Open Roof Festival featuring The Darcys and the film 'Beauty Day'; Thursday June 30, 2011

I have to give it to the last day of June, it was quite possibly the most lovely evening of my summer yet. It's just one of those evenings you can't really plan, but rather they just sort of happen on their own. This will certainly go down as one of those amazing evenings.

My best pal and I made a very last minute decision to go to the Open Roof Festival, something I put off last year because I discovered it wasn't actually held on a roof. Rather, it's in the back lot of the Amsterdam Brewery on Bathurst just south of Front. Their name isn't entirely off, there is no roof at this venue.

It was made an especially perfect evening because of the weather - a lovely 21 degrees Celsius, perfect for the summer dress. Nicole and I, dressed to the nines took on Toronto.

There was something real surreal about watching a film in the middle of the city buzz.

The Darcys went on around half past eight, the whole idea of these Open Roof sessions is to show the movie right at dusk, so bands kind of leisurely go one with enough time to churn out a few tunes without impeding on the film's spot. This audience was definitely there for the film over the band. It`s kind of not a good atmosphere for a concert as there are seats and terrible terrain to stand on. I feel like it's terrible concert etiquette to sit and watch a band, unless that`s the sort of show. People sat and spoke throughout the gig - not a gig I`d like to play myself.

The sound was mediocre to lousy, although loud enough to carry decently, but i'd credit that to the band`s crisp sound rather than the venues good speakers.  The Darcys did not let me down. I was taking Nicole to see the Darcys for the first time since we had first laid ears on them at the Supermarket in 2008. We both thought they were nothing special. It's really incredible to hear what three years'll do. Times are a changing and things are looking up for this band.

Trouble is they have yet to release an album. How can a band really explode without any material to support what they`re pushing? I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Darcys absolutely need to put an album out, or at very least another EP.

I really love what Zeus has done, they've sort of lagged between releasing their legendary album Say Us and a follow-up, but they have released a couple of EPs to satisfy my needs.

I am happy to report that the fourth song in was a new tune I'd never heard before and it sounded fantastic. This band has definitely not lost steam, they're clearly just being picky with things. I just hope they don't grow bored of their songs before they actually have a chance to really do well.

Now, moving on to the incredible documentary Beauty Day.

Do you use the term "beauty"? I use it time to time when I describe something really great. After seeing this film, it'll definitely work its way more into my daily language.

Meet Ralph Zavadil - a totally off-beat, weird looking guy, the original Jackass. Of St. Catharines, ON, Zavadil probably had a tremendously hard time fitting anywhere, because he has a hell of a lot less shame than anyone else. Zavadil made absurd recordings of stunts he did involving himself. Take the most absurd thing you can possibly think of and Zavadil would probably do it. His program The Cap'n Video Show aired from 1990-1995, with what seemed to have a solid following.


I think this documentary was such a hit with the audience is because Zavadil is human. Humanity really bleeds through in the descriptions and interviews of his life. One can really relate to this man in many surprising ways.

The music throughout this film was selected and mostly made by Justin Small and Ohad Benchetrit, both of the Toronto-based band Do Make Say Think. The song "Major Lift" was used throughout the film, kind of a theme-song for Zavadil almost.



It's always really lovely to see what Do Make Say Think will stick their fingers in.

Further thought:

Do Make Say Think, auteurs?
Documentaries to consider: Jay Reatard doc Waiting For Something and Beauty Day
George Harrison (unrelated)

Jenny Lewis in 'The Hangover Part II'

There's nothing like starting a movie with a good song. Few people probably noticed but the intro song to The Hangover Part II was Jenny Lewis' very laid back tune "Bad Man's World."

Instantly making me a fan of the film. It's one of those disposable films, one time use only.

Mike Mills 'Beginners'

So I finally got around to rewatching Beginners in theatres.

I found myself absolutely charmed, yet again, by the film and its music.

The soundtrack has proved very difficult to find in-store and with the Canada Post strike and all. Thankfully, I found a free, live stream online.

Make your day a little better with the lovely music from the film, or just go out and see the film.

Music big-wig Brian Reitzell collaborates for a few tunes on the soundtrack.

Beginners Soundtrack by Beginners Soundtrack

Mike Mills 'Beginners' out June 17

I can't shake how lovely the film 'Beginners' is. I mailed my friend today saying this is the summer of Lovely. All things lovely.

So, I've gone on about the lovely film 'Beginners' Directed by Mike Mills (husband of Miranda July). The film stars the incredible Canadian Chirstopher Plummer, Ewan MacGregor and the very beautiful Mélanie Laurent. The film is about the revelries of life, some joyous some overbearing.

I fortuantely have the pleasure of watching this film at TIFF '10. I was surprised and warmed inside.



I'm most excited by the booming soundtrack that makes me feel equal parts classy and in love.

Soak it in -

"Stardust" – Hoagy Camichael





"Everything's Made For Love" – Gene Austin



"Bach Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell

"1955" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell

"Sweet Jazz Music" – Jelly Roll Morton





"That Da Da Strain" – Mamie Smith
Note: not the version on the soundtrack, but still lovely.



"Mamanita" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: couldn't find the original on YouTube, but this is pretty faithful.



"Moon Waltz" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell

"Veronica’s Blues" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell

"Breezin’ Along with the Breeze" – Josephine Baker



"Beginners Theme Suite" – David Palmer, Roger Neill, Brian Reitzell


"Buddy Bertrand’s Blues" – Jelly Roll Morton
Note: I think this is the same song...

"Ballad of Sir Frank Crisp" George Harrison, How I Met Your Mother

I haven't fully emerged myself into Harrison's All Things Must Pass. I'd say I've put a fabulous effort into the first disc, but it's the second one I've really overlooked (along with Disc Two of The Beatles). 

But it was in watching How I Met Your Mother's most recent episode "Challenge Accepted" that got me really onto the song "Ballad of Sir Frank Crisp" that boasts the lyrics "Let it roll" prominently throughout the song. 

Weeds

After months and months of my uncle asking if I've seen the television show Weeds, I finally broke down and watched it. It's a real clever show with a fantastic music selection to follow. I'm going to write a bit on the theme song "Little Boxes" when I get around to finding videos I can actually post on here.

But here's the really lovely Sufjan Stevens song "All The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands"

On Grey's Anatomy's music

I really like the TV show Grey's Anatomy. There's something about super attractive doctors mixed with steamy love stories and great music that hits me the right way.

But what rubs me the wrong way is how they steal titles from tunes that I really like, or at very least am aware of.

For instance, their last episode titled "Song Beneath the Song" was lifted from a Maria Taylor tune. This takes me back to the high school days when I use to be very protective about great music that I really liked. I use to make sure that no one knew about it because it was my little secret. It killed me when people, especially people  I didn't like, knew the songs that would make my skin quiver. I've distanced myself greatly from that, in that I don't really care about who knows what, because I'm all about sharing music now. But, what aches me most is how these shows are unoriginally naming episodes after songs.

At the arts high school I went to, each year there was a dance review choreographed by dance students called Mosaix. This was a big deal (at the time). I remember when we were the top dogs, or seniors, a group of girls leading a particular number called their piece "One More Night" and put it to the music of Death Cab For Cutie's "Tiny Vessels." That killed me. I think I was at the peak of my snobby indie phase and knee deep in Death Cab at that time. Where did these legs get off castrating two of my favourite tunes at the time!!

Thanks ladies!! (Although, I secretly wished I was in their dance number)

Not a completely useless rant post, here's the soundtrack to it:

Little Miss Sunshine

It's been a while since any one has mentioned the film Little Miss Sunshine. I first saw this film four or five years ago when it hit DVD. I remember laughing so hard and so very honestly.

Who could forget the brilliant soundtrack with songs by DeVotchka and Sufjan Stevens. And that dynamite cast.

'Incendies' (again), Radiohead

OK, maybe a little much but I can't stop thinking about this fantastic film. I also cannot stop listening to "You and Whose Army?" by Radiohead. It's such a dozy song that comes off almost lazy sounding, without the pick up party way through the song.

I don't think I've seen such a powerful song intro to a film -


Opening Sequence from Incendies from Dirk Roth on Vimeo.


Please see this film!!!

'Incendies' Dennis Villeneuve

My wonderful evening of Radiohead. I purchased Radiohead's latest album on vinyl today, in addition to hearing their music set perfectly to the beautiful film Incendies.

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If you haven't seen Incendies yet, there's still time. It has to be one of the most well-told stories I've seen all year. It reminded me a bunch of the Kristen Scott Thomas film Sarah's Key - they basically both trace back former events, flipping narratives from the past and present. Both films unfold their stories with great sophistication, keeping me on edge throughout.

I can't glow enough of the film's use of "You and Whose Army" by Radiohead. It was haunting but not painfully out of cultural context - it definitely got me more into the movie this way. I love minimal soundtracks, it really better focuses a movie whose prime interest isn't in storytelling with music. There's something really mood evoking about Radiohead, it just gives me the chills to listen to that song and think about the movie.

'A Guy Thing' Soundtrack and Jason Lee

Not really much to say about this everything-goes-wrong comedy but they very smartly used Ben Kweller and The Shins in the soundtrack. I'm on a bit of a Jason Lee kick with Almost Famous, A Guy Thing and Chasing Amy.

Selected tunes:

"Family Tree" and "That's How It Should Be (Sha Sha)" by Ben Kweller

"One By One All Day" by the Shins

Juno Fest with Meaghan Smith and Julie Doiron; Saturday March 26, 2011

Day two, a really great Saturday evening of good friends, food and concerts.

I am completely in love with Meaghan Smith (pronounced Me-gan). She has to be one of the loveliest personalities I've seen on stage in a while and The Drake served as the perfect environment for her folk-jazz sound.

I first dipped into Meaghan Smith after hearing her song "A Little Love" off of her latest release The Cricket's Orchestra (listen for Kid Koala's contributions). You may also recognise her from the (500) Days of Summer soundtrack with a cover of the Pixies' tune "Here Comes Your Man." Although I don't recall it actually being featured in the film.





Smith was absolutely charming live, she has a nice modest character that just radiates and on top of everything, she's got a pretty lovely voice. She played just with a second guitarist which also happened to be her husband, Jason Mingo. She very cutely called him Mingo in the live show. Big fan of her outfit too, go curvy girls!

Apparently, she beat out the Hannah Georgas for the Best New Artist Juno Award. Georgas was the show's headliner. Not bad Meaghan!

I later hoofed my way on over to the Garrison to see the instrumental band Fond of Tigers - endured two tunes and felt overwhelmed by their progressive rock sound. The first tune sounded really ornate, but tight, with no musical heart; The second was messy and unbearable. I left to eat the first burger to reach my mouth in four months at the BQM Burger Shoppe on Ossington. As predicted, it was one of the best burgers that I have ever had, hands down.

Made me way back to the Garrison in time to catch Julie Doiron. We made our way pretty close so I was able to hear the ridiculous, airy things Doiron had to say. Although not everyone is in agreement, Doiron's presence on stage is absolutely charming. She's a warm, flighty person in conversation, but absolutely full of energy in her performance. I have to say, Doiron is someone I really enjoy seeing live for her quirky personality. Furthermore, she plays a huge variety of songs from her large catalogue - you really never tire of one album at her live gigs.

She played a very similar set to the one I saw a month ago at the Horseshoe. She even commented about how she and her drummer - William Kidman. Kidman seems like the kind of person you'd want to be your friend for his musical ability and easy going nature. Doiron was switching and flipping this poor guy around this evening like it was nobody's business. She introduced "I Woke Myself Up" as a song they don't play very often and told everyone she hadn't told William what she was going to play. He played perfectly.

She very casually added they hadn't practiced a bunch of tunes they played. She sort of giggled afterwards for acknowledging that they had practiced, but kept her edge by stating they only practiced five tunes. It's pretty incredible to hear how well Kidman and Doiron make music. Their a pretty bare ensemble with Julie mostly on guitars, she's no guitar hero by any means, but she definitely makes do with what she knows. Seems like a great fit. Kidman is a very talented drummer (although playing the guitar below on that badass Neil Young cover!)

I loved hearing "The Wrong Guy" as the opener again, also off of I Woke Myself Up. It is really exciting to hear the first yelp of this song, a very odd extended singing of the word "I". She really emphasises the personal pronouns in this song in the live show, often pulling away from the mic to sing them. It was really powerful to hear it right from the front. You'll get what I mean after you listen to the tune, just so much energy. If you listen to the recorded version on headphones, the very first "I" flip flops from ear to ear, it gives me the chills.

She played a bit off her latest album including "Tailor," "Heavy Snow" and "Consolation Prize." Not too many, but I've been feeling her older stuff lately for all her melancholy.

She played for well over an hour, the pleasures of playing the headline slot in a festival. Closing off with a four or five song encore, of which she plucked songs from audience requests. The last song I heard her play was the very odd request of "Snow Falls in November." She also fielded two requests for covers they'd played at their last gig in Toronto - "Love Hurts," first recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960 and most popular by Nazareth.



They also played a really great cover of Merle Haggard's "Reasons to Quit" which carried some kind of significance as a shared tune between musicians. Doiron was introduced to the tune by Phosphorescent, she mentioned she felt the need to make a recording of the song to pass on.



Kidman played a cover of Neil Young's "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" with Doiron on the drums.





I left before her last few songs because it was already 1:30am and my poor feet were aching like a pregnant woman's would. She announced to the crowd she was going to play two more, "Dance Music" followed by "Sweeter." I was really killing to hear "Dark Horse," but maybe I was just spoiled to hear her play that in December of last year at the Dakota.

I got a new lens, you can probably tell. Awesome concert photos.

Juno Fest with the Darcys and Royal Wood; Friday March 25, 2010

I didn't intend on buying a wristband for this festival, but it just sort of worked out that way. Fortunately, wristbands for this festival are only $30, a great way to get your butt around the city.

My evening began with the Darcys at the Garrison, a venue that I have very few quality memories of. The first being a tremendously slopping New Years, with great friends. So, maybe it wasn't that bad, rather I was a useless sack of shit. But to the point - the Darcys as always pleased me. Great looking guys, tight jeans and clean cut button up shirts, what more could a girl ask for? I was pretty pleased with the people that showed up. I was getting a little nervous at the beginning because no one was around, but by a few songs in the venue was comfortably full. Festivals mean short sets, but it also means there's never a dull moment!

I'm a softball player, I love to play and learn the sport. Something I was taught to do was to watch someone that plays your position for the whole inning to see what they do. I sort of adapted that strategy to live shows. My knowledge of music is pretty slim, as much as I pride myself on coming from some sort of musical trained background. I spent sometime listening and watching the dialogue between the bass and drums. They really compliment each other in this band.

I started giving thought to the role of a bassist when I attended a York University class on rock and popular music with Professor (and Rock 'n Roller) Rob Bowman. He played a song by Cream called "NSU" that has a sweet bass/drum dialogue. I found it so exciting to hear a bass-drum melody (or somewhat), I never gave consideration to the dominance that a bass/drum combo could give. I definitely felt that quite a bit listening to the Darcys last night.

N.S.U. has a few funny connotations to it. First and probably most reasonable is that it is a German car company with lyrics like: "Driving my car/Smoking my cigar/The only time I'm happy's when I play my guitar." The second is the acronym for a venereal disease called "Non-Specific Urethritis." Who knows.

Live version (skip to 6:30 to hear what I mean):


Studio version:


I can't wait for the Darcys to put out something concrete. If given the chance, see this band.

After the Darcys finished, I tried to squeeze my way into the Dakota. There unfortunately was a massive line that stretched all the way to the bank. There was some loud mouth girl that kept yelling the 9:45pm act out loud "HARLAN PEPPER!" I was trying to see Del Barber at 11:00pm, no dice, I quickly moved to catch the second half of Royal Wood's set at the Great Hall.

The Great Hall is a marvelous, underrated venue for the arts of all sorts. I recently saw an odd play called 300 Tapes in the theatre back space, they call it the Theatre Centre. It was a nice flexible space that allowed a 360 set up. Last night, I saw Royal Wood play in the Hall, a large, church like space that is equipped with gorgeous pews around the upper lip of the concert hall.

The Great Hall was established in 1889 as the first west end YMCA. My bet is that the Hall served as the race track or the gorgeous pews I earlier commented on, and the Hall served as the basketball court.

And even more interesting:

In 1912 the property was sold to the Royal Templars of Temperance, who conducted business in the building until 1940's when there was a major shift in the buildings use. It was acquired by the Polish National Union, and soon, presses on the ground floor were rolling out copies of The Polish Voice newspaper. On the top floor, rooms were pressed into service as temporary shelter for Polish refugees fleeing the war in Europe.


 Pulled from their wesbite


To say a few words about the show -

I had no prior knowledge of Royal Wood, other than his well established name. There are a lot of 'Royal' named bands, can you blame a girl? (Royal Wood, Royal City, Royal Crowns) I figured he was a well-established artist of the nineties, until his last song where he mentioned that he was featured on Grey's Anatomy. He seemed a little reluctant to admit that that was his biggest claim to fame, but he played it without any regret. His crowd was significantly older, with more middle-aged people than anything else.

I learned today his name is actually Royal Wood. Funny, that it took a Wikipedia page for me to realise t hat. He got his feet off the ground in 2002 in Toronto and has been pushing through ever since.

Great sound, but nothing I'd flee to watch anytime soon. I could see him winning a Juno or two.

Michel Gondry, Jon Brion, Charlie Kaufman 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an absolutely stunning film. I know I'm a little bit behind in acknowledging it but it is a magnificent film. As far as an Charlie Kaufman film goes, I have to say Eternal Sunshine left me with bundles more hope than Synecdoche, New York did. Both these films are very introspective, they look deep at what surface dramas are unable to touch on.

Throughout the film I felt so compelled by Kate Winslet and her acting abilities. I kept thinking back to her role as a German woman in the film The Reader. What a range!

I love these simple movie posters, they remind me of original book covers before the movie cover comes to destroy a book-turned-movie title.

So a few more words on the film - I really adored the soundtrack, not to my surprise in the slightest bit, Jon Brion was the brains behind it. Brion is the amazing producer of many albums I'm sure you have on your ipod - Elliott Smith's From a Basement on a Hill (the original 2001 version, unreleased), Spoon's Gagagdkljfdgagaa (ridiculous title) as well as albums by Keane and Aimee Mann. He's known for his Beatles like production results.

I really dig the atmosphere and environment he created with the tunes from the soundtrack. Especially, the The Korgis tune "Everybody's Got Something to Learn" he re-visioned with Beck.

'It's Kind of a Funny Story'

I wrote about the soundtrack for the film 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' here a while back when the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall.

It wasn't until tonight that I actually saw the film. My mom has the excessive habit of buying bootleg versions of films. Although I don't ethically agree with how she's buying them, in bulk and with no consideration, I completely love diving into her extensive library of movies.

The film was a little off, I didn't love it but it was kind of fun to watch (har har har). I really enjoyed the energetic songs throughout. The credits note music by Broken Social Scene, but I'd say the film's tunes are all over. I really loved that they used the tune "Blood" by the Middle East and "Major Label Debut" by Broken Social Scene (the fast version!!).

'Blue Valentine' Sountrack

I am totally feeling the soundtrack tonight. I know it's just Grizzly Bear, but it's more than that. It's sheer perfection.

"... a few years ago, my friend and former film teacher, Phil Solomon, introduced me to the music of Grizzly Bear. I found it to be so cinematic. I would drive around with my family in my car, Yellow House on repeat, and see the world of Blue Valentine. Like the movie in my mind, I found their music had classic roots yet it was extremely modern. And the songs for the most party, were about relationships. I began writing the script while playing it in the background and I never once had writer's block. The music began to inform the situations, the characters, the world. It became the inspiration for the modern, raw version of Blue Valentine. Sometimes on set the actors and I would pile into a car and blast a Grizzly Bear song to put us in the mood of the movie. It became our cinematic landscape - the sound of the world."

- Derek Cinefrance, Jaunary 2011, soundtrack liner notes

'Junebug'

I watched an odd little film last night called Junebug. The entire score, which in all truth was very minimal, was crafted by Yo La Tengo. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy even made a small cameo.

I really liked it, nothing to watch again immediate, but I thought most rolls were carried out really well. I was not particularly blown away by Ben Mackenzie's acting in this film.

Mazzy Star, the OC

Since returning from California, I've really taken to the OC again. It's sort of nice to hear the music in it, they were really on the ball with song picks. MAZZY STAR:

On another note:

Small town lovin' in 'All the Real Girls'

I just finished watching and a bit of snoozing through the film All The Real Girls. I was instantly taken in by the soft words of Will Oldham (aka Bonnie 'Prince' Billy) in the opening credits:

To the closing tune, "Say Goodbye Good" by the Promise Ring:

And in the middle with Explosions in the Sky's "The Moon is Down":

Small town films have such a distinct feel to them. It was really nice to see Zooey Deschanel play an out of normal dead pan character role for herself!

"Elegiac," Jon Hopkins

One of my dream jobs is to select music for TV shows and movies. In watching Sex and the City last night I stumbled upon the following gem. It has a slight Zero 7 vibe to it. The whole Petrovsky relationship in that series has a trip hop soundtrack to it.

Apparently, Jon Hopkins has worked with a pile of people that you are definitely familiar with such as Imogen Heap, David Lynch, Brian Eno and Coldplay.