Concert Rankings – 2019!

Metric

Here we go! The annual, sometimes controversial, concert rankings!

Admittedly, this year was a little “lighter”. Only 15 bands ranked this year! But… the tough thing about seeing fewer bands than normal is they’re harder to rank, because frankly, all the shows I saw this year were pretty awesome. So here’s my attempt to rank ’em!

15. Jagwar Twin (Meridian Hall, October 6th 2019)

For everyone reading this over the age of 25, you know when you go to a concert and see an opening band and while you’re sipping your drink it hits you…. you are too old for this band. That’s happened to  me a few times, but was pretty evident when Jagwar Twin hit the stage, opening for Avril Lavigne. In this case I realized I was probably old enough to be the mother of anyone a fan of this band…

14. July Talk (Scotiabank Arena, April 26th 2019)

CONTROVERSIAL RANKING ALERT (except if you’re Rob Duffy). I love July Talk, and I love seeing them live. But I can’t put my finger on it, this night wasn’t right. I think it was a combination of the fact they were the opener for Metric, and so they were playing to a near-empty venue. And while July Talk have a huge sound, I am not 100% sure they’re ready for arenas yet, or that it’s the right venue for them at all. The best part of this band is feeling like you’re apart of their frantic energy on stage, and feeling connected. Being in a venue like the Scotiabank Arena puts a lot of physical distance between us and the band. Even when I’ve seen them at festivals it’s felt more intimate. Thankfully, I did also see July Talk another time this year (stay tuned for a special ranking on that), so all was not lost!

13. Avril Lavigne (Meridian Hall, October 6th 2019)

You’re probably thinking, “Tesla, why were you at an Avril Lavigne concert?!” It was a surprise for Sean’s brother, who is a huge fan! I will say… it was a lot of fun rocking out to songs I haven’t heard since high school. It was also really cool to see the next generation of young girls singing along to Avril’s hits. The knock I’d give against her is that her voice isn’t that strong, but she was smart enough to keep her ballads to just a medley to avoid burning out her pipes!

12. Of Monsters and Men (Budweiser Stage, September 11th 2019)

Honestly, everything from Iceland is just so cool. These guys have made the rankings before, and I was really looking forward to this show as I love their latest album, Fever Dream. The atmosphere for this show was interesting – it was a rainy night by the lake, and so there was a fog settling amongst the crowd (thankfully for Kim & I, we were under the roof. Sadly, my buds John & Val were not so lucky). And also… a lot of people were surprisingly drunk for an indie folk/rock concert! Overall, I loved this show. This band are incredibly talented, and they always sound so polished live. My one gripe is there were some “slow” moments through the setlist where I found they kept too many slow songs together, instead of mixing it up with their hits. But anytime I get to dance to “Little Talks” is always a good night in my books!

11. Metric (Scotiabank Arena, April 26th 2019)

So I learned something this year. I learned that when you’re dealing with a lot of emotional stress, you can have next to no recollection of memorable events… and this concert is one of those nights. I actually forgot I attended this concert at all until I was going through my calendar. Thankfully, I make notes (yes I know, I can’t help being Type A), and it helped jog my memory. The main reason, I think, this concert is locked away in my memory bank is because it was unexpectedly emotional. As Emily Haines was singing “No Lights on the Horizon” I realized that the last new CD I brought home for my Dad to listen to was Metric. So cue some tears. Aside from that moment, the other standout memory was “Dressed to Suppress” sounding phenomenal live (I do recall jumping along to that one and belting it out), and the song showcased not only Emily Haines’ incredible talents, but Jimmy Shaw was excellent on guitar.  Hopefully, the next time I see them will stick in the forefront a little more!

10. Vampire Weekend (Echo Beach, June 5th 2019)

This concert definitely sticks in my memory – which is ironic because I spent most of the show on my tip-toes trying to see! This would rank as one of the tallest crowds I’ve ever stood in. BUT, they opened with “Harmony Hall” and instantly I didn’t care whether I could see or not! I think Vampire Weekend would win one of the best setlists of the year. Their catalogue is so extensive, there’s always going to be something you don’t hear, but considering this was my first ever show of theirs, I heard all of the heavy hitters. But performance aside, something else made this night memorable. I ended up spending the concert hanging out with my co-worker and friend, Rob Duffy, and a group of his close friends. It was really special getting to hear them reminisce about the previous Vampire Weekend shows they’ve attended, and seeing the bonds this group have. I felt honoured to be with them!

9. The Head and the Heart (Meridian Hall, October 20th 2019)

I seem to have a strange tradition – anytime I run a race, I seem to have a concert either that night or the day before! On this day I got myself out of bed at about 6am to run in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 5km, and somehow I stayed awake long enough to enjoy a concert! But this was a night for celebrating! Our friends John & Val had literally just bought their first home, and it was the first time we could all really sit back and toast. So with all of that as the backdrop, we were able to enjoy a really fun concert. The Head and the Heart are such a perfect mix of country, folk, and rock. They rank, for me, as one of those bands (like Alt-J), that I discovered and fell in love with when I was living on my own and would listen to Indie88 all the time in my little basement apartment. Their hit “Shake” was everywhere on radio, and it immediately brings me back to those times as I discovered who I wanted to be. Whenever I get to see a band like this with Sean, it makes everything feel very “full circle”. Their latest album Living Mirage is definitely their most mature, and in some respects “mainstream”, but I was happy that it translated well on stage. The album was a fixture this summer, as my mom was always blasting it on the stereo whenever we’d visit. Their harmonies as a band are just incredible, and I love the swells in so many of their choruses. To me, their music is happiness and joy, even though so many of their songs are about loss. I guess, in some ways, it’s how I see the beauty in some of life’s toughest moments.

8. Dream Serenade (Roy Thompson Hall, November 2nd 2019)

I thought a lot about how to rank this night. Dream Serenade isn’t a band, but rather it’s a benefit concert put on by the artist Hayden and a slew of guest artists. It was a beautiful night of music and inspiring stories. The concert itself benefits families of children with different physical and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. On the bill, officially, were acts like Donovan Woods, U.S. Girls, Shad, Barenaked Ladies, July Talk and Matt Berninger (lead singer of The National). Alongside these artists, surprise guests made the night feel even more special. Canadian 80’s rock band Rough Trade came out and sang “High School Confidential” with the Barenaked Ladies, Tom Cochrane performed three songs (and even convinced Kevin Drew to come on stage during “Life is a Highway”), and Basia Bulat performed alongside U.S. Girls. This night truly felt like something special and meaningful to so many. And also… it was really funny being in the same concession line as Kevin Drew and Jason Collett! Big thanks to our friends Kevin & Heather for the last minute invite, as I think Sean & I will definitely try to make this a regular on our calendar!

7. Massive Attack (Meridian Hall, September 18th 2019)

This was an anniversary tour, with Massive Attack touring their album Mezzanine for its 20th anniversary. This album was a staple in the Beard household through my early teens. Hearing it immediately takes me back: The song “Protection” is playing, I’m sitting on the couch in my parents’ living room, the lights dimmed with my mom’s 10,000 candles going, and my dad sitting in his favourite chair, beer in hand, legs crossed and his toe tapping along to the beat. I am probably taking fistfuls of chips and trying to figure out where my cat has gone hiding (he used to hate my dad’s stereo). We might have had a hockey game on the TV, or maybe not. People might be visiting, or maybe it’s just the three of us. And then maybe I’d wander back upstairs, because after all it was the heyday of ICQ & mIRC chats, so I probably had people to chat with online. And in so many ways I’m desperate to go back to those times. This concert brought up a lot of those feelings.

Nostalgia aside, Massive Attack put on an incredible stage show. It was a sensory overload with an incredible light show and giant video screen behind the band that played an eclectic mix of videos. Everything from soundwaves, to videos of war torn countries. Mezzanine is, of course, a dark album from a dark time in the band’s history. The show, in so many ways, was perfect for the tone of the album (which has aged incredibly. Give it a listen if you have never heard of this band). My nit-pick moments with the show – at times I felt the vocals were drowned out by the instruments (especially Liz Fraser on “Teardrop” sadly), and I would place a heavy bet that many members of the band still aren’t friendly, as there was little interaction between members.  However, getting to hear the aforementioned “Teardrop” live, amongst others, felt like checking a bucket list item off.

6. Joseph (Mod Club, September 24th 2019)

My girls! I flipping love this band. I discovered them at Field Trip, and haven’t looked back since. Their harmonies, their lyrics, and just even their style. If I was in an all-girl band, I would probably want it to be something like Joseph. MC and I had a date night for this show, and it was a fantastic night! We were close (OMG I COULD SEE EVERYTHING. It was glorious), and our favourite three sisters – Natalie, Allie, and Meeghan, were in perfect form with their vocals absolutely filling the room, and Natalie’s guitar playing on point. Their energy on stage is infectious, and as MC so aptly put it – “they are really FEELING every lyric”. I think my favourite part of the night was when Allie coyly asked the Mod Club staff if the disco ball could be lit up for the next song, which happened to be their song “NYE” from their latest album. When the chorus hit, the disco ball started going and it was magical! And yes, this song will be played at our New Year’s Eve party! Again… highly recommend these girls and please check them out if you want a badass blend of folk harmonies with a little rock & roll. (And if you don’t believe me, please watch this video of their song “Green Eyes” and don’t tell me their blend of delicate vocals with all out wails isn’t perfection)

5. Snow Patrol (Danforth Music Hall, May 3rd 2019)

I’ve obviously already written a little bit about this concert in my “12 Days of 2019“, so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much about the emotional weight behind this concert. I’ve only been able to see Snow Patrol once before, and that was over 7 years ago, but Mom & I both agreed they were an incredibly talented band to see live. And this night was no different – with my one complaint being that it felt they ended the night too early (only 17 songs!!) However, I will say the 17 songs they did play were nearly perfect (nearly… except for the fact they didn’t play “Spitting Games” possibly my favourite tune of theirs BUT FINE, I WILL FORGIVE THEM). OK, back to the actual concert… Gary Lightbody’s voice was perfect, and the entire band brought forth a huge amount of energy. Gary even politely asked the crowd to remain quiet during some of their slower songs in order for us all to properly enjoy the moment, something I really appreciated! (In case you haven’t noticed… I hate when people talk through concerts…) It’s really a shame that people only know this band as the “Grey’s Anatomy” band with the song about chasing cars… because they should be selling out arenas (their sound can easily fill one). I guess I should be thankful, though, that I still get to see them in intimate venues! I highly recommend their latest album Wildness, especially the song “Life on Earth” which sounded incredible live. Next time, boys, play a longer set OK??

4. Arkells (Budweiser Stage, June 22nd 2019)

Fourth time seeing these guys in two years, you think I’d be getting sick of them? Well, the former top-ranked band are back in the top five! This year’s outdoor show at the Amp had a Motown theme, and even though some of our friends didn’t enjoy the Motown laced encore, Sean & I had a blast. Also… how can you really top Raptors head coach Nick Nurse coming out to perform?? I mean COME ON. It was PERFECT. The city was still electric from the Raptors win, and this concert really officially kicked summer off. Yes, the encore filled with cover songs meant we didn’t get to hear a lot of Arkells classics… but I am totally OK with it. It was just SO.MUCH.FUN. And memorable, and one of a kind, and something we’ll never experience again! I’ll re-live it all again.

Honourable Mention. F*ck the Bridge (The Great Hall, February 23rd 2019)

Before I get into the top 3, I’d be completely remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to one of the most special performances I was able to witness this year. In case you didn’t read my “12 Days” post, then you would have missed the shoutout to John & Val’s incredible wedding day, featuring a live performance by the bride herself in her band! They performed a three song set of meaningful songs – “Stay” by U2, “Never Thought That This Would Happen” by Arkells, and “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness. (Please check out the videos, my words really don’t do justice how awesome it is so see a bride in her dress rocking out on the bass and keyboards, not mention how talented the band is!) My personal favourite “I’m getting chills moment” is always when we watch their Arkells cover and the strings come in. That will stick with me forever.

3. Broken Social Scene (Danforth Music Hall, April 25th 2019)

A year doesn’t feel complete if I haven’t seen BBS live in concert! I’ve begun to lose count, and they’ve made numerous appearances on this list. It’s always hard for me to pass up a chance to see one of my favourite bands perform live. So let’s talk about how the heck this made Top 3. First and foremost – FEIST. She rarely performs with the band anymore, so it’s always special getting to hear her sing some of my favourites like “Hotel” (Side note.. they also brought out Jason Collett! He also NEVER plays with them anymore!!). Now, let me also set the scene for what made this show extra special… They opened with “Pacific Theme” and we were off and running! Except… Kevin Drew’s amp then starting to have issues. The result? An impromptu jam session! Rob & I felt like we were getting to watch a glimpse of what it must be like in the recording studio. It was so much fun, and one of my favourite live BSS moments of all time. The other highlight of the night? Kevin Drew asking everyone to scream to let their demons out. You can bet I yelled the loudest. Spending a night with BSS is like catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile, but you know they’ve got your back, and you always pick up right where you left off.

2. Tame Impala (Budweiser Stage, July 26th 2019)

Probably THE most anticipated show of the year for not only myself and Sean but also John & Val who joined us on this wonderful Friday night. I had my Dad on my mind a lot before and during this show. We gave my Dad a copy of Tame Impala’s last record Currents, and I don’t think he ever stopped playing it. He and I talked a lot about making sure we’d all go see them live next time they came to town. So it was incredibly bittersweet to be there without him. But, in so many ways, he was still there. From the Budweiser in my hand, to the picture perfect sunset that preceded the concert, to the energy in the air that summer night. The entire concert start to finish was a blast (with a lot more confetti canons than I would have expected!). Absolutely no lulls in the setlist, and the new material sounded incredible. One of the great aspects of Tame Impala is even slower jams like “The Less I Know The Better” still make you sway and feel engaged with the performance (versus running for the concession stand) It was another visually entertaining show with lots of lasers, moving lights – making you feel like you had simultaneously taken drugs and gone to space. (Again, like Massive Attack though, not a fun experience if you’re light sensitive!) The band sounded phenomenal, just like I remembered them from Massey Hall in 2015. We were definitely left wanting more, with so many incredible songs still left on the table (thankfully… we already have tickets to see them again in 2020!)

*drum roll please* 

1. White Lies (Mod Club, May 4th 2019) 

If I had posted my Spotify summary of 2019 it would have spoiled this result, this year for me has been the year of White Lies. They released their album Five earlier this winter, and it would definitely land as my “Album of the Year”, with the lead single “Tokyo” as one of my favourite songs of the year too. (Oh, and that song sounded incredible live!) I just had an absolute blast at this concert, dancing and belting out tunes. I’ve reflected back on this show the most, and in a heartbeat would go back to this show before all others I saw this year. White Lies are a big sound band playing in small venues, and like Snow Patrol, I wish they could be playing arenas. Their music is built for it (in fact, in Europe they do often play larger shows). In true British rock fashion, they are charming and know how to engage a crowd. Everyone sings along, jumps, and dances. They started out flawlessly – opened with “Time To Give”, slapped us all with the older jam “Farewell to the Fairgrounds”, and then launched into “There Goes Our Love Again” (the song that Sean told me to check out on our first date, which sent me down a spiral of love for this band… and I guess in some ways Sean! Haha). They didn’t let up, until closer “Bigger Than Us” when we all knew it was time to go home. I didn’t want the show to end, and could have gone for another round. My concert of the year with a bullet, and really hope they come back again sooner than later (or who knows, maybe we can catch them in their native England).

That’s it everyone! Thanks for reading! As always, get out there and experience what you love whether it’s concerts, the theatre, whatever! It’ll fuel your soul and lift you up. Take care, and enjoy the holidays! I’ll leave you with White Lies to take us home… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Concert Rankings! Part Two!

This is it, the moment you’ve all been patiently waiting for! The creme de la creme of this year’s live bands! The Top 25 Live Bands of 2016!!!!

25) The Naked & Famous – April 1st (Mod Club) & November 8th (Danforth Music Hall)

Seeing this band wasn’t a straight forward venture this year! For the show at the Mod Club, we only caught the last twenty minutes or so. Sean & I went to dinner with Val & John beforehand, and things went long. We figured since it was a Friday night concert it would start late – and boy were we wrong! TNAF were off stage by about 10:30. So lesson learned; get to Friday night Mod Club shows early!! The second time I saw TNAF, well, was Election Night in the US, and I think you can imagine how distracting that was. All of that being said – they put on a helluva show. I absolutely adore Alisa Xayalith’s voice and wish I had her singing chops. And she nailed it live – both nights. They’re a high energy band and it really comes across onstage as well.

24) MisterWives – July 30th (Osheaga)

These guys make such infectious pop tunes!! And WOW, they blew me away. I would call them one of my surprises of Osheaga – alongside another artist you’ll see later on this list. So much energy! And Mandy Lee is a great frontwoman. I was so impressed, especially when they admitted they hadn’t played a live show in awhile. Usually, I would expect some rust and bumps – but nothing like that appeared here. I think the energy of the crowd really helped elevate their concert in order to give us all a great performance. So happy I was there early enough to see them! Would definitely check them out again.

23) BØRNS– July 31st (Osheaga)

BØRNS has literally stepped out of the 1970s and it’s awesome. He did an amazing cover of “Benny & The Jets” (naturally), along with a Zeppelin cover (again, naturally). While his hit “Electric Love” has been heavily overplayed – I highly recommend his album, or at least the title track “Dopamine” – which I’ve linked to. I have to say, his afternoon set filled with swagger was perfect for the summer and sun at Osheaga! As much as I hate to compare modern music festivals to the likes of Woodstock – his set gave you a little sense of what it might have been like back then.

22) Basia Bulat – June 5th (Field Trip)

I had seen Basia Bulat a couple of years ago as an opener, and she was excellent. She has a beautiful voice, and it was great to see her wooing over the crowd at Field Trip. She was captivating, and was the perfect soundtrack for a summer night.

21) Boy & Bear – June 4th (Field Trip)

These Aussies put on a great show in the summer sun. Their music is perfectly suited for an outdoor show, and a relaxing, chill afternoon. They sounded excellent, and didn’t disappoint. If you like a mix of folk and rock – these guys are for you.

20) Death Cab for Cutie – March 23rd (ACC) & July 30th (Osheaga)

March was my first time seeing this group and being a fan of their latest album I was pretty excited! I caught about half of their set at Osheaga as well. What I appreciate about them is they bring more energy and power to their songs live, than what you’d expect if you have just heard their albums. They were a great compliment to Metric in March, and like so many other openers on this list, set the tone for the night and got you excited for more.

Daughter @ Massey Hall

19) Daughter – November 16th (Massey Hall) 

Elena Tonra not only has a beautiful name, she has one of the most beautiful voices, and hearing it at Massey Hall really put her talents on display. It’s a voice that is simultaneously haunting and wonderful. She will give you goosebumps. The band is also excellent, and hold their own. She has this adorable modesty on stage that draws you in, rather than push you away. I am so happy I was able to experience this band at probably one of the best venues in the world.

18) Aurora – July 31st (Osheaga)

This Norwegian singer was one of my “surprises” of the Osheaga weekend. I knew her song, “Under Stars” and was curious to hear her live. I wasn’t sure how her voice would be live, as her music is quite electronic. But like Elena Tonra, she has this gorgeous tone. Watching her, literally perform under the stars and trees at Osheaga was perfect. Side story not related to her as an artist – I had the weirdest moment during this show. A couple in front of my kept making out/groping each other, and eventually I moved in front of them so I could see a little better (they were taller than me). Suddenly, during one of the songs, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned, and the guy from the couple was laughing away because he did the “made you look” trick. Ok. He tried it again, and eventually I had to move to the other side of the stage. I hate people sometimes.

17) Red Hot Chili Peppers – July 29th (Osheaga)

I had seen RHCP at the ACC back when I worked there as an usher, and I have to be honest – I was totally underwhelmed. The show lacked emotion, and I hate to use this phrase – but it lacked “heart”. However, Friday night at Osheaga I thought was way better. They seemed energetic (despite Anthony Kiedis’ recent illness earlier in the summer), and giving a full performance. Flea was entertaining as always. The one note I’d say is that I wasn’t a fan of Josh Klinghoffer’s backing vocals, however his guitar work was excellent. Great way to open the festival, and they ended up one of the highlights of the weekend.

16) MØ – July 31st (Osheaga)

You know Mo, and may not even realize it. She’s the voice behind Major Lazer’s hit “Lean On” (which she performed). She’s also a total badass and deserved a way better placement on the Osheaga lineup. She was an early performer, but so worth getting there early for. She has energy, pipes, and captures your attention. You can also dance your face off with her. The linked song is one of my favourites of hers. I was sad to miss her recent show in Toronto but I am sure she nailed it. So check out her music and discover that there is so much more to her than the overplayed single she’s known for now.

15) Phantogram – October 19th (Phoenix Concert Theatre)

Probably one of the shows I was most looking forward to seeing, and they lived up to my expectations. It was a visually engaging show – using a large screen to enhance their light show and transform The Phoenix from small club to arena. My only knock on the show, is I felt there were times when singer Sarah Barthel was relying on her vocal track too much. However, it didn’t fully detract from her actual talents. There was also an especially poignant moment where they paid tribute to Sarah’s sister who commited suicide, and inspired the song “Barking Dog“. The moment was enhanced by what I can only assume is home video footage of Sarah and her sister. Overall the duo put on a fantastic show (their new album is also one of the best of 2016).

14) July Talk – June 4th (Field Trip) & July 30th (Osheaga)

There was probably no other band that I saw this summer that had more hype about their live performances than July Talk. I had heard numerous stories about their intense performances that include anything from duct tape, slaps, and everything in between. And usually, when you hear so many crazy stories you inevitably end up disappointed when you actually DO see the band because your expectations are just set so high. However, July Talk brought it. Their sets at both Field Trip and Osheaga knocked it out of the park. The chemistry between Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis is second to none. They play off each other, and I love that Leah isn’t afraid to call out the crowd and modern day sexism declaring “It’s 2016 – keep your hands to your fucking self!” Their new album is also their best yet, with a mature sound that shows their progress as a band. And then you also can’t beat absolutely rocking out to “Summer Dress” during you know, the summer.

13) Leon Bridges – July 31st (Osheaga)

Gentlemen, ladies – do you need an artist to woo the object of your desires with? Do you enjoy smooth, soulful blues and southern rock? Do you want to feel transported back to a time when Motown was king? If you answered yes to any of these – let me introduce you to Leon Bridges. This kid is exceptional. (Also, shout out to his backup vocalist who may also be the coolest woman I’ve ever seen onstage). Hearing his voice live was a real treat, and just a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. He also did an incredible cover of “Pony” which, again, if you need something to make out to – this cover might just seal any deal. What Sean & I love most about Bridges is that despite his youth, his voice is so mature and so beautiful. He honestly sounds like he just stepped out of the 1960s, and it’s actually so refreshing to hear someone recording this style of music today. I really hope we get to see him somewhere like Massey Hall one day.

12) Jack Garratt – July 29th (Osheaga) & October 15th (Phoenix) 

Sean bought Jack Garratt’s debut album “Phase” on a whim after hearing so many rave reviews about him. I caught him at Osheaga with friends, and was blown away. He plays all of the instruments, sings, and is adorably modest. He seemed absolutely shocked that so many people came out to watch his set. He had the same love for his fans at The Phoenix in Toronto. At The Phoenix especially, I really felt as though we were watching an artist on the verge of making it big. It reminded me a lot of when I saw Ed Sheeran open for Snow Patrol just a mere months before Ed Sheeran exploded into mainstream music. He is incredibly talented, and it’s exciting now to see where his career will take him next. If you want something new to listen to – and love something pop with a bit of a rock edge, give Jack Garratt a listen.

11) Metric – March 23rd (ACC)

I’ve seen Emily Haines perform before – and she is one of the best frontmen (frontpeople?) in music. She has this ethereal energy, and a surprisingly powerful live voice. She can delicately balance the softer tones of some songs, and ramp up the edge in others. Their shows are always visually entertaining, but it’s Emily Haines who controls the show. One of the best bands to come out of the city of Toronto.

Metric, nailing it

10) Robyn – June 4th (Field Trip)

Another badass female, and what an incredible performance she put on! She was dancing up a storm, and her vocals never seemed tired or dragged down by her incredible moves. She was dancing from start to finish. If you aren’t familiar with her more recent music, which is more electronic and “experimental” than the hits you know her for from the 90s and frankly, I love her new work more than her old. So I loved the set. If you were expecting to just hear the hits, you would have been disappointed. However if you wanted to see an artist, fully embracing being on stage and giving it their all – you would have been like me and absolutely enthralled with her.

9) M83 – July 31st (Osheaga)

I never know what to expect from electronic acts, because I never know how engaging the actual show will be. Will it essentially just be someone singing along to a track? Will there be live instruments? Will the female vocalists also be playing? And M83 was so much more than I expected. It had incredible energy, power, and everyone nailed it. I still think about some of the guitar solos!! This was one of my favourite performances of the entire weekend. Also with “Midnight City” being one of my favourite songs it was amazing to hear that live. M83’s music deserves to be heard live, and loud.

8) The Tragically Hip – August 14th (ACC)

I’ve already written pretty extensively about The Hip this year, and I have to admit, it was difficult to decide where to place this concert in the context of the rest of the year. For pure emotional value, this was the best show of the year. However, I didn’t want to rank them based on that reaction. I wanted to base it on the performance, the setlist, everything. (And if somehow I ever was able to discuss this with Gord Downie, I feel he’d be insulted if I basically ranked them based on sadness or pity). As awesome as this show was, I do have to say I wish the setlist had contained fewer new songs, and that we’d gotten to hear more songs from their earlier work. However, hearing “Gift Shop” and “Grace, Too” live is such an amazing experience. The energy that this bands pours into each show – and the love they have for their fans is so incredible. And they are just a damn good band, and Gord Downie’s voice will never be duplicated. I am so thankful we got to see them this year, and I truly hope that by some miracle we’ll get to see them again.

7) St. Lucia – February 15th (Phoenix)

Another show earlier in the year that managed to stay near the top as one of the best. I often say to Sean that one reason I know it was an incredible concert is by how badly I wanted to be onstage with them. St. Lucia came out to one of my favourite opening songs of the year, and basically put on a clinic for the entire night of how to put on a badass, high energy, no holds barred show. Their infectious synth-rock makes it nearly impossible to have a boring time while watching or listening to them. Plus, they dance around, engage the crowd, and basically take you on an adventure during their shows. MAN, I love them!

6) Muse – January 16th (ACC)

It’s always tough to be the first concert of the year – you can so easily end up forgotten. Having seen Muse before, though, I knew this would be a hard show to forget. They are one of the best arena rock bands out there, and always put on an incredible show. Everything from their performance as a band, to visual aids, and even DRONES. Sean & Justin also found their inner kids and chased around giant balloons that eventually popped and dropped confetti everywhere. This was an overall fantastic night with friends, belting out some of Muse’s biggest hits together and eventually having a streamer fight. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of this band, you have to see them live. I guarantee it will be one of the best concert experiences you have.

5) Noel Gallagher‘s High Flying Birds – July 10th (Echo Beach)

Ah yes, The Chief came back to town. Again, someone whose music I have admired since I was a kid. He’s crass, he doesn’t give a flying **** that you want to hear Oasis songs. He hates most of those songs now anyways. His new materials, though, is fantastic and still great rock music. It was also special getting to watch him perform outdoors, because it meant listening to “Champagne Supernova” while a beautiful red sunset exploded around us. One of the great rock legends, and yes he knows it. At least despite all the ego he still puts on a fantastic show and knows how to entertain a crowd.

4) Mumford & Sons – June 13th (Molson Canadian Amphitheatre)

One of the best live bands on the planet, hands down. I saw M&S just a day after completing the RTCC, and so I was still riding an incredible high from completing that event. I am actually amazed I had the energy to be at the concert. Mumford, are just so passionate and captivating. I dare you not to dance, stomp, clap, and sing along with them at a live show. This being my third time seeing M&S, I have to say this was the best of the three. This band is so much more than some banjos. They are a bonafide rock band and will blow you away in concert.

3) Radiohead – July 31st (Osheaga)

What.a.night. I mean, we were lucky enough to hear some truly classic songs live and in the flesh. “Let Down” is one of my all-time favourite songs, and to hear Thom Yorke sing it gave me chills. AND THEY PLAYED CREEP. They didn’t even perform that at Lollapalooza!!! Yes, you can make the case that this is why Radiohead is a frustrating band to see live. You have to listen to their newer, less accessible music before you get to hear the hits, and even then, they may not even play the ones you want to hear. I don’t have a huge issue with how they organize their live shows, because in the end you get to watch some incredible talents. And it’s worth the wait when you get to sing along to “Karma Police“. A generational band that I am so happy I was able to check off my “concert bucket list”.

2) Sam Roberts – December 17th (Corona Theatre)

Oh Sam. I’ve said it a thousand times, but I could never get sick of watching this band perform live. Now, throw in that I’ve been lucky enough to see him perform in Montreal twice and I feel really spoiled. His hometown shows are simply the best. He was only SLIGHTLY edged out of the top spot by the next band. The setlist on this night was heavy on the new tunes – but that isn’t a complaint from me. I am really enjoying his latest album Terraform, and his previous record Lo-Fantasy is his best. Also, anytime I get to dance my face off to “Fixed To Ruin” is a great night. Even if you haven’t listened to Sam Roberts since the early 2000s, you must check him out live. I promise you a fantastic night of rock, energy, and passion.

1) Arkells – November 5th (Massey Hall)

If you had asked me at the start of the year who would finish number 1 on this list – I can guarantee it wouldn’t have been Arkells. But we witnessed something special at Massey Hall. Sean & I knew these guys would be good – we saw them at Osheaga last year, and have friends who love this band. But I didn’t expect to be truly blown away. There are literally zero complaints from this concert. Everything was exceptional – the setlist, the horn section, the backing vocalists, the crowd at Massey Hall, and the band themselves. Their opener, “Drake’s Dad” ended up being the best opening song of the year too. Completely set the tone for the night, and got everyone to their feet. My personal favourite song of the night was “Whistleblower” – which started as an acoustic rendition until BANG, the whole band re-joins in! I forget who said it of our group; but we had a moment after leaving the show where I was discussing how the hell I was going to rank the bands this year and we started talking about The Tragically Hip. Someone made the excellent point that as we witnessed one band give perhaps their final bow, that night at Massey Hall we watched the next great Canadian band. You forget how many hits these guys have written, and they are still early in their careers. These guys will be remembered as the next Tragically Hip, Guess Who, The Band, etc. I feel so lucky to have seen them on one of their best nights. I hope it only continues to get better for them.

Thanks everyone!! Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful 2017! Can’t wait to see what shows end up on this list next year. 

If you’re interested – here are the previous years’ lists:

2014 – Part One

2014 – Part Two

2014 – Part Three

2015 – Part One

2015 – Part Two

 

Live Band Rankings 2015! Part Two: 19 – 1!

Tame Impala at Massey Hall – where could they possibly rank?!

All right, this is it. The final countdown! (Sorry if that song is now stuck in your head).

Reminder – if you want to listen to any of the bands mentioned, and maybe find a new favourite artist – give my Spotify playlist a listen! It features all 40 artists! (Well… except Taylor Swift. She’s the lone hold out).

And if you missed Part One – it’s here!

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19. Future Islands (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

I loved these guys! They were so much fun onstage! They’re such an odd mix of a band, but their music is so melodic and catchy. I don’t care that “Seasons” was “a 2014 song”, it felt awesome listening to it on a hot summer day in August!

18. The Rural Alberta Advantage (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

Another Top 10 bands from last year, bumped down again due to stiff competition. But make no mistake, The RAA are one of THE best live bands in Canada. Their energy is outstanding, and they are so talented. Please check them out if you ever get the chance.

17. Stars (Danforth Music Hall, February 2014 & Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

I was lucky enough to see them twice this year – both very different shows. Their show in February was in support of their new album “No One Is Lost” (which is fantastic BTW, and one of their best in a long time). That show alone would have garnered them this position. They played with a fantastic energy and passion. The second show was their Osheaga performance where they played their album “Set Yourself on Fire” in its entirety in honour of the album’s 10 year anniversary. In true Stars tradition, they had many guests come out to help perform. It was so awesome getting to hear non-traditional setlist songs, and of course “Your Ex Lover Is Dead” is one of the all-time greats.

Stars at the Danforth Music Hall

16. The Decemberists (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

I’ve never really fallen in love with this band, but always appreciated them. Seeing them live took it to a whole new level. Really outstanding set, and I still have “O Valencia” stuck in my head after hearing it live!

15. The Darkness (The Phoenix, October 2015)

Yes these guys are still around, and YES they are still putting out throwback rock & roll! Sean, John, Val, and Dan all speak highly of this band live, and I’ve heard endless stories of crazy on stage antics. While I am told this show was a “toned down” affair, it was still a blast. I’ve never fist pumped so much in my life! Check out their latest album if you need a fix of modern “classic” rock.

14. Interpol (Danforth Music Hall, July 2015 & Osheaga Day Two, August 2015)

Due to the snowstorm in Buffalo last year, I ended up getting to see Interpol twice in the span of two weeks. Which could have either been a bad thing, or a good things. Thankfully – it was the latter! I may even give the slight edge to the Osheaga show, since after all I was able to let loose, danced in the rain to their set, and let out my inner festival-hipster. These guys are highly underrated, and one of the best live bands going (IMO).

13. Mumford & Sons (Butler’s Barracks, June 2015)

OK. There’s a lot of backstory behind this concert. Mainly involving the ridiculous amount of time it took us to get out of the parking lot after the show, and onto the QEW so we could drive from Niagara back to Toronto. (I got into my bed at 4am… the show ended just before 11pm…) BUT, I still loved the actual concert. I fell in love with M&S after seeing them in concert, so I knew this was going to be good. The new album is also the perfect live record – and a nice departure from their earlier work. We did still get to hear some banjo, and they played a great mix of their older songs. Just next time…. don’t play in the middle of nowhere with only one road out of town…

12. Of Monsters & Men (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

I’m still not 100% sold on them being a festival group, as I feel they are best enjoyed in a more intimate setting. But their songs did suit the Friday night sunset quite well, and they did a great job. For me, the best part of their shows is always the harmonies, and listening to their Icelandic accents. You also can’t beat the energy of their upbeat tunes, and getting to sing along with them. I guess in the end, they were a pretty perfect summertime show.

11. Matthew Good (Hamilton Place, December 2015)

I have seen Matt Good about 10x in concert, and I can honestly say amongst that group is only one show where I felt he was “mailing it in”. And this was not one of those shows. It was a unique experience for me in that I was coming off of my LEEP procedure, and couldn’t jump around, dance, or do any of the things I like to do during shows – especially MG shows. However, he didn’t disappoint with his usual snarky banter (ranting about social media, and getting the crowd to stand up), and a great mash-up of Load Me Up & Carmelina. And anytime I get to hear “Advertising on Police Cars” live is a wonderful experience. If only he’d play “The Boy Come Home” live and then I’d be in heaven.

10. The Arkells (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

Speaking of Hamilton, WOW, The Arkells really blew the socks off of most performers at Osheaga this year. I’ve heard for years that these guys are incredible live, and so I was so happy to finally see it for myself. It almost makes me sad that it’s taken me this long to experience it. If you love live rock & roll, and just want to party with a bunch of your buds – this is the live band for you. Oh, and their latest album is spectacular.

9. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

There was such a great mood leading into Ben Harper – over the horizon the rain clouds were creeping in, and led to an amazing sunset halfway through this set. He started out simple – just him, on stage with a lap steel guitar. We weren’t sure what to think. Then BAM the entire band joins him onstage and Ben Harper showed the youngins’ how it’s done. He is an incredible performer, whose passion really shines through on stage. Consider me a huge fan now.

Osheaga on Friday – Day One

8. Father John Misty (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

You either love this guy, or hate him. His onstage persona is quickly becoming legendary for his sass, sarcasm, and just general “give no f***s” attitude. And he didn’t disappoint. My favourite part of the set was watching grown men sit on each other’s shoulders to get a better look. He is truly the King of the Hipsters. But really, aside from the schtick – it’s his voice that earns him #8 on the list.

7. The Avett Brothers (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

My “come out of nowhere” winner for 2015 is these guys. WOW. Their set was beyond awesome. They opened with a song that grabbed you, and kicked your ass all at the same time. Everything about their performance was stellar – the vocals, their musicianship – especially their violinist. I wasn’t a big fan of theirs going in, but they are now on my “must see” list anytime they roll into Toronto. One of those bands that really shines live and makes you see their albums in a whole new light.

6. CHVRCHES (Danforth Music Hall, October 2015)

One of my favourite albums of the year is from this group, and my celebrity BFF (in my head of course) is CHVRCHES lead singer Lauren Mayberry. They are just so.much.fun! You can’t help but dance, shake, and jump around when they’re on stage. (In fact, I even jumped onto Sean’s foot by mistake). Even though so much of their music is generated from synths, you still truly feel like you’re getting a live experience from this band, and not “karaoke”. Plus – their Scottish accents are beyond cool.

CHVRCHES at the Danforth

5. Alt-J (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

I still get goosebumps thinking about their set. Their music is moody, often slow, and has a lot of intricacies when you listen to it at home, so I was worried how it would come across live. But they nailed it. The sun set, the lights came on, and away they went. Plus – their drummer is 80% deaf which makes his skills live all the more impressive. It took my appreciation for this band up to a new level seeing them in person. If you have the chance to see them in a smaller venue, jump on it. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Noel Gallagher (The Sony Centre, May 2015)

I’ve been an Oasis fan since 1995. I’ve loved Noel’s music, lyrics, and voice for all of those years. And I still love his solo work. Seeing him live was truly a “bucket list” moment, and he did not let me down. I can’t complain about not hearing much Oasis, because as mentioned, I find his solo work is miles better than the last few Oasis albums. However – nothing beats singing along with an entire crowd to “Don’t Look Back in Anger”. I am amazed I didn’t cry.

The one and only, your #3 artist…

3. Sam Roberts Band (Metropolis, March 2015)

This show set the bar high for 2015 right out of the gate. For my money, anytime I have Sam Roberts tickets he automatically becomes the one to beat. His show has everything – singing along, dancing, rocking out, fist pumping, bearded men, you name it. (He even has his own beer! COME ON HE IS SO COOL). Also, this show in Montreal was a blast. The crowd was responsive, and I wasn’t alone in dancing like a maniac. He played a well balanced set list as well, hearing many old favourite alongside his fantastic new album. I could go a Sam Roberts show every year and never get bored.

2. Tame Impala (Massey Hall, May 2015)

This is how tough 2015 was for these rankings – sitting front row at Massey Hall was not enough to get you the #1 spot.  If it weren’t for the #1 artist, this would be miles and away the best show of the year. Not only was it incredible being front row at Massey Hall, but Tame Impala put on a helluva show. Kevin’s voice was perfect, the psychedelic light show set the tone, and the sound was excellent. You really couldn’t ask for more. And PS – their latest album was definitely Album of the Year for me, so go buy it. It’ll knock your socks off. And then catch them in concert next time they’re in town.

…. DRUM ROLL PLEASE…..

1. Florence + The Machine (Day One Osheaga, July 2015).

What can I say? As I’ve detailed in a previous blog post, Florence is how I wish I could be in my everyday life. On stage, she is carefree, energetic, happy, and her voice just soars above everything else. You really can’t truly appreciate her talent until you hear it live. She is a true vocalist, and I hope she takes care of those pipes so she can continue singing for decades to come. One of my heroes, and one of the people whose music always touches my soul. Thank you for a magical night Florence!

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That’s it! 2015 is a wrap for me in music!! And guess what, I’ve already started buying tickets for 2016! Get out there and enjoy live music any way you can. Just remember to pack your ear plugs.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful New Year everyone.

See you in 2016. 

Live Band Rankings 2015! Part One: 40 – 20

Tis the season! Another year of concerts has come and gone, and it’s the post you’ve all been waiting for!

For those of you who only read my anxiety ramblings, this is my yearly ranking of each and every band I saw live in concert this year. Who exceeded my expectations? Who bombed? And who was just MEH…. LET’S FIND OUT!

NEW THIS YEAR: Have no idea who some of these bands are? Want to hear some tunes? Check out my Spotify playlist where you’ll find each and every artist featured here!! (Except Taylor Swift… her stuff isn’t on there).

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40. Milky Chance (Day Two, Osheaga, August 1 2015)

I was the only person in 2015 who hated their song “Stolen Dance” and Osheaga proved this because I was literally the only person in a sea of thousands of people who looked miserable. Hearing it live did not alter my opinion.

39. Young the Giant (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

Sean & I saw these guys last year open for Kings of Leon, and I don’t know what it was, but their set list just didn’t jive with me. They’re not a bad live group, but they were really overshadowed by many others that weekend.

38. Rah Rah (Mod Club, November 2015)

I have to say I was really looking forward to checking these guys out, as they have an impressive touring resume. However, and this partly isn’t a fault of theirs, but the sound at the Mob Club that night really prevented me from enjoying them. A lot of their vocals sounded distorted, and quite frankly, I was a little underwhelmed.

Rah Rah @ The Mod Club

37. Guster (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

Honestly, I didn’t hate this group, but there wasn’t much particularly memorable about them as the year went on. I did enjoy, though, getting to sit in the grass, under a tree, and chill out to their tunes. It’s too bad I couldn’t rank them higher – but this year is a tough list! (Sorry John and Val!)

36. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

I know. I thought I’d be ranking these guys in my Top 15. But honestly, I really didn’t like their set. Up until they brought up a wheelchair-bound fan and his buddies, I was bored and thought they sounded awful. The only saving grace was the aforementioned gesture. Also, they didn’t just bring him on stage – he CROWDSURFED to the front. It was pretty cool, and the band were awesome with their guests.

35. Catfish and the Bottleman (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

Again, like Guster – these guys aren’t bad! They just didn’t blow me away. They also, unfortunately, were the first band of the weekend for me so by the end of it all, they were lost in the haze of it all.

34. Ryn Weaver (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

This chick has pipes, and she is going to continue to grow as a live artist. She’s only ranked so low because I feel she has a lot of room to improve. The next time I see her, I expect she’ll be even better. Check out her debut album if you can. It’s a great pop album.

33. Iron & Wine (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

I feel like I am cheating a little putting them on my list, as I mainly listened to them while I stood in line for the washrooms, and then a drink. BUT, they did sound fantastic. I just wish I had been able to sit on the hill, and actually enjoy my drink while listening to them. Rather than desperately waiting for a port-a-potty.

Chillin’ at the “Tree Stage” for Guster

32. James Bay (Day Three, Osheaga August 2015)

So we learned at Osheaga that James Bay is the dream boat of indie rock, because the ladies FLOODED to the stage for his set. Sean & Will napped a lot through this set, thankfully I was able to take some of it in. I hope to catch him again so I can have a better judge of him though.

31. Grace Potter (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

I really liked this girl! She’s a real throwback to the great female vocalists of the 70s & 80s. I loved her energy, and really enjoyed her set overall and hope to see her again.

30. X Ambassadors (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

Were they overplayed this summer? Yes. Was their set bad? Ehh…. I found their song choices a little odd. They have a limited catalogue but I thought they picked a lot of their slower songs, versus some of the great rock songs they have. Overall, a little disappointing.

29. Weezer (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

I found Weezer to be such a random addition to Osheaga but it was a lot of fun hearing some of their classics. It was especially cute when Rivers’ kids came out on stage with him.

28. The New Pornographers (Danforth Music Hall, February 2015)

The long-time darlings of Canadian indie rock. They’re a well oiled live music machine. I struggled the most with them as far as where to rank them. They’re a really great band live, and sound fantastic, but I feel it lacked an overall charm or charisma with the audience.

The New Pornographers 

27. Vance Joy (Rogers Centre, October 2015)

He was the second of two openers prior to Taylor Swift hitting the stage, and I found him to be such an odd pairing considering her audience. BUT it was a win for myself & Val because I was really looking forward to hearing him live. He has a great charm in concert, and I really wish I could have seen him in a better venue. His style doesn’t suit the poor acoustics of the Dome. But I felt he did a great job overcoming that, and I don’t care if everyone hates it by now – I still love “Rip Tide”

26. Kendrick Lamar (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

This was such a bizarre scene. Thousands upon thousands of chicks just absolutely going nuts for Kendrick Lamar and rapping along with him. I had to stand on a picnic table to see over the huge crowd! He’s a great showman, and as much as I am famous for hating rappers live, I really liked Kendrick. You can see why he’s so beloved, and why 2015 has been his year.

Looking behind me, during Kendrick Lamar

25. The War on Drugs (Day Three Osheaga, August 2015)

Their 2014 album has been on steady play for me. I had high hopes for these guys. While their set wasn’t bad, it never had that WOW moment like a lot of other bands usually do for me. However, that isn’t to say they aren’t great musicians or that the singing sounded bad. I just feel their overall performance lacked a little charisma.

24. St. Vincent (Day Two Osheaga, August 2015)

The first few times I listened to her album, I wasn’t all that impressed and quickly moved on. However, she was an outstanding performer and it gave me a whole new appreciation for her sound. Sean also developed a small crush on her, so it’s been fun bugging him about it.

23. Hey Rosetta (Danforth Music Hall, February 2015)

I loved Hey Rosetta! They were one of my surprises of the year, and I’ve nearly worn out my copy of their latest album. They were fantastic live, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for some new music – especially if you’re into the folk/indie rock mix.

22. George Ezra (Day One Osheaga, July 2015)

If you don’t own his debut album, you’re missing out. His set was one of my favourites from Osheaga. It was so much fun, being out in the sun, and just dancing along to a lot of his songs. He is still so young, and still figuring out who he wants to be on stage, but it’s going to be exciting to see him progress.

21. Dear Rouge (Mod Club, November 2015)

One of my top 10 bands from last year – the only reason they’ve been bumped down this year is quite simply because this was a jam packed year. Also, again, I really found that something was wrong with the speakers at the Mod Club, which took down my enjoyment. But it’s so awesome to see this band playing to larger crowds, as they really are one of the best new bands this country has to offer.

Somewhere in there is your #20 

20. Taylor Swift (Rogers Centre, October 2015)

My first time attending a big-time pop concert. First things first – I do not like seeing shows at the Rogers Centre. It’s too big, and I think the sound quality needs a lot of work. BUT, it was pretty awesome to see everyone wearing their light-up bracelets, dancing along to Tay-Tay’s hits. My biggest critique is that I didn’t hear as many of her older songs as I would have liked. But, since I do love her latest album, it was great to hear most of the songs live. I appreciate that she sings live also. I do miss watching her also perform instruments (I worked her show at the ACC years ago, prior to all the dancing and glamour). BUT come on, you can’t beat hearing “Shake It Off” live! Val & I had a blast, even if it took about three hours to get home thanks to the traffic jam afterwards.

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OK so who made Top 20?! Who’s Number One?! Only my excel spreadsheet knows!! Stay tuned – in the coming days for the remaining artists – including Sam Roberts, Tame Impala, Florence + The Machine, The Darkness, Stars, Ben Harper, and SO MANY MORE.

Again, if you want to take a listen – check out the Spotify playlist I made featuring every band on this list!

Walk On

Taken on Thanksgiving Monday, while on my bike

I know summer is awesome. Patios. Beaches. Sunshine. But Fall has its own set of perks. For one, I am obsessed with scarves. I love finally being able to bust out my collection. (I really do have a problem). So with the changing of another season comes another time for me to pause and change gears – it’s time for my Fall 2015 Music entry!

Songs of Fall 2015

There’s still been a stready stream of new albums and singles that I’ve been eating up. Here are some of the songs in heavy rotation for me right now:

• “Loud Places” by Jamie xx (feat. Romy)
• “2 Heads” by Coleman Hell
• “Molotov Girls” by The Zolas
• “Monument” by Mutemath
• “Timothy” by Tallest Man on Earth
• “Story of an Immigrant” by Civil Twilight
• “Careless” by Alex Winston
• “High” by Zella Day
• “I’m Not Coming Back” by Husky
• “First” by Cold War Kids

Albums of Fall 2015

Some of these albums came out earlier this year (or last year) but they’re looking like strong candidates for some heavy listening this season:

• “Every Open Eye” by CHVRCHES (This might be Top 5 album for me this year)
• “Chaotic Neutral” by Matthew Good (He does an amazing Kate Bush cover on this album)
• “Currents” by Tame Impala
• “Pagans in Vegas” by Metric
• “This Is All Yours” by Alt – J
• “Brutal Romantic” by Brooke Fraser
• “Hold My Home” by Cold War Kids
• “Roses” by Coeur de Pirate (my parents got me into this one)
• “How Does It Feel” by MS MR

General Ramblings

Once again, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic year for live music. I actually just came off my first big-time pop concert. I’ve worked big shows when I was an usher at the ACC, but for the first time I attended a major tour. I was in attendance for Taylor Swift! It was actually great to be at a show and experiencing something so big as a fan.

For me, one of the best parts about Fall is going for walks and taking in all of the colours. And for me, the two essentials I have with me when going for one of those walks is usually a warm beverage, and my iPod. Everything is enhanced with a great soundtrack behind it. And mental health bonus, I can’t have anxious thoughts when I am too busy enjoying the scenery and singing along (in my head) to my favourite artists. So sorry in advance, I will take a lot of pictures this season and post them on social media. I love taking photos, and I love sharing them. But don’t let your social media habits ruin your enjoyment of the outdoors this time of year. Make sure you take the time to absorb what’s all around you, before snapping a quick pic. Soon enough, we’ll be bundled up inside wishing for patio season to return, so enjoy it while you can.

UPDATE on “One for the Ladies” and My Cervix

I received my biopsy results, and unfortunately I will have to go ahead with the LEEP procedure. I do in fact have pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. Definitely not the result I hoped for. But for me, it’s important to remember that all of this is exactly why I go for a pap smear. This is a good thing that they’ve found. And what’s also good for me to focus on is that for once, I didn’t sit in fear of the test results. I actually felt POSITIVE about them. This is so unique for me. And now that I have the confirmation that I am pre-cancerous, I still am more upset about the inconvenience of the procedure than anything. These are huge steps forwards for me. So ladies, if I can get through this, you can too. No matter how scared I am of the future, I am going to keep going ahead with these appointments and following up. Early prevention is key.

Thanks for reading as always. Check the social media bar along the side to follow me on Twitter and Instagram. 

Finding Myself in a Crowd

This past weekend I attended my first “big time” music festival. I’ve attended ones on a smaller scale, but this year experiencing Osheaga was unlike anything else I’d ever been to. First off, the sheer number of people was something I’d never really experienced before. It was also the thrill of getting to see so many bands, many of them new to my ears. And it was a chance to be part of something big, something “cool”.

I never considered myself a festival goer. I had a million excuses. “Too many people, I won’t see anything, the food lines will take too long, everything will be so expensive, I don’t know most of the bands”. But so much of my life has changed. For starters, and as I’ve written about here, music has become much more important to me. After a couple of breakups I began to fully embrace the indie music scene, especially here in Canada. I started looking for my own sound, my own bands to find, and everything in between. I had become lazy in finding new music prior to then. But now I constantly scour for new tunes, and news on my favourite artists. It’s given me a drive outside of work, and quite frankly, something to occupy my mind. Music is also therapeutic beyond being like a hobby.

Case in point, one of the headliners of Osheaga was Florence + The Machine. Her album “Ceremonials” came out during a key turning point in my life. I played that album endlessly. It spoke to me. It helped me get through some difficult moments and helped me move forward. I identify with so many songs on that album. And even though that album helped lift me out of some darkness, I still love that album and hold it dear to me as a sign of strength. I powered through my life like Florence Welch sings. (I know, a lame sentiment but I couldn’t help it). So now with her latest album, I was ridiculously excited to finally see her in the flesh. If I could trade places with any lead singer, it would be her. She is me onstage. She runs, twirls, dances, you name it she does it. She’s so free onstage. It was inspiring to see in person. Her persona onstage is truly how I feel when I listen to her. She inspires me to continue fighting my inner battles, and keep getting freer.

That was just day one! But the thing I realized as the weekend went on, is that I’ve come so far in my life. I have gone from the girl who complained about festivals to the girl who embraced it. I danced. I sang. I jumped around. I found exhilaration in a rainstorm during Interpol. I had so much fun. There I was, little old me in this big crowd. Sometimes I did worry. Was my outfit OK with my Converse shoes? (That was Sunday), do I look stupid wandering around on my own (Friday)? and a few other thoughts that really shouldn’t have been there. But I let them go. I didn’t let them stop me from having fun.

Too often in my life I’ve let my negative thoughts get in the way of having fun, of letting go and truly enjoying myself. This past weekend was a big leap for me. I planned for Osheaga for months. I listened to every single band on the bill. I ranked them from high to low on who I wanted to see. I talked endlessly to Sean about which bands we should see. I couldn’t wait to experience the weekend with Sean. I set a schedule. I was incredibly excited. And the weekend didn’t let me down one bit.

So now, here I am in full swing withdrawal. Thankfully, summer is far from over and there’s much more to look forward to. Aka, many more things to keep me feeling happy, healthy, and full of life. Sorry anxiety. Ain’t nobody got time for you.

Osheaga Rankings

Curious to know who I saw and who I loved? I crammed a lot of music into all three days. Here’s my day by day rankings:

DAY ONE – Friday July 31st

10. Catfish and the Bottlemen (Song you might know: “Kathleen“)
These guys weren’t bad so it’s tough to put them at the end of the list. Great energy to start the day and full of catchy rock hooks.

9. Guster (Song you might know: “Simple Machine“)
Val & John speak highly of this band, so I wandered over to the Tree Stage to check them out. Awesome set, and look forward to checking out more of their stuff.

8. Grace Potter (Song you might know: “Stars“)
Grace and her band rock. Period. She has a very classic sound to her voice. Check her out if you dig Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, and need a great sound for summer.

7. Iron & Wine with Ben Bridwell (Song you might know: “Such Great Heights“, a cover featured on the Garden State soundtrack)
Sounded awesome, and suited the summer weather perfectly. Great set.

6. George Ezra (Song you know: “Budapest” but please listen to “Blame It On Me” since it’s way better)
George Ezra is so much more than his huge hit “Budapest”. His album is one of my faves this year, and his voice was perfect. He’s also adorable and will make you swoon in the summer heat. But seriously, his album is awesome. So great to hear him live! One of my favourites of the whole weekend.

5. Stars + Friends (Song you know: “Your Ex Lover is Dead“)
They performed their 2005 album “Set Yourself on Fire” in its entirety and it was incredible. The best part of anniversary shows is getting to hear songs you never thought you’d hear live, and SYOF didn’t disappoint. Also, click the link if you don’t know the song. One of my favourite music videos and such a beautiful song.

4. The Decemberists (Song you might know “O Valencia“)
It was hard to chose between them and Stars but The Decemberists were a highlight of the weekend. I’m a casual fan of theirs, but their live act completely won me over and has left me with a burning desire to rediscover their music.

3. Of Monsters and Men (Song you know: “Crystals“)
It’s tough to put them at number three because they’re such a great live band. They are so much fun to sing along to, and dance to, so it made for a perfect Friday night.

2. The Avett Brothers (Song you might know “Morning Song“)
Both Sean’s cousin Will & I were absolutely blown away by these guys. They came out swinging to their song “Satan Pulls The Strings” and didn’t let up. Their violinist basically did her own version of a mic drop with her insane talent. They were my shock of the weekend. Truly a convert.

1. Florence + The Machine (Song I want to you to know: “Queen of Peace” from their latest album)
I think I said it all already.

DAY TWO – Saturday August 1

9. Milky Chance (Song everyone loves, but I hate: “Stolen Dance“)
I can’t stand that song above (I know I am in the minority on this, and was clearly the only person at Osheaga that hates this song), and their live set didn’t do anything to change that. I found every beat in their songs the same. Ugh.

8. Young the Giant (Song You Know: “My Body“)
They’re an odd band. Their non-single songs don’t really sound like the songs that were overplayed a couple years in a row. They’re not a bad live band, I think they just need to figure themselves out a little, and it really showed this weekend.

7. Weezer (Everyone knows their singles.)
Weezer aren’t bad, but they aren’t AMAZING either. But they are a lot of fun to see live since their catalogue spans such a long time period, that you inevitably end up travelling through time and memories. Plus, it’s fun to sing along.

6. St. Vincent (Song you know: “Digital Witness“)
Sean walked away with a small crush on St. Vincent. I walked away really impressed with her, and willing to give her album another shot. So win/win?

5. The Rural Alberta Advantage (Song you might know: “Terrified“)
God I love this band live. Please check them out if you ever get the chance. So much passion and energy from three people. And I guarantee you will forget it’s only an acoustic guitar onstage.

4. Interpol (Song you might know: “Slow Hands“)
Even though I had just seen these guys about a week before Osheaga, I still found them to be one of my faves from the weekend. It also doesn’t hurt that it poured rain during their set, enabling me to dance like a maniac in the mud and rock out.

3. Kendrick Lamar (Song every white girl at Osheaga seemed to know: “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe“)
I have famously ranted about disliking rappers in person because their concerts are generally the performer rapping over piped in music. But Kendrick Lamar was a lot more than that, and even this hipster white girl was entertained.

2. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals (Song you should know: “Ground on Down” live version)
Sean convinced me to stay and see Ben Harper over some other bands, and I am so glad we stayed. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals delivered a fantastic performance, one of the best of Osheaga. Not only is Harper an incredible talent, but his entire band performed at a top level. It was also great to hear some blues/rock/country mashed together as the sun set, and the clouds rolled in.

1. The Arkells (Song you know: “Come to Light“)
I know. I am shocked I am putting these guys ahead of some of the bands from Saturday. But they nailed it. There was such an infectious energy coming from them. Afterwards, it left me wondering they weren’t given a higher spot on the bill, considering there were only the third act up on the main stages Saturday afternoon.

DAY THREE – Sunday August 2

8. X Ambassadors (Song everyone knows from the Jeep commercial: “Renegades“)
This band is probably the most “mainstream” rock group that I will listen to. Radio friendly tunes made for a big start to the day as the first band up. I just hope they can become more than a one-hit wonder and find a more diverse sound.

7. James Bay (Song you know: “Hold Back The River“)
The pretty boy of folk rock, he drew a huge crowd as we watched from the hill. I am unsure if I like him past his big single, but he did sound fantastic live. I am curious to see how his career will unfold.

6. Ryn Weaver (Song you may know from Songza: “Octahate“)
This girl is still getting her feet wet, but she’s well on her way to being a big stage presence. She has a truly unique voice, and I love her synth-pop sound. I hope to see her expand her live set and see what she does as she matures.

5. Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros (Song you know: “Home“)
This was a real roller coaster for me. When they first came out I honestly thought it sounded terrible and was going to be a total disaster. But slowly this group won me over with their charm, especially after encouraging a fan confined to a wheelchair to crowdsurf to the front and join the band on stage. I give the band full credit for doing that. It was also fun to sing “Home” campfire style with about 40,000 or so people.

4. The War on Drugs (Song you might know: “Red Eyes“)
Sean & Will might disagree with me, but I really enjoyed hearing this band live. While they lacked the charisma that Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros had, I found their sound and overall performance of a higher quality. It also hurt doesn’t that I am in love with their last album.

3. Father John Misty (Song you might know: “Ideal Husband“)
You either love this onstage persona, or hate it. I loved every second of it. He’s snarky, arrogant, but also hilarious brings out teenaged girl-like devotion in grown men. I don’t know many acts that can get MEN on the shoulders of OTHER MEN. I was just disappointed he didn’t play the above song, since it’s my fave off his latest album.

2. Future Islands (Song everyone knows from last summer: “Seasons (Waiting on You)“)
I linked to the infamous David Letterman appearance by this band because it really sums up how much fun these guys are to watch. The dancing, the assortment of the most random men in such a dance-rock-80sesque band is unlike anything else out there right now. Something did seem to go wrong with lead singer Samuel T. Herring’s mic after the first song, but it didn’t deter his energy. It also didn’t stop me from dancing my face off and nearly getting heat stroke.

1. Alt – J (Song you know: “Left Hand Free” but I want you to listen to “The Gospel of John Hurt” and “FItzpleasure“, oh and “Every Other Freckle” too)
I’d probably put this performance as Top 3 in the entire weekend. I really regret not seeing them on their last tour here in Toronto last year. Their sound is so unique, and watching them perform these synth-rock-electronic songs as the sun set on the final day was just perfect. This performance brought up my respect and love for this band and I would now place them as one of my favourite bands of today. Please give them a listen (even if you’re sick of “Left Hand Free”, I promise you will get some incredible music to listen to).

My end of the year rankings are really going to be difficult this year. 2015 is shaping up to be an truly outstanding year of music.

As always thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter for other random thoughts, rants, etc. 

Turn It Up

Taking a break from my mental ramblings for a bit, time to ramble about something else. And after having quite the debate at work yesterday about The Beatles, and also my bursting at the seams excitement for our upcoming trip to Osheaga, I wanted to write a blog post about what I am currently singing at the top of my lungs in my apartment.

Summer jams. Everyone has a “song of the summer”. There’s music you listen to at the cottage, by the fire, on the patio, or when out for a bike ride. Summer is when I put away the heavier, slower music I tend to listen to during the winter (bands like Low, The XX, Bon Iver, etc all come to mind), and summer is when I blast The Heart and the Heart, Dear Rouge, Beck, and the list of course goes on. It’s also when I tend to tap into my guilty pleasures and dance my face off.

So here goes…

Songs of Summer 2015

You might catch me belting out one of these songs as I ride my bike:

• “Julia” by Fast Romantics
• “Dreams” by Beck
• “Lean On” by Major Lazer
• “Style” by Taylor Swift (I can’t help myself)
• “Sound & Color” by Alabama Shakes
• “Blame It On Me” by George Ezra
• “Worlds on Fire” by Zerbin (you may remember them from my rankings last year)
• “My Type” by Saint Motel
• “Open Season” by Josef Salvat
• “2 Heads” by Coleman Hell
• “I Want You To Know” by Zedd (and yes… Selena Gomez, but this song is also somewhat sentimental since it reminds me of my cousin’s wedding)

Albums of Summer 2015

This has been an amazing year for album releases so far, and the past few months have not disappointed one bit. Here’s what I am constantly listening to these days:

• “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” by Florence + The Machine (seriously, this album is off the charts good. I would love to swap lives with Florence any day of the week just to be able to belt out songs like her).
• “No Mythologies to Follow” by MO (you know her as the voice behind Major Lazer’s hit “Lean On”. Well her album is fantastic. Give her a listen for a great patio soundtrack).
• “Beneath the Skin” by Of Monster and Men
• “Wilder Mind” by Mumford & Sons
• “The Fool” by Ryn Weaver
• “Stay Gold” by First Aid Kit
• “Strange Trails” by Lord Huron (your perfect cottage sunset soundtrack. You’re welcome).
• “The Desired Effect” by Brandon Flowers
• “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges
• “Last Of Our Kind” by The Darkness (yes they’re still a band, and yes they are still releasing amazing rock records).

General ramblings about the state of music this summer. 

I’ve already alluded to how epic I feel this year has been for music. And there’s still a whack of albums that we’ve either recently purchased (looking at you Tame Impala), or are on my list of “yet to come out and will soon spend all of my money on”. Summer is the perfect time for heading out to a concert (hellooooo no coat check line). I mean, how awesome is it to be outside at a show, watching the sunset, and rocking out to one of your favourite bands? And also one of my favourite moments in the summer is when you just get to sit outside, have a drink (whether it’s tea in the morning, or a glass of something else a little later…), and just relax with friends and have a great conversation. Or hell, even if it’s just sitting in silence, it’s still a great way to take in the season. I’ve already decided that where I move to next HAS to have a balcony, or some sort of outdoor space to relax. I can’t go back to being in an apartment without this option. Enjoying music outside in the summer has been part of my life since I was a kid. My parents sit out on their porch, and throw a bunch of CDs in the player and let the Random setting do the work. My dad has rigged the porch up with speakers, and my mom lights about 1,000 candles and it’s fantastic. I am so happy that a similar tradition has found its way into my life in the big city. You guys have no idea how much I cherish those moments. So get out there and discover all the great music that is being released right now! If you’re not sure where to start, turn back on the radio, or hell even go to HMV (yes they still exist) and pick the brain of the helpful staff. Or trust the “recommended for you” sections of iTunes, Songza, etc. Or dust off some old favourites!! Just whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy and makes you forget about whatever crap is going on.

Cheers everyone.

Thanks as always for reading. Feel free to follow me on Twitter for TTC rants, random sports observations and much more.

This is it… The Top 10 Live Bands From 2014!

Rural Alberta Advantage, Danforth Music Hall (photo credit: Me)

It’s what you’ve been patiently waiting for… the Top 10!!

#10 Big Data @ The Phoenix December 17^th 2014 (bigdata.fm)

I bought tickets to this show because #1 they were cheap, and #2 that single “Dangerous” is just so good. And wow, we were blown away by Big Data. This is still a new band but they have a full length release slated for 2015. I can’t wait. This was a fantastic show in every element – from the incredible talents of the drummer to the chemistry between Alan Wilkis and his female co-vocalist Liz Ryan. I heard bits of Talking Heads, Genesis, Depeche Mode, everything I love about the 80’s, and electronic-rock rolled into one great show. They were my surprise of the year. I went in expecting to rock out to one song, and instead I spent the whole show captivated. I cannot wait to see what 2015 has in store for these guys.

Best Songs: The Business of Emotion, The Stroke of Return, & Big Dater

#9 Dear Rouge @ Adelaide Music Hall March 29^th 2014, Opera House May 8^th 2014, & The Phoenix December 4^th 2014 (dearrouge.com)

THESE GUYS. Yes, you’ve heard their song “I Heard I Had” a million times on the radio. But guess what, they’re insanely good live. Danielle McTaggart’s voice is so powerful and she has amazing stage presence. The rest of their catalogue is nothing but catchy-dancey-sing along in your apartment kind of music. They are synth-rock at it’s most fun. I am really pulling for these guys to hit it big. I could easily go see them three more times next year and still be entertained.

Best Songs: Thinking About You, I Heard I Had, Best Look Lately
Best Cover: Let’s Dance (David Bowie)

#8 Haim @ Kool Haus May 15^th 2014 (haimtheband.com)

Okay, this is another one of those nights where emotion is coming into play. I was on a first date for this concert, with my current boyfriend Sean to be exact. Oh, and it was also a double date with John & Val! I had no idea who John & Val were before the show! It was this crazy last-minute-change of plans-first date with two strangers along for the ride. It was a night that could have been a total disaster. But instead it was a truly a night to remember. So Haim hold a special place in my heart. OK BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE. Sorry. These girls kicked ass. “Falling” was the perfect opening song. And it remains one of my most vivid memories from that night. It was the perfect way to announce their presence to the crowd and kick things off. They also closed the night on a high note with the insane tandem drum solo the sisters performed during the final song. I honestly wasn’t expecting much from them, but they blew me away. They reminded me a lot of the “classic” rock bands I have seen over the years, these girls will easily be rocking out for years to come, showing young girls how to be rock stars.

Best Songs: Let Me Go, Falling, Days Are Gone

#7 Rural Alberta Advantage @ Danforth Music Hall December 18^th 2014 (theraa.com)

RAA closed out my year in concerts, and it was a great way to end 2014. I was really excited for this band. What blows me away about them after seeing them live is how intense each song comes across but its three people, and the only guitar is an acoustic guitar. Just pure energy. I don’t know how lead singer Nils Edenloff has a voice after each show. Add in Amy Cole on backing vocals and she just balances out his intensity perfectly. The drumming by Paul Banwatt was second to none this year for me. And I loved their set up – where they were placed in a line on stage so each band member is equal. I love that in a set up. RAA are an indie band that I want to succeed because they deserve it. They are such a hard working group, and you can really see it on stage.

Best Songs: Tornado ’87, Terrified
Best Moment: Nils singing Two Lovers solo during the Encore

#6 Fast Romantics @ Adelaide Music Hall March 29^th 2014 (fastromantics.com)

Mark these guys down as another band that I want to see hit the big time. Here is a band that definitely wins Best Cover Of The Year. Fast Romantics covered “Common People” by Pulp for their encore and it was BANANAS. Yes, caps lock required. It was probably the best cover I have ever seen. The place was a sweaty, dancing mess. Easily the most fun I have had during an encore. Lead singer Matthew Angus draws you in with his charisma and doesn’t let go until the last note. They also have one of the catchiest singles I have heard in a long time with “Funeral”. I cannot wait to see these guys again.

#5 CHVRCHES @ Field Trip Day Two June 8^th 2014 (CHVRCH.es)

Fact: Lauren Mayberry is adorable but she is a powerhouse on stage with her voice. CHVRCHES were so much fun. You can tell they’re still figuring out their stage persona (see: Austra), but their chatter between songs makes up for it and draws you in with their Scottish charm. You can really sense how much fun these three are having on stage and it’s infectious. I was a big fan going in, and after seeing them live you can now count me as a superfan.

Best Songs: Lies, We Sink, Under The Tide
Best Moment: Lauren discussing her favourite Canadian things.

#4 Paolo Nutini @ Sound Academy September 15^th 2014 (paolonutini.com)

My family are huge fans of this guy so it was a blast to have my entire family with me for this show, along with my friend Sarah. We lost my mom in the crowd (I have never seen the Sound Academy so busy). Paolo is not what you expect – he has an Italian name, but is Scottish & is barely in his late twenties but sounds like a weathered veteran of the music industry. He was incredible. His voice really lends itself well to a live environment because of its raspy, raw sound. He puts his heart & soul into the entire performance. Each of his albums are a little different from each other, so it was great that he played a good mix of his catalogue. Overall, I was incredibly impressed and have to admit my parents still have great taste in music.

Best Songs: Cherry Blossom, Iron Sky, Better Man
My Dad’s Favourite Song of the Night: Candy

#3 Sam Roberts Band @ Adelaide Music Hall February 13^th 2014 (samrobertsband.com)

SRB are one of the best live acts this country has ever produced. Hands down. Sam brings an incredible energy to his shows. What I loved best about this show was getting to see Sam in such a small setting. Being about five feet from SRB was amazing. His music attacks you and this night in February was no different. This was the release party for his latest album Lo-Fantasy so I didn’t get to hear as much from his catalogue, but the new album is just so fantastic that it was still an outstanding show. Random note: one of my Christmas gifts this year was tickets to see him in Montreal – maybe he will top the 2015 rankings?

Best Songs: Human Heat, Shapeshifters, We’re All In This Together

#2 Broken Social Scene @ Field Trip Day Two June 8^th 2014 (brokensociascene.ca)

Where to start. I am starting to lose count of how many times I have seen BSS live. It’s hard to really describe how incredible they are live in a short amount of time. It’s chaos onstage. People everywhere with instruments of each & every kind. Sean joked it was like watching a hockey team have shift changes on the ice. It’s a wonder they can mix the audio properly. This show may have been one of the best I’ve seen of BSS. If I could go off topic here for a second and just say WTF Emily Haines. Girl needs to start performing with them again. Anyways, what I love about them is how all that chaos onstage turns into something truly spectacular. It all works. And that’s really all I can say.

Best Songs: Superconnected, World Sick, Cause = Time, Meet Me In The Basement
Song I Wanted To Hear But Didn’t: Fire Eye’d Boy (COME ON GUYS THAT SONG IS THE BEST)
Best Moment: Gord Downie coming out to sing Texico Bitches with Kevin Drew

Arcade Fire, Jean Drapeau Park

#1 Arcade Fire @ ACC March 13^th 2014, and Jean Drapeau Park August 30^th 2014 (arcadefire.com)

No one can touch Arcade Fire this year. No one. They had the best album of 2013, and now the best tour of 2014. I had the privilege to see them at the ACC in March, and at Jean Drapeau Park in Montreal on Labour Day weekend. I slightly favoured the set list from the ACC, but Montreal wins Best Atmosphere. This band is just a force on stage. As Sean eloquently put it “they’re a controlled chaos” in contrast to BSS’ total chaos at #2. These concerts will stick with me forever, “Here Comes The Night Time” will always evoke memories of standing outside in a crowd of some 30,000 with confetti raining down upon us. I just love the intensity that each member brings. How can you not be entertained by Will Butler’s antics? Call this band pretentious, arrogant, whatever, but when you see them onstage you get a sense of their passion for music and creating art. And that’s all I expect from a show is to be entertained and catch of glimpse of the real reason you strap on a guitar and get on stage.

Best Songs: Here Comes the Night Time, Rococo, Afterlife, It’s Never Over, Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels), Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains), Normal Person
Best Outfit of the Year: Regine, always. That girl rocks sequins.
Best Moments of the Year: Confetti for HCTN @ the ACC & Fireworks in Jean Drapeau Park for “Wake Up”
Best Cover: I’ll Believe in Anything (Wolf Parade cover in Montreal)
Most Questionable Song Choice: The Suburbs (I found it dragged the setlist down)

——–

Thanks for reading everyone!!! My New Year message – get out and enjoy live music. I’ve already starting purchasing tickets for 2015 and you should do the same! Make it your resolution (it’s way more fun than giving up junk food).

Special thanks to all of my friends, family, & Sean for coming along with me to so many of these shows.

And again, if you’re a total stranger feel free to follow me on Twitter: @TeslaMay & Instagram: @tesla_may for more concert adventures. Or just troll me in the comments.

Part II – Live Band Rankings #20 – 11

Portugal. The Man, September 2014 (photo credit: Me)

Let’s keep this thing going shall we? Hope you’ve been entertained so far! On to the next batch of bands..

#20 Portugal. The Man @ Sound Academy September 9^th 2014 (www.portugaltheman.com)

These guys had my attention right from the get-go coming out to Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall Part 2. I was highly entertained by the number of 20-somethings trying to figure out what the hell they were listening to. Pretty basic set up for these guys, but overall a great show. I also dug their cover of Oasis as well, so extra points for that! Lead singer John Baldwin Gourley has such a unique voice that it’s great to hear it in a live setting.

#19 Wildlife @ The Phoenix December 4^th 2014 (wildlifemusic.ca)

These guys have a song you’ve probably heard in a bunch of commercials: “Lightning Tent”, Google it and you’ll know it. I had high expectations from these guys because I had been hooked on the album prior to the show and they didn’t disappoint. Pounding drums, singing in unison, and I even liked that they were all dressed in a bit of a band uniform. It was a high energy show, and even had floating sharks! They’re not for everyone, and do tend to fall into those typical “rock band” concert stereotypes so if they can continue to figure out their niche I think they’ll continue to be a great live band. But if they want to stand out they’re going to have to keep finding their original touches.

#18 Zerbin @ Opera House May 8^th 2014 (www.zerbinmusic.com)

This was another CMW discovery. I hadn’t listened to these guys at all before the show, but both Robin & I left as fans. The whistling hook in “New Earth” will keep me as a fan for life. I cannot wait to hear what else these guys release, and hope to see them back in Toronto soon.

#17 The Head & The Heart @ Kool Haus March 30^th 2014 (www.theheadandtheheart.com)

Their album “Let’s Be Still” was one of my albums of the summer, and this concert really kicked off Spring 2014 for me. They stole my heart when they brought out Josiah’s local girlfriend (man I hope they are still together) and the lovebirds performed a duet together, complete with a kiss at the end. Honestly, one of the most romantic moments I’ve seen on a stage. Standout moments also include one of my favourites “Summertime”, and of course “Shake”.

#16 Kevin Drew @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://kevindrewmusic.com/)

Kevin Drew is my favourite frontman in music. He is the eternal performer and schmoozer. I love that he is this weird mix of hipster/philosopher/self-deprecator/singer/musician. One of my favourite moments was when he stopped midway through “You in Your Were” with Feist because he screwed something up. Yes he always screws up. And yes it’s probably an act by now, but I find it entertaining each & every time. And sitting in the June sunshine watching him perform on the “small stage” it was again entertaining to watch him try and get it right. “Frightening Lives” is one of my favourite songs and he didn’t disappoint this day either.  I just wish he had played “Backed out on the….”

#15 The Sadies with Gord Downie @ Field Trip Day Two June 8^th 2014 (http://gorddowniethesadies.com/)

You can’t go wrong with Gord Downie, and when you add in legendary indie band The Sadies it’s a match made in hipster heaven. The Sadies on their own are fantastic to see live, especially if you love down & dirty rock n roll. Adding another legend in Gord Downie just makes it mind blowing. As soon as their set ended I walked over to the merch tent and bought their album. I highly recommend you all do the same.

#14 Lord Huron @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://www.lordhuron.com/)

I only knew their single “Time to Run” going into this show and since then I’ve become a big fan. They are a perfect mix of rock/folk/and even a bit of country. One of their strength is their harmonies. Some of the best I saw all year. The vocals are just so haunting at times and it really came across at Field Trip too. Their album Lonesome Dreams has been a steady favourite of mine since the show and it was the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, listening to these guys showcase it live at Field Trip.

#13 Broods @ Drake Hotel – Underground May 7^th 2014 (https://www.facebook.com/broodsmusic)

This brother/sister duo were fantastic. Georgia Nott is ridiculously young but holds her own on stage as if she’s been doing this her entire life. They really impressed me, and I have to also say their full length album ranks as one of the Best of 2014. Normally electronic concerts can get boring quickly for me, but Broods held my attention. I was really happy I ventured out on my own to see these guys.

#12 Interpol @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://interpolnyc.com/)

My friend Sarah is a superfan of this band. She finds it upsetting more people don’t know this band. I knew a couple of their old singles like “Slow Hands” but that was it. However I was blown away. The song “Lights” had me hooked with the most insane light show of the year. We had tickets to their show at the Kool Haus this past November, you know – the one that they had to cancel because they got stuck in the Buffalo blizzard? I really hope the re-schedule because I would now have to agree with Sarah that more people need to see this band. They are such a tight unit on stage. They’re a band that don’t move around much, or engage with the audience, but there is still something about them that keeps you hooked. They were a great way to close out a fantastic day of sunshine and great music.

#11 Kings of Leon @ Molson Amphitheatre August 5^th 2014 (http://kingsofleon.com/#!/)

Remember when I said emotion might come into play? Here’s the first instance of this on these rankings. This is a sentimental show for me as I went to this show with Sean right after he returned from being away for a month for work reasons. I wasn’t a big fan of KOL going into the show. My boyfriend is the bigger fan. But by the end of the night I, I found myself a huge fan of this band. I was impressed by their skill, the vocals, and even the stage set up on the small Molson Amp stage. I hadn’t been to the Amp in years and forgot what a great summer venue it is. I was surprised they performed “Supersoaker” so early (it was their opening song if I recall correctly), but it got the audience hooked. They also played a pretty long set too, which I appreciated. I love a good marathon show. This was just a fantastic rock show from end to end. Special shout-out to Alan, Moe & Scott at the Amp for helping make it a night to remember! (And I suppose to Natalie & Robin for also being part of it!)

Honourable Mention – Little City @ Silver Dollar Room August 15^th 2014

So it happened… I forgot a band in my rankings. And I feel awful because I am a huge fan of the now splitsville indie band Little City. And sadly no one in this city outside a small group of people ever discovered them. They reunited for one glorious night this past summer and I thought they were fantastic. It was to celebrate their last EP release and they went out in style. I am sad that perhaps that was the last time I got to see them on stage. Now, here’s the question – where would they have ranked had I not forgotten them like the horrible person I am? I would probably put them between MS MR & Born Ruffians. It wasn’t the best performance I’ve seen of Little City, however, Little City at their peak would easily crack the Top 15. Going to miss you guys!

So who’s left? Top 10 revealed tomorrow… find out where I’ve ranked bands like Haim, Sam Roberts, and a few indie suprises!

Remember – if you are a random stranger and feel like chirping/discussing/whatever, feel free to hit me up in the comments, or on Twitter: @TeslaMay

Part I – Live Band Rankings #34 – 21

Grouplove @ Sound Academy (photo credit: me)

Figured I’d break this into a three part thing, since it’s A LOT of information.

#34 Fairchild @ Baltic Avenue May 6^th 2014 (http://www.fairchildband.net/) 

I had no clue who these guys were when my friend Robin & I walked into Baltic Avenue randomly with our CMW wristbands. But they were great! The only reason they’re last on this list: I didn’t know much about them before, and haven’t looked to find out much since. They didn’t blow my socks off, but they weren’t terrible either. (And we saw some weird bands at CMW, so weird I don’t even remember who they were). But I will continue to keep an eye on them as these guys showed a lot of promise.

#33 Do Make Say Think @ Field Trip Day Two June 8^th 2014 

Meh. I know I am supposed to drool over this band because I love everything on the Arts & Crafts label but I found them to be a bit self-indulgent and it honestly got a little repetitive. Yes the musicianship was fantastic, and I love Julie Penner but that wasn’t enough for me. So really not much more to add is there?

#32 Young the Giant @ Molson Amphitheatre August 5^th 2014 (www.youngthegiant.com) 

Okay full disclaimer… I missed part of their set because I was in line for the bathroom, and I know that violates my rules. But I needed to include them because they were still fantastic. So the only reason they’re near the bottom is because I missed a bunch of songs… I literally came running out of the bathroom to catch the end of their set and I missed “Cough Syrup”. UGH. But they were good, and next time they are in town I am going and will not be making a pit stop.

#31 Said the Whale @ Edgefest 2 (Echo Beach) July 18^th 2014 (http://saidthewhale.com/)

This is a funny one for me. I was impressed by these guys on stage, so much so I bought their album immediately after their set. But guess what, I think I’ve listened to that album twice since buying it. I think they will sadly rank amongst my “good live, but their albums need to stand out from the crowd a little more”.

#30 Kongos @ Molson Amphitheatre August 5^th 2014 (www.kongos.com)

I could have seen these guys during CMW but at the time I had no clue who they were. I still don’t know much more about them, but they were a solid opening band. They’re best known now for their hit “Come With Me Now” a song that was actually released a few years ago. Their performance impressed me enough that I will keep an eye on them, but for now they go in the good but not great area of the list.

#29 The Constantines @ Field Trip Day Two June 8^th 2014

Another band I know I am supposed to love, especially since they are Toronto Indie Royalty. But they just don’t do it for me. I can’t even put my finger on it other than the vocals rub me the wrong way, and I just find them a bit overrated, especially in this city.

#28 USS @ Edgefest 2 (Echo Beach) July 18^th 2014 (http://www.ussmusic.com/)

They were my guilty pleasure this summer. They remind me of the music I used to listen to in high school. These guys were pretty good, but as my friend Kim said “a little too boy band”. And that’s really the best way to describe them. Everything was over the top, in a cheesy way. However, I did love the surprise cameo by B Rich, famous for his “Out For a Rip” summer meme. Definitely earns a Best Of mention. Otherwise, not much else to say about these guys. Heavily produced, and a lot of RAZZLE DAZZLE but not much else to keep me interested. I am not sixteen anymore after all.

#27 The Darcys @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://www.thedarcys.ca/)

I am really sad to hear these guys are going through a drastic lineup change but I can see why though – they really didn’t have that one song that sticks with you. Yes, “The River” is a great song, and it was fantastic live, but they do get lost in the sea of other great indie rock bands in Toronto. I hope what’s left of them finds their voice.

#26 Half Moon Run @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://www.halfmoonrun.com/)

I was really looking forward to these guys. I listened to their album “Dark Eyes” non-stop last winter. And they didn’t disappoint. But they didn’t blow me away either. It was exactly what I expected out of them (a solid rock performance), so they land right in the middle of my pack.

#25 Big Wreck @ Danforth Music Hall October 16^th 2014 (http://www.bigwreckmusic.com/)

I haven’t listened to these guys since the 90s, but my boyfriend & his friends are huge fans. And sadly, he couldn’t join me but I had a blast at this show with a couple of his good friends John & Val (the same couple who accompanied us on our first date… more to come on that). Big Wreck were really good, and what you’d expect from guys who’ve been performing as long as they have. One surprise was how many covers they did. I found it a little odd considering how deep their catalogue is (both as a band and solo performers) but was blown away that they covered “Biko” by Peter Gabriel. I really can’t say much more, it was my first Big Wreck experience and they lived up the expectations that had been set for me.

#24 Austra @ Field Trip Day One June 7^th 2014 (http://www.austramusic.com/) 

I am so mixed on this band. I love their latest album, and singer Katie Stelmanis has an incredible voice. But I found their stage presence to be lacking until about midway through their set. However they sound fantastic. So it’s frustrating because I feel that with a little more persona on stage they could be a lot more.

#23 Grouplove @ Sound Academy September 9^th 2014 (http://www.grouplovemusic.com/)

I had no idea what to expect from these guys, but I did expect a high energy show and they delivered. Vocalist Hannah Hooper is a kick ass female performer. Girl has energy for days. She can also rock a body suit like I WISH I could. Her antics on stage, along with co-vocalist Christian Zucconi put on an incredible display. If you don’t dance & jump along with these guys then you are doing it wrong.

#22 Born Ruffians @ Horseshoe Tavern July 2^nd 2014 (http://www.bornruffians.com/)

I had debated going to TURF this year and one of the main draws was this band. For those who may not recognize the name, you likely heard their summer hit “Oh Cecelia” on the radio, A LOT. Wow, these guys are intense. Mitch Derosier is a beast on the bass. A sweaty, energetic and passionate beast. Lead singer Luke Lalonde is no slouch either, but Mitch steals the show. I couldn’t get over how Mitch kept the same energy throughout their entire set. These guys might be one of the best indie rock/punk bands in the city. They aren’t my normal “cup of tea” (punk can wear me down sometimes) but these guys impressed me and turned me into a fan.

#21 MS MR @ Edgefest 2 (Echo Beach) July 18^th 2014 (http://msmrsounds.com/)

MS MR was the whole reason I went to Edgefest. This NYC duo were fantastic. Lizzy Plapinger knocked her vocals out of the park, and this chick can bust a move. Also, she was wearing polka dot pants, WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE THOSE?! She is what I want so many more female lead singers to be like – confident and demanding your attention. Go out there and grab the spotlight ladies!

Tomorrow… I will reveal who cracks #20 – 11!

Were you at these shows? Do you disgaree? Agree? Trollin’? Or just want to know more of my thoughts on some of these bands? Hit me up in the comments or on Twitter @TeslaMay