Category: Music

Rheostatics Again!

I went to see the Rheostatics again last night. Contrary to earlier reports, last night was show 10 of 11 (making Sunday’s show the fifth). They played close to three hours, and it might have been the best show I’ve ever seen. They played about 8 songs from Whale Music, an album many consider to be their strongest, and definitely my favourite. If fact, it was my friend Brent (who was with me last night) who turned me on to the band back in 1992 when Whale Music was released. The only thing I don’t like about seeing shows anymore is coming home at 3:00am. Since the subway service stops before then, I had to take the Yonge bus, the infamous “Vomit Comet.” As always, there was one guy who kept yelling out “PARTY!!” on the crowded bus, and threatening to turn us all into fish sticks if we didn’t move back.

Satan’s Not My Motor

Crazy weekend, as usual. Highlights:

  • Finally got a cable modem at home! Setup was silky smooth. Expect more blogging!
  • Concert on Friday night was great. Cake were very tight, and though I really only enjoy them in small doses, they put on a great show. It was a bit surreal, however, to find myself in the middle of a singalong of the song “Satan Is My Motor.” Satan is most assuredly not my motor. More like an occasional backseat driver.
  • Spoon were amazing, and Britt gave me his setlist again. I have the entire Toronto Spoon setlist collection, for what it’s worth. Look for an addition to the setlists page soon, once I dig my scanner out of storage.
  • The GTABlogger meet was swell, too. My friend Brent and I showed up after the concert and not a single person had bailed yet. Of course, within minutes of our arrival, the exodus began. Actually, we all hung out until after 1, and I met some very cool folks. Rannie has pictures.
  • Brent and I are going to see the Rheostatics this afternoon at the Horseshoe Tavern. They are on show 4 of 11, and we might try to catch show 9 as well.
  • At some point today or tomorrow, I’m trying to get together with Heather, who is in town for a few days. Man, being two busy people kind of makes getting together for coffee difficult. Delicate negotiations are ongoing.

Rheostatics

My favourite Canadian band, the Rheostatics, have released a new album called “Night of the Shooting Stars,” and as always, it’s excellent. I especially like the first track, entitled “These Days Are Good For The Canadian Conservative Youth Party Alliance.” Sometimes it’s not difficult to understand why they don’t get a lot of radio airplay, though 🙂 They’re going to be playing a marathon 11-night stand at the Horseshoe Tavern beginning this Wednesday night (and special guests will include, if all rumours are true, Rush, Stompin’ Tom Connors, the Guess Who, and maybe Neil Young!!!), and if you can catch them, you ought to. They are probably the best live band I’ve ever seen, though it doesn’t hurt that I’ve seen them probably a dozen times. I’m probably going once or twice in the upcoming stretch, though. Contact me and let’s go together. I’m also lucky in that I’m getting to see my favourite American band this Friday, too. Spoon are opening for Cake, who are also not too bad.