Artist - Song - Album (extra information)
* = Canadian
6:00-7:00am
Great Lake Swimmers - i will never see the sun - self-titled (2003)
Mother Mother* - Angry Sea - Touch Up (2007)
Regina Spektor - Ghost of Corporate Future - Soviet Kisch (2004)
Hawksley Workman* - Ice Age - Treeful of Starling (2006)
bonnie 'prince' billy - Death to Everyone - i see a darkness (1998)
Arcade Fire* - Une année sans lumiere - Funeral (2004)
Sebadoh - Skull - bakesale (1994)
The Decemberists - Leslie Anne Levine - Castaways and Cutouts (2002)
Memphis Minnie - I'd Rather See him Dead - Queen of the Blues (1938)
Little Miss Higgins* - Gone for Good - Cobbler Shop Sessions (2005)
Be Good Tanyas* - Lakes of Ponchartrain - Blue Horse (2001)
Po' Girl* - To the angry Evangelist - Home to You (2007)
7:00-8:00
Rocky Horror Picture Show - Time Warp
Crash Test Dummies (featuring Ellen Reid) - The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead - Dumb & Dumber soundtrack (1994)
Marilyn Manson - Sweet Dreams (are made of this) - Smells like Children (1995)
Sleater-Kinney - Leave you Behind - All Hands on the Bad One (2000)
Veruca Salt - Seether - American Thighs (1994)
Sixty Stories* - Countdown - Anthem Red (2002)
Elliott Brood* - President (35) - Ambassador (2005)
Buck 65* - Wicked and Weird - Talkin' Honky Blues (2003)
The Deep Dark Woods* - Hang me, oh, Hang me - Hang me, oh, Hang me (2007) (local)
The Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet with Butterfly Wings - Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
The Cranberries - Zombie - No Need to Argue (1994)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Elliott Brood - October 28, 2007
It was a Sunday night at Louis' and only the strong-willed came out to see one of the best shows in Saskatoon this fall. While the crowd was small, the energy was high... and so was the appreciation. Appreciating such a mild evening (4 degrees), the unusually well-mannered Saskatoon crowd, and the bands that came here to play with such might to such a sparse crowd. I think that people are getting "showed out" with all the fall bands coming through. Midterms are in full force, it's getting cold out, and people are starting to hibernate into "Saskatchewan winter mode." Myself, I sacrificed many hours of sleep, spent a lot of money on merchandise, and figure that there is plenty of time to hibernate once the snow flies. For now, we dance.
The opening band was the "Sunparlour Players" and they blew me away. I had heard good things about them, but I had no idea to the extent of their greatness. It was a good sign for the show when there is such an amazing opener. Each member of the trio sat down and thumped on their bass drums and played their respective instruments. The lead singer was red in the face by the second song. It was hard to believe that a band sitting down could have such a fantastic stage presence.
The Acorn is a band that I have only recently become familiar with. The 6-piece band has been played quite a bit on CFCR, but I listened to them for the first time last week. The lead singer has a great singing voice and the two synchronized drummers were super tight, despite the bleeding hand of one of the drummers. And who knew that the yukilele could be so versatile! For all of you who learned to play it in grade 5 and thought, "This is so lame," is sorely mistaken... it's true that "Someday over the Rainbow" is not the most inspiring for a 10-year-old, but some teachers could take a lesson or two from The Acorns and their use of such a clear-sounding instrument.
Once Elliott Brood took the stage, it was 11:30 and many people were getting antsy to see at least a few songs before they took to their beds before the work/school week began. However, those of us who sacrificed sleep for music were rewarded 10-fold. When they came out and started off the set, I wondered if Mark Sasso (lead vocalist, banjo player, and guitarist) had wrecked his voice on the tour. However, they soon explained that he has a terrible cold and he was going to "give it his all" because they have a day off tomorrow. Casey Laforet (guitarist, vocals, & bass pedals) helped out a lot more in the vocal department than he usually does. Somehow they pulled it off. Sasso belted it out many times and I could see the pain in his face, but it seemed to get better with time... maybe it was the tea he was drinking. Stephen Pitkin's bass drumb is how I convince people to come with me to see this amazing band. As soon as I tell people, "He uses a suitcase for a bass drum," people are intrigued. He keeps a good rhythm too! They played all the good stuff "Second Son," "Oh Alberta," "The Bridge," and so much more. They had a collector's item of cool stuff that I was this close to buying, but I had only so much money and there was a lot of cool merch there.
The next time any of these bands comes through town NOT on a Sunday, I expect the place to be packed, which would be a shame because it was great to have so much room to dance and rock out to these amazing bands.
Crystal's rating: 9.5/10
The opening band was the "Sunparlour Players" and they blew me away. I had heard good things about them, but I had no idea to the extent of their greatness. It was a good sign for the show when there is such an amazing opener. Each member of the trio sat down and thumped on their bass drums and played their respective instruments. The lead singer was red in the face by the second song. It was hard to believe that a band sitting down could have such a fantastic stage presence.
The Acorn is a band that I have only recently become familiar with. The 6-piece band has been played quite a bit on CFCR, but I listened to them for the first time last week. The lead singer has a great singing voice and the two synchronized drummers were super tight, despite the bleeding hand of one of the drummers. And who knew that the yukilele could be so versatile! For all of you who learned to play it in grade 5 and thought, "This is so lame," is sorely mistaken... it's true that "Someday over the Rainbow" is not the most inspiring for a 10-year-old, but some teachers could take a lesson or two from The Acorns and their use of such a clear-sounding instrument.
Once Elliott Brood took the stage, it was 11:30 and many people were getting antsy to see at least a few songs before they took to their beds before the work/school week began. However, those of us who sacrificed sleep for music were rewarded 10-fold. When they came out and started off the set, I wondered if Mark Sasso (lead vocalist, banjo player, and guitarist) had wrecked his voice on the tour. However, they soon explained that he has a terrible cold and he was going to "give it his all" because they have a day off tomorrow. Casey Laforet (guitarist, vocals, & bass pedals) helped out a lot more in the vocal department than he usually does. Somehow they pulled it off. Sasso belted it out many times and I could see the pain in his face, but it seemed to get better with time... maybe it was the tea he was drinking. Stephen Pitkin's bass drumb is how I convince people to come with me to see this amazing band. As soon as I tell people, "He uses a suitcase for a bass drum," people are intrigued. He keeps a good rhythm too! They played all the good stuff "Second Son," "Oh Alberta," "The Bridge," and so much more. They had a collector's item of cool stuff that I was this close to buying, but I had only so much money and there was a lot of cool merch there.
The next time any of these bands comes through town NOT on a Sunday, I expect the place to be packed, which would be a shame because it was great to have so much room to dance and rock out to these amazing bands.
Crystal's rating: 9.5/10
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Jr. Pantherz CD/LP Release Party - October 27, 2007
I got to Amigo's late as I was hanging out with some new amigos earlier in the night. However, I definitely wanted to go because I knew the Junior Pantherz (JPZ) would not disappoint... and they didn't!
The opening band was a local Saskatoon band called Golden Smoke. This band is a montage of Saskatoon indie rockers and play quite a few shows around these parts. I wasn't super impressed with their show, but I think they have potential. They might just not be my cup of tea.
The JPZ show started out with the first song off of the new album, revoice.remain called "On and Off" and they continued from there. They played every song on the album from start to back. If their goal was to inspire people to buy their album, it was a great effort. I went home with the new album, a favorite song off the album ("Least Favorite View"), and their new vinyl album Discover Vinyl, which is a compilation of songs off of previous albums. The JPZ have a great rapport on stage and are a very tight band. S.J. (bass and backing vocals) and Maygen Kardash (keys and backing vocals) must get along as siblings if they can get along in a band. Arnold Van Lambalgen II (drums) keeps a good rhythm as he closes his eyes, bows his head, and tries to disappear behind the front line. Tonight JPZ had lots of help from other local artists on violin and horns. It really shows how Saskatoon's musicians are interconnected and help each other to fill out a concert.
During the show, I moved to the back of the room and watched from afar to get a different perspective other than standing at the front of the stage. I witnessed something that I haven't seen much of in my years of going to shows at Amigo's - a band doing some crowd control. There was a guy wigging out in the front of the stage and the crowd had moved away from him. He must have hit Terry Mattson's (lead guitarist and vocalist) guitar. Mattson told the guy through the microphone not to "touch [his] fucking guitar," which surprised me because Mattson always seems like a laid-back guy. After a few more moments, he got the guy kicked out. I respect him for that because it takes a good band leader to notice crowd dynamics and see that someone is disrupting the flow and enjoyment of the crowd.
The sound at the beginning of the show wasn't great, but it definitely got better as the show went on. Ryan Drabble definitely works hard, though, to keep the bands and the crowd happy with his constant adjusting of the levels. As much as I love Amigo's, I think this town needs a venue that starts early and has a high stage. After going to The Distrikt in Regina to see Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (although the sound there wasn't great either), I feel like we don't have a venue like that. There is definitely enough demand for another mid-sized venue.
All-in-all, the show was good. JPZ definitely delivered once again! As we knew they would.
Crystal's rating: 7/10
The opening band was a local Saskatoon band called Golden Smoke. This band is a montage of Saskatoon indie rockers and play quite a few shows around these parts. I wasn't super impressed with their show, but I think they have potential. They might just not be my cup of tea.
The JPZ show started out with the first song off of the new album, revoice.remain called "On and Off" and they continued from there. They played every song on the album from start to back. If their goal was to inspire people to buy their album, it was a great effort. I went home with the new album, a favorite song off the album ("Least Favorite View"), and their new vinyl album Discover Vinyl, which is a compilation of songs off of previous albums. The JPZ have a great rapport on stage and are a very tight band. S.J. (bass and backing vocals) and Maygen Kardash (keys and backing vocals) must get along as siblings if they can get along in a band. Arnold Van Lambalgen II (drums) keeps a good rhythm as he closes his eyes, bows his head, and tries to disappear behind the front line. Tonight JPZ had lots of help from other local artists on violin and horns. It really shows how Saskatoon's musicians are interconnected and help each other to fill out a concert.
During the show, I moved to the back of the room and watched from afar to get a different perspective other than standing at the front of the stage. I witnessed something that I haven't seen much of in my years of going to shows at Amigo's - a band doing some crowd control. There was a guy wigging out in the front of the stage and the crowd had moved away from him. He must have hit Terry Mattson's (lead guitarist and vocalist) guitar. Mattson told the guy through the microphone not to "touch [his] fucking guitar," which surprised me because Mattson always seems like a laid-back guy. After a few more moments, he got the guy kicked out. I respect him for that because it takes a good band leader to notice crowd dynamics and see that someone is disrupting the flow and enjoyment of the crowd.
The sound at the beginning of the show wasn't great, but it definitely got better as the show went on. Ryan Drabble definitely works hard, though, to keep the bands and the crowd happy with his constant adjusting of the levels. As much as I love Amigo's, I think this town needs a venue that starts early and has a high stage. After going to The Distrikt in Regina to see Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (although the sound there wasn't great either), I feel like we don't have a venue like that. There is definitely enough demand for another mid-sized venue.
All-in-all, the show was good. JPZ definitely delivered once again! As we knew they would.
Crystal's rating: 7/10
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Great Lake Swimmers - October 24, 2007
Lydia's was packed tight. Warm bodies radiating the heat from the warm summer-like October day as they squished between the walls of the small pub. Many friendly faces, happy conversation, and anticipation filled the room. The first of two acts went on after 10:30 - a late start for the middle of the work/school-week. Tables were moved to make room for the eager fans to see one of their favorite bands play. The opening acts were good, but I couldn't help but feel impatient for the Great Lake Swimmers to take the stage.
Once they actually did come on the stage at around 12:30, it was worth the wait. Well, mostly. They played "moving picture silent film" and so many other great tunes. Tony Dekker's voice rang out heart-wrenchingly during "moving, shaking" off of his first album. At times I closed my eyes and swayed back and forth basking in the warm, fuzzy feeling that the music draped over me like a warm blanket on a wet and rainy night in the mountains. Dekker was backed by Erik Arnesen on banjo and electric guitar, Colin Huebert on drums, and Julie Fader on keys, flute, and backing vocals. Fader was a great addition and very complementary to Dekker.
Other highlights of the show were playing Your Rocky Spine, Backstage With The Modern Dancers, I Am Part Of A Large Family, and Where In The World Are You - all off of the new album Ongiara - and other great tracks off of their self-titled debut album and Bodies and Minds.
Crystal's rating: 7.5/10
Once they actually did come on the stage at around 12:30, it was worth the wait. Well, mostly. They played "moving picture silent film" and so many other great tunes. Tony Dekker's voice rang out heart-wrenchingly during "moving, shaking" off of his first album. At times I closed my eyes and swayed back and forth basking in the warm, fuzzy feeling that the music draped over me like a warm blanket on a wet and rainy night in the mountains. Dekker was backed by Erik Arnesen on banjo and electric guitar, Colin Huebert on drums, and Julie Fader on keys, flute, and backing vocals. Fader was a great addition and very complementary to Dekker.
Other highlights of the show were playing Your Rocky Spine, Backstage With The Modern Dancers, I Am Part Of A Large Family, and Where In The World Are You - all off of the new album Ongiara - and other great tracks off of their self-titled debut album and Bodies and Minds.
Crystal's rating: 7.5/10
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 24th's Playlist!
Artist - Song - Album (extra information)
* = Canadian
6:00-7:00
Sarah Harmer* - Basement Apartment - If it was You
The Heartstrings* - Songs about me Belle - self-titled (local)
Tracy McNeil* - Headlong into Nothing - Room where she lives
Feist* - I Feel it All - The Reminder
Tegan and Sara* - Hop a Plane - The Con
Immaculate Machine* - C'mon Sealegs - Fables
Belle and Sebastian - Act of the Apostle - The Life Pursuit
Mother Mother* - Dirty Town - Touch Up (requested)
Bella* - Give it a Night - No One Will Know (NEW!)
Girl from Saskatoon* - James Dean - This is only the Beginning
Matty Powell and the Resonance* - Hope - The Ness Creek Sessions (local)
Barley Wik - Highway 3 - Beyond the Down
7:00-8:00
The Acorn* - Even While You're Sleeping - Glory Hope Mountain (playing on Sunday, Oct. 28th at Louis' with Elliott Brood)
Great Lake Swimmers* - moving pictures silent film - self (playing tonight at Lydia's)
Calexico - Alone Again Or - Convict Pool
Corin Raymond* - Three Thousand Miles - Record Lonesome Night
Nathan* - Scarecrow - Key Principles
Musty Steers* - Strange Light - self (local)
The Ride Theory/Young Rival* - My Girl June - In this City
The Sadies* - Loved on Look - Tremendous Effort
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Who Do you Love? - Living with the Living
The Weakerthans* - Tournament of Hearts - Reunion Tour
Maybe Smith* - Open War - Animals and Architects (local)
Artists I wanted to play but didn't have time for:
Hot Hot Heat - Let me In - Happiness Ltd.
They Might be Giants - I'm Impressed - The Else
Interpol - No. 1 in Threesome - Our Love to Admire
* = Canadian
6:00-7:00
Sarah Harmer* - Basement Apartment - If it was You
The Heartstrings* - Songs about me Belle - self-titled (local)
Tracy McNeil* - Headlong into Nothing - Room where she lives
Feist* - I Feel it All - The Reminder
Tegan and Sara* - Hop a Plane - The Con
Immaculate Machine* - C'mon Sealegs - Fables
Belle and Sebastian - Act of the Apostle - The Life Pursuit
Mother Mother* - Dirty Town - Touch Up (requested)
Bella* - Give it a Night - No One Will Know (NEW!)
Girl from Saskatoon* - James Dean - This is only the Beginning
Matty Powell and the Resonance* - Hope - The Ness Creek Sessions (local)
Barley Wik - Highway 3 - Beyond the Down
7:00-8:00
The Acorn* - Even While You're Sleeping - Glory Hope Mountain (playing on Sunday, Oct. 28th at Louis' with Elliott Brood)
Great Lake Swimmers* - moving pictures silent film - self (playing tonight at Lydia's)
Calexico - Alone Again Or - Convict Pool
Corin Raymond* - Three Thousand Miles - Record Lonesome Night
Nathan* - Scarecrow - Key Principles
Musty Steers* - Strange Light - self (local)
The Ride Theory/Young Rival* - My Girl June - In this City
The Sadies* - Loved on Look - Tremendous Effort
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Who Do you Love? - Living with the Living
The Weakerthans* - Tournament of Hearts - Reunion Tour
Maybe Smith* - Open War - Animals and Architects (local)
Artists I wanted to play but didn't have time for:
Hot Hot Heat - Let me In - Happiness Ltd.
They Might be Giants - I'm Impressed - The Else
Interpol - No. 1 in Threesome - Our Love to Admire
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Thanks to Olivia for creating this!
