Yeehaw

So you're browsing the interweb, thinking of taking in three stellar Canadian acts in one weekend. Don't think. Do.

That was my reasoning when I heard that Mother Mother, Hollerado and Tokyo Police Club would be performing at this year's, world famous, Calgary Stampede grounds. Sure it's a three hour drive, and I've seen the acts before. But for only $15 per day, and the chance to see 3 of my top favourite bands, it wasn't something I was willing to just let pass.

The Stampede, for those of you who aren't sure what I'm talking about, is a 10 day festival that includes fair grounds + rides, a rodeo, huge concerts (off-grounds) including Katy Perry, NKOTBSB, and Kenny Chesney, and on-grounds shows such as the ones I went to. The Stampede is a huge festival in Calgary, and I've heard one of the largest in North America. Surprising that even though we live so close I'd never been before, but it was definitely worth the trip.

About the musical side of the weekend:
-My jaw very literally dropped when I saw the size of the "Coca-Cola Stage" where the bands would be performing. It wasn't that much bigger than a bar stage, such as The Starlite Room that they have here in Edmonton. The "floor" was incredibly small too. I started to think, maybe there wouldn't be so many people (and was soon proven wrong). If they want to continue hosting local acts, with large followings, such as the ones they had this year, they NEED to increase their venue size. Not only to get a larger audience but...

-I was crushed. Not because I didn't get up close and personal with Dave Monks of TPC (which of course was still a blow), but literally, the moshing that went on was worse or comparable to some of the biggest shows I've attended. This is through no fault of the venue (except for the small size, but I'm sure the crowd would've done the same just on a larger scale). Saturday night, when The Dudes/Mother Mother performed was the much worse night out of the two. There were lots of times during the sets that the bands had to ask the audience to calm down and "take care of each other out there". Microphones were even cut during the Dudes set to instill some crowd control. It didn't help. There were 3 times during the night when 5 police officers had to wade through the crowd to drag out some select individuals...  The venue handled the crowd well, but could've handled it so much better. I think the majority was due to the fact that it was a Saturday night and the drinks were plenty to be had. (Sidenote: Bag check was set up outside the gates but I never got searched either day...There's an endless list of drugs/alcohol I could've brought in). Interested in a laugh? I temporarily lost my shoe due to the moshing. Don't panic though, after a few minutes of barefooting it balance was resorted to the world.

- I won't say much about the bands except that they all KILLED IT. I hold back from using the term, but there's no other way to describe it. Mother Mother played their set as flawlessly as they did when they played the EEC. Hollerado had their patented hot sauce in stock, and even gave a free PSA about the dangers of syphilis (good music and a good message for teens...what more could you want in a beer-swilling, drum-kit jumping bunch of role models. Seriously these guys are hilarious, their live show is worth it just to see them banter with each other and the audience.) TPC started their set during the pouring rain. It really soaked every bone in your body, but besides finding it hard to see through the rain, I forgot it was even there. As energetic and fluid as they've ever been. Again the only downside to the Mother Mother and TPC sets were the crowd. There were tons of crowd surfers during TPC and it was tough for the security to even keep up, especially when the heavens have decided to make the area into a waterfall; it definitely distracted from the music, for me, and I'm sure worse for others.

- All bands were at the merch booth after each of their sets for autographs. But since I had to get back to ye olde office early I couldn't wait in line.

- If you were on the grounds this weekend you might have seen some of the band! Hollerado drummer, Jake Boyd was temporarily missing just minutes before their set, and the entirety of TPC roamed the grounds in between soundcheck and their set.

All in all, it was a great weekend full of good times. And now for the inevitable sports analogy that I've avoided during all these posts...Calgary, you've defs stepped up to the plate when it comes to booking great acts, but you've got to improve on your stage if you want to improve your game!

Stampedin' the Weekend Away

As much as I love Edmonton and would never dream about cheating on the fair and proud city...I happen to be following through with a certain indiscretion this weekend. I'll be heading down to Calgary during the first weekend of the world famous Calgary Stampede. If you're from Alberta, or many parts of Canada...you'll be aware of the beginning-of-time rivalry between the two cities. But I've decided to put my differences aside for the next two days for the sake of great music. Isn't that always the case? And even if you are currently red in the face, ready to tear me a new (insert inapproprite word here), hear me out: Hollerado, Tokyo Police Club, Mother Mother. All in one weekend. All performing at the Stampede grounds. All for the ridiculously low price of

Keep Full Ambitious, Maybe We Could Be Holy

Here's a show I almost didn't go to. Luckily I did go and get to take in not only The Crackling for the second time (playing a full set), The Provincial Archives but also Cygnets (again! I know. Right!).

This show was at the Pawn Shop on Whyte, and was a mere $10. I couldn't believe it, but am not one to argue with a good thing. Ok, so I am, but thats besides the point...
The doors opened at 9, and well the Cygnets were definitely playing to a semi-empty house. I feel like that might be the reason why they seemed to be playing at half-best. I know the energy they can put into a performace and this one seemed half-assed. The crowd was scarce, yet the boys started just after doors opened (I'm sure that it was scheduled, but it definitely took away from their set). Lead singer, Logan Turner, still gave a great performance, but it obviously did not compare to when they "headlined" their own showcase for Sonic's Band of the Month in April. It was great to see them opening for other local artists that are getting to be indie-household names.

Just before the Provincial Archive took to the stage, The Crackling performed basically a full set. I first saw the Crackling open for Dan Mangan in November; that performance was short and didn't seem as solid and put-together as this one. The acoustics in The Pawn Shop were surprisingly perfect for Kenton Loewen's growl-ey, yet fine-tuned vocals. The accordion and upright bass used in their songs add a great side to the band, that brings their sound back to what I can only describe as "natural folk". The entire band played well together, but their interaction with the audience was heavily lacking. Unfortunately it seemed like they were just there to play for the sake of playing. Since this was how the show seemed, I didn't get the impression that the band would talk to the crowd after the set as most bands do at The Pawn Shop. However I definitely stood corrected when Kenton Loewen was sitting at the bands merch table for what seemed like the better part of the night. He's a guy that really knows music, and not just one type...it seems like he likes to experience different sounds. After buying the CD and talking to Loewen for only a few seconds/a minute I was really impressed that he actually remembered the three of our names when we were leaving at the very end of the night! See the NB at the bottom of the post to find out why I was so excited about that.

I had heard of the Provincial Archive before the show, but hadn't actually had the chance to listen to them. This show would be the first and most important impression of them. And of course they hit, smashed and hammered the nail on the head. They were so smooth, mellow and "catchy" at the same time (I don't like to use the word catchy, since it's not a "Top 40" song...but I can't think of another word with the same meaning - one of those songs you feel like you've known forever, even after only having heard it for the first time...).
The band had a range of instruments including the almost obvious drums, guitar, bass...but also the upright bass, talk box, banjo, keyboards...and one smaller set of high-toned keys that I don't even know the name of! (I'm not sure if I have said this before but it can never be said enough, the world needs more banjo!) No, there weren't 9+ members in the band; band members of course changed instruments during the set seamlessly. The band kept a constant communication with the sound technician - they knew what they wanted everyone to hear. It's important to me when bands do this because it means that they're not there just to get some money in their pocket, and they're actually determined and devoted to their art. The singer's voice was crystal clear and I was so impressed that not only were they multi-talented but also so personable, manning their own merch table and actually taking time to chat with us after the show. The Pawn Shop was a great venue for both main acts of this concert; it was able to maintain the intimacy of each bands set, deliver the acoustics just right, while still allowing a good-sized crowd!

The not-surprising-but-surprising show made me even more dissapointed that I missed them when they performed with Rural Alberta Advantage (another GREAT homegrown band) in April. Oh well, I know they'll have to come home sometime ;)

 In case you're wondering where the name of this post came from look no further than the debut album by The Crackling - Keep Full Ambitious, and the sophomore release (meaning second...not to be patronizing, but I know what it's like to NOT know what that means...) from The Provincial Archive - Maybe We Could Be Holy. Take a listen, and tune in for the next time all the lovely lads return to Edmonton!


NB: Kenton Loewen, lead vocalist of the Crackling, is a former member of Mother Mother (contributed to the first album), and is the drummer for Dan Mangan - I just love indie-band trivia.




P.S. There are a few things that I think you'd find entertaining but really don't have anything to do with the music...so...you can skip this if you're in a rush:
- Older drunk women at concerts are hilarious. Especially when they clear a section at the front of the floor because people are afraid that their flailing, sorry, "dancing" will injure them, when they yell to the crowd, "Why aren't you guys dancing!? It's just like Weezer!!", and most importantly when they start heavy-metal-like whipping their hair around and a cigarette flies out. What an experience indeed. (To be fair, I suppose the lead singer of the PA did have Rivers Cuomo-ish glasses...I guess...)
- Local artists can be a bit confused when selling merch. But they make up for it in apologies and good intentions and shirt trading. I bought a shirt at the show, but when I unrolled the tape the next morning it turned out to be the wrong one! Heartbroken I emailed the band, and got the quickest response on the same day saying that they would set one aside for me and I would get it in about a month! Now that's service (with a smile, I hope). Just...great!  :)

My daddy's got a gun, and Mother Mother has a Whale Tooth

It's been a while hasn't it! Too long, I'd say. Well I've been a bit selfish, and have been away on holidays for the past two weeks. But I hope I can make it up to you with a double feature of posts!
Technically I've had to post them backwards, so below this you'll find the review of the Mother Mother album, Eureka. It came out the day I left town, so I didn't have a chance to make it change your life before that. And the day after I came home, I was lucky enough to hear their beautiful music live at a sold out concert. So here you are, soak it in. Forgive me?

The doors opened at 7pm, which was pretty early, but all ages shows tend to have that trend (it was over by 11pm).
I wasn’t expecting much from the opening band, Whale Tooth. They weren't even on the ticket; usually it will say the bands playing, unless they aren't very well known, where the tickets will then say "with Guests". …I had never heard of them, and they were from Toronto. I know that’s being pretty judgmental, but to me Toronto has become where every “up and coming” band seems to come from. Also with the token female lead singer, complete with tight and short dress, cropped leather jacket, and knee-high, lace up converse shoes, I thought that we were in for some nice background music and nothing more. Man, did I ever get slapped in the face, and made to eat my words once their first song was over.

 The lead singer, Elise Legrow (also the only female in the group), had her microphone break at the base halfway through set, she noticed but played along, and went with it. She even made an odd, but spontaneous joke that now she could play air guitar along with the other members. It's typical to see this at smaller shoes like bars etc, but usually not at larger concert venues. The two guitarists, bassist and drummer didn’t have a whole lot of stage presence, but the lead singer made up for it by constantly dancing and being really energetic. The vocals were hard to make out, but could have (likely was) because of the venue, which is explained more down below.

They had a really tight sound, and although the vocals were difficult to make out, it was clear that they weren’t just a dance pop band who didn’t give a damn about the lyrics making the music what it is; there was a reason they were starting their leg of the tour with Mother Mother. If I hadn’t had one of the best spots in the house, I wouldn’t have been able to NOT dance to these Ontario natives. Lead singer, Legrow, has a background in jazz vocals, which adds an interesting and unique sound to a band that could otherwise be like so many “good, but not addicting” bands. I’ll definitely add that I left with their CD.



The set change between bands was very quick (always a great thing), and Mother Mother came out playing their first song “O My Heart”, one of their biggest hits. They ended up playing what I’m sure would be their entire new album, Eureka, along with most of their second album, O My Heart, and even some of their first album, Touch Up. Lead vocalist, Ryan Guldemond, sounds just the same as he does on the albums. It’s getting nicer and nicer to head bands that aren’t tuned one way for recordings, while their live voices sound nothing the same. Female vocalists Molly Guldemond (Ryan’s sister), and Jasmin Parkin definitely proved that they could hold their own on stage as well (despite Molly having been sick during the day; she was unable to attend a local radio station’s traditional intimate pre-concert acoustic set in the afternoon). Parkin even whipped out a megaphone during their latest single “The Stand”. She was also the member with the greatest presence while on stage. However, Molly WAS sick…and Ryan seemed to put in an effort (he did look pretty awkward for the most part). Bassist Jeremy Page impressed me by also playing clarinet and saxophone during the band’s set.

Merchandise being sold didn’t have as much selection as I would’ve thought; Mother Mother had two t-shirts, 2 vinyl EPs and 3 CDs for sale, while Whale Tooth had a CD and “Whale Wraps” for sale. Wondering what Whale Wraps are? Well you shouldn’t be embarrassed, not like I was when I asked the (very nice) merch girl what they were and found out they were rolling papers. Well really, how would I know that. And when did I get so old that it shocked me to see them being sold at a concert? (PS. I’ve just realized that the nice “merch girl” was the lead singer of Whale Tooth. She introduced herself as Elise, but I didn’t think much of it until I was just reading this article ….Well good to know shes so personable…!..Oops)

The rest of the post is about the venue Edmonton Event Centre. If you have no interest, read no further. Just quickly a word of advice: save yourself from EEC, unless absolutely necessary.

Now a little something-something (that's a lie, I have a lot to say) about Edmonton Event Centre where the concert was. The venue, in West Edmonton Mall, welcomes “all ages” shows, usually with licensed areas. Last year at the Vampire Weekend show, the licensed area was up against the stage and the bar seats near the back of the “main floor”. This time the licensed area continued on upstairs, as well as to the “third floor” (which is basically just a balcony). The 3^rd floor keeps you away from the crowds where you can sit and enjoy the music without being pushed around by the rowdier fans. It really depends on who you go with.

On the floor of Ed’s there are three pillars that are floor-to-roof, with no padding around the bottom or first few feet. BEWARE. These can cause either injury or serious discomfort, depending on the audience/enthusiasm of the mosh pit.

The line up to get in to Ed’s is outdoors, which is not a huge problem, since the Starlite Room is the same. However the security here is much tighter and in greater numbers. I’m sure it’s because it’s an all ages venue (we even saw a couple of girls trying to sneak in a bottle of non-alcoholic wine…), but the security staff here has been very rude the previous 3 times I’ve been here, and I don’t expect them to change any time soon. They’re intimidating, I’ll give them that (even the females who are my size – 5’2” – look pretty mean), but sometimes it seems like they like the “power” they get. And it’s only really at this location that I’ve noticed it. Let me lay out the process to get in the building: One out of two security staff check your i.d at the outside doors, if you are 18+. If you are you get a stamp. You then continue on to the next set of guards who have you line up (males, females in two separate lines) to get your bag searched, and possibly get patted down as well. After clearing the inspection, you move on to get your ticket torn and receive yet another stamp if you are over 18. Once you pass line up after line up, and just when you think you can enjoy the show you paid for, you find yourself in front of another guard who won’t let you pass if you have something that remotely looks like a jacket (mandatory coat check in effect. $4.00).
In short: I do not like EEC as a concert venue (which is all I've ever been there for). It's cramped, even though so much space is available, the staff is obnoxious and rude for the most part, and the size/design of the space makes for horrible acoustics. I cringe when I hear that a band I like plays there; only bands I really enjoy have played there, sacrifices must be made, and the artists have of course never let me down. But I can also tell that each night COULD have been better.

Eureka!

I have to say that when I listened to Mother Mother's newest album the first few times I wasn’t nearly as impressed as when I first heard their previous albums, but I misjudged the album.
These newer songs where so lyrically strong, as with all their other songs, mixed with a dance beat…as with all their other songs..but these were the type that grow on you.
No matter how hard I try it’s been impossible to get the song, Problems, out of my head. Getaway, and Oleander have haunting melodies, much like Ghosting from the second album; strong yet delicate vocals from Molly Guldemond and Jasmine Parkin make these songs a smart pull away from just the regular ol’ dance melodies. I'm not positive if Ryan Guldemond, the lead vocalist, was responsible for writing the songs (as he had for the previous albums), but you can definitely hear their sound evolving. Many bands try to change their sound, whether subtlely or drastically, by their 3rd album (as far as I've noticed)...But Mother Mother has taken their unique, dance-style of music and made it stronger while keeping it their own; most definitely matured, from the short-song style of their Touch Up album.

The Stand

The latest single from Mother Mother, The Stand
Listen to it as many times as possible, I know I have...and am. Their CD "Eureka" will make it's full debut into the world March 15, 2011. The second single, "Simply Simple" will be released the day before. Are you as excited as I am?!


The Stand - Mother Mother
**Warning: Explicit lyrics**

Tell me your weakness
Oh, I keep it a secret
Oh come on, just one vice
All right, it's vodka on ice
But then there's women on bikes, or just the women who straddle
Oh now you are a handful
I forgot about handfuls

I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all

Tell me your fears
Okay, it's everyone here
You mean just all of the people
Yeah, and all of their peers
And all of their pets, and their chandeliers
And their cigarettes, I haven't smoked in years

I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all

Talk about space.
Well it;s a beautiful place
But it's so damn cold
Just for the human race, but for the planets and the stars
And everything else and Mars
It's like paradise, spread out with a butter knife

I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
 I can hardly stand x2

Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
Everyone's fucked [x3]
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
They dont even know! [x2]

I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
I can hardly stand [x2]

Everyone's fucked and they don't even know
Everyone's fucked. And they don't even know. Hahaha.