Ray LaMontagne and David Gray - August 27, 2010, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, Toronto

Disclaimer:  This is a lengthy post.  Brevity is not my strong suit....nor is "tact", apparently...

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

I discovered Ray LaMontagne quite by accident.  Was searching Damien Rice stuff on you tube one day, found a clip of him singing "To Love Somebody" with Ray, and wondered how in the reign of F&*k he had never crossed my radar before.  I love Damien (have a *thing* for sad Irishmen), but Ray made him sound like a pussy.  Looked into more of Ray's stuff and was blown away.  He's become one of my favorites of all time due to his amazing vocal quality and his story telling ability....I feel him when he sings.  He talks to the soul.  I recommend seeking out the clip to see what I mean.  Ray's talent is effortless, but powerful.  He's sincere, in a sea of artists that are not.  Love him.

David Gray, I had never really cared for a whole lot - he was okay....but he didn't affect me on an emotional level really.  I used to have a friend who I'd talk to frequently about music who recommended the latest album to me (Draw the Line).  Said he didn't know where Gray had been hiding all this material, but it was great and I needed to check it out.  Taking his word for it, I downloaded it and had to agree - it was full of rich lyrical content....really great stuff.  Felt this one.  Wanted to see it performed live but missed the boat on the Massey Hall show when he was in town.

So I was incredibly pleased when it was announced that they were going to tour together.  How lucky was I?!  Getting two great artists in one show!  This show closed off our summer concert season and we were really looking forward to it as a mellow and soul nourishing experience.  It was a nice way to end things off and we hit the amphitheatre in total zen mode expecting to leave the show in a total state of relaxed nirvana.

Mmmm hmmm.  This is gonna get a wee bit ranty, so....buckle up!

Serena Ryder

We arrived at the Amphitheatre just beaming.  There was very little of the regular chaos that is usually associated with a live show (keep in mind the last show we saw at this venue was Green Day...chaos was expected, and we assimilated into it), we entered without incident (cursory look in the purse, but no pat down) and were not mowed down with drunken teenagers.  We were thinking "this is great - we are going to have a very civilized evening of music amongst adults!  Awesome!"

Found our seats just as Serena Ryder, the opening act was starting.  She was actually really good....good enough I plan to check her out further.  She has an incredibly strong voice - more so than most female artists I know of, and her stuff is appealing - singer songwriter from the guts type stuff. 

Ray LaMontagne

When Ray arrived on stage, it was like magic.  He and his band launched into "Repo Man" off the new album, and we were immediately immersed in his fantastically velvety with hint of rasp voice to the tune of his jazzy band the Pariah Dogs.  It was just something you feel coursing through your body....amazing.  Ray's stage presence has improved since we saw him last year.  He's a little less scared rabbit.  Still doesn't move, still doesn't chat a whole lot, but he isn't ducking the lights when they hit him and he seems to have at least gained a bit of comfort in his own skin.  Jakki figures he's also taken some fashion tips from David Gray (always dapper).  He was decked out not in his normal homeless wardrobe of checked shirt and jeans (with mussed hair), but pants, vest and hat, beard trimmed and looking shiny.  Ray was ON.  Ray ran through a number of songs off the new album, with a mix of old favorites ("Trouble" and "Let it Be Me" among them) and I felt the chills I associate with musical goodness that has reached me on a deeper level immediately.  I was having a spiritual experience....worshiping at the alter of Ray.  As per the clever home made T-shirts of two ladies in front of us who stood and danced the entire set...."Ray is My Religion".  Amen girls.  Where do I tithe?

But in the middle of all that goodness, there was a nagging distraction. 

With Ray coming on so early due to the double bill, it was still light.  People were still arriving (oblivious to Ray, I suppose, and there to see David Gray who likely has a bigger following).  And with the outdoor venue, it was a free for all - people were chatting, disturbing those seated and trying to watch the performance by coming and going with handfuls of food (ah....nothing says soulful musical experience like a box full of chicken fingers and popcorn).  And then there were the people around me, and more specifically, directly beside me.  This couple was engaged in a full on conversation, facing each other and not the stage.  Laughing and chatting as if they were sitting in their living room.  Because they were right beside me, they were directly in my ear, and obliviously loud enough that I could hear every word of the conversation.  I found myself losing my spiritual connection and becoming more and more enraged.  And then I hear:  "Lindsay Lohan got out of jail I wonder what this is going to do to her career".  Are you fucking kidding me?  I lost it.  Admittedly, it could have been handled better, and I could have been a little more restrained, but I was so incensed that these people assumed that just because they weren't into the performance they were living in a plastic bubble, with no consideration for the artist on stage or the people who paid to see him play.  I leaned over and said, rather sarcastically "So...do you talk through a movie at the theatre too?!".  The guy replies with "oh, we were just discussing Lindsay Lohan" and I, incredulous, say "I KNOW, and I don't care....please stop talking".  They were quite offended and said I didn't have to be so rude (apparently lacking awareness of their intense rudeness that prompted me).  I suppose they are right....after all, two rudes don't make a right.   but fawk!  And they weren't the only ones.  At one point Ray said to the audience "this is a new song, and it's kind of quiet, so I'm hoping we can work together and all be quiet together for the next 4 minutes".  Buddy beside me hollers "at least HE said it with tact".  Touché dumbass, but the fact that he had to say it at all is shameful, and tact has never been my strong suit.  I can live with that.  Tracy and I were talking last week about what superpower we'd like to have and I had initially chosen the power to smite people with my gaze.  She vetoed it....said I wouldn't be able to use it responsibly.  I agreed, and it's a good thing really, if I possessed this power, there would have been piles of ash in various chairs through the theatre.  Here's my thing.  Not into the opening band and waiting on what interests you?  Either sit respectfully or hit the tables in the waiting area.  This wasn't a bar where you can expect a degree of "stuff" going on around you - it was a assigned seating in a theatre for not a heavy metal band, but a folksy singer songwriter act.  Back to my "spiritual connection" analogy.....would you chit chat in church while the sermon was going on? (and eat nachos and traipse back and forth through the aisles disturbing the other worshipers and generally act like an asshole?).  I think not.  Well music is my religion, so have a little respect.

Regardless, Ray was fantastic.  Listened to his new album again today and it was appreciated on a whole new level having heard it live last night.  He's brilliant and a true talent, and if you don't know him, you're missing out. 

David Gray

Act Two....Stage:  David Gray, Audience:  Can someone please page Child Protection Services?

David Gray hit the stage at around 9:15pm, and things were slightly better- the majority of the audience was there to see him, so were not selfishly acting like animals throughout his performance and were actually paying attention.  I thought his set was great.  He played a lot of songs off the album that hooked me initially, and a few more hits that I recognized and enjoyed.  He was good.  Even with the cold or virus that he mentioned was affecting his vocal chords, his voice was friggin' awesome.  I can honestly say that his performance was flawless.....however....He was very polished and professional.  Is that a bad thing?  Hell no, but it lacked the emotional connection that I made with Ray.  Ray's voice cuts through to your core with it's emotion, while David's cool professionalism left me feeling a little lacking.  With Ray, the pain of the song's meaning slices through you, with David, while I love the songs and their meaning, he may as well have been talking about peanut butter sandwiches.  I felt no personal connection to him.  He was fantastic, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel I was having a spiritual experience.  The only personality characteristic I was able to see (and found strangely enjoyable) was the way he moved.  David Gray lets his music flow through him and it manifests in very spastic movements.  You know....I liked that he was feeling it and letting it take over his body.  Respect dude, even though it was a little freaky looking.

Was somewhat disappointed that he played my favorite song of his for the encore, but mucked with it.  Nemesis is a great song.  I connect with it on an emotional level.  It means something to me.  But he extended it in the middle and messed with the structure of it to a point where he lost me.  What can you do?  That's artistic license for you.

While all this is going on, there was a family of 4 in front of us that were a tad distracting.  A Mom, Dad, a boy and a girl.  Kids were teenaged, I think.  Old enough that what was going on was a little disturbing to say the least.  The Dad came in and immediately gave the daughter a hug.  Then they sat, him with his arm around her and her with her head on his shoulder.  Then she was sort of....nuzzling her head against his chest.  And he was rubbing his hands up and down her arm....there just wasn't enough "ick" to accurately describe what was happening here.  Jakki and I kept looking at each other with a "eeek" expression.  The whole family very much resembled John Lithgow's serial killer and fam from Dexter.  But at least they were quiet....although the Dad danced like a Muppet.....Sigh....

During their tour, it had become custom for Ray to come back out after David's encore and they would perform the Beatles' "Dig a Pony" together as a finale.  How awesome, really, would that have been?! I was looking forward to it.....but he didn't for our show.  David Gray did his encore and the lights went up.  But who could blame him really for not wanting to come back out after the lack of appreciation that was shown to him during his set. Shame on you Toronto.  Ray, come back to Massey Hall so we can take the opportunity to make amends.  And perhaps you should employ David Gray as your security....after all, it was him, last year, who stopped mid song to tell off a fan who was fielding a cell phone call in the audience.  He may be a good friend to have!  (check it out on You Tube...it's awesome!).  So....in conclusion (yes, finally!), Ray and David = good.  Audience = not so much.

Tom Petty - August 25, 2010, ACC, Toronto (with special guests, Crosby, Stills & Nash)

Tom Petty was someone I've always wanted to see live - and finally got the opportunity last night.  He's one of those mainstays....  always good and always enjoyable to listen to.  Full Moon Fever was my intro to Petty back in the 80's, and is a great (Maritime kitchen) party album.  Remember vividly sitting around in an apartment in Fenwick in Halifax and the entire room bellowing "Free Fallin'".... a definite nostalgia song even though it wouldn't be my favorite of his.  The man just radiates laid back cool rock n' roll.  I had no idea just how accurate this was before witnessing him live....

The "opening band" for the evening was Crosby, Stills & Nash and I need to devote a little time to them, more so than I ever have to an opening band in one of my blogs.

Why?

Crosby, Stills & Nash are not an opening band. 

The boys hit the stage and proceeded to school the audience, consisting of a multitude of generational representation, on what true musicianship really is with their brand of 60's hippie granola rock that was awe inspiring on just so many levels.  They sure as hell didn't look like rock stars....Crosby sported a belly Santa would envy in addition to the trademark long white hair with balding pate, Nash swayed across the stage in bare feet, and Stills ripped up the guitar with blistering intensity from his spot in the corner.  But man, they still have it.  Ranging in age from 65 to 69 they possessed the power to own the audience, and that is a true testament to their talent.  I have never witnessed an opening band play an hour and a half set, with encore.  I have never been drawn into a giant sing along for an opener.  And I have never before last night, had the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on end several times having been given chills by a moment of performance from an opener.  Of note, they performed Young's Long May You Run, followed by their rendition of the Stones' Ruby Tuesday that were both so beautifully done it touched me to my core.  Add in the love fest of "Our House" and "Teach Your Children" to chalk up a few more skin humming moments.  I felt the peace and love....and embraced my inner flower child.

To sum up their portion of the show, I refer to a discussion I had with someone I used to know who expressed a couple of nuggets of wisdom on CSN.  He said:  "Crosby Stills and Nash shouldn't open for anyone", and "it would be difficult for anyone to come close to matching the incredible vocal harmonies of CSN".  I have to agree here.  I likely will never go out and buy an album of theirs, but I feel honored to have been able to see them perform live and have an understanding and a deep respect for their essence now.  Definite moment for the books.

Enter Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. 

Tom smoothly glides on stage in full trench coat....oozing effortless cool.  He plays like it's a second nature as breathing, and to borrow a phrase from Mandy, a fellow concert goer, he "conducts" the entire show.  He's been doing this a long time....he knows how to get a reaction, but it's with an ease and subtlety as opposed to manic chaos that generally infuses bands of younger ilk.  He raises his arms slowly and draws thunderous applause from the audience.  He dances....but in a fluid, dream like crawl through the air, punctuated with a single hip swing as cue for audience to cheer.  He faces the drums, back to us, and with a fist, punches out in perfect relaxed synchronicity with a single booming drum beat.  He plays the guitar and sings like he's having a calm but engaging conversation...and even when he speaks, there is no "How you doin' Toronto!!!" bellow, but rather a relaxed "We've got a lot of songs to play for you tonight, so we're gonna get going on that".  We, the audience of 20,000+, are attending Tom Petty's kitchen party jam.  Crack a beer.  Sing along.  Or, in the words of Tom himself (belted out by every audience member on song number 2 and acted out by several judging from the aroma permeating the air):  "...let's get to the point, let's roll, another joint...."

I deliberately did not listen to the new album before the show.  Had heard mixed reviews on it, so decided to wait it out and make a decision based on hearing it live.  I liked the new album material.  It's not classic Petty...it's very bluesy....but good.  Sometimes "different" from an artist is still okay in my books.  It sticks with his general musical aesthetic of intensely relaxed cool, so while stylistically different, I can see the continuity.  Will be giving the album an attentive listen.

They played a good mix of hits from the vast library.  Lots of favorites.....save one.  I've been S.O.L. for a couple of shows from established lifelong artists this year....first with the Eagles not playing my choice of "Wasted Time" (unheard of!), and then with this show, where they did not play "American Girl"  (Even more unheard of!  They were even selling pink American Girl t-shirts at the swag shop as evidence of how signature a Tom Petty song this one is!).  Even with this omission it was an enjoyable set of faves.....further cementing the kitchen party feel as it felt familiar as home.  But I think going forward I will not be picking a favorite, as this seems to be a sure fire way to have it omitted from the list for some reason.  (ah....Music Gods....C'mon!)

My sole complaint would be the length of the show.  Perhaps coming off last week's Green Day show where they played a solid 3 hour set, I felt this one, clocking in at an hour and 45 give or take, extremely short, especially since CSN put on such an epic example for an opener.  There was no lack of material for them to play....and I kind of wanted to extend the party.  I suppose, we all have to go home sometime though.  Thanks for hosting Tom.  It was a blast! 

Set List:

Listen to Her Heart

You Don't Know How It Feels

I Won't Back Down

Free Fallin'

Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)

Mary Jane's Last Dance

Kings Highway

Breakdown

Jefferson Jericho Blues

Good Enough

Running Man's Bible

I Should Have Known It

Learning to Fly

Don't Come Around Here No More

Refugee

ENCORE:

Runnin' Down a Dream
You Wreck Me

Green Day - August 18, 2010, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, Toronto

I say "AAAAAAAAAAAAY OHHHHHH!"  (and said it a LOT, at the prompting of Billie Joe Armstrong...)

Green Day has been on my "must see" list for what seems like forever.  Loved them in the 90's when they broke with Dookie, and their last two albums, "American Idiot" and "21st Century Breakdown" have been among my favorites of all time - both concept albums that are rich in content and musical diversity from start to finish.....and best listened to in that manner in order to hear the entire story unfold.  Green Day is a band that has something to say - important things, but while saying it, still maintain a sense of fun in the spirit of rock 'n roll.  They (unlike other rock stars with a message, not mentioning any names *cough* Bono *cough*), provide the audience with thought provoking commentary without taking themselves too seriously. 

Quick, pre-show rant:

1. public transit to the show was madness....arrived late due to transit problems that caused us to miss the majority of the opening act, AFI.  What I caught of them was great, but sad I missed the majority of their set because I've heard good things.
2. Got felt up by security.  Buddy should have bought me dinner first.  Seriously.  (do I look like the type to conceal stuff in my ass?)
3. Ridiculous venue regulation number ?....Bag search resulted in Jakki having her CD's confiscated.   Why?  Because she could have used them "as a projectile". 
4. Paid nearly $30 for two beers
5. In my flustered state at all of the above, mistakenly marched into the men's washroom for my bathroom break and didn't realize it until I was well past the threshold.  A multitude of dudes just sort of looked at me quizzically as I slunk out.
6. Content in our second row of our section and perfect view of the stage, felt nearly suicidal when the man arrived to take his seat in front of me who turned out to be freakishly, gigantically tall.  I'm talking like a 7 foot mountainofblueshirt in front of me.  The music Gods must have decided to cut me some slack, because he sat for all but the last 20 minutes.  Will have to sacrifice a virgin to them later in thanks....anyone know where I can find one?

Green Day took the stage at 8pm, which is bizarrely early for a rock show.  Turns out, they needed the extra time as they launched into a marathon 3 hour set.  They started off with recent fare off the latest album and went non-stop like a whirling dervish for the duration.  At one point, Billie Joe said "this is the part of the show that I say we're going to play ALL FUCKING NIGHT!".  I really think they could have.  Billie Joe Armstrong is a tiny little man.  Like 3 apples tall.  But he is so full of boundless energy it makes him larger than life and his band mates Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool keep up and then some, each exhibiting their own brand of showmanship and talent.

They played all the favorites, even going back a couple decades for some "old school" fare.  Favorite moment of the night had to be where Billie Joe stood at the mic, silent, twitchy, with eyes shifting back and forth....the entire audience knew what was coming before it happened...Basket Case, full tilt. 

They were all about the audience participation.  A few dozen pit dwellers wanna hop on stage and rock out with the band?....no problem!  At one point they plucked a fan out of the audience after polling them on who knew all the words to Longview....and let him play front man for the entire song, complete with flying leap off the drum stand at the final bar.  This had to be one of the best moments of this young man's life - being a rock star for those few minutes, and being rewarded further once he was done by being handed a guitar to take away with him as a parting gift.  While it could be argued that the audience would prefer to hear the band perform this song, being one of the unquestionable favorites, it was a treat to watch Billie Joe able to rock out without being tethered to the mic and display his amazing guitar wielding skills.  The only instance of this I wasn't completely in love with was the covers section of the show (including a medley of clips of "Eye of the Tiger", "Iron Man" and "Hey Jude" to name a few), and then an extended version of "Shout", where each band member took a turn at the mic.  While it was a display of Billie Joe's musical talent as he took on the abandoned instrument while it's owner "sang" (drums, bass, and at one point, the saxophone), it briefly tried my patience and I wanted them to get on with their own stuff.  Covers are cool, but it was Green Day songs I was there to hear.  I think I was in the minority however (ha!  "minority"...get it?!), as the audience ate it up and begged for more.

As the band left the stage, the crowd went ape shit.  They didn't have to wait long - the band returned within minutes for their encore, starting out with the crowd pleasing American Idiot, followed by Jesus of Suburbia, one of my favorite all time Green Day songs, clocking in at 9 minutes plus, with its fantastic rolling tempo changes.  It was friggin' epic.

They then came back for a second encore and treated us to an acoustic version of their ballads - Last Night on Earth, Wake me When September Ends, and closing with Good Riddance.  As he sang, to the backdrop of his acoustic guitar "I Hope you've had the time of your life", I can honestly say that, YES, yes I DID indeed.  I don't have enough thumbs to put up to accurately depict how much I enjoyed this show.  Billie Joe, Mike, Tré....you rocked my everlovin' world.  Thank you.

Rihanna /w Ke$ha, August 5, 2010, Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, Toronto.

I get annoyed when I read a review of a concert by someone who obviously is not a fan of the band/artist or at very least, genre.  Music is entirely subjective, so if you are not a fan of a particular genre going in, chances are, you aren't going to "get" the art, completely miss the point, and the review will not be favorable.  I'm not a fan of Rihanna.  I'm not a fan of her genre of music.  But I was handed free tickets (of $300 face value each) to the show and knew my daughter Emma would be over the moon to go.  Raise your hand if you have never violated your musical integrity in order to make your offspring happy....I dare ya!  (and it could have been far, far, FAR worse....)  So if you ARE a fan of Rihanna, I acknowledge I have no business reviewing this show.  But it's a blog, I'm not being paid to do it, so feel no sense of responsibility to the artist(s).

The Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, is one of my very favorite venues in Toronto to see music, and our seats, were friggin' amazing.  On the floor, 4 rows back, and could literally spit on the stage (if I were the spittin' type).  Felt a bit of a pang waiting for the show to start, that it was this particular show I had such spectacular seats for, but Emma was bouncing with excitement, so it was all good. 

Ke$ha (a.k.a., Tarty McTartyton):

You know that song right?  That Tic Toc song?  That sums up my knowledge of Ke$ha going in.  Folks...that's about all you need to know.  This young lady (and I use the term "lady" loosely) needs to get her act together if she doesn't want to end up on the one hit wonder pile.  I am pretty sure her "band" wasn't playing their instruments (little bit 'o air guitar anyone?  Seriously?  Are you kidding me?).  There was a lot of prancing, gyrating, glitter, and tongue wagging.    Can she sing?  Who knows.  Pretty sure I don't care.  My advice to young Ke$ha is to spend more time on writing and her touring band selection than perfecting her crotch rub and dance moves.  Just sayin'.

The intermission entertainment:

As Ke$ha is finishing up, the girl beside me (decked out in halter dress and high heels, with humongous breasts threatening to bust out the sides) dances into her beer at her feet and tips it over.  Then promptly accuses me of knocking it down.  The "Yes you did, No I didn't" ridiculousness ensued and then she stomped off, to return minutes later telling me that "I ruined her night".  My patience level not being at an all time high under the current circumstances, I gave her a "look honey, I watched you knock it over.  If it was me, I'd buy you another, but it wasn't.  We have a long night ahead of us, I want to enjoy it with my kid, so get over it".  She responds with "I'm sorry, I'm having a bad year".  Ha!  Wanted to go buy her a beer after that!  Situation repaired, I turned my attention to Emma who was full of chatter:

• I wonder if Ke$ha and Rihanna are BFF's.  I bet they are.
• Mom, none of the security guards are baldies.  Aren't they usually bald? 
• Does security get to watch the concert for free?  That's not fair!
• What's taking so long?  Does Rihanna have to fix her makeup?  Shouldn't she have been doing that DURING Ke$ha's show?
• Look Mom - there are lots of oldies here - look at that guy with all the white hair (me, hissing: Emma, don't point!)
• Mom, are you and that lady who spilled her own beer friends now? 

Then the lights went down....

Rihanna:

And the show begins.  Rihanna takes the stage wearing a dress that lights up.  Was  a hint of things to come.  There were no less than 7 costume changes during the little under 2 hour performance, each more outrageous than the last.  The sets were incredible (she rode the gun of a tank for a bit while singing and there was a car, and lots of cool structures), and there was a plethora of interesting things to look at, complete with acrobatics and costume changes for the dancers.  One of the coolest moments was the appearance of the backup dancers in these stilted futuristic monster costumes.  Clearly, the set budget had no limits! 

"ah...Toronto, could you lend a hand?  I seem to have gotten a little twisted up in this here duct tape...."

So need one of these for the office!

She ran through all the hits (I think?  Not overly familiar except for that dreadful Umbrella song, but making an assumption because the audience was going bat shit every time a new song started up).  She was a great performer - her voice was strong, she moved in ways I could only dream about duplicating, and she was charming and gracious to the masses at the sold out amphitheatre.  Cute as a button, she was.  And perhaps Ke$ha should have been taking notes on how to sell sexy without becoming trashy.  And while I'll never get her musical aesthetic, I appreciated that she was "good" in the grand scheme of her genre.

What else can I really say, being unqualified to really review this show as a fan?  I'll say this.  I was entertained.  I had a whole heap of fun.  I'll liken it to a highly enjoyable movie where the visuals were fabulous, but the soundtrack was "meh" and I won't be rushing out to buy it any time soon.  Still not a fan of Rihanna or the genre, but will give the show a thumbs up based on my entertainment level as a whole with acknowledgement that she gave the (paying) ticket holders what they came to see. 

And my girl had the best time ever.  Sang, danced, hugged me every few minutes to thank me for bringing her.  Really, what else is more important?