Diary of a Weekend 3

I feel like shit. It finally caught up to me.

This weekend went on for too long.

I’m mostly under/over slept.

‘ate so much crap this weekend.

And drank.

‘should have seen this coming.

I can’t party anymore.

Also, I’ve been fried all weekend.

This week I’m going to treat my body really well.

Saturday I took the bike out and spent time by the “pool” then cooked (fried) up a storm (literal smoke storm of shit) with friends, watched hockey and was in bed by 12. I think my body is telling me something!

Sunday I slept in, ate a healthy and garlicky brunch at home while watching tv and listening to the radio. Met my friends at the park to eat snacks on a blanket and watch homeless people play in a baseball game. I went home to change because I was cold and my friends told me I looked like a Beach Rapist. We went to play euchre at my best bud’s place, then  uptown to hang with my folks as per every sunday. Just got in and got everything ready for work tomorrow so I can sleep sound and early tonight!

Dairy of a Weekend 2

I have this ability to make my weekends go on forever. 

My friday night started with the standard dinner with the fam followed by getting a last minute request to guest-appear on my good friend’s regular podcast after which we tried to party/bar hop to no avail ending up at Tallboys far too late for my early saturday morning gym plans. Saturday morning training was successful followed by a private voice acting lesson and a much needed nap. Last night was my cousin’s bday party in the junction’s playa cubana followed by a late night of drinks at 3030. Today I brunched at Momofuku for the first time and enjoyed the food and company. I walked around in the cold sunny day and had a couple coffee-friend dates–one friend was still tipsy post-Jays game! Finally after some resting at home I headed to my chef friend’s regular sunday industry-night house party including more excessive eats and drinks including confit pork loin and wine.

Dairy of a Weekend 1

Friday night I saw David Sedaris then went to Beer Bistro for their upscale version of wings and fries. Saturday I trained boxing in the morning then through a small bbq and my laundry followed. I then went with my extended family to see my cousin play junior a hockey against st. mikes at bathurst and st clair then back to the west end where we finished the night at snakes and lattes and a slice at pizza gigi. Needless to say, I’m proud of my weekend thus far.

Daniel Lanois Inducted Into Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame

Artists like to pride themselves on being dreamers–the bigger the dream the better. In my opinion, Daniel Lanois is more than a dreamer, he’s a believer; someone who brings to life what most people will only dream about.

Last night, Daniel Lanois was recognized by the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame for his work as a producer, engineer and artist. This 60 year-old Quebecker from Hull has paid his dues almost silently behind some of the greatest acts in Rock History (Bob Dylan, U2, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young), but just like Canadian Music Week President Neill Dixon says “It’s time we in Canada celebrate the career of this remarkable man.” (http://www.cmw.net/awards/acclaimed-producer-engineer-artist-daniel-lanois-to-be-inducted-into-canadian-music-industry-hall-of-fame/)

I truly admire Lanois’ work ethic, influence and most importantly his music.

Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of chatting with some of Daniel’s friends, family and supporting acts. Here is his protege Rocco DeLuca and touring bass player Jim Wilson (Mother Superior, Black Dub) sharing their appreciation for their mentor and friend Daniel Lanois:

Rocco Deluca http://roccodeluca.com/

Jim Wilson http://jimwilsonmusic.blogspot.com

Congratulations Dan! Much deserved!

~RNS~

Super Bowl Halftime Showdown: Who currently holds the title for the best Halftime show in the last 5 Superbowls?

Thank you very much for tuning in to Ross Never Sleeps: The Blog!

Today’s topic: Why can’t I pretend my blog is like a radio show?

…Because your 10 readers (Hi Mom!) don’t understand your sense of style yet, nor do you have one–therefore before you waste anymore time (including your mother’s) let’s get down to why we are all home this weekend eating finger foods with our friends and family.

—

Sunday February 5th marks the 46th Super Bowl live from Indianapolis. Before I bore anymore of you non-sports fans away from this MUSIC blog–The New York Giants (underdog) will compete against The New England Patriots in a much anticipated match-up. But, if you’re like me, (which I would assume you are if you are still reading this) you are really there for the half-time show. Especially after last year’s lame attempt at a star-studded hip hop performance including The Black Eyed Peas, Slash and Usher. Whatever happened to the one major artist/band playing a set of hits? The more acts you have on stage together, the higher the risk of exposing Janet Jackson’s breast.

Lest we forget NFL?

I might be bias, but I think Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did a really solid job at Super Bowl XLII and since then there really hasn’t been much competition. I think I’m pretty excited for Madonna’s performance this Sunday especially because it is featuring Nicki Minaj & MIA–it’s nice to see a star studded FEMALE pop performance for once….and Cee Lo Green (sure why not).

Here’s my Top 5 Superbowl Halftime Shows of the last 5 years:

5. Black Eyed Peas/Slash/Usher (Just really awful) — 2011

4. The Who (I saw them probably a year before this and they still had it, I don’t know why they struggled here) — 2010

3. Prince (A close second for sure–I just think he could have embraced more of his own hits, but man can that little guy wail on his guitar) — 2007

2. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (It’s Bruce, you either love him or hate him) — 2009

1. Don’t bore us, get to the chorus — I give you, the straight shooting hit makers: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers — 2008

~RNS~

First post back since last summer…and it’s about HOUSE MUSIC?

Hey folks, I have really been lazy/busy with this blog. So I’ve decided to start adding more frequent and concise entries instead of waiting for a good show to happen so I can guerilla my way to the artists and write something about the whole experience. For all the stuff that has gone by or that I have promised to post (why would I ever promise shit I don’t know) it will eventually get compiled and released when I’m dead or something.

Anyway, I have been writing a lot of mini-posts on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rossneversleeps however, I think I’m just going to start posting my heavy, thought provoked commentary on music on this site again and then share it on there like i’m a big shit.

For my first, non-review/non-concert related post. Let’s talk about something I’m really unfamiliar with.

HOUSE MUSIC?!?

I was one of those guys who didn’t understand why the 80s were so darn cool. Maybe it’s my age (74) or maybe I didn’t know what to look for. Thankfully, as a lover of film–more and more hollywood films are taking an ‘indie’ approach to their soundtracks and approaching underground artists and turning them from independently slinging 300 copies of their 7” all over LA to mainstream artists being sought out by lovers of the feature film Drive starring local dreamboat Ryan Gosling.

I’m crushing on a lot House music lately. I’ve obviously needed a change as of late.

College and Electric Youth’s collaboration got some major recognition on the Drive soundtrack in 2011 — here’s hoping that more films will take from this and feed more money into these electronic artists. I mean, they’re just so skinny–seriously someone get them a bagel or something.

There’s some really good stuff coming out in the last few years that takes the best from the 80s while leaving behind the shoulder pads and you know….the hair.

~RNS~

Daniel Lanois & Friends Help Tighten Ontario’s Green Belt

On August 27, Ontario’s Green Belt farmers were given some much needed exposure at the 1st annual Harvest Picnic. Only a few thousand made it out to Dundas Ontario for this intimate event. Hosted by Hamilton native Daniel Lanois–his amazing lineup of special guest performers included Emmylou Harris, Sarah Harmer, Gord Downie and Ray Lamontagne.

Farmers and local artists lined the perimeter of the picnic all the way down to the lake where people were cooling off between sets. It was a hot and sunny day filled with plentiful local produce and even tastier local music.

Representing northern Ontario, Sarah Harmer and Gord Downie–and his band, The Country Of Miracles (featuring guitarist Don Kerr of the Rheostatics) warmed up the crowd as the hot sun set into the cool night. The value of the ticket was extraordinary considering the amazing lineup of musicians throughout the day.

The afternoon began with Silver Lake up-and-comer Rocco Deluca. He commanded the anxious audience with his sensual twist on folk music that had even my producers buckling their knees. Lanois’ eventually joined his Californian protege on stage as he wore many hats throughout the day making sure his 1st event ran smoothly.

Adding to Lanois’ long list of duties including photo-ops with fans and performing on the main stage–Lanois placed a stage directly in the middle of the crowd for intimate jams with his friends. Joining Lanois’ for up to six sets throughout the day included Rocco Deluca, Black Dub Bassist Jim Wilson and filing in for Brian Blade was drummer Steven Nistor–drummer for Brian Blade’s Mama Rosa.

Coming off a European tour with his band Black Dub, Lanois took the stage with his team eventually having Emmylou Harris come and perform her Lanois produced album, Wrecking Ball. As they finished, all (except Harris) hurried back to the stage amongst the crowd as the stage crew setup for the event’s headliner, Ray Lamontage.

Ray Lamontagne brought a certain elegance to the end of the festival. His band, The Pariah Dogs, were tight and solid–very refreshing after a long day of loud distorted jazz and rock. His music is beautiful and intimate–thus keeping up the theme that Lanois had worked hard to keep up throughout the day.

The overworked Lanois now knows what to expect for next year. As a outsider looking in, I applaud his efforts for a first run. Now, with his new studio based in downtown Toronto–let’s hope we see more of Daniel and his friends.

To read more about Black Dub’s summer tour and their two stops in Toronto: https://rossneversleeps.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/daniel-lanois-black-dub-end-their-canadian-leg-with-a-second-sold-out-show-at-torontos-opera-house/

Stay tuned next week for video interviews with Daniel Lanois’ band mates Steven Nistor, Jim Wilson and Lanois’ Silver Lake protege Rocco Deluca.

~RNS~

Jeff Mangum Resurrected In Toronto

Last night at Bloor West’s Trinity St. Paul’s United Church, hundreds sweated it out in the pews for a mass like never before held. Outsider music icon Jeff Mangum’s solo performance was intimate and even explained by some as a religious experience. Mangum has sparsely been performing over the last 10 years since the disbandment of Neutral Milk Hotel. Since then he has made few appearances to support his co-founded label The Elephant 6 Recording Company and its other outsider music acts including The Olivia Tremor Control and Major Organ and the Adding Machine.

Mangum was composed and calm. The audience was quiet and receptive and in a trance from the beginning. With the final notes of his first song the crowd cheered profoundly having waited for this first opportunity in years to show their appreciation for the once recluse Mangum. Featuring songs from the acclaimed Neutral Milk Hotel albums On Avery Island and In The Aeroplane Over The Sea–based on the story of Anne Frank, Mangum’s performances were perfect. A cover of Daniel Johnston’s True Love Will Find You was warm and soothing as homage was paid to one of the outsider music forefathers who opened the door for artists like Mangum.

The crowd was left in bewilderment as they exited the overheated church and spilled out into the Annex. Some fans stood out front in awe as if what they just experienced was something out of unexplained folklore. Magnum will be performing for a second night at Bloor West’s Trinity St. Paul’s United Church–a venue that was seemingly perfect for the Resurrection of Jeff Mangum.

~RNS~

Sloan Coaxes Fans Into Loving Toronto’s Newest Outdoor Concert Venue

Last Friday night was my first time experiencing Toronto’s Echo Beach–a brand new sand-filled outdoor concert venue in Ontario Place. I kicked off my sandals and dove in feet first. The sand was clean, it felt cool and refreshing as the summer night became more humid. Thousands of Sloan and local music fans quickly gathered around the stage for what was going to be a much anticipated FREE concert.

There are so many reasons to love a band like Sloan. It’s their “for the people” attitude that shined on Friday. From the very beginning, fans were dangerously packing themselves in and around the stage. Bassist and front-man Chris Murphy vocalized his concern for others as he has experienced “fans” ruining the concert experience for others by being reckless and careless in the pit.

Sloan started their set in signature form–coming out of the gates with the first 3 tracks off their latest studio album The Double Cross. Even after 20 years, Sloan fans have really received this 10th album in good fashion. As the night went on, fans eventually got their fix of classics: Underwhelmed, Coax Me and Everything You’ve Done Wrong–with a horn section provided by The Marquee Rose. They also accompanied Sloan on Sinking Ships, a deep cut off Navy Blues with a powerful horn fanfare at the end.

Sloan was pulling out all the stops that evening and the fans were really receptive. Spanning their 20 year 10 album career, Murphy announced their songs and their time period as if they were separated by decades–not by years or albums. They started off the set tight and electric and kept it up until their first instrument rotation where technical difficulties and Murphy’s now heavy drum hands took centre stage. Change Back. Andrew Scott puts down the guitar and gets back behind the drums–a drummer who does not get enough credit for being a solid rhythmic backbone for the group as well as a great song writer.

Watching from back stage–opener Modern Superstitions started off the night with their smooth Radiohead-like rock jams. For Sloan’s encore, Modern Superstitions singer, Nyssa Rosaleen, was asked to return to the stage to pay homage to Echo Beach by singing the song of the same name by Martha and the Muffins who inspired the name of Toronto’s newest summer concert venue.

Sloan closed the show strong with lots of audience participation and more with The Marquee Rose. The crowd left happy and satisfied–not always an easy feat for a free show.

Sloan are the patriarchs of 90s riff rock from Halifax. It was the success of their record label Murderecords that opened the doors for east coast bands like Eric’s Trip, Super Friendz and Thrush Hermit. It is great to see that Sloan is still keeping up their legacy after 20 years.

Enjoy my cover of Sloan’s Flying High Again

~RNS~

Handsome Furs ask Toronto: What About Us?

Earlier this week Dan Boeckner’s Handsome Furs played back to back sold out concerts at the Horseshoe Tavern. Weeks after his musical better half–Spencer Krug’s Moonface played to a much smaller crowd at the same venue. But when are we going to see Wolf Parade, one of Canada’s newest “super-groups” reunite?

Montreal’s Boeckner and wife Alexei Perry were sexual and electric Wednesday night as she tugged on his hair and kissed him between songs. Proclamations of their love for one another was just some of the exciting banter between songs. Boeckner complimented the crowd on their energy and knowledge of the songs saying that this was the best Canadian send off for them before they tour Europe.

Touring their third album Sound Kapital, songs such as What About Us? and Repatriated were loud and intimate, enticingly powerful and had hundreds of packed fans dancing from beginning to end. Fans went off the handle as they closed with Radio Kalinngrad off their second album Face Control.

This recent uprise in electronic rock in the 2000s has Boeckner and Krug proving that Canada is not only a hub for musical creativity, but in some ways we set the precedent.

Click here to read about Moonface’s Horseshoe Tavern performance from last month: http://wp.me/p1EofL-1q

~RNS~