THE INDIE MACHINE

I specifically made a point to go and see Toronto’s ‘The Ghost Is Dancing’ this past Thursday during CMW. It was a late start but that’s what CMW is all about, seeing as much music possible no matter what time it is. On this night, it was obvious this band, clearly enjoys what they do. Song after song they exuded an energy that was nothing short of amazing. Even when keyboardist Odie Ouderkirk lead them into a song they obviously hadn’t played in a while, they made it work. Then they followed it up with the ridiculously infectious ‘This Thunder’ off last year’s album ‘Battles On’. I can’t help but smiling when I hear that song, seriously. Perhaps the highlight of the night for me was their cover of ‘The New Pornographers’, Letter From An Occupant. Check out their myspace page and video for ‘This Thunder’ below.

The Ghost Is Dancing – Myspace

Colin Bullock originally hails from Australia but now calls Vancouver home. I hadn’t been planning to go to his CMW show but I sure am glad a friend suggested it. The intimate setting in the back room at The Free Times Cafe suited Colin and his music perfectly. Although he seemed a little nervous at times when talking to the crowd, he had incredible control when it came to his delicate style of music. His singing style reminded me of Irish musician Damien Rice. You could tell he was thoroughly enjoying every moment in the spotlight and I think that can be a rarity sometimes when it comes to musicians. People really do feed off that emotion and it was obvious as I looked around the room. You must see Colin live to appreciate what he is truly capable of. The highlight of the night for me was a song he co-wrote with his sister called ‘Kid Driftwood’. Check it out via youtube. Also, you can check out ‘Something Worth Smiling For’ below.

Kid Driftwood (Live) – youtube
Colin Bullock – myspace

Much has been made about the RAA’s debut album which was self released in 2008 and later re-released in July 2009 via Saddle Creek Records. After a year of extensive touring to support the album including a spot at SXSW and V-Fest in Toronto the RAA must be ready to take a break. If so, they showed no signs of it on Friday night at Lee’s Palace in Toronto. When they finally took the stage after openers Fox Jawes and Bahamas they seemed humbled by the buzzing capacity crowd. Highlights from the evening included “Frank, AB”, “Drain The Blood” and set closer “The Deadroads”. There were a number of new tracks during the set which were well received and can only mean good things for this 3-piece in the coming year. Check out “In The Summertime” below from the LP “Hometowns”.

http://myspace.com/theraa

Sometimes working in a hotel provides me opportunities. In this case, a free pass to see the Manics on their first Stateside tour since ’99. Tickets for the show sold out within days, so I was pretty stoked when their stage manager asked me if I wanted to go and see the show for free! These guys including their politically charged lyrics were in top shape even after a 10 year absence. “Tsunami”, “If You Tolerate This…” and the beautiful acoustic version of “The Everlasting” brought me straight back to ’98 along with the majority of the crowd. Their new album “Journal For Plague Lovers” features all lyrics written by Richy James Edwards who disappeared back in ’95 and who has since been presumed dead. Highlights from the new album included “Marlon JD” and “Peeled Apples”. Most of the crowd were out looking for the classics though and what a way to end the night with “A Design For Life”. Myself, along with everyone else in the room were expecting it but that didn’t make it any less amazing.

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http://www.myspace.com/manics

One thing that has always amazed me about Yo La Tengo is the broad range of music they have been able to produce over the years. Seeing them in concert for the first time was truly an experience that everyone deserves to witness. It honestly feels like you’re hearing 3 or 4 different bands all rolled into one. “Periodically Double Or Triple” and “Nothing To Hide” from their new album were particular highlights on the evening. Definitely the ultimate for me was their first encore where they played “Autumn Sweater” and “You Can Have It All”….an already perfect night made complete. Check out “Periodically Double Or Triple” from their 14th studio album “Popular Songs” below.

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http://www.myspace.com/yolatengo

I had huge expectations going into the Reverb Thursday night to see Brooklyn’s Matt & Kim and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. After two very talked about shows at this years NXNE festival they were back for more and it seems like Matt & Kim take a particular liking to Toronto. They put on an hour long set that featured all their favourites and then some. I was really impressed with the energy these two generate and the crowd feeds off it like a bunch of little kids (which half of them were since it was an all ages show). You have to see it to believe it. Check out “Daylight” from their sophmore release “Grand” below.

http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim

I’ve got to be honest, I went out specifically to see “Jets Overhead” on Thursday night but it was Toronto’s “We Are The Take” that really got me. These guys put on an amazing live show and when you don’t expect it, even better! Great to see a band that really enjoys what they’re doing and “We Are The Take” is definitely that band. Victoria’s Jets Overhead started the evening out slow but really picked things up half way into their set. This 5-piece just released their sophmore album “No Nations”, a follow up to their 2006 album “Bridges”. They were nominated for “New Group of the Year” @ the 2007 Juno awards. Check out tunes from both bands below.

http://www.myspace.com/wearethetakeband

http://www.myspace.com/jetsoverhead