I less than three you.
Hey readers! I’m back from my self-imposed exile.
Sorry about that. I had, uh… let’s say Ebola. But I’m better now! I’m good enough that two weeks ago, I attended a massive concert here in Guelph. In the summer, hippies, neo-hippies, hipsters and other hip-related people gather at Guelph Lake for the annual Hillside Festival. This is all well and good, except it takes place in the summer and how you gonna play February? It’s the month everyone looks forward to cuz it’s not January, it’s generally short, and it contains one chocolate related holiday, one groundhog related holiday (You don’t take groundhog’s day off? Why ever not!?) and now, Hillside Inside. It’s like Hillside except, you know, inside. They rented out the hockey arena, brought in some dumplings and $2 reusable beer mugs and volunteers to wash dishes (no paper plates for hillside hippies) and invited a totally awesome buncha bands.
The “big name” guests included The Weakerthans, Cuff the Duke, Tokyo Police Club, Shout Out Out Out Out, Attack In Black, Wintersleep and Xavier Rudd. I happen to appreciate everybody on the above list, especially Shout Out Out Out Out, who put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen them do, considering they hopped a plane from Edmonton at 6 a.m. and were pounding out the awesome of Dude You Feel Electrical and Nobody Calls Me Unless They Want Something on their famous two drum kits by mid-afternoon.
The other bands were also at the top of their game, even if it felt like The Weakerthans suffered a little for opening the show. The harmonies seemed a little off, but otherwise, they impressed enough that I bought a faux curling sweater with the band’s curling broom logo on it. What can I say? I’m weak. I’m weakerthan. Cuff the Duke’s set made me wonder why they are not incredibly famous. Their latest album, Sidelines of the City, is available on vinyl, which means you should get it, ’cause it comes with a CD, too. Big art, big music, awesome tunes in various formats. What more could you want? If I Live or If I Die is the wintertime jam of ‘08. And Wintersleep. This band has played Guelph many times in the last year or so. Every time I see a poster or a flyer, I think “I should go see them.” And then I remember that I work nights and have no social life to speak of. I was getting tired by the time they took the stage. I was prepared to go into whining mode. And then, they launched into Weighty Ghost and all my troubles were forgotten. It’s such a great song, I’m glad it’s getting radio play. It deserves it. They deserve it. All these bands deserve your attention, so seek them out.
Ultimately, I was hoping Hillside would introduce me to some new artists, which is why I am so glad I caught Kitchener-Waterloo based group, Bocce. Infectious beats? Don’t even get me started! The vibe at Hillside has a reputation for being relaxed and enthusiastic, but I love it when lesser-known bands have the confidence, stage prescence and sense of humour enough to play to a hockey arena full of potential fans like we already know them. They came down from the stage to dance, invited a trumpet player up for a solo and wielded hockey sticks as though they were swords. They were the kings of the Island Stage. They had us singing along to Disco Juan, and when you hear it, you’ll want to sing along, too. Bocce has a lot of keyboards and a lot of keyboard players. And they headbang. While playing the keyboards. And I think that’s fucking awesome. Check ‘em out on myspace and dadmobile records. I guarantee they’re worth your time.
Before I go, I wanted to post my Valentine’s Day present to you all. Are you ready? Okay. Here you go:
This is how it is, America: All the Republicans can think of to diss Obama about is that he’s only got three years senate experience. Can you believe that? He’s totally going to be the next president. By extension, that means he’s going to be a PILF. Come on. Admit it. You’d tap that presidential ass. As for his three years experience, I don’t know about the White House, but it certainly qualifies him to get into my pants. Alright. I think I’m done making sex jokes about Obama, so feel free to send this out as your Valentine’s card. If you don’t do it for the nookie, do it for the LULZ.
As far as Valentine’s Day music goes, I wanted to give you some Al Green, but Wordpress thinks the five minute song I picked was too long. So you don’t get Love and Happiness from the good reverend, you get Marvin Gaye’s bouncy love song, Too Busy Thinking About My Baby. It puts me in a happy mood. Much like cheap chocolate on sale February 15 and the realization I’m still single and don’t have to buy anything for anybody except me. The Canadian single girl’s dream lives on.
Cuff the Duke - If I Live or If I Die: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Wintersleep - Weighty Ghost: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Bocce - Disco Juan: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Marvin Gaye - Too Busy Thinking About My Baby: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Cuff the Duke - If I Live or If I Die: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Wintersleep - Weighty Ghost: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Bocce - Disco Juan: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Marvin Gaye - Too Busy Thinking About My Baby: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
