Ra Ra Riot - Secret show at the Mod Club on Aug 30th

I selfishly invited myself along to a Ra Ra Riot’s secret last night. My friend Martin was kind enough to share his spare ticket with me. (I kinda insisted that I have to go! Thanks Martin!) Ra Ra Riot just released their second album; “The Orchard” - this show was for Toronto fans that purchased it at record stores. I have listened to the new record prior to the show. Their first album was full of catchy songs - the second album sounded a little mellower. I think it will grow on me after listening to a couple of times. 

After 15 minutes of delay, the band finally opened up the gig with songs from a new album. What I found very interesting about this band was that I was so attracted by both violinist and cellist. When I go to shows, I tend to pay more attention to the lead singer or the drummer, following them with my eyes wherever they go. However, for this band, I couldn't take my eyes off from violinist and cellist. It wasn't just because they were extremely hot, but also they added extra spice to the taste of the show - very melodic atmosphere on the stage was created by these two players. 

Despite the interesting tones created by both typical rock instruments and the atypical classical instruments; I have to say, the first half of the performance was very dragging. I was checking the clock several times to see if the tic of the clock has even made a big movement. I think what caused it was the lack of great tunes from the second album. They did not mix songs between two albums and they played lots of songs from the second album, which contain more mellow songs. The lead singer even mentioned that the Torontonian crowed is very attentive, focusing on every details during the show. 

The Second half of the show was very enjoyable despite the disappointing of the first half. They added more rhythmical tunes from the first album-which were more familiar to my ears and kept me dancing throughout the second half of the show. Overall though, the performance was very attention grabbing and fun to watch to study the every moment that they created on the stage. However, it would be great to see if they have more songs that keep the audience entertained for the entire show.

BLUE RODEO LIVE @ the Molson Amphitheatre AUGUST 26th 2010

I can always claim that my first concert ever was a Blue Rodeo show when I was about four years old. Even back then they were my favorite band. Sharon, Lois, and Bram had nothing on Blue Rodeo. I’ve always felt some sort of connection to their music. It just feels like home – reminds me of everything I love. Maybe it’s because they formed in the year I was born (1984 baby) and both my mom and I have owned and/or played every one of their releases since their 1987 debut “Outskirts”.

Maybe it’s just because they are just that damn good. They are one of Canada’s most successful and lasting bands; with 12 studio albums, 3 live recordings, and a greatest hits package. The band isn’t riding on nostalgia either – their latest release, 2009’s “The Things We Left Behind” is one of their best albums. It is both haunting and beautiful with songs crafted to remain in your head for days; but they don’t sacrifice good writing for the sake of a pop song – these songs actually mean something.

In a world of disposable computer pop music; it is really wonderful to see a real band like Blue Rodeo live. This is about my 9th time seeing them; and yes - I do count that first time when I was four years old.

Opening with some lesser known gems the band started into their set and was greeted with a warm response from their hometown crowd. One thing with Blue Rodeo concerts has always been their unpredictability. I’ve liked nearly every Blue Rodeo song I’ve ever heard – but not every song they write is going to be a hit. Some shows, the band delves deep into their expansive catalogue and others they stick to the radio friendly picks for the casual fan. Last night’s show was a great mix of both! They played new their new hits “Don’t let the darkness in your head” and “All the things that are left behind”; a few forgotten gems; and of course classics like “Try”, “Diamond Mine” (my personal favorite since I was only 8 years old), “Trust Yourself”, “Heart Like Mine”, and “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet”.

I could go on forever with that list. The hits kept coming. After more than 25 years of playing some of those songs the band still plays them with the same enthusiasm they had when I saw them play so many years ago. It’s always really wonderful to see a band that actually loves their music as much as the fans do. Jim Cuddy (one half of the vocal duo – the other being Greg Keelor) said before their encore “We do have fun, don’t we?” The crowd roared its appreciation.

I wished it could last forever – I always do – but the show did have to come to an end eventually. They closed with a truly heartfelt classic “Lost Together”. With my lady on my arm, the truth rings eternal in that chorus. “If we’re lost – then we are lost together”. What a beautiful lyric to end such a beautiful night. I cannot wait to welcome them back next year and we’ll all get lost together in the music like we do every year.

The Artful Vandelays are playing tonight with The Eaton, EX~PO, and Electric Karma at the Silver Dollar Room!

Happy Thursday Music Psychos! What's up, what's up?

I am also pretty excited about Fake Prom tomorrow! I have my costume ready! (I've put it together a "sexy" one lol) I am soo excited! If you are going to participate in the most regal Torontonian party this summer, come say hello!

A quick announcement to make this morning!!! If you are getting ready to pre-party tonight for the last weekend in August and don't have any plans yet ( Seriously where the summer went!?), The Artful Vandelays are playing tonight with The Eaton, EX~PO, and Electric Karma at the Silver Dollar Room! The doors open at 8:45, cover is only $6.00! Their new EP will be available at the show and also through their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/theartfulvandelays

 This show is gonna be their last with their lead guitarist Jon! Jon is going to Ottawa to pursue his law studies; so don't miss out tonight as it’s the last time you’ll get to hear his sweeping and beautiful guitar! Also; Anton, the lead singer will offer quick hair styling tips to everyone who will be there :) …well, that's what he said to me lol

The details are below and I am extremely excited about the show! I will see you guys later on tonight! 

 Location:

Silver Dollar Room

486 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON