I just saw MEN perform this weekend. They opened for CSS and well I remember standing in the audience and thinking, that it must be wonderful to play music, tour the world and meet new fans everyday.

I remember thinking that it must be a luxury to travel the world and be in a different city everyday.
I remember wishing that I could perhaps, do that one day.

I never gave much thought into what it actually might be like for those artists and musicians I admire so strongly.

JD Samson wrote this article, and well it made me think of all these things I had never considered.
It made me think that more people need to support live music, and the artists who make that music. Because... well it does matter.

Braid Braids Braided

Braids, a four-piece from Calgary/Montreal have received a lot of acclaim over the past few months. I remember hearing about them in mid 2010 and never paid them much mind. I really should have though, because this year they made it onto the 2011 Polaris Music Prize shortlist. They have my full undivided attention now.
And I have to say... Well, I'm impressed.

They create beautiful lush melodies that seamlessly weave together and the sound is one that can't really be described. I think it's chilling and purposefully aloof. (Does that make sense?)
Just have a listen and judge for yourself.
They are unique and that distinction is important when it comes to music.

This Hits Me Like A Rock

CSS - Hits Me Like A Rock


CSS are playing at VENUE in Vancouver this Saturday, and well I'm hoping to attempt these dance moves at the show. I am beyond excited for this show.

The Otherside is Usually Brighter..

I had been allowing myself to listen to music outside of the usual genre I tend to cling to.
This Seattle based artist, Macklemore, first caught my attention by way of a KEXP session recording of this song. The mention of Fences in the title sparked my curiosity. The mixture of the indie singer-songwriter vocals of Christopher Mansfield creates a unique juxtaposition to Macklemores' raps. I think this is what raw talent should sound like, look like, feel like.

Macklemore (With Ryan Lewis) - Otherside (Ft. Fences)

Sia Furler, What a Charmer.

Image Source
Sia
Commodore Ballroom
August 19th, 2011
Guests: Ximena Sarinana / Oh Land

The We Are Born Tour.

The last time Sia played the Commodore in April of 2010, she collapsed a few songs in. This time however, Sia played the full ~ 90 minute set. She walked out on stage dressed in a combination of a ruffled dress / poncho adorned and patterned with vaginas of different sizes, shapes and colours, completed with a pair of heels with, yes you guessed it a vagina pattern attached to it. It was extravagant, indeed. The set opened with a couple songs off of her newest release We Are Born, it seemed that the show would play into a pattern of a song after song cycle.... but I thought too soon, because between every few songs Sia's personality and hilarious anecdotes broke the crowd of the hypnotic trance that I'm sure most of us were in listening to Sia belt out the lyrics.

She talked about her experience of trying to explain to her friend the type of vagina she had.... (her sudden candid and un-shy demeanor was unexpected but completely welcomed) --- only stopping the story to hastily ask if there were any kids there... hopefully not. What I learned was that you could easily describe yours truly as a 'flower'. Lesson learned.

The Vancouver show was the last of her North America tour stops. It was the last "show, for a long time" as Sia told us, I realized just how special this show was. The sold out show filled with excited audience members laughed along to the random antics of the one and only Sia. A devoted fan baked her Kale cookies, and if you follow Sia on twitter you would understand her recent obsession to Kale chips and how much this sentiment means.
Between songs she encouraged us to 'talk' to her, ask her questions, throw things at her ---- you know, the usual things any musician would ask an audience to partake in. She is quickly become one of my favourite personalities, in addition to being a brilliantly talented musician.
Her powerhouse vocals were evident in her ballads and even more so in her more sincere songs.

Let's just say that it was all that I expected and more. On stage, Sia may not move and dance like the former Britney Spears, but her talent obvious from her musicianship --- overlook that.

Sia came back for an encore after a short period after leaving the stage to "sing the to two songs [she] hates to play". I was surprised to hear this, but it was completely understandable. "Clap Your Hands" followed by "Breathe Me" received the warmest and most excitable responses. Everyone danced and sang along to "Clap Your Hands", and swayed and sang along to "Breathe Me." This was the first song I had heard from Sia. This song holds a lot of sentiment, it was the song that helped me transition to High School, it was the song that can easily move me to tears. In whatever way that it helped shape my taste in music, I am sure glad that it was a part of my teenage years. Hearing it live was to me, a moment that I want to remember, for a while at least.
Beautiful.

Oh Land opened the show, I caught the middle of her set onwards and thought she was an eclectic mix of pop and dance. Her set warmed everyone up for Sia to take stage... I was too excited to really invest myself to pay much detailed attention to the band. Sorry Oh Land.

The Georgia Straight has a more detailed and semi(not-so-much) decent review, despite the writer claiming Sia to be 'nuts' it's bearable to read, he obviously doesn't follow her on twitter.


(I love this stop motion video for "Breathe Me" --)

CSS

CSS MAKING POSTERS! from csstv on Vimeo.

CSS - Vogue Theatre Oct/01/2011
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS.

Underwater Tea Party.

NPR Article



Warpaint just released a video for their self-titled track.
They filmed a large portion of this video... UNDERWATER.
And this I find incredibly inventive, new and kind of exciting.
Each day that I continue to listen to their music,
I become more invested into them as artists, as personalities and musicians.
It keeps me excited to listen to music, ---
With school being so stressful and pressure feeling so heavy.
Their music makes me feel -- calm.
Finally.

Directed By Ted Newsome

http://www.warpaintwarpaint.com/
http://www.roughtraderecords.com/

Feeling Fooled.

I recently discovered WARPAINT and Bon Iver.
I feel like one of those really stubborn music listeners. I had put off on listening to these two artists, but a about a month ago I decided to give them a go. I was planning on courting them and taking them out. See if we share the same tastes, likes and dislikes.
We became best friends.

Firstly, let me admit the huge crush I have on every member of Warpaint. Just take a look at the photo below. They are all gorgeous, and great musicians.

I thought the bassist (Jenny Lee Lindberg) was Shannyn Sossamon--- who is beautiful. Only to find out that she is in fact her younger sister. Jealous.
I now feel the urge to go buy a bass and learn to play, because (fun fact) Jenny Lee picked up the bass at 18 years old and well about 10 years later she is writing bass lines that give me goosebumps, chills and the oh-so-happy feelings.
This band is hugely talented. I love that they rock the 90’s sounding jams that are so relevant today.
The first video I saw of them was for their song Undertow.

What Babes. (I feel like one of those obsessed teens who've just discovered something amazing)

They’ll be one of my favourites this year and maybe forever.
If I could, I would fly out to see them play. I want to so badly. What should I do?!
I get the same type of feeling from their music that CocoRosie gave me during their live show.
I’m so excited for the success of this band. (I want Jenny Lee to cut my hair --- is that weird?)
The oh-so-happy feelings are fresh, new and exciting.
Listening to them makes me want to dance at bus stops, skip steps and shout out loud.
Warpaint will be on rotation all summer.

BON IVER.
So I had always put aside this band, never really had the time or patience to listen to his songs. I had heard so much and well I recently discovered the beauty of his voice. Chills.

I managed to get two tickets for a friend and I. The show scheduled for September at The Orpheum Theatre this fall sold out within minutes. I can’t wait to sit in a theatre of 1000’s and possibly choke up to ballads of heartbreak, love and well, love.

Lykke Li + Grimes = Light Show + War Dance

Lykke Li
Guest: Grimes
The Vogue Theatre
May 27th, 2011
Grimes 9:30pm / Lykke Li 10:30pm

Where do I begin to try to describe the show I just witnessed?
It had been a few months since I'd seen a show at The Vogue and it was incredibly nostalgic walking in through the doors and into the heart of the venue. I arrived just past 9pm and walked into a packed theatre. There was an excitement in the air, it was almost palpable and electric. Concert-goers milled about with their drinks in hand waiting for the opener Grimes to begin her set.

At around 9:30 Grimes -- stage persona of Claire Boucher, a multi-instrumentalist who syncs and loops her bass, synth and electronic beats into her keys to which she sung to. Almost immediately I noticed her unique voice which carried itself distinctly through her experimental-pop/contemporary melodies. She blew me and I'm sure everyone away with her child-like voice and overall cosmic-ethereal weirdness. I found her to have adorable stage presence, I couldn't help but smile and dance throughout her set. She stood centre stage with two keyboards and sang her trip-hop/melodic word rhymes-- it really does take you someplace special.
She's a Montreal based, Vancouver artist and she has me hooked.
Her music is particular yet strangely beautiful, it is genre-bending and absolutely unique.
I regret not buying her album after the show -- it is now on my list of "must finds."

This song sounded so great live.
Grimes - Vanessa

Grimes - Vanessa from Arbutus Records on Vimeo.

(I think I love this song--- and it's only been a few hours since I first heard it)

After Grimes' set --
Lykke Li took to the stage at around 10:30. Might I add that Lykke Li strutted on stage in a black robe/cloak that revealed just enough to make you swoon. She looked like a ghostly dark phantom that emerged from the smoke and flashing lights to deafening applause and cheers. From what I remember she opened with Jerome ---- I think.
It really doesn't matter what songs she played, or in what order, all that really matters is that Lykke Li commanded the stage with her "war dance" amidst the seizure-inducing light show. It was an incredible visual, an experience that leaves you hollering with excitement, and wanting more.

Lykke Li was accompanied on stage by musicians clad in black. There were two percussionist and therefore drum-sets, a plethora of keyboards/synths, an accompanying singer and a bassist/guitarist who all encircled Lykke Li, who stood front and centre stage.
What sets this show apart form the many others I have seen is perhaps the brilliant stage design of long black drapes which tossed and danced in the "wind" around the musicians on stage. The music stands on its own, Lykke Li, a Swedish native absolutely embodies a distinctly powerful voice which carries itself across in anthemic songs like "I Follow Rivers" and yet can still deliver the sweet and delicate sentiments of "I Know Places." She played a cohesive mixture of songs from both her albums, Wounded Rhymes and Youth Novels. Bringing out audience favourites "Little Bit," "Dance Dance Dance" with a strong focus on her 2011 release.
She also played an unreleased track which she doesn't play often (?) ("Made Me Move/Made You Move?), she played this just after telling us that we were "the best audience so far" which is always a great thing. Brilliant

My favourite moment of the night:
Lykke Li's band left the stage and she proceeded to play "I Know Places" sans accompanying musicians. It was a beautiful moment, and the audience shushed up for those few moments..... until she launched into an upbeat song which prompt the audience to break the silence and cheer, dance and enjoy the music.

Lykke Li - I Know Places

(My favourite track off of Wounded Rhymes)

Phantogram + Fine Mist

Phantogram
Guest: Fine Mist
Venue (Nightclub)
May 20, 2011
Time: 8- 8:30pm Fine Mist, 9-10pm Phantogram (The shortest show I think I've been to)
I met up with a couple friends, Grace and Dan, just after I checked my tickets at the Venue box office. One of the bouncers who stood just outside Venue turned out to be a former classmate of mine. We had second year English together, and well it's nice to know that even Bouncers, who's job is to intimidate and keep trouble out, also enjoys discussing about why the protagonist and antagonist can never have a love relationship that can last. After meeting/staying for "drinks" at Cafe Crepe across the street on the Granville strip, we (friends of friends of friends) made our way over to see the opening act.

Fine Mist who turns out to be a really well known local act who (according to my good friend Dan) opened for Hercules and Love Affair --- (I wanted to be at that show). They are comprised of a female vocalist and male multi-instrumentalist. I don't know anything about them other than the fact that I couldn't stop smiling while watching them perform. They have this overwhelmingly adorable stage presence, both charismatic and entertaining. The crowd swayed and shuffled in what I would call enjoyment, I suppose to the catchy and synth-driven songs. After their 30 minute set, the audience began to re-shuffle, re-arrange, re-assemble and re-claim the places that they hope to occupy during the headlining act. In this case it was Phantogram.

I first saw Phantogram open for Metric in June of 2010 at the Malkin Bowl. I had never heard of them, and didn't think much about their music. The band is made up of a female synth/vocalist and a male guitarist/vocalist. Their instrumental was catchy, smooth and melodic. I remember her vocals to be "airy" and captivating... It put me in a swaying trance.

Fast forward to their first headlining show in Vancouver, and I can happily say their their performance encouraged erratic dancing, head bobbing and body swaying. It was a dance party to sweet and melodic songs [remixed] with the hammering sounds of a live drummer. The percussive element adds an entirely different dimension to the sound of Phantogram. In a live music setting the songs transform and become much larger than I could have anticipated. As a fairly new listener I think I'm hooked to their transient and synth driven songs, especially with the drumming element.
As a side note: I have to say that the lighting of the show was brilliantly done. Coloured light flooded across the musicians on stage and well added to the elevtro-rock/pop energy.

Phantogram - When I'm Small


---------------------------------------
It was my first time at Venue, and I was pleasantly surprised at the small space that holds so many club nights and concerts. I wonder -- because Venue is known as a place to come to for remixed pop songs and the like that maybe a culture of sporadically taking semi-not-so-great photos of you and your friends in such an environment is something that might not be the best activity in a live concert setting.
I don't think hundreds of blurry photos will mean much when you can't even remember why you bought tickets to see a... oh yeah, a live music show. Listen to the music, and watch the performers, enjoy the songs and experience something you can't otherwise.
Think about it, when you're at a show.. you dance, scream, clap and cheer between songs. You can't really do this in any other environment... transit / classroom / work -- people might think you're a little insane.
If in all aspects of your life you are bound by some social / moral / societal construct -- feel the obligation/need to follow the guidelines of 'ordinary'. You can 'let loose' at a live show -- you can live a little and in many ways experience what these performers you came to see live through everyday. They sing, shout, dance and play loud instruments.... if they were ordinary would you take the time to see them?
I think you would only invest your time --- if you think these artists / musicians / dancers / performers are in some way extraordinary. So why not enjoy those moments, -- and instead of taking pictures from a point + shoot camera, enjoy the show.

Fences Breaks Our Hearts

PHOTOS FOUND HERE

FENCES
The Biltmore Cabaret
April 15, 2011
Show 9pm

I have been waiting for Chris Mansfield, also known as Fences to come back to Vancouver to play a show -- I missed the last time he came through and have been anticipating his return ever since.
I have to say, after a long week of final exams and pondering expectant test scores-- I needed a break from my hectic college life.
This was the perfect release.

I have written about how his music makes me feel, how much I so self-deprecatingly love it. Endlessly.
Let me continue that trend.

I made my way down to the venue at around 8:30pm. Just outside the venue was Chris standing in the shadows surrounded by cigarette smoke. Obscure and hidden. Upon entering the venue I wondered if the motivation behind deciding to pursue a career in music would be fame and fortune. I doubt it.

JODY GLENHAM opened the show just passed 9pm with her acoustic style melodies and solid vocals. I didn't know what to expect but found myself moving along to the music. She sang about snow in New York that got me thinking if... it actually was snowing in New York. Hm.
To reiterate: I enjoyed her set. She was joined on stage by two male musicians on the drum-set and keys/bass/melodica/guitar. They complemented each other well and the sounds they produced was melodic, and pleasantly - soulful.
LISTEN TO HER SONG BUTTONS

When FENCES took to the stage at around 9:45pm everybody suddenly shushed up slightly, made their way to the front of stage and paid close attention. Fences opened their set with a tragically beautiful song... and the name of that song has escaped me. (Marketplace?). They followed with Sadie, My Girl the Horse and most if not all of the songs from their latest release - Amazing. The songs melted into one another and each in their very own way buried themselves into our ears and into our swollen hearts.
His songs seem to expose every crevice in his soul and leave his guts spewing tears. They make you so damn sad -- it's nostalgically authentic every time you think you've hit your lowest point. Chris Mansfields' tall lanky - tattooed form stood center stage with skin tight skinnies hemmed inches above the ankle -- his staple; a short-sleeved button up shirt and a cap, as if you say to us -- "I feel at home here". He stood facing the microphone singing the majority of his songs with his eyes closed, as if back to where he was when he wrote them.
To add to his calm demeanor on stage -- His sincerity shone through when he thanked us and followed with "I'll fuckin' see you later" the sweetest words I've heard all night, charming -- you see, he's "a sensitive guy." Three other bandmates filled out the stage on guitar/keys, bass and drums -- they created sounds of mellow indie variety. Brilliant. Between the verses and chorus' Mansfield would recede to face the back of the stage, as if to say, "it's not me who deserves the attention" -- Humble. The band as a whole cohesively played song after song adding an energy of controlled self-esteem and troubled melodies.
Fences ended the set with From Russia With Love my favourite then, now and possibly forever.
Perfect.
Just before leaving I couldn't resist picking up the album and a shirt -- I'll wear it proudly.
What can I cay -- I have a soft spot for the kid.
Oh. Also. Check out these amazing photos from the show from SCENEINTHEDARK

Blinded By The Glimmer of Diamonds

Photo: From Here

March 11th, 2010
Diamond Rings + PS I Love You = Skin friction, sweat dripping, body surfing, dance action.

The opener, whose name escapes me, took to the stage to set the pace for the show. His electronic drum pads, beats and reverb sounding--sound was potentially catalytic of seizures and the like. He danced onstage in a manner that was entertaining and also alarming. His passionate, yet constant stomping of his feet to his music was genuine, yet terrifying. He seemed to have fun, and when he screamed into his auto-tuned microphone we can confirm this. Unfortunately, I can't say that many of the audience members could reciprocate this excitement. The opener in a sense does just that, he opens up for who you really came to see. He however receives A for enthusiasm and a somewhat lower grade for delivery.

PS I Love You were up next and surprised me by their fun and catchy tunes. The rhythmic bass of the drums hyped up the audience and had us swaying to the chaos of sound that came from the guitarist/vocals. Impressive. The act was exciting to watch, listen to and relate to. In addition to being an awesome opener -- Diamond Rings came on stage for the last song to sing a song they wrote together. All in all - it was a great pre-show dance warm-up, to prep us for Diamond Rings.

Diamond Rings came onstage at around 11:30pm and soon after, the crowd obviously so excited felt the anxiety to push and shove and dance about. Crowd surfing, glow-stick waving, and personalities shone throughout the performance. Diamond Rings' quirky dance moves opened his set, he struck rock-anthem poses with his fist in the air as if in celebration of glitter-power and tight pants. His deep resonating vocals sung about "showing your stuff" and the like. He played alongside his pre-recorded beats playing from his laptop. Like a pro he handled mishaps, what-with microphones becoming un-plugged and cords twisting in his clenched fists. He was also attentive and responsive of the crowd, when an audience member screams that he's "beautiful" he has the social grace to coyly voice a "thank you." Not only is he glittery, tall, lanky and "beautiful," he's also polite.

Great fun show -- the venue could however cut back on the stage-smoke and consider getting air-conditioning. It was difficult to breathe when the ceiling is so low and no air seemed to be circulating.

If you can, catch Diamond Rings + PS I Love You on their North American Tour -- And remember to bring glitter.
Photo From Here <-- The link will also bring you to a feature on Diamond Rings by The Guardian.

Sweet Sounds of the 16th Century?

Joanna Newsom - Baby Birch (Paris 31.05.2010)

Scissors Are For Cutting Paper.

Scissor Sisters - Live Performance at Amoeba Records


I love hearing them sing live. Impressive vocals and stage presence.
Can you imagine being that close to such attractive people?
Nauseating.
LINK Here

KEXP Radio, Anyone?

KEXP 90.3 Seattle is a non-profit, non-commercial, member supported station. I frequent this station from time to time, the same way I frequent the CBC Radio 3 stream.

I don't normally listen to radio, nor would I think it necessary to mention them here.
But KEXP, is an exception.
I usually avoid radio stations because they play music that I couldn't care much for...
This is not to say that I don't enjoy music.
I'm the girl who takes transit with her headphones on.
I like to put a soundtrack to my travels.
The change of scenery allows time for me to dream up and imagine a world where only the music flowing from my headphones can exist in.

The music I listen to is particular, I tend to attach myself to a few musical groups at a time.
I'm not a very good multitasker --- this can be seen in my music selection.

The reason I'm mentioning KEXP --- is because they feature studio sessions of artists I listen to, it's a pleasant surprise. It is so rare to hear these artists on Vancouver radio.
On repeat, I would play Fences, CocoRosie, The Xx, Sharon Van Ettens, and all of them are featured on KEXP, their sessions are brilliant. It's always exciting to see musicians play in a setting where there are no flashing neon lights, falling confetti and bobbing heads to block your view.
These studio sessions showcase the artists' music in its raw, stripped down form.
My favourite.

Fences - From Russia With Love (Live on KEXP)


Fences - Sadie (Live on Kexp)

(Chris Mansfield's songs from Fences are rapidly becoming one of my favourites, simple.)

Recorded 12/28/10 - Host: John Richards
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen, Shelly Corbett
Audio: Kevin Suggs - Edits: Justin Wilmore
-------------------------------------------------------
Sharon Van Etten - Peace Signs (Live on Kexp)

Recorded 11/10/10 - Host: Cheryl Waters - Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Shelly Corbett, Justin Wilmore & Patrick Richardson Wright
Edits: Justin Wilmore
------------------------------------------------------
CocoRosie - Lemonade (Live on KEXP)


CocoRosie - Fairy Paradise (Live on KEXP)

(I've been waiting for this session to turn up -- always so great live)

Recorded 6/25/10 - Host: Cheryl Waters - Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Dan Torok, Justin Wilmore - Editing: Justin Wilmore

and many more sessions on their website -- Check It.

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

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.

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?

Lights, Dance, Music - Sufjan Style

(Check out the Amazing outfit! Photo from Here From his show in Vancouver 2006)

Sufjan Stevens
Orpheum Theatre
October 26, 2010

I've been a casual Sufjan listener. I can't recite his tracklist off by heart. I can recognize songs, and its hooks. And that's about as much Sufjan knowledge I have.
To say the least I had no idea what to expect from the concert.

The show began at 8:30 - the opener played 4 songs. It was a lovely 25 minute musical interlude of vocals, guitars, claps, and snaps all looped into a massive sound. I though it was a little disorienting and found myself thinking of hallucinogenic dances around camp fires.... I don't know where this association came from. To say the least, the audience really responded to this opener and clapped, cheered for him between songs.

Just after 9:00 Sufjan Stevens came on stage. The applause was deafening.
During the entire show brilliant projections of Sufjan , his dancers, animated shorts were shown on the backdrop. I really enjoyed the visuals, it added a different dimension to the show.
The music was mixed perfectly, the 2 drumsets. 2 backup singers/dancer, 2 trombones, 1 pianist, 1 keys/sound effects man, 1 bass, 1 electric guitar and Sufjan and his multiple instruments all blended together, without one overpowering the other.

His voice --- His VOICE was on point.
In short, the show consisted of choreographed dance moves, impeccable vocals, projected visuals, great live band = one of the most visually and musically interesting shows I have ever been to. It was a pleasant surprise, for sure.

Check out this review of the show from The Georgia Straight

Sufjan Stevens - Chicago (He loves us all very much)

Gallows in the Willow Trees

CocoRosie - Gallows

COCOROSIE - GALLOWS (OFFICIAL VIDEO) from Emma Freeman on Vimeo.

From the album, 'Grey Oceans'.
cocorosieland.com
myspace.com/cocorosie
Director: Emma Freeman
Cinematographer: Mia Mala McDonald
US Cinematographer: Chris Dapkins
Editors: Emma Freeman & Rodrigo Balart
Hair/Make Up (AUS): Claire Leighton

emmafreeman.com.au

This is by the same director as their last video "Lemonade".
The story is tragic, it's delivered eerily, the concept is so creative.