Sunday, November 29, 2009

Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Serge says:

Here's some obscurity for you. Former members of Spirit ("I Got A Line On You") formed this band Jo Jo Gunne. Check it out.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Serge says: Devo

Nov 23/09. Phoenix. Devo's first show in Toronto in 25 years was definitely no disappointment. They played an energetic and exciting show to a packed house of receptive fans and curious onlookers. They started with a couple of their earliest videos I suppose to show us how skinny they used to be. Devo, still displaying their knack for showmanship, were decked out in their trademark outfits - you would think someone would point out that yellow jumpsuits are not slimming. Their enthusiasm and energy were boundless this night, jumping around and "Devo posing" looked silly and awesome for a group of men this age. They played their first album in its entirety, blessed with crowd pleasing songs such as Uncontrollable Urge, Mongoloid and Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy. After a short break, they returned to play a handful of songs and finished with a rousing Gates Of Steel. And it was much appreciated that they skipped Whip It. Enjoy some "Nerd Punk" below.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Serge says: White Denim

Nov 9/09,. Horseshoe. It seems "buzz band" is synonymous with "Austin, Texas" now. I can see the connection from the amazing SXSW festivals held there every year. White Denim is a garage rock/southern rock style type of band with loud, dirty jams that obviously do not match their polished, relatively subdued recorded music. The guitarist relied heavily on reverb, distortions and delays that just made him sound muffled in comparison to the vibrant rhythm section. The rhythm section were solid and tight which adds comparisons to Double Trouble and Cream's Ginger Baker/Jack Bruce. Having the drummer up front with the other two members of the band really added to the sound. One of the most original encores I've have ever seen: they came out and tore the place apart for 1 minute then called it a night. In all, it was a good show mainly due to the great musicianship of the bassist and drummer.

Friday, November 6, 2009

jay says: Mickey Lee Lane

Here's a cool tune I found while searching for forgotten 60's garage rock/soul bands.


Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Serge says: Young Rival review

Nov 4/09 Horseshoe: Still rule.

The Serge says: Deep Dark Woods

Nov 4/09 Horseshoe: This is a band from Saskatchewan that plays music tailored-made for the hippie crowd. That would explain the excess of facial hair and so much flannel that I thought I was at an unemployed lesbian conference. The myspace page has music that is eye-gouging boring which doesn't represent the live show properly. Don't get me wrong, they are still boring but not to that extent. The long jam sessions are in the Phish vein and I always enjoy a good Hammond organ solo. Basically, they didn't suck as much as I thought they would.