Toronto Love

Hey there. Well, it's been a crazy few days for the city of Toronto, and the fall out will be felt for sometime. I'm not here to give my opinions on what went down at the G20. There are far too many questions, and far too much information to get things together so soon. Today I want to send a little love out to my city.

Earlier this week, Jessica from the blog Roundletters, asked if she could post my love song to the city, "To Think I Once Was Lost". She felt like the song kept her sane through the weekend, and wanted to share it with her readers. I though that was a great idea, so not only did I let her post it on her blog, I made it a free download for anyone who wanted it. So, I'm inviting my readers (you guys and gals!) to do the same. Feel free to click the link provided and download the song. Tell me what you think in the comments section. Let's spread a little love today!






If you dig the song, and want to hear more, you can always help a brother out and check out my iTunes account here:

Shawn Clarke on i-Tunes

I hope all is well, and Happy Canada Day!!

New Broken Social Scene!

Hey folks, I'm a Broken Social Scene fan from way back. So I was excited to hear the other day that they've put up a couple new songs. I'm really interested in the new album. The first without producer David Newfeild. This time they have Tortoise's John McEntire. Here are three tracks, I particularly like "All to All".

What do you guys think?

Polaris Prize Round Up

Last week the top 10 for this years Polaris Prize were announced. I had planned to chime in on the issue, but had yet to hear a few of the albums. But now I'm all up to date! I've given the top 10 a thorough listen, and I'm a bit surprised at some of the choices.

About a month ago, Polaris released their top 40. It was great to see a few of my favorites on the list. From the top 40, I came up with my 10 favorites:

Bell Orchestre - As Seen Through Windows
Bruce Peninsula - A Mountain Is A Mouth
Coeur De Pirate - Coeur De Pirate
Malajube - Labyrinthes
K'NAAN - Troubadour
Land of Talk- Some are lakes
Joel Plaskett- Three
Timber Timbre - Timber Timbre
Pink Mountaintops- Outside Love
Patrick Watson- Wooden Arms

This is their top 10:

Elliott Brood - Mountain Meadows
Fucked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life
Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels
Hey Rosetta! - Into Your Lungs
Malajube - Labyrinthes
K'NAAN - Troubadour
Metric - Fantasies
Joel Plaskett - Three
Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane
Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms

So, I got 4 out of 10. I've been hearing a lot of people talking about how this list is pretty safe. I agree that some of the choices are less then inspired. Hey Rosetta and Elliot Brood don't get much of a rise out of me. Metric is Metric, no surprises on Fantasies. Although everyone loves Chad VanGaalen, I personally don't think the album is perfect (although tracks like "Phantom Anthills" suggest brilliant albums to come).


So, who's gonna win? Personally, I think Patrick Watson's album Wooden Arms is the best thing on the list by far. It's a incredibly focused album, the vocals and instrumentation are moving, and inspired. The album is full of surprises, it's one of those albums that improves with every listen. My only concern is that Patrick won the Polaris back in 2007, so maybe the jury will try to give it to someone else.

Maybe K'NAAN's album Troubador will take the prize. K'NAAN is one of the most important artists on the list. His lyrics are worth listening to, and he speaks for people who's voices never get heard. But, unfortunately, if history is any judge, Polaris tends to be an indie rock show. K'NAAN may be overlooked like he was in 2006.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Joel Plaskett will take the prize. His triple album release Three is nothing if not ambitious. One expects a lot of filler on any album over 9 tracks, but Joel manages to make 27 tracks of passable to great music. On top of that, Joel is proving to be one of Canada's greatest personalities. He's loved by everybody who's seen him live, or met him.


To sum up:

My Choice: Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms
What will probably win: Joel Plaskett - Three
Wildcard: Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life (if only to hear the word "fuck" on CBC, and to piss off the conservatives a little more).

Anyways, we'll find out on September 21st. What are your picks?

Shows and parties.

Hey guys, just wanted to update on a couple great acts I caught, and then, tomorrow, I'll get that Taylor Kirk (Timber Timbre) interview up, like I promised.

THURS JUNE 25

Ohbijou and Evening Hymns at The Opera House
I was excited to get out of the house on Thursday. I had a lazy day, recording, watching movies and listening to records. And the prospect of seeing Evening Hymns with a 7 piece band was too exhilarating to pass up. So I arrived a bit early, chatted with Taylor and the Ghost Bees and got in to catch the set. Let me tell you, the band is great. If you've seen Evening Hymns before you know how great Jonas is... now imagine that with a full band!! Just trust me, and get out to see him at the Orillia Opera house opening for Joel Plasket on the 2nd. Or for those who live in London he's playing at a house party with The Wooden Sky on the 24th (Yale St? I'll look into it). Oh and Ohbijou. It was thier event, so it'd be wrong of me to not mention them. They were perfection as usual. The new songs are beautiful, (especially "New Years", which you can check out here). If you wanna catch them you can head over to the Hillside festival in Guelph on the 25th and 26th of July.

photos from Chromwaves

FRI JUNE 26

Shawn Clarke and the Strip at Shawn Clarke's House!!
Well, I had, what I hope will be, the first of many Birds Too Tired To Fly music nights at my house! It was an invite only event, as it was sponsered by Carlsberg (if I said anything about the free beer, I'm sure my house would have been destroyed). So, 20 of us packed my wee house with 3 cases of Carlsberg (and more bottle openers than we had any use for), and a couple acts. I took the stage without fanfare, planning on going through a few new songs, and getting the Strip on. The new songs were very well recieved, and the old ones became drunken sing-a-longs. Kevin and Matt from the Strip accompanied me. Good times. Next up were the Strip. The played a beautiful low-key set of songs, with drummer Matt playing on a tamborine the whole time. Singer Diana Catherine came up for a couple songs as well. Great band, get out and see them tonight, at Not My Dog in Toronto.

photos by Lesley Denford and Beth Nicholls and Jessica Rae Gordon

Ok, that's it for me. See y'all tomorrow, with my interview with Taylor Kirk!

Transformers Theme Song by Cheap Trick!?!?

Hey guys! I didn't see the last Transformers film, and probably won't see the new one. I stopped watching Micheal Bay movies a long time ago. "Pearl Harbor" was the worst movie I've ever seen. "Armageddon" wasn't far off. I remember seeing ads for "The Island" and thinking "Ok, maybe this time, Micheal Bay has made a good movie". I gave him the benefit of the doubt and within the first 20 minutes of the film, I immediately regretted that decision.... OH and the fucking "Bad Boy" movies are atrocious!! Damn. Anyways, I was surfin' the net today and came across this awesome song. It's Cheap Tricks song for the new film!! Oh man, do they NAIL IT!!! I'm all sorts of pumped listening to it (for the 4th time!). Anyways, chat soon!

No work means listening to Records all day!!

As some of you know, I am currently a step above unemployed. I sent a bevy of resumes to local coffee shops and the likes today, hopefully I'll be able to afford to go out again. The good thing about having all this time, and no money to spend on anything, is that I get to listen to records all day. I've been scouring my collection focusing on albums I haven't spent a lot of time with. So here are the highlights with small reviews for each!

Bob Dylan: Slow Train Coming
Dylan's first of a trilogy of evangelical albums, is a lot better than I had given it credit for. Most of the props goes to his band, especially lead guitarist Mark Knopfler. What could have been one of Dylan's worst albums (preachy in a way that only born-again's can find interesting) is lifted to greater heights by a top notch band, and some good song-writing (lyrics aside).


Ornette Coleman: Tomorrow is the Question
I love Ornette, and have been a fan for many years. His music was such an obvious progression from Be-bop and hard bob it's amazing he was considered so controversial. But what we've got here is exciting "Free Jazz" with all the edges sharpened. I also have an original UK mono copy of the vinyl which is pure heaven.


Chet Atkins and his Guitar
Pure instrumental country bliss. Chet (like Les Paul) was a guitarist ahead of his time, playing some beautiful licks on this all instrumental album. Anything by Mr. Atkins is worth a listen. The highlight is the solo "Walking on Strings". Gorgeous.


Bob Dylan: Infidels
Dylan's first secular album after his trilogy of born-again albums, finds him more pesimistic than ever. This is a pretty polished album with the help of guitarist (and now producer) Mark Knopfler. Featuring the inspired rhythm secion of Sly and Robbie, holding down grooves while Dylan sings "Well, he can be fascinating, he can be dull, He can ride down Niagara Falls in the barrels of your skull", and many other equally delightful statements.


Bob Dylan: Dylan
1973 saw the (brief) end of the relationship between Dylan and Columbia records. As a retaliation to Bob's jumping ship to Asylum Records, Columbia released the album "Dylan". In a rather childish move, Columbia gathered 9 outtakes from the Self Portrait and New Morning recording sessions and released them in the poorest quality for as Dylan. This album is not completely without merit, album ender "Spanish Is the Loving Tongue", finds Dylan in very rare form embracing the Spanish nature of the song.


Gary Wright: The Dreamweaver
Ok, why do I have this record? It used to belong to one of my parents. I don't even want to know which one. There is really nothing to recomend about this album. The band is tight, but considering most of it is overdubbed Synthesizers, that doesn't mean as much. The good thing that came out of my Gary Wright session is that I got to see the mans website. Wow, you have to check it out. The main page features a mirror and a frog looking up at it... for some reason... and check out all the glitter that follows your cursor!! Nice.


Plastic Ono Band: Live Peace in Toronto 1969
This is a live recording of one of John Lennon's first solo shows, featuring Yoko Ono and guitarist Eric Clapton. The first side of the album is great, it has the raw energy of a band that hasn't rehearsed much, but love playing with each other. Classic rock and roll tunes, a couple Beatles tracks, and two Lennon original make up side one, in all it's sloppy glory. Side 2 is another story all together. Ono takes center stage to caterwal over a couple boring riffs, the only excitement coming at the end when the band walks off stage leaving their guitars feeding back.


Emerson Lake and Palmer: Brain Salad Surgery
Prog rock is an often picked on genre. While there is no argument that it's bread and butter is pretention, I personally love the audacity of it. Karn Evil 3 is a 30 minute plus, 3 movement mastabatory opus. The great thing about BSS is the album cover. Designed by artist H. R. Giger The cover splits in the middle revealing a human face. Partly why Vinyl is taking over CD's is that album covers can be pieces of art unto themselves.


Well, that's just a quick selection. Other albums listened to this week include, Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Dire Straits self-titled debut, Supertramp: Even in the Quietest Moments, John McLaughlin: Guitar Player, David Bowie: Scary Monsters, and Ennio Morricone: Once Upon a Time in the West.

What have you been listening to?

Note from the Editor: The Juno results are in and, as usual, embarassing.

Yay! Nickelback. It's really great to see this brilliant band finally get it's dues. They've been toiling for years making challenging, creative music that goes against the grain, and finally this year they get the nod. The most prestigious awards show in the country (if not the world), the Juno's, saw fit to bestow the young Mr. Kroeger and friends with 3 awards. Bravo folks! The world is changing, music from the heart is back! Cough.

Here you go Canada! You're musical representation!

Enough of that nonsense. We're all aware that Nickelback, and the Junos are jokes. But the kind of jokes that seriously miss their mark. They're the Martin Lawrence of musical jokes. So, no one was very surprised when picking up the paper, or listening to the news yesterday, they heard about the 3 awards (I don't imagine anyone watched it?).

Back in February (remember February? Cold), I wrote about my personal feelings about the Junos, which you can read here if you're interested. In that article I made a small list of acts I personally thought was deserving of an award, so I thought today I could compare and see if anyone in the industry has an eye for actual talent... It doesn't look good.

NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR

Crystal Castles
Plants and Animals

and the winner is..... The Stills!! The most boring band on Arts and Crafts. That maybe a bit harsh, Arts and Crafts happens to be a pretty great label, so being the most boring band on it is like being the most exciting band on, say, Universal. But it makes a bit of sense, they were the most commercially viable band on the list, so if that means they beat out Nickelback for best album next year, than I'm all for it.

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

In The Future, Black Mountain
Soft Airplane, Chad VanGaalen
Parc Avenue, Plants and Animals

And the Winner is.... The Oceans Will Rise, The stills!! Read above.

VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Parkdale, Elizabeth Shepherd

And the winner is... Molly Johnson!! Jesus Christ, Molly Johnson? We're still giving this gal awards? Molly is famous in Canada for making adult contemporary pop oriented jazz albums, which apparently is what the category name should be changed to.

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

The Soundtrack, The Creaking Tree String Quartet

And the winner is.... Nostomania DJ Brace presents The Electric Nosehair Orchestra!! I don't know who DJ Brace is. I'm listening to his music right now.... He's a DJ.... It's pretty unoffensive... and it feels a decade old, meh.

FRANCOPHONE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Coeur de pirate, Coeur de pirate

And the winner is.... Tous les sens Ariane Moffatt!! I don't know who that is. Listening now... you know what? I know nothing about Quebecois culture, so I have no comment. I think Coeur de Pirate has great songs, and you need the check the band out. The end.


PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Daniel Lanois

And the winner is.... Daniel Lanois!! This is one rare occasion where The Juno's and I both love an artist. I just thank god it wasn't Mutt Lange.

Anyways, there you have it. No one is surprised, just disappointed. I suggest we make an anti-juno's, who's with me?

Artist Profile: Stagehands (part 1)

A month or so back, I received a call from an old friend, Marco Panzo. Turns out an idea he was throwing around many years ago has finally reached fruition. So, I went out and met him and two of his band mates to talk broadway, and rock and roll. Our story begins like many, with me showing off my Zoom H4 recorder...


you can record at different qualities.... so

M (Marco)- I hope we get the best quality

Well, you actually get the worst, since I just write it all out anyways

G (Geoff)- you can keep it as your greatest hits

M- Greatest tits?

Z (Mackenzie) - Haha, greatest tits....

G- hits, but that's implied

M- if we ever have a hits album, that's what it's going to be called

well you need at least two albums to have a greatest hits, I think Coal Chamber had two.

M- Yeah, what were their hits?!

G- yeah, but for your greatest hits album, you can just call that the first one if you really believe in yourself

Yeah, but the Rheostatics beat you to it, their first album was called Greatest Hits.

M- we toyed with the idea of writing a "Fuck You" album, about 4 albums in. It would be called "I don't Give a Shit" and on the cover would be a contract... I'm looking forward to being Jaded.
well, the Jaded album is usually everyones favorite.

M- well you've got to earn it, But I have the artwork ready.

So I should grab everyones names and rolls now,

G- yes, I'm Geoff Stevens and I do vocals.

M- Marco Panzo, guitar and vocals

Z- Mackenzie Zufelt, vocals

and your characters, I know you're the boat man, or pirate...

M- I'm the sailor man, I'm the captain of the ship.

G- I'm Stan, the every guy

Z- I would be the narrator.

and from the bio, we don't really know who's side your on.

Z- I'm in every bodies business.

so this whole Stage Hands thing starts with you right Marco

M- It starts with me, and Dave the bassist. He wanted to do a seamless album with a common theme, it didn't really go into the musical aspect yet, but he wanted to do something that wasn't exactly a rock opera or a concept album, cause, everyone does that and they just call it a concept album. So eventually we came up with the idea to do a concept band, where everyone became a character, and the entire album is one big story, we developed the broadway aspect of it later. That was the starting point, and then about three years ago we wrote 50 ideas that eventually became what we have now.

That was you and Dave?

M- That was me and Dave, the drummer Nem was there from the beginning as well, so we'd hammer out some tunes with him, and started getting the story. I mean, it didn't really start developing 100% until Geoff came in, which was about 2 years ago.

and how did you come into it?

G- They approached me after a show, they recruited me at a performance.

M- Technocolor Dreamcoat

G- Yeah, I was in a production of Joseph.

M- which is ironic, because that's where Dave got the idea for the musical aspect.

G- apparently he loves Joseph. We fight on that, because I'm not a huge fan of the show. It was with a company called... oh shoot.... it's like a local...um...

it was with A company

G- yes, they do musicals, and do it for charity. That would be a couple years ago.

and how'd they approach you?

G- Literally just said "we're in a band, we liked your vocals, come audition for us". I said sure. I was feeling adventurous. We vibed when I came to the studio to jam with them. When we decided to start working together, we took it on both musically and story wise, started really flushing out idea's and character arc. I'm mainly a musical theatre background, so it was cool to work from the perspective of them coming from a rock background, making the ideas come together in a story that's cohesive.

So, everyone is putting their input?

G- That's really nice actually that they were really open to creative input.

M- Geoff walked in a tore it to sreds right away.

G- I was kind of harsh.

M- but that's what we needed.

G- we're not precious with it any more. If something sucks, or we grow out of it we move on.

M- We wrote a new song for one of the scenes, a few weeks ago, and we love it so much more. This represents our writing for over 3 years. so some bands write two albums in that time, and we're doing one. so the ideas are pretty varied. And we've been able t develop the characters a bit more. When Mackenzie came in, the narrator character was going to be developed a bit more.

And where did you come in?

Z- It was pretty much all written. Except for the most recent song. I came in a month ago. I'm pretty new. I answered an ad online.

Was that the one for the Keyboard player/ singer?

Z- no, this was for the narrator role. So I went in for an audition, and another meeting after, and it just worked out. I was kind of cool, because I had just moved into the city, and i was looking for a band, or..

A project of some sort

Z- yeah, for sure, and when I saw "a Musical Theatre Rock Band!" that was right up my ally. Because I had graduated from a musical theatre program

Where abouts?

Z- in Brockville, at St. Lawrence. It's a really good program, it's great.

Did you have an idea what you were getting into?

Z- Yeah, I went to see one of their shows at the Horseshoe, with the girl who I was replacing. I just wanted to get a feel for it. It was like nothing I'd heard, seeing a rock show, hearing a rock band, but also having the music theatre and performance aspect. It was neat thing, and I really wanted to be a part of it.

M- That's one of the challenges all along the way to figure out that balance... The name Stagehands itself embodies what we're about. Stage is the glamorous side of it, we want to make it polished, like a theatre performance, but Stagehands are working behind the scenes and lifting crap, that the dirty rock aspect of it. And that's the kind of thing we want to emphasis. It's a total do it yourself musical, but at the same time it's a show. we want it to be entertaining, there's choreography.

G- There's an element of costuming and props. We want to be able to produce the show in any capacity. Weather we have money or not, or if it's a small venue or something larger.

So you guys are prepared for a large scale thing?

G- well, we're not yet prepared [laughter all around] it's evolving.

M- we're saving for pyrotechnics. We have one firework in the bank.


What's the story then, the summing up of what you guys are putting on.

G- well, as you mentioned there's this character Stan who's an aspiring songwriter, singer, he wants to leave a legacy for himself, which is primarily musical. And he feels really inhibited in his home town, because he's not creatively inspired, to be honest, everyone around him puts him down and doesn't believe in his ideas. And he sees and ad, and it's televised which is kind of funny, because I was thinking about how old school that is now, It's almost becoming obsolete. So instead of surfing the net, he's watching TV...

M- TVo would have been a weird thing to write into the lyrics. [sings] Rogers on Demand!

G- It's kind of like Requiem for a Dream that way, he gets really captivated by this television ad, it's like an infomercial for a land where all your dreams come true. It's where performers go, it's kinda like we've set up this fake Hollywood idea within the context of our story. It's a town called Liconia. That's where he meets the sailor, he travels on a boat to Liconia, when he gets there he realized that things are not what they were set up to be. There are cracks in the facade. You discover, both Stan's potential and the weird secrets that lay behind this town. I'm leaving the rest for the imagination.

Z- I want to know the rest of the story!

Where does the name of the town come from?

M- without going to far into the original ideas for the story itself were, which would be embarrassing. The title of the show itself is called the Silent city, it comes from an earlier story idea, where this was a silent town. But we realized, we were writing a musical, and silence doesn't really translate on stage. We kept the name The Silent City, and thought what's a town name that is flashy like Hollywood, but not lame like Dazzlewood or something. Liconia come from Laconic, silence. What's a way to make it sing-songy, and Liconia was the most appealing name we could come up with.

G- Isn't there a real town called Lisconia?

M- there is, in Greece.

You guys will have to visit.

M- We're going to put them on the map, I hope. And so, the silent city comes out of that. It's not meant to be taken literally anymore, but it stands for the question of the show, whether it's part of achieving something in some circumstances compromising your values, and staying silent about them, and this is a town that's done exactly that. Did that answer the question?

G- in a roundabout way...

So how many people are involved in this?

Z- 6?

G- 6 constantly rotating members! Just kidding, but it's funny, you were asking if that was the ad for the keyboard chick, and it was like... no, that's another one. We have issues with girls who have flights of fancy and run out on us. We just end up broken hearted! But then we get amazing new people.

M- The hard thing is we're asking a lot.

G- it is hard to get 6 people together for a non-paying labour of love

M- In these times. There's a sign Up fee when you enter the band [laughs] Try to weed some people out.

G- you give them some free tea to sucker them in

Z- and a button.

You got a button?

Z- I didn't get a button

Yeah, i didn't get one

M- I'm sorry, I should have brought you one.

Oh, that's all right. So you guys... have you done some recordings or your doing some recordings?

M- We're gearing up to record to record with a producer called Zigfried Meyer, who's worked with the Salads, Holly McNarland, Kittie... I forget who else... and there's a band called the Racket, her produced one of personal favourite indie rock albums. he produced in a bedroom, it sounds so good. He's very passionate, and has a studio up in Godrich. We should be recording in the summer if all goes to plan, and releasing it in the fall.

You have a couple songs up on the myspace page.

M- yeah, but the effect doesn't come out the way we want it. We want something with a live energy but at the same time a tight band playing. Sonically, it's kinda hard to create in a basement.

The newer song on the myspace I hadn't heard yet

M- Biblioteque?

Yeah, it's great. I really like the Korg sounds, the keyboard sounds you have on it.

G- we've got another song that's more synth based, I'm all about it.

Z- that's what won me over, really.



So how many shows have you guys done so far?

M- A handful....

G- Yeah 5ish?

M- we've been gigging since last summer.

Z- I've only done one.

G- at the ACC

M- yeah, the Armenian community center.

Whose Armenian, who's the one that got you into that show?

G-Dave. Or Armen.

I liked the video you guys did. You're accent in particular was good, Marco.

Z- I know! He was so good, It took me for ever to learn it.

Well you also speak polish so maybe that helps.

M- Slavic vs Middle eastern... I don't know if they..

Yeah, but maybe it's being able to speak other languages

M- Maybe... actually, Dave's not going to like this, but I actually just tried to sound really silly. And then it sounded really good!

So you've got a show coming up at the Horseshoe

M- The 28th. We've got a guest list on our website, we'll be doing some new songs that people haven't heard. We're amping up the staging and the costuming and the whole production aspect of it.

G- Our hope would be... cause we have a bit more time to play with now than the Horseshoe has given us before, they've been really great about when we can play gigs, considering we're so obscure. So we were hoping to perform the first act of the show. Right now if we get a 30 min set we just do a song cycle of our best songs

Z- Our greatest hits

G- yeah, our greatest hits.

Track of the Week: Better Git it in Your Soul by Charlse Mingus AND Davy Graham

Hey there, Happy Monday!! The Sun is shining, and I have the day off. Nice. I spent this weekend playing with two of my favorite bands, Timber Timbre and Olenka and the Autumn Lovers. Last night in particular was marvelous, playing with Timber Timbre opening for Bruce Peninsula in a GREAT place in Waterloo called the Grist Mill. It's, well, an old turn of the century Grist Mill. Seeing a big powerful band like BP in a venue like that was spine tingling.

I also went CD shopping yesterday (yes I still do that). And I picked up a couple of gems, Michelle McAdorey and Eric Chenaux's Love Don't Change; the great Cedric IM Brooks' From Mento to Reggae to Third World Music, and an album from the old British folk/jazz singer Davy Graham (called Folk Blues and Beyond...). The Davy Graham album features a cover of one of my favourite Jazz songs "Better Git in Your Soul". I thought I'd show it off to you, today.

Here's the great Charles Mingus version (the tenor sax solo is probably my favorite solo of all time).




And here's Davy Graham's acoustic guitar version.




Have a great Monday. I'll see you sometime this week with an interview I did with a new band called Stage Hands. A mix of alternative rock and Broadway musical, very interesting.

Track of the Week: Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra

I was driving along the 401 the other day, particularly miffed. It was Saturday morning, I had to work. I got up early, after a late night of debauchery, went for breakfast (waited 45 minutes for 2 eggs, 2 slices of toast and some silver dollar fries), and made the drive from Orillia to Toronto. The last half of Hwy 400 you notice a change in the behaviour of the motorist. The dangerously polite driving of Orillia and Barrie become the dangerously aggressive Driving of Vaughn and Toronto... But then, I'm lifted out of my angry state by the opening strains of Mr Blue Sky.

This is easily one of happiest songs ever written. I, like most people heard it for the first time on the trailer for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I've since downloaded every ELO album, and gained a new respect for the guy in The Traveling Wilburys who isn't Bob Dylan/Roy Orbison/George Harrison or Tom Petty.

Not Bob Dylan/Roy Orbison/Tom Petty/George Harrison

What I love about ELO and especially this song is the sheer indulgance. Not content to have a few voices sing the harmony, bring in the choir! Full Orchestra!! layered guitars!! 3, no 4 movements!!

Anyways, I can't think of a better way to get rid of the monday blues. I hope you enjoy!

Track of The Week: Jealous Guy By Donnie Hathaway

I haven't done a track of the week in some time. But now, that I've finally figured out how to upload audio to my blog, it makes it a lot easier. Plus, I don't want to just put up any song, I want to be excited about it. So, about a month ago I was in my favorite movie store in Toronto, The Film Buff, and this song was playing on the radio. It was a really soulful cover of John Lennon's Jealous Guy. I asked the clerk who it was. She said she didn't know but would check... turns out it's a guy named Donnie Hathaway. My lovely girlfriend had to keep reminding me of the name, as I have the worst memory. After some research and a few stops at various CD shops, I'm searching through Soundscapes and there it is: Donny Hathaway Live.

There isn't much I can say about this. Through this song I've discovered the genius that was Donnie Hathaway. I hope it does the same for you.

Artist Profile: Valery Gore

Well, I got a chance to catch up with old friend Valery Gore over a couple large cookies a few weeks back, but right before the meeting, I had some dental work done, putting me in such a state, that I didn't record the first 10 minutes of the interview. But I don't think you missed too much. So, with out further adieu, here's my interview with the very talented Valery Gore.

Agh, Good start

Hello

Now we're going... OK, when you press it the first time it just sets the levels.. so..

Woah, High-tech-eroo.

Yeah, well, not tech enough to record what we just talked about... but... We were talking about the song "Angora" and you were saying that the original version you did was perfect, right?

yeah, It was recorded when I was sick, spur of the moment. I think that the vulnerability is in it. It's hard to recapture that, so I'm glad the record version appeals to people, cause it was hard to go back to that moment.

Who did you have producing the album?

I did

You did it all by yourself? Did you have other people giving input, or is it something you kind of took the reins on?

Well, I definitely always have people help. The band always has input when we're doing the arrangements. When we're learning new songs. I definitely always ask for their opinions, That's sort of the way it always happens when you're recording, while you're listening to back tracks, or different takes people put forth their opinions, and that helps. And the engineer who I worked with is a producer, with people who are engineers, it's such a craft, and he played a big role in getting the right sound. He was just amazing. Sonically, he was the guy.

And I've noticed that between this album and the last one, there's much more confidence

Yeah.

Was the approach a lot different between the two?

Um, yeah. The approach was way different. But I also think that I had no confidence on the first record. It was always very difficult to listen to the songs, I always thought I sucked. So the first record was done with that feeling, pretty much all through out. So there was a long gap between the records. I had a lot of time to sit with the songs, some where taken off the record, some new ones where put on, I guess probably when I starting to consider to record, there was a year where, like, "Scared" came. "Worried Head was an old song that got re written. Songs like that started to come in and push out the not worthy songs that were for the album I thought I had to make. To me I think that was a turning point, where I thought, "oh, these are actually good songs, that'll make a solid record". I didn't want to make a record where I wasn't sure of every song on it. So all the songs stand on their own, they're strong individually.

You played more of an Editor on this album than you did on the last album

Yeah, and i mean, I used to write songs, and put them aside. I think with this album, I put them aside, I didn't get a grant or anything, so I brought them back over, worked on them more. A lot of the arrangements came later, there was more time for each song.

Yeah it seems to be more heavily arranged, and it seems to be a more rhythmic album as well. Do you think having Dan (Neil, drums) and Devon (Henderson, bass) opinions helped that?

Oh yeah, Rhythmically, I bring the songs to them, and they have their own idea's of their own, and the go with that. It's great to have a band like them, they're my closest friends. You just feel good!

And you've been playing with them for a long time too, when did you guys start playing together? 

Well, Devon and me where playing together in college, second year of college. he was on the first record with Josh. Dan came into the band pretty much, maybe a year and a half before we had the new record out... maybe a year.

They're really great together, I love watching them... although you had Steve Dagg playing at the last show, cause Dan went to Germany or something?

Yeah, he went with Jimmy Bowskill or something?

Yeah, a blues guy right?

Yeah.

How was having a new drummer?

Oh, it was great. Steve's great. He's a good drummer and a good friend.

Where you a little concerned at first when I had to find someone?

I was super worried. Cause, I knew all those people coming out to the show. That was the month where we had CBC, and two Guelph shows, A lot of stuff to get through with a new drummer. But Steve came in knowing all the songs, he'd studied them.

There are a lot of interesting things going on...

Yeah, and you can't grab them all, but he grabbed quite a few.

There's a great drum part in "Consolation".

yeah, totally.

So, you switched labels, from Six Shooter which is more of a folk label to Do Right Music which is more pop, dance....

Yeah, it's not really pop. It's... I don't really know what to say about Do Right, They have IvannaSantilli doing her dance R &B thing... They have Elisabeth Sheppard doing Jazz... Abdominal doing hip-hop, Justis doing hip-hop... TMDP? TMDP which is like... they're DJ's but remix a lot of stuff. And Jun Miyake from France..

Oh yeah, he's crazy..

have you checked it out?

Yeah, I did

Do you have the new record? You have to get it. "Stolen From Strangers"

I only checked out the tracks on the website.

I've had this eye Twitch for like a month...

Ha

But he ah, he's on there. So, the label is all over the map. Definitely Jazz Soul R&B Dance...

So does that mean you're going to get some songs remixed?

yeah we're starting to figure out a remix contest, so we've got all the stems, and we're posting on the blog where people can post things and vote. We're planning on putting out a single of the remix, and as well I wanted to possibly, hopefully re-record "Delorla" and "Dancing", with the new arrangements that we've made for them. So yeah, that's the plan. Maybe an EP of remixes/ re recordings.

Great, so the label change, was that.... a label thing, or was it your choice? 

I don't know. I could tell you for real.... but maybe not for your blog....

Fair enough! How'd you hook up with Do Right?

I was just recording the record and hoping to find a label. So when I was in between labels, John Kong came into the vocal booth where I was recording cause he was a friends with a guy...

John Kong?

Yeah John Kong. He's the label owner, of Do Right. And he came in, and I knew him from around the city. So he listened and came in another day, and Tim played him some tracks. He really liked it. and wanted to sign me for the record. It seemed like a good idea. He was the first one to take a passion to the project.

Great, so what's they're role? What do they do for you? Just release the album or..

Well, the do, hopefully what a label should do... Their job is to promote it, and, we haven't gotten on a steady tour, because, right before the record was produced, my agent and I parted ways. But now that I have a new management we're working on it. And John's totally supporting the release and is prepared to do anything... well not anything... but fully supporting the album. Now I'm getting excited about it.

So every thing's starting to come together now?

Yeah, I mean, I thought that with this record, I thought things would be together before hand, cause that's what the first record was like. But all this shake up and label changing made it all re-set. I felt like I was re-starting. Which was fine.

That was a lot of Cookie....

It was a good cookie. So when you were writing and recording, what where some of your influences?

Well... A lot of stuff. A lot more older music, I think my favorite year for music was 1969. It seems every album I've loved lately has been from 1969. I was listening to, in terms of the whole horn influence, I was listening to Jaga Jazzists. I wanted to do horn arrangements that were awkward? Not conventional. Like, harmonically, I wanted them to be really interesting. I don't know if you've heard Joe Henry, but his album Tiny Voices. I think he had a bass Clarinetist, Oboe, clarinetist, come in and improve over the recording So there are a lot of weird harmonies, almost, augmented... a lot of dissonant arrangements. Also, a lot of Laura Nyro, Nina Simone, Doris, this old Swede singer from the 60's. Another album from Cold Blood, also Swedish.

A lot of Swedish

Yeah, really into Sweden.

Jaga Jazzist, aren't they from Sweden too?

I think they're from Iceland. But I'm definitely into the swedes. A lot of new artists from there I like. So, then there are the regulars, Ben Folds, a lot of Radiohead.

Did Ben Bowen (Book of Gnomes) help you out with the arrangements on the album?

He just played just trumpet. I did half the arrangements on my own, than about 4 songs Devon and I did together.

There are some great horn arrangements. "Scared" for instance has a great little freak out moment.

Yeah, he basically kept recording, looping it, than taking different chunks of different takes.

So do you have any shows coming up?

We have a CMW showcase for the label and Exclaim at the supermarket. and I have a Joni Mitchel tribute coming up at Hugh's Room, I don't have a ton right now, because I've been so busy doing all the stuff I booked. But we're looking into an East coast tour for the summer. Summer is a ways away, but we're looking to do a full band tour. I just got accepted to the Halifax, East Coast Jazz festival. We're looking at Evolve festival. Trying to book a full tour out there. it's going to cost a lot of money. Logistically we're trying to sort that out now.

An Update from the birds (for the birds?)

Howdy folks, how are things? Sorry I didn't get the rest of this week in Toronto up. I got a bit busier than I'd planned. I had my brother and sister in law visiting, and we some touristy stuff. The ROM was great. The first time I'd been in since it's been fully open. I love all the Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces. And of coarse the dinosaurs are great. To know that 10,000 years ago, we were roaming around with Giant Sloths scares the shit of me.


I did have some time for music on Friday night. I went out to the Drake hotel to see the wonderful Evening Hymns. Solo performer Jonas Bonnetta is a great performer and show man. His looped guitar and vocals become hypnotic, and cleverly support his folk songs. He should have a new album out soon, featuring members of Ohbijou. Good company.


I didn't stay for headliner Pick a Piper's first Toronto appearance, although I now wish I had. I've since heard a few songs on their facebook page, and I'm really impressed. The influence of Caribou (care of alumni, Brad Weber) is apparent in the dueling drums, and synth sounds, but this is no rip off. Far more rock and roll. This would be a great band to see live.


So if you're looking for stuff to do for the rest of the week, he's a couple shows

MON FEB 23

Open Stage at Free Times Cafe
Open stages are a great way for musicians to get their music heard. Even if it's just to other musicians. Ryan over at Free Times has been putting one on for just under a decade, and this will be his last. He's off to bigger and better things (I hope). Anyways, if you've got nothing to do tonight, this is a great way to catch new and exciting musicians.


TUES FEB 24

Gentleman Reg in store at Soundscapes 6pm
Soundscapes is one of my favorite places for CD buying (yes I still do that), it's also becoming a great place to see live music. They had Bruce Peninsula a couple weeks ago, and Timber Timbre as well. This week they're featuring Gentleman Reg. He must have a new album coming out, should be good.


WED FEB 25

Nick Zubeck, Aaron Lozynsky and Shawn Clarke at Rancho Relaxo
Hey here's a great lineup, even without me playing. Nick Zubeck, well I've said a lot about him lately. He's great, and I believe we'll be seeing a rare solo set from him. Aaron Lozynsky has to be seen. He's a real performer, killer harp player. Really knows how to play to a crowd. And then there's me! I wrote a song the other day, maybe I'll debut it. That'll be fun!


So, what can you expect for BtTtF? Hopefully you'll be getting an interview with Valery Gore (tomorrow?) and another Podcast. See ya soon.

Birds.

7 acts in two days!

Hey there lovers. Just wanted to tell you about two great shows that happened this weekend. One, I warned you about, and one I didn't. Here goes:

SAT FEB 14

Nick Zubeck
Yay, Valentines day!! I got to spend it with my lovely girlfriend Lesley at the Drake! The night was fantastic. Three great acts, starting with recent BtTtF interviewee Nick Zubeck. Nick performed with his usual rhythm section of Darren Wall on bass and Marshal Bureau on drums. The last time I saw him he had his keyboard player with him, but I think I prefer this trio setting. Nick really holds it down, highlight was the performance of Schemer of Schemes off of his new album.

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
the reason I was at the Drake instead of say, at a fancy restaurant was to perform with Olenka and her beautiful Autumn Lovers. The show was fantastic. It think we've finally settled into a solid lineup with new addition Blair Whatmore playing various stringed instruments (Electric guitar, finally!).

Barzin
Headliner Barzin was promoting his newest CD, and put on a great set. He has a way of mesmerizing an audience. Part Leonard Cohen, part Chris Issac.. but all the good parts. By the way, his new album is amazing, and can be bought in vinyl form, since all the kids are swingin that way.

SUN FEB 15

Sam Allen
Realizing that we both had Monday off (happy family day!) Lesley and I made a spontaneous trip to London Ontario, where the folks at Open House Arts Collective put on one of the best shows of this early year. Opener was local Sam Allen. Sam writes great folk tunes with gloc and violin rounding out the instruments. His onstage banter is unlike any I've heard. We must get him down to Toronto sometime.

Jenny Omnichord
Ever seen an Omnichord before? It's only one of the coolest instruments of all time! This is what it looks like:

Cool eh? Anyways, Jenny has been a fixture on the Ontario indie scene for some time, but had been unseen by me. She's really enthralling. Her tunes are quirky and heartfelt. The set was completed with an inspired Pixies cover.

Ghost Bees

Wow, what does one say about Ghost Bees? You always hear about the physic connection between twins, but until you see it in person, you can never really understand. The twin sisters of Ghost Bees make beautiful folk music. The sounds of their voices, and the harmonies are out of this world. There is a beautiful chaos to the way that they change harmonies, or one drops out, or the sing in unison. It's really something that has to be seen, and heard.

Timber Timbre
Here is a band that has gotten a lot of buzz really fast. And for good reason. This was the performance of the month. Spine tingling Rock-a-billy infused Gothic sounds, complimented with violin, lap steel and a bass drum. Front man Taylor Kirk is a Revelation.

Well, hopfully I'll see you folks this Wednesday at the Tranzac, that's where you'll find me with Olenka and the Autumn Lovers. Have a good couple days!