "musicality" (if it wasn't a word before it is now!) to the venue like the other two bands just couldn't (with their completely different styles). Althought his lyrics were just as captivating, the music and instruments played a larger role in his set, whereas with The Burning Hell the dark, moody, realistic lyrics set the tone. Mangan is definitely a softer-indie rock and the notes flowing out of his guitar and out of his band knew how to get the audience up and out of their seats (very literally during some points; Mangan invited selected concert-goers up to the stage to play instruments during one of his more popular songs, "Robots")
Now Dan Mangan put on a great show, no doubt, but it seemed like The Burning Hell stole the show. It was tough not to laugh along and savour the unique style of the "trio".




I had never set foot inside of the Myer Horowitz Theatre before, but it seemed like just the right place for this type of show. It is a sit-down theatre with a medium sized stage at the front of the room. I'd say it would seat about 200? But then again, I'm terrible with measurements etc. There are two floors as I mentioned and both are in the "U" shape, with graded seating so that basically every seat in the theatre has a good view/acoustics.I haven't been to many sit-down concerts, with the exception of Rexall Place (which is the largest concert venue in Edmonton, so not exactly the same feel...with 17,000+ people attending), but this venue made the whole night feel very cozy and intimate.


NB: I'm painfully aware of how long this entry took to write/publish/post, and I'm forever sorry! Won't happen again. It was the week of lovely concerts and this amazing one happened to be on the tail-end! I may be editing it, likely not though if more concerts start popping up. Like "Western Canada's First Outdoor Winter Carnival" Freezing Man! Tons of amazing artists like Chromeo, Shout Out Out Out Out (yes, I'll be seeing/reviewing them for the 2nd time in a few months), Broken Social Scene, Starts and many more. Also DJ's. It's gonna be fantastic. It's happening January 29, 2011 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Get yo tickets and maybe I'll see you there

Your rhinestone eyes are like factories far away

So I'm currently streaming a local radio station (hereby known as..Phonics...because I'm not sure that I want to use it's actual name but can't stand continuing to say "local radio station"), and actually paused the post that I was writing to write this one. I've been meaning to write about this song, but didn't feel like it needed any introduction. But just in case there are the few that haven't heard it yet I felt that this was an important note.

This song has been out for a while, and the band for even longer: Gorillaz - Rhinestone Eyes. Just as I was hoping that the Gorillaz weren't going to be a few-hits-wonder I heard this lovely beat pulsing out of my radio. I've been semi-addicted to this song...It's just amazing how there are so many different styles rolled into one song. I know that you'll fall for it too. You know the (new) drill, click on the title of the post! We now return to regularly scheduled programming.

The Ghost Inside

If Broken Bells keeps turning out such amazing songs so often I won't be able to keep up! The duo is made up of Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) and James Mercer, lead singer and guitarist for The Shins (don't worry, I just learned this info about 2 minutes ago myself...Jaw still dropped); while touring they're followed by a full band though.

They just released their debut album of the same name in March of this year and their previous hit would be "The High Road".

This time it's all about "The Ghost Inside" though. There is an intro that takes up most of the video (about half), but it's worth it to hear the song. (Not that I'm encouraging it...but you can also find versions of the song on Youtube without the intro included ;)

Take a listen for yourself, click on the title of this post!

You bring granola bars, I'll bring some bags to put the wrappers in

It's been quite the delay, I know. I haven't been ignoring you (or my last two concerts)! Maybe this entry will earn your much desired forgiveness.

The night after the mind-blowing Untapped Alberta concert I was starting to feel like I was lucking out for November by getting to see The Reason, Free Energy and Hollerado on November 14 at the Pawn Shop on Whyte. The Reason is that band...You know the song you always hear on the radio and think "Ok so what time is it...Let me go onto [local radio station's] website and track down what the name of this is!" Well, the song is "The Longest Highway Home" and the band is from Hamilton, ON (Even though I only lived in Hamilton for 6 months I feel pretty proud that the city produces such amazing bands like The Reason and the Arkells).

 The show started later than expected (especially for a Sunday night...which I know, makes me sound old); doors were to open at 7.30pm, but didn't actually open until after 8...and The Reason started playing closer to 10. The long wait time was worth it though, since members of all three bands (Foxy Shazam was also supposed to perform, but due to an unfortunate eye-poking of one member they cancelled their N. American leg of their tour)(Info from Foxy's website...nothing was even mentioned about their cancellation during the show) were walking around the bar. Now, it's my time to be the gushing fan that I most obviously am: Menno Versteeg, lead singer of Hollerado, was (surprisingly) nice and patient. He signed three newly purchased copies of Record in a Bag, their newest CD, for myself, a friend and my brother, as well as a "Paint-by-Numbers" Hollerado t-shirt I bought. Nixon Boyd, Hollerado's lead guitarist, was also walking around, but snuck away too quickly for an autograph. Sad face emoticon. A member of the Reason was also hanging out just before playing.

Turns out that the reason The Reason (...I just laughed out loud at that, honestly) was late in coming on was because they drove from Vancouver and almost didn't make it! So...not only because of that, but because of how they rocked the place, are they ever forgiven. They played quite a few songs, including their radio hit "Longest Highway..." and it seems like they were the perfect start to such a low-key-but-high-energy show. Their brand of rock reminds me of when music was less flash and more substance. They played with feeling, and it was actually possible to hear the vocals.  It was kinda nice to be able to sneak backstage" to ask the drummer of the band what his shirt said...like I said, low key ;)

Free Energy from Philidelphia (the 1/9 bands that I mentioned in the last post wasn't Canadian) came on shortly after. One way to tell how energetic a band is (besides having Energy as 1/2 of their title) is by checking how many non-blurry pictures you actually have of them after! Free Energy = maybe 2, at best. I'll be honest and say that I'd never heard of this band before the show (their songs maybe), but was really impressed with their 1970's-esque rock/funk style of music.  Their songs were very dance-able, and made you think "WAIT, where have I heard this before" in a way that lets you know you have an instant classic (oxymorons are allowed here). They were consistently owning the stage, and interacting with the audience. The lead singer, Paul Sprangers, even talked to me about my (numerous) bracelets and The Joker t-shirt I was wearing, while tuning for a new song. It always adds that extra...somethingsomething to any set when the band actually takes an interest in the people who paid to see them. One of the highlights of their set would be when Hollerado came out to play a song with the band; what's better than 9 guys sharing mics and instruments! (Notice the lack of question mark because nothing's better...). Once their set was done, and while Hollerado was setting up, Paul also came out to just hang around and we were able to actually chat with him.

Now, bring on the big guns (well bigger, I should say), Hollerado. From small town Ontario, these guys have the makings of greatness in them. They also seem to be one of those bands that everyone's heard before but don't actually "know"... just yet. They of course played all the most heard of songs like "Americanarama" (if you haven't seen the music video yet, Follow Me, it's so worth it), and "Juliette". No question that the band has their own sound, which I think is one of the most important things for a long lasting band to have. They really know how to interact with each other and make the crowd feel like the show was done just for them in mind. Confetti was being sprayed into the crowd almost every third song, making it actually feel like a party! This has to be the most personable bands I've ever come in contact with or seen. There was a lot of microphone tossing (or should I say falling) to people closest to the stage for a sing-along, and a lot of band members coming right into the crowd while playing. It was really good to see the band members joking around and interacting with each other too; it's pretty easy to forget how some witty banter can make a show that much better.

(Time out for a little personal tidbit: Before going to the Pawn Shop that Sunday I had been a little bored, and was listening to Record in a Bag to get ready. While I was listening to one of the slower songs on the album, "Hard Love", I couldn't help but love the lyrics "I'd trade a hard love for a sad song/I'd trade a sad song for a good time/I'd trade a good time for a hard love/And that's all/ I got for you". Long(er) story short: I wrote on my left palm "Hard Love", on my right palm "Sad Song, and on my left and right hands (outside) "Good", "Time". Well my love for drawing on myself finally payed off in the best way possible. After playing, and leaving, Menno (the lead singer), followed by the band, came out for the encore. Of course everyone's shouting their favourite...but I was showing it! And so came the best few minutes of my life: Menno saw my hands, said I was so sweet, and played what is now known as My Song. It was amazing. )

Right after the encore song of "Hard Love", the band invited anyone who "knew the words" up on stage. Which is exactly how more than half the audience ended up on stage with Hollerado, Free Energy and The Reason for the best version of "Keep on Rockin in the Free World" that I think I've ever heard. It was the most spirited and memorable way to end an amazing night.  (Hugs from Menno didn't hurt either)


Another never-been-done-before for me was going to the Pawn Shop. It's a medium-size bar on Whyte Ave, one of the city's most popular areas for all sorts of nightlife. One of the biggest reasons I now love the venue is because it seems so personable, and that you can actually see the band being "real" before and after the show (However, I'm not sure if it was the band or venue that wanted this). The Pawn Shop also plays host to a local radio stations Band of the Month performance (local bands selected to have their song aired on the radio) every month. (Christian Hansen and the Autistics were an early 2010 band of the month)

My Body

So a local radio station has one program that airs called "Farm Fresh", all about up and coming new music and/or bands (basically my role model ;). I don't listen to it as often as I'd like, but yesterday I happened to have the radio on and heard the song "My Body" by a band called Young the Giant . And I'm hooked. I had a feeling that you'd wanna know about it too...But prepare to have this song on repeat.