e.g. "Did you see Crosby's deke last night? He's a beauty!"
I digress. I first encountered the Beauties, who have been on the indie music scene in Toronto since 2006, at a Canadian Music Showcase at the (Legendary) Horseshoe Tavern, one of my favourite places to see live music in the city. It was one of the best concerts I've seen in a looooong time. Sure, there was some cheesy Canadiana, covering Summer of '69 and such, but it featured members of Our Lady Peace, the Arkells, Treble Charger, the Hip... it was who's-who of awesomeness.
The Beauties had the challenging task of being the "house band" for one of the sets. They provided the core of the band, then various members of different bands joined them for a song or two. Their ability to step back and let the guest shine wasn't lost on me, as I'm sure it wasn't lost on the musicians that joined them. What I really enjoyed was hearing their originals. They're hard to pidgeonhole into one particular style - a little bit rock, a little bit country, a little bit bluesy, a little bit folk - and a whole lot of awesome. Case in point, my personal favourite - their version of Holly Golightly's "Devil Do."
It's may or may not be my new theme song. They're a regular fixture at the Dakota Tavern, and their upcoming gigs can be found on their website or Facebook group.
... and we're off. Better late than never. I'm loving the slicker way to add videos on Blogger now, btw.
A-Trak - Thursday 9th - The Hoxton
Fresh off gracing the cover of Billboard Magazine, this Montreal-born-former-World DMC champion (at age 15, no less) is sure to attract the douchebag set,
but his skills on the decks are worth braving the crowds of greased up
blazer & pointy-shoe wearing wankers, and self-important hipsters,
finding a bit of tile for yourself, and alternating between shaking it
& trainspotting. He's played everything from skeezy raves to
Lollapalooza, worked with Kanye, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and was the first
DJ to headline at Madison Square Gardens, and on this night he's
playing the Hoxton, the new-ish shabby-chic concert venue at 69
Bathurst.
Sold out long ago, this will be a hard ticket to get a hold of, but may be worth the exorbitant Craigslist scalper prices. Dallas Green, formerly of Alexisonfire, now operates under the City & Colour
moniker. A little bit folksy, a little bit rocky (mostly the former),
and 100% Canadian, his voice is unmistakable. He's touring in support of
his 2011 "Little Hell" album. Not much further ado is required. Go if
you can. Be envious if you can't.
Alright, ever since my run-in with the bouncer who tried to roll me for my watch,
I haven't been back to Guv, but if you're in a dark mood on a Friday
night, and feel like sweating all the bad 'tings out on the dancefloor,
make your way there. Four headliners - Cyantific, Wildinson, Chasing
Shadows & The Upbeats - will rock the decks for a huge drum n' bass
dance. Local support from the legendary Marcus Visionary & Gremlinz.
Check Destiny's website for the full details.
$25 advance, more on the door. 19+
The Ataris & The Queers - Saturday 18th - The Horseshoe
Yes,
of course I mean the LENGENDARY Horseshoe Tavern, it just won't all fit
in the big kind of font. Ease up selector. This double bill will be a
wickedly fun night. Two classic American pop-punk bands will rock the
place, no doubt.
The Queers
(n.b.: don't Google them in public places, unless you're inviting that
kind of attention) have been on the case since the early 1980's, and are
probably best described as the Ramones meet the Beach Boys... if the
Beach Boys were a little more direct about their
drinking/fucking/partying urges in their lyrics. They've How times have
changed. The only real constant is lead singer Joe Queer - they've gone
through a laundry list of band members over the past 30 years. It's
currently a 3-piece (guitar/bass/drums).
The Ataris...
well, Boys of Summer. Need I say more? OK, you talked me into it. They
formed in 95, and skyrocketed to success in the punk scened. They really
broke out with their cover of Don Henley's Boys of Summer in 2004, and
they haven't looked back. They're still very much active, and are
touring in support of their upcoming Graveyard of the Atlantic release.
$15, on the door only. Get there early, or risk missing out.
Dropkick Murphys - Wednesday 22 - Sound Academy
On
the case since 1995, these guys are one of the best-known Celtic
rock/punk bands in the world. High energy, and undeniably new-world
Celtic (from near Boston, if I recall correctly) - they're a punk band
with the added joy of bagpipes, mandolin, tin whistle, and acordian
sounds. They're touring on their "Going Out in Style" album. They're
also the only other band that can cover "Home for a Rest" that isn't Great Big Sea and have me still listen to it. That's worth it's weight in gold, innit.
Tickets work out to $53.50 each with service charge, which is a bit steep, but hey, it's the Murphys, and it's gonna be nuts. Just do it.
Biodiesel - Saturday 25th - The Garrison
Toronto
breakbeat legends converge on Dundas West (way way west... essh) for DJ
Czech's birthday bash. He's coming back from Prague to play on this
night, and he's bringing the live PA act Biodiesel in, who will bell be
playing drums & bass live, making music on the spot. Check the vid
if you don't believe me. The funky Dave Saddler, and Farbsie Funk round
out the local support. Bring your dancing shoes, and a towel. B'oh!
A Scottish indie-rock trio, they've got the real difference of actually sounding Scottish.
The lead singer's brogue is thick enough to be noticed, but not so
thick that you can't understand a frickin' word he's saying. They call
themselves "folk with layers of noise" (think early Alexisonfire and
other bands with the 'wall of sound' mentality) Their live performances
are known for being almost excessively loud, so maybe bring earplugs to
hear them at a normal level. They're touring to promote their shiny new
album "No-one Can Ever Know."
Now, I've never actually been to a real, live roller derby, but the folks at Toronto Roller Derby have been added to my "Like" list on the ol' Facebook. The downside? You've got to make your way all the way up to Downsview park to take in the event. The upside? Booze & bruising babes bashing and brawling in board-to-board bouts... This post is brought to you by the letter B. Deal with it.
The Toronto Roller Derby is the largest flat-track league in Canada, with four of its own house teams, a travel team, a farm team, and over 100 active skaters. They've even spawned a couple of other teams that train and compete out of other locations in the city. It's had five seasons so far, with each bringing bigger crowds, and a bigger following than the last. Check out last year's promo video:
Event Details:
On Saturday, February 4th, 2012, they'll kick off their sixth season with two matches - the cleverly named D-VAS (one of the Toronto teams spun-off from ToRD) will fight amongst themselves, then the Gore Gore Rollergirls will take on 2011 Toronto Champions Chicks Ahoy. No, I'm not making these names up.
Doors at 5:00, early bout at 6:00. Food & booze for sale at the venue. $14 in advance from their website, or $12 advance from ticket outlets listed on the Facebook event page.
Rules:
So, we all know it's cool chicks in themed outfits smashing into each other at high speeds, but what's the actual object? They play according to the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's rules. Basically, there's a flat oval track that's between 13 and 15 feet wide , and about 90 feet long. It's played in 2 x 30 minute periods, each divided into multiple "jams", which are races to score points. Each jam is two minutes or less, and has a maximum of four Blockers (including one Pivot) and a Jammer (see below).
There are three main positions players play - Blocker, Pivot, and Jammer. The Jammer is the one who does the scoring of points by passing opposing skaters (except the first time through the pack). Each skater she passes is a point. Blockers don't score points, and skate in "the pack"... basically to gum up the works and keep the Jammers from skating by by "blocking" or bodychecking them. Pivots are a special blocker that can turn into a Jammer if the "star" is passed to her by swapping helmet covers. Phew. Got all that?
General info on all upcoming shows, and for those ladies of sound constitution, how to skate with the teams is on their Facebook page. They're also selling calendars to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer. As the proud owner of a prostate (or so my Doctor claims when he's spelunking), that's a whole lotta allllright.
I, for one, am looking forward to some lively competition and good times. The only question is, who should I root for? My support is up for auction.
Now, normally I try to keep it to happy news, and refrain from posting things that I don't like, but this bears mentioning, if for nothing more than motivating you to get out and make one last stop at this Tdot institution.
According to an article in the Toronto Star, The Real Jerk, a Jamaican-Canadian-owned Caribbean restaurant that's graced the corner of Queen & Broadview for the better part of 30 years is the latest casualty of condominium developers. No word on if the mural will form part of the glass & concrete exterior.
I'm taking this one a little bit personally, since it's been a place where so many fond memories were made. Back when we were young and unencumbered by things like debt and morals, we used to fuel up there before attending all-night dance-a-thons (or something like that) at the nearby Opera House.
Every two months a group of us would descend on the Jerk to devour some delicious jerk pork or roti, and guzzle down the generously poured double rum & cokes. We would endure its service provided on "island time" and the somewhat forgetful servers along with everyone else because the chaw is the real deal.
Doors close at the end of January, so you've still got a few weeks to get down there for one last hurrah. I'd suggest a reservation, since you won't be the only one making the pilgrimage. 709 Queen East. Main courses $10-15.
Hopefully it finds a new location, and hopefully nearby, since the only other pre-drink option is Jilly's... well, maybe it's not all bad, but I wouldn't trust the burgers...
It's all good, before it's all gone. Get 'r India.
January 11 - Caveman - The (Legendary) Horseshoe Tavern
A five piece band out of Brooklyn, USA, they're not the peppiest of songwriters, but if you're in the mood for beautifully composed indie rock/folk/godknows, with a bit of a poetic edge to the lyrics (i.e. thinking music), check these dudes out. Wow, that was a long sentence. They're still pretty raw, and on their way up, but that's understandable considering they've only been together a few years. Don't believe me? Check out Exhibit A:
They're playing alongside co-Brooklyn-ite chick-led peppy/cheeky-indie-style Hospitality, (that's a hell of a lot of hyphens) and Volcano Playground, another orchestral-sounding 70's-ish style band out of Tdot, who desperately need to get something other than Myspace where people can listen to their shit. This jam is at my absolute favourite rock dive, and should be a great way to spend your Hump Night. $12 on the door. January 14 - Ginger St. James & The Grinders - The Dakota Tavern
Alright, so I've blogged about this chick before, but you probably haven't gotten off of your couch to see her play yet, have you? Right, so, here's your chance. She's got one of the best voices I've heard in a loooonnnngggg frickin' time, and a wonderful stage presence. She'll have her whole band in tow on this night, which promises to be a rollicking good time. The Dakota is a honky-tonkin' good time at the worst of times, and she'll rock the place. Don't miss it. $10 on the door.
January 20 - Real Estate - Lee's Palace A band out of New Jersey, and a little reminiscent of the Arkells. it's hard to believe that they've only been rolling together for a little over three years. They're known as a "band to watch" by many, and they're on their way up. Catch them now for their lovely song-writing, if only so you can brag that you saw them "back before they were big."
These boys are playing Lee's Palace, another great rock dive/must experience kind of place. January 20 - Stanton Warriors - Ame A breakbeat duo out of the UK, Stanton Warriors have been on the case since 1998. Their sound has evolved from speed garage, which, let's be honest, nobody ever really liked... but these dudes have taken it to the next level. Ranging from haunting to cheeky, all of it danceable, you can just close your eyes and move to their sets. No thinking required. So, if you're up for a little rump shakin', this is your jam.
Different kind of venue too - Ame - a high end sushi joint at 19 Mercer St. Curious to see how well it converts. $25 advance tickets, more on the door.
December 28 - Birthday Bass - Nocturne
If you haven't gotten all of your rump-shaking out of your system at the Stanton Warriors the night before, then check out the lovely Lady Bass' birthday jam at Nocturne. Some of Toronto's top hard house spinners are making an appearance to drop big, bassy, dancefloor-driven tunes to help Ms. Bass celebrate another year. She throws semi-regular jams, every month or two in the same space, and the lineup is always top-notch. Check out the website for more details. Free before 11, $5 after. BYODS.
December 29 - Collie Buddz - Sound Academy Probably best known for his hit "Day & Night," this pot-centric reggae artist out of Bermuda. He credits Tdot as being his "home away from home" and claims that he wrote most of his biggest song here. This jam is sure to be packed, as Tdot shows its love best for those who love it. He's touring in support of his "Playback" release of last year.
My personal favourite made one badass drum n' bass remix. I gave you his original, just for the sensuous pace of it. $21.50 + service charge (so $24-5).
Every now and then, you make some random musical discovery that you can then spend the next months and years delighting in introducing that musician to them. For me, Ginger St. James is that artist.
I caught her performance at a burlesque show in boring ol' Ottawa one random winter's night, and spent the rest of the evening in aural bliss. Somehow she manages to fit the singing voice of a thousand old jazz singers into her tiny little frame. Hints of Etta James and Patsy Cline show through in her sound (and maybe a little Lucille Bogan in her subject matter). I have, on a few occasions, watched peoples' jaws drop, quite literally, when she opens her mouth to sing.
She plays the blues oh-so-well, and also dips into jazz and country. Her live sets are generally a mix of her originals, and her take on the classics. Her originals bear the mark of her country/small town upbringing, and range from cheeky, to funergetic, to raunchy, and down to soulfully sad. Though not yet the strongest lyricist, as her songwriting progresses, so to will her upward trajectory. With a voice like hers, so long as she sticks with the game, the descriptor "incomparable" may well become apt.
Don't believe me? Fine. I'll prove it. Check out this live version of "Don't Deceive Me," a standard sung by the likes of Chuck Willis and Little Richard alike. I'd take Ms. St. James' version three times out of four.
Grab her first studio LP with her band, the Grinders - Spank, Sparkle & Growl, off of her site, as well as iTunes and Amazon. A little birdie informs me that she's in the studio working on her first full album, and it should be out early in the new year, so keep checking back.
She's based in Toronto now, and keeps a busy schedule. You can see her live at the always-rowdy Magpie Tavern every Monday, starting Dec 19th, and running until Jah knows when. 831 Dundas St. West.
If you want nachos in the city, this is where you go. Period. Their heart-stopping mountains of tortillas and toppings are the stuff of legend, and if you’ve never had them in you, stop reading and go right now. OK, wait, finish reading, then go. Otherwise, why would I write the rest of this?
Sneaky’s is about as authentic as you can get. Established in 1987, at the none-too-classy corner of College & Bathurst, the place is a dive. It always has been, and hopefully always will be. The bathroom walls bear more permanent marker than the face of the first person to pass out at a frat party. The men’s room floors make it apparent that the patrons have little chance of winning any medals in any sport involving aiming. The concert venue upstairs has hosted some racous jams, that I'm proud to have survived. It’s loud, crowded, and the booths bear the signs of some 25 years of heavy traffic. Sometimes there’s quite a wait for a table, which in this city generally means you’re on to a good thing. Let’s just call it “character” and move on.
Its cheap pitchers of home brew and own brand of hot sauce ($5 a bottle to take home) make it a staple of university life for U of T students. They’ve quite often got bands playing in the back, and one-off events in the upstairs. Now, as a grown-up, I wouldn’t rush to make it my regular joint, nor would it be my ultimate destination for a night on the town. Once you’ve been there, however, it will call to you from time to time. It’s more than just a general desire for nachos. I’ve learned to identify it as a specific craving for Sneaky Dee’s. In the way that vinyl always sounded better when Mr. Brown would play it on the shitty speakers at 2theBeat, or wines always taste better in the cellars at the vineyard, nachos just taste better at Sneaky’s. Scienticians have tried for years to explain it, with little luck. I, for one, would rather chalk it up to a confluence of cosmic forces, and order another pitcher.
Brass tacks – let’s talk nachos.
I have a penchant for the King’s Crown platter. Some places claim their nachos are piled high with toppings. They’ve really just got topping envy. For $15.50, this monster has salsa, frijoles, beef, tomatoes, onions, pappers, jalapenos, cheese, guacamole and sour cream in such volumes that you need a fork to get at ‘em by the end. There’s no shame in eating the guac/bean/meat/salsa/sour cream slurry that will inevitably remain once the last chip has been fished out and consumed. In fact, it’s strongly encouraged. One platter is enough to fuel three normal humans, or two stoned teenagers.
There are, however, different ways to skin the proverbial cat. I have friends (surprised?) that swear by the compartmentalization of the nachos. The basic nachos, with guac, salsa, and sour cream on the side is a favourite of Doctors and Medical Residents everywhere. They also feature Greek, Veggie, and Hawaiian, or you can craft your own by adding toppings.
What’ll it cost you?
Nachos: &7.95 for simple chips & cheese - $15.50 for the King's Crown. Bring a friend.
Beer: $11 or so for a pitcher. I like their red best.
You can't go wrong at Sneaky's... 'cos it's alllll good. ;)
