Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wainwright Does it Right

Rufus Wainwright
The Centre in Vancouver
November 26th, 2010

The Vancouver Sun Review
Photographs from the evening

Upon entering the theatre hall the opener Teddy Thompson was already on stage.
I was excited to see what Rufus had planned for that evening. The first half would be an applaudless performance with enticing projections on a huge backdrop. The songs performed were, I felt a commemoration to his mother, Kate McGarrigle who passed away early this year. A grand piano, and a spot-light on a caped Rufus Wainwright were the only visuals on stage, with the addition of the projections of a gothic, dark eye, opening and closing. In a word, the imagery was eerie. His performance included songs from his most recent release All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu. I admittedly had not heard it, but was pleasantly surprised at his earnest performance, it was dramatic and emotional. His musicality, vocals and piano = Perfect.

In the second portion of the night, we applauded after every song. The stage was littered with candles, romantic. He played favourites and crowd pleasers as a lone performer at his piano. In truth, all he needs is his piano and voice. It was outstanding, his range of vocals and melodies. It was a more light performance in contrast to his caped persona. He came out in an outfit that screamed "I'm right here!" and sang songs that commanded us to listen, watch and wait intently for that one line that would lead to to applause. His energy was contagious, his charm and wit between songs made the audience chuckle. The night was full of class and operatic-like tunes from Rufus.
Even when he was pulling a nose hair out of his nose.... he still has class, all bundled up into what makes an envious talent.

Rufus is a true performer who adds just enough drama to keep listeners wanting more.
He is on a North American Tour --- Check for dates on his website HERE

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I Need Some Diamond Rings

This is my 100th post.
This is a celebratory post.
I celebrate this post with the help of Diamond Rings. Check it.



The Biltmore Caberet
November 20, 2010
Doors 7 - Show at 8 - Curfew at 11
Diamond Rings + Human + Teen Daze + Dbl. Dragon

The Biltmore
The venue was a great space for live music - great selection of seats - bar - warm decor and colours - all of this centred around the main stage. The state of the art sound and light systems provided exceptional sound the entire night. Was pleasantly surprised.

Dbl. Dragon
They opened the show with a set just under 30 minutes with catchy dance-rock-pop tracks. They had 2 drummers and it absolutely made their sound come across. The drummers and vocalist were delivering an impressive performance. Great sound, performance, music. It warmed everyone from the freezing chills outside.
Was probably my favourite act of the night, after Diamond Rings - o'course.

Teen Daze
Experimental band from right here in Vancougar played a 30 minute set full of synth driven tracks. Their sound reminded me of dreamy walks in the dark streets on Vancouver. They created a mood of calm, yet their sound had just enough drums, guitars and beats to have the audience dancing -- drinks in hand.
I was impressed. I'll definitely make an effort to see them play again.

Human
Two members took the stage before Diamond Rings and played electronic heavy songs backed by heavy basses. Interesting experimental, electronic sound balanced out with guitars, and vocals. They seemed to have the longest set... it may have been the excitement that was making everyone antsy in anticipation for the final act.

Diamond Rings - Website + Myspace

Diamond Rings' LP Special Affections was released October 2010 on Secret City.

Based out of Toronto - His electronic - experimental - 80's inspired sound recorded on this LP receives an impressive review from PITCHFORK ---

His performance at the Biltmore was surprisingly the shortest set of the night. It may have been due to the ridiculous curfew of 11pm that the venue set. Diamond Rings took the stage at around 10:30 and play a 30 minute set filled with his syncopated rhythms and beats playing from his macbook, and him on vocals and electric guitars or keys. The audiences' excitement was palpable and everyone body swayed, feet shuffled, body rolled with arms pumping for the entire set.
He graced the stage with gold glittery spandex leggings, and face make up that screams fierce!
I can't recall the order of the songs performed, but am sure he played Show Me Your Stuff, Something Else, and Wait & See

If you have the chance, absolutely check out Diamond Rings, he definitely puts on an energetic show - you are sure to have a fun time.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Stars May Have Lost Their Shimmer?

Photo Credit Here
Stars
The Vogue Theatre
Nov 4, 2010

The last time I saw Stars perform were on Nov 17, 2007 at the Commodore Ballroom.
That was a great evening, the sound was mixed well, the audience was enthusiastic and the live music was enjoyable.

I expected the same type of show at the Vogue Theatre. Admittedly, I hadn't quite listened to their new album Five Ghosts to a point where I had all their lyrics memorized as with their previous release. But nonetheless I was looking forward to a good show.

A friend and I went to Guu Gardens to grab a bite to eat before the show. We saw Amy Milan and crew seated in the restaurant as well. I soon found out as the night progressed that it would be the best moment of that night. A simple sighting completely trumps the show.... let me tell you why.

Once we set foot into the theatre we decided to stand up by the stage.
Once the opener Young Galaxy began I immediately felt uncomfortable... was it just me or was the sound coming from the speakers distorted?
My body core was vibrating so extremely that I felt anxiety rise in my chest.
Usually the bass/drums would cause our clothes and selves to vibrate and move. This usually happens at any live show were the instruments and vocals were mixed well. I was expecting this.
Instead, the sound of the keys and synths created waves of nausea to set inside me.
The sound was so unfortunate and it really ruined the night for me.
I could hardly hear the vocals -- the sythns and keys were TOO loud, guitars not loud enough. I didn't think the sound was mixed well at all. I'm not an expert, but I could have used more vocals.

To add to my discomfort with the sound, the audience really did not help. One in particular thought that claiming space would, what, give them more wiggle room for their very slim body type? I would love to forget this night ever happened. I've been to enough shows to understand that concert etiquette is not hard to understand. Don't push in front of people and increasingly make a point to claim more space. What an irritating experience.

This is not to say that Stars' performance was lacking at all. Visually Torquil Campbell and Amy Milan had great stage presence. They were full of energy and were both great performers. Torquil was working up quite a sweat, needless to say it was very "rockstar" like. Amy Milan worked the stage in 4 inch heels, we later found out that she's 5 months pregnant! I had no idea, she was glowing on stage.... and that may be why. They played old songs and new had great energy, they also had an small intermission midway through their set and played 2 acoustic songs. It was magical.
It was a great show to watch and be absorbed in. Unfortunately the sound, for me anyway, really brought the night down.

Maybe if Stars were to come to perform in Vancouver again on their next leg of their tour --- I may consider going if they were to play a different venue.

(It's funny because some of my favourite concert memories were at The Vogue Theatre, Joanna Newsom - Amazing. ---- I don't know what happened this time around. Was it the venue/sound/band? --- maybe just my ears?