The Serge says: The Arkells

Dec 22/09. Horseshoe. The Arkells decided to askew their bland repertoire of nondescript songs to treat the crowd a set of various Motown songs. Surprisingly they did a pretty good job. No Arkell songs + no cover + Motown + beer = good time.

The Serge says: King Khan & The BBQ Show

Dec 4/09. Horseshoe. I always enjoy watching these guys perform and piss on the laid back, subdued, staid crowds at the Horseshoe. When I first saw these guys 3 years ago, they tore apart The Comfort Zone with the whole audience experiencing a musical religious moment. Based on this type of show, Toronto patrons expect this feeling without reciprocation. That doesn't happen. Make the band feel you are there and they will bring you on the journey. hat being said, King Khan put on another quirky, fun, loud show filled with their garage punk/R&B/rock style. Say hallelujah my friends.

The Serge says: Bob Newhart

Dec 4/09. Roy Thompson Hall. Watching veteran comics perform is always a delight in throwback. This being no different. Newhart is a low key, just below legend status comedian, whose most famous for his two hilarious sitcoms ('70's The Bob Newhart Show and '80's Newhart"). I felt so young here - the median age must have been 55. Newhart's routine was filled with old standards, old joke references and a little new material which easily pleased the crowd. With many of the audience probably suffering from Alzheimer's, the jokes were new to them. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable evening with an old master.

The Serge says:

Here are a couple of acustic versions of Young Rival songs done by a local film maker.

YOUNG RIVAL - Untitled from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo.

YOUNG RIVAL - The Ocean from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo.