The Meligrove Band
I have to start this review supporting fellow Mississaugans, the Meligrove Band. This four-piece band from this wonderful suburb brings back the kind of music we all have been missing. Unfortunately, the show had to be delayed a bit because they were moved to the upstairs of the el mo. However, the soundcheck was a nice taste of what was to come. Their stage presence was so captivating that I felt like being a screaming girl (circa 1964). The rockers took the stage after yummy carrot cake was handed out. Mine was piece #35. The Meligrove Band have an attitude towards music that I think music has been lacking for too long. It can be destructive to take ourselves too seriously all the time, and the Meligrove are definitely a bunch of fun-loving guys who don't. Well let's say the guys from a nameless band...seemed to like to throw and play with the carrot cake. It did add to the fun of it all. Their CD, Stars & Guitars is fantastic. It's available on Ductape records (the record label with the best logo: a maple glazed donut..yummmmmmmmmy!). It is fourteen songs of superior melodic quality that makes me want to grab someone and dance with them. Jason and Darcy's voices have a sweet harmonious tone to them and it's a delight to hear them sing. Mike can sure rock with his bass, and he had a time to shine (I'll write about that later). Ricky kept a tight rhythm section with Mike. The song This Flame, sends shivers down my spine. Well other favourites of mine are Write You In and Tofu Rivers. Stories of Niagara Falls kept me laughing all night...I have to say these gentlemen are extremely talented musically. I don't like to make comparisons to other bands...but if you haven't heard of the Meligrove Band and want to have an idea of their sound..a mixture of Sloan, the Get Up Kids, superfriendz (weren't they the best?) and oldies is about as accurate as I can get. Well don't take my word for it...listen to it..buy their new CD!
The best moment of this show had to be, by far, when Mike Small sung the last song with such intensity and power, it can only be described as rock-n-roll on stage. Well I don't mean to be a softy but they made me have "a crush at first note". Message to Jason: Go Shoppers Go! Message to Mike: Bowling Adventures
check out their website at:
check out some pictures of the show
Palomar Sky Survey
When I looked at an ad for this show in Eye I was thinking, I wonder what this band would sound like? Well they were...fantastic. Let's just say I purchased their three-song cassette right after I heard their set. In the sweet pop tradition of plumtree, jale, the vees, etc, palomar sky survey definitely fit into the league of these fine bands. Val's harmonic sweet voice with her unique guitar style brought a sound to the band unlike any I've heard. Joel, the bassist was excellent and was a great singer as well. Renee kept the beat with her awesome drumming. Based out of the wonderful town of Buffalo, NY this trio are here to stay. The singer (Val) has recently moved to the wonderful town of Maple (home to many things I love). You couldn't ask for nicer people than this band (mean people suck!). I'm really liking the song far more, off their demo. This tape has been in my cassette deck for three days..and I have played it a dozen times. I love it! You can see palomar sky survey in their hometown..so check them out..you will not be disappointed. I also signed up for their mailing list, so I will be sure to get more show information to you. They have a show in Buffalo, June 24 @ the Mohawk
check out some pictures of the show
The Stiffs
The night was kicked off by the Toronto-based band, The Stiffs. This band plays music that would make Lisa proud. Make sure that you purchase one of their famous buttons when you go..only fifty cents. Loving their 1997 cassette dumb songs for dumb girls, I was so excited to see them. These guys play so many shows in the T.O. area so check them out too. They have a new CD out called Forever and a Day, and they are recording a new CD-EP titled Anna due out in July on wonderful Ductape records. I also purchased the Ductape compilation called Music to Fall Asleep By...and the stiffs are featured on it. I talked to the singer, and he was very nice. I must say this again, this concert was filled with nice people...no rockstars here.
Mayor McCa
He is the one-man-band sensation who did it all on Thursday night...including an amusing tap dance. On Friday April 28, Sook-Yin-Lee played his new video on the Wedge (now on Fridays 11-midnight: for those who thought it was cancelled), it was a really cute animated video. I signed up to his mailing list...so as soon as I get information on shows to come, I will be sure to tell you. I saw one man play the bass drum, tambourine, guitar and kazoo all at once, it was pretty amazing.
reviewed by sidekick-vic