Most of the Shows I attended in 2009 in less than Five Pages!

I saw over Forty Shows this year alone , pretty mind boggling - and scary expensive. In retrospect, it was totally worth every penny I spent.

I saw some lousy shows, and some amazing shows. Here's a few words on each show I went to dug out right from the back of my brain, I even forgot some gigs I had went to as well!

I started off the year with Jessica Lea Mayfield, a ridiculously young songstress who did a ton of work with the Black Keys and was produced by Dan Auerbach. In February I saw - Timber Timbre at one of my favourite venues in the city - The Music Gallery. His haunted, bare performance was full of heart and was completely sold out. I later heard him play "Demon Host" from the outside of 6 Nassau a tiny dive in Kensington. He's big and in the future we'll be lucky to see him at a tiny venue. I had the pleasure of seeing Kathleen Edwards at Trinity St. Paul, she proved that she didn't wear thongs as she told the audience about her full bottomed underwear. She is also an incredible songwriter and performer which I gathered from this particular gig. Her band was also quite good, she had Jim Bryson playing the keys to accompany. I really enjoyed this show! I went alone to see Blitzen Trapper at the Horseshoe which was pretty impressive as I saw them last open for Okkervil River a few months prior at the Phoenix - the gig was sweaty and absolutely happening they're really a great band to see live - because they're experienced and have a great full sound. At some point I saw the ever-charming Ben Kweller who won my heart two times in one day - I first saw him at Sonic Boom and then at the Mod Club. As a part of Canadian Music Week, I saw a brilliant show at the Reverb, which looks to be my last as they're closing it down soon!! - I saw Jenn Grant and Amelia Curran - the apples of Rich Terfry's eye - play a batch of songs. My big regret was leaving early to meet Derek after his Brutal Knights show and missing Melissa McClelland's set. It was just before she released her dazzling album Victoria Day. I saw Flight of the Conchords before they disbanded! This show sold out like hot cakes, even though I believe there were two gigs. I went with my best friend who enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than I did. I felt as though my seats were so lousy it ruined the show. They did get a chuckle out of me when they opened up with "Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor" a song I had never heard before! One of the best shows and most dynamic albums of the year is Charles Spearin's Happiness Project. I first heard him showcase it at Jason Collett's Basement Revue TWO YEARS AGO! After two years of telling people about this amazing project Charles Spearin finally released an album, the CD version is even embossed in Braille!! I'm not sure if I was dazzled by this show because it was at the Music Gallery and I was sitting on the floor in front of the first pew with a perfect view of all of the music happening or if the music actually won me over. Regardless, it was one of the most beautiful, inspiring shows I have gone to all year. I was disappointed by Lisa Hannigan at the Mod Club with openers The Low Anthem. I really wish that she stayed with Damien Rice because that's where she belongs. I was however incredibly surprised by her cover of Air's "Playground Love" - which was really beautiful! I saw Maria Taylor play a venue she has in the past few years made her resident home in Toronto - the El Mocambo. A total dive, Taylor was able to play with her usual drabby vibe in an appropriate venue for it. The last time I saw her with Johnathan Rice, this time she took the wild child group Whispertown 3000 a band of women who look and act like little girls - I first saw them with Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins four or five years ago (with Jonathan Rice!). As last time, I was completely disappointed with their crazy mindless set! Julie Doiron is my first love this year! I was introduced to her this year by a very special person. I feel as though he said to me: "Do you like Julie Doiron? ... No? ... I'm sure you would!” And I did. I purchased the vinyl copy of her 2009 album I Could Wonder What You Did with Your Day days before the concert and fell in love at the concert. Hopefully 2010, over fifteen years after Eric's Trip got big, I will get into them. Someone told me the only people who don't like Eric's Trip are people who haven't heard them. Julie Doiron was in Eric's Trip. For the first time ever, I saw the legendary M. Ward who dazzled me at the Phoenix of all places. He looked shy and uncomfortable, but I still felt really into the show. I can't believe I missed the opener Joe Pugh, fortunately my housemate bought his album to smear in my face that I missed a great solo artist with a ton of talent. Maybe next time! I saw Neko Case finally! She played Trinity St. Paul's. I bought the ticket not really knowing her stuff, but knowing that this show would be one to reckon with, Case projected, talent, charm and beauty at this show. It was worth it 100% - people were also killing for tickets. I went to the first show, and I biked by when they were playing the second the following day and I could hear her voice billowing from outside, it was beautiful. I can't believe I went to Taste of Chaos! I went to see one of my favourite bands of high school - Thursday. The bouncer asked me if I was sure I was going to the right show as I had my helmet in hand, not fitting the 'punk' attire of the young crowd. I was let down by this show. I looked back to when the Taste of Chaos could sell full Arrow Hall. Yikes. I was charmed by the lovely, Vetiver at the Horseshoe Tavern. They were pushing their beautiful album Tight Knit. It was lovely to hear Andy Cabic play these tunes live. Tight Knit is easily one of my favourite releases of the year for the music and the art work it has. I went with Nicole. I believe the Paper Cuts opened this gig, they're getting big and touring a bunch - we weren't feeling it, but I really like their recorded album and wish I did my homework beforehand! I saw Steamboat play at Sneaky Dee's - I was amazed by Steamboat's The Band-like ability to shine as a backup band to all their special guests. This was my first time seeing Sandro Perri and the Deadly Snakes' Andre Ethier. It was brilliant to hear Ethier play the "Pride of Egypt". I also saw Doug Paisley for the first time. I saw Camera Obscura at some time in June, I was impressed with their sound but found them to be extremely dull to watch. Each time they play they play a full, lush ending of all their instruments together sort of as thanks for everyone seeing the gig. It impresses me every time! They didn't play "The Sweetest Thing" which really let me down. Their new album My Maudlin Career is one of the finest releases of this year - leaves Stuart Murdoch's God Help the Girl in the mud, sorry Taj! I saw Grizzly Bear, FINALLY at a real venue. I last saw them at the Molson Amp, with Radiohead but I really truly equate this as my first time really seeing them. They were brilliant and even had Feist sing the Victoria LeGrand part (of Beach House) of the tune "Two Weeks". This was the only show this year I felt like I was going to pass out at - it was completely sold and it felt over capacity too! I was bored by Amy Millan, thank goodness it was a free show. It was at Harbourfront. I did enjoy her cover of "I Will Follow You into the Dark" despite how much flack Pitchfork gave it. I was totally shocked when she put it on her boring release of this year. I saw the Walkmen for the second time, this album You & Me shook me to my core, which in retrospect, I can't believe it was released last year - it still resonates hard. It was my move in mix to my last apartment. I remember playing it in an empty room as I was piecing my life back together on Palmerston Avenue! It's always a thrill to hear the tune "Canadian Girl" live. I remember being blown away by the guitarist, who plays this one wouldn't believe came out of the guitar! I saw Jenn Grant yet again, but for free! I biked down to Harbourfront on a lovely summer evening. I remember this was my first time recording something on my phone and it sounded impeccable. I really enjoyed this show! I saw the Zombies with my parents. My Dad has a huge affinity for this band. It was fantastic to hear "Care of Cell 44" live. Blunstone's still got the voice and Argent's still got the fingers. I was amazed by how many young people showed up, and how many of them were willing to drop $50 bucks on a band from sixty years ago! I was also amazed that they'd play this teeny tiny venue. I told myself last year I would see the legendary Dave Brubeck live, and I did this year. Brubeck is 87 years old, the same age as my Grandpa. His hands on the piano however, sound as young as ever. He would occasionally stumble towards the microphone to say a few words that sounded extremely airy and shaky. His son, Matthew Brubeck stepped on stage and played the cello, although they're American, young Brubeck is a music instructor at York U. What a catch. Brandi Disterheft put us to sleep but she's young and Canadian with a solid sound. My regret of the Toronto Jazz Festival was missing Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. A big secret of the Nathan Phillips shows is that you can just hover around outside and listen as they're just in covered tents! Hope for no rain though! I went to Sudbury for the very first time this summer and was greeted by lovely music and mosquitoes. I went down to see the Sudbury Folk Festival where countless Canadian artists went to play - I saw Sudbury locals Tuba Boy play their 1920's inspired music, Joel Plaskett play solo, which was really lovely and bits of Hawksley Workman - my absolute favourite was hearing Jenn Grant with just her violin player. It was a beautiful summer day and it was a wonderful way to close the festival. I saw Beirut, the love of my life - Zach Condon at the Phoenix. He played an incredible set - I couldn't help but compare it to his La Blogotheque sessions - absolutely mind blowing. He is a musical genius! I had the privilege of seeing Cursive at the Horseshoe. Six years ago I wanted to see the Good Life play at the Horseshoe. I remember it was at the time I got my first fake ID and I didn't feel confident to do so. I really wish I did because the Good Life has yet to come back. This gig was Cursive's first headlining show in Toronto - I saw them last year or the year before play with Against Me! and Mastadon, a really messed up lineup. The show was great - my favourite part was hearing "A Gentleman Caller" and many other songs from the album The Ugly Organ. Kasher's got so much heart when he plays - he sort of has that dodgy stance that Joe Cocker has. This gig got me into the song "Bad Sects" from their 2006 release titled Happy Hollow. It's one of those songs that make me remember why I love Tim Kasher to pieces for his lyrics. I hope they come back - it was interesting to see that their fan base was consisting of mainly late twenty-somethings and early thirties. Brilliant. I saw Do Make Say Think at a teeny tiny venue - called the Polish Combatants Hall, tucked away just south of College Street on Beverley. They played a very rough show at a brilliant venue in support of some bike alliance. I remember Justin Small gave a serious rant about wearing a helmet when biking - believe it or not it has definitely stuck with me. I remember hearing the song "Do" and thinking that their new album was going to be terrific. I was right. I finally saw Sufjan Stevens as anticipated he blew my mind - this show was intended to sample his newer longer material - some of which I adored, unlike his horrible release this year titled The BQE, which I think is everything I hate about Stevens. I hope he releases it soon! He played a ton of Illinois - an instant crowd pleaser! I saw Dead Man's Bones some time in October - it was a real treat to be in the same room as Ryan Gosling. I'm not sure how he got so famous from his starts in Breaker High, but he did. His band is no different - a show that was supposed to be at the Music Gallery (much to my chagrin) was shifted to the Opera House. Again, completely sold out. He took young choirs at random and used them in his music. It was a good welcome home show that showed just how absolutely charming Gosling is on both the eyes and the ears. On the eve of Nuit Blanche I saw the '90s rockers Yo La Tengo - they played nothing I know but it was still a tremendously great show - I scored the tickets on Craiglist for FREE. Remarkable just how kind people are and what luck you can have when you want something bad! I saw Sondre Lerche play for the third time at the Mod Club. Nothing will compare to his first show I saw - it was really fantastic as he played with a full band. This time round it was a solo-acoustic show. He was still great but he really rocks with a full band. I'm still waiting Sondre! Three years ago I saw him with a full band and to this day it was one of the best shows of my life! It's sad to say that the one show to ruin an amazing band for a dear person to me was the Atlas Sound gig. Although a completely separate project - Atlas Sound ruined the amazing Deerhunter for someone close to me. Although Atlas Sound's new album has been tearing through indie charts I still think it sounds pretty lousy with the exception of the song "Sheila". I have to say the same about the live show as well - that and Bradford Cox was a total dick! Deerhunter still remains one of my favourite bands. To kick off the month of November I saw Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, who I first saw open for Rilo Kiley at the Phoenix. Seeing Thao at a tiny venue like the El Mocambo this year really changed how I felt about her. She's from San Francisco and has a fierce sound to her that really allows for a distinct character to her tunes. I hmm-hawed over it for a long time but I'm really happy I decided to buy the ridiculously expensive Monsters of Folk ticket. It was a horribly rainy Monday that I saw them at Massey Hall in mid-November but it was one-hundred percent worth it. It was like seeing each member individually with a bit of group work. The self-titled album is easily one of the finest albums to be released this year. I was most happy to hear the M. Ward dominated tune by the band titled "The Sandman, The Brakeman and Me" and the M. Ward solo song "One Life Away" which I believe he sang with Jim James, I mean Yim Yames! This was easily one of the best shows of the year. I soon after saw the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach at the Phoenix. It's funny because his solo-project has a full band set up, in comparison to his two man set up in the Black Keys. I use to think it sounded exactly like the Black Keys but I was wrong times ten! This album has a very distinct sound to it that strays away from the Black Keys' vibe. The tune "Real Desire" was extremely eye opening as they had strung Christmas lights across the venue - lighting up the entire audience at the bridge of the song. Another top album of the year I'd say. It's different, not like any other album I've heard this year. A question that's haunting me night and day is why Girls are so effing big. What does this band have going for them? I'm going to take a stab here and say that their fame and popularity was largely shaped by Pitchfork's fond endorsements. Girls have a genre/time stretching sound that makes it difficult for me to put my finger down on where they fit musically. They don't make my best list but they have a very distinct charm to their live gig - I saw them at the El Mocambo - which I can kind of say with a bit of pride because this band is bound for a bigger venue real quick. I had the opportunity to hear and see Gordon Lightfoot live for the very first time. He played a series of gigs at Massey Hall. I used the last of my privileges at Sunrise to score amazing seats. He's 71 and still quick. He even brought out former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner to the show. It was by far the quietest show I’ve ever heard at that venue - but he had the entire audience at the palm of his hand, I included. It's always such a treat to see older bands that I love play, and an ever greater treat to hear them play songs that I can remember fondly at their live shows today. Brand New is a stellar example of this - they're a band who in the past has not played much older stuff, sticking to their new material. They played a killer five song stack of: 1) "Sic Transit Gloria (Glory Fades)" 2) "I Believe You but My Tommy Gun Don't" 3) "Mix tape" 4) "Jude Law and the Semester Abroad" 5) "Seventy Times Seven". REMARKABLE. As normal they closed with "Play Crack in the Sky". The eye opener song this show was the tune "Limousine" off of the album The Devil and God Are Raging Inside of Me - it repeats the line "I love you so much, do me a favour baby don't reply, cause I can't dish it out but I can't take it". It's a song about a car crash and death of a three year old girl. Jesse Lacey always picks the finest topics - no sarcasm. Yet another reason why I love this band. I will always fondly remember their gig at the Kool Haus in 2004 in support of their stellar album Deja Entendu as one of the finest gigs I have ever seen. I still stick to that. If I were asked to make a top ten album list of the decade - Deja Entendu would make it no questions. I saw the new comers Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros play at the El Mocambo. They received so much popularity they played an additional show the following night. This band is big, probably like ten or twelve people just having fun. This band is fun, unfortunately they sort of lost steam on my end but their tune "Home" will always be a pleasant, happy song in my mind. They got the entire audience to sit on the grimy floor of the El Mocambo for their final song, pretty impressive! I did it again, I saw Camera Obscura light up another venue in Toronto. I feel like I enter a time warp when I listen to this band - they have a delightful sound that few bands capture. I was very pleased to hear "Forests and Sands" - their Toronto name dropping tune live again and for the first time "The Sweetest Thing" which was lovely! The guitarist always gets me in this band; he's got that classic sound down pat. This year I saw one of my favourite bands live - Zero 7 - It's not often that I love a band solely for one album but this band did it for me. They released an album nearly nine years ago that stopped my heart about six years ago. The album is titled Simple Things an album they've yet to top. I could tell at this show they didn't want to touch any of it - they played their two hits from it "Destiny" and "In the Waiting Line". You are sure to recognise both, especially the latter if you saw Zach Braff's film Garden State. When they played those two songs they were remodeled by different singers and reshaped to the point where they just didn't sound the same. "In the Waiting Line" was played acoustically, yikes! The majority of the crowd was nearly twice my age. I would make bold here and say that Simple Things is in my top ten of the last ten years. I'm surprised I have yet to see it on anyone's lists yet. I had the opportunity one more time to see Thursday this year. This go 'round it was at the tiny Mod Club, a huge step down from the Kool Haus and a huge step up in my mind! They were playing with Dillenger Escape Plan, who I intentionally missed. What I didn't mean to do was miss a few Thursday songs - Damn early shows. The crowd was thin and there were few people there to see Thursday. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb, but it was fantastic to hear "Jet Black New Year" live in concert. Geoff Rickley responded to the audiences cheers for certain tunes saying - "It's amazing how many songs we aren't playing of the ones that you are shouting". I feel like this may be the last time I see this band live - I'm not sure though. I saw Jason Collett's Basement Revue for the third year in a row - a beautiful medley of musician, all of which are a surprise with the exception of Collett. This particular night showcased Doug Paisley playing three covers, John K. Sampson's long rambling speech in memorial of someone I wish I could remember and a series of poetry readings. I loved watching Andrew Cash play as well as hearing CBC Radio 2 personality Rich Terfry tell an engaging story about a man with no legs farting in his face ten years ago. Which I assure you is much funnier than what it sounds like. It was amazing to hear Collett live although he modestly plays three or four songs at the beginning and end of his shows. I can feel that the Dakota is Collett's new home; I hope he plays more gigs there to compensate for the incredibly fast sell-out rate of his shows in December. The last show of my year was Do Make Say Think - it was at the Enwave Theatre, down at Harbourfront. I'm not crazy about the venue - as I sat way high up in the sky, a view I have never seen the band in - from above. They none the less blew me away with their new material and old alike. They're tune "Do" is one of my favourite tunes of the year and they played it at the beginning of their set. They however played a ton of old material including the wonderful - "Hooray! Hooray! Horray!" off of Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn released in 2003. Again one of my favourites of the '00s, with no words they manage to melt hearts. Upon buying my ticket I was saddened twice by, first, the seated admission and secondly to find out that the Happiness Project was only opening for the first night. I had a ticket for the Years gig to open. Years is Do Make's guitarist Ohad Benchetrit's solo project. He takes his noodling to a great extreme in a full album apart from the band. It's really fantastic project, and it was lovely to be able to hear him alone. It was unfortunate to hear so much sound looping which I think really takes away from the live show. I like to know what I'm seeing and hearing and the looping really throws my ears off. That's my year in retrospect!