The Lemon Yellow Sun

the concert edition

Posted on June 28th, 2008 by kev.
Categories: Uncategorized.

wow, took a long break there. had some “real” work to finish up, then just got lazy… But during the hiatus, i went to a few shows, and possibly more tomorrow.

First, there was the olympic island music festival, featuring Death Cab for Cutie, Stars, Rogue Wave, and Young Galaxy. The venue itself was okay - the lineup just to get into the park was astronomical, but moved pretty quickly. Young Galaxy opened the festival, and at first I wasn’t sure if I would like them because the single that gets played on the radio all the time didn’t really do much for me. However, in the end they really impressed me, and its now time to seek out their CD (self titled, available on the Arts&Crafts label).

Rogue Wave came on stage next, and they didn’t let me down. Rogue Wave has signed on to Jack Johnson’s record label, Brushfire Records and they put on a solid show. Don’t let the grey hair fool you - these guys know exactly what the kids are looking for.

Stars put on a good set. I don’t really know what else to say about the stars. The crowd loved them, and they loved the crowd (Torquil ended the show with the sentiment “We’re Stars, and so are you!”). They threw roses into the crowd.. i’d hate to be the poor sucker who tried to catch a rose only to realize that the stems are riddled with thorns.

Death cab was incredible. Their sound was amazing, honestly the best live sound i’ve ever seen (heard?). I guess it helps when your producer is on stage with you. Bixby Canyon Bridge was the perfect opener, and the five song encore ended with Transatlanicism. It was an incredible performance.
Ben: “Everybody doing OK?”
[crowd screams and hollers, goes crazy]
Ben: “Cool beans.”

The ferry ride on the way home was shitty, save for the girl who was so nowhere close to being sober. She was just flopped over (but somehow still standing) hinged at the waist with her head between her knees. i offered her some water, and without looking up she threw me the horns and said thanks. And as i rummaged through my bag for he bottle, she just remained bent over, with one hand outstretched, palm up and waiting patiently for the bottle. When she finally got the water, she fumbled to open it, threw me and friend the horns again, and said thank you profusely. I’m not sure how she managed to drink while bent over. somehow, being wasted always manages to defy the laws of physics.

A few days later, I headed downtown to see My Morning Jacket.
Holy shit.
What an incredible show.
They played forever. And then kept going.
And THEN played the encore.

A few days later, I headed out to see Sarah Harmer, Sam Roberts, and the Tragically Hip, at Big Music Festival up in Belleville. Thanks to Erin’s generosity, we all ate like kings and queens at her place before the show. And kudos to Erins dad for that awesome bbq’d chicken.

Sarah harmer was way too mellow, and almost lulled the crowd to sleep. But it was a great atmosphere, and everyone was having a great time just drinking and listening to good music. We missed MOST of Sam Roberts because we were in the beer tent (which was horribly set up). We made our way up as close as possible to see the Hip, who put on a great performance. This was the 3rd time i’d seen the hip, and it was the best i’ve ever seen. Well… I saw them back when i was in grade 11, and that was a good show too… its a toss up. But i’ve heard that lately the Hip are either hit or miss when it comes to live shows. We lucked out, and saw them on a good night. I know a lot of people who are going to see them in Ottawa and the Blues Festival. So for those who are going, I hope its another good performance.

Tomorrow, there is a small chance that i’m going to the SCENE music festival up in St. Kitts. I’ve been going for the last couple of years. There is a lot of local talent, with a lot of energy. Hope i can make it this year.

Everybody should listen to Neil Halstead.

[mp3]: Neil Halstead - Two Stones in my Pocket
(this song has a really nice Iron and Wine feel to it)

EDIT: Yikes.. Head on over to his myspace site, and listen to a better version.

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